The Hamptons have arrived to Chicago! I very much cherished my recent visit to this new, fun hangout. With a nautical décor, live band, beach themed cocktails and amazing seafood, THIS is undoubtedly your staycation dinner venue this winter!
The Hampton Social is a new addition to Chicago, and offers more than just coastal eats. Their menu is catered for all meals from a Happy Hour special (2-6pm half off apps, pizzas & specialty cocktails), extensive brunch options to elaborate lunch & dinner menus. The menu also comprises of varied proportions of small plates, large plates and a raw bar!
I was lucky enough to sample a little of everything, and the amazing service boosted the whole experience. My dinner started with the Rock Shrimp in a delightful chili glaze. The shrimp was crusted in coconut flour keeping its tropical flavors distinct. The meat was crunchy crisp but remained juicy on the inside. So tasty, that I would’ve been okay making this my dinner.
Next followed my ‘favoritest’ dish of the night, The Mama’s Deviled Eggs. These eggs came with lobster meat topped with pickled Fresno chilies. The egg white was perfectly boiled with generous portions of lobster meat mixed in with a delicious, creamy filing. The chili pepper on top was a nice touch as it cut the richness but left you with a zingy aftertaste. Altogether, it created magic.
I then moved on to the large plates, and the waitress suggested the fish special.
Out came a beautifully plated white snapper in a light lemon apple beurre blanc (white butter) reduction glaze served with green beans and roasted fingerling potatoes in Parmesan cheese. The dish although elaborate, managed to keep its flavors simple and memorable. I personally always like a vegetable incorporated in my main dish, and the cheesy potatoes also coupled fantastically with the fish. Besides, the freshness of the fish helped make this dish all the more delectable.
The second entrée in my tasting was the pan-seared scallops with caramelized onions & brussel sprouts served on a bed of truffle parsnip potato puree. Do I even need to describe that? Parsnips are my new favorite obsession, but holy puree! The mash was buttery, and neither the truffle nor the parsnips undermined the others’ flavors.
And my perpetual sweet tooth wouldn’t let me leave without ordering their salted caramel cheesecake, which was heaven in every bite. That sweet and salty combination never gets old. The top was a thin caramel toffee brittle with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The body of the cheesecake itself was velvety smooth and I could go on and on about this. But it’s making me hungry all over again, so I’ll stop.
Everything at The Hampton Social was done to perfection. The food was well plated, the décor was breezy yet festive to put you in the mood for the holidays, and the staff was extremely courteous. I urge you to make a visit to this lively restaurant, and wipe out those winter blues!
The Hampton Social
Neighborhood: River North
Address: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 464-0500
Website: http://thehamptonsocial.com
Hours: M-W 11AM-12AM, Thu-Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat 10AM-3AM, Sun 10AM-11PM
Price: $15 - $29