Jazz it Up: Earls Kitchen & Bar Arrives in Chicago

When the Canadian restaurant brand Earls Kitchen + Bar decided to expand to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, they called upon Alameda, California-based firm, MBH Architects to transform the interior into a welcoming atmosphere that embraces the city’s musical roots.

The locally sourced artwork plays an integral role in this 8,800-square-foot Chicago locale. The space features custom installations from Chicago street artist FRESH and renowned Vancouver artist Ricky Alvarez, who created a trumpet sculpture that is a visual representation of a three-second sound bite from Louis Armstrong’s version of “Hello, Dolly.” Alvarez arranged the trumpets to look like sound waves on the wall, representing the Chicago River. Another show-stopping piece is Erik den Breejen’s mosaic portrait of famous musician Muddy Waters. In the mosaic, Muddy Waters’ face is filled with painted tiles that contain his lyrics.

Other design features include:

• A folding door/wall system that remains open in warmer months, which offers scenic views throughout the restaurant and allow guests to move seamlessly from a reception area to the patio.

• A rich color palette that warms up the cozy-chic interior, complete with button-tufted leather booths, a sophisticated paneled wood ceiling, and custom, structural chandeliers.

Between the three-season patio equipped with fire pits, and an elegant dining room, laid back lounge and massive bar, Earls provides the ideal space for about 340 Chi-town denizens looking to kick back with a cocktail or have a gathering and dinner with friends.