AMAZING happy hours specials. We got some of the $1.50 oysters which were pretty good as well as the guacamole (pretty good) and the honey brussel sprouts (delicious). For mains I split the lobster melt with tomato bisque, which was good but very cheesy and I think there was too much pepper or something in the tomato bisque. We also had a side of Mac and cheese which was very nice, especially with the breadcrumbs on top. The decor is really so nice in the restaurant and we had a nice booth high-top. Service was perhaps a little slow but our server was very kind. Also, the musician there was AWESOME! Loved him!
Overview
Walking into The Hampton Social - Skokie feels like a quick mental escape from the Midwest into something breezy and coastal. I stopped by on a busy Saturday afternoon at 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States, and the first thing that hit me was the light-filled dining room, the relaxed energy, and what I’d describe as coastal vibe without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily, whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends or taking a break from shopping at Old Orchard.
From personal experience, the menu strikes a balance between familiar comfort and playful creativity. I’ve tested a few visits now, and consistency has been impressive. Their brunch is especially popular, and for good reason. Dishes arrive well-paced, portions are generous, and plating feels thoughtful without being fussy. The kitchen clearly follows a streamlined service process, something the National Restaurant Association highlights as a key factor in guest satisfaction, noting that efficient back-of-house systems directly impact repeat visits and reviews. You can feel that operational confidence here when food comes out hot and exactly as described.
What stands out is how the menu leans into fresh ingredients while staying approachable. Seafood-forward plates, crisp salads, and shareable starters dominate, but nothing feels intimidating. I once brought along a family member who usually sticks to basics, and even they found something they genuinely enjoyed. That’s not accidental. Restaurants that offer both adventurous and safe choices tend to score higher in customer reviews, according to consumer dining behavior studies published by Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
Service is another area where experience shows. Staff members are upbeat, knowledgeable, and quick to offer suggestions without hovering. On one visit, our server explained how certain dishes are prepped earlier in the day to maintain consistency during peak hours. That transparency builds trust and shows professionalism. It also matches what hospitality experts often emphasize: clear communication between staff and guests reduces friction and improves overall dining perception.
The Skokie location benefits from being part of a larger brand, yet it doesn’t feel generic. Layout and seating work well for both small groups and larger gatherings. During warmer months, the patio becomes a social hub, which aligns with broader industry data showing outdoor seating can increase foot traffic by up to 30 percent in suburban shopping districts. You can see that play out here, especially on weekends.
Reviews from regulars often mention the upbeat atmosphere and reliability, and that mirrors my own experience. While no restaurant is perfect, peak times can mean a short wait, especially during brunch rushes. That’s worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, the staff handles crowds efficiently, and wait times are communicated clearly, which helps manage expectations.
In terms of locations, this Skokie spot feels well-placed for locals and visitors alike. Being inside a major shopping center makes it convenient, and parking is straightforward compared to many city locations. That accessibility matters more than people realize, and it’s one reason suburban diners often rate restaurants higher for overall convenience.
What keeps me coming back is the balance between atmosphere, food quality, and service. Nothing feels rushed, yet nothing drags. It’s casual without being careless and polished without being stiff. If you value a place where you can relax, enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu, and trust that the experience will be consistent, this restaurant delivers on those expectations in a very real, very human way.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Lively ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ On-site parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2523 reviews
One of our family’s go-to spots! Great food, cocktails, and ambiance. The staff is friendly, service is always great, and it’s kid-friendly too. Favorites: Parmesan Truffle Fries, Bang Bang Chicken, Calamari, Fresh Oysters, and for dessert: the Banana Cream Pie, Doughnut Drops, and Churro Cake. Everything tastes as good as it looks!
Had a fantastic lunch at Hampton Social in Skokie. The service was excellent, and the food was top-notch. I had the chicken sandwich with house chips, both were delicious. My wife’s salmon was perfectly cooked and flavorful. It’s not the least expensive lunch spot, but the quality makes it well worth it. We sat outside on a beautiful summer day, and the atmosphere was great. Indoor seating is also available. Highly recommend giving it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Located at the Old Orchard mall, this is a great place in the area to grab a quality meal. They have an extensive menu with a little something for everyone. They also have a good number of beers on tap and custom drinks like the frosé (a frozen rosé cocktail). There’s indoor and outdoor seating and the staff is extremely friendly. They also have live music going most of time. Grab the crew and head on over!
I visited here for the first time on a certain day in October 2025. We ordered a cup ocoffee , a glass of Guava Lemonade , a Parmesan Truffle Frres and a Churro cake. This restaurant is near Brooks Brothers in Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Mall. Unfortunately the cup for coffee was dirty. There was lipstick on it. And the coffee was spilled.
Our hotel attendant suggested The Hampton Social when we checked in, and honestly, I didn’t have high hopes. We’re not from the area, and when my coworker and I followed GPS to the mall, I almost bailed. Mall restaurants are usually… fine. Chain-y. Predictable. But this place? Completely different story. Walking in felt like stepping into summer in the Hamptonslight, airy, stylish. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, and there was live music that actually added to the atmosphere instead of overpowering it. We were seated right away, offered still or sparkling water (classy touch), and I ordered an espresso martini because, well, I’m me. It was good, presentation was adorable… but the real star was the food. We ordered the lobster grilled cheese with tomato bisque, and I swear that soup will haunt me until I figure out how to recreate it. Creamy, tangy, rich, it was perfect. The sandwich itself was buttery, melty heaven. A core memory meal, no exaggeration. It took me about twenty minutes to realize the “Hampton” theme wasn’t just a coincidence… it’s literally styled after the Hamptons. Not my proudest moment, but fitting, because the whole place gives off beach-house-meets-city-chic vibes. I only wish I had more time to go back and try the rest of the menu. I still can’t believe something this good is technically inside a mall.
On this day we spent an early evening on the awesome patio of the Hampton Social in Old Orchard. Here’s how it went. We arrived on a Friday afternoon, just around 6:30. We didn’t have reservations and expected a wait, but was pleasantly surprised when they took us right in. We opted for out door seating on their awesome patio, and that proved to be a great choice! Weather was great and we felt as if we were on vacation in an upscale tropical getaway. Laid back beach vibes all around were complimented by excellent service. From the host to the server and the manager paying us a wellness visit, we felt pampered. The food was great. We ordered the Crab + Shrimp Bruschetta with sweet chili aioli, smoked tomatoes, crispy ciabatta. It was good, but short of great, as the flavors were there but the ciabatta was not crispy but a bit soggy. For our dinners we ordered the Crispy Coconut Tofu with edamame hummus, cauliflower rice, quinoa, plantains, mango salsa, avocado and the SKIRT STEAK FRITES, a hand-selected skirt steak, garlic butter, french fries, chives. Tho not a tofu fan, this was a well balanced combo, rich in flavor and textures and colors. It was fresh and carried a sweet aroma and subtle flavors that exploded in your tastebuds! The skirt steak was a little disappointing. The portion was on the smaller side, for a hand-selected portion it had more rubbery gristle than anticipated and for the price tag, you’d expect a perfect piece of meat. The flavor was on the lighter side and the texture was a little tough to chew at times. The drinks were the highlight of the meal! The SAND AND SMOKE made with brown butter bourbon, spiced demerara, angostura, orange oil was probably the best drink I’ve ever had. Simply amazing. All in all, the experience was great, we will probably return and try the Short rib and the Chicken sandwich, and hopefully they are better than the steak.
My wife and I absolutely adore going here for happy hour during the warm seasons. The patio is dog friendly so we always bring our fur baby when we can. Prices on the happy hour menu are extremely reasonable and the portion and quality of the food is perfect. Coastal inspired decor with a big love of Rosé wine. Frequent live music inside during select days and times, and a spacious interior if you want to host a big group. Only downfall would be the fluctuation in the service quality. Most of the time it's been great for us, but some days it can seem slow and inattentive. We were the okay couple outside and sometimes it felt as if they forgot about us. Overall it has majorly been a pleasant experience so we do enjoy coming back to get out typically salad and pizza during happy hour. Our Corgi is obsessed with their Parmesan fries. It's located in the mall so parking is plentiful and free. It does get busy during the weekend and evenings at the My wife and I absolutely adore going here for happy hour during the warm seasons. The patio is dog friendly so we always bring our fur baby when we can. Prices on the happy hour menu are extremely reasonable and the portion and quality of the food is perfect. Coastal inspired decor with a big love of Rosé wine. Frequent live music inside during select days and times, and a spacious interior if you want to host a big group. Only downfall would be the fluctuation in the service quality. Most of the time it's been great for us, but some days it can seem slow and inattentive. We were the okay couple outside and sometimes it felt as if they forgot about us. Overall it has majorly been a pleasant experience so we do enjoy coming back to get out typically salad and pizza during happy hour. Our Corgi is obsessed with their Parmesan fries. It's located in the mall so parking is plentiful and free. It does get busy during the weekend and evenings at the mall so depending when you come you might be fighting for a parking spot. Reservations and menus available online.