A Taste of the States: Regional American Cooking

At State and Lake Chicago Tavern, we believe great food tells a story—and some of the best stories start with where you’re from. That’s why our approach to American cuisine is all about highlighting the diverse flavors that define different corners of the country. From East Coast seafood that tastes like ocean air to slow-cooked Southern barbecue rich with smoke and soul, we bring regional traditions to the table—crafted with precision, plated with pride, and served with a downtown Chicago edge.

East Coast Elegance: A Celebration of the Sea

When you think of the East Coast, you think of the sea. The Atlantic shoreline—from the rocky harbors of Maine to the salty bays of the Carolinas—offers some of the country’s most prized seafood. Lobster rolls served warm with butter. Delicate crab cakes with a golden crust. Oysters on the half shell, briny and cold, paired with a bright mignonette. This is a region where freshness is non-negotiable, and simplicity is a virtue.

At State and Lake, we honor this coastal tradition with seafood-forward dishes that focus on balance, seasonality, and elegant execution. You might find line-caught fish roasted to crisp perfection or a chilled seafood dish layered with citrus and herbs. Every bite aims to echo the clean, refreshing flavors of the ocean—no sand between your toes required.

Down South: Where Barbecue Is a Love Language

Now shift south, where the air is thick with the scent of hickory smoke and the flavors are deep, comforting, and unforgettable. Barbecue in the American South isn’t just a dish—it’s a ritual. Whether you’re talking Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, or Memphis-style ribs, the secret is always the same: patience, passion, and time-honored technique.

Our kitchen brings these flavors to life with a chef-driven approach to low-and-slow cooking. Think fall-apart meats finished with bold, house-made sauces. Tangy slaws and smoky beans that round out every plate. Each element is thoughtfully crafted to bring the warmth and generosity of Southern cooking into our urban space. It’s bold. It’s satisfying. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel taken care of.

American Roots, Chicago Spirit

We aren’t just recreating classic regional dishes—we’re reimagining them through the lens of the city we love. Our menu is rooted in American tradition but shaped by local ingredients, modern techniques, and our chefs’ creativity. Whether it’s a seafood entrée with a Midwestern twist or a barbecue dish that surprises with a hint of smoke and sweetness, we aim to create moments that are familiar yet fresh.

Here, the experience is just as important as the food. Settle into a cozy booth. Sip a craft cocktail. Share a meal that starts conversations and ends with clean plates. At State and Lake, we invite you to taste the best of America—without ever leaving the Loop.

Join Us at the Table

Whether you’re craving a taste of the coast or the soulful richness of the South, our rotating seasonal menu offers something inspired, comforting, and undeniably American. Come hungry. Leave satisfied. And always come back for more. Reserve your table here!