Chicago Finds, Food & Recipes

Chicago supper clubs & pop-up dinners: Women and men chefs changing the scene

July 24, 2025
Chef Preparing Plates in a Restaurant

Looking for a dining experience that’s more than just a night out? Chicago supper clubs and pop-up dinners are where creativity, community, and culinary magic collide. From backyard porches to secret lofts and intimate chef’s counters, these underground events are redefining the city’s food scene—often led by some of the most inventive women and men chefs in the Midwest.

Trecena at Santa?Masa Tamaleria

Monthly Chicano tasting-menu supper club in a Northwest Side tamaleria by Danny Espinoza and Jhoana Ruiz. Only 13 seats around the counter, with nostalgic flavors.

Txa?Txa Club

A spicy Thai-inspired supper club from ex-Lula chefs in unique venues. @txatxaclub

Second Helping Supper Club

Cozy themed dinners (like “Mexico × Midwest”) hosted at rotating venues. @secondhelpingsupperclub

Planted Porch Supper Club

Chef Anna hosts garden-porch dinners with seasonal vegetarian menus in Lincoln Park. @plantedporchsupperclub

Up South pop-up dinner series at the Four Seasons

A Southern-rooted supper series at Adorn Restaurant led by female chefs including Maya-Camille Broussard, Franco Diaz, and Yudith Bustos. Details & reservations

Iliana Regan’s early supper club roots

Before Elizabeth, Iliana Regan hosted intimate meal series at home with foraged, Nordic-Midwestern menus. Class Act Dining

Trino (pop?ups + steakhouse)

Chef Stephen Sandoval previewed this Latin-inspired steakhouse with live-fire pop-ups at Soho House Chicago (June 20–28), ahead of the full opening in late July. Tock pop-up series

Bar Sótano pop?up series

Rick Bayless’s River North mezcal bar hosts monthly alumni chef pop-ups through Oct. 30, featuring talents like Rishi Kumar, Brian Enyart, Alonso Sotelo, Chuck Pine, and Paul Kahan.
Eater article on the popups / Bar Sótano reservations

Sunday Dinner Club

Invitation-only rotating themed dinners (~10–15 events monthly) noted for its exclusivity and decade-long run. Sunday Dinner Club

Booking tips

  • Most of these events announce seatings via Instagram, Eater, OpenTable, Resy, or Tock.
  • RSVP early—slots fill fast (especially intimate pop-ups)!
  • Follow the chef or venue on social media for Stories and DMs about upcoming dates and tickets.