Table Fifty-TwoPerfect FitIf you are looking for an experience that is totally unexpected, then Table 52 should be on your radar. The decor is a comfortable mix of traditional and modern with beautiful fresh flowers throughout the space. While the music can be a bit frenetic at times, it does serve to keep the space animated and energized--definitely a benefit. The atmosphere is casual yet refined. While the service was a tad slow, the food was simply amazing and made up for the service issues. Our starters: shrimp n grits, deviled eggs, crab cake and fried green tomatoes...no complaints! For dinner, we ordered and enjoyed the fried catfish, pork chop, asparagas salad, mac/cheese--delicious. Desserts outrageous! I'm looking forward to my next experience at Table 52!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMa plus as alwayseverytime i come here i enjoy the experience. the food was amazing. the service was excellent. and the ambiance was very fitting for a special occasion. I will definately return again and again. I recommend the mac and cheese and of course the goat cheese biscuits.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious brunchWe went here to try the fried chicken, based off the best thing I ever ate episode. It was delicious. The shrimp and grits were also great. The wait staff was very professional and friendly. I would definitely go back!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOnly came here for dessertWe came here specifically for dessert; the Hummingbird Cake and Southern Pecan Pie was amazing. Not too sweet, but a strong intense flavor. Definitely worth it.
We did see them preparing the mac and cheese, pizza's, and other dishes. They looked amazing. Can't wait til I can come back and try everything!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMLove this place!Always a great experience when we visit table 52. Personable attentive staff and delicious food. Can't go wrong!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMSouthern ExposureWe do not have a lot of exposure to good Southern food, so when the opportunity arises, we try to take advantage of it. The restaurant is not very large. The decor is quaint. The place is very clean. Service was prompt. Our server was friendly, informative & offered suggestions, when asked. The butter milk biscuits are as good as anything I have ever eaten. We shared the fried green tomatoes, the grits & shrimp & the crab cakes as appetizers. Entrees were pistachio encrusted chicken, osso bucco & pork chop. All very good. For sides, we tried collared greens & the mac & cheese, which was outstanding. We sampled the pecan pie & Hummingbird cake. Both outstanding. Overall, this was a very good experience & is recommended, without hesitancy.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and service wereThe food and service were both outstanding! I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of sweet potatoes. My husband got the catfish. The entire meal was exceptional. Our cocktails were good, but I think overall the cocktails and wines were way overpriced.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWas there for the Sunday brunch.Was there for the Sunday brunch. Service from the start was outstanding. It felt real and not done just because they had to. The menu was somewhat limited but I didn't care. My intentions were to try the chicken and waffles. The fried chicken and waffles were very good. The chicken was moist,crispy, not greasy and not too salty. I hate bones but even though this one had bones, they did not get in the way. It was very easy to eat, not too messy. The waffles were light and fluffy. They were crispy but might have been overcooked by about 30 seconds. There was just a small hint of burnt flavor. I also had the donut and danish. The donut was bacon bits on a maple flavored donut. Not bad but not great. Pass on the donut.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMOn paper, I shouldn't likeOn paper, I shouldn't like this place - not really my style of food. However, I've been here a couple of times now and the food has been outstanding both times and it gets me to eat things I normally wouldn't consider. The fried green tomatoes are becoming a favorite, and of course, the Hummingbird cake is a must-have.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI went with my wive for ourI went with my wive for our anniversary and we really enjoyed the experiences, everything works out very well. I Will definitly recomend it and I will come back4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the food! Best sweetLove the food! Best sweet potatoes ever. Service was excellent. Celebrated a friend's BIG birthday. A special occasion place - I love it there! Had not been there in a few years. Sat downstairs this time - last time was upstairs. Both are nice but I think I prefer the main floor downstairs.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time at Table 52, beforeFirst time at Table 52, before heading to a performance at the Ruge Page Center. Table 52 was a perfect oasis with wonderfull food, service and setting. I look forward to returning. Loved those deviled eggs!4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMTable Fifty-Two on point!Table Fifty-Two is a wonderful place to dine. The food and the service is on point and consistent on a regular basis. I am a repeat client of Table Fifty-Two and have had been mostly satisfied since they opened their doors 6 years ago. However, I would love it if they would open for lunch again. It was such a great lunch place in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Would be nice to bring it back.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMy new favorite restaurant.My new favorite restaurant. Went for Sunday brunch, planning to go black for dinner already. We live 3.5 hrs away.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMI came here to enjoy the lastI came here to enjoy the last night with a friend who was leaving for Saudi Arabia for 6-months, and wow what a treat! We were seated at the back wall next to a couple enjoying the husband's 60th birthday, and a couple enjoying their first night away from their newborn 11-week old baby. What a fun night of visiting just enough with the two of us, while enjoying sharing bites with new friends made at neighboring tables!
The food was phenomenal! We started with the fried green tomatoes, which were the best and freshest I've ever tasted! I had the Pork Chop which was SOOOO juicy, and he had the fried catfish. He's from OK, and said it was best he ever had! PS - don't forget the bacon cocktail!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable Dining ExperienceTable Fifty-two has never disappointed. Excellent Service. Fantastic Food. We will continue to come back when visiting Chicago.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was amazing ( especiallyThe food was amazing ( especially the shrimp and grits appetizer) . We brought with us our daughter and her fiancé to celebrate their engagement. The ambience was perfect for this special occasion and our server Elizabeth made it exceptional .4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSmall setting, a bit noisy,Small setting, a bit noisy, service was outstanding, food was good.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a great restaurant.This is a great restaurant. For appetizers we had the deviled eggs as well as the 'grits', both of which were solid. The pistachio encrusted chicken entree is fabulous and the lamb ossa boca was terrific too. For dessert we had some of the best pecan pie ever. The signature hummingbird cake is very good but is way too much for one.
The wait staff is tremendously attentive and helpful. We will be coming back often.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMoutstanding service from theoutstanding service from the hostess who recognized immediately that seating our party upstairs would be a problem (my step dad isn't really that mobile)and offered - without us having to ask- to seat us on the mail floor. She could not have been more gracious. The meal that followed was outstanding. Hummingbird cake was the overall consensus winner for dessert at our table of 9...and we tried 5 of them (-:4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTable 52 - Excellence Far Beyond!My brother and I are both displaced Southerners who married beautiful Yankee girls and now live in Chicago and NY but at times we truly miss our low country cuisine. Jim was in town for a convention and I had almost forgotten about Art Smith's little gem... it instantly charmed us both. I had not visited Table 52 due to the constant din of hot new restaurants popping up every week in Chicago. The staff was great and the food truly memorable. The catfish and the prime tips were perfect and the sides... OMG. Mac and cheese and collards were great and they were kind enough to accommodate my request for fried okra. Someone in the kitchen knew exactly hot to prepare this delicacy and warmed our Southern hearts to the core. Thanks Art!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was exceptional-Everything was exceptional- especially the food.
We liked it a lot.
All food was best in class!!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI was so pleased with theI was so pleased with the whole experience. I am a huge fan of Mr. Smith! I brought a friend who is not a foodie at all, and she loved the experience as well. I think Table Fifty-Two has really opened her eyes to fine dining. The staff was so informative and patient with her as they answered her questions, without being condescending. I would recommend Table Fifty-Two to Chicago tourists and to locals! I would also like to congratulate Mr. Smith and his partner on their recent nuptials!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food as always.Fantastic food as always. Service was good in terms of timeliness, though our server seemed to have a little bit of an attitude without justification. Love coming here- will come back soon!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ambiance, service andThe ambiance, service and food were excellent. When I come back to Chicago I definitely plan to dine here again.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was amazing! ChefThe food was amazing! Chef Art Smith lived up to his name! The tri tip was excellent and my husbands catfish was the best catfish he's ever had! The pecan pie was amazing! The service was to knotch! It was an excellent birthday dinner!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Experience @ Table 52Great restaurant. From the food, the service and the ambiance, I will definitely come back. I had the beet salad and pistachio crusted chicken. With a side of steamed asparagus. And if it couldn't get any better, we split a slice of chocolate cake. Next time I plan on trying the Mac & Cheese side dish.
And before the main attraction, sit back and enjoy a complimentary warm cheesy biscuit and glass of champagne (compliments of the chef). Delicioso!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat chef, great food, greatgreat chef, great food, great service; will definitely go back when we return to Chicago4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe crab cake was excellent,The crab cake was excellent, fried chicken was ok, asparagus outstanding and lemon square was yummy. Our waitress was very nice and was always there to help or ask if we needed something.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMOur biggest mistake was notOur biggest mistake was not going here earlier. This restaurant is fantastic. We had a large party, (6 ppl), and we had plenty of elbow room at our table. The interior reminds you of an old southern home that was converted to this beautiful restaurant. It has a fine dining yet casual feel to it. The minute you walk through the door, your eyes are drawn to the wood burning oven filled with mac n' cheese, just past the 5 seat bar. The veal cheeks were tender and wonderfully prepared. The salads, sides, and entrees were all on the mark, and the wine was delicious. I'm not sure why it took so long to make this reservation, but it will not be our last. There's a little something for everyone, and I will most certainly be back.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is amazing.This restaurant is amazing. My husband who hates going out to eat lovd this restaurant. His quote "If a french chef was cooking in a local midwest farm; this is what he would cook."3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall a great experience.Overall a great experience. We sat at the kitchen counter and enjoyed speaking with the wood fire oven chef. The service staff and food were fantastic. We will be back!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMSecond time there and didSecond time there and did not disappoint. Service, food, ambience - excellent. I had the shrimp n grits appetizer and the beet salad as my dinner - friend had the lamb. And we decided to throw carbs and fat grams to the wind and share the famous mac n cheese. All were incredible. Will definitely return.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my girl friend here.I took my girl friend here. She had an excellent time. The food was GREAT.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for Chef's week. HadWent for Chef's week. Had the Catfish and it was outstanding.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was fantastic! WeThe food was fantastic! We started off with their perfect Shrimp and grits, and we also shared a beet salad that was so fresh and spring-like. It had a lovely pea puree with it. I had the golden trout special that was so fresh and tasty, and my wife had a very flavorful hangar steak. We ended our meal with the best pecan pie we had ever tasted. EVER!
There was only one small problem. We went to Table 52, because it was restaurant week. For restaurant week, certain establishments have a $44 menu containing a 3 course meal. This was the main reason why we went to Table 52 on this particular evening. But the choices for this special $44 menu were paltry. We were not interested in this sparse menu at all. So we ordered off the main3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMI couldn't eat at Table Fifty-TwoI couldn't eat at Table Fifty-Two every day; the Southern cooking is a little heavier than I like, but it is delicious. Both the shrimp and grits and the fried green tomatoes were outstanding, and poems could be written about their biscuits.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMpricey goodThe food is always good. Tables are tight and I would prefer it if there was more space in between. I am thin and had trouble getting into the booth seat as did everyone around us. Food is pricey and the drink I ordered twice was twice as much as I thought because I could not see the prices in the dim light! $40 for a glass of sparkling was more than I would spend on an entire bottle usually.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMRestaurant week menu was wonderful,Restaurant week menu was wonderful, but the regular menu was too wonderful to miss. We chose from the regular menu. Lamb Osso Bucco was outstanding, and the scallops succulent and flavorful. Great food, well crafted cocktails, excellent service, comfortable, cozy room. We'll be looking forward to a return visit.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGiz-IllinoisI would recommend brunch very highly. If a party of 4 or more, request the upstairs dining room. Very elegant.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWent here for brunch withWent here for brunch with the wife and thought it was a wonderful start to Sunday. My wife had the chicken and waffles. It was the best chicken and waffles ever. I had the Crab cakes and it was wonderful as well. This place is small, make reservations.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFor a special occasion orFor a special occasion or romantic evening, be sure to ask for a table upstairs. It's much quieter and less hectic than the busy, very energetic downstairs. The tables weren't as close together as well. Can't go wrong with the food.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyable, expensive and encore!Truly enjoyable and yes, expensive. The food was outstanding, and we had a lovely Pinot Noir as recommended by our knowledgeable server. The front room, although warmly decorated, is subjected to the winter breeze from the opening of the door.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second time atThis was my second time at Table 52 and it was as wonderful as the first!There were four of us this time. Two had the fried chicken, another had shrimp and grits and I had the scallops. All dishes were perfect! We were not rushed and the service was perfect. They even charged my iPhone in the office for me!
Although I no longer live in Chicago I recommend it to all my friends who visit (three so far!) and they have never come away disappointed or hungry.
I love this restaurant and only wish there was one in Michigan.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMVisited for brunch and wasVisited for brunch and was very satisfied overall. I'd recommend attending later in the day for brunch if possible, the restaurant is very small and gets extremely loud and crowded. Chicken/waffles are pricey, but excellent. The maple syrup served with it is extraordinary. Breakfast sandwich is very good and very reasonably priced. Servers are attentive and very knowledgable about the menu, bar selection is very limited during brunch.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWelcome to Charleston!This is just one little perfect restaurant! I absolutely adore the service here; it is first-class, high-end, without being pretentious. I also love the cozy & intimate dining room. You can really have a conversation here.
The food is outstanding, from the cheddar/sour cream biscuits to start, all the way to the amazing homemade, Southern desserts (gotta try Art's butterfly cake!!) Art Smith was in the kitchen the night we were there; it was so great to see the chef doing what he does best!
It's low-country, upscale at it's best!2/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWow...what an experience....don'tWow...what an experience....don't go if you're on a diet, but don't miss a great meal!! You can always work out a little harder at the gym the day after!!2/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWatch your bar bill!Food was outstanding (for fried chicken dinner), and I didn't think the price on that was bad considering the restaurant. However, the drinks were astronomically priced and my companion and I each had two of them, which was more than half the bill at the end of it all. For just vodka/rocks and vodka and soda, I thought it was way out of line.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PMI've been wanting to try ArtI've been wanting to try Art Smith's restaurant since it opened. When out of town guests (who are also "foodies") arrived and we were able to get in on very short notice, I was overjoyed. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, our waiter was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, and the food was beyond my high expectations.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM