this was unfortunately one of the worst restaurant experiences i've had in chicago. the portions…read morewere tiny, the food was overpriced, and the flavors were underwhelming. we stopped by for brunch and had the fried chicken & waffles and battered roister chicken sandwich, and everything was mediocre. the chicken was small and dry, and even a basic side of two eggs was $8. overall, it felt like overpriced fast food, and the plating was very basic. plus, there's an automatic 20% service charge added. the only nice thing was the space. we dined outside, but the ambience inside looked good too! i definitely wouldn't recommend this place.

really yummy chickens and waffles and there was really yummy whiskey/bourbon maple syrup i love…read moremaple syrup

Giant's food is truly off the charts. Love the shared plates family style eating so you can try…read moremultiple things from the menu. Very small restaurant, close quarters. You are eating with your neighbors. Service is very attentive. Be warned, on top of tax and tip there is an extra charge for employee health insurance on bills. Food ratings are as followed Jalapeño biscuit: 4.8/5 (butter paired with it is amazing) Lamb rib: 5/5 (love the sauce it comes with) Tagliatelle: 4/5 Eggplant: 3/5 Drunken beef: 4.2/5 Microwave cake: 5/5 (such a unique dessert, great special!)

We're big fans of Chef Special, so when we heard GIANT was their sister spot, we booked a table on…read moreResy. It's a small, tight space, but the food more than makes up for it. We started with a bottle of red and our server suggested 4-6 plates for two, since it's tapas-style with small plates, some big plates, and weekly Test Kitchen specials. The menu's super unique. Baked clams and the jalapeño biscuit were delicious. My personal favorite was the SORTALINI -- "sort of tortellini" cheese-filled pasta rings. Light texture, smoky umami flavor, with smoked tomatoes, guanciale, and pine nuts. Another winner is the zucchini with shaved goat cheese. We also had the drunken beef with chicken fat. I am already planning our next visit to try other items on the menu.

Next Restaurant continues to set the bar for immersive dining experiences. This quarter's Japan…read moretrip-inspired tasting menu was a beautifully executed journey through flavors, techniques, and balance. The menu offered a thoughtful mix of raw and cooked courses, seamlessly moving between sweet and sour elements, each dish feeling intentional and perfectly timed. Every course was precise, elegant, and layered with depth, showcasing both traditional inspiration and modern execution. The Ultra Reserve wine pairing elevated the entire experience--expertly curated and dynamic, with standout selections and a few sake pairings that complemented the menu flawlessly. Service was exceptional from start to finish: attentive without being intrusive, genuinely friendly, and highly knowledgeable. The team clearly understands the menu and pairings at a deep level, which adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Our party of 4 had high expectations when we booked a 40th birthday celebration dinner for the…read moreSPACE theme. At about $350/person (includes 1 alcohol & 1 non alcoholic pairing for the group), who wouldn't. This review is the group consensus of a sommelier, trained chef, recipe developer, restaurant owner & food magazine featured contributor (w/few spoilers for those who want to go & be surprised) : Different servers brought out each dish & explained what they represented in SPACE, the food elements that it was comprised of, how to eat it, etc. Our 4 top (median age in the 30s) could not hear the descriptions when they were told from the opposite side of the table over the restaurant's background noise. We were only given detailed menus as parting gifts, so we couldn't even follow along on paper. The food volume was enough for us to feel full when we left, without adding on the truffle dish that was presented as an optional extra supplement. But it was all more theater gratification than memorable food. Plating was beautiful & server interaction was visually entertaining. Sadly not one dish stood out to any of us as spectacular or memorable in any good way. A few dishes were drastically salty, which is what we remembered the most. The Wagyu shortrib bbq dish had a small square of chewy, dry meat that we knew was undercooked at that texture. We shared an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic pairing 4 ways. The pours were generous. The alcohol pairing was all wine, which was disappointing because we hoped for at least one curated sip. Of all the non-alcoholic offerings, 3 were sickly, syrupy sweet; just a taste was regrettable. One had a lemon verbena element so strong that it smelled like citronella bug spray as we tasted it. Plus bc we told our initial server that we'd all be sharing each pairing, we expected they would bring glasses for all. But we were only given one glass to pass around. Those of us who have enjoyed Alinea in the past were really dismayed & confused by the overall taste & presentation of this meal. The restaurant owners in the group do understand that this is a time when staffing excellence can be challenging to find. But the price point & Alinea association really sets an expectation. Past themes looked intriguing, & we are all still curious to see the announcement for the next NEXT theme. But if the price point remains at this level, given this SPACE experience, we won't be back. Perhaps Alinea is a better fit for us.

Easily one of the best meals I have had in a while! The lasagna was SO flavorful. The braised beef…read morecheek was perfectly tender, the lemon ricotta was so light/fresh to help balance out the heaviness of the dish, and the sauce was super flavorful + a little spicy. Our group of 3 shared the tiramisu, and it was so delicious. It's the perfect ratio of mascarpone cream to lady fingers for my taste. The service was also phenomenal! Our server was so helpful and recommended several dishes to us (our group was indecisive about what to order because everything sounded SO good!).

Coincidentally while visiting Chicago in April..... I came across this article on James Beard…read moreFinalists. Monteverde was on the emerging Chef category. I immediately jump on the reservation list and set myself a date. I was dining on my own (having a day on the town). I was seated at the bar. I found it to be an honor to be in the clear view of the lovely ladies making fresh pasta. Watching them in action made the experience that more exciting. Service: impeccable! Atmosphere: bustling with great vibes. Food: unforgettable! Started with: SOPPRESSATA MEATBALL mangalitsa pork, pomodoro, pecorino romano, wild oregano. TORTELLI VERDI: ricotta & farm spinach filled, ramp, brown butter, parmigiano reggiano vaca bruna fonduta, balsamico. Dessert: tiramisu Let me tell you!!!! I was not warned about how enormous this dessert was going to be. I find it funny! My surrounding patrons were laughing at me. "Good luck!" It was THE most amazing tiramisu I ever had. YET! James Beard article quote: "Bailey Sullivan, of the West Loop's Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, is a finalist in the emerging chef category. " I am so glad I was able to experience this establishment before the word got out. I happened to jump in a day after this article was published. Chicago, you are forever in my heart for taking pride in your culinary fun!

I finally made it back to Somerset during this visit to Chicago! It didn't disappoint!…read more I was with a family member and we decided to share all of the plates. We started with the Potato Leek soup. It was a great starter on a cold Chicago day. It had a very smooth and creamy texture, and was garnished with labneh and leek oil. Next up was the Salt Roasted Beets. Salt-roasting beets supposedly increases the moistness and sweetness of the beets. This dish was excellent. The beets were delicious and combined with the salad, whipped ricotta and a layer of crushed pistachios, it was an amazing side dish. Our main course, the Falafel sandwich and the Crispy Brussels Sprouts came together. We shared both, and to be honest, slicing the sandwich in half was a challenge, but we successfully managed to cut it. The falafels were accompanied with hummus and tzatziki. The falafels were crispy on the outside, with a savory chickpea flavor, and light and fluffy inside. The Brussels Sprouts were tender and soft, with a delectable glaze that made them irresistible. The lunch was great, and I hope I'll have an opportunity to return when I visit Chicago!

When I picture summer in Chicago, this is exactly what I had in mind: a vibrant night out with…read moregreat food and the perfect atmosphere. I dined at Somerset in the Viceroy Hotel on a Friday night in June, and the food was so delicious that I went home and recreated them myself. My partner and I started with burrata, styled with almond pesto, apple butter, frisée, and fig balsamic vinaigrette, served with focaccia--a dish I had never tried before but will absolutely have again. Then came the Piri Piri Chicken Kebab with cilantro and yogurt, which was tender and flavorful, and my partner opted for the Mediterranean sea bass. He offered me a bite, and let me tell you, those two bites (wink) were enough to make me fall in love with the dish--so much so, I had to also try making it myself! We were offered indoor or outdoor seating, and since it was a perfect night, we chose to sit outside. However, the seating arrangement felt a bit off. The server initially tried to seat us right next to the only other party dining outdoors, within arm's reach and certainly sound reach--despite the fact there were a dozen tables available. We moved two tables down, which helped, but it did leave a bit of an off-putting start to an otherwise amazing experience. I could have heard the conversation of the other party had I wanted to and vice versa. A little more attention to client experience and seating arrangements would go a long way. The atmosphere was upscale yet relaxed. If you're looking for a true taste of summer in the city, Somerset is where you want to be. I'd return!

This was an excellent meal to celebrate a graduation! They even gave us little glasses of champagne…read morefor the table as a courtesy. Really delicious farm to table food, everything coming from local farms. We especially enjoyed the roasted carrots, as well as the mushrooms. My steak dish was a little too rare but still very good. The ham was also delightful. The slices of thick bread were also a great starter. I like the ambiance and the neat seating arrangements they have. Bathrooms were also really beautiful, it sounds silly, but I judge a place based off of how nice their bathrooms are lol. Parking is kind of a nightmare, but that comes with a territory in that area, just leave a little bit early so you can find something. Overall, a great meal.

A horrendously noisy patio: loud music from passing convertibles and from a joint across the…read morestreet, plus screaming patrons. Terrible food: - They don't bring bread to the table. It's a "menu item"!that must be ordered. Nothing special about the Publican's bread other than that it's expensive: minimum $9 for 6 slices of maybe 2 different kinds. - Never order the "country patè" it's a bland mishmash of chopped pork organs and maybe some pork liver too. Has nothing to do with a patè: it's rubbery. - Don't order their duck either: the meat is dry and so hard that's nearly impossible to cut or chew. - Don't order Publican's lamb: it's overcooked. - Don't order their chocolate mousse cake: it's only sweet and totally bland. - DON'T EAT AT THE PUBLICAN: it's waaaay overpriced, the service is meh, the food is mediocre, the atmosphere is ridiculously noisy. Unless you want an unforgettably bad dining experience. Then I'd recommend you The Publican.

Finally experienced Alinea and wow... this wasn't just dinner, it was a full-on show. Sitting at…read morethe kitchen's table felt like having front-row seats to pure culinary magic. Kiersi (hope I spelled that right!) was super fun and engaging, and even mentioned how much she enjoyed our company too, which made the whole night feel extra special. Hands down, hard to even find the right words for this experience. Had to make this my first Yelp review as an Elite member from an elite place.This felt like a full-circle moment. Truly unforgettable.

Underwhelming food and experience for such an acclaimed restaurant…read more To start with the positives the space is gorgeous. Chicago itself is dotted with stunning brownstones and Alinea gives you the opportunity to be invited inside of one. The glassware and plates are equally aesthetic and premium. I found the waitstaff to be efficient and observant but a bit checked out and bored. My meal was just not so delicious and I do not think the gastronomy was impressive or interesting enough to make up for that. Most of the offerings were bite size in nature which made it so apparent how off the balance of flavors was. The skate wing was tough and glazed in sticky aggressive tamarind. I was disappointed with the execution on a few of the other dishes like the un rendered duck fat of the main protein and thick dough of the famous truffle explosion. On a positive note the classic wine pairing was well curated and the Sommelier's descriptions were spot on. Stepping into Alinea was very cool for me as a foodie so I am not upset I checked it out but I did think I would enjoy it much more.

5 Resounding stars for excellent craft cocktails, an intimate setting, the best staff, and…read moreinventive bites. I got reservations here for my birthday as I've been to Aviary, but never had a chance to go to the speakeasy-style concept downstairs. Haley took care of us while we were sat at a prime spot on the small bar. She was truly such a breath of fresh air and didn't intimidate like some highly skilled mixologists can sometimes do. We got to try a few drinks, but I have to call out the Martini with mango (great, balanced martini with a twist!) and the Leche de Tigre (you know this peruana had to try it!). The leche de Tigre (think ceviche in a glass) was savory, tangy, and something I would order again and again. To snack, we got the pepperoni flavored popcorn (they have a vegetarian version) and it blew me away. I would never have guessed it was vegetarian if we hadn't requested that specifically. And you know the presentation was on point. Overall, a new favorite spot in the city!

This spot inside the aviary came highly recommended considering it is part of the Alinea group…read more Service was quick and we were told we could request for a bartenders choice cocktail if we provided some general guidelines. My first drink was average and full of ice - disappointing. I did talk to them and swap it out for a mezcal sour which turned out to be much better. They were understanding and accommodative and offered up an alternative drink as well. Overall service was good and cocktails were decent. The fanfare to book this spot and the very rigid booking policies made this seem like a much more exclusive and sought after spot. The drinks were good but not spectacular. A good spot for pre dinner drinks in that neighborhood.

I'd heard great things so I wanted to experience it. The staff were absolutely amazing. From our…read morehostesses and waiter, there was such a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance was so alluring-- I loved the decor. For food, we had the chicken salad, pork chop, lobster dumplings (which was like heaven), and Brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious and wonderfully prepared. The ultimate star of the show was the bread pudding! Delectable! You can tell the chefs put so much intention into the way everything was prepared. I can't stop raving about it and the next time I'm in town, I'm definitely coming back.

Best meal I've had in the city in over a year! Anyone who gives it less than 5 stars is silly…read morewhether they are being pretentious, touch a hot skillet that you obviously shouldn't grab, are turned off by a $2 fee, or have some other user error. Let's not pretend we are all Michelin star critics. Also, this meal was more than affordable for the quality & experience. Every dish was unique, to the point where I could not figure out how to attempt to recreate at home. The ambiance was perfect for a fun Thursday night, and the service was immaculate (shoutout to our sever, Holly)! I'm glad there's a place like this in East Lincoln Park, because so many places that push culinary boundaries are centered downtown/West Loop/Logan/Pilsen. This is my new place I'm taking visitors to, and my boyfriend and I are already planning our next visit!

An extraordinary cocktail experience that's absolutely worth it for a fun date night or a group…read moreouting. The bird-themed cocktail menu brings both creativity and drama, with presentations that feel almost theatrical. What really elevates the experience is how the hosts narrate the inspiration behind each drink, making it feel more like a storytelling session than just a night out. The mixologists deserve serious credit for their thoughtful experimentation with global flavors--balancing complementary and contrasting notes, surprising textures, and sensory touches that feel nostalgic and adventurous at the same time. The food holds its own too. Don't miss the giant onion ring or the Chip n Dip--both are as fun as they are delicious. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the cocktail tasting experience makes it worthwhile. A perfect late-night spot for great conversations and drinks that ooze personality.

I'll start by saying I've been a huge fan of The Aviary for years. In the early days of the…read morepandemic, I got all their cocktail books, and my friends and I bought some of the equipment (vacpot, porthole) and started making Aviary drinks. So when I went to Chicago to visit friends recently, this was my first reservation. We were kindly greeted and seated toward the rear of the dining room. Collectively, we ordered more than half the beverages on the menu. I won't go into tons of detail on them, since some drinks are seasonal, but I will say that it was a blast experiencing craft cocktails and mocktails at their finest. I love the menu concept of the birds that fly farther along the page to indicate how alcohol-forward the drink is. That's a really fun idea! One friend ordered both the spirited and the non-alcoholic Porthole to compare the flavors. And we all liked the N/A version better! Our server kindly came over and mentioned that he heard I was inspired by The Aviary and they took us on a private tour with the bar team and then down to the ice making room, which I LOVED because I was obsessed with the intricate ice making process from the original cocktail books. What a fantastic experience, and the tour put a cherry on top. Long live The Aviary!