Since mid-March, restaurant leaders and government officials have taken various measures that have changed how Chicagoans eat and drink. The novel coronavirus outbreak has transformed the industry as dine-in restaurants and bars remain closed. Customers are now relying on delivery and takeout offerings. Many have flooded grocery stores which now have lines during peak hours thanks to social distancing guidelines. Other restaurants have also since pivoted selling groceries.
Since then, some restaurant owners have already shut down operations, citing carryout operations wasn’t worth any safety risks posed to staff. Still, some restaurants continue to serve to give Chicagoans some semblance of normalcy as they face economic uncertainties. This is Eater Chicago’s guide to how to navigate the changes to the city’s dining scene. It includes tips on high-profile white tablecloth restaurants offering takeout for the first time, where to buy merchandise to support workers, and the places to order alcohol delivery.
Come back to this space later as we’ll continue to add more as Chicago copes with the pandemic. Have questions or story ideas? Email chicago@eater.com.