Hugh’s Chophouse, expected to open this summer at 9 North Vail Avenue in downtown Arlington Heights, is described as a classic and modern steakhouse that is a chophouse Chicago style and an American bistro (casual neighborhood establishment) that will specialize in steaks, chops and seafood.
The 7,100-square-foot, 2-story restaurant “Hugh’s Chophouse” located on a block site space of about 5,400 square feet is anticipated to open in Summer 2026, and operate seven days a week for dinner, with the service expansion to include brunch on weekends and lunch on weekdays within a year. The brunch and lunch expansion is contingent on the successful establishment of the dinner business.
Initial plans feature a full-service 76-seat restaurant and 16-seat bar on the first floor. Plans for the second floor consist of a lounge concept with tables, but also a private event space for about 90 people with a small bar, a wine tasting room, and a small stage for entertainment.
Hugh’s is the creation of Arlington Heights resident and owner and chef Matt Peota, who opened his successful Passero Italian-American trattoria in 2017 before moving the restaurant to its current larger location at Evergreen Avenue and Campbell Street in 2019.
Peota, who spoke at the Village Board Meeting, Monday, June 1, 2026 indicated that he loves Arlington Heights for its opportunities for a restaurant for date nights, families, and for big and small celebrations.
Initial Hours of Operation
4:30 pm to 11:00 pm M-F
430 pm to midnight Sat-Sun
The restaurant will employ 30-40 part-time workers.
There is no onsite parking, so the restaurant will be required to purchase parking spaces for the Vail Avenue parking garage.
No outdoor dining is anticipated for the 2026 Arlington Alfresco season.
Interior renovations started last fall at the former location of Vantage Pointe financial offices on the east side of Vail Avenue just north of Cortland’s Garage at Campbell Street and Vail Avenue. Exterior work on the facade was underway this first week of June 2026.
The restaurant received unanimous approval at Monday night’s board meeting for a special use permit to allow a restaurant in excess of 4000 ft.² to operate in the B-5 District, and unanimous approval that waived the requirement for a traffic and parking study prepared by a qualified professional engineer.
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