Quay Opens in Former De La Costa Space

Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the space formerly occupied by De La Costa in mid-July. (Photo: De La Costa)

Last summer, I got word from an Ultimate Insider about a new project going into the old De La Costa space.

Now it's finally happening as Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the long-abandoned venue in July.

The restaurant will serve contemporary American cuisine, created by Executive Chef Nolan Narut (former sous chef at David Burke's Primehouse), so we're expecting a similar menu of steaks, seafood and chops.

Designers from Barker Nester Architecture and KI Design have gotten rid of the former Latin-inspired decor for a more American, water theme with sculpted white wave panels that extend the length of the space. And if you remember, De La Costa used to be the bomb spot a few years ago for those dining alfresco on the Chicago River.

Designers have made great use of that space, which is now fashioned after a Miami beach resort (bold colors, outdoor lounge furniture, and cork flooring). And there's also 2,000 feet of docking space located off the patio that will allow boaters to tie up and stop in Quay for dinner and drinks. For boaters on the go, a full catering license will allow Quay to get boats stocked with food and liquor for a fun day on the lake.