Restaurant Review: Taste a ‘Wicked’ menu at River North’s Tree House Chicago
“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…”
Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
When you enter Emerald City, aka, River North’s Tree House Chicago, 149 W. Kinzie Street, you’ll walk into an immersive world of wonder…going “Over the Rainbow” to discover a world of Wicked/Wizard of Oz-themed food, drink and decorations for the young and young at heart.
Tree House, a colorful bar and restaurant with a nature theme and pizzas out of a wood-burning brick oven, is operated by sisters Samantha and Korina Sanchez, daughters of prolific hospitality owner Sam Sanchez (Old Crow, Moe’s Cantina), the board chair of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
At Tree House Chicago, you can discover a rotating pop‑up themed restaurant in Chicago with fresh menus, playful plates, and inventive drinks. A full schedule is available by clicking here.
As they say on their website, you’ll step into a fully immersive emerald world filled with glowing green décor, shimmering gold accents, theatrical details, and Instagram-worthy photo moments around every turn. In its second year, the organizers offer a “bolder, darker, and just a little more daring” experience.
“I’m So Hungry! I haven’t eaten since Auntie Em’s Crullers”
Start your experience with appetizers like Scarecrow’s Cheese Curds, in all their squeaky, fried-cheese goodness. Or, Wicked Sliders, two mini-burgers with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and their special ‘Wicked’ sauce on soft buns. Cowardly Lion Artichoke Dip comes with baked artichoke dip with cream cheese, Parmesan, and smoked paprika, served with grilled bread.
‘Sand-witches’ include Madame Morrible’s Buffalo Mac, with breaded Buffalo chicken and creamy Mac and cheese on flaky croissant toast, as well as The Elphaburger, an eight-ounce (!) Angus beef patty with aged, sharp cheddar and lettuce, tomato and signature burger sauce, served on a toasted sesame bun. The Wizard & Rye pairs smoked turkey, Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
Another specialty are their pizzas, called Green City Pies. Theyinclude an Emerald Basil, including fresh basil, brick cheese, and San Marzano tomatoes. Hot Honey Heat has pepperoni cups, brick cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, and of course, their hot honey drizzle. And Pesto Royale has a wood-fired crust topped with juicy chicken, basil pesto, and “dangerously addictive” melted mozzarella.
And finally, Glinda’s Goodies make for a sweet ending to the story of your experience in the Emerald City. Choose from Matcha or Strawberry soft serve ice cream, or a Swierl Cheesecake. For reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
