We’re Making Dining Indoors Safer

As the temperatures drop and dining moves indoors, our top priority remains providing a safe, clean, and healthy experience.
That is why we are excited to implement technology developed by AIRPHX (pronounced “air-fix”) into all of our restaurants nationwide by mid November. After extensive research and on the advice of experts, we've concluded that this is the best system for us.

Here’s how it works

AIRPHX features “cold plasma” chambers intended to kill harmful airborne and surface organisms throughout the day. Used in hospitals, healthcare facilities, Olympic training centers, universities, police and fire stations, and casinos, it eliminates 90-98% of influenza, coronavirus, norovirus, hepatitis, salmonella, listeria, e.coli, and over 30 common bacteria and viruses both in the air and on other surfaces.

This is just one more important step that we are taking to continue improving health and safety measures in our restaurants, and we want to thank you for your continued confidence in us.

To our valued guests,

Thank you to all who have been dining with us and plan on dining with us in the future. We are making two changes to our health and safety procedures to continue to protect both our guests and employees. These new protocols are intended to provide an additional layer of protection and greater peace of mind to everyone whom we welcome through our doors.

Consistent with the CDC’s recognition of temperature screening as an optional strategy to help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will be temperature checking all dine-in guests at our full-service restaurants.
1. Upon arrival, all guests will have their temperature taken with an infra-red, no contact thermometer.
2. If a guest’s temperature is over (>) 100°F, the guest will not be permitted to enter but will be offered alternative accommodations, such as an order to go, or a reservation for another time.
3. Guests who wish to may wait 15 minutes outside the restaurant for a second temperature check but will not be offered a third temperature check.
The City of Chicago and Cook County have issued emergency travel orders directing travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of leaving the identified state. In support of these efforts, we will be asking all dine-in guests at our Chicago and Cook County restaurants whether they have traveled to any of the locations that are on the current travel restriction list within the prior 14 days.
1. If you confirm that you should be quarantined as a result of the travel restrictions, you will not be permitted to enter but we are happy to offer alternative accommodations, such as an order to go, or a reservation for another time.
2. In the event travel restrictions are issued in other locations where we do business, we will do the same.

As a reminder, you must wear a face mask when entering, exiting, and moving around the restaurant, removing your mask while you are seated. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, we kindly request that you join us another day when you are feeling better.

Thank you for your continued support and for doing your part to keep everyone in our restaurants safe and healthy.

Download the full Lettuce Entertain You Health and Safety Guide

Posted on June, 4 2020.

We haven’t said a lot these past few days. We stand unequivocally with Black Americans and the tens of thousands of people of conscience demanding that we live up to our values as a nation. But it is the voices of those who have suffered the injuries of systemic racism that must be heard right now. We are listening intently. As we face the indisputable truth that we can do better, we reflect on how we can best drive meaningful change within our own organization and communities.

We are starting with a thorough review of our corporate giving strategies to ensure that we are focused on efforts to eliminate social injustice and improve lives in Black communities and communities of People of Color. We are making an immediate contribution to the NAACP LDF. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.

We know that actions speak louder than words and that we have a lot of work to do. It's a start. We pledge to move with deliberate speed and look forward to reporting back to you on our efforts.

R.J. Melman
President

In The Restaurants

Swipe Right on These Restaurants for a Perfect First Date

Jan 26, 2020

Let’s face it, first dates are awkward. But where you choose to go can make the difference between a great date or one that you’d rather forget. Here are some of our favorite first-date ideas at our restaurants, from speedy sushi to Monday Night cabaret.

Sushi-San

garnishing a piece of sushi - first date restaurants

Sushi-San recently launched a 45-minute/$45 omakase experience where talented sushi chefs create and serve 10 courses right in front of you. This is the perfect, low commitment way to get to know each other over pristine fish flown in from Tokyo daily. It’s kinda like speed dating, but with sushi! If your date is a dud, leave after the last course and you are out in less than an hour. If it’s a match, ask your server if you can move to a table to continue over an ice-cold Asahi or an order of Sushi-San’s fluffy Japanese Breakfast Pancakes with matcha butter.

Make a reservation for Sushi-San’s 45-minute omakase

Click here to learn more about Sushi-San’s 45-minute omakase

The Bamboo Room

The Bamboo Room bar for a First Date

The intimate bar (with low, mood-setting lighting) is a great spot to bond over a delicious tiki cocktail. Book a 90-minute guided tasting at The Bamboo Room and let the knowledgeable bartenders guide you through the world of high-end rums, complete with personalized crafted cocktails. This interactive experience (with a bartender buffer) is a sure way to keep the conversation – and drinks – flowing.

Make a reservation at The Bamboo Room

Here’s a look at a few of our favorite cocktails from The Bamboo Room’s new menu

Petterino’s

Petterino's Monday Night Live for a first date

If you and your date prefer show tunes to sushi, check out Petterino’s “Monday Night Live.” Starting at 7:30 PM each Monday, this weekly impromptu musical showcase has dazzled for more than a decade with established and aspiring musical theater stars from Chicago’s stages to Broadway, cabaret artists, jazz, opera and more. Enjoy a drink and a bite before the curtain goes up and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show (and the fact that you don’t have to continue to make small talk!)

Make a reservation at Petterino’s

Learn more about Petterino’s Monday Night Live here

Bar Ramone

Bar Ramone Tapas Bar

When you don’t know if you are doing just drinks or dinner too, stop by Bar Ramone for their complimentary, unlimited tapas bar during happy hour from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily. No need to make decisions on what to order (except for which $7 wine by-the-glass you want), just grab a plate and fill it with whatever strikes your fancy. If the two of you are vibing, impress your date with your incredible porron skills and a couple more Spanish small plates. At least no one can say you’re boring!

Make a reservation at Bar Ramone

Learn more about the Spanish-style porron and how to use it

Tokio Asian Fusion

For a stellar first date in the Chicago suburbs, check out Tokio Asian Fusion in Schaumburg. Arrive between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM and enjoy half-priced drink and food specials including potstickers, various maki rolls and spicy togarashi tots with Sriracha ketchup. If things are going well, stick around and share an order of Pork Belly Steam Buns or the signature Japanese Hot Rock Appetizer and take turns grilling slices of filet mignon or ahi tuna right at your table.

Make a reservation at Tokio Asian Fusion

Here’s a guide to date night at Tokio Asian Fusion from our friend, photographer Kailley Lindman

Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

We know you’ll fall in love with the revamped Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Monica, Hollywood, North Bethesda and Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Grab a seat at the bar for a glass (or porron) paired with artisan pizzas, pastas and antipasti. Even if you don’t find your new favorite person, you’ll be sure to find your new favorite Italian wine!

Make a reservation at Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Santa Monica

Make a reservation at Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Hollywood

Make a reservation at Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – North Bethesda

Make a reservation at Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Chicago

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Joe's Seafood Oysters

Impress your date with a meal at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Chicago, Las Vegas and Washington D.C. Rub elbows with the city’s power players over plates of stone crab claws and fresh oysters in the bar, or opt for dinner in the dining room and nosh on bone-in filet mignon or Dover sole with brown butter. Either way, make sure to add a slice of Joe’s signature pies for dessert.

Make a reservation at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Washington D.C.

Make a reservation at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Chicago

Make a reservation at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Las Vegas

El Segundo Sol

El Segundo Sol Date Night Margarita

For prime patio seating and people-watching, head to El Segundo Sol on the Las Vegas Strip. During their daily Loco Hour, enjoy $4 draft beers and $5.50 regular or frozen margaritas alongside $3 tacos and $5 nachos. And if things don’t work out with this date, it’s ok. You’re in Vegas!

Make a reservation at El Segundo Sol

Our guide to where to happy hour in Las Vegas

For more date-night inspiration, check out these dishes and drinks perfect for sharing.