WELCOME!
In 2017, we set out to see how much food we could grow on a second-floor Chicago three-flat balcony. In 105 square feet, we crammed in seating for 4, and 27 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
A canopy of 60 brass bells, collected from tech sales offices, temples, and a whole lot of friends hung overhead - providing the inspiration for the "Chicago Bell Garden" name.
A collection of silk sari remnants served as tablecloths, and guests signed them with a Sharpie, tying them around the garden to preserve memories of special events, including countless "Tapas Tuesdays."
What started on this humble balcony expanded to a rooftop in 2023 - when we opened the "Garden In The Sky" on a 20X25 foot space. Seating capacity tripled, and our food garden planting space felt unlimited.
A pollinator garden was added for our littlest helpers, and a succulent garden was planted around the perimiter to keep the larger helpers in and unwanted pests out.
Reservations at the Bell Garden are currently by invitation only - but we do hope you'll stay in touch with us on social media.
The Menu
Cocktails
Bee's Knees
Bell Garden-grown lavender, lemon, honey and whiskey come together in our favorite signature cocktail of the summer.
Bachus' Bell Garden Blast
This blend of cherry, pomegranite and watermelon, with a splash of lemon is guaranteed to cut through the heat of any Chicago afternoon.
The Smarketer's Sipper
A special recipe shared by SMarketer extraordinare (and Bell Garden visitor) Andrea Brody, this is a delightful colaboration of pineapple, coconut, lime, and rum.
The Neighbor's Negroni
We're not naming names, but some people are happiest when they're bitter. And some love bitter drinks. The bitter-er, the better. For them, we present the Neighbor's Negroni. Guranteed to turn your face to a sourpuss.
That's no joke!
You can see them (and a fancy dancer pin) here!
As an organic garden, there's always something exciting in season, and our menu changes daily to reflect what's fresh.
Most visits involve a series of chef's choice small plates - though we can accommodate most special requests. Please let us know if you have allergies or preferences (gluten free, vegan, lactose intolerant, etc.).
Carrying both food safety and bartending licenses, we are also pleased to offer a full-service bar, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Here are some of our regular favorites.
read all
about our
"Tapas Tuesday"
tradition.
Small Plates
Shishito Peppers
There's an old expression about these spanish peppers - "some are hot, most are not." They're always delicious when they're fresh picked from the garden, though!
Watermelon Salad
A crisp cube of watermelon, stuffed with freshly picked cucumber, onion, parsley and a sprinkling of tajin is just the way to start your meal.
Personal Eggplant Parm
Your own mini-casserole of garden-fresh eggplant, basil, and tomato, grilled especially for you.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
It may not be your home, but we still bring the comfort food. A wedge of fresh grilled cheese with a tomato soup sipper is mmm-mmmmm good.
Desserts
Strawberry Angel Cake
The Garden in the Sky may not quite be as high as heaven, but there's no reason we can't grill up an angel food cake! Topped with fresh-picked strawberries, we think it's divine.
Skillet Cookie
Who doesn't love a piping hot chocolate chip cookie? None of it grown on our deck, but we serve it anyway!
Peach Crumble
Fresh grilled peaches, local honey, and citrus thyme combine to make a sugar-free, vegan delight!
