Ampersand Wine Bar

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on September 24, 2016

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   We had a wonderful time, and really enjoyed the food and the ambience. The wine was especially amazing! Only issue was that two of the side dishes were way to spicy for us. I was surprised because I had asked the server about spice levels of the main dishes and ordered based on this information (ordering the less spicy dish), and he still didn't say anything when we ordered the spicy side dishes. I realize not everyone is a complete wuss when is comes to spiciness like I am, but I would have appreciated a heads up, or a spice indicator on the menu. They had indicators for vegan, gluten, free, etc., so it seems this could be added.

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2. G

   Globalphile

   Chicago

   186 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   186 reviews

   Dined on September 24, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   After a horrible experience at The Blanchard in Chicago the night before, I had a really great experience at Ampersand Wine Bar. I loved the casual/ contemporary atmosphere, the wines, food and service. I was pleased with my rose wine and thought the heirloom tomato and burrata salad, the roasted game hen entree plus the rustic peach tart were excellent! I will definitely be back!!

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3. A

   Anne

   Chicago

   53 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   53 reviews

   Dined on September 24, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This sophisticated yet warm and welcoming restaurant was the perfect choice to celebrate a birthday. The food was fabulous and service impeccable. Truly a gem of a place!

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on September 23, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Cute location, great wine list, excellent and friendly service, fabulous food.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on September 21, 2016

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   I love the ambience and the vibe when it's quiet and when it's packed. We had a good dinner with few interruptions of our conversation. The wait staff is always great about explaining every item and doesn't flinch at my lack of knowledge. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

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6. C

   Cecilia

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on September 16, 2016

   overall4food2service4ambience4

   We went on a Friday night. I found the cheese plate to be very good. The eggplant plate was not exactly what I expected, and was more of an appetizer than an entre in my opinion. The Asian sauce on the salmon was good, but the salmon was overcooked. Overall the food was just okay. The vibe was very good. When we arrived, it was early enough that the restaurant wasn't crowded, and we enjoyed the relative quiet. The room is airy with a modern feel and an open kitchen. Very cool. The server was very wine-knowledgeable and friendly. In short, this is a fun date place but not the best food in the neighborhood.

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7. W

   Wildcat21

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on September 10, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The service was outstanding. GREAT wine selection! The food is amazing and always changing. This was our 3rd time. Highly recommended for food and wine.

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   11 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on September 9, 2016

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Amazing what they can do in their little kitchen space - We liked it very much!!

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   13 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on August 25, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We were very impressed by the range and quality of the dishes at Ampersand. Flavors are confidently and thoughtfully developed while showcasing outstanding and varied cooking skills. While many "hot" restaurants rely on cliched ingredient constellations, Ampersand creatively uses seasonal produce in exciting ways. Vegetarian's and meat-lovers alike will be happy here. The wine list is lovely.

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, drinks and service! Had a great time celebrating a birthday and the dessert was amazing!

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11. LI

    LINAB

    Chicago

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a trendy, modern looking restau with a homey feel. The service was great as was the food. From appetizer to dessert, it was a flavor adventure. I had Damon with a spicy Ethiopian broth and I lapped it up! And dessert, wow, you have to try their twist in millefeuille. I'll definitely go again. Oh and try their specialty mescal drink, I've never had anything like it. :-)

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is more than just a great wine bar--the food is also top-notch! They have excellent vegetarian selections, and service is knowledgeable and very friendly. This has become a favorite neighborhood spot.

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13. GD

    GrudgingDiner

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. The food was unusual and tasty so we will definitely return.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Food was incredible ... everything had a bit of a spicy kick but not too much. We ordered the meat & cheese tray - wonderful! but they were running out of crackers so they only gave us 2?? Just make sure they have enough ;) Everything Delicious!

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15. C

    Claire

    Chicago

    55 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    This was a charming place where the food and wine did not disappoint. Smaller so not great for groups.

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16. M

    Mike

    Chicago

    72 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A hidden gem made only better by the small but wonderful outdoor seating. Great cocktails, incredible wine list and flawlessly prepared and presented food.

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17. PK

    PoojaK

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Great S'mores dessert! A deconstructed ice cream version...Nice concept comparing the English ampersand to the Asian Enso! Very impressive wine list. I also loved the 'Oxford comma ' drink with blueberries and pisco

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18. CS

    ChristineS

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A great date night place, casual and vibrant, excellent menu with great foodie options for dairy free

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19. LP

    LisaP

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is always great and the servers are kind and knowledgable! Great place to go on a date or with a group of close friends. Ampersand never disappoints!

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20. j

    jamesk

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a terrific time with my wife and teenage daughter. Delicious small plates; great variety and tastes. Beautifully presented. Great desserts. Craft cocktails and well curated wine list. Fun to watch the action in their non-kitchen. Low key neighborhood; easy parking.

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21. S

    Stu63

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely food, great drinks (including mocktails!), terrific service. Love it.

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22. m

    margo12

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    All the reviews are right! Great service, food is delicious and it's casual to be every day but can also be a special occasion.

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23. LB

    LizBchicago

    Chicago

    151 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    151 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    There are few restaurants in Chicago that are more friendly or accommodating! Or that serve such great, creative food. They happily let me bring a special bottle of champagne for a friend's birthday (b/c they don't have any actual Champagne on their list). Our server was funny, friendly and professional and the foood! Divine! The asparagus with soft-cooked egg and ranch "espuma" - wonderful. Even the cheese board - simple but so delicious (that mostarda made it!) I will be back as soon as I can!

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have been to Ampersand numerous time and have always been impressed by the food and service. It is the place to take friends or family for a special night out.

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25. S

    Schmeiller

    Chicago

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    From the food to the wine flights, we had a perfect evening at Ampersand. Our server was incredibly knowledgable and took such good care of us. The shared plates paired perfectly with the wine selections. We'll be back!

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26. RM

    RugbyMom

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The most wonderful food that is interesting and unusual without being precious and a most friendly, gracious, and absolutely knowledgeable staff.

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27. SR

    SheriR

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Had a good time. Great wine. Good service-- loved our wine recommendations. Food prices are expensive for portion size and for the neighborhood. And the " BOH" charge was a surprise. Not sure if I will be back.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was impeccable. The food was excellent. The ambiance made me feel like I was just as cool as the place.

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29. S

    Stu63

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is fresh and intelligently prepared. The drinks are excellent. The servers know their stuff and are fun.

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Although Ampersand is a wine bar, you don't need to drink since the food is magnificent! We did have a couple of glasses of wine, and the selection was terrific. The assorted cookies and candies were delicious, and it was so much fun trying each of the 7 hand-made, made-on-site, unique items. Great place! Great time!

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31. JS

    JimS

    Chicago

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Simply the best neighborhood restaurant in Chicago. It is an ever changing array of small plates and amazing but affordable wines.

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32. AK

    AgathaK

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was delicious - we ordered and shared half the menu and every item was amazing. The rigatoni and octopus appetizers were great, and the duck confit risotto and porchetta were perfect. My friends enjoyed the cocktails, and I ordered a great red wine. Love this neighborhood spot and would definitely come back.

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33. MT

    MarkT

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, great service, incredible wine list. Top notch!

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34. r

    rickey

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Great place to share small plates....which is what we did. We loved the the smoky tasting roasted cauliflower with goat cheese and a terrific curry compote (altho it was listed as cauliflower steak and came as florets instead) and the slow roasted brisket with blue cheese au gratin potatoes. Don't miss the creme brûlée. It's as good as it sounds! No, it's better. We had a table near the window so the noise level wasn't bad. Definitely on my list of restaurants I'll go back to.

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35. LA

    LALA

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2016

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    really liked this place, but thought portions were quite small

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wine pairings were great

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37. KG

    KatelynGee

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a great spot for wine on a weeknight. They have an extensive wine list and the food was delicious, too. I went with 3 friends and we had very prompt service and it wasn't very loud so it was easy to have a good conversation. I could see this being a good spot for first dates because it's chic but also mellow. I would go again!

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38. MH

    MHen

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was marvelous and so was the wine. The service was great and we were seated promptly. I'm looking forward to going back!

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39. 3

    36whitelands

    Chicago

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I decided to try Ampersand after seeing a few good reviews. It lived up to the reviews! I was pretty hungry when we arrived and we chose 3 dishes to share - kale & quinoa salad, beef brisket and hawaiian fish and a bottle of wine (Gavi). I like to taste the wines before I decide and they were welcoming with my request. Everything was great and our waiter (also busboy and sommelier) was very helpful but not intrusive.

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40. w

    willfred

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    For four people, we ordered what seemed like a small amount of food -- two appetizers, two mains and a side veg -- but with cocktails and wine it ended up being plenty. We ended the meal with a splurge: a four-person sampler of every dessert on the menu. Spectacular!

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