Analogue - Permanently Closed

Sort by

1. EG

   ErikG

   Chicago

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on July 1, 2016

   overall1food1service1ambience3

   We were seated and then utterly ignored for at least 20 minutes. In a very friendly manner, I addressed the gentleman who finally saw fit to pour us some water and he literally did not say a word. He poured, turned, and walked away. The appetizer was forgettable crap you could find at any Chilli's or TGI Fridays. And my entree, the gumbo, was the most soulless, bland, bloodless excuse for cajun cuisine I have ever experienced. And no amount of salt or what passed for hot sauce there could fix it. My girlfriend's meal, the etouffee, was better, but much too small to share. She had two rum and Cokes and I had two Miller High Lifes and we were out of there for just under $80 including a bare minimum tip our server did not deserve. Eighty dollars for one decent meal and a few drinks. This place seemed emblematic of the Logan Square, too-cool-for-school zeitgeist which suggests that if you are dining in this hipster nirvana on cutesy tid-bits dwarfed by the plates they arrive on, served by under-dressed pukes of indeterminate gender you must be having a good time. When the check arrived, suddenly we were the center of attention. Multiple waitstaff bustling around our table hurriedly fetching our credit card and returning quickly for the signature. A truly appalling dinner experience that thankfully, I will never, ever have to repeat.
   

   Report
2. EJ

   EwaJ

   Chicago

   65 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   65 reviews

   Dined on June 28, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Their service and food is always great. On Tuesdays they have a fried chicken special that is totally worth a trip!
   

   Report
3. NS

   NatalieS

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 24, 2016

   overall5food4service4ambience5

   I loved my "Psycho Friend" cocktail with basil-infused vodka (a spot-on recommendation by our server). Plus, I could eat that fish dip every day of my life.
   

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on June 17, 2016

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Excellent Gumbo, and the pork shoulder was incredible! Not to mention great cocktails all at a pretty reasonable price.
   

   Report
5. DL

   DanL

   Chicago

   27 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   27 reviews

   Dined on June 17, 2016

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   The back outdoor seating is the place to be. Inside is a little crowded and not nearly as comfortable. The cocktails are excellent. Really fine, well made, and unusual. The food is just the right amount of spicy. Not the burn you dead spice I associate with Cajun food, just well blended heat. My shrimp po' boy was perfection. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. The vegetarian dish was incredible - I'd never miss meat with that plate. Whole cooked fish was cooked perfectly. The oysters were a little over sauced - tons of cheese, garlic, and sauce. They tasted more like escargot than oysters. Service was super pleasant and efficient, until they got busy and we were on dessert. And then it felt like Italy, no waiter to be found. And they didn't have espresso or coffee. Still loved the place and would go back.
   

   Report
6. D

   Dugie08

   Charleston

   12 reviews

   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on June 11, 2016

   overall4food4service4ambience2

   The appetizers were outstanding. We shared 3 of them amongst 4 of us and we all enjoyed them tremendously. The gumbo was over cooked and it mybe from burning the rue. Chef needs to look at lighting it up and letting the flavors out vs the burn taste. But all other entrées were solid. Service was good. Although all the servers knowledge of the menu wasn't on par for some of the simplest questions of explanation. The bar had a chalkenge with both beer and cocktails for the entire evening. An understanding of an IPA vs a Pilsner just wasn't available to anyone there. But with some suttle coaching I was able to get the beer I wanted.
   

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on June 11, 2016

   overall2food1service3ambience2

   The food was wildly underwhelming. My $11 blackened fish sandwich seemed more like piece of processed fish from the freezer aisle, on a ten cent wonder brand bun, and smothered in Kraft tartar sauce- all of which are things I can do at home. The specialty drinks were nice though.
   

   Report
8. p

   popthechampagne

   Louisville

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on June 9, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Loved it! Sophisticated, delicious, and private-feeling.
   

   Report
9. k

   ktbdines

   Chicago

   16 reviews

   4.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on May 29, 2016

   overall4food5service4ambience3

   It was a treat to visit Analogue one last time while the menu is still the brainchild of Chef Alfredo, but without him and Robby there, it just doesn't feel the same. This place has been a refuse for me as a Southerner living in Chicago. Robby's Ramos Gin Fizz is the best I've ever had, and that includes the ones I've had in New Orleans, and Alfredo makes food just like what I had growing up with my dad's Cajun cooking. I am completely distraught that they are leaving because Analogue was hands down the best place to get real Southern food in Chicago, and it was done without offensive gimmicks or cheesy decor. This was likely my last visit to Analogue, a place I've loved dearly for the past two years. It just doesn't feel right for them to keep the name without the creative geniuses behind it. (That would be like calling a Graham Elliot restaurant "Graham Elliot" without having GE himself working on the menu.) Analogue has built up their reputation due to the hard work put in by Alfredo, Robby, and Henry. The name Analogue and the goodwill behind that name should stay with those three people. I'm truly sad to lose their input at this neighborhood gem, but I look forward to following them wherever they go. I'd like to say that I'll try to give Analogue a fair try under the new regime, but after 10 years of searching for real, quality Southern food in Chicago, I have a hard time believing anyone can do as well as the original, founding Analogue team. They filled a much-needed gap in the Chicago restaurant scene, and I hope they find a way to fill that same gap again sometime in the near future.
   

   Report
10. BO

    BigORican

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service! Very friendly staff who took the time to explain and recommend drinks. Went early on a Friday to avoid the crowd. Blackened fish and pork shoulder sandwiches were excellent.
    

    Report
11. F

    Frank

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2016

    overall3food5service2ambience3

    A bit pricey at $75 all-in for two drinks, 1 appetizer, and two bowls of gumbo/etoufee. The Gumbo and Etoufee were outstanding, certainly better than Heaven on Seven (which is not all that difficult). The roux was perfect, the portions generous, and the crayfish fresh and cooked perfectly. Pass on all the pates. They were surprisingly dried out which is a shame because they had rabbit, duck, and ham rillettes. The service was very disappointing. With only two tables serving at the time with two servers, one runner, and a barkeep, there was just no hospitality in the place. Get this -- the barman on break eating in the dining area! My sense is that they just really didn't care, have any pride in their product or maybe they were trying to do a '60s thing on us. But the talent was clearly in the kitchen. So go for the food; not for the service.
    

    Report
12. s

    sareph

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The food was solid, I wouldn't hesitate to eat there again - our group enjoyed the biscuits, country ham, etoufee and a shrimp po boy. The real star of the evening however were the cocktails. Flight risk and The More You Learn cocktails were delish, among others.
    

    Report
13. RI

    RyeI

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have been here before. It is a smaller restaurant, but nice for a friends date or an intimate dinner.
    

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2016

    overall3food4service4ambience1

    The food was good, but the servings were pretty small and the prices pretty high (3 small biscuits cost $7). I didn't feel we got much bang for our buck, and since there was terribly dim lighting and really loud music, we didn't feel the ambiance was worth paying more for. Not really a place where you can go enjoy a long meal over good conversation.
    

    Report
15. SC

    StephanieC

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Mother's Day Brunch. Relaxed atmosphere. Beignets were so light and fluffy.
    

    Report
16. CM

    CMGW

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    I love the food here especially as a Louisiana transplant. However, they must work on the dining area. A special event was held at the restaurant this weekend; thus, leaving the main dining room without enough tables. Not acceptable especially as I had reservations so I would not have to sit at a high table.
    

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    My partner and I went to Analogue for our anniversary because we wanted something nice but low-key, and this definitely met that vibe. We're fans of cajun food, and this hit the spot. Our cocktails were great (Sazerac & New Money) and were jsut the right amount of boozy and flavorful. We really enjoyed the pimento spread, and were excited about the variety of veggies (cauliflower and okra, in addition to several kinds of onions, and bread & butter style cucumber) we received in the pickle selection. My only wish is that there was more of the pepper jelly mentioned in the menu. We received just a tiny bit hiding under the pimento spread. We also enjoyed the boudin, as well as the rabbit terrine. For our entree we shared the crawfish etoufee and found it to be creamy and delicious. The music was playing fairly loud, which kind of inhibited conversation. There also seemed to be an overload of bussers, and they were very quick to ask if they could clear things - almost too quick! I felt a little embarrassed to say I was still working on those pickles, and at one point there were literally 3 different people clearing things off our table at once. Overall, we really enjoyed the place and would go back!
    

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious Cajun dishes elevated
    

    Report
19. 2

    2timeoffender

    Chicago

    69 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    We had a very friendly and outgoing waitress who was accommodating, helpful and patient. Our waitress described everything to a tee. The crawfish etoufee was a good size and very good. I tasted my friends bread pudding and I don't typically like bread pudding but it was very good. I would definitely return for the food and laid back atmosphere.
    

    Report
20. J

    Jamie

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Delicious Cajun and Cocktails. This is a small restaurant, so it may be hard to get a larger group in the door. It's a bit pricey, but the food and drinks are great!
    

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    It was super loud and the music was equally loud. But the food was goood
    

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    I went here with some friends on a Friday evening. I made reservations for five and we were seated at a large sectional couch/booth towards the back. Maybe because we were the largest group they were expecting? The place was not very full, which was odd for a Friday. The food and drinks were delicious. I had the Red Beans & Rice; I can't recall the name of the drink. Everyone else loved their dishes, too. One thing to note is that the dishes are not very large. (They would be a normal recommended serving, not the giant servings we are used to at American restaurants.)
    

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food and atmosphere were amazing though it does get pretty loud as the place gets more crowded. Overall great experience and I would recommend this to anyone who loves Cajun food.
    

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    The service was excellent and the cocktail were amazing. Had a wonderful evening with my two friends.
    

    Report
25. HS

    HeleneS

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food, Excellent service, great bar! Will definitely be back! Not the easiest place to find - not much signage almost drove right by.
    

    Report
26. CM

    CMGW

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    As a native Louisianan, this place hits all of the high notes. Crawfish roll, café du monde coffee, and beignets. I cannot wait to return! Oh and they provided a complimentary Creole cake for my husband's birthday. He LOVED it!
    

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    OMG! Food was outstanding. Etouffee and catfish were outstanding. You must have the bread pudding - it was the best we have ever had! Service was great. Very homey great neighborhood restaurant. Biscuits are a must!
    

    Report
28. HC

    HungryinChicago

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Tender oysters in the poor boy sandwich were delightful!
    

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The shrimp poboy was the best I've had outside of New Orleans.
    

    Report
30. C

    Cannes

    Chicago

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a lovely brunch last Sunday. We tried the Chicken Sliders with gravy. Wish there was more gravy. And the French toast. Yum yum! Coffee was delish and service was quick and delightful.
    

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    If you like a twist on Cajun food then you have to try this place. The food was amazing. Smaller portions, but packed with flavor. I will be back for sure!
    

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience3

    Went to Analogue for the first time based on recommendation from friends, and loved it. The food was sensational, wonderful cocktails, great lively vibe, and super friendly wait staff. Definitely recommended.
    

    Report
33. FM

    FoodieMcGee

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall3food4service4ambience4

    I have been to Analogue quite a few times, but this was my first time for drinks. As always, the cocktail program is pretty spot on. The menu is helpful, with fun emoticons to let you know what to expect when you order a drink. The wait staff has always been great every time I've come here, and this time was no exception. I bought the fried chicken sandwich for my dinner, as I just read it was one of the best fried chicken dishes in the city, and I have to say that I agree. The breading was great, just the right enough, not too thin and not too thick. The chicken was absolutely succulent, wonderfully juicy, and overall, a top notch experience, especially for me to rave so much over just a sandwich. That said... the food is pretty expensive for small portions (at least by American, and especially Chicago, standards). My brother got the Chicken and Dumplings, and it was also small. He said it was delicious, but I didn't sample. Overall, I do recommend this place for food if you're ok with shelling out some money. It's definitely good, but don't expect to be full without spending some dough. If you are looking for just drinks, then I can't recommend this place highly enough. It is definitely a great place for a craft cocktail, for the experienced and the neophyte alike.
    

    Report
34. u

    urbanpln

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    This is a great bar with great food. My go to place for Sazeracs and authentic creole food.
    

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The cocktails were great and the food absolutely delicious. We had the biscuits & barbecue shrimp which were both excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive. Will definitely be returning there soon.
    

    Report
36. MD

    MattD

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The fried chicken sandwich was incredible. Everyone I went with loved their food. Amazing place!
    

    Report
37. TM

    TreyM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Tasty brunch! I am definitely coming back for some more.
    

    Report
38. J

    Joann

    Milwaukee

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We found restaurant via search on internet. We were very excited to try their lunch menu and booked the reservation. The we were a bit disappointed when we realized that it was a limited brunch menu and almost canceled the reservation. We are so glad that we didn't as the limited menu options were fabulous. We had the Crawfish Rolls, Ramen Bowl and the Chicken Sliders. We also had Bloody Mary's and a few of their craft cocktails. It was perfect meal and now we want to come back for dinner. Our server was terrific and very knowledgeable about the menu and helped make decisions on what to eat. The chef stopped out to check on us as well as another staff member.
    

    Report
39. A

    Annoo

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2016

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    Waiter brought wrong drink after taking copious notes. Food was OK- not a lot of it and quite pricey. Nothing special.
    

    Report
40. Z

    Zelda

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really tasty brunch! We will be back for dinner for sure. Bar was a little slow but that was the only thing that was off. We received our brunch dishes before our cocktails which were ordered at least ten minutes before. Other than that really nice experience.
    

    Report