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    Chef Art Smith's Reunion

    4.0 (313 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    CHEF ART SMITH'S REUNION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
    Trendy

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    Vicky T.

    My friends loved their food- the fried chicken, Deviled eggs etc. I was not able to eat because everything had meat or animal products in it. To be expected given its Art. Ambiance outside was decent- they had a live musician. The server was okay- we had to flag someone else down a few times. Restroom could have used a scrub down.

    Humming Bird Cake
    Nicole F.

    I had a chicken ceaser salad that I added on a piece of their infamous fried chicken. I was disappointed in the size of the salad, for $21, I wish there was more lettuce, there wasn't much. My co-worker got the friend chicken sandwich, a side of mashed potatoes (which were probably the best mashed potatoes I've tried) and a moonshine flight. They have indoor and outdoor seating at this establishment. Our server was friendly and very talkative which we appreciated. The weather was rainy but we were still able to sit outside since it was covered the server had to have an intoxicated individual who was smoking at the table removed and I thought the situation was handled well.

    greens
    Paula W.

    The place is decorated nicely but the booth walls could use a good scrubbing. My silverware had leftover food on it, our waitress switched out the silverware but never acknowledged why it was being switched out. As we were leaving we noticed food from other diners under the table. The food we ordered was good, I loved my chicken and potatoes, the pimento grits had so much flavor. The waffle was good as well and very fluffy on the inside, we ordered fries which arrived hot and fresh. The greens mixed with kale were prepared well. The mac and cheese was baked and was pretty good. . We also had beignets, they were good but could have been cooked 2-3 minutes longer, they were just a touch doughnut in the middle. Service was just OK, nothing memorable. I'm glad we tried this spot, but probably won't make the trek down to Navy Pier to eat here.

    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.

    Duck Duck Goose
    Carol W.

    Popped in for a quick lunch before we took the architecture boat tour on the river. Although there were plenty of tables an available outside, we were told we had to have a reservation or sit at the bar (server shortage?) We ended up at a high top table in the bar area. Bartender was taking orders and was fantastic (and fun!). We ordered truffle fries and their signature fried chicken, and I had a cherry limeade frozen drink. All were good - the truffle fries were my favorite! Loved the Duck Duck Goose pitcher of drinks the next table over had - they shared with us and I even brought a duck home! Fun to sit outside and people watch on a nice day.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

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    4 days ago

    Slow and amateurish service. The food was okay, but not okay for paying $100+. Overall this is a skip.

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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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    Picture this; we travel downtown to do a little Christmas shopping. Being the planners we are, we…read moreendlessly scrolled through Yelp looking for the perfect post-Christmas shopping meal for our group of five adults. We are starving, hangry actually. We saunter up to our chosen restaurant only to find a sign on the door that says, "closed for private event." Did I mention I was hangry? My husband suggests Jake Melnick's. It was within walking distance ... did I mention it was raining that night? And I was hangry? I was game for anything at that point. We arrived and waited probably four minutes for a table. A couple of the adults ordered a beer, the others ordered a Coke. We ordered a large pretzel and our mains. The pretzel was so good. All the meals were outstanding (a sliced brisket sandwich, some wings, chicken tenders, onion rings and a burger). Service was great. It was a little loud when we first arrived as there was an intense Illinois State basketball game on but as soon as the game ended, it was much quieter. We really enjoyed our meal at Jake's!

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

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