TAO Group Transforms Historic Landmark Into TAO Chicago

Photo Credit: TAO

TAO Group recently announced that it will introduce Chicago to its famed dining and entertainment concept by transforming a historic 1892 landmark into TAO Chicago. Located in River North, the design-driven restaurant and adjoining nightclub is set for a September 2018 opening.

“TAO Group has been eyeing Chicago for its next home for quite some time but it was not until the opportunity presented itself to partner with Four Corners at this historic landmark that it truly felt like the perfect location to enact our vision,” said Paul Goldstein, TAO Group Managing Partner. “TAO Chicago will strive to provide guests with an ongoing flow of hospitality and entertainment – from a specialty cocktail at the Ink Lounge, to an exceptional dining experience in our breathtaking dining room, and culminating with late night dancing and libations at TAO Chicago’s nightclub.”

Photo Credit: TAO

In partnership with Four Corners, TAO Group set out to preserve and restore the building’s glory while introducing an updated backdrop to present its menu of Pan-Asian cuisine, premier hospitality and dynamic nightlife vibes to Chicago. Originally designed by Henry Ives Cobb, the Romanesque Revival granite-clad building was once home to the Chicago Historical Society, the Chicago Institute of Design, recording studios, and a handful of nightclubs before TAO’s takeover of the 34,000 square foot space. Inspired by the original TAO locations in New York City and Las Vegas, TAO Chicago will feature multiple levels, creating dynamic spaces within the historic building’s space, including a luxurious nightclub and special event area.

Photo Credit: TAO

Guests will enter the 7,000 square-foot TAO Chicago Nightclub after passing through a 100-year-old, massive Chinese gate and down a lantern-lit exterior alley. There will be two nightclubs within this space separated by an operable wall that allows them to be combined from a two room to one room venue. The rear club features 40-foot-tall ceilings, original soaring windows, a 20-foot tall Hush mural, a 10-foot-tall custom-made Japanese bell from which an oversized disco ball descends and a series of restored arches from one end of the club to the other. The front club is more intimate and centers around a DJ booth enclosed with a metal cage adorned with mirrors and Asian-inspired filigree. Glowing and mirrored lotus pendants float above the dance floor while two bars service the space.

TAO Chicago’s restaurant menu, created by TAO Group Partner and chef Ralph Scamardella for the 300-seat restaurant, is complete with great Pan-Asian offerings from the sea, sky and land including Tao signature dishes like Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna and a Wagyu Rib-Eye Teppanyaki. In addition to hand-made dim sum, TAO Chicago will feature a more robust beef/steak section and brand new sushi and dessert menus. Guests will also be able to enjoy an extensive menu of delicious specialty cocktails including the TAO-tini and Ruby Red Dragon as well as sake flights specifically designed to complement TAO’s menu.

Photo Credit: TAO

“We are so excited to bring our style of dining to such a dynamic city and introduce a trip through the cuisines of Asia to the hub of the Midwest,” said chef Scamardella. “The menu will be a true celebration of the best dishes TAO has to offer along with new seasonal dishes unique to TAO Chicago.”

Location: 632 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL