We reserved a table inside but were pleasantly surprised to get a table in the garden, which made the experience even more special. Our waitress Daisy was lovely, and John truly went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. The food and drinks were delicious--definitely a must visit if you're in Chicago!!! read more

Such a great resteraunt for any occasion! The food is good, the vibes are high, and the service is top tier. The outdoor space is the best if you're able to sit outside. And John is the nicest guy! A must go!!!! read more

Tuesday I went to the Blue Door Kitchen and Garden Restaurant at 52 West Elm Street for the first time. I expected great things from this place and I was not disapointed. From the minute I walked in I was greated by a pleasant staff and was happy to see that this beautiful place was elegant and yet relaxed. I felt at home. We went to the second floor privated room and I was in awh at the wonderful flowers and decorations that adorned the after Wedding lunch. The 25 people in our party were all impressed and relaxed. We were given several options from the menu. I tried the butter milk fried chicked breasts eggs benefict. This was so crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside and was adorned with hollandaise sauce. OMG just perfect. All of this was made possible by one of the best servers I have every dealt with. Her name is Marija who made the whole event flow perfectly. Great management. I intend to return here and let others know. read more

This place is adorable! We got to sit on the patio which I adored. Looks perfect for a bridal / baby shower brunch. I had a Cobb salad which was delicious, just the right amount of dressing, it was so fresh and perfect on this hot day. My hubby had the omelette which came with a little side salad of greens and apple slices. The service was good, food was good and ambience was good. If you're looking for a cute brunch spot in the area I'd check it out. read more

only regret is that we didn't eat on the patio. everything on the menu was terrific. everything comes out in huge portions, all fresh. the chicken and waffles are their signature, and don't disappoint. the beignets and cornbread are also not to be missed. the setting itself has light, pastel, blue tones with well curated artwork. the staff is very polite and truly embody the southern charm of the establishment. read more

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Very good brunch at Blue Door! Gorgeous patio seating. Service was okay! Chicken and waffles: 3.8/5 Mac&cheese: 4.6/5 Cornbread: 4/5 read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Art Smith fried Chicken & Waffle & Cornbread & Mac n Cheese - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went for brunch to the Blue Door and was delightfully surprised by their indoor ambiance. It's so moody. Their arts hummingbird cake did not disappoint. Probably not the best brunch menu but would love to come here for another meal and try their outdoor patio seating. read more

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Absolutely delicious! Wonderful service, fantastic menu choices, very accommodating. Go there you will not be disappointed! A hidden gem !

The shrimp Mac n cheese is a 9.5/10 for me!! The ambiance is so cute inside, but the patio was so tempting (we just needed some a/c). Our food took a while because I have an allergy so I think they cleaned everything for cross-contamination read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Mac n Cheese - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very cute spot with a homey garden feel. Felt like I was in a small town restaurant ran by grandma. We got the Benedict and Mac and cheese. Both were good but the showstopper was the chocolate cake. One of the best desserts I've had and the presentation was gorgeous. The handwriting on the plate was a little sloppy but still a cute touch. Service was quick and friendly. Would recommend for a 1:1 meal as items a tighter restaurant! read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The perfect Sunday brunch spot with family! The cinnamon roll with blueberry compote is an equal amount of sweet and savory, not overtaking anything. And the Mac and cheese I've gotten both times - add chicken and you're set for a good Sunday meal. read more

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Late Review - Came with my family for Christmas and it was a wonderful atmosphere. We reserved specifically because we realized Chef Art Smith, who previously work with now closed Table 52, crafted the menu. Our server was alert and conscientious, along with the staff assisting her. We ordered the Deviled Eggs, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits (3), & Chicken Sandwich. Deviled eggs were delectable. Both the sandwich and fried chicken were great, but not spectacular. The shrimp and grits fell short for me, but my family enjoyed theirs. Now for the star of the show, Hummingbird Cake. Had I known this cake was so mouthwatering, I would have ordered 4 portions and disregarded my meal entirely. I'm absolutely going back to try the brunch and order a second helping of this cake. Overall 8/10 read more

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Blue Door is such a great spot to celebrate a birthday as they have food for just about anyone! We tried their crab cakes to start which were delicious but could use more sauce. The cauliflower steak was delicious (though it was a thick slice of cauliflower so it wasn't so tender) and served with cheesy faro. The fried chicken was bone in chicken and had the perfect crunch and flavor. It's served with tasty mashed potatoes. Lastly we ordered a side of their Mac n cheese to split between the table which I would recommend. If you're celebrating a birthday they offer a complimentary slice of their hummingbird cake which was honestly the best cake I've had in a while. Our server was so sweet and helpful when ordering! The space is also very romantic with low lighting, a smaller intimate dining room, and stunning art. read more

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I've been here for both brunch and dinner, and it never disappoints. The drinks are consistently solid and delicious, the ambiance has a cozy farm chic vibe, and the service is truly next level. I've also tried their other restaurant, Blue Door Farm Stand, which I really enjoyed as well. Highly recommend. These are hidden gems packed with flavor. Street parking is available. They are now also on the InKind app, which is a nice bonus. read more

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Tried the beignets, buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and the mac & cheese. Everything was super comforting and very Southern. The beignets were warm and fluffy, the chicken was crispy and juicy, the mashed potatoes were smooth, and the mac & cheese really hit. Ambience is bright and friendly. read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Buttermilk Fried Chicken Mac n Cheese - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friend and I were walking around the area on Saturday looking for a place to grab lunch. We happened to be nearby and were able to get a table inside without a reservation around 1:30pm. The atmosphere was really cozy, which we were excited about, but it took a while for our waitress to come take our order, we had to flag her down. We ordered a BLT with a side salad, a brussels and kale salad, and a side of fries. Unfortunately, it took about 40 minutes for our food to arrive. Since we were facing the kitchen, it looked like takeout orders were being prioritized over dine-in. By the time our food came, the restaurant was nearly empty, and we were pretty hungry. The food itself was really good. The BLT had a generous amount of bacon, which was great, though I wish my side salad had a bit more dressing. Based on the long wait, I'm not sure I'd come back right away, but I'd maybe give it another chance to try other items on the menu. read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - BLT, Brussels & Kale Salad, Side of Fries - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden puts the charm in southern charm! Started the evening strong with an order of pierogis, which paired nicely with the Crème fraîche and sauerkraut. For the mains, I wanted to yell yeehaw after my first bite of the beef short rib entree. This was a 10/10 entree. Cooked beautifully and complimented nicely by parsnip puree. The braised pork on the other hand... felt like I was riding a bull. Chaotic, a lot going on. Its plating was a bit shocking in comparison to the beef. Huge hunk of pork that would be more suitable to eat with hands instead of utensils. Sitting below was a sea of chickpeas. This made for a tricky situation and quite literally a balancing act when one attempted to slice and eat. This is an entree fit for the hungriest of Cowboys, as we left with a hefty takeaway box. My recommendation would be to reduce the size of the pork and the portion of the chickpeas and to add a different element to that dish, such as a vegetable. Lastly, a round of applause for the brussels sprouts. It's hard to go wrong with Parmesan, sprouts, and bacon. Cute spot for a date night, especially the back patio. I appreciated the staff who also added to the experience with their timeliness, kindness, and overall southern hospitality. read more

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Just not up to usual standards. I have in the past raved about the deviled eggs and today they were bland and seemed dry. I don't know if they were old or they changed the recipe but I was disappointed. My quiche Lorraine was also not up to past quiches here, it seemed undercooked and was somewhat runny. It tasted great though! The husband also ordered his favorite, the southern Benedict and he said it just wasn't as good as usual. The coffees were on point and as usual the garden was gorgeous and lovely. Our server was very nice but scarce. In her defense, she was seated two larger and seemingly very needy tables shortly after us so she was certainly busy. Unfortunately we sort of got left in the dust. Food was three stars but everything else was a four or five so I'll give a four overall. read more

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Such a beautiful place! I came here for dinner the other night and had an amazing time. The ambiance is amazing, and the service was top notch! We tried the cornbread, shrimp and grits, and buttermilk fried chicken. The cornbread is served with honey and whipped cream and it's so delicious. Daisy is a great waitress! For cocktails, the water tower is a great choice if you enjoy rum. Very tasty! This a great spot for either indoor or outdoor seating. The patio is beautiful! I can't wait to come back very soon! read more

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This is a very charming, cozy and unpretentious restaurant. I've been here twice now and the food was great both times. We got the rack of lamb, the short ribs, the shrimp and grits and a side of brussel sprouts. The short ribs were incredibly tender, the grits were rich and comforting and the brussel sprouts were nice and crispy. Even my parents, who have can be quite picky at restaurants enjoyed the meal. I would definitely visit again. read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - short ribs, lamb - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Such a charming and cozy spot with an incredible brunch menu! The fried chicken sandwich had just the right kick of spice and was absolutely delicious. But the real standout was the cornbread!! It was so good that we ordered extra to take home. I also loved that the menu wasn't overwhelming with options, it felt well curated and easy to choose from. The service was equally impressive, our server was attentive and took great care of us throughout. I can't wait to come back and enjoy the patio next time! read more

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Great brunch place and nice to have the enclosed patio where my friend. Enjoyed a mimosa and the fried chicken sandwich. The chicken was amazing and some of the best fried chicken I've had. Probably not since the last time I was Art's first restaurant in the same location. Came with a side of fries that were ok. Service was super friendly and good balance of attentive but not overbearing. Other items ordered were the chicken and waffles and Mac and cheese. Nice size portions! read more

Walked in on a Saturday around 1:30 with no reservation. Their outside patio was full but we were seated inside with no wait. The inside was super cute-- farm to table with a southern like twist. We sat down and unfortunately it took us 15-20 minutes to flag down a waiter to put our order in. The waiter was nice but the service was incredibly slow. We waited a good 45 minutes for our food and by the time we finished our meal the restaurant was actually empty. Food was good. Portions were appropriate for the price, nothing crazy, unsure if I would go back. read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One of the best places for fried chicken in the city. The restaurant is converted from an old home and there is a heated patio for colder months. The staff is quick and the food usually doesn't take too long. I would recommend making a reservation. We ordered: - Fried Chicken Sandwich (spicy) 9/10 - Brussels and Kale salad (+chicken) 8/10 - Beignets 7/10 If you've had beignets in the south then these are just okay, but if it's your first time then definitely give them a try. They are fried dough with sugar, essentially an elephant ear like you'd get from a fair but not greasy. read more

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This place transports me to a plantation somewhere in the South. The place is warm and welcoming. The service is always on point. The food is memorable. I'm a sucker for fried chicken so that is what I gravitate to whenever I go here. I've had the fried chicken dinner and the friend chicken breakfast sandwich and they are both excellent. The short rib and pork shank are also a must try. And don't forget the shrimp and grits! I love the short and unpretentious menu. It shows focus and dedication to quality. Did I mention the service??? The place is unpretentious but you get 4 star quality table service - down to a choreographed presentation of your dishes and removing used plates. And they did that for brunch!!! read more

Restaurant Week 2025 $30 for soup or salad, a main dish, 2 big beignets with raspberry sauce I came here for RW 2024 (sat in same seats like last year, ironically) Started off with blackberry mimosas & fantastic!! I had the butternut squash but I asked our server (I think Adrienne maybe) to withhold seeds, but it was not done. They had to re-do mine. It was served to me and it was quite delicious ! Next came the main entree. Last year's option was not on the special menu, so I chose Quiche Lorraine. It was mind-blowing!! My friend had it too and we agreed that was the fluffiest and most flavorful Quiche. Truly perfection. I think a small tear rolled down my cheek as I took my final bite. Masterful. The beignets... no others come close! Fugedaboutit! Chef Art Smith is Beignets King!!! Pillowy. Not too sweet. Simply perfection. Our complaint was our server. She was smiley as she took our order but we saw her ONCE during the meal. I told her later they screwed up my soup and she was quick to push the blame to the kitchen saying she told them. Very very unprofessional and watching her talking to her coworkers while others brought us our food and she never checked to see if we were okay. Service was unimpressive from her. I want to return again soon. That Quiche itself is worth the travel in. read more

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Drinks: - N/A Food: - The deviled eggs are a must get. It's rich, it has great texture, It's an upgrade from the traditional deviled eggs - The gazpacho is silky and fresh. There's a prominent veggie taste to it that I liked - The fried chicken and waffles were good. I liked the chicken a lot, the waffle could use a little more crisp and thickness I thought - Cece's mac & cheese is textbook, but the andouille and bacon adds another dimension to the dish that made it more satiating Ambience: - The outdoor seating on a warm and sunny day is very pleasant - The place feels homey as if I'm at my grandma's house - The best way I can describe the ambience is that it feels like a house in the prairie Overall: During our visit to Chicago this was a place we went to twice. It's super accessible to the River North area, right off the red line. The top chef did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the farm to fork ingredients. I was surprised at how the meal didn't feel heavy despite our choice of dishes. If I'm ever back in town, I'd revisit this place again read more

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We came here for Restaurant Week. They had a great menu and good.options. We did the Kale Salad, Rack of Lamb and the dessert, Hummingbird cake. Partner got the crabcake, fried chicken and dessert, Hummingbird cake Service was okay. Food was good and portions were good for a 3 course price fixe. Although the rack of Lamb was good, it was a literally rare for me. So I took half it home. There is a gentleman ( wore white) who brings your water and food who kept on coughing into his arm. He occasionally wore gloves when he was prepping the plates prior to serving it.. but, when he brought our dessert, I didn't see gloves so I didn't eat but took it home for the trash. read more

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Great spot for summer if you enjoy eating outside! Their patio is beautiful and food is delicious!

With my friend visiting from out of town, we were really hoping to get a seat in the garden area and were really excited that we not only got a seat outdoors but it was also not so busy so it was nice, warm, and quiet. We unfortunately had to book a really late dinner reservation as work ran really late but our server was so kind to make sure that the kitchen remain open until we placed our order. Since my friend and I decided to share a few dishes, the kitchen staff kindly plated our dishes so that it made sharing easier. The short rib was DELICIOUS and a great portion for the price. We also tried the stuffed peppers, which were also very tasty. Would love to come back and try some other items on their menu! read more

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Fall far from grace! Service was horrible, decor is sinking........ better places to spend your old town dollars.

Killer experience. My server, Eunice, was so kind and attentive. I ordered the fried chicken Benedict & beignets, then wrote home about it. Delicious! read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Beignets - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Blue Door absolutely exceeded expectations. From the moment I walked in, the service was next level. John and Marija took such great care of me. They were attentive, genuine, and just all-around amazing at what they do. I'm new here from New Orleans, and they somehow made me feel right at home. That kind of hospitality is rare, and it meant a lot. You can tell they truly care about the experience they're giving people. Highly recommend asking for John or Marija if you go. I'll definitely be back!! read more

The food was amazing. My friend and I opted to share our meal (with a side of corn bread) after a long day of exploring Chicago (mainly the mile). We yelped a couple of places and this placed looked and sounded promising. Service was great and the food was delicious. Rich taste and the chicken hit the spot!! So glad we ventured into the place (we were walking back to our hotel nearby). The atmosphere was nice and the whole vibe and set up of the restaurant felt really cozy and homey. Hahaha. read more

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Blue door kitchen is a true hidden gem in the heart of Gold Coast! I was truly amazed when I walked into their patio space, it was beautiful. I can't believe I haven't been. I was immediately , wow I am coming back here for brunch with my friends. Everyone will love it! The service was fantastic, the buss boys were quick and attentive to whenever we needed our water filled. The server had good food and drink recommendations which I always appreciate! The food itself was so so good. I highly recommend starting with their apps, I love their unique options such as the pierogies ( you don't always see that on menus). The hummus and cheese spread was a good sized portion. The sides to the meals were maybe my favorite part. The best mashed potatoes I've had in a while and I loved the mac and cheese!! The filet was cooked perfectly!! read more

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What a wonderful experience! We sat inside for brunch. The tables were set with charger plates in a way that made the room feel warm and inviting. The menu consisted of innovative revisions of comfort foods, and the service was great. We especially appreciated that each table was given a carafe of water. One of the guests at the table next to us had a support dog with her. The staff was so nice and treated them with so much respect, that I have to call it out. The server even brought the dog a small bowl of water. It made us smile, and we knew that the restaurant was an excellent choice for us. As avid foodies, we had heard about Chef Art Smith's signature fried chicken and waffles and decided to share that along with the fried chicken sandwich. I would give the fried chicken and waffles ten stars if I could. The chicken was perfect -- extremely juicy, with a coating that was both crispy and flavorful. The waffle was on the savory side, and the maple syrup, which was infused with rosemary, tied the whole dish together. My mouth waters just thinking about it. The fried chicken sandwich had an innovative slaw, and while the dish was very good, we've been thinking that on our next visit, we'll share another order of the chicken and waffles and one of the salads. As we were leaving, we were able to meet Chef Art Smith and thank him for the wonderful meal and great service. read more

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This place was absolutely amazing. I had the espresso martini with tequila. The ambience was great and then I had the scalloped with butter squash risotto highly recommend an our server was Jocelynn loved her! read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Scallops with butternut squash - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had such a great experience at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden in Chicago! The space is absolutely adorable and has such a warm, charming vibe that makes you feel welcome right away. The customer service was outstanding -- the staff was attentive and the manager even stopped by our table to check in and make sure everything was perfect, which was such a thoughtful touch. The food was just as impressive. The salmon was cooked beautifully and packed with flavor, and the hummingbird cake was truly to die for -- the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience with great food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. I'll definitely be back! read more

This is a very quaint, little restaurant, nice atmosphere not extremely large, but they have various sections for you to dine. The service was great. We were waited on in a timely manner and our server was very attentive. The food is delicious. We ordered the shrimp and grits, crabcakes, and I got the buttermilk chicken with mashed potatoes. If you order the buttermilk chicken, make sure you wear loose clothing. Definitely worth the trip! Enjoy!!! read more

BEST. SALAD. NO JOKE. Okay, but how good can a salad really be, you ask? As it turns out, pretty damn good. Kale usually makes me cringe. I think having lived in California, I have a love-hate relationship with Kale. (It's like that one vegan friend who won't shut up about Pilates. Or being vegan. It's like, I get it, your body is your temple and you have a crazy strong core. Maybe "friend" is not the right word... but I digress.) Californians are obsessed with kale bc it's a "superfood" or whatever. It only ever tastes okay though. Or so I thought until I had this salad. And when I say salad, it's more of a mound of greens tossed in the best damn dressing!! I added chicken on my salad and it became a super filling meal. I ate maybe of the way thru my salad and was full. There's almond slivers, cheese, and a whole lot yumminess going on. The server agreed with me that the salad is definitely one of the best items on the menu. Oh, and the corn bread is also phenomenal. For $10, you get 2 ginormous pieces of warm and buttery cornbread. I definitely did not leave hungry! This may be the only review I've ever written/will ever write about a salad. read more

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Brussels & Kale - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois