From Grace to SuSu: A Bold New MediterrAsian Steakhouse Transforms West Loop's Most Hallowed Dining Space — Plus, Ramen Has Arrived

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Loop · March 8, 2026

West Loop's dining scene just leveled up — twice. SuSu, a daring new chef-driven steakhouse, has officially opened its doors at 652 W. Randolph St., taking over the storied space once home to three-Michelin-starred Grace. The restaurant blends Lebanese, Assyrian, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors into a singular fine-dining experience, helmed by chef-partner Alexander Willis and owners Paul Alqas and Chase Meyer — the hospitality veterans behind Lincoln Park's acclaimed Medi. Signature dishes include saffron lobster dumplings with Moroccan chili bisque and grilled octopus with potato mochi, while premium wagyu cuts get dressed in inventive sauces like black tahini béarnaise. The 110-seat space — featuring a tucked-away 12-seat private dining room — shifts into a vibrant late-night Mediterranean destination on Saturdays, making it a full-evening destination for neighbors and visitors alike.

And just down the block, a celebrated international name has made its Chicago debut. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has opened a 43-seat outpost at 160 N. Halsted St. — its first Chicago location — serving scratch-made, slow-simmered tonkotsu broths alongside karaage fried chicken, gyoza, and takoyaki. The West Loop space pairs exposed brick walls with warm wood tones, blending modern Japanese minimalism with the neighborhood's signature industrial edge.

With two marquee openings in the same week, West Loop is proving once again why it's Chicago's most exciting dining destination. Have you visited SuSu or Hokkaido Ramen Santouka yet? Share your first impressions with the community right here on Socialhood!

Sources:
1. https://www.modernluxury.com/susu-opening-west-loop-chicago/
2. https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/new-chicago-restaurant-openings
3. https://www.modernluxury.com/new-best-restaurants-in-chicago/