Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. River North (Chicago)
Latest Menu Offerings - Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails, Chicago, IL

Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

4.5
4.5
600 Reviews
$50 and over
Steakhouse

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 72 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for business meals
  • Hot spot
  • Good for groups
Kindling boasts a live fire show kitchen, wood-fired plates, and tasty cocktails in the heart of downtown Chicago. Chef Partner is James Beard Award-winning Jonathon Sawyer, who brings a worldly perspective and decades of wood-fired cooking to Kindling's internationally inspired menu. Located within Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams, Kindling welcomes guests for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, with happy hour specials offered on weekdays from 3pm-5:30pm.

Follow us on social @kindlingchicago & @chefsawyer!

CLOSED: 11/28, 12/24-12/26, 1/1
Open for dinner only 12/27-12/28
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, American, Grill
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:45 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 789-5992
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Jonathon Sawyer
  • Private party facilities
    Situated within Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams, Kindling boasts a live fire show kitchen, wood-fired plates, and tasty cocktails in the heart of the city. At the helm of the kitchen is James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer, who brings a worldly perspective and decades of w
  • Private party contact
    Abbey Arp: (319) 360-2169
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    Inside Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    CTA: - Quincy (Brown/Orange/Pink/Purple Lines)- Jackson (Blue/Red Lines)- Bus Stops: 126 / 151 / 56Metra: - Union Station
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Three-Course Business Lunch

    $39.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Whether you're looking to host a client or have a team lunch, this three-course express menu offers some of Kindling's top hits in a convenient and efficient format. It makes the decision-making process simpler and allows you more time to get down to business and back to the office. By pre-booking this experience, you also skip the hassle of having to pay your bill at the end of your meal, as all items are purchased in advance.
    Three-Course Business Lunch Photo
  • Pre-Theater Dinner

    $59.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Located just a short walk from Chicago's theater district, Kindling's convenient location provides for the perfect place to enjoy dinner before your show. Highlighting some of our menu's top hits, this three-course dining experience is a great way for you and your guests to gather for a meal without stressing about making it to the show on-time. By purchasing this experience, we will ensure your party enjoys their meal in under and hour, with plenty of time to head to your show. Commute Times (walking) Lyric Opera House: 8 min Cadillac Palace: 10 min The Goodman: 14 min Nederlander: 14 min
    Pre-Theater Dinner Photo
  • Valentine's Prix Fixe Dinner

    $88.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
    Keep your romantic fire burning with a special dinner featuring the best from Kindling's fireside hearth. Enjoy these indulgent courses with your special someone: AMUSE-BOUCHE Caviar - Chips - Crème - Chives FIRST COURSE Oyster Duet - Wood Fired Rockefeller & Raw w/ champagne mignonette SECOND COURSE Lobster Lover's Risotto with shellfish brodo, leeks, garlic, mussels & parmesan espuma Or Wood Fired Filet of Beef with pommes anna, asparagus & bordeaux bordelaise sauce DESSERT Proper Rice Pudding with cookie spice, chantilly & vanilla bean Or Classic Warm Chocolate Molten Cake with melted ice cream sauce & luxardo cherries
    Valentine's Prix Fixe Dinner Photo

What 600 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious food," "great ambiance," and "attentive service." Known for its "fabulous wings" and "outstanding steaks," this restaurant is a perfect spot for both casual and special occasions. Patrons appreciate the open-fire cooking experience and the "welcoming atmosphere."
600 Reviews
  1. Denise

    VIP

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice place but a little loud. Best Lobster Bisque soup I have ever had!

    Is this helpful?

  2. MARK

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hosted a small business lunch and I have been here before. The food is excellently presented, served, and the taste was very flavorful.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jaime

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best experiences I’ve had in fine dining. The staff was professional and attentive to every detail. The food was not just delicious, it was an experience. The presentation for each dish was unique and thoughtful. I tried two different cocktails and both were great. The s’mores dessert exceeded expectations. Could not have asked for a more memorable lunch.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Stephanie

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for restaurant week and had a great time. Great food and service in the heart of the loop so conveniently close to my train too. :)

    Is this helpful?

  5. Songa

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice salads and sandwiches - nice place. Would definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dan

    Chicago

    28 reviews

    2.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was fine but pricey. The service was like a mediocre day bee. Hostess to server was at best average. No shock the restaurant was virtually empty on a Saturday night.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kate

    VIP

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a pleasure dining at Kindling! Our server was great and the food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Patrick

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Not ideal to have to chop up my Caesar salad at a business lunch.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Paul

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambience, food and service were great! Loved eating here.

    Is this helpful?

  10. James

    VIP

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been here twice and the experience has been top notch. The steaks are a highlight but there are lots of other options.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails is rated 4.5 stars by 600 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 72 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

202 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Inside Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:45 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, American, Grill
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    CTA: - Quincy (Brown/Orange/Pink/Purple Lines)- Jackson (Blue/Red Lines)- Bus Stops: 126 / 151 / 56Metra: - Union Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Jonathon Sawyer
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 789-5992
  • Private party facilities
    Situated within Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams, Kindling boasts a live fire show kitchen, wood-fired plates, and tasty cocktails in the heart of the city. At the helm of the kitchen is James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer, who brings a worldly perspective and decades of w
  • Private party contact
    Abbey Arp: (319) 360-2169
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo