Chicago Restaurant Thread

[Jay_Carroll]

Anyone been to Longman And Eagle lately?? I seem to recall there have been some changes.

Thanks

[Bruce_Leiser_owitz]

Was just in Chicago last week-ish, and had two outstanding meals at Publican and Ceres’ Table.

Bruce

[Corey_N]

Went to The Bristol last night with some friends from DC. The food was good (full stop) and the wine service was exceptional. Would definitely go back.

[awilliamson4]

@Corey N.

@Siun o'Connell

Corey - perfect review!

I’ll never go back. It is interesting and very tasty, but the wine service at Schwa was so poor (the worst I’ve ever experienced at a fine dining restaurant) that I just cannot justify returning.

I brought 4 bottles, not intending to go through them all (there were only two of us after all). They whisked the my wine bag, containing the bottles, in the back telling me they’d take care of it. I was asked whether we wanted to start with the White Burgundy or the Pinot – I said White Burgundy (“good choice”) and the Pinot appeared two courses later.

After we had finished the sixth course, a server/cook appeared and said that he was serving us the Champagne we brought because it would go well with the course…that we had just finished. We weren’t asked whether we wanted the wine opened. Nope, it was too late in the meal and it was clear the two of us weren’t going to come close to finishing the two bottles that were already open. So in addition to popping a bottle that shouldn’t have been opened, it was served too late in the meal (after the course had been consumed) and they didn’t refill our glasses, so basically it was a wasted of an expensive bottle. The desert wine was never served and wasn’t in my wine bag when we got home. Basically $150 of wine down the drain.

I get that service isn’t their gig. But if you say you’re going to handle the wine service, a basic level of competence is required. Never again.

I gave you fair warning above…its sort of a socialistic wine service there.

[Michael_Klein]

Had an excellent dinner at RPM steak sat night. The fois and a glass of 2000 d’yquem was a particular standout. IMO the best steakhouse in Chicago.

Heading to table donkey and stick tonight. Good terroir Tuesday featuring Domaine André et Mireille Tissot (Jura). Food is always great.

[Corey_N]

I really wanted to go to TDS tonight but couldn’t swing it. Will be interested in hearing your impressions of the wines, Michael. Ive never really been impressed by the food but maybe it’s improved since my last visit.

[Victor_Hong]

Gibson’s versus Kinzie Chop House.
Which do people like more? Thank you.

[Corey_N]

@Victor Hong

Gibson’s versus Kinzie Chop House.
Which do people like more? Thank you.

I don’t love either.

Gibson’s is more old school steakhouse. Everything is enormous (you could make three meals from one steak), loads of convention goers, good dessert. My favorite thing is to order onion rings off menu. Tips: BYO ($20 or $25) as the wine menu is subpar. Also, you can order off the menu at Hugo’s and vice versa. I actually prefer the Hugo’s side.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Kinzie Chop House, but my recollection is that it wasn’t as over the top and the steaks weren’t quite as good. The cocktails used to be pretty good though.

[Michael_Klein]

Kinzie Chop House vs Gibsons? I say RPM

As far as TDS, the wines were very good to excellent. I really liked both sparkling options (bbf extra brut, and rose). I had a half glass of something else, but honestly, it escapes me. QPR of the BBF extra brut is a tough one though as you start to break into champagne pricing at ~$34/btl.

Food is good, but you have to know what to expect. It is not for everyone. Somewhat adventurous. I like it, but I hesitate to take certain family/friends there. Honestly, at the end of the day I go for the wine. Frankly, the burger might be the best thing on the menu and at $14 for the entree vs 20-30 for the others, it’s kind of the way to go.

The charcuterie is always fabulous.

IMO the way to go is to go on a good Tuesday night (mostly for the wine) and have a burger

[Corey_N]

Last time I had the burger at TDS it was like a hockey puck. I think the smarter play is TDS for drinks, then wander over to Osteria Langhe for the 3-course prix fixe.

[Victor_Hong]

Thank you.

[TimF]

I enjoyed reading this. I’ll add that I love Michael too. If you ever need to add an extra there, don’t hesitate to ask me.

I’ve been to Kinzie many times and have always been happy except when we had a very large party there (15 or so). I still haven’t been anywhere in Chicago that is better than Manny’s in Minneapolis.

[Victor_Hong]

Gibson’s does attract a crowd with an overwhelming aura of Ohio, but the steaks are great and the atmosphere is convivial.

[Michael_Klein]

Fair enough on TDS.

It’s a crime at this point living in LS, but I haven’t had a proper meal at ostoria langhe yet. And the 3 course pre fixe has been on my radar a while now. I must go!

Have you been to animale? Under the western blue line and owned by ostoria Langhe as. Fast casual concept. I thought it was good, not great. The plin was outstanding, and I understand it’s a feature on the OL menu.

[MChang]

Joe’s Stone Crab is my preference for steak in chicago, personally. Gibson’s is a bit overrated imo.

[Doug_Sher]

I was at Table, Donkey and Stick last night and thoroughly enjoyed my burger. Others in my group had crispy lamb over pasta, buttermilk braised pork shoulder and chicken sausage. The people next to us had duck. Not a clunker in the group. The charcuterie was also very good, and came with some excellent bread that was made in house.

[George_Hejna]

Never go to a steakhouse in Chicago. Too many better places to go. I can cook a steak.

George

[Victor_Hong]

@George Hejna

Never go to a steakhouse in Chicago. Too many better places to go. I can cook a steak.

George

My parents want steak. At their age, whatever works. I am opening some 1985 and 1990 Bordeaux, as pairing.

[David_K_o_l_i_n]

@Clayton Wai-Poi

I’ve eaten at quite a few of these, but one i must single out is De Quay, where we ate last weekend. I thought the food was unique thoughtful, delicious and well executed. The wine list has a reasonable mark-up and is very nerdy + includes well priced coravined options. The sommelier/general manager, Terry, could tell we were interested in wine and gave us a couple of bonus pours. I didn’t ask him, but i suspect on a quiet night he may welcome an offline - worth asking if someone is looking for a place.

Agreed

[Clayton_Wai-Poi]

Victor

For me, Bavette’s is top of the steakhouse pyramid right now. They also have a corkage friendly policy. I haven’t done GT steak or Maple and Ash yet, but their reputations are very high. RpM steak is also very good, and Chicago Cut combines great steak with great river views.