FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are located at the base of the iconic Willis Tower in the Chicago Loop. Our main entrance is located on the corner of Franklin Street and Adams Street (202 S Franklin St). You do not need to enter the main Willis Tower lobby or go through building security to access the restaurant.

Getting to Kindling is a breeze! If you are driving, we highly recommend using a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to secure a spot before you arrive. The Willis Tower features its own parking garage, and there are plenty of convenient options right around the corner on Franklin, Adams, and Quincy streets.

Prefer to take public transit? We are conveniently located just a short walk from both Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportation Center for those taking the Metra.

For step-by-step walking directions and full transit details, check out our dedicated Parking & Directions page.

Kindling does not offer valet parking, although we are permitted to bring valet in for private events. 

Our dress code is smart casual. Whether you are coming straight from the office, heading to a theater show, or joining us for a weekend celebration, we want you to feel comfortable. While many of our guests dress up for the occasion, jeans and polished sneakers are perfectly acceptable!

Yes, Kindling is a welcoming space for guests of all ages! While we have a sophisticated atmosphere and a bustling bar area, our spacious dining room is perfect for families exploring downtown Chicago or visiting the Willis Tower attractions such as Color Factory or the Skydeck.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch and Tuesday – Thursday evenings.  We always keep space open for walk-ins at our expansive bar and high-top areas.

For special events such as our Supper with Sawyer dinners, reservations are required and they typically book up within a few hours of being announced. 

Yes! Our massive bar and first-floor high-top areas are perfect for casual, post-work gatherings. Because we are just steps away from the major transit hubs, it is incredibly easy for your team to unwind with a drink and still catch their train home. If you have a larger group, you can also reach out to our events team to reserve a semi-private space!

Absolutely. While our custom wood-fired hearth is known for producing incredible steaks and seafood, live-fire cooking does wonders for produce. We offer a variety of vibrant, flame-kissed vegetarian and vegan dishes, and our culinary team is always happy to accommodate specific allergies—just let your server know!

Chef Sawyer is at Kindling at least 5 days per week unless he is filming out of town. He can be found prepping behind the hearth and working with the culinary team in our open kitchen during the day and into the evening. 

Yes! We host Happy Hour at the bar Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Stop by after work to enjoy specially priced craft cocktails, house wines, and a selection of Chef Sawyer’s favorite small plates, including our freshly shucked oysters and Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. (Note: Happy Hour pricing is available for bar seating only).

We do. Kindling is located just a short 10-to-15-minute walk from major venues like the Lyric Opera House, Cadillac Palace, and The Goodman Theatre. We offer a special three-course Pre-Theater Prix Fixe menu designed to showcase our greatest culinary hits while guaranteeing you and your guests finish your meal with plenty of time to make it to opening curtain.

Absolutely. We know the downtown workday moves fast. For guests looking for an elevated but efficient midday meal, we offer a dedicated three-course Express Business Lunch menu Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is the perfect way to host clients or treat your team without disrupting your afternoon schedule. 

The Kindling culinary team knows that many of our guests are in a hurry and our experienced culinary team rarely, if ever, run behind. 

Because live-fire cooking relies heavily on the quality and seasonality of ingredients, Chef Sawyer frequently updates the menu to feature the freshest produce, premium seasonal seafood, and rotating cuts of Vander Farmers Wagyu and dry-aged steaks.

While our signature staples (like the World Famous Confit Chicken Wings and Prime Steak Frites) are always available, there is always something new to discover around the hearth.

Typically we do large menu changes quarterly and have daily and weekly specials available on our specials card. 

Yes. Our live-fire culinary style naturally highlights premium proteins and fresh produce without relying heavily on gluten. We offer a variety of naturally gluten-free dishes, and many of our menu items can be easily modified by our chefs. Please let your server know about any allergies or dietary restrictions when you arrive.

Absolutely. Located in the heart of Chicago’s financial and corporate district, Kindling offers the perfect atmosphere for business dining. We feature spacious seating, a sophisticated yet energetic vibe, and an Express Business Lunch menu specifically designed to impress your clients while keeping your afternoon perfectly on schedule.

To ensure the highest quality and a seamless experience for your celebration, outside cakes are only permitted if purchased from our exclusive partner and sister restaurant, West Town Bakery. We have collaborated with West Town Bakery to offer our guests a beautiful and delicious array of options, including excellent gluten-free and vegan cakes, perfectly suited for any occasion.

You can explore their offerings and place an order directly through their website HERE. Please note, a $5 per guest cake cutting fee will apply at the restaurant for all cakes brought in from West Town Bakery.

West Town Bakery is a sister location of the Fifty/50 Group. You may arrange to have the cake delivered directly to Kindling.

Yes, we do have a corkage fee with the following restrictions. 

• Pricing is as follows: $50 for 750ml (max two bottles) and $100 for a Magnum (counts as two bottles).
• Two 750ml or One 1.5L bottle max.

A 3% credit card surcharge is passed on to our guests and we appreciate your understanding. 

Yes, we do! When the Chicago weather warms up, we offer two fantastic open-air options. For full-service outdoor dining, guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and cocktails on our lively Franklin Street sidewalk patio—an incredible spot to soak in the sun and enjoy some prime downtown people-watching.

Additionally, our stunning 6,000-square-foot outdoor terrace right at the foot of the Willis Tower is open for private events and serves as one of the largest, most vibrant outdoor private event spaces in the Chicago Loop.

Yes, our entire restaurant, including the main dining room, bar, and private event spaces, is fully ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible via our ground-floor entrances, Kindling elevators, and the Willis Tower elevators.

Absolutely! We are located right at the base of the Willis Tower, making us the perfect dining destination before or after your Skydeck experience. Instead of searching for a spot blocks away, you can simply step off the elevators and join us for a world-class, wood-fired meal or craft cocktails.

We are exceptionally close! Kindling is just a quick, 5-minute walk across the Chicago River from both Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Whether you are waiting for a Metra train home to the suburbs or have a long Amtrak layover, we are the perfect spot to grab a craft cocktail or a fantastic wood-fired meal before your departure.

Kindling is located right on the western edge of the Chicago Loop at the base of the Willis Tower, directly across the river from the West Loop. This prime location makes us the ultimate central meeting point for colleagues and friends coming from different parts of the city or commuting in from the suburbs.