Location: Chicago, IL
Square Footage: +1,700 square feet

Located in the Dana Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast, Portsmith is named for the notion that seafood is a staple of most port towns, and that chefs are the food “smiths” and craftsmen elevating such dishes. Like blocHaus, Executive Chef Nate Henssler strives to deliver the best experience to his customers, and does so by using the freshest ingredients in a balance of boldness and simplicity. Since its opening in 2017, Portsmith has earned 3 stars from the local dining critic Phil Vettel, among numerous other accolades from critics and local diners.

Inspired by the seafood and fishermen Henssler honors through his food, Portsmith’s design draws on power and simplicity of the sea. Nods to the nautical nature of the menu pervade the space; decorative woodwork evokes rope patterns, tile on the bar front mimics scales. These elements are balanced with the strong warmth of natural wood and elegance of brass accents, giving the space a sophisticated yet approachable ambiance.

To enhance the customer experience, blocHaus cultivated a series of unique moments within the space. Custom features include light fixtures, deep sea artwork, and floor tile patterning to name but a few. The bar’s unique shape is an abstract interpretation of a whale, with a mix of materials to evoke imagery of such creatures that can be spotted at sea.