Restoration Hardware Chicago: A Landmark for Luxury, Design, and Dining
Discover Chicago’s premier destination blending elevated home design, historic architecture, and a grand dining experience within the iconic Three Arts Club.
Restoration Hardware Chicago: Where History Meets Modern Luxury
Step inside the Gold Coast’s architectural jewel and explore Restoration Hardware (RH) Chicago—a place where design excellence, striking history, and hospitality converge. Set within the iconic Three Arts Club, RH Chicago blurs the lines between a shopping destination, a city landmark, and a culinary hotspot. Visitors are greeted by awe-inspiring spaces that pay homage to the past while reimagining the future of retail, making every visit a feast for the senses.
The Setting: The Historic Three Arts Club Reimagined
RH Chicago is housed in the magnificent Three Arts Club, originally built in 1914 as a residence and cultural center for women in the arts. This landmark is recognized by the City of Chicago and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its transformation preserved remarkable architectural features—brick masonry, terra cotta ornamentation, arched windows—while introducing a stunning modern intervention: a soaring courtyard crowned with an all-glass, fixed skylight, blending past and present in dramatic fashion .
- Architectural Awards: Winner of the 2017 ULI Vision Award for Transformational Retail and the 2016 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence .
- Courtyard Skylight: 43’4” square glass canopy, historic styling with modern efficiency, bathed in natural light year-round .
The Galleries: Six Floors of Inspired Living
RH Chicago unfolds across six meticulously curated floors, each showcasing immersive room vignettes and galleries filled with the brand’s latest collections. From the moment guests enter, they are surrounded by inspiring examples of how furnishings, lighting, decor, and art can transform a home. Each level is attended by knowledgeable associates and interior design experts, ready to offer personalized advice or full home consultations .
Key Features Across the Galleries:
- Furniture Displays: Contemporary to classic styles for living rooms, bedrooms, dining, and outdoor spaces.
- Accessories & Decor: Thoughtfully chosen lighting, linens, rugs, and art objects accent every setting.
- Children’s Furnishings: A dedicated gallery for playful, design-forward spaces for kids.
- Outdoor Gallery: The rooftop is a showcase for RH’s acclaimed outdoor collections, offering sweeping views of the city .
Each floor is arranged with the panache of a top-tier designer showcase, inspiring guests to reimagine their own interiors—so much so that some visitors are tempted to overhaul their own homes entirely after seeing the displays .
The Culinary Centerpiece: The Three Arts Club Café
Centrally located on the ground floor atrium is the crown jewel of RH Chicago—the Three Arts Club Café. Operated by renowned restaurateurs, the café invites guests into a lush, sunlit space with a grand fountain, greenery, and plush banquettes, all beneath the dramatic skylight. It’s a beloved destination not just for design aficionados, but also for locals and tourists seeking a memorable meal or relaxing respite .
| Dining Options | Specialties | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Fresh pastries, classic egg dishes | Morning light, tranquil |
| Lunch | Lobster roll (highly recommended), salads, American classics | Bustling yet relaxed, fountain centerpiece |
| Brunch & Dinner | Seasonal entrees, vegetarian and vegan options, artisanal beverages | Romantic evenings under the glass canopy |
Visitors praise both the menu and the distinctive ambiance, with many calling the lobster roll a “must have.” The attentive service and the unique opportunity to dine amidst grandeur and design inspiration set this spot apart from conventional restaurants .
Design & Inspiration: More Than a Furniture Store
RH Chicago positions itself as an immersive experience rather than a typical shopping trip. Design enthusiasts are encouraged to:
- Stroll through showroom vignettes for fresh decor ideas, even if not planning to buy.
- Consult with design professionals stationed on every floor to jumpstart or refine home projects.
- Admire the elegant interplay between historical architecture and contemporary luxury.
Many visitors find themselves inspired to experiment with new layouts, color palettes, or statement pieces, often returning for future design projects or just to revisit the uniquely inviting atmosphere .
Location, Hours, and Experience
RH Chicago is centrally located in the Glittering Gold Coast at:
- Address: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Reservations for the café are highly recommended, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons. There is convenient parking and easy access for downtown visitors .
The RH Outlet Alternative: Luxury at Lower Prices
For those who love the RH aesthetic but are seeking more budget-friendly options, the brand operates a network of RH Outlets. The nearest outlet to Chicago is located in Northbrook (Willow Festival), about 30,000 square feet of space offering past collections, floor models, and overstock items at significantly reduced prices—often more than 50% off the original .
- Address: 1072 Willow Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
- Hours: 10 AM–7 PM (Monday–Saturday), 11 AM–6 PM (Sunday)
- Inventory: Regularly updated on Wednesdays and Fridays; best to visit on Thursday or Friday for newest arrivals
- Selection: High-quality furniture, accessories, and more, though still in the higher-end price range compared to mass-market furniture stores
This outlet serves as a smart destination for design seekers looking to capture the RH look for less, while retaining the brand’s hallmark quality and craftsmanship .
What Sets RH Chicago Apart?
RH Chicago stands out among furniture stores and city attractions for these reasons:
- Immersive Retail: It is simultaneously an art gallery, showroom, and gathering space.
- Culinary Experience: The in-house café elevates the visit beyond simple shopping or browsing.
- Architectural Marvel: A landmark building transformed by award-winning preservation and innovative design.
- Hospitality: Welcoming, knowledgeable staff enhance each visit, with professional design help readily available.
Insider Tips for Visiting RH Chicago
- Don’t miss ascending to the rooftop for city views and outdoor furniture inspiration.
- Arrive early for the best seating at the café, or make a reservation, especially on weekends.
- Bring design questions—staff are eager and qualified to help with both small-scale and whole-home projects.
- Even non-shoppers find the experience worthwhile for the architecture and ambiance alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is unique about RH Chicago’s location?
A: RH Chicago is set within the historic Three Arts Club, a 1914 landmark, featuring a central glass courtyard and preserved classical details.
Q: Is the Three Arts Club Café open to the public?
A: Yes, anyone can dine at the café—reservations are recommended for peak times or groups.
Q: Do I need to be a customer to browse the galleries?
A: No purchase is necessary; guests are welcome to explore all floors and take inspiration from the design installations even if not shopping.
Q: What are the food highlights at the café?
A: The lobster roll is especially popular, alongside a menu of American classics and elegant sides, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Q: Where is the nearest RH Outlet for discounted items?
A: The RH Outlet in Northbrook (1072 Willow Rd) is the closest to Chicago and features large selections at significant discounts, with restocks weekly.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are seeking the latest in luxury furniture, a feast for the eyes and palate, or a moment of beauty in a historic space, Restoration Hardware Chicago is unmatched. From architectural splendor to culinary artistry, this destination sets a new standard for lifestyle experiences in the Windy City.
