At The Clare in Chicago’s Gold Coast, dining transcends expectation. Here, culinary excellence rivals the city’s finest restaurants—delivered with the intimacy and care of a community that knows your name. From exclusive event spaces to vibrant daily dining, every venue offers experiences crafted to satisfy and surprise.
A Culinary Philosophy Beyond Senior Living
Under the masterful guidance of Executive Chef Hagop Hagopian, The Clare’s kitchens pulse with creativity and passion. Chef Hagop and his team craft innovative cuisines using ingredients of exceptional quality, sourcing from premium purveyors.
Executive Chef Hagop Hagopian said, “The Clare’s dining philosophy centers on holistic, resident-focused culinary excellence. It continues to evolve with our community, reflecting changing dietary habits, generational preferences, and culinary trends—while staying true to our commitment to from-scratch cooking, elevated experiences, and high-quality ingredients.”
This dedication manifests in partnerships with purveyors who share The Clare’s values around quality and sustainability. Long-standing relationships with suppliers like Four Star Mushrooms, Urban Microgreens, and Chef’s Local Choice allow the culinary team to source fresh, high-quality ingredients while supporting the local food ecosystem.
The Ambassador Lounge: Where Connection Happens
The Ambassador Lounge is The Clare’s social heartbeat—a beautifully appointed great room that serves as the building’s gathering place from morning through evening. It’s where residents connect before a night out and share a nightcap after enjoying the city’s cultural offerings.
Upscale yet informal, social yet intimate, The Ambassador Lounge offers expertly crafted cocktails and seasonal small plates. This is downtown living at its finest—where the energy of Chicago meets the warmth of community, where spontaneous conversations unfold over carefully prepared drinks, and where the space itself seems to know exactly what you need, when you need it.
The Abbey on 53: Peak Culinary Experience
The Abbey on 53 exists for life’s most treasured celebrations. Perched at the crown of The Clare with spectacular views overlooking Lake Michigan’s shoreline, this exclusive venue transforms special occasions into truly rare experiences.
Whether marking a milestone birthday, anniversary, or family celebration, every detail is orchestrated with the highest level of hospitality and service. The Abbey accommodates intimate gatherings with completely customized experiences crafted specifically for each occasion—from chef-curated tasting menus to personalized wine pairings that complement the panoramic cityscape.
The Abbey represents destination dining at its finest, where refined service and innovative cuisine create moments that linger long after the last course.
The Grafton: Curated. Crafted. Captivating.
The Grafton is fine dining as it should be—innovative cuisine delivered with impeccable hospitality. Our talented culinary team reimagines classic dishes with contemporary techniques and locally sourced ingredients, while Chef Hagop personally welcomes every guest.
Chef Hagopian added, “Our menus are thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of tastes and nutritional needs, with one common thread: premium ingredients and respect for traditional cooking techniques. The Grafton blends modern creativity with nostalgic fine dining, offering an upscale yet approachable menu.”
In The Grafton’s timeless atmosphere, exceptional food and extraordinary service create moments where nothing exists except the meal before you and the company around you. Here, perfectly seared steaks, fresh seafood, and hand-selected presentations demonstrate the culinary team’s commitment to excellence.
For those seeking privacy, The Grafton’s Private Dining Room offers an intimate escape for celebration. With bespoke service and custom menus, this exclusive space provides the perfect setting for business dinners and family milestones that deserve truly exceptional treatment.
The Garden Table Bistro: Bright Flavors, Fresh Spirit
The Garden Table Bistro welcomes you into a bright, eclectic atmosphere that exudes warmth. Here, fresh seasonal ingredients inspire ever-changing menus that surprise and delight—no two visits unfold quite the same way.
Chef Hagopian added, “Our menus are thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of tastes and nutritional needs, with one common thread: premium ingredients and respect for traditional cooking techniques. The Bistro provides a casual, fast-paced atmosphere with the same culinary discipline, featuring fresh pastas, seasonal produce, petite steaks, and seafood.”
One resident said, “Even though I dine in The Grafton from time to time with friends, I dine at The Bistro more often. I like the fact that it is casual and relaxing. The staff is very accommodating and flexible. The graciousness of the staff when handling the residents’ requests is great.”
Dine indoors bathed in natural light or on the landscaped terrace overlooking the city. This is where relaxed sophistication comes naturally, and where the unexpected becomes deliciously familiar. Chef Hagopian also remarked on one of the more popular dishes, “It’s hard to point to just one dish, but if I must pick one, the Salmon bowl offered in The Bistro menu is probably the dish that is favored by most of our residents.”
In-Home Dining: Convenience Meets Quality
For residents who prefer dining in the comfort of their own apartments, The Clare offers flexible in-home dining options. The same high-quality meals available in the community’s dining venues are delivered directly to your door with the same attention to quality, flavor, and presentation.
“Room service at The Clare is an extension of our culinary philosophy. We carefully consider how each dish performs outside the dining room to ensure it retains its integrity and flavor during transport. For many residents, in-home dining is a convenient option that fits their busy schedules. We design specials—like slow-cooked braises or seafood stews—that travel well and maintain the same high standards as our plated service,” said Chef Hagopian.
A Celebration Of Community
“Dining is a major activity that takes up a big part of the day. Dining with other residents, meeting new neighbors at happy hour is helpful for a single person like me. The birthday dinner program brought many of us born in same month together. It was fun to meet other residents that I haven’t got a chance to meet yet. This program started in August and has been carrying on since then. There is a sense of community in The Clare and dining programs are a major contributor to it,” said one resident.
Chicago at Your Doorstep: Expanding Culinary Horizons
The Clare’s prime location in Chicago places residents just steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences. Residents can enjoy everything from casual bistros to world-class fine dining, complementing the vibrant and varied dining options within the community. Highlights include:
- Easy access to Chicago’s diverse restaurant scene, including local favorites and iconic establishments
- Opportunities to explore different cuisines and culinary trends
- Seamless balance between community dining and city dining adventures
- Events, festivals, and pop-ups that celebrate Chicago’s rich culinary culture
Experience the Joy of Dining at The Clare
As Chef Hagopian puts it, “To truly understand our approach, you must experience it firsthand. Visit us, explore the menus, and see how we balance comfort and creativity, tradition and innovation, guided by the people we serve.”
From The Abbey on 53’s peak culinary experiences to The Parc Terrace Bistro’s bright, seasonal menus to The Grafton’s refined elegance, dining at The Clare rivals Chicago’s finest restaurants—without ever leaving home. This is culinary excellence crafted with you in mind, where every meal celebrates quality, flavor, and the joy of gathering together.
Schedule a tour today to experience downtown’s finest dining at The Clare.