Award-winning

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Name: Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
Address: 52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL, United States, 60610
Telephone: (312) 573-4000
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (2520)

$30 and under

American

52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 18, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 57 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Great for outdoor dining

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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
Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
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.

Location
52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610
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#22 Clark Street Bus#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

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Shrimp & Grits$24.00
geechie boy grits, andouille, tomato stew
Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00
garlic mashed potato, hot sauce
Salmon En Croute$29.00
apple butter, brussels sprouts, fennel, rosemary cream
Ribeye
zucchini, pecan pesto, green tomatoes
- MP
Parisienne Gnocchi$28.00
farm carrots, peas, cheese of the day
1/2 Rack of Lamb
summer couscous, pickled melons, fennel, cilantro, lamb jus
- MP

Desserts

Hummingbird Cake$12.00
pecan, coconut crumble, seasonal coulis
Key Lime Pie$9.00
whipped cream, macadamia praline, burnt honey caramel
Gelato$7.00
daily selection

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)$14.00
Tanquery Gin, celery bitters, tonic, sage
Chicago Fire (1871)$14.00
Don Julio Blanco Tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime, grapefruit bitters
Columbian Exposition (1893)$14.00
Fleur de Cana Rum, falernum, italicus, lime, soda; nut allergy
Century of Progress (1933)$14.00
Strawberry-infused Western Son Vodka, rhubarb liquor, lime, ginger beer

The Stripes

The Lake & the River$14.00
Jasmine tea infused Glenfiddich scotch, lemon, simple syrup, thyme
The South Side$14.00
Blackberry Infused Union Mezcal, sake, elderflower, lemon, simple syrup, aquafaba
The West Side$14.00
Bulleit/ Fleur De Cana Anejo, Amargo de chile, lime, simple syrup
The North Side$14.00
Hess Chardonay, grapefruit juice, elderflower, lime, simple syrup

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, France$125.00
N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, California$75.00
N.V J Vineyards, Rose, California$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, Italy$50.00
Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, France$90.00
Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South Africa$80.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, California$95.00
Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, California$140.00
Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, Germany$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, Oregon$175.00
Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, France$70.00
Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon$200.00
Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, California$100.00
Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, California$85.00
Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, France$140.00
Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France$280.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy$225.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, California$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, France$17.00
N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes Spain$13.00
N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, Italy$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, France$16.00
Bottled Exclusively for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, California$15.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, France$20.00
Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, Italy$14.00
Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, Italy$15.00
Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, Italy$12.00
Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, France$16.00
Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, California$16.00
Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, Austria$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, Oregon$17.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, Italy$18.00
Malbec, Graffito, 2017, Lujan De Cuyo, Argentina$15.00
Tempranillo, El Vinculo, 2013, Castilla La Mancha, Spain$13.00
Grenache Blend, Côtes Du Rhône, 2015, Rhône, France$14.00
Sangiovese, Tenute Slivio Nardi, 2017, Rosso di Montalcino, Italy$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Roth Estate, 2017, Central Coast, California$18.00
Merlot, Duckhorn Vineyards, 2016, Napa Valley, California$20.00

Other

Mimosa$9.00
Seasonal Mimosa$10.00

Bourbon / Whiskey

1792 Bourbon$14.00
Basil Hayden$14.00
Bearface$16.00
Blantons$21.00
Buffalo Trace$11.00
Bulleit$12.00
Cody Road Rye$17.00
Eagle Rare 10 Year$13.00
E.H Taylor Jr Single Barrel$14.00
Gentleman Jack$15.00
Hibiki$32.00
High West Double Rye$16.00
Kentucky Owl$48.00
Old Potrero$22.00
Rabbit Hole$16.00
Sazarac Rye$13.00
Templeton Rye$14.00
Tullamore D.E.W$14.00
Weller Special Reserve$12.00
W.L Weller 12 Year$15.00
Weller Antique 107$14.00
Whistle Pig 15 Year$45.00
Woodford Reserve$16.00
Willet 3 Year Rye$23.00

Scotch

Balvenie 15 Year$20.00
Balvenie 21 Year$38.00
Dalmore 12 Year$15.00
Dalwhinnie 15 Year$18.00
Glenfiddich 12 Year$12.00
Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch$14.00
Johnny Walker Black$24.00
Johnny Walker Blue$80.00
Macallan 12 Year$14.00
Macallan 18 Year$45.00
Monkey Shoulder Scotch$15.00

Tequila / Mezcal

Clase Azul Plata$25.00
Clase Azul Reposado$30.00
Don Julio Blanco$12.00
Don Julio Reposado$17.00
Don Julio 1942$28.00
Milagro Silver$13.00
Milagro Reposado$14.00
Milagro Anejo$15.00
Paris Reposado$12.00
Union Mezcal$12.00
Villa Sosu Mezcal$12.00
Lucy Pistolas Mezcal$10.00

What 2,520 people are saying

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden offers a delightful dining experience with "outstanding food" and a "beautiful outdoor patio." Reviewers rave about the "fried chicken" and "comforting ambiance." While service can occasionally be slow, the atmosphere and "friendly staff" more than compensate, making it a local favorite for brunch and dinner alike.

2,520 Reviews

A
Anthony
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was incredible, and so were the drinks. The service was quick and timed very well. They were able to accomodate our request to sit outdoors. Only positive things to say!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 3 days ago
Dear Anthony, We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the food, drinks, and service—and that we could accommodate your outdoor seating request. Thank you for taking the time to share such kind words. We hope to welcome you back again soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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S
Sandra
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food and drinks were all very good; tasty. The service was excellent; very attentive and helpful staff.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Sandra, Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the food, drinks, and attentive service. It means a lot to our team, and we hope to welcome you back again soon. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
S
Sara VIP
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All the food items are outstanding. And they have very nice outdoor patio; it's one of our favorite things to do in the summer.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Sara, Thank you for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and our outdoor patio—it’s definitely a favorite summer spot of ours too. Can’t wait to have you back again soon. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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T
Tom VIP
Chicago / Illinois34 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’m not sure how often we’ve been here, but we keep coming back. Food, awesome. Service, awesome, Atmosphere, awesome. Keep up the great work and thank you.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Tom, Thank you for your continued support! We're so glad to know you enjoy the food, service, and atmosphere each time you visit. We truly appreciate you and look forward to welcoming you back again soon. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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P
Priscilla VIP
Chicago / Illinois15 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 8, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
My experience here was very disappointing. This restaurant was one of the first to be added to my wish list when I moved to the city and three years later I was sooo excited to try it! It fell flat. All of the dishes, literally all 5, were under-seasoned and bland. The brussel sprouts were undercooked, and it's hard for me to wrap my head around the concept of a dish with bacon in it having no flavor. The fried chicken was super crispy, some of the best breading I've ever had as far as texture, but also extremely bland. We ordered the Mac and cheese and we added bacon, which on the menu is an extra $2, but we were charged an extra $3 dollars for it, so that didn't make sense and sucked. I have a HUGE sweet tooth, and the fact that I was so underwhelmed to the point of not even wanting to order desert just made me sad, especially when I'm paying $100 for 2 people. Overall, beautiful setting and decor, but slow service, bland food and very overpriced.
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C
Christine VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington21 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic meal and we had a late reservation so very few tables and great service as a result.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on July 8, 2025
Dear Christine, Thank you for dining with us and for your kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed a fantastic meal and that the service made your late reservation feel extra special. Hope to have you back soon for another great experience. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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A
AR
Detroit / Eastern Michigan2 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the ambiance & the food was amazing! Beautiful nite out.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on July 8, 2025
Dear Guest, Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you loved the ambiance and enjoyed an amazing meal with us. Hope to welcome you back for another beautiful night out soon. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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J
Jill
Unspecified1 review
3.0
Dined on July 6, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Appetizers took incredibly long to get to the table. I ordered a Cobb salad, which was great, but my dining companions were not satisfied with their meals
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O
Oz
Chicago / Illinois1 review
2.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Went here for a solo lunch. I sat outside on their covered patio which was cute. The hostess directed me to a two top that had a broken planter centerpiece leaking water all over the table. She had one of the wait staff wipe down the table but keep the broken planter lol. I asked her if I could be seated anywhere else and she said no because the other tables were for larger groups - there were a handful of empty four tops and some larger tables. The four tops weren't even that big. The entire time I was seated, only one other couple came in. The tables remained empty all around me but whatever. I started with a virgin mojito that was very, very basic but still so lacking in flavor. I ordered what I believe was called a harvest salad and it was sadly disappointing. The shrimp smelled like shrimp, if you know you know. I also got a nice bite of shrimp shell which immediately ruined the experience. The cheese was what looked like your run of the mill cheddar cut into tiny cubes. The walnuts were bland and I had a few tiny pieces of walnut shell as a cute little surprise. What looked to be apple slices (??) were wilted and sad. And the vinaigrette was heavy on the vinegar so every bite I took was like a smack to my sinuses. To complete the experience, at any given time 4 to 5 members of the wait staff would gather behind me to have lively conversation amongst themselves. Overall, I wouldn't recommend.
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E
Erica VIP
Chicago / Illinois54 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Terrific service of divine food! Especially the fried chicken…crispy and succulent. And the cornbread. Service was patient, efficient and friendly. A cheery, tasty way to celebrate a friend’s birthday!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on July 8, 2025
Dear Erica, Thank you for sharing your kind words! We’re thrilled you loved the fried chicken, cornbread, and service for your friend’s birthday celebration. We hope to make more tasty memories with you soon. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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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 4.7 stars by 2520 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 18, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 57 times today

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
Price
$30 and under
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 & 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

Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
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.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

To Share

Baba Ganoush$12.00

Deviled Eggs$9.00

Crab Cake$17.00

Cornbread$9.00

Mac & Cheese$10.00

Salads & Soups

Bibb Salad$15.00

Brussels & Kale Salad$17.00

Minestrone Soup$7.00

Entrées

Shrimp & Grits$24.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00

Salmon En Croute$29.00

Ribeye

Parisienne Gnocchi$28.00

1/2 Rack of Lamb

Desserts

Hummingbird Cake$12.00

Key Lime Pie$9.00

Gelato$7.00

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)$14.00

Chicago Fire (1871)$14.00

Columbian Exposition (1893)$14.00

Century of Progress (1933)$14.00

The Stripes

The Lake & the River$14.00

The South Side$14.00

The West Side$14.00

The North Side$14.00

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, France$125.00

N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, California$75.00

N.V J Vineyards, Rose, California$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, Italy$50.00

Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, France$90.00

Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South Africa$80.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, California$95.00

Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, California$140.00

Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, Germany$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, Oregon$175.00

Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, France$70.00

Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon$200.00

Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, California$100.00

Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, California$85.00

Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, France$140.00

Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France$280.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy$225.00

Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, California$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, France$17.00

N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes Spain$13.00

N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, Italy$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, France$16.00

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, California$15.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, France$20.00

Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, Italy$14.00

Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, Italy$15.00

Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, Italy$12.00

Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, France$16.00

Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, California$16.00

Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, Austria$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, Oregon$17.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, Italy$18.00

Malbec, Graffito, 2017, Lujan De Cuyo, Argentina$15.00

Tempranillo, El Vinculo, 2013, Castilla La Mancha, Spain$13.00

Grenache Blend, Côtes Du Rhône, 2015, Rhône, France$14.00