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The Boarding House - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL
The Boarding House - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL
The Boarding House - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL
The Boarding House - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL
The Boarding House - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL

The Boarding House - Permanently Closed

4.2
4.2
1630 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
Welcome! The Boarding House opened December 2012 and is led by Proprietor and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh. Our historic building, which dates back to 1872, features several distinct areas that a bustling bar area, two distinct private dining spaces, and a comfortable dining room located on the building’s third floor.

Enjoy a curated and thoughtful list of 500 wines from around the world that will expertly complement your dining experience. Guests will be immediately enveloped by our ambient dining room, which is designed for everyday dining with service that is detailed, hospitable and personal.

The wine bar is available without reservations and seating is per availability.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Boarding House!

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Crossover
  • Hours of operation
    Wine Bar Monday through Friday: 4:30 p.m. to CLOSE Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to CLOSE Closed Sunday Dining Room Monday: 5 p.m. to CLOSE Tuesday through Saturday: 5 p.m. to CLOSE. Closed Sunday
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-0720
  • Website
    http://www.boardinghousechicago.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Catering
    Please contact us at Events@bhchicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    The Boarding House offers catering options from 4 to 400 people.
  • Private party contact
    Amy Ermatinger: (844) 276-1088
  • Location
    720 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    Superior
  • Parking details
    The Boarding House offers valet parking on Wells Street.
  • Public transit
    Conveniently located one block east of the Franklin Brown Line stop.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,630 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Quiet

1,593 Reviews

  1. DinerKC

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2018

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    It's closed.. nobody notified me in advance. additional words.

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  2. Iluvegas

    Las Vegas

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good food here! Loved the bar area downstairs with the wine glass chandelier ceiling. Upstairs in the dining room they have a very cool wine bottle chandelier ceiling. When we first got there for our 7:30 reservation I was kind of surprised that there weren’t many people there on a Saturday night but by 8:30p it was pretty much filled. I had the short rib dinner and it was so good. The Brussels sprouts were great too. The dessserts I’d have to say we’re just ok in my opinion.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Good wine, good service. Too pricey to go again.

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  4. TheVegetarian22

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Food was very breakfast"y" for a dinner menu - I am vegetarian so that's the only menu I saw/ate from. Our waitress was a bit hyperactive and kept coming over every 5 minutes like she was in a rush to get our order and for us to leave and we were literally one of 3 total parties on the whole floor. They need to revamp their menu if they want business- considering it was a friday night from 8:30-10pm (our waitress rushed us) there were barely any people there the whole time. I wouldn't go back unless the menu was different.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2018

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Food and drinks were great, but the restaurant was slow, especially considering a Friday night, and our service was very subpar. Could barely get drink orders fulfilled and food took 40 min out of the kitchen. Probably won’t be back.

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  6. JasonK

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2018

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We had reservations for my wifes bday. Sat at the bar on the lower level for a drink upon an early arrival (that caby was fast!). Our bartender was spot on for helping us with ideas about where to go in the city for the rest of the night. Went upstairs after our drinks to a really nice dining area. Waiter was again, very helpful, and did great with all our questions about the wines and the rest of the menu. The wifes salmon was top notch! No complaints there. I had scallops...a bit on the undercooked side for my taste. We've made them better at home...without overcooking. Overall, great for a special occasion, pricey for a normal night IMO. Would visit again!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2018

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    It was closed even though the door said it is open until 10pm on a Monday.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    42 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Soso all around

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  9. DavidC

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience for a Wednesday evening! Patrick is young, well traveled and beyond his years in food/wine paring. He totally knocked it out of the park and expanded our wine knowledge. The pairing of the Baramundi and Riesling (yes, you read right, a Riesling) was a new culinary experience for us and refreshing for us! I highly recommend the the Beet Salad. I didn’t know Beets could taste that good? I don’t normally like beets, if all beets tasted like this, I’d eat them everyday! 😇 The bar and ambiance was beautiful and old world. This was all done without breaking the bank! Come to Chicago and eat HERE! Do not pass go, do not collect $200! Cheers to them!

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  10. Ginger

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a girls night celebration. The staff, ambiance, food, and vibe was amazing. loved the octopus and beet salad. We will be back. Will definatly recommned to friends.

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  11. KenA

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2018

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Limited selection of foods. This was known before we made the reservation but we had a gift card that we wanted to use. We were early at the dining room (5:00 PM) so there were not a lot of other guests. Loved how the dining room was decorated.

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  12. MattchuD

    Dallas

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just love this place. It’s a must stop every time we go to Chicago.

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  13. TheMax

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance was amazing and the service was exceptional! Friendly, professional and delicious! I would definitely recommend The Boarding House to anyone!

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  14. PatrickR

    Dallas

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Ordered the duck breast. Portion was small and over cooked. Lighting was way too dim. It was hard to see our food.

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  15. Ipatel

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great new restaurant in Chicago, highly recommend! Especially for foodies!!!

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  16. MarkfromDallas

    Dallas

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing . I had mushroom pasta and guest had short ribs both had us saying best we ever had! Wine list good too. Service great. Atmosphere great

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  17. SuburbFoodies

    Chicago

    153 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    153 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We have been intending to go to the Boarding House for quite a while and for one reason or another, we kept missing out on getting there. We finally went for our anniversary and it was worth the wait. We were greeted immediately and wished a Happy Anniversary when we checked in. Patrick, who is also the sommelier waited on us and he did a great job. He was , of course very knowledgeable of the wine list and guided us well to a terrific wine that paired well with our meal. He also knew the menu well and made some great suggestion for starters, main course and desserts. All were very good. We definitely plan to go back.

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  18. FERNANDAJ

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food5service3ambience2
    Súper, muy padre!!!

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  19. JULIA

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In a “mixed” marriage. One carnivore + me vegetarian. This place is perfect: they have a vegetarian menu- a rare find in Chicago. Hubby lied his skirt steak & I loved my truffled pasta . Drinks good. Fantastic experience. We’ll be back very soon💚

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful and had vegetarian menu! Had a delicious vegan meal.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great evening. Service was superb, attentive but not intrusive. Dishes were great, right sized and special.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2018

    overall3food4service4ambience5
    A little pricy for what you get.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Anniversary

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  24. SoraiaSimone

    Fort Lauderdale

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant, great food, presentation and nice service. I highly recommend.

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  25. MichaelS

    West Palm Beach

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding in every way. An

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  26. Kay21

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2018

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    This was out first time visiting the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, the staff, bar and dining area were great! It was very shocking to see that there was only one waitress serving the dining area. (And of course, it was a busy night) However, one would expect the food to be great, especially for the prices in the River North area. I brought my wife here to celebrate our wedding anniversary and the food was overcooked. I expected more out of this place considering the reviews it has. We ordered the octopus and duck, and both were cooked poorly. Over well done should never be an option. To say the least, the food shouldn't have even left the kitchen if the appropriate chef was cooking and/or supervising. Otherwise, I'd have to say the overall experience was fair. Side note, I was told that dessert would be on the house for the celebration but the waitress was their to up-sell us. She offered us two desserts since the wife and I were torn between the two. She then charged us for the one and made it seem like she was doing us a favor for the "free-dessert" we should have received. Wine selection was great, we ended up getting a bottle of Italian wine. Be prepared to pour your own wine!

    1 person found this helpful

  27. Megan

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2018

    overall2food4service5ambience4
    Food was fine, and restaurant was very nice. Wish the service was a little bit better.

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  28. Kate

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful and unique venue. Very friendly staff. Tasty food and expansive wine list. The staff went out of their way to make our anniversary special. Can't wait to visit again. Thank you!!

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  29. chicagocooks

    Chicago

    158 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    158 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely setting for an anniversary dinner. They gave us a quiet, private table up on the balcony, and treated us to a glass of bubbly. The duck breast entree was our favorite, but the scallops were also good. Enjoyed the fruit tart + vanilla ice cream, though the dough was a bit undercooked. While the service overall was really good without being overbearing, we would've like to get our water glasses filled! We might be showing our age, but would've preferred more mellow/less thumping music.

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  30. catherinem

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the food was delicious and very considerate - the interior is a hit - and the service was outstanding. All of my needs and expectations were met - thanks again Patrick

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2018

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    The most terrible service we have ever received. I swear our waitress was on drugs. She forgot several things and was super rude. We had to wait 45 min for our apps. Ended up talking to the manager who comped our meal and said there were some personal issues he couldn’t discuss. Not once did he offer an apology. Never going there again.

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  32. HeatherH

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This a must to visit when in Chicago! We came here for my 40th birthday and everything from the moment we walked in the door was perfect. We had a cocktail and wine with main course. Our server was attentive, but did not rush us. I recommend dinner on the 3rd or 4th floors as they are a. It more intimate. My favorite out of the 5 restaurants we visited this weekend!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. xTina

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The Boarding House was perfect. The ambiance and the decor was lovely. I chose to celebrate my birthday here and Patrick was our server. This time to celebrate my best friend's birthday we came back and we happened to have Patrick again. He was very nice, welcoming and professional. Loved the extra touch our server made by bringing a dessert with a candle to the birthday girl. Food wise, we've tried the salmon, scallops, duck, short rib and the iron steak for entrees. We also tried the octopus and braised pork belly for appetizers. Everything tasted absolutely divine. My personal favorites was the octopus- so tender- totally unexpected. The scallops were delicious, the yuzu was nicely incorporated into the dish. The iron steak was delicious as well, paired with a nice cab brought to us by Patrick. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed both experiences at the Boarding House and would definitely visit again. I can safely say that this place has the best service that we have ever experienced of all the places that we have ever dined in.

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  34. MichaelH

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, wine, ambiance and service were all top notch! Braised beef short ribs were amazing. Dave the bartender always has a friendly smile. Will be returning.

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  35. SAM1

    Toledo

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2018

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    This was not our first visit to The Boarding House but our only disappointing one. The setting is beautiful, the food was delicious, our service disappointing. While our server was attentive and did not make any mistakes with our orders, she was boarderline rude and clearly did not want to be doing her job; it put a bit of damper on our dining experience. At this price point, the service should be great every time.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic evening st the bar with my wife. Bartender was super helpful and friendly - when asked for recommendations he was quick with questions that then narrowed to suggestions. Geese board was divine and the short ribs , oh those short ribs, were excellent.

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  37. PamP

    Houston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We made dinner reservations for a Monday night. We were disappointed to find out that the dining room is closed on Mondays... but they were willing to service the dinner menu in the bar area. We ended up just ordering off of the bar menu a couple appetizers and some drinks. The food was good but not the experience we were expecting....

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  38. Clayduke

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2018

    overall2food3service2ambience5
    When I walked into Boarding House,I was immediately taken with the cool decor in the bar.We had 7:30 reservations that we had made less than an hour before.They took up to 3rd floor and then up the stairs to a table for 2.Unfortunately,we could have been seated in main dining,so we were disappointed to be up in a drafty spot.Our waiter was not particularly welcoming either.We had 2 salads,wine and left.Wouldnt go back unless maybe just for wine downstairs under the chandelier.

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  39. NicoleB

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2018

    overall2food4service1ambience5
    I'd been looking forward to my reservation with the Boarding House based on its ambiance and location. However, I was exceedingly disappointed with the service for many reasons - 1. Our server was not at all familiar with the wine list, even the wine by the glass 2. Our appetizers were served 45 minutes after we ordered them due to an "issue in the kitchen". During that time, our server never asked if we'd like to order our entrees. After I suggested it, we ordered and then they were served to us while we were still eating our appetizers. 3. When we arrived to the upstairs dining area, the hostess was texting on her phone and didn't immediately look up to assist us. I expected more from this restaurant, particularly given its esteemed leadership group and price point. I therefore do not plan to return.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. MichaelD

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful space, great service and the food is always great. Overall we highly recommend The Boarding House.

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FAQs

The Boarding House - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 1630 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for The Boarding House - Permanently Closed

720 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Superior
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Wine Bar Monday through Friday: 4:30 p.m. to CLOSE Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to CLOSE Closed Sunday Dining Room Monday: 5 p.m. to CLOSE Tuesday through Saturday: 5 p.m. to CLOSE. Closed Sunday
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Crossover
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    The Boarding House offers valet parking on Wells Street.
  • Public transit
    Conveniently located one block east of the Franklin Brown Line stop.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.boardinghousechicago.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-0720
  • Catering
    Please contact us at Events@bhchicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    The Boarding House offers catering options from 4 to 400 people.
  • Private party contact
    Amy Ermatinger: (844) 276-1088
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