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The Dearborn

4.4 (2.8k reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

About The Dearborn

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THE DEARBORN ATMOSPHERE

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Trendy
Classy
Moderate noise
Happy hour specials

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Brian M.

Stopped in for lunch midweek and the place was jumping! The hostess let us know it would be a bit of a wait since we requested a booth. The wait was shorter than expected and we were fortunate to get Carson as our server. Carson was personable, informative and professional. The food was excellent and the prices were commensurate with the excellent quality. All of the staff worked well together. A highlight was when we passed on dessert but, Carson knowing we were celebrating a birthday surprised us with a cookie and candle and card from the restaurant. Whike this may seem like a small gesture, it was greatly appreciated and certainly a reason we will highly suggest to friends, family and colleagues to go to the Dearborn and ask for Carson!

Rolls
Willie A.

The service was wonderful - very engaging staff who seemed to enjoy and take pride in their work. Of course we came here specifically for the fish and chips, but we also split a huge order of Parker house rolls, which were amazing. Those rolls are perfect. The disappointment was the fish itself. While the crunch and flavor were perfect, the texture of the fish itself was watery and mushy. It didn't hold up at all against the crunchy coating. I would not order it again, but I would go back to try something else. I'm hoping I just had an anomaly. The tartar sauce and fries were good. Clean place in a good location, too.

Beautiful lighting
Melanie S.

The most delicious soup I've ever had; I will literally be back to Chicago simply for their Spicy Chicken & Mushroom Soup. I can see why these fish and chips beat Bobby Flay! And the pizza was great. Kind attentive service - my water glass was never empty! And it was HOT; I was drinking a ton! Ambience is gorgeous. Totally recommend.

Brunch cocktail
Kathleen D.

I'll be thinking about my experience at The Dearborn for a long time! This past Sunday morning, I had wanted to grab a quick coffee before seeing some sights. As it happened, the cafe I wanted to check out was mobbed with a line down the street, and my boyfriend expressed wanting a full meal. A quick look at the map confirmed we were close to The Dearborn, and they were opening in about 10 minutes. Perfect. We detoured to view the Chicago Picasso and waited until open to walk in. Upon arrival, there were already several parties waiting to be seated, which is a clear indicator of the restaurant's popularity. We were seated not long after along the row of seated half booths in the room behind the bar. Our server, Melissa, was soooo friendly and lovely. She gave us some suggestions on other spots to visit too. We were both planning on starting with the horchata carajillo cocktail, but Melissa sold me with their brunch punch of the day - pineapple gin, yuzu, raspberry syrup, lemon, and soda water. Both cocktails were incredible, and my boyfriend and I were both buzzing before 11 am haha. *We did also order coffees - their cappuccino was delightful. In terms of food, we decided to start with the croissant monkey bread. As you can see, I took a bite before we even put the sauce on top - it was that irresistible. For potentially the first time ever, my boyfriend and I equally shared a dish. Typically, he eats faster and more than me, but I made sure to keep up - it was way too good to miss out. For my meal, I ordered the four cheese tavern-style pizza (fontina, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, chives, garlic butter), and my boyfriend selected the fried perch benedict. I tried a bite of his, and it was lovely, but I was more focused on my pizza. To be clear, the pizza is 14 inches and easily could have been shared by both of us. In fact, he did indeed eat all of the leftovers later that night. This was hands down our favorite dining experience during our long weekend in Chicago, and I need to revisit on a future trip to try their famous fish & chips.

Beat Bobby Flay Fish n Chips!!!! WOAW!
Meredith F.

OMG! Walk, run, sprint here to get the FISH N CHIPS THAT ACTUALLY BEAT BOBBY FLAY. The executive chef and now chef partner, Aaron Cuschieri, is absolutely amazingly talented. I am used to really good fish and chips... I've never had better fish and chips than Tom Douglas's Mr. Fish in Seattle, UNTIL NOW!!!! Wow, wow wow wow! Do not pass GO, do not read the menu, just order the darn fish and chips! It might be a whole heart attack on a plate... But it doesn't matter... You can walk all of Chicago and burn it off. I decided to work out before I came here for this big splurge and I'm so glad I did. I can see that this is the theater district... And you could come here before a show fish and chips and have the best night of your entire life! I can't wait to try more of this chef's food! I'm BEYOND INSPIRED! ps great beers here toooooi!

Protein Bowl with salmon
Erika W.

My coworker and I went for lunch. It's a very upscale looking restaurant but some people were causally dressed and others professionally dressed. The hostess advised without reservations we could sit near the bar. So we did. The service was great. The food was great. I will return for sure!

Steamed Mussels - N'duja, wine-butter, fresh herbs, grilled bread
Christopher V.

As a long-time Chicago diner who was through the doors when The Dearborn first opened, I've watched its menu evolve over the years. Very few people are as deeply familiar with the Chicago dining scene as I am fortunate to be--a gift and a curse that makes me hold local institutions to a high standard. Unfortunately, The Dearborn's execution hasn't kept pace. The underlying issue is consistent visit after visit: the kitchen continuously delivers dishes that are underseasoned and devoid of depth. I appreciate high-quality ingredients and subtle flavor profiles, but the plates here routinely leave me wanting. During a recent visit, we ordered two staples: the celebrated Fish & Chips and the Shrimp & Grits. Though advertised by our server as authentic New Orleans style, both the shrimp and the grits were remarkably bland. The flavors were so muted that we ended up asking for extra seasoning or hot sauce just to give the dish some life. The ingredients were undeniably fresh, the cooking was technically sound, and the service was fine. However, as a high-traffic spot catering heavily to tourists, the kitchen seems focused on playing it safe for mass appeal. It works for a broad audience, but for anyone who truly knows Chicago food, it falls short, and I can't say I look forward to returning. 2.51 stars all things considered.

Triple BLT
Ann F.

Many items on the menu I would of liked to try. I chose the Triple BLT and it was meaty and delicious! Service was excellent as well.

Drink menu
Melissa W.

WOW! We had such a great dinner at The Dearborn. The restaurant is lively, cheery with a fun atmosphere. Our server Melissa was great and checked on us regularly. We ordered a variety of dishes to share among 5 people. Do not miss the Parker House rolls! Holy warm baked buttery deliciousness. We also loved the Japanese curry poutine (which was a surprise!), the market salad and the gnocchi. We also tried several cocktails, including the Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches and the Spanish G&T.

Ann M.

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

Chicago's Finest Fish & Chips
Nick S.

The next brunch spot you have to try in Chicago is The Dearborn! The aesthetic here is upscale Irish tavern, with amazing vibes and service! I came here for brunch & most definitely need to come back for dinner! Their fish & chips beat Bobby Flay, & it's no surprise they did! This dish is perfection! The cod is fresh & flaky, and the batter has just the right crisp. The dish itself is huge & all the accompaniments are exactly what you want. The beignets are so fluffy and great for sharing a sweet treat to start or end your meal. The corned beef hash is packed with traditional Irish flavors and tastes delicious! You need to come here asap!

My Ant's Garden
Carolyn S.

Service was great! I sat outside which was a risk with it being 4 pm and lots of cars and walkers but overall was pleasant. Fish & Chips were very good but I wouldn't say the best I've ever had. Given the claim I had really high expectations, but again very very good. The batter was light, crisp and not soggy. The flavor and lightness of the slaw was my favorite part; not soggy from sitting in dressing. Curry sauce was tasty but I mainly used it to dip my fries in. The cocktail was smoky (in a good way) but I did want it to be more tequila forward (personal preference).

Appetizer Rolls
Raina G.

Brunch at The Dearborn - solid! Skip the appetizer rolls, they were just meh. But the fish and chips and burger? Chef's kiss. Add an espresso martini (or two) and you're set. Will be back!

This place is great. Music not too load while also not hearing your neighbor table talk. Food was too delicious for words! A must go place

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Great location a little pricey but quality food and great service. Very upscale ambiance

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1 month ago

The food and service was well worth the visit. I look forward to visiting again. I do hope they will be a part of Chicago restaurant week.

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The Dearborn Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Dearborn

Does it have a bar where you can eat dinner?

Yes, there's bar seating.

Hello, are you able to accommodate a nut/peanut/sesame allergy if we order friend chicken or the burger? thank you

Hi Steph, We absolutely can adjust to those allergies for those items. Just let us know in person,… 

Hello, does the restaurant offer a special menu for kids?

Hi Amanda. Thank you for your question. We do have separate offerings for kids! The following are available for lunch and dinner: Burger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, and Grilled Cheese with fries. We hope to see you soon!

Are you guys dog friendly?

NO.

Where can you park?

Hi Josh. Thank you for your inquiry. There is street parking located in the area, and there is also a parking garage nearby, located at 181 N. Dearborn Street. We hope to see you soon!

I see in categories you have "vegan options". What are they?

Be careful here. Fries are cooked in the same oil as the chicken and the brussel sprouts are cooked on the same grill as the meat. Unless you want a salad my answer would be "none".

Do you offer half portions for people that have had bariatric surgery?

Thank you for your inquiry. We offer a cup of soup and side versions of our Little Gem Caesar and Market Salad. If you have any additional questions, please call us directly at (312)384-1242.

Do you have outdoor seating?

Hi Lucy. Thank you for your question! Yes, we do have patio seating available, subject to availability. We hope to see you soon!

Can I get your recipe for Mussels?

😂😂😂

Are jeans acceptable to wear for dinner on a Saturday?

Absolutely!

How long should a party of three expect to be seated on a Sunday for lunch?

This is a time dependent, a good rule of thumb is 45min or less.

What are the Happy Hour specials and what days and times please?

I don't believe they have a happy hour but it's a wonderful place to go, worth the money.

What Is The Happy Hour Menu?

Sorry but I didn't notice.

I see some comments about happy hour food and drink specials but do not see a separate menu on their website. Is there a happy hour menu on Friday or Sunday? If so, what are the hours? Thanks!

Hi, Fran! While we don't do drink specials for happy hour, we do have a small bites menu that's… 

What is on the kid's menu? What is the price range?

Entrees for lunch are probably $15-25, but their menu also changes.

Valet parking available or no?

No valet parking isn't available

When does the lunch menu end and the dinner menu begin?

I'm not sure, but I believe brunch ends at 2 p.m.

Open for Lunch?

Yes!

Does the Dearborn have a happy hour menu? If he'd what is the details on the time and contents?

I don't think they do cuz I didn't see it on the menu.

It says this place is not good for kids. Why?

On the contrary! The Dearborn has a kid's menu that appeals to everyone. Aisles are wide enough to easily manage strollers, and we have many booster seats and high chairs for little ones!… 

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Chalet - Crab Cakes

Chalet

3.6(197 reviews)
0.9 mi•Near North Side
•$$

I visited Chalet for their new Brunch After Dark experience and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere…read moreis perfect for a night out -- dim lighting, fun neon signs, great music, a beautiful bar, and plenty of cute photo opportunities throughout the restaurant. The food was also a hit. The fried chicken nachos were easily one of my favorites and something I would order again. We also tried the huge brunch board, which came loaded with pancakes, waffles, chicken, eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and more. It says it feeds up to three people, but the portions were VERY generous and could easily be shared with a group. We also had the smothered potatoes and several cocktails, and everything we tried was good. The drinks were well made and fit the whole Brunch After Dark vibe perfectly. Overall, I love the idea of being able to have a full brunch experience without having to squeeze it into Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, this was a very disappointing dining experience. The sausage and bacon were…read moreterrible--they tasted as if they had been microwaved rather than freshly prepared. The food overall was simply not good. What made the experience even worse was trying to eat while literally fighting off bees. We were just trying to enjoy our meal and each other's company, but it was nearly impossible to relax and enjoy ourselves with bees constantly around our table. We asked twice if the windows could be closed and received very little help from our waitress. Yet once the party of 11 seated next to us arrived and made the same request, the windows were finally closed. That was extremely frustrating considering we had already asked more than once. I will say the host did her best, and I appreciated her efforts. However, the waitress was not very helpful at all. She was more concerned with the next group coming in then whatbwe were experiencing. And given the poor quality of the food, the bee situation, and the fact that our repeated request was essentially ignored until another party complained, our meal should have been comped--or at the very least, some type of adjustment should have been offered. Instead, we paid $175.40 for a meal and an experience we couldn't even enjoy. I will not be returning.

Photos
Chalet
Chalet - Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes

Chalet - Chips & Guac

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Chips & Guac

Arbella - Whipped feta was sooooo good!

Arbella

4.4(706 reviews)
0.5 mi•River North, Near North Side
•$$

If I were to pick one bar to go to every time I'm in Chicago it would be Arbella! Drinks were…read moreabsolutely phenomenal. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and they had a fun menu by the chef and we ordered off of both menus. Drinks were reasonably priced. Bartenders were great and explained what was going on. They were chill and the booths were comfortable. They had music on but not too loud so we could converse comfortably. Best bar I've been to in the city! Also wish I had taken picture of all the drinks.

October 1, 2026 TL;DR: Arbella was this close to a five-star…read moredate-night experience. The atmosphere was fantastic, our server struck the perfect balance between attentive and giving us space, and both cocktails I tried were creative and delicious. The truffle fries were pretty mediocre, but even that wouldn't have stopped me from giving Arbella five stars. What did? Discovering afterward that a 5% "service charge" had been added to the bill. I really dislike this growing practice of restaurants and bars adding percentage-based fees rather than simply pricing their menu accordingly, and it was enough to cost an otherwise excellent experience two stars. Ambiance: 5/5 Arbella absolutely nails the atmosphere. I came here on a date, and it was a great choice for that. The music was good, the lighting and decor created a really intimate vibe, and our booth was comfortable enough that we could settle in and actually enjoy the evening. There was energy in the room without it being so loud or overwhelming that we couldn't have a conversation. Even the menu design and presentation fit the experience. If you're looking for somewhere that feels elevated, interesting, and still comfortable for a date, Arbella definitely checks those boxes. Service: 5/5 Our server was fantastic. This was one of those rare occasions where someone found exactly the right balance between being attentive and not constantly interrupting our date. We never felt forgotten about, but we also had plenty of space to enjoy ourselves and talk. I especially appreciated the recommendations. Whenever we had a question or wanted guidance on what to order, our server was knowledgeable and genuinely helpful rather than simply pushing something on the menu. Excellent service from beginning to end. Drinks & Food: 4/5 The cocktails were easily the highlight. I tried the First You Take The Graham and the Trankilo Melon, and both were really good while also being different enough from what I would normally order to make the experience more memorable. This is exactly what I want from a cocktail bar: drinks that make me curious enough to try something new and then actually deliver. The truffle fries, however, were mid at best. They weren't terrible, but compared with how impressive everything else felt, they were forgettable. I'd absolutely come back for the cocktails, but I'd choose something different to eat next time. About That 5% Service Charge... This is unfortunately where Arbella lost me, and ultimately why I cannot give the experience five stars. I didn't notice until reviewing my bill afterward that a 5% service charge had been added. I strongly dislike this increasingly common practice of restaurants and bars adding percentage-based fees to the bill. If operating costs have increased, I would much rather an establishment incorporate those costs transparently into its menu prices so I know what I'm agreeing to pay when I order. Calling it a "service charge" also creates unnecessary confusion, particularly when customers are still expected to decide what to tip their server. At a cocktail-focused establishment, where you may be ordering multiple drinks throughout an evening rather than paying attention to every line of the check, I think fees like this need to be extremely clear and prominent before ordering, not something a customer discovers afterward. For me, it feels like an extra charge for simply using the establishment in exactly the way it was intended to be used. Overall: 4/5 The frustrating part is that without the service charge, this probably would have been a five-star review. Arbella gave us a genuinely great date night: beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, creative cocktails, and a space I otherwise would have happily recommended and returned to. Instead, that 5% fee left a sour final impression on what had been an excellent evening. It may seem small, but transparency around pricing matters to me. Arbella did so much right that I want to come back, but the service charge is significant enough that I would think twice before doing so.

Photos
Arbella - DJ Adam Pecho bringing down the house

DJ Adam Pecho bringing down the house

Arbella - Crab rangoon

Crab rangoon

Arbella - Special menu espresso martini

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Special menu espresso martini

No Vacancy

No Vacancy

4.5(181 reviews)
0.5 mi•River North, Near North Side
•$$

If you're coming here for drinks, it's probably a great vibe, but if you're coming for food, I…read morewould recommend elsewhere. I want to preface my review with the positives, Londyn was our server & was truly so kind, thorough, and friendly. The restaurant itself is clean & all tables have clear views of the TVs on game days. Now for the room for improvement- the food was very underwhelming. Being from the Chicago area previously, I regularly advocate for the Chicago food scene, and this unfortunately did not meet those standards. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, buffalo cauliflower, wings, and sesame ginger salad: -Brussel sprouts: tasted like they weren't seasoned just air fried and drenched in balsamic dressing -Buffalo cauliflower: soggy, unseasoned, runny buffalo sauce -Wings: PERFECTLY CRISPY, but no flavor (we ordered lemon pepper & buffalo) -Sesame ginger salad: sloppy mix of vegetables tossed in an overly sweet sauce with no sesame or ginger flavor in sight If you're not going to eat, this is probably a great spot, but from a food standpoint, there is room for improvement.

Great place for late dinner (kitchen open until 11pm on weekdays). I was in the mood for some…read morechicken wings and yes, No Vacancy for the win. Good draft, liquor and can/bottle selection and great menu for food. Buffalo style wings were suberb!

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No Vacancy
No Vacancy - Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

No Vacancy - Pigs in a Blanket

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Pigs in a Blanket

Beatrix - Whipped Feta

Beatrix

4.2(2.8k reviews)
0.5 mi•Near North Side
•$$

Food is always excellent!!! Can't wait to come back! So many great options. Service is great.read more

I went to Beatrix on a first date recently, and it ended up being one of the best I've ever had…read more The atmosphere was great, the food was splendid and reasonably priced. But what really won me over was the service and how the people there took care of me. I made two big mistakes that could've tanked my evening, but the staff came through for me. I got there a little bit before my date arrived, only to realize that I'd forgotten to reserve a table. I felt like a total idiot. Thankfully, the hosts managed to get me a table for two, which couldn't have been easy on such short notice. Then the bigger problem came at the end of the night. Obviously, I wanted to make a good impression on my date by taking care of the bill, since I was the one who had asked her out, but there was a problem with my debit card for some inexplicable reason. I tried to get ahold of my bank to see if I could figure out what went wrong, but it was after hours and I couldn't get them on the phone. I tried to vail how much I was panicking on the inside, it was such an embarrassing moment at the end of what had otherwise been a great first date. The server who'd brought the bill was very kind the whole time, and she went to get the manager to see if there was a way we could sort out this situation. I don't think I've had a better experience with a manager at any institution than the one I had with the manager at Beatrix. He was so empathetic to my situation, and said he'd been in situations not unlike the found myself in. He had such a calming presence, which was exactly what I needed in that moment. He had very simple solution for me. I got ahold of a family member, and they sent him a link so that he could pay the bill remotely. I as able to reimburse them the next day after I'd sorted out the issue with my bank (it turned out to be a very stupid problem that took all of 5 minutes to fix). I'm never gonna forget the night I went on a date at Beatrix. It's clear that the people there truly care about their customers, and they do a great job at taking care of them. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a good night out. Just make sure you get a reservation beforehand!

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Beatrix - Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Beatrix - Shakshouka

Shakshouka

Beatrix - Old Fashioned

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Old Fashioned

Ema - Salmon bab.

Ema

4.3(2k reviews)
0.5 mi•Near North Side
•$$

I LOVED my meal here! Ēma (Ay-mah) brings some glamour and glitz to the Mediterranean dining scene,…read morewith an airy, elevated hotel-lobby feel that still doesn't demand a dress code. Dresscode: Smart Casual / Casual Noise Level: Medium (it gets buzzy after 5:30pm) Thursday night Happy Hour was lively, so it took about 10-15 minutes for someone to come around, but service was attentive once we got going. The food is where Ēma really shines. From the Happy Hour menu, the Charred Eggplant Hummus and Crispy Potatoes were generously portioned and great for sharing. On the main menu, the Indian-Mediterranean fusion Bhel Hummus was a party for my taste buds, while the Hot Honey Halloumi and Chicken Kefta rounded out the table nicely. The halloumi is more of a side than a main, but that sweet-and-salty hot honey combo was chef's kiss. For our finisher, the Chocolate Torte knocked us out. Decadent, delicious and chocolate with lots of depth. Overall, Ēma is an excellent spot to order a bunch of dishes for the table and get an elevated meal without feeling stuffy, and delicious without taking itself too seriously. DO's: - Make a reservation ahead, especially for happy hour 4-6pm - Treat apps like small plates, order 2-3 to sample - Entertain their wine list, they have a lot! - Bring vegetarians here, there are plenty of options DON'Ts: - Dismiss the desert menu. It's fantastic and shareable! - Forget to ask for extra pita with the hummus! - Miss out on the LettuceEats loyalty points (check-in with your server before paying your check)

Mixed feelings on this place. Really pretty decor and nice vibe, but portions have greatly…read moredecreased in the last few years. The food is good, but I don't like that the portions have gotten smaller with the price staying the same. I've added pictures to show the difference. Their spicy hummus is probably my favorite hummus I've gotten from a restaurant, but it isn't always on the menu. The Kefta kabob is always good.

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Ema - Ema tables and bar

Ema tables and bar

Ema - Tuna & Watermelon*  june 2026.

Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

Ema - Inside

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Inside

Yardbird Table & Bar

Yardbird Table & Bar

3.8(472 reviews)
0.5 mi•Near North Side
•$$
Full bar
Gluten-free friendly

Dropped into Yardbird in Chicago for their happy hour, and it proved to be a great choice. The…read moreatmosphere was lively, but what really elevated the night was the exceptional service. Our server, Miguel, was phenomenal. She was attentive, fast, and gave us some spot-on recommendations. Per her advice, we ordered the deviled eggs with jalapeño, hands down the highlight of the table. The deviled eggs with paired with that subtle jalapeño kick was absolutely perfect. For the mains, the chicken and waffles were good, carrying that solid comfort food flavor you expect. The waffles were a bit soft for my taste. To drink, the sidecar was mixed perfectly, well-balanced, crisp, and hit the exact right note. Giving it 4 stars only because while the mains were good, the starters and the outstanding service from Miguel were what truly stole the show. I'll definitely be back to hang out at the bar again nest time I am in town!

Visiting Chicago and decided to try Yardbird since we frequent Yardbird Miami. We drove from by the…read moreairport ( an hour ride) for mediocre food and lackluster customer service. The biscuits were the only thing that were very good. We ordered the fried chicken which was lukewarm and dry. We asked if we could have hot chicken that was just dropped. Our server said sure, it will take a minute to cook. We said okay, no problem. Two minutes later, I assume a manager(since he did not introduce himself), brings dark greasy chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes and salad. He condescendingly said, let's see this is hot enough. Our server comes backed shocked that the chicken is there already. The chicken appeared to have been old chicken sitting under a warmer that they dropped in grease. It tasted burnt. Another manager came to inquire as he saw we weren't eating the chicken. We asked him to remove the chicken and we'll eat the sides only. He offered to try again. We said no thanks. Why should it take 3 times to get fresh, hot, almost $40 fried chicken? The bill came with the chicken till on it even thought we sent it back. We politely asked him to remove that charge. The manager had the audacity to say "come back next time so we can get it right". Really? We're is the customer service? Our dinner was ruined, No gift card to come back? We have frequented this restaurant for years. This is not Yardbird Quality. Shame on you Chicago

Photos
Yardbird Table & Bar
Yardbird Table & Bar
Yardbird Table & Bar

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The Dearborn - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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