I loved my experience with the Girl Dinner here! Such a brilliant idea! Great way to fill a restaurant on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. They have a special Girl Dinner menu and it's such a great deal! For $30 you get an entree, side Caesar salad, a cocktail, and fries. (The fries are the only item you share.) I appreciate a girls night and my friend and I had a blast. The food is delicious! I loved everything I tried. I loved the Lemon Cacio e Pepe and I added mushrooms to it. My Hugo Spritz was very refreshing. The truffle fries were crispy and soooooooo good! The side Caesar was perfection. We ordered a few add ons too. The truffle whipped ricotta was a lovely appetizer and we loved our dessert as well. The carrot cake was super moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting was divine. Excellent service from Brendan! He's awesome, attentive, personable, and hilarious! I love the bright and colorful design and decor! Swanky and fun! Witty signs and fun bathrooms. We had a lovely table by the window and it was perfect weather and we enjoyed the breeze. I'll gladly come here again and try more things. I had a fabulous evening! read more

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Came for the girl dinner and while a great deal (app, mains and a drink) the quality was just ok. Loved service by Brendan but drink service was uneven and he had to check on our drinks both rounds. The espresso martini wasn't very strong at all but the old fashioned I had next was better. Caesar salad was overdressed, fries were ok but could have been fried harder, the cacio was pretty bland and my friend barely touched her rigatoni. The decorate your own crappy cake dessert was fun and a good idea but the cake itself was so dry. Pretty packed for a Wednesday night and mostly women but vibes seemed fun. Don't know if I would go back though. read more

LIA - Design your own Crappy cake art - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here for their Girl Dinner special that runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and honestly, it's hard to beat the value. For $30, you get a Caesar salad, truffle fries to share, a pasta or pizza, and a drink. I ordered the vodka rigatoni with a lemon drop martini and really enjoyed the meal overall. The food came out pretty quickly, which was nice. The Caesar salad was solid, the truffle fries were hot and crispy, and while the vodka rigatoni could have been a little more flavorful, it was still enjoyable. The portions were generous too. Between the salad, fries, pasta, and drinks, I definitely left full. The lemon drop martini was good, and they also offer additional cocktails for $15. We definitely took advantage of that. The drinks were cute, strong, and well-made. Service was friendly throughout the night. We were seated by the windows, and when it started getting chilly outside, our server was quick to close them for us. Another unexpected bonus was that they were playing Love Island, which made for a fun atmosphere while we ate and drank. read more

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The girl dinner deal is insane and so worth it!! Came with a group of 5 and we had the best time. I think there were 2 men in the whole restaurant on a Thursday night. Servers were kind as well. I got the dirty martini which was delicious and I got to choose blue cheese stuffed olives or regular (very important questions). We enjoyed the truffle fries for the table - they gave us 2 plates for the 5 of us and it was a lot!! The Caesar was good, and I realllyy enjoyed the spicy vodka pasta. Big portion, perfect spice level, and very rich! 2 of my friends are gluten free and they were able to get the pasta GF and the pizza! And the GF pizza was actually huge. We all had a really great time! read more

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Lia Tavern started doing girl dinner menu available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. It's actually a great deal, so definitely make a reservation because every single seat in the restaurant was full. For $30, you get to choose a drink, fries for the table, a caesar salad, and choose a main dish (pasta or pizza). That's so much food! It was pretty good too. The salad was a good portion sized and I liked the way they sliced the croutons. The sauce for the fries was yummy, and I really liked the pasta. Even though they were super busy, the waiter was quick and attentive. They had a ton of searing and we got lucky to be seated right next to a window. They were even playing sex and the city on the tvs - really leaning into the girl dinner aesthetic! read more

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This was such a fun girls' night! The $30 girls dinner is a fun reason to get the hang together. We enjoyed cocktails, truffle fries, Caesar salad, and lemon cacio e pepe. Heads up it's $10 to add grilled chicken to your pasta. Shout out to Brendan for being a great server! Reservations recommended because this is a popular event! Heard the menu is updating at the end of July. read more

LIA - Inside - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Honestly better than expected. You get a lot for your money and the spritz was good. Kind of a weird location. read more

LIA - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

TL; DR: $30 girl dinner Tuesday-Thursday Great deal for girl dinner that is both filling and fun. I went in on a Tuesday with a group and 90% of the tables were all girl groups, so the vibes were girly through and through. Whoo hoo! I would love to go back to try different combos with drinks and entrees read more

The girl dinner for $30 was a great deal - I got the hugo spritz, caesar salad, truffle fries (for the table), and the vodka rigatoni! The food was pretty solid but not the best I've had. Again, for that price I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was quick and we were in and out within the hour! read more

LIA - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for the girl dinner which was such an incredible deal. I got a Hugo spritz which was perfection then we started with Caesar salad and truffle fries. Both so good! For my entree I got the lemon Cacio e Pepe which I love the type of pasta they used. It wasn't very lemony but I still enjoyed it. The interior of this place is so cute I love the ambiance. I will say, we got here at 5pm, when they open, for the girl dinner and there were already a few people already waiting at the door! We got bar seating and the restaurant filled up pretty fast. Definitely make a reservation if you can read more

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Just went for a $30 Girl Dinner with my cousins and it was a success! For $30 we got a choice of Martini or Spritz, a Caesar salad, Truffle Fries & either a Lemon Cacio de Pepe, Prosciutto Pizza or Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. For $30 it was so worth it, it was insanely delicious! The inside was beautiful and intimate and our waitress was sweet & attentive! The service started off a little slow but they made it up at the end, will definitely be back again! read more

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Lia Tavern in River North is answering the call for a curated "girl dinner" that actually makes sense for a mid-week night out. For $30, you're getting a full-service experience every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. While the classic martini and Caesar salad weren't quite to my taste this time around, the fries and other drink held its own. For our second round, instead of the standard martini, I opted for the BERGAMOT ROSE CLOUD VODKA, which rose tea syrup. It was absolutely delicious and added a floral, bright touch to the evening. The meal continues with your choice of their signature spicy vodka pizza or pasta, plus truffle fries for the table--which adds that perfect communal, high-energy vibe without the stress of over-ordering. It's a great way to navigate a weeknight in Chicago when you want an effortless meal and a standout cocktail in an elevated space. BERGAMOT ROSE CLOUD VODKA, ITALICUS, APEROL, LEMON, BERGAMOT ROSE TEA SYRUP Girl Dinner $30 Martini Your Way Caesar Salad (Choice Of) Spicy Vodka Pizza or Pasta Truffle Fries For The Table read more

We didn't know what to expect but had a great dinner experience here. The decor and ambience was great, service was solid, and the food was tasty! However, it is a bit pricy for what you're getting. We ordered a mocktail and the taste and presentation with the fish shaped goblet was very cool. The garlic bread pillows were amazing way to start our meal. We also enjoyed the pastas (Lemon cacio Pepe & spicy vodka) and the pizza! Would recommend trying this place at least once read more

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A girlfriend and I went to LIA tavern for their $30 girl dinner, and I must say, we were blown away. The drinks, apps, and pastas were all delicious. I am a vegetarian and don't drink alcohol, and the waiter was so accommodating. I was able to order a Lychee mocktail that was one of the best mocktails I've ever had. The vibe was very hip and chic, with cool artwork all over the walls. I'd highly recommend trying the girl dinner- you won't regret it, and neither will your wallet! read more

LIA - Veggie Caesar salad, truffle fries, and a lychee mocktail! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came by with a friend for a nightcap. It was not too busy and we were able to grab seats up at the bar. Drinks were presented in a very unique way, almost like a miniature art exhibit. A bit pricey even for River North, but they were made strong. The art work across the space was very urban and eclectic, some of it even abstract scribbles and swirls of paint on panels. We didn't have any food but they basically offer thin crust flatbread style pizzas and some lighter small plate tapas items. Apparently the menu rotates every 6-weeks which should keep guests curious. read more

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Cute artsy venue with colorful and animated cocktails and food choices. Very creative and fun place to visit locally and with visiting guests. So much more I wanted to try but only stumbled into this place as I was taking a mindless walk to clear my mind's mess of personal storm. Guess the universe answered my needs by giving me an hour of childish fun. Here's what I tried dining alone: 1. Here little fish: no alcohol (thought I should keep my mind clear to be able to make sound decisions). Served in a very cute large fish shaped glass. Content was citrusy juice made with orange and passion fruit juice with mint syrup. Very refreshing! Highly recommend. 2. Bottle Rockets: five wontons (chicken sausage) served on a wooden stick and forked into a bed of tall blade grass. The server comes out with a pitcher of liquid nitrogen that he pours into the grass bed creating a white cloudy aesthetic. Super cool. Wontons were average but loved the show. 3. Truffle Lobster Pasta: small lobster tail in a creamy pasta and garnished with saffrons. Flavor was good. Overall fun experience. Want to come back to have more of their creative cocktails. Love this place! read more

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LIA is colorful, the design, the artwork, the entire aesthetic is really well done. It feels like you're stepping into a trendy, curated space with a lot of visual appeal. I was excited walking in... but unfortunately, the food and drinks just didn't hold up. The menu sounds creative and the presentations were nice, but the actual flavors were underwhelming. Most dishes felt like they were trying to be inventive without really nailing the basics. Nothing we had stood out, everything looked better than it tasted. Same with the cocktails: pretty on paper, but flat in execution. We left feeling like we'd paid more for the concept than the quality. To top it off, the service was slow. Really slow and all the dishes came out at the same time. No one was rude, but the pacing and attentiveness just wasn't there. read more

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Pizza tasting menu was super fun, they included some great dishes to try. Pesto Squash pizza was our favorite, as well as the prosciutto bruschetta. read more

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Ok so here's the thing my group of 5 friends had a reservation at 7:15pm on a Thursday night. We arrived at 7:13pm, we go in and the hostess tells us our table isn't ready and that she'll text when it is. We head back outside for another 15 minutes, no text. At about 7:35pm we head back inside to ask again, and they tell us it will be another 10 mins. (Remember reservation time was for 7:15). Then they offer us 5 seats at the bar, we just awkwardly sat there because obviously we were there for girl dinner and didn't want this to count as our one drink. I however needed a martini asap so ordered that for full price. We wait another 15 minutes at the bar. At around 7:55pm the hostess (maybe manager) came to get us to bring us to our table. She mentioned once about comped drinks (never came) and another about free dessert (which did come!) She took our drink order as we were sitting down, after about 10 more minutes (8:05) our actual server comes over only to realize the other woman had gotten our drinks and he just walked away. The food itself was okay but nothing to write home about and the service was below average once seated. Also random- we asked for boxes at one point, I had gotten a small personal sized pizza. I asked the server for a box and I kid you not he brought a XL pizza box. We couldn't help but laugh because common sense should've told you that was ridiculous, given the size of the pizza in front of me but damn was it funny. I wanted to like this place and the concept of girl dinner is a fun, but good lord remember who your audience is, chatty girls here for dinner! Plan accordingly! Probably won't be back read more

It was fine, that's the nicest way to say it. The only things that stood out were sadly because they weren't very good, namely the Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. It wasn't spicy and lacked flavor. The ambiance was not enough to make up for food being just okay. You'll have luck with the Lemon Cacio e Pepe and the Carrot Cake, the pizza was decent. read more

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Came here for my birthday and ordered the short rib pasta -- unfortunately, it was pretty bland. My mom had the pizza, which honestly seemed to be the star of the menu based on what everyone else thought of their meals. Service was slow; our server took drink orders quickly but it felt like forever before we could order food. That said, the space itself was fun and creative -- perfect for a casual night out or inexpensive cocktails before heading to the bars. The drinks were clever and affordable, and it was still a fun evening surrounded by friends. I also enjoyed checking out all the art installations around the restaurant. I'd maybe return for a casual dinner, but it's not somewhere I'd choose again for a birthday celebration. read more

Honestly had a great time at LIA tonight! The restaurant is super cute and decorated very fun. The menu is a lot of fun with its play on dishes! Our cocktails were a lot of fun. I chose the fish cocktail and my friend at the campbell soup martini one both were pretty good. The fish cocktail is very tropical and sweet. Our other got the lavender drink but the other two were definitely better! The food was super good we had the pillow appetizer and dumplings which were a crowd favorite. The lobster pasta was also super good! Chorizo stuffed dates were fine! Our waiter was super nice and helpful we had a great time! read more

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Lia was such a fun place to visit. It's got great cocktails and also the way they preset them is just so artsy. Loved all the options and the service as well. All the cocktails on the list were so different and very unique. The whole vibe of the place is very artistic. They have a wall full of pain brushes and so many posters too, giving the place a very quirky look. This place is very Instagram worthy. A must try! read more

This was a truly unique experience -- equally beautiful and delicious! We were smitten with the shrimp in yellow sauce and the roasted bacon, which was a standout dish. The cocktails were incredible, and the wine list was fantastic. The restaurant feels like a little museum of modern art combined with fine dining -- plush, yet casual enough to relax and enjoy the night. We happened to be the first table to order the bacon, and to our delight, the chef (who is also the artist behind the presentation) came out personally to ask how we liked it. We absolutely loved it -- crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfectly balanced with a chi-vinegar reduction and coconut sauce. Bravo! read more

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LIA is a newer restaurant in the neighborhood. The host and waiter were super welcoming and friendly. The interior is dark and vibey - I can see the potential of there being a bar/lounge at night. As for the food, I wasn't too impressed but didn't hate anything. The apps were ok and the steak was cooked well, but for those prices there is much better in River North. I would come back for the drinks and atmosphere, but probably not for food. read more

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Very mid. Two dishes were pretty good & one cocktail was decent. Everything else was a sleeper & hard pass. Shrimp with the addition of capers, broth & aioli in said broth had some bold & good flavor. Enjoyed the fluffy pillow albeit it being merely truffle oil. Risotto tasted like water truffle lobster pasta was just boring for lack of a better term. Maple old fashioned was decent but be mindful of that fact that it was minuscule when not served on the rocks. Jackson's paint cocktail was boring even with the theatrics. Twas about $200 which seems standard at any restaurant for a couple these days. Art aspect wasn't explained despite being half this place's philosophy. I wouldn't return. Seems more like a lite bite & quick drink place read more

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Food and cocktails were creative and delicious, especially the pizzas. Whole vibe managed to be cool and clever and neighborhoody and playful at the same time. Service is next level awesome--friendly, super fast, so kind. Also a great value for your money, especially in this area. It was like your coolest nicest friends had a restaurant. Highly recommend. read more

Ahh! This used to be Bohemian House. Remember that! I had the Fried Milk Bread and a craft cocktail. The staff and service are bodacious. read more

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My friend and I went for the girl diner special and it was so good. The fried and salad for the table was just the right amount and the spicy rigatoni and prosciutto and arugula pizza were both very yummy. Everyone who worked there was so nice too, Definitely will come back for another girl dinner soon. read more

LIA offers a dining experience that balances art and flavor. The interior is striking, clearly inspired by modern art, with a beautiful design that sets the tone for a memorable evening. Service is attentive and professional, creating a smooth and welcoming atmosphere throughout the meal. I tried the six-course tasting menu with drink pairings. The drinks were thoughtfully crafted and complemented the courses very well, enhancing the overall experience. The food itself had some highlights but also a few inconsistencies--certain dishes stood out with creativity and flavor, while others fell a bit flat compared to the rest. read more

The pizza was the only redeemable thing about Lia. Service was so terrible that I would not consider going back. After sitting at our table for 15 minutes, no server came to even give us water until we had to ask the hostess if our server knew we were there. Eventually someone came but didn't introduce themselves or let us know they were the waiter, and then just asked us what we wanted. We asked for a salad and drinks. Our salad came out in a reasonable time but our drinks didn't come until way later. Eventually we ordered our pizza and got it after a while. The server never checked if everything was ok or ever came back after that. Finally we were able to find him again and had to ask for the check because didn't know when we would get the opportunity again read more

We Loved the food and the vibe of this place. The concept is cool and the service was great. Try the sampler menu, it has everything so you get a good feel for the rest of the menu! It's one thing to have an awesome presentation... which they do... it's another thing to deliver on the flavor... and they do!! read more

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If you love art, you'll love LIA. The intention put behind the decor and art pieces on the wall add that much more depth to the food that's so delicious in itself. The owner even created the Pollock-style art piece on the wall, which definitely symbolizes the eclectic pieces that somehow all go together. Lastly, our French server, Rachid, was chef's kiss Not only did he share so much insight about the courses, he was also so fun to talk to in between bites. I'm definitely bringing my other friends visiting Chicago! read more

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We had the best experience at LIA than we have had in some time. The drinks were art-themed and quite tasty. The food was amazing We shared two fish dishes that were outstanding The ambiance and service did not disappoint either. read more

LIA - Local art and chef derived art behind the bar "Pollack esque." - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Had such a fun time at Lia, loved the creative drinks and atmosphere! Our waiter, Rachid, made the experience an 11/10. Will definitely be coming back!! read more

LIA - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

New restaurant in river north! Tasting menu was a great deal $180 which includes an alcohol pairing (champagne, cocktails, wine, espresso martinis!) They also offer the tasting menu for $120 if you're not drinking! Highly recommend checking out this new artistic concept! Atmosphere is really cool with great music. Nice upscale place but not too fancy! I was told they also have happy hour which I look forward to coming back and trying. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. 10/10! read more

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First off, I need to stop listening to Tiktok recommendations! We had a reservation here, waited about an hour for any kind of service. Once we finally recieved human interaction, we were asked about our order twice. We didn't even want food at this point, and wanted to at least enjoy some drinks. We finally get our drinks 1.5 hrs later, and they were both WRONG. Appreciated the free tiramisu, even though I stated I was dairy free prior hahah. It was evident they were understaffed, but as a customer I was more than understanding & the best thing I should've done was just leave... read more

AMAZING. AND a beautiful restaurant, with art throughout. Matt behind the bar was very hospitable and knowledgeable. Their Chardonnay is great. I had the Fungi Pizza, which was delicious both at the restaurant and later that night. I can't wait to go back! read more

We had the best time here!! The owner is so kind and the cocktails were excellent. It also had the best vibes. Highly recommend!!

As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share plate style; needless to say, we all loved it). I'm no stranger to good food as I've had the opportunity to enjoy many great spots, but to keep the focus on what I loved about this place, I will forgo mentioning them. The artist hosting concept has such a jazzy feel and tongue-in-cheek references to some favorite phrases that can be heard in most of the places you go out to. This initial decor disarmed me on my initial visit and did not prepare my mouth for the level of quality the chef had to throw at us. Their cocktails were well-thought-out, allowing for something for everyone, whether it be the refreshing Jackson's paint can. Or the continuously wonderful flavors of the spicy guest check. Rachid and the bartender that we had the first time we came to visit were amazing(can't remember his name because we had too much fun that night). But, of course, Rachid made our third anniversary special, literally throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us, in my opinion, when it came to service and details. I cannot wait for the chef to have fun with the menu and change it up. In the coming months, I also hate the fact that I'm going to miss a lot of this food that I've come to enjoy over the past week. I don't know how much longer this place is going to stay a hidden gem, but I know the team here can only keep doing better! As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, I can without a doubt say this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share a plate style; needless to say, we all loved it). read more

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