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  • Boka

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Reserve at Boka

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Boka
Boka

Boka Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.bokachicago.com
  • Phone: (312) 337-6070
  • Hours of Operation: Open daily at 5PM
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American
  • Executive Chef: Lee Wolen
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Affiliations: Dine Originals - Member Restaurants
  • Catering: Boka Catering Company is available for holiday parties, private dinners at home, weddings of all sizes and corporate functions. Award winning Chef Giuseppe Tentori can design a custom menu to fit your needs. Please contact Abby at 312.238.9896.
  • Special Events & Promotions: To request more information, please visit http://www.bokagrp.com/eventsandcatering.php
    or call 312.337.6070

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Willow
  • Public Transit: Red Line "El" stop at Clyborn & North Ave
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Street parking also available.
A word from Boka
Michelin starred Boka Restaurant has been a fixture in Chicago dining since 2003. A new chapter of the restaurant begins with the acquisition of new Chef/Partner Lee Wolen. Lee who honed his skills at both El Bulli and Eleven Madison Park, was recently awarded a Michelin Star and 4 stars from… Chicago Magazine for his work at The Lobby.He was also named Breakout Chef of the year by Time Out Chicago in 2013. Boka’s space was given a complete re-design by acclaimed designer Simeone Deary (Elysian Hotel) in January of 2014. In its 10 year history Boka's Chefs have received both Food and Wine’s coveted Best New Chefs in 2008 and Best New Pastry Chef in 2013. Boka's food features contemporary, American cuisine, focusing on seasonality and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
Diner Reviews
  • "Boka offers expertly mixed drinks, a great wine list, a whimsical Alice in Wonder Land/modern atmosphere and hands down amazing fish dishes to make an after theater dinner a real treat. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic evening or a great evening with foodie friends. Spend time at the bar for a drink and also wonder around. It's an all around great experience from top to bottom."
    Dined on 7/27/2014
  • "This was our first time at Boka or any restaurant of its stature and it was everything we expected even while by being nothing we expected. The service was impeccable and with the staff understanding our needs (post-dinner theater), timed the service to have us done at the appropriate time. But the food! The preparations are such as a surprise the menu descriptions can't come close to describing what you get. And yet everything far exceeded what I expected combining ingredients in a way I couldn't have even imagined. Next time I will be even more adventurous in what I order."
    Dined on 7/27/2014
  • "MY GUEST HAD ALL MEAT-THE FOIE TERRINE(HUDSON VALLEY) AND THE SHORT RIBS SHINNED-BOTH REALLY GOOD. I HAD ALL FISH SNAPPER AND STURGEON WONDERFUL. WIFE HAD ALL VEGAN 5 COURSE ALL GREAT CALIFLOWER STEAK WAS GREAT WITH ALL THE DISHES GOOD. GREAT WINE LIST HAD SPANISH WHITE $72 REALLY GOOD AND BEST PINOT WINDERLEA DUNDEE HILLS OREGON-$117 DRANK LIKE A YOUNG BURGANDY. GRILLED PEACHES AND ICE CREAM WITH COFFEE FOR DESSERT . WE WOULD GO BACK RYAN WAS THE SERVER ALL WERE GREAT."
    Dined on 7/27/2014
  • "The food was excellent and the service matched. Roasted chicken and grilled short rib were very good. Get the roasted peaches for dessert, you will not be disappointed."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "Three of us pretty serious about cooking and eating had a truly satisfying meal at Boka. Each plate was complex and delicious. The server fielded all our odd questions with style and aplomb. Will definitely go back with cooking friends. Would be wasted on those not interested in what's on the plate."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "I had been to BOKA several times many years ago before its reopening and thought the food was really great, but after awhile it did feel a little tired so I was excited at a chance to try the "new" BOKA. We had a reservation for 2 on Friday night at 9:15pm. 9:15 rolls around, no table, 9:30 rolls around, no table. We then ask how long it will be and are assured no more than 5 minutes. 9:40 rolls around and we finally get called only to walk up and find our table isn't set. We proceed to wait another 10 minutes up front when we could have been sitting at the bar. No apologies for this wait and looking around the bar and the front we find we are not the only ones that have been waiting 30+ minutes. Need the service to back up the food"
    Dined on 7/25/2014
  • "I took my girlfriend to Boka for her birthday and it was my first time back since the remodel and Chef Wolen taking the reins. It exceeded my expectations set by the previous chef. The food was outstanding and the service was even better. One of my top 3 dining experiences in Chicago in the 4 years that I have lived here."
    Dined on 7/24/2014
  • "Seriously, this was an amazing meal. Started with the broccoli salad because PV said it was a "must." Hate broccoli, but this was a wonderful combination of flavors (and very rich and velvety in texture) and the broccoli was transformed. On to the grilled octopus, and PV was right: best ever. But the highlight was the short ribs -- what an unusual combination of flavors. I only ate a quarter of it (or less), so I had the rest for lunch today and it was even better than yesterday. My only negative: the waitress said the 3 courses were light and "do-able" -- so untrue! I was full with half the broccoli course, had to give away half the octopus. These courses are very RICH!!!! Too rich to get through in one sitting."
    Dined on 7/24/2014
  • " We chose the restaurant because it was close to Steppenwolf Theater. The menu, viewed on line, looked limited but interesting. We were very surprised to walk into a serenely and tastefully decorated environment It was a very charming place. The food was excellent! (the best beet salad I've ever had.) The portions were not huge, which was a good thing. Each course was accompanied by a variety of different ingredients, and garnished for a fine presentation. I am looking forward to bringing friends to this restaurant. Also, the wait staff was very gracious."
    Dined on 7/24/2014
  • "Excellent experience, high quality products, and superbly executed cuisine."
    Dined on 7/23/2014
  • "Beautiful space. Reminded me of being in a Wes Anderson film. The food was delicious, the service was wonderful. Kind, careful, attentive staff without rushing anyone. Scallops were delicious, Heirloom Carrots were a home run. Chicken dish was to die for. We loved it. Perfect place for a special birthday dinner."
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "Wow! 4 of us dined and were awed by every aspect. Eric, our waiter was informative and friendly. Each course a masterpiece in flavors. Simply spectacular and very reasonable for the experience and quality. Can't wait to go back."
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "Our reservation was 8:45 no space before, a couple of table empty, the new decoration to dark for my, the food excellent as well as the wine good recommendations the service people and well trained, definitive a place to Know in Chicago"
    Dined on 7/20/2014
  • "This was my second time dining at Boka, and it absolutely matched the wonderful time I had the first time. We started with cocktails before dinner at the bar—they were AMAZING. Dinner was spectacular. This is a slam dunk for dining with any out-of-town guests. The service is perfect and the food is just phenomenal. A neighborhood gem for sure. Can't wait to go back."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "Immediately upon entering we were greeted in a professional and friendly manner by the hostess. She seated us at a lovely booth. Our waitress was knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and attentive. The food...words are not enough. Unique and delicious combinations, great selections,beautiful presentations. Three of us shared several dishes and were quite satisfied. Everything is fresh and flavorful."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "Our group really enjoyed dinner at Boka! The decor, the service, the opportunity to enjoy reserve wines by the glass and of course the food were all a real treat! We enjoyed every dish, highlights include: broccoli salad, foie gras terrine, grilled octopus. heirloom carrotsm, grilled short rib, roasted chicken breast and loup de mer. If you have not yet been to Boke under Lee Wolen, I encourage you to go now!"
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "This was our first trip back to Boca after the remodel. We found it wonderful! Food it was fabulous, service attentive, ambience welcoming. We wish they would consider opening for the after theater crowd on Friday nights too."
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "Great ambiance, food was delicious, good service, overall an excellent experience. We will dine again"
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "For all the justified talk about the food culture in Chicago, we have had few wonderful "total experience" meals in our long stay here. BOka took us back to our five star expense account pan European previous life. Thank you."
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "Loved the menu, quality of the food. The service from the bar was so very poor--20 minutes to get a vodka!! And, then another 15 to get a beer with dinner. (We could see the bar from our table and it appeared the bartender was more interested in chatting with two women at the bar than filling orders. And, the restaurant was not that busy so really no excuse.) Our bottles of wine arrived promptly. Server was very nice but seemed a bit out-of-sorts that we did not order all the courses together. Timing for the evening was just off. However, we had a good time."
    Dined on 7/16/2014
  • "BOKA is one of our favorite restaurants because it never disappoints. From the welcome reception through drinks and food service, everything is just as it should be. On our last visit the cucumber soup was delicious, the Loup de mer perfectly cooked and the inventive cheesecake dessert a delight. The check was delivered in time for us to make our theatre curtain with no last minute rush. Always a satisfying dining experience"
    Dined on 7/15/2014
  • "My wife and I went for our first anniversary dinner. I wanted to do something special which required some extra arrangements on behalf of the restaurant. From the beginning and all the way through, the help at Boka was enthusiastic and willing to go out of their way to help me make the night special. The food was what I expected: interesting and tasty. The service was fantastic! We felt well attended to but not harassed. This was a special night for us and we ended up eating and talking for 4 hours (we were one of the last tables to leave), we never felt pressure from the staff at any moment. Overall, we were very happy we chose Boka for our special night. Around 10:30pm it got a bit too loud for a time but then quieted down again."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Beautiful presentations with delicious combinations of texture and taste"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "My wife and I chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary at Boka last Saturday. The food was excellent, not a huge menu but an excellent choice of options. The appetizers were great, loved the octopus! My wife had the duck and I had the pork, which did not disappoint. Service was friendly and quick, cocktails were unique. A little pricey $100+ per person (with gratuity), but well worth it for a special occasion, or any occasion if you can afford it:)"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Boka has a new interior, new menu and very professional waiters. While the old was great this is new and improved."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Everything we ordered was fantastic. Lovely dining room. Attentive waitstaff."
    Dined on 7/11/2014
  • "Can't wait to go back and try more items on the menu. Love this place - great veggie options."
    Dined on 7/9/2014
  • "Really liked the food but didn't have great service."
    Dined on 7/9/2014
  • "One of the best meals we have eaten in Chicago!! Outstanding!"
    Dined on 7/9/2014
  • "The ambiance is fantastic Walking in in almost breathtaking"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "There are two tables for 6 in the back courtyard that are lovely!"
    Dined on 7/4/2014
  • "Great ambience, beautiful presentation, attentive service, but food was all a bit salty. Not sure if it was an off night due to July fourth. Also was told to get three courses which was way too much. Skip the salad course."
    Dined on 7/4/2014
  • "The experience was overall quite good, but i felt that they try to hard to be "creative", rather than focusing on the quality of the ingredients. The octopus, for example, had a unnecessarily rich sauce and yet, it was a bit hard. the rabbit was fine but nothing memorable"
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "My wife and I dined here to celebrate our anniversary. Each course was meticulously prepared and tasted fantastic. As well, the wait staff was very courteous, helpful and it was a pleasure to engage with them. Upon learning of our anniversary celebration, complimentary glasses of champagne topped the night off. Highly recommend."
    Dined on 6/29/2014
  • "TWO OUT OF THE THREE ENTRES WERE TERRFIC BUT THE PORK WAS VERY BLAND AND UNINTERESTING"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "disappointing. great food but service was terrible. left before dessert. does get noisier as evening goes on but this was a Saturday night"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "We were a four top and were seated in the Terrace Room. Food was fantastic, light and very enjoyable. Can't wait to return as the chef is amazing!"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "From the food to the service, we were very impressed with Boka and will definitely be back. We shared the Beet Salad and Grilled Spanish Octopus. My wife ate the Cauliflower dish and I had the Short Ribs. Both were delicious and expertly presented. The octopus, especially, was perfect. Highly recommended"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "From the first hello and "welcome to Boka"...this restaurant was an absolute gem. the two servers were spot on with friendly advise and food recommendations. the food was inventive, beautifully presented and outstandingly delicious"
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "Our great dinning experience started with our waiter. Drinks were ordered and served while we looked over the menu. He knew the menu and explained the dishes with mouth watering descriptions. When asked he was happy to provide recommendations. All were right on and provided a wonderful experience. Great food, drinks and a great evening."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Chicago / Illinois Winners
  • Contemporary American
  • Chicago Winners
  • Contemporary American
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Plan your next party here
Executive Chef Lee Wolen serves seasonal American cuisine in a warm & elegant fine dining atmosphere. Whatever your next … occasion is, whether it be large, small, formal, or informal, BOKA can cater to all of your needs. Continued
Great for events up to: 120
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