Passover dinner prep isn’t for the faint of heart. The unleavened feast commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in ancient Egypt—which in modern times translates to a feast without yeast. Chicago offers traditional and non-traditional ways to celebrate the food-centered holiday.
Locations in Lincoln Park and South Loop
Eleven City Diner likes to “fill in for the holidays” with its Passover dinner offering. Dine in or out, order a full meal a la carte or get a hamburger with fries. Any option works, proprietor Brad Rubin says, as long as you “enjoy the company of your family.” Patrons can find add-ons such as matzo ball soup, chopped liver, eggs, brisket and potatoes. A la carte options are available for carryout.
Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak& Stone Crab
60 E. Grand Ave.; (312) 379-5637
You might not think Passover when you think of this venerable seafood restaurant. But Passover at Joe’s has been a tradition for years. On April 22 and 23, enjoy a seafood Passover feast that would have brought Pharaoh to his knees faster than the frogs. Just imagine Joe’s famous vegetarian chopped liver, a choice of chicken, brisket or halibut with potato pancakes and ginger carrots. Dessert, always a Passover conundrum, is chocolate macaroon pie. $45.95 per person.
Locations in Bucktown, Gold Coast and Old Town
For those who don’t want to trek out, Goddess and Grocer will prepare a Passover meal for you to carry in to your starving brood. It offers the traditional (Charoset), the creative (a meat matzo lasagna), and the artisanal (horseradish and beet puree) to make a mythical meal.