Time Out Market Chicago welcomes locals and visitors alike for a Time Out Tastecation starting Wednesday, August 26. Cocktail in hand, guests can soak in the summer sunshine on the Time Out Market first floor patio or rooftop bar while savoring dishes from some of Chicago’s celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. In the first phase of reopening, eight concepts and chefs are returning including Arami, Chef Bill Kim, Chef Brian Fisher, Dos Urban Cantina, Duck Inn Dogs, Lost Larson, Mini Mott and Pretty Cool Ice Cream.

“Reopening Time Out Market Chicago took the utmost care and collaboration,” says Time Out Market CEO Didier Souillat. “Working with our Market team, our chefs and restaurateurs and the City, we are reopening with an environment that is extremely spacious – 53,000 square feet, including expanded outdoor space – and exceeding safety standards without losing the fun atmosphere that makes the Time Out Market experience so special. I am grateful to the amazing teams that made this reopening possible so we can welcome back our Chicago fans and continue to be a part of a hospitality community that showcases some of  the city’s best culinary offerings in one place.”

Time Out Market Chicago paused operations in March to protect the health and safety of its employees and guests. In addition to following state and local government protocols, Time Out Market is implementing new systems and safety precautions to reopen responsibly:

Ample space and outdoor dining: Time Out Market Chicago encompasses more than 50,000 square feet, including newly-increased outdoor seating which spans 3,000 square feet with an extended first floor patio and rooftop bar.

Air circulation and filtration systems: The Market’s advanced air circulation and filtration system utilizes high technology ultraviolet light to enhance fresh air supply and clean airflow.

Plexiglass partitions: Plexiglass shields at all eatery counters and bars act as protection, as well as social distancing partitions inscribed with quotes from cultural thought leaders on each table to separate dining parties safely.

Health and safety communication vestibules: Specially created signage at the entrance offers information and sanitizing stations for customers to have a safe and enjoyable experience — sanitizing stations will be available throughout the Market.

Contactless ordering: Available on Apple and Android smartphones, the new Time Out Market app allows guests to order and pay without contact. Guests can search ‘Time Out Market’ via the App Store or Google Play to download the app for free. Through the app, guests can track their order progress through email, text and push notifications. There will also be the capability to order via mobile web through timeout.com/chimenu.

Delivery: For the first time, menu items from participating eateries will be available for delivery through DoorDash, the nation’s leading last-mile logistics platform. Search “Time Out Market” to see which restaurants are available for on-demand delivery by downloading the DoorDash app or visiting doordash.com.

Extra cleaning crew: Dedicated staff, identifiable with their yellow shirts, will continually sanitize all surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All staff will use PPE equipment.

New operating hours: New hours of operation can be found on the Time Out Chicago website.

In addition to providing a safe and entertaining cultural experience, Time Out Market Chicago showcases some of the city’s outstanding culinary talent and leading mixologists, as curated by Time Out editors. This month, the Market welcomes home top Chicago chefs and restaurateurs who helped open Time Out Market Chicago last year. To comply with physical distancing rules and to create sufficient room for guests to order, the Market is staggering its kitchen re-openings in waves with existing concepts returning first. The team looks forward to welcoming new chefs to the line-up in the coming months. The first wave of re-openings on August 26 includes eight eateries:

Arami, one of the pioneering restaurants in Chicago’s now-booming West Town neighborhood, offers traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine by Executive Chef Joseph Fontelera.

Chef Bill Kim serves unique takes on casual Asian cuisine including dishes like Edamame Dumplings, Katsu Udon Noodle Soup and a Spicy Thai Basil Leaf Bowl with Aromatic Jasmine Rice.

Chef Brian Fisher of Michelin-starred Entente offers a flavorful take on his famous fried chicken and other classic comfort dishes such as cornbread with jalapeño honey butter and a rotating mac ‘n’ cheese.

Dos Urban Cantina serves up fan-favorite dishes from the Logan Square restaurant by husband-and-wife team Brian and Jennifer Jones Enyart. The dishes here are original interpretations of Mexican staples that embrace contemporary flavors and techniques.

Duck Inn Dogs brings Chef Kevin Hickey’s signature Duck Fat Dogs, a tasty tribute to the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, to the Market. Prepared with beef and duck fat, the scrumptious hot dogs are topped with classic ingredients and served on a brioche poppy seed bun.

Lost Larson unveils a drool-worthy pastry program from sibling duo Bobby and Bree Schaffer with hand-rolled cinnamon rolls, cardamom buns, lingonberry almond cake, and more delightful confections as well as a robust coffee and tea selection.

Mini Mott offers Chef Edward Kim’s signature burger, lauded as one of the best in the country with melty American cheese, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapeños, pickles, miso butter, sautéed onions and a cloud of sweet potato frizzles.

Pretty Cool Ice Cream is a unique spin on the classic neighborhood scoop shop, centered around hand-crafted artisan ice cream on a stick from award-winning Pastry Chef Dana Salls Cree.

Time Out Market Chicago also plans to open its two full-service bars on August 26 with seasonal offerings welcoming guests at the first floor bar as well as Tony’s Rooftop Bar, named after Time Out Group’s beloved Founder who recently passed away, Tony Elliott. Carefully curated for the summer, Time Out Market Chicago’s beverage program features a variety of seasonal craft cocktails made with local spirits and a selection of local beers and wines. A welcome back Happy Hour will run each day from 4-7 p.m. with a selection of $8 signature cocktails, $6 wine and $4 beers.

As the community works hard to safely resume operations, Time Out Market Chicago and Time Out Chicago continue to support independent local restaurants and businesses through initiatives such as Time Out’s Love Local Campaign. In addition to its hyper-local coverage of the city’s restaurant scene, Time Out Chicago editors asked readers to back Comp Tab Relief Fund, a partnership between Support Staff and non-profit Pilot Light that benefits out-of-work hospitality professionals.