Beatrix sneakily established itself as a solid dining option on the ground floor of the Aloft hotel. Sneaky for two reasons. First, because in the empire of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, it doesn’t have the same flash and pizazz as some of its counterparts. Second, and not to go all Ol’ Man River on you, but we feel like it was just yesterday this corner was a parking lot. I once walked by and MINI Cooper was doing a drive-in movie night to promote how “spacious” their cars were. It made absolutely zero sense, and I did not walk away thinking man, gotta get me one of those.

Unlike a MINI Cooper, Beatrix feels very roomy, light, airy, and not as pretentious as you would expect a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant in a hotel lobby to be. The large panel windows and industrial chic feel make it relaxing in a permanent spring time vibes kind of a way. Further enhancing the spring time vibes is the menu, which has an array of juices, tasty salads, and substantial fish and meat entrees that manage to not feel gluttonous either. We won’t go so far as to say everything on the menu is health-conscious, but Beatrix can definitely cater to the type of meal that will keep you on your toes.

Brunch is a big hit, but we actually prefer Beatrix for lunch or a casual dinner out. It's still a fashionable River North crowd here, but all things considered, it’s low-key.

Overall, Beatrix is a good piece to an otherwise sceney River North food scene - there’s not much in terms of middle-of-the-road meals on the spectrum of fancy to take out. And that’s why we like Beatrix - it’s versatile.

It’s also more inviting than a MINI Cooper. I’m for sure never getting that car.

Food Rundown

Coffee Bar

Pop in for a fresh coffee, pastry, or juice in the morning if on-the-go. You can also hang out at the counter for a sec if a more formal breakfast experience is your move.

Potato Salad Deviled Eggs

Multiple people told us how great these deviled eggs are. We like them, but in general deviled eggs kind of remind us of work conference buffets.

Kennebec Fries

Kennebec potatoes are allegedly to the french fry game as Kale is to the leafy green stuff game. Did we notice a potato difference? No. But the crispy lemons and chiles give these fries all the difference they need. Good stuff.

3-Grain & Arugula Salad w/ Miller Farm’s Chicken

An arugula based salad with some freekeh, millet, and qunioa, plus blueberries and grana padano cheese. It’s definitely a refreshing arugula salad with a bit of grains.

Mushroom & Quinoa Burger

Served with some swiss cheese, Sriracha aioli, and a side of fries. Solid as far as veggie burgers go.

Chicken Bebe

A sizeable piece of chicken with a light parmesan crust that lets you live a little. Add on the roasted asparagus and it’s a tasty yet sensible meal.