Kendall College - The Dining Room
Category: Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Goose Island900 N. North Branch
(between Halsted St & Ogden Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 752-2328
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Dressy
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
18 reviews
Neighborhood: University Village
"Best thin-crust I've had so far. The sauce is sweet and the cheese is a blend of some sort. Highlights of my meal were the sausage/onion,…" read more »
22 Reviews for Kendall College - The Dining Room
If you go when they have the fixed price lunch or dinner menus, this place is a steal. If you go when the prices are normal, you will still receive excellent food and service. The food is delicious and it is very amazing to see food of this quality coming from students.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I really miss this place since they moved out of Evanston. We used to be regulars - and had some fantastic meals at even more fantastic prices. It is truly an exceptional value.
The menus are always varied (something for everyone) and I've never been disappointed - and even with the "corkage charge" - the BYOB makes a 4 star meal a real steal. And because they are training future chefs - the menu choices are very up-to-date - if not cutting edge.
I don't know if this is still the case, but back when they were still in Evanston, I used to call the school when I was having a big "to-do" and they would sell me (dirt cheap!) huge cakes and pates that were made in cooking classes (not always consistent - but always very good.) For like $10 I could get a 5 lb "loaf" of Seafood Pate which was so loaded with divine chunks of lobster, crab, scallops, shrimp, salmon etc it was almost obscene!
Anyway, give it a try - unless things have drastically changed - you will not be disappointed and your pocketbook/budget will be thrilled!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
The Dining Room at Kendall College is one of those restaurants in Chicago that for some reason or another I have never made it to. Audrey put an end to that on my birthday as we took part of their Monday Night Dining Series.
The theme for this particular Monday night was April in Paris. The chef and the chef's in training were inspired by spring in Paris and created a five course menu reflecting that. The first course was a Morel Flan with Asparagus Soup with White Truffle. The soup was beautifully strained, had a great mouth feel, and tasted rich and delicious. Of course it didn't hurt that they added the white truffle. The second course was the Bass en Papilotte with Carrots, Ramps, Cumin, and Vermouth. If I'm eating cooked fish I prefer it with a nice sear on it, so the steamed in wax paper method was a bit lost on me. The fish was cooked nicely and the portion size was hearty for a second course. The salad course was a Frisee with Roasted Beets, Roquefort, and a Hazelnut Vinaigrette. I really enjoy all the individual components in this salad and enjoyed them even more together. The entrée was a Roasted Spring Lamb Rack served with Pureed Potatoes, Roasted Shallots, and Natural Jus. I typically don't care for "gamey" meats (I consider lamb gamey), but I actually enjoyed this preparation. To end the evening we had the Brown Butter Pear Tart with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Caramel. I'm one of those guys who believe that if it's not chocolate it's not dessert. However, lately I have been enjoying the more fruit driven desserts and this one was delicious.
The service was...... interesting? Our waitress was super sweet, but lacked confidence you typically find in "big" city service staff. With each fork or piece of china she placed on our table she looked to us to reassure her that she placed it in the right position. I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and looking to me for the proper placement of flatware is like looking to George Bush for sound foreign policy advice. However, being that we were in a learning environment these inadequacies were easily forgivable. The room itself is beautiful! Tall ceilings, beautiful views of the city, and grown up modern design made me instantly connect with the space. I wonder if they do weddings here.
2 Tasting Menus
1 Bottle of Wine
-------------------------------------------------- ---
I think it was a $100, but Audrey paid.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Okay, so I was really excited about the Dining Room. I read everyone's reviews and checked out the menu in advance. But I had dinner there last night and it was just kinda... eh.
We got the prix fixe menu for $29, which would have been a steal at that price if the food had been more than just ok. I felt a little cheated walking out of there after paying $100 for two people (we also split a bottle of wine, which is half-price on Tuesdays, and ordered two coffees in addition to the two meals).
The staff was all very friendly. At some points you could tell they were inexperienced, but everyone was extremely polite and attentive. The food was just not as great as I was anticipating, hence the two stars.
I ordered the fried green tomatoes as my starter. They came out hot and crispy, which was great, but they didn't really have much flavor. The sauce they were paired with didn't taste like much at all. The dish really just tasted like fried.
For my entree I chose the blackened cobia, which was excellent. The fish was a smidge overcooked, but the mushroom risotto it was served with was perfect. I had no problem with this dish, but I feel like if I had ordered it on its own (for $22), it would not have been enough food. I got two small chunks of fish on a five-bite bed of risotto, with no other vegetables.
Dessert was a disappointment. I was searching for something chocolate on the dessert menu, but found nothing. Oh but wait! There's a chocolate dessert special for today! I went with the special but thought it was a very confused plate - a black peppercorn brownie (overly spicy, almost to an inedible point) with pineapple sorbet (in a shot glass with a sugar rim), on a plate covered in sugar. The sorbet didn't match well with the brownie, but the brownie was too dry to eat on its' own. The sugar on the plate was terrible with the spicy brownie as well. I hope they don't add this to the regular dessert menu.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
and half.
I enjoyed the food. I thought it was inventive. I wouldn't say that the menu appeals to all people as it definitely wasn't the type of food my boyfriend would eat. The appetizers kinda fell short. The entrees were delicious, but my boyfriend's dish was a little cold so I'm sure it was waiting for my lamb dish. The desserts were interesting, but more on the savory side for me. I personally like sweet desserts.
The service is REALLY attentive. Like the most attentive service I've ever had. Maybe even too attentive.
It's cool to be part of the learning process, it a good try.
Where to begin?!
A few of my friends and I have eaten here probably around 8 times...and each time it just gets better. I don't know of any other restaurant that has such amazing 3 course fixed price meals! 3 courses for $28!!! (3 courses for $18 lunch!) The menus change quarterly so check kendall.edu for the current menu. They are on opentable to make reservations a breeze, too.
When the college was in Evanston the dining room seemed to be an after thought. it was definitely dated and in need of some TLC. Now that the campus is on Goose Island the dining room is beautiful. It's very open and inviting. The views are gorgeous--you've got the skyline right out the window.
As the others have mentioned, the servers are students as well as the people in the kitchen preparing the food. Your water and wine glass will always be filled.
Dining here is a great way to have a fine dining experience at an affordable price.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I've been here for weekday lunch - $18 prix fixe special - which is a great deal and was an awesome experience. Also brought my monthly dinner club here for the Monday Night Dining Series, and we were not disappointed. Such a beautiful space, with a great view of the skyline. Although students are preparing the food, you would never know it. Creative, tasty dishes and wonderful presentation. Will definitely be back again, maybe when the parents come to visit. A great deal for your money.
I can't say enough about this place; I had such a great experience. I was here to celebrate a birthday on the Friday before St. Patrick's Day and it was great! We got there at 7 and ended up staying for just over two hours; I forgot what it was like to enjoy a really nice dinner at a leisurely pace.
My dining companion had the prixe fix St. Patrick's day menu and I ordered off of the regular menu. I tried the beet carpaccio and the Parsnip-cauliflower veloute -- both were delicious. As a main dish, I had the Pacific cod (always challenging to make interesting on your own) and loved that as well. I'd definitely stop back here when the menu changes up again!
I also want to make a quick note on the wait staff. They were very polite and attentive (my water glass was constantly being re-filled, offers for additional bread, etc).
My boyfriend and I went to Kendall College's Monday Night Dining Series last night for our three-year anniversary. For $38, you get a five-course dinner produced under the supervision of a chef from a famous Chicagoland restaurant.
Our food was extremely good, and the service was, in my opinion, absolutely fine. Our waitress seemed, I suppose, somewhat inexperienced, but it was in an endearing way rather than a frustrating one.
What I liked most about the experience was that it was classy food in an environment in which you didn't feel stupid if you didn't know which silverware to use for each course. I don't need my napkin refolded every time I get up to use the bathroom; I like to enjoy good food without worrying about etiquette.
What I didn't like about the experience was the banquet seating (I think this applies only to Monday nights), but if my boyfriend and I hadn't been planning a romantic evening I probably wouldn't have minded as much. If you act like you're constantly immersed in private conversation, your tablemates will generally leave you alone. (And then afterwards you can talk about the various couples at your table. "Was that a married couple or a gay man and his mother?" "Did you notice how that woman and her client grew to dislike each other over the course of the dinner?")
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
It was a little steep for lunch ($45), but I enjoyed this place and what it was doing (supporting the culinary school). The food was inventive, some success (fingerling potato salad with smoked trout, laquered veal cheek), some not so (crab salad with cucumber gelee). Some things were over and under seasoned, but it's a school and they are learning the limits and possiblities - I love it! Much encouragement is due to the chefs and the eager staff - waiters and the dining room manager. Can't wait to go back for dinner
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Dining Room offers a great 5 star meal and a very reasonable price. I was amazed at the quality of the food that I ate. AMAZED!! I left a very happy person because I didn't spend too much money and my belly was full. I also left with the top button of my pants open, but no one could tell.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
went here last night with some Yelpers for the Prix Fixe. I shared the trout and crab salad appetizer and the gorgonzola dolce appetizer and both were so good. For dinner I split duck which was good and scallops which were awesome. For dessert I had a chocolate pot de creme with cinnamon churros. The churros were a little undercooked, and the amuse bouche of some mint sweet pea thing in a parmesan crisp wasn't to my taste, but everything else was so good. They also gave a complimentary shot of white chocolate with bueberry and strawberry which was soooo yummy! Service was very good, and on top of the tasty food a martini was only $4.50, so I will definitely be going back!
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (2)
What an amazing find! 18 dollars for a 3 course lunch, served by extremely attentive and friendly people. The combination of good price, great food, friendly service, and warm environment (you walk in and you know you're in a happy place) makes for a meal that I would definitely not mind repeating.
Lunch: started off with the potato cakes w/ smoked salmon + craime fraiche, nicely contrasted with japanese style pickled onions. came with 2, so shared with a friend (who ordered the prosciutto ravioli) which was nice because it's a lot of potato in them cakes. Then went on to the veal tenderloin w/ osso bucco ravioli. Brilliant! I'm never eating adult animals again. The sauce could have done with a little less salt, which was more pronounced in the glazed carrots, but I love the hint of pine nut flavor in the ravioli. Dessert (much love for dessert carts)= bruleed lemon tart, topped with streusel w/ crunchy bits of caramelized sugar, and served with shot of lemon sorbet+ champagne. mmm, not too sweet, not too tart, altogether a good foil for my friend's ridiculously rich caramel pudding.
my only suggestion would be to check the coffee. mine was a bit bitter, even when paired with dessert. but then, you don't go there for the coffee anyway. well done Kendall College.
Great food, great company and a great deal. Thanks to our fearless prix fixe leader, Edward H., I had the opportunity to sample two delectable appetizers and entrees (thanks for sharing, folks!) AND get my first taste of sweetbreads last night. What a lovely evening!
Echoing Lauren, the minty pea puree-filled parmesan crisp was... eh... a little weird. Good weird, but not really my thing. The gorgonzola dolce salad I've been obsessing over since reading The Dining Room's menu did not disappoint--although it was so rich and filling (yes, I said it was a salad) that I wasn't sure I'd have room for the AMAZING scallops and very tasty, smoky duck. George was brave enough to order the sweetbreads and after much discussion of exactly which part of the animal he ordered (pancreas? brain? ), Dan's magic internet phone saved us--it's the thymus gland, people! Hooray for eating T-lymphocyte processors! Immunity for all! Not only was George brave in being the first to sample the sweetbreads, he was very generous in sharing his immunity-rich dish with all of us. Mmm... it was... sweet. And bready. And not at all gross like I expected...
Dessert was deliciously overwhelming. Lovely selections, fun flavors (buttered popcorn ice cream is heavenly!) and FUNNEL CAKE! I never thought I'd see the day when I didn't clean my dessert plate, but I was so full from all the wonderful food I couldn't quite finish (no amount of "patting it down" could make more room). Luckily, the intermezzo was dessert enough that I didn't feel *too* bad about not finishing myself off in a blazing sugar buzz. Oh, the intermezzo... white chocolaty shot of heaven with raspberries and blueberries. Dang those long, slender shot glasses... my tongue couldn't quite reach the bottom...
I would definitely recommend Kendall College's Dining Room--the food was very good, the service attentive (a little green, but hey, they're students) and the prix fixe deal is an affordable splurge. Be sure to check out the odd mural featuring the Holy Family, mariachis and gnome butts.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
Incredible, high quality food prepared to mouth watering perfection. Menu changes with the season, and I have never been disappointed with one thing. These culinary prodigies will wow you with delicious fare on par with the most seasoned of chefs. Save room for the cheese plate and the dessert.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
This place is great for dining out especially on occasions where your budget is fairly minimal. It is spacious and has a great view of downtown through its panoramic windows. It is a great place to bring on any occasion . The food there is also terrific, when i went i ordered the Foie gras appetizer and the special apple cider braised pork belly with chili glazed tenderloin. The pork belly was done exquisitely fork tender. And the pork tenderloin was juicy and succulent it was all spectacular. I actually heard and know for a fact that all the specials that come up on there menu are created by the students themselves so i applaud them for there hard work
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
Kendall College is one of the top culinary schools in the area, and The Dining Room definitely reflects that. I first ate there when the school was still in Evanston and it was great. Since they moved to Goose Island they made some changes, but in my opinion it only got better. They now have a full bar, it is still BYOB but with a corking fee, and the dining room itself is much nicer and has a much better view. The food is always great and has new exciting food. The last time I was there I had a pepper-corned venison fillet for example that was delicious. This is a great place to go with a date or with a group of friends for a nice night out, just be sure to make a reservation in advance.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I took my best friend here for his birthday this year, and we were not disappointed! Every member of the "staff" is a Kendall College student - from the waiter to the maitre d' to the culinary staff. We went on a pre fixe night that was for a charity, so it was a little more expensive than usual, but the quality of food, the fantastic service, and the amazing view of the skyline of Chicago more than made up for it. The students use creative ideas in their cooking - goat's milk ice cream to go with goat's cheese cheesecake, for example. A fantastic meal, I will definitely return. Also, check out their lunch specials - a great, filling lunch for less than $20.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
It's a unique French dining experience you get at Kendall College. If you want truly professional service, you should go elsewhere -- the culinary students at the college take turns (by semester) serving front of the house (that is, your host/hostess, server, etc.) or working the kitchen -- and most of the servers, while extremely courteous and friendly, tend to be overly deliberate and obviously gauche (not in an offensive way, however). Yes, the dinner is a BARGAIN, especially if you get the prix fixe menu on Tuesday night with 1/2 off wine, but you'll put up with being served by obviously inexperienced waitstaff and being asked by several chefs about your experience. Please don't get me wrong -- I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but I'm sure that some people prefer to have their servers to be as invisible as possible so that they can focus their attention on their dinner companions or the lovely dishes.
And what lovely dishes you get at Kendall's dining room! (I'm getting to the good part now.) The menu changes seasonally, and all of the dishes I've ordered (a bit of a moot point to mention them, I feel, since they change by season -- but we had the oyster and lobster rockerfeller for appetizers, then sturgeon/veal and lamb for main ) were fantastic. Some came out slightly bland, but overall, all of them were very well prepared and nicely presented. For $28 prix fixe menu, you get a first/second, entree and dessert, and it's probably the best bargain for French dishes (not bistro fare) you'll find in the city. As previous reviewers mentioned, the students seem to get graded on the overall dining experience (service, food, etc.) so there's no careless mistakes to be found on the food that arrive on your table. Everything seems to have been made fresh, using select ingredients, and while the adequacy of the degree of seasoning can be debated (I tend to like my food robust, but I know that French fare is more subtle), there's no denying that you get much more than your money's worth here. Don't expect heaping mounds of food on your plates however. (It's typical French; your appetizer, entree and dessert will form a mound no bigger than a typical appetizer in a non-French restaurant.)
The only misgiving about the menu is that when I dined (on Tuesday night), they were out of 2 of the appetizer selections and 2 entrees. No biggie.
Tuesday nights are 1/2 off on bottles (everything on the list), and given that they already have pretty fair restaurant-level prices on the bottles, at half off, it's a steal. For example, at 1/2 off, you can have either one of the Sancerre for about $20 -- about the retail price you'll pay at any wine store you'll find.
Service can be great or annoying, depending on your level of tolerance. I only started with a cynical tone because I actually enjoyed my experience with the wait staff (I know, hard to figure out, eh?). For one, your glasses will never be empty, and they'll promptly rotate your utensiles and dinerware as appropriate -- they even replaced my napkin I've carelessly left on my chair while I made a bathroom break -- but the service can be a bit too conspicuous. If you accept the fact that it's the inexperienced students learning the ropes, you'll deal with it with a gracious smile; if not, you'll feel annoyed. The waiter will be extremely knowledgeable -- I know, because I asked point blank that the menu was Greek to me and he proceeded to explain every items on the 20+ item list with patience and understanding. You'll NEVER get that a regular French restaurant; in fact, you'll probably never be able to muster the nerve to do that there.
Kendall College is on Goose Island, in an industrial corner by the river, surrounded by industrial buildings, and you'll be parking in the tiny college parking lot and go through the main entrance of the college and take an elevator to the third floor to reach the restaurant -- there's no mistake that you're entering a school-operated restaurant. Nonetheless, the view from the dining room is very nice; from the third floor restaurant, only the picturesque Chicago skyline remains visible. The restaurant is sparely decorated and feels slighty vacant -- on the night that I dined, there were more staff dining and serving than actual patrons. That didn't deter us from thoroughly enjoying our dinner, and while it's not a boisterous bistro scene, it is plently romantic and delightful, nonetheless.
If you know what you're in for -- actually enjoy the kind of interaction with culinary students and can deal with students learning the ropes (on service, not on quality of food -- food's VERY good) -- then a dinner at Kendall College, especially on Tuesday, is a delightful experience and a bargain. If you'd prefer to pay twice the money for marked improvement in the service (in terms of experience and smoothness), however, open up a tour book to find your way to the prominent Chicago culinary marquee.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
Being a Kendall alumni I had to give them some props.
The Kendall Dining Room is a great place to get REALLY good food at a really reasonable price. The menu changes every quarter based on what the students are learning, and you will be served by students who are in a class about dining room service. This is all a big part of the Kendall education, and a great chance to talk to some students first hand.
While the menu is super every day of the week, Mondays they bring in a guest chef to teach the students something special. It is the Monday Night Dining Series and probably the best deal Kendall offers. You get a five course meal, with the menu being designed by a local restaurant chef. These restaurants have ranged from NOMI, Shaw's, Vermilion, Zapatista and many notable other Chicago favorites. It costs $38 per person, which is quite a steal and you can BYOW(wine), so you can pick out some nice bottle to bring for the evening.
The views from the Dining Room are awesome. You get a kind of panoramic view of the city, so at night it is pretty cool. If you haven't tried out Kendall College, it is a hidden gem in Chicago dining.
Note- It is only open when class is in session, so make sure you check out their website before planning a meal there. www.kendall.edu
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
For an easy night out with great cuisine, you can't beat the incredible values found at Kendall College's Dining Room Restaurant. The entire restaurant is operated by students as practical field work. Sure you're the guinea pig, but the results include a delicious meal at an amazing price. The menu changes with the season but there are some constants available.
I got to taste most of the fare with my friends alongside. Highlights from the appetizers included Crispy Duck Salad (succulent duck served with refreshing blood orange), Sweet & Sour Sweetbreads (delicious tender cuts), 3 Pancakes (foie gras, caviar, bacon... need I say more?), and some perfectly done Seared Scallops. All that was just from the appetizer section and believe it or not, everything was around $10 or $12. The entrees to follow were just as good and their presentation wasn't half bad either - those were a steal at the low $20's. If you're inclined to enjoy a bit of wine with your meal (we sure did), they've a well stocked bar and a decent wine list that includes bottles for around $20.
Since your level of satisfaction plays into each student's grade, the staff works very hard to make sure you're happy with your meal. And other than a bit of the nervous jitters, the staff were all attentive and courteous. We all enjoyed beautiful meals that could easily cost twice as much anywhere else. This places The Dining Room near the top of my list based on sheer value alone.
Side Note - They have guest chefs from the cuilinary industry come in on Monday nights to prepare special courses and also each season has a Grand Buffet (final exams). Both types of events offer even more value and are great chances for people to check this hidden gem out.
**** Update ****
Prix Fixe Now Available.
Choose any First Course, Main Course and Dessert for only $18 at lunch and $28 for dinner.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (1)
I would definitely recommend Kendall College's Dining Room. Place is like a loft setting, tables are spread enough to have conversations without hearing other tables, and very quiet too (no music or anything).
Prix fixe dinner was setup by Edward H. not too long ago. It was super nice, can't beat first course, main course, and dessert for around $28. It was awesome, super good food, great company as well. I had opportunity to meet other yelpers I haven't met. I tell you what though, Yelp girls are far prettier in person than their profile pictures. Anyways not to get side tracked. I had no idea what to eat but was super hungry. I think I ordered some meat with sweetbreads for my main course. I'm really bad with names, name of bands, famous person's name etc. Sorry I don't know what my main course was called but lets just call it meat with sweetbreads.
I had no idea what sweetbreads were? suppose to be "bread = sweet right?" I was totally wrong, why why why did I order that. I think Lauren was telling everyone it was cow brain, someone was saying kidney. I was ready to change my order fast but I said why not, be brave! tried it anyways. Okay it was NOT cow brains! pheww, thank goodness. No made cow disease there.
They also gave us shot of fruit filled chocolate shake thingy, nice touch, very good.
Everything was super good! I highly recommend this place and will put this on my list for romantic date places.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Just the two of us...
Places to take your hunny for a little quality… -
Hey-hey, you-you, I don't…
So dump her and take me out! Here are some great… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Hot and New
- Perry's
116 reviews
Neighborhood: The Loop
- Quartino
284 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- The 3rd Coast
60 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- Hub 51
28 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- Mado
31 reviews
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
