Will Beckett and Huw Gott founded Hawksmoor, a steakhouse and cocktail bar chain, in London, England, in 2006. After establishing several outlets across the United Kingdom, the duo expanded overseas and opened locations in New York City and Chicago, Illinois, the latter of which opened this past June in the city’s historic LaSalle Cable Car Powerhouse building in the River North neighborhood.
“Hawksmoor Chicago brings London’s renowned steakhouse experience to the iconic LaSalle Cable Car Powerhouse in River North,” describes Lateef Eyiowuawi, the venue’s sales and marketing manager. “Our food ethos is simple: Buy the best and let it shine. We serve all-natural, dry-aged beef; sustainable seafood; and fresh, seasonal produce from trusted farmers, ranchers, and anglers.”
The LaSalle Cable Car Powerhouse building is a 16,500-square-foot, three-story landmark on North LaSalle Drive. It opened in 1887 and served as a power plant for thousands of cable cars that brought some 100,000 workers downtown each day during the cable cars’ heyday. It then became the home of the first Michael Jordan’s Restaurant in the 1990s. Now housing Hawksmoor Chicago, the venue features a collection of private dining and event spaces that can host up to 500 attendees with a full buyout or be used individually for smaller groups.
“The variety of spaces at Hawksmoor Chicago can accommodate everything from intimate dinners and business meetings to full wedding receptions and corporate events,” adds Eyiowuawi. The Lady Bird is the smaller of two available private dining rooms, spanning 337 square feet in size for up to 16 people seated. The Big Mike Room is the larger one at 472 square feet for up to 32 people. This room’s name is both an homage to an 1887 Fat Stock Show champion Shorthorn bull born in 1919 as well as a nod to Michael Jordan, formerly of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. The Beef & Liberty room is on the second floor and ideal for larger events of up to 100 standing. Here, event planners will find an assigned service team for buyouts plus a private bar. The Beefsteak Stakes Room is the largest individual space and located on the third floor, spanning 2,405 square feet with an original gable ceiling of timber beams, simple brickwork, wood floors, and bespoke decorative lighting. The room can host up to 130 seated or 200 standing.
“As a proud B Corp-certified brand, Hawksmoor is dedicated to sustainable and ethical food practices,” says Eyiowuawi. The menu features all-natural beef from ethically reared cattle, live-fire charcoal-cooked dishes, sustainable seafood, fresh local produce, and artisanal cheeses. Event menus can be customized for seated or standing receptions, and tailored to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian options.” Audiovisual services, among other add-ons, can also be included with event bookings as needed.
