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  5. West Loop
Elske, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Elske

4.8
4.8
970 Reviews
$50 and over
American
**We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions not listed above as we may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.

About:
Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American, Danish
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-1314
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Anna & David Posey
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (312) 733-1314
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Ada Street
  • Parking details
    We do not offer valet parking. Non-metered street parking is available on Randolph St and Ada St.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • New Years Eve Tasting Menu

    $150.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Elske will be offering our tasting menu, only, on New Years Eve ($150 per person). We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, nut-free, gluten free, dairy free, and shellfish free diets. If you have any restrictions not listed, or have more than one of these restrictions, please contact the restaurant before booking.
    New Years Eve Tasting Menu Photo

What 970 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

970 Reviews
  1. Daveistrad

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing restaurant. Everything from service to ambience to of course food was top notch.

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  2. JasonW

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Elske missed the mark on nearly all of the dishes. We ordered 6 between the two of us (a small tasting of sorts, as the server couldn't sell us on the tasting menu, unfortunately). The juxtaposition of flavors was very stark and interesting (e.g. swordfish with parsnip and pear), and in some way inventive, but each dish we found only interesting (not great, and sometimes just okay or meh). Further, the flavors of the underlying dish's highlight (e.g. the striped bass) didn't shine, compared to the accoutrements. The cocktails were similarly meh. The main chef's old joint from a few years ago, Blackbird, was unfortunately much better.

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  3. AMTs

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible dining experience. We had an amazing server Alexa who helped tailor the dining experience exactly to our desires. The food was amazing; we almost had everything off of the à la carte menu. Really unique flavor combinations that worked well and weren’t overwhelming. The Freak of Nature Oolong tea was to die for. Highly, highly recommend.

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  4. ChristopherC

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a really phenomenal meal and the service was outstanding. Highly recommended for dining this winter. The whole experience will warm your bones.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the food, the team, and everything in between was top notch! i literally cannot wait to come back here again!!

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  6. SamuelB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've spent a wonderful night in Elske! The food was outstanding and the service wonderful from A to Z a perfect experience.

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  7. AmyU

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. The staff clearly takes pride in their work and it shows. We will absolutely be back.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unbelievable experience! We had the tasting menu - both the food and wine pairings were pitch perfect. And our server, Alexa, was magical. Cannot recommend more highly.

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  9. RobynH

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Far exceeded my expectations. The flavors were amazing, can’t wait to go back.

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  10. MariaB

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family and I dined at Elske for the first time and we all had the tasting menu. My husband and I also added the wine pairing, whereas my daughter added the juice pairing and my son opted for a couple of cocktails. The meal was delicious, very well thought out and we left the table quite satisfied. Despite having to explain both the wines and the juices at each pairing, our server did a marvelous job describing the wines and juices. It was almost theatrical, but not over top. Overall, a wonderful experience.

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  11. MP7699

    Chicago

    170 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    170 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate excellent food— unique preparations. We did not order the set menu. We shared 4 items from regular menu plus dessert. All were outstanding. Wine selection was likewise terrific.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Elske, a culinary haven that has truly earned its Michelin star in every sense. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew I was in for a gastronomic journey unlike any other. The ambiance at Elske is nothing short of enchanting. The soft glow of ambient lighting, coupled with tasteful decor, creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the restaurant, reflecting the commitment to excellence that is synonymous with Michelin-starred establishments. Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the cuisine. The menu at Elske is a symphony of flavors, each dish meticulously crafted to perfection. The chef's artistry is evident in every bite, showcasing a deep understanding of ingredients and a passion for culinary innovation. Each course was a revelation, a dance of textures and tastes that left me in awe. The presentation of the dishes was nothing short of art on a plate. Each creation was a visual masterpiece, a testament to the chef's creativity and commitment to elevating the dining experience. The use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients added a delightful element of freshness to every dish, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to sustainability. The service at Elske was impeccable, with a staff that exuded professionalism and warmth. From the knowledgeable sommelier who expertly paired wines with each course to the attentive waitstaff who anticipated every need, the service was a seamless dance that enhanced the overall dining experience. Dining at Elske was an unforgettable experience that transcended the ordinary. This Michelin-starred gem is a testament to the culinary arts, a celebration of flavors, and a journey into the sublime. If you are seeking an extraordinary dining adventure in West Loop of Chicago, Elske is the epitome of excellence and a true culinary masterpiece.

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  13. brittanym

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a 6 top celebrating my husbands birthday. We all got the set menu with added items from the a la crate menu. 4 chose the wine pairing & 2 chose the juice pairing. I reached out ahead of time to see if the bartender would be willing to make a special birthday cocktail using my husband’s favorite spirit. The Bartender made him 2 options & he really enjoyed both. Zayda was an amazing server. Our group really appreciated her educated, creative & passionate descriptions of eat course, wine & juice pairings. Other than her thoughtful service, she was incredibly on top of it. Not one request of ours was forgotten even though she was busy & on the go the whole night. Her timing, passion for food & wine & thoughtfulness really made our night special. I did not have the wine pairing, but the Som in our group was impressed with the selection & felt they were exciting. I thought the juice pairing were complex, balanced & really fun. I was not expecting such well thought out juice pairings. The set menu was awesome. Very interesting flavors & combinations. The first few courses felt light & fresh. The last few were rich & filling. A la carte, we ordered the bread & butter, Trout & risotto (I apologize for not remembering the entire title of those plates). The butter was insane! Trout was cooked beautifully, actually all the fish we were served was absolute perfection. Risotto was not exactly traditional risotto, but did not leave us disappointed. I feel that the set menu is reasonably priced, which gives a larger pool of people the opportunity to have a quality culinary experience. Every aspect of Elske, from service to food and everything in between, is dripping with thoughtfulness.

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  14. Dutchtreat

    San Francisco

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Love the food! Imaginative choice and pairing of vegetables an tastes, brilliant use of all the winter vegetables and spices. Great service and advice

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  15. Anonymous

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Probably the best service I've ever experienced and a welcoming dining experience for those that do not always eat very extravagantly.

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  16. ChrisB

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had a great experience at Elske last night with my wife. We chose the tasting menu - I had the wine pairing, while my wife had the juice pairing. The service was prompt, professional and very pleasant. Pace of the course was well-measured and the food was extraordinary. The pairings were excellent as well, especially the complex flavors of the juice options - really remarkable. Standouts from the set menu included; Duck liver tart with salted ramp and toasted buckwheat Grilled waygu flatiron and sausage with stewed red cabbage Cured fluke with kohlrabi, summer apples, and mustard But the standout course for me was a simple tea, steeped with vegetables, dried fruit and mushroom for some dynamite texture / taste. Simply amazing - would've ordered it by the bucket or a growler to take home. Great food, great atmosphere and a great experience overall.

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  17. OfficialDBB

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a breathtaking and memorable meal. We were fortunate to receive amazing service from Monica at the bar. Every dish and cocktail ordered were of the highest quality and were absolutely delicious and outstanding. The ideas and execution at Elske are second to none. We will surely return next time we visit Chicago. Thank you !

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing dinner, you can tell they care about the food they make. Service too, genuine desire to make sure people were enjoying their night. It’s not an easy combo to pull off, but Elske lives up to its name “love” in both food and service. Cannot wait to come back!

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  19. Mickey

    Berlin

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food on a non-frills environment. Highly recommended.

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  20. Ethlan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Our first trip to Elske was fantastic. The food was perfect as were the wwine and juice pairings. Only thing that wasn't great was our waitress barely refilled our waters, which were empty more often that full.

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  21. babs

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    The food was beautifully presented, with great care and service, but was just okay. I love anchovies, but there was nothing special about these. I also love eel, but I've had better at garden-variety sushi spots. Great outdoor fire pit and nice indoor dining room overlooking it, but the room was cold and noisy. All in all, not quite worth the splurge.

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  22. IanM

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the tasting menu. Amazing experience. Wine pairing was really good.

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  23. Dexter

    Glasgow

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice laid back setting; friendly, knowledgeable and helpful waitstaff. Food was excellent (we had the 5-course prix fixe menu with wine pairing). Generous with the wine (provided some additional pours at no added cost). Portions appropriately sized for the number of courses. Satisfying without being overly filling. Definitely worth a visit.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. MaeGW

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always the best. We love Elske! They go above and beyond.

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  25. Sherri

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I've lived in the neighborhood for about a decade and just never made it despite eating practically every where in the area. Finally made a reso and so glad we did! We did the set menu with wine pairing which was the perfect amount of food. Great atmosphere with really curated flavors. My only small critique is we sat for a bit before a staff greeted us with waters but the restaurant was quite busy. Would be back to try some of the a la carte options.

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  26. NatalieP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We chose a la carte rather than the rating menu. Starters of aged Gouda with wagers and honey - which sounds perhaps uninteresting. It was fabulous as were the anchovies with grilled sour dough! Scallops with grapes and turnips was very good, the grilled eel dish outstanding. Two other dishes one of which was way too salty (the reason I’ve not given a five star rating to the food) and a pork dish that was very good, not great though. Desserts were fabulous especially the black walnut tart with grape sorbet and various other things I can’t now recall. It was exceptional cooking, a fabulously complex dish that played on the sweet/ savoury edge. Chocolate dish alps excellent. Really great service from Paul. A really excellent dinner all round and great people running it. It is a foodie restaurant so if hamburgers and fries are your thing this place isn’t for you!

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  27. brinksman

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Great service. Relaxed atmosphere. The service and food are top notch here. Dined at Elske during Halloween week and the staff was dressed in clever esoteric costumes but not to the detriment of the service. Just a touch of whimsy. Our server was fun, knowledgeable and attentive. As for the food, the augmented tasting menu we had was full of tasty treats, beautifully presented. Swordfish was a standout as was the smoked fruit tea and the duck liver tart, but everything was really good. Wine list well tuned, had some excellent pairings. All in all a memorable experience. Thanks for the obvious love.

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  28. steve

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, atmosphere and our waiter was outstanding. The dishes were innovative, but accessible, with portions that did not leave you wanting. You must try the Black Walnut tart with Concord Grape ice cream and fresh hops. I can not wait to go back!

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  29. dt1213

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great crowd, great food, great service, great venue. Chefs Anna and David have done us well with a great balanced menu (we did al la carte), which was our attempt to navigate around the menu. Turns out we could not miss with anything we ordered but shout out to the cappelletti and aged gouda cheese options. Damn good. Am looking forward to our next visit when we plan to let the Chefs guide us through the menu with the tasting menu. Great service from both wait and kitchen staff just added to the experience. Thank you, looking forward to coming.

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  30. RobinP

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was so creative and delicious- the service superb, the atmosphere had a very cool vibe without being hipster, Emily the wine expert was very thorough and knowledgeable- and the roaring fire on the patio was such a welcoming and beautiful surprise…

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  31. pcitb

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Went to Elske in April for the a la carte menu and had an amazing experience. We decided to return in October for the tasting menu and wine pairing, while the food was still very good the service was not as good. At the end of the meal, the server asked us if we would like anything else, we asked for a glass of wine, and then were asked to vacate the table to finish the glass in the reception area. We obliged, thinking we were sitting at the bar, but instead sat on a wooden bench under the coat rack. This is not the service we would expect when you spend this much for a dinner experience.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious, elegant, and unpretentious. It’s pricy but certainly felt worth the splurge

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  33. memo92

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    10's, 10's, 10's across the board! Will be coming back very soon!

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Tasting menu was very good and the wine pairing was worth doing. Compared to other Chicago tasting menus, the food and presentation was not super creative, but we enjoyed the food and are happy we went. Service was great.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing and unique culinary experience. Get the Annatto zucca. It will change your life! 😄

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  36. AaronS

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an incredible meal off the a la carte menu. This place was definitely worth the visit.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely experience from start to finish. We ordered from the A La Carte menu and split 4 dishes. Everything was wonderful.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Friendly service. Prix fixe menu has a nice variety to experience the menu. Will return for the a la carte menu options and the mixed drinks.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    For Service, the server never looked in the eyes once, but only talk directly to my friend, took almost 25 minutes for us to place our order, and the food was remarkably poor for a michelin 1 Restaurant. Strongly recommend you do not go here, and try some of the many other Michelin options in the area.

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  40. Annie

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one of the most incredible meals I have ever eaten. Every dish was surprising and thoughtful. The energy of the restaurant is wonderful, very hygge; I love the fireplace outside!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Elske is rated 4.8 stars by 970 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 21 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Elske

1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Cross street
    Ada Street
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American, Danish
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    We do not offer valet parking. Non-metered street parking is available on Randolph St and Ada St.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Anna & David Posey
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-1314
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (312) 733-1314
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