AcadiaFrom the valet who parks cars,From the valet who parks cars, to the friendliness of the host, to the efficiency of the wait staff, to the kitchen group, Acadia strives to be an outstanding Chicago restaurant, and it succeeds.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTremendous TastingI took my girlfriend to Acadia for her birthday and it was simply extraordinary. All the members of the staff worked seamlessly and were extremely courteous and knowledgable. We both had the tasting and added the additional options, as well as the wine pairings. Christina and Lynn lead us through each course, not only describing it, but sharing aspects of the dish or pairing that they really enjoyed. The sommelier did an exceptional job selecting the pairs. We discovered two new favorites as a result of the meal. The food was unbelievable and portioned just right. We both enjoyed the anticipation of each dish, as we didn't know what would come. It was undoubtedly one of the best meals and experiences I've had at a restaurant.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBday dinnerWe had a wonderful time. The food and service was impeccable. Be aware that the entree portions are very small.
We were there for a bday and they printed special menus and delivered a dessert w a candle.
We were all impressed with everything even our cocktails at their bar prior to our meal.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMNearly perfect service.The dining room staff was nearly perfect. The best balance between formal service and relaxed presentation I've ever experienced in Chicago. They key to this restaurant's success must be a happy work force. Everyone seemed to enjoy the hard work that it must take (but was well hidden). I over-tipped in recognition of the effort and result. And don't forget the floor-show -- meaning your fellow diners. On a Saturday night, the people-watching was outstandingly fun.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMStellarWe came here for my Birthday as a group of six and had the tasting menu with wine pairings. Everything was superlative, from the greeting at the door, the elegant dining area, the professionally-mixed cocktails, the choreographed service, the well-described but not overly verbose descriptions of each course, and of course, the delightful food itself, with consistent quality, beautiful presentations and fine-tuned flavors. Among our group of discerning diners, everyone left the experience impressed and delighted. Deserves to be considered among the best in Chicago.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was outstanding, howeverFood was outstanding, however most of our food runners could not tell us everything on our plates. This isn't something I generally care about, but if a chef takes the time to deliberately put 12 different things on my plate, I would like to know what they are. It was however an enjoyable experience despite being a little stuffy and pretentious. Many of the staff seemed scared and/or timid and had no confidence when they spoke. I understand this is a serious dining experience, but I would have enjoyed seeing a smile here and there. The "tongue and cheek" entree and the black walnut dessert were the highlights of our meal.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden treasureBe sure to remember the street address for this wonderful restaurant located in a nondescript building without signage next to a vacant lot. Upon entering you're in an elegant space with creative cuisine and outstanding service. We loved the potato risotto, tongue and cheek dish, deconstructed lobster pot pie, scallops and all the petite extras including a decadent biscuit. Don't miss the desserts (loved the banana strips). The sommelier was approachable and helped us identify an impressive tasting wine to accompany our meals. Also, artisanal spirits elevate the cocktail experience. We always eat here when in Chicago!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous!My husand, son and I had an incrediable experience at this fabulous restaurant. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left the servfice was outstanding. Every member of the staff made us feel as if we were the most important people in the room. The cocktails were not only delicious but presented with incrediable creativity. Kudos to the bar! The food was spectacular. Each dish's presentation was a work of art and the taste that followed created an incrediable dance with our taste buds. Chef you are a genius.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptionalMy husband and I are visiting Chicago for just a few days over Memorial Day weekend. We have travelled all over the world and Acadia ranks up there with the best of the best. The service was incredible from the moment you walked in the door until they handed us our cost and got us a cab at the end of our evening. We had the seven course tasting menu. The flavors and food combinations were amazing. The dining room is beautiful and understated. It seemed like the waitstaff was choreographed. Everyone was moving quietly and effortlessly, no one seemed rushed or busy although every table was full. A very memorable evening. Worth every penny.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMA MUST GO!On recommendation of my boss & friend and our accoutant both of whom said it was one of the best restaurants in the city and would be overall better than Grace, my wife & I went to celebrate our anniversary. It was OUTSTANDING. We had the tasting menu, added Foie Gras, and had the wine pairing. It was by far the best wine pairing we have had with a meal at any restaurant, including places such as Alinea. While only open just over a year, one can see why they received a Michelin star. Well worth going. Don't let the South Loop location deter you or you'll miss out. A definite repeater.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary Dinner At AcaciaExcellent! Best new restaurant I have tried in Chicago in 2013 and the best meal I have had locally this year. The food is wonderful and is combined with an attentive wait staff. I made a small comment about it being chilly at our table and wishing I had not left my sports coat in the car, before long my coat magically appeared. We had the tasting menu with the lobster supplement and it was a delight. If you visit make sure and have a cocktail at the bar. The cocktail list is innovative and tasty, in fact you could dine at the bar (different menu) and have a great time.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMbeautifulEverything was amazing. Tasting menu was extremely well thought out. Wine pairings spectacular. We are looking forward our next dinner there.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply perfectA wonderful experience start to finish. From the front podium through dessert course the meal was perfection5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellentFood at Acadia was excellent. We realy enjoyed the tasting menu and the wine pairing our very knowledgeable sommelier Jason picked for us. Cocktails were excellent as well, especially Smashin'. The only comment we had was about the view to the empty field, but our server informed us it will be taken care of soon. Very good experience overall.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBest of the bestIf you don't mind spending $400 on dinner for two, this place is for you. I have never experienced food the way I did in Acadia. We had the chef's testing menu. Every Lille plate was perfectly presented and every single thing on the plate has a reason to be there. Every bite is like a taste of heaven, so delicate and delicious. Service was impeccable You should be adventurous if you want to enjoy this place to the fullest since they would serve bone marrow, rabbit, fois gras etc.
Best dinning experience I've ever had!!!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFlavor filled, a complete delightAcadia is located on a quiet little stretch of South Wabash and is highly worth a trip to dine there. The Chef's tasting menu is a series of flavor filled dishes, each very different from the last, but taken as a whole offer a wonderful arc of pleasure and taste. A very fine wine menu will complement most anything you order at Acadia. The service is superb, and friendly. While the food may be "fancy", the ambience is never stuffy...very down-to-earth.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall excellent. Bone marrowOverall excellent. Bone marrow dish could be revised. Brian the waiter and Carlos the bartender were outstanding. Very enjoyable overall.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMSpot OnThe 7 course tasting menu was a wonderful experience. My wife is a vegetarian and they were able to create an amazing 7 course menu for her as well. Service was excellent and very friendly. The ambiance was elegant, but not stuffy. Perfect for a couple celebrating their 6th anniversary. The cocktails were heavenly.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service was beyond impeccable;The service was beyond impeccable; the wine list was diverse, interesting, and well-curated; and the food was divine.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular---loved everySpectacular---loved every bite. We did the chef tasting and not a single course missed. The creativity and technique really shined without sacrificing the integrity of the food.
The service was wonderful as well. Classic but still relaxed. Very sweet to a 7-month pregnant woman!
Chef is KILLING it. Can't wait to go back for the burger and lobster roll.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular meal. Did theSpectacular meal. Did the Tasting and was amazed by the variety of flavors and textures that made for happy taste buds.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden GemI have been to this restaurant a few times and I love there unique cocktail selection. It is by far the best bar in the South Loop. Very low key appearance outside but this is a true gem inside. The dining room is very nice but the view outside to an empty lot leaves much to be desired. The service and food although are worth the trip and experience. The restaurant makes you feel as if you are in a fine dining and bar in downtown Chicago. Beware tho if you want a burger that you must be seated at the bar. FYI the burger is a must try.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMChef consistently turns outChef consistently turns out unique combinations of flavors. He does sweet-savory as well as anyone.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingI almost never write reviews - everyone should know that Acadia is AMAZING!!! I cannot write enough about it - so you should just go! Enjoy! And if you like cocktails, try them all, maybe not on the same night.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMReally really really wonderfulReally really really wonderful food! Don't miss the deserts---they are the best I have ever had.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I did the chef'sMy husband and I did the chef's 7 course with wine pairings..excellent! Everyone is super nice, service outstanding.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSouth Loop GemChef Ryan McCaskey rocks! The foie gras appetizer with peanut foam should not be missed. Entres and desserts were also great. Great restaurant. Good cocktail and wine list. Innovative cuisine that was beautifully plated.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was beautifully presentedFood was beautifully presented and yummy. Service was a bit slow but attentive without being intrusive or stuffy3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is a hidden gem!This place is a hidden gem! From the outside it actually gives the appearance of an office space as there is no signage, but then you walk in to a typical low ceiling and then once you pass through the bar area the place opens up as if you went through the small door in Alice in Wonderland. The staff is polite and personable, the food is amazing and pleasing to the palatte! The cocktails are quite impressive, I had a Bellinimo which had a fruit/juice type ice cube to add gradual flavor to the drink. Quite creative and inspiring! We may just go back to sit at the bar and try the other cocktails on the list!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, Ryan and his cohortsAs always, Ryan and his cohorts delivered. We went for chef's week and had the chef's menu and pairings. They did not disappoint. We also stopped in the bar on our way out and enjoyed a couple of fantastic cocktails. The housemade bitters were amazing.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMportions are a bit small.portions are a bit small. wonderful experience overall.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, executed well.Great food, executed well. Originally went for the Chef's Week tasting, but ordered a la carte. I ordered the Black Walnut dessert, was not thrilled with it. Was envying my friend's floating island dessert instead. Will return, because the food was really spot-on in execution and presentation. Loved the butter poached lobster.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for chef week andWe went for chef week and both got the prix fixe menu. Decor was nice but a little too minimal for my tastes. Food presentation was top-notch but as expected, portions were on the smaller side — we ended up getting cheese and a second dessert at the bar after dinner. Love the bar area (and bar menu) even more than the restaurant. Great service in restaurant and bar — super nice and knowledgeable.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMDate night with my husbandDate night with my husband was wonderful here. A bit expensive but delicious. They did a wonderful job providing me with gluten free options.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife and I went there toMy wife and I went there to celebrate her bithday. The food was awesome! Pleasantly surprised at how good the tasting menu was. The wine pairings were also excellent. I like the ambiance better than Alinea. We would definitely go back.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, good settingI like the minimalist clean space. The tables are spaced far enough apart that you aren't dining with your neighbor or listening to their conversation, but I wouldn't exactly call it intimate dining either.
The food was spectacular, solid yet playful without any serious chemistry set leanings like some other places.
The wait staff was an awkward combination of humorless pretension and ineptitude, which left something to be desired.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial Occasion Delight!Made reservations online and had mentioned it was for wife's birthday. Hosts and all wait staff were aware and wished her making her feel special. The Chef also had a hand signed card presented to her. The wait staff were very attentive. We had some wine suggested by the Sommelier and I also tried the much recommended house gin and tonic with cucumber ice cubes. We had the tasting menu (Hamachi, Mushroom soup, Tagliatelle - probably the best we have had, Lobster in a chai froth, Bone Marrow with veal, Lamb and Ile Flottante. The kitchen accommodated our special dietary needs. Allow a good 2.5 hours to enjoy the meal! Would recommend this for a special occasion.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't pass up the Tasting MenuWonderful tasting menu for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. The beverage pairings worked really well with the meal, and the service was excellent!11/17/2012 12:00:00 AMNice dinnerWe had a great meal at Acadia, excellent service, excellent food and a nice drink selection. Can't wait to come back.9/21/2012 12:00:00 AMImpeccable service and foodImpeccable service and food quality! Trendy decor and romantic atmosphere. Definitely worth the price. Highly recommend for special occasion.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM