There's just something about a burger that actually lives up to the hype--and Little Bad Wolf does…read moreexactly that. Stacked unapologetically high, this burger is everything you want and more: juicy, perfectly seared patties layered with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and those golden, crunchy fried onions that take it completely over the top. Every bite is rich, savory, and just messy enough to remind you you're eating something seriously good. The toasted bun somehow holds it all together (barely), soaking up every bit of flavor without getting lost in the chaos. And then... the shoestring fries. Thin, crispy, golden perfection--light but addictive, with that ideal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one (or ten). They're the kind of fries you keep reaching for without even realizing it, especially dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce on the side. And let's not forget the drinks--just as good as the food. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the kind you sip slow while taking it all in (but somehow they disappear way too fast). It's not just a burger--it's one of Chicago's most iconic bites for a reason. Bold, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single napkin you'll need after. The ambiance inside is GORGEOUS!

My husband and I walked in on a Sunday evening for dinner and were able to be seated right away…read more The atmosphere is dark and moody, and it made sense once I realized it was the same owners as Gretel. Loved the 90s female R&B playlist they had going! Little Bad Wolf has been on my list FOR YEARS to try the burger! My husband got the burger with fried onions and I got some Bao because those also looked delicious and were a popular menu item. Honestly the 3 stars are only that high because of the service. Our server was friendly and attentive + the food came out hot and quick. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The burger was swimming in a puddle of grease and just picking it up made your hands greasy + was dripping grease. The fries that came with it were floppy, soggy, and sad...but at least warm? I personally wouldn't order this again. The Bao were better, but small for the price and honestly were just okay? It was nice they gave you sauces you could add, but I found the Bao's to already have enough sauce so I didn't need them. Overall I left feeling confused and disappointed. I don't feel the need to come back here - Little Bad Will was a one and done experience for me.

I've always thought that having a great restaurant within walking distance of where you live is an…read moreundervalued property perk. We are lucky to have a wide range of cuisine options near our place in Andersonville, and now we can add Turkish-Georgian fusion to our regular rotation. We had a wonderful meal there--I took advantage of the Restaurant Week menu and ordered cioppino. Half the time I order seafood in a restaurant, I end up with rubbery shrimp and tasteless fish. Not at Oda. Their seafood stew was filled with great stuff. My wife had tokat chicken, which she also enjoyed. The humus, Khachapuri, salad and dessert flight were also excellent. It would be fun to go there with a group. It's an ideal place for a shared-plate night out with friends. But there is one thing--like most restaurants in the city, the tables are close together, which is totally fine. We're not looking for Applebee's-type table separation when we go out. Even when you get a table a few inches between two others, it takes about 30 seconds to isolate your own conversation and enjoy your meal, unless you're next to a table where the diners are essentially yelling at each other. I'm not talking about a couple fighting about money or a bunch of 30-somethings getting rowdy on Moscow mules and umami burgers during a night out without their kids. I'm talking about two people yelling--in a friendly way--about the most mundane subject of all: their coworkers. We noticed as soon as we sat down but by the time we considered asking to be moved, the three tables nearby were filled. No big deal. It was kind of entertaining, in an eardrum-splitting way. Their conversation was shockingly loud. And not just the statements, like "SHE THINKS SHE'S IN LINE FOR HIS JOB," but also the brief conversational acknowledgements, like "YEAH! FOR SURE!" It was like sitting next to dueling car alarms. If you're familiar with Pee-Wee's Playhouse, picture the obnoxious salesman who loudly blah-blah-blahs his way to a quickly slammed door, courtesy of Mr. Herman, but two of them whose faces are two feet apart. And we had no door to slam. All that being said, this isn't a knock on the restaurant at all. And since Oda is so close and so good, we'll be back. And hopefully by then, Josh from accounting figures out how to use Smartsheet--"RIGHT? IT'S RIDICULOUS!"--so if we do end up next to the Decibel Duo, we'll have a new workplace dilemma to listen to.

Came for dinner. Our family shared pita and hummus to start, which was the best I've ever had. The…read morepita was fresh and soft, and the hummus was creamy. So much of the menu appealed to me, and I don't go out for Mediterranean often, so it was super difficult to choose a meal (family style would have been ideal but with Mediterranean we couldn't have more diverse preferences). So I ended up opting for two small/lighter dishes to have my own tasting: the mini eggplant roulades and soup (I tried to order the chicken meatball on the menu, but they only had butternut squash). The mini eggplant roulades were just DEVINE. So unique and so fresh. The soup was really good - since it wasn't on the menu I had no description when ordering - it ended up having some curry spice which isn't my favorite (specifically cumin) but still enjoyed it. Our server was really friendly, originally from Turkey and was receptive to my parents' excitement over our upcoming trip to Istanbul. We weren't rushed on a weekend evening. The restaurant was really nice and pleasant atmosphere. A little more upscale than I was expecting. I would absolutely love to go back here and try more of the menu. Although I know the struggle would be real to not repeat the eggplant roulades.

we went to Fiya on Sunday night for dinner and everything was excellent! The food was delicious-…read moresalatim, lamb hummus, Brussels sprouts salad, halloumi, lamb ribs, chicken and pastrami style short ribs, rice pudding and date cake. Thankfully there were 5 of us so we could get a real assortment of dishes and taste each. Can't pick a favorite because everything was so good. Loved all the flavors and sauces. Service was also perfect! can't wait to return!

Celebrated a family birthday at FIYA tonight and had a great time. Excellent service and…read morehospitality, along with fine food served in innovative ways, seemed to be the norm. We had a variety of things, including falafel and chicken shawarma hummus appetizers, followed by schnitzel, burgers, etc. all complimented by excellent wines suggested by our server. FIYA features a warm, elegant, but understated vibe that makes for comfortable dining and socializing. Prices are definitely upscale, but quality is extremely high. FIYA is highly recommended!

I can't say enough good things about It's Greek 2 U. My boyfriend and I went there on our first…read moredate nearly six years ago, and make a point to come back a few times a year. We bring friends, family, or just go the two of us. Not only is the food amazing and it's BYOB, but the owner, Vicky, is just incredible. She remembers us, asks how we are, and brings so much light to each of our visits. My recommendations: The spread sampler (Pikilia) Vicky's Salad or the Village Salad Saganaki Greek fries or oven roasted potatoes A main We also tried the desserts last time (why haven't we always gotten the desserts!?) and they were DELISH. We especially loved the orange cake.

perfect quick but not fast meal in the area…read more.. after a basketball game on a school night we needed a quick but not fast food family dinner. this was a perfect choice. tried so hard to start the new year off right but -- THOSE FRIES! lemony and crispy. delicious. i really wish there was a build your own appetizer (spreads) platter bc that's my favorite part of greek food. i settled for the zucchini pancakes which were good. my kiddo loved the pork belly yeero (never seen this on a greek menu) and my other boys (husband and older son) shared 2 sausage/yeero meals. everyone was very happy. the staff was happy too which made us happy. the only bummer - the saganaki does not come with the pomp and circumstance -- it's just served on a plate with a side of pita :(

Sometimes I forget how much I like wine…read more Three of us went to Uvae for restaurant week and loved everything. For an extra $15, it made sense to order the prix fixe menu with the wine pairings. A cocktail likely would have cost more. The soup and salad were delicious and paired perfectly with great wines. We all loved our entrees, although I suspect I loved my short rib wellington a little harder. I'm not a huge desert person but I can't stop thinking about that Nutella creme brulee. Also paired with a great dessert wine-- possibly the only dessert wine I have ever really liked! Yes the portions are a little smaller for restaurant week, but with four courses I was happy to not feel like a glutton at the end. Incredibly thoughtful and knowledgeable service made this a great choice for dinner. The space is well laid out too. We didn't feel like we were sitting on top of people, and it was easy to have a conversation even when the room was pretty full.

Such an amazing dining experience. Located in Andersonville is this unassuming restaurant . The…read morespace is divided between a cozy, warm , tastefully decorated wine bar restaurant and a tasting room. We were fortunate to be seated in the restaurant portion. Staff were so kind and willingly shared recommendations and explanations to us. They have a happy hour on the weekend. We ordered small plates - shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, pimento cheese with homemade chips and flatbread. It was more than enough food , but I would like to return to try their cheeses, and larger portions. I am not a fan of most chips, but these were so good, and the pimento cheese was savory , spreadable and very good. The prosciutto flatbread was a mixture of sweet cream and savory. The salt from the prosciutto and the sweetness from the figs was perfect. Our waiter overheard us mentioning an upcoming special occasion and treated us to a slice of cheesecake topped with berry sauce. The cheesecake was so fluffy and the chevre cheese was creamy and had a touch of goat flavor. Uvae lived up to my expectations and we will return.

My friends and I kept passing this restaurant near our Airbnb and so glad we did!…read more We had a bit of a wait because the place was popping on a Saturday morning. Luckily it was nice outside. We got a table after 10-15 minutes. Our server was very attentive and kind. They both hot and cold coffee although the menu did not specify they had cold coffee. I ordered the 2 eggs any style breakfast and turkey sausage. It was a great size portion and served with fresh fruit. The biscuit was so fresh and delicious! I was also really impressed with the baked goods selection they had on display. My friends and I got a blondie and a Nanaimo bar. Both were absolutely amazing. I loved how friendly everyone was and how delicious the food was. I definitely recommend you stop by!

Stumbled upon this place as my brother and I were walking around Andersonville. Walked in an hour…read morebefore closing but still had time to order and enjoy our food. The food was very delicious and fresh. The flavor was definitely there. I ordered a turkey sandwich and it was the best sandwich I've had in a while. We got pastries as we were leaving out the door and they are very delicious and fresh. Will be coming soon. Staff were also very friendly and helpful!!!

Cannot recommend Lady Gregory's enough!…read more One of my favorite neighborhood spots for sure and an absolutely excellent choice for a cozy night, especially in the winter. Hospitality is warm and inviting from the moment you walk in, even at busy times. I had a wonderful evening with a friend sat at the bar and given spot-on recommendations for drinks and delicious food. The bar is stocked exceptionally, well with a wide variety of spirits, beers, and wines as well as a seasonally curated cocktail menu! I had the french onion soup and a side caesar - easily one of the best french onion soups in Chicago. My friend had the chicken pot pie and it was heavenly! The two of us enjoyed a few glasses of the Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvingon, a beautifully medium bodied Chilean red with a 2017 vintage making for a fruity and warm wine for the winter. We just so happened to be there at the perfect holiday moment, surrounded by twinkling lights, golden ornaments, and garland galore; Ol' St. Nick himself even made an appearance and made the rounds to the joy of all.

Between the tasty Irish inspired menu with dietary friendly options, lively atmosphere, and…read morebeautiful decor, Lady Gregory's is an inclusive neighborhood institution and guaranteed good time! We stopped by for Sunday brunch and it was packed- I would recommend making a reservation during prime time. The staff were very friendly and did not rush our group. For appetizers, we split the cheddar artichoke dip and deviled eggs. Both were flavorful and satisfying. For the main event, I opted for the avocado toast with egg whites alongside Irish grits, which were both super filling and delicious! The grits especially were rich, loaded with cheese, and perfect on a cold day. This is a must order. I loved the buttery bread used for the avocado toast and the generous amount of toppings. I felt that the prices were pretty reasonable given the large portions as well. My only wishlist item is that there were more options for coffee, which was only available as a standard drip. I will absolutely be back soon and look forward to trying more of the delicious looking menu!

I can't rave enough about Chef Fred Ramos, Julia, and Andre! Bar Roma is an authentic and welcoming…read moreItalian experience. Quality food, quality drinks, and great staff. More importantly, Bar Roma values community - it feels upscale and cozy all at the same time. I am part of an LLC and the team at Bar Roma was beyond accommodating when we needed to cater a company event. The food was so good we have now brought several important donors here as a thank you. Be sure to check out Chef Ramos' cookbook! Amazing authentic Italian cooking and mark my words: the meatballs are to die for. But so is everything else! And don't get me started about the tiramisu... I'm somewhat a connoisseur and cannot recommend enough. I'm getting hungry just writing about this place!

Bar Roma Click to open side panel for more information is a popular Andersonville destination…read moreknown for its specialized focus on Roman-inspired cuisine, particularly its house-made pastas and signature meatballs. Reviewers often highlight the restaurant's ability to balance a polished, upscale feel with a welcoming neighborhood vibe, making it equally suitable for a romantic date or a lively group dinner.

I love this place! The menu is amazing and they put so much care into what they do. Five stars!read more

Delicious casual vegan meal. Had a short few hours in Chicago and came here for dinner. Wife and I…read moreeach got an appetizer-I got their buffalo drum sticks which were somehow gluten free and delicious. For my entree, I got the bimbibab or however you spell it, with tofu. Would have liked a meat alternative but other than those drumsticks, which are brought in frozen and premade and therefore, the "meat" cannot be used in an entree-only the tofu was gluten free. Although I mixed in tamari and sirahcha, this was delicious. The hot pit crisped the rice perfectly and the veggies and tofu were cooked really well. We also got their raw berry cheese cake and a scoop of soy vanilla ice cream for dessert. The crust of the cheesecake wasn't really good but everything else was excellent. Service was great with a lot of good suggestions and he was very friendly. The place isn't much to describe. Just a very casual interior with an Alice in wonderland motif. Cute, but not a place you come for the ambiance. You come for the food and service.

Hopleaf Bar is hands down one of our favorite spots for dinner and drink in all of Chicago!…read more One key to a successful dinning experience at Hopleaf is knowing the three different spaces to engage. When you first walk in, you have to show your ID since this is an adults-only bar establishment. (1) You can then choose to sit in the front bar area, if you want a full menu, but use the bar for ordering service. (2) If you keep walking through the front bar area, you reach the host stand at the top of the ramp. This is where you can put your name in to sit in the main dining room, upstairs, or outside. (3) However, you can also walk through to the left of the host stand to another bar area that has full menus, but bar service for ordering. This is our preferred spot because we can often find a seat and order with the bar. Do note that, during busy times, part of this bar area is managed by the host stand and will be labeled as such. The extensive beer menu is our favorite. We have our favorite food items, so all our decision making revolves around which beer we will get. They always have a bit of everything style-wise, from all over the world, but with a local-brewery focus. Seasonal emphasis is also taken into consideration when they curate the beer list. It is always rotating and we love it! Beers are served in the recommended glasses from the breweries. It's a great drinking experience from start to finish! Our food orders are eternally set: I get the Nueske Ham sandwich with fries and aioli. My husband gets the Reuben sandwich with fries and aioli. This meal is so perfect we'll probably never get anything different, despite the menu being delicious across the board. The wildest we get is sometimes splitting the two sandwiches. No reason to mess with a good thing! Other notable great things about Hopleaf: (1) Kind, knowledgeable, and professional staff. (2) Reasonable prices for high quality and great variety products. (3) Clean Belgian Bar decor/vibe with lots of space for folks to enjoy their time. (4) They are open late and serve food late. Thank you for being an amazing local spot, Hopleaf! We'll see you soon!

Simply, all around excellent!…read more This was one of those cases where I stopped in, started a review, and then it sat in my drafts collecting dust. Thus, a return visit was a must! Primarily because I genuinely enjoyed it, and secondarily because I enjoy writing. Hopleaf boasts a tremendous and awesome beer list! It's truly hard to do it justice in a review. I will say they offer a wide variety of different kinds, origins, styles, bottle versus draft, and so on. For those who aren't beer lovers, there are cocktails, ciders, and more! For food, I was able to try both the Pork Belly and the Slagel Burger. The pork belly was much better than I expected! The exterior was delightfully roasted, and the interior was soft and savory with a good balance between meaty and fatty bits. The pork was well-sauced, and the accompanying accoutrements were similarly fantastic, helping to round out the pork, and adding freshness. On my first visit, my main memory of the burger was a very high salt level. However, this appears to have been addressed on my second visit. Now, is it the best burger in the city? No. However, it is excellent in its own right. The smashed patties have good flavor and a proper char around the edges. The vegetables are present but not so overwhelming that it becomes a hard-to-eat salad, and finally, it is delightfully cheesy! Where service is concerned, the bar staff were friendly and welcoming. They took great care of me and other patrons approaching the bar. Food came out in a reasonable timeframe, especially for items cooked to order. In terms of their vibe, I feel as though the best way I can describe it is to say it's a larger, elevated dive bar. It isn't cramped or dark, and there's plenty of space. At the same time, it isn't at all uppity and preserves that neighborhood establishment feel (though I would certainly go across town to visit on occasion). Finally, regarding value, when the bill came, I felt the amount due was more than reasonable considering the quality of food, beers, and service I received. Thus, while I am generally not a big beer drinker (I'm more of a spirits/cocktails person), I'm not totally against printing out their beer menu and crossing out items as I try them. That is to say, I look forward to coming back again and again.