
If you’ve walked past 700 N Clark, you might have noticed an empty storefront where Etta in River North used to be before it closed early last year. If you’re like many others, you’ve been hoping for a new establishment to take its place—and that day has finally arrived.
Street Guys Hospitality is set to add a new restaurant Chicago’s dining scene with the opening of Ambar in River North in Spring 2025. Ambar will offer a fresh interpretation of Balkan cuisine in the city’s most beloved neighborhood.
You may not be aware that Chicago has one of the largest Balkan populations in the United States—which is why Ambar is ideal for those familiar and unfamiliar with Balkan cuisine. Their menu is set to highlight diverse flavors, techniques, and ingredients found throughout the Balkan Peninsula—combining timeless recipes with modern twists.
Through its innovative “Dining Without Limits” experience, the award-winning dining group invites guests to explore over 30 signature dishes for one fixed price, allowing customers to enjoy an unlimited tasting menu. The menu will showcase regional specialties such as slow-cooked dishes from Northern Serbia, grilled meats from Southern Serbia, and fresh seafood from Montenegro and Croatia.
Ivan Iričanin, CEO and Founder of Street Guys Hospitality, said:
We’re thrilled to celebrate the spirit of the entire Balkan region in Chicago. Our hospitality is a welcome of warmth and genuine connection. We can’t wait to welcome our community and allow guests the chance to explore the flavors and traditions of our home countries.
Ambar Chicago will mark Ambar’s first location outside of Washington, D.C., where Street Guys Hospitality has built a successful presence with three additional Ambar restaurants, including the original on Capitol Hill, which opened in January 2013, Ambar Clarendon in nearby Arlington, Virginia, and Amber Shaw in the D.C. area.