This is such a cool spot in a beautifully renovated historic building. The space is very dark and…read moremoody, which I personally loved but it is definitely on the darker side, so something to keep in mind if you have trouble with low lighting. We started with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with fermented hot honey, lime and garlic aioli, and these were INCREDIBLE. Easily some of the best brussels sprouts I've had. The hot honey gave them the perfect amount of sweetness and heat. The PQB Sourdough & Burrata with fig mustard jam, baby kale and Spanish olive oil completely exceeded my expectations. The combination of the burrata with the fig mustard jam was so good and every bite was incredibly flavorful. Definitely something I would order again. For the mains, we got the Vodka Radiatore and the Orecchiette Al Pesto with taleggio, pistachio and grilled mortadella. Both pastas were really good, but the vodka pasta was the standout for me. The radiatore shape is my favorite for vodka pasta and is perfect for the sauce. I also had the Bee's Knees cocktail, which was great, and our servers were all so nice and attentive throughout the meal. Overall, I really loved this place and would absolutely come back. The food was better than I expected and the atmosphere tied everything together!

For the price point, the food was mildly disappointing. I was sharing with a group so perhaps I…read moreended up with particularly uninspiring bites, but I would hope that a single dish wouldn't vary so much that an experience was dictated by where I took a bite from. My general impression of the food was under-seasoned and charred to the point where it was distracting and verging on tasting burnt. The service and ambiance were excellent though. The vibe is moody and lively, although the music was noticeably loud and we had difficult conversing in our booth. Overall, probably worth another visit but it will be a while before I go back.

Celebrating an engagement and birthday, most of our party was from out of town. Reservations with…read morea considerable payment to hold the reservation was made. We waited 20 minutes past the reservation as the table before us was not vacated. We were given a table in the back with zero airconditioning on a hot, humid day with box fans. Everyone was sweating - horrible ambiance. Food was sold to us as family style - portion size was NOT family size and not enough for our party. Nevertheless, the food did not warrant us torder more of it- we did enjoy the overpriced tomato and the fritto misto. Skip the onion dip - not great. We enjoyed the capellacci while the cavetelli and the spaghetti alla chitarra was just ok. The gelato was the highlight of the night but honestly we couldn't wait to leave the restaurant. It was extremely disappointing to not have been consultated as to whether we wanted to wait for our original table in the main dining room instead of seating us in the back by the bathrooms. I havent seen family members in months as everyone lives on different coasts - this essentially ruined the whole experience. The food was not memorable enough to counteract the seating issue. Given that you pay a reservation fee, either put a time restriction on your tables or space your reservation times better but never use a space that lacks air flow.

for all the attention & awards, I thought daisies would be so much more expensive than it was…read more - the establishment is very farm to table energy but with Michelin recognition. our waiter was incredibly laid back and advised us on the specials based on fresh produce - for a starter we went with the onion dip because how can they really make that classy? ill tell you how: homemade chips that dont taste like dirt or burnt kettle crisps. thick cut yet still snappy and crispy wavy chips with enough oil to crisp apart on your tongue. I am a salt girl but even without clear shards fo salt on each chip these were the perfect amount. the dip was cool and creamy, more of a tzhaiki like coolness than a zingy guilt ridden onion dip - I tried the Agnolotti purely to eat purple pasta. the inside was filled with beet puree and ricotta making the dish hearty and filling. it was slightly earthy as the beet flavor powered through more than just the light sweet sauce. the roe on top miraculously made the dish slightly fishy everywhere to the degree where I asked the waiter if there was fish inside the pasta.....I loved it - the Cappellacci was a flavor rollercoaster. right away you taste the sweet summer squash, a warm and comforting taste. as you swallow your throat is punched with a chili kick. all on top of cloud like pasta pieces - the Pappardelle was about the pasta, the al dente thick cuts showcased the housemate pasta. maintaining an al dente doughy goodness with the quality of the ingredients keeping the pasta fresh and far from what comes in a box.

TLDR vibe: your rich "cultured" friends you kind of hate just got back from France and youre like-…read moreoh I know a place. Or youre dating someone who likes Anthony Bourdain and you've convinced her you're a foodie. I rarely if ever give a place 5 stars but I have to for this place. At a high level heres what made it stand out to me from other often mentioned places in chicago: the portions felt decent for the prices, the food was actually good, and the vibe truly did feel like a busy French bistro vs the well spaced large rooms of most other restaurants. It's not great if youre someone overstimulated easily, hard of hearing, or need elbow room. Or if youre looking for this uber luxe quiet formal vibe. But if you want to go somewhere where you feel like youre in a (extremely well known) hole in the wall this is it. Even though it was crowded one of my favorite parts was that the chefs or at least culinary dressed not front of house vibe dressed staff- were walking around as well so it was like you were really in the back of the kitchen secret table vibes. I also appreciated that a couple got engaged and they called attention to it without making us all cheer incredibly loudly. Me and the table next to me were like- who? what? They have good N/A champagne which I appreciated. And the bay leaf ice cream tasted like some legit herbs - which as someone whose goal is to really taste plants and the flavors of the earth - I appreciated.

Le Bouchon is an excellent example of the idea one *can* have too much of a good thing. Alas, there…read morewere more things that went a little south with the experience. I ordered the Escargot and the French Onion Soup. There was also free baguette included at the start of the meal. I loved that the baguette had a substantial crust, for it was an absolute delight to butter it up (though not the best butter in the world), and dip it into the herbaceous escargot butter. However, the inside, despite its temperature, was still gooey/doughy. Too much crust or some other technical issue? I'll let those with baking experience sound off. Whatever the case, the last thing I want to do with fresh baguette is ripping out the innards and rolling it into a ball of silly putty. Now, for the escargot... ah snails, an old favorite, for I don't really love fast food (ha!) These were mostly good, save for two things: First, the texture was still just a little slimy, reminiscent of an oyster. 30 seconds more cook time is all they needed, a minute would be too much! Second, the sauce didn't do them any favors. I've had escargot in a rich, buttery, garlicky, slightly herbed sauce that was beyond divine. This dish went triple-overboard, if not more, on the greens - making it resemble a chimichurri rather than something turning snails into decadence. Now, we arrive at the French Onion Soup. The sheer amount of cheese was so excessive that I recoiled even though I have a line item in my budget for cheese. I fished what remained out, and consumed it only out of spite. Now, while I appreciate the use of crusty bread that didn't turn into soggy croutons, the size of the pieces was too large. I'm one who orders prepared food with the understanding that it is prepared and should require minimal additional work. Steaks that need slicing are exempt, soup is not. Unfortunately, there was one more undoing: while I can understand a less sweet soup may be normal variation in the recipe, one of the spoonfuls had something very sour, as if it was a large wad of sour cream (though none was present). This made were otherwise rich and flavorful broth less than enjoyable. When it comes to the service, this had some good and bad. It was friendly, attentive, and the food came out fast. However, an item of note is that finished plates were not cleared in due course. This applies not only to myself but also the stranger sitting next to me. Final verdict: I wanted to love Le Bouchon, really I did. I was even hoping, at first, to try more of the menu on a return visit. However, the poor execution across the board does not provide the confidence needed for a return visit.

The atmosphere immediately made a strong impression, with sharp decor and a comfortable vibe, and…read morethe service stayed quick and attentive throughout the meal. The appetizers were decent but didn't stand out. The salad had good flavor, although the chips softened pretty fast and lost the crunch that would have made it better. The naan was solid, but charging separately for the spread felt unnecessary. The entrées were where things picked up--the curried shrimp had excellent flavor despite the rice being slightly too firm, and the branzino was cooked well with exceptionally tender mussels. The sticky date cake stole the show. It absolutely lived up to its reputation and ranks as one of the best desserts I've had.

The Lincoln Park restaurant that everyone's been talking about ... and for GOOD REASON…read more I can confirm that Armitage Alehouse is 100% worth the hype -- with an irresistibly moody atmosphere and a seductive pot pie. Who knew that a pot pie could be seductive? Expect an ENCHANTING atmosphere that transports you straight to a cozy British pub, where dark wood, dim lighting, and timeless charm set the scene for one of the best meals you'll ever have. You can't come here without ordering one of their SIGNATURE pot pies, which are rich, creamy, deeply savory, and packed with flavor, all tucked beneath a golden, impossibly flaky and buttery crust and served with a decadent bone marrow. Their Wagyu Double Cheeseburger is another MUST-ORDER. A familiar classic made incredibly indulgent and unforgettable. And of course, you have to end your meal with their famous Sticky Date Cake -- warm, rich, and wonderfully gooey. A tender date cake drenched in buttery toffee sauce and finished with a scoop of cold, creamy brown butter gelato. The service was excellent, and the food came out remarkably quickly. Dare I say, Armitage Alehouse is better than Trivoli Tavern -- it has stolen the crown as my personal favorite Hogsalt restaurant. In fact, I'd argue that it has earned a place among the very best restaurants in Chicago -- and for me, may well be the best of them all.

What a remarkable restaurant and comfortable setting, just to watch the people go by on Wells in…read moreOld Town. The food is unique and stunning. Brooklyn was a server and steered us to the highlights. The bread didn't just come with butter but a baguette with salted French butter, fennel pollen, and radishes. How's that for a combination! We started with the Arpege egg is a must. It's like eating flavored air. Our group of 4 worked our way thru the menu. The escargot was perfect and the Foie Gras special melted in my mouth. We needed more baguettes to soak up the vermouth fennel cream broth in the mussels. I'm not a fan of duck breast but they sliced it up for easier eating and it was fine for me. The prime strip was perfectly cooked and sliced for us. The frites had everyone grabbing for them. The Gnocchi Parisian was light as a pillow with lemon black truffle cream, herbs and crispy garlic, and Bourbon Barrel Smoked Trout Roe. Wow! The surprise of the meal was the side dish of a Parsnip Rose, shaped like a rose. It had vanouvan curry, which I have no idea what it is, preserved gooseberries and whipped parsnip cream. Quite good! We finished with a delicious crème brûlée and the Opera cake which disappeared quickly! I knew this would be a special meal so I brought some of my appropriate French wines and their corkage fee is $45. There is also a parking lot across the street.

This is a great addition to Old Town! Very chic and unpretentious place but delivers big in service…read moreand food. The place is smallish but spaced out perfectly. Good for date nights or just a get together with friends. The tables are arranged so you have enough privacy but not isolated. The service is excellent. Our server really added to the positive experience! She was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided sensible recommendations. Now the food. The Ouef Arpége is beautifully presented, fun to eat and absolutely delicious! We also ordered the Lyonnaise which was also excellent. We skipped the foie gras because I have some ethical objections to it but our server told us that it is a whopping 1/4 pound!!! The gnocchi was also very good but very rich - maybe order it with some toast or something to break it up a little bit. Then comes the duck a l'orange - really nicely composed dish and enough to share if you ordered other dishes. And then we finally finished with crème brûlée which came in two different flavors in two separate jars. This is definitely going to make it to my regular rotation. Highly recommended!

We have been fans of Rose Mary since the beginning, thoroughly enjoying it as an alternative to a…read moreMonteverde when you want something more elevated and unique. After three or four stellar visits, we had a fairly rocky fifth that kept us away for the better part of two years. I'm glad to say that appears to have been just a brief bump in the road, and that Rose Mary remains an excellent spot for Italian/Croatian fusion. Everything is fresh and many dishes are seasonal, like the wonderful eggplant fritters with pesto dipping sauce. The batter on the eggplant wasn't too thick, nor was the fry too oily. Similarly excellent was the peach stracciatella, a combo I've never had before but will now crave, the brightness really shining through. But, the true star of the show was another seasonal dish, the chitarra with crab, corn, and truffle. This was a perfect dish, with every ingredient balancing each other out wonderfully. Just when the crab and sauce might be getting too much, you're hit with a pop of fresh corn. When you want a little different flavor, the umami of the truffle kind of steps in from the background. Really, really good. A very nice wine list, attentive service, lovely patio, and fair prices round out an excellent experience.

Had a reservation but opted to sit earlier at the bar…read more 2 of us ordered: tuna crudo $24 24oz rib eye $85 diet coke $4.50 brown butter colada NA $14 radiator's cacio e pepe $23 4% surcharge Starting off with the not so great, the cacio e pepe probably got lost on the kitchen line since it arrived last after we were almost done with the steaks, and unfortunately under cooked and pasta was still raw. Aiden was working the bar and was very attentive and immediately apologized and likely went over to the kitchen to remake it came out cooked well but just really delayed. Tuna crudo was very good, fish was very fresh. Rib eye was cooked very well also. Normally with a heavily mistimed dish and also uncooked, immediately 1 star, but with Aiden covering and extra staff apologizing and them taking it off the bill completely. Judged it on the highlights of the meal. Open to coming back as they nailed the tuna and steak.

Wow. Wasn't sure what to expect walking in. Didn't read any reviews, just saw that it was a…read moreformer chef from Oriole. In any case, food was excellent. Really interesting dishes with great flavours. It's a fixed menu where you have options at two of the courses. My friend and I shared everything so we go to try different dishes. But there was a third main we wanted and they let us add it on. Our server Larry did an excellent job. Checked in us enough without making it feel like he was hovering. He also had a good sense of humor which is always appreciated. Drinks were tasty. My only issue was I pressed two drinks, and the first was the old fashioned and it was like three sips. The second drink was a super heavy pour and I was feeling it after drinking it. So they need some consistency there. Will for sure go back. I do expect this place to get popular, and it's not big, so go while you can.

The ambiance was beautiful. Dim lighting, warm wood interiors, and an intimate feel throughout the…read morespace. They were playing rock music which gave it a more casual energy than most tasting menu spots. Noise level was average and conversation was easy. 8/10. Service was excellent. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and checked in at the right moments. The pacing was perfect. 9.5/10. Course 1 was a great start. The standout was the sunchoke beignet with its rich truffle flavor. 9/10. Course 2 we both got Hokkaido scallop and tasted like an elevated ceviche. Super refreshing with great textures throughout. 9/10. Course 3 was probably my favorite savory course. The agnolotti filling was amazing, the sauce was perfect, and the chicken stock brought everything together. The puffed grain toast was crispy, flavorful, and not greasy at all. Only improvement was that I wished the pasta had a little more al dente texture. 9.5/10. Course 4 was incredible. The Wagyu had one of the best sears I've had in Chicago while staying perfectly medium rare inside. They never even asked for a temperature and nailed it. Easily a top 5 steak for me. I got the quail and it was also delicious and surprisingly comforting, though I wanted a little more truffle flavor. 8.5/10. Dessert was refreshing and citrus-forward with different textures throughout. It was good, but didn't stand out as much as the earlier courses. 8/10. The Jeff Bridges cocktail was amazing. Strong, smooth, and honestly reminded me of an espresso martini. One of my favorite cocktails I've had recently. 9.5/10. The All Well Old Fashioned wasn't for me at all. 4/10. Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable tasting menu experiences I've had recently. Great food, great service, great value, and a beautiful space. Definitely worth checking out while it's still one of Chicago's newest hot reservations.

All was Amazing and can't say enough good things about it! I love that it's directly across the…read morestreet from me. Already booking a second date

So much food! Portions were all much bigger than expected and 7 dishes for three people was way too…read moremuch food, but we ate it all for lunch the next day! The tirokafteri was really good and not too spicy but we did need to order extra pita because there was so much dip. The zucchini fritters were really cheesy and pretty good and I really liked the sauce. The beef patty's were similarly good and had a good sauce. I also really liked the spanakopita but the outer layer was a little hard and crunchy which made it hard to cut. The pork chop was so much better than expected. I usually don't expect much from pork but this was super tender and thin and really tasty. I was also pleasantly surprised by the chicken skewer which was HUGE and the chicken was really flavorful, too. By the time the Pastitsio came we were all full, but we had to have some before packing it up because it was the best thing yet. A little sweet and really yummy!