Selva, Fulton Market’s newest bar sits perched atop the Emily Hotel. Serving up endlessly dazzling drinks, a laid-back atmosphere opened today, June 10. Channeling the energy of Mexico at night, Selva presents a rotating menu filled with the country’s best bites and sips.
The name, which translates to ‘jungle’ in Spanish, looks out over the city of Chicago from a beautiful rooftop perch. The 2,800 square-foot indoor space is sleek and filled with modern marble, leather, and metal decor, making it more in line with a stylish getaway retreat than an actual tropical local.
The big draw has to be a 1,600 square-foot patio, which is connected to the main dining room. offering gorgeous views of downtown. Another downstairs space, which is said to reflect the energy of Mexico by day, is currently in the works, and hoping to open in July.
Billy Caruso (of Rye Deli + Drink), serves as the restaurant’s senior director of food and beverage. As for the food, it’s all about the corn. There’s a Mexican saying, “Sin maíz, no hay país” (“there is no country without corn”) which plays a big part in the menu’s offerings. Chef Matt Danko (who was in charge of the now closed Grace) uses corn to enhance the taste and texture of each hand crafted tortilla, which serves as the base for a few of their dishes.
The menu ranges from a tuna tostada, to duck carnitas, buffalo chicken, and meatless vegan take on tinga. Plus, they get their corn from socially conscious vendors like Masienda, a collective that partners with farmers.
Beverage director Cristiana DeLucca brings attention to mezcal and other Mexican spirits like tequila that work to complement the dishes or stand on their own. The drink menu is al about varying flavors of lime, Coca Cola, or smoky mezcal. There’s also an extensive beer and wine list.
Selva is open from 4 PM to midnight every Wednesday through Sunday. Book your reservation here.
Address: 311 N. Morgan Street. Chicago, IL 60607
[Featured photo from Selva Chicago / Neil John Burger]