About Us
A third space for locals, Expat draws inspiration from the cultural hotspots of the 1950s to create a café, restaurant and bar in Chicago’s West Loop.
Designed for those longing for the flavors of home or craving something unexpected, Expat serves American café classics alongside global comfort food, offering a culinary passport to destinations near and far. Paired with well-traveled cocktails and a curated selection of natural wines, Expat imagines the singular delights one might crave after time away — whether inspired by home or their journeys abroad.
Set in an intimate room, Expat channels the style, music, and mystique of Havana, Ibiza, and Marrakech in their mid-century heyday — locales that captured the imagination of travelers seeking cultural richness, artistic inspiration, and a break from convention.
“We want to be a space that provides the atmosphere of an exotic destination while preserving the warmth and flavors of home,” says Daniel Alonso, Bonhomme Hospitality Group’s Founder and Creative Director. We want Expat to be a haven for neighbors and explorers to count on for a great cup of coffee, a place to plug in and do a little work, indulge their cravings, or lounge with a great cocktail.”
Bonhomme Group Executive Chef Marcos Campos and Culinary Director Shannah Primiano have thoughfully crafted Expat’s menus to cater to a diverse array of tastes and dining occasions. Their offerings range from healthy, fresh options to indulgent late-night bites, ensuring that every guest finds something to satisfy their cravings.
Expat is a true “American Bar” in the style and manner of famous global watering holes that once served cocktails to expatriates and global travelers. Created by Bonhomme Group Director of Beverage Programs Brian Sturgulewski, beverage offerings reflect American sensibilities and appetites yet display the influence of global flavors and cultures. The Menu is divided into three sections: Coffee Cocktails, Old Chums, and Fellow Travelers (Legendary Libations From Famous Expat Bars Around The World). Expat’s passionate bar team also keeps a rotating list of affordable natural wines that embrace authentic winemaking styles, unique varietals and emerging winemakers we fancy.
To bring Expat’s stunning vision to life, Maison Bonhomme collaborated closely with a global dream team starring Luca Lanzetta Group, Popham Design, Molteni&C, Viabizzuno, and Antoniolupi. Design elements include handmade cement and zellige tiles by Popham Design, a monumental Tisoffio Light by Viabizzuno, bar counters created with polished marble from Italy, cocktail tables by Rodolfo Dordoni, sofas by Yabu Pushelberg, handmade “Beni” rugs by Soufiane Zarib, a rotating collection of lithographs and photography, and bathroom vanities and taps by Antoniolupi.
