Sepia

19 hours ago
2 min read

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Sepia is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elevated American dishes, seasonal tasting menus, and innovative cocktails. It’s especially famous for its one-of-a-kind cheeseburger martini, which I knew I had to try.

To kick things off, I ordered Keith’s World Famous Cheeseburger Martini, a creative cocktail made with gin washed in roasted beef tallow, dry vermouth, tomato water, pickled ramp, and dill oil. The drink was incredibly unique, with a strong dill-forward flavor. While I didn’t fully get the “cheeseburger” taste, others at the table did, making it a fun and conversation-worthy start to the evening.

Cheeseburger martini cocktail at Sepia Chicago

Before the courses began, we were served an amuse bouche: a crispy croquette topped with prosciutto and filled with cheese. This bite was rich and savory, and the whole table enjoyed.

Prosciutto-topped croquette amuse bouche at Sepia

For my first course, I ordered the Smoked Beef Carpaccio, served on a crisp sourdough slice with an au jus accompaniment. This dish was easily my favorite of the night—perfectly balanced, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

The second course featured Smoked Ocean Trout in a creamy dill sauce, which was light yet packed with flavor. The dill complemented the trout perfectly, creating a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes.

For the third course, I chose the Short Rib, served with a tater tot-style potato and hollandaise sauce. This dish was deeply rich and indulgent, with a unique texture that set it apart from traditional short rib.

Short rib with potato and hollandaise at Sepia

To finish, I ordered the Sourdough Crepe Cake with huckleberry sorbet. This dessert was both creative and well-balanced. The light crepe layers paired beautifully with the tartness of the huckleberry, making for a refreshing end to the meal.

Overall, Sepia delivers a luxurious and thoughtfully curated dining experience in Chicago. From the inventive cocktails to the rich, flavor-packed dishes, every course felt intentional and elevated. While it’s definitely a splurge, it’s well worth it for a special occasion or a memorable night out.