Chicago's dining scene is an array of culinary delights, boasting Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy and cozy neighborhood gems. But amidst this delicious diversity, certain restaurants reign supreme, their tables coveted like golden tickets. Snagging a reservation at these hotspots requires strategic planning, lightning-fast reflexes, and maybe some luck.
Chicago: Where Scoring a Table is as Tough as Winning the Cubs World Series (Almost)
Here's the lowdown on Chicago's most exclusive dining experiences:
Ever Restaurant
Chef Curtis Duffy's three-Michelin-starred Ever is the epitome of fine dining in Chicago. With its minimalist aesthetic, meticulous service, and tasting menu that pushes culinary boundaries, securing a reservation feels like an achievement. Pro tip: Reservations are released two months in advance and are often snapped up within minutes.
Oriole Restaurant
Another three-Michelin-starred gem, Oriole, offers an intimate and immersive tasting menu experience orchestrated by Chef Noah Sandoval. The intimate setting and limited seating contribute to its exclusivity. Be prepared to join the waitlist and hope for the best.
Smyth Restaurant
This West Loop restaurant from Chef John Shields and Karen Urie Shields offers a tasting menu-only experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. With two Michelin stars and limited seating, reservations are highly sought-after.
Alinea Restaurant
Grant Achatz's legendary Alinea needs no introduction. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant pioneered molecular gastronomy in the US and continues to push the boundaries of culinary innovation. Reservations are released in blocks and disappear faster than deep-dish pizza at a Bears game.
Next Restaurant
Alinea's sibling restaurant, Next, offers a unique dining experience with ever-changing themed menus. From Parisian bistros to childhood favorites, each iteration is meticulously researched and executed. Reservations are released via a ticketing system and are notoriously difficult to obtain.
Beyond the Michelin Stars:
While these restaurants may be the most challenging to book, Chicago boasts a plethora of other popular spots where securing a table can require some finesse. Keep an eye on these rising stars:
- Rose Mary: Chef Joe Flamm's vibrant Croatian-Italian restaurant.
- Esme: Modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Claudia: Intimate tasting menu experience in Bucktown.
Tips for Conquering the Chicago Reservation Game:
- Plan ahead: Reservations for popular restaurants often open weeks or even months in advance.
- Be flexible: Consider dining on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
- Utilize online reservation systems: Most restaurants use platforms like Tock or Resy.
- Join waitlists: Even if a reservation isn't available, add your name to the waitlist.
- Follow social media: Restaurants often announce special events or last-minute reservation availability on their social media channels.
- Don't underestimate the bar: Many restaurants offer limited seating at the bar for walk-ins.
Landing a reservation at one of Chicago's hottest restaurants may require the patience of a Cubs fan waiting for another World Series, but the culinary rewards are well worth the effort. So, set those alarms, refresh those reservation pages, and get ready to experience the best of Chicago's dynamic dining scene.