The Boarding Housesolid experience all around...asolid experience all around...a tad bit expensive. Waiter for sure tried to push wines out of my league.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMPhenomenal!The Boarding House was phenomenal from the moment we ascended the entry stairs to the moment we got back in a cab. The decor and ambiance is stunning. Playful, yet refined - nice for a girls' night out, business meeting, or romantic date night.
The menu is focused and well-composed. My table started with a delicious cheese & charcuterie plate and then had the scallops, pork, and cod. All were layered, balanced, and delicious; but the pork belly on the pork dish was heavenly. Although we were all pretty full, we decided to try dessert. They are worth trying to save room for. The Scotch Pudding was amazing.
The wine list was a wine geek's dream. Very fair prices, great variety/depth, and a unique layout. Lovely by-the-glass options, too.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was perfect. NewEverything was perfect. New neighborhood favorite. Can't wait to find something to celebrate soon & go back!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first time atThis was our first time at the Boarding House. Unfortunately, I was on medication & couldn't enjoy the great wine list. But my spouse & I had a great meal. He had the roasted chicken thighswith green garlic pesto and I had the lentils with roasted cauliflower and harissa. The lentils were perfectly cooked and the roasted cauliflower had a rich flavor. The spiciness of the harissa was a great addition to the dish. We shared the lemon cheesecake for dessert which was served with amazing lemonade gelees. We're looking forward to our next visit.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurantBeing fans of "Check Please," we looked forward to dining at Ms Singh's signature restaurant. It was difficult to get a reservation between 7-9 pm on a Saturday, so we agreed to dine at 6 pm. The service was very good. The wine list impressive. The menu was a bit limited however. We ordered the chicken liver pate, grilled shrimp, and steak tartare appetizers to share: some of the best we have had anywhere. The entrees were uneven: the scallops were excellent, the chicken and the lamb was good but not outstanding. Overall, a wonderful place for a gathering, but not ideal for a gastronomic rendezvous.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you are looking for greatIf you are looking for great food, I DO NOT recommend The Boarding House. Too bad their food is not up to par with their decor.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dinner!My husband and I got a last minute reservation on Open Table and are so glad we did! We had a great table on the top level overlooking the 3rd floor dining room. The service was attentive and very friendly. We had a wonderful meal and will definitely be back!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFantasticA beautiful, unique space with great food & service. Great job Alpana!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Food, Great Ambience/DecorThe food was really good. Not terribly expensive. I was probably more wowed by the decor of this place. Gorgeous building, and decorated beautifully.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe space itself is worthThe space itself is worth a visit. Most of the food was fantastic with one or two exceptions. I highly recommend the scallops - possibly one of the best scallop dishes i've had. The flavors of the duck were excellent but the meat was a bit tough. All the apps were great. My fave was the prawns. It will be a great place to bring visitors this summer!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMInteresting decor...simple & tastyThe decor here is interesting and strange - the bar ceiling is covered with hanging wine glasses. On the second floor unlabeled wine bottles hang from the ceiling and 1930's looking dining table chairs fill the room.
Beef tartare with crostini – beef was fresh and mixed with a bit of anchovy, crostini were thin and crisp. It was topped with little cornichons. The panzanella salad with shaved fennel and hazelnuts was very crisp - the bread chunks were a bit too large. The jamon serrano with grilled radicchio was delicious.
Berkshire pork loin and belly were amazing - tender with and the belly was crisp on the top. The scallop entree was probably the best dish with pancetta and mushrooms.
All in all it was good but a tad overpriced....5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMmy husband and i went to themy husband and i went to the boarding house around 5 on a friday and the restaurant was just getting going. the bar is very nice with plenty of room to relax and just enjoy the afternoon-we had a nice drink and then upstairs for dinner. the waiter was very pleasant and the room was big and beautiful. we order an appetizer and then had a soup and our main course-the size of meals are small so order more if you like to eat alot of food. i had the scallops which were wonderful and my husband had the chicken thighs-we ended with the chocolate bomb for dessert-i found the marshmellow wonderful and i dont really like them. we had a very pleasant time and would go back.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGood But Not GreatUpstairs dining room is gorgeous with nice energetic vibe, and with Ms. Singh's hand the wine selections really stand out. But the menu is strictly middle of the fairway fare. Entrees are familiar refrain of fish, pork, steak. How about just one or two dishes off the beaten path?
I opted for 3 appetizers because they were more interesting than the entrees - kampachi krudo, steak tartare, and sauteed prawns. All had great main ingredient that was overpowered by other elements of the dish - fresh tarragon leaves overwhelm buttery kampachi, creamy dressing on tartare ensured that you can't taste raw beef, and delicate prawns were wasted in heavy spices (but kudos for serving them with head and tail).
So it was good, but why not be great?5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Spot!Very accomodating. Friendly, energetic, proud staff. Great food and wine list. A little pricey for some but you are also paying for the experience, which was a lovely one.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful setting and lovely foodThe decor at Boarding House is really amazing. It adds to the overall experience. The food was delightful and it was so nice to get an appetizer and an entree, instead of the small plate craze that has the obsession of the food industry for too long now. The food flavors were bright and fresh. It was a great dining experience. Wines by the glass were a tad expensive but the bottle prices seemed better.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA great experienceThe food was excellent, the inside decor was cool and the service was top notch.
My only complaint would be that it was a little higher priced than comparable restaurants.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular Dinner!Our 3rd wedding anniversary dinner was memorable. Great staff very friendly. The bartenders can make a good Mezcal Mule. Taking the elevator to the dining room was a nice touch. I asked for a quiet secluded table for two and they delivered. Their loft area is very private and you overlook the dining room. We started with fresh oysters in a half shell, then had their Kampachi Crudo with subtle hints of ginger, grapefruit and anise. I had the medium rare Boston Cut NY Strip (grass feed) 8oz medallion cut on a bed of puree potato, sliced fingerlings and ribboned carrots. My wife had the amazing entree of Seared Scallops in a bed of pancetta, peas and hen of the woods(mushroom). We finished with their chocolatey S'mores Bombe dessert. Amazing.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperior ServiceIf you are heading here for dinner make sure to go a little early so you can grab a drink downstairs (preferably in the window). Great cocktails, and really cool vibe.My husband and I had made a note when making the reservation that we were celebrating my Birthday. Both the hostess and our waiter made sure to say Happy Birthday. We ordered a bottle of wine and our server mentioned it would take a little while because they had to bring it up from the cellar. It probably only took 10 minutes but our waiter still brought over Champagne on the house to apologize for the wait. NOW THAT IS SERVICE! The whole meal from appetizers to entrees to dessert was delicious! I will definitely be back.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurant. FoodBeautiful restaurant. Food and service was fantastic. Can't wait till the sidewalk seats are available, will be a great summer spot4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMOur experience began in theOur experience began in the bar with well crafted cocktails and a great ambience. The decor is truly unique as you find yourself glancing at the next detail, yet undistractedly. The menu is focused and each item we enjoyed was slightly undersold with description and a surprise on the palate. The wine list is comprehensive and well selected, as would be expected, and our server was highly versed in the details of the various varietals and vintages. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and we plan to recommend the restaurant and plan to visit the Cellar next time.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I had a veryMy husband and I had a very enjoyable dinner at The Boarding House the other night. The wine was absolute perfection and the waitstaff very attentive, without being overbearing. Our food was very good, and as my husband said, the presentation stood out. The atmosphere is amazing, love the huge windows overlooking Wells St. We were there on a Saturday night, and although we made the reservation months in advance, we didn't find it too chaotic--there was a nice energy.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place. Overall, goodNice place. Overall, good experience but found the menu a bit pretentious. Difficult to order when the waiter has to explain 90% of the menu. Don't think I'll put it on my "have to return" list, but it was good.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved everything about thisLoved everything about this new gem! Great food, great ambiance, and what unique decor. We had a great time and would recommend this place to everyone looking for a great night out.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWOW WOW WOWI loved everything about this restaurant from the time you entered into the restaurant and to the dinning area ,and to the celler .WOW WOW WOW The selection of wine FAB!!!!!!!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFit for a fantastic evening!The Boarding House was fabulous. The staff was so courteous. The bartender who served the first cocktail to me while waiting for my friend was down to earth and knew his stuff! He explained the collection of glass wear on the ceiling and had some fun small talk while I waited. The hostess who sat us on the 2nd floor was a bit "robot" like but otherwise professional. Our server was accommodating and knowledgeable, very nice. The short rib entree melted in your mouth. So pleased with that dish. My friend had the salmon - perfectly cooked to her request. The De Cero Malbec 2011 was heavenly! A fantastic new addition to the foodie/wine restaurant scene! I would definitely bring others her for dinner and even for happy hour at the bar.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWe thoroughly enjoyed ourWe thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Boarding House. The bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs are warm and inviting. The bar area is huge and was comfortably packed. Food was interesting and delicious. Veggies and salads were great. Service was friendly and not overly intrusive. Wine was good and waiters knew what to suggest. Boarding House is a good, fun evening. Joy, Chicago4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I enjoyed theMy husband and I enjoyed the restaurant very much, however they need to have non-alcholic beer at the bar and available. My husband does not drink alcohol and enjoys a non-alcoholic beer with his meal. All restaurants we go to serve it and The Boarding House is too new and too hip not to offer it.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was our first time hereIt was our first time here and we loved it from everything from the decor (especially the wine glasses and bottles hanging from the ceilings and the windows upstairs) to the wine/drinks to the wonderful food! We will be back!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a wonderful dinner toHad a wonderful dinner to celebrate a birthday. We had the salmon and the scallops. Both were delicious. The bombe and oatmeal desserts were also creative and also worth ordering. The room is incredible. The only thing that is lacking is the service. Waiter seemed stretched thin. Never came by to see how dinner was going. Management only came by to run our check so he could move the table.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved the two distinct andLoved the two distinct and unique chaneliers! Dining room is beautiful, decor is interesting. Food was good. My husband did not like his duck entree.. It was very tough and difficult to eat.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth a visitVisited twice this last week with 2 different groups. It is a nice space with a welcoming staff. Although we enjoyed the food selected, we all felt the menu was rather limited. Be aware there are two menus, one for the bar and one for the dining room. In the dining room you cannot order things from the bar and visa-versa. We all felt the cocktail service was a little disappointing, so go for the wine for which there is an extensive list. However, we wished that wine flights were offered. All in all we all had a nice time, but not sure we would hurry right back.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFour of us went to celebrateFour of us went to celebrate a wedding anniversary- we are all fans of Alpana's and three of us are big fans of wine. We don't have a bad thing to say about anything. We would definitely go back. We met Alpana(who is not above cleaning tables) and she was just as nice as she seems. Her staff that we spoke to agrees that she is 'awesome'. There are four floors to this place plus a small loft over the top floor; basement is a cozy bar/cellar, main fl is a bar with tables around, 2nd floor is private parties and top floor is dining. Our server was fun, friendly and helpful.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGood but not greatMy wife & I tried this new venue this past Friday. The downstairs bar area was packed and noisy. We took the elevator up to 3rd floor to a calmer environment. The signature design for this restaurant is the myriad wine glasses suspended in groups from the ceiling which is aesthetically pleasing. We were seated quickly but in a tight row of tables, fortunately with no immediate neighbors. It has an extensive wine list per Ms. Singh, but we order a glass of Malbec for the royal price of $11, when the bottle is about $15 at any liquor store. We order the salmon and the portobello mushroom dish which very quit good. The salmon was dripping in butter and overwhelming. The mushroom dish was very tasty.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI made this reservation forI made this reservation for my managers to do some business entertaining. It is the first time they commented on a restaurant with such positive feedback.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ambiance! Great service!Great ambiance! Great service! Good food...especially the salmon. Desserts...so-so. Nice place for date night or meeting up with a few friends for drinks.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food and wine pairing.Good food and wine pairing. We had the Chicken 3-way for two. We plan to go back with friends.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome dinnerOur first visit was for a birthday dinner before a Sunday evening performance in the Loop. The wine bar is fantastic - we had a glass of champaigne in the front window. We even spotted Alpana on the ground floor chatting with a friend! In the dining room, try the appetizer fois gras. The caesar salad w/poached egg is also fantastic. Our group of 4 enjoyed the short ribs, salmon, venison loin & ribeye respectively. Check out the chandelier; this place has very cool ambiance. Ordered a bottle of the Cult, Cabernet-Savignon - reasonably priced. Delicious evening over all! My only regret was that we ran out of time for dessert and they were out of the bacon brussle sprouts. Looking forward to returning to try them.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was superb and theThe food was superb and the setting was stellar. We started with original drinks prepared by a master mixologist. We were completely wowed by the bar and the 10,000 glasses hanging from the ceiling. We then moved upstairs to an amazing meal and were floored by the wine bottles and the beautiful setting (although note: the couch as you exit the elevator does not go with the rest of the beautiful decor). The fabulous space is heightened by the beautiful decoration. But all of this pales in comparison to an outstanding meal at an amazing value. The slow cooked beef rib was incredible. Our appetizers of steak tartare and bblt salads were incredible, too. The desserts were also spectacular, too. All in all, it was a perfect evening!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMPhenomenal food, lackluster server.Enjoyed the Boarding House. The bartender was fantastic and recommended a lovely chardonnay. Upstairs holds a swank dining room. Loved our starter and entree. The s'mores dessert was good.
Disappointed in our server, the one drawback of the meal(but I would still return). She was consumed by a 6-top and another table that ordered a pricey appetizer plate. When I finished my first glass of wine, I watched for her so I could order more. She swooped in and took my glass without ever looking at me. When she returned again, I said, "I actually wanted more wine" and she said, "oh," brought me more, & never apologized. As it is Alpana Singh's restaurant & her "Check, Please" history, I expected phenomenal, top service. I would still return.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurant. DeliciousBeautiful restaurant. Delicious food. Loved the liver mousse appetizer and kale caesar salad. Definitely going back!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday Celebration of a Lifetime!We had an incredible evening at The Boarding House! We celebrated my birthday and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The bar and dining room are breath-taking and the wait staff was knowledgeable and approachable. The food was magnificent...each dish was unique and flavorful. A special treat was meeting Alpana and having her give us a recommendation for a bottle of wine to pair with the diverse entrees we had ordered. We ended the evening in the Cellar and loved the diversity of each floor of the restaurant. We had a spectacular dinner from start to finish and would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. We will be back soon!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience it for yourselfThe restaurant ambiance was wonderful. Very warm and inviting. In viewing the menu online I was captured by the potential meal options; however, upon viewing the menu presented my choices seemed limited. The food was good but didn't leave me with a lasting impression. Meaning, I would probably return but not for dinner. I ordered the duck as my main course and it was extremely chewy. My appetizer was outstanding as well as the wine selection. Also, be careful if you valet as I wasn't informed that the cost is based on the time spent in the restaurant.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a great business dinnerHad a great business dinner here. Client was v impressed by the wine list. I was v impressed by the service. I liked that we had one waitress who really serviced us - not a front person and then an army of bus boys and lesser servers actually taking care of us.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe dinner lived upto theThe dinner lived upto the hype and attention the restaurant is receiving. The waiter was fantastic. Wine list unmatchable The scallops were the highlight and the seafood choice at our table. Put this on your list of places to go!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMEverthing about my experienceEverthing about my experience at the BOARDING HOUSE was GREAT!!!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a gemTremendous, inventive and lovely spot in Lincoln Square. Fit for a foodie. Love the farm to table sustainability. Service was top notch. Food was simply amazing. Can not wait to go back4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMone to try...by the end of the evening we had loved our experience, however, two things would have changed my review from very good to amazing; 1st, and easily the biggest error in the menu, is that there were too few selections on the menu, absolutely, add a "add a to die for" pasta, please. For carnivores, there were only 3 items, and 2 would intimidate at first glance, short ribs, among, the last meat a carnivore would choose, and a 55 DOLLAR steak.....That said, I did LOVE the $55ribeye, and its large enough to share. My wife enjoyed her salmon, immensely, as well. So, while the menu presents a first blush challenge, the quality is so good, just pick, you'll LOVE! GO!4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food, excellent service,Amazing food, excellent service, and phenomenal drinks! Total package at a reasonable price.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMChic, fabulous fine dining!The restaurant was fabulous! The ambiance was lively, urban, chic. Great for young professionals, couples, groups and....hold on to your hat, my friends...children! My daughter loved the experience. Granted, she is 13 so that is not an atmosphere for little kids but for budding teenagers, the exposure to fine dining and a fun, city atmosphere prepares them and entices their interest in city living as a professional young person. She could see herself living downtown, butting around with her friends to various cool spots in the her neighborhood. Strangely, the discussion of college and other choices that dictate future options are enhanced by the idea that this type of life could be part of her future. Great find!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat an amazing experience!What an amazing experience! The food was like nothing I have ever had before!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AM