There’s a reason summer is every chef’s favorite season. This time of year brings an abundance of fresh ingredients bursting with flavor. When produce is harvested at its peak, it doesn’t need much to shine, allowing simple, seasonal ingredients to take center stage.

At State and Lake Chicago Tavern, we believe great meals begin with great ingredients. By embracing the best of summer’s harvest, our culinary team creates dishes and cocktails that celebrate the season’s freshest flavors. Here’s a closer look at what makes summer produce so special and how it finds its way from the field to your table.

Fresh Starts at the Source

Behind every great summer dish is a commitment to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Many chefs rely on local farms and trusted produce suppliers to bring in fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the peak of their season. By working with regional growers whenever possible, restaurants can enjoy ingredients that spend less time in transit and more time developing the fresh flavors and vibrant colors that define summer cuisine.

Why Summer Produce Tastes Better

Fruits and vegetables harvested at their peak are naturally sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful than those grown or shipped out of season. Warm, sunny days allow ingredients like tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, berries, and zucchini to fully ripen, developing vibrant colors and rich, balanced flavors.

When the produce is this fresh, it doesn’t take much to make it shine. A ripe tomato can transform a salad, fresh herbs add brightness to any dish, and seasonal berries bring natural sweetness to desserts and cocktails. By letting these ingredients take center stage, chefs can create dishes that celebrate the flavors of summer in every bite. At State and Lake Chicago Tavern, these seasonal ingredients inspire dishes that are simple, fresh, and full of the flavors that make summer dining so memorable.

Fresh Ingredients, Better Flavor

Sometimes it’s the smallest ingredients that make the biggest impact. Fresh herbs from our garden like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and mint add color, aroma, and bright, fresh flavors that elevate a dish without overpowering it. During the summer months, these herbs are at their peak, making them the perfect finishing touch for everything from salads and entrées to handcrafted cocktails.

Our chefs often use fresh garden herbs to complement the natural flavors of seasonal produce rather than mask them. A sprinkle of basil over vine-ripened tomatoes, a garnish of parsley on grilled vegetables, or a sprig of mint in a refreshing summer cocktail can transform simple ingredients into something memorable. By embracing these seasonal finishes, every plate captures the fresh, vibrant flavors that make summer dining so special.

Summer in a Glass: Seasonal Cocktails

Summer’s freshest ingredients aren’t just reserved for the kitchen. They’re just as important behind the bar. Bright citrus, ripe fruit, and refreshing flavors come together to create cocktails that perfectly complement the season, offering a light and flavorful way to toast warm summer evenings.

At State and Lake Chicago Tavern, our seasonal cocktails celebrate the best of summer. The State of Cosmo puts a refreshing twist on a classic with vodka, white cranberry, lime, triple sec, and simple syrup for a crisp, citrus-forward sip. Looking for something a little bolder? The Peach on the Platform blends tequila, peach purée, lime, lemon, agave, Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, Hellfire bitters, and a Tajín rim for a sweet-and-spicy cocktail that’s bursting with summer flavor. Whether you prefer something bright and refreshing or bold with a kick, our seasonal cocktails are the perfect way to raise a glass to summer.

Experience the Season at State and Lake

Summer’s best flavors are only here for a short time, making it the perfect season to enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes and handcrafted cocktails. From peak-season produce and vibrant herbs to refreshing cocktails inspired by summer’s harvest, every ingredient plays a role in creating a memorable dining experience.

Join us at State and Lake Chicago Tavern to discover the flavors of the season. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, dinner, or happy hour, our seasonal menu offers a delicious way to celebrate everything summer has to offer before the harvest fades.