Graphic of the Kindling restaurant tagline 'The Hearth of Chicago' in bold black text, featuring a flame cutout in the letter H. It represents their 13-foot live-fire pit and central location in the Willis Tower.

Live-Fire Dining in the Chicago Loop

Situated on the ground floor of the iconic Willis Tower, Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails brings the primal energy of a signature 13-foot open hearth to the heart of downtown. Led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer, our globally inspired menu features wood-fired steaks, fire-kissed seafood, and craft cocktails. Whether you are hosting a premier corporate event, closing a deal over the Loop’s best business lunch, or unwinding with an upscale post-work dinner, Kindling offers a vibrant, multi-level experience unlike any other in Chicago.

Now Booking Holiday Gatherings

A joyful woman laughs while dining at Kindling inside the Willis Tower. The table holds wood-fired shared plates like scallops and diverse craft cocktails, including an orange spritz and an Old Fashioned. Through the massive window, the American and Chicago flags are visible amidst classic Loop architecture.

Wood-Fired Menu & Craft Cocktails

Command the table at one of Chicago’s favorite power lunches. Whether you’re closing a deal at noon or unwinding after hours, experience the warmth & energy of Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s globally inspired wood-fired menu and signature craft cocktails.

View the Menus

Private Dining & Corporate Events

Host your guests at a globally recognized address with a globally respected chef. From executive dinners to full venue buyouts, ignite your next corporate event with the prestige of the Willis Tower and the unmatched energy of our live-fire hospitality.

Plan Your Event

James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer gesturing passionately over a wood-fired steak while interacting with guests during a Supper with Sawyer event at Kindling Chicago.

Fireside Suppers with Chef Sawyer

Pull up a chair to the hearth. Join James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer for exclusive Friday evening dining experiences featuring curated wood-fired tasting menus, welcome cocktails, and interactive culinary storytelling.

View Upcoming Events

— Food Network

Winner of Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.

— The James Beard Foundation

Winner of Best Chef – Great Lakes

— Chicago Tribune

A dynamic, multi-level destination redefining the downtown power lunch and evening escape.

— Food & Wine

Honored recipient of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef award in 2010

— Eater Chicago

A decadent menu of fire-grilled items… the result is some of the tastiest beef in Chicago.

— The Infatuation

Kindling focuses on live-fire, wood-fired dishes and runs a weekday happy hour at the bar featuring specially priced small plates and drinks.

— Chicago Magazine

Prime steaks to oysters bubbling in butter… a robust list of dishes.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Lunch

Monday – Friday

11am – 3pm

Happy Hour at the Bar

Monday – Friday

4pm – 6pm

Supper

Monday – Thursday

4pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday

4pm – 10pm

Closed on Sundays. Hours may vary on holidays or special events.

Virtually Tour Kindling

Accessibility Commitment for The Fifty/50 Management Group

The Fifty/50 Management Group

https://www.kindlingchicago.com

Our Approach to Accessibility

Accessibility Features

https://www.kindlingchicago.com

Adjustable text size and contrast settings

Highlighting of links and text for better visibility

Full keyboard navigation of the toolbar interface

Quick launch via keyboard shortcut: Alt + . (Windows) or ⌘ + . (Mac)

Please note the following:

The availability and effectiveness of these features depend on the website's configuration and ongoing maintenance.

While we strive to ensure accessibility, we cannot guarantee that every part of https://www.kindlingchicago.com will be fully accessible at all times. Some content may be provided by third parties or affected by technical constraints beyond our immediate control.

Feedback and Contact

Last updated: