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Category: American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: The LoopState/Lake (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
Lake (Red)
Clark/Lake (Pink, Brown, Green, Blue, Purple Express, Orange)
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Walking into this space it smelled amazing, the staff was friendly, and the restaurant had a unique welcoming environment. The music volume was perfect, my family could talk and hear each other while still listening to the laid back tunes.
the food lost it two stars- my lentil soup was delicious but $5 for three spoonfuls, I counted. Then I ordered the chicken and it took 20 minutes to arrive to my table and the waitress explained it was because the cheff "didn't think it was up to his standard". Ok? Then give me an appetizer to tide me over or take it off my bill. Then my mom ordered the brussel sprouts and they were suppose to arrive in a rich buttery bake sauce and they couldn't have been more dry. They're was no bacon and absolutely no sauce to be seen and after telling the waitress she still did not take it off my bill.
Definitely go and try it, but it's definitely a one hit wonder.
I ate here twice during my stay at theWit, and had a nice experience both times - once for dinner, once for lunch. Both times I sat at the bar.
The wine list is very well-crafted, and there were lots of selections I wanted to try. The bartender let me have a sip of a few different wines to make my selection, which I appreciated. I started off with a beet, fennel, and apple salad. It was delicious! No complaints. I also got the kobe burger, which was good, but difficult to eat. It was just too tall! I understand that tall burgers make a dramatic presentation, but it makes them too difficult to eat. Unfortunately, the delicate brioche roll fell apart due to my squishing, and so I had to abandon the burger about 2/3 in.
My visit during lunch was similar, though I had the short rib panini, whic was PERFECTION!! What a delicious sammich. Crusty bread, tender, flavorful beef (and in a generous portion!), melty bleu cheese, and pickled onions. I finished every morsel.
I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if you're in the neighborhood, or staying at the hotel, it's worth it.
I liked this place a lot. The decor was neat--the whole posh-woodsy thing works here, all though the only complaint I had was that the chairs are stools, which means I can't slump back in my food coma and I have to remember cash for a coat check tip. (Any one who knows me understands how big a deal that is to task of me.)
I had the pulled chicken sammich, which was great, with the tomatoes + feta side--yum! a few of my colleagues had the mexican salad with mangos and tangy shrimp, about which they raved.
It was a fun lunch place. I'd go back, but probably not for dinner.
People thought this was:
I took my sis here for her birthday. It's a stunning little place, so we had to sit at the Bar. No problem there because the bartenders were about the finest servers I've had in the City. We opted for burgers and cokes as it was lunch. I ogled the competent beers list and stunning cocktail menu, plotting an evening visit. Their signature drinks all make me salivate. The bartenders discussed them at length and even poured me a sample of an ingredient I'd never heard of.
The burgers themselves did not disappoint and come with excellent fries that would be enough for three burgers.
The only detractor, and what will keep exclusive is that I dropped $44 after tip for 2 burgers and 2 cokes...
I'll be back though, especially when I can tie some $14 cocktails on.
People thought this was:
State and Lake...bah.
I had lunch with a client last week at a dark and empty State and Lake. I made a reservation (for OpenTable points of course!) and sat at the bar while I waited for my client.
The bartender was attentive at first, bringing me a menu and being perfectly fine with my sitting there and watching tennis while I waited.
My client arrived and we decided just to eat at the bar.
The bartender ran through the specials and we said that we would need a few minutes to order. About 15 minutes passed and we couldn't find him anywhere, so we just placed our order with another bartender.
I had the short rib panini and my client had the salmon. She loved the salmon and polished off every bite (from my angle it looked majorly overcooked), but my panini left much to be desired. The meat was tough and the sandwich was dry overall. There was allegedly bleu cheese on it, but I only tasted cheese in one of the five or so bites I took of the sandwich. Their fries were good, though, so at least I didn't go hungry.
The rest of the menu seemed dismal as well, and certainly didn't inspire me to want to come back. As excited as I was for a new spot for business lunching, I found State and Lake to be utterly disappointing.
People thought this was:
Had dinner here on a very recent Thursday night - our party of 8 was seated at one of the the barstool/high tables in the middle of the restaurant, definitely would have preferred a large booth, esp since the restaurant wasn't that busy.
Pros:
- fries are thin/crispy/salty (and plentiful)
- prime cheese burger
- tiny bottle of dijon mustard
- decor, including "windows" under the bar that display kegs in use
Cons:
- fried almonds appetizer - way too many
- tiny bottle of ketchup (went to waste b/c I didn't touch it but they opened it before setting it down)
- server was attentive at first but disappeared when it was time to pay
18% gratuity was added automatically
State & Lake was a choice for me and my party on Labor Day--there were very few choices. Walking block after block this would not have been my first choice.
I completely enjoyed a delightful lobster roll and at $14.95 was a complete bargain--at least that was from my California perspective where these gems are over $20.00. This was a completely generous lobster roll with gorgeous lobster meat and served in a very New England authentic way--a large piece of bread cut in half--buttered and grilled.
The service was a bit delayed and made a mistake on the drink order--when I order drinks I am rather precise. I was going to order a beer and instead ordered a bottle of wine; a beer comes out and have to explain that I had cancelled that and ordered a bottle of wine and not both. But as the meal progressed service improved and for a very hungry crew we could not have 'planned' on a better meal! I like the uber urban interior and it fit the Wit's minimalism charm well.
Lots of nice options for lunch, I inquired about a few and settled on the burger after a recommendation from the bartender. He was definitely right, cooked perfectly with a nice special sauce and some sharp cheddar. The bun was exceptional as well, toasted perfectly yet still soft on the inside. The fries were surprisingly great as well and the portion was huge. I'll definitely be back to try the bacon and egg club as well as the cubano...
i'm between a 3 and a 4. what pushed me back to a 3 was the prices. i guess given that this is in a hotel, i shouldn't have been surprised by the prices but i was. the food was good but i wasn't blown away even though everything sounded delicious on the menu.
the pluses: great beer list, interesting combinations of food, new takes on classics and delicious desserts.
the minuses: the food didn't taste as good as it sounded and the portions were small, which would be fine if the prices reflected that.
we had the beer cheese with pretzel crostini, mussels, fritters (kind of like fish sticks) and chips. the highlight of the meal was the dessert. we had the sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream. awesome!
must try: sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream
State and Lake is okay, but in my opinion is overpriced for what it is. We were looking for something a bit different for lunch, and settled on this place. We were seated right away, but the restaurant was buzzing and more than half full. The tables in the center of the dining space are awkward because the seats are bar stools with no backs. If you can, I suggest you ask for a booth, which looked much more comfortable.
I ordered the Cuban pressed sandwich. The portion is huge, but the sandwich itself is just okay. I didn't find the pork to be that flavorful. It also comes with a side of fries, which also lacked flavor. We each received little individual bottles of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. These were cute, but I wonder if they waste a lot of condiments that way.
Our server was pleasant and courteous. The food came out relatively quickly, but I would not consider it a quick lunch.
This place is great. I go to lunch here with my coworkers as well as clients and the ambiance is perfect. I have always been pleased with my meal and I agree with just about everyone else, the buffalo fries are to die for. I also am a BIG fan of the salmon entree. It is actually the best salmon I have had in my life! The sauce is perfect and I love how they ask how you would like it cooked (I prefer medium). I tried the same dish at Cafe Coco Pazzo and it fell flat compared to S&L.
I would definitely suggest this restaurant to anyone for lunch or dinner.
Let's break down the Wit Hotel's dining/drinking options, right quick here...
Top: Roof (impossible to get into)
Middle: Cibo Matto (newly opened)
Bottom: State & Lake (kind of boring)
After glancing at the "line" (with a bouncer!) for Roof at approximately 415pm on a WEDNESDAY, we opted for a lightish, lateish lunch at State & Lake.
Soo....
It's dark. And, at 5pm, they dim the lights so I could truly and honestly not see the sparkling Diet Coke in front of me. Folks, what are we hiding from in here? This place is new! I get trying to set the mood and such, but it's a beautiful sunny afternoon, throw open the windows, let the light into our lives. I felt like I was in a dive bar...where darkness makes sense. I felt like a little old lady trying to decipher the very short menu..."Honey, where are my glasses!?" Sheesh.
As mentioned, the menu is short. I opted for the summer salad (watermelon, melon and goat cheese in a light reduction), which was very good...albeit a bit skimpy. My lunching partner chose the turkey club with fries, which towered over my dollops of melon/cheese. So, I guess...order well.
Service was on point.
Probably an excellent stop for a cocktail or two if you are staying in the hotel...but I would not make this a destination for dining. Perhaps it can serve as the "waiting room" for Roof? Probably a better idea ;)
People thought this was:
If I could give you one million negative stars, I would. Seriously, I've given one star reviews. But I feel as though I should edit my previous one stars to two, so as to show you how impassioned I am with hatred for your establishment. Seriously.
My parents were in town, and stayed at the Wit for a group meeting. I'd like to remind the world that, despite the angel wing chandeliers, the place is a Doubletree. The lesser brand of Hilton. Not even a Hilton. This only later proves my point..
So, we come back with the group from a White Sox game, and of course can't get into uber-exclusive Roof (side note...WTF is with guests having to wait 20 minutes for an elevator to their room while the 20 year old wannabes with a credit score of 500 make it to the 27th floor in under a minute? Where will come your revenue in January? In 5 years when Roof isn't the hot spot? Apparently not from your hotel either, bc you don't care much about your guests)
I digress...we go into State Lake. Let me explain the group I'm with. A group of people from small towns, for a convention for people who sell corn (the kind you plant in the ground...) for a living. Awww, shucks. Yeah. Hardworking, honest people who really don't hang out in cities, and aren't used to the culture. Let me also state that very group was DEFINITELY far more affluent than the rest of the bar COMBINED! Check yourself.
We go to the bar. One of the men asks "what kind of domestic beers do you have"? A: "All of our beer is domestic", and walks away.. Seriously. There isn't an explanation of the beers on the menu, and there isn't one single macrobrew. I'm sorry...I'm a beer drinker. A beer lover, actually. And I've never been to a beer bar (much less a hotel bar) that doesn't have one macrobrew on the menu. Not to mention, none of the brews were really "Bud Light Drinker" friendly. None of them. I liked my beer. My parents hated theirs.
In addition, the service was terrible. Took 10 minutes in a pretty empty bar to place an order, and when we did, we faced a whole lotta attitude. Again, no explanation on the beers or drinks.
So, in conclusion, you suck. I deem this place the worst bar in Chicago, and will tell everyone in my power to avoid it at all cost. There's no reason for this level of pretension. None at all. It makes me angry and upset that my family was made to feel inferior because they drink Bud Light, and don't know a Three Floyds (yet have a credit score of 900...) The dudes changing light bulbs above our table, hitting our chairs with ladders certainly didn't help.
One "bright spot": hostess with the glasses. Go work elsewhere. Message me if you read this--I know people,. and will help you get a job you deserve. Because you were good, attentive, friendly and sincere. The antithesis of State Lake.
People thought this was:
If nothing else, I'd have to like this place just because I'd normally have to hop across the river for more fun lunch options. Let's face it, Loop dining isn't exactly exciting, and pretty much any option will feel like you're supposed to be there for a meeting with clients (or the other end of the spectrum, the take out options). State and Lake presents something with a River North atmosphere, but where I don't have to take an extended lunch to make it there and back.
And it really was a nice spot. I definitely felt like I was stepping out of my work day. It was trendy without being annoying. Service was good too- our waiter was really friendly, but not in your face.
When it comes to the food, it is hard to gauge any restaurant based on a first visit. I had the Mexican Chop Salad. I was not blown away. The shrimp tasted a little funny to me. All I could really taste in the rest of the salad were the tortilla strips, and of course that is going to make anything taste good. Also tried the oysters- the half of the plate with the avocado and cilantro were good, but I suppose I am not a huge oyster fan.
Overall, my verdict is that if you work in the Loop and would like to expand your lunch options to include something that doesn't look like it should only be full of old guys in suits, it is worth a stop in- you might find something to add to your rotation :) I would not, however, go out of my way to come here on a weekend.
People thought this was:
I came here for dessert only (while waiting for some wedding party on the Roof to end), so I can't speak to much else. I got the devil's food cake and it was AMAZING.
The end.
simpler than the rest of theWit eateries, but in a good way.
I think perhaps other reviewers are going into State and Lake with really high expectations. They might be right given the "line" that is ever present for The Roof, and just the overall highclass look of theWit. The decor of State and lake matches the rest of the place for sure....attentively designed and coordinated, and its own space.
Its a casual atmosphere though there were a few parties dressed up (presumably going elsewhere). The menu is short and sweet food wise but they offer a pretty impressive selection of beers and wines. One thing i loved was that they have a beer flight. With some varieties you may not have heard of, always helpful to get a taste and then get your pint.
Food wise we started with the housemade potatoe chips and onion dip which was quite delicious. Entrees for us was just the house burger which was pretty tasty, though could use a more special roll or bread type to really make it stand out. The fries here were pretty awesome though, thin, warm, super crispy outside, yet soft inside. Despite being pretty full managed to inhale all of them.
Service was quick and on point, prices were really reasonable. I think this is a great food option in the loop, not a super formal dinner but really good. definitely an awesome lunch spot.
We had a pretty good time here for drinks and dinner after work last night. The beer selection is pretty good, they have 10-12 interesting ones on tap and a bunch more pricey ones in bottles. I had a white beer that was fruity and tasty.
The food was decent. The buffalo fries starter was probably the best, its a giant mound of skinny fries covered in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. The chips and onion dip was only OK. The chips were a little stale and the dip was very sweet. We also ordered the scallops (too fishy) and shrimp and grits (good, but surrounded by a moat of oil.... why state and lake, why?). The mussels smelled REALLY good, but I dont like mussels so who knows.
It was a nice place to go for drinks with a group if you want to actually sit around a table or be able to have a real conversation. Pricey, but you get a lot- 2 apps, 2 small plates, 6 beers for $90
People thought this was:
Great atmosphere, good food, a bit up tight but not without merit.
I went to State and Lake for Birthday drinks and stayed for appetizers. I tried the lamb chops and the summer salad and both were exactly what you might think they would be. I also tried the bone marrow which has since been removed from the menu for very good reason. How bone marrow has become a delicacy is beyond me. It was awful!
Cocktails were great! They serve half glasses of wine so you can make your own flight for $12 and that is a deal.
State/Lake is a restaurant in the lower level of the Wit Hotel in the loop. The decor is average, however the middle tables have fun back less benches. The menu is sparce, and the people watching sucks, don't come on a Sunday. The business cards are cool, and the location rocks, everything else leaves a little to be desired.
People thought this was:
Bad.
Lamb was gross and small w/ disgusting ravioli (attention restaurants- if your ravioli are 1/8" big you might want to call them "mini-ravioli" on the menu.)
Shrimp dish was fishy, with disgusting grits.
Service (manager yelled at me for pulling a chair over to our table, and told me she would be right over with another one- came back a half an hour later - thanks. Waiter was not attentive)
Good.
Buffalo fries (these are delicious)
The drinks (lemon-drops, microbrews, hard ciders, and various other mixed drinks were enjoyed by my table)
Sticky toffee pudding (SOSOSO nice!)
Hip enjoyable environment, food and service needs to be better
People thought this was:
Judging from all the hot gossip, it's virtually impossible to get onto the roof of the Wit Hotel. So one of your options is to check out the restaurant on the ground floor.
The food wasn't oh-my-god spectacular, but it was good. We got ahi carpaccio and the half-chicken breast. It was OK. My friend got the $14 burger and that actually almost verged on mind-blowing. So good. If you're a meat-eater, get the burger!!!
Our waitress was definitely on top of her game. She heard us talking about blueberry vodka and made it a point to go ask the bartender about it---even before we asked her. She was very knowledgeable about everything and kept bringing us bread (bonus! it was heavenly) all evening long.
Bottom line: Good food. Good service. But not spectacularly amazing.
I came here last week for a business lunch and was really very pleasantly surprised. The decor is warm and inviting, yet really modern -- clean, classic lines and neutral colors.
To start I had the french onion soup -- it was nearly perfect ... not overly salted like most french onion soup is. Very good.
I followed that up with the grilled vegetable omelette -- it was very good. It had Fennel, summer squash, corn, carrots and goat cheese. It was light and not greasy and very filling.
I'd recommend this place to anyone!
People thought this was:
State and lake is discrete, in a protective yet colorful way. While the bar is perfect for taking in some football or synchronized swimming, the dark corner tables are meant for those having an illicit affair. Because everyone deserves to have a good meal without being caught. Unfortunately, I was there for less compelling reasons- discussing color schemes with my designer.
We shared a smattering of small plates, which is a misnomer since they are rather robust in stature. Must haves are the beef tartare with quail egg and bbq shrimp with grits. The mussels with chorizo didn't disappoint either. The crab omelet was the only one lacking in spirit.
Surprised it wasn't more packed for a Thursday night dinner, but should get more crowded once people catch on.
People thought this was:
I was here for lunch and opted for something quick and inexpensive: the turkey sandwich with a ginger-carrot soup special, affectionately titled," a little bit of this, a little bit of that." $12 buxx. Very good, but not remotely filling AT ALL. My sandwich was like HALF a sandwich. The soup was pretty tasty, if you don't know what Gerber baby carrot soup puree tastes* like (*don't ask me how I know, I don't have any kids but I was once a baby and I have a sharp memory! That's my story and I'm sticking to it).
Their salads are huge and delicious. I nibbled off my lunch dates'. Very light and well balanced. Super fresh ingredients. Impressive!
The decor here is freakishly beautiful and mod and neat and warm and cool and earthy and comfy and classy...... but I think this type of decor suits a more loungy evening afterwork crowd, not a "lunch" crowd. You be the judge.
Our waiter seemed nervous, apprehensive, and new to the restaurant industry. He pulled it off tho! After a few stutters here and there trying to take our order and refill our water while trying to make "small talk"...... TRYING.
The restrooms are dark and clean and leathery. Pretty cool. The faucets are so mod I mistook the sink water knob for a toilet flusher. :(
Come here in the evening with some friends or a date and get lots of drinks and lots of food and everything thing else will fall into place and make seem like you're in heaven or at a 5 star hotel restaurant in Dubai.
.....well, at least after 8 or 9 johnnie walker reds on the rocks.
People thought this was:
Tried this out last Saturday as it's a new restaurant near where I work... overall not outstanding. Food was okay (Buffalo Fries- great; Steak Tartar- okay) but the service was really unprofessional. It's a new place so I am sure they have a lot of kinks to work out but the chef was at the line texting on his cell phone, the staff was singing at the well in the bar (really), and our bartender when he asked if I wanted another beer just said "sure, why not?" and poured me another before I even had time to say yes or no. Not okay dude. Take that smart ass attitude elsewhere.
So, I say give it shot, but I think you can find better in Chicago.
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This review is about brunch at State and Lake, not dinner.
Best things about brunch at State and Lake: Not crowded (about 1/2 full when we went), delicious french toast (I mean, this french toast was awesome- as good as it gets. Plump pieces of brioche that were almost airy), nice atmosphere, great menu with some unique options, affordable ($11 average entree).
Worst things: The orange juice was terrible! When we mentioned it, the server couldn't understand why it was bad because it is 'freshly squeezed'. A few minutes later we noticed a waiter pouring orange juice from a Sysco gallon jug into a caraffe. Uh huh.
Came here on a Friday night with low expectations. We really wanted to get a table upstairs in Cibo Matto, but none were to be had so we "settled" for State & Lake, expecting loud music and mediocre bar food. Have to say, what a pleasant surprise!
To start off, they have a limited cocktails menu but the one I had, Bees Knees (gin, honey, lemon and thyme) was great. Hubs had the Boilermaker, which comes with its own lager back (a mini glass of lager to chase your cocktail I guess!) which he liked (and he's a cocktail snob).
We were there with another couple so we ordered a couple appetizers to start. As mentioned by the other reviewers, the buffalo fries were yum! we weren't planning on getting it but the table next to us had an order and the pungent yet attractive aroma of buffalo sauce + blue cheese kept wafting over to our table so we finally caved and added it to our order. The other starters we got were the summer fruit salad, bbq shrimp, and the ahi. All were quite tasty.
For the main course, 3 of us got the braised short ribs (!) and hubs got the lamb. The short ribs could have been just a little bit more moist but as far as short ribs go, they were definitely one of the better ones I've had. I also like the celery salad that came with it- nice way to balance the richness. There was a LOT of meat- so for all you hungry men out there- this dish is for you :)
For dessert, hubs and I had the guiness gelato (a little bitter, but we found that interesting) and our friends got the carrot cake / cheese cake - had a bit of that and it was delish. Rich but not overwhelmingly so.. the cheesecake had a lighter than your typical cheesecake which I thought was nice.
Oh, and our server was great too. She also helped us get into the Roof after our dinner which as usual, had a line that I normally would not care to wait for. (This should be a separate review but just a side quickie- while it is annoying that there is ALWAYS a line for the Roof, once up there, I have to say, they did a great job with the space! I especially like the smaller outdoor space on the other side of the main one. Quieter nook with great views, made me think of the thompson in ny...)
The Wit Hotel's FIRST floor pub/restaurant impresses the eye, satisfies the stomach and pleases the pocketbook.
While all the Carrie Bradshaw wannabes and their "Just for Men" using dates will head up to the Wit's aptly named 27th floor lounge, Roof, you can avoid being a clueless spendthrift sucker squandering $11 for a beer and a view. Stay downstairs-- you'll get less haughtiness and more hootch, less vapidity and more variety, less asshole-ry and more atmosphere.
I really thought prices would be steep but you can eat to your max with their fine dishes of Americana like tasty buffalo fries for $5 or warm homemade kettle chips with rich onion dip. Chicago's own Metropolitan Brewery's lager is on the beer menu for $4. How thoughtful considering many out-of-town hotel visitors will be able to try w/o traveling up to Ravenswood. Which makes me wonder have the Roof people been down to State and Lake yet?
Funny that State and Lake is on the *first* floor of the Wit because it is truly a step above "Roof."
People thought this was:
Stopped in for a drink prior to a show at the Chicago Theatre. Hostess greeted us cordially, the bar staff did not. Waited about 5 minutes without being recognized. A friend had to go the restroom so I asked him what he wanted to drink. He came back, and was shocked when he came back to no cocktail waiting for him. Another 5 minutes, and barstaff finally noticed us - rudely said "that is the service area." Fine, we moved left and out of the way, not a big deal. Obviously they noticed us, but still didnt ask us for our drink order. We left.
I had a great lunch experience at State & Lake. We started with the tomato and mozzarella appetizer, and it was aboslutely delicious. Green, heirloom tomatoes and fried mozzarella - you can't go wrong! The portion was just enough to share, but left us wanting more as it was so tasty. My guest and I split two entrees: the cheeseburger platter and the Cuban pork sandwich. Both were excellent, and the portions were huge. The shoestring fries that accompanied both sandwiches were very flavorful and tasty, and not too greasy. They give you a lot of fries on one plate, enough to share, so I would only recommend one side of fries for 2-3 people. The service was good, and our waiter was very friendly. He talked us into a heath bar dessert that was amazing. I'll be back again, for sure - and maybe have a drink at Roof after dinner.
People thought this was:
We went to check out the beer. They have a good beer selection. I suggest getting the sample flights. Good prices for generous servings. Bartender was very knowledgeable. Only downside, is that they close so early-midnight.
If there are two things I know and love, they're french fries and beer. State and Lake wins for both.
First, the fries. Its enough for two ($5!) and comes with cute tiny heinz ketchup bottles. Heavy on the pepper, crisp and basic - delicious.
Next, the beer. As any beer geek in the loop knows, there's no where for beer geeks in the loop. It saddens me, as I work in the loop. A decent happy hour that includes domestic and local microbrews is at least 15 mins away from my office, and that's if you don't mind dealing with the douche-baggery over at Clark Street Ale House.
This place doesn't even have the cruddy stuff on tap - I love it. Avery IPA, Left Hand Milk Stout, Dogfish Head 60 min, Allagash, and Old Rasputin, among others. Yeah, that's right, I said Old Rasputin - ON TAP. Dude, Hopleaf doesn't even have Old Rasputin on tap. And all this a mere block from the office. Yes, please. Beer in the loop just became a little less lame.
Our bartender Jimmy was super friendly, remembered our names and is a certified cicerone. He loves chatting about beer and giving samples.
3 (delicious) beers, one order of fries ran us $22. Will most definitely be back.
People thought this was:
honestly did not expect much from this restaurant since it's new and i didn't like the food at the Roof. i was VERY pleasantly surprised when i went there for lunch today.
sat at the bar because the place was packed - i was surprised. first good sign...then, the bartender asks us if we want to sample any beers, and what are our fave beers. what??!! aites!! so we sip sip on some brewed goodness and get us a nice glass of ale each. already like this place. next thing we know, other bartender (Virginia) comes over introduces herself, asks us OUR names, and takes our order. this is great, friendly, personal service that makes you want to go back.
i ordered the Cuban pressed sandwich. this was jamon heaven in my mouth! so wonderful, warm and soft...with a side of buffalo fries that literally sent me over the edge. whew! fries slathered up like chicken wings - buffalo sauce, blue cheese and some dressing! i can only imagine how great these fries would taste at 2am on a Sat night!
my friend ordered the pulled chicken sandwich and it was very tasty as well - such great, soft bread and chicken that melts in your mouth. not AS good as my cuban sammy, but a good runner-up. overall, great food, great service, will def be going back for more!
People thought this was:
We have a failure here and I do not expect this place to survive. It will depend heavily on people that accidentally go there thinking it is the Roof Bar in the Wit Hotel, or people actually staying at the Wit (Doubletree spliced with W Hotel). This is a restaurant akin to any you would find in the lower level of a Marriott or Sheraton near an airport in Cleveland. Small, dark, loud, and average.
People thought this was:
Salads here are realy delicious thought quit expensive. Tried the scallop with greens salad ($17) and the scallops were perfectly sauteed, carmelized and crisped with a really light vinegarette to accompany it. The atmosphere is nice and sophisticated and makes for a good business luncheon. We had to wait about 20 minutes for a table but it was worth it. My colleague had some sort of cuban sandwich and couldnt finish it and that says alot for a dude. His fries looked mighty good but did not have any. Want to go back to try the mexican chopped salad which sound scrumptious!
I went with a friend to State and Lake on a Saturday evening (early -around 6:00) for some appetizers and drinks before seeing a play. I was very impressed. After reading some of the reviews, I was prepared for a mediocre experience, but it turned out to be very pleasant. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent. I had a couple glasses of delicious wine and my friend tried something off of their wonderful beer list. For appetizers we had a beet and fennel salad, crispy oysters, and smoked almonds. All were very delicious. I'm excited to go back - it's hard to find the combination of good service, good food, and good drinks in the Loop.
When in for dinner with some friends the other night and had an excellent time. The staff was very accommodating even though it was quite busy inside. The Halibut was fantastic! The poached egg on top was perfectly cooked. The Ahi tuna was great as was the Bbq shrimp dish with grits. A beautiful space inside. Can't wait to come back.
So just had lunch with co-workers and all thought the food was ok, nothing special though. The Buffalo Fries had good flavor but were a little too soggy. Seemed like a good idea in theory but didn't quite deliver what was expected. The lobster roll was really good, think of something similar to a tuna salad sandwich only with lobster instead. However, the chips that came with the lobster roll weren't good at all. Tasted like burnt potato chips with very little seasoning. Gumbo got sub-par rating from co-worker, French Onion Soup good but really cheesy. Everyone liked the Mexican Chopped Salad but didn't seem too crazy about the Short Rib Panini. All in all a decent work lunch but not great by any stretch of the imagination.
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Ambiance was great. Service was outstanding. Food was just OK. The appetizer of seared scallops on summer succotash was probably less than OK. The scallops didn't smell right (too fishy) and the summer succotash was a bad accompaniment. My pork shoulder with mac and cheese was OK. Cavatelli or some homemade pasta in the mac and cheese was good, but not great. My friend's steak was fine, but the wild mushrooms underneath it were better. Wouldn't go back except for a drink at the bar.
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Burger Week Is Back Nov. 9-13
Neighborhood: Near North Side
1/2 off bottles of wine
Neighborhood: Bucktown
