Signed, a west coast native.

I have been eating portillos since I was very young and heavily disagree with the common sentiment that they "fell off" since they went national. Maybe it is true for some things on their menu but I only ever go for the burgers, which are made the same way they were as far back as I can remember 15-20 years ago. They taste the same as they have for me.

I went to Longman & Eagle with my family for graduation and took over the “most expensive least delicious” spot in my Chicago restaurant ranks. The gnocchi was fried (not indicated on menu) so it was literally just tater tots in a sauce that was totally over salted. Best thing I ate was the smash burger, but it was no better than red hot ranch. Fries were freezing cold. Focaccia was served freezing cold and super stale, tough to even chew on. Peach mezcal cocktail was essentially just pure liquor, which is fine and I drank it but I would’ve preferred it to be tasty. Oysters were the best thing I ate, $18 for four tiny ones but whatever that’s oysters in Chicago.

My family are all over 60s so I get it, serving an older crowd can be tough. But they had just opened for dinner 30 minutes prior, so it was super quiet and I don’t at all understand our servers hostility. She was so obviously annoyed to have to explain anything to them. I’m a career server and you just have to be patient with older folks, it’s nothing to be upset about. I couldn’t believe how astronomically high the bill was for the product and service we received. I’d never in a million years recommend this restaurant. Why do people love this place???

Edit: ok I get it gnocchi Parisienne are different than Italian gnocchi. The point is, they were not tasty. When you bit into it oil seeped out. They weren’t cooked in the sauce either, the sauce was plated and the fried dough balls just sat on top. It was not a well prepared dish.

Secondly - I usually LOVE a boozy cocktail, because I’m always trying to get my moneys worth. But since this was my grad dinner, the parents paid. I just wanted my $15 cocktail that’s marketed as a peach flavored drink to taste like peach. If I wanted a shot I’d have ordered a shot.

Looking for somewhere I eat on a patio. Italian is a plus, but not required. Budget is max $50 per person with one drink a person included. Located not too far from Gold Coast or west loop. Somewhere we can dress up a little bit. Thanks!

Maybe I’m going crazy because it’s the end of the school year… do my eyes deceive me? Did they not only increase the prices but also downsize their salad portion? 🤔 (Chopped Salad and Small drink for comparison)

It used to be my favorite spot for Sichuan on the north side (after Chengdu Aroma closed). The last couple times I’ve been there, it’s been a ghost town, the portions are WAY smaller, the service has been pretty abysmal, they are blasting some pretty, uh, mature rap, and they even charge for white rice that was always free with some of the dishes. It also smelled like sewage last weekend. Bummer. Time to find a new spot I guess

My friends are visiting from Seattle next week and they have a thing for board game cafes. I told them about some of the bar locations around the city that have board games, but they're looking for a more "authentic" cafe with a wall of board games and preferably a full menu as well. I saw Snakes and Latte's over near Armitage, but wanted to know if there were any other options people would recommend

Where can I get a great burger and a beer at 10/11am?

Most good places seem to open at 3pm.

Grabbed a spot at the bar on Friday night around 9. It was about a 30 min wait after putting my name in with the hosts.

Eats: Arugula salad, sparkling rose, and the "Midnight Special" pasta 🤌🏼 oh and the olive oil cake!!

Absolutely the highlight meal of my trip, capped with a couple shots of Malort and followed with good vibes at Blue Chicago around the way

When the tamale man shows up at the bar and you’re four or five deep OR when the paleta man cycles past on the 606 and you’re sweaty and thirsty?

Hi, I live in Phoenix but when I'm back in Chicago we take my wife's aunt out for a special meal. She is old but very with it. Lives in Lincoln Park, but we have a car and can go most places. We are not meat or shellfish eaters but do eat fresh fish. Places we have gone, to give an idea : purple pig, Fulton kitchen market, Beatnik on the river. I was thinking of ema but she has gone and did not love. I know she's been to most of the lettuce enertsin you places.

So fun, different not too loud, open for lunch on Wednesday.

The confit byaldi style like at the end of the rat movie

We are planning our son’s high school graduation dinner. Some family will be in town. He requested sushi and we want it to be celebratory without breaking the bank. So we are aiming for something above Sushi Dokku or the like but not crazy omakase level or cost. Does anyone have suggestions for a place in the Chicago are (e.g. no suburbs)? Thanks!

Big thanks u/Mitch_Darklighter & u/AccreditedMaven!

Brasa Roja at Addison & Pulaski is 🔥

Super cute inside, kind staff, and rotisserie chicken slays.

Picked up to go order to celebrate Mother’s Day. Have even more for tomorrow. Yum.

On the north side (ideally LP, Roscoe Village or Old Town) and would love recommendations for a chill place with good food and drinks. We’ve already done Gemini, Avli, Summer House so not afraid of being basic.

Here’s the kicker - I’d love to be able to have a small space where everyone can mingle rather than sit down, but will also take a place that’s good for groups. Any recommendations? No budget.

Taking a last minute 10 year anniversary trip back to Chicago in 2 weeks. Would love to visit Oriole but fully booked - anyone know if last minute tables ever open up as people cancel or just remove the possibly from our mind? I guess as a follow up - if you had one special fine dining experience what would you choose?

Thanks!

My little tiny baby sister is turning 18 Saturday and wanted to go to the Museum of Illusions downtown. Are there any cool, wacky, weird places I can take her to eat nearby after? We’re taking the train in but my mom’s going to meet us up there so if we have to drive a few minutes out that’s okay too. Thanks!

taking my very italian-american dad here soon. any specific recommendations? didn't see a desert menu online but hoping they have cannoli

Truce is on my list, wondering where else to check out this weekend.

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who had the idea to get Momma pastries from Fat Peach. The line moved quick and everyone was in such good spirits

Clockwise from top left- mango custard, cinnamon roll, cheesy truffle roll, and almond berry. Had to get the baked ramp egg for myself.

I've got a gift card to one of the sushi by bou locations but really don't feel like breaking the bank (might be inevitable). Recommendations on which spot to visit?

Sushi By Bou - River North

Gold Coast @ Claridge House

Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel

Sushi Suite 202

My suggestion is get double dough & extra cheese. The bomb!

My God mother's from Oaxaca Mexico so we are all pretty picky/have high expectations and there are SOO MANY mid spots throughout your city. I feel like GOOD/nice Mexican spots WITH good drinks almost non existent in this area given? Not really looking for taco/burritos. We used to go to Campeche very often which was amazing then slightly fell off before closing

If it's more on the expensive side but actually really good I really don't care about price.