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  5. Gold Coast / Streeterville
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

4.6
4.6
2020 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. We pride ourselves in showcasing dishes made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from Midwest farms.

Experience a chef-driven menu featuring everything from pierogis and market fresh salads, to Chef Art Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. Walk-ins are always encouraged. Be sure to join us during the warmer weather months when the beautiful outdoor patio is open. While visiting, be sure to enjoy one of Blue Door Kitchen’s garden-to-glass cocktails, local beers or perfectly paired wines from our extensive list.

For reservations eight or larger, please call the restaurant 312-573-4000.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 573-4000
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Chef De Juan
  • Private party facilities
    Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.
  • Private party contact
    Micah Williams: (312) 573-4000
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Cross street
    Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
  • Parking details
    Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday & Sunday 9am-8:30pm
  • Public transit
    CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop<br />#22 Clark Street Bus<br />#36 Broadway Bus
  • Entertainment
    No
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,020 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

2,020 Reviews
  1. CarolynH

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food1service2ambience5
    The chicken was not as I anticipated. None of the food was seasoned. The chopped salad was good but small for $18.00. Had to ask server for everything instead of the person checking in with us and it was a slow evening.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience! Enjoyed a beautiful Indian summer day on the patio. Charming as always and delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Made a Sunday brunch reservation based on reviews. The adorable restaurant was better than expected. The interior was cozy and lovely, but with the beautiful weather, we opted for a patio table. The food was delicious, and service was accommodating. New favorite gem for lunch.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! I come here consistently myself and bring every out of towhee I have. Never disappoints!

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  5. BJBchicago

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    My Blue Door experience was good. The food was reasonably priced and served with a smile. The atmosphere was friendly and the place was clean and comfortable.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    We had a group of four with a brunch reservation. I picked the restaurant for its outside patio. The patio was perfect and we’re seated promptly. (We did get the 90 minute limit warning from the hostess). After being seated we did get water pretty quickly and we’re told the waiter would be over soon. Se did have to wait for around ten minutes for the waiter and it was only to tell us he would be right back. At about 15 minutes on we were able to get our drink orders in. The raspberry mimosa was great!! The server was okay and got our order in around the 30 minute mark. I did ask for a substitution for a biscuit instead of an English muffin and he said he would see if that was possible. When the door came out one of the two of us who asked for the substitution, so maybe he didn’t hear the other guest. The food was good, but not as great as we were expecting (which may be on us for the quality of chef behind the restaurant). Overall, we would go back for the atmosphere and food with an average for the area price point.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, attentive wait staff, generous and delicious servings. The chicken & waffles and the biscuits & gravy were particularly outstanding. Appreciate the valet service. The garden area is delightful.

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  8. AlanL

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic outdoor patio with great food and service!

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  9. JennyB

    Indiana

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were looking for a quiet place to have a nice dinner during our Chicago weekend getaway, plus we had a show to catch. Blue Door was wonderful - we sat on the patio and it was lovely. We loved our meal and will be back!

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  10. MargoG

    Orange County

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is such a great restaurant!! We’ve been in town twice from CA for sailing regattas here this summer. We were staying at the Ambassador Hotel, so Blue Door was an easy walk for us. Everyone in our group really enjoyed their meals. Fish, salads, soups - everything was great, in a really charming environment, whether in the restaurant or outside in the garden. We’ll always be back when we’re in town. Thanks!

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  11. JeffJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the 1st time I had an opportunity to enjoy Blue Door, I highly recommend it!! The service and food were both outstanding!!

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  12. Tiffany

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, we sat outside and it was beautifully filled with flowers and greens and service was good! It was a great experience and value, highly recommend.

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  13. JillS

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Shrimp and grits was more like shrimp and soup. Sent it back. Very disappointing. Beautiful outdoor patio. Service was inattentive and hectic.

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  14. CincinnatiFoodie

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Blue Door was such a great place for our family to have brunch. The food was delicious and they were so accommodating to our needs.

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  15. ReginaldO

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service definitely worth a visit

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  16. BradS

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sit in the garden. Order the chicken & waffles. If you are sharing with someone, watermelon salad is a good complement to the c&w. You won't be sorry.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service2ambience5
    The wait staff took forever and did not seem to care that we were waiting forever. Additionally, it was an extremely hot day and the doors were left completely open to let the heat come in.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall1food5service5ambience1
    Maximum of 90 minutes but kitchen can’t keep up so good is removed while your still eating even though the restaurant was half empty Disconnect between management staff and customers is obvious

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  19. MCecelia

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Such a charming spot nestled in a lovely neighborhood off Rush St. The ambience and service were excellent. The food and wine was delicious.

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  20. beth4158

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    It was ... fine. We sat inside; most people were sitting outside. So that was nice. The interior was mostly empty. It started filling up just as we were getting ready to leave. Perfect timing, that. We shared the crab cake, which was more like a flaccid crab pancake and not very crab-y for $20. My guest enjoyed her fried chicken (hot sauce on the side; she asked for the rest to be put in a to-go bag; the busser brought her a little box; we asked our server if they might have a bag for her to carry it home in; he scrunched up his face, as if to say, "He should have brought one," and brought one to us), and the smoked duck was nice, if a bit tough/overcooked in a few bites. The warm potato salad wasn't. Warm, that is. It did contain fingerling potatoes. The key lime pie was a lovely texture, though I left the slab of upright crust on my plate. My guest enjoyed her hummingbird cake and took part of it home to enjoy with coffee this morning. We didn't have any alcohol, just water. And the bill, before tip, was $115. A bit steep for what we had. But the space is pleasant and the flatware is nice. I like heavy flatware.

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  21. GloriaF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a beautiful & memorable experience as we celebrated a very important chapter in our lives as newly weds. We are beyond greatful for the service and care BDK provided. 🤍

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  22. MaripazS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrate our daughter’s birthday here and we loved it!

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  23. PaulC

    Chicago

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. Excellent food. Beautiful garden setting

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  24. Fran

    Milwaukee

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice, if small, menu in a lovely setting. Food and service were both excellent. We plan to return!

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  25. Tjuan

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were great!!! Try the chicken and waffles.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful brunch . Food was delicious. Loved the deviled eggs and the beignets were great. Chicken and waffles the best!! Biscuits and gravy so indulgent ,and the cake was a total surprise . Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely return when I visit Chicago.

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  27. KatieE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Absolutely delicious — highly recommended for all looking for a nice date night in Gold Coast.

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  28. Charlie

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Appetizers were fantastic. The stuffed eggs really are exceptional. We had the signature chicken and the lamb both were a little overcooked for my liking. I will put that down to an off night as we have had both before and we’re good last time.

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  29. ChiMagMile

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, as usual, and they very kindly accommodated a member of my party who required special assistance.

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  30. MargoG

    Orange County

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fun place, and great food! We sat inside and came early. By the time we finished dinner, the inside was full, and loud, but it didn’t deter us. We’ll definitely be back. Next time we’ll probably request to sit in the outside area, which looked beautiful.

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  31. Sasha

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love, love, love! Every course was nothing less than excellent!

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  32. ElizabethR

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The patio is very pleasant here. Servers, food and overall experience was great!

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  33. jules

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely atmosphere (we sat outside), delicious food (those deviled eggs!), and great service. There was something for everyone in our group. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Especially if I could sit outside.

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  34. VictoriaD

    New York Area

    77 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We liked what we all ordered. Menu is a bit limited but it was very good. Very cute place.

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  35. SarahB

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    This was our last stop before the airport. They were gracious enough to help us store our luggage while we had a lovely leisurely lunch. The cocktails were 5 ⭐️. My sister loved her kale salad with fried chicken. I am a vegetarian. They only had a few choices and I got the cauliflower steak. It was ok. I highly recommend for any meat eater!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. The fried chicken was amazing! We sat on the patio, which is lovely. The staff were very attentive, including the manager who checked on us multiple times.

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  37. ChiFoodie

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful last night. Food, service, ambiance. Thanks for making our dinner so noteworthy.

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  38. Trigrantm

    Staffordshire

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food in a comfortable setting with nice outside seating.

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  39. Fairandhonest

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I never understand why this restaurant isn't mobbed. The atmosphere is charming. The patio is a delight. The food is wonderful. The service personal. The prices in line. I guess it's good that we can always seem to get a table :)

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  40. chicagodine

    Chicago

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the whole experience! Love the food….best fried chicken and cornbread. The outdoor patio is beautiful. You would never know you are dining in the middle of a busy city.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 573-4000.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is rated 4.6 stars by 2020 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday &amp; Sunday 9am-8:30pm
  • Public transit
    CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop#22 Clark Street Bus#36 Broadway Bus
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef De Juan
  • Entertainment
    No
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 573-4000
  • Private party facilities
    Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.
  • Private party contact
    Micah Williams: (312) 573-4000
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