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Acadia
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
1639 S. Wabash Avenue(between 18th St & 16th St)
Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Near Southside
(312) 360-9500
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cermak-chinatown (Red Line)
- Hours:
Wed-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
75 reviews for Acadia
75 reviews in English
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Review from Samantha H.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2012
I would question anyone who didn't love this place. It was outstanding. The ambiance reminds me somewhat of Tru, not the warmest, but very clean and elegant. What makes it slightly more homey are the separate breakout rooms that remind me of small dining rooms. We sat in the main dining room, which was nice as well. Service is phenomenal. Our server was Leah and I literally asked her her name just so I could include it here. She was that good. Even though it's fine dining, it was not at all pretentious and they weren't going for the 3 hour dining experience. Leah was on level two for her sommelier exam so she was very knowledgeable on the wine list. We had a syrah/viongier blend, which was wonderful. I do always love the purse hooks, etc. that make the service impeccable, but the quick returns to our table and the charming conversation and such were really what made the service great.
Now food...it was awesome! Even the amuse bouche was great. They bring out these little hot, fresh biscuits and they are so great! They must make their own butter cause that was great as well. For first courses we got the pork belly and peeky toe crab. Both were wonderful. The crab itself was fine, but the real standout for me was the scallion polenta that came with it...amazing! For mains we got the duck and rabbit. I really wanted the deconstructed lobster pot pie but since that is their staple and I feel it will always be on the menu, I went for the duck. Next time I'll get the lobster! But duck is really my go to everywhere and this was some really effing good duck! It wasn't Topo (best duck ever), but definitely solid. The rabbit was very tender and not heavy as I feel rabbit has a tendency to be. Desserts were fantastic as well. The plating was very impressive and everything was perfectly designed. I would absolutely go back and recommend to anyone. -
Review from Roxy A.
After seeing this place on the cover of the Chicago magazine I put it on my list of one the places that I wanted to try.
It is definitely quite the pricey spot, but definitely a dining experience. All the plates are artfully done.
They start off by serving an amuse bouce..I can't remember exactly what it was but it was lamb topped with some sort of foam. I definitely recommend ordering the "risotto" it's made from yukon gold potatoes but the way that they prepare it is much like risotto. The risotto was hearty and delicious, I was worried I wouldn't have room for the rest of our meal. In between courses we also had a cheese plate and they also gave us these lil home made biscuits. For my main course I ordered the "lobster bisque" the way they present the dish is in a "deconstructed" lobster bisque..all the elements you'd find in the bisque and then they pour over the sauce tableside.
I think my favorite part of the meal was dessert though. The dish really looked like a piece of art, it was so pretty I almost didn't want to eat it..almost. We ordered the poppy seed cake that was served with a basil sorbet and the twigs were "white chocolate" with a lemon verbana sauce. To end the meal they gave us home made truffles and mini whoopie pies, it was so cute!
On our way out they sent us home with 2 packaged pieces of home made polenta, and i ate mine for breakfast. =)
Acadia is a restaurant to enjoy for the dining experience, I think we were there for close to 3 hours. It's also on the pricier side but a great spot for a dinner date.Listed in: You Fancy Huh
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Review from Erick N.
My wife and I dined at Acadia last night with another couple. I entered with extremely high expectations based on the accolades Acadia has received so far and thought that I was in for a Michelin star type experience. While our meal was certainly decent, there were unfortunately some disappointments and gaffes; Acadia failed to live up to the hype. Fortunately it is a nice space, has a very talented chef and is still young so the potential remains for Acadia to evolve into a top notch venue.
On the positive side there is a nice wine list and I noticed that wines I had seen at other upscale restaurants were a bit less expensive at Acadia. My wife and I were also provided with the option of sitting at the bar or at our table even though the other couple had not yet arrived. The cocktail menu is quite chic with some ultra modern concoctions you might expect to find at The Aviary (i.e. a play on a Gin & Tonic with lemongrass infused tonic and ice cubes made out of kiffer lime). The decor is also trendy and there is a similar vibe to Tru.
Soon after our friends arrived our drink orders were taken. There was then a surprisingly lengthy lag before our server came to see if we were ready to order. While I enjoy leisurely dinners, this set a trend where service seemed to be not leisurely but absent at times. Two of us were interested in doing a tasting menu (they do not have an official tasting menu, but you can call and request it in advance or inquire when seated ); unfortunately we were informed that it required entire table participation and two in our party are rather picky eaters, so that was not a possibility.
For appetizers my wife and I both ordered their "Risotto" (in quotation marks on the menu with the twist being that it is potato rather than rice based). I actually enjoyed the "Risotto" despite the potatoes being woefully undercooked, but my wife did not like the taste or texture of the nearly raw potatoes. The table shared a charcuterie plate as a second course and this was a hit; the chicken liver mousse was outstanding and I really enjoyed the rhubarb jam shaped like chocolate chips. After the appetizers comes the bread service which consists of a single (but incredibly delicious) biscuit per person with housemade butter. I definitely would have like seconds, but this was not offered.
I was a bit disappointed in the entree selection. There was only about a half dozen selections, no specials, and not a single beef item (my wife is a Midwestern girl and loves her beef). I ordered the halibut which was just mediocre. My wife had a hard time finding something appealing and opted for the vegetarian dish which had a stunning presentation, but a paltry amount of food. We wanted to do a cheese course before dessert (and cheese is listed on the online menu) but were disappointed to learn they had no cheese. A nice cheese cart is one area where Acadia really needs to improve if they want to be contenders for a Michelin star.
The dessert menu was quite limited with just four selections, all fruit based or with a significant fruit component (this was also a pattern with the savory courses where a specific ingredient, such as creme fraiche, seemed to permeate different dishes). Only two of us opted for dessert; I ordered the Poppy Seed Cake which came with poppy seeds prepared several ways and basil ice cream; the cake itself was delicious and the plating beautiful but the ice cream had a chalky texture and I would never had known it was basil had it not said so on the menu. My friend ordered the Milk Chocolate Cremaux which had a gross appearance and apparently tasted poor to boot. My friend took two bites and let it sit.
This is when the service really become surprisingly inept for an upscale venue. Not only did our server not inquire if there was something wrong, he stood off to the side of our table for about thirty minutes staring off into space. Perhaps he was waiting to see if her dessert would eventually evaporate. A couple times I gazed in his direction, looked at my watch and yawned to see if would get the hint. Finally he approached (with a team of servers; plates are always delivered and taken in unison at Acadia as though synchronized service is an Olympic sport). Not a single word was uttered about her having barely touched the dessert. Acadia needs to seriously elevate their game when it comes to service; while many reviews reference good service, tonight's was markedly flawed. Synchronized plate clearing is all fine if the service is polished, attentive and personable but with these more important areas lacking, the team approach seemed robotic.
Hopefully service will become more consistent as time progresses, the menu more diverse and the desserts improved. Pricing is very reasonable for the quality of the cuisine and the upscale ambiance and the potential is there, but Acadia is not yet ready for prime time -
Review from Kathleen C.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
I so wanted to love you Acadia....
Entering, I definitely understood what others were saying about the atmosphere - seems like it should be stuffy, but it feels more casual. There were people there dressed up and casual, so it did feel relatively relaxing. It is somewhat forgettable, though...nothing really stands out from an atmosphere perspective - is this so that the food shines? I don't know, but it didn't make me want to run right back.
Service was really wonderful. There was an unfortunate incident with a hair on the plate, which was quickly whisked away and the staff compensated us with other goodies and were really great about it. The item in question was the peeky toe crab appetizer...which was unremarkable. So sad because it looked really pretty!
The charcuterie was delicious and well presented.
The lobster roll was quite wonderful - though you have to sit in the bar to eat it...I highly recommend it, though.
I think we had pork for an entree..hmm...typically I remember these things, so that probably isn't a good sign. Whatever it was was good, but nothing memorable.
Dessert was where we were spoiled due to the incident mentioned above. The banana bread one was good, though I thought the presentation looked a bit odd.
The other was a poppy seed cake as the main 'part' of the dish. This one was good and refreshing.
This spot is expensive, but not overly so. You can either go in and spend a ton, or do pretty well price-wise. However, the bar menu is a bit different, so I think if you are looking to eat here and don't want to spend a ton (well, not AS much), you can sit in the bar area.
In any case, I was somewhat disappointed as nothing really stood out as the most wonderful dish that everyone is raving about. The food was good, well presented and fresh, but nothing was stellar (wait, those little cakes they give you to take home with you...THOSE are stellar...). I have to give food a 4 if I put everything together...definitely the lobster roll was the best part of my meal.
Atmosphere...somewhat boring...I have to go with a 3.
Service was very good - a definite 5.
Value...about a 3 or maybe 3.5.
Bathrooms...they were nice...and clean. A 4.
So, if you are in the neighborhood, definitely a must visit, but what's going to get me back is that lobster roll.... -
Review from Meredith K.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2012
Oh wow yes! It hits all of the buttons (although I can't vouch for sitting at the bar but it looked alright) The staff is fun, friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. The cocktails. I am having dreams about the amazing cocktails. So good. We were in the bar area by choice because you can order from the regular menu or the bar menu. So we did both! I had the lobster roll. YUM. Everything on the plate was from Maine. We had 2 rounds of the vinegar potato chips. We shared the "risotto" which was made from potato and we shared the halibut. AMAZING. My meat eating friends had some other things too and I heard no complaints. For dessert we had the chocolate thing. By this time I had 3 cocktails so can't remember the exact name of it but the four of us were mmm mmm mmm'ing. It was like a chocolate pudding.
I cannot wait to get back here and do it again! -
Review from Nicole C.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2012
I really wanted to love this place. I am probably giving it an extra star, because i do think it deserves another chance.
the good:
the service is impeccable. they give you purse hooks, so you arent throwing your purse on the ground like a dirty bar rat. our waitress (who was a zoey deschanel doppelganger), introduced the dishes beautifully and timed everything to a T.
i loved the beets and my friend loved her scallops. her cocktail (cannot remember name) was also awesome. light and airy.
the bad: everything went kind of downhill after that. we got risotto which was WAY too salty. we split it and could barely finish it without many glasses of water. i got the waygu beef which was overly fatty - i realize and expect there would be some fat, but it wasn't tolerable. my friend's shrimp was almost flavorless.
i will probably give it an another chance once they change over the menu for the next season. -
Review from RIK P.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2012 2 photos
This restaurant is opened in December 2011. It was a very modern style interior with high ceiling and wide space between seats so you can feel more private time.
The food was the amazing contemporary French cuisine. Beautiful presentation using Midwestern veggies. The service was great as well.Only one reason why I could not give five stars was about drink. There are several signature cocktails. We ordered two of them, but both of them were just too strong and not tasty.... If you want to order some drink at this restaurant, you should choose either beer or wine. I also wish if they have better desert selection (maybe hire a dessert chef?) but will definitely visit this place again. -
Review from Chris J.
Near Southside, Chicago, IL
5/5/2012
Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the staff truly makes dining at Acadia a 5 star experience. This is a refreshing break from the pretentiousness that usually accompanies a restaurant of this caliber. Jason, Justin, Tyrone, everyone from the kitchen to the bar is amazing! A definite must try.
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Review from Chas J.
La Grange, IL
5/7/2012
Go here. That is all.
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Review from A P.
Rockford, IL
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dining perfection. Honestly that's all that needs to be said. I will try to do Acadia justice in my review, but it really should be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate its greatness.
The ambiance is crisp, clean, and very modern. It's odd that with such a pristine looking restaurant you still feel very comfortable and at home here.
Service is where Acadia exceeds any expectation of what a great dining experience should be. The entire staff was polite and friendly and eager to do anything they could to make you happy. Drinks were refilled promptly, plates cleared right on cue, and everyone was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. Honestly, I felt practically like royalty the service was so spectacular. No other restaurant I've ever been to has even come close to achieving the same standard.
The food is truly a masterpiece; beautiful to look at when it arrives and so delightful to eat. I ordered the charcuterie plate to start. The duck ham was fatty and salty, and the kumquat jam was divine when paired with the duck. It was my favorite of the plate, but everything was superb and between my date and I we cleaned the plate. I tried some of his pork belly, and it practically melted in my mouth. For my main course I had the duck (the first night it was on the menu). It was so decadent and cooked to perfection. The foie gras was perfect and so smooth; when paired with the cherry sauce it was heaven. For dessert we shared the chocolate cremeaux; it was so silky and smooth but the candied hazelnuts gave it the right amount of crunch to be interesting. We were both stuffed after our meals.
The cocktails were very creative and we had a great time trying the various selections.
So delicious, so fabulous, and truly dining perfection. I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Brit M.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2012
My review is based on our cocktails only.
We walk in and the inside is beautiful, in a hotel / movie kind of way. Nothing that was mesmerizing. Its very quiet.
I have 2 beefs and 2 beefs only.
1 -No garbage cans in the actual toilet stalls / clothes hamper outside for garbage can.
I do not like carrying my "personal" garbage out of the bathroom only to lay it in a very shallow wicker hamper. Its gross and weird.
2 -Drinks weren't that amazing. - actually kind of awful but the bartender was amazing!
I get it you have the special shakers, mixers, ice cubes, weird straws, original bitters, WHATEVER the whole spiel to make you original but it just wasn't on point. There was nothing that made me scream OMG thats the best drink I ever had and for $12 it better be.
Tony had the Mezcal Old Fashioned... which was super smokey and it had an old taste to it. Kind of like you reached as far back into your parents liquor cabinet and grabbed some old gasoline, dusted it off and poored it on ice. Tony loves Old Fashions but did not like theirs. The bartender was kind enough to give him something else.
I had the Amnesiac aka NyQuil. I gave it a try - but neither Tony nor myself could finish it. Its probably not fair that I am a big fan of the Violet Hour. V.H just nails it where as this place doesn't.
Their potato chips are amazing. As were the two bites of burger we had courtesy of some awesome ladies who made our night! -
Review from Omar C.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2012
I came here on a first date Friday night and it was my first fine dining experience since moving to Chicago. This is apparently the first fine dining restaurant in the South Loop. The area isn't exactly vibrant, but the restaurant was solid.
As some have said before, the ambiance was very modern and decor clean. It was a little stiff, not exactly my preference, as I usually like a little soul. The space was pretty good, not sure yet if it's standard for Chicago, but it was a good size compared to NYC.
The food was very solid, don't have any complaints there, just nothing that really blew my mind. I think this is a solid place to bring a significant other for a special occasion or family, will probably be back and would suggest you try it once and make your own assessment. -
Review from Adam M.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2012
One of the best meals I've had in quite some time.
I dined at Acadia last night with my parents to celebrate a birthday. Service, from entry to exit, was impeccable - attentive, unobtrusive, polite, and synchronized.
As for the food, we ordered 3 1st courses: charcuterie, pork belly, and risotto. The presentation of all (as well as the rest of the dishes in our meal) was very clean as well as interesting. The charcuterie was great, the pork belly phenomenal (I'd like to know where you get pork belly with so much meat on it, please!), and the risotto was tasty (albeit a little salty; I think the truffle might have had something to do with this).
Onto the main courses: swan creek duck, wild sturgeon, deer isle shrimp. The duck - it's tough to describe how my mouth felt about this dish; lets just say it was the best duck I've ever had, and I almost didn't want to swallow because it just felt so good in my mouth. Order it.
The shrimp was also very, very good; cuttlefish noodles and squid ink added a lot of character, as well as gave a nice, sea-essence to the dish (but not fishy). I only sampled a little bit of the sturgeon, but what I had tasted very good.
For dessert, we ordered what I believe was called a "sweet cake," which was also marvelous. I'd like to note that we were served "mini-course," almost like an interlude, between each part of the meal - a very nice touch. They were a small bit of soup, buttermilk biscuits, tiny cookies & tarts, and a polenta cake (which I just ate) on our way out.
Overall, an A+ experience and I hope to dine again soon! Highly recommended. -
Review from Greg R.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went with a group on a thursday night for drinks after having wanted to try this place out for a long time. I can only comment on the atmosphere. A few people did eat and the food looked great but the atmosphere was lacking any individual character. I felt like I was in the 'nice' restaurant at a good 4 star hotel. Think lobby hotel at the Westin. Nice enough and you know what to expect, just not a place you will be drawn back to.
Pro: Interesting drink menu - very creative. Did not try food but it looks great.
just ok: Atmosphere and food prices. Looks good but a bit steep.
All-in-all, i hope this place does well and I will make sure to try it again to see if I see it in a different light the next time. -
Review from Kelley S.
Chicago, IL
3/24/2012
It's 2012. I have been dining out in Chicago since 1997. I honestly can't remember the last time I had such an amazing dinner. Sure, the company was good. My dress was good and my chest was perky (long story, but I had had some difficulty deciding how to approach the bra situation prior to dinner, being forty and all). I had scored a table in the bar for eight of us, the sitter was booked, life was certainly good even before I arrived at the place.
Upon entering the front door, we were greeted by a very friendly 20-something, who immediately complimented my new dress ("yes, my chest is still defying gravity"). She took our coats and escorted us a few feet to an open, inviting bar area. The bartender (if you want to call him that - more like sommelier) invited me to try a Northern Italian wine I had selected. My husband ordered a whiskey cocktail and the sommelier proceeded to wow us with his mad mixology skills. I was of course admiring his skills, but his appearance was quite satisfactory as well :). Okay, sorry. Minor diversion.
We proceeded to sit down at our festive table for eight, right in the bar area. And this is where I subtract a star for an otherwise perfect evening. I had called ahead and left three messages to make a reservation (beginning a week before our evening out). Even though I begged to dine there and let them know I was bringing a good-sized, local party, no one called me back. It was only after the third message when I received a call from a nice gentleman who said all he could offer was a table in the bar. I was a bit disappointed not to dine in the beautiful dining room, but oh well... things happen and I'll overlook it, as the food is to die for.
Great things about the food:
1) Lots of variety while keeping it fresh and local.
2) Hearty tastes and correct portions allowing for tasting many different dishes.
3) Interesting flavor combinations.
4) Beautiful presentations.
I'll end by saying the service was outstanding. We had a fun waitress who brought us both a shot of whiskey, after I calmly told her I was Irish/Scottish and I could drink anyone under the table. Why did I say this? I have no idea, but I ended up paying for it (literally - ha ha).
Acadia is casually elegant, welcoming, and exquisite in its standards for quality. In a time when many restaurants are opening in Chicago (a good thing), Acadia is a standout. Take your time and allot three hours to enjoy this gem. -
Review from Ben K.
2/16/2012
I struggled with this rating. I planned a large birthday dinner here, and the restaurant worked with me to create an impressive custom prix fixe menu with wine pairings. We had a fantastic meal that went generally between very good and truly amazing, with one black mark that hit me the wrong way. But I couldn't escape the sticker shock we all experienced at the end of the meal, when a $75 prix fixe with $40 wine pairings turned into $190pp out the door.
To the food:
Our first course, the "lobster cappucino" was a wholly unique creation of the chef, and was absolutely one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. The dish was a nice piece of lobster tail sitting in a rich thick frothy broth that had the silky texture of cappucino but was fully savory and provided the perfect cushion for the soft piece of lobster flesh it surrounded. They paired it with a sparkling white burgundy, and the pairing was also spectacular, the wine being slightly on the sweeter side on its own but turning bone dry in conjunction with the lobster cap.
Our second course was a frisee salad with roasted beets and chevre, and was a dish I was looking forward to. Unfortunately it missed the mark for me. Obviously the rules of fine dining leave quite a bit of creative liberty to the chef, but for me, the baby beets the pieces of which that were barely larger than pea-sized left me lacking that visceral mouth feel of biting into the meaty flesh of a beet, and represented a significant creative break from what I was hoping for. The salad was also accompanied by some sort of dark crumbled component that I was unable to identify, but which tasted conspicuously like an oreo cookie and was a clumsily sweet addition to an otherwise savory dish, that also provided an unwelcome gritty texture.
Our third course was another big winner, a pair of seared scallops seasoned with ras el hanout and white chocolate. The flavor was fantastic, with the chocolate being extremely subtle. The scallops were of course perfectly cooked. If I had to give any complaint about this dish, it would be that the plate itself was way too large, leaving it feeling a little empty with a ton of blank space. Also the pairing (described to me as a "signature" pairing by the restaurant), a madeira, went a little over my head and left me wondering why I should be sipping something so sweet with this dish.
Our fourth course was a nice piece of wagyu, cooked in a method similar to sous vide and finished on the grill, with pommes two ways. It is always beautiful to cut into a piece of meat and see it cooked uniformly throughout, and this was no exception. The pairing was a nice french Minervois that stood up to the meat quite well.
As stated previously, the food and the pairings went mostly between good and great, although in many restaurants they are quite generous with pours on wine pairings and here they were fairly stringent. One other thing of note: the service here was amazing. Everybody was extremely friendly and attentive, and even with a party of twelve of us, they managed to bring enough servers in such that they were able to serve everybody's plate for each course at the exact same time. It may sound trivial, but the effect of all twelve plates being lowered onto a table simultaneously was VERY impressive.
So anyway, I imagine if you come to dine here you will probably be very impressed and at least part of the experience will be truly transcendent. But be careful, because the price tag here can escalate very quickly, especially with a cocktail or two. But I am sure I will be back for more. -
Review from Kristin M.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2012 4 photos
We arrived early on a Friday and the crowd was sparse, but it heated up over the 4(!) hours we lounged at a corner table in the bar. What a great way to end the work week!
Service, as everyone has attested, was excellent. They were accommodating when I arrived, pushing tables together to accommodate our party. We put our waiter, Carlos, through the ringer grilling him on the menu/drinks we had seen online. He was knowledgeable about the menu and went directly to the bartender (Michael Simon was in the house!!) when he wasn't sure about something.
Drinks were delicious, we basically tried everything on the menu and can vouch for all of them. I enjoyed my frothy Aviator and slowly sipped my Vesper (gin AND vodka, oh my!)
You are able to order off either the bar menu or the dinner menu in the bar area, so we tried both. They had just switched to the spring menu which is slightly different from what is online, so I'll try to do this from memory. Here's the rundown in order of deliciousness:
-halibut with cod brandade - this was fantastic. I was disappointed the scallops didn't make the spring menu, but the halibut totally made up for it. It was perfectly flaky and the cod mixture was super fresh and not at all fishy tasting. On top of that, the presentation was gorgeous. I can't recommend this enough.
-chocolate hazelnut crème for dessert - wow, this is heavenly. Usually I'd rather fill up on small plates than save room for dessert, but this was creamy and rich and totally worth it.
-truffle "risotto" - in quotes because it's actually made from riced yukon potatoes. The texture was unique but was still deliciously creamy. I can see why this is a favorite on the permanent menu.
-kennebec housemade salt & vinegar chips - why would you order a small bowl of chips for $4? Because they're good. Actually, we ordered a second bowl. Enough said.
-pork belly - this was a disappointment. My friend liked it, but I thought it was overcooked. It was surprisingly lean for pork belly, but maybe that was the problem. I'll take 1/2 star off just because there's so much good pork belly out there, so I guess my review is 4.5.
I did not try the lobster roll, but it was reportedly as delicious as it looked.
There are so many things I'd like to come back and try: the foie, the duck, the chilled pea soup, the beet salad. Needless to say, I'll be back! -
Review from krystal p.
Kailua, HI
5/11/2012
We heard that they one of the best burger's in Chicago and my husband was jonesing for a burger so we stopped in to eat at the bar. The foie gras off the regular menu tempted us so we ended having foie gras starters and hubby got his burger and I was eating light so i ordered the lettuces. The bartender was excellent- not the "main" bartender but he knew the food and helped us pair our wine perfectly. Attentive but not obtrusive service-that's what got. We did notice a tiny bit of brusqeness between the front staff and our bartender which we thought unwarranted and that was uncomfortable. But the food: Burger was great. Foie gras was excellent served with tasty shmears of fruit and aspic and wonderful with the muscat wine suggested by the bartender. My salad was so lovely to look at that I didn't feel deprived having salad as a second course. And fresh and lovely tasting too. And again paired with the perfect wine with the bartender's help.
A really good experience. -
Review from david g.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2012
Not sure what to say that hasn't been said. One of the best dinners I have had in Chicago, hands down. We're both vegetarians, and there was enough for us to eat. They said to call ahead next time, and they will create additional vegetarian options for us.
Those who have said service was bad were either at another restaurant or drunk. Service was top notch, all around. They took my wife's coat as we walked in, and then returned it as we left. They asked if we needed a cab or our car brought up. They were always refilling water glasses without ever seeming to be there.
Best part was when the bill came, an amazing dinner for 2 (no alcohol)- $68.
wow -
Review from Rachel T.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012 7 photos
My boyfriend lives in the Bridgeport/China-Town area, not many great dining choices close by. For dinner tonight we were going to go to one of our usual places, but right before we left I decided to hop on yelp and do a general search of his area.
Acadia came up. I checked out the menu online and we decided to give it a shot. The website said reservations were recommended but none were available for tonight on open table. We decided to try calling to see what the wait was. No one answered, but we decided to head over anyways. I called again while we were on the rode and the hostess was very kind and said she would be able to accommodate us if we arrived within the next 15 minutes. Perfect. We were only 5 minutes away :)
The restaurant is a little difficult to find because it doesn't have the name displayed. We actually drove past it once. It's on Wabash right between 16th and 18th, next to an empty lot. Not the greatest environment for such a fine establishment, very intriguing.
The atmosphere is beautiful and attention is paid to every little detail. Everything is very clean and warm. The tables are a rich dark wood and the chairs are a lovely creamy white and super comfortable.
The service we experienced here is quite exceptional. The hostesses were so gracious and inviting. They took our coats and the woman who walked us to our table introduced herself and asked our names.
Now on to the food...
After we had ordered we were each given a mini app, compliments of the chef. Diced fish in a yummy sauce wrapped in a think slice of radish and garnished with jalapeno.
To start we had the pork belly (my boyfriend orders this whenever it's an option lol). I loved that they added chicharrón as a garnish! (I'm Filipina and I grew up eating it! I've never seen it at an American restaurant before :)
Before our entrees arrived we were each giving a delicious mini buttermilk biscuit. I truly believe that the bread a restaurant served before the meal is a good indicator of what the rest of the meal will be like. If I wasn't excited when we first sat down I was definitely excited now. The combination of the sweet flaky biscuit and rock salt was divine.
His entree was the Stonington Lobster Pie. They presented it in the deconstructed fashion, and our server came with a separate carafe to pour their signature lobster bisque. I for the most part usually prefer crab to lobster, but this dish was probably the best lobster I've ever had ( I tried his dish of course :P )
I chose the Wagyu Beef for my entree. The meat was a perfect medium-rare. The flavor of the meat was delicious and it didn't ooze steak juiced when I cut into it. The presentation was again flawless.
For dessert we tried the Spice Cake which they had just added to the menu. This too was presented in the deconstructed fashion. On top of one of the cakes was a carrot made of CARROT SORBET. Whaaat? yea, carrot sorbet. So fresh! We loved it :)
The menu is small and seasonal. My favorite. We will definitely be back to try more! I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite restaurant...
I want to try the Black Cod next! -
Review from Carol K.
1/12/2012
A bit hard to find right now as there is no signage, but definitely worth it once you do! Open at this writing for only about 2 weeks, Acadia brings a class act to the South Loop.
First of all the ambiance is lovely. Everywhere you go, you are gently reminded that this is a beautiful restaurant. While I know the theme is supposed to be "reminiscent of Maine", as the chef spent his childhood there- this tranquil space for me said elegance and class. The grey dining room with the upholstered white chairs, the silver beads dividing the space, the minimal art, and even the restroom are beautifully done. If I squinted and looked at one painting on the back wall or took more note of the twig sculptures, I might see Maine, but whatever you see know that it will be beautiful.
Service was stellar. From the bartender up front who graciously remade my drink as I worked my way to find a vodka I liked (they carry a more boutique line of vodka) and that coupled with herbed olives made for a dirty martini that was not to my liking. But that was quickly rectified with a drink change for me from off of their cocktail menu. And like many places today- the ice is part of the artistry of the drink.
Once seated, our server Hector and his partner Carlos- took excellent care of us- suggesting their favorites and helping out when a small taste of the most exquisite soup (butternut squash and coffee- odd combo but delicious) ended spilled in my friend's purse (my friend's fault not the restaurant's!)
The plates are artistry in themselves, arriving at the table with pomp and circumstance of broths poured or toasts placed. We started with three of the first courses to share. The potato risotto (delicious!) the fois gras (also a table favorite) and the chacuterie plate (would have liked more sliced meats rather than the pate type spreads but they were good). Our only wish here was that more toast had been placed on the table.
The chef then surprised us with a plate of the tiniest little homemade biscuits you have ever seen! Served with sea salt and butter, I easily could have had another plate of these- that's how good they were!
For our entrees- we went with three of the most popular items- the shrimp and cuttle fish, the lobster pie, and the sea bass. All were good- but know to expect the unexpected as it will come plated differently than what you may expect which is just part of the beauty of this place. We had a little trouble with one of the lobsters as it still had the roe in it and had to be sent back, but it was perfect the second time out.
There are only three desserts on the menu . . . .we tried two of them and again- the presentation is lovely but here they did not win me over on the flavor combinations. I thought my plain coconut sorbet was better than the two desserts we ordered.
They have a private dining room which holds about 24 (the perfect place for a business dinner) and valet parking is available for $10 out front. Street parking is pretty easy in this neck of the woods too. As for the price? I thought it was reasonable . . . .about $300 for 4 people.
So head to the South Loop and check this new addition out. You won't find friendlier staff, more beautiful ambiance, or such artfully presented and delicious food anywhere nearby. Oh and that missing sign out front? I hear it's on its way!Listed in: New to Chicago
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Review from Daniel H.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2012
Don't get me wrong, the food is excellent, but if I was judging by the food alone, I would probably only give this place four stars. Four stars isn't a bad rating, especially at a place like this (I'm comparing this to the other top restaurants in Chicago and I'm much stricter for this class of restaurants). In summary, the food was excellent, creative, and presented flawlessly. The only criticism is that when I left my mouth wasn't buzzing with the residual interplay of flavors that some of the other top restaurants can achieve (see other places in my list). I know it's kind of picky, but if a place is charging this much, then they deserve to be picked.
The food is centered around an interesting theme: rustic, new world, French - read North American French colonial France.
Appetizers: we had the Risotto and Charcuterie (a plate of pates and hams with condiments). The Risotto was probably the superior dish: it blended a rich, salty (but not too much) savory delicateness with a bold al dente texture. Very well done. The Charcuterie was interesting with perhaps the best item being the wild boar pate with whole grain mustard, although the duck ham was quite good.
Bread Course: I loved the minibiscuit, and sea salt and butter is an amazing combination (gee, who'd have thought that carbs, fat, and salt go so nicely together...).
Entrees: The pressed Chicken was good, but a little on the gamey side. I suppose that's to be expected when you press a thigh and a breast into the volume that just a breast would occupy. My wagyu beef was stellar, cooked perfectly medium rare and garnished beautifully. Specifically, the herb puree was an amazing touch.
Desserts: the chocolate dessert was good but a bit of a mess. However, that doesn't matter much when the plate is clean by the end. The passionfruit toffee was just a 10, a masterful mix of sweet, salt, and richness. I'll remember that one for a while.
Ambience: I've probably enjoyed the decour here more than at any other place: a really chic minimalist style with high ceilings and subdued colors. The only odd thing was the music, for a while they were playing this crappy indie rock that did not match the feel of the place at all. However, after a while they started playing some smoother, minimalist techno dub type stuff, which was more apt.
So what gave this place the extra star? The service. Not only were they graciously accommodating for any request we had, but they inferred your desires so that everything was just perfect. For example, it was my wife's birthday, and we wanted different desserts; however, in the opposite way of what you'd think. I was advocating for one that I knew she'd like while she was pushing another that she knew I'd like; in other words, a selfless impasse. We ended up ordering one, and we said "are you sure you don't want x," when we ordered. Sensing our uncertainty, the waiter brought out both, comping the second dessert. That's class. They also accommodated our table moving a few times and actually took on a burden to find us a private, out-of-the-way table. Also they were secretive about serving the prosecco for my wife's birthday that I arranged, and sprung it on us as a gentle surprise to her. I usually don't gush over service, but the staff here could run a clinic on hospitality, from the hostesses to the bus boys. -
Review from Kirsten A.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
Fine dining at its best: amazing service, exceptional presentation, expensive, and delicious!
From the moment you walk in the door at Acadia you know you're in good hands. The hostesses great you warmly and take your coats, they pull out your chairs, the waiter is friendly and chic. Everything is completely polished, from the stark beige, white decor to the little stone placeholders for your napkins, and they way the staff silently slips in and out secret doors from room to room. The waiters and bus boys are trained to perfection, water glasses are always filled, empty cocktails are whisked away promptly, and two to four waiters bring your food every time. You almost feel like you're in a modern episode of Downton Abbey.
Once you order, the food experience begins. Portions are perfect, there's not too much food, but it is hard to decide what to order as everything looks delicious. The first courses were amazing. The winner at our table of four was the charcuterie, a delicious array of meats! If you think chicken liver mousse is unseemly, you will quickly change your mind, as it tastes amazing. The entrees were good as well, my husband won again with the order of the deer isle shrimp (but wouldn't let me taste it, apparently it was that good.) My chicken presse missed the mark, it was a little too fatty/salty for my taste, but the truffle bread pudding that accompanied it was fantastic. We went with drinks and cheese for dessert, which was excellent as well. A great selection of cheeses.
Where Acadia really stands out though, are the amuse bouce and special treats that keep on coming. Palette cleansers, petite biscuits instead of the traditional bread basket, and the cutest plate of mini whoppie pies as an after dessert treat, "the chef wanted you to have something sweet" our waiter said. And the peace de resistance, you're handed little wrapped cookies when you pick up your coats and head home.
Definitely go here if you want to feel austere, sip delicious cocktails, eat gourmet food, and have a wonderful evening. -
Review from Jaime S.
2/7/2012
My boyfriend and I went on a double date with the bff and her fiance. As fellow sloopers, they had raved about how delicious and not yet overpriced their first dining experience was so I figured it was a good way to get the bf into the South Loop.
First things first: the space is surprisingly large, I LOVE the minimalism and if Rachel Zoe ate food and not just gulps of air, she'd be into this place too. The liquor offerings are not your usual fare: Acadia uses local distilleries/distributors so most of the vodka I had never seen, but M Vodka was a little peppery and did just the trick.
To be perfectly honest, I ate SOOO much that I actually felt sick after the meal. The bf and I split 3 first courses: the beets, the sunchoke veloute, and the charcuterie. The Sunchoke soup was my favorite, mostly because it was 2 parts heavy cream, 1 part butter and 1 part everything else. Rich and AMAZING.
For mains, he went with the chicken main I chose the Waygu beef, both of which were outstanding. We had absolutely no room for dessert, but the lemon square and mini whoopie pies that came out with the check were TO DIE FOR, and hopefully next time I'll stick with one first course, one main, and leave room for dessert.
Of Note: We sat down to eat at about 9 and didn't leave till 11:30. They are very conservative with the amount of time between courses, so don't expect to get in and out. We asked our waiter numerous questions about the menu and even got a tour of the kitchen and to meet Chef McCaskey. Our experience at acadia was to me, world class, and I highly recommend it. -
Review from Betsy W.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012
The food at Acadia looked beautiful and tasted even better. My favorite dish of the night was the first course scallops. I ate things that I never thought I would try and licked my place clean.
The atmosphere is modern and clean. It runs the risk of being a little blank but the people and the waitstaff kept the place feeling warm and fun.
I recommend arriving early for your reservation and having a cocktail at the bar. They are a little strong but dinner is always more fun when buzzed. -
Review from Natalia L.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2012
This is the worst expensive restaurant in Chicago and EVER!!!
The food has NO FLAVOR, literally, it does not taste like anything, you dont even taste the main ingredient! We ordered a few different dishes to try and they all tasted about the same and like nothing we know. Foie gras did not have any goose liver in it, guarantee you that.
The ambiance is very simple - would have been ok cause we go for the food, not the look. However, since the food was not worth mentioning, we had to look outside on a vacant lot and prostitutes with pimps on the street. Service was decent, but no one asked if we liked the food (cause we would have said 'NO').
So, if you have money to waste - this is the place for you, good luck! -
Review from Dan H.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2012
We'll be back.
Beautiful environment. Genuine, warm greeting at the door by the GM, who is also the sommelier and who paid at least as much attention to us throughout the meal as did our server. Which brings me to the one small complaint we might have, so I'll get that out of the way.
Our server was reasonably pleasant, but had a slight edge and apathy that became more noticeable because everything else about the place was so warm. When my wife asked if the kitchen would make a 1/2 order of the vegetable entree as a starter (a simple request), the server for a moment looked at my wife as if she had ordered 1/2 of a human head. Not surprisingly, she came back quickly and reported that the chef would be delighted to prepare that (the vegetables, not the human head).
The server also made too many stops between tables and trips which made the wait longer than it needed to be for some simple things. She also left some items off of our check (not comped, and subsequently corrected). All in all it just seemed like her head and heart were somewhere else.
OK.
All that aside, like the room the food was beautifully prepared and plated, and we found the portions to be perfectly sized.
Amuse: lobster crisp with caviar - we wanted to order a whole plate of them.
1st course: Wife: Aforementioned vegetable tagine. I've always thought the word tagine sounds pretentious. I know, I know, it's not, but I'd rather read "braised." Anyway. It was delicious. Me: Foie gras. Deeeee-licious and a surprisingly generous portion.
2nd course: Wife: Black cod. I found the accompaniments to be a little heavy but it was still good and she thought it fantastic, which I guess was more important. Me: Shrimp. Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, slightly smoky. Be advised that some things may appear differently than you expect. For example, the chorizo with my shrimp came out as crumbled freeze-dried chorizo. Not what I expected but WTF, I strapped myself in and went for the ride. Small sacrifice.
Dessert: no room at the ranch, but we checked out the menu and there were some good-lookin' items.
Drinks: Several colorful items by the barkeep. I had a Sazerac which was a little heavy on the absinthe so of course I had to do the whole "intense Parisian artiste in the late 19th/early 20th century" routine but kept both of my ears intact. The wine list is really, really great with many unusual items from unexpected places like Slovenia. Wine prices were reasonable. Jason (GM/sommelier), as I said, was great.
Bonus, our car was waiting for us outside and warmed up by the time we got out the door. A really nice touch which I suspect is easier to pull off in that neighborhood where traffic is light.
OK, I've now invested 10x more time typing this review than I should have. Back to my normally scheduled Sunday.
Go to Acadia. -
Review from Eric G.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
I've been so excited to try Acadia since I first hear about it. I live across the alley from the back of the restaurant, so I've been walking around it on dog walks throughout the whole construction phase, eagerly awaiting the opening.
The inside is much larger than I imagined (I hope the kitchen isn't too cramped for all the cooks!). I love the decor and the feel. The chairs at the tables are nice and comfy too.
Looking at the wine list I saw a wine from Slovenia and thought that was very interesting. The wine guy came by and I asked him how it was, and he raved about it. It was delicious! It was also one of the cheaper wines on the list (bonus!). We had the scallop and charcuterie appetizers, the sea bass and shrimp entrees, the pineapple and chocolate mousse desserts. Everything was outstanding. The staff was also very nice and knowledgeable about the menu (I think our server was Jason).
For 3 drinks each and 3 courses each, it was $180. I think the portion sizes were just right, and I was definitely full at the end (without feeling sick!). Once the park outside is constructed, the view will be great.
I'm glad to have a place like this right by my house. I wish it was a little bit cheaper though! I'm sure I'll be back frequently in the bar area at least for the wine, and then I'll spoil myself occasionally with the delicious food! Great job! -
Review from Ken W.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012 1 photo
Acadia is a great addition to the South Loop. The service (starting & ending with the valet) was fantastic. The cocktail menu had some interesting options and we were pleased with the ones we picked, no doubt the others are equally good. The first courses are appropriate for one person. I tried the Pork Belly and Sunchoke, both were enjoyable for respective reasons. For a main course I tried the Lobster Pie & Waygu Beef. I enjoyed the Lobster Pie the most and want to try the Chicken Presse next time. For desert the Passion Fruit Toffee was delicious and a perfect item to split. They also have a separate Bar Menu that has some attractive items to try soon. Given the selective menu I hope they change it regularly and promote it properly to keep folks coming back for dinner service.
If you are in the area and want to have a great dinner, this is the best choice (or close to it) in the neighborhood .
If you are in the South Loop and want great cocktails, this is the best. I would say it is on par with other top choices like the Violet Hour, Watershead, etc. -
Review from MK L.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012
Last night was fantastic. Everything from michael at the bar to the lobster pie. Wow.
Lobster was cooked to perfection, I thought I was eating jello. That's how well it was prepared. Forget about wine, those cocktail were amazing and you know the bar took great pride in their preparation.
New found love. Thanks acadia. -
Review from Paul W.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Acadia made a birthday celebration a memorable experience from start to finish. The setting is striking in its calm elegance. The dining space is divided nicely to make the restaurant quieter and more intimate.
The menu was appealing. We tried risotto, a beet salad, and scallops for first courses. All were presented beautifully and delicious. Main courses were also excellent. The Waygu beef was a tiny bit chewy, but the sea bass and lobster pie were perfect.
Service was attentive and a nice balance of friendly and professional.
Great to see another fine dining experience available in the south loop! -
Review from M L S.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2012
Very pleased to have a restaurant of this caliber in the neighborhood, long overdue. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left each staff member we encountered was extremely personable, friendly and helpful. Was very impressed with the unique tiny personal touches Acadia did, for instance when we were leaving we were given a little sachet bag with an oatmeal cookie and a hand written thank you note attached to it. To me small attentions to details are what I like and remember the most and also keeps a restaurant apart from being just another typical dinning experience. Highly recommend Acadia...from the service, to the food, to the ambiance all was Perfection!
I checked the outdoor seating because I was told by management or possibly he was the owner, that they will have outdoor dining this summer. He also stated that the park the city plans to finish next to them will have a small outdoor music shell for bands, which I think would be great on one of our long lazy summer nights!Listed in: My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
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Review from TJ T.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012
We visited Acadia on a blustery cold evening. Luckily, the interior was warm and inviting. We had the Pork Belly, and Sunchoke Veloute as firsts, and the Wagyu Tri-tip and Stonington Lobster Pie as seconds. The food was well prepared and tasty. The timing of the dishes was good, and all of the staff were friendly. We left completely satisfied.
We will definitely be back to try out more dishes. There is a different bar menu, and I may just stop by to sample some of that. -
Review from k. m.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012
This place is amazing.
1. Service- Everyone was knowledgeable about the menu- the waiter and the busboy. I could tell that the staff are well trained because the service was perfect. From the moment you walk in you receive a warm greeting. I never felt like I needed to find my waiter. The staff make you feel welcome.
2. Food- We started with an amuse-bouche (cream cauliflower and dill). Great way to start the meal. Next the first course the risotto was excellent. From the first bite, my mouth was bursting with flavor. I could have eaten another bowl. The dish was not heavy, it was very light. Then another amuse-bouche (flaky biscuit with homemade butter and sea salt) The biscuit was a perfect way to lead into the second course. Next course- Lobster Pie. It was a deconstructed lobster bisque. Huge pieces of lobster with carrots, deep fried potatoes, onions and a sourdough pastry. The server pours the lobster bisque sauce over the dish table side. For dessert I had the spice cake-carrot sorbet, cream, pineapple and dried fruit. It sounds simple but it was so good. Finally, the finish to the meal, as if I wasn't already in food heaven we had a final dessert- caramel eclairs and chocolate whoopie pies. This was an experience that I will never forget. The food and service were worth every penny. I can't wait to go back!
This is a gem in the south loop! -
Review from Zarina M.
Schaumburg, IL
5/4/2012
Love love love this place! Been here a couple of times within the past 3 months and can't say enough good things about it to my city friends. Took some out of towners there last Friday and they were also impressed. Will look for any opportunity to go back again. Service, food, drinks were all good!
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Review from Dennis H.
Oakland, CA
3/16/2012
Wanted to try this new place while I was in town. Food was good to very good, service was meh - bartender was a loser! They have specialty drinks, and according to the manager (since we finally complained about how long our drinks were taking) - each specialty drink takes 8-10 minutes to prepare. So, our vodka over ice took 15 minutes to get to us. Stop chipping the block ice and get an ice maker... and hire an extra bartender! We would have drank more and left feeling much better than we did. Nice little touches - walking us to the restroom, introducing yourself, walking us out to the cab and a little sweet when we left... but get the basics down first! PLEASE!
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Review from Vee E.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
What a wonderful addition to the South Loop! I decided to check out Acadia on the friday when they announced their new bar menu. I needed a drink after a hectic week. A friend and I arrived and even though we didn't have a reservation, the hostess happily sat us at a table in the front area near the bar. From that point on, even though we didn't plan to order a full dinner, we were treated as if we were the most important customers in the restaurant. The restaurant gets 5 stars for service alone.
We were given an amuse-bouche, a pumpkin soup. That was followed by a tasty biscuit. Each of us ordered the lobster roll, which would match one found on the east coast. The lobster was cooked just right. My friend had a dessert that was beautifully presented.
The drinks? Definitely worth a return. The restaurant's menu is pretty pricey but there was a good sized crowd in the main dining area. Can't wait to go back to try the lobster pie! -
Review from Robyn T.
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
My 600th review, so I wanted to make it a good one!
Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) is "a place of plenty". The name is a reference to the French settlement in the new world, modern day Maine, and the seafood-heavy menu reflects these coastal influences. Acadia offers the sort of fine dining experience you'd expect to find in the Gold Coast, but lucky for me (a South Loop resident), the restaurant's Chef and Proprietor, Ryan McCaskey, is also a Slooper.
You hear the term "fine dining" and you probably jump to the conclusion that the evening will be outrageously expensive. McCaskey has been sure to maintain the restaurant's accessibility for the neighbors. Upon entering the space (note there is no signage to the restaurant, so your only guide will be the valet signage out front) you are greeted by the host stand and a minimalist white bar off to the right. There are a handful of seats for guests to enjoy a more relaxed evening with hand-crafted cocktails and a less expensive bar menu that includes a burger ($12), a lobster roll ($14), and a few other items all under the $16 mark.
The dining room has a few different areas and can even be sourced for private dining. The walls are white and there are large rectangular windows that offer views to the north of area condos and the Willis Tower. There is not much to look at on the walls; the Chef wants you to notice his food. To relish in the dining experience. The chairs are comfortable; the tables are nicely spaced. Though the setting is modern you will feel at ease. The staff, though perfectly on par with their formal fine-dining service, is relaxed and friendly. The wine list is extensive and the sommelier is passionate about his selections. There are a variety of cocktails that are worth sampling; they could warrant a visit to Acadia's bar all themselves.
Bucking the Chicago dining trend, menu items at Acadia are meant to be enjoyed individually. Diners will start with an amuse bouche followed by their first course. The "Risotto" ($10) is an imaginative play on its namesake dish using tiny cubes of Yukon potato standing-in fo the grains of Arborio rice topped with hairs of black truffle. The Charcuterie Platter ($15) would be the one item that would easily be shareable and boasts some rich chicken liver mousse. Though bite size, the petite biscuits are buttery slices of heaven and the perfect separation between courses. The presentation of the entrees is stunning and a true work of art. The Stonington Lobster Pie ($34) is a deconstructed take on the traditional pot pie complete with a generous portion of lobster and colorful pearl onions. All of the entrée portions are substantial by fine dining standards. The Black Cod ($30) is nestled next to a delicate sprout leaf salad. The Deer Isle Shrimp ($26) flaunted large prawns resting atop milky white noodles.
There are digestifs, dessert wines, French press coffee and a handful of desserts ($10) to round out the meal. A decadent chocolate and bite-sized whoopee pies were presented with the check. Upon collecting coats (sans the use of any coat check tokens or direction from the diners) a parting slice of almond cake was gifted; a small remembrance of the fine dining experience in our very own South Loop. The devil is in the details and the Acadia staff makes sure that every detail is looked after with care.Listed in: Divine Date Night
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Review from Jeff R.
We took a trip down to the 1600 block of Wabash to check out the latest from chef Ryan McCaskey - something I refer to as "casual fine dining." I enjoyed the journey and discovery of an unassuming stand alone building seemingly out of nowhere in the South Loop. You can't quite tell it's a restaurant because the only part visible from the street is the bar area and the windows are frosted and discrete. Once inside you get to see and experience the beautifully done interior with strong elements of L20 and even Alinea (super high ceilings, metal bead "wall" and dark wood and white leather everywhere). I particularly appreciate the spacing of the tables (a simple aspect but so many places pack it in) and the soft cream colored carpet vs. hard floor. The wonderful design flows with and into the service - which is as good as any other five star restaurant in the city (likely the result of Christopher Gerber's influence - he opened front of house at Alinea et. al.). Additionally, the menu is nice and easy to follow (with strong midwest, farm to table aspects and no pronunciation guide needed). There are two sections, one for each course. I'm sure you could get creative and order in any which way, but the message is clear - this is a multi course meal and everyone chooses two of them. And even though most people don't bring cameras to the table like we bloggers, the food is gorgeous with its presentation and worthy of a few shots. I'm a little upset that we didn't try any cocktails because I now find out they are a highlight (and a TOC Eat Out Award Nominee). But why call it casual fine dining? Because you don't get the sense that you have to whisper to talk, or that you must put on your class A suit, and most of all you don't need to bring five credit cards to pay for the meal. They do a wonderful job of providing a five-star experience without the five-start pretentiousness or price tag.
The last piece of the puzzle is the food on the plate, and we enjoyed a lot of what we ate. I am disappointed in the main course selections the most, and that is the main reason our experience wasn't as good as possible. I tried the Deer Isle Shrimp (served with cauliflower, cuttlefish noodles, chorizo, marcona almond, fried spoon bread) and while all the pieces were fascniating and creative, the flavor of the lemon juice and sweet thai chili was too strong to enjoy the entire plate. Erica ordered the highly anticipated waygu beef and it came out luke warm without meaningful flavor (not to mention there was a peculiar long break in the meal before our main course arrived). But even with disappointing dishes, the creativity, precision and beauty are very much apparent and respected. -
Review from Deanne K.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2012
I wish I could give this place 4.5 stars...we went to Acadia last night for dinner with another couple, and all of us had a fantastic experience.
To start, you MUST get a cocktail at this place. The bartenders took extra care on each of our drinks, which were all delicious and very unique. You have to wait longer to get your drinks because the bartenders are extremely precise in putting together all of the ingredients. I wasn't sure what type of drink I wanted, so I described the type of cocktail I like, and the bartender made me the perfect concoction!
For appetizers, we had the scallop dish, charcuterie and risotto. Since I don't eat meat, I only had the scallops and risotto, and those were both spot-on in terms of flavor. I think the risotto was my favorite of the two I tried.
For dinner, I had the deer isle shrimp, and others at the table had the sturgeon, the duck and the lobster pie. We tried each others' entrees, and the best of the 3 seafood dishes was the sturgeon (fantastic), although my shrimp was fabulous. The one and only food disappointment was that my friend's lobster seemed slightly under-cooked (and, to clarify, I'm not one of those people who like their seafood cooked to death).
Service and atmosphere were both perfect, and our waiter was kind enough to bring us into the kitchen to check it out and to meet the chef. With cocktails, a bottle of wine (+2 additional glasses of wine), 3 appetizers and 4 entrees, I think that both couples ended up paying about $150 each. Not inexpensive, but totally worth it for the quality of everything we had. Acadia is now on of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, and I can't wait to go back.
