I’m pleased to partner with Omni Hotels to share my recent staycation at the Omni Chicago Hotel and to highlight their new Season of Smoke special menu.
Even as a Chicago resident, staying overnight in a different neighborhood always feels like a mini getaway. Last week we checked into the Omni Chicago Hotel on Michigan Avenue and experienced their 676 Restaurant & Bar’s Season of Smoke menu. The food impressed us, and the staff’s warmth and attention to detail made the stay genuinely relaxing.
The Omni Chicago occupies a prime spot on the Magnificent Mile, surrounded by top shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Its central location makes it easy to step out and explore, but the hotel itself offers a peaceful retreat above the bustle of Michigan Avenue.
Guests enter from Michigan Avenue and travel up to the third-floor lobby, which creates a quieter, elevated sanctuary with views of the street below. The lobby’s calm atmosphere quickly shifts you into vacation mode; it’s common to see people working, meeting friends, or sipping coffee in this inviting space.
A standout feature of this property is that all rooms are suites. Each suite offers separate living and sleeping areas, giving you more space to relax or work. The extra room and thoughtful layout make it feel more like a home away from home than a typical hotel room.
Our suite included a living area with a wet bar, comfortable couch, television, and a large desk. French doors separated the living room from the bedroom, and the bathroom had access from both spaces—an easy, practical layout for couples or colleagues traveling together.
The desk deserved a special mention: it was spacious and comfortable, ideal for getting a bit of work done during the stay. Many hotel desks feel like an afterthought, but this one felt intentional and usable.
From the suite we enjoyed views of Michigan Avenue and the Willis Tower. Shortly after check-in, the hotel sent a generous snack tray featuring cheese and charcuterie, Garrett’s popcorn, and Vosges chocolates—small gestures that made us feel welcomed.
We met at the hotel, enjoyed the snacks, and then headed to 676 Restaurant & Bar for the Season of Smoke tasting. The restaurant balances several ambiances: a long bar for after-work cocktails and games, cozy window tables for an intimate feel, and a dining room overlooking Michigan Avenue that’s both chic and welcoming.
The menu leans on Midwest comfort with modern technique and creativity. Season of Smoke is a clever seasonal menu that incorporates smoky flavors into several dishes and cocktails rather than simply listing fall ingredients. It’s a thoughtful theme that shines through in both taste and presentation.
We began with cocktails at the bar. I ordered The Riff, a Season of Smoke cocktail made with Woodford Rye, E&J Brandy, and Campari, presented with a ring of smoke. Contrary to my expectation that it might be overly boozy, the drink was balanced—sweet, slightly bitter, and gently smoky—and paired well with the food.
For starters, the Blistered Corn Salad with cotija, radish, and jalapeño-lime salt stood out. It was lightly smoked, bright with lime, and had a gentle heat that evoked the crispness of autumn. We also enjoyed duck fat fries with rosemary and smoked ketchup—smoked ketchup added a sweet, tangy, barbecue-like dimension that worked surprisingly well with the rosemary-scented fries.
My favorite small plate was the Kalbi Beef Asado Tacos—tender beef, fresno chiles, jalapeños, cilantro, and a lemongrass aioli that balanced the smoky flavors beautifully. The aioli was so good it could have been served as a stand-alone dip.
For dinner in the dining room we shared an apple and endive salad and a nightly special: smoky pork with mushrooms, cipollini onions, and a white bean purée. The special fit the Season of Smoke concept and made for a comforting, seasonal main course.
We ended with the Bacon Bourbon Brownie—a decadent dessert combining salted caramel, bacon, cherries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. It blended sweet, salty, and smoky elements in a satisfying finale, and even my partner, who isn’t usually drawn to sweets, enjoyed it.
Back in the suite, the downtown location didn’t translate to noise; the room was quiet and we both slept deeply—over nine hours—and woke up refreshed. The hotel also offers a pre-order option for morning coffee or tea delivered to your room, a small convenience that elevates the stay.
Breakfast at 676 Restaurant & Bar reinforced why hotel mornings feel indulgent. I ordered classic eggs benedict: house-style English muffins, Canadian bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and generous hollandaise. The breakfast potatoes were especially good and ideal for dipping into any leftover hollandaise.
I relaxed with a cup of tea and a magazine before wrapping up a bit of work in the suite and then heading home. Our stay at the Omni Chicago Hotel left us relaxed and happy to have discovered 676 Restaurant & Bar—we’ll be back for after-work drinks and seasonal menus in the future.
We enjoyed a lovely stay at the Omni Chicago Hotel and returned home feeling refreshed. Staying at Omni properties has become a favorite way for us to travel; the thoughtful service, comfortable suites, and creative dining make for memorable short trips.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omni. The opinions and text are all mine.