Here’s What Shore Club Will Serve North Avenue Beachcombers on the Lakefront

Shore Club, the new restaurant and bar venue off North Avenue Beach that overlooks Lake Michigan, will open on Aug. 1. The project will hopefully give tourists and locals a scenic spot for high-caliber food and drink, according to one of the project’s four partners. The space will be open seasonally from May through November and Lisa Jaroscak wants to attract residents from surrounding neighborhood like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and Old Town.

“We are seeking people who appreciate good food and aren’t really coming to the lakefront right now,” Jaroscak said.

Jaroscak comes from a private events background (First In Flight Entertainment) and wondered why the lakefront lacked proper dining destinations. They’ve been working on the project for two years. She explained that Shore Club isn’t three separate restaurants as previously reported. It’s one encompassing concept with three different spaces. “The Oasis” is the formal, reservation-only restaurant. “The Restaurant” is the mid-tier spot where reservations aren’t mandatory. “The Patio” is the most casual. They’re hoping for fast turnover so parties don’t horde the seats with the great views. Hoping to combat squatters, they’ll have a food and beverage minimum.

Jaroscak would not comment on the terms of the lease with the Chicago Park District. Chicago’s lakefront is a source of pride for locals, and they deserve a frozen cocktail like a pina colada, margarita, or daiquiri, she said. They’ll also have large-format drinks for groups and a quick-serve bar with cans so folks don’t have to wait. Shore Club’s customers should also appreciate good food and places with fun atmospheres, said Jaroscak. She mentioned Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Beatrix and Ema, as well as The J. Parker rooftop bar in Lincoln Park as examples.

Chef Elizabeth Tokarczyk’s menu includes a poke bowl served in a bowl made of ice. There’s also a grilled baby octopus dish that Jaroscak enjoyed. The menu also includes the “Seared Yuge Scallops.” It’s unclear if that’s a reference to the POTUS.

While Tokarczyk and Inspired Catering & Events (Karen and Gina Stefani) handle the food, Jaroscak and her team will focus on the design. There’s lot of white and gold, with a splash of teal. Jaroscak went simple. She wants the lake to remain the dominant element.

Shore Club is also offering VIP packages for the Air & Water Show. The most expensive packages runs at $750 for a private cabana, plus the $125 per person general admission. Jaroscak doesn’t think that’s too exoborant, as the package includes cocktails and tableside service. She notes they’re offering a variety of price points: “We feel like we’re offering every level of experience,” Jaroscak said.

Jaroscak is joined by Robbie Schloss, Nick Thayer and Bill La Macchia Jr. as partners on the project. Read Shore Club’s menu below. Reservations are available online via OpenTable.