Unearth The Voyage
If Mediterranean flavors make your heart race, Aba in Chicago will be your new obsession. Perched on a stylish third floor in the West Loop, this hotspot pairs bold Levantine dishes with a rooftop vibe that feels like a chic vacation. From craveable spreads to showstopper cocktails, every detail feels curated with care. Ready to savor the kind of night you will talk about all week.
Rooftop Arrival Experience
Step off the elevator and you get that instant Chicago skyline thrill, softened by greenery and soft lighting. Host stand energy feels upbeat yet calm, with staff guiding you smoothly to the rooftop lounge or dining room. Right away, you catch the scent of grilled herbs and citrus drifting from the open kitchen.
The design blends wood, stone, and metal with potted rosemary and thyme, hinting at the Mediterranean story ahead. It is upscale but not stiff, the kind of place where a date night and a group celebration both fit. You will notice cozy corners beside bustling communal tables, making it easy to settle in.
Glance around and you will see plates of luminous spreads and jewel toned cocktails landing at tables fast. Music hums at a level that encourages conversation without forcing whispers. The terrace view seals the mood, especially near sunset when the city glows and your appetite catches up.
Whipped Feta and Spreads
The spreads at Aba are your must order gateway, especially the whipped feta shimmering under honey and crushed pistachio. One swipe with warm pita and you get creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy in a single bite. It is the kind of starter that disappears before the napkins settle.
Alongside, try smoky baba ghanoush with a soft char and lemony lift, or velvety hummus crowned with good olive oil. You can build a tasting flight and compare textures and spice notes. Each spoonful feels familiar yet dialed up, balanced with herbs that taste freshly clipped.
Ask for extra pita early because you will need it, whether you go classic or add marinated olives. The spreads set the tone for the rest of the meal, inviting you to share and linger. You will want a crisp white or bright spritz to keep everything dancing.
Kefta and Kebab Highlights
If you crave savory depth, the kefta and kebab lineup hits like a celebration. Juicy ground meats arrive with seared edges, perfumed by parsley, cumin, and warm spices. Each bite lands with char, then softens into herb forward brightness from toppings and sauces.
Expect sumac kissed onions, pickled vegetables, and a lemon squeeze that wakes the palate. You can mix and match proteins, or share a platter so everyone grabs a favorite. The kitchen seasons confidently, never muddy, keeping flavors clear and satisfying.
Pair with a simple salad or crispy potatoes to add texture and contrast. The kebabs also tuck perfectly into pita with tahini or zhug for heat. You will remember the balance of smoke, acid, and freshness long after the skewers are cleared.
Seafood Meze and Crudo
Seafood shines here with delicate crudo and bright meze that taste like ocean air. Thin slices of fish glisten under citrus and peppery oil, punctuated by flaky salt. Each forkful lands clean and mineral, the kind of bite that invites a slow pause.
You will find playful garnishes that add snap without stealing the spotlight. Think shaved fennel, pomegranate seeds, or chive blossoms for fragrance. The kitchen keeps it light, letting freshness drive the experience from start to finish.
Order alongside a chilled rosé or a zesty gin cocktail to amplify the citrus. Shareable plates make it easy to sample widely before mains hit the table. This is where you lean in, savor quietly, and appreciate how restraint becomes luxury.
Vegetable Forward Plates
Vegetables at Aba do not play backup. Roasted carrots arrive lacquered and tender with spiced honey and cool labneh. Charred broccolini leans into tahini and lemon, finding that crisp edge that keeps you picking pieces.
Blistered tomatoes burst like little fireworks over silky grains. Herbs tumble everywhere, delivering aroma and color that feel alive. You will notice textures layered thoughtfully, from crunchy seeds to creamy sauces that hug the vegetables.
These plates eat like mains, not afterthoughts, and pair beautifully with kebabs. Ask your server which vegetable sides are seasonal so you catch limited items. You might leave talking about a carrot more than a steak, and that is the point.
Modern Mezze for Sharing
Mezze is the heartbeat of the experience at Aba. Small plates arrive rapidly, turning your table into a tasting map. There is a rhythm to passing bowls and dipping warm pita that instantly loosens conversation.
Order a variety and let contrasts tell the story. Creamy meets crunchy, smoky meets bright, spicy meets cooling. The team knows how to pace the flow so nothing lags or crowds your space.
You will appreciate portion sizes that encourage exploration without fatigue. Mezze also works for mixed dietary needs when you coordinate with your server. Before long, you will realize you have already built a memorable meal, even before the main course appears.
Gluten Free and Dietary Notes
Navigating dietary preferences at Aba is refreshingly easy. Menus are clearly marked and servers guide you through gluten free and vegetarian friendly options. Cross checking sauces and marinades is smooth, and the kitchen communicates confidently.
Many mezze plates work for gluten free guests when paired with veggies instead of pita. Kebabs, salads, and crudo keep choices wide open without sacrificing flavor. If you have questions, it helps to ask early so pacing stays seamless.
Allergy concerns are handled thoughtfully, with notes passed to the line. You will feel looked after rather than singled out, which matters. The result is a dinner everyone enjoys together, with zero stress overshadowing the evening.
Service Style and Hospitality
Service at Aba balances warm and polished. Hosts move with purpose, servers anticipate needs, and food runners keep plates landing hot. You feel guided, not hovered, in a flow that lets the night unfold naturally.
Timing is crisp, from first drink to last bite, with helpful explanations when dishes arrive. Recommendations never feel pushy, just informed and enthusiastic. It is hospitality that respects your pace whether a quick bite or a long celebration.
Little touches add up, like extra herbs or fresh pita without asking. When the room is packed, the team still keeps the vibe unruffled. You leave feeling cared for, which is a big part of why people return.
The Rooftop Patio Vibe
The rooftop at Aba is a mood lifter, even on a regular weeknight. Cozy seating nooks meet city views that shift from soft blue to glowing amber. Plants and string lights soften the edges, creating that stylish, relaxed escape.
Order light mezze and a spritz while you watch the sky change. Conversations feel effortless with music tuned just right and the breeze rolling in. It is easy to linger, then transition indoors when bigger plates call.
For dates or small groups, this patio is a winning stage. You will probably snag a few photos because the scene is too good to ignore. Sunset here can make any Tuesday feel like vacation without leaving Chicago.
Desserts With a Levantine Twist
Save space for dessert because Aba treats sweets with the same finesse. Think olive oil cake with citrus glaze that tastes bright and plush. There might be pistachio crunch, honey notes, and a whisper of floral spice.
Textures matter, so you get tender crumb and silky creams without heaviness. A scoop of gelato or a yogurt based finish keeps everything refreshing. Pair with a digestif or a herbal tea to end on a calm note.
Sharing works well because portions invite a few tastes. You will walk out with a light sweetness lingering, not a sugar crash. It is the kind of finale that makes the entire meal feel harmonious.
Weekend Brunch at Aba
Brunch transforms Aba into a sunny Mediterranean morning. Shakshuka arrives bubbling, eggs nestled in a peppery tomato bath. There are feta omelets, crisp potatoes, and fresh greens that invite leisurely bites.
Bright cocktails and coffee keep things social without rushing. The rooftop light at that hour is gentle and flattering, perfect for photos. You can keep it light with fruit and yogurt, or go savory and saucy.
Reservations help on weekends because the energy draws a crowd. If you love a long catch up with friends, this is your lane. Brunch here feels like a mini getaway before the rest of your day unfolds.
Date Night Game Plan
For date night, aim for a golden hour rooftop drink, then settle indoors for dinner. Start with spreads and one seafood plate to share, then split a kebab. Leave space for a dessert and a final sip to slow the landing.
Let the team guide pacing so conversation never feels interrupted. The room hums with energy that reads lively but intimate. Choose a corner banquette if you want slightly more privacy without losing the vibe.
Dress smart casual and arrive a touch early to snag the view. You will leave with a shared ritual you will want to repeat. It is romantic without trying too hard, which is exactly right.
Group Dining and Celebrations
Aba handles groups with grace, from birthdays to work wins. Large format mezze and kebab platters keep the table lively and inclusive. Servers coordinate pacing so toasts, photos, and conversations unfold smoothly.
Pre select a menu if you want an effortless experience. Dietary notes can be addressed ahead so everyone eats happily. The rooftop lounge makes a perfect pre party meet up before moving to the dining room.
Expect an upbeat soundtrack and photogenic plates that feel celebratory. You will appreciate how the space balances buzz with comfort. By the end, the table looks like a map of shared memories and empty skewers.
Practical Details To Know
You will find Aba at 302 N Green St, third floor, in the West Loop. Hours shift through the week, so check before you go, but evenings run most days. It is popular, so reservations are your friend, especially for patio seats.
Expect a $$$ price point that matches the polished experience. The website lists menus and booking, and the phone number is handy for quick questions. Arrive a few minutes early to navigate the elevator and settle into the scene.
Parking can be tight, so plan rideshare or nearby garages if possible. Once upstairs, the energy and aromas make the logistics fade fast. You will be glad you organized, because the reward is instantly delicious.
Why Locals Keep Returning
Locals come back to Aba because the experience just works night after night. Flavors are bold yet balanced, service is dialed, and the setting feels special. You can drop in for a couple plates or build a full celebration with ease.
The menu evolves without losing its core hits, so favorites stay reliable. Cocktails and hospitality create that familiar welcome that never feels stale. It is a place where you bring friends to impress without overthinking.
Every visit feels a little cinematic, from rooftop glow to aromatic kitchens. When a restaurant makes you crave the next visit before you leave, that is magic. Aba delivers that feeling consistently, which is why it is a Chicago staple.
