The PortageThe PortageOne of the very best restaurants in Chicago. Everything was perfect. We will go back again and again.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat kitchen in N ChicagoMy 2nd time going to this restaurant during a convention stay. Food is consistently excellent and very talented chef. Full bar and friendly staff. We had a small hiccup with the wine order not being placed and we had to wait almost 5 minutes to get someone's attention, but the owner/manager apologized deeply and didn't charge us for the wine. The only negative (and we didn't know this, being from out of town) is that apparently it is almost impossible to get taxis to come to this neighborhood, and on top of this, there is some bizarre rule in Chicago that says that city taxis are not allowed to go out to the airport/convention center? we had to bribe the taxi driver to get home! Lesson: arrange taxi in advance!!6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMLocal spot, high class cuisineThe Portage is notable in that you will find gourmet cuisine on the far Northwest side better than most downtown trendy restaurants. Portage Park has its share of good local take out or reliable old favorites, but The Portage restaurant raises the bar for this hood with its amazing fish specials, flavorful comfort food, and all with excellent service. They have a nice big patio open in the summer which is great for groups, and enjoying some beverages together. Great list of craft beer, some nice wines and cocktails. It's far enough out that you won't have to wait long for a table, and if I call ahead I always get in for that night. Make sure to try this!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGet close to your neighbors!This was my second trip to The Portage and though it was crowded and loud the experience couldn't have been more delightful. We were late getting our table (the patio was closed due to rain), but we enjoyed the bar and the staff were as accommodating as could be. But dinner was worth the wait. Everyone of us loved our meal which was as satisfying as any downtown "named" establishment. And on top of that, our haute cuisine was reasonable priced.
So there's no question we'll be back. A place like the Portage adds reason to live on the NW side.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMNeighborhood FavoriteWe love the Portage. My husband and I have been several times. This was the first time we braved the restaurant with kids and they were welcomed warmly. Our party was 4 adults, and 2 kids out on the patio. Everything from appetizers, cocktails, meals and desserts was great. Service was a little spotty, but nothing to keep me from coming back again.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was good but needed moreFood was good but needed more variety if you are not into the fancy dishes.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMPortage Park GemThe Portage is an unexpected find in northwest Chicago. It is nicely decorated, and not very noisy. The staff are very friendly and helpful. And the food is wonderful. We enjoyed the scallops and the pork belly, and especially the fried chicken. The weather was too cool for the outdoor patio, but it looks lovely. Will definitely be back.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is my fourth time toThis is my fourth time to this restaurant, the last two times brought friends to experience the food and atmosphere of my neighborhood restaurant. I generally don't order chicken too much when dining out but the first entree on the menu, Amish Chicken, is outstanding, don't miss it.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSurprise GemThis restaurant definitely exceeded our expectations. We were seated within 15 minutes of our reservation. The noise level was a little loud but we were able to carry on a conversation. The food was exceptional, creative, beautifully presented and delicious. Would definitely go back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMComplicated menu, deliciousComplicated menu, delicious choices, great food........just a little too noisy5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMawesomeAwesome wrapped in awesome covered in melted awesome5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have dined many times atWe have dined many times at The Portage. The food is always excellent and the wine list quite reasonable. Another nice experience.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMNice midpoint spotWe enjoyed meeting friends from Evanston here since it is about 20 minutes from both Evanston and Oak Park. The spare rib was flavorful and the trout was meaty. Our friend liked her scallops. The fried calamari was lightly battered and quite fresh. The beet salad included 3-4 good sized, thick red beets. The flourless chocolate cake and Belgium chocolate ice cream were a delicious way to finish a good meal. A cozy place with carefully prepared food and attentive service. We have found The Portage too noisy for good conversation on Saturday evenings, and quieter on Sundays.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything A Home Run.Great Food. Creative Presentations.
Reasonable Prices. Great Service.
We think it's well worth the trip from Mount Prospect.
Check it out. You WILL enjoy it.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWONDERFUL atmosphereEvery time I go there I've had excellent service and great food.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat findBest post-Salt Caves dining option! First taste of smoked mussels - perfectly executed. Delicious short ribs, scallops, drinks, cherry cobbler, homemade ice cream. Lovely decorations, like you're in someone's house - even the back room is cozy but spacious enough for larger parties.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, perfect portionsExcellent food, perfect portions and price; Drinks were fabulous; A gem of a restaurant.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMreasons to eat there.American food made special. Great decor of cozy space. Big beer selection & special drinks.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMI came here with a group ofI came here with a group of eight people, and it was a very good experience overall. There was an issue with our table not being ready at the time of our reservation, but the excellent food more than made up for it. The duck fat fries and the desserts (creme brulee and lemon curd) were particularly good. Definitely recommended.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMollyThe Portage looks unassuming from the outside and surrounding area, but the inside is elegant and cozy. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu (both food and drink) which indicates good training and a well run restaurant. The menu is inventive and whimsical. The execution of the menu is a 4/5, a few little things that weren't perfect, but overall, the food was delicious. Would definitely recommend.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMPortage PositiveThe Portage's new short rib burger was a hit. So glad to have it in the neighborhood.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place with a good vibe.Nice place with a good vibe. Food was quite good. I had the candied Beef Shortribs which had very good flavor and a very nice presentation. Drinks were reasonably priced... all around a good choice.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat findLove this place! The staff could not have been nicer and the food was delicious. My only regret is that it was not nice enough to be on the patio... We will be back!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMIT is about TIME !Great Service, excellent food,creative Menu. It is about time that a great spot opened on the Northwest side of the City. We will tell our friends and neighbors.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have eaten here numerousWe have eaten here numerous times now. We enjoy each time we visit.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best in Portage ParkThe food was amazing in both taste and presentation. An absolute gem in the heart of Portage Park.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWent with a small group, fourWent with a small group, four and a child. We were seated in the Library and had a wonderful dinner. The food was fantastic and the service was great. This was my third time there and definitely not my last.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding food and serviceOutstanding food and service - Highly recommend. Wonderful and creative drink selection!-3/16/2013 12:00:00 AM