Summer House Santa Monica

4.7

6032 reviews

$30 and under

American

Top tags:

Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Warm, laid-back West Coast vibes fill the restaurant making it a top Instagrammable destination, complete with beach house décor, a beautiful retractable glass ceiling, and an all-seasons courtyard patio.

The California-inspired menu from Chef Ben Goodnick highlights seasonal specialties made from scratch with locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients, along with market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and antipasti. Although the menu changes often with seasonal items, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always provided.

At the Bakery counter, enjoy an irresistible selection of house-baked pastries, sourdough English muffins and signature oversized cookies, and more.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

11 Aug 2022

19:00

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

(773) 634-4100

Other options

Order online

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Californian
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed 11:00 am–9:00 pm Thu, Fri 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(773) 634-4100
Website
https://www.summerhouserestaurants.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Divisional Chef Ben Goodnick
Catering
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Summer House features a menu that spotlights locally sourced produce & ingredients. Contact us to learn about safe indoor private party dining options perfect for weddings / receptions, bridal & baby showers, family gatherings, birthdays, daytime lunches, corporate events & more! Summer House also offers large cookie/bakery orders, perfect for when you want to host events at home & offer a special treat for your guests! To inquire about private parties or off-premise catering, call our Catering Department at (773) 634-4100.
Private party facilities
Host your next event at Summer House Santa Monica! The restaurant is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a summer beach house with warm tones and a large glass ceiling positioned directly over the dining room creating the perfect ambiance for socializing & celebrating.
Private party contact
Helen Tsilora: (773) 634-4100

Location
1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Area
Lincoln Park
Cross Street
Armitage
Parking Details
Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. Valet parking is available for $15 cash
Public Transit
Just southeast of the Armitage stop on the Brown Line. Halsted Bus, Route #8 Armitage Bus, Route #73
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

Popular dishes

Stacked Turkey
shaved turkey, avocado, havarti, grain mustard and mayo on 9 grain bread
Ham and Cheddar
sliced ham, vermont sharp cheddar, dijon mustard on housemade brioche roll
Stella Hero
ham, turkey, prosciutto, tomato, mayo, spicy giardiniera, provolone
Caprese Sandwich
fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes with arugula pesto on a baguette
Avocado & Sprouts
hass avocado, local sprouts, sliced tomato and grainy mustard on 9 grain bread

Salads

select one; host selects one, add chicken to any salad for $3

Brussels Sprouts
manchego cheese, bacon, avocado, toasted almonds, peas, mustard vinaigrette
Classic Caesar
hearts of romaine, croutons, parmesan
Wilshire Blvd Cobb
romaine, egg, tomato, charred corn, cucumber, bacon, point reyes blue cheese, herb vinaigrette

Appetizers

Santa Monica Guacamole BarUS$85.00
hass avocado, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, ranchero sauce
Caramelized Brussels SproutsUS$50.95
balsamic vinegar, parmigiano reggiano
Prime Beef MeatballsUS$55.95
house-made marinara, torn basil

Salads

Classic Caesar Salad
caesar hearts of romaine, croutons, parmesan
- smallUS$55.00
- medium up to 15 peopleUS$110.00
- 20+ peopleUS$160.00
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
manchego cheese, bacon, avocado, toasted almonds, peas, mustard vinaigrette
- smallUS$55.00
- medium up to 15 peopleUS$110.00
- 20+ peopleUS$160.00
Wilshire Blvd Cobb
egg, corn, cucumber, tomato, point reyes blue, bacon, herb vinaigrette
- smallUS$55.00
- medium up to 15 peopleUS$110.00
- 20+ peopleUS$160.00
Costa Mesa
queso fresco, charred corn, pico de gallo, avocado, quinoa, crispy tortilla, chipotle crema, lime vinaigrette
- smallUS$55.00
- medium up to 15 peopleUS$110.00
- 20+ peopleUS$160.00

Pastas

priced by half pan, feeds 8-10 people

Bucatini PomodoroUS$40.95
organic tomato, parmesan, basil
Rigatoni BologneseUS$70.95
rosemary & parmigiano reggiano
Spicy Rigatoni alla VodkaUS$60.95
peas, Calabrian chili, reggiano, wild oregano

Pizza & Sweet Treats

Pizza

priced per pizza

Classic MargheritaUS$18.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, olive oil, sea salt, basil
Organic Sausage & FennelUS$19.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, fennel pollen
Hobbs PepperoniUS$19.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, parmesan -
Spicy Salumi & BurrataUS$21.95
garlic, fresh mozzarella, whipped burrata, tomato sauce
Shaved MushroomUS$21.95
gruyère, onion, true, rosemary, parmesan cream, parsley
Prosciutto & Egg*US$20.95
four cheese, sunny-side up egg, parmesan cream, chili "ake

Sweet Treats

Full Size Platter - $48.95 | Mini Size Platter - $12.95

Sea-Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie
Peanut Butter Cookie
Sea-Salt Oatmeal Scotchie
Rice Krispy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Brown Butter Rice Krispy Treat
M&M Cookie
Sprinke Cookie
Gluten Free chocolate Chip Cookie
Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookie
Oreo Rice Crispy Treat
Apple Oatmeal Cookie

Platters & Stations

medium feed up to 20 guests, large feeds 20+ guests

Farmers Market Crudites & Dips
fresh seasonal vegetables: blue cheese dip, creamy buttermilk dip
- MediumUS$90.00
- LargeUS$140.00
Salumi & Cheese Board
chef's selection of local and artisan cured meats & cheese: housemade bread, pickles, mustard
- MediumUS$130.00
- LargeUS$180.00
California Style TacosUS$180.00
guacamole and lime wedges: 2lbs adobo chicken • 2lbs short rib barbacoa • 2lbs roasted vegetables
Farmer's Market Salad
selection of seasonal fruit
- smallUS$60.00
- mediumUS$90.00
- largeUS$120.00

Event Fee

A 3% event fee is added to all guest checks.

What 6,032 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Chicago / Illinois
Most Booked
Chicago
Most Booked

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious. The shaved brussel sprout salad, pasta, grilled cheese, chicken tomatillo soup, cappuccinos, and chocolate chips cookies are amazingggg. Can’t wait to go back and try everything else.
a
anthonyfast
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience3
My wife and I went on a lunch date on a Monday. We had reservations and were seated promptly. We were seating in is in the middle of the restaurant with has a lot of skylights which was so bright for our taste. Drew, our waiter, was friendly, knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs and wants. We ordered the shaved Brussel sprouts salad and Costa Mesa salad both grilled salmon, a side of fries and a glass of wine. Everything was very good. Although we committed to a fancier experience the $90 tab (without tip) was a bit hard to swallow. Yes, prices are listed everywhere but still.
K
Katherine
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Beautiful place and food is great and service is wonderful!!!
B
Brittany
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food1service2ambience5
The ambience is beautiful, although it’s very difficult to get a spot in the center of the restaurant which is the best place to be! The food is very underwhelming and service was not good. I will say the bakery is good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My sister and brother-in-law came to visit Chicago for the weekend, and I had to bring them to this beautiful spot! We started with the truffle fries and had one of the pizzas, the linguine with clams, and the salmon between us. We ate until we couldn't eat anymore! Our waiter was sweet and attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. I will continue to be a patron! The only complaint would be the music was quite loud so all the patrons were quite loud to combat, but the overall experience was enjoyable.
S
Susan
New York Area
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
First time to Summer House. Great ambiance and vibe. The corn pizza was delicious and the entrees were good. We had a very friendly server.
EP
EmmaP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great if you have anyone with you that can’t eat gluten!!
KT
KaelaT
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
It’s always a great experience when my friends and I go for brunch. Great service, the food is amazing, could use less ice in the cocktails but still refreshing and original. The bakery bar is always so tempting, the cookies are soo delicious
c
coastdiner
Chicago
50 reviews
vip
4.0
50 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service2ambience5
The food & cocktails were great, and it is a fun & noisy place. The only drawback is the service is very slow. So, go to relax & don’t be in a hurry.
DM
DoriM
Chicago
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Fun venue, excellent food and portions. A little noisy with a bit too much house music blaring overhead.
d
davido
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was awesome, the food was delicious. Choked on an espresso bean in my martini…worth it.
a
andrewthak
Denver
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service2ambience4
Food was great. Service pretty thin, two of three entrees arrived, the third one was 15 minutes late. No offer to take it off the bill or apologize.
LM
LalaM
Cincinnati
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
Had to wait 25 min to be seated but once seated everything was great. Super server and great food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Awesome food, decor, and ambiance. Love this place.
HB
HayleyB
Phoenix
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Summer house was the best. We had a waitress switch was a bit confusing we were like, “who are u?”. Other than that the cocktails recs and timing for check + was excellent. This why my fav restaurant in LP!
SZ
StaceyZ
Chicago
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Jimmy was amazing from the minute he walked up to our table.
J
Jollyoak
Chicago
251 reviews
vip
5.0
251 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great server. Delicious Brussels sprout salad. Always good!
DL
DanicaLW
Atlanta
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a favorite of mine. This time I tried the seasonal offering of the peanut noodle salad with the addition of chicken. It was everything my taste buds could have asked for. I always recommend this spot for out of towners. It is beautiful, warm and inviting. It even makes winter feel like summer.
JS
JillS
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a nice and happy atmosphere for friends to enjoy
PB
PrestonB
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and ambiance. Good fir a family. Large kids menu and awesome bakery desserts.
c
chidiner
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food2service2ambience3
The timing of coursing out the food was ridiculous. After about 4 mins of receiving our appetizer the main course was delivered. This happened in front of server and she did absolutely nothing about our dissatisfaction of receiving our meals on top of our appetizers. Very disappointing service if you ask me.
PB
PattyB
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience4
Overall we love summerhouse but there were hiccups last night, one entree plate arrived with crumbled up paper in the lettuce they took plate and returned with new one within minutes (we think they just removed paper). Never really mentioned it or apologized. Halibut was very good but salty. Restaurant was so cold, we were all freezing but manager did turn down fan when we asked.
EW
EvieW
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our dinner!! Our server was wonderful and she was training Beth. We had to stop at the bakery to grab some cookies, delish.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday lunch
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Always a good choice
DE
DamionE
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 3 August 2022
overall2food1service4ambience4
I had the linguine and baby clams...it was not good at all and my date was not happy with her pasta dish. The service was really good, though.
LF
LuluF
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 2 August 2022
overall4food3service4ambience3
The hostess was a bit snooty. The food was good but pretty pricey given the average portion size. A few flies buzzing around the table, but nice atmosphere otherwise if a bit noisy for my taste. I would go again, but only occasionally.
LD
LaDegustation
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 2 August 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Summer House has made our top pick list for a nice lunch with my toddler. He loves it there. Loves the food and waves to all the people. The kids’ meals are large portions.
S
Sarah
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 2 August 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Great ambiance.The food was mediocre. The lobster roll needed some sauce and the flank steak was just ok. The frites are shoe string fries which are good but nothing fancy. The best part was the chocolate sea salt cookie with ice cream for my birthday. Best cookie dessert ever!!! We sat in the in the back patio which was nice. Our server was nice and other staff were attentive. Well kept bathrooms and friendly staff. Food for lettuce entertain you could be a bit better.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Gold Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I had such a wonderful experience at Summer House. The food was great, the ambience was wonderful, and our server was just perfect. We had the tostadas and the peach pancakes and it was the perfect mic of sweet and savory for us to enjoy. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to take some more friends there. Especially, friends from out if town. 10s all around!
RB
RhondaB
Austin
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 31 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
great menu very well executed and always a lot of great energy!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on 31 July 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
some of the best service we’ve ever had!
c
ckf2
Chicago
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on 31 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been there many times. Our server Nathan S. Was the best. He was very attentive and took care of our many needs.
ML
MollyL
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 31 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been to this place many times and food is great and the service is on point.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 30 July 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Was there for brunch. The food is usually very good and while not cheap non unreasonable. I honestly can’t say any of those things about the quality and cost of their brunch menu. Maybe an off day. The Chilaquiles quite possibly the worst I’ve had. Disappointing and expensive for a brunch in a cute spot.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing, great for get togethers
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 30 July 2022
overall4food2service4ambience3
The truffle chips is super salty by itself and the sauce was extremely salty too. Nice interior but if you want quieter environment you need to avoid meal time hours, super noisy.. The cocktail and meal in general were lovely!
BN
BridgetN
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, great food, great vibe inside! Will be back
VA
VALA12
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 29 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My first time at this restaurant and hopefully not my last. The food was great. Our wait person Jimmy was very helpful and didn’t disappoint. We weren’t rushed. It was a wonderful evening!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Summer House Santa Monica using the Order Online button. Summer House Santa Monica also offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Summer House Santa Monica also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 634-4100.

Summer House Santa Monica is rated 4.7 stars by 6032 OpenTable diners.