Unearth The Voyage
Slip off the bustling streets of the West Loop and step into a sunlit refuge where olive trees sway and soft lounge beats set an easy rhythm. At Aba in Chicago, coastal Mediterranean flavors meet rooftop serenity, turning ordinary evenings into slow, sparkling moments. From mezze that invite sharing to cocktails perfumed with herbs, everything nudges you to exhale and stay awhile. Ready to find your quiet escape high above Green Street?
Step off the elevator and the city noise drops to a hush, replaced by soft chatter and the clink of chilled glasses. Olive trees frame the rooftop, their silvery leaves catching the last of the sun as lanterns flicker awake. You feel the breeze, scented with grilled herbs, and realize this is where the evening slows down.
Take a moment at the railing to watch the skyline, then slip into a plush seat under woven lights. The staff moves with practiced calm, refilling water as if time expands here. You are not rushed, and that alone feels luxurious.
Menus arrive like passports, dense with mezze and bright produce. Start light, maybe something crisp and herb forward, and let the night reveal itself course by course. This rooftop exists for savoring, for quiet conversations, and for letting the city spin beneath you while you float above.
Silky whipped feta lands with a cloudlike swoop, jeweled with pistachio crumbles that crunch softly at first bite. A gentle honey drizzle glows in the light, nudging sweetness against the cheese’s tang. Tear a warm pita and drag it through the folds, and suddenly the table feels like a picnic on a Grecian hillside.
There is restraint here, just enough lemon zest and herb to brighten without shouting. Each bite feels balanced, almost calming, the kind of snack that turns strangers into friends. You will reach back for more without thinking.
Pair it with something crisp and mineral, and watch the flavors stretch and breathe. The texture holds, the nuts keep their personality, and the honey leaves a pleasant echo. Simple, yes, but simplicity can be quietly thrilling when everything is tuned to comfort and ease, exactly what a rooftop evening needs.
This stracciatella is all about texture and temperature, cool cream ribbons relaxing under a peppery olive oil sheen. Spoon it over charred bread so the edges crackle and the center soaks up every milky thread. A sprinkle of flaky salt snaps everything into focus, with basil lending a soft green whisper.
It is comfort without heaviness, a gentle richness that invites a longer conversation. Tomatoes, when in season, add sunlit sweetness, a reminder of markets near the Mediterranean coast. You will likely negotiate the last bite, and honestly, it is worth the playful debate.
Pair with a bright white or a citrusy spritz from the bar downstairs. Let the creaminess mingle with acidity, bringing the dish into sharper relief. This is a dish for slow pacing, for a second round of bread, and for deciding that the evening does not need any hurry at all.
Earthy and mysterious, black garlic hummus deepens the familiar chickpea base with balsamic like sweetness. The color runs darker, almost truffle toned, while olive oil settles into a glossy pool. Drag soft laffa through and you will catch notes of molasses, toasted sesame, and something satisfyingly savory.
The texture is satin smooth, a sure sign of careful blending and cold water discipline. A dusting of zaatar wakes it up without crowding the flavor. You will find yourself alternating between small, thoughtful bites and shameless scoops that leave tidy trails across the bowl.
It is a quiet star on the table, ideal for sharing while stories unravel. Sip an herb forward cocktail to keep the palate lively between tastes. The finish lingers, a warm hum that invites more conversation and maybe another basket of bread, because some comforts should not be rationed.
The chicken kefta arrives with tender char, juicy and fragrant with parsley, cumin, and warm spice. Each skewer carries that irresistible grill kiss, the kind that makes conversation pause mid sentence. A squeeze of lemon brightens the edges while sumac onions snap with zesty crunch.
There is comfort in the hand formed shape and the barely smoky finish. You taste care in the mix, and a light touch that keeps it from drying out. Wrap pieces with herbs and a swipe of sauce, then tuck in and let the warmth unwind the day.
It is shareable, yes, though you may guard an extra skewer. Pair with a crisp lager or mineral white to keep things buoyant. The kefta strikes that sweet spot of rustic and polished, perfect for the rooftop’s relaxed rhythm without sacrificing depth or heart.
Sometimes the quietest dish says the most, and the village salad is living proof. Thick chunks of tomato and cucumber carry backyard freshness, while a proud slab of feta stands at attention. Oregano and olive oil tie it together, letting the produce do the talking.
You will notice how clean it tastes, how satisfying it is to crunch and pause. The brine of olives and the gentle bite of onion create a rhythm that pulses along with the evening’s music. No tricks here, just confident balance and sunlit flavors.
Share it early to reset the palate, or pair it with grilled fish to keep brightness front and center. This salad anchors the table with a sense of place and ease. In a city of indulgence, it whispers restraint, and that whisper can feel like a deep, restful breath.
Comfort finds a richer register with hummus crowned in slow braised lamb ragu. The meat is soft and aromatic, carrying cinnamon and tomato warmth that swirls into chickpea cream. Scoop deep and you get texture, flavor, and a hush at the table as everyone leans in.
Pine nuts toast up top, adding a buttery crunch that plays beautifully against the velvety base. A paprika stained oil ribbons through, inviting just one more bite. It is generous without being heavy, the kind of sharing dish that becomes the night’s anchor.
Pair it with a round, spice friendly red, or a bold cocktail that can stand shoulder to shoulder. The finish is lingering, a savory echo that feels like a wool blanket for the palate. On chill evenings, this bowl alone can turn the rooftop into a quiet, glowing refuge.
The octopus is tender first, then smoky, with edges that snap under the fork before yielding. A bed of chickpeas soaks up lemony juices and bright herb sauce, giving each bite contrast. You will notice the balance between ocean brine and backyard grill, a pairing that feels effortless.
Char marks lend that campfire nostalgia without overpowering the delicate meat. A squeeze of citrus keeps things moving, and a whisper of heat nudges the palate awake. It is the kind of plate that travels well across the table, inviting opinions and extra forks.
Order it early so its savory perfume sets the tone. Pair with a saline white or a crisp spritz to amplify the coastal vibe. In the city skyline’s shadow, this dish feels like a Mediterranean shoreline, complete with breeze and low, lapping waves.
These falafel arrive hot and fragrant, with a crackly shell that gives way to a vivid green interior. Herb bright and cumin warm, they land somewhere between street food memory and polished dining. Drag each piece through creamy tahini, then layer on pickles for a quick burst of zip.
The texture balance is the charm here, crisp outside, tender inside, never greasy. You can hear the crunch when the room quiets for a second. It sparks casual smiles and those fast reaches that mean everyone is happily involved.
Order extra because the plate empties at a suspicious speed. Pair with a minty lemonade, a beer, or something bubbly to refresh. In a place built for ease, these little fritters do a lot of heavy lifting, keeping spirits high and conversations moving with every crunch.
Skirt steak meets shawarma spice and the result is deeply satisfying. Thin slices carry a rosy middle and charry edges, both perfumed with cumin, coriander, and clove. Stack them onto warm flatbread, add sumac onions and garlic sauce, and take a generous, grounding bite.
The meat’s texture keeps the experience lively, tender yet assertive, built for layering. A bright herb salad tucks in freshness, preventing any heaviness from settling. It is the kind of dish that turns the table into a tiny market stall, where wrapping and sharing become part of the fun.
Pair with a bold red or a whiskey leaning cocktail to meet the spice halfway. The finish lingers like a good story. In a city that moves fast, this shawarma slows things down, bite by bite, until the evening finds its perfect pace.
Aba’s bar speaks in herbs and sunshine, pouring cocktails that taste like gardens at golden hour. Mint and rosemary perfume the air, while citrus peels throw sparks of brightness across each sip. You can feel shoulders drop as the first round arrives chilled and confident.
Try something with Turkish coffee notes for intrigue, or keep it light with a cucumber spritz. The bartenders move with easy rhythm, always ready with a suggestion that fits your mood. It is not about showmanship, just clarity of flavor and balance.
Sit near the windows and watch the city flicker on while ice settles in the glass. Pair drinks with salty mezze and let conversation wander. This is where the rooftop’s quiet escape begins for many, with a well tuned pour that sets the evening’s cadence.
When date night calls for calm, Aba answers with candlelight, spacious seating, and a rustle of leaves overhead. Share a spread of mezze and watch time loosen, each plate a nudge toward easy conversation. The room is chic without fuss, a comfort first kind of elegance.
Order a round of whipped feta, a seafood plate, and something grilled, then let the flow decide the rest. Servers read the table, pacing courses so nothing feels rushed. It is amazing what unhurried service can do for connection and appetite.
Finish with a bright dessert and a digestif while the city hums below. The rooftop setting makes the world feel slightly softened around the edges. You leave feeling lighter, like the night found a pocket just for you two.
Brunch brings out Aba’s breezy side, with sunlight bouncing off planters and a mellow playlist setting the tone. Plates lean fresh and shareable, inviting a leisurely pace that feels like vacation without leaving the neighborhood. You will want to order a little bit of everything.
Think eggs tucked into tomato rich sauces, crisp salads, and warm breads that soak up every last drop. Mimosas and herb kissed spritzes keep the morning bright. Service is attentive but never hovering, the hallmark of a place built for lingering.
Grab a seat by the edge and watch the street wake up below. Weekend hours make it easy to settle in and forget the clock. By the time you stand, the day has quietly rearranged itself into something softer, calmer, and far more delicious.
Great service does not need to sparkle loudly to impress. At Aba, it moves smoothly, reading the room and matching your pace so courses never collide. Water appears before you ask, and suggestions feel like gentle nudges rather than scripts.
Ask about portions and pairing, and you will get honest, thoughtful answers. Timing is the quiet magic here, allowing conversations to crest and rest between bites. You notice how the meal unfolds like a playlist, each track opening space for the next.
It is the kind of hospitality that feels rare in a busy neighborhood. You can relax knowing the evening will be guided, not managed. By the end, you will remember the faces, the pacing, and the way the table always seemed ready for what you wanted next.
Design tells the story before the first bite. Olive trees soften corners, rattan pendants cast warm halos, and travertine textures keep everything grounded. The palette leans sandy and sun kissed, turning the dining room into a calm, coastal dream.
Light drifts in and settles on tabletops like a quiet invitation. You notice thoughtful spacing, which makes conversation effortless and private. It feels like a sanctuary, chic yet approachable, designed for lingering rather than rushing.
Every detail supports the food, from breathable linens to earthenware that frames vibrant colors. Even at peak hours, the room absorbs sound, leaving a gentle hush. You find yourself breathing deeper here, as if the space itself is saying, take your time.
Set your plans around the restaurant’s rhythm. Aba opens most days at 4 PM, with extended hours on weekends and brunch that brings relaxed sunshine to the terrace. Reservations are wise, especially if the rooftop calls your name.
Located at 302 N Green St on the third floor, it is easy to reach and worth arriving a bit early. Let the elevator doors open to a mood shift, from city bustle to greenery and glass. Price points sit in the upscale range, so plan to settle in and savor.
Check the website for current menus and any seasonal shifts. If you love a golden sunset, aim for a twilight seating and watch the skyline dim. One call to the friendly host team can fine tune the evening to your pace.
