This place was really cute! Good ambiance, good service, and good drinks. The Lobster Ravioli was a little small, but very yummy. The Short Rib wasn't quite as amazing as I thought it would be, but was still good and probably my fault for not getting enough of the glaze. The Brussel Sprouts we're really good and saucy. Definitely needed that side based on the portions since we didn't get an app. read more

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Finally came to Willow Room after many days passing by saying "we need to go here" because the space just looks cozy and elegant - and it sure is! I love the lights and spaciousness of the restaurant; it feels neighborly but elevated. 4 of us came on a Monday for their Monday dinner special - 3 courses for $36. This is definitely the way to go to experience the menu! (FYI, you can split the deal with someone too if you want!) Started the meal with a glass of wine - love their wine glasses by the way. For the first course I got the kale salad and I will absolutely be recreating this because it was delicious - the ricotta makes it so unique and delicious. I got the short rib for my entree and I loved it! The portion is generous and I took about half home. It's a great cozy, savory dish. My friends got the shrimp linguine dish and the chicken dish. The shrimp looked delicious, the chicken was pretty simple and saucy and wasn't their favorite. Ended the meal with the flourless chocolate cake (one of my favorite desserts) and it was perfect. The raspberry sauce on the plate paired perfectly. You have to get the dessert here!! The service was great and each dish came out timely. Definitely more expensive food so it's worth coming on a Monday to keep the price somewhat reasonable. Seems like a great spot to come for drinks too! read more

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1st of all I felt welcomed. 2nd whoever thought of the design for this place MARVELOUS! Entrance to the restroom looks like a secret door a designed wall until bossman showed me how to go inside. Hey I'm not over hyping you gotta check it out. 3rd man Ole man I figured ok let me get a turkey sandwich and broccoli and cheese soup, but when it came to the table. Put it like this I'm a big lady honey and I ate my soup and a half of a half of my sandwich. To go bag you understand. It was worth EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR read more

Unfortunately I'm sensing a pattern with poor service after coming here more. The front of house in particular is severely lacking with uncommunicative and apathetic behavior. For example they went to sit us right in front of the door during a cold winter while 90% of the rest of the space was available. Upon request to sit somewhere where there won't be a draft, barely any response was given while they awkwardly brought us to another table, but *would not* allow us to sit in a booth and couldn't provide a reason as to why not. Also unfortunate since it was for my birthday. I'm not sure if the pay here is poor which results in this kind of service (pretty much across the board), training, or what the issue is, but I think it warrants some attention. Throughout a sitting it gets pretty grating and irritating. The brunch food remains pretty tasty, though I do think it could be refreshed a bit more often with new or updated items. The warm beverage situation seems a bit limited, as in there are no syrups for something like a vanilla latte, not even a sweetened latte (you do that yourself with the provided sugars), no chai tea. Would be great if they had these options to match the more robust menu. Interior is quite lovely. read more

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There is nothing not to like about this place. Kitchen has an exceptional sensibility and executes it. Eat the foods. Attentive and friendly service. Aesthetic and lighting in the dining room works. Just a big win all around. read more

My first time here. The Ambiance is nice. Unfortunately I had to sit at the bar so my back was to the whole restaurant. The restaurant is pricey, so I did expect more than I received. I ordered a mocktail, which was good and cute. The server was attentive and kind. I ordered the chicken dish and it really lacked in flavor for me. I had to ask for hot sauce. I expected the ingredients of lemon, rosemary, and garlic to be delicious but I didn't taste one of those on my chicken. Garlic is one of my favorite flavors! It tasted like it was flavored with salt only. Also, the color of the chicken was not it for me. I expected it to be roasted golden and have that roasted flavor at least. It tasted like boiled chicken. Very disappointing meal all and all. I should've just got the burger *sigh* Also, please post the dishes on Instagram. Very nice to have visuals on your offerings. I couldn't find a review on the chicken or see a picture so I had to just give it a try. read more

Willow Room - The Willow as a Mocktail - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friends and I went there for their Monday $38 3 course deal, and it was just all worth it! Appetizer: I got the Caesar salad and it was just amazing. My friend loved her kale salad, the grapes were just the touch of sweetness needed and the ricotta just rounded out the salad. But my husband got the mussels and they were absolutely delicious. I was just in his plate eating it the entire time! Entree: my friend and got the short rib with the mash potatoes and they were just fall off the bone. But again my husband ordered the steak Diane and it was just divine. Perfectly cooked and the mushroom sause is just amazing with it. Dessert: I got the ricotta donuts which were just great with the orange glaze. It was so warm and a great ending. My friend got the flourless chocolate cake which felt like I was eating fudge. And my husband got the cheesecake, but I don't like cheesecakes but he like his dessert. Drinks: I got the Willow and it was sweet and just amazing. My friend let me try her French 75 which was just amazing! I never knew I'd like gin lime that. Overall highly recommend this place on mondays for the price! read more

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Ok in my book usually means "meh" .. my first impression was that the place seemed a bit distressed. The floors looked a mess and the cushions def need replacing or a steam clean? For a brunch day not very busy. The sad patio out back/all the street side could REALLY use some love. No planters, florals, umbrellas? The food here was hit and miss. One entree was v good and the other? mustve been sitting on the side waiting for that one bc it was all luke warm. The benedict wasn't great. The Canadian bacon? they serve here was like 3 paper thin round slices. (as in very cheap) type The english muffin was barely toasted and all of it was just barely warm. It was a just meh all around experience that ultimately wasn't worth the $$ spent. No need to return. read more

The restaurant is very beautiful. I wish the food was better: the quality of the food and menu items were incredibly disappointing. The cocktails and beverage menu are great. Again, Willow Room has great potential because of its prime location and atmosphere. However, I don't plan on going back. Hire a better chef and create a better menu!! read more

I live nearby Willow Room and have been many times now. The food is always very good. The burger is a stand out item, but I have never had a bad or even mediocre dish there. The service could use improvement. My experience has consistently been that the lead waiter is pretty inattentive, but second l waiter/food runner staff do very well! The restaurant would do well to not staff the waiters so thin. read more

Food is always reliable here! Just tried dinner here and enjoyed the dips as an appetizer and the harvest bowl for my meal. They definitely serve large portions. Service is slow unfortunately and I do feel it's pricey for the type of food/dishes but overall I enjoyed my meal. read more

Went here for brunch on a chilly Sunday morning and sat outside in one of their "igloos"/outdoor covered houses that are heated and it was lovely! Staff was super friendly and helpful with gauging temperature of our outdoor space, getting us things in timely matter, etc. The three of us ordered brunch, and loved our meals - plenty of food, proportion wise. We got the chorizo hash, fried egg sandwich (could only eat half) and eggs Benedict, everyone loving their meals. We also ordered a hot tea and a sparkling water and our total, pre-tip, came out to about $60 total. While we did eat in person, photo is of my leftovers that I took home read more

Willow Room - Fried Egg Sandwich (fried egg, bacon, avocado, siracha aioli) with side of breakfast potatoes - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a wonderful time! The staff was attentive. The atmosphere pleasant. The food was excellent!

We came here in a group of three and tried out their Monday night special, which is a 3 course meal for $38. Our server told us that everyone in our party had to get the special in order to qualify for it. It would have been nice if guests in the same party have the option of trying both the 3 course meal and ordering from the regular menu. The 3 course meal doesn't include fish as a main course option and you're limited to a risotto for the main course if you're a vegetarian. Nevertheless, I think it still ends up being a quality meal at a very good dinner price. It doesn't hurt that the space is beautifully lit and decorated. I ended up getting the kale salad, steak Diane, and the cheesecake. The kale salad tasted on the blander side to me. It had interesting, unexpected components such as grapes and pistachios. However, the vinaigrette flavor didn't come through too much. The steak was quite good- I loved the sauce on top, it really elevated the dish. My piece of strip steak had a few chewy bites but was otherwise cooked perfectly to my liking. I like that the dish also came with broccolini, which was made wonderfully well! I would have liked some type of carb with the main dish though. Now the star of the whole meal was hands down the dessert. You must try the cheesecake. At first I thought "wow this looks like two pieces of cheesecake" but then ended up eating it all up. It was very creamy and lightly sweet. The fruit topping was subtle but enjoyable. It was just the perfect dessert that didn't leave me feeling like I was in a sugar coma afterwards. read more

Willow Room - Steak Diane - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My co-workers and I chose Willow Room for our Chicago Restaurant Week 2022 dinner! We had reservations around 6:45pm, and the place was packed for a Monday night! Their dinner consisted of a 4-course meal for $55! I chose the following for my meal: Caesar Salad, Creamy Tomato Soup/Soup of the Day, Steak Diane, and Donuts. I also had Bees Knees on the side! The salad's dressing and croutons paired well with the crunchy romaine. I enjoyed the soup very much! The Soup of the Day was Creamy Tomato Soup! I honestly enjoyed the bread so much too! It was soft with butter goodness. The soup was just pure creamy tomato goodness. Like I could eat that soup everyday!! The Steak Diane was cooked to medium rare perfection. The mushrooms and demi glacé sauce worked great with the charred steak! I also LOVED the broccolini with it!! Other reviewers spoke highly of the donuts at Willow Room, so I decided to choose that for my dessert. It was quite yummy, but it was just meh to me. Next time I'll try the Beef Wellington! read more

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Another great dinner option. Had the seafood: Mussels to start and beet salad with arugula, then Lobster ravioli and the scallops. The best scallops I've ever eaten. No leftovers. read more

Willow Room - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was absolutely delicious and the vibes of the place were so cozy and aesthetic. Food service was great as well!

incredible experience, start to finish! April and Robert were both incredible. I cant wait to visit again!

It's one of our favorites in the neighborhood! You can stop in for a cocktail in the downstairs bar before a party or grab an awesome lunch outside just because. You can enjoy a date-night or take the kids. Food is always good. Staff is always great. We love having down the street from our house! read more

The truffle gnocchi was so good! It had a slight chewiness but also a crispy texture on the outside. The burrata and bread were good appetizers. read more

I was looking for a place near Park West theater this was 5 muns drive and 28 min walk . It exceptionally beautiful with stained wood floor length windows a mixup of modern with traditional elements. Cozy first floor level with a bar very attentive staff . We split a kake salad toppings waa very minimal but the flavor were delicious and intriguing. Main course were short ribs and daughter has a burger which ended up a double with fries . The short ribs were fall apart tender with potato and carrots it was good just need a little more seasoning. Great service and beautiful read more

Willow Room - Kale salad - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing service!!! Food was good but the wait staff is really what made the whole experience read more

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Held a party in the cellar room downstairs and it was perfect! The food and drinks were delicious. The portions were huge and the service was spectacular. All my friends and family who came to the dinner were all raving how great the food was and I would have to agree. If I could give this restaurant a 6 out of 5 stars I would. read more

A great spot, especially if heading to show at Steppenwolf. Food was great.. with portions big enough to share. Service was friendly and attentive. Great atmosphere and nice bar in back. Highly recommend! read more

This place has it all, a very rustic wooden vibe but romantically lit, open space with lots of tablr and booth seating and delicious food! My partner and I came here for a dinner date and it did not disappoint! We were promptly seated and attended to. We shared a side of cauliflower and mussels, both of which were wonderfully seasoned. The mussels also came with freshly baked sourdough bread which paired perfectly with the savory tomato sauce. I had ordered the risotto that was thicker than what I'm used to, the roasted pumpkin seeds on top definitely gave it a fall character. My partner had the halibut filet, it was cooked perfectly and paired with the couscous really well. We had a great time and loved the atmosphere of the restaurant and will be back to try more! read more

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Just went back here recently since they reopened & I have to say...This place still rules!! The food and menu are great, I ate way way too much and drank even more. They had some very clean eating menu items for my wife and friends from California to enjoy and kept the classics !! Service is still great especially now they you can book a reservation online:). The ambiance is the same too, was glad to see that it didn't change much after the crazy sad pipe burst over Christmas!! Welcome back willow room, you guys are still great & a classic go to spot in Chicago for those in the know:) read more

Overall, not overly impressed by this place. The food was okay and nothing really stood out to me. The scallops were good but I feel you can get better for a better value. This place was convenient as we were attending Second City show that night. Would recommend if only for that. Not my favorite place but the worst. Fun ambiance and atmosphere! read more

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Atmosphere (4/5) Nice decor in the dining room and cute neighborhood setting. Trendy and stylish. Food (3/5) The menu featured usual brunch staples and looked quite promising. However, the food failed to deliver in both flavor and execution. The Siracha Honey Chicken sandwich was lacking the signature heat of the title sauce and the chicken was stringy and dry. Service (3/5) Pleasant but largely absent. Our server showed up a long while after we got seated. Enough for her to apologize. It was totally fine. We never saw her again until she stopped by to drop off the check. read more

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I've always wanted to eat here bc I love the windows looking out onto Halsted. Came here on a Friday night for dinner w friends. Highly recommend setting a reservation on Opentable. The service was great, although our server was very soft-spoken, it was hard to hear what he was saying, but that's okay, not everyone can be a screamer lol everything we ordered was awesome. We started with Burrata and Tuna Tartare, both had excellent flavor and were fresh, loved these apps. For mains, I had the scallops with Parmesan cream risotto, the scallops were cooked to perfection and the risotto was a creamy heaven. I also tried my friends dishes: halibut and shrimp scampi. Both were delicious as well! The portions are a bit small, but all the food was excellent. We got the orange ricotta donut holes and cappuccinos and those were amazing too. The orange flava really cut any heaviness of the donut holes, so good. I need to come back to try brunch! Parking in this area is a bit difficult on a weekend, so plan accordingly! read more

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Amazing food! Went during restaurant week, got the short rib, tomato bisque and a Caesar salad! Everything was delicious, server was incredibly kind! The key lime pie for a sweet finish was perfect! Will be back! read more

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Overall 5/5 experience at the Willow Room! Not the greatest pictures but the pics don't do it justice. We loved every meal. Would nightly recommend the donut holes! read more

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Came here during COVID. Tables are safely spaced out and waitress was wearing the mask all the time. It is a cute place with stylish seating, lights, and patio. In general, I would say this place is a safe choice for a group - everything can find something they like, and the dishes are like what you would probably expect. That being said, they were well done but nothing mind blowing. - white sangria: I don't recommend it if you don't like sugary drinks. It's overly sweet in my opinion - beet salad: I don't recommend. The ingredients were too simple and mostly just beets. There's a lack of delicacy and imagination - double cheese burger: it was delicious and very satisfying - short rib: my favorite dish of this dinner - tender and flavorful. The purée was good too read more

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Such a cute little spot! Service was pretty good, however our waiter was extremely soft-spoken so I couldn't understand a word he was saying. His service was great though! I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and it was really good! read more

Willow Room - Outside - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We came for dinner and it was great. The service was warm and friendly. The kale salad and burger were great. read more

Willow Room - Kale salad and burger - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was fairly good! We had the corner booth and it was the best seat in the house, great ambiance and decor. The service was great! The cocktails were great, menu too. Not all the food lived up to expectations but all in all was delicious! read more

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came here for dinner and it was such a cute spot! loved the interior decor and just overall vibes of this place service was really good - friendly staff and they were so quick to take our orders and swerve our food! for drinks, I got the willow which was a refreshing vodka drink. it had lavender and lemon/basil syrup. DANGEROUSLY strong! for food, I got the gnocchi which was really good but a little too cheesy for my liking. after I ate a certain amount, I was feeling wayyy too full. my friends got the half chicken and the risotto, all the food was pretty good. overall great food, unsure if I would go again since it wasn't mind blowing but def recommend going at least once! read more

Willow Room - Willow - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We've been in a lot of restaurants over the years and I've seen the good the bad and the ugly. We decorated the willow room this year and when I walked in I couldn't believe how clinically clean this place was! This is never the case in restaurants ( especially busy ones) You could literally perform surgery on the floor in the kitchen. My husband and I ate there and both had the steak.... It was one of if not the best steaks I've ever had. I highly recommend! This place is insane!! This place is a gem! read more

Fantastic food, great service and really cool place! We all had the avocado toast that has lots of fresh arugula, eggs cooked to your liking and fresh soft sour dough bread. You MUST get an order of the ricotta orange donuts! Phenomenal!!! We loved everything about this awesome local eatery. read more

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Great atmosphere and we loved our entrees! However, we were surprised to see octopus on the menu - one of the smartest animals with no protection in terms of how they are farmed. Please remove it from the menu so that we feel comfortable coming back!!! read more

Came here just for drinks and sat at the bar. Lively ambiance and cute place! We ordered an espresso martini even though it wasn't on the menu and it was one of the best we've had! The bartender made it extra special with hints of orange - so good! read more

Willow Room - Espresso Martini - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois