The first thing you notice when you walk into the River North spot Artis Chicago is just how sumptuous it is.
But look beyond the cool-looking upholstery and warm walls, and there’s so much more: It’s a place where everybody can be who he/she/they wants to be—and where intolerance is not tolerated.
A press release stated about Artis (or Art/Is), “With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and uplifting Chicago’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ communities, Artis will host regular community events, showcase local queer artists, and ensure a welcoming environment for all who walk through its doors.”
Truer words were never written.
With wives (and mothers) Brandi and Brittany Artis, this restaurant is Black-, Brown-, queer- and women-owned. The very ambitious Brandi—who’s Puerto Rican and Lebanese—hails from Kansas City and has competed on Food Network’s The Great Truck Race (and has several concepts she’d like to open in the future, even while their children have their own lemonade company); Brittany, a Chicago native who happens to be Black, is more laid-back and soft-spoken, but is there every step of the way with her wife. There is definitely a yin-yang vibe with the couple.
Brandi’s culinary background is impressive, having studied culinary arts/hospitality management in college as well as the composition of drinks at The International School of Professional Bartending. She later started Simply Delicious Bartending and Catering in Chicago. “We had two restaurants in St. Louis, and we closed one in January,” Brandi said. “But when one door closes, another opens—and we got to open this one, and it’s a much better door to be opening.
As for Artis being upfront about representing BIPOC and queer communities, Brandi explained why that’s important: “I am tired of going into spaces where they don’t necessarily want me there sometimes. I wanted to create a space so our community could come in and feel welcome. You can stop by a table and say hi to a friend—and no one’s asking to take a seat or no one’s looking at you like you’re crazy. If you want to come here after working a shift in drag, you’re more than welcome. I want us to have a place to have community, and to be amongst each other. I want people to have a sense of belonging.”
Brittany added, “It is who I am, quite simply. I love a space where I can be me, wholly—that’s what it’s about. You need to be in a space where all of your intersections can collide and combine—and be celebrated.”
“We actually left Missouri because of the [LGBTQ+-related] laws that were changing there, so we moved back to Chicago in July 2023,” Brandi said. “We wanted to make sure we were in a state that celebrated us. I can walk down a street and not worry about hearing hate language. Yes, hate is everywhere, but there’s a higher chance of hearing something [derogatory] when you’re in a red city, state and community. One of my restaurants in St. Louis was egged for a week straight when a convention came to town; my staff tried to keep it from me. Now, I don’t have to move in silence.”
And the couples’ surname naturally lends itself to the phrase “Art is”—which Brittany said holds special significance: “Of course, it’s our last name. But when it comes to how Brandi [who’s also the executive chef] puts together her flavor profiles and incorporates her creativity—it’s the art that you eat. She gives you art on a plate; that’s her goal. She wants you to have perfect bites.”
Currently, Artis has the “La Chicago Bonita” menu, which features some amazing options, such as delightful poblano flautas; ceviche; a chips-and-salsa flight; hamburguesa (hamburger with pepper jack cheese, grilled jalapeño, grilled onion, house mayo and chipotle honey); elote ribs that have to be tried to be believed; French fries (that are absolutely wonderful with the aforementioned mayo and honey); and churros, among other items. However, Artis (in which many things are made in house, including sauces and seasonings) is switching to a more Creole-focused menu this week—although there’s no doubt that patrons are hoping that some of the Mexican-style dish list will carry over to the new listing.
As for libations, Artis has “whistle wetters” (such as sweet tea, lemonade, sodas and mango passion tea) and what are lovingly called “mockcocks”—mocktails that pay tribute to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, such as the Marsha P. Johnson (strawberry puree, lime and Seedlip Grove 42) and Livin’ La Vida Loca (with mango, lime, mint, soda and Seedlip Garden 108.) Conveniently, since this is a BYOB establishment, the menu advises what spirits you can bring to add to the non-alcoholic concoctions.
As with most restaurants, menu items are expected to change. However, if Artis’ owners have their way, two things will always remain the same: Guests will dine fabulously—and safely.