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.

Staff took such good care of us and actually got us moved to a much better window booth where we…read moreenjoyed some fantastic fish and chips

The Dearborn was the perfect first meal on my first day in Chicago. I love that they're open for…read morelunch, since a lot of spots in the Loop only get going at dinner. We grabbed seats at the bar, and the cocktail list is a highlight, with a nice mix of classic and seasonal drinks. The 4 cheese tavern pizza was fantastic: super thin crust, cut into squares, and perfectly crisp. The ham and cheese croquettes were also very tasty and a great starter to share. My friend ordered the fish and chips, one of their signature dishes, which famously beat Bobby Flay on his show (a rare feat!). Based on how quickly it disappeared, it lives up to the hype. The only downside is that the bar seats are pretty uncomfortable, so you may want a table if you plan to linger. Still, the food and drinks more than make up for it. Highly recommend!

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

The hot honey halloumi was easily the best dish of the night. It reminded me a lot of a nagasaki…read morebut with the added spice of the hot honey. Very complex flavors that's sweet, a little sour, creamy, and with a savory edge from the browning. We sat outside on a pleasant evening and it was a very nice patio. The wait staff were very attentive as well so no issues there. They went the extra mile of checking on food allergy issues for me multiple times. My main issue is that the appetizer - the halloumi - was the best dish. The brussels sprouts that came out were charred crisp on the outside and creamy on the insides - which is ideal - except that the flavor was very one-note. If you eat one, then every other one on the plate is pretty much just that again. The problem is that it lacked that feeling of "moreism" that you need if you're going to go with a very simple flavor profile. They tasted fine, but nothing about these made me want to just keep eating them. We also had the crispy mushrooms which likewise had a very similar issue of being one-note. This was notably better than the sprouts though because they came was a very tasty tzatziki sauce that saved the dish, but the sauce shouldn't be the star of a dish like this.

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.

My husband and I were here in 2018 and it was phenomenal. When we had an opportunity to visit…read moreChicago again, my husband made reservations here for their Tiniest Goat menu and experience. This menu was anything but tiny and delivered big on EXPERIENCE. Last time, we saw Chef Izard expediting the line and everything ran like a well-oiled machine. This time, Chef Izard wasn't here but her restaurant still ran with the same precision and impeccable eye for quality of food, service, and ambiance. Our server was Luis (and his team) and we sat at the kitchen bar. We were greeted with genuine warmth and a champagne toast. We will remember Luis and will ask for him again. The menu items on this six-course Tiniest Goat experience were ANYTHING but tiny. The flavors were even BEYOND what we'd come to expect having eaten here previously and at Chef Izard's LA rooftop dining experience. The menu items were a fusion of Chicagoat, Asian, and California fresh! The braised goat with persimmons was an unexpected delight, as was every single course. We've had great goat empanadas here before. My husband lived in the DR before where he'd thought he had the best goat ever, but Chef Izard's team surpassed his high expectations. Chef Preston was personable and made the experience unlike we'd had before in the best possible ways. It was interactive. We got to experience firsthand what we saw last time only closer up, which was a team that works exceptionally well with each other AND truly loves what they do. They were also having fun and kind to one another. Well Done, BRAVO!

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!

We chose Yardbird because of their gluten-free options, and making a reservation through OpenTable…read morewas super easy! The restaurant itself is beautiful! Very hip and trendy, with a great atmosphere and a two-story layout. The upstairs area looked like it would be perfect for larger groups or private gatherings. Unfortunately, the service didn't quite match the atmosphere. We were a party of six and arrived before the big dinner rush, so it wasn't particularly busy when we ordered. Our server was very quiet and not especially engaging. I was seated toward the end of the table, and rather than walking over to take my order or answer questions, she spoke to me from across the table. I personally enjoy being able to have a conversation with my server, especially when I have questions about gluten-free options, and it was awkward trying to communicate across five other people. Our food took approximately 35 minutes to arrive after ordering, which seemed excessive considering how quiet the restaurant was when we placed our order. Interestingly, the staff assisting with clearing tables and refilling water were much friendlier and more personable than our actual server. The GF Fried chicken was good, crispy but lacked flavor. I did not care for the GF waffles, and the syrup was underwhelming. Others enjoyed their meal, the fish and chips and short ribs were well liked. One thing worth mentioning: Yardbird automatically adds a 20% gratuity for parties of six. We all had separate checks, and when paying through the QR code, the payment system also prompted for an additional tip. If you're not paying attention, it would be easy to tip twice, so definitely double-check before submitting payment. The restaurant is on the pricier side, although the portions are generous. Overall, I loved the atmosphere and appreciated having gluten-free options, but the service and overall experience fell a little short of expectations. I'm glad we tried it, but I'm not sure it's somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again.