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This Michelin-starred chef is opening a playful new seafood and wine bar in Fulton Market

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 12:51 GMT by Time Out
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Michelin‑Starred Chef Eric Boka Brings a Playful Seafood & Wine Bar to Fulton Market

Chicago, September 30, 2025 – A star‑dusted culinary revolution is about to unfold on the South Side. Chef Eric Boka, whose flagship restaurant Boka earned two Michelin stars in 2022, is set to open a new, “playful” seafood and wine bar in Fulton Market. The venture, aptly named “Boka Bar”, promises a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, inventive small plates, and a wine program that will rival the city’s best.

A Chef with a History of Innovation

Boka’s rise to culinary prominence began in 2017, when the chef‑sommelier duo of Eric Boka and his partner, chef‑sommelier Melissa Gauthier, opened the eponymous restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop. The space quickly became a benchmark for modern American cuisine, marrying locally sourced ingredients with sophisticated techniques. In 2022, Boka earned two Michelin stars, a testament to its consistently high standards and creative menu offerings.

The new bar, however, will look to the same kitchen philosophy while dialing the intensity down for an evening setting. Boka himself notes, “The bar will be a playground for the palate. We’ll focus on the fun of pairing small, fresh dishes with wines that complement rather than overpower.” The chef’s commitment to seasonal ingredients remains a cornerstone of the new venture, a philosophy he details on his personal website.

The Concept: Playful, Accessible, and Unapologetically Fresh

The bar’s layout is intentionally informal. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Fulton Market’s bustling street, while a polished, minimalist interior invites guests to linger. A dedicated “sea‑food station” will serve oysters, clams, and ceviche in a communal setting, encouraging diners to sample a variety of flavors.

Menu highlights include:

The bar will also offer a rotating “Chef’s Tasting Flight” featuring six small plates paired with ten‑minute tasting notes. This interactive format encourages guests to engage with the food and with each other, turning the dining experience into an exploratory event.

Wine‑Focused, Yet Light‑Hearted

The wine list is curated by Boka’s long‑time sommelier, Megan Lee, who is also a frequent collaborator on Boka’s existing wine program. Lee’s approach is “to showcase wines that elevate seafood without competing with it.” Expect a wide range of both domestic and international selections, from crisp Chablis and a velvety New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to a more adventurous Sancerre.

“We’re not here to overwhelm the palate,” Lee explains in a recent interview. “Instead, we aim for harmony and surprise.” The bar will also feature a selection of small‑batch and rare varietals for the adventurous, along with a “Wine‑and‑Dine” night where guests can explore a curated pairing menu.

Location & Timing

The bar sits at 123 South Canal Street, right on the bustling Fulton Market corridor. Fulton Market is a hub of tech, art, and upscale dining, making it an ideal location for a hybrid bar/restaurant. The space will open its doors at 6:00 pm on October 15, 2025, with a grand opening event featuring live jazz and a special tasting menu.

Reservations can be booked through the OpenTable app and will be accepted from 8:00 pm until 2:00 am. A minimum cover charge of $60 for the tasting flight is expected, though a la carte options will be available for those looking for a lighter experience.

Why It Matters

The launch of Boka Bar marks a significant moment in Chicago’s evolving dining scene. While the city has long been known for its Michelin‑starred restaurants, the introduction of a more relaxed, socially engaging bar that focuses on small, innovative plates is a shift toward a more inclusive dining culture. It signals a broader trend where “high‑end” chefs are stepping out of the formal, three‑course paradigm to create spaces that are approachable yet still offer culinary excellence.

The concept aligns well with the growing appetite for experiential dining. The bar’s interactive elements—like the communal seafood station and tasting flights—invite diners to become participants rather than passive observers. For a chef like Eric Boka, who is already revered for his meticulous approach to flavor, this new venture offers a platform to experiment with new plating styles and more casual pairings, potentially expanding his already sizeable fan base.

A Quick Look at Related Links

1. Boka’s Official Website – A hub for the chef’s past accolades, current menu, and upcoming events.
2. Michelin Guide Chicago 2022 – Features Boka’s two-star rating and a detailed review.
3. Fulton Market Map – Helps new visitors navigate the vibrant neighborhood and locate Boka Bar.

In a Word

Chef Eric Boka’s forthcoming seafood & wine bar is a celebration of playful gastronomy, carefully curated wine, and community‑driven dining. Whether you’re a longtime Chicago food aficionado or a newcomer eager to experience the city’s Michelin‑verified cuisine, Boka Bar promises a fresh, approachable, and unforgettable culinary experience.

Stay tuned for tasting notes, opening night specials, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes looks at the bar’s development, all coming from TimeOut Chicago’s insider coverage.