Oliver’s

Some organizational issues but still had a great time…read more 1. No point in doing timed entry if the timed entry rules are the thing making everyone clump up and enter at once. Totally illogical. 2. No kids should be allowed at an adults event. They run the show every other day, give us a break from them. 3. Jazz band should have been outside. Sad that we barely heard any music the entire night. As usual the animals were amazing! Jubilee drink was yummy. Sunset was gorgeous.

The music and ambiance were both fantastic…read more Bumping down a star because there wasn't enough seating outside particularly as people were hogging seats in keeping their stuff on it. They would disappear for long periods of time but keep stuff unattended. There should be some paid seating that can be reserved. Or some active management of chairs so no one hogs tables. One of the most picturesque aquarium locations I've visited. Also, nice exhibits. The food was actually priced reasonably and good as well. It was a nice family friendly atmosphere to experience a jazz event. Particularly as most Chicago jazz venues appear to be 21+.

View of lake from the inside venue.

Jambalaya from vendor at Jazzin' at the Shedd.

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Buttercup

4.2(58 reviews)

0.1 mi•Near Southside

Walked over to Buttercup after checking into my hotel in Chicago to grab a coffee and fire up the…read moreold laptop and get some work done. Though usually one for a hot coffee, it was steamy hot out so I went for an iced vanilla latte with oat milk and was wildly impressed. I was going to sit for a bit so had the latte for there and it was icy cold and the vanilla flavoring was brilliantly paired to the really good espresso notes within the latte. I also went for a Financier, which is a gluten-free banana bread sort of loaf and this was downright silly how good it was. It had a rich banana and sort of caramel flavor to it and as a gluten-free pastry option was one of the finest that I have had. Love that the coffee shop had just about every seat full with people doing work, studying, reading and catching up and the spot was a true neighborhood gem sort of location. Awesome spot!

This place gives off a welcoming neighborhood cafe and bar vibe. We stopped by to meet our friends…read moreand we were greeted upon entering the establishment. The food menu is limited and the drink menu is the star here. Service was personal and friendly here. We ended up staying only for a short time as our meeting destination changed. Iced espresso to go! Stop by if you have some time for a relaxing drink or coffee.

Buttercup - shaved iced on top.

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Vibes

Drawing Room

4.2(130 reviews)

1.6 mi•The Loop

Such a lovely experience at The Drawing Room. The atmosphere is warm and intimate. The cozy…read moreseating made for great conversations with some gathered around fireplaces. The food and drinks were so good (the Brussels sprout salad - yum!).

I arrived around 21:00 for dessert/nightcap on a Monday evening before heading back to my hotel…read morenear convention center. I had been enjoying the city after a day of shopping and dinner at Joe's. A friend recommended this lovely bar/lounge. We are not from these parts of the U.S. and love to explore. This lounge is on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association building. Part of the Hyatt chain. I was warmly greeted by host and placed next to an old fireplace in front of the bar area. I was seated facing the entire lobby. I was enjoying the Gothic architecture. It was dark and a soothing atmosphere. I appreciated the appropriate music playing as well. It was a perfect way to end my day. I had a glass of champagne and my server recommended the Basque cheesecake. Which was perfect cause I recently visited San Sebastian, Spain. The Basque region makes a great cheesecake. The burned caramelized top complimented my champagne well. There is a room/bar in the back room of where I was. A great bar with games and TVs for sports. After enjoying my nightcap, I walked downstairs and was able to order a ride-share and wait in the warm entry of the building. This hotel is directly across the famous Bean which is in the beautiful Millennium Park. During the day, I highly recommend checking that park out.

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So busy now!

Victory Tap Chicago

4.1(497 reviews)

0.3 mi•Near Southside

Had Aunt Angie's stuffed shells and 8 Finger cavatelli. Amazing, real Italian food. Jojo as our…read moreserver was great also. Highly recommend!

Hidden gem in South Loop. something for everyone on the…read moremenu. feels like home. great service!

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

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Vol. 39

4.4(149 reviews)

1.5 mi•The Loop

Vol 39 is the hotel bar at the Kimpton Gray. The ambiance is modern library meets old money - dark…read morewoods, bold colors, warm lighting. It was a very busy night for them since Boleo was closed for a wedding. We were able to get our complimentary glass of wine and also tried a few of their cocktails. They accidentally bought out espresso martinis instead of espresso Negronis but didn't charge us for the mistake. Both were delicious. Our burger took a very long time and a quick explanation of items on the charcuterie board would have been nice. Vol 39 is a good place for a pre-dinner snack and drinks.

Fantastic service and great selection of snacks. I got the fried mushrooms and they were so good…read more It's super pretty and I love the color scheme of the place. Great place for cocktails either way a more upscale feel but not too fancy

Paper Plane.

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AO Hawaiian Hideout

4.2(772 reviews)

0.4 mi•Near Southside

just about the most generous fish portions in poke i've ever seen (and the thickest, fattiest…read moresalmon cuts)... and their macaroni salad is my favorite!!! the virgin lychee frozen daiquiri was great, not too sweet huge menu, but the server was very sweet in helping us navigate everything. and did i mention the interior... just made me so happy sitting in such a beautifully built and decorated place!!

Oh u know I'd be back soon. Thanks mucho to owners Betty and Duane! Had to order usuals cuz so dang…read moregood: crispy hot egg rolls, perfect spam musubi & steamed fish. New to us is the oh so yummy japchae! Bro & I enjoyed our "appetizer cocktails ": lychee martini and lemon vodka thingy. Our lovely waitresses always make our dining extra special. Thank you ladies!

1.0 mi•Printer's Row, South Loop

Inside

Pupu Platter

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Island Nachos

Half Sour

4.1(412 reviews)

Great food!! We stopped in for a late lunch the other day and we were very satisfied with our meal!…read moreI ordered the turkey bacon club it was very good! My bf had the bagels and lox and was very happy too!!

Not the sourest experience at Half Sour, but not the most memorable either. Our group came here for…read moredrinks and light bites and thought our overall experience was average. We came on a weekend afternoon. We were seated immediately. There's plenty of seating for all party sizes since it's a casual spot. The ambiance is low-key and relaxed. It's a popular spot to watch sports. Service was fine. Our host was nice, but it took a long time to come out, and some of it wasn't cooked well or very warm. Our party got a variety of drinks, and we also shared some food. We got the Steak Nachos and Cajun Fries. The nachos were fine and tasted as they should. The fries were a bit spicy and weirdly coated in hot honey. It was fine. If you're into bar bites and you're in the area, Half Sour is an option, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. You can find them off S Clark Street near public transportation.

French Toast

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Cheeseburger & Hero Cold Brew Coffee

Martini Lounge

4.2(191 reviews)

0.2 mi•Near Southside

Gorgeous classy new martini lounge with live dj music. Narrow yet plenty of seating. Professional…read morefriendly staff. Fresh EFFECTIVE cocktails. Street meter parking.

Let me set the scene. It's Saturday, and my friends and I have officially started the shenanigans…read more We're looking to loosen up a little more and figure a local watering hole might do the trick. Well, we heard that M Lounge had been resurrected from the closed and was serving customers again, so naturally, we fleet-footed right on over to see what all the hubbub was about. Okay, first off, whoever decorated this place deserves a gold medal. It looks amazing. The mix of old and new, the gold accents, and the lighting all come together perfectly. It has everything visually that you would want from a neighborhood bar you could eventually call your Cheers. The music was just right, and the vibe was definitely vibing. But wait. I only gave this place three stars. How Sway? Well... let me tell you. You don't just go to a bar for the vibe. You go to a bar for the drinks, and as much as I loved the atmosphere, the drinks left me wanting. And it wasn't just me. Everyone in our group was a little confused. How can a place look this good, feel this good, and then have drinks that are just... so-so? And I take my drinks seriously. So when I say so-so, I mean SO-SO. Hell, the Old Fashioned wasn't even an Old Fashioned. It was some sort of sweet abomination. Was it a bourbon drink? Absolutely. Was it an Old Fashioned? Absolutely not. For now, I'm going to chalk it up to growing pains because there's way too much I like about this place to write it off after one visit. The atmosphere is there. The music is there. The neighborhood-bar potential is definitely there. So yes, I'll be back. But M Lounge, I'm asking you nicely. Please make me a proper Old Fashioned next time. Otherwise, I might have to cancel my subscription to the Martini Lounge.

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Zero proof champagne based mocktail--I was pleasantly surprised.

Brando's Speakeasy

4.0(660 reviews)

1.3 mi•The Loop

Brando's Speakeasy is my go-to karaoke bar!…read more I always find myself at Brando's Speakeasy after happy hour in the area. Brando's has a later happy hour (4p-7p) that has solid offerings. I love Moscow Mules and they sell them for $5 during happy hour! They have a variety of other drink options for the same price and some bites as well. Every time I've visited the bartenders have been personable and made the drinks fast. Brando's has ample tables available. I've gone during a busy Friday night and I've been able to secure a table throughout the night. I love Brando's even more because people actually participate in karaoke. Everyone is normally singing along to someone else's song and they don't leave people hanging. Depending on the night I've turned into a background dancer for someone! The karaoke sign-up is pretty straightforward. It's digital so you can track your place in line from your phone along with take your time selecting a song.

Such a fun vibe and a great crowd! I went in on a Sunday evening and it was decently packed. The…read morebar itself is dimly lit and moody. There's plenty of booth seating, as well as tall chairs at the bar. Once it was karaoke hour, I put myself on the list and started singing. Everybody is fun about it, whether the performer is conventionally a great singer or not, and I absolutely love it! There was even a group of 4+ girls who sang together on stage, and the energy was so infectious, it got the whole bar yelling the lyrics along with them. Would highly recommend!

Bar, decor, karaoke monitor

Interior

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Cocktails and Conversation

Apolonia

4.4(346 reviews)

0.5 mi•Near Southside

Apolonia absolutely deserves 5 stars for the brunch service. My daughter and I were looking for…read morebreakfast around 11:00 this past Sunday, only to find many places ended breakfast before that. Apologies was nearby our hotel, the Marriott Marquis. We started with a cappuccino and an O.J. Both were perfect and my daughter commented that it tasted like they had just fresh squeezed the oranges moments ago. We considered ordering the pastry tower, but instead opted to share three dishes. It eneded up being more food than we could finish. Portion sizes were big, especially for the quality and price. We shared 1 savory and 2 sweet dishes: the banana business croissant, the warm cinnamon roll, and the fritatta Espinosa. Each one completely impressed us and we're so delicious. We told the server we couldn't belive they were both baking high end pastries like this and preparing amazing savory dishes. Overall, our service was quick and friendly. The room was clean, spacious and modern. If I visit Chicago again from the East Coast, I would happily visit Apolonia again. I would love to try some of the brunch drinks and more items.

We were looking for somewhere to get dinner before a concert at Soldier Field and I'd had this…read moreplace bookmarked (mostly for their pastries which we didn't try but I liked this meal enough to go back and try those things). They were really fast and good at getting us out super promptly, which was appreciated. I didn't take a photo of everything we ate so I don't remember all of what we ordered. The food was good but a four stars because some items were really delicious (the black truffle bread and mussels toast for example, maybe some of the pastas) but some of the items were just fine (e.g., red prawn carpaccio). If Yelp did fractional stars, I'd probably do a 4.5 or 4.25, but because the food is more expensive I expect every dish to be more impressive. I found the pistachio dessert that a lot of people mentioned in the reviews to be underwhelming although fun to look at (however what I care about is taste).

Bar

Salmon crudo

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08.21.25 Kale and brussels sprouts was also good.

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Kendall H.

Elite 26

103

2 months ago

From the moment I sat down at Oliver's in Chicago, the evening felt like a meal worth lingering over. Exceptional service set the tone: our waiter was polite, knowledgeable, attentive, and consistently spot-on with his food and drink recommendations. I started with the truffle parm gnocchi, a beautifully balanced dish in which the truffle complemented rather than overwhelmed the other flavors. The Royale Toast, served with caramelized shallot butter and grilled sourdough, was another standout--simple, rich, and executed perfectly. The star of the evening was easily Oliver's Half Chicken with crème fraîche. Roasted in duck fat, the chicken had incredibly crisp, flavorful skin while remaining juicy and tender throughout. It was cooked to perfection and proved to be one of the menu's undeniable highlights. Dessert was a tale of two experiences. The chocolate cake missed the mark for me--it ate more like a dense bar of fudge, with very little of the texture I expect from a cake. The malted milk & cookies, however, completely redeemed dessert. Freshly baked cookies paired with delicious vanilla milk made it easily my favorite dessert of the night. With outstanding service, several memorable dishes, and a half chicken worth returning for, Oliver's is an easy recommendation for a polished Chicago meal. The chocolate cake may not be essential, but the gnocchi, Royale Toast, and especially the chicken make this a restaurant I'd gladly revisit--and one I'd confidently recommend. read more

P D.

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Oliver's, and it was an extraordinary culinary experience from start to finish. The menu offers a delightful array of dishes that highlight the creativity and skill of the chefs. To start, I chose the Fluke Tartare, which was a sublime combination of yuzu kosho, Castelvetrano olive, and tangerine agrumato. The flavors were vibrant and perfectly balanced, making it a standout dish. The Truffle Gnocchi was another excellent choice, rich and creamy with the luxurious taste of black truffle and aged Parmesan. Each gnocchi melted in your mouth. For the main course, I opted for Miller's Half Chicken. The chicken was succulent, with a crispy skin on a bed of a beautiful blend of shallot, dill, and crème fraîche. It was comfort food elevated to a gourmet level. The sides are not to be missed, especially the Truffle Potatoes with chives, which were heavenly, and the Haricot Vert, a delightful mix of spring onion, dill, marcona almond, and fried shallot. The ambiance at Oliver's is warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for a special meal. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall exceptional experience. Oliver's is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch dining experience. read more

Khadijat B.

221

2 years ago

I had an incredible experience at Oliver's Restaurant! The ambiance was absolutely stunning, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that made for a perfect night out. The service was impeccable--our waiter was attentive, friendly, and really went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Now, onto the food! The half chicken was to die for--perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. It was flavorful, tender, and left me wanting more. The gnocchi? It just melted in my mouth! Every bite was a delightful mix of texture and flavor. The cocktails were another highlight--beautifully crafted and full of flavor. Whether you like something refreshing or bold, their mixologist really knows what they're doing. To top it all off, we indulged in the caramel cake for dessert, and it was heavenly. The cake was rich, moist, and the caramel was the perfect balance of sweet and salty goodness. I can't wait to come back and try more dishes. read more

Laura T.

2 years ago

I dined at the bar tonight, and unfortunately, it wasn't the experience I had hoped for. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed and the bar area was quite loud. Starting with drinks, I ordered the Neon Negroni #2. It was good, but it didn't have the unique flavor profile I was expecting from a specialty cocktail. It was enjoyable but not memorable. For my main entree, I tried the scallops. Unfortunately, they arrived with a strong fishy smell and were rubbery in texture--definitely not the quality I'd expect at this price point. On a positive note, the sauce accompanying the scallops was delicious, but it wasn't enough to save the dish. As a foodie who has dined at some nice restaurants, I was disappointed. This restaurant didn't quite live up to the hype, nor did the experience justify the price. read more

Andie C.

127

2 years ago

The ambiance exudes classic elegance with a hint of retro flair, while the upbeat, modern soundtrack keeps the energy lively. Service is warm, attentive, and always delivered with a smile. The food strikes a perfect balance--comforting and familiar, yet elevated with a contemporary twist. Take the martinis, for example: served with caviar-stuffed olives, they're a luxe upgrade on a timeless favorite. The chef himself often makes the rounds, greeting regulars with the kind of genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. And whatever you do, don't miss the Toast Royale--it's nothing short of unforgettable. read more

Camille H.

2 years ago

Overall overpriced and overrated. All the dishes were really heavy and I got food poisoning from the fish. The patio outside is really just an ugly sidewalk. The staff were kind to give us a complimentary dessert since it was our anniversary. If it weren't for that I would have given 1 star. A 20% surcharge is included on the bill, but it's not a tip. Really it just means that posted prices on the website are dishonest. read more

Felix F.

1 year ago

I was there last week for the fifth time. They never disappoint. Excellent food and service. Fun energetic ambiance too. I live nearby and will keep coming back for more. The salad is amazing and so is the burger. Love this place. read more

Oliver’s - seafood - Updated October 2026

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Leña Brava

4.1

(713 reviews)

So as a first-timer, I was absolutely delighted that Raphael, the maître d' (well that's a bit of a…read moreformality that's honestly inapplicable in this instance, but humor me), held our table though we were late--very late due to Spot Hero getting us locked inside a garage, but that's a different review! The rocky start continued when our waitress, Martha, was far less than attentive and when arriving at our table 5-10 minutes after we were seated advised that BOTH of the entrées we wanted were sold out--at 6PM! After I thought about it perhaps that's a testament to how good those selections must be--Lamb Chops and Baja Mariscada (fire-roasted shrimp, mussels and maine lobster, smoked and lemongrass infused with lime zest, herbs). I'll return and revisit a review of those dishes. However, "Leña Brava -- 'ferocious firewood'- celebrates Mexican dishes cooked over hardwood fire," is spot on in accurately describing the restaurant, its warm friendly vibe and its remarkably delicious food! (Okay so it took a minute but just wait--your mouth will water in anticipation of dining here). The appetizers and entrées alike were incredible. I suggest that you must have the Leña Guacamole which comes with wood-roasted tomatillos, serranos, and salsa macha. I had BOTH the Chilled Oysters (appetizer) and Roasted Oysters (small plate) and urge you to order both if you're a fan of oysters. Finally, the Fire-Roasted Plantains with crema and queso fresco was the best I've eaten in Chicago. The Bone In Pork Chops had a char on them that I could eat in-perpetuity and the medium-rare Steak & Frites (crispy fries perfectly seasoned) had us sharing plates the presentation was so divine! But the star dish of the night was the Coal-Fired Tacos Gobernador -- "lobster, shrimp, Chihuahua cheese, avocado-habanero salsa, flour tortillas, Oaxacan pasilla butter." Really outstanding and reasonably priced cocktails and wine -- list of offerings pictured with this review -- including an incredibly unique offering called "Papi Diablo:" real del valle tequila, jalapeño, elderflower, ginger, hibiscus and lemon. The 2022 Palafox Pionero Chenin Blanc and 2023 Henry Lurton Sauvignon Blanc, both from Baja, California were well balanced and flavorful. The willingness to make not on the menu mocktails - "Not a Margarita" and "Spicy Fruit Cart" - was a welcomed accommodation, but PLEASE adjust the price when you cut the alcohol guys--otherwise you're just price gouging your customers! The most pleasant surprise was from the "Nightcap Menu" ESPRESSO MARTINI / vodka (or tequila which I don't think constitutes a martini but what do I know), espresso, and coffee liquor. This was a star cocktail despite the fact that they don't sell coffee here!!!!! A BIG NO NO for a quality dining establishment. Finishing with one of the best desserts I've ever eaten saved this restaurant's fifth star!!!! The Tiramisu Tres Leches was moist, sweet, balanced and clearly freshly made in-house. TO DIE FOR!

My experience at Lena Brava was lack luster and quite confusing overall…read more Randolph street is already packed and takes a valiant effort and wallet to participate in. For instance- after looking around my mother was the oldest young lady in the restaurant. There were booths open ... why sit older women in the high tops and not the open booth - only to eventually sit two men at the booth and we're a party of four. Not the bet decision. Then one of the biggest faux paus happened which was a steak at the incorrect temperature. What was even more disappointing was being asked did my guest want to throw it back on the grill with the chimichurri sauce already on. Mind you the bill is easily at 300 for four people with no tax or tip yall. Then knowing that you can see if the steak was cooked correctly before it gets to the table and you still sit it down is wild- and only more so because this is not a budget dinner. Of course the timing threw the dinner and temperature off for everyone and there was another horribly late dish - corn lol smh. Our waitress was kind and inattentive. The most interesting aspect was being asked if we needed anything and the whole table stared at her for 30-45 secs with a bunch of empty plates and I had to ask "ummm hey can we have these removed". She should've been the one to offer instead of me asking. Everything else was cooked properly but my fingerling potatoes were tastier than the octopus that sat on top. I can't say I'm up at night craving any particular flavor from here Last but not least after messing up the steak and removing it from the bill.. late corn , lackluster service ... there was an additional 3.25 % restaurant surcharge I had to asked to be removed. I understand bad nights. But there was literally nothing to hold on to here. Other than it's a cute spot.

Bar La Rue

(196 reviews)

The Paloma was absolutely delicious, great flavor and strong enough to feel a buzz after just one…read moredrink. The mini lobster roll was also so good (I'll definitely be going back for this!), and the chicken wings were perfectly crispy. The sauce they were tossed in was incredibly flavorful and finger-licking good. The bartender was friendly and attentive. The ambiance was pleasant, inviting, and just an overall great vibe.

Had to remove 1 star because they only have 2 GF options on the entire menu…read more We popped in for happy hour on a random Tuesday night. The bar was bumpin'! We had dirty martinis w/olives and old fashioneds -- and both were on point. Be sure to sit at the bar for HH. It gets pretty crowded! Frankie, our bartender, was working hard all night long. Great job Frankie!! Hubby tried all 3 slider options - cheeseburger, lobster roll and French dip. They were OK at $6 each. You have to get the bottomless frites - why not? I had the kale & endive salad which was refreshing. The other GF option on the menu is oysters. Bonus - hubby was able to watch the Sox wild card game at the bar. Check out Bar La Rue for a solid HH - if you don't have dietary restrictions like me.

Bistro Monadnock

4.5

(177 reviews)

Celebrating the 27th anniversary and just heard of the great food to be found here. Walked in…read morewithout reservations and were lucky enough to get the Chef's Table in the kitchen. The restaurant is well lit, courteous staff and the food is exceptional. Oscar was our server and he did so much to make our night special.

Wow wow wow - I haven't wrote a review in a while, but I am still thinking about this food the next…read moreday. We ordered the mussels, steak frites (not pictured) and the oysters all of which were phenomenal. Some of the best mussels and steak i've ever had and I don't even really eat steak! We sat at the bar and got great recommendations by both bartenders on what to drink and portion sizes. We will definitely be back!!!

The Publican

(3.5k reviews)

I came with Publican with a group for Brunch and would certainly come back again…read more Atmosphere was comfortable / relaxed. We sat outside had great conversation. It's a great place for group get togethers and casual catch-ups. While none of the food we had was incredible, everything was good and we were happy with what we had. Dishes I specifically had were - Chicken Schnitzel - Maple Braised Publican Bacon - Bread & Spreads w/ fish dip - Brunch Potatoes w/ spicy aioli

This spot has been on the list for some time and finally got here for lunch on a Thursday. We had…read morea 12:30 reservation for 5 and sat outside. Some were running late, no problem, the kind Host sat us. Given the mild summer day, most were enjoying the space outside with a view of the Fulton Market area. Large interior with a Beer Hall vibe. We started with the Breads and spreads (2) starter that came with their house baked bread-seeded rye and spence sourdough. Smoked fish and pimento cheese dip were both delicious pairing nicely with the fresh bread. Also ordered their Bloody Mary-tried it and I'm not a big fan of Bloody Mary's but this one was perfect-bonus-included a Beer chaser. For lunch it was the Burger (flame grilled taste, came out medium as ordered and just the right size, loved the beef fat fries), Chicken Schnitzel (tasty take on the classic with the Chicories taking it over the top), Farro and Quinoa Bowl (the tasty healthy option), Classic waffle (simple and delicious). Service was friendly and engaged. Justyne took great care of us! Limited dessert menu at lunch so we ordered a caramel ice cream and it was enjoyed. Farm to table goodness not to be missed.

Mariela

4.1

(30 reviews)

Service was very attentive and speedy! The entire experience was just under 25 minutes…read more Despite of being early evening, the atmosphere was a little bit dim inside with the lighting. The happy hour menu have a lot of great hits, but I came for the oysters specifically; and they did not disappoint. The guava habanero salsa, and something that brought it all together and something I would eat all by itself. I started with a half dozen to get a taste for it and immediately knew I would be ordering a second one shortly after. One of my favorite oyster happy hours so far on my quest to find the best oyster happy hour!! it is important to me that an oyster can stand alone by itself, but it is truly elevated with the salsa. What a steal for only a dollar and oyster , and again you can't beat a dozen under 25 minutes. Staff was wonderful.

And it went back down to 1 star…read more Came in for dinner. Service was slow. The burger we ordered was very plain and bland. The meze we ordered, which comes with 5 spreads was brought out with one order of the veggies and chips. This is what one spread usually comes with so it was not the appropriate amount for 5 spreads. I ordered a red wine and it was served warm. Not room temp, WARM. This place is way too inconsistent and we will not be returning.

The Dawson

4.1

(1.1k reviews)

This review is for HH which happens Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm. HH is only at the bar. After a long…read moreday at work, we decided to stop in for a drink and a quick bite before heading home. The Dawson is located right off the Grand Blue line station. The reception and bar staff that we interacted with were friendly and attentive. Since I'm GF, we decided to try the asada fries app. Our server confirmed with the kitchen that the fries are cooked in a separate fryer. They were delicious. The melted poblano cheese really made the dish and there were chunks of seasoned chicken as well. Highly recommend. We also tried the mezcalita. We asked the bartender to make it spicy. highly recommend the mezcalita, too! Although we stopped in for a quick HH, we enjoyed the vibe and would come back again soon!

Came here for dinner and sat in the outdoor patio space, which I think is much more preferable to…read morethe indoor space during the warmer months. Parking is mainly paid street parking, which can be tricky during busier times. My favorite dishes were the beet salad and the chicken fried lobster. Their Thai green curry is pretty good as well and a tasty vegetarian option. Overall all of the dishes were enjoyable and well made. I do wish the ceviche had a bit more fish to mango ratio.

Bandit

(678 reviews)

I popped in here solely to have a drink and use the facilities and found myself wishing I had spent…read moremore time here or had room for a bite to eat. The bar service was excellent - a cold beer and finally, a shot of Malort were in order. The bartenders were very welcoming and clearly making sure all of the patrons were having a good time. The restrooms were oddly decorated - the women's restroom is plastered all over with images of Justin Timberlake, while Britney Spears adorns the walls of the men's room. Luckily, her pics aren't current - they are from her hot era. What a cool spot if you are a local or a tourist - I'll be sure to pop in on my next visit to Chicago, for sure.

I'd recommend this place if you're in the area. It's in a great location, there's plenty of space,…read moreand the food is good. Would I go out of my way to visit, no. During my visit, the servers were..odd. They weren't unfriendly but perhaps collectively tired. Nevertheless, I had a southwestern salad turned into a wrap (this was very good) along with waffle fries and dipping sauce. I'd go back for that meal. My friend says her burger was very good as well.

Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar

3.7

(530 reviews)

~4.5 experience. Rounding down to 4 for weird cafe/exchange…read more Mainly coming for the $1 HH oysters, Monday-Saturday 4-7PM -they also have a Tuesday all day $1 oysters Came in around 3:15 and asked about the HH menu. Staff was a bit aloof and didn't mention anything about the Tuesday all day (when I had seen it a day ago)...found it and showed staff and they confirmed...we were then sat at the cafe. Overall, only negative experience was at the cafe and ordering. Only one person covering the area...tables weren't clean, utensils weren't provided, and oysters were left out for awhile before staff remembered to bring it over. Now moved to the bar around 4PM, Jackson was great taking care of us. Two of us ordered: -HH beer $5 -HH red wine $12 -48 oysters $48 -HH escargot $15 -HH baked brie $12 -HH shrimp cocktail $15 Definitely avoid the shrimp as it was frozen. Escargot was good, could have used some bread to dip in the butter after. Oysters were great and what we mainly came for! Though smaller bites, all tasted quite fresh.

Greeted with a friendly staff. Got seated right away and very warm ambiance…read more Ordered Venteux breakfast. Potatoes were perfectly seasoned and scrambled eggs soft and fluffy. Sausage was not too fatty and full of flavor. Our table shared the warm baguette and so filling. Coffee was always filled and just a warm atmosphere overall. Will need to come back for the oysters next time.

NoMI

(884 reviews)

The roof deck is somewhat pretty, depending on where you sit. The cocktails are terribly overpriced…read moreand not balanced. A lot of staff just standing around doing nothing. My husband's and my cocktails were both over $20 and were terribly unbalanced: mine was the "She's From Osaka" and although the menu described it as sweet, it was unbearably sugary and I ended up ordering a gin and tonic instead. My husband's Nuestra Signora was unbearably sour. They did take my drink off of our tab. This place is really only worth visiting if you're staying in the hotel.

Forever grateful for Restaurant Week! I can't say I would have ended up here otherwise, but I'm…read moreglad I did! The space is beautiful, the service is phenomenal, and the food is excellent. I highly recommend the beef soup, the pork belly and the caramel candy bar!

Canal Street Eatery and Market