Restaurant Unicorn
July 8, 2015 2:49 PM Subscribe
We're looking for a *fancy* restaurant with an excellent cocktail menu that has at least one well-thought-out not-pasta-with-sad-veggies vegetarian entree in Chicago that IS NOT Green Zebra. Must take reservations and not be Asian food. Would like an entree option that is meat or fish. Who knew mixed marriage would be so hard?
Places that have been suggested and the reasons they are not quite right inside.
MK- Would be perfect, but it's closed for summer vacation in the time frame.
Boka / Perennial / Sable - We've been repeatedly (also, Sable does not quite hit the food requirements but the bar really is outstanding)
Mana / Blind Faith / Karyn's - Does not serve meat or fish.
Uncommon Ground - too casual, plus we go there all the time
Sepia, Brindille, North Pond would all be really great, but they either have no vegetarian entree on the menu or it's basically an afterthought. Lula's has been suggested, but it looks a little casual, am I wrong? I know that basically everywhere in Chicago is more casual than I want, but it's date night. It's a given I will be overdressed, but I'd like not to be surrounded by people in flip flops, collarless shirts or things you wear to the movies.
MK- Would be perfect, but it's closed for summer vacation in the time frame.
Boka / Perennial / Sable - We've been repeatedly (also, Sable does not quite hit the food requirements but the bar really is outstanding)
Mana / Blind Faith / Karyn's - Does not serve meat or fish.
Uncommon Ground - too casual, plus we go there all the time
Sepia, Brindille, North Pond would all be really great, but they either have no vegetarian entree on the menu or it's basically an afterthought. Lula's has been suggested, but it looks a little casual, am I wrong? I know that basically everywhere in Chicago is more casual than I want, but it's date night. It's a given I will be overdressed, but I'd like not to be surrounded by people in flip flops, collarless shirts or things you wear to the movies.
If you call ahead, a lot of fancy restaurants are often willing to offer a vegetarian or vegan dish or dishes. It's certainly worth a try. Call several days in advance at a time when the staff are not in a huge rush, be polite about your request and talk about what you'd like to achieve.
posted by netsirk at 3:04 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by netsirk at 3:04 PM on July 8, 2015
Lula is a little casual, but don't let that put you off. On the weekends, they run a special fancier menu and the crowd is definitely not flip-flop wearing. Maybe a little bit hipster-esq, but no flip flops or tee shirts. The food is wonderful - it's my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
You could also check out Lula's "cousin" - Nightwood, which is in Pilsen and has a somewhat fancier vibe. I have been there less but liked it a lot.
posted by Mid at 3:12 PM on July 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
You could also check out Lula's "cousin" - Nightwood, which is in Pilsen and has a somewhat fancier vibe. I have been there less but liked it a lot.
posted by Mid at 3:12 PM on July 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
Sorry to report, Nightwood is closing its doors on July 11.
posted by WesterbergHigh at 3:14 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by WesterbergHigh at 3:14 PM on July 8, 2015
I just wanted to Nth the call-ahead request. Most places - especially any version of fine dining - won't have an issue accommodating a polite request made ahead of time. You could mention a food allergy/sensitivity if that's even remotely the case as one reason why you are requesting something off the menu. Remember to tip nicely.
posted by handful of rain at 3:25 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by handful of rain at 3:25 PM on July 8, 2015
Vermilion? Granted, I have heard terrible things about the service, but it is fancy and has cocktails and a vegetarian menu.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 3:49 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by Ms Vegetable at 3:49 PM on July 8, 2015
There's also Geja's, if you like fondue.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 3:58 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by Ms Vegetable at 3:58 PM on July 8, 2015
Might want to check out RPM Italian. Went there with a big group for a friend's birthday and everyone loved it. I saw lots of hip-dressed people and folks on dates.
posted by lovableiago at 4:07 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by lovableiago at 4:07 PM on July 8, 2015
Best answer: With the caveat that I have not personally been there and you probably can guess my ability to judge a cocktail menu, perhaps Blackbird?
posted by phunniemee at 4:53 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 4:53 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
We love this place. Food is great, sophisticated environment, live music on many nights. Reservations. Valet. Ask for a booth in the bar. Very cool. Just a few blocks from the Lake.
Francesca's on Bryn Mawr
http://www.yelp.com/biz/francescas-bryn-mawr-chicago-3
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 5:00 PM on July 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Francesca's on Bryn Mawr
http://www.yelp.com/biz/francescas-bryn-mawr-chicago-3
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 5:00 PM on July 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really liked Atwood and Grand Lux
posted by lunastellasol at 5:31 PM on July 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by lunastellasol at 5:31 PM on July 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I don't know if their online menu is current, but the Brixton in Andersonville usually has at least one well-conceived vegetarian dish. Their cocktail menu is highly regarded and seasonal, if I recall correctly. It isn't super fancy, but nobody will be in flip flops unless you're sitting outside. Don't know if they take a reservation but we've waltzed in at 8pm on a Friday and waited zero minutes several times.
Also consider Trenchermen in Wicker Park.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 6:11 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Also consider Trenchermen in Wicker Park.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 6:11 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh god, Grand Lux is delicious, but this is not what you want.
Lula is not fancy, but CAN BE fancy, if that makes sense. Me and baniak went for our anniversary, and it was absolutely perfect. We're going for the vegetarian taster menu in a couple of weeks, and I am so excited.
Seconding Blackbird. The cocktail menu is amazing, and the food is crazy good.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:22 PM on July 8, 2015
Lula is not fancy, but CAN BE fancy, if that makes sense. Me and baniak went for our anniversary, and it was absolutely perfect. We're going for the vegetarian taster menu in a couple of weeks, and I am so excited.
Seconding Blackbird. The cocktail menu is amazing, and the food is crazy good.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:22 PM on July 8, 2015
How about tapas? When we lived near Chicago, we often would have dinner at Emilio's if we were there for a weekend. Not a ton of veggie options but I always felt like I could eat something I didn't encounter every day. Just a nice old school place.
posted by tchemgrrl at 7:35 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by tchemgrrl at 7:35 PM on July 8, 2015
The Bedford is good - their main veg entree is pasta+veggies, but is not sad. The vegetarian side dishes are really great too.
posted by Fig at 7:42 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by Fig at 7:42 PM on July 8, 2015
Oh! And The Girl and the Goat has fantastic vegetable dishes. It's tapas-style, but so so good. I can't speak to their cocktails, but the drink part of the menu looks good.
posted by Fig at 7:45 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Fig at 7:45 PM on July 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Fair warning about The Girl and the Goat--so, so good but the wait was INSANE and the inside was possibly the loudest restaurant I have ever been in. If you are able to make a rez, definitely sit outside if you are going for a romantic vibe and make sure to ask for a two-seater (went with a friend and got sat at a "community"-type table--not romantic at all but it was OK in our case).
posted by lovableiago at 7:53 PM on July 8, 2015
posted by lovableiago at 7:53 PM on July 8, 2015
Oh! And The Girl and the Goat has fantastic vegetable dishes. It's tapas-style, but so so good. I can't speak to their cocktails, but the drink part of the menu looks good.
My wife loves the Goat's cocktails However, you need to reserve well in advance. We sometimes just go early and eat the bar and you can do that without reservation. But yes - loud loud loud. Conversation is very difficult.
posted by srboisvert at 8:27 PM on July 8, 2015
My wife loves the Goat's cocktails However, you need to reserve well in advance. We sometimes just go early and eat the bar and you can do that without reservation. But yes - loud loud loud. Conversation is very difficult.
posted by srboisvert at 8:27 PM on July 8, 2015
If it took reservations (I had to check just now and realized it doesn't) I would have suggested Avec on W. Randolph.
posted by emelenjr at 4:03 AM on July 9, 2015
posted by emelenjr at 4:03 AM on July 9, 2015
Balena? It's Boka's less fancy cousin, but the cocktails are great and while I haven't been in a while, I found it fancy enough. That said, I am not a super fancy person, so YMMV. I have been in your exact position though, and this is indeed a tough nut to crack. I'd look at Italian places in general, as that's where I've had the most success. It'll still be pasta, but it'll be well-thought out, not sad, pasta.
Oh I just thought of two more suggestions:
1. Spiaggia. It's definitely fancy, to the point of maybe being a little stuffy. Great food and good vegetarian options.
2. Naha. I went there for restaurant week, when they happened to have a vegetarian dish on the menu. I looked just now and they don't have one currently, but I bet if you called they'd be willing to whip up something similar. (That said, I'm not the vegetarian and I thought the food was good but over-hyped).
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:55 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Oh I just thought of two more suggestions:
1. Spiaggia. It's definitely fancy, to the point of maybe being a little stuffy. Great food and good vegetarian options.
2. Naha. I went there for restaurant week, when they happened to have a vegetarian dish on the menu. I looked just now and they don't have one currently, but I bet if you called they'd be willing to whip up something similar. (That said, I'm not the vegetarian and I thought the food was good but over-hyped).
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:55 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Just realized that I don't know if Spiaggia or Naha have good cocktails, sorry!
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:56 AM on July 9, 2015
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:56 AM on July 9, 2015
Oh man, I've got the perfect one for you: Charlatan. Modern Italian with vegetarian options that are just as exciting as the meat; interesting-sounding cocktails (I wasn't brave enough to try the one with Malort and passionfruit, but maybe you will be); dimly lit, romantic setting. Lots of pasta, yes, but this is not sad pasta. This is very, very happy pasta. Try the rotolo with morels and fava beans.
posted by ostro at 9:14 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ostro at 9:14 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you like small plates style, I (veg) and some omni friends had a delicious meal at Nellcote -- cocktails and fanciness level definitely suitable!
Also seconding/thirding those who say Lula isn't too casual.
posted by anotherthink at 10:58 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also seconding/thirding those who say Lula isn't too casual.
posted by anotherthink at 10:58 AM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The Bristol is a fancy farm-to-table small plates restaurant has an excellent cocktail program. Looking at the menu, 7 dishes do not contain meat or fish, 9 do.
I can vouch that the vegetarian egg yolk raviolo is incredible; their rolls are also way, way, way more exciting and delicious than you're imagining. I have honestly just gone there for a cocktail and some bread.
The dishes are small, so to get enough food, it may be slightly annoying to the vegetarian that they have to order almost all the vegetarian dishes and not get more choices.
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:22 AM on July 9, 2015 [2 favorites]
I can vouch that the vegetarian egg yolk raviolo is incredible; their rolls are also way, way, way more exciting and delicious than you're imagining. I have honestly just gone there for a cocktail and some bread.
The dishes are small, so to get enough food, it may be slightly annoying to the vegetarian that they have to order almost all the vegetarian dishes and not get more choices.
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:22 AM on July 9, 2015 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: The Bristol has been on our list for a while (so I'm thrilled to see it recommended and confirmed as a good choice), but we're holding a reservation and Blackbird and Trencherman until the end of the day when we can talk about which we'd prefer.
Thanks, folks! It's been very interesting seeing the places people have suggested.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:55 AM on July 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Thanks, folks! It's been very interesting seeing the places people have suggested.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:55 AM on July 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Of those three, I would say that Trencherman should be your third choice. It's great for a beer and snacks, but the food is not at the same level as Bristol, imho. Blackbird is very good but has a super fancy/formal vibe as compared to the other two.
posted by Mid at 9:24 AM on July 10, 2015
posted by Mid at 9:24 AM on July 10, 2015
Definitely the Bristol. One of my favorites. I've had veg stuff there that absolutely rivaled the meat stuff, particularly the aforementioned raviolo. Really great desserts too.
posted by evisceratordeath at 2:24 PM on July 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by evisceratordeath at 2:24 PM on July 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by deathpanels at 2:53 PM on July 8, 2015