Summer House Santa Monica

Name: Summer House Santa Monica
Address: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60614
Telephone: (773) 634-4100
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

5736 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 reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 393 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(773) 634-4100

Delivery

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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 Bar$85.00
hass avocado, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, ranchero sauce
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts$50.95
balsamic vinegar, parmigiano reggiano
Prime Beef Meatballs$55.95
house-made marinara, torn basil

Salads

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

Pastas

priced by half pan, feeds 8-10 people

Bucatini Pomodoro$40.95
organic tomato, parmesan, basil
Rigatoni Bolognese$70.95
rosemary & parmigiano reggiano
Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka$60.95
peas, Calabrian chili, reggiano, wild oregano

Pizza & Sweet Treats

Pizza

priced per pizza

Classic Margherita$18.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, olive oil, sea salt, basil
Organic Sausage & Fennel$19.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, fennel pollen
Hobbs Pepperoni$19.95
fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, parmesan -
Spicy Salumi & Burrata$21.95
garlic, fresh mozzarella, whipped burrata, tomato sauce
Shaved Mushroom$21.95
gruyère, onion, true, rosemary, parmesan cream, parsley
Prosciutto & Egg*$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
- Medium$90.00
- Large$140.00
Salumi & Cheese Board
chef's selection of local and artisan cured meats & cheese: housemade bread, pickles, mustard
- Medium$130.00
- Large$180.00
California Style Tacos$180.00
guacamole and lime wedges: 2lbs adobo chicken • 2lbs short rib barbacoa • 2lbs roasted vegetables
Farmer's Market Salad
selection of seasonal fruit
- small$60.00
- medium$90.00
- large$120.00

Event Fee

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

What 5,736 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

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Most Booked
Chicago
Most Booked

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined today
overall4food5service5ambience5
They sat us 30 minutes after our reservation time, so be prepared to wait
JA
JoAnnO
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined today
overall4food5service5ambience4
Overall, dinner was great. Our waitress was attentive yet very busy. The 3% surcharge seems egregious at this point of Covid. There are no longer social distancing requirements so the restaurant was packed. It’s way past time to end this surcharge especially with inflation and prices being higher anyway.
AL
AlexL
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good! Computers were down so that was a shame
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall1food3service1ambience5
The food order took 1 hour to come out with no explanation
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food3service5ambience5
FANTASTIC STAFF! You have the nicest people working here.
d
donm
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Good food and service in a very pleasant environment.
N
Norma
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
We've been going to the restaurant for the past 10 years when we attend Steppenwolf. We always enjoy the vibes, brightness, and food. The staff is always accomodating.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Amsterdam
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience4
While it’s a great place to eat and the ambience is amazing, they’re policy of not seating people until the whole party has arrived is quite frustrating. There were plenty of empty tables, but at the same time the lobby is full of people just waiting to be seated because their party is not complete. It leads to a chaotic environment.
M
Molly
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely recommend making a reservation but we got our food very quickly and had a great table! We even ordered a cinnamon roll but didn’t end up getting it and our waitress took it off the bill and gave us one for free! Great service will be back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went with some friends for brunch. The atmosphere and food was amazing. The staff was super nice and engaging, we will definitely be back!
GG
GreggG
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and awesome food. The “Talk About Sex Baby” cocktail is an absolute must!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience5
After being seated 20 minutes after our reservation time we overall had a good experience, but we were seated between a bridal party and a birthday party and it did get quite loud, this appeared to create less focus on our table. The appetizers were delicious and the main courses were good. Summer House always has a beautiful ambiance and in all we enjoyed ourselves.
A
Amyo
Chicago
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience5
We had a 6:30 reservation and we’re not seated until 7:15, with no apology for such a long wait. This impacted plans we had later.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience5
Overall ambiance was pretty- even with reservations had to wait an additional 30 minutes. Burger was burnt, very disappointing. Pizza was great. Eggs/nachos dish- nachos were soggy and not hot at all. For the restaurant being as busy as it was I would have thought the food would have been better. Even with reservations they would not sit us in the sunny area they were saved for people who possibly requested it in the reservation, even though we were already there and waiting. Say us very close to the bar with two kids- not an ideal choice as there were quiet a few tables empty.
DV
DVDV
Miami
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and the staff was friendly and accommodating.
TN
TammyN
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service5ambience3
Been here several times but this visit was disappointing. Everyone’s food was cold.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is one of my favorite spots. Service is always so amazing and between the food and the atmosphere, it makes your whole experience amazing. Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food3service1ambience3
Waiter seemed disengaged
CD
ClarkD
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience5
Ambiance was great. Food was just fine
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, waitress was outstanding, and beautiful environment! Definitely made for a special birthday! Will for sure be back the next time we are in Chicago!
C
Caitlin
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
The staff were great and very accommodating! The ambiance and decorations were also so cute and fun!! Drinks and food were good,but not worth the more expensive price.
c
catherinek
Orange County
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Summer House is our go to restaurant every time we visit Chicago. They offer such a wide selection of food & drinks. Their seasonal items, such as the soups, are exceptional! Chicken sandwiches, pizzas, pasta dishes are all great. And if you love desserts, especially cookies, they’re the best! Service was great.
a
ants518
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
The food is always good. This time, it was a little cold, but the service was great.
KR
KyleR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I hosted my sister for a 70th birthday lunch. Brian, our waiter, was outstanding. I always recommend your restaurant. Eager to join you again soon.
B
Barb
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, lots of choice and lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend. And be sure to buy one of their very special cookies to take home.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic environment and nice breeze during the summer.
R
Ross
Chicago
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
great sun in their outdoor patio in back and cafe seating in front. Food was inventive and really tasty and the Rose' selection is outstanding.
HZ
HumbertoZ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience5
I've been looking forward to coming to this place and I was left a bit disappointed. The food was good, however the service wasn't the greatest. It took forever for my date and I to be greeted and on top of that, I only saw my server twice throughout our entire meal. It felt like we we weren't valued customers. I don't think I'll be coming here again.
VM
ValM
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love everything about this restaurant The most amazing server , with the most charismatic smile , warm welcoming couldn’t wish for a better time ! Thank you I wish I knew his name He deserves 10 stars
M
Marlo
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely one of my favorite places in the entire city of Chicago. And everyone I bring here just falls in love. Food is amazing and seasonal so there is always something fun for me to explore even when I come back time after time again! Ambiance and setting are simply stunning and joyful. And perfect for a business lunch, date night, girls night out, or time with kids! It has everything I could ask for from a restaurant
D
Diva
Chicago
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came in for Mothers Day Brunch and, as requested, sat in the main dining room in a wonderful booth. The atmosphere is so open and summery. Our server and food was top notch. This was our 2nd visit and we will definitely return soon.
E
Emily
Indiana
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
JM
JohnM
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff is engaged and really cares
ED
EDubb76
Chicago
51 reviews
vip
3.0
51 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience5
I went there on Mother's Day with my daughter for brunch. The restaurant is beautiful. We sat on their patio along the street. At first our server was funny and engaging. After we gave him our order we never saw him again! My daughter had ordered a horchata latte that never arrived. We were never checked on when our food came and I was never offered another drink. Because of our lacking service everything else just fell short. We were very disappointed. Probably will not go back.
MC
MuscleChef
Louisville
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Mother’s Day brunch. Food was good and the staff were very friendly and efficient. Perfect start to the day!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Tho we had a reservation we’re seated at a high top rather than regular table . It was fine but the table was small and we had a lot of plates ! Drinks were excellent as was the guacamole. Soft shell crab sandwich was beautifully assembled but the crab itself was underwhelming, lacking in real crab flavor and spice. We ordered the daily special pizza and took most of it home having eaten the whole guacamole order and the crab sandwich.
JB
JenniferB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall, fun vibe with appealing menu and creative cocktails for all!
W
Winesnaab
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Second time there - both visits were great and we were seated immediately at our reserved time. The first time was for a weekday lunch and less crowded and the staff was wonderful - food was delicious and served promptly. Drinks were delicious and they let us taste new cocktails they were putting together. The second visit was early Saturday night for dinner - they were very busy yet the seating and service was attentive and friendly. We had California fish tacos and burgers and they were delicious. Love the open feel to the restaurant; lots of glass, high ceilings, wicker furniture green plants - -- will definitely be back.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer 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 5736 OpenTable diners.

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