Category: Hospitality
Size: 17,700 SF
Location: Chicago, IL
Welcome to riverfront dining in the heart of the windy city.
Smith & Wollensky’s Chicago location is a two-story, 17,700-square-foot restaurant set in Marina City, offering prime riverfront dining with views of the Chicago River and skyline. Originally an ice skating rink, this space has been transformed into an upscale venue ideal for casual dining, private events, and large celebrations.
Right next door to Legal Sea Foods—another brand under PPX Hospitality—Smith & Wollensky is an ideal venue for everything from intimate dinners to large events. The Wine Cellar offers a cozy setting for smaller gatherings, while larger private event spaces cater to grander occasions. The space also features Wollensky’s Grill on the lower level and a bar upstairs, with a spacious outdoor patio providing stunning river views. Located near major hotels, convention centers, and public parking, it’s convenient for locals and visitors.
Constructing the restaurant came with challenges due to its location over an active boat marina, which required barges to do work. Careful planning and coordination were essential to minimize disruptions to the marina operations while ensuring safety during construction. The result is a modern space with plenty of character, blending Chicago’s past with contemporary design.