Chef Art Smith's Reunion

Name: Chef Art Smith's Reunion
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
Telephone: (312) 224-1415
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

221 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Dining together allows us to better understand who we are, regardless of our social status. The food does not have to be elegant, complicated, or fancy. We find that busy people like simple food—the busier they are, the simpler the food. Our menu is straightforward, down-home Southern food with a few more contemporary dishes.

Getting back to the table allows us to love and nurture each other and renew connections to our families—however they may be configured—in this diverse and ever-changing society. Such connections are crucial in a fast-paced world where we feel more disconnected every day. One of the best ways we know how to restore that daily balance is to sit down at our table.

We should all think about returning to the sanctity of the table, where we can rebuild our families whether they be given or chosen, and reconnect with those we love and choose to love. Our table is a familiar, uncomplicated, friendly place where we can celebrate.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 224-1415
Website
http://www.reunionrestaurants.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Art Smith

Location
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood
Lakeshore East
Parking details
None
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Wine

What 221 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

AF
AnthonyF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was great and the food was even better.
CH
CHi90
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
We loved the food and casual vibe at Reunion. The biscuits, fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and chopped salad were delicious. Our reservation was at 7 which worked well but the restaurant seemed to be swamped with earlier diners that seemed to be waiting for their entrees or checks. Our earnest waiter seemed to be covering half the place and treated us well amidst lots of demanding diners. I think this is the typical new restaurant growing pains that they’ll work out. I hope because we’ll be back
S
Stash78
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall2food1service3ambience4
I had such high expectations and this particular experience was borderline terrible. It was a tale of two dinners because the first half including cocktails and starters was great, but entrees and dessert were disasters. I will be brief because if I elaborate on the chain of unfortunate events following receipt of my extremely cold fried chicken and mashed potatoes (especially the awkward interaction with the guy with the long ponytail) I will probably lose it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Absolutely incredible service. Very attentive.
S
Scot
Chicago
73 reviews
vip
3.0
73 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience3
Great food and personable service, but took forever to get our dessert and check. The cheddar biscuits and jam were amazing and the shrimp and grits were a revelation!
JF
JoyF
Chicago
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
If you are at Navy Pier, this is a good place to eat. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
s
shar
Chicago
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food as always and service was super. Great comfort food.
SA
SandiA
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was very good.. Waitress was very animated. We shared the fried green tomatoes & biscuits at her recommendation & they were great. Fried chicken was perfect. Slightly expensive for comfort food, but they also gave discount because we went to the Shakespeare Theater.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
I had the short rib, it was served cold
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Service around us was very disorganized. Other tables were complaining about the service while we had a good waiter. Little strange that we got a 20% discount for going to the theater but they tacked on a 20% gratuity. Hmmm not my favorite but not terrible. Biscuits were awesome!!!
T
Tjack
Chicago
41 reviews
3.0
41 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
We went to Reunion for restaurant week, very excited to be at Chef Art Smith’s new place. It’s in Navy Pier so parking was very expensive and they do not offer validation. Everything started out great. The biscuits were delicious as were the fried green tomatoes. As a meal I had the shrimp and grits, which had exactly two shrimp in them. Everyone else had the short ribs. The grits had a lot of tomato in it, not the greatest. The short ribs are ok. The deserts were good. We had his signature cake and a pecan pie. Overall, I was a little disappointed. However, I can say that the server was great.
ZG
ZachG
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our server was fantastic. The food was good but not over-the-top excellent like I was expecting. Good southern fare but cooked like a northeastern chef thinks southern food should be.
RR
ReRefromtheChi
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Deviled eggs are amazing! Fried green tomatoes have a lot going on with the toppings, but good flavor. The beef short rib was just ok. The signature dessert was the epic fail -- serving that Hummingbird Cake cold is a terrible idea. I have no idea if that is normal, but I didn't eat another piece after the first bite because of it. Service was great tho -- Mel rocked it. And the manager whose I can not remember the name was great too. And atmosphere and decor are comfy and fit the food type.
G
Garfield
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food was amazing! The server recommended the fried chicken but we got the shrimp and grits and short rib. Everything melted in my mouth. Will for sure go back and maybe try the fried chicken.
BJ
BrendaJ
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Dined during Restaurant week. Every course was very delicious. DEFINITELY order the fried green tomatoes; shrimp and grits; and then belizean chocolate pecan pie. I honestly can't wait to return
X
Xmen02
Greensboro
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience5
Food was great, I had the fried chicken, my wife had the salmon. Service was just ok at best. Didn’t get a refill on my drink until she decided to come back by and had off the check. If I’m paying you 5.00 for a soda (which is stupid expensive to begin with) then it better never be empty. We’ve been to Blue Door and Homecoming at Disney Springs and this was probably my least favorite of the three. I don’t see me paying 86.00 again for this experience for two people with no alcohol.
r
ragtopannie
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chef Art doesn't disappoint with his menu. Great selection and everything is delicious. Pro Tip, use a parking discount app to help the take the sting off of parking at the pier.
JW
JoeW
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Always delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, excellent food. A perfect Saturday night.
MK
MicheleK
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious. I especially enjoyed the braised greens and the biscuits are scrumptious.
D
Drew
Chicago
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food and service was amazing!
DM
DavidM
Chicago
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience1
I was very disappointed with my recent dining experience at Art Smith’s Reunion. Maybe I thought that the Reunion would resemble the class, flair, style, and perfection of Art Smith’s Table Fifty-Two. WRONG! Not that I am above casual dining it wasn't the appearance I imagined. Now the food, which is really what I was looking forward to, didn't match my recollection of Art Smith’s cuisine. Aside from the Goat Cheese Drop Biscuits, which was the highlight of my dining experience. The fried green tomatoes were soggy and tasteless, and the BRAISED SHORT RIBS were tender but, lacked seasoning, very bland. The FRIED CATFISH was freshly cooked but also lacked flavor and the grits which should have been a perfect compliment to the Fried Catfish were smoother beneath bitter collard greens. I can't say much about the 1 hush puppy cause I don't remember how it tasted. Alright, so cleat the table for the Hummingbird Cake. I can remember driving a great distance to Table Fifty-Two to get slices of the Hummingbird Cake for my family. Now, the disappointment of the evening was the poor replica of the moist, rich, smooth creamy, and delicious Hummingbird Cake that I recall. The cake was old and crumbled when I went for the bit. I was so disappointed I sent the cake and my sentiments back to the chef. The cake was removed from my bill but that did nothing for my experience. I guess I'll just have to remember what was cause I'm not going to the Reunion again.
MG
MikeG
Chicago
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great food and a wonderful outdoor dining atmosphere in good weather.
DH
DanaH
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were looking to enjoy some comfort food. We came for the fried chicken, crab cakes and mac and cheese which were all excellent. But the short ribs and the shrimp and grits and fried tomatoes were an added bonus. Plus the salad that came with the crab cakes was excellent too. The ambiance and service paired perfectly with the food. Comfortable & welcoming. What an excellent addition to Navy Pier. Looking forward to dining out on their patio!
CC
CherylC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious. The server was knowledgeable and attentive. We gave her a big tip!
G
Gigi
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food. Brunch menu is amazing! Drinks too!! You absolutely need to try Reunion. You won’t be disappointed.
KH
KellyH
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A fabulous meal. The fried chicken and pulled pork were amazing! We loved the atmosphere—-so casual and comfortable. Kevin was our ‘food tender’, he did a great job keeping drinks filled and making sure had everything we needed.
MF
MichaelF
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service was great. Food was okay. Not anything we would go back for based on the price.
RD
RockDean3
Chicago
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was our second meal @ Reunion and everything was every bit as good as the first. Best whipped potatoes ever. Crispy catfish and perfectly seared salmon. The fried green tomatoes were superb. Our one recommendation is to have a printed dessert and after-dinner drink menu as our server was not completely sure what we were asking for. Otherwise, outstanding, friendly and fine service. We look forward to another visit soon.
RO
ROBERTW
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
FOOD WAS EXCELLENT AS WAS THE SERVICE. GOOD LOCATION AS WAS THE AMBIENCE
JB
JoslynB
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Has become one of my favorite go to’s when visiting the city. Food and service is excellent and you have Navy Pier at your feet to enjoy inside and out. Don’t miss the deviled eggs,the fried green tomatoes, chicken wings, and the adult juice boxes. Great for a fun dinner or fancier occasion.
NR
NatalieR
Chicago
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Sunday Brunch my date and I truly enjoyed our dining experience. We started with the fried green tomatoes and they were delicious. It’s served with meat but if you don’t eat meat they will leave it off or serve it on the side. I had a Bloody Mary which was a meal in a glass and very well made. My date drank coffee and he said it was good. For our main course my date had the Salmon Benedict and I had the chicken and waffles. Both dishes were delicious. To top it off the service was excellent. Our server, Angie was friendly, professional and a wonderful personality. We will be back again. And will be sure to ask for Angie.
B
Blac
Louisville
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Staff are so helpful and hospitable! Fried chicken is delicious. Would have liked a few more options to choose from on menu but everything we tried was delicious!! Prices are definitely fair.
CM
CoraM
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and great service!! Took my work team out for holiday celebration.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Get the deviled eggs! Salmon and chicken sandwich were great. Fries were good but nothing amazing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm and inviting experience. Great place to go when trying to impress someone. Chef came out to greet my party and presented the entrees like works of art.
DL
DL77
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great dining spot on the Pier. Hungry diners are satiated by tasty, generous portions; friendly service; and bright, warm atmosphere. Recommend sharing all: fried green tomatoes, biscuits, a kale salad, fried chicken, and chocolate pecan pie. Throw in an alcoholic punch bag. Will be full and have leftovers. Chicken was tasty but white meat could be juicier (hard to do right) for my taste; would still get it again since that house made hot sauce lights it up. Had to request water glasses be filled when empty. Overall, still highly recommended.
J
Jace
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
The menu needs to be updated. There is never pork shank available
a
ajw718
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time at the restaurant. Overall the experience was very good and we will definitely return. The wait staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Robert, the manager, took care of us as well as Nelly and they were great. I had the fried fish, fried hard and it was tasty. My husband had the fried chicken and he said it was delicious. The mashed potatoes were very good. Personally, I was not impressed with the greens as they have a sweet taste and I do not like sweet greens. The macaroni noodles were too al dente for my taste but the flavor was good. Loved the home made hot sauce.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this place and had a very special greeting from Chef Art Smith. Whole team was incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in the door. Kids LOVED it and so did we. Excellent food /cocktails!

FAQs

Chef Art Smith's Reunion is rated 4.4 stars by 221 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

Neighborhood
Lakeshore East
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Art Smith
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Wine

Website
http://www.reunionrestaurants.com/
Phone number
(312) 224-1415

Chef Art Smith's Reunion

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 221 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is Chef Art Smith's Reunion restaurant rated?

Is Chef Art Smith's Reunion currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information