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    Chef Art Smith's Reunion

    4.0 (302 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    CHEF ART SMITH'S REUNION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Chef Art Smith's Reunion

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    First approach: patio
    Shanti N.

    A pleasant surprise on the Navy Pier dining landscape. I was aware of a couple of the new openings (Offshore and Offshore Rooftop) as well as tried-and-true staples (Harry Caray's, Margaritaville), but somehow Reunion was not on my Radar. On my approach to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, I was immediately drawn in by the well-kept patio, including string lights and seating areas. I was able to nab a seat indoors at the bar for a pre-show drink before Fault. The ambiance is vibrant and imparts a feeling of Southern hospitality. Yes- that is a rooster mural painted on the back wall of the restaurant. Joe, the bartender/server, was welcoming and answered my questions about the menu, crafting me a smoked Manhattan garnished with an orange peel and cherry. Joe got to talking about his journey back to Chicago and background in marine biology, as he was preparing to join the Shedd Aquarium. Service was seamless even with a gathering outside that needed tending. As I was paying the check, I was able to sign up for a neighborhood reward/loyalty program based on zip code. Admittedly, the Pier is not always my first choice for dining/drinking, but I have a feeling Reunion will change that, especially during the warmer months.

    Fly me to the moon!
    Ray B.

    Beautiful day on Navy Pier. Chef Art's caught our attention. We decided to give it a try. Really nice drink menu, especially the flight choices. They dis not disappoint! I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. It was very delicious! General Manager Ashley and Assistant Manager Daryl stopped by our table separately and made us feel extremely welcome. I definitely recommend Chef Art's!

    Fried chicken thigh
    Frances B.

    An update: I took my elderly mother here who is not always the easiest at restaurants. But everyone from manager to server to runners knew exactly what she needed. She had the salmon and it was excellent. First restaurant that's asked how we'd like the salmon - medium or well done. We chose well done and it was perfectly succulent. My mom loved the food so much that despite usually having a poor appetite, she finished a biscuit smothered in jam, half the huge piece of salmon, and split the ice cream with me. She loved all of it. A note on the bathrooms : in the women's room, the stall to the right is handicapped and has a baby changing table although I don't think it's labeled.

    Michelnada
    Sarah S.

    Came for lunch with my family - great and friendly service, calm but fun interior, excellent food! I always kind of side-eyed this place for being at Navy Pier but honestly I was impressed. I would love to come back to try more on the brunch menu and maybe get a spot on the patio.

    Jerrica C.

    Some of the best appetizers I've ever eaten. Honestly, I didn't think this place would have been anything special and was pleasantly surprised. Fried calamari was light and crispy. The hush puppies were the star of the show with pepper jelly and pimento cheese dipping (yes, you heard that right). Fried green tomatoes had a delectable chipotle sauce that had me scraping my plate. Margarita pitchers were well worth the money. I would visit here again!

    Tamara F.

    This review is a little late because I visited the restaurant in March 2025. I am a huge fan of Art Smith and was super excited to try his restaurant. I ordered the wings, biscuits, and mac and cheese. I also had a spicy margarita. Every thing was delicious. I would have loved to try the hummingbird bird cake but I had given up sweets for lent. The server was helpful and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant. The portion sizes are huge and great for sharing.

    Cozy atmosphere
    Jingle M.

    Chef Art Smith's love of sharing and togetherness is what made him the success he is today - currently, Chef Art is the Executive Chef and Co-owner of six restaurants and two non-profits. He has received the culinary profession's highest awards and has cooked for some of the world's most famous celebrities. In 1997, Smith became the personal, day-to-day chef to Oprah Winfrey, a position that lasted ten years. He also had the pleasure of serving for Florida Governors Bob Graham and Jeb Bush, Romero Britto, film stars Ali Landry and Eduardo Verástegui among many others. What a great menu! Caesar was our most accommodating server who helped us order enough food! So we shared Catfish Entrée with corn grits and collard greens and Fried Chicken Entree with Mac n cheese instead of mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes and Church Lady Deviled Eggs, all delicious! This was an exceptional restaurant on Navy Pier, followed by Much Ado About Nothing in the Shakespeare theater! Awesome night!

    Crispy Chicken Sliders Braised Southern Greens Brown Butter Old Fashioned
    Amanda S.

    Typically, when I visit Navy pier, it's to watch the fireworks or something very specific. But very rarely do I stop to dine unless it is at the Offshore rooftop. However, this time my wife and I decided to be a little adventurous, and we stopped at this restaurant as it was near the front entrance. I appreciated the southern fare and decor, so I figured I would be delighted by the food. And boy was I right! The chicken sliders were so amazing; the chicken was well flavored, the skin had the right amount of crisp...overall it was just really good. The greens were also another favorite. They had a spicy but vinegar taste; and I typically do not like vinegar overpowering the greens, but it was just enough balance. And lastly, the brown buttered old-fashioned is highly recommended. I really liked how the bartender made the cocktail, especially since he was a bit young and I was skeptical. Kudos to him and kudos to Chef Art Smith.

    Goat Cheese Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
    Evan B.

    Chef Art Smith's Reunion was delightful! It wasn't terribly busy so we were able to pick a nice shady table outside to enjoy in the beautiful weather. The service was very fast and the food was even faster! The portion sizes were generous and very good.

    Brussels & Kale Salad
    Alexandra G.

    The food was SO good! Decided to pop in for lunch while walking around Navy Pier instead of researching other, maybe less touristy places to go. I'm glad I did. I had the Brussels and kale salad with fried chicken and my partner had the half salad half entree lunch special. Great portions. The staff were friendly, and I loved how the place was decorated. Would definitely recommend.

    Elayna D.

    Amazing is all I can say! I ordered the famous fried chicken and Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese was suggested by my waiter. He said it was better than the mashed potatoes and his favorite. Well dog gone it, I can't speak to the mashed potatoes but that Mac and cheese did not come from a blue box . It came out piping hot, perfect crust, gooey cheese and delicious. The fried chicken was hot and crispy, seasoned all the way even the meat. The biscuits...listen, just get the biscuits and be in hog heaven with all the food on the table! Goat cheese biscuits with goat cheese squeezed in there .. man oh man. Now here is a warning. There is an up charge for white meat and the mac and cheese so do what you wish with that information. Located at the Navy Pier ( old bubba gump location) it's at the beginning of the pier or the end of the pier if you're walking from the hotel like I did. Go try this place out!

    BLT
    Mika C.

    Aliza has been amazing!!!! The service was impeccable especially for how big and last minute of our group. I enjoyed eating outside with the nice weather. I tried the lobster shrimp roll but I really liked the shrimp and grits off my friend's plate. So delicious.

    Calamari
    April R.

    Ambiance was good - I like the wooden touches in the decor. Service was great - our server was excited to share his own favorites as well as make recommendations Food - I had the shrimp & grits and it wasn't one of the better ones I've had. The calamari was good especially with the fried lemon slice. They have big servings. One of my friends got the chicken tenders and it is more than enough for 2 people to share.

    Heart shaped chicken. The chicken sandwich!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Chef Art Smith's Reunion Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chef Art Smith's Reunion

    What's the likelihood of being able to get a table without a reservation?

    Go for lunch on a weekday and you should be good! We walked right in on a Thursday for lunch.

    How convenient is parking? Is valet available?

    You have to check with Navy Pier. The restaurant is on the pier so it does not have its own parking. However, it is located at the very front of the pier so it would be easy to drop someone off and go park if valet service is not available.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The SoulFood Lounge

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    The ambiance is chill but upscale and classy. Black and gold everything and local art work invite…read moreyou into the space. The hostess was insightful and inviting, like eating at someone's house who loves you. Outside of all of that the Mediterranean lamb was phenomenal. As someone who has eaten lamb in the Middle East this was delightful, with the rice and flavorful kale it's a wonderful bite full. Large serving sizes...and that grilled pound cake lawd

    The restaurant is small and quaint with about 8-9 tables, I would highly suggest reservations. We…read morewere greeted and sat promptly, infused water was bought to the table and within 3-4 minutes the server arrived. While we waited music was being played so its hard to have a conversation. Music is pretty loud in this small space. We decided on the 3 entrees for 69.00 with a glass of wine. We chose the pepper steak, smothered chicken, orange chicken, catfish and spaghetti, and the bbq catfish. Overall the food was ok., The bbq fish was a little to fishy and the smothered chicken was heavily salted. The star of our 6 dishes was the fried piece of catfish. The food came out quickly but nothing was piping hot. The server was OK as well, he did exactly what we expect of a server nothing more nothing less. I will say next time I would take the drive to the West side location, to me the food choices are better as well as the service.

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    Interior
    Interior
    Grilled Pound Cake
    Grilled Pound Cake
    New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein - Cajun fried perch, seafood savory gravy.  Very good

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    New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein - Cajun fried perch, seafood savory gravy. Very good
    Yardbird Table & Bar

    Yardbird Table & Bar

    3.8
    (458 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$
    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!

    Very first time visiting Yardbird's while visiting Chicago since it was on our to- try list. We…read moredidn't have a reservation but were able to be sat immediately. We were greeted by the host in which I believe to be the manager. He was pleasant and welcome. The restaurant itself is aesthetically appealing and it gives an upscale vibe. We sat and didn't have to wait too long for the waitress. She was nice and assisted up accordingly! I ordered the bottle of champagne for mimosas with pineapple and orange juice and was pleasantly surprised by the $35 price since we're used to paying twice that back home. The food came out pretty quick and was hot and ready to eat. All of our food was good well and we all enjoyed our dishes. My only takeaway would be if guests ordered bottled water and/or champagne, the waitress should poor them into the glasses for you. From my experience, this is something that I thought was a norm. Overall, great place to eat!

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

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    Soul Prime

    Soul Prime

    3.8
    (169 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    I want to start by saying this restaurant is SO GOOD! The service was good, and I really liked the…read morebar tender. I sat at the bar. The restaurant is decorated beautifully. It's very clean and modern. The food was amazing. I started off with a peach lemonade/tea drink that was very good. I cannot remember the name, but it was spirit free. Next, I got the collard green dip. This is a must try when you go. Its so cheesy and delicious. It was perfectly seasoned. For my entre, I got the smother pork chops. OMG I did not expect that food to be so good. IDK what they seasoned that gravy with, but it was fire. The porkchops were delicious, and I loved the seasoned rice that it came with. My only complaint was that the kitchen moved very slowly on the night that I went. It took forever for my food to come out; however, I will say the taste of the food made up for the how long it took to come out.

    I was very excited to come to this restaurant. I made a reservation for a earlier time but was…read moreunaware that they offered happy hour. Front of the house staff was very nice and kind and I was seated right away. However once we ordered the wait time was so bad that my cousin had finished her appetizer and we waited an additional 30 minutes for my collard green dip which was very good by the way. Everything was served one at a time with long wait times in between. By the time I received my entree I was full. I took a few bites of the Chicken and Fish and everything else I took home. Literally as soon as happy hour was over everyone around us started receiving their food very fast. The food was ok a little salty (batter from the chicken, fish and tomatoes). In addition your staff Karen was not so kind and very forgetful of what we asked for. I know she seemed overwhelmed for the area that she had. Our sentiments were shared with the manager but that was it. The owner came by to check in but she just breezed by. I'm not sure that told her of our complaint but as fast as she went by asking was everything ok I dont feel like she would have been open to what we had to say. Overall it was ok, A few suggestions...and yes I would return because maybe today was an off day and everyone deserves a chance to get it right, During Happy Hour everyone should get the same level of service, and if a different menu is offered it should be offered to everyone upon arrival. Nothing is perfect and we understand that and gave grace by waiting and being patient. But these are some easy fixes and I look forward to seeing that on my next visit!

    Photos
    Soul Prime
    Soul Prime
    Soul Prime

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    Dawn AM Eatery

    Dawn AM Eatery

    4.1
    (270 reviews)
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    I've been here a few times, and they never disappoint!…read more The ambiance is so bright and inviting. I love how the place is decorated. The bar is full, and they make great drinks as well. The servers are great and attentive. The food does not disappoint! I love the pot roast and jalapeño cheddar grits. That is sooooo good you cannot go wrong ordering that. I've also had the fried catfish on top of the jalapeño cheddar grits, and it was delicious as well! The French toast is very good as well. I tried the fried chicken for the first time during my last visit, and it was impressed. Overall, this is a nice establishment with good food options. They serve breakfast all day, so you don't have to go at a certain time of day to try it. I recommend booking a reservation during the weekends because they can get pretty busy. Parking on the streets is limited, but there is a parking garage around the corner that allows visitors to park on the top floor. Go check them out for some delicious food and drinks!

    Overall, the place was nice and had a good atmosphere. When we were first seated, our table was…read moredirty, but the staff came over and cleaned it right away, which I appreciated. I ordered the chicken with two sides. Everything could have used a lot more seasoning. It had potential, but the flavors were pretty mild. Overall, it was a decent experience, but there's definitely room for improvement when it comes to the food.

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    Delicious and fun!
    Delicious and fun!
    Pot Roast & Grits
    Pot Roast & Grits
    Banana Pudding Pancakes

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    Banana Pudding Pancakes

    Chef Art Smith's Reunion - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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