Short Review: A staple in Chicago in the middle of the…read moreViagra Triangle neighborhood. Friendly staff and patrons. Easy to make friends at the bar. Food is outstanding. Long Review: Met a friend for dinner while in Chicago and he said Gibson's was a must. We went on a Thursday night and the place was absolutely packed. Barely any walking room when you entered the bar / check-in area. We ordered drinks in the bar while waiting for our table and it was a scene - a good one. Very vibrant and really friendly people all around. Piano bar vibes with the live playing at your request. Bartenders are attentive and try to get to everyone quickly. Just to give you a sense of how friendly this place is, I accidentally knocked over my glass of wine while reaching for the bill. Caught it though...phew. But not before I spilled it all over the back of the woman sitting next to me, the man to the right of me, and of course all over myself! Within two seconds, a waitress came over with napkins to help clean up the mess, the guy sitting next to me got on the floor and wiped it all up, and the woman whom I spilled the drink all over was like "Don't even worry about! At least you caught the wine glass!" Wow! I was stunned at how cool everyone was, and it set the tone for the evening. We finally got our table and split the Gipson's ribeye, lobster, sweet potato and brussel sprouts. Seriously one of the best steakhouse meals I've ever had. The waitress was so friendly and very knowledgeable about the food. She was perfect. Folks, I highly recommend this place. Tell 'em the girl who caught the glass sent you!

I so wanted to like this place more!…read more The positive: the location is awesome in the heart of shopping and it has amazing history that's fun the look at. They also had a wonderful person working in the men's bathroom and he was a gem. Our daughter spilled a bit on her shirt and one of the servers had a Tide pen. The negative: for a restaurant where you going to spend over $100 a person, we had to ask twice for water refills, in fact one time we asked the manager and he had to track down our servers. The seating is just ok, it's pretty loud as your on top of each other really. The steak was above average but not great. They seems to char the outside see pictures and it was fairly bland, got the filet. Salad was drowned with dressing and had virtually nothing other than 2 average cheap grape tomatoes. The sides were just ok. I wanted to be blown away as Chicago is "known" for their steaks, the waiter even said they had their own rating. Meh... After eating twice in Vegas this month and getting wagyu I guess I'm spoiled. Go once to get the experience.

Yes, this place hits all the marks very well: service is astounding, food was amazing, ambiance was…read morereally fun (i.e., dark, romantic, lounge-like). I took my wife here for her birthday. She absolutely fell in love with the place and said she was having a great birthday. She wasn't planting seeds, I swear, but our server, ever the professional, said he'd take care of us. And he did, punctuating our dinner with a wonderful dessert with a birthday candle. Speaking of candles, the focaccia appetizer came out with a lit candle that melts a tasty, buttery dipping sauce. I had work done at the dentist earlier, so I had a hard time eating. Every bite was painful, but I heated up our leftovers and fell in love with my rigatoni with vodka sauce all over again. Yum. The only drawback is the prices. We're not rich, but we love a great experience. We understand that an experience like that comes with a price, so we'll be back as much as we can.

First off, what you're getting for your money just doesn't gel…read more I dont mind paying an exuberant amount for food if the food matches the price but sadly it doesn't here.... The good: Salad was amazing with bits of nicely cooked pork belly mixed in and the salad dressing is to die for Focaccia bread was very good but nothing special but the bone tarrow butter was fantastic and carried this bread. Brussel sprouts were flavorful but greasy and overcooked... Beef cheek ragu noodle dish was heavy yet tasty.. Rib eye steak done medium rare was fatty and very very chewy so this was a complete fail, but seasoned very well...extra 10 bucks for some dipping sauce for the steak but worth getting to elevate the steak...Definitely don't do any steak under medium here... Lemon sorbet was the true winner of the night...Delicious without being too tart..... Overall like I said, not worth the $250 price tag before tip...._

I had the pleasure to dine at Penumbra on a Thursday evening. We were celebrating a graduation and…read morethe staff were very welcoming when we arrived. I was visiting from out of town and was not familiar with the parking around the area. I asked one of the staff members and immediately they reassured me that the side street would raking was totally fine to park just so long as it wasn't the front of the building where you have to pay. The food started with a complementary potato soup which was flavorful and lovely. We got a round of drinks and one of our party didn't care for her drink and it was replaced no question. We had the flat iron steak, the chicken, and the salmon and each entree was wonderful. The proteins were all very tender and juicy. I was also very pleased with the salad that came first which was lightly dressed and very seasonal. We finished our dining experience with a slice of cheesecake. It was a nice cap to the end of a wonderful meal. I would recommend this restaurant for any occasion - I would love to come back and try some of the other items on their menu.

**Hidden gem!!!**…read more Penumbra is SUPER sexy and low-key elite. This is one of those spots that will make you look like a total restaurant pro if you take someone there or recommend it. The ambiance is intimate, romantic, and just feels exclusive without trying too hard. I took my girl there for her birthday and she absolutely loved it -- which is always the real test. We had the ribeye and the Rotini Bianco, and both were excellent. The ribeye was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful. The Rotini Bianco was rich, creamy, and done just right. Every dish felt intentional and well executed. Don't hesitate to book. If you're trying to impress or celebrate something special, this is the move.

We had no intention of eating here, it just happened by accident because we found two seats at the…read morebar and wanted a drink. Perilla is a tastefully decorated restaurant, both loungey and rich, but still makes you feel like the joint is all for you. You know, 5 star service is such a lost art, it makes you forget how much you miss it when all of a sudden it happens to be right in front of you. Ricardo, our bartender, what a gem. Forget about the perfectly made drinks that were served to us. Ricardo made us feel right at home with his kind disposition and friendly demeanor. But it doesn't just stop at Ricardo. Everyone was absolutely fantastic. We could have been served 7-11 sushi at this point and I still would have left 5 stars. Food time. The kimchi pork dumplings were an absolute flavor bomb and that parmesan broth gave the dumplings a little extra kick that took it to the next level. Plus, I love when the dumpling wrapper has a little chew to it and isn't this soft mush that dissolves in your mouth. The beef fat frites were a nice treat as well. They were not extra or over the top in anyway. But you can tell when something is done well and correctly, just like these fries were. The Premium Steakhouse Set, in my opinion, is all two people need to enjoy this very special experience. All the accompanying condiments were exceptional on their own and could have functioned as their own course. The Japchae glass noodles were a stunner. The real sleeper was the chopped lettuce greens tossed in their chili vinaigrette. Could have eaten 20 bowls of those lettuce greens. Sadly, I forgot the name of our server who cooked and cut our meat for us. She really added to the experience. She expertly prepared our food while maintaining a fun and pleasant conversation with us. The meat itself, my goodness, tender, smoky, quality-forward, and perfect served with the condiments. What a spectacular meal and overall experience.

Decided to check out Perilla since it was centrally located near my hotel. While the food was…read moredecent, I wouldn't return or recommend it. I made a reservation for a Saturday at 8:30 PM. We arrived on time but were told to wait in the lounge for about 10 minutes until our table was ready. It's unfortunate that they don't offer service in the lounge, no water or cocktails. We decided to order à la carte instead of the tasting menu to try a wider variety of items across the menu. For a Korean restaurant, I found it quite unusual that the banchan came with an additional charge. But, this is only if you order à la carte. It is included with the tasting menu. The following was plenty of food for two people: Selected Items: Tteokbokki - 3/5 Banchan - 3/5 Ssam - 4/5 Soondubu - 5/5 Prime marinated short rib - 3/5 Prime Ribeye Roll - 4/5 My favorite item was definitely the soondubu, which was extremely flavorful. If anything, the most disappointing dish was the Prime marinated short rib. I couldn't taste any marinade, and it was quite bland. When you order meat, the staff cooks it for you. Our server was very pleasant and did a great job prepping and serving. Additionally, the interior decor is quite nice and feels very cozy. At the end of the meal, the restaurant adds a 3.0% "surcharge" as well. But maybe that's standard in Chicago. This place has potential, but at this price point, when the meat itself and most of the dishes feel average, I just don't see a reason to come back.

John was the best server I've had in a very long time at any restaurant. He made my goddaughters…read more17th birthday very special. He paid extra attention to her to make her day special. Next time I go I will only be sitting in John's section. Thank you John for a memorable experience.

Our servers name Jamie and we just wanted to thank him, he made our experience so special and we…read morefelt so seen and valued as customers. You can tell he truly loves his job, plus the atmosphere and team work together smoothly. The food was presented with love, the sauce on the steak was stunning, everything was excellent and we left so satisfied. We'd like to take a moment for the shrimp scampi because wow. Perfectly cooked shrimp in a sea of magical butter sauce. We hope to be back soon. Thank you for a magical evening. Shout out to the magical moment with the personalized menu and individual birthday cake!! Honestly we'd like to give you the galaxy but we only have five stars :)

The vibes were great and felt like a true old-school steakhouse. Lots of families, business…read moredinners, and longtime regulars. Not a trendy spot, but that's part of the charm. The wood shelving, classic decor, and lively atmosphere made it feel timeless. The service was easily one of the best parts of the experience. Since it was our first visit, David walked us through the restaurant's history, constantly refilled waters, and somehow managed to clear plates within seconds of us finishing. They also made us an anniversary card, gave us complimentary sparkling water, and surprised us with a slice of key lime pie. The hospitality was incredible and made us feel genuinely celebrated. The stone crab was super fresh and the mustard sauce was the perfect pairing. The crab bisque was rich and creamy. The filet was cooked perfectly with a great sear, while the stuffed lobster tail was warm, flavorful, and topped with a parmesan crust. The lobster roll was solid with a perfectly toasted brioche bun. The sweet corn was sweet, buttery, and smoky. For dessert, the blueberry pie was so comforting. The filling had a chewy texture, wasn't overly sweet, and the crust was perfectly crisp. The key lime pie was a nice surprise from the restaurant and had a great graham cracker crust. Overall, every dish was delicious and executed well but nothing really wowed me flavor wise. If you love classic steakhouse food and seafood, this is the spot. The service alone makes it a fantastic spot for celebrations. Thank you David & Joe's Seafood for the incredible night.

Some maître d's are good at hospitality. Jeff W. is operating on another level. Remembering a…read moresurname is one thing; recognizing you early, out of context, before you even formally check in, and greeting you with confidence -- that's a genuine talent. People like him have almost a "super‑recognizer" ability: they store faces, mannerisms, and micro‑details the way others remember song lyrics. It's rare, and when you encounter it, it feels almost uncanny in the best way. And the fact that he consistently recognizes you over the years tells you it's not luck. It's intentional, it's skill, and it's part of why the place feels special before you even sit down. Pair that with a meal that exceeded expectations -- that's the kind of night that reminds you why you've been a loyal patron for so long. Great food is memorable, but great hospitality is what makes a restaurant feel like a second home.

For my boyfriend and I's first sit down meal in Chicago, I chose to indulge in brunch at La Grande…read moreBoucherie. I had seen it previously advertised on TikTok and decided it looked like a nice, upscale dining experience and the perfect mimosa-filled brunch opportunity. Upon coming in at 11 when the location opened, I was already impressed by the beautiful cafe inspired French interior. The warm lighting and refined Parisian details were so beautiful and elegant, and I especially loved the look of the bar, which is a central statement of this restaurant. I chose the French toast breakfast and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs, and we both had mimosas as well! My French toast was light, fluffy, and delicious, definitely a solid choice. My boyfriend was super impressed by the steak and eggs and said it was the best breakfast he had our entire trip! The food itself was great and I would love to come back and try their dinner menu at some point. The service, however, is what truly stood out to me in our experience. Our servers were very helpful, knowledgeable about the menu, and speedy. We truly felt taken care of. Fernando was the sweetest and most welcoming, and he immediately made my boyfriend and I feel so welcomed and at home in Chicago. We greatly enjoyed our conversation with him and he even gifted me a coffee table book detailing the history and menu of La Grande Boucherie, which was so kind and such an amazing gesture. Fernando set our experience apart from any other dining experience in Chicago and he made this meal one of our favorites!

We booked a table for 8 to celebrate an 80th birthday. The service was fine as was the ambiance,…read morebut we found the food to be mediocre and overpriced. We ordered the $195.00 seafood tower, only to find that it barely included any seafood, 1/2 of a lobster, 4 shrimp and about a dozen oysters. I understand that Chicago is not a coastal city, but to not even include an entire lobster for a tower that cost $195.00?! Yikes! The drinks are also very expensive, and we found the steaks to be tough and dry. The Niçoise salad was awful, and not at all what we expected. It was drowning in dressing and the combination of anchovies and tuna did not work. It was also quite obvious that the tuna was not seared properly. I did think the roast chicken was good, and the fries were by far the best part of the meal. We went to several fine restaurants over the past few days to celebrate a milestone birthday, and La Grande Boucherie was the absolute worst in terms of value and quality of food. They were also the only establishment that didn't give the celebrant a small desert with a candle to mark the occasion. Just disappointing all around.

A memorable meal! We…read morehad long conversations with two two different staff members about cocktail ingredients and tasted three different spirits. The room is large and comfortable. It is also across the street from The Goodman Theater. After the server greated us and asked us if we had show tickets to know what time we had to leave. The cocktails were creative. The Fish & Chips were delicious.

Last night my wife and I stepped into The Dearborn and had an amazing dinning experience. It was an…read moreatmosphere of comfort and charm. The service was outstanding. Our dinner guide, Nicholas, was superb. Very knowledgeable about the menu and suggested two perfect spirits from the bar. My wife had the Irish old fashion which was excellent. I had a vodka Gimlet, which also was superb. Palate pleasing! The meal was absolutely enjoyable. I enjoyed the Curry Chicken. The thigh meat was tender and succulent. The curry was sweet and creamy. It came with pita bread which added to the dinning experience. Just wonderfully enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the Fish and Chips which beat Bobby Flay. True words from the menu. Wife said if was the best fish and chips she has ever had. Then came the dessert. Now I asked Nicolas and he suggested Pavlova and Blood Orange. Which lead me to survey Margaret and she suggested Sticky toffee date cake. After a friendly jostling back and forth of desert knowledge Greg the Maitre-d made also suggested the Sticky toffee. Both came and to be honest both were outstanding. Excellent choices. All and all this was a great dinning experience from beginning to end. We will return next time we are in Chicago.