Best Group Dining in Chicago

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, freshness, and authentic Mediterranean and Turkish preparations, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

“Food was outstanding”

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, kind, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience.

“Service was great”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as elegant, cozy, inviting, and beautifully designed, creating a sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance.

“Ambiance is lovely”

While most reviews do not explicitly discuss price, the general feeling suggests good value, with some mentioning reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.

“Very reasonable price”

The food is generally known for being delicious, authentic Italian, and made with fresh ingredients, though some diners found certain dishes bland or overcooked.

“The food was incredible”

Service is consistently highlighted as outstanding, with staff described as attentive, friendly, accommodating, and going above and beyond, particularly for events.

“Service was absolutely phenomenal”

The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, warm, quaint, and classic Italian, making it suitable for various occasions.

“Very welcoming/cozy vibe”

While most find the value good, a few diners mention feeling dishes were overpriced for the quality or that there were unexpected charges for soup/salad.

“Overpriced tasteless manhattan”

The Balkan cuisine is generally known for its fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and authentic preparation, with many dishes described as outstanding. However, some diners found certain dishes to be overly salty or inconsistent in quality.

“Everything we tried was very good.”

Service is consistently highlighted as a major strength, with staff frequently described as friendly, attentive, hospitable, and knowledgeable, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.

“Service was just phenomenal.”

The restaurant's atmosphere is frequently described as warm, vibrant, stylish, and inviting, making it suitable for various occasions from casual dates to celebrations.

“Warm, vibrant. The space feels intimate yet buzzing”

The unlimited small plates concept, particularly at lunch and dinner prices, is widely considered first-rate value, offering a generous amount of high-quality food for the cost.

“Totally worth it, especially at lunch prices!”

The tapas-style Spanish cuisine is generally well-received, with many dishes known for their flavor and quality. Standouts include chorizo-wrapped dates, patatas bravas, scallops, and Brussels sprouts. However, some diners found certain dishes to be inconsistent or overpriced.

“Everything was delicious”

Service is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with numerous staff members recognized for their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpful recommendations. Many reviews specifically mention servers by name.

“Personable and efficient”

The restaurant is frequently described as having a lively, fun, and intimate atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions from dates to group outings.

“Nice vibe to the restaurant”

Diners often find the tapas pricing to be on the higher side, with some feeling portions are small for the cost. However, happy hour specials and the overall quality of food can mitigate this concern for some.

“Significantly overpriced for its quality”

Senegalese cuisine executed with fresh ingredients, authentic technique, and strong flavor. Well-regarded for specific dishes (yassa, mafé, dibi, thiakry) as homemade-quality with vibrant seasoning. Portions are generous and paired sides allow exploration of menu.

“The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully authentic”

Staff attentive and knowledgeable, with owner frequently present engaging diners. Service-paced appropriately without hovering. One documented complaint about server refusing French fries (policy enforcement), which owner acknowledged with apology, though tension remains around dietary autonomy.

“Great service and great atmosphere”

Atmosphere described as warm, cozy, welcoming, and conducive to conversation. Senegalese music and decor contribute to cultural authenticity. Multiple diners note it as suitable for both casual and social occasions. One recent diner noted 'surprisingly quiet' despite food quality.

“Warm and welcoming atmosphere”

Pricing perceived as reasonable to good relative to portion size and quality. Entrees come with two sides, encouraging sharing and value-per-dollar perception. No complaints about pricing or hidden fees. One diner specifically noted 'price is very reasonable for how much food you get.'

“Good amount of food for a very good price”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic, rich, and flavorful Afghan cuisine, with many dishes like kebabs, pulao, and karahi highlighted for their perfect preparation and fresh ingredients.

“The kababs in particular were juicy and cooked to perfection.”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, outstanding, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond to assist diners.

“Service was friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is noted as warm, inviting, pleasant, and authentic, with some mentioning traditional seating arrangements.

“The ambience was warm and …”

Diners find the food to be amazing for the price, with generous portions and reasonable costs for high-quality, authentic dishes.

“Amazing food for the price.”

The deep dish pizza is well-regarded for its delicious flavor, juicy cheese, and amazing tomato sauce, with many calling it the best they've ever had. The crust, often described as buttery or having a cornmeal base, is also a highlight. Gluten-free options are also well-received.

“It’s juicy, cheesy, and the tomato sauce flavor is amazing”

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, with many staff members named for their kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism. However, a few instances of inattentive or less friendly service have been noted.

“Amazing customer care. Fallon & Lev went above and beyond”

The atmosphere is generally described as nice, cozy, or welcoming, though mentioned the dining area needed redecoration.

“Nice atmosphere.”

While the food is generally considered delicious, some diners find the prices high for the portion sizes, with a few describing the experience as underwhelming or overpriced.

“Overpriced and underwhelming. It was just "okay."”

Food is generally described as good, with specific mentions of delicious pizza, burgers, and appetizers. Some diners note it as decent bar food, while others highlight fresh ingredients.

“Food was delicious - fresh”

Service is well-regarded as first-rate, friendly, and attentive, with many staff members and managers receiving specific commendations for going above and beyond, particularly for events.

“Went above and beyond to make sure”

The atmosphere is consistently described as lively, fun, and energetic, with a retro vibe, making it suitable for groups and celebrations.

“The energy is lively and fun”

Several diners found the establishment to be overpriced, with specific complaints about small portion sizes for fries and the overall cost of food and drinks.

“Definitely Overpriced”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Thai flavors, creativity, and deliciousness, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

“Food was amazing”

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and warm, with staff often recognized for making diners feel like family.

“Staff is friendly and always attentive”

The restaurant's atmosphere is a major draw, described as cozy, eclectic, and uniquely decorated with vintage and baseball memorabilia.

“Decor and aesthetic scratched an itch”

While many find the prices reasonable, a few signs suggest portions may be small for the cost, particularly for certain dishes.

“Way too overpriced”

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and made from scratch, with many dishes like French toast, biscuits and gravy, and omelets receiving specific commendations.

“Food was delicious.”

Service is frequently described as friendly, excellent, and efficient, with particular recognition for a long-tenured waitress who handles busy periods with grace.

“Service was outstanding”

The restaurant's atmosphere, set in a beautifully restored old house, is a significant draw, consistently described as charming, cozy, and homey.

“Charming little restaurant”

While many find the prices reasonable, some diners perceive the portions as small for the cost, particularly for lunch items.

“Seemed a bit overpriced.”