Games are fun. A nice hangout spot with friends. The beers…read morewere good and had a variety to choose from

I haven't been to a barcade where most of the games were free, so that was a really nice surprise…read more We originally just went to kick off a bar crawl, but they had trivia/Jeopardy going on, it was freezing outside (low 20s), and we ended up staying way longer than planned. It was actually a really fun time, and I'll definitely be back. The pizza looked really good too, but I didn't even see a kitchen so I'm very curious how they're making it.

I visited Chalet for their new Brunch After Dark experience and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere…read moreis perfect for a night out -- dim lighting, fun neon signs, great music, a beautiful bar, and plenty of cute photo opportunities throughout the restaurant. The food was also a hit. The fried chicken nachos were easily one of my favorites and something I would order again. We also tried the huge brunch board, which came loaded with pancakes, waffles, chicken, eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and more. It says it feeds up to three people, but the portions were VERY generous and could easily be shared with a group. We also had the smothered potatoes and several cocktails, and everything we tried was good. The drinks were well made and fit the whole Brunch After Dark vibe perfectly. Overall, I love the idea of being able to have a full brunch experience without having to squeeze it into Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, this was a very disappointing dining experience. The sausage and bacon were…read moreterrible--they tasted as if they had been microwaved rather than freshly prepared. The food overall was simply not good. What made the experience even worse was trying to eat while literally fighting off bees. We were just trying to enjoy our meal and each other's company, but it was nearly impossible to relax and enjoy ourselves with bees constantly around our table. We asked twice if the windows could be closed and received very little help from our waitress. Yet once the party of 11 seated next to us arrived and made the same request, the windows were finally closed. That was extremely frustrating considering we had already asked more than once. I will say the host did her best, and I appreciated her efforts. However, the waitress was not very helpful at all. She was more concerned with the next group coming in then whatbwe were experiencing. And given the poor quality of the food, the bee situation, and the fact that our repeated request was essentially ignored until another party complained, our meal should have been comped--or at the very least, some type of adjustment should have been offered. Instead, we paid $175.40 for a meal and an experience we couldn't even enjoy. I will not be returning.

If I were to pick one bar to go to every time I'm in Chicago it would be Arbella! Drinks were…read moreabsolutely phenomenal. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and they had a fun menu by the chef and we ordered off of both menus. Drinks were reasonably priced. Bartenders were great and explained what was going on. They were chill and the booths were comfortable. They had music on but not too loud so we could converse comfortably. Best bar I've been to in the city! Also wish I had taken picture of all the drinks.

October 1, 2026 TL;DR: Arbella was this close to a five-star…read moredate-night experience. The atmosphere was fantastic, our server struck the perfect balance between attentive and giving us space, and both cocktails I tried were creative and delicious. The truffle fries were pretty mediocre, but even that wouldn't have stopped me from giving Arbella five stars. What did? Discovering afterward that a 5% "service charge" had been added to the bill. I really dislike this growing practice of restaurants and bars adding percentage-based fees rather than simply pricing their menu accordingly, and it was enough to cost an otherwise excellent experience two stars. Ambiance: 5/5 Arbella absolutely nails the atmosphere. I came here on a date, and it was a great choice for that. The music was good, the lighting and decor created a really intimate vibe, and our booth was comfortable enough that we could settle in and actually enjoy the evening. There was energy in the room without it being so loud or overwhelming that we couldn't have a conversation. Even the menu design and presentation fit the experience. If you're looking for somewhere that feels elevated, interesting, and still comfortable for a date, Arbella definitely checks those boxes. Service: 5/5 Our server was fantastic. This was one of those rare occasions where someone found exactly the right balance between being attentive and not constantly interrupting our date. We never felt forgotten about, but we also had plenty of space to enjoy ourselves and talk. I especially appreciated the recommendations. Whenever we had a question or wanted guidance on what to order, our server was knowledgeable and genuinely helpful rather than simply pushing something on the menu. Excellent service from beginning to end. Drinks & Food: 4/5 The cocktails were easily the highlight. I tried the First You Take The Graham and the Trankilo Melon, and both were really good while also being different enough from what I would normally order to make the experience more memorable. This is exactly what I want from a cocktail bar: drinks that make me curious enough to try something new and then actually deliver. The truffle fries, however, were mid at best. They weren't terrible, but compared with how impressive everything else felt, they were forgettable. I'd absolutely come back for the cocktails, but I'd choose something different to eat next time. About That 5% Service Charge... This is unfortunately where Arbella lost me, and ultimately why I cannot give the experience five stars. I didn't notice until reviewing my bill afterward that a 5% service charge had been added. I strongly dislike this increasingly common practice of restaurants and bars adding percentage-based fees to the bill. If operating costs have increased, I would much rather an establishment incorporate those costs transparently into its menu prices so I know what I'm agreeing to pay when I order. Calling it a "service charge" also creates unnecessary confusion, particularly when customers are still expected to decide what to tip their server. At a cocktail-focused establishment, where you may be ordering multiple drinks throughout an evening rather than paying attention to every line of the check, I think fees like this need to be extremely clear and prominent before ordering, not something a customer discovers afterward. For me, it feels like an extra charge for simply using the establishment in exactly the way it was intended to be used. Overall: 4/5 The frustrating part is that without the service charge, this probably would have been a five-star review. Arbella gave us a genuinely great date night: beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, creative cocktails, and a space I otherwise would have happily recommended and returned to. Instead, that 5% fee left a sour final impression on what had been an excellent evening. It may seem small, but transparency around pricing matters to me. Arbella did so much right that I want to come back, but the service charge is significant enough that I would think twice before doing so.

Really enjoyed our dinner at The Franklin Room! The downstairs setting gives the restaurant such a…read morecozy, intimate atmosphere, and I loved how the menu pulls inspiration from different cuisines. The lamb chops and chicken roulade with masala butter sauce were standouts for me, and the Summer Wanderer cocktail completely surprised me......I wasn't sure how I felt about carrot in a cocktail, but it was delicious! The whiskey bottle keep is also such a cool touch. Service was great throughout the evening, and we finished with the mango and coconut tart. Definitely a unique River North dinner spot that's easy to walk right past if you don't know it's there.

We had such a great dinner at The Franklin Room! The space has a cozy, moody atmosphere that makes…read moreit perfect for a date night or dinner and drinks in River North. We started with the Healthy Habit and Lychee Martini, and for food we tried the Wagyu burger, coconut-marinated steak, and charred broccolini. Everything was delicious, but the burger was definitely one of our favorites. We finished with the Opera Cake for dessert, which was the perfect way to end the meal. Such a great spot if you're looking for somewhere that feels a little tucked away from the busier parts of River North. We'd definitely come back!

Went in on a bears/packers game day as a packers fan. This is a bears friendly establishment…read more Had a great time. The staff and patrons were all very good sports. I'll definitely come back because the food and drinks matched the energy.

If you're coming here for drinks, it's probably a great vibe, but if you're coming for food, I…read morewould recommend elsewhere. I want to preface my review with the positives, Londyn was our server & was truly so kind, thorough, and friendly. The restaurant itself is clean & all tables have clear views of the TVs on game days. Now for the room for improvement- the food was very underwhelming. Being from the Chicago area previously, I regularly advocate for the Chicago food scene, and this unfortunately did not meet those standards. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, buffalo cauliflower, wings, and sesame ginger salad: -Brussel sprouts: tasted like they weren't seasoned just air fried and drenched in balsamic dressing -Buffalo cauliflower: soggy, unseasoned, runny buffalo sauce -Wings: PERFECTLY CRISPY, but no flavor (we ordered lemon pepper & buffalo) -Sesame ginger salad: sloppy mix of vegetables tossed in an overly sweet sauce with no sesame or ginger flavor in sight If you're not going to eat, this is probably a great spot, but from a food standpoint, there is room for improvement.

I've decided that this will officially be a staple lunch spot for me!…read more I was on a break from class when I stumbled across this little gem. Think of the quintessential restaurant scene in a movie where a business executive grabs a quick power lunch, surrounded by other professionals, before heading back to the office for that BIG meeting. It was exactly that! Meanwhile, I walked in wearing my school clothes, just looking for a good lunch. The atmosphere was great, the Wi-Fi was a plus, the food was delicious, and the cocktail menu was intriguing! I ordered the Dearborn Burger based on my waiter's recommendation, and it did not disappoint! It was cooked exactly to my liking and was SO juicy. The fries were perfectly crisp, just how I like them. And the MAN-LET'S-GO! cocktail? Exactly what I needed! It satisfied my mango craving and gave me that little boost I needed to get through the rest of my day. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the service, I can already tell this is going to become one of my regular spots. I will definitely be back frequently!

The service was wonderful. Our waiter was such a treat. The truffle fries are some of the best in…read morethe city. The ceviche was wonderful - very limey. The other food we ordered did not impress me. We ordered the hot honey pepperoni, the fried chicken starter, the burrata. Those were not my favorites - not bad just not special or stand out. The vibes are elevated corporate.

Food is always excellent!!! Can't wait to come back! So many great options. Service is great.read more

One of the best brunches i've ever had! The egg white pesto burrito is divine. The whipped feta…read moremixed with tomatoes and pesto.....AMAZING! Our server was very attentive to our rowdy table. Hands down best resturant we've been to here in Chicago

Ema is special…read more It's Mediterranean with a California twist. Everything is very flavorful and each bite is memorable The pumpkin hummus was really good. It tasted almost like a pumpkin pie filling The bhel hummus was great too. With a ton of toppings. It has a citrusy flavor which was really pleasant The baba ghanoush was also incredible. Super smoky and flavorful. The pita that comes with the dips are also incredible. They've got zatar sprinkled on top The Greek salad was great. Tomatoes feta and olives with cucumber The halloumi kebab was really good. I was so full at this point I couldn't eat much but it comes with a really spicy sauce that is outstanding and also perfectly cooked basmati rice

I first tried Ema back in 2022 when I visited Chicago for the first time to attend the Northcoast…read morefestival. For some reason, I overlooked reviewing it then, but I never forgot it, so I was ecstatic when I found out my company's annual offsite team dinner would be hosted at Ema. Our group of 35 was pretty large, so we were split up amongst several tables, but it was nice getting to chat in smaller groups. Our drink orders were taken not long after we were seated, and the food and bevvies started to arrive in short order. I got to try way more during my business trip than I did 4 years ago, but regardless, I noted the quality of food that was served remained consistent over the years. Highlights for me included the salmon, Greek village spread, pita bread, chocolate torte, and honey cake. The salmon was so mild and tender, the Greek village spread taster local and refreshing, and the pita bread was seasoned to perfection and hands down the best I've ever had. The desserts were a surprisingly delicious end to the meal. I didn't think I could stomach more food, but somehow I rallied. I don't even like chocolate that well, but the chocolate torte really hit the spot, and the honey cake was a new-to-me decadent dessert. It reminded me of the flavor of honey grahams but in cake form. I've never had anything quite like it and am really glad I got to try it. Coming back to Ema after 4 years was better than I expected. I love Mediterranean food, and after 5 total trips to Chicago, I must say Ema is so far my favorite restaurant here. I'm not easy to please, but Ema serves up some of the best this city has to offer.

Yes, please. I would like a reservation for each day of the week. Creative menu with skill in the…read morekitchen. Be sure to call for reservations. Lots of energy in the dining are.

Some of the best food I've ever had. Every dish we had was amazing…read more Starting with the corn bread. They actually gave us enough butter to lather each bite. Great starter and loved the flavor. The chickpea fritters were absolutely delicious. Great textures and perfect balance of flavors. I was skeptical of this dish but it was absolutely delicious and wasn't dry at all. The goat empanadas were great. Loved the flavors. The whole thing could've been a bit more juicier since I just had the goat patties at Tatiana in ny, but these were also delicious. The goat confit dish was smaller than expected but not complaining since all our dishes turned out to be the perfect amount of food for 2. Goat was tender and the crust was also great. The apple tart dessert with cheese was absolutely scrumptious. The perfect balance of sweet and savory. Drinks were good. Would've liked to see a more creative drink menu considering how amazing the food was. Definitely must make a reservation. Would absolutely recommend this place.

Dropped into Yardbird in Chicago for their happy hour, and it proved to be a great choice. The…read moreatmosphere was lively, but what really elevated the night was the exceptional service. Our server, Miguel, was phenomenal. She was attentive, fast, and gave us some spot-on recommendations. Per her advice, we ordered the deviled eggs with jalapeño, hands down the highlight of the table. The deviled eggs with paired with that subtle jalapeño kick was absolutely perfect. For the mains, the chicken and waffles were good, carrying that solid comfort food flavor you expect. The waffles were a bit soft for my taste. To drink, the sidecar was mixed perfectly, well-balanced, crisp, and hit the exact right note. Giving it 4 stars only because while the mains were good, the starters and the outstanding service from Miguel were what truly stole the show. I'll definitely be back to hang out at the bar again nest time I am in town!

Visiting Chicago and decided to try Yardbird since we frequent Yardbird Miami. We drove from by the…read moreairport ( an hour ride) for mediocre food and lackluster customer service. The biscuits were the only thing that were very good. We ordered the fried chicken which was lukewarm and dry. We asked if we could have hot chicken that was just dropped. Our server said sure, it will take a minute to cook. We said okay, no problem. Two minutes later, I assume a manager(since he did not introduce himself), brings dark greasy chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes and salad. He condescendingly said, let's see this is hot enough. Our server comes backed shocked that the chicken is there already. The chicken appeared to have been old chicken sitting under a warmer that they dropped in grease. It tasted burnt. Another manager came to inquire as he saw we weren't eating the chicken. We asked him to remove the chicken and we'll eat the sides only. He offered to try again. We said no thanks. Why should it take 3 times to get fresh, hot, almost $40 fried chicken? The bill came with the chicken till on it even thought we sent it back. We politely asked him to remove that charge. The manager had the audacity to say "come back next time so we can get it right". Really? We're is the customer service? Our dinner was ruined, No gift card to come back? We have frequented this restaurant for years. This is not Yardbird Quality. Shame on you Chicago