Somerset

Restaurant & Bar

Chicago

IL USA

Restaurant & Bar

About

Housed within the Viceroy Hotel Chicago (which is also the historic site of the 1920s Cedar Hotel), Somerset is the fourth collaboration between Boka Restaurant Group and AvroKO and the latest culinary concept from the esteemed chef Lee Wolen.

Located in the prestigious and well-heeled Gold Coast neighborhood, the AvroKO team derived inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s when the Kennedy-esque leisure set was in its heyday frequenting country clubs throughout America. Somerset itself is designed as a fantastical version of this beloved social institution, replete with references to satirical club activities such as an area dedicated to a mythical hidden-bulls eye-dart tournament or another room that celebrates champion vessels of fishing boat speed racing. Michelin Star Chef and 2016 Culinary Master Lee Wolen’s culinary concept showcases his highly acclaimed mastery of contemporary Midwest gastronomy with an elegant re-interpretation of American Tavern cuisine.

Sleeper AHEAD Awards

Best Restaurant Design finalist

LOCATION

Chicago

IL USA

Size

7,300 ft² / 678 m²

Rebel Leisure

Throughout Somerset, whimsical details abound for discovery by guests. Our design concept dives into the Gold Coast neighborhood’s storied past and finds inspiration in the celebration of both excellence and obscurity, the renowned grandeur of the neighborhood juxtaposed against tales of self-made success and the American rebel spirit. The space, as a whole, adopts a contemporary approach to American Country Club culture, with architectural references to the traditional clubhouse and homages to elite recreation and leisure suffused throughout. The result is an elevated dining experience that welcomes guests as part of the Gold Coast’s high society, past and present.

Open Gallery

Marina Chic

The restaurant is divided into three spaces which each have a different feel, atmosphere and perspective inspired by a new-fashioned take on American Country Club culture.

The ground floor bar and restaurant draw inspiration from Lake Michigan’s marina and make reference to elite recreation and leisure, while the upstairs dining areas invite guests to experience the atmosphere of the clubhouse itself.

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Signature Lighting

A large custom designed chandelier, produced by Goodshop, fills the triple height space, filtering light through a contemporary mix of wood framework and perforated brass. The view of this piece from directly below is equally as striking as the profile; an effect we always attempt to achieve in our signature chandelier designs.

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Open Gallery

Mezzanine Memories

Upstairs is an open mezzanine that wraps three sides of the venue and looks onto the ground floor bar, mimicking the view from the clubhouse onto the active marina. Surrounded by warm finishes, residential furniture, artwork, and custom lighting, guests dine amongst open vignettes of various rooms of the country club. Beyond the open dining room is an intimate 5 seat bar and several concealed spaces that are designed to expose the locked rooms of the club including restrooms inspired by silver and china storage. A hidden private dining room is nestled behind archives and artifacts, with a secret lookout over the library of the Viceroy Chicago lobby below.