Came here after a successful downtown company event. It was a great place for late night, even if the menu isn't as extensive as it is earlier in the night. The short rib sliders were excellent, bacon wrapped dates were super tasty and the deviled eggs were fluffy and wonderful. I'll come back. Yum.
Review Source:After doing a quick search on Yelp since the Purple Pig was insane, we stumbled onto Sable for lunch. Perhaps dinner is a better experience (since we didn't order drinks and it seems to be pretty great from what everyone is saying on here).
I would give the benefit of the doubt if I lived in the city and would definitely give it another go-round. Â The atmosphere seemed great, and the service was friendly. Â A flatbread pizza that I can't remember, truffled deviled eggs, and short rib sliders were OK with nothing so memorable.
...maybe dinner next time?
This is one of our favorites. There are some really great vegetarian options and we love that the menu changes with the seasons. (Even though it sometimes means that our favorites go away for a while.) Every item we've ordered we've thoroughly enjoyed. When we want a nice night out, this is where we go and we always order the cheese curds with spicy ketchup. We just can't resist.
Review Source:Amazing restaurant. Great food, cool atmosphere, and wonderful service. Came here while in Chicago and shopping alone, was looking for some where nice to go for a not incredibly pricey dinner by myself. Sable was awesome. I wish we had a place as great in so many ways where I live. Was seated in a booth across from the open kitchen, so I had a bit of entertainment while I was sitting alone. The staff were all incredibly attentive, but not overboard in your face. The food. Oh god, the food. It was all delicious. I tried their pasta special that night, which was a hand cut fettucini with bacon lardons, wild mushrooms and crispy leeks. Mouth watering. But what was my hands-down favourite was the corn creme brûlée. Read on a google review that it was worth trying, had no idea what to expect but decided to give it a shot. Eating it was like having a religious experience. Savoury, but sweet. Creamy and rich, but fresh. Absolutely amazing. I only wish they would let me steal the recipe and make it at home.
Review Source:This is a great place to have cocktails. I absolutely love the cocktail menu. From the opening page with the excerpt from The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, now replaced by an equally cool quote, it just gets you in the mood to throw back a few. Going through that menu is a journey that requires many visits. The food isn't bad, but not really noteworthy. It doesn't have to be. The bar is as well stocked as they come. On one visit I had them put a flight together for me that consisted of every single whiskey in the Buffalo Trace antique collection plus Pappy 23.
Review Source:Sable is a beautifully designed restaurant and bar that serves unique food and fabulous cocktails. This is not your standard post-work drinks and apps fare -- which is a nice alternative, but the bill adds up, fast. The drinks are well worth the $15 a pop, but the food was just okay though.
The last time I was here I was really disappointed by the service. For $200 (for a party of three) I expected to see the server more than twice. I would probably come back, but only for a drink or two.
Excellent experience at Sable! If you don't have a reservation, there is open seating in the bar area. It usually isn't too difficult to find a couple seats together.
We ordered the sweet potato flat bread, the brisket, the chicken and waffles, and the deviled eggs. Everything was incredible, especially the chicken and waffles. Service was fantastic as well! High recommend!
restaurant week - short rib slider, lobster roll, had a great beet salad.
the drinks were delicious. Â
dessert was awesome, great chocolate cake or pudding of some sort.
my lady got - War of the Roses
Pimm's, Citadelle gin, Chase Elderflower, mint, fresh lime
cant recall the name of mine.
I love this place and try to stop by for the Deviled Eggs with Truffle Oil whenever I'm in Chicago. Kale Chips- meh. The bartenders are knowledgeable and provide great service without being too chatty. The drink menu reads like a novel- very creative. My only gripe is that the TV's dominate the bar area. You are basically forced to watch sports while enjoying your food and drink. It won't stop me from returning.
Review Source:Got there 15 mins early for our reservations and table is already ready. Drinks and food are delicious. Â Fried chicken on waffle with bourbon syrup, mac n cheese were delicious. Â Service was good. I would recommend and go back there. Also its close by all the river north bars, so great location.
Review Source:We were blown away by Sable.
After going for Restaurant Week, we realized that our best bet was to avoid the Restaurant Week menu and explore our way through the delicious options on the menu.
The service was phenomenal. The waiter really knew what he was talking about. Everything he recommended was spectacular. When one drink wasn't too my liking (I am not a gin fan) he replaced it for free with one that he recommended that was one of the top 5 cocktails I've ever had.
And the food was amazing. We had the deviled eggs, the veal meatballs, the ranch sliders, the potato and cheese pierogis and the steak, in that order. We got half portions of everything, and it was enough food. Everything was great, each item arguably better than the one before, though I'm finding myself craving the pierogis, the steak and the deviled eggs. One warning: the food was very rich. Make sure that when you're picking your menu items, you pace yourself - we actually ordered in rounds since the food came out so quickly.
Also, as mentioned before, don't forget to order drinks - the one my boyfriend had he said was  the best drink he's ever had - and my boyfriend is a beer snob and cocktail afficionado who just returned from a beercation with his friends.
Why has it taken me so long to visit Sable? Restaurant Week was just a good excuse to visit. And after adding a couple of items off the RW menu as well, I think I was able to try some of the best that Sable has to offer. Â
Walking through the bar to get to the hostess stand you can almost sense this will be a wonderful experience. Â The bar is sleek, full of well-heeled folks enjoying drinks, apps and good times. The seated area in the restaurant is just as sleek and we were luck to be seated at a booth right across from the open kitchen so we could watch all the action. Not to mention see (and smell!) all the wonderful dishes being prepared. Sadly Chef Terhune was not in the house that night, but she should know her staff did a great job that night.
Drinks menu--HUGE! Between the wine list, the beer list and the cocktail list, it was very hard to choose, but our friendly server helped quite a bit. I opted for the Ziggy's Stardust which had a sweet and salty and fruity notes. Very refreshing. Â My dining mates Ericka A's and Osi V's drinks (Mai Tai and Tenser's Transformation) were also very good. Â
Truffled Deviled Eggs-earthy, light, creamy and just absolutely perfect. Â If you're a fan of truffle you must try this dish. The eggs were perfectly done. This isn't your picnic or holiday buffet deviled eggs--Not by a long shot.
Chicken Confit Poutine--Another winner. Tender and flavorful chicken and gravy topping fries with Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Shallot Butter. You had me at "confit".
Short Rib Slider--eh, I was hoping for more tender and flavorful meat, this one fell a little short. Â Lamb Slider--The minted yogurt was very good. Â I found the feta a little overpowering. The lamb very tasty.
Grilled Pork Belly with a smoked butternut squash puree with a maple gastrique and crispy Kale. Who doesn't like pork belly? Â Well-portioned and meaty and so well made. The maple gastrique really pulled everything in this dish together.
Dessert--we tried the Peanut Butter and Jelly Dacquoise and the Dark Chocolate Souffle Cake with Salted Caramel Ice cream. Â So very well made and despite already going through our previous courses, we still oohed and ahhed and sighed with the deliciousness.
Service was very good. We had several people coming to the table to check on us--waiter, server, bussers. Â All ensuring a blissful evening. Â Definitely a great place for drinks or dinner, girls night out or date night. I'd come back in a heartbeat.
We found Sable because it was rated highly for vegetarian options. It's often a challenge to find an upscale restaurant that offers even one option, so I was extremely impressed looking through Sable Kitchens menu before we made reservations.
Once seated, our waiter explained that portions come in small and large sizes for sharing. He recommended 4 to 6 dishes for our party of two. This was helpful as it wasn't entirely clear from the menu and we would have been left hungry otherwise. We ended up with 5 dishes to share (two appetizers, two small plates and one flatbread) and it was the perfect amount to leave feeling well fed.
For appetizers we ordered the kale chips and deviled eggs. I am a kale freak and I have to tell you, these are THE BEST kale chips I've ever ate. They were bubbly, light and crispy with a perfect flavor. We ordered the small size, and we received a bowl larger than I expected. The small size of deviled eggs includes only 2 egg halves, but they are stuffed to the brim with the most decadent filling I've ever had.
Next came the South Indian Vegetable Curry which, again, was small, but so filling with the heavy potatoes and basmati rice. The flavor was incredible. The curry sauce was thick so it clung to the veggies perfectly. Next we shared the Roasted Beets. If you get just one thing at Sable Kitchen, you MUST get the beets. They come with pistachio crusted goat cheese balls that, when cut open ooze the most heavenly goat cheese. We finished off with the Caramelized Onion, rosemary and brie flatbread. By the time this came I was already full, but managed to have a few pieces.
We were sat in the back room which was quiet and romantic. We enjoyed the atmosphere as it was a little less hectic than the main room. Our server was friendly and attentive and the rest of the wait staff was quick to clear plates and bring our next dish out as soon as the previous was finished. The location is perfect and easy to find, especially if you are staying downtown, although I did see a parking ramp directly across the street. I am so coming back here next time I'm in Chicago, if only for that goat cheese...
5 stars. Sable Kitchen is definitely one of Chicago's not-at-all-hidden gems.
I went here a while ago (maybe two years ago?) with my cousin. I can't remember much, but I remember that I loved it! I remember really good short rib sliders with a root beer glaze. But that was it! :(
I came back for an early pre-concert dinner with my friend. When you walk in off of State St., know that the host desk is not right there. The waitress nearby finally asked, "Do you need something?" Erm, to check in? Then I walked to the desk that was in the middle of the restaurant, and things brightened up.
My friend came to join me and we had a wonderful dinner. She enjoyed her truffle oil/goat cheese flatbread, and I really liked my half portions of truffle sliders (sliders mixed with truffles!) and flavorful grilled pork belly. We each got the "War of the Roses" cocktail. At $13, it is pricey but well-made. In case you didn't know that they take their cocktails seriously, well, you must not have seen their extensive menu! As if this wasn't enough, chef Heather Terhune stopped by to check on our meal. And she was super nice. And on Top Chef. So cool.
I really enjoyed my Sable experience. The food was fantastic. The ambiance was welcoming, new age and fun. My date and I sat toward the back of the restaurant right next to the window. Our service was attentive and helpful. Our server gave us great recommendations that you must try.
Our two favorite vegetarian dishes were the Vegetable Curry and the Lentil Cakes! Both were bursting with flavor and perfect in portion size. Not too big, not too small... just right! My date also loved the Pork Belly. He raved about the perfect char on it!
I can't wait to go back! I want to eat my way through the vegetarian dishes!
The drink menu was awesome. Seriously amazing. I thought that it was Magic the Gathering themed because of this Planeswalker themed group of drinks and was super excited. Apparently though, it was supposed to be Dungeons and Dragons themed. Planeswalking and Circle of Protection are clearly MTG terms, but whatever, still happy and geeked out a little.
I had the Lazy Sunday (Laird's apple brandy, blackstrap rum, fresh pineapple,
honey, lemon), which was agreed to be the best drink of the table. It was refreshing and not too sweet, which are key for me.
We had a table for five in the back area of the restaurant. It looked a little noisier in the front near the bar, so I'm glad we were seated elsewhere. The service was great, and our waitress put up with our indecisiveness and was really nice.
Food was also really satisfying. I'm not sure if it's a formal trend or not, but a lot of restaurants, like Sable, Gilt Bar, and Girl and the Goat, have the setup where you should share a few small plates with a friend or two. You can order things in full or half sizes. Among three people, we shared the following:
- a full portion of quail
- the pork belly flatbread
- half sizes of the bacon wrapped dates, veal meatballs, and duck-juniper and pistachio sausage
We probably could have done without one of the dishes because we were incredibly full and had leftovers. All of the plates were delicious, but I think my favorite were either the quail or the veal. The sausage was really rich and a little salty, and the bacon wrapped dates weren't as good as those at Avec.
All in all, a great place to go for dinner.
I have been wanting to try Sable for a long time and was able to on a Sunday night-
Started out with a drink, Board of Directors, which was very different and good-
Pretzel with Cheese Sauce; oh my goodness these were good-So good we ordered another order-
Pulled Beef Sliders; so good, I could have eaten this as my meal
Espresso Coated Sirloin; good but no where near the 2 above items-
Chicken and Waffles; wow...the chicken was done so perfect and the bourbon maple syrup that it was served atop of gave a it nice mix of salty and sweet-
I would love to come here again and pig out!
We stumbled upon this place accidentally and decided to go in because the decor looked super cool from outside. Â The cocktail menu sealed the deal and we managed to find some seats at the bar to enjoy one drink... or so we said... '
Because they looked like they knew what they were doing, I wanted to get something I wouldn't normally choose (whiskey) and asked the bartender. Â He asked some investigative questions- I said I hated gin- and he took that as a challenge. Â What he came up with (I forget the name) was totally delicious and a great choice, and it came with an interesting story about how a lot of classic cocktails should be served in an absinthe or otherwise very strong liquor-rinsed glass because clean water was hard to come by so glassware was sterilized with strong booze instead of hot water.
The drink was so good, we ended up staying for three more... and dinner. Â The menu looked really awesome and full of interesting stuff. Â We ended up with the chicken and waffles, sweet corn creme brulee, soft pretzels and the mini mushroom burgers. Â Everything was delicious, really, and just enough different from the normal interpretation to be interesting and exciting. Â Cocktails were all $11 and almost all of the food came in two sizes and ran around $8-15.
Atmospherically, the space was dimly lit and well decorated. Â We did sit at the bar, which was comfortable, but the dining space looked really nice, too. Â I had no idea this place was attached to a hotel until I went to the bathroom (which was super nice).
Service was, as detailed, exceptional. Â I have to admit that at least half of a star comes from the fact that the bartenders were wearing suspenders... but... they still earn it. Â I can't imagine anyone being able to out-snob the bartenders, so I'd definitely recommend this place as a great option for a father-in-law, a business dinner with someone who needs to be impressed, or a date with a bit of a fancy-pants complex.
Stopped by after a party that didn't quite fill me up (girls can have appetites too, ok?). We sat in the huge wingback chairs in the bar area where they serve the entire menu. Got half portions of the lamb burger and sliders. Didn't think much about the sliders - I could easily make the short ribs at home. The lamb burger was interesting and flavorful, though if you don't like gamey lamb you should stay away from it. Ended with the warm toffee pudding cake & whiskey ice cream. Loved the taste of the cake, but the whiskey ice cream was a tad too alcohol-y. An OK experience. I was expecting much more after watching the chef on Top Chef. Nice place for a quick afterwork drink though.
Review Source:Enjoyed our evening at Sable before a trip to Second City.
Service was outstanding. Â The drink menu was interesting, but read like sanskrit to me. Â So, I asked our server, and she was incredibly helpful. Â Give some parameters: "I like gin over vodka" or "Floral over sweet" and they'll set you up.
Food was quite good. Â Enough options to satisfy the picky foodie. Â We really liked the mushroom pizza (though truffle oil seems a bit of a cheat, but hey...it's delicious). Â A special ragu over bucatini was unexpectedly "Pine-y" but still delicious.
Really appreciate that they offer full and half size orders.
The best Manhattan in... Chicago. Â
I can't wait to go back and enjoy breakfast/brunch/dinner or just another drink. Â We had met up with some friends on our visit to Chicago and he mentioned that they had a fantastic Manhattan. Â My thoughts... check please... let's try it!
It was fantastic! Â High end bitters and creative set up for their drinks. Â It's a must try if you are into that sort of drink. Â Waitstaff was excellent and the vibe inside is awesome.
We will be back on our next trip and I look forward to trying food!
First time I went here i thought i'd never go back. it felt overdone, pretentious, and the menu choices were average. Â What I realized now is that its very easy to go there and get blown away at how awesome it is, and there are a lot of mediocre dishes.
I only went back because CG said the scotch selection was great. Â Got one appetizer and was pleasantly surprised so I went back for more.
Kale chips are awesome.
house made beef jerky is a delight
their flatbread is nothing to write home about
deviled eggs here: these are a 6 on a scale from 1-5.
My husband took me here last night for my birthday- We live in the neighborhood and I have always wanted to try this place.
We had such a wonderful experience here!
The service was phenomenal, Â and they gave me a box with cake mix in it to make my own cake at home (birthday cake). WITH a card signed by the staff.
I don't like gin, but I had the gin cocktail with elderflower in it (I can't remember the name of it) and it was refreshing and light, I ordered another.
We ordered the corned beef and sauerkraut croquettes - absolutely delicious. MUST TRY THIS. if you like Reuben's you will be in heaven.
Then we got the short rib slider which was honestly out of this world. I couldn't believe  how much we enjoyed it. The root beer glaze was the best.
Our main meal was the Chicken and waffles= to die for. Boneless and crispy and displayed almost like sliders. The maple syrup had bourbon in it. delicioussss!!!!!!!
The sous chef came to our table and thanked us for coming in, and asked how our experience was, which was really really nice of him to do that.
We finished our meal with the chocolate souffle cake and peanut butter sauce with salted caramel ice cream. VERY rich, but yummy. I only had a bite and then retired.
I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be back.
Great place for cocktails, one of the best in the city. Sable really knows how to make classic cocktails as well. Do not miss Gimlet #1, it's an absolute must, for all the Gimlet lovers.
Sable also offers great good fair. Wild Mushroom flat bread with goat cheese and crispy red lentil cake are just a few of the favorites. Sable helped me rediscover MacnCheese. They use three different types of cheese, enough said.
I loved this place.
What a unique little spot on the corner that I totally walked by it! But in the front is a long hopping bar area for the after work crowd and then half way through is where you can check in to get seated by the host. Â The back is very quiet and you can see whats cookin.
Our waitress was incredibly attentive with out being completely overbearing. Â I saw the Chef hanging out and checking on things and even though its somewhat more upscale casual there was definitely a sense of welcome here. Â
WE LOVED the food! Â Granted lately I am a little sick of the whole social eating tapas gig being a thing in Chicago alongside communal seating...but luckily there is no communal seating and you can have your privacy in a deep luxurious booth.
Top three things I ate: Caramelized Onion Flatbread, Lobster Rolls, Short Rib Sliders
MORE and more of everything else as well! Â
MUST go back:)
A brief update, now that I've been and drunk through most of their cocktail menu (ouch) and eaten a couple of times:
Everything's good, but especially the pork belly, chicken and waffles, and short ribs. The servers are great at giving cocktail suggestions based on your likes and dislikes. I really like this place, despite my usual aversion to restaurants in hotels.
5 stars for the cocktails, 3 for the food, 2 for the service.
No sweet, creamy, or umbrella-ed girly-drinks here. The cocktail list is HUGE and somewhat daunting and our server didn't really help to make it any clearer, but if you choose an alcohol you like and pick something at random I promise you will not be disappointed. Call me boring, but two of their classic cocktails are my favorites - the Fascinator (never too much absinthe) and the Boomerang (perfect balance of slight sweetness from the Punsch with the slight smokiness of the rye).
The food unfortunately pales in comparison to the cocktails. Some of the menu of is very inventive, but the execution is lacking, often very, very salty and sometimes a bit greasy (especially the sliders...blech). The beef jerky and the seafood (mussels!) however, have never failed me. The desserts are for the most part also quite good - the Butterscotch Pot de Creme is pure sugary deliciousness.
The service, which has never been anything to write home about, was unfortunately downright disappointing last time I was here. Our server gave us an almost too-long spiel about the menu when we sat down, but then barely returned the whole night, and our dishes were brought out solely by the harried busboys. As we walked out, we saw him leaning against the bar engrossed in a sports game on the TVs. Hm.
We chose this restaurant for a special occasion as something unusual in Downtown with valet parking (to facilitate a diner who can't walk far. Note: the valet is through the attached Hotel Palomar, and the restaurant does validate.) It was a unique and stylish option for a small group (four diners).
It wasn't incredibly clear from the menu we read online that the plates are meant to be tapas-style (small plates for sharing), though they do serve full orders. Honestly, if you get a few large appetizers for the group and then a small entree for yourself, you should be set, if you have an average appetite.
We definitely made the right choice in ordering the local artisan cheeseboard, which came loaded with 7 or 8 types of cheese, as well as fruits (kumquat jelly was divine), honeycomb, pistachios, and several types of crackers and breads.
The bacon-wrapped dates, a tapas bar staple, are also worth a taste; here they're stuffed with blue cheese, making for a splendid combo of salty, sweet and smoky, but they were rather difficult to split, so finally you must opt to pop one whole into your mouth, which makes for a rather awkward, chewy -- and hot -- large mouthful; harder to savor slowly as well.
After that, everyone opted for mini dishes. I got the cherrywood-smoked shortrib, and, while tasty, this was basically...upscale pot roast. I can make it in my crock pot. An ordering blunder, though at least a tasty one, and served on a nice spoonful of cauliflower puree with red cabbage pickle.
We cut off tidbits to share with each other: Mom's root-beer-glazed short rib sliders really did taste of root beer, and were just as tender as my meat. My father's lobster roll did not skimp on the seafood and was nice and fresh. But Grandma, who'd dithered about her order the most, turned out to have picked the winner in the Truffle Butter Burgers with caramelized onions and taleggio cheese.
I also had the pleasure of enjoying one of their cocktails: the Aviation, an old-time drink that's recently come back into vogue, and one of my favorites. Here it was restrained, not too sour, with just a hint of color from the creme de violette.
Dessert was also satisfying; we split beignets and banana tart. Well, I don't like bananas, so the others had that, which they pronounced successful, and left the beignets largely to me.
Now, I used to live in New Orleans so I know me some beignets. While these were tiny puffs, versus the longer oblongs, the flavor and texture were there: not stodgy or greasy, right texture. The one issue: powdered sugar! Someone had taken a powdered sugar canister and gone: "tap!" Anyone knows that with beignets you have to take powdered sugar and go: "BANGBANGBANGBANG!" I don't care how fancy the restaurant is. You must offset that crispiness with some sugar for balance. Even the presence of  yummy vanilla bean ice cream and sauteed apples left this dish just slightly wanting.
Overall though, I can find very little to complain about at this ambitious and excellent establishment. (Oh, the strange bright lights lining the mirrors in the dark ladies' room did play tricks on my eyes and make me rather dizzy; that is the only other thing I can note.) Other that that, would definitely remember as a dining option downtown!
I really wanted to try this place when I was visiting Chicago because of their focus on mixology, which I love. Overall, I think the place was good - not the best mixology place I've been to, but decent! Of the couple drinks I had, the Lazy Sunday was my favorite!
As for food, the deviled eggs were ok, the short rib sliders were amazing! The Flatbread with brie cheese was pretty good, as I have a huge love from brie!
Customer service was great! Atmosphere was nice, we sat in a lounge type area which was prefect for a lazy Sunday-funday in rainy Chicago!
Really liked Sable. Â Went here for a 30th bday dinner a few weeks back and had a nice private room. Â It was super chic to have our own space and not be crowded or sat in the midst of loud people and/or music. Â We could talk & hear eachother's conversation which was really nice. Â
The service was great. Â Our waittress was really attentive and kept coming back since we had such a large group. Â Food was very gourmet but very good. Â Sable you are a hidden secret in River North. Â I never thought much after hearing about you opening but I was pleasantly surprised. Â
Food was a bit on the pricey side but its River North, what can you expect. Â Overall a really nice drama-free night with the girls. Â I would definitely return for drinks at the least.
Dinner review:
Sable overall is okay.
I ordered 6 dishes here and only think 2 of the 6 tasted good.
Meh
- Ordered 2 salads that were okay
- Pretzel bread was just fine / normal
- Corn creme brûlée was a bit too much and rich for me
Good
- Pizza (I like that they're thin and crispy)
- Deviled eggs
Dinner was fine here, service was okay. I would be willing to come back to try their brunch since I want to see how their brunches are.
I wouldn't mind coming back for dinner again, but I would most likely just ordered the pizza and deviled eggs and nothing else.
Came here with 3 other friends for drinks. Was not disappointed.
Everything on the cocktail menu is good. The bartenders are masters of their craft.
Zombie is a good sweet drink and will get you buzzed. It's sort of like a mai tai. Served in a funky blue mug with a mermaid on it.
Death in the afternoon is an absinthe and champagne based drink and it's refreshing.
Hatch the stone from the egg was also a good, but it is at this point that the alcohol clouds my memory.
Only food I tried were the truffle oil devilled eggs, which were a tasty, fluffy snack. Probably the best devilled eggs I've ever had and ever will have.
My friends and I made impromptu dinner plans on a Friday while we were in town for a conference...not smart. Â I called nearly every Yelp 4 star rated restaurant in the area and couldn't get a reservation after 4:30pm or before 10:30pm. Â Sable Kitchen & Bar was no different but the receptionist encouraged me to stop by and try to grab a seat in their lounge area. Â As I walked from my Michigan Avenue hotel to Sable Kitchen & Bar, all I saw were long lines wrapping around restaurants and exclamations of hour long waits coming from the patrons. Â I was fearing the worst when I got there but within 5 minutes, a large high top opened up in the lounge area and my friends and I were seated quickly.
As for the food, faves in caps:
TRUFFLE DEVILED EGGS. Â We ordered a half order to start and at the end of the meal, were still craving the truffle-creamy deliciousness so we ordered another full order. Â
Truffle Butter Burgers: The truffle love continues. Â These were just okay. Â Nothing spectacular. Â The burger patty itself was a bit dry.
Shrimp and Grits: again, pretty good but nothing special. Â I've definitely had better. Â I ordered just a half portion and it was quite generous.
Grilled Pork Belly: also just okay. Â The smoked butternut squash puree was definitely the winner on this dish.
They are also known for their specialty drinks. Â We had the waitress recommend a few based on our preference -- I usually like vodka/gin with soda and my friend wanted something with bourbon. Â I guess I'm just not a cocktail girl because I opted for wine after my first cocktail. Â For those who love specialty cocktails, go to town!
Bottom line...extremely grateful that I was able to snag seats and food during a busy dining  hour on a Friday night.  The truffled deviled eggs are a must order...everything else was good but not worth recommending.
Updating for food, which was delicious! Â The portions are huge (even the "halfsies" portions) and the flavors are delicious. Â The menu is really extensive so there's something for everyone (although it will break your heart to pick just one or two dishes).
We started with truffled deviled eggs which were phenom. Â I had the duck and balsamic risotto special which was absolutely delicious, a great cold weather starter. Â The duck and pistachio sausage was good, but I wish it had been slightly more moist. Â It was served atop a sweet potato and corn hash which was nice for fall. Â My friends had the mussels (deliciously kicky chili flavor with plenty of bread for dipping!), shrimp and grits (I can't eat shrimp, but she enjoyed it, although, vegetarians beware, it's served with bacon on top), an enormous cheese plate with delicious cheeses, honeycomb, housemade crackers, etc and some steak which had a nice jus but was not otherwise remarkable. Â
Dessertwise we had the banana creme tart (my favorite!), caramel pot de creme, warm sticky toffee cake and dark chocolate souflee cake. Â All were good, but mine was definitely tops. Â
Cocktails are really fantastic, and they are more than willing to help out with suggestions. Â Our server had a fair amount of 'tude so I just can't give it 5 stars, but it's definitely close!
I convinced the parents to go here while visiting because of the yelp reviews and my love of interesting alcoholic concoctions. Unfortunately, none of us were that thrilled.
We sat out back on the patio, which was very nice on a cool, sunny, May Chicago day. But the cocktails (I tried two) weren't very tasty. They were, however, expensive and small. And the food was overly sauced. I love shrimp and grits, so I tried the appetizer dish they had. It was beautiful, but not delicious. The sauce was heavily applied and too strong in flavor that it overwhelmed the more subtle flavors of the shrimp and grits. I think we might have liked one of three of the appetizers we ordered.
For a big bill and so-so food and drink, I feel like I had more of a two-star experience, but after only one visit, I like to give the benefit of the doubt--particularly considering how much others seem to like it here. Our server was also very friendly.
If I lived in the area, I'd probably try it again because of the atmosphere and friendly service, but being just a yearly visitor to the big city of Chicago, I'll likely move on to the next adventure.