Streeterville Is About to Become the World's Most Magical Dining Destination — Literally

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Streeterville · April 17, 2026

Get ready for something truly spellbinding, Streeterville. One of the most buzzed-about restaurant openings in the country is landing right in our neighborhood this spring: The Hand and The Eye, a sweeping, esoteric-inspired dining experience set to open on the corner of East Ontario Street. This is no ordinary restaurant — the $50 million concept is being called an ambitious bid to become "the world's venue for magic overall," according to The Infatuation's food critic Nick Allen. With 37 magic rooms and an immersive tour focused on close-up magic woven throughout the dining experience, The Hand and The Eye is poised to make Streeterville a must-visit destination unlike anything Chicago has ever seen before. Guests are even encouraged to dress the part — the venue maintains a dress code banning casual wear, signaling just how seriously this experience takes its retro-luxe ambiance.

And if that weren't enough sweetness for Streeterville, the neighborhood also recently welcomed The Cookie Bar — a beloved concept from Lettuce Entertain You's award-winning Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez, winner of Netflix's School of Chocolate. Known for nostalgic, housemade cookies and indulgent treats, The Cookie Bar has been a fan-favorite corner of the Summer House brand for over a decade, and its arrival adds yet another delightful reason to stroll our streets.

Between world-class magic, incredible desserts, and a development scene that keeps delivering, Streeterville's spring is shaping up to be one for the books. Have you already signed up for updates on The Hand and The Eye? Drop your excitement — or your best magic pun — in the Socialhood comments below!

Sources:
1. https://www.islands.com/2144803/chicago-most-highly-anticipated-local-restaurants-opening-2026/
2. https://www.modernluxury.com/new-best-restaurants-in-chicago/