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26 replies

Restaurant recs in Chicago

J jnastyneMember
For Chicago locals:
I will be in chicago all this week, and
I am looking for some native favs, wine friendly restaurants/ wine bars that I wont get fired for putting on the company credit card.
I have the WS restaurant issue, but am looking for an under the radar establishment. Maybe a mom and pop Greek place with a decent wine list.
Thanks.
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B bodhiMember
depends on what kind of food you like,downtown wine bar go to Eno,not downtown go to Websters,wicker park(especially tuesday)go to Feast(casual),half price btls/no corkage,steals.97 valandraud,sine qua non,barolos etc.avec is great on randolph,hot dougs for great funky hot dogs,naha is great for downtown as well.The list goes on.
A aphillaMember
Are you downtown? I don't live downtown, but we really, really like Blackbird for great food. Avec next door has a very interesting and quite extensive wine list. Not a lot of big name wines on it, but a lot of interesting things to try.

Most of the places in Greek town are fun but I don't know of any of them with good wine lists (though I haven't been to all).
J jamieMember
I ate at a fairly new restaurant last weekend- Province Restaurant on Jefferson. What I liked about it was that they had prices for bites, small portions and large portions so you can pick and choose what you want. The food was very good. But, the service was off- not sure if it was isolated case or not.

I also like La Sardine near Oprah's studio and second the rec of KiKi's bistro and Avec.
B bottmfishrMember
Maybe not exactly what you're looking for, but my roommate from college owns a great little Chicago cheese shop called Pastoral. In addition to lots of artisan cheeses, they have have a small but esoteric wine selection. Two locations: in Lakeview (2945 North Broadway; Ph: 773-472-4781 and the Loop (53 East Lake Street; Ph: 312-658-1250).
If you stop in for something to enjoy in your hotel room, ask for Greg and tell him his former roommate Michael said 'Hi.'
F futronicMember
Grant Achatz's cancer has been treated and he's doing just fine. He rarely missed a day in the kitchen even through the treatment and my understanding is that he's firing on all cylinders again.

He and Thomas Kellar did a series of dinners earlier this year (January I think?) where it was kind of a French Laundry/Per Se versus Alinea Iron Chef type menu where the same main ingredient was used for each pair of dishes, but one was in the Kellar style, the other in Achatz.

One dinner was held at each of The French Laundry, Per Se, and Alinea. Not cheap either, I'm pretty sure it was $1500 a head including all the pairings? The menus and pairings looked amazing (and the photos of the dishes!)
R redline325Member
quote:
Originally posted by bobbyc:
What is the consensus for a place to eat for a special occasion(Father's 70th Birthday).

L2O, Trotters, Tru, any other suggestions or an ixnay of any of the ones I mentioned.


Sixteen in the Trump building is a great place for a special occasion. I'm not saying it has the best food in the city, but it's up there. The dining room and view are stunning making the whole experience something to remember.
E eenMember
It's been a little over a year but I'm certain you will find it amazing. Enjoy!

We took a friend to L20 this past weekend. This was not my first visit and the restaurant gets better each time. Everything, even desserts, was beyond reproach. I love that it is impeccable but not too stuffy, definitely approachable.
S smartlysaucedMember
Here are a few I would recommend that would fit not too formal/expensive but with great food and interesting wines by the glass.

Avec
Blackbird
Purple Pig
Balena
Paris Club
Girl and the Goat
Publican
Cafe Maude
The Boarding House

Avec and Blackbird have the same chef, Paul Kahan. Blackbird is the fancier more expensive restaurant. I would highly recommend both.

The food and wine list at Purple Pig are fantastic. No reservations accepted.

The food and cocktails at Balena are great. Interesting all Italian wine list.

Have not eaten and The Boarding House but really enjoy it's wine list.

I've enjoyed everything I've had at the Paris Club, Girl and the Goat (tough to get a reservation), and Cafe Maude.
glennkglennkMember
quote:
Originally posted by smartlysauced:
Here are a few I would recommend that would fit not too formal/expensive but with great food and interesting wines by the glass.

Avec
Blackbird
Purple Pig
Balena
Paris Club
Girl and the Goat
Publican
Cafe Maude
The Boarding House

Avec and Blackbird have the same chef, Paul Kahan. Blackbird is the fancier more expensive restaurant. I would highly recommend both.

The food and wine list at Purple Pig are fantastic. No reservations accepted.

The food and cocktails at Balena are great. Interesting all Italian wine list.

Have not eaten and The Boarding House but really enjoy it's wine list.

I've enjoyed everything I've had at the Paris Club, Girl and the Goat (tough to get a reservation), and Cafe Maude.
Publican is by Paul Kahan as well.

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