November Dining Events Showcase Flavors and Festivities

Thanksgiving dinner is undoubtedly a major highlight in November. However, there are many culinary events to enjoy before and after Thanksgiving. Explore new dining experiences during Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Weeks. Celebrate Sapori Trattoria’s 25th anniversary in Lincoln Park. Enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine with a collaborative dinner at Lexington Betty.

Sample the year’s first French wine at a Beaujolais Nouveau Party at Le Sud. Savor unique brews at the annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer. Indulge your taste buds at one of these ten November dining events. Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving dinner and pie guides.

Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Weeks

More than a dozen restaurants are offering discounted multi-course meals through November 15 during this annual event. Visit Big Jones for a $30 lunch featuring Creole tomato bisque, fried chicken, and beignets. Alternatively, head to Vincent to savor fried squash, filet mignon au poivre, and basque cheesecake for $60. For more details, visit andersonville.org/events/autumn-restaurant-week.

Meet and Feast with Running Back D’Andre Swift

Enjoy a menu inspired by the Bears player’s Philadelphia roots at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap. Try the hoagie dip for $13 and house-cut fries with giardiniera rub and Cooper Sharp Cheese Wiz for $9.95. Enter a raffle for an autographed jersey. MVP tickets, priced at $120, include an autograph, photo opportunity, T-shirt, and a view of Monday Night Football. Tickets range from $25 to $120 at jakemelnicks.com/happenings.

Logan Square Chef’s Dinner

The 13th annual benefit for Comfort Station includes a cocktail reception and a five-course dinner with wine pairings. Community chefs Jason Hammel, Diana Dávila, Joe Frillman, and Ethan Pikas will prepare the meal. The event is on November 10 at Lula Cafe. Tickets are $250, available at comfortstationlogansquare.org/logan-square-chefs-dinner.

Sapori Trattoria 25th Anniversary Celebration

From November 10-15, Sapori Trattoria will donate $5 from every plate of carbonara sold to Dignity Diner. On November 10, tiramisu costs $2.50. Diners can enjoy complimentary bubbly on November 13-14. Sample dishes from the restaurant’s history with wine pairings during a $150 Best of Sapori dinner on November 15. Reservations at opentable.com/r/sapori-trattoria-chicago.

Tourtière Night

Dear Margaret is serving a hearty fall meal in West Town, featuring tourtière, a French Canadian pie. Accompanying this are cider-braised turnips and maple crème brûlée. The event takes place on November 11 at Frontier. Tickets are $70 at exploretock.com/dearmargaret.

Southside & Friends

Chef Ken Polk teams up with Dominique Leach at Lexington Betty Smokehouse for a dinner celebrating Southern roots. The event is on November 12. Tickets are $140 at eventbrite.com/e/southside-friends-with-chef-ken-polk-tickets-2003465929527.

Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer

Sample over 250 beverages, including beers, ciders, meads, and perrys at this 24th annual festival. Breweries will showcase creative versions of 13 styles, such as lagers and fruit beer.

The festival runs from November 13-14 at Credit Union 1 Arena. Tickets range from $85 to $250 at fobab.com.

Lucy’s BBQ Pop-Up

Taste Texas-style barbecue with dishes like truffle chicken wings and brisket before Lucy’s BBQ opens in Highland, Indiana. The pop-up is on November 16. Tickets at fofchicago.com.

Beaujolais Nouveau Party Night

Celebrate in Roscoe Village with Beaujolais wines, French charcuterie, and cheese. Guests receive a take-home bottle. The event is on November 19; tickets are $65 at lesudchicago.com.

Gingerbread House Party

Welcome the holidays by decorating gingerbread houses, taking pictures with Santa, and enjoying cookies and cocoa. Scheduled for November 28 and 29 at Park and Field. Tickets are $10 plus $25 for a gingerbread house kit at resy.com/cities/chicago-il/venues/park-and-field.

Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.