Columbus Tap | Chicago - Annie Fairfax

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The Fairmont Hotel Chicago’s in house restuarant, Columbus Tap, serves elevated pub food, like charcuterie, lobster rolls, craft bergers, as well as their world famous donuts, handmade fresh every day by the Fairmont’s very own pastry team. This elegant, and refined gastropub had so many incredible options in an atmosphere that was both inviting and energetic at once. Explore their extensive, varied menu, and see why it’s ranked as one of the best places to eat in Chicago.

Luxury Restaurants of the World: Columbus Tap at The Fairmont Hotel Chicago

Columbus Tap at The Fairmont Hotel

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Address: N Columbus Dr
Chicago, IL 60601
Food Type: Elevated Bar Food
(Charcuterie, Craft Burgers, etc.)
Dining Experience: Indoor
Price: $50 per person
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Reservations: Not Required
Special Diets: Pescatarian, Vegetarian, Vegan

The Fairmont Hotel Chicago’s in house restuarant, Columbus Tap, serves elevated pub food, like charcuterie, lobster rolls, craft bergers, as well as their world famous donuts, handmade fresh every day by the Fairmont’s very own pastry team. This elegant, and refined gastropub had so many incredible options in an atmosphere that was both inviting and energetic at once. We had lunch here before our 4.5 hour drive back to Michigan, and it was the perfect end to an incredible week in the Windy City.

To start off our meal, we ordered the House Pub Cheese Spread, which is served with a selection of seed covered crackers, crackers, colorful carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, pickled onions, tomatoes, and pickles. This was such a delight, because the cool, crisp raw vegetables were the perfect compliment to the sharp cheddar cheese spread it was served with. There were a few other tables seated when we arrived for an early lunch, and all of them were enjoying this amazing appetizer too.

I ordered the lobster roll, which was so light and refreshing, and the perfect infusion of flavor and protein to refuel after an exhausting (yet incredible!) week of walking, exploring, photographing, and filming the city. My husband Robin loved his whitefish melt, which came with Columbus Tap’s signature hand cut salt & vinegar chips. Since we spend so much of our time in Northern Michigan on the shores where I grew up, we know a thing or two about whitefish, so Robin is always testing places that serve this delightful, light, and buttery fish, and he absolutely loved it.

To finish off, our wonderful waitress insisted that we give the Fairmont’s homemade, craft donuts a try, even though we aren’t big fans of desserts. I’m so glad she made us try them, because when she brought out our donuts, I couldn’t believe my eyes. They were frosted on one half with a decadent chocolate ganache and topped with homemade chocolate chip cookies that were still warm and gooey. Not only did they smell and taste incredible, but the way they were served was super cute, because they were presented to us on parchment paper printed with the hotel’s signature recipe, which was so cool to see.

The next time you’re in Chicago, pop into the Fairmont Hotel for an incredible meal at Columbus Tap, and see why we and everyone else loves dining here.