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    Taste 222

    4.2 (139 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    By appointment only

    Order Taste 222 Takeout or Delivery

    Taste 222 Photos

    TASTE 222 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Taste 222

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    Priscilla W.

    After not being able to get lunch at another restaurant we happily settled upon Taste 22. It came recommended by our family friend and it was black owned so that really struck our interest. When you walk in the Ambiance is very modern with a rustic antique feel. The staff greeted us quickly and was able to see us. I like the fact that they have different seating areas. This was for lunch so we were able to find good seats. I ordered the impossible chorizo empanadas which were excellent. However I would say stick with the sauce and not their guacamole as it's missing a bit of flavor. For my entree I ordered the salmon sandwich with a side of Brussel sprouts. The Brussels sprouts were cooked nicely with a tang. I like the salmon but just wish I had more sauce. Overall this place is a must try.

    Ciara W.

    The restaurant interior was really nice! We came on the weekend for brunch, and it was pretty empty, but I can see this place crowding up for a Happy Hour/Dinner crowd. I got the fried Chicken sandwich, and it was perfectly crispy and juicy. It was a good amount of food and the service was fast and friendly.

    Blackened salmon BLT, Blackened Catfish, Fresh cut fries and a daiquiri

    Taste 222 is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Very cute, very clean and great food. They have a really good happy hour as well. My go-to items are the mussels, the truffle fries and the one to one daiquiri.

    Shrimp & Grits
    karina k.

    This place is super classy, charming, beautiful, super clean and I am very, very specific about cleanliness and their bathroom was sparkling, including the walls. I love the furniture and I love the building itself with its old world charm. I love that the kitchen is behind a frosted glass panel of windows. I love it that they have a private room as well as two dining areas and a bar. We enjoyed the mac & cheese and wish there was more cheese in it, but we love the pasta itself. We also had the shrimp with grits and it was very good and everybody has their own taste, but we wished there were more grits to offset a lot of of the spices. But the best part of this dinner was that peanut butter mousse cake, and as you can see in the picture, the moose is all the way down to the floor of the plate so you're not dealing with thick cake to fill up the dessert, but most of it is the mousse of the peanut butter and it's light and fluffy and the little toffee bits in the chocolate and caramel and powdered sugar on the plate really added flavor to the whole dish. That was amazing. Award winning! There is no parking as this area definitely doesn't have parking, but there is parking on the street if you're lucky. The parking lot that they have is for staff and maybe others.

    Kurvball bbq lemonade & old fashioned
    Sabrina C.

    The best time of day is happy hour and Taste 222 is offering a great happy hour option in the west loop. Mon - Fri, from 4pm-6pm, you can enjoy happy hour food and drink deals and their patio is open as well! What I tried: Vegetarian Empanadas Hand cut truffle fries Deviled eggs Firecracker shrimp Korean bbq wings Honorable mention to the Kurveball BBQ Lemonade. This drink was made with Kurveball BBQ flavored whiskey! It's definitely one of the more unique drinks I've had flavor wise; you gotta try it! They also have a DOPE EVENT SPACE that you can use; it's SO NICE and SPACIOUS! It's available for rental and they're taking holiday bookings for the space currently! Add this spot to your happy hour stops in Chicago and tell em that Bri from Planes and Plates sent you! Enjoy!

    Korean wings
    Andre W.

    I have been to this place for numerous events as well as lunch and dinner and it never disappoints! Service is usually on point as well as the food! They have a very nice happy hour as Korean wings, sliders as well as truffle fries are some of the goodies on the menu. Drinks are always on point as well especially their old fashioned and manhattans. As I mentioned I have been here for several events and speaking engagements so they can accommodate certain things depending on what you're trying to do. Dope space!

    Deviled Eggs, Empanadas and Cornbread
    Sky N.

    The deviled eggs and empanadas were delectable and delicious. Service was very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. Would visit again.

    Taste 222 Burger
    Sam R.

    Burger pretty meh but good value. $16 for a burger plus fries is solid. I need to return to try happy hour...

    Sarah M.

    I love this place! Not only is it conveniently located right off of my greenline stop, but they have an amazing happy hour and the actual restaurant is also a great place to stop in and get some work done during the day.

    We had the mussels, chicken wings, shrimp, artichoke dip and a few drinks!
    Elizabeth L.

    This place was absolutely yummy! The staff is amazing and the ambiance is lovely! I literally can't wait to go back with my entire staff for our Christmas party!

    Somrus Mocha Chocolate Ice Box Cake
    Andrew W.

    Sometimes it's hard to find value at upscale and nice restaurants in Chicago. Either the food is good, but too expensive or the portions are just too small. Taste 222 draws that fine line between price and value. It's located on the Eastern edge of the West Loop, so you would expect prices that are too high for what you are getting, but this is not the case. First, the food is amazing. Of all the dishes I tried when I visited with my wife, father and mother my favorites were the steak fites, cornbread and the peanut butter mousse pie. The cornbread was just enough to get the meal started and had a hint of an unexpected spicy kick. The steak of the steak frites was perfectly cooked the frites were amazing, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Then, the peanut butter mousse pie was insanely good. I love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, so this was the perfect dessert for me. This dessert is a must order. The mousse was so creamy and flavorful. If you love peanut butter and chocolate this is the one for you. Second, the value is amazing. Most, if not all of the main dishes and handhelds were $20 or less. While the portions are smaller than other restaurants, each dish would be enough to fill me up. Third, the service was great. Our server was friendly and our food came out fast and hot. In sum, this spot needs to be on your list.

    Peanut Butter Mini Pie
    Kemi D.

    Great opportunity to visit during Chicago Black Restaurant Week and try their top favorites. Started off with their soup of the day (clam chowder on Monday) and kale salad. The chowder was perfect for the cold weather. We had the Shrimp & Grits as well as the Southern Fried Catfish which were both exceptional entrees and huge portions. I had my leftover Shrimp & Grits the following morning for breakfast and was not disappointed. I was skeptical of reheating grits the next day but the consistency did not slip. For dessert, we tried the peanut butter pie which stands up to its name as well as the sweet key lime pie. Ambiance is extremely dainty and cute. The service staff made us feel welcomed and told us about their upcoming happy hour in the next few weeks. Can't wait to return!

    Tri tip salad
    Casimir S.

    I haven't been here in two years. Stopped by on a train trip from Washington State to New York. I thought, I could get fast food, I could get something basic. No. I went for the soul. I headed straight to Taste 222. I walked in, my backpack on, probably looking like a dingy little white kid that got lost in a target. I took some pictures, walked around looking at the amazing scenery. I was in Chigago! I went up to the bar and sat there with a big grin. The staff greeted me with absolute glee. From Washington, they said! Wow! What made you come out here? Your partner? Wow! That's amazing. I told them to give me their choice, something with meat! Anything with steak. The man said "I gochu" and told me he's get me a prime rib salad. He asked.if there was anything I wanted special with it, and I stopped him, and said "make it the way you'd make it." He was so excited. I chatted with them while I waited for my prime rib salad. I was starving, almost 4 days on a train would do that to a person. They hooked me up with the finest steak I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. I couldn't dine in because it was still COVID time, but it was a well-needed interaction for all of us I'm sure. I wonder if they still remember me at all! (C'mon guys, little queer kid, sweaty, backpack, hard to forget!) I went out on the sidewalk and SCARFFED that.

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    2 years ago

    One of the BEST Black-Owned spots in Chicago!!! The food and service were top notch. The ambiance is relaxing yet classy.

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    2 years ago

    Had such a great time at Taste 222! The food and service was amazing! The decor was great too

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    2 years ago

    best place to go for happy hour with your coworkers/friends. My fav was firecracker shrimp and red velvet cake

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    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

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

    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

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

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    Gemini - Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls

    Gemini

    4.0(771 reviews)
    2.3 miLincoln Park
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

    Photos
    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

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    Burrata crostini

    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    2.5 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    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!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what.

    Photos
    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3(132 reviews)
    0.9 miNear North Side
    $$$

    Genesis was our server and she was absolutely amazing and attentive. She offered great suggestions…read morewhich we adhered to. Smash burger was . Caesar salad+ shrimp was a hit too. Fried chicken was crunchy and good. A touch sweet for my liking but very good. Truffle fries were a big hit. Also had warm crab dip wish had quite a few shells/cartilage but flavor was good. The drinks were all very good too. Music was nice. You good hear it a vibe to it but it was too loud. We didn't have to yell or talk loudly. We were were celebrating all 4 of our upcoming June/July birthdays and she treats us like rock stars. Great job Genesis

    I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

    Photos
    Dearly Beloved - Interior

    Interior

    Dearly Beloved - Bubbles

    Bubbles

    Dearly Beloved - Life of the party

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    Life of the party

    Taste 222 - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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