The Chicago Traveler

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

by Matt B on August 15th, 2007

You can find the sights, sounds, and flavors of Morocco and the Middle East without ever leaving Chicago. Alhambra Palace Restaurant opened recently in the West Loop, and the place is massive. There is nothing subtle about this 1,000-seat restaurant-lounge. Every inch of this 24,000-square-foot space is covered with woven fabric, pressed tin, or tile mosaics. It’s safe to say there is no other place in Chicago like it.

Alhambra’s pride and joy is the main room where food and live entertainment can be enjoyed. There’s balcony seating available as well, but if you’re looking to party more privately, you can check out the two skyboxes overlooking the stage. The bar area serves up specialty drinks, flavored hookahs, and Moroccan appetizers. For a more intimate experience, you can nosh on baba ghanoush in the formal dining room. And there’s even a banquet hall that can seat up to 400 people.

All of the decorations you see in the restaurant were imported from around the world, giving the restaurant a global flare. This palatial eatery is actually modeled after the real Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain and is decked out with solid marble archways, tile mosaic from floor to ceiling, and more chandeliers than you can count. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were in one of the themed restaurants and casinos in Las Vegas. Yes, it’s that over-the-top. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but a little forewarning is in need.

The menu with a Moroccan cuisine with a French twist was created by award-winning executive chef Eric Aubriot. All the usual Middle Eastern delights can be found here, like hummus, falafel, dolmehs, tabouli, and fattoush salad. The kabobs are some of the best in town, served with the house specialty Alhambra rice, which is flavored with orange peels and pistachios. Other entrees include cumin crusted salmon, vegetable cous cous, Moroccan spiced lamb tangine, and fresh lobster ravioli. And to go with your meal, the restaurant offers Alhambra beer and Alhambra wine. The alcohols aren’t made by the restaurant; they just coincidentally share the same name. However, you may find yourself testing your patience with the service. A restaurant of this size requires a few more wait staff than the new establishment seems to have.

With a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, you can expect to see a variety of live shows. And a lot of belly-dancing. The music and performances are wonderful and entertaining, but a bit loud for those seeking an intimate meal. Again, if you want to focus on the food (and on your guest) more than the surroundings, opt for the dining room.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) swanksalot, monsieur_paradis

Alhambra Palace Restaurant ($$$): 1240 W Randolph St; 312-666-9555
Lunch
Mon - Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner
Mon - Fri: 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 5:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Valet parking
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, X20 or Green/Pink Line train (Ashland)
http://www.alhambrapalacerestaurant.com/

Related Stories

Tap Project
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Chicago Celebrates Halloween
Perfect Popcorn
La Pasadita

POSTED IN: Restaurants