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    Bar David

    4.1 (48 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Bar David Photos

    BAR DAVID ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Bar David

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    Salmon tartare
    Andre W.

    Came here a few weeks ago for restaurant week as I had heard of Bar David but didnt know anyone who had been. Located in the David Rubenstein Forum on the UofC campus in Hyde Park, I feel this is a universal untapped gem for those of us outside of the Hyde Park & Woodlawn community. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came by mid week so it wasnt crowded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were lucky enough to get the very cool Omar as our server...nice guy and very helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the decor of the place as it makes for a nice date night with the fireplace in the back and the semi-intimate lighting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Started out with the very smooth old fashioned...so good, I had 2 of them. 1st course was the Salmon Tartare which was a nice intro. 2nd course was the Arctic Char which I selected on Omar's recommendation and it was delicious. A really nice piece of fish in harissa tomato broth. 3rd course was the Butterscotch Pudding...the poached pear and gingersnap cookie crumble definitely set that joint off...yum!!! Had a nice wine paring to go with the meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have jazz on certain nights in which i would like to return for.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will be back soon. Very much slept on joint here!

    Ahi Tuna Bowl
    Helene S.

    Stopped at Bar David for solo dining while waiting for my family to drive from Brooklyn to Chicago. Nice that they were able accommodate me for a late dinner after I enjoyed a delightful 90 minute meditation session at the Bond Chapel. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bar David is a very beautiful restaurant located in the David Rubenstein Forum.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It offers seasonal Mediterranean inspired cuisine. I opted for an ahi tuna bowl. Tuna, edamame, wakame, cucumber, avocado, red onions and red cabbage served on a bed of rice. A perfect meal to just reflect on the simple pleasures in life after being welcomed into the meditation class. Service was fabulous. The manager, Jason, was so gracious. Imani made me feel like family. So nice chatting with her. She was so kind. Interesting to also read more about David Rubenstein who is a philanthropist, lawyer and businessman. He is one of the initial forty members of the Giving Pledge, a pledge to donate at least half of their immense wealth to philanthropic causes or charities. His focus is on preservation of American history and historic sites. Traveling throughout the country, you can enjoy many museums, sporting teams and universities that have benefited from his generosity. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, The National Zoo, the Lincoln Center, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Mulberry Row at Monticello are just a few of the recipients of his philanthropy. The Rubenstein Scholars Program at the University of Chicago provides full-tuition scholarships for about 10 percent of the university's law students. Want to see a privately owned copy of Magna Carta? Rubenstein bought it at auction and lent it to the National Archives in Washington. He purchased a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln, and loaned that as well as a rare copy of the Thirteenth Amendment, also signed by Lincoln, to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. A special thanks to Jason, Imani and Angela for a very memorable dinner at Bar David. I hope to be back again one day to enjoy the wonderful hospitality.

    Wagyu beef burger and fries  Pilsner and porter in background
    Tahir N.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a nice clean modern space with indoor and outdoor seating located along the midway plaisance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]What I like about the outdoor seating is you're not going to be in direct sunlight and you're back far enough from the street with ample greenery in between.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Although we arrive at around 6:15 PM on Thursday, we were able to be seated immediately The subtext through the restaurant is that it is Mediterranean, but they also have a great Wagyu beef hamburger and fries. It is usually double patty, which is a great value in its own right. This night, however, they were running a beer and burger special so instead of two patties, you got one and a complimentary beer. That night they happened to be sampling pilsner from Moor's Beer (a black owned brewery) that is up-and-coming. Great pairing! They will ask you if you want sparkling or still water, but you can always ask for fine Chicago tap water and they will bring it with a smile. I will be returning !

    Tagine
    Clarissa H.

    Bar David is a go-to spot on UChicago's campus for a work lunch. It's modern and upscale, with a range of shareable Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is right off 60th near the law school and you can usually find free street parking or easily walk from campus. The restaurant is not very big, so it's worth making a reservation to secure a table in case you happen to go on a busy day. There is also a small patio space but I think the indoor space was cuter. They also have a free coat check! Bar David has a full bar but also has coffee and tea. They have a lot of vegetarian dishes, a couple of vegan dishes, and some gluten free dishes. We ordered the roasted broccoli, tuna crudo, burrata flatbread, and the eggplant and squash tagine. Everything came out quickly and was great. It was filling yet the food still felt light and healthy. The broccoli is surprisingly good and worth a try - it's seasoned so well! The tuna was incredibly tender, and the tagine was warm and full of different textures and flavors. The flatbread might have been the star of the show with the generous heapings of burrata and pesto. The only issue was how small the table was compared to how many dishes we had! But we made it work.

    Trim And Tasty Juice With Avocado Toast
    Steve A.

    Came to this kind of new bar and grill in Hyde Park convenient for anyone to get to if around the University of Chicago. It has a pretty classy yet casual atmosphere, whether it be at breakfast or later. Bar David has healthier options than a typical bar, and it's certainly not a typical one as it's also open at breakfast. Get some juices and toast early. Then go again later and get some cocktails and sandwiches or whatever. Breakfast was what they served the first time I came here. It was a bit before one of the museums opened and we were eating something before going to it. This was a nearby option. Healthy choices abound on the menu. This isn't like a normal bar, but more like a restaurant. Bottled juices are $7 and you can get stuff to go. The Trim And Tasty is apples, carrots, and grapefruit, having a sweetness and tartness. As for the food it has plenty at breakfast. We got the Avocado Toast. It's $11, which is the only bad thing about it. This has nice presentation with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and radish. Good but kind of expensive. It's one of the classier places around here but it still has a pretty casual feel. This is located close to UC buildings so it's kind of hard to find but it's okay for breakfast or lunch though.

    Lights
    Dana B.

    First off I was drawn to Bar David while walking to breakfast. The decor caught my eyes as we walked by. We decided to go in after being out for the day. A little pre-gaming before a concert if you will. The bartender...I don't remember her name...was welcoming, engaging, and knowledgeable. I mentioned I like Manhattans and she made a suggestion that was spot on. The decor was clean and inviting. We had the hummus and pita and I had a DELICIOUS cocktail. All just right to get our evening started. To think the decor is what drew us in but the food and drinks were just as AMAZING!

    Nerissa L.

    I had a lovely dinner here the other night! Bar David is a brand new chic and sophisticated spot in Hyde Park. The decor is absolutely beautiful. Currently, it's open Tues- Fri from 7am to 8pm. There is ample parking on the street if you decide to drive here. For dinner we tried an assortment of items, the whipped cod brandade dip, charcuterie & cheese, and steak frites were delicious. By the time we were done eating we were just too full for dessert but we did look at the dessert menu and the options sounded delightful. I am looking forward to going back there very soon. Check it out if you want a lovely dining experience!

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    11 months ago

    The food was excellent as were the drinks . The service was a bit uneven. . Excellent location for our event.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome service!! ordered the French onion soup and got a soup presentation. everything was high and very delicious.

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    Cantina Rosa

    Cantina Rosa

    4.4
    (49 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I love a good cocktail bar, and this spot definitely delivers. I am already a fan of Erick Williams…read morerestaurants, so I was excited to check this one out, especially after learning it focuses on tequila and mezcal, which are my favorites. It is also conveniently located on the same block as two of his other spots. I have been twice now and had a great experience each time. I am especially glad they did away with the reservation deposit. It makes planning a visit much easier. Most recently, I stopped by for their all day Sunday happy hour, which was a great vibe. They have expanded the food menu since my first visit, and everything I tried was solid. The empanada was my favorite, the quesabirria was really good, and the chicken torta was delicious. On my first visit, I only had the guacamole, which I also enjoyed. The decor is beautiful and intimate, creating a great atmosphere, and the music is always on point. The staff has been friendly and welcoming every time I have gone. This place is definitely staying in my regular rotation.

    I was excited to check out this new cocktail bar in Hyde Park. The ambiance and decor is elevated…read moreand warm. I liked their extensive lists of drinks and made sure to try one with mezcal. We tried the Jushu which I loved the glass it came in and the drink was great but definitely not mango-y. My friend ordered the tamale and I tried just a bite to see. We think it's not very spicy and wish the tomatillo came through more. For me as a vegetarian, I think this is a great place to get drinks but I wouldn't come here expecting a full dinner. Which, I think is the point with their small menu! Everything came out super fast, everyone was very attentive. It was early on a Saturday so it was very quiet but they had good music playing. Definitely a cute addition to the neighborhood!

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    Cantina Rosa
    Camarones a La Plancha - grilled prawns, salsa huichol, cilantro oil
    Camarones a La Plancha - grilled prawns, salsa huichol, cilantro oil
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    Bisous

    Bisous

    4.4
    (119 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    The Chicago food tour commences... First stop, drinks at Bisous! This cocktail bar was listed no…read more 39 on the top 50 bars in North America for 2025. It was no wonder when we arrived that there was a line out the door. We waited around 45 minutes, and the bouncer was a really nice fellow who kept track of the numbers and people at the door. Upon entering, we were immersed in a dimly lit retro-style lounge. It was quite loud inside and packed as we walked to our seats. The server was great at taking our orders and offering suggestions. I opted for the French 75, which featured sparkling wine and mixed gin, brandies, and citrus. The drink was delicious, but STRONG. I don't know what they put in the cocktails in America, but I am always finished after one drink. Needless to say, we were all struggling to finish our own drinks. My favourite touch was the coasters, I ended up keeping all of them so that I can reuse them at my galentines event next year. The 'bisous' with the kiss on the other side is a perfect touch! I think the drinks are fairly priced for USD. I would love to return someday to try other drinks and bar bites, and also try their sister bar, Sparrow.

    My boyfriend and I were visiting Chicago (from Las Vegas) 2 weeks ago, and were very excited to…read morecheck out Bisous, as it looked nice inside and had good reviews. Imagine my shock when we didn't even make it past the bouncer because he was so rude, AS OTHER RECENT REVIEWS HAVE MENTIONED AS WELL! We had dinner nearby and walked to Bisous after, and saw there was a line of 5 or 6 people outside. We expected this as we knew Bisous is a first come, first serve bar. We were curious what the wait time would look like, so we approached the front door to ask a host or employee inside (we assumed there'd be a desk with an employee working it who could give us a wait time). We had no problem waiting, just wanted to see how long they estimated it would be! Before we could even fully open the door, the bouncer swung the door open from the other side and hit me with the door. I stumbled back a few steps and he looked at us and said, and I quote, "What do you want?". I laughed at first because I thought he was joking and putting on a tough guy act. He was not. We quickly explained we just wanted to see what the wait time was, and he said "don't you see there's a line outside?" We said yes, and explained we just wanted to know a rough estimated wait time. He just blankly stared at us while ushering us out. Both my boyfriend and I have worked in customer-service roles for a very, very long time. This encounter was not only extremely rude and unprofessional, but he also hit me hard enough with the door to send me stumbling back, and then said nothing about it and continued to address us in a tone that was nothing less than annoyed and irritated. We didn't end up going inside because that encounter left such a bad taste in our mouths. I don't believe in spending my money at establishments that don't treat their customers with the bare minimum respect they deserve! Bummed we didn't get to experience it, as I'm sure it was lovely inside and I can only hope the rest of the employees were much more kind and accommodating, or at least able to answer a simple question. Fire your "bouncer" (??) and hire someone with some basic customer service and communication skills!!

    Photos
    Interior bar
    Interior bar
    Inside
    Inside
    Interior

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    Interior
    Truth Be Told

    Truth Be Told

    3.8
    (135 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    We celebrated our friend's 60th birthday with Sunday brunch at Truth Be Told, located on the…read moreUniversity of Chicago campus and connected to The Study at University of Chicago. The restaurant has a warm tavern-style aesthetic--inviting, comfortable, and perfect for a relaxed celebration. Our waitress was very friendly, attentive, and genuinely personable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The brunch menu blends English and American influences, offering something for everyone. We tried the Scotch pancakes, which were quite good, and overall everyone at the table enjoyed their meals. The atmosphere was pleasant and unhurried--we never felt rushed, allowing us to truly enjoy the food, conversation, and celebration. A great spot for brunch gatherings .

    Truth Be Told: Come for the Apps, Stay for the Tequila…read more Tucked away in Hyde Park, Truth Be Told has that cozy, inviting vibe that makes a rainy day feel almost charming. The decor alone had me sold before the food arrived. We went all in on appetizers: fried cheese curds, crab gratin, and beer battered squid. Combined, the portions were enough for five. For entrees, we tried the house burger, lamb shepherd's pie, steak and ale, and fish and chips. The food was perfectly fine, just not the kind that sticks with you. I wouldn't call it bad, but I also wouldn't call it back next week. The real star was the Fizz Sam's Buzz mocktail, which I happily upgraded with a shot of tequila. It was so good I ordered a second without hesitation. The automatic gratuity caught me off guard, mostly because our server seemed to have other tables to tend to more urgently than ours. I love leaving a generous tip when I feel the love, but this time it felt a little preemptively assumed, like a kiss on a first date! Would I return? Absolutely for drinks and appetizers in that cozy space. For a full dinner? Probably not, but that's just my palate. You might disagree, and honestly, I hope you do. Go try it and let me know what you think.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Shepherds pie
    Shepherds pie
    Tables for two

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    Tables for two
    The Alderman

    The Alderman

    4.6
    (55 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    The Alderman has been on my list for quite some time now. I am so excited that I finally was able…read moreto snag a reservation and check it out. If you didn't know, it is located inside of Pilsen Yards. It's a nice small intimate setting, but I loved every single detail about it. If you are not able to sit at the booth, there are four seats at the bar where you can still enjoy the experience. The ambience was amazing. It was nice and cozy, dimly lit, candles everywhere kind of gave a romantic feel in a sense. The art on the wall was like no other. Very bold, vibrant, and told a story. The selection of music was great, It was a vibe the entire time. My bartender's name was Scotty. Scotty was everything. He was so knowledgeable about the drinks. He had amazing suggestions and he could even put a twist on it if you allowed him. He's also very passionate about his craft and it shows once you a taste of the drinks that he prepared. I had such an amazing time. Not only did he prepare a great drink, but he was so personable and checked on everybody throughout the night and made sure everyone was doing OK. I loved it there. I cannot wait to go back another day. This is hands-down one of my favorite speakeasies. What a hidden gem.

    Beautiful intimate speakeasy with amazing cocktails it's hard to pick which one to start with! The…read moreservice was wonderful and we really enjoyed our time. I ordered the petal pusher cocktail which was delicious!

    Photos
    The Alderman
    Old fashions
    Old fashions
    Yeah, we tried a lot of cocktails

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    Yeah, we tried a lot of cocktails
    Chemistry

    Chemistry

    3.4
    (256 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    This place is magical, first when you walk in there is a beautiful wall display of flowers then you…read morewalk in and see romantic candles on tables with dim light. The ambiance is perfect if you are celebrating your anniversary or birthday. Now let's talk about the music, LIVE MUSIC!!! When I was there it sounded like jazz, besides the house of blues, where in Chicago can you go and hear live music? (I'll wait) The service was exceptional, very kind and personable staff, very attentive and easy to talk to. The food was utterly delicious, I've never had a steak so good in my entire life, & I've had steak at RPM & STK Overall an amazing experience, I will definitely be coming back and telling everyone about it. Thank you so much for an amazing experience.

    From the moment you walk into Chemistry until the second you leave, the experience is immaculate…read more The hostesses are dressed to impress--absolutely stunning--and set the tone right away. We were seated promptly and greeted by our lovely host, who truly brought the "chemistry" to our table and woke up our entire vibe! Everything from the drink presentation to the final dessert was phenomenal. We tried the Patron flight, which I highly recommend. I ordered the stuffed salmon, perfectly seasoned, with rice and spinach that was incredibly flavorful. My sister had the lamb chops with garlic mashed potatoes speechless. And our birthday girl went with the jerk salmon and asparagus. She loved it so much she cleaned her plate and couldn't stop talking about how amazing it was. Overall, we had an unforgettable experience. The music, the food, the energy--everything was a 20/10. If you're in Chicago, this place is a must-visit. I made it there within 48 hours, so no excuses!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Cowboy steak with onions and carrots
    Cowboy steak with onions and carrots
    Strawberry Lemon drops lined up for the birthday girl!

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    Strawberry Lemon drops lined up for the birthday girl!
    Bar Mar

    Bar Mar

    4.3
    (639 reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$$

    After years of driving by and seeing the hanging octopus I finally stopped in to celebrate a…read morefriends birthday!! A seafood birthday dinner has become her tradition, can't say I'm upset about this!! We started off with drinks! Two of us got the Floral Cloud and the other two got the salty air margarita! The salty foam (replacing the traditional salt rim) was perfection!! The presentation of the floral cloud was so cute! For starters we got the patatas bravas, 10/10 would recommend!! The sauce was delicious!! I personally got the poke bowl, it was love at first bite!! While it may not look like a huge portion I was only able to finish 3/4 of it. Shared with the after in an attempt to save room for dessert!! Two of my friends got the scallops and the other got the lobster roll. Scallops were delicious, they shared a bite with me! The lobster roll left me a bit unsatisfied. While it had plenty of meat it lacked lasting flavor!! Now let's talk about the MVP's of the night- Dessert! HIGHLY recommend the key lime pie if you're a fan! It also includes some of that salt foam! The sticky toffee was a huge hit at our table!! And the passion fruit in the flan was a very yummy add on!! Our server was the best!! She was so lovely and made excellent recommendations!!

    We loved this place! We initially thought we would be sitting looking at the river but it's a bit…read morefarther in and we couldn't see the river from our table but no big deal. The ambiance was beautiful, our waiter was so kind, and the service was great. The waiter misheard my order so I didn't get my right entree the first time but they were super kind, quick, and accommodating to bring out my correct order. The food was AMAZING! We shared the tuna tartar as an appetizer and it was one of the best things i've tried! The presentation was also so fun and pretty, served inside a coconut with plantain chips on the side. I ordered the lobster roll and it was so so so amazing, definitely best i've ever had. The bun was toasted and buttery and the lobster filled with flavor.. I could eat 5 of them!! They also had brought seasoned corn nuts to the table when we were seated and salted caramels for dessert, both fun and yummy. Would recommend to anyone looking for a bit of a nicer dinner in Chicago. We had a reservation on a Saturday night and it looked like the place was full, we were glad we had one and got seated right away.

    Photos
    Bar Mar
    Bar Mar
    Bar Mar

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    Bar David - mediterranean - Updated July 2026

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