Checker Hall

Checker Hall, the former Masonic Hall serving the Highland Park community for over one hundred years, has received a seductive refresh that fits perfectly with the creative neighborhood. Celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard incorporated the history of the building into his thoughtful design. The shape of the bar was inspired by the building's former life as a Masonic Temple, with beautiful details-- bespoke lighting and luxurious backend bar seats. The walls are covered in wallpaper, Royal Fernery, designed by Bullard for Cole & Sons; it complements the clubby fluted wood paneling, rich color palette, and plush velvet banquettes. Towards the front of the restaurant is a space for live music that adds to the ambiance. Then, you step out to the terrace, a light-filled space filled with lush greenery and flowers for a quaint and relaxing setting.   The rotating menu is Levantine-inspired repertoire of shared plates and entrees seamlessly cultivated by Chef Gabe Kennedy’s worldly travels, which include Whipped Feta, Kingfish Crudo, Burrata with fig preserve, caramelized honey, and lemon, and French Fries with Harissa Aioli. Signature skewers: spiced chicken with gremolata, fresh herbs and chickpeas, a chili garlic maitake mushroom, King Salmon, and Flaming Cheese; a wide selection of vegetable dishes with Mediterranean flavors, Harissa, lemon, and honey; and larger plates including line-caught Black Cod, whole Branzino, show stopping Chicken Schnitzel, Steak Frites served au poivre and last but not least, the Checker Hall Burger with pasture-raised beef topped with Gruyere.