Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Aviary

    4.0 (1.7k reviews)
    PriceyCocktail Bars
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    By appointment only

    Updated 1 month ago

    The Aviary Photos

    Business Info

    THE AVIARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Upscale
    Dressy
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Aviary

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    The porthole
    Annie P.

    April 2026; very discrete, small location, low lighting with limited seating. Light bites are offered with unique drink offerings! This was an interesting experience, as the drinks are poured like in "chemistry lab" before they are served. Libations are served in wild drink compartments and allow for a theatrical experience before indulging in strong cocktails. Customer service good; get ready to spend some money.

    The Vacpot
    Leslie C.

    Such a unique and cool place!! The ambiance is chic and romantic, with dark lighting, candles, and swanky furniture. Brendan provided fantastic service and fun vibes. He brought us lovely welcome drinks because we were celebrating a special occasion. That was so kind! It was cool to look around and see all the fun cocktails and food. A lot of cocktails had elaborate presentations, smoke, and other impressive things. Really fun to watch. There are different options for reservations and I chose a la carte drinks and food and we were pleased with that choice. We enjoyed the Tom & Jerry, which included a hot and cold version. Both were tasty but we preferred the cold one. It was really phenomenal! The Vacpot was a delicious rum drink that also had hibiscus and other ingredients. It was created in a vacuum pot, also referred to as a coffee siphon where coffee is brewed. It's really elegant and they figured out a way to make a cocktail in it. Visually, it looked like flowers and other fresh colorful things were being smoked in it during the brewing. Very aromatic and wonderful. I was too enthralled to take a video. I just wanted to experience it. It was beautiful. We also snacked on the onion ring and it was huge! And very delicious and fun to eat. It came with scissors to cut it. It's beer battered with an herbed ranch dip. Wow!!! I would love to return and try more food. If you are a cocktail lover, you will love this place! It's unforgettable.

    Melody A.

    1.5 stars for purgatory in the form of a poorly marketed "dinner experience" for $200 and 2.5 -3 hours of your time only to eat 5 bites of food, including dessert, and a gallon of sugary nonalcoholic forgettable drinks. Despite telling the staff I would very much like the drinks/small bites hurried up, the torturous experience stretched out so long. I couldn't wait to leave and get second dinner and drinks elsewhere. Admittedly they have a cute tie-in for guests who come from Alinea, where guests place a golden coin in the coin slot machine to get a token ball containing a secret complimentary drink! That was likely the highlight, as it maintained the feeling of "fun". However, eating at Alinea the night before and trying Aviary the next night could not have been more different. Alinea I greatly enjoyed, Aviary I regretted. Everything else was not fun. Slowly becoming more and more hungry as the tiny forgettable bites arrived was like watching glue dry. The nonalcoholic drinks were visually cool, and completely bland-- if you're here for just a show, and no flavor, Aviary's the place to be. Otherwise, the $30 juice pairing at the Michelin star Elske tasted a whole lot better.

    the aviary experience, 5 courses
    Jamilee G.

    I enjoyed the cocktails but my partner and I unfortunately didn't enjoy our 5-course food and cocktail dining experience. We came in with high expectations and unfortunately the food and cocktail pairings were completely underwhelming and felt subpar. The service and the presentation were the highlight-- creative and enjoyable. Even then, that alone couldn't make up for the lackluster food. We left a little drunk but still hungry, which isn't what you hope for at this price point. As for the space, the decor wasn't interesting, it felt more sterile than inviting. Overall, it was a letdown.

    Menu
    Nhu V.

    It's not just a cocktail bar; it's an experience. Part of the renowned Alinea group, this spot had my expectations set high from the start. We arrived too late on our first attempt, but told the host we would return right when they opened the next day, and he remembered us, which already made the evening feel special. Each cocktail was a work of art, thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. The creativity shone through in both appearance and flavor, leaving us genuinely impressed. The snacks complemented the drinks nicely. Our server, Ryan, was outstanding--knowledgeable, attentive, and warm. Surrounded by a cozy atmosphere, inventive drinks, and great company, it truly was a perfect experience.

    Menu
    Vince L.

    Just like alinea, the bar is also impressive. Only thing I regret is not being able to drink too much and order everything. All the cocktails were balanced. The non alcoholic cocktails were also very well made and not just something briefly put together by anyone. Will be back next time I'm in Chicago.

    First course with their signature cocktail
    Carrie M.

    Spoilers in photos!! Although the menu changes periodically, if you want to go in blind don't look too close! This was a wonderful experience for my boyfriend, as he doesn't drink and they can do the full menu with mocktails. So we could share the same experience, without the alcohol. TBH by the end I almost wished I had done the non-alcoholic option, or for a few of the courses if that's allowed, because the drinks are strong. The pours are very generous. The flavor of every dish pairs well with the drinks, and the profiles are complex without being overwhelming. Presentation is top notch. You can tell someone is putting a lot of care into their creations. All the members of staff were kind and patient explaining the drinks, ingredients, and some of their history. We were allowed to take our time and never felt rushed. Others around us were doing different tastings, and all looked amazing, so I don't think you can go wrong with any booking. And while the space is very open, our little table for two still felt intimate for a celebratory dinner.

    Wish you were here
    Ishani B.

    Walked into one of my best experiences. Couldn't imagine cocktails can also look like work of art. We did the 3 course cocktail progression along with few appetizers. The Aviary delivers an innovative sensory experience and each drink is a new performance. The server helped us pace our drinks starting with lighter moving on to stronger cocktails. The chips had literal sparkle. Super cozy setup and comfy seating adds to the experience.

    Austin W.

    My wife and I stopped by The Aviary during a recent trip to Chicago after hearing so many great things about the bar. The drinks were genuinely impressive--balanced in flavor, creatively composed, and made with a wide variety of unique ingredients. Many cocktails featured specialized bar equipment and theatrical table-side presentations. Mine, for example, was served in a heavy, gold-plated bird with a nest of dry ice hovering above it. Let's get the pricing out of the way: drinks here are expensive. On average, you're looking at $25-$30 per cocktail. There's a slight discount if you order a set of three for $75, but that's a pretty big commitment to make upfront. For just two drinks, our bill came out to $76.44 after tax and a 20% service charge. I made a reservation on Tock about a month in advance, but on our Monday evening visit, the bar had plenty of open tables. If you're visiting earlier in the week, a reservation probably isn't necessary. Service during our visit was excellent. Our server was attentive, kept our water glasses full, and checked in a few times to see if we wanted another round. The one thing that took away from the experience was a large, loud group that seemed to be in town for a conference. Given the Aviary's upscale vibe and focus on refined cocktails, the group's loud demeanor felt out of place. They were doing round after round of shots and got louder as the night went on. I understand it's a bar, and people are there to have fun, but it would've been nice if the staff had politely stepped in and asked the group to keep the volume down a little so others could enjoy themselves. Overall, The Aviary was a cool and unique experience, and I'm glad we got to try it. That said, it felt more like a one-time visit than a place I'd return to regularly.

    Slingshot to crack the ice and let the liquor flow out. 'Old Fashioned IN the Rocks'
    Sandeep C.

    It's just a really fun way to start an evening! It's rare to see such a well done cocktail bar with all sorts of theatrics for each drink. Plus they have good small bites to pair. Enough food it could be dinner if you ordered a few items. I got the vac pot which was a very cool presentation. Then the jungle bird which had some explosive surprises inside lol. For food, I got the black truffle grilled cheese which hit the spot in lieu of dinner. Also, got the pepperoni pizza flavored popcorn for the table and it was spot on...a little willy wonka esque. The service as you would expect based on the restaurant group is exceptional for cocktails. So the cocktail taste is unique, it's not necessarily your classics. Although it's a full bar so you can get anything... you most definitely have to order the specialty ones. I look at it as more about the experience which is very unique to The Aviary!

    Dorhec B.

    It was a bday present and l loved the experience!!! Probably the best Old fashioned I have tried. I think the price for the experience (the one without food) is reasonable for three drinks. The truffle explosion ($20 dessert spoon) was amazing uffff... but I was told that when you get reservation online you're pretty much obligated to add a complimentary bite to your experience which you shouldn't be force since it's not cheap. Staff: 10/10 my only recommendation would be explain the drinks a bit slower and louder, but great service. Nice environment! It's definitely a place to go for the experience, but pricey for just a drink unless you're into cocktails and you can afford it then fuck it have as many as you want, you won't regret it.

    Emily K.

    An incredible experience all around! Plenty of food and plenty of drinks. I was very impressed by the amount of food and the full cocktail pours each course. The food was unique and really incredible both taste and presentation. The soup at the very beginning was so flavorful and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. The taco was one of the best I have ever had, the house made shell was perfection, no tearing, no crumbling, very impressive and the meat was so tender and flavorful. I loved the corndog presentation with the crackerjacks nod to Chicago. I was wary of the foie gras dessert but it was so incredibly creamy and delicious. DO NOT MISS. The cocktails amazed me one after another. The gin one was so beautiful. I loved the concept of the real time infusion and change each pour. the rum one with the siphon was so fun to watch, but maybe a little on the sweet side for me. The boulevardier was so much fun to crack the ice and truly a top notch, well made boulevardier. While tequila is less my liquor, the caramel corn tequila combo was incredibly delicious. The dessert cocktail, again was a little sweet but I loved the passion fruit pearls. Overall the five course meal was worth every penny and I would do it again. The service was stellar, everyone was so knowledgeable and helpful.

    In the Rocks
    Scott M.

    We had a reservation at 5pm on a Tuesday night and got there a tad early but were allowed to come in. We were promptly seated and our server took the time to explain what this place is about - and it is unique in the best way possible. We had toyed with the idea of going to Alinea but wanted to focus on more up and coming restaurants during our visit so the Aviary was a great compromise. We went a la carte so we can't speak to the "experiences" they offer but my wife and I ordered 2 drinks each. Plus we got the truffle ravioli, the corn dog and their version of chip and dip - all very unique and fun. Obviously when you go to a place like this you're going to pay a premium for the experience. The ravioli was 19 dollars each. I'm not sure how a ravioli is worth 19 dollars but it was like nothing I've ever eaten. The corn dog was good and fun but didn't blow me away. Same with the chip dish which felt a little cumbersome because of the size. Drinks were more about show and they didn't disappoint. Unique, creative and very interesting to interact with. In that way, the premium price is worth the experience. Would we go back? I'm on the fence. Our total bill was about $150 dollars for 4 appetizer sized plates and 4 drinks not including tip. Service was excellent. Staff was engaged. I guess as long as people like me are willing to pay these prices, they'll charge them but it's starting to feel a bit predatory in this industry. They are doing something new, it takes time and creativity to develop these things so 4 stars. We enjoyed it.

    Cocktail

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 22
    Thanks 10
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vince L.
    10
    171
    66

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kristen B.
    154
    17
    10

    1 month ago

    We had an incredible time tonight! Overall an amazing experience!! Brendan is our favorite! He is the best server we've had in a LONG time.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anh C.
    29
    130
    118

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jake H.
    330
    28
    2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Andrea K.
    213
    55
    20

    4 months ago

    Amazing drinks. Food was satisfying. Look for a unique experience! I would recommend for a special occasion!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Blue A.
    3199
    1741
    4802

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aditi D.
    13
    196
    542

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jessie S.
    3
    36
    110

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 44

    The Aviary Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Aviary

    I made a reservation for the aviary experience which is the 5 course food and cocktail tasting menu. Should we eat before we go or is the tasting menu enough?

    Depends on how hungry you are...but we felt that it was sufficient.

    I'm traveling with my 13 year old. Can she still join us?

    THIS was on the website---While we do not prohibit children, we do discourage bringing children to Aviary. The Aviary is The Alinea Group's cocktail lounge concept and we do not have options for children on the menu. As well, our other patrons are… Read more

    Are drinks being served in plastic cups or is the presentation exactly as it was before COVID-19? I would like to know before purchasing non-refundable tickets. Thank you

    Drinks are being served the same as before the pandemic.

    How long does the five course pairing typically take?

    It really depends on you, however it can be done in under 2 hrs. We were there a little more than 2 hrs, just enjoying the ambiance and experience itself. If you have time I suggest not rushing it. Enjoy!

    With the 5 course option should I eat a meal before hand or is it enough food?

    I wouldn't eat a ton before the 5 course. My experience was that I was fairly full by the time we finished. They being said - it might not hurt to have something in your belly beforehand. The drinks pack a bit of a punch!

    I'm having a birthday soon. Is this appropriate for a meaningful birthday?

    Absolutely. I took my wife last night for her birthday, as a matter of fact. You'll need to make a reservation, though!

    Can I get away with women's fashion jeans that are ripped with a nice top and heels or are ripped jeans frowned upon at the Aviary?

    It could totally pass. As long as you look put together you should be fine.

    Is there a dress code?

    No dress code but people were all dressed nice. Casual ok but no sweat pants. :)

    How can you make a reservation for one? I see open spots for when I will be there but the reservations are for 2-6. Should I call?

    I am sure they would be happy to accommodate one person, but definitely call to experience this wonderful place!

    How can I go for a cocktail without a reservation at 5pm?

    Unfortunately you must have a reservation

    What food and drinks are included in the $135pp 5 cocktail with food deal?

    I'm sure they would include their signature pork rinds, but honestly everything there is good. You may want to contact them directly if you have specific food needs. Their cocktails are the best we ever had; pricey, but worth it!

    How long is the 3-course cocktail tasting? 2+ hours?

    I think it took me 1.5-2 hours. But once I stood up, I wish I had spaced it out a little longer!

    How long is the average wait time? No reservations available for the dates I want. :(

    1-2hrs on a weekday. Closer to 2 on a Friday or Saturday. See if you can buy a pre package deal to get a confirmed slot.

    Tasting menu or a la carte?

    They actually have a mixture of both. Their menu can be intimidating. The staff is willing and more than knowledgeable to guide you through a tasting, and they also offer two types of tastings on their normal menu in addition to a la carte. Enjoy!

    View All 18 Questions

    You might also consider

    King of Cups - Old Fashion

    King of Cups

    (132 reviews)

    Lincoln Park

    The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

    What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    (1.7k reviews)

    $$$

    Lincoln Park

    A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

    We came to Geja's to celebrate our anniversary and it certainly lived up to the hype. We were…read morelucky enough to have a table off the side by the window so it maintained the intimate feel without feeling cramped by other tables. Food-wise, it was very fun to cook everything ourselves. I do think the appetizers were my favorite part because I do just love fruits and cheeses, but everything was great. They were also very accommodating of celiac. Overall, we had a wonderful anniversary celebrating at Geja's.

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini

    (760 reviews)

    $$

    Lincoln Park

    Best restaurant in Chicago! Been here many times, and finally tried the ricotta dumplings! These…read morewere so good and filling, a fun Italian switch up from my normal order. We also go the branzino (forgot to picture) and wow 10/10 need to get that again. And the Caesar salad with added salmon was amazing! The staff is always so friendly and attentive and we just love this place!

    I've eaten at Gemini over the years and have been able to sample a lot of what's on offer. I've had…read moremost of the specials but will usually get either the swordfish or the steak frites. Those are typically very good which is why I come back. The burger though. Why is it such a consistent disappointment? It's small, has the pancetta (a nice rubbery disc of salt) and just seems like kind of an afterthought to the otherwise well-considered menu. I've been eating it on occasion for 10+ years here always with the hope that it has improved. I would love to see a do-over on the burger. It would be great to have a place in the neighborhood that consistently delivered. As it stands, it's a distant second to RJ Grunt's, Small Cheval and not even in the same realm as Armitage Alehouse's burger. Really hoping I get to come back and revise this review to rave about how much better it got. The staff is always very nice and attentive as well. From host stand to bartenders, waitstaff and everyone clearing and setting, always a very nice group that seems like they take pride in their work, which is much appreciated.

    Le Mistral - Inside the building - Le mistral is all the way down on the right side

    Le Mistral

    (12 reviews)

    Lincoln Park

    The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

    We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

    Esme

    Esme

    (152 reviews)

    $$$$

    Lincoln Park

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

    Esme was the only restaurant I made it to for Chicago Restaurant Week this year. It was a nice,…read moreupscale experience, and I appreciate that we were able to try this Michelin-starred restaurant at a reduced cost. There was no problem with a vegetarian accommodation, but the menu we were handed does not include the details for the vegetarian courses - disappointing that I couldn't reference this to see the details of each course. All of the food was presented tastefully with meticulous attention to detail. The salad is brought out as a shared dish, which is potentially a bit awkward. Not a problem since I was dining with my husband, but I would have preferred my own salad if I was with a less familiar party. The silverware and dishes were works of art in and of themselves, but our table was scratched up considerably. My dessert was presented very creatively - although my husband's was much more straightforward. Dessert was an optional add-in, so a separate bill was brought out for this at the end. My husband carelessly left a tip on top of the hefty service charge they apply by default, but I didn't realize until after the fact since I'd gone to the restroom.

    Willow Room - Arugula salad over avocado toast with poached eggs.

    Willow Room

    (428 reviews)

    $$

    Lincoln Park, DePaul

    Great dinner here tonight - had the mussels, burger, and octopus. All were exceptional. The drinks…read morewere also very good, and the service was awesome. Great meal overall.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

    The Aviary - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...