Icon

Charlie Trotter's

Name: Charlie Trotter's
Address: 816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL, United States, 60614
Telephone: (312) 725-0643
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

$50 and over

Contemporary American

816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

About this restaurant

Fancy
Innovative
Charming

Behind an elegant Lincoln Park façade lies one of the most storied addresses in American gastronomy. Charlie Trotter’s defined an era—not just through visionary cuisine, but through its relentless pursuit of excellence and hospitality. Revered as the birthplace of the vegetarian tasting menu and the pioneering kitchen table, Trotter’s was never just a restaurant—it was a philosophy. Now, the spirit of 816 W Armitage quietly returns. Led by Dylan Trotter, the Guest Chef Dinner Series invites acclaimed chefs to interpret the legacy in their own voice. Each evening is singular. Each menu ephemeral. Every detail, intentional. For those who remember, it’s a return. For those who never knew, an invitation. Welcome to Charlie Trotter’s—once again.

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: When chefs hear the name Charlie Trotter, the awe and respect is immediate. The late culinary legend was known for flawless hospitality and pioneering practices like the in-kitchen chef's table—in addition to award-winning food, of course. Now, with the return of the Lincoln Park restaurant from his son Dylan Trotter, diners can once more experience the perfection of a Charlie Trotter meal, as intepreted through big-name chefs such as Grant Achatz and John Shields during a series of once-in-a-lifetime pop-up dinners.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone number
(312) 725-0643
Website
http://www.charlie-trotters.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Jacket Preferred

Location
816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Cross street
Halsted
Parking details
Valet parking is available directly in front of the restaurant for $10.
Public transit
Located two blocks east of the CTA Brown Line Armitage Avenue stop.
Additional
Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 939 people are saying

Charlie Trotter's 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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

939 Reviews

M
Michael VIP
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s special that Dylan opened up the OG dining room to honor his legendary father. He’s putting his own touch by bringing in guest chefs, many who worked with Charlie, to create their own special dishes to pay tribute to him. The experience was nostalgic and the food didn’t disappoint. My favourite thing that Dylan does is bring the attendees back to the kitchen to meet the guest chefs. The NA pairings were divine.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
Indiana2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What Makes a Restaurant Night Magic? Is it four top chefs flown in from around the globe? Is it world-class ingredients, stunning plating, and a relentless obsession with detail? Is it a name that once defined fine dining — that rewrote the rules of service, wine pairing, and culinary artistry? Or maybe… it’s something more. It’s all of that — and the soul behind it. We were lucky enough to experience one of the new Charlie Trotter’s pop-up dinners — a preview of what’s to come as this legendary name charts its return, with a reopening planned for August. But this wasn’t a nostalgia act. This was evolution. Elevation. Electricity. At the helm was Dylan Trotter, son of the late, great Charlie Trotter — a chef whose influence helped shape the very idea of what dining in America could be. Dylan, along with his close friend Daniel and a team that brought their A-game in every sense, delivered something unforgettable: a night that felt intelligent, intimate, and above all… magical. The spirit of Charlie Trotter was unmistakable — not just in the food, which was innovative and deeply thoughtful, but in the ethos: treat the guest like a friend, the plate like a canvas, and the night like it matters. This wasn’t just dinner. This was legacy in motion.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An unbelievable experience. Fantastic food Incredible service in a perfectly matched atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
A
Abby VIP
Chicago / Illinois6 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 5, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The venue was not right for a Cinco De Mayo celebration, felt far from authentic. No latin chefs were present, and two many divided rooms so it was difficult to mingle(which is a norm for Latin people).
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth VIP
Chicago / Illinois132 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Do NOT miss the wonderful dinners that are happening at Charle Trotters. They are all outstanding and not to be missed.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian VIP
Chicago / Illinois45 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
I have never dined at this legendary restaurant prior to it closing. So, when I heard they were returning, I jumped on the opportunity to secure a reservation for me and my friend. The food and ambiance were great. However, we suspected that there were some miscommunications with the service. For instance, the couple next to us that arrived after us finished their meal way earlier than us and we noticed a considerable amount of time had lapsed between some of our dishes. Also, there was a miscommunication when we received said couple’s 2nd dessert before we even got our 1st dessert course. Price wise, my friend and I agree if was a little steep for just 8 courses. But, I understand they’re still trying to get back in to the groove of things. So, I can only see them improving. I’ll definitely be back though to try their other themed nights.
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth VIP
Chicago / Illinois132 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oh, what a night! The food, the wine, the service, the chefs! It was amazing from start to finish. Hopefully Dylan Trotter will continue the pop up dinners because the one we just had with Chef's flown in from all over the US was spectacular. Do NOT miss the chance to dine there once again.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda VIP
Chicago / Illinois5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dylan and the team are absolutely amazing and living up to the legacy of Charlie Trotter in service and with exclusive, 5 star guest chefs.Truly a magical experience complete with wine pairing expertise and phenomenal service.
Is this helpful?
l
luv2
Chicago / Illinois81 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 30, 2012
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Once again, a fantastic meal. We are glad to have been able to dine here one more time before its closing. We will miss the exquisite dining experience that Charlie Trotters has always provided.
Is this helpful?
C
Cutter70 VIP
Chicago / Illinois47 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 30, 2012
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Glad I made it back before the restaurant called it quits. Good stuff though the upstairs room got very warm. Godspeed Charlie Trotter's
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Charlie Trotter's is rated 4.8 stars by 939 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

Cross street
Halsted
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Jacket Preferred
Parking details
Valet parking is available directly in front of the restaurant for $10.
Public transit
Located two blocks east of the CTA Brown Line Armitage Avenue stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.charlie-trotters.com/
Phone number
(312) 725-0643

Charlie Trotter's

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Menu

What 939 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Charlie Trotter's restaurant rated?

Is Charlie Trotter's currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information