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    LIA

    4.1 (34 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Gissell P.

    Just went for a $30 Girl Dinner with my cousins and it was a success! For $30 we got a choice of Martini or Spritz, a Caesar salad, Truffle Fries & either a Lemon Cacio de Pepe, Prosciutto Pizza or Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. For $30 it was so worth it, it was insanely delicious! The inside was beautiful and intimate and our waitress was sweet & attentive! The service started off a little slow but they made it up at the end, will definitely be back again!

    Aditi S.

    We didn't know what to expect but had a great dinner experience here. The decor and ambience was great, service was solid, and the food was tasty! However, it is a bit pricy for what you're getting. We ordered a mocktail and the taste and presentation with the fish shaped goblet was very cool. The garlic bread pillows were amazing way to start our meal. We also enjoyed the pastas (Lemon cacio Pepe & spicy vodka) and the pizza! Would recommend trying this place at least once

    Miss A.

    Came by with a friend for a nightcap. It was not too busy and we were able to grab seats up at the bar. Drinks were presented in a very unique way, almost like a miniature art exhibit. A bit pricey even for River North, but they were made strong. The art work across the space was very urban and eclectic, some of it even abstract scribbles and swirls of paint on panels. We didn't have any food but they basically offer thin crust flatbread style pizzas and some lighter small plate tapas items. Apparently the menu rotates every 6-weeks which should keep guests curious.

    Emma S.

    Pizza tasting menu was super fun, they included some great dishes to try. Pesto Squash pizza was our favorite, as well as the prosciutto bruschetta.

    Into
    Ann L.

    Cute artsy venue with colorful and animated cocktails and food choices. Very creative and fun place to visit locally and with visiting guests. So much more I wanted to try but only stumbled into this place as I was taking a mindless walk to clear my mind's mess of personal storm. Guess the universe answered my needs by giving me an hour of childish fun. Here's what I tried dining alone: 1. Here little fish: no alcohol (thought I should keep my mind clear to be able to make sound decisions). Served in a very cute large fish shaped glass. Content was citrusy juice made with orange and passion fruit juice with mint syrup. Very refreshing! Highly recommend. 2. Bottle Rockets: five wontons (chicken sausage) served on a wooden stick and forked into a bed of tall blade grass. The server comes out with a pitcher of liquid nitrogen that he pours into the grass bed creating a white cloudy aesthetic. Super cool. Wontons were average but loved the show. 3. Truffle Lobster Pasta: small lobster tail in a creamy pasta and garnished with saffrons. Flavor was good. Overall fun experience. Want to come back to have more of their creative cocktails. Love this place!

    Marissa R.

    LIA is colorful, the design, the artwork, the entire aesthetic is really well done. It feels like you're stepping into a trendy, curated space with a lot of visual appeal. I was excited walking in... but unfortunately, the food and drinks just didn't hold up. The menu sounds creative and the presentations were nice, but the actual flavors were underwhelming. Most dishes felt like they were trying to be inventive without really nailing the basics. Nothing we had stood out, everything looked better than it tasted. Same with the cocktails: pretty on paper, but flat in execution. We left feeling like we'd paid more for the concept than the quality. To top it off, the service was slow. Really slow and all the dishes came out at the same time. No one was rude, but the pacing and attentiveness just wasn't there.

    Spicy Vodka Pasta
    Natalie R.

    It was fine, that's the nicest way to say it. The only things that stood out were sadly because they weren't very good, namely the Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. It wasn't spicy and lacked flavor. The ambiance was not enough to make up for food being just okay. You'll have luck with the Lemon Cacio e Pepe and the Carrot Cake, the pizza was decent.

    Pillows
    Sara G.

    Honestly had a great time at LIA tonight! The restaurant is super cute and decorated very fun. The menu is a lot of fun with its play on dishes! Our cocktails were a lot of fun. I chose the fish cocktail and my friend at the campbell soup martini one both were pretty good. The fish cocktail is very tropical and sweet. Our other got the lavender drink but the other two were definitely better! The food was super good we had the pillow appetizer and dumplings which were a crowd favorite. The lobster pasta was also super good! Chorizo stuffed dates were fine! Our waiter was super nice and helpful we had a great time!

    Bar
    Maria D.

    This was a truly unique experience -- equally beautiful and delicious! We were smitten with the shrimp in yellow sauce and the roasted bacon, which was a standout dish. The cocktails were incredible, and the wine list was fantastic. The restaurant feels like a little museum of modern art combined with fine dining -- plush, yet casual enough to relax and enjoy the night. We happened to be the first table to order the bacon, and to our delight, the chef (who is also the artist behind the presentation) came out personally to ask how we liked it. We absolutely loved it -- crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfectly balanced with a chi-vinegar reduction and coconut sauce. Bravo!

    Charred prime ribeye
    Sarah L.

    LIA is a newer restaurant in the neighborhood. The host and waiter were super welcoming and friendly. The interior is dark and vibey - I can see the potential of there being a bar/lounge at night. As for the food, I wasn't too impressed but didn't hate anything. The apps were ok and the steak was cooked well, but for those prices there is much better in River North. I would come back for the drinks and atmosphere, but probably not for food.

    Jim D.

    Very mid. Two dishes were pretty good & one cocktail was decent. Everything else was a sleeper & hard pass. Shrimp with the addition of capers, broth & aioli in said broth had some bold & good flavor. Enjoyed the fluffy pillow albeit it being merely truffle oil. Risotto tasted like water truffle lobster pasta was just boring for lack of a better term. Maple old fashioned was decent but be mindful of that fact that it was minuscule when not served on the rocks. Jackson's paint cocktail was boring even with the theatrics. Twas about $200 which seems standard at any restaurant for a couple these days. Art aspect wasn't explained despite being half this place's philosophy. I wouldn't return. Seems more like a lite bite & quick drink place

    NaywriChi W.

    Ahh! This used to be Bohemian House. Remember that! I had the Fried Milk Bread and a craft cocktail. The staff and service are bodacious.

    Craig H.

    We Loved the food and the vibe of this place. The concept is cool and the service was great. Try the sampler menu, it has everything so you get a good feel for the rest of the menu! It's one thing to have an awesome presentation... which they do... it's another thing to deliver on the flavor... and they do!!

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    3 months ago

    We had the best time here!! The owner is so kind and the cocktails were excellent. It also had the best vibes. Highly recommend!!

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    11 months ago

    Small portions, but oh my god the food was amazing. We got the green curry banana leaf fish with jasmine rice dish - it was 10/10.

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    King of Cups - Old Fashion

    King of Cups

    4.4(131 reviews)
    2.4 miLincoln Park

    The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

    What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

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    King of Cups - Bar and seating

    Bar and seating

    King of Cups - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    King of Cups - Plum Moscow mule

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    Plum Moscow mule

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    2.0 miLincoln Park
    $$$

    A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

    We came to Geja's to celebrate our anniversary and it certainly lived up to the hype. We were…read morelucky enough to have a table off the side by the window so it maintained the intimate feel without feeling cramped by other tables. Food-wise, it was very fun to cook everything ourselves. I do think the appetizers were my favorite part because I do just love fruits and cheeses, but everything was great. They were also very accommodating of celiac. Overall, we had a wonderful anniversary celebrating at Geja's.

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    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini

    4.0(763 reviews)
    2.1 miLincoln Park
    $$

    It's Summer Time Chi season in Lincoln Park. Extensive patio at Gemini is super inviting. Jacob our…read moreserver was exceptional in his engagement & making reco's on drinks and food. Even though half my party was late, I never felt rushed. The FKG mocktail was sweet and flavorful. The Spritzer was a good alcoholic next drink. Truffle Parm fries were a table fav. Burrata was smaller than I expected for $18. Enjoyed my beet salad with salmon. Will def be back and highly recommend!

    I've eaten at Gemini over the years and have been able to sample a lot of what's on offer. I've had…read moremost of the specials but will usually get either the swordfish or the steak frites. Those are typically very good which is why I come back. The burger though. Why is it such a consistent disappointment? It's small, has the pancetta (a nice rubbery disc of salt) and just seems like kind of an afterthought to the otherwise well-considered menu. I've been eating it on occasion for 10+ years here always with the hope that it has improved. I would love to see a do-over on the burger. It would be great to have a place in the neighborhood that consistently delivered. As it stands, it's a distant second to RJ Grunt's, Small Cheval and not even in the same realm as Armitage Alehouse's burger. Really hoping I get to come back and revise this review to rave about how much better it got. The staff is always very nice and attentive as well. From host stand to bartenders, waitstaff and everyone clearing and setting, always a very nice group that seems like they take pride in their work, which is much appreciated.

    Photos
    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

    Burrata crostini

    Gemini - Brussel sprouts

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    Brussel sprouts

    Le Mistral - Inside the building - Le mistral is all the way down on the right side

    Le Mistral

    4.8(13 reviews)
    2.4 miLincoln Park

    The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

    We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

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    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral - Inside

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    Inside

    Esme

    Esme

    4.1(154 reviews)
    2.2 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago…read more We went to Esmé last night on a Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see both an event happening in the bar and a solid number of diners in the dining room. Not many Michelin starred restaurants can pull that off on a Monday, but Esmé always seems to have energy. This place has become one of our most reliable favorites. They change the menu a few times a year in conjunction with rotating local artists, and the restaurant itself feels more like a refined art gallery than a traditional dining room with white walls, clean lines, simple and elegant. Last night was no exception to their usual excellence. The experience is really anchored by Chris Gerber, a longtime Chicago hospitality pro, and his team. They are flawless. This is true hospitality in every sense of the word. They usually keep two signature dishes, and for good reason. The caviar supplement sounds odd on paper, but in your mouth it is absolute perfection. The cod sounds simple, but it is anything but, rich, decadent, and always one of the highlights. Everything new on this menu was also outstanding. Every course had beautifully balanced sauces that made sense with the dish, and the presentations were creative without being gimmicky or over the top. The plating always ties in with the featured artist in a way that feels thoughtful, not forced. One tip. Be careful when choosing your beverage pairing. We did not read closely enough and ended up with the more inventive pairing that included cocktails and a beer. It was fun, but afterward we wished we had gone with the higher end wine pairing instead. Bottom line. Esmé remains one of the most consistent Michelin starred experiences in Chicago. It is not just very good. It is reliably excellent every single time.

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

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    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Willow Room - Arugula salad over avocado toast with poached eggs.

    Willow Room

    4.2(429 reviews)
    1.9 miLincoln Park, DePaul
    $$

    Great dinner here tonight - had the mussels, burger, and octopus. All were exceptional. The drinks…read morewere also very good, and the service was awesome. Great meal overall.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

    Photos
    Willow Room
    Willow Room
    Willow Room - French 75

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    French 75

    LIA - tapasmallplates - Updated May 2026

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