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Oak + Char - Permanently Closed

4.1
4.1
217 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
With a menu described as modern Midwestern, Oak + Char in Chicago, IL offers diners an inspiring setting full of repurposed wood. Most of the dishes are cooked with natural methods such as clay pots, tandoor ovens and open fire, and even the specialty cocktails whipped up by the staff will use liquors aged in old oak. A communal table restaurant, diners mingle in this warm and welcoming space. Menu options for diners at Oak + Char include a bountiful array of starters like the Bacalao wontons or the octopus hushpuppies. Entr�es include meats and seafood as well as a family style tasting menu. There are greens and grains, including a roasted pear salad with goat cheese and pickled lemons. There is also a burger and sandwich menu, but choices include duck kielbasa bahn mi and smoked trout. Clearly, Oak + Char is a must try spot.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Lunch: Wednesday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner: Wednesday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 4:30pm - 11:00pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 643-2427

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party facilities

    Our private dining room can accommodate up to 24 guests for any type of occasion.

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Cross street

    Wells

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    1 block south of Brown and Purple line Chicago Stop.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

What 217 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1
4.1 based on all time ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.5Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. david

    Chicago

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Overall a good experience. Two issues: My chicken was actually raw, and by the time I was re-served, all had finished their meals. My dinner was reduced by 50% on the bill. Wait staff overburdened and a bit scarce. Outside eating was nice.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2016

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Unfortunately my chicken entree was raw when served. Sent back and lost my appetite. They were nice and apologetic but for price of food there, I would expect much better showing.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2016

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The wings are definitely one of the best things on the menu. We tried both sauces and both were great. Would order that again, especially since our family loves wings.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2016

    overall1food4service1ambience2
    Very disappointed by the service. I took clients there for dinner and told the host and server that and it almost seemed like the experience got worse . I was so embarrassed. I will never go back !
  5. BBG60606

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2016

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Their A/C can't keep up with the summer heat. Looks like a very nice place. The entire burger was burnt, the buns, the onions, the bacon, and the fries were way over salted. Other than eating burnt food in the sweltering setting, the host was very nice and I would probably go back, though I would avoid the dopey bartender who told me he has no idea why I would feel too hot as sweat was pouring down his forehead.
  6. Tess

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to Oak+Char because my brother raved about it. Our group of 6 loved the experience. We were warmly welcomed and had excellent service all night. The restaurant has a great, creative vibe, especially the draped light fixtures, which lets you know you're in a unique place. The food was outstanding from the wings and chicken & dumplings soup (superb twist on a classic) through creative salads and wonderful entrees. Spectacular "Lucy burger" smothered in caramelized onions and cheddar as well as perfectly cooked fish and stunningly good roast chicken. We had an excellent, reasonably priced French white burgundy. This is not haute cuisine, it is superbly done comfort food with creative updates. Just be sure not to over-order as the portions are very generous. Better to split the salads and entrees and you'll still have food left over. Definitely a "go back."
  7. Smile

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2016

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Wings were very good. Though our server was nice, the service itself was considerably slow.
  8. AK22

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2016

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    It took our server more than 10 minutes to even say hello to our table when we were seated, and he did not tell us that the restaurant was out of three different items on their already small menu. So when I tried to order, I ended up getting my fourth choice. Not ideal. The food we did have was good, no complaints on that end.
  9. FRED

    Chicago

    30 reviews

    2.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2016

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Second time here and so many things have gone wrong? Menu was unrecognizable from our first visit. We had to order everything at the same time we ordered our first cocktails - the waiter insisted! Dessert menu had 6 items on it but when we tried to order informed only 2 remained. Cocktails were once again over done and the food was a big let down. The glass for my cocktail looked “filthy” but the waiter explained it was meant to look like that as part of the drinks design. Lord give me strength! When fish looks and tastes like meat that can't be identified ... (fried skate by the way) Houston we have a problem. We felt rushed from start to finish and will not be going back. What a shame. We had high hopes for this place.
  10. bramandm

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2016

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    The wings msg were good but the steak and fries were below average.
  11. EricF

    Chicago

    164 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    164 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Berry provided excellent service!
  12. JerryJ002

    Austin

    120 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    120 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2016

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    On our last few trips to Chicago we've tried to dine here but just couldn't get in - mainly, because we typically make last minute visits to the windy city - we tried the wings - they were good but not great - and so were the entrees - service was friendly but not overly efficient for a relatively quiet lunch crowd. So despite the hype, won't be rushing back...
  13. Liz18

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fantastic! Portion size is great especially for sharing. So many good things on the menu, I have to go back to try some more! We had trout tartine, shrimp and grits and the pear salad and all were wonderful. Wish they stayed open a bit later at least on weekends. Great spot for delicious flavorful food.
  14. PRudnick

    Chicago

    149 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    149 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2016

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Was so disappointed with this restaurant. Staff was not knowledgeable of the menu, the food was not that good, but the price was VERY high for what we got. I won't be returning here - sad, because it's a gorgeous space and has potential
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2016

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    We had very very slow service. There were maybe 5 other parties. Our waitress took a long time to serve us to even get us drinks. Then we ordered food but waited an hour for food. I had to flag down the waitress to ask what's taking so long. My friend did not enjoy her biscuits and gravy meal because her scrambled egg was dry and rubbery. It was not worth the trek over there for me, I wanted to choose a new place while an out of town friend was visiting and I ended that brunch with apologize to my friends for going there. The overall experience was a total disappointment and I won't be returning.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2016

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Second time I've been there. 1st time the server served us the wrong food. 2nd time the server didn't know what came in the dish I asked about and gave me false information instead of checking with the kitchen. Both times our server was slow and neglectful. Will not be back.
  17. TRita

    Chicago

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2016

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    The food was great and the music/playlist was awesome (70s/Motown) however the service wasn't on par. We had to wait quite a bit of time for simple requests like salt and pepper and refills. That was our only issue with our experience on Sunday. Highly recommend the MSG wings though!
  18. ChitownJK

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Nice ambiance. A little pricey and somewhat limited menu choices. Excellent wings and burger.
  19. LGChicago

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2016

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    The appetizers were all very good that we tried. The short rib entree was very fatty and almost inedible. Specialty cocktails were great, service was great.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic, ambience was great, service was superb.
  21. DrMaseye

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2016

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Service could use some attention and the lighting of the restaurant seemed off- too bright for a Friday night dinner spot.
  22. Anonymous

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2016

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    The food was either too salty or had no flavor. I really wanted to like this place but it just didn't quite meet the mark.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic craft cocktails and delicious menu all the way around. Trendy, comfortable atmosphere.
  24. SarahB

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2016

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    My family and I had our Saturday brunch at Oak & Char this weekend. The food was great! Our waitress was extremely sweet and helpful. Overall love it and will be going again!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    118 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    118 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2016

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Our waiter service was outstanding, although he should have warned the seafood was exceedingly spicy. Only other problem is that I received multiple confirmation calls and text messages confirming my reservation, to the point it became an annoyance. I will have to rethink if we want to return as a result.
  26. mabelsc

    Chicago

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Friendly service; my server was on her first day of training, and she was very professional and properly supervised). Loved the Piri-Piri Bloody Mary, but the Nashville Hot was a bid disappointing; it was nicely crunchy, but I was expecting HEAT, which was essentially non-existent!
  27. Yummyinmytummy

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Went to here with a group of three others. We had called ahead to say we were celebrating a birthday. When we got there nobody seemed to know or care that we were celebrating a birthday, despite calling an hour prior. We asked our server three times to get the birthday dessert. All the food we ordered was boring and not very creative. The service was terrible. The drinks were good and the restaurant is pretty, but I would not recommend it and I will not be back.
  28. Lefthash

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Everything that they pickled in house was superb. The apps were good sized and the drinks were really well done.
  29. KSky

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2016

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Went for lunch- super quiet very few customers, service friendly, seating comfortable & ambiance cozy. We recommend the wings and burgers but the fries much too salty and the chicken biscuits dried/overdone & also salty. Would not go back for a meal perhaps just to check out the evening bar scene. We did tell the staff.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    It was really not crowded at all for brunch, so we probably didn't need a reservation, but the food was really fantastic. It was all fresh and everyone enjoyed their meals. Our waiter was super nice as well.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Delicious brunch, loved the biscuit
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 27, 2016

    overall1food1service5ambience4
    I went for Easter brunch and the food was terrible. It was bland and boring.
  33. Aaargh

    Chicago

    177 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    177 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2016

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Breakfast biscuit is a joke; overdone eggs with scant cheese and a pile of ridiculously overdone, unseasoned/ungarnished potatoes. Smoked trout tartine tasty. Chocolate pie decent. Nice space with creative lighting/decor. The female manager was awesome.
  34. hattieg

    Cleveland

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We took a group of nine adults for Sunday brunch and had a very enjoyable experience. The food was substantial and delicious; my husband's ricotta pancakes were sublime. Coffee and water were replenished without asking and prices were reasonable. We will definitely go back.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2016

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Beautiful space and decor! Odd menu for lunch. Don't expect to eat anything traditional here. Meals all seem to have a twist to them that my guest and I didn't enjoy.
  36. leem

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2016

    overall2food2service2ambience5
    We heard good things and it looked amazing w interesting menu! But food was either so salty it was close to inedible or was just "eh". Service was also "eh". Servers who dropped food off w explanations were nice but unintelligible, didn't make sure we had utensils. Main course took 25 minutes after apps to arrive and restaurant wasn't full. So ... Bummer
  37. NeighborhoodGem

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2016

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Nothing impressed or was memorable . . . staff needs training on customer experience
  38. AlisonF

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, great decor
  39. PIPoodle

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2016

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Surprisingly, the service was not that great this time around. Our server was cocky and slow! Good was great, except for the scallops. I don't remember them being the size of a penny before...
  40. REZz

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Everything about this place is great - the food exceptional, service on point, ambience great - except for the chairs which are clumsy and uncomfortable!

FAQs

Oak + Char - Permanently Closed is rated 4.1 stars by 217 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Wells

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Lunch: Wednesday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner: Wednesday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 4:30pm - 11:00pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    1 block south of Brown and Purple line Chicago Stop.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 643-2427

  • Private party facilities

    Our private dining room can accommodate up to 24 guests for any type of occasion.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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