Chicago’s dining landscape transformed with the arrival of Nic + Junior’s, an inventive new dining destination from James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist Chef Junior Borges and chef and restaurateur Nic Yanes. The venue creates a seamless dual-concept experience guided by the motto “Two Souls. One Vision.” Reflecting the chefs’ diverse global influences – including their Brazilian and Italian backgrounds – the restaurant allows diners the opportunity to enjoy a casual-luxury bar or an elevated chef’s tasting menu.
Nic + Junior’s is situated in the River North neighborhood at 405 N Wabash Avenue, alongside scenic Michigan Avenue and accessible via a pedestrian walkway running parallel with the city’s iconic Chicago River.
In his first foray into chef-ownership, Nic + Junior’s celebrates Borges’s culinary expertise with à la carte offerings like tagliatelle with pork ragu, chili and marjoram at the bar, alongside refined dining room creations such as Dadinho (tapioca fritter) with Iberico Lardo and aged balsamic, and A5 Wagyu Picanha with braised hearts of palm and black garlic bordelaise. Borges’ Brazilian roots shine throughout an inventive multi-course tasting menu, setting the stage for a complementary beverage program crafted by hospitality leader Travis Tober. Travis Tober has over 25 years of experience shaping national beverage programs.
The space reflects timeless luxury and elegance thanks to Nic + Junior’s partnership with Canales & Co., who created everything from the logo and interiors to hand-illustrated custom wallpaper and ceramics crafted by their lead designer. Accordion-style windows amplify the elegance of the space with its 53-seat bar, 32-seat dining room and intimate outdoor patio. Plans are in place to expand the outdoor patio area.
Brazilian and Italian sensibilities feed into an ambiance of effortless glamor, from marble-clad countertops and bespoke martinis to the gesture of hospitality guests will experience as they sample a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Catupiry Cheese and Goiabada (Guava Jelly) ice cream cone from the chef’s pass as a final farewell before their departure.
“We wanted to create something truly special for Chicago – a place where guests can indulge in both an approachable bar atmosphere and a refined tasting menu under one roof – something fresh and new,” shared Yanes in a statement.
“Nic + Junior’s is all about blending our culinary backgrounds and delivering an unforgettable experience. It’s not fusion; it’s a celebration of who we are, brought together in a singular, unified vision,” added Borges.
Nic + Junior’s is open seven days a week: Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. Bar and dining room reservations are available on Tock.
