Just had the most amazing Eggs Benedict here for brunch, with short rib and corn bread, paired with their tasty house lager. Attentive staff. Shame that it was so empty! read more

Overall, our party felt that Cultivate was an okay experience. The food itself was hit or miss. The duck confit with dumplings had a nutty taste that overpowered the dish. The cheese plate was yummy, but we were surprised by the size of it. We like the mushroom pasta. It took a long time to get or check and initial orders in. It was a convenient location, but would likely go elsewhere in the future. read more

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We have been here a few times and typically everything is delicious! The duck and dumplings are fantastic and will keep us coming back! This trip we tried the Spanish octopus, however, and it was not good. We are big fans of octopus, but this one was chewy and the sides to accompany it were not to our liking, so we ended up barely touching the dish. The oysters and scallops were on point though! Overall a very good experience each time! read more

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Checked out this pretty unique brewery. Forbidden Root has expanded to a newer location called Cultivate and is known not just for the beers but also the food menu. It has since grown from the original location in East Village to this one in Ravenswood. As the saying goes nothing beats the original and this is where to start on some great local beers and also get something to eat. The prices may be kind of high but it's to be expected for being hipster. Basic thing to know is the beers are supposed to be the main thing of course. It's got quite a few to choose from. The styles are a lot different than just the typical. A lot of ingredients making these more enjoyable to pair with food. Probably what they had in mind when they created these. It's about $8 a pint. Kind of a lot but of course this is a hipster craft brewery though. The best one of these we had was the Toro! It's a Triple IPA that is double dry hopped and citrus forward. There's also notes of pineapple. As for the food it's great but kind of limited for vegetarian choices. It's about $13 for an entree. She got the Kale Salad. It has chickpeas, fennel, fried shallots, herbs, and tahini-orange dressing. This was actually filling surprisingly. I got the Vada Pav Sliders, which are okay for vegans. Comes with mint chutney, pickled red Fresno peppers, and pineapple-tamarind jam. Most of the rest of the menu is meaty. There's also oysters if wanting to get seafood. For sure we could come here again. It's located close to the Ravenswood Metro station. There's a few things for vegetarians. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Toro! And The Vada Pav Sliders - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not sure there's much I can add to Cultivate's string of outstanding reviews. Service and hospitality were excellent and our food--particularly the baby iceberg salad and mussels in jerk sauce--was delectable. The beers I tried--"good on ya" and "cosmic trust fall"--were tasty. read more

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We came to Cultivate by Forbidden Root because we were curious at what they had done to the space since the last time we were there when it was Band of Bohemia, which we loved. Gone is the small seating area with the vinyl records you could play, the Victorian feel of being in Sherlock Holmes pad. Instead there is a more causal laid back vibe. We started out with some cheese selections, served with crostini, seasonal jam, & walnut and a herb salad. The cheeses were very good but for the portion we got, I would not do this again as I didn't feel that what was provided was $22 worth of cheese. I will say that the jam was amazing and very lovely, actually got more of that to eat with the beer bread we ordered. For my entree, I got the fr burger as a Double Smash Patty, without the Giardiniera Mayo. There was white American Cheese, Onions, B&B Pickles on a buttered bun. This was pretty good and I could do this again. But in full transparency, I went with the burger because the selections on the menu didn't grab me with the exception of the chicken sandwich. From what I could see of the dishes others were ordering,, they looked well executed, but from the descriptions on the menu, noting was biting. It doesn't happen often, but there have been times where I have a hard time selecting a main entree to eat. Fortunately they had the burger and it was well executed. The Doctor got the chicken sandwich and loved it as well as the beer he selected. The service was nice and our server was attentive. As I said, the vibe was chill and more casual. I would come back here again for a burger and bubbles and I am sure The Doctor would definitely do more of the beers as he loves trying new ones. Parking was readily available, so no worries on that front and they do take reservations on OpenTable, which is a plus for me. read more

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Stopped by for happy hour which turned into dinner. I went back in 2023 and only tried beer flight & wanted to return to try their food. Love the open space and also opportunities to try different beer, thanks to their 5oz options. hearth roasted cauliflower $22: debated over shishito peppers or cauliflowers. Glad I got cauliflowers because it had a smokey flavor that I really enjoyed. The black rice, not so much. At first, I thought it wasn't good but as I kept going for it, it was addictive! Spanish octopus $28: looking forward to a good octopus dish, but wasn't impressed. It was overcooked & chorizo was too airy for my taste. Wouldn't order again. beer braised short rib $29: meat too dry. eggplant dip and naan were ooook. Wouldn't order again. Food was disappointing but I'd try other dishes before ruling it out. Service, space, and beer were good, so 4 stars it is. read more

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Liquid smoke is one heck of an ingredient that can add unbelievable flavor. This comes with a caveat, however, it's pretty darn strong. Using even a little too much and the flavor can be overpowering and overbearing. This was the case with the Hollandaise, which was otherwise savory and not overly acidic. Alas, not just the sauce was overpowered. I'm fairly confident there were eggs, but I don't recall their flavors shining through. Flavors that did come through were that of the cornbread and the pork belly. The pork belly was cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of meatiness and melt-in-your-mouth-iness. Terrifically scrumptious, and all around excellent. Only complaint here is that the piece was notably small, especially in relation to the dish and the price, if we're being honest. The cornbread was a winner out of left field. It was S-tier, and a level of excellence I've only experienced once before in my life. Cooked perfectly with just the right amount of roastiness and everything in balance. I also had the pleasure of trying the De Soi Golden Hour Mocktail. Just a tiny bit of sweetness with loads of fresh and earthy notes from the herbs. What a great mocktail should be! So, other than too-small a piece of pork and smoke bordering misma, I'd be willing to round the review up to a three. Alas, the lackluster service left a poor taste in my mouth (pun not intended). I felt as though it was slow, not only in the food preparation, but all around (e.g. brining the bill, processing payment). Also, I felt as though our server was apathetic, and it seemed as though she'd rather be somewhere else. When it's a high school kid working a fast-food ordering counter, I am more forgiving. When it's a not inexpensive sit down restaurant, I am less forgiving. Thus, we have a place that has the working of something great, but there are some tweaks needed to lift it out of the hole. A better balance on the plate (including both ingredients and flavoring 'agents'), and maybe a tiny bit more training for service staff. read more

We stopped by on a sunny weekend afternoon to grab a bite to eat and a flight of beer. We ordered the Duck and Dumplings after seeing it mentioned in other reviews, and it was incredible! It is a very rich dish, so we were very happy to have shared it. The duck was cooked perfectly and the "dumplings" (more like gnocchi) were very pillowy. Really beautiful space - plenty of tables to accommodate parties of all sizes! Service was pretty quick and friendly. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Duck and Dumplings - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was part of a large party of coworkers who had dinner here. A number of us ordered the beer-braised short rib. It's one of the most expensive items on the menu and is well worth the price! The short rib was perfectly tender, and the accompanying polenta and other toppings really added to the experience. I tried a couple of beers as well that were great. This place is the rare combination of a tasty brewery and brewpub. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A great place to grab some good food and try some new beers. The food and beers both rotate pretty regularly, so you can almost always get something new here. The cocktails are great too! read more

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First time at this restaurant. It is a large venue. Not much on the menu I was interested in ordering. I had the cheeseburger, with the special mayo on the side (thank goodness). The first bite was terrible with the mayo. I ended up not using it at all. I ate half the burger because I was hungry, but I didn't "enjoy" it, not a fan of the bun either. However, they do have great fries. Our server was also great. read more

Nice brewery in Ravenswood with plenty of free street parking in front. Stopped by for drinks with friends. The sours and Czech lager were good, but the beers on the traditional flight were not my taste. Service was good, but brewery seemed very quiet for a weekend. Popcorn was good, had an interesting seasoning. read more

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How did I not know about this place?? My brother gave me a gift card, and I was struck by the lively atmosphere given how quiet the neighborhood is. That's how you know it's going to be good! The staff was exceptional. So friendly, so engaging, and so helpful as I was deciding what to order. I had the Gingerbread beer (yum), sour rose beer (yum), and the Eck beer (also yum). Based on other Yelp reviews, I ordered the Roasted Carrots. Umm wow?!?! This brewery has the best food of all the Chicago breweries that I have tried. I would definitely go back especially because I completely forgot to use the gift card. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Roasted Carrots - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have been here a few times for date night with my wife and we love it. Great food, creative drinks and daily specials, all around great spot and neighborhood vibe. read more

Seated right away on a Saturday. Large dining area with a few outdoor seating options. Wide selection of beers and food. They offer a beer flight or you can get small ounce pours or regular size. We tried a few small plates and the burger. Food was delicious and came out in order with plenty of time to eat our small plates. Service was attentive and staff knew the menu. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Strawberry basil small pour - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is literally perfect for any audience. They have beer cheese and a burger for your "plays it safe" friend, steamed mussels and octopus for the more adventurous, and a whole lot in between as well. Popped in on a Wednesday night, no reservation and were seated immediately. We got the carrots, vada pav sliders and the short rib and all were incredible- the carrots in particular are still on my mind a few days later. Also large portion sizes, we could have for sure just gotten one small plate and the main- we brought a fair bit home. Beer/cocktails are also great and service was attentive but not overbearing. 10/10 can't wait to try brunch sometime! read more

Have been here a couple of times for beers and snacks. Love the beers, some really interesting and tasty beverages! Bartender is chatty and friendly. I also love the layout and interior of this place, it's easy to move around in. Bathrooms are SPOTLESS. I'm coming back for that Monday BURGER SPECIAL, that looks legit. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beer = great. They are not your run of the mill IPA house and what they so, they do really well. Food = I don't know. It's good, but feel overpriced for what it is. 7 times out of 10, we enjoy a couple of beers, look at the food menu and decide to go somewhere else to eat. Overall = Go! It's a great spot with great service. You may reach a different conclusion on food read more

Came back last night to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary and we're so pleased we came! The food, service, and drinks are still of upmost quality. Everyone on staff is super friendly and accommodating and made great recommendations on food and drinks. read more

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Absolutely amazing time here at Cultivate! First of all, the space is so cool and a perfect mix of modern and cozy. The beer menu is extensive with in depth descriptions, which I appreciate as someone who isn't super familiar with beers. I decided to try the gingerbread wheat and it was the perfect winter time beer that wasn't too heavy! I really enjoyed it. I tried my husbands too, the Curb-A-Peel, and was a huge fan of that as well! The dinner menu was small, but all the options were thoughtfully curated. We started with the chicken skins which were served with beer cheese. So crispy and flavorful!! I would definitely order these again. For my main, I went with the burger and wowwwww this was the move! The tangy pickles complimented the savory burger perfectly. The fries were incredible. We were truly so impressed by our visit! Our server was very efficient and we were in and out quickly. Can't wait to make this a regular spot in our new neighborhood! read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cultivate takes over the previous Band of Bohemia space which was a rare Michelin Star gastropub. They certainly have chose to stay with elevated dining but grounds it a bit more. Which was perfect for us as we started with a delicious appetizer of fried chicken skins and pimento cheese. Oh man, I would go back just for that. Not too many changes to the previous space, still industrial chic with very accommodating and friendly service. Truly delicious cocktails, ok beer and great entrees. The porchetta French dip was a surprise of spicy and savory pork. Overall very good gastro pub to add to Ravenswood/Andersonville's impressive lineup! read more

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Cultivate has become my favorite restaurant for many reasons. Eating out is a huge treat for me, and many restaurants now serve mediocre food. I was so impressed by cultivate. My compliments to the chef!!!! I have now dined at cultivate 4 times and the food had not disappointed. The flavors of everything are so complex and delicious. WOWY WOW WOW is how I would describe the food. Service is excellent, cocktails are crafted to perfection and the atmosphere is super chill. The burger-delicious The lamb chops-delicious The beer braised short ribs-delicious and my favorite! Carrot cake-delicious S'mores tiramisu-delicious I can't wait to go back and try everything on the menu. Everything tastes fresh and homemade. Wishing this hidden gem continued success. read more

Wow- what a totally pleasant surprise. I was fully expecting your typical pub grub with some generic microbrews on tap- I thought this place would get 3 or 4 stars just judging by pics, but I was totally pleased from start to finish. We were sat and had a big bottle of water in front of us within 30 seconds (no wet-dog smelling glasses)- and our server was no-nonsense but somehow really made it feel like we could ask for anything. Drink orders were in within 4 or 5 minutes and brought out shortly after. The Curb A Peel is an unbelievably refreshing banana beer- and the Gingerbread Wheat is a little more beer-y without the oppressive flavor. Chicken Skins with beer cheese were perfection and the Burger was cooked to order with tangy pickles and a slaw concoction that was really unexpectedly good. The fries were a 10/10. Tl;dr: will 100% be back here. Wow. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Southern Fried Chicken Skins - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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10/10- we came in to celebrate my husbands birthday. We had a bigger party of about 15 people. We came in first thing on a Saturday. The staff were so friendly! They communicated well with us, and had the food and drinking coming! I am genuinely struggling to put in words how grateful I was for their service! The food was so gooood and the coffee was too! Such a great spot to hang with family and friends. read more

Beer is ok, food is quite tasty but a little pricey. Closes early, longs waits and wouldnt take earlier reservations, so sadly an 8:30 reservation was anniying because it closed an hour later. read more

We have come to this place a handful of times because despite it always being empty it's pretty decent food. The hostess sat us down at a table and within seconds another employee came and kicked us out because the stroller was in the way... i understand now why it's always empty, they're not very friendly read more

The place was large and decorated nicely. One of their draws is the many types of unusual beers. We came for 6p dinner on a Thursday and we're one of the first ones there. Service was fast and friendly. We had a 3 beer sampler. And 3 cocktails. The cocktails were better than the beers. They were all "real" cocktails , balanced and alcoholy. I had the smash burger, just average. The burger was ok but not enough cheese. The condiments were good and the bun a little firm. Secondly, pork shank, big and beautiful, but not juicy and succulent, a little dry. Tortillas that came with were overcooked. Thirdly was the octopus, large portion , perfectly cooked, yummy, winner of the day. Lastly, the duck and dumplings. One person that ordered, licked the plate clean. The duck confit seemed dry and the dumplings seemed like gnocchi. There was plenty of sauce and tasted good. Good cocktails , pretty good food, nice place and good service. Might come back for a cocktail and a snack read more

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Interesting menu. Not what you normally find at a typical brewery - menu items here are just more sophisticated than the typical brewery ( don't worry there is still a burger on the menu ). You can approach this place by getting a bunch of items to share or order individually. We decided to share. We started with the mixed olives ( quite good) and selected some cheeses ( good), and then shared 2 veggie dishes ( broccoli and leeks both good although a bit too much sauce on each for my liking). We then shared the muscles ( good) and the Peruvian chicken thighs ( very good). Lots of drink options. Casual feel but menú a little pricey for a brewery. Easy parking right in front and attentive service. Good choice if in the neighborhood and not so budget conscientious read more

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My love and I were wandering in the Ravenswood area checking out a "freecycle" community event last weekend and that eventually made us thirsty. My love suggested that we check out Cultivate by Forbidden Root, and boy are we glad that we went there. It is a visual treat to look around the cavernous urban chic interiors. Stare longingly at the colorful "scoreboard" of their current beers that can be changed at a moment's notice thanks to a system of pulleys and gears. The displays of beer cans and branded merchandise are fun to check out. The individual use unisex bathrooms seem enormous as if they belong in a spa. We did not try any of the food, but something smelled good in the kitchen (was it grilled meat?). We did enjoy several of the beers, including the featured Cultivate Flight with five fantastic beers. Quite a few of their brews feature a tinge of fruit, which my taste buds really appreciate. They also added a Ukrainian-collaboration Bread Basket beer (tasty!) while we sat at the bar, with some of its proceeds going to the Ukrainian cause. The refreshing beer selections, the overall kind and knowledgeable service, and the cool ambiance will lure us to a return visit soon enough read more

A great spot on Ravenswood. Our server was great, very prompt with service. I tried the personal bubble beer and it was very good. We were starving when we sat down and immediately ordered soup, definitely a good choice. I think I would have liked it better without the fried leeks, but still very good. I did not try the burger but the fries were good, cook perfectly. The broccolini was very good, had a smokey flavor. The lumache was interesting, the sauce taste like corn which is something I didn't expect. In the lumache was sweet potatoes and had quite a bit of chili pepper. My entree was the duck, it was more of a stew than I was expecting. The carrots were cooked but the celery was not really and it was very crunchy and a bit off putting. I ended up picking it all out and would have liked the dish better without it. The duck had great flavor, the gnocchi was a good pairing. Would certainly return, pretty sure there's a season menu here so different items likely with the next visit. read more

Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Fire Roasted Broccolini - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On a recent spontaneous Saturday afternoon, my husband and I popped in here for some libations. We were beyond pleased with their impeccable service in an atmosphere that pulls off an impressive blend of casual vibes and upscale ambiance. The place is simply gorgeous, and we enjoyed all beers tasted. Note, the fifth beer on their current flight (Mainstream Exotic) is very tart, and I let my husband tackle that one after a sip. I normally shy away from a beer including any sort of fruit. However, the Strawberry Basil was simply amazing. Definitely do not let their fruit beers give you pause if you normally are not a fan. They brew these in a way I have never experienced before, and, outside of the more tart beers, I would try anything on their menu. We will definitely be going back. They sell many of their beers in four-packs, alongside a small collection of logo'ed merch. I read on their website that they donate 100% of their non-consumable merchandise profits to charity. That's pretty awesome. They also have tap #16 as their dedicated "Love Handle." This means it's a collab with another local brewery, and $1 from every glass is donated to a mutually selected charity. read more

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Cultivate offers an extensive beer menu, an upscale, thoughtful limited menu in a very relaxed atmosphere. The beer selections were good and prices were reasonable. The good menu is not extensive and a bit pricey, but the food was very good. We shared the Smoked Ricotta Appetizer. It was whipped and topped with cubes of pickled eggplant, pine nuts and onions and herbs. It came with 3 slices of toasted bread, but there were 2 of us, so we had to ask for an additional slice, which we were charged for. Considering the appetizer was almost $20, we felt it should have been at no cost. We shared the FR Burger. It was a double smash patty, topped with cheddar, onions and mayo. It was very good. Overall, we would go back, the atmosphere is nice, food wad very good, but a bit pricey. read more

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Located in the former Band of Bohemia space, I tried Cultivate for the first time last week. I had always wanted to try Band of Bohemia, but never had a chance to get there before they sadly closed after filing for bankruptcy and other notorious allegations. Located in a quiet area along Ravenswood Avenue, Cultivate has two spaces...a restaurant in front and a dedicated bar (with board games and bar snacks) in the back. Both spaces are beautiful and inviting. Because it was a beautiful night, and due to continuing covid concerns, we opted to sit in their small outdoor space on the sidewalk in front of the building. Service was friendly and attentive and we quickly settled in to look at the menu. They have an excellent cocktail and beer menu. And although Cultivate brews its own beer, we're more into cocktails, so that is what we ordered. I had the Patagonian Summer cocktail and my husband ordered the rum-based Forbidden Old Fashioned. My drink was delicious. I loved the pretty and generous sprig of mint, and the crushed ice is summery, but the spiced flavor profiles reminded me of a December holiday. My husband's rum Forbidden Old Fashioned was good, but he was hard pressed to distinguish it from a bourbon-based Old Fashioned. In fact, that is what he thought may have been brought to the table instead of a rum cocktail. In any case, he did enjoy it. They have an excellent food menu, but we both opted for their simple FR burger. You can order it with fries or a very nice looking and delicious side salad. The burgers were good (although not as flavorful as the ingredients used would suggest), and the fries I had were crisp and hot. Cultivate is a great place to chill, have a beer and a bite. We will be back and I would recommend it. read more

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I loved everything about my experience at Cultivate by Forbidden Root. We live in L.A. and crave after Chicago's food scene and are lucky enough to be in town once a year...we typically stick to downtown but a birthday celebration brought us to Cultivate and we couldn't have been happier. Both my wife and I have diet preferences. I'm a vegetarian, she's generally vegan and gluten-free. We love small plates, artfully prepared food both visually and taste, and equally artfully prepared drinks. We got all that here. I was especially excited about the house shots menu...I've seen this a couple other places...not full cocktails, but shot glass sizes of special mixes...perfect for those of us who can't decide (and who might no the in town long enough to try more than one.) I had the Smoke and Flame House Shot, and the Closer House Shot. These were flat out delicious! The Smoke and Flame with it's Mezcal and Chili Liquor was the perfect blend of sweet and smokey. The Closer (which I did indeed close with) was bold and desserty. (Yea take that spell-check, I'm leaving "desserty" right where it is.) I love a good cheese plate and the 4 we got gave a great range of cheese experiences. The Bing Bread which I think is always vegetarian but rotates was filled with greens and was quite hearty. The bowl of olives was delicious...the roasted cauliflower was delicious...the porcini lentil soup was delicious. I could go on. I mean usually we're lucky enough at a place like this to really love a couple things and think everything else was pretty good...We really LOVED everything they brought us. As vegetarians (and just lovers of things that taste good) we had plenty to choose from and enjoy and will DEFINITELY head out of the confines of downtown to experience this place again next time we're in Chicago. read more

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Cool spot to get drinks! Last night in Chicago, so my sister and brother in law took me out to check out this new spot. Apparently this used to be a brewery that didn't quite make it through the pandemic. Good to see the space getting a second life with the new owners. The place is food forward and their beers are pretty tasty. I started with a Saffron Martini which was intriguing in the menu. It was okay and easy to go down, but I transitioned to beers after the one cocktail. Their triple IPA (lazer pants) was very smooth. I was expecting something super boozy but I see why they limit the glass size here (easy drinking). After the laser pants I switched to a double IPA (smoochies boochies). Just as good! But just not the 10%abv that laser had. Although some may say 8% is still pretty high. The chips are not overly bbq, just a hint and there's a kick that builds over time. Good for snacking. The Bing Bread rotational stuffing was quinoa. I think our server said couscous but I give him a pass because the stuffing does change and he was running his butt off in the restaurant. Vaxx cards and IDs checked at the door and struck mask policy when you are not consuming at your table. Kitchen closes early as well as the dining room 10pm, I totally get it since the place is nestled in more of a neighborhood area. Small parking lot was full but street parking on Ravenswood was plentiful. read more

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We love Forbidden Root and were so excited when we learned that they were opening a new location in the former Band of Bohemia building. We finally stopped by today and loved it! We were pleased to see that many of the staple food and drinks options from the original are still there, plus some exciting new options. I really wanted to try one of the new sandwiches, but ended up getting the burger. My one critique is that Forbidden Root should really offer fries with other sandwiches! The burger was delicious. It had all the flavors of the original location, but with its own location twist! And the fries were also delicious, but with a more peppery twist. Yum! I was so excited about the food that I totally forgot to snap a picture before gobbling it down. Whoops! To drink, my spouse got the #13 Double IPA and loved the unique flavors. I tried the Cultiveren cocktail and found it super delicious and refreshing! Staff were friendly and helpful. Prices are great! And I LOVE how Cultivate kept the integrity of Band of Bohemia in-tact through the decor. All-in-all, a fantastic experience! We hope to return again soon. It is super close to the UP-N Ravenswood Metra stop AND has its own parking spot, so super accessible! See you next time! read more

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Food was delicious (followed recommendation of other Yelp reviews and got the braised short rib, very good!). Carrots were also good but the main dish and one cheese would've be enough for two of us. Beer was also very good! We each did a flight and enjoyed every beer we tried. The decor and ambiance was nice (very cozy/mature but still kid friendly and they do have a kids menu). Will definitely be back! read more

Fantastic drinks and food! Beer menu looked impressive (flights and all)! We ordered cocktails, which were creative, well thought out and perfectly executed. The food menu was thoughtfully separated into sea, pasture and garden section. Do yourself a favor and order the Stracciatella. Just a banging, creative, delicious combination of a burrata-like cheese with wild mushrooms and marmalade. All came perfectly together. The duck and dumplings had excellent flavors. I would skip the mussels next time and try another amazing option. The service was solid. The waitress described the dishes and drinks well and service was timely. Ambiance is interesting and engaging. A bit on the louder side but can definitely have a convo going. read more

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Cultivate is a great local spot within the Ravenswood neighborhood! This has become a new staple and it's a restaurant by Forbidden Root which is one of my favorites. We always have a wonderful experience whenever we dine here and the service is always on point. The space and decor is eclectic, they even have a throwback decor- lava lamps. The beer and drink menu have tons to choose from and I usually select the house flight because I love their draft beer selections and it changes seasonally. For the food, there are two standout winners that I would highly recommend for everyone to try. The Forbidden Root Burger sits on top of my list. I love the smash patty, giardiniera mayo, and white American cheese. On Mondays, they have the burger special where you get the burger, fries, shot of bourbon, and 16oz beer for only $14 for a single or $17 for a double, which is a steal! Another must try is the duck & dumplings, which has duck confit, ricotta gnocchi, mirepoix, duck jus, and crispy duck skin and is just delectable. This is mostly the two dishes we always order but have also tried other seasonal dishes they've offered. I have yet to try their desserts but one day I will make room for them with my meal. They have happy hours from Monday to Friday where you get the bar snacks for half off and $10 for the Cultivate house flight. I'm such a fan of Cultivate and highly recommend for everyone to try. They have formulated all the things I look for in a brewery- unique food & drinks, and great service. read more

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