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    EL Ideas

    4.5 (404 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American
    Closed Closed

    EL Ideas Photos

    Business Info

    EL IDEAS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - EL Ideas

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    Reviews With Photos

    French fries and ice cream
    laurence h.

    We have eaten numerous times at El Ideas over the last decade or so, every meal has been memorable. Last nights dinner was very good, everything tasted great and the chefs were particularly engaging. BYOB makes El Ideas (along with Schwa) the most cost effective Michelin restaurant/tasting menu in Chicago. That said, I was hungry when I got home. Maybe its my imagination, but it seemed like there was less courses than in the past. There just wasn't enough food this time. We will return!

    Kelly D.

    Very unique experience with a fantastic staff!! The food makes this experience worth every penny but the staff sure does go above and beyond to make it worth even more. Intimate quiet setting makes it also great for a special date night or a celebration

    Beautiful soup
    Susan W.

    Way off the beaten path, genuinely warm service, casually comfortable special evening ambiance and food that is playful and elegant ...all while you think it tastes like things you've had before, but realize you haven't had anything like this. We loved our special evening here. It started with a shot shared with the other diners and staff poured straight out of the bottle without chasers. The ability to BYOB made for the perfect occasion to crack open a hoarded bottle. All of the food was excellent, but our favorites were the soup, tartare and bread with liver mousse. My descriptions do not do any course justice, but instead of reading this review, get yourself to this restaurant! Chef and team are to be applauded for keeping it about the food and hospitality and not about glitter and hand waving. Thank you! An evening to remember.

    Interior
    Jim D.

    I quite enjoy these off the beaten path, relaxed & inventive one Michelin star restaurants. Of course there's faults but I can count on one hand how many flawless restaurants I've been to. One fault is the price. Tbh the price is two or rarely 3 Michelin star territory. secondly they literally kick you out to prepare for the next seating. Parking can be tricky but doable. Loved the fact that twas byob & they offered to change glassware as well as produce aerators for wine or ice buckets for champagne. Biggest compliments go to inventive dishes such as the French fry frosty, pasta dish & the fact that you're able to literally go into the kitchen & converse with the chefs during service

    Nick P.

    This was a unique Michelin restaurant. Parking can be limited if you decide to drive. When you walk in, it's not luxurious or sumptuous looking, this makes you feel like you're at a friend's house. You're just hanging out, letting your friends cook for you. They took my coat and hanged it up for me. Seating is limited. Food was very creative, innovative, and tasty. The menu changes so it'll never be the same as the past year's except for the shake and fries course. That one will always stay on. Dress code is casual/dressy but at least make yourself look presentable. Definitely do better than a t shirt. The staff was very friendly and service was great.

    Vince W.

    Outstanding food and service. My third visit actually, and oh what an incredible train ride of flavors, taste and atmospheric greatness. Chef Philip is a powerhouse creative and makes this culinary experience at El Ideas, a great one. Each course is perfectly timed, delivered hot and fresh from the open kitchen. Along with his team, he delivers what I consider to be...one of the best dining experiences ever! BYOB proved to be the perfect addition to this experience, as it allowed myself and dining guest to bring a piece of us and not what the establishment deals as good wine or champagne. Two thumbs up and five GOLD stars from this diner. A definite must experience.

    Constructing French fries & frosty
    Nancy S.

    We were celebrating my husband's birthday last night at EL ideas and it was an incredible night out! The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming; when they state they want you to walk around and talk to the chef and other guests; they mean it! Both chefs Philip Foss and Alejandro Cuevas were great at answering questions while plating up the dishes and not spoiling the surprise of what they will be serving exactly. It was such a fun night out and the food was incredible as well! We started with a small plate for which we were asked to "dive in" without utensils. My favorite dishes were the scallop and crab cannellini. The scallop dish was a surprisingly good mix with madras flavors and plantains; just delicious! My third favorite was probably the beef with porcini and manchego cheese. The deserts were delicious as well. Loved the service! We brought our own wines (including a dessert wine) and the host recommended we pair that with 1 of the upcoming dishes (the foie gras dish). It turned out to work really well! At the end of the dinner service we received the menu and we received 1 in English and 1 in Dutch which is our 1st language so that was a really nice touch. Overall 1 of the most memorable Michelin star restaurants we have visited. Would love to come back!

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    5 months ago

    Delicious! Some of the best food we've had and such a great vibe. Truly an exceptional meal from exceptionally talented staff.

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    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - EL Ideas

    I can't see anything about the menu. How do I see what they serve?

    It's a chef's menu, you don't know what will be served until you get there.

    Can a vegetarian (lacto-ovo) option be accommodated?

    You can email them, they're quite nice about this stuff

    Do you leave the restaurant full or are the portions too small?

    You'll leave full

    Is there a minimum age restriction for guests coming to this place?

    I've heard 25 but don't quote me

    View All 5 Questions

    The Dearborn

    The Dearborn

    (2.7k reviews)

    $$

    The Loop

    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!

    Eden - seasonal dinner dishes

    Eden

    (447 reviews)

    $$$

    Avondale

    Yesterday, we had lunch at Eden Restaurant in Chicago…read more We arrived at the restaurant only to find our rear tire was flat. Thanks to the kindness of Moe, the GM along with a few of his crew members who changed our tire in drizzling rain. They were not deterred by the fact that our wheel key did not fit the locks on our car, they asked other Eden crew members to check their glove boxes for a wheel key. Thank you Moe and Team Eden for your kindness. Sometimes we forget how incredibly kind and generous the hospitality community truly is . And as for the food- best ever! I had the Soul and Smoke wood fired ham and cheese melt. Delicious! The Market Burgers are the best in the city! Chef Devon Quinn and his team are outstanding. Eden is an incredible example of what the hospitality industry is. We are so grateful for the kindness, the love and generosity shown to us.

    Finally made it in for brunch/ lunch today and was just as impressed as I have been each time we've…read morebeen for dinner. You truly can't beat the freshness of ingredients used and the delightful flavors that the chefs curate so well. Today j had the chicken Caesar wrap with the Eden salad & my husband had the burger with French fries- both dishes were absolutely DEVINE and we both really enjoyed the use of oven roasted tomato on each dish. The burger was delightfully savory and bursting with flavor, the fries were the perfect level of crispy and not too salty! The Caesar wrap was fresh and light while still packed with flavors, the chicken was cooked perfectly and not over seasoned. The side salad was delicious and not too big with nice touch of sweetness from crisp apples and dried cranberries. My favorite part of our meal was the pear and almond danish we finished with. The pastry was so crispy and delicious, but not overly oily or buttery & the filling was not overly sweet and perfectly balanced. Service was fabulous as always. TRULY, they exceed all expectations, every single time.

    Daisies - Stracci

    Daisies

    (772 reviews)

    $$

    Logan Square

    Daisies continues to prove why it's one of the best pasta spots in the city -- creative, seasonal,…read moreand comforting without feeling heavy. The meal started strong with crispy, golden flatbread paired with creamy ricotta. The ricotta was silky and lightly tangy, topped with olive oil, shaved cheese, herbs, and a sweet-savory jam that added depth. The bread had that perfect crunch on the outside with a slight chew inside -- simple but elevated. The pasta was the star. Wide ribbons cooked perfectly al dente, coated in a rich, slow-simmered ragu that tasted deeply savory and comforting. The sauce clung beautifully to the noodles, and the generous sprinkle of parmesan tied everything together. It felt rustic but refined -- the kind of dish you keep going back for.

    This spot had reservations gone in minutes and I get why, but it didn't fully blow me away…read more Vibes were just alright. We sat in the back so it was quieter, but still kinda loud overall and felt more casual than expected. Better for groups than a romantic dinner. 6.5/10. Service was great though. Our server was funny, super attentive, and paced everything perfectly. Loved the little details like switching plates and checking in at the right times. 8/10. The sweet onion toast was sooo good. Reminded me of Au Cheval's bone marrow + jam combo. Crispy & flavorful. 9.5/10. All the pastas were cooked perfectly al dente and not oily at all which I LOVED. The strozzapreti was super comforting with great duck flavor. 8.5/10. The beet agnolotti was really unique, tasted like a cream cheese lox everything bagel. 8/10. The cappelletti was more mid for me, good filling and sauce but nothing crazy. 7/10. The pork collar had an interesting texture like medium rare steak, but I'm just not a big pork fan. 6/10. Now the desserts... BEST part of the meal. The chocolate pavlova was insane. First time trying it and the textures were crazy good with the sorbet, mousse, and crunch. 9.5/10. The cookie dough brownie ice cream was also one of the best flavors I've had. 9.5/10. They also gave us a free chocolate cake for our celebration which was a nice touch, but it tasted pretty basic. Overall, really solid pastas, amazing desserts, and a great app, but a litttttle overhyped for me.

    Tala House - homemade focaccia baked daily - served with salsa macha, chili oil & manchego cheese

    Tala House

    (105 reviews)

    Andersonville, Ravenswood, Uptown

    10 out of 10 experience. It's so clean and beautiful inside, I really didn't want to leave lol I…read morewas so comfortable; I really liked how bright the inside is. We went here on a Sunday for brunch, we were a big group (6) with a little one. We made reservations ahead. The service was excellent, our waiter was so nice and welcoming because of him we are going back. He was so caring about our little one. The food was delicious including the drinks. Such a great dining experience!!

    Tala House is one of those rare places that hits the trifecta in the restaurant industry. The food,…read moreservice and ambiance all win. Taking first place is the food; always excellent and inventive. This week, the menu featured Mexican-inspired dishes in recognition of Cinco de Mayo. Everything, from the shrimp ceviche to the short rib tacos, was amazing. In second place (or really tied for first) is the service. From the greeting at the door to the moment you leave, you'll experience friendly, professional service that goes above and beyond without feeling stuffy. We arrived five minutes before our reservation, but our table wasn't ready yet. Rather than ignoring us while we waited, three people on the team apologized to us. But, as if the apologies weren't enough (which they were), one server brought us shots of Cava while we waited. Once seated, the server brought us a free appetizer and another gratis shot of Cava after dessert. This more than made up for the nine minutes into our reservation time that we waited. Rounding out third place is the ambiance- clean and modern but warm and comfortable. The lively atmosphere can be slightly loud when the place is full, but this is hardly a "ding" on everything else that makes Tala House a resounding success! If they keep up this level of food, service and ambiance, I'll be a customer long into the future.

    Cindy's Rooftop - Prawns Nayarit

    Cindy's Rooftop

    (2.8k reviews)

    $$$

    The Loop

    I made a reservation to celebrate my partner's birthday. When we got there they said they'd text us…read morewhen our table was ready but to feel free to have a drink at the bar and check out the views, which are beautiful. We got a drink then the text came through and we sat at our table. For appetizers, we had a dozen oysters. They were so fresh and flavorful. For dinner, I had the mushroom risotto with chicken and he had the duck pot pie. Risotto is something I have been looking for since I tried many years ago at the now closed Pompeii Orland Park location. They had an amazing risotto. Well, Cindy's I have to say is even better. The risotto was so creamy and rich in flavor. The mushrooms were delicious and the chicken was the perfect addition. The pot pie was full of duck meat and veggies. It was very delicious and would definitely recommend it! We also had the broccolini as a side to share, it is a very big order and very very flavorful. The char gave it such a unique, great test. I was surprised to have finished our food completely it was that good . The server brought out a small slice of cake to celebrate the birthday. The perfect dessert. I would definitely come back to try out their brunch menu.

    My friend and I were in Chicago recently and stayed at the Chicago Athletic Association. Our…read morereservation was made using The Hotel Collection, and it came with a credit, which we used in part for a late night snack and drinks at Cindy's Rooftop. While I wasn't a big fan of the taste of my drink and dessert, my friend enjoyed both of theirs. Rather, the service was excellent and the views were amazing. My friend ordered The Rocher for dessert, which includes hazelnut cake, mascarpone chantilly, and smoked maldon salt. I ordered a Baked Alaska, consisting of citrus cake, lemon cream, toasted meringue, and salted white chocolate crunch. We both also ordered cocktails. I cannot recall the name of the drinks. I asked for my drink to be fruity and sweet, but it wasn't enough of either for me. The Baked Alaska was fine but too much of various flavors. I wouldn't fault the restaurant for the drink or dessert taste as I know others really enjoyed theirs. Our server was most attentive and very helpful. We found that making a reservation on Open Table only offered a certain number of time slots, and all of them involved having dinner and not just drinks or a dessert. Reservations can also be made on their website though we chose to speak to the front desk about a reservation. Going up to the bar is first come, first serve though. We ended up making an Open Table reservation and were told it was okay to only order drinks and desserts. Cindy's is named in honor of Marian "Cindy" Pritzker, a beloved Chicago philanthropist. It sits on top of the 13th floor of the hotel under a glass atrium and offers views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and beyond. Cindy's Rooftop is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 12 Midnight, Saturday from 10 AM to 12 Midnight, and Sunday from 10 AM to 11 PM. Go to https://cindysrooftop.com to see a live terrace view, menus, private dining information, and more. If you're staying at or in the area of the Chicago Athletic Association, definitely go up to Cindy's Rooftop for the experience.

    EL Ideas - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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