Tour Rush Street’s Plush and Posh New Spot for High Rollers

Jellyfish built a loyal following of locals and celebrities during the clubby Pan Asian spot’s seven years in Gold Coast. But all good things must end and ownership decided to close it and open a new two-story restaurant and nightlife spot highlighting global flavors. Stockton Restaurant and Lounge opens today at 1009 N. Rush Street and will host live music and DJs.

Co-owner Josh Carl hopes to cultivate a cushy and laid-back atmosphere. A live plant wall, plush lounging couches, and velvet banquettes soften the aesthetic compared to the space’s former look. Low lighting, narrow rooms, and red velvet curtains around a small stage lend a moody vibe to the restaurant, which seats 200. Next month, the owners also plan to open the Lounge at Stockton hoping to attract high rollers and celebs with special drinks and performances.

Executive chef Gerardo Martinez’s (Maple & Ash) menu includes a seafood tower (available in large and small sizes) dripping with whole lobster, oysters, Alaskan king crab, and jumbo gulf shrimp. A raw bar is also available. Sharable cold dishes include truffle burrata (confit cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, fried rosemary, Maldon sea salt, grilled toast points). Hot shareable dishes include Asian barbecue baos (braised Korean barbecue short rib, pickled papaya, carrot slaw, caramelized red wine onions, micro cilantro) and lobster mac (lobster, cavatappi, gorgonzola, grana padano, fontina, pecorino, herb parmesan, panko).

For those who miss Jellyfish’s sushi the new spot will still serve items like “black diamond” (shrimp tempura, crab, fish roe, cucumber, avocado), and diners can choose from a group of larger plates like “Jack’d up fried rice” (teriyaki hanger steak, hoisin chicken breast, sweet chili shrimp, pea shoots, fried shallots) and drunken mussels (PEI mussels, Allagash White, garlic, onion, butter, parsley). The menu also has also three vegan options.

The restaurant’s full bar offers a range of cocktails, wines, beers, and sakes. Eye-catching options include the “pinky out” (Beefeater Pink, Aperol, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, strawberry ice cubes) and the “good karma” (Haku vodka, yuzu sake, muddled jalapeno and pineapple, lime juice, simple syrup).

The Stockton opens today. Take a glimpse at the space and a sneak peek at the lounge before next month’s opening below.

The Stockton, 1009 N. Rush Street, (312) 660-3111, open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.