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Category: American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: The LoopState/Lake (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
Lake (Red)
Clark/Lake (Pink, Brown, Green, Blue, Purple Express, Orange)
"Blue Frog is what it is and loves what it is: A Dive Bar with games everywhere and karaoke at night! If Blue Frog was a human it would be…" read more »
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Great dining experience. They try to use local and sustainable foods- so you can feel good about that. My Beau and I did the 3 course menu for $30 and with our WBEZ membership card they knocked $20 off. Nice! The kouboucha soup was amazing and tasted like fall. My Amish chicken was tender and well seasoned. My sides were delightful. My date got rabbit pappardale and it was warm and earthy and unctuous. Our deserts stopped the show. He had a cheesecake mouse which was unbelievably rich. I had the bread pudding that was so perfect I think I shed a tear of joy.
Our server was attentive but not overly present at the table and I saw the chef making his rounds to speak with people I can only assume were regulars.
So - for a nice date night or even a good family dinner (we saw one family celebrating a birthday) then this is a great place to get sustainable food!!
We were heading to the Van Morrison concert on a Tuesday night and needed to pick a spot close to the theatre. This place had always intrigued me as I love southern cooking. It's a very welcoming place with a brick oven, decently sized bar and friendly staff.
I arrived a bit early and decided to have a cocktail while I waited for my husband. I had previously read on their website under the "Happenings" heading they offered 1/2 price bottles of wine certain nights of the week and had "Happy Hour" specials from 4-6. I checked my watch and lucky me ... it was only 5:30! However, the website is slightly misleading. The list of Fall Libations listed under this Happy Hour heading doesn't mean they are priced and less than they would be before 4 or after 6!?! Remind me again what Happy Hour is then ... oh well, the drink went down just fine but nothing worth paying $15 for.
On to the table - my husband had arrived and we were seated at our booth. Our waiter was mindful that we didn't have a ton of time to dine. I asked him about the half priced wines they featured on the website. He informed me that the offer was only available if we dined at the bar. I was obviously disappointed and he told me he would check with his supervisor to see if they could make an exception. He delivered happy news! We ordered mussels as an appetizer and they were served in a wonderfully flavorful broth. The dinners quickly followed, they didn't wow us as the mussels had, but the meals were decent.
The meal was fine, but with so many tempting restaurants in the city there isn't much of a need to return. One tip to remember read all the fine print on the website - better yet don't even visit the website.
I came here for drinks with a friend. I was not impressed. I will admit that I expected much more from a restaurant in a Kimpton Hotel.
The atmosphere is typical and a boring - lots of wood and not much light. The bar is small and only 7 seats or so. The bartender seemed to be rushed the whole time even though the bar wasn't crowded.
It was autumn when I went so I ordered a pumpkin cocktail. The bartender recommended against it as she said many had complained about it and she didn't like it herself - so why is it still on the menu? So I ordered a pumpkin ale which they were out of. The did have $6 Rain vodka drinks so I got a dirty martini - it was nothing special.
I find it pointless to go back.
I am a Kimpton-loyalist and generally find the combinations of pleasant hotel-pleasant restaurant go hand-in-hand. I had dinner here during a recent stay at the attached Hotel Monaco and was expecting that reliable standby. As I was traveling alone I opted to dine at the bar.
Wow. Maybe the circus was in town that night but the bar was populated by obnoxious, loud drunk Brits who were intent to hang all over the waitress (her name begins with S) and she was oh-so happy to let them do so. I asked for a menu and got the lunch menu. I wanted dinner, so I asked again. I got the wine menu. I asked again and finally got the dinner menu. I ordered and my food came. No spoon for the soup. Had to ask her for it. Food was very bland and really quite average.
I asked for the check, eager to escape the blathering obscenity shouting Brits. Check came, but had to ask for a pen. All in all, I'd say that this place needs to brush up on hospitality 101 and learn some decent manners. Won't be back - I don't like having to chase down a server who seems annoyed with my very presence just for the basic necessities of a dinner.
I've had this place in my back pocket for years and finally put it to good use the morning after a downtown wedding, when a few of us were coming from various area hotels within a ten-minute walk. You can't beat this Wacker/Wabash location for tourists or Loop-residers. I like the classy/country decor (such as the stone walls and the giant wooden spoons and forks), and the service was fine. There was only a 15-minute wait on Sunday morning around 11.
However, I was annoyed with and perplexed by my menu experience. I ordered one of their specialty eggs benedict, the beef brisket version. What arrived on my plate was brisket-egg-hollandaise. Where the hell is the English muffin? I called the waiter over to inquire, and his response was "Oh no, it's supposed to come that way. Yeah, sometimes people ask...I don't know, maybe people just don't understand...?" Are you kidding me? This has happened before and somehow it is OUR fault? There are a lot of variations to eggs benedict, but the basic framework is English muffin-meat-poached egg-sauce. Am I wrong about this? I've never heard of an eggs benedict with no kind of bread whatsoever. If the English muffin were intentionally left out, how come there was no toast option with my meal as there was with all the other non-sandwich breakfast entrees?
So the chap offered to bring me one, which I accepted and incorporated into my breakfast using the conventional construction. And the dish tasted pretty good after all, especially the brisket, which in texture was like a good thick-cut bacon. I was eager to see whether the English muffin would show up on the bill, but thankfully it did not. Actually, I would have relished that conversation with the manager. Too bad...
I also tried the pancakes with apple compote--B+. And I really liked their flatware--hefty and solid, simple in design and all gleaming chrome. Overall, I'd come back, but that eggs benedict caper was just ridiculous.
This is pretty good place to have a nice lunch in the loop. I like it better than some of the nearby places and think it's more affordable.
I really like the salads and flatbreads, and the veggie sandwich is pretty good!
Went here with my team at work during my last week.. Got there right before the morning rush - don't you hate how synchronized we've all become... I'm switching to 20 after the hour, or ten til... no more of this 12 or 12:30 nonsense..
Sat outside. I hate sitting outside. There really isn't a view here. But at least the building blocked out the sun and there were no flies!
I ordered the Crispy Duck Leg Confit salad. Yuck-o. The duck was so dry and gamey.. I couldn't even finish half. Maybe it was the duck leg that threw me off?
The table got pulled pork sandwich, turkey wrap, and a chicken club - all of which were finished so I guess it wasn't that bad.
No complaints about the service. Their credit card machine/system broken down while we were there and he was very good about it taking care of the bill and such..
Will give one more chance if I'm in the area, but no more duck leg..
We decided to hit the bar at South Water Kitchen prior to a show at the Oriental theater, for a cheap pre theater meal.
Great happy hour deals:! 1/2 off bar food from 4:30-6:30. Wednesday nights are 1/2 of wine bottle nights (they also have two bottles selected each night that are offered for $15). We bought a bottle of sauvignon blanc from Monterey, Ca, which was ok. For food we sampled the mussels (baked in the brick oven!), cheese platter (great value for quantity and taste), chicken flatbread (salty) and pulled pork sandwich (came with tangy coleslaw). I was not a fan of the flatbread but everything else was great!
While I may not go out of my way to eat here, their happy hour deals are worth it and a great option for cheaper pre theater dining, or cheap mussels and cheese!
With 45 minutes to enjoy our "fake" 3 year anniversay (don't ask, long story) we rushed into South Water Kitchen. Not going to lie, this wasn't the original plan, but it was close to the Wendella Boat tour which is where we had to be at 7:30 for our 7:45 tour.
We were seated immedietly and approched by a fresh faced waitress. We informed her that we wanted to do the 3 course prix fix and we watned to do it in 40 minutes. She looked excited for the challenge and agreed. We ordered off the prix fix menu which was a steal of a deal at $40. I had the mussles as my first course, the duck as my second, and alas had to get the dessert to go. My partner in crime ordered the beet salad as his first (yes i was thrown off as well) and the seared ahi as his second. His dessert had to get packaged up also. We enjoyed a celebratory glass of champagne and a matched glass of wine with our dinner courses. The food was perfect, everything tasted wondeful and the wine parings were spot on.
This place was empty and I am not sure why. Maybe we lucked out with the prix fix but I thought the place would have been worth the regular prices. The menu is what I would refer to as a crowd pleaser, something for everyone.
Went there for breakfast with the wife & kid. Didn't know it was more of a business breakfast place so my son was a little out of his element. Food was really good, but a little pricey.
French toast was delicious as were the sausage patties. No Jimmy Dean here! Everything tasted fresh.
The service was great. We were taken care of quickly.
My friends were staying at the adjoining Hotel Monaco this weekend so we decided to give South Water Kitchen a go for brunch.
No wait! Honestly, it's the wait that keeps me from Sunday brunchin' more often. The restaurant is very classic in both design and menu-- white tablecloths and 'heartland' cuisine. Hmm... guess the term 'comfort food' has become a bit overused?
Our server was on it, anticipating our need for coffee and plenty of it. Our trio all ordered the traditional Eggs Benedict. A successful rendition of my all-time favorite breakfast entree was delivered and quickly devoured by all. My Benny could have used a bit more of that luscious Hollandaise but maybe that's just me being greedy.
Our server allowed us to linger for another hour after finishing off our meal which was very appreciated. I've also stopped in South Water Kitchen for a few drinks with other friends who have stayed at the Hotel Monaco. They have a well-priced and imaginative cocktail menu as well as some good wine picks. Not somewhere I'd make a destination, but if you're in the area, South Water Kitchen won't disappoint.
On a sidenote... I will say the booths in the dining area are somewhat uncomfortable as other reviewers have mentioned.
I had a chance to try dinner at this place after being satisfied with their luch months back. I had the hangar steak with vegetables and potatoes. It was delicious. The ambiance was great and the service was attentive. However, I don't know if it was worth the price tag. The food was good but not '$25 per entree' good. The portions were small yet satisfying but I have been to plenty of Chicago restaurants that offer a much better value for good food. I recommend that you go for lunch for the value (good food + decent prices), go for dinner for the ambiance.
Good stuff. South Water Kitchen reminds of the type of restaurant I would open. They take American… Read more »
Midwestern American fare?? I love it!!
The concept, "Heartland Cuisine," is interesting, and the delivery is excellent. High quality, fine dining based on basic all-American hearty main courses.
The décor is not impressive. It's very old school, something no interior decorator would do today. But it's ok - clubby, dark woods, booths around the bar, steps everywhere. (You'll need a taxi to get to the bathrooms.) Comfortable, not imposing.
The menu is great. About 50 wines, all American wines. Some a bit overpriced, but plenty of interesting ones. We went for a Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend from California that was nice.
We started with diver scallops, with grilled wild mushrooms and bacon, in a vegetable puree. Very nice, and well presented. I then had the braised lamb shank, a moist, tender, fall-off-the-bone shoulder, with too little red kuri squash puree and too much roasted cauliflower. It was covered with a fabulous spiced yogurt. The dish was great, and different from most other restaurants. Spices, flavors, presentation - all what you'd expect in a fine dining restaurant, but with a piece of meat big enough that your nephews from the farm would even consider it a full meal. It's not a steak house portion, but it is a large serving. Yet it's a meal planned and prepared by a chef, not a butcher. Sort of a blend of steakhouse meats and fine dining preparations and accompaniments. I love it.
My wife had a baked stuffed Swiss chard roll with truffled root vegetables, beluga lentils, and goat cheese fondue, one of two entrees that weren't either meat or fish. She commented about how unique it tasted, but never about how good it was. For dessert, she had an odd pear tart - basically a custard tart cooked with no fruit, with hard slices of pear on top. That's one you can skip! I had the white chocolate bread pudding, which was good but not special. It seems they went to steakhouse mode for their desserts.
Service was friendly and excellent, up until it was time to leave for the theatre and she disappeared. I'll never understand how some waitstaff will provide attentive service throughout a meal, then disappear when it's time to figure their tips. I watched to see if she had a big table where she was bringing out their meals, but no. No sight of her anywhere for ten minutes. Bad time for a cigarette break!
We'll go back, and take guests there. It's a unique menu, very enjoyable and reasonably priced. Add the location, and it's perfect when you need to be in northern part of the Loop.
I don't hear much about this place, but wow, I was very impressed with lunch here.
Everything was great and everything my dining companions and I ordered got rave reviews.
I had a turkey wrap. Ate half for lunch and half for dinner and I loved every bite, both times.
Definitely go here for a quick, classy-ish lunch in the loop!
The atmosphere and service is 4-star, the food is 3-star.
I was expecting more creative foody menu but alas... it's just typical and the taste is bland enough you have to order a glass of wine or beer.
anywho...they've got interesting wine lists than i expected... so It's not a bad experience after all when you just want to relax and enjoy the conversation. But you've to pay the price for that and it's not cheap when you're broke.
Do you want a solid brunch choice in the loop??? Well do ya?!?!? Speak up, I can't hear you!!
South Water Kitchen was the perfect place to grab a bite in between my Saturday morning/afternoon excursions. It has your typical downtown feel, look, and prices but the food was perfect and in my opinion creative. I will say that I don't think that having the bar right there when you first walk in is very smart (you can take a few steps and be right at it, think of how packed it might get at the bar, then nobody would be able to enter of leave the building) but I'm not a building designer so whatever. At end of the bar is the hostess stand which you would never see unless you were right next to it, then it opens up into this large room with high ceilings. Don't get me wrong the décor is very American modern and is nice but to me it's also very plain. Booths occupy most of the floor with some tables here and there (As opposed to everyone else I didn't have a problem with the comfort of the booths). Our waitress was nice and got us out in time for the show but other then that, eh on the staff.
South Water Kitchen is American Cuisine that may look plain just as the décor but in taste it gets 4 stars. I can only really comment on their brunch menu due to only having experienced that but I left very happy and wanting more. The brunch menu has great comfort food, omelets, eggs Benedict, waffles, pancakes, and on the unch side wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. I went with the grilled chicken club (I know big shocker there) with applewood smoked bacon, Wisconsin cheddar, caramelized onion roll and hand cut fries. I was great, mayo was awesome and everything fit perfectly. I also got to try some of the sautéed Whitefish sandwich with fennel and red onion salad, whole grain mustard, and mixed greens, on a dill potato bun served with sweet potato fries. That blew me away (I kept trying to sneak in more bites but it wasn't happening), and the sweet potato fries were some of the best I've ever had!! I also recommend the Tomatillo Bloody Mary, with jalapeno and cilantro infused Ketel one vodka and house smoked tomatillos, not bad at all!
Check it out!
I don't quite understand all the terrible reviews for this place. Sure, it's no Trotter's, and you can find better food/atmosphere by venturing outside the Loop into the neighborhoods, but for Loop dining and pre-theater dining, I think it's one of the better options downtown.
My first trip to South Water was for the opening night party of the national tour of Scrooge the musical, in which my roommate at the time was a swing (yep, I run with awesome people like that). I thought it was the perfect place for a party, very classy and festive atmosphere, great passed apps and drinks. So for parties I give it a big thumbs up.
I've been back a few times for dinner, which I thought was quite good. This past weekend I took my parents there before seeing a show, and we all enjoyed our meals. I had a fish dish that was perfectly cooked and seasoned, with some delicious polenta and spinach accompanying. My fiance had the short ribs, which had a wonderful flavor and fell off the bone. Parents enjoyed their dishes - Dad had porkchop (that mac and cheese was pretty darn yummy, I stole a bite) and Mom had the filet. We all shared a couple of desserts, of which the carrot cake was definitely the highlight. Turtle brownie sundae was a little disappointing.
Service was fine. The bartender was extremely nice, chatting with my folks while they had a drink and waited for me and the fiance. The server was fine, not overly friendly, but we were having a great time chatting and drinking, so nobody really cared. Dirty martini was perfection, with bleu cheese olives and everything. The bottle of pinot we ordered for the table was excellent.
Yes, it may be a bit overpriced, but it's the Chicago Loop, people. Everything is overpriced. Having exhausted many of the usual pre-theater dining options (Italian Village, etc), SWK has now become firmly entrenched in my pre-theater dining rotation.
Going to echo Sonia C on this one - NO WAIT for brunch!
Very old school classy place, attentive service, nice (but small) booths. However, I thought the brunch was pretty run of the mill - although there was a crab sandwich which was unavailable the day we went.
I ordered the midwestern omelet and added what was a very good value in a side of sausage - 3 thick patties worth. The pineapple juice was straight out of a can, but the English muffin was excellent. Other random musings from the menu - a bowl of cereal cost 5 bucks - that had better be some extra special K or corn flakes!
This place is forgettable but just fine. The food was fine, the service was fine, and the atmosphere is fine. It is one of those places that offers consistency: good food and a nice atmosphere. It does not blow your socks off, however. If you're looking for an experience, you should go elsewhere. If you're looking for a decent meal before a show or with a client, this is the right spot.
I went for steak and eggs a second time and it was not as awesome as the first. I think it was because my companion and I both ordered the same dish - so they took one larger piece of steak and cut it in half to serve both of us. Separately, our portions of meat was just not as generous as they had been before.
I've also come here for lunch and found their salads decent, but nothing memorable. Will probably stick to brunch, but I can be persuaded to try their dinner menu.
One of the best brunches that I have had in the city. We went on a Saturday afternoon and the place… Read more »
Great food, very happy with the meal and best of all mostly free range menu! The heirloom tomato salad was delightful, their bread is surprisingly tasty. Had the Beef Short Ribs, tender and delicious. I chose a less pricey Pinot Noir, didn't care for it very much, but they offered to switch it out since I wasn't enjoying it. Great service overall. Used my NPR Membership card so meals were 2-for-1, don't get me wrong it was still $85 bill with tip, but so nice to get free range beef.
I much prefer Emerald Loop across the street, but in a whole year of working a block away, never tried this place. So finally decided to give it a shot with some colleagues. I don't think I'm going back or recommending it to anyone else.
I'm vegetarian and the only two options were the flatbread and the pasta. The pasta was terrrrible - like really really horrible. I did take-out on almost all of it but still couldn't make myself to it even later.
The place was expensive, the service was ignorant and the overall experience was unimpressive.
delicious food located a short walk from hotel 71.
try their t.v. dinner lunch special--fun and delicious!
staff were friendly and efficient.
will definitely remember this place long after my flight back to atl.
Tried again. .... this time for breakfast. I had pancakes with bacon and coffee. My colleague had eggs and something else I cannot remember. Again ... average ... Denny's quality. Service was still just "ok" and the food was boring and unoriginal. Decor is boring and akward. Please do something different!!! Or close the restaurant and try again.
Framing: I had a business dinner here for 8 people and the final bill was around $600, including… Read more »
My entire family and I walked in on a week night without reservations and were greeted and seated right away. The service was great as well as the wine recommendations. Dinner was good, everyone loved the food. Our server was very nice to bring my little sisters crayons to keep them busy. We were not prepared for fine dinning in our jeans but were treated nicely regardless.
The perfect place to watch horse racing (Kentucky Derby and Preakness) on spring Saturdays, in the late afternoons. The selection of wines by the glass could be expanded, but overall, no complaints from me. The location is central and is great for stopping off after doing some shopping damage on State Street. Appetizers are well portioned and reasonably priced. I'll be back, for sure.
I never even noticed this place before. Quietly tucked away in the Hotel Monaco, the South Water Kitchen pulls together some very tasty food in a comfortable atmosphere complete with a wood burning oven and a large bar area.
Since we didn't have a reservation, we were seated in the "lounge" area which was fine with me- a little less formal and right in front where I could people watch to my heart's content.
We started with one of their flatbread specials of the day- in this case it was pecans and grapes with blue cheese. Interesting meld of flavors although I would have been happy with a few less grape halves.
Next up- the main course. After asking the server what his suggestions were, I ended up going with the pulled pork sandwich and my dining companion went with the chicken salad open faced sandwich. Both were good but the pork was perfectly seasoned with not too much BBQ sauce served on a soft, chewy bun. Hmm . . just like my mom makes it.
I love what they do for dessert. Each day they have the chef's selection of dessert for $3 which is half of the regular size. On the day that I was there- it was the turtle brownie sundae. Even at half size this thing was huge and worth every calorie!!
The other thing that they do- while it sounds corny- is really quite delicious. Each day they have a TV dinner special. Think comfort food like fried chicken, meatloaf, corned beef and cabbage or even a Wisconsin Fish Fry. For only $15 they are a deal and will make you feel as if you are back home sitting at your mom's dinner table.
Next time you are shopping on Michigan Ave or just looking for a great place in the Loop to have lunch- stop by South Water Kitchen. It's comfort food served in an atmosphere that will make you forget the crazy world around you and bring you back to a simpler time. Oh and don't tell my mom. . . .but this place makes pulled pork that is just as good as hers!
I have good memories from this place. After my college graduation that was held downtown, my parents wanted to take me out for lunch and I suggested South Water Kitchen since it was relatively nearby and I had been there before. I really like that it's not super fancy and overly expensive, but casual and they serve darn good food. Since then, every time my parents stay the night when they are in town, they want to go here.
I do recommend SWK if you're downtown shopping with the girls and want a nice lunch or meeting the parents for a casual dinner. One dish that stood out was a duck confit salad. Pure heaven, even if it was a salad.
Do get reservations just to be safe because you never know if it will be busy or not.
I had high expectations for this place, at least judging by the menu prices. I asked about the Veal Sweetbreads. My waitress said it was good and described it as something similar to veal nuggets. Well, $25 later I felt sick after eating it. It looked and tasted like brains, that is if I could imagine what they actually tasted like.
Not worth the money.
Huge portions here! Or maybe I just filled up too much on the warm bread.
The menu seemed small at first but after a couple looks over it I was having a hard time deciding. If you go here you need to try the caramelized onion & goat cheese dip, it rocks! The fish entree was great, and the selection of sides they offered was really nice. I was able to try the Mac & Cheese, Apples & Brussel sprouts, and Butternut Squash. All three sides were good, but nothing that blew me away.
Service was a little slow, but I wasn't ever sitting there wondering if they lost the order. Decent prices on everything, definitely not a place that is going to leave your wallet feeling light. South Water Kitchen also seemed like a great place you could take your parents too.
We had an early dinner on a Tuesday and sat in a booth. The atmosphere was fabulous.
The pork chop with mac and cheese was yummy.
Apple martini trio where two of them weren't even martinis, just in martini glasses = not so yummy but really strong. I'm not a big fan of goldschlager or so co, which is probably why.
The menu is seasonal so if you wanted that spicy spaghetti, it's too late!
I'm not sure I should even give this place two stars. The second star has been earned solely by the nice waitress who waited on us even though she was assigned to a different section. We had been sitting there for 35 minutes, and no one had so much as glanced at our table, or asked if we wanted coffee. Totally unacceptable. Finally, I flagged down a random waitress who was really apologetic and went out of her way to take our orders.
I came here for brunch, and ordered the eggs benedict. It was okay, but not worth the wait. I wont be back.
Very surprisingly, this may actually have been the best meal I had in Chicago. Feeling indecisive and not wanting to wander too far from our hotel, we noticed this restaurant in the AAA book. Walking in, it was EMPTY (it was a Sunday night, but still). I was skeptical, but willing to give it a go.
The menu looked interesting. What I would call "fancy American". Chicken, fish, steak, duck...there were a lot of meat options and I believe a couple vegetarian options. They did have a special sort of fixed-price menu with a starter, entree and dessert choices from a list, but I did not see how this was a better deal that ordering off the menu.
I started with a beet/arugula salad with preserved lemon that was awesome. Very tasty.
I nervously ordered the short ribs for my entree - last time I had them they were perfection so it was going to be easy for me to be disappointed. But I wasn't at all. They were fabulous! The sides - some sauteed greens and cheese polenta - were delicious.
I only regret not having enough room for dessert! As I said, one of the best meals I had this trip to Chicago.
What a nice change of pace for lunch today. Great location (Wacker and Wabash essentially) and perfect if out shopping on the mag mile or near the river.
Highly recommend the Minstrone soup, Ahi Tuna salad (done perfectly rare), and Salmon Nicoisse Salad. All excellently prepared, all fresh, with great presentation.
Service was outstanding and this really is an attractive restaurant. Perfect for a business lunch, outing with friends, or lunch with that special person.
It was so good, just made a reservation for lunch next week!
I have been to South Water Kitchen 4 times and the only time I enjoyed it, I only bought drinks.
This area of downtown is seriously lacking in sit-down dining. So I do appreciate SWK being here. However, their menu seems to be so lacking in options that I am not happy ordering. Many salads, which is fine but they all seem to be just a bit different from the others.
Seems to have a slight southern feel with fried chicken and cornbread-two things I will not eat. And the last time that I went, we had the absolute worst waiter. We were there for 90 minutes and all we ordered was salad.
I will definitely not go back unless I want to sit at the bar and drink.
Always great food, always great service.
This restaurant is attached to Hotel Monaco and is, in essence, a hotel lobby bar and restaurant, but it is so much better than one would expect.
Super romantic booth seating (you sit next to your sweetie, not across) seems to always be available without reservation. I've had 5 different things off the menu, and been a member of the clean plate club every time.
They also make killer after dinner drinks. The Manhattan my husband had tonight was serious.
Just drinking at the bar here is very nice as well. Upscale and easy to chat with out of towners who are eager to learn where to go in the city.
South Water Kitchen is as closest to homecooking you'll probably get in the loop with great comfort food selections like fried chicken. I went here with three co-workers during lunch hour and can't wait to go back. The service was good and the grub even better. They have a different lunch special everyday that is served "TV dinner" style, just like your grade school lunch tray! However, the food tastes far from cafeteria-like. The special when we went was salisbury steak but I got the chicken salad with cornbread. If you like grapes and walnuts in your chicken salad, this dish is for you! Add it to the cornbread and it's out of this world. Suffice it to say, I cleaned my plate!
Just make sure you go on a weekday as only bar food is served for lunch on weekends :(
Weirrrrrrrd vibes.
I really really don't think I dress like a tourist, but maybe some how I manage. It probably didn't help that I was sitting around three other tables of tourists either.
With an $82 check, I expect much much more. My pork chop was good, the mac was okay. The minestrone soup I had was pretty good.
My girlfriend had the spicy spaghetti with shrimp and she said it was okay.
We were kind of shocked at our tab, being that with each of our meals the waitress said, "Did you want a soup or a salad with that." With the soup and salad adding an extra $16 it probably didn't help my impression of this touristy place for eats.
I'm not a big fan.
Boring Americana type food. No atmosphere.
It's not bad, but I wouldn't make it a point to come here. Dining out should be an experience -- and South Water Kitchen is just a place to eat sub-par food.
This may be the blandest food I have ever eaten in Chicago. We ordered the flatbread of the day, a margherita, and I had to resort to putting salt on it to give it any kind of flavor. My two friends felt the same. Not even the tomatoes on it tasted good.
Then I got a side of herb gnocchi. Again, can I have some flavor please? Will never eat there again. Nor will my two friends. Worst flatbread in Chicago.
Six Bucks Before Six
Neighborhood: South Loop
Free Aperitif On Arrival!
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Italian
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