Carpenter Street: A New Women-Led Restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop

Located just off the bustling Randolph Street corridor, Carpenter Street is the newest independent restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop — a thoughtful evolution of the much-loved Lola’s on Carpenter. Led by Chicago entrepreneur Nadine O’Malley and Executive Chef Jessica Zegers (Duck Duck Goat, Found Kitchen, NoodleBird), Carpenter Street is a women-led concept that blends elevated comfort food with a modern, welcoming atmosphere.

More than just a new West Loop restaurant, Carpenter Street is a story of vision and reinvention. Nadine O’Malley, known for her fashion brand NADE BAER and her background in construction and design, brings her signature attention to detail to every corner of the space. Together with Chef Zegers, she’s created a restaurant experience that celebrates craft, community, and creativity.

“Chef Jessica’s talent is truly something special,” says O’Malley. “We’ve built Carpenter Street to be a place that feels like home, with incredible food and an inviting space. It’s more than a restaurant — it’s a celebration of women in hospitality.”

What’s on the Menu at Carpenter Street

Carpenter Street’s menu offers a refined take on Chicago comfort food with globally inspired flavors. Chef Jessica Zegers, a rising star in the culinary world, draws from her love of home-style cooking to craft dishes that are both nostalgic and sophisticated. Signature items include:

• Gluten-free mac and cheese – rich, creamy, and comforting
• Mussels with house-made fennel sausage – briny, savory, and satisfying
• USDA Prime Ribeye and Butcher’s Cut Skirt Steak – served with fresh chimichurri
• Classic steak frites – a mid-century staple made modern

Inside the Space: Where Design Meets Comfort

The interior of Carpenter Street restaurant in Chicago reflects O’Malley’s unique aesthetic — timeless, structural, and inviting. With seating for 105, the dining room features exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and curated artwork in vintage gold frames. The space was reimagined by Siren Betty, the acclaimed, women-owned design studio behind some of the city’s most popular hospitality spaces, including Nine Bar, Brasero, and Bisous. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner spot or a fresh addition to your list of West Loop restaurants, Carpenter Street delivers a standout dining experience rooted in quality, community, and the creative spirit of Chicago.

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