Avenues

They have the door near the street closed off so you have to walk around the building to get in - but despite that minor inconvenience this place is great. Lots of beautiful people drink here and hang out. I like it because it's a classy place that isn't pretentious. Good place to chill out! Pros: Lots of booze Cons: Kind of hard to get inside more

Last Saturday, a friend was visiting from out of town. She wanted to go to Alinea because it is ranked by every magazine, but I suggested this place instead. We sat at the kitchen bar and everybody was super conversational, including the chef. The food was a lot of fun! Dipping into English pea made me feel like a little kid participating in fine art. Lamb with Yogurt, Tangerine, Mint blossoms was rich and refreshing, as was the asparagus soup. more

Had the opportunity to duck into this magnificent rstaurant recently while in Chicago on business. The place itself is within a very elegant hotel that certainly adds a regal atmosphere to the evening, and I quite liked it. The wait staff were very professional, attentive, knowledgable and friendly. The wine list was superb and the wine decanted precisely. The multi-course dinner was like I had never experienced in years, a real symphony of delectable tastes and textures. It was truly a magnificent dining experience... until I got the bill. After a round of CPR, I finally regained consiousness, managed to pay the bill and was carried out. Nevertheless, an experience not to be missed for sure, but do save up (or better yet, get someone else to pay). Pros: Incredible dining experience Cons: Broke for a month after this meal more

Hy, more

Recently dined at Avenues and we asked to be seated at the kitchen bar (something I highly recommend unless you are out for a romantic evening) and so glad we did. Explanations of all courses and ingredients as well as the thought behind the dishes. Wonderful interaction with the entire staff. Food was commendable, tastes flowed together flawlessly. For an extra treat have an after dinner drink and a fine cigar in the hotel bar. Perfect evening. Pros: Interactions with the kitchen more

One of the highlights to my Chicago trip. I had the 12 course chef's menu which was not only creative, using a broad range of ingrediants, but very pleasant to the palate. The service exceeded my expectations... a waitress actually personally guaranteed that I would love my meal. Pros: Food, Service, Decor Cons: Parking more

We dined at Avenues for our first anniversary and were treated like royalty. The food was elegant and delicious and we loved the bit of whimsy that the chef throws in to his dishes. The setting is pure romance. It was a spectacular evening for us and, though we can't afford to go there very often, we will return on our very next opportunity. Over $100 per person was well spent as far as we were concerned. more

For me, the prices were a stretch, but I found it to be worth every penny! The food was fantastic and the service was the best I have ever seen! It was without a doubt worth the trip and I am looking forward to another special occasion to get me back there! more

Everything about this place SCREAMS ""I have money, and I like to spend it"". That aside, the place is VERY romantic, quiet, with service that is second to none, and food that is to die for. However, the old adage holds true; as the prices get higher, the portions gets smaller and the plates bigger. The food, while absolutely spectacular, was in small, elegant portions. A wonderful romantic place for two, if you can afford it; It was nearly $200 for two people, without drinks. The service, though, was incredible. Our waiter was an expert on EVERYTHING that was on the menu, and was able to make some excellent suggestions. The buss boys and other service people were perfect in how they were always just out of sight, but always there when you asked, instantly. If you can afford it, WOW! Pros: Elegant and up-scale, Great service, Romantic Cons: EXPENSIVE!, EXPENSIVE!, EXPENSIVE! more

Avenues is a hidden treasure. Within the posh Peninsula hotel the restaurant is world class and would probably rate 2 to 3 Michelin Stars in Europe. The fish and seafood offered is the freshest in Chicago, service is impeccable - and they have a great view, too (Water Tower Park). I can't follow the previous rater saying it was too expensive. $69.00 Prix-fixe for 3 courses is a bargain and if you are into indulging try the $95.00 Chefs Degustation Menu. Worth every penny!!! Clearly one of the very best in Chicago! And don't forget Sunday Brunch - the focus is on quality - not quantity: just exquisite. Pros: romantic, exquisite food, great service Cons: not for children more

Lost our reservation. Late taking dishes away and pouring juice. Didn't replace fork and knife on time. Though foods were fresh, need more selections to call a brunch buffet. Roast beef was little well-done and it was not warm enough. Clearly understaff for the price that we are paying. The chinas and utensils are from France and England, respectively. The price should reflect on foods and services. Pros: Good manners, spacious Cons: dollar per food, price more

The last time I was in, the door that opens near the elevators from the street was closed, so you had to go past the concierge desk in a big circle to get into the bar. This might be to reduce walk-in traffic, but it does create a cozy area for about a dozen people where the actual foyer would be. Everything is first class, from the selection of liquors and wines to the service - quietly efficient, not doting. You aren't there to impress the staff, and they've seen it all anyway. Quiet even when busy, the atmosphere is sedate and elegant. Pros: Excellent service, Elegant setting more