My friends and I have started a burger crawl throughout the city, and we had to have Gretel on the…read morelist! First time here for all of us, but definitely will not be our last! We started with a bunch of cocktails (I wish I remember the names.. but they were all so good!). Food to start, we ordered the Charcuterie, and the House Made Pretzel. We were obsessed with both! The charcuterie did not skimp out like some cheese/meat plates do.. it was a satisfying amount that we kept going back for more. The pretzel was outstanding, twisted and hot, perfectly soft and salty. To eat, I split the Gretel Griddle Burger and the Fried Chicken Sandwich with my friend because although we were there for the burger, I kept reading about the chicken sandwich being fantastic. Booyy they were not wrong!! As much as I loved the burger, the chicken sandwich was my favorite! Perfectly crispy, with this sweet and spicy glaze and the crunchy Asian pear slaw... OMG. I'm still dreaming about this! One thing we were excited about were the Elote Riblettes.. but I wouldn't order these again. I accidentally bit the whole thing and didn't realize they kept the core in, and I had to spit it out. And even after eating it properly it didn't feel like I got enough of it from those little bites. Loved the fries though! We didn't see a dessert menu but we would have definitely been interested in that. After all the drinks apps and the chicken sandwich I was feeling so full so I couldn't finish the burger so I got it wrapped to go. But let me tell you even when I reheated that burger the next day.. it was fantastic!! Overall we may have been the loudest and most obnoxious group (we get a bit excited haha) our waiter and the vibe were all matched! Genuinely loved this place, and looking forward to coming back soon.

I don't know, maybe I'm just a hater, but I've given Gretel a shot twice now and left disappointed…read moreboth times. It was mainly about the service. Disclaimer that both times we sat at the bar. So this has nothing to do with servers at the tables. It just felt cold and not at the level I would expect for the prices and reputation. For example, we ordered the smoked trout caesar salad once at the recommendation of a friend, and didn't love it. It was very, very fishy. Like not just the smoked trout itself, the dressing also tasted way heavier on the anchovies or something than we're used to. And we love caesars! We didn't say anything about it because it's literally in the name that it may be fishy. The issue was that it was so obvious we only took one bite that the bartender commented on it when he was clearing our plates. "Too fishy?" We confirmed. And then he took the full plate of food away that he himself had just agreed with wasn't great, and returned with our bill that still charged us $20 for a salad. I mean, it's fine. But it's just an example of the kind of service you get there. We were barely checked on, even when drinks were empty. Even when making eye contact. Even when we were obviously done eating for several minutes and the bartenders were staring at our plates.Even after asking for a check and watching conversations happen leisurely behind the bar while we sat there. I know sitting at the bar is a different style of service, but it ventured more into inattentive than spacious. The space is cool. The food is fine. It just doesn't make up for feeling like a burden when I'm paying $100+ for lunch for two.

::Be Advised:: This is a hotel restaurant - Marriott…read moreCourtyard to be exact. That's not necessarily a bad thing - and for me it was one of the best things tbh - but if you're looking to get out and explore the Chicago restaurant scene you may want to keep pushing. As for me, I just wanted biscuits and gravy within walking distance - and the possibility of a beermosa before 11am on a Thursday. So I walked from my one Bonvoy property that didn't have it down the street to another that did. Very delicious. Nicely presented. Attentive service. It is what it is.

How disappointing! We stopped by as it shows over 4 star review from hundreds of people. We just…read morewanted a simple quick bite as we have big dinner planned. I chose the 7 layer salad as the picture from the owner looks beautiful, it is really 7 layers!! The actual dish is nothing like that! It is just a regular mixed salad dish. We asked the server, she denied that this is a dish from this restaurant, while I showed her the picture shows from business owner and the address match... While I understand that the picture might be outdated sometimes from customers, but if the photo is from the owner, you probably should update it if you changed the dish!! Then there is the service. The restaurant is empty when we showed up. We thought it might because it is 2pm already so lunch crowed is gone. The server tried to sit us on a corner while there are so many nice seats there. We requested a more comfortable seating. After a disappointing meal, then we waited for a long time to get our bill as the server was in a different room doing something herself. We had to go grab her. She dropped off bill, then she disappeared again. We had to once again to get up to find her... with just one customer on the house, I can't imagine how busy she is for paying no attention to her customer. I will never come here again for sure!

There's just something about a burger that actually lives up to the hype--and Little Bad Wolf does…read moreexactly that. Stacked unapologetically high, this burger is everything you want and more: juicy, perfectly seared patties layered with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and those golden, crunchy fried onions that take it completely over the top. Every bite is rich, savory, and just messy enough to remind you you're eating something seriously good. The toasted bun somehow holds it all together (barely), soaking up every bit of flavor without getting lost in the chaos. And then... the shoestring fries. Thin, crispy, golden perfection--light but addictive, with that ideal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one (or ten). They're the kind of fries you keep reaching for without even realizing it, especially dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce on the side. And let's not forget the drinks--just as good as the food. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the kind you sip slow while taking it all in (but somehow they disappear way too fast). It's not just a burger--it's one of Chicago's most iconic bites for a reason. Bold, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single napkin you'll need after. The ambiance inside is GORGEOUS!

My husband and I walked in on a Sunday evening for dinner and were able to be seated right away…read more The atmosphere is dark and moody, and it made sense once I realized it was the same owners as Gretel. Loved the 90s female R&B playlist they had going! Little Bad Wolf has been on my list FOR YEARS to try the burger! My husband got the burger with fried onions and I got some Bao because those also looked delicious and were a popular menu item. Honestly the 3 stars are only that high because of the service. Our server was friendly and attentive + the food came out hot and quick. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The burger was swimming in a puddle of grease and just picking it up made your hands greasy + was dripping grease. The fries that came with it were floppy, soggy, and sad...but at least warm? I personally wouldn't order this again. The Bao were better, but small for the price and honestly were just okay? It was nice they gave you sauces you could add, but I found the Bao's to already have enough sauce so I didn't need them. Overall I left feeling confused and disappointed. I don't feel the need to come back here - Little Bad Will was a one and done experience for me.

The Gage has been a staple on Michigan Ave since 2007 and there's good reason for that. Consistency…read moreis the key to success in this part of town. The clientele is a balance of tourists visiting Millennium Park, businessmen grabbing lunch or taking a client out to dinner and/or weekenders hanging downtown looking for a nice meal out in a contemporary setting. Folks visiting The Gage will not settle for okay food and average service. And they're willing to pay for quality because it's either an "occasion" or the tab is being picked up with a company card. We visited on a Saturday morning for brunch, and everything about the visit was on point. The service was friendly and prompt. She knew the menu and made fantastic recommendations. The space itself is clean and inviting - nice enough for a business dinner, but casual enough for jeans and a hoodie. The food and drinks were all delicious, and the price point was exactly where it should be for a sit-down, table service restaurant in the heart of the city. It gets crowded here, so reservations are a good idea. Usually there's a reason if a restaurant has been around for a while and you constantly need to make a reservation. The Gage checks all the boxes.

I know this restaurant is often full of tourists, but hear me out. It's really decent food and the…read moreprices could be higher. I've been coming here after visiting the art institute or before the symphony for the last 14 yrs. I've had brunch, lunch, and dinner and I've never had a meal to complain about. My kids love the fish n chips and I love the curry poutine. After not finding a single poutine I liked in Quebec, I just figured I disliked poutine. Turns out, the only one I like is at the Gage. The last time I was here, my daughter asked for her egg on the side of her avocado toast. It mistakenly arrived on the toast. She said it was fine and didn't want to make a fuss, but our waiter still offered free dessert for the mixup. Great service. Great fried pickles. Nice ambiance. And price points I don't complain too loudly about. It's not exactly cheap, but it's not outrageous

Being a California boy (born and raised) my only way to get a Fish & Chip meal was at a fast food…read morefranchise called H. Salts Fish & Chips; and it was fairly good. Several golf trips to the U.K. (Britain, Scotland, Wales) I got my fair share of excellent Fish & Chips; the best being in Ullapool, Scotland at The Seafood Shack I have never had better! But, leave it to Chicago to deliver some of the best fish and chips I've ever had in the USA, here at The Dearborn restaurant in the Chicago loop. Everything about The Dearborn's signature dish just worked in every way: The fish was fried perfectly The fish itself was moist and delicious The chips (fries) were excellent The coleslaw was the perfect side dish The tartar sauce was scrumptious My Krobacher Pilsner paired perfectly with my dinner The service was spot on And sitting at the bar watching the NBA playoffs didn't hurt either. I did have a scoop of delicious salted caramel gelato that finished this meal perfectly. Having such delicious fish & chips a few blocks away from where I live is certainly better than flying "over the pond" (a British term for the Atlantic Ocean).

This is an excellent spot for a special occasion! I visited recently with a large group for brunch…read moreand we had a great experience all around. Regardless of the time of day and especially during peak hours, I would definitely recommend making a reservation to air on the safe side. The staff prepared our table super quickly and was very attentive- they really went above and beyond throughout the meal. I do not recommend skipping the drinks! I ordered the seasonal Si Se Puede, Tia mezcal cocktail, which was quite spicy and perfectly sweet. For appetizers, we shared the parkerhouse rolls. The rolls were soft and buttery with a delicious whipped butter spread. For the main dish, I ordered the Dearborn Burger. It was solid overall and the portion size was very generous. I tried the fish and chips as well which were excellent. Would definitely order this next time! For dessert, we tried the sticky toffee date cake. I liked that it was not too heavy, and the Heath bar crumbles added a nice crunch. My only wishlist would be to have more of that delicious sauce to scoop up! We left with ample leftovers and in high spirits. Definitely looking forward to visiting again and trying more of the menu!

My friend (shoutout to Hunter) has been grilling me to check this place out, and now I totally get…read morethe hype. The service was genuinely friendly, and the ambiance gives off such a welcoming, cozy vibe. There's even a fireplace you can sit by during cold Chicago winters, which is a really nice touch. I sat at the bar, and the bartenders -- honestly, the entire staff -- were super personable. You can crack jokes and they'll play right along with you, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. I ordered the pulled pork skillet and it did not miss. They make your eggs however you want (within reason), and everything came out perfectly. While not the cheapest in town, the value is absolutely there given the quality of the beers and food -- prices feel totally reasonable for River North. Shoutout to Tessa, Tony, and the whole crew -- they really make you feel like a regular. As Tessa would say: Go Birds!

Bavarian Pretzel was incredible. Happy Hour beers are a bit of a sham. They have $6 pints, but out…read moreof the ~50 beers on the menu, only 3 of them are pints.... the rest are odd sizes that you'd need to pay full price for. Great ambience for some bar food and an evening of trying unique beers. They have a great hosting space upstairs too for grad parties, work events, etc. Main reason for my lower rating was our waitress was insanely slow for a light Thursday crowd. Waited 20 minutes before seeing anyone after being sat, waited 30 minutes for the check, waited another 20 minutes for her to run the check so we could leave. I've never experience service quite that bad... would recommend sitting at the bar if you have a small party.

Armitage Alehouse is - without a doubt - a top 5 Chicago restaurant…read more Food: 5/5. Their samosas are phenomenal - some of the crispiest, tastiest samosas you'll ever try, with an amazing sauce. Chicken tikka masala is very solid, and their fish and chips are perfectly cooked and seasoned. The sticky date cake is a MUST. Might be the best dessert I've ever had. Ambiance: 5/5. Great ambiance in the restaurant. Warm, soft lighting and cool decor that makes you feel like you're in a pub in England. Service: 4/5. All things considered, the service was alright.

Finally secured a reservation with armitage alehouse and it fits the dark and moody rich vibes of…read morethe hogsalt brand. Interior is very cute, especially once you pass the first room and get into the main dining room with each section a different theme (jungle, boats, etc...). Ambiance is incredible even to the bird themed bathroom. Great service from all the staff. Food is darn good but in my opinion i think other hogsalt restaurants blew me away more than armitage alehouse did. However it is definitely worth a visit and food will still be delicious regardless. We ordered a dirty martini which came with some blue cheese stuffed olives that my husband enjoyed. We split a bunch of items to get an idea for what the restaurant has to offer. The trout Caesar salad was wonderful and had a heaping amount of Parmesan. From previous reviews we ordered the charred naan with whipped feta, I personally think it was ok but my husband loved it. For mains we split the chicken pot pie (absolutely incredible it's really tough to make a pie that moist and flavorful on the inside but crispy on the outside), wagyu burger (very good), and the prime rib sandwich (also very good). I did not have room for dessert but the sticky date cake looked huge and tasty. I would 100% recommend the trout Caesar salad (half portion was more than enough) plus a pie and at least 2-3 other items to split.

Just an amazing experience all around!! The tuna tartare was exceptional as well as the sorbet with…read moreBailey's. A little tight on seating but no complaints!!

This is my 2nd sniff in at the Pigster…read more.. Today "sniffed in" at 4.5 stars... BREAD: -- great texture -- LOVE that it is NOT sourdough -- oily, buttery -- fantastic for dipping into our residual sauce on the plates RATING = A+ SPANISH OCTOPUS: -- ultra-tender -- perfectly cooked -- marbled potatoes, jalapeno, sambuca, chimichurri, Spanish chorizo -- visually stunning and colorful -- amazing flavor RATING = A+ AGNOLOTTI: -- I do not eat this pasta often, almost never but WOW! -- thin sheet pasta brilliance on display here -- beef short rib, creamy bone marrow, brown butter and wine au just RATING = A+ PORK BELLY: -- I did not love the ginger glaze, but I am sometimes not a fan of the use of ginger -- I found this dish too sweet and too sour and the combo and boldness of each did not work for me on the nose or palate RATING = B STAFF are exceptional and the dining space is pleasing. Not pretentious or fancy but beyond casual. This establishment is consistently legit per our friend, wife and me. We love staying at nearby hotels so this will always be on our list.

Solid spot if you're craving Korean comfort food. The fried chicken is so crispy on the outside,…read moreultra soft and juicy on the inside, the fries are simple but well-seasoned you just can't stop eating them. The 오뱅이 (sea snail and squid muchim) has a bold sweet-spicy kick with chewy noodles and fresh veggies, definitely flavorful with some heat! Portions are generous! We always end up with leftovers, and our kids love the chicken and fries. The vibe is lively with colorful lighting, service is smooth, and food comes out quick!

This place was packed and parking was hard to find. We were sat at the back corner and it was very…read moreloud. The servers kept passing by our table and going to other tables even when we notified them we needed a server. I started with the Screwkiss Cocktail and my guy had the Melona Cocktail. Considering they had whole popsicles in them, it wasn't surprising they were on the sweeter side. However, mine took forever and a half to melt; I even had to use a spoon to try and mash it faster. Fun drink, but wouldn't get it again. The complimentary bean sprout soup was light and refreshing. We started with the Stir-Fried Chicken Gizzards. It was much more rough/tough than expected. It was my first time having it and I liked the flavor, but the texture was mehh. My guy said he's always had gizzards that were softer and preferred it like that. The Beef Brisket with Mung Bean Sprout was really good! My favorite dish for sure! It was perfectly cooked and flavored and definitely a 5/5 for me. I got a side of Glass Noodles to eat with it, but I didn't like these noodles. Glass noodles are one of my fave noodles normally. The Army Stew with Ramen Noodles was good, but the flavor was pretty monotonous so it got boring fast. Their kimchi was okay and I wish it didn't have some of the ingredients like the pepperoni. We got a side order of Tteokbokki and it was a really great choice with this dish!

(Kari's Rating 7.75/10)…read more Came here on a Friday for a quick happy hour bite and was happily surprised with how everything was. They had a nine dollar sangria, which was really delicious, it didn't really taste like there was a lot of alcohol, but was refreshing and sweet. The burger was relatively average (a good sharing size) it came with this pimento cheese sauce -which I thought really put it over the top. Unfortunately, the chips that it came with didn't really taste like potato, but just pain oily. The pretzel wasn't that bad, but it also came with a side of the pimento cheese and I thought it was pretty heavy and repetitive because it was on two items. Overall, I think this is a great place and I can definitely see it being crowded over the summer when the patio is open, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here.

Looks are deceiving!…read more High hopes for this one, but was let down at almost every turn. Ordered an old fashioned, and it took quite a long time. Especially for a closed patio, and maybe 70% occupancy. However I will say it was good. Food: We ordered the Burrata, which had hazelnuts. We were intrigued and then quickly disappointed. The burrata was okay by itself, but the hazelnuts added an odd sweetness to the dish, that just didn't work. We both decided to order the Steak Frites, and somehow got two different looking plates. Both cooked medium when asked for mid rare. One was smoothered in chimichurri, one barely had any. I would say the quality of the beef seemed great, but overall the dish was sloppy. Lastly, I would feel bad if I did not mention the overall cleanliness. With an open kitchen concept, you would hope what you can see is clean. It was not. The floor and counter tops matched closely to a waffle house on a friday after midnight. I understand things get busy, but if you can't keep it clean, dont show it off!