Great new addition to the neighborhood! The perfect spot to grab creative cocktails and delicious food. Nice ambiance overall. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic about the concept, and why shouldn't they be? My friend and I shared a few dishes and everything was great. Steak Tartar was spot on, the bowl of greens was great to share and the Rotisserie Chicken with vegetables had amazing flavor and was very filling. The drink list is amazing as well. We tried quite a few of those. Try the Old Fashioned if you want to see a show. Go see Eldridge at the bar. He's pretty awesome!
(4)
Miriam D.
Loved our brunch - our server was helpful and sincere. Truly the best Bloody Mary I've ever had. We tried the corned beef hash, the burger, and the sopes. All outstanding.
(5)
Tara M.
Ugh. We have had such bad luck with restaurants lately that we have decided to stick to our old standbys for the foreseeable future as a result. That list includes other Billy Dec creations, but definitely not this one. Yes, Bottlefork is River North-y. I am River North-y. I love most things River North-y. But not Bottlefork(-y?). I had been wanting to try Bottlefork since it opened, and we finally stopped in for brunch on Sunday. We had a 1:30pm reservation, arrived at 1:28pm and were seated promptly. I was surprised by how many open tables there were, but now I understand why. The space is really cool, there is no denying that. We sat and reviewed the menu, and at least 15 minutes passed before our server stopped by (I stopped looking at my watch at a certain point). She introduced herself, asked us about drinks. I let her know that we were also ready to order our food because we had been sitting there "for a while." She rolled her eyes, realized what she had done, and tried to fix it with a look of shock. We each ordered their standard Bloody Mary. Ten minutes later they were delivered, and they were, well, gross. It is rare that I turn away a drink that contains alcohol, but this not only contained no vodka, but the mix was super watered down. It tasted like nothing. There were jalapeno seeds in it, but I don't know what purpose they served. The "pickle" that accompanied the drink was a sad, flaccid spear of cucumber that dipped its toe in picking liquid and didn't like how it felt. Another 10 minutes after the drinks were delivered, our server stopped by to see how they were. I told her they were "honestly, terrible" and ordered a vodka soda instead. My boyfriend ordered coffee, having no faith in their ability to make a cocktail at that point. After our server left with them, a girl at the table next to us leaned over and said "Good to know that I'm not the only one who thought the Bloody was terrible." This prompted her friend to take a sip and nod in wide-eyed agreement. For entrees, I had the fish & crisps and he had the corned beef hash. We also ordered sides of tots and ham hollandaise asparagus. The tots were good - big, crispy and soft on the inside. The asparagus was delicious - grilled with lost of hollandaise and topped with prosciutto. The corned beef hash entree was good but VERY rich, drenched in hollandaise. My fish was good, but the accompanying chips were possibly the saltiest thing I have ever eaten. Both of our entrees came topped with runny, poached eggs. I prefer to eat most of my food topped with a runny, poached egg. However, these were UNCOOKED poached eggs. The whites were still raw and more or less transparent. We tried to scrape them off as best we could - after all, our server was already pissed at us, I wasn't about to complain again. We ate what we could, asked for our check, and while we waited for it, two other tables asked our server for their checks, received them, paid and left. We were charged for both the Bloody Marys we sent back and our replacement drinks. At that point we didn't even care, we just wanted to get out of there - knowing that we would soon be sick from consuming raw eggs. And sick...we were.
(2)
Rob J.
Great spot, though a little small. The crisps and egg was fantastic!
(4)
Bobbie A.
Nice, cozy room for cocktails and some inventive food. Skip the poutine, the server said it was a favorite, maybe its just me not loving any poutine I've tried. Anywho the potato chips are a taste sensation. The lamb ribs had a delicious flavor, though not the best cut of meat to show it off. All around tasty treats for food and liquor.
(3)
Stephen H.
Food was great, but way overpriced - just like the beer. The brisket sandwich was $15 which I'd be okay with if it had just ONE side, but it came out alone on little dish. It was tasty, but not exactly overflowing. I had two Super Pils that were delicious but were expensive for 12 ounce pours. Two beers and small sandwich for $34 including tax seems a bit steep to me.
(2)
Lindsay S.
Good vibe, great service, but mediocre to bad food. I'll add the caveat my companion had the burger and really enjoyed it. Nothing I had was horrible, but it was all bland or just off.
(3)
Steve W.
I chose Bottlefork for a date tonight and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was amazing and the food and drinks were phenomenal! The cocktails were soooo good. The bartenders really know their craft and take care to make the drinks properly. We sampled 4-5 different cocktails and only disliked 1 which had an absinth flavor that was too strong. The chips and egg were OK, but for a real treat I highly recommend ordering the poutine. It was the best poutine I have ever had. For a main course you can't beat the pork belly and sausage dinner and I would kill for the recipe for their creamed kale side dish. All in all I loved this place and I look forward to going back again sometime!
(5)
Jenna T.
Came for brunch on a recommendation from a friend. I did have a reservation and was seated right away but the restaurant filled up shortly after we arrived. The food is great- the crisps and eggs was delicious. our burger was cooked perfectly and the french toast was SO GOOD. The only thing i didn't enjoy was how close together the tables were... it kind of felt like I was sitting on top of another table.
(4)
C.C. H.
Much to the chagrin of my frugal upbringing, I've been spending a lot of time at places near Merchandise Mart but felt like Bottlefork is worth the expense! The place was initially packed when I showed up around 9:30pm on Thursday night, but there was breathing room around 10pm. Our server Eddie was very fun to talk to and I like the team-based approach to service. Another guy (possibly the GM?) showed up with a glistening, voluptuous poached-in-the-shell egg for our crisps and there was a good deal of showmanship in sliding the egg into a brown-paper bag and giving everything a good shaking. Our table felt as though we should politely applaud at the end of the presentation. Drinks were delivered by another friendly server on a tray. In addition to the crisps, I enjoyed the Big Salty Tears, a drink that was not salty at all and not sweet either despite the use of two sherries. It was smooth on the tongue and subtle in flavor, like a citrusy caramel tea. Cocktails were $14, perhaps $2 more expensive than its peers but I had a great time.
(4)
Steph G.
[Out-of-Towner Review] The Yelp God's were watching down on us... ...when we found this spot by happenstance. That's a tiny little lie, we used Yelp to find local spots and we picked this one, mostly due to proximity to where we were and the odd, freezing Chicago evening weather. We'd been Divvy biking for awhile and had built up a huge appetite. It was our attempt to go with the flow and just find somewhere, instead of looking through my lists of recommendations from various people. So, with spontaneity on our side we walked into the BEST last meal in Chicago we could have asked for. It was dim, but it was bustling. I thought there'd be a wait, but there wasn't for a party of two. At first she tried to sit us in a very cramped little two-top, but we asked to try somewhere else. We almost got the 'Chef's Table' bar seats, but sadly we ended up just taking two regular bar seats. As we'd been shuffling about, I'd seen the plate of fried chicken, which essentially meant I was having it. It looked amazing, perfectly battered and fried. Finally seated, we grabbed the menus and went to work. The prices are on the higher side, but as a tourist you get used to it. The vibe is hipster, for sure. They don't even sell soda from the tap, that's how hipster-fancy-cocktail-making they are. Since Yelp helped me find this place, I checked-in on the app and noticed they give you a free appetizer. Who am I to deny anything free? So, I asked the bartender about it and he brought us our "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs in less than a few minutes. He had explained it to us, which left us skeptical. Here's how it goes, a brown lunch bag filled with chips that have added vinegar and salt. In a little ramekin is a poached egg, which he swiftly dumped into the bag of chips. Then he shook them violently. The aftermath of random deliciousness in a bowl was pretty amazing, I'm not sure how the flavors blended so well together, but they did. The chips don't really lose their crispness, but the egg 'sauce' adds great flavor. Already winning, and it was free. We didn't order any adult beverages, which seems to be their thing here. We'd been over indulging all trip and I was ready to have a dinner sans alcohol. J did order a soda and sadly the bartender handed him a glass of ice and the mini Pepsi can. The disappointment of an avid soda drinker was evident across his face. His dreams of endless refills were dashed buy this $2 can of 7.5oz of Pepsi. As for dinner, we ordered to entrees and planned on splitting them both, our normal routine. I had to go with the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger and he went for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It should be noted, when we walked in the door the sandwich board sign said "Home of the Famous Bacon Burger," I knew I was home ;) If you know the burger situation in Chicago (not that I do), then you know about Au Cheval's burger. Bottlefork's burger is on the same level as theirs, yes I said it. The Bacon Burger's flavor profile is much more complex than Au Cheval's, which is why I say they are in the same category. They both kill it. The flavor of just the burger is amazing. The bun is a heavenly carb bonus. The sauce and other fixings complimented the flavor of everything perfectly. Add some huge crispy fries and dipping sauce, and this is a meal made for a hipster-burger-guzzling patron. They way they plate it is also an added bonus, they use a 'green' (re: hippy) wood fork and put a pickle through it on top of the burger. Taste and plating, they win! Who do they think they are feeding with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken? A table of four? For $24 you get your money's worth. They give you four huge pieces of chicken, battered, seasoned, and fried to perfection. Even the huge chunks of white meat where tender and juicy, no fear of dry chicken with this kitchen. We both didn't like the gravy, it had a very strong mustard flavor, mixed with a small hint of vinegar. It just wasn't our thing, but I'm sure you may enjoy it. The griddled biscuit that accompanies this dish, was a huge disk of confusion for taste buds. It was savory, but pancake-esque, but still also like a biscuit. I think after a few bites, we finally gave in to liking it. We probably didn't talk for a good 20 minutes, while we stuffed our faces of this delicious meal. I have so much more to try on this menu, but sadly it will have to wait until I'm back in the Windy City. The desserts looked tempting, but we already had our sights on stopping one more place after dinner, so we passed. The bartenders/servers were awesome, no complaints about anything, really. Other than really awkward seating, this place should be on everyone's list, local or tourist! Saying goodbye is already hard, but even more so when this is your last meal...
(4)
Leah C.
I was in town visiting for only 24 hours. As I didn't feel like spending all my caloric intake on a deep dish pizza, I yelped for an American New restaurant and headed here. So glad I did. They sat me at the chef's area of the counter/bar. Since I was dining alone, this provided good entertainment in between conversations with the staff and the diners next to me. All the staff I interacted with were friendly and helpful, but namely my waiter Eddie, Chef Eric, and the General Manager Jason. Eddie made on point recommendations and answered my questions in a detailed and thoughtful manor. To drink, I had the Little Miss cocktail. Good, but the garnish is great. It was like an adult fruit roll-up. I recommend it just for the garnish. For dinner, I had the Octopus, Homemade Spam and Kimchi dish with brussel sprouts as a side. Both dishes could easily be shared, but I was hungry and wasn't afraid of leftovers. The brussel sprouts were typical of the style of late, in a good way, but the octopus dish is where it's at. The octopus was so tender, and the peas and kimchi were bathed in a tangy sauce that made me wish I had bread to sop it all up with. The Spam - well executed for homemade. Being from Hawaii, the Spam consumption capitol of America, I was pleased with their rendition. For dessert, well I had seen pictures and wasn't going to leave without trying something. I was talked into the special dessert for the season - the Pumpkin Cheesecake with marshmallow fluff..a la mode. This dish should be shared, but I managed to put away at least half of it. The soft serve is so great and could be a presented on its own - a thing of beauty. The pumpkin cheesecake is a dream. Exactly as the menu describes and worth every bite. I was wishing I had my husband or a friend with me to share in the experience. I would bring anyone back any day. To the staff, thanks guys for a great dinner!
(5)
Rich B.
Eddy Cruz was an awesome server. This place will now be on my list and a recommend for anyone looking for a place to eat in Chicago. The bag of crisps + egg was awesome (as mentioned in previous reviews) There list of beers is exceptional. Their pork belly dishes were top notch. Wasn't a big fan of the desserts, but I'm not a real big dessert guy.
(5)
Kelly J.
I wish I would have been more hungry when I came here! Everything we had was excellent! We started with the chips and eggs, the wagyu beef jerky, the deviled eggs and really liked all of them. BF had the rich man po boy and liked it. Good thin it was a small portion as it was very rich. I had the orrechette and spicy chicken sausage pasta and it was very flavorful, but just a touch too spicy for me. It was a satisfying portion, but I couldn't finish it. We were stuffed. Interesting cocktail and a lovely wine list. Excellent service from everyone. Loved the atmosphere and all the fun, funky little bits of decor. Check in on yelp for a free chips and eggs. I'll be back!
(5)
Juan F.
Saturday night and this place was dead while all other bars and lounges had long lines to get in. Why did we come here? I don't know. We got a few beers and cocktails but nothing stood out. Check in on Yelp for a free chips and one egg - the soft boiled egg is placed inside a bag and mixed with all the chips coating them with the gooey egg yolk. Sounds good, but the chips were super salty though.
(2)
Elizabeth E.
Recently went for lunch and was a little less than impressed. The menu seemed fantastic & the place is very attractive inside although the food was eh. We started with the tuna crudo - which had shrimp cracklings on top. I am not sure what Shrimp cracklings really are but it tasted like fried onion rings on top of avocado & tuna - not a ton of flavor and really didn't need the cracklings. I had the Mediterranean salad with chicken for lunch. What Mediterranean salad doesn't have kalamata olives? It was like green olives. And while the presentation was beautiful the dressing fried cheese, green olive combo was not my favorite. I won't be ordering it again. My new office is right near bottlefork so I plan to go back again and try other items but was disappointed with my first visit.
(3)
Bethany W.
Tired of all the places in the loop for lunch I popped over to Bottlefork. I'd been there once right after it opened for dinner and drinks and enjoyed that visit. Lunch wasn't especially busy and I was able to get a table right away. The patio was packed though by 12:00. Since it was lunch I needed to be productive after I steered clear of the mid day cocktails. :( The grilled beer brined chicken sandwich was interesting & tasty. The good: giardiniera was bright, tangy and crisp and not over spicy. The grilled chicken had nice grill marks, flavor and was juicy. Fried pickes...um yes....stick those things on anything and I'll eat it. The not so great...the sandwich is a bit hard to eat meaning that the ingredients were falling out. One half of the sandwich I just ate with a fork. And the pickles...they were good but I feel like they could be better. I would have liked the batter to have a bit more crunch. Would have gave the sandwich another texture.
(4)
Adrienne B.
I heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try! I came in with high expectations and left with a slight disappointment. First... Making my reservation was easy! Had a lot of opening for a Friday night on open table. As I walked in I liked the decor and how everything was laid out. However... The place came off as an intimate relaxed environment but it was the opposite. It was very loud with music, so then everyone conversations were louder. So overall loud! As for drinks..they nailed it on this one! Amazing cocktails list! I had the Baysic! It was refreshing, smooth with a ginger kick to it! As for food.. Had the crisp & egg.. It was different and delicious! The food is where I give 3 stars because it was just average! Nothing too special. We had the Mediterranean salad which was good, but could of been better. For the entree we chose the hop braised pork shank. It was good just wasn't expecting a sweet taste to it. I thought it would melt in my mouth but it didn't. Overall I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but it was just average in my opinion. Service was wonderful though!!!
(3)
Katie L.
Visiting from Boston, went for brunch. Lovely! We split the tots (you must get the tots!), corned beef hash, and then we shared the French toast at the end as a "desert." Everything was perfect, down to the details (homemade ketchup, great coffee). Andrew at the bar is a DELIGHT! He helped us pick the right dishes, found out the name of the coffee for me, even pointed us in the direction of the closest Patriots bar :)
(5)
Matt C.
Where the hipsters go... I found this joint on yelp. Was rolling into Chi-town and thought I'd see whats up. In the past I have been both successful (The Gage) and unsuccessful (Sable) with yelping in Chicago... yelp.com/user_details_re… yelp.com/user_details_re… So this place had really high reviews. And I booked a reservation. The cocktails that we started off with were very good, then we got into it. -A bag of chips with an egg on it. -Kale and the waiter / cook dude delivered the dish and mixed an egg up with a spoon in front of us like we were at some fine dining or something. (My GF actually had to restrain herself from laughing). I was completely confused and wondered what this guy was doing. I guess that was part of the presentation?... -I think I had the lamb main course thing but it was only a few mouthfuls - like rabbit food basically. We actually left there hungry (but had to catch Keller Williams at the Chicago Theatre) so that was more important than hangin' around for more wetty wetty food with eggs on it... Both my GF and I commented that it was over-rated. It was fine. The cocktail was actually best part. But don't think I would go there for dinner again. Maybe a better lunch spot. And don't order the kale with egg, unless you want to laugh.
(3)
Ada W.
Came here for Sunday brunch. Very cute place. I know why it's rated one of the best new restaurants. The food was amazing. We had the bag of crisps and eggs. We finished the chips in 3 min! We also had the corn beef brisket hash and Richie's Mom's cast iron baked French Toast. I need to try that Breakfast Sope next time. I also like that this place has quite a few non-alcoholic drinks for the sober me.
(5)
Anh H.
The food was ok. We were not very impressed. We ordered Beef jerky, bag of crisps and eggs for starters. Then for entree, we had the smoked wood bacon burger, grilled octopus Brussels sprout kimchi, pork shank and special of the day beer brined beef wagyu sirloin. The burger patty was raw in the middle. The octopus got more sour and more sour after every bite. The pork and beef wagyu were blah... The two things we enjoyed were beef jerky and the fries. That's about it. We complaint to the manager about the raw burger, so he took the burger off the bill and gave us one free dessert, which was nice thing for him to do. However, we didn't really like the dessert either. So overall, I would have given two stars but decided to give this place three stars because of their service....
(3)
Lily Z.
The first time I cam here, I was with other Yelp elites for a Yelp event. I can still remember how I fell in love with their sweetbreads and burger. I mean, it's like 30% bacon. Come on now. But this time, I came with my coworkers for a nice staff lunch. I checked in for the free chips. I ordered the Huckleberry juice (very tart, but I liked that), lobster bisque (very creamy and a good portion) and Rich Man's Po' Boy (oyster tasted a little bland?) but without the foie gras. Service was very friendly. The music was confusing because it constantly crossed genres. My coworkers liked their food and the atmosphere. Overall, a great success!
(4)
kyle t.
Must make time to write this review! Now for a city that has so many places around to eat finding one that can really stand out seems to be difficult. Without someone to guide you even using Yelp can seem a little daunting, oh well we found this place. Booked a table but when we got there instead of waiting we were asked if we wanted to sit in the window by the kitchen, best decision possible. I highly recommend this place, bar like but overlooking the chefs not a bar. Everyone behind the counter were inviting, open and seemed truly happy that we were sitting there. This is a very well run kitchen and it comes across in the food. Everything we ordered was damn near perfect. Starting with the free app that popped up on Yelp, homemade chips with an egg, yes an egg. They bring out a bag of homemade chips in a bag and a perfectly poached egg. The waiter dropped the egg into the bag and closed it, shook it for a minute or so and poured them out on the plate, best chips EVER! Such a treat to watch them prepare this and the flavor was fantastic, much like the rest of the food. For the main course I was forced to order the burger, not that I wanted one but once I saw it come out of the window I could not say no, even passed up Gnocchi! The burger was wonderful but as always I was outdone. CB ordered the PoBoy, rated one of the top 10 in the country. Now I will say it was amazing but not really worth $25. It was lobster with fried oysters on top. The roll was perfect, the oysters were so good but there were not enough of them for $25. Lobster was fresh and perfectly balanced. I do hope though that Smack Shack doesn't catch wind of the pricing here though because their lobster roll is pretty close in taste but half he price. Overall this is one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Service couldn't have been better, kitchen and the people in it were great and inviting and overall the ambiance fit. Great little room and very warm feel to it. In an area with so many places around it I would definitely go back to this one, we already have it on the list for next time.
(5)
Bryan L.
My wife and I made a reservation through Open Table for a Sunday Brunch at Bottlefork while travelling in Chicago for my wife's birthday. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us immediately. We were greeted by the nicest server, she was very friendly and personable! Also very knowledgeable about the menu. I had The Coffee Cocktail, and it was AMAZING!!! So freakin good! Wife has the Bellini. Had two actually.... We started with the Bag of crisps and egg. Unique starter for sure! Wife went nuts over it, I loved it as well. For brunch, She had the Corned beef and Hash, I had the French Toast and I forked over the extra $2 to get the bourbon syrup. The Cast iron skillet gave an awesome crunchy exterior, but the ooey gooey goodness was preserved inside. The house made whipped cream was silky smooth, and the syrup was bourbony delicious! We also had the bacon.. Its a HUGE slab, looks like 1/2 a freakin pound! It was sooooo yummy too. Also had the house made tater tots, highly recommend those as well. Here's the bottom line..... We didn't come here expecting to be blown away. We didn't come here expecting to have some of the best food we'd had all weekend long in Chicago. We didn't come here expecting the best service we'd had in Chicago. But we got all of those things. Food was amazing, Service was awesome, and at the end, we were blown away that everything was just THAT GOOD.
(5)
Jay I.
This was a pleasant brunch/lunch. I stopped by this place and sat on a bar for a quick fix. I never look at yelp at a restaurant, but that time i somehow wanted to check in. So I look at it, then there was a free offer of potato chip with eggs if we check in. Damn. Score! I sat on a bar, and asked for that free potato chip, then ordered a soft drink and greek omelette. I think it was either rasberry or grapefruit fix (doesn't remember), and it was quite refreshing. Then I was satisfied with the chips. Basically what they did was adding raw egg to the just fried chips, and it was better than i expected. the omelette was a surprise, too. It had a very good balance with feta cheese and tomato. I was very impressed with what I was served, so asked the bartender if I can order a poutine for sort of a to go, and he said ok. I asked him to wrap it for me on my way out. Then this chef guy who was around the bar, cooking and sending out dishes, started talking to that bartender in front of me about not taking to go orders. I was very irritated by this guy. If this is a policy known to everyone, my bartender would tell me to go is not permitted. If no to go is the policy but my server didn't know, he could have informed the server after I left. So telling him repeatedly with angry tone about not accepting to go in front of me only should mean that the chef is telling me directly "we don't take to go orders. why are you bothering us?" So please either let every server/bar people know about the policy if any, or don't complain in front of customers. It doesn't look good. I was this close to tell you I have no problem leaving the food.
(4)
Nadia S.
BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO. Yup. I said it. Sadly I have moved away from Chicago, but each time I visit, I have a reservation set for Bottlefork, without question. The cast iron french toast- I don't even have the words to describe this masterpiece. So even if you order something savory- please, PLEASE order the cast iron french toast to split with your party. You can thank me later ;) And of course, awesome service as always.
(5)
Crystal B.
Food was wonderful, yet slightly complicated to decipher with just the menu alone. So we consulted the bartender frequently to describe each beverage and dish. The bartender (with the crazy/awesome hair) was very kind and willing and helped us to choose the best of everything. For dinner we split the beef cheek poutine; do yourself a favor and order it. Amazing! And then had the salted caramel sundae. We left pleasantly satisfied!
(4)
Andreas D.
Everything was delicious ! Tried the crisps + eggs which was interesting and good! The way wagyu beef jerky was great and very good flavor if you think it's like store bought jerky you are totally wrong! The octopus had great flavor as well. We had two different drinks unfortunately I can't recall the names because the server just made it for us based on what we liked. Also been there for brunch beef cheek poutine was one of the best fries I have ever had. The breakfast sope had really good flavor and then we finished it off with the French toast which I would try to get anytime I could! Great place!
(5)
Andre W.
Me and some friends decided this is where our monthly lunch would take place and it was a helluva good choice. The place is located in between Bub City and Frontera Grill on Clark St in River North. A little smaller than what I imagined but makes up for it with awesome, knowledgeable service and really good food. I used my Yelp check in as usual and that awarded me a free Bag of Crisps & Eggs. What is that you ask? Well it is a bag of salt & vinegar chips with a poached egg on a shaken bag and poured onto a plate afterwards...simply delicious and a great idea as a starter. I decided to go with the Grilled Beer Brined Chicken sandwich for my lunch and it was one of those moments that I was afraid to take a bite into as the waiter described it as a really awesome sandwich. He didn't lie as it was good as hell! It includes beer mustard aioli and giardiniera along with the honey chicken. I tasted my friend's Roasted Portobello Sandwich and it was just as good as my sandwich as it includes goat cheese, red onions and frisee'. Good spot to check out and I def will be back for brunch and dinner.
(5)
Anthony C.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in quite a while. The food, the drinks, the music, the lighting, the entire ambiance was outstanding. Oddly enough, I had never seen or heard of this spot before arriving - even though I live in River North. I think it's location, right next to Bub City, really takes away from its visibility. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be back and will recommend this place to anyone that will listen.
(5)
Brittany S.
Note to self: revisit ASAP to claim the egg yolk covered house made potato chips via the Yelp check-in offer. Other notes to self: Call ahead to confirm that the hot and gooey cheesecake with fruit served alongside homemade vanilla ice cream is on the menu. Get ready for a big statement: this is one of the BEST desserts I have ever experienced. Take a moment to appreciate the Yelp shout out of sorts in the bathroom. The cheese board receives 5 stars in my book thanks to the pickled relish and delicious mustard. Had it not been for my dining companions, I would have lifted the relish cup up to my mouth and had my way with those tasty pickled veggies. Super cozy, low lit space with fun decor. I cannot speak highly enough for this dining experience. Now, please bring me home the dessert in a doggy bag...
(5)
Katie P.
Some of the best cocktails in River North. The prescription sazerac is one of my favorites, very boozy, but they do lighter cocktails well too. The snack food: the wagyu jerky, the crisps and egg, the chicharron, and the TOTS. The tots take the cake, we got seconds and devoured both rounds. Skip the sweetbreads, not very interesting. Havent eaten a meal there because its just obnoxiously expensive, even for river north. But the snacks are a pretty good deal and pair perfectly with the great drinks.
(4)
Mancow M.
Poached egg shaken in a bag w/ fresh malt vinegar covered homemade potato chips? Uhhh , yes! Housemade pork-belly Spam? Uh huh. Odd and wonderful. Chef Kevin from The 4 Seasons got tired of the corporate controlled life and broke away w/ BottleFork. Teaming w/ promotional machine Billy Dec they have a winner w/ this one. This space used to house a much disliked (unfairly)Mexican Asian fusion joint. It's either small and loud or intimate and exiting. We had great fun. Also, and this ALWAYS comes off wrong, I appreciate that the chef is "fluffy" and enjoys eating. (Translation: he's BIG.) Mario Batalli still holds a grudge against me for pointing that out. Chef Kevin's next place in Bridgeport to be called The Duck Inn I think sounds righteous too. Their drinks are adult and professionally made. I'm so sick of the cute giggling girl in some tight boss mandated clothing that can't make a drink. The people making drinks here are the real deal. This ain't LA and I appreciated their professionalism. And THE thing that Chef Kevin FINALLY did at a hip new place was a REAL desert. Wtf? Yeah,for years I've been so tired of the "too cute for the room" deserts. Can't I just get a piece of cherry pie or a cobbler or crisp? Can I have chocolate cake w/out the drizzle?! Can I have a REAL desert that isn't deconstructed? Here you can. Sometimes it's ok to leave greatness be.
(4)
Maxie H.
Loved this place! We came here for drinks after lunch, and it was amazing. We ordered the bloody mary, amaretto sour and the coffee. The drinks are off the chain! The bloody mary is to die for. It really is the best we ever had. We really enjoyed the drinks and wished that we came here for lunch. The entrees sounded delicious! We will be back here for brunch!
(5)
Daisy D.
Took my husband here for drinks and lite apps before dinner at Chicago Cut. The two dishes we had were really amazing. -Tuna Crudo with shrimp crackin' and some kind of amazing Jamaican ketchup -Rich Man Po' Boy. We shared one but could've easily had one each. Picked to perfection, the flavors in this sandwich are like any other. Looking forward to going back!
(5)
Jeff O.
Bottlefork is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It's small and often packed, but it's delicious. I've been several times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is intimate, trendy, and chic, and the service is excellent. Drinks - get the Satan's Whiskers, Curled. You won't regret it. It's expensive ($16) but the best cocktail I've ever had (and I've had many a delicious cocktail). Starting with the appetizers - man, the poutine is amazing. I've also had the tots, which are delicious. Entrees - I've had the burger and the orecchiette, both of which are so good that I have not ordered any other entrees on other visits. That said, my fellow diners said that their meals were delicious. Sides - their brussels sprouts are really fantastic, as is their crispy kale with duck egg. I highly recommend both. Overall, it's fantastic. I can't recommend it highly enough. Make sure you have a reservation (reasonably easy to get one a little bit in advance), and for the love of everything delicious, try the poutine.
(5)
Gillian C.
We just finished up dinner here with 4 adults and two little girls. Bottlefork is not really a kids place, but our server, nick b, was THE SHIT. Not only did nick make amazing food and drink recommendations for the adults, but he was super accommodating to the little girls and spoke to them directly, which made them feel like real adults when they were ordering. The food was awesome. Highlights were the Brussels sprouts, gnocchi, burger, and holy melted cheesecake, so delicious. After dinner my sister in law commented that he was "probably the best waiter I have ever had". He was seriously awesome and made our whole dinner better!
(5)
Jackie M.
The menu sounds better then what it is. I came for lunch and had the bag of crisp with egg. It was interesting how a raw egg was cracked and mixed into a bag of house chips. Eat it quick before it gets soggy!! For the rich man po boy which has foie gras, fried oyster, and lobster. I was so excited to eat it. It was drenched in butter and garlic which overpower the seafood flavor. It wa tasty by the bite due to the garlic. You are better off getting a lobster roll elsewhere because there's lack of flavor in foie or oyster. For the poutine, I only ate half and it was mostly cheese. Donut was good.
(3)
skip l.
Great reputation, great menu, wonderful reviews -- what more could you ask? We chose Bottlefork for a celebratory brunch when our son received his graduate degree. Sadly, we were disappointed both with the uneven quality of the food and other aspects of the visit. In fairness, we'd give Bottlefork three stars for the food, and four for personality, of the staff, from our reservation call to person who called back to confirm the reservation, to the server, to the person who responded when our server disappeared. But our visit was not a four star experience much less five stars.. The meal: Some of us began with a coffee bourbon based cocktail; a wondeful combination of ingredients that suggested a fine meal ahead. For appetizers we ordered their lemon poppy seed donut holes in a bag, beef cheek poutine, and iron baked french toast. Each was beautifully presented: the holes in a "bag", poutine in a bowl (with nice wooden serving implements), and the French toast in a frying pan. The donut holes were deep fried cake donuts with a sugar glaze: good lemon/spice flavor, but fall-apart dry and not special (day old?) The poutine was tasty and very good; just not especially so. The French toast was wonderful, with sides and bottom of caramelized brown sugar. (This had been suggested by the waitress as an entre; good suggestion; she should have mentioned the bourbon maple syrup that we hadn't notice on the menu). Unfortunately, those two items and the coffee cocktail were the only highlights of the visit. As for entrees we had the bacon burgers, the Greek omlet, and three of the "Rich Man's Po Boy: a lobster roll with fried breaded oysters, lobster, and "foie" (but no discernable "gras.") The burger was good, again nicely presented, but not exemplary in flavor; the Greek omelette was well filled and sauced with tsotziki sauce, but with the eggs in a thicker layer than usual in a chef-run restaurant, and ok but not memorable. The PoBOy lobster roll had good fried oysters on top and a generous portion of lobsters but -- not identified as hotly spiced. While "Po Boys" are sometimes spicy, just as often they are not. This should have been noted by the waitress. Other disappointments? Our first: The person who answered the telephone and the person who confirmed our reservation assured me the restaurant was handicapped accessible -- and that they had some seating that was not of the "perch" variety. I had explained that we had a 93 year old woman in the party. I was assured there was no problem. But when we arrived, there were two steps up at the entrance. We managed this, though not happily. Leaving was more difficult. Then at the banquette reserved for us we found it was indeed perched seating -- lower that other high seats in the restaruant, but still seats on which ones feet were off the floor. Our second: our waitress was very warm and helpful but inexperienced; our entrees were served before we had finished our appetizers. This was poor timing. Worse, because of an uneven table, one of our three Po Boy lobster rolls was inverted with the ingredients spilled out on the tabletop. While immediately cleaned up and re-ordered, that meant that one of our party received his entre as the others were finishing theirs. I expected at least an apology from the manager or a complimentary item -- or the item removed from the bill. But we received only a "sorry" from the waitress during the cleanup. That's not four stars. Our third: we waited several minutes after finishing the meal with no sign of the waitress -- more than enough time for a bathroom stop for one member of the party. That's when I flagged down another server. In a long restaurant with our table visible from the bar and the kitchen someone shold have noticed. Our fouth: When the check arrived, tucked on top were a promotional piece and under that a rating card. The rating has been completed in advance, rating the experience excellent in all categories and nothing else completed. While this may have been a simple mistake, we were among the first customers of the day so the card should have been looked at the night before, if not just before presenting it. All this said, the meal was good -- just and not up to the reviews, or to the standards their location and pricing suggests. For poutine, visit Mash in Lincoln Square. Theirs is as good with several meat options and at a better price; for donut holes in a bag, those at the Peckish Pig on Howard. While their donut holes are not lemon seed, they are extraordinary: light and served hot - worth a visit for themselves.
I've always had trouble getting the staff to seat my party at the time our reservation has been made. I've gone more than five times and somehow their system is not working. However, the staff is friendly, knowledgable and attentive. The food and drinks come quickly, even if portioning is on the small side. On a personal note, something about the seasoning or flavor profiles seems "funky" and not in a good way. Several friends share my opinion, after trying their brisket hash and anchovy Caesar salad. However, I keep coming back because the execution is impeccable, even if the seasoning sometimes is confusing to the palate. Good, seems it will be great, then is a little weird, but in the end is satisfying.
(3)
Curtis H.
This place is terrific, and a perfect spot for an upscale lunch when downtown. Ate here with a friend and shared the DELICIOUS poutine for an appetizer. The braised beef cheek made the dish a total winner. I had one of their varied lunch specials which included an Asian inspired house made "spam" sandwich and a curried lobster bisque. It was a great value at $14. Their cocktails are thoughtful and tastefully inspired as well. I could see myself returning for just their drinks. All in all a great place worth a visit.
(4)
Jenny C.
Love this hot new restaurant in River North! Creative menu items and awesome service. Great cocktail menu - their bartender studied under the Aviary bartender! Try the Loft on broadway cocktail if you like citrusy drinks with just a pinch of sweetness. Must try items: - Bag of chips: Vinegar and runny egg on homemade chips. Sounds weird but it's so awesome! The chips really opens up your palate and make you salivate for more food. - Rich man po boy: Chunks of lobster meat in a buttery roll with breaded oyster on top. Felt the oyster wasn't needed as the lobster roll could have stood alone, but the oyster was fried perfectly! - Mushroom gnocchi: Earthy comfort food, great for a cold winter night - Grilled kale and squash: Great flavors, especially mixed with melted cheese on top - Sundae with beer foam and streusel: Perfect ending to our meal. Sweet and salty. Streusel brings a great crunch to the ice cream. Also, who can say no to beer foam?! Our waitress was so energetic about the menu! Really refreshing to interact with her throughout the meal. The general manager came by several time to converse with us and make sure we enjoyed everything. Cool vibe, intimate seating and lighting. Long bar where couples can have a nice meal and drinks at as well.
(5)
Mark F.
I had brunch here one Sunday. I sat at the bar by myself. Waitstaff kept bumping my chair, which was a little annoying. The food was good ... I had the hash brisket. I will definitely come back as Adam, the bartender, is super-talented and makes great cocktails.
(4)
Max G.
It started with a slow cooked egg. it jiggled in the bowl the server brought it in. mesmerized, i watched him slip the egg into the bag of malted vinegar chips and shake it all around. that's what it's all about. tasty food. great drinks menu. many house made flavoring agents. no complaints here.
(4)
L. Danovia ..
My brunch buddy and I made last minute reservations for a late Saturday morning. He had the burger and I had the french toast. We enjoyed both items. Service was fast and friendly. Will return.
(4)
Kristin M.
First learned of Bottlefork through a Yelp event and was really impressed with the food. Returned because of the food with a group of friends who have tried their fair share of Chicago restaurants. We were all impressed with the solid food, service, and ambiance. We particularly loved the poutine (get those over the tots if you're debating), the Mediterranean salad (trust me it's soooo good), and the asparagus (again, so good!) they also have a really cool selection of cocktails, and I'd highly recommend the No Tea, No Shade cocktail if they still have it. Also a great selection of beer and wine. Overall, Bottlefork is a must try spot--would be good for a group, after work happy hour, or just anyone looking for an absolutely delicious and satisfying meal. The ambiance was lively, and it was busy on a week night like most River North spots. Oh, and not too young/fratty.
(5)
Shannon N.
I live in Northcenter and rarely find myself in the loop these days, so when my sister-in-law wanted to meet for drinks while she was in town for a conference, I turned to yelp. I found Bottlefork and we decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The place is fairly small, we got there shortly after five on a Thursday night and already all of their walk in tables had been taken and the rest were reserved. We had no problem sitting at the bar, but even for two people I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is a mixture of upscale modern and antique, but not at all pretentious. Mostly business and young couples. We each had a martini, a beer and shared a few plates between the two of us. Martini was goos, and they have a good beer selection with a lot of local breweries. We shared the smoked salmon deviled eggs, the andouille sausage flatbread and the gnocchi. The deviled eggs were awesome, I've never had anything quite like that. The flatbread and gnocchi were delicious as well, cooked perfectly and flavorful. It was a bit pricey, as is expected in that area. I think our bill was just over $90 for the two of us, but for a fun night out it was worth it and I would go there again with out of town guests!
(4)
Krsna V.
Somebody in this establishment is a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race. Why wouldn't you be, it is the greatest show on tv? The "No Tea, No Shade" cocktail is everything RuPaul means when he says it on his show. With right proportions of tequila, mezcal, and earl grey syrup, this cocktail is a perfect embodiment of the phrase No T, No Shade. I have been away in the jungles for too long...I missed expertly crafted cocktails. After coming back home to Chicago, I was treated to an evening out by Preet, who suggested we check this place out. What a treat, indeed! Yelp checkin gives you a free appetizer of chips and egg, which is a poached egg shaken vigorously in a bag of chips. Deliciousness! We also tried the Tuna Crudo and Smoked spot Prawns, which were excellent. The avocado topping on the tuna crudo was stellar and the prawns were expertly smoked/ grilled. Since we both love our cocktails - we decided to try others. I went with a Loft on Broadway, which smells, tastes, and looks divine. The Violette liqueur elevates the drink to another level. Preet had the Satan's Whiskers, which made it feel like we stepping in to the dark side. Since we don't stop at two cocktails (who drinks just two cocktails?), we decided to try more. In honor of Gojira/ Godzilla and wanting to feel like a reptile, I opted for the Big Salty Tears. The frothy egg on top and the orange flower water sealed the deal. It was a great way to re-acclimatize myself to Chicago and the wonderful world of artisan cocktails. I now have to catch up on seasons 5 and 6 of RuPaul drag race. No T, No Shade...hunty!!
(5)
Rob B.
This is a small bar with big food, and if your watching your fat, don't come here. Well,crafted dishes are on hand and so is the excess. We had the fried sweet breads, poached egg with fried potato chips, french fries poutine and the special salad with fried cheese on top. Well by the end I was well,,,fried. We had the cobbler and frozen yoghurt for dessert, perhaps the lightest option on the table tonight.
(4)
Sonia B.
Great food, great service, and great ambiance! Oh my goodness, my tummy was SO happy when I ate here with my husband! Absolutely amazing! We started with the chips/poached egg and the wagyu beef jerky for appetizer. I highly recommend both! The chips/poached egg was interesting. Our server came over with a bag of chips, put in a poached egg, shook it like crazy and poured it into a bowl...and whoa yumminess! It was a great blend of saltiness, sour/tart (vinegar) and richness from the egg. And I don't even like eggs! The wagyu beef jerky was my favorite thing all night! It was absolutely delectable! The flavor was amazing and it was cooked to perfection...not overdone, but enough crispiness....yummmm! I hope that is a mainstay on the menu! For our entrees, my husband and I shared the bbq tamarind lamb ribs, tots, and a pasta w/ chicken sausage. All were amazing!!! And to cap off the evening we got the pretzel sundae w/ the stout! SO GOOD! I had heard about the brownie brulee, but it wasn't my lucky night, that wasn't the featured gooey dessert. :( I will be frequenting Bottlefork until I get to try the brownie brulee...lol! Our server was awesome...not sure if it's ok to mention her name on here....so, i'll just skip it and hope you get her! It was refreshing after having crappy service at a different Rockit Ranch restaurant. The menu changes weekly and I can't imagine you won't enjoy your dining experience! I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Bridget H.
The good/great: 1. The Bill Brasky is pricey at $35, but it contains 3 drinks worth of a cocktail and is smooth as silk. A few of us shared the supersized drink and enjoyed every sip. 2. Appetizers- Beef cheek poutine, agyu jerky, Pimento cheese tots - combining many of my favorite things, it's hard to go wrong. 3. Roast Chicken- Far from boring, this was a delicious, albeit somewhat safe, option. The bad/ugly: 1. We had a group of 6 and despite being in a booth, were so spread out that we could barely hear each other. The verdict: A fun stop for drinks and apps before a night out on the town, but not an ideal layout and too noisy for any real conversation or date night.
(4)
Lisa S.
Food was good service good and the place was hopping! Went with a group of 10. The place was a little tight for that. We had the crisps - which were just a trendy thing - and the to die for brussels sprouts as apps. Also had the tots which were ok. The serving dishes had paper on the bottom which detracted from the presentation and showed how much grease you were consuming. . My meal was the rich man's po boy which is cold lobster, fried oyster and foie. I couldn't taste the foie. The bun was too greasy. The chunks of lobster were good, large and meaty. I was disappointed - got it for the foie gras and it wasnt there. One of the other folks got the pork belly with sweet potato that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beer and wine selection was good.
(3)
Pack C.
We love the experience at the place; interesting cocktails, good selection of beer, good food. My favorite part was probably yelp check-in will give you a complimentary homemade chips with well poached eggs. It sounds weird but it's actually yummy! My main con for the place is it's definitely more pricey than what I thought. Food portion is pretty small even those from the shared plates section. Below were items that we tried. We loved everything we tried. the problem was just the portion & price. Deep fried sweetbread: it's the highly recommended item. It was ok for me. Not sure if it's because I was picturing 'sweetbread' while chewing it. Well, at least I tried Poutine: yummy Po boy: it's basically a lobster roll with fried oyster on top for $25. That was pricey for me, no side even! Bacon burger Octopus homemade spam & kimchi
(3)
Jialing L.
came here with a reservation for dinner with my friends. the server was extremely friendly and gave us a good overview of the menu. we got a free crisp n egg due to a yelp checkin and then ordered the beef cheek poutine and potato gnocchi to share. The beef cheek poutine is my favorite poutine in Chicago so far and the potato gnocchi with mushrooms was flavored very well and soft. we also ordered two bacon burgers to share between 4 of us and it was really good. loved the slaw in the burger and the party itself was juicy. it was the first time I had medium rare but it was a good experience and I loved the mix of beef and bacon. The bun was also really good and crispy on the side. Enjoyed my visit and will recommend this place and try to come back.
(4)
Tara L.
After waiting 50 minutes, our waitress informed us that the soft serve machine won't be ready for an hour so no affogatto. I ordered a cappuccino instead. She brought me espresso with a tiny dollop of foam so I had to ask her to bring some more. We used the free chips from yelp but had to remind her to bring them. When the food finally came, it was actually really good - just small portions. Overall, a pretty good place for brunch, just seemed a little understaffed.
(3)
Stephen S.
The cocktail menu is spendy but ya gotta pay those River North rents somehow. Fortunately, their drinks offer tons of flavor and are worth the price you pay. I also love the carefully selected beer list including a house offering coming from a collaboration with Chicago's own Begyle Brewing. In fact, most of the beers on tap come hail from local breweries and not the big ones you'd see everywhere. Bottlefork is giving love to the local boys who really need it, and I think that's something to really appreciate.
(4)
Tricia F.
Came for lunch and the food was decent but didn't meet high expectations I had developed after hearing great things from friends. The ambiance is great and what made me give 3 stars. The service, however, was not. Maybe our server was having a bad day but, for a not very crowded lunch service, she was inattentive, dismissive and a bit rude. Made it hard to enjoy the nice but only ok food.
(3)
Katherine M.
So the food here was pretty good but I have to say places like Girl & The Goat, Blackbird and Publican do this style of food better. Highlights: crispy Brussels sprouts and the grilled octopus and spam are phenomenal. The orecchiette is also damn spectacular so be sure to order these items. The braised pork belly and tots get honorable mentions but I feel like you could find them at any new american restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is like you stepped into a high-end backwoods cabin. It's busy but not too loud and the wait staff is attentive. They have an extensive drink list that includes some solid beer options. I'd say if you want a nice dinner out - this place not only have good food but it's easy to get into and might even save you a few bucks.
(3)
Lingyi P.
Came for weekday lunch with a friend. The food menu was limited to salads and sandwiches. Got the crisps and eggs, grilled beer chicken sandwich, and tots which were all ok but not great. I would give the food 3 stars, but the service was disappointing. We waited 40+ minutes for our entrees, which is an issue for lunch during the workday.
(2)
Hilary G.
This place is AMAZEBALLS. First off the drinks are out of this world. The cigars and brandy and the brasky everybody MUST try. My boyfriend and I went in there one sunday and tried nearly everything. Im pretty sure the staff was sure we wouldn't be able to walk out lol. Out waiter upsold us on everything and we couldn't have been happier. The food was a little heavy, but beeing from Texas its nothing we couldn't handle. We had tried almost every drink and the manager was bringing over one last cigar and brandy for us when we started talking to him about THE BILL BRASKY... My boyfriend was having two of his best friends coming in town the next weekend and was already vowing to bring them to bottlefork. I of course was jealous because I wasn't going to be there and wanted to be there for the debauchery (I live out of town). I mentioned how I wanted to be there to try the brasky with them and of course being the best restaurant around they brought one on the house just for us, and emailed us the receipe! The presentation of this and the cigars and brandy is as good as it gets for my bae (NO i dont seriously use this word) and I.
Came here for lunch and was seated right away. I ordered the fish sandwich which was delicious! Cod fish, a big one! Ordered a side of fries and they were yummy, although I wasn't too much of a fan of the aioli they had on it. Fries were fried perfectly, not too soggy. I enjoyed lunch here. It was my first time and and I definitely will be back. Loved the Kale side dish! Delicious. Thank you again!
(4)
Michael S.
Have been traveling to Chicago often lately for work and in the process of building my list of to go places. Bottlefork has now made the list. Had dinner there tonight, had their Monday night burger special with crispy bruseel sprouts. Burger was cooked perfect, cheedar cheese, arugla, pickled onions, slab of bacon (yum) with egg on top. Not the healthiest option but was delicious as were the fries that came with it. The crispy brussel sprouts were very good too. Bottlefork has a great selection on the menu with great ambience inside. Good place to eat alone. Evening was enjoyable and I see a return trip in the future.
(4)
Nicole L.
I was expecting something really great given Rockit and Sundas success, but honestly I was not impressed with this new restaurant. Went in at 830 on a Thursday night expecting a wait, but the hostess said just go to the bar and a table was getting up so they would seat us shortly. This was great news! However after 30 minutes of no word from the hostess we checked back in and she said she had given the table to someone else and it would be another hour. Without any notice! Very annoying. Additionally, when we sat at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get greeted and order a drink, and another 4 attempts just to get a water! Although the food was ok, it was very overpriced considering the poor service. I won't be coming back here.
(2)
Kurt W.
I have only been as happy as this at Peter Luger. Everything was amazing. The smoke of the day cocktail was wonderful. Chips, donut holes, tots and burger were ridiculous. Bacon was an experience. Waiter was excellent and described everything to a tee. Just hands down one of my favorites now for Chicago. Grown man's meal.
(5)
Jonathan C.
We came here for lunch. Overall the experience was good. The host was very nice (even though we were 20 mins late). He took us right to the table. The server was very detailed in his explanation of the food. He was also very knowledgeable with the ingredients, which is always a plus. We ordered two appetizers to share, the bag of crisps, in which they mix a poached egg to a bag of homemade potato crisps in front of you, and the tater tot. The chips was a bit too salty for my taste, but it was good. The tater tot was really good, perfect size and very flavorful without overpowering. I had the special, Spam (made in house) Banh Mi with Lobster Bisque. The Banh Mi was pretty good, although I would argue that the spam could be a bit bigger or need another piece, and it needs more daikon/carrot. It was good but not the best. The soup caught me off guard because it tastes more like an thai lobster curry soup than a "traditional" lobster bisque. Its not as creamy and thick. After a couple sips, it was actually pretty good. I do like it a lot, and it paired very well with the bahn mi. I would probably go back for another business lunch/dinner but probably not on my own. The food is good and definitely very intriguing, but when factored in the price, it a bit overpriced.
(3)
Danny W.
Somebody fill my glass with a Bill Brasky (35 dollar drink, only one per person) and sprinkle on a crushed up Xanax. If you don't have a panic attack before being seated at Bottlefork you'll absolutely love it. If you can't do close quarters and hefty wait times though, you may want to make plans somewhere else. The space is super narrow, crowded, and a lot of people linger after eating so it's tough for the restaurant to keep on it's reservation schedule. Can't blame them for being popular, but it's definitely an issue to be aware of. If you've got the patience it's most certainly worth the wait. Food is phenomenal and it's an excellent menu for sharing. I tried the Scotch Eggs, Crisps, Chorizo Stuffed Squid, Poutine, Tots, Cauliflower, and Gnocchi each was which was even more amazing than the previous dish. Cocktails are clever and pretty damn strong if you didn't quite gather that from the Brasky description. Service was on point and I've got to give them props for being able to maneuver so well in such close quarters. A little on the pricey side? Sure, but definitely worth every penny when you put the food experience into perspective. I'll definitely be back, but either really early or really late to try and avoid the daunting dinner rush. ,
(4)
Cody H.
This place lives and dies by experimenting with things. The Chips and Poached Egg App? Great. Stacking fried cod and chips (not fries) on a sandwich SOUNDS good but the practice is a soggy mess that did not really taste that good to begin with. Decent drink menu, but listing some bottles is not that hard. Their cocktails are try-hard and fail-sure. Except for the Bill Brasky... that is a man's cocktail. Skip it.
(2)
Madison L.
The bag of crisps and egg was very cool- more than just potato chips. Their bellinis are delicious and also their popcorn sweetbreads was also tasty. Their pork belly was delicious and I love the great service. Definitely crowded though, but with such a cool ambience - I expected this!
(4)
Venice Beach Dad K.
WTF?! This place has been good enough for me to return for a third time, and they've outdone themselves!! Whew... The brussel sprouts are top shelf; not that over salted mess you get at some of these other 'high end' gastropubs in Chicagoland I could chew on the wagyu jerky all day The creamed kale salad is worth fighting over ...and I'm not mad at the Tuna Crudo. It's fresh and fun (weird for a dude to admit) Put this place on your list, it's on par with The Publican. Thank you Chicago for providing proper gastropubs for wary travelers like me
(5)
Janet X.
I've been here once for brunch and once for dinner, and I will say that this place is good but way overpriced. There is nothing especially memorable but every time I walk away with a bill that's priced as if this was a celebratory meal. Definitely remember to check in and get the bag of crisps, which were good but nothing that I would have paid $5 for. The brussel sprouts and the French Toast also fall under the category of really delicious but should have been $2-3 less than their actual price. Avoid: the mussels (tiny, tiny). Service was hit or miss (okay during our brunch, really difficult during our busy dinner reservation). Their table configuration also makes it really hard to get in and out. Might not recommend for a cozy date as everybody near you could probably listen in on your conversation.
(3)
Ryan B.
From the moment my gf and I walked in we felt at home in Bottlefork. Our server Billy was incredible and ensured that we had an amazing time. The brisket hash was smokey, salty, savory and just a bit sweet. It blew me away. I cannot sell the red velvet doughnuts enough. They are not overly sweet, they are more buttery and savory with a slight sugar backbone. If you want sweet add the cream cheese... I didn't. The Bloody Mary...awesome. I enjoyed it quite a bit and hope to have many more before I depart this earth. The tiny pickled egg only enhanced the eggsperience... Sorry, I had too. Finally, the smoke of the day was outstanding ( thanks Billy) get that when you stop by!
(5)
C A.
Great food and great desserts. We've been 3 times and haven't found anything yet we didn't like yet. The Rich Man's Po' Boy is probably our favorite so far. Sitting at the Chef's counter is great if you like the interaction with the kitchen. Prices can be a little high, but comparable to other locations in that area of the city.
(4)
Leila T.
Not good at all!!!!! And the portions were so tiny! My boyfriend got the potato gnocchi and it was literally the smallest bowl with 10 gnocchi and some mushrooms and some mushroom sauce. Such a small portion! I got the flatbread which was okay but not worth $16. Another person we were with got the special which was squid ink pasta with lump crab meat but there was barely anyyyy crab at all. Just was not worth the $ due to small portions/not great taste.
(1)
Han C.
Fantastic food, friendly service and classy decor. Bottlefork came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed!
(5)
L S.
Delicious! Everything we ate was outstanding- we sat at the chefs bar/table so it was really fun to watch the kitchen buzz with all of those creative minds working in sync. Obviously it was packed- there was an insane wait (luckily we had reservations!) but sitting there in front of the chefs zone- we only really noticed that. Great seats if you can get them. We ordered the popcorn sweetbreads, bag of crisps and eggs (yum), tots, Rich Mans po' boy, grilled octopus and house made spam, and finally the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were really interesting and paired well with the cocktails. The cocktails btw were ridiculous- we started out with fine feathers, fine birds and twice armed (my favorite) which was great to pair with-- well, everything. But the drink that finished us was an actual "smoke" drink -brandy and cigars- that had this cutting board perfectly fit for this large glass which revealed a smoke cloud- infused liquor- very clever and entertaining presentation. But what we couldn't get over were the interiors. It was so warm and pretty. Really gorgeous. It all just worked and made for a really pleasant evening. Overall we had a great time. It was certainly a positive experience and if you are visiting from out of town (or local for that matter) I'd certainly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Chirag P.
Not sure where to start, but let's just say I'm a fan. Great food and great drinks. Always fun to do shared plates, since I can pig out without being judged. Check it out, they can make a lot of the non-veg options veggie, so that worked well with our group. Very friendly staff, small spot, so reservations are recommended.
(5)
Matt H.
4 stars for the food, which was much better than we expected on each of the 4 entrees our party ordered 4 stars for featuring local microbreweries: not a huge list with 8 on draft + 9 in bottles, but good enough 2 stars for the prices: $20 for an entree is expensive for a gastropub, though I suppose there are River North and Billy Dec trendiness premiums driving that up. Along those lines, I'd recommend skipping the $22 old fashioned. If you're paying basically double the normal price, I'd expect it to be exceptional. It tasted just average with what felt like a $4 per giant ice cube (seriously enormous) surcharge.
(3)
Christopher B.
One of my favorite dinner spots in Chicago. Love the environment; it's a great place for friends or coworkers. Follow them on Instagram - you'll instantly want to make a reservation.
(4)
Christine W.
Every bit of food I ate here was remarkable and full of flavor. The burger was amazing--they make a balsamic ketchup that is off the chart. The deviled eggs, the lobster po boy, the COCKTAILS--all exquisite. eat and drink here and your worldview will improve. Actually, the hostess was a little snobby but otherwise everything was great. Flawless food
(5)
Christopher S.
After all the stellar reviews here on Yelp I set expectations pretty high, maybe a little too high...the night we went we received good and hearty food. The service was fast but personally I don't get the hype...It wasn't anything spectacular or "amazing. Maybe we needed to order more drinks but simply put nothing we tried blew me away.
(4)
Stephanie N.
This place is amazing!!! The services is fantastic, the food inventive and superb, and the whole experience is a must. We cannot wait to go back!!! Try the craft cocktails and believe it or not sweetbreads!!!!
(5)
Sara T.
Amazing service, delicious, complex and boozy cocktails (so worth the price) and yummy plates. I will be going back!
(5)
Noah E.
Great place to check out. Smaller sized restaurant which makes it quaint. If you check in on help you get a free bag of potato chips. The food was good but a touch small for the downtown prices. I would go again with a group of friends
(4)
Christopher M.
There's a lot here to like, some to dislike, and some that's disappointing. What's to like? We LOVED the cocktails and wine. Fantastic selection and very well crafted. The lamb ribs were also fantastic, and the creamed kale was seriously awesome. I knocked off two stars for two reasons: one was for the Bag of Crisps and Egg. Sounds awesome ... potato chips and a poached egg. Damn, that's gotta be good, right? It wasn't. Very bland. The second star I knocked off because our shrimp dish came out raw. The waitress was very nice and apologized profusely, but I was surprised that nothing else was done. The manager never apologized, and we didn't get comped anything, be it a dish, drink, or dessert. I feel like if I dish gets that messed up something should be done. 101/365
(3)
Lucy C.
Did I really just drink a cocktail made with meat drippings? It was definitely received with mix reviews, but I liked it. Bottlefork is laid out like many other bar/resto/lounges-- long and narrow, dim lights, intimate setting. The staff is beyond amazing and the menu is imaginative. I especially liked the popcorn sweetbreads and the bacon burger with shoestring potatoes. Kudos to Rockit Ranch for turning out another fun spot!
(5)
Kate J.
Boyfriend had two Slaughterhouse Marys for $18 a piece. Yes, it was worth it. I tried it and they are truly the best bloody mary. He had the rich man's po-boy and he ate it in less than a minute. I had fresh orange juice and their blueberry compote skillet french toast. It comes in a small cast iron skillet and the server flips it over onto a slate cutting board. It's amazing. It's very rich and could be shared between two people. The side slab of bacon is insanely delicious. The staff is very friendly and attentive. We had a really nice brunch and will definitely be back.
(5)
Helen E.
So delicious. I can't recommend this place enough. My boyfriend went to a Michelin starred place earlier in the week and said this was way nicer. The crisps and egg is a must, and the gnocchi is out of this world. I'm nervous this place will get so popular I'll struggle to get a reservation!
(5)
Shuff M.
Lamb was pretty poor... tONS of mint. Service was ok at best. Atmosphere was not bad at all.
(2)
Michael C.
Very pretty and intimate place here at bottlefork. Came for the yelp elite event and had a sampling of some very tasty foods. The sliders here were phenomenal featuring bacon and crispy shoestring potatoes. They were full of flavor and had some really nice char-there was a lot of effort put into these. My other favorites were the popcorn sweet breads which were tasty finger snacks had a nice soft crunch like calimari. They had some really good baked breads with some unique fish spreads that included salmon and tuna. Service here was excellent- the host made sure that everyone was having a great time, but also asked for suggestions on how the food could be better. Cozy place with some unique food. I'll be sure to check this place out again.
(5)
Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute dinner spot on Saturday night to celebrate my graduation! We already had plans with friends in the river north area a little later, so we called up bottle fork to see how long their wait was going to be. Turns out they had a table for two and since we were in a cab they held it for us. Not only were we lucky grabbing the table but we also had an amazing server who was able to offer up recommendations for both drinks and entrees. I had the fried soft shell crab with grits and collard greens, their special for the evening and was absolutely melt in your mouth fantastic. I had Satan's Whiskers as my drink, a well balanced gin cocktail. My boyfriend had the Orecchiette Pasta with chicken sausage that they make in house. Excellent with a little kick as well. Some say that the prices are a little high for the portion size, but I think the flavor and the fact their ingredients are locally sourced make up for it. We actually enjoyed the fact our portion sizes weren't huge, we left satisfied without feeling weighed down and were able to enjoy the rest of our evening celebrating!
(5)
Melissa G.
I went to Bottlefork for brunch this past weekend and was blown away by how fantastic their food was. The service was prompt and professional. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the food and brunch cocktail menus. She even helped us to discretely identify the dishes at neighboring tables that we were coveting! Haha Everything was delicious! If you go for brunch, I highly recommend both the breakfast sope and the cast iron skillet baked French toast. Both were cooked to perfection and sizes were perfect for sharing. I'm definitely looking forward to visiting during dinner hours to see what other glorious foods await!!
(5)
Shayna Y.
Design of the place is beautiful, but table layout is awful. They have long tables that you'd be lucky to hear the person on the opposite side. We got lamb ribs and squid stuffed spicy chorizo. The lamb ribs were flavorful and fall of the bone tender, but really fatty. The squid stuffed spicy chorizo was flavorless. Even the sauce was boring Go here for drinks, not food.
(2)
Margaret H.
This place needs an identity. I was very confused by the menu and what direction it was trying to go in. Are you more of a drink place with some snacks or are you trying to make it a culinary experience? The atmosphere: This place is tiny, so make sure you have a reservation. The tables are extremely close together, so you feel like you're on top of everyone else around you. The service: Needs to be stepped up a notch. The waiters should know their menu better, as recommendations did not come easily, and the awkward "tricks" for presentation purposes could be done away with. I would say the service at Sunda is by far the best of the Billy Dec restaurants. Hopefully this will improve with time, as it is new. The food: I was not overly impressed by the food, which was my main reason for coming here. We ordered a modpodge of food to try a bit of it all. We kept it within the small plates bc that seemed more reasonable than the heavy entree options. -The parma proscuitto - Nothing specatcular. -Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Awkward presentation of dropping a poached egg into a bag of potato chips and shaking it up. The egg yolk made the chips a bit bland and over time, soggy. -Popcorn Sweetbreads - The sauce was delicious, but the sweetbread itself was a strange texture, seemed a bit undercooked. -Wild Mushroom Gnocchi - This was the 2nd best dish we had. Very flavorful and I'm not a huge fan of gnocchi. -Spinach and Artichoke Dip Oysters - These were the best! Reminded me a chargrilled oysters from NOLA, but the spinach and artichoke dip on top gave it a nice twist.
(3)
Sreerupa B.
Food was too salty. We had the egg+chips, tuna crudo, gnocchi and beef cheeks poutine.
(3)
Elizabeth S.
Delicious food! The mimosa was good but nothing special about it. Highly recommend the chips and poached egg dish. Make sure you enjoy Irish food before booking!
(4)
Stephan D.
My friends and I came here for brunch. One of my friend had the lobster roll. A bit pricy but one byte and u will fall in love. I had the fish and chip I never had fish and chip like this before and it was delicious. Oh btw I'm canadian (and a vegetarian) we had the poutine without the sauce (it has beef in it) and even without the gravy the fries and curds were so good. Anyways it's very clear whatever u try on the menu u won't be disappointed. A good place to bring a date as it's fairly quiet and has nice booths.
(5)
Kee V.
Run Tell Dat!! IMO, Bottlefork is the best new restaurant of 2014 so far. You will disagree with me if you visit wanting something quiet and intimate but the service and food were, without question, 5 stars!! This is a Rockit Ranch Production so I knew it was going to be somewhat loud but the noise level was surprisingly bearable. The energy level was sky high with everyone in the place eating, smiling, drinking, laughing and the controlled chaos in the small, open kitchen with chef Kevin Hickey in total command. My friends and I had to wait a little longer than our reservation time because so many tables were enjoying themselves but the hostess did such a great job keeping tabs on us. When we had to wait over 30 minutes past our rsvp, she apologized and offered us a round of drinks on the house. Cocktails are on the expensive side but strong and expertly made. Too bad I can't remember what cocktails I ordered... Food we ordered: -Salumi (all 3): The Nduja was my favorite of the three. The accompanying mustard was good the and housemade giardiniera was lightly pickled with crisp veggies. Perfect starter to whet the appetite. -In a Jar (ordered 3): 1. Tuna crudo (the least favorite dish of the night) could have used something extra. It was a little bland 2.Chicken liver & foie mousse was very airy and smooth and came with a layer of jelly on top that provided a good counterpoint to the rich foie. 3. Smoked salmon was great with the flavors mimicking an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. Capers would have made it perfect for me. -Snacks: Popcorn sweetbreads were awesome! Light batter, expertly fried. I always tell people who are scared of sweetbreads that they taste like delicious chicken mcnuggets. If someone says they will never eat sweetbreads, order these and it will change their stance. Also ordered the Scotch quail eggs. It was ok. Not bad by any means but the other dishes were stronger. -Shareable: Poutine was good but flavors were a little muddled. After recently having multiple versions of poutine in Montreal, my standards are pretty high. The fries were great but I thought the gravy was slightly too thick. Get the smoked lamb ribs! So. good. That's all I have to say about that. -Knife and Fork: Rotisserie chicken was juicy and the skin was crispy and perfectly salty. The brussels sprouts could have roasted a little longer but that a minor quibble. Ham Butt steak is a must order. Forget whatever you think about ham and get it. -Roots & Vegetables: Parsnips were incredible. Make sure you get to the bottom of the dish to get at the caramelized honey. The tots and cheese sauce were great too but don't order expecting Or-Ida tots. They were more like giant home fries. Whatever Rockit Ranch gave Kevin Hickey to come onboard, it was well worth it! Just go and have fun!
(5)
Mikey J.
We stumbled upon a Bottlefork tonight on a trip from Phoenix, and were so excited to get out of the cold. We didn't anticipate that it would be so awesome! The food, served up by Chef Eric Lopez was phenomenal- the bag of crisps was fun and super unique, and the honey Ricotta special was just the right blend of savory and sweet. The burger absolutely deserves the reputation of one of the best in the state. The service was over the top as well! Eddie Cruz took great care of us! He was extremely attentive and offered thoughtful and honest feedback on the menu items. We will most definitely back! Ps- Eddie should have a business card.
(5)
Shaina K.
While Bottlefork is a small space, the tables do not feel too over crowded. I think that the decor is absolutely beautiful. I have to say that out of everything I've tried, the burger is my favorite. I love that it has ground up bacon in it. It was perfectly cooked, and while it is a bit spendy, I think it's worth it. The only thing that I'm not a huge fan of is their drink called "Smoke of the Day." It's a little bit too much for me. I am impressed with the process, and the dedication to make a drink with their weekend meat drippings, infused in to the alcohol. It's different every time, so maybe I will like it the next time I try it. The prices are a little high, but the quality is fantastic. This place is great!
(4)
Catherine C.
This was an amazing place all around. The atmosphere, food, and staff. A friend and I went for dessert and had the pretzel, caramel, fudge, and stout sundae. It was so good we came back the next day for dinner and the same dessert. The food was equally as good as dessert. Any time I go into the city I will go here.
(5)
Galina M.
Service is meeeeeh. The place is cute - very different from Dragon Ranch. The place is buzzy and packed, even on weekdays. We sat at the bar but didn't order drinks because it was late and we had an early morning. The bartender was really disinterested in us once he found out we weren't ordering drinks and barely took our order. Then another bartender took over and he was much better, but still. I wasn't super impressed. We got the chips, they were OK...very greasy. We also got a couple of other appetizers - weren't impressed altogether but the environment is very cool! I'd only go back for drinks if anything.
(3)
S C.
I had a reservation for Tuesday night at 6PM. When I arrived the place was pretty full and I got a crappy table across from the hostess stand. It was tight quarters! I had to squeeze into the seat and I was too close to the next table, I did like the vibe and the music was fun. The food was excellent. We shared the Mediterranean salad, Scotch quail eggs, Lamb ribs and Poutine. All delicious and the right amount of food, I asked our waitress to space out our food. She did not. They actually gave two of our dishes to the table next to us, and when they said it was not theirs, we claimed it. Our waitress did not come by to apologize, which surprised me. At the end of the meal, she brought us the dessert menu, and asked us twice what we wanted . It was obviously time for us to go.. I really liked the food, and want to come back and try more things. I really hope to get a better table.
(3)
Tamara F.
I absolutely loved this place! It was amazing. From the (eccentric) warm egg yolk potato chips (shaken, not stirred) as a pre-appetizer to the very good scotch craft cocktails (our server was fantastic with her recommendations, I forgot her name, but she was a doppleganger for Mindy Kaling). The decor reminds me of a David Lynch ski lodge, minus Willem DaFoe. It was cozy and crowded, but in a friendly and fun way. I had a fantastic evening here and will look forward to doing so again!
(5)
Allan C.
The food is really good, especially the sweetbread popcorn and the roast chicken. However, with a 9:15pm reservation we weren't seated until 10pm and there wasn't anything in apologies for it. We ordered our food before we were seated and I was pretty sure the kitchen was just about done making our food before we were seated as well. That really sucked. So yeah I probably won't come here again unless someone else really wants to go but I have to admit that the food is really good.
(3)
Lissy T.
I came here late with my boyfriend, about 30 minutes before closing. It was a Friday night and we got hungry after walking around in the area. The hostess and waitress were super nice and friendly. We ordered the Bag of Crisps, Egg (yum!!)-- the waitress brings out the vinegar chips in a brown bag, drops the poached egg in there, and shakes it up. Wait, what? Weird. But SO GOOD. We were able to get a free order with a check-in, and that was probably the only way I was going to try it anyways because I am not really the adventurous type & it didn't seem appealing to me on the menu (umm sorry for the run-on sentence? lol). But it's good and I would definitely order it again. Together we got the Grilled Wagyu Skirt Steak and the Wild Mushroom Gnocci. There is NOT a lot of steak, so be forewarned. I guess I imagined it as...a big steak. LOL. If you're hungry, you're going to want to order some more in addition to it. It's really good though. The mushroom gnocci was pretty good, although I'm not sure I would order it again the next time around. The drinks, however, are awesome. Lots of specialty cocktails here and I would love to try more. For dessert, we got the Hot & Gooey dessert of the day, which was a chocolate brownie brulee, served in a hot pan, and with icecream in a glass. WOW. It was so so good. MMmmm...
(4)
Johnny T.
Stick a greasy fork in it. Soo disappointed. Friends gave rave reviews. Scrambles eqqs with super thick fatty bacon were greasy. Day after thanksgiving turkey sandwich was great but the bread was too greasy. I wish I would have picked the sandwich apart and left all the bread. The donut holes and sauces: carmel glaze and orange infused frosting. Yummy. Took it home. Maybe they were better on a different day or we should have ordered something else. : (
(2)
Andy W.
Nice atmosphere. My friends and I were looking for a place to go in the area for a couple drinks and to chill. I t was really nice to be able to walk in around 11:30 and not only get a table we could all sit around, but also get drinks and food. We opted for a dessert treat and the sundaes were to die for. Weird ideas but they really worked. It was delicious. The music wasn't too loud and the food smelled so good. I can't wait to go back and try more of the food. The only reason it didn't get five stars, was that the service was a bit slow. We all had wine and it still took about 15 minutes for us to get our drinks. That, however, is the only complaint I had.
(4)
Laurence K.
In the Rockit Ranch group, I have only been to Sunda ,which I thought was good. So I didn't know what to expect with Bottlefork . The decor is a little Urban Earthy / Speakeasy pretty cool . Our Bartender/ Server Nicole was great she was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food wise I was glad to see Kevin Hickey as a partner , meaning the food should be quite good. And I was correct, we started off with pretty much everything on the Cured, Smoked and Raw part of the menu. Fermin Black Hoof Ham Defiantly my favorite and the Bent River Camembert cheese wise was excellent. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracking were awesome along with the steak tartare and the chicken liver Foie. Tasty! The wood Frilled Hanger was very good especially with the smoked onion and parsley via eager sauce. And the Bag of Crisp+ Eggs really addictive ! Drink wise Big Salty Tears and definitely the Bill Brasky were the stand outs. The Wine list has a great selection and had a lot of thought put into it. Beer list the same really great selection my favorite was the Root Cellar Rye Amber which is a collaboration with Begyle brewery and Bottlefork Dessert , The Brandy Alexander and the cheesecake which is served warm almost gooey with an amazing Huckleberry sauce on top really really good! Bottlefork is really good and you should definitely try it out you won't be disappointed I will be back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Stephanie H.
I ate here last Friday and really enjoyed my experience. We had a reservation for two, and just had to wait a few minutes for our table. Our server was Gus and he was really great and funny. He really helped make the dining experience fun and entertaining. We ended up getting seated at the chef's table, which was a really awesome experience too. Executive chef Kevin Hickey was there, so it was cool interacting with him. To start, we ordered the chicken liver & fois gras mousse. It was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again for $18. I happened to be on the Yelp app to help me decide what to order, and you actually get a "bag" of crisps + eggs if you check in! Definitely recommend. We also got the "popcorn" sweetbreads for an appetizer since it was so hyped up about -- also tasty. For our entrees, we shared the clam and Portuguese sausage flatbread. It's definitely got a fishy taste to it, but it as good. We also ordered the fresh cavatelli pasta, which was so so good. The broth at the bottom was very rich. At the end of our meal, one of the chefs also gave us a new octopus entree with brussel sprout kimchi and homemade spam they're adding to the menu. At this point I was extremely full, but it was really delicious. For dessert, we ordered the pretzel caramel + chocolate fudge + buffalo sweat stout sundae. I'm not a huge fan of beer, so the foamy/gelatin stout on top wasn't my favorite, but the sundae was great. Overall, I would definitely give this place a go. It can get a little pricey, but I'd definitely go hungry!
(4)
Eric L.
Yum!! This place is great - great food, great decor, eclectic menu - really enjoyed the dining experience here. I do think the prices are a bit on the "high end" but not outrageous and at least the quality and portion size are both good. So not saying it's not worth it, but just something to consider. Their signature appetizer (Chips with Egg) was presented well and we both enjoyed it. Not sure if it's finger food or fork food but it was delicious either way :) Everything was very flavorful and there's plenty of it. A great place to share entrees as well as the apps. Was there for lunch and will definitely want to go back and try dinner. Looked like a nice outdoor seating area as well but it was a little too chilly for that when we were there.
(4)
Mihir P.
The restaurant smelled amazing as we walked in. Once we were sat, we ordered the delicious crisps & eggs and deviled eggs. I recommend the first but the latter wasn't anything special. Our waitress was knowledgeable and sweet. Our drinks very refreshing. I was expecting a lot more from the food.... The skirt steak was delicious but it was $29 for 6 measly slices. The chicken was super bland. We had one of the sundaes and it was tasty. I still think Dragon Ranch was far better than Bottlefork.
(3)
Cara Y.
Huge fan of Bottlefork! A+ on ambiance, service, food, presentation, and taste. The menu was different and exciting, and although we had to ask our waiter to explain what each dish "Actually" was, it wasn't as bad as some of these other trendy and foodie restaurants. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars was because it took a WHILE to get our drinks, like, a long time. Also, a friend ordered shots, which ended up to come to $22 a shot- which is absolutely ridiculous. It would have been nice if the waiter mentioned this upon ordering, but maybe that was his fault. Only dish that didn't taste great? Kale salad. It was VERY smokey, but if you're into that, go for it. The gnocchi, chips, sundae, to name a few, were all superb. Will definitely be going back, but I've learned my lesson-- no shots, just more food.
(4)
Cara M.
Bottlefork is a must! My roommate and I tried to sit at the bar at a few other places in the area and ended up here, we got lucky finding two spots at the bar. One of the managers, Nick was such a sweetheart, helped us find the spot at the bar and checked in on us every once in a while to ask how our cocktails are and how the food was. The bartenders were all very attentive to our needs and left us alone when it was necessary. Eddie and Nick (servers) were super sweet and helped us navigate the menu, major props to Eddie who told us all about the popular items on the menu and in the end helped us figure out what we wanted to eat. For cocktails -I had the Little Miss Dynamite (love) and my roommate had No Tea, No Shade, I also tried Big Salty Tears. Food wise Eddie had us at "bacon burger" when he told us about the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, we had it with fries and their homemade ketchup. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. They also have industry night Wednesdays for all you industry people! This place is a must, definitely ask for Eddie or Nick if you're sitting down for dinner! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kim B.
This was a great, great meal. Where to start? The special pumpkin Wild Turkey cocktail was so good. And I don't care for WT. The Yelp Chips/Egg were so good even if not free. We has the burger, tots, French toast and bacon. All of it was outstanding! Amazing burger and the French toast could have been dessert (didn't like the bourbon syrup though). Eddie provided great service and took care of the one problem we had. Will be back!
(5)
Mike D.
Potato chips for breakfast?!?!?! Trip to Chicago to visit family had been an opportunity to experience new flavors that have incredible!!! Our breakfast started off with chips and eggs! So they take potato chips, add malt vinegar powder then toss a perfectly poached egg in a bag. After some shaking U have yourself a wonderful appetizer!!! The flavors worked very nicely together and was very enjoyable. For our main dishes we all shared the Greek omelet, corned beef brisket hash and the cast iron baked French toast. All three were a home run!!! The Greek omelet had a very nice presentation and was cooked to perfection. Their tsatziki sauce on top was fantastic and was the icing on the omelet. The cast iron baked French toast was winner as well. A nice combination of soft and crunchy. The blueberry topping was delicious! The corn beef brisket hash was fantastic and the best corn beef hash I ever had! The combination of the hallandasie sauce, poached egg and Russian dressing was absolutely fantastic!! Enjoyed the meal very much. Good service and an easy location to walk to from the loop. Give it a shot for breakfast. I'm sure lunch and dinner are great as well
(5)
Karen D.
Bottlefork is located right on Hubbard next to Bub City (and what a contrast it is to Bub City). The cocktails and the wine selection here are amazing. My friend and I came here just to catch up. We asked for a wine bottle recommendation, and the manager came out and told us the story of how he chose the wines to be on the menu. He was extremely knowledgeable of where and how the wines were created...I almost felt as if I was at some sort of wine tasting class. We also ordered the Charcuterie Platter, which was AMAZING! The bread was served warm and soft on the inside/crunchy on the outside. The sausage was like a spread and the cheese selections were perfect (goats milk being one of them). They served their homemade beer mustard and dried fruit mix. I highly recommend ordering the platter - we loved it and ended up sitting, drinking, and nibbling on that for almost 2 hours.
Wow, just an amazing, unique experience with fantastic food. Get the popcorn in the bag thing they do--that is worth it, you may even want to make it a meal!
(5)
Emily M.
Five stars for service Four stars for atmosphere and cocktails Three for cuisine Our server was very friendly and informative about ingredients, etc. She helped make the whole experience here really pleasant, even if we weren't blown away by the food. The bartender too was talented, and there are plenty of interesting cocktails and well curated beers and wines to enjoy while taking in the lively scene. The food menu is playfully written and well thought out but the executions aren't super impressive. I didn't love the burger. The grilled bun was great and the bacon added a nice smokiness but that's all I could taste. No real beef flavor. Nor much blue cheese flavor. Go for blue cheese or special sauce, not both. Fries were fine, but house made ketchup was just meh. As was the flavorless pickle. Points for the in-house effort but sometimes store-bought is just better. Chips and egg in a bag was fun. I liked the novelty of seeing it made table-side by a gentleman in a great suit, but the mess that came out wasn't super appetizing. Piggy jerky was cute, served in a little piggy dish, and it was tasty--a nice snack to have with drinks. My husband liked the pork belly. He said I might not like it because it was fatty, but the carefully selected non-fatty bite he gave me was good. Nice cilantro. He also loved the honeyed parsnips he got on the side (although they were a little sweet for me). Sweet/salty pretzel caramel sundae was pretty good although the weird gelatinous beer foam whipped cream at the top was a bit of a turn-off. The cappuccino at the next table looked inviting. As did the organic salmon getting delivered to someone else. Maybe I should have gotten that.
(4)
Liz S.
Finally got in to Bottlefork this weekend. I rarely give three star reviews, especially when service is good and none of the dishes are bad, but I really felt like the pricing here is way off. Meats and cheeses were nearly $10 per selection ($12 for prosciutto). That is way too much in my opinion, especially when restaurants a few blocks away are charging $6-$7 per selection (and for the same thing). The salads were also overpriced in the $13-$15 range for non-entree portions. There just seemed to be no rhyme or reason to this pricing. We all know that we should be spending money when eating in River North, but this is just excessive. In terms of the food, we had the crisp and egg (fun to try once), the liver mousse (delicious but needs to be served with appropriate amounts of bread), the winter beet salad (very good), the beef cheek poutine (good but super heavy), and the ham butt steak (yummy--this is more like a pork belly).
(3)
Kate Z.
Bottlefork, you are awesome. I've gone for a few work lunches and love everything I've tried. It swings towards the heavier, greasier side of things but that isn't necessarily a problem. They also cooked up some amazing brussel sprouts (this coming from someone who normally hates them). Service and decor are great too. It seems like they have some nice drink specials but haven't been able to swing by for happy hour or dinner yet.
(4)
Karl Y.
Everything about this place is perfect. Just the right portions, the presentation and the quality of the food and taste. Perfectly executed. Had the bacon burger which tasted steamed and seared which is a great way to have one if you've never had it. Very juicy. The rich mans poboy was awesome as well as the potato chips with the poached egg. I could seriously eat those all day. I will definitley be back and I hope you all try it at least once!
(5)
Tracy F.
Excellent service, great food. I loved our waitress. She was friendly and had great recommendations. The food was great, though there were a couple things I would change: Appetizers: Brussels sprouts and beef jerky. The jerky was one of my favorite dishes! So unique! However, the paper at the bottom of the serving dishes was horribly oily once we finished both plates. It's not appetizing to see how much oil you're eating. Entrees: Rich Man Po' Boy. This sandwich was great! However, neither my husband nor I could taste the fois gras. That's part of what makes this dish so unique, and I'm sure adds to the cost, so it should definitely be more pronounced. Couldn't taste it at all. Roast Suckling Pig Pizza: Very good, but again, couldn't taste the pig. It could have just as easily been chicken in the pizza. Allowing the pig flavor to come through would help distinguish the dish. Dessert: Salted caramel pretzel sundae. Amazing!! I'd definitely visit this restaurant again.
(4)
Michael M.
Three.Five. Went there for brunch w gf and friend from law school. It's a very trendy atmosphere. The food was good. We got the free bag of crisps (thank you yelp). Note, the delicious looking fries are the poutine. We started w blood Mary's. They were very good; served w a quail egg. I had the burger - really f'n good. Jane had sopa - delicious with excellent guacamole. LC had French toast served in iron pot. It looked better in the pot before the server insisted on flipping it over and spilling French toast juice all over the table. Overall a good if expensive brunch.
(3)
Jose V.
This would be a superb gastropub, it has amazing decor, and hip vibe to it. However, I've been here a couple of times for brunch and the service has been slow and disorganized, you have to be on top of your server in order to get your drinks and basics, such as silverware etc. As far as the food, everything I tried has been great and unique. Its on the pricier side and portions sizes just enough, borderline small. So far my favorite has been the sope. I'll probably still come back, but if you are looking for value, there are better choices in the area.
(3)
Romana Y.
Grilled Wagyu skirt steak: The steak was slightly tough, while the onion/parsley/vinegar sauce wasn't the best paired with the meat. I was disappointed the most with this plate. Wagyu meat should never be a disappointment. Mushroom Gnocchi: The gnocchi, brussels "kraut" sauce were perfectly paired together. The sauce was very flavorful, so much that we requested bread to pair with it (unfortunately, they"have no bread."). What restaurant doesn't have bread to offer?! Tots: Pimento cheese perfectly drizzled over hot, flavorful tots. Yum. Intelligentsia coffee... YES! We sat outdoors, where communal tables allow for space. The crowd is semi-casual, fun, and relatively young.
(3)
P K.
A must go to for brunch. Amazing cocktails, fast service, and the BEST chicken sandwich I've ever had.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
We went here to celebrate my boyfriend. The food was delicious. The surroundings were intimate and energetic. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Dan O.
Good stuff. Went for lunch. The malt vinegar crisps were pretty awesome and a fun presentation. The Poutine is a must in my opinion. Had the bacon burger and enjoyed it, but not blown away. Brussel sprouts were on point. I would recommend and I'm sure I will find my way back again.
(4)
Rachel A.
Bottlefork is great - the knowledgeable (and personable bartenders) have a knack for libations and know their liquor profiles. While getting a table is generally tough... Noshing at the bar with your cocktail of choice is way more approachable. The Baysic and season egg white drinks, Brussels sprouts, burger and po boy are top notch.
(5)
Alfasha Z.
This.place.is .amazing! I can't rave enough about it, there's just simply nothing bad to say. Let's start with the general things. Our waiter Nick is simply fabulous and the nicest guy ever, if you come here you should definitely seek him out and ask if you can be seated in his section - you won't regret it (seriously, he tried to get us deals by having us check into yelp). The restaurant itself is cute and very trendy, location was great. Bottlefork is affiliated with the Underground Club (also affiliated with Sunda), so after dinner, the very nice general manager, Jason, walked us over to the Underground to get us in as VIP guests - how do you beat that, that's some amazing customer service! Now let's talk about the food. Everything we tried was ridiculous. We tried several things from the Shareable section since we wanted to taste everything. Definitely try the following items: 1. The octopus - ZOMG it's made with kimchee sauce! 2. The mussels - which came in some sort of bacon sauce, so take all the mussels out and dunk the fries in the sauce, you'll feel really guilty about it but just try it, you only live once! 3. The braised beef cheeks - super tender meat, came on top of a bed of fries (could've done without more fries though) 4. Manila clams and Portuguese sausage flatbread - this one was ok, should've doubled up on the octopus 5. After all the carbs we thought we should have the salad so we got the warm spring potato salad - drenched in pesto sauce, it could've been less sauce-ey more green-ey but still very very good We also got the bag of crisps and egg like everybody on here recommended (definitely try it) and the Camembert cheese, which is nothing unusual. Oh, and the sweetbread, which was recommended, but only because it was supposed to be a mild rendition (I still wouldn't necessarily pick it again though). All in all, the dishes are decently priced - having been to many restaurants in the city I was expecting it to be pricey but the Shareables were the perfect portion for a group of girls who want to try a bunch of things from the menu and when we got the bill, we were pleasantly surprised. Great place, definitely check it out, and to think it's only been around for 6 or 7 weeks, I can see this place doing well. Bon appetit!
(5)
Frances H.
I would say the drinks were much more impressive than the food. I went with a group and we ordered a bit of everything from the menu (for 5 people we got 5 dishes). We all shared the food and left not full but not hungry. The drinks on the other hand, were quite intriguing. The waiter after bringing us our drinks challenged us to name an ingredient in one of the special drinks and it would then be on the house (there were no specific ingredients listed in the drink description...we ordered it based on this mystery). None of us could guess anything, but apparently the drink also contained liquor that was infused with meat drippings...Yes, that is correct. Now before you get grossed out, there was no meat flavor that was detectable, but there was a slight savory/smoky flavor that was quite intriguing. I would be ok with returning, but not a must.
(3)
Bret B.
Sat at the chef's bar and was welcomed by Katie who explained in perfect detail the highlights of the food she was preparing. Got an excellent whiskey drink recommendation - smoke of the day. Paired with the Wagyu Beef Jerky (so. tender.). Orecchiette Pasta for the main course - the crunchy breadcrumbs really make it special. Entire staff is noticeably professional - from the entrance to my table to the kitchen. Will be back with friends next time I'm in Chicago.
(5)
Andy R.
Great service, I've been and it's good for lunch brunch or dinner. Also well done cocktails and great beer selection.
(5)
Deidra G.
The food was fantastic! The chips and egg was SO good, as were the lobster roll and the gnocchi. Best of all though, was the hospitality and expertise of Eric Lopez!
(5)
Sarah W.
I've only been here for drinks. Great bourbon selection. Very knowledgeable bar tenders. Matt took great care of us! Definitely recommend!
(5)
#NAME?
Had reservations on Friday night, not sure what to expect in terms of the environment but once we walked in I knew...LOUD- I was so hoping and crossing my fingers to be seated outside, yet we were brought to a table across from the bar that had super loud people on both sides of us- I tried to deal with it and ordered a drink and we shared 3 items: -the jerky -tots- -gnocchi Waitress was nice and food didn't take forever, yet we didn't order anything that would take a long time- We just wanted to eat and leave, it was way too loud-I'm not some old person either, just couldn't talk about how the day was without saying "WHAT?" the whole time- I think the price was decent for what we ordered, but would I go back, probably not-Hated the seating and having to hear what the people on the left and right of me was yelling wasn't cool-
(3)
Gustavo L.
I cannot really understand why other people liked this place. I went with my gf and some friends. We ordered 2 plates and a bottle of wine to share. Everything was overcharged and not enough for 1 person. My gf ordered a gnocchi that was good, but nothing that I could not do at home. I ordered a chicken, and that I guarantee I can make better. They charged us 17$ for some fries with an egg. Really? I rather pay 1$ McDonalds fries. In general it was very disappointing, ~100$ to eat and get out hungry. I would not go to this place again, first because I am afraid of not liking again. Second, I am sure I can eat better for less.
(1)
Kristin H.
We had a reservation at 9:15, didn't get seated until 9:50pm, they kept saying we would get the next table. After waiting for 35 minutes they actually seated us at the bar, not even a table. After that, I would have expected at least an appetizer or a couple of drinks on the house. The best thing we had were the brussel sprouts, they were delicious because they put them through the deep fat frier. I ordered the Wagyu steak ($29 not cheap) which was only 4 small pieces of thinly sliced steak that came out cold more like steak carpaccio with a few small pieces on onion. The dish was less food than one would expect from a $10 appetizer. The potato gnocci was ok, nothing special. With all of the other restaurants in Chicago to explore, I wouldn't put this one the list to return to.
(2)
Sydney T.
I absolutely loved this place. I went here to catch up with a good girlfriend of mine from out of town. The place is tiny so unfortunately the bar was full when I arrived early but it wasn't that big of an issue. We were seated right when my reservation time arrived. Very prompt and no issues. It took us a while to decide on the drink (we went with half a carafe of white wine) which was perfect for the two of us. I'm not a fan of white wine in general but it wasn't bad. I order the porkbelly and she had to gnocchi. The pork was fantastic! Melted in my mouth. Can't speak to the gnocchi but she seemed to enjoy it as well. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Geoffery H.
I always like this place! Great service and food. I had the chicken dinner it was absolutely wonderful, very juicy! I ate the gooey pumpkin cheesecake plate. It was very delicious but I recommend you share because I couldn't finish it.
(5)
Zachary W.
Great food even better service. I got the signature drink the Bill Brasky a mix of bourbons and mixers it tasted like cough syrup and perfume. That being said avoid that drink and it is and awesome place to eat.
(4)
Patrick F.
We kind of stumbled into Bottlefork but very glad we did. An eclectic menu of small,shareable plates and "big" plates. For starters we had to go with the malt vinegar potato crisps with poached egg. I'm not a real potato chip fan but this was amazing. Other favorites were the grilled octopus and spam with kimchee, potine, and Mediterranean salad. Excellent food and attentive, friendly and helpful service. Gotta go back.
(5)
Shradha A.
Very okay selection of beers, server could not care less, hostess was not friendly and offered us the table in the back when the restaurant was empty. Gnocchi was decent but overall an average Rockit experience.
(3)
Ryan B.
Awesome creativity and a very advanced, yet simple, menu. Couple of the items were a little oily, but I wouldn't stop going here for that. Great decor and overall a very inviting place with good food.
(3)
Christine W.
Came for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding, almost a bit overboard. The free chips are a nice touch and interesting. The Bloody Mary's were just okay. Certainly not the best I have ever had, and I know my Bloody Mary's. The burger was very good. A bit on the small side for the price ($16 with no sides). The poutine was just okay. Not anything I would order again. All in all, I just didn't think it was worth the price we paid.
(3)
Stacy K.
Great service and excellent food! Make sure to check in on Yelp so that you can get a free order of their crisps and eggs! This was a lightly poached egg that was vigorously and impressively shaken (...helloooo muscles!) by our awesomely cool server, Nick, in a brown paper bag that was filled with their house-made salt and vinegar chips. The end result was these crispy flakes of salty potato goodness that was lightly covered in this eggy buttery sauce. For my drink, I ordered the smoke of the day, which was unique and wonderful! Their special for the smoke of the day changes every day, but Nick explained the process of how they infuse the alcohol with their drippings and then drain this carefully so that the end result is a cocktail that is delicious, light, but still retains that smokey flavor. My table also ordered the bacon kobe burger (voted one of the best in Chicago), the lobster roll (also voted one of the best in the country), the popcorn sweetbreads, and the roasted brussel sprouts. The sweetbreads were a bit too heavy and rich for me (especially once I found out what sweetbreads actually are...), but I would highly recommend getting the burger and sprouts!
(4)
Irem M.
This place is open late night and a good place to meet for drinks. Food options are on the heavier side, but very tasty nonetheless. We tried the deviled eggs, grilled octopus and seared scallops. Their drinks are better than the food so consider going there before or after dinner downtown.
(4)
Jonathan C.
I was told for a while that I need to try Bottlefork, and I finally got a chance to drop by. The menu is simple to follow but the options are wonderfully complex- made me wish I could order more than I was able to. The bag of crisps & egg is a must have- simply delicious. The drink menu is also very impressive. Ordered a smoked cocktail and a few locally brewed beers- all very tasty. The food was served in a timely manner (not rushed) and was presented nicely. The entrees were rich and blasting with complex flavors. Overall, a great spot in a fun area, service was excellent and food/drinks were great.
(5)
M J.
The empower has no clothes. Here's a list of perfectly average food: Mediterranean salad Bag of crisps and egg Popcorn sweetbreads Pig Flatbread Rotisserie chicken Bacon burger "Trendy" does not equal "Good".
(3)
Tony R.
Cool atmosphere, great craft drinks, bloody mary is awesome and the kitchen is open so you can smell everything which is a treat. Definitely coming back for dinner
(5)
Monica B.
Very disappointed with Bottlefork. I made reservations through open table to celebrate my boyfriend's last day of law school. Upon arrival the hosts were cold and not friendly. We had to stand and wait for 15 minutes and the hosts did not offer to check our coats or apologize for the fact that they were seating us over 15 miniutes late. When I approached the counter for the 3rd time to check on our reservation all she said was "yep". In regard to the food we ordered the gnocchi and the cavatelli pasta. The gnocchi was good, small portion but that was expected as it was one of the shared plates. The cavatelli was not good at all, it had an off/bitter taste and was actually the same size as the gnocchi but was not under the shared plates. We also got the "eggs and chips" starter for free with the yelp check in which I really liked and found creative, that was probably my favorite dish of the night actually. They shake a poached egg in a brown bag of chips at your table, very unique. In regard to the beverages. We ordered 2 cocktails but I can not remember the names, they were good (a little sweet though). I do have note that it took forever to get our drinks and the starter. Now to get back to the service. Our waitress was very nice but she probably came to our table a total of 3 times. It was like pulling teeth to ask a question or get service. Lastly, I was extremely disappointed because I requested a special surprise through the open table reservation in the comments section for my boyfriends graduation, they did nothing... I have requested surprises at other nice restaurants in river north through open table and they always come through. This time absolutely nothing. Even if they could not do something they could have still told me so I could have thought of a plan b. Overall, we had really high expectations and were very disappointed. I wish I could have better things to say but feel completely ripped off for such an expensive meal.
(2)
Carolyn L.
So this bacon burger is now a solid part of my dreams every night. There's blue cheese, shredded fried onions, and a special sauce that make it OUT OF THIS WORLD. The bun is also nice and golden and toasty. I could literally eat it every day. The bacon is ground up into the beef so it's got a great salty flavor. My friend ordered the pumpkin stew (extra spicy) and it was beautifully delicious (beautiful as in it was really a colorful work of art). I can't say enough good things about Bottlefork. Make a reservation though. It's small and gets really busy!
(5)
Michael P.
This place is nifty. Yes to all the positive review - and eyes rolling to all the nit picky reviews. Here is the deal: The Bartenders are sexy Hot. And not in the trendy metrosexual kinda hot- like the cosmopolitan they don't look like every other hipster bartender in CHI Town kinda way/hot. I could give you details but then that would be trashy. Yea, so def hit up this place for a swank drink, a yummy snack, and super eye-candy. This is how I like my Happy Hour to look. mmmhmmm
(4)
Scott A.
Was so pleasantly surprised by Bottlefork, I was moved to put my Yelp differences aside, dust off the keyboard, and write this review. A random Wednesday night walk-in turned out to be a really great experience! And how cool, is that? Isn't it sometimes often the unplanned that turns out to be the best!? Bottlefork has a casual but at the same time upscale feel. The scene was definitely happening on this night with a great people mix. A number of folks were dressed to impress but you'd have no problem fitting in if attired more on the casual side. I ate at the bar where the service was top notch. I drank Champagne on this occasion so I can't comment on the mixed drinks other than they looked great! While this is definitely a good start to a fantastic experience, the food was what really shined. Not only did it taste amazing but wasn't overly pricey either. Further details are below if so inclined otherwise stop reading now and simply put Bottlefork on your must try list! TIP1: Join their newsletter and save $10. TIP2: A great Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday option. Even Monday night I hear gets a good crowd. I would expect any night of the week to be fine but being on the smaller side, I could see Bottlefork being a bit overcrowded on the weekend. TIP3: Order the Rotisserie Chicken. Hard to imagine anyone not loving this dish!! Only the chicken for two at the Lobby in the Peninsula Hotel remotely gives it a run for the money IMO. TIP4: Good for late night dining! The kitchen -at the time of this review- stays open till 11 PM M-Th and I hear they may keep it open on these days even later in the future. It's already open to 1 AM Fri/Sat. Yes, Bottlefork is open Sunday as well; kitchen open to 10PM. Tasting Notes: ** Scotch Quail Eggs - Traditional style perfectly executed nothing more nothing less. Expect that and you won't be disappointed. The dish would visually stand out more if they added a little decorative garnish but I won't hold it against them; just food for thought as they say. The quail eggs are a nice touch over hen eggs and keeps this dish from being overly heavy though this is not to say its on the lighter side. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam - simply loved this! The octopus was tender and highly favorable; not chewy or rubbery as some of the grilled octopus I've had elsewhere. Plus if you have preconceived notions about spam but them aside. This spam here had a wonderful juicy ham favor that blended in perfect harmony. At the end of this dish I was left wanting more. ** Rotisserie Chicken - Hard to imagine a chicken having better flavor or being more juicy - not even the slightest hint of being overcooked; textbook perfect. I simply loved everything about this dish. I even slowed my eating so I could experience the taste longer which is something I almost never do. In the end, I can't wait to try this one again. Perhaps the secret is in the black truffle chicken au jus which as I understand they lift the skin and use to baste underneath. ** Creamed Kale - With wild board bacon and duck egg, what's not to love? I certainly did. Who would have thought something as healthy as Kale could taste sooooo good?! Actually I'm a fan of Kale and I'm not so sure the presentation used here would merit a healthy dish badge. But hey, Kale is a super food so who knows! ...besides the flavor was AMAZING. Some may find a bit overly creamy so take this into consideration before ordering. ** Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout- Essentially an ice cream sundae topped with some sort of ale based cream. I'm not a big beer drinker so this was the one dish I had mixed feelings about. There was something definitely addictive to it but at the same time something I didn't quite like. That said, I heard another patron absolutely raving about it so perhaps its just me. As I mentioned, I found the food at Bottlefork to be fantastic. I'll be back soon.
(5)
Samantha P.
Great experience at Bottlefork. We went for dinner and left very impressed. The place is small but has a great ambiance. The service we received overall was the best we have had in years. Our server Nick was knowledgable and so friendly. The food was amazing. Would recommend and will return!
(5)
Vicki L.
Best Brussel sprouts ever! Fabulous service. Everything our table of four ordered was fabulous. Fun desserts too.
(5)
Glenda B.
The bottle AND the fork took the cake! Sorry, that's a bad one - buy this place isn't. Visiting downtown Chicago for a week, it can be hard to find a non-super-touristy or over hyped & priced place for a great meal. Bottlefork saved the day for us, making our dinner one of the best meals the hubby and I have had in the Windy City. Stumbled upon in Yelp, I was a bit skeptical of the positive reviews: something so good, so laid back, so worth it??? We were happy when we nabbed a reservation for a Thursday evening, but I warned myself not to get the hopes up too high in case it all ended with our tummies unsatisfied, our wallets empty and our hearts broken...BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! From the minute we walked into the bustling resto filled with a post-work, slightly-hipster crowd, we were surrounded by that wonderful buzz of a busy hangout. The place was packed, and were sat at the end of the bar overlooking the kitchen, next to the window where the food comes out. At first I was a bit bummed, having made a reservation and assuming we'd get a table, but this turned out to be an awesome spot to take it all in and watch the fun. The sous-chef/expediter took pity on our overly curious eyeballs watching everything come out. It all looked so good and he was polite & kind enough to tell us what each item was and answer any questions we had as dishes appeared for delivery to their waiting table. Our server was very nice and helpful in narrowing down our choices and everything arrived at a good pace and in delicious order. Everything we had was pretty darn tasty and we would go back to try the others we didn't have room for. Bag of Crisps & Egg - crispy, crunchy, creamy goodness! Tuna Crudo and Popcorn Sweetbreads were awesome. Also, the Grilled Octopus with Spam (yes) & Kimchi was fantastic. Be warned, it's got a real kick, but if you love spice this'll be your thing! Too full to try dessert, but we'll be back for more - to try that famous burger, the Mediterranean Salad and more. GO HUNGRY!
My bestfriend and I went to try this place since people were raving about it. To be honest with the food I wasn't impressed at all. We ordered alot to try everything but every single dish was at most okay. Cocktails are bomb though, decor was cute, and the service was good. Sorry I'm too much of a foodie to be returning.
(3)
Kripa P.
Highly recommend the bag of chips + eggs and wagyu beef jerky! The beef jerky was just the right texture and had amazing flavor. The eggs added to the chips made them softer, but still crunchy and delicious. I had the rotisserie half chicken for dinner, which was moist and the vegetables/black truffle jus added some flavor. However, I would recommend trying something different if you are looking for more flavor (like the burger, which my boyfriend got and enjoyed).
(4)
Therese F.
I came here with my boyfriend and three others with whom we typically get together monthly to try out new places. We made a reservation for 9:15 on a Friday. Our table wasn't ready and we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated so we stood @ the bar to grab a drink. It's such a narrow space between the bar and the tables that it is not conducive to anyone standing there without getting bumped or having to constantly move out of the way of the wait staff. Once we were seated out waiter brought us some snacks as an apology and thank you for our 30 minute wait (very nice). Food: The complimentary snacks were the Piggy Jerky (kind of bland), Scotch Quail Eggs (unmemorable), and the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (delicious, wish we got a 2nd one, and we all ate it with a fork, not at all the mess that some other reviewers have stated). We also ordered: - Steak Tartare (meh) - Oysters (4 of the 5 in our group are HUGE oyster fans...we each only tried one. They were truly bad.) - Smoked Salmon Layered Parfait (good) - Grilled Octopus (good) - Rotisserie Chicken (good) - Cauliflower (good) - Hot & Gooey Dessert of the Day (an apple something or other...very good) - Pretzel Caramel Sundae (good) - Brandy Alexander Sundae (good) ....some items were 'good', some meh...other than one of the desserts and the Bag of Crisps, none of it was noteworthy. Drinks: Not going to list them all out...among us we did a pretty good job in trying a good number of their specialty cocktails and drinks. None were that great. Service: Fantastic. They brought us snacks when we sat down because we had to wait 30 minutes with having a reservation. They only charged us for the oysters we ate (4 of a few dozen I think). The waiter was friendly, enthusiastic, knew both the drink/food menu, etc. They really have got this aspect down. Environment: Small, but cozy and nice. Other than the service, this place just does not have good enough quality food or drinks, which is obviously what really makes a restaurant last. I would not go back or recommend it to others.
(2)
Amber A.
Stopped in Bottlefork to see my old friend from Four Seasons Atlanta, Chef Kevin Hickey. The atmosphere was great - upscale casual. My husband and I had cheese platter, cream kale w bacon and burger. All was delicious. And beer menu/beverage menu was great!
(5)
Tiffany R.
Just stumbled upon this place while seeking out a place that was still service breakfast at 11am, so glad we found it. The food was beautifully plated and the tastes matched the presentation. Crisps & eggs were yummy, the hash was perfectly portioned since it is on the rich side and even the oatmeal was yummy although be prepared for a huge bowl of those oats. Service was very lovely; very welcoming and very attentive yet not hovering around.
(4)
Jen K.
If it was just a review on food, the place would get a 5, but service gets a 1, so we are settling at 3. Let me admit my fault. I was that jerk who was late to brunch plans on Sunday morning. They sat the rest of my party. When I got there my group had already ordered drinks at the table. Our server was a tall guy with a beard and he was incredibly nice. He had a good sense of humor and explained a lot on the menu. When we got our appetizer, the manager on duty came over and said that due to the fact that we were taking so long, he had to ask us to move to another table because they had a reservation coming in. So after blaming us (me) for being late and taking too long, we were moved. After we moved, he was nice enough to bring over poutine on the house, so that was cool, I just don't like the way he made it "our fault". I am aware I was late, sorry dude, but you don't have to call me out like that. Then our new waitress was nice at first, but she consistently tried to up-sell us. Then they ended up charging us for the "on the house" poutine and when we asked her to remove it from the bill, she instantly became very annoyed and couldn't wait for our departure. On the food side, we had the vinegar chips, which were incredible. The poutine had shredded beef which was a great compliment to an otherwise delicious dish. The sopa was incredible. The salsa and guacamole were great flavors.
(3)
Bella P.
Easily one of the most marvelous places in Chicago. The food was superb and the drinks, splendid! It all began with the Beef Cheek Poutine which consisted of crisp fries covered in succulent beef, bathed in gravy with Wisconsin's curds marrying all members. The "tots" were tasteful and terrific, which was brought forth by the creamy cheese that blanketed those potato squares of goodness. Creamed kale, although may not sound appealing to some, was far from the normal vision one might picture of "creamed kale." It consisted of kale marinated with thick bacon, topped with an egg. It had me at bacon. I mean grandma always did say to eat my vegetables- which was made easier with bacon of course. The main course was the Porkbelly and Sausage Porchetta "Pastor." Phenomenal. The portion was decent too. No skimpy belly fat noted. The pastor flavor was pretty spot on as well. The meal was finished with a Fromage a Trois, which consisted of a Brie, goat and a parmesan type cheese, with a side of homemade jelly and bread. They were all very enjoyable. The winner here was the Pretzel Carmel and Chocolate Fudge Sundae- Wow! Absolutely phenomenal!! There were a plethora of drinks to choose from. The bartenders are amazing and well versed, mind-blowing mixologists, you might say. Bottlefork is fabulous, a top 3 restaurant in Chicago for me. I will likely be frequenting here quite often, as there is just so much more to try!!
(5)
Sara P.
Birthday celebration last night and it could not have been better. I'm a gluten free vegan, I learned fast there was much for me to eat there but everything else was spectacular. Our server Raymond went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary Requests along with odd requests from the entire party. We shared wine which he split up for us, and accommodated in every way from questions to tastes. The food was phenomenal, and the service was beyond,we thanked everyone when we left, from kitchen to bar because the teamwork they showed was stellar. Ambiance, beer list was spectacular....... But the service made our visit. Thank you Raymond, we will be back, new hidden gem in river north
(5)
Adam K.
Really good. There's a lot of great places to eat at in this area. This is a gem. Great service. Our waiter was helpful; he was a guide and he didn't steer us wrong. The gnocchi was killer. Ditto with the roasted pig flatbread. I can't say enough about the roasted chicken. Truly outstanding. Reasonable prices for river north. You've got to check it out. Highly recommend.
(4)
Jerry K.
It was my turn to pick a place for our monthly dinner group and I was really excited about selecting Bottlefork this month. Service was fine all around. We were seated on time and everyone was friendly. Server was attentive and timely. No problems here. The place is LOUD. We found ourselves practically yelling at each other across the table in order to have conversation. Definitely not a place you want to go for a date. Good beer and wine selection. I had the Root Cellar Rye Amber Ale which is apparently specially brewed for Bottlefork and it was tasty. A nice thing to mention is that we got a free order of the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (1 egg, by the way) after checking in on Yelp. However (and I hate to rip on a free dish) it was mediocre at best. A bag of vinegar and salt chips with an egg thrown in there and then oddly but vigorously shaken up by a server in front of us. All I tasted were gooey vinegar chip-crumbs. Nothing special here. We also ordered the mussels with the fries and ham broth, which was delicious, but pricey given the portion. i counted 7 mussels (which were decently sized) for $16. Doesn't seem to add up. We wanted more but couldn't justify paying out another $16 for a second order. The rest of the food was ok. The burger had good flavor but was super salty. The creamed kale was ok, the roasted cauliflower was good. Pumpkin stew was really good, the Pork Belly and Porchetta was just ok. The Potato Gnocchi was ok but once again the portion didn't add up to the cost. Overall, the place was somewhat disappointing. Good service, ok food and pricey given some portion sizes, ok atmosphere if you like screaming at people for conversation.
(3)
Faith D.
I'll give it 3 stars based on my experience & food. Three of us came in for lunch so we did not drink (a REAL bummer). Cocktail & beer menu is huge and sounds interesting. The table behind us had a few appetizers and the brussels sprouts smelled fantastic so we ordered some. Have to say, although no bacon, they were the best freakin' B sprouts I've ever tasted. Just the right amount of oil, roasting and balsamic. Perfect! Generous portion also. My 2 friends ordered the burger (which sounded fabulous with the bacon ground into the meat) and the brisket sandwich. Burger came with ketchup and pickle; brisket had pickle only. Kitchen cut their sandwiches in half so they could share. I had the fish & crisps sandwich. It was piled VERY high (with cole slaw and chips ON the sandwich) and a pickle - and I have to say one of the better fish/chips sandwiches I've had in a long time. PIPING hot when it came to the table which gets high marks from me; generous portion and delicious. Some kind of mayo but I did have to sort of de-construct from the huge bun. Very, very good. Our server was pleasant and attentive. A manager stopped by to make sure we were okay. The burger/brisket people seemed less impressed with their sandwiches but I was very happy. We sat at a high-top table up front by the window. The space is long, narrow and dark and I think if I was back there (booths only) I would have felt claustrophobic. Forgot to take any photos but everything looked terrific. I would definitely try again for dinner if in the neighborhood.
(3)
Kristine N.
Very dark, intimate, and romantic setting. The restaurant itself is narrow and long. Staff is very very friendly and efficient. Drinks are strong, unique, and delicious (try the orange spade one). The food was a little on the salty side for me but pretty good nonetheless. The sliders with shoestring potatoes were a hit, the clam flatbread was unique, sweet bread shrimp was my favorite, and the tuna and salmon spreads were delicious.
(4)
Leke O.
The chef, staff and the ambiance work well together - has the feel of an upscale dive bar (if there was ever such a thing). My go to is the burger and they never fail to deliver. I haven't done brunch here yet, but I'm sure it's something to look forward to.
(4)
Stef M.
Large slab of prosciutto for fresh slicing. Lots of condiments for all the food. Delicious sliders and orange vodka martinis. Pretty space. The chefs take pride in preparing your dishes.
(5)
Davin L.
Another River North restaurant, courtesy of Rockit Ranch Productions. The decor and design is modern urban, but layout of the establishment is a bit on the narrow side, inevitably leading to elbow bumping with your dining company. Fortunately, with a delicious menu with highlights like fried veal sweetbread and awesome drink concoctions, you'll quickly forget how crowded and loud it gets inside.
(4)
Elina K.
This place is really terrific. It's perfect for a small intimate girls night, modest boys night, or a date (although you may have to wait, in a very cramped small area by the door, even with reservations, so I wouldn't recommend for a first date :) The decor is warm and trendy. Exposed brick, funky art, fierce bar. The service was A++. Hostess was nice and accomodating, despite the super busy night and antsy patrons waiting and whining. Our waitress was so patient and seemed truly excited about the food and was more than willing to explain the menu and give recommendations. I know this is considered a new, hot mixology spot. I don't drink so I can't comment on that, but my friend ordered one of their barrell WI wines and enjoyed it (I think!) The food was, not suprisingly, deeelish. Here is what we ordered: - Fromage a Trois (cheese platter) - Bag of Crisps and Eggs (chips with malted powder shaked in a bag with a perfectly tempered egg) - Creamed kale - Organic salmon All were fantastic. And the bread they bring - YUMMO. BUT the absolute most incredible thing we had that night was their ooey gooey dessert of the day. Every day they have have a new ooey gooey (not sure what the rotation is like). If you are lucky enough to come on the night where they serve the brownie creme brulee (AHEM: BROWNIE CREME BRULEE) you will be one happy little piggy.
First off, this place is by far the best of the Rockit Ranch establishments (disclaimer: haven't tried Duck Inn - off the beaten path...). I personally think Billy Dec is a bit of a douche and would honestly choose not to patronize his establishments, but the hype and reviews for Bottlefork were strong, and a buddy of mine recently started working in the kitchen. I was definitely impressed with Bottlefork's brunch for a laundry list of reasons. Let's start from the beginning. Some of my friends decided to be fashionably late, but the hostess let us keep our OpenTable reservation and sat us at a nice big booth. Our server (forgot his name; longer hair, beard) was honestly THE most passionate server I've ever had. He knew the menu inside and out, intricately describing every dish he recommended. He made sure we were well taken care of. As for the sustenance, the Bloody Mary was basically an appetizer. The house blended mix, carefully selected vodka, and intricate skewer were amazing. Not to mention affordable, and a large portion! We only needed to have one apiece. Our Yelp Check-In free crisps app was an interesting twist on boring potato chips - loved the poached egg tossed in as well as the presentation! I ordered the burger. I knew I'd love it when I saw the menu listing. 20% Nueske Bacon embedded INSIDE the patty?! YES! It lived up to expectations and was friggin' bomb to the tastebuds. Solid recommendation by Thrillist for Best Burger in River North. That alone will make me come back. The experience was great, minus the extensive wait for our entrees to come out, despite the place not being packed to capacity. However, I suppose these guys are really into what they do, and it just takes time. Can't wait to come back, eat dinner, and try a Bill Brasky!
(5)
Daniel S.
I've become somewhat of a familiar face at this fantastic River North restaurant and for good reason. Bottlefork continues to draw me in with their tantalizing specials and their spectacular trademarks. Recently, I tried the Buffalo Chicharrones which were well seasoned with a house made spice mix. They were perfectly light and crunchy. Next I shared orders of the Lamb Sirloin w/ shaved asparagus, the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger, and the Chef's Special Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Plaintain & Sofrito. The burger remains the champion of the menu and the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO! The Lamb Sirloin was grilled to medium rare perfection and the Moroccan spiced yogurt added the a lovely and subtle layer of flavor to the dish. The chef's special was small but a delight to the palette. My friends were all blown away by the freshness and flavor from the Scallops and the mezcal Sofrito. The twice fried Plaintain tied the dish together beautifully. I always dine at the chef's table so I can have a 1st hand view of the production in the restaurant's open kitchen and so I can ask questions about any of the dishes that pass by. Chef Eric Lopez always manages to impress myself and my guests with his incredible passion for good food. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He always greets us with a smile and offers great new recommendations. Sadly, I learned that he will be moving to Miami soon. His presence at the restaurant will be missed but I will continue dining here for the great food and the always delightful staff.
(5)
Stefanie A.
Wow! Had dinner here last night with a group of 7. Showed up a bit early than our reservation, but was seated right away with a "hey!" from Billy Dec. Waitress was so sweet, helpful and just awesome. Service was quick too. Love the look of the place-it's like country had a baby with contemporary and poof- Bottlefork it is. I def recommend the jerky, chips, & deviled eggs as apps. For dinner I had the lamb, husband had their burger, and everyone else had something different. Everyone loved their food- my lamb was phenomenal! Husbands burger was maybe the best burger I've ever had. For dessert they had a special apple tart. Obviously we got that as well as the pretzel chocolate sundae which was to die for.
(5)
Alik W.
Really very solid. The cocktail menu is heavy on the wallop, but that matches their prices, I suppose. Has a wide array of small, well-flavored plates that complement the drinks menu. Service, at least if you sit at the bar, is attentive. Plus, they have a very nice check-in offer (potato chips coated in vinegar and soft egg). I personally was very unimpressed with the sweetbreads, which I felt lacked texture and were mostly a vehicle for aioli. Chips, seasonal vegetables, deviled eggs all were better. But, overall, an excellent place to perch and enjoy dinner and drinks.
(4)
Ashley C.
We were in the area and craving dessert. We were waiting outside the venue for them to open (still had another 10 min) and the hostess kindly let us in since it was extremely cold outside. Food: We ordered the brownie brulee with soft serve on the side and the pretzel caramel soft serve. The soft serve is amazinggggg -- it's perfectly creamy, sweet and just soooo yummmy!!! We never had a brownie brulee before so that also blew our minds - or tastebuds - away. I just wish that soft serve came with the brownie brulee so we didn't have to pay an extra $6 for something that should be paired together. Service: EXCELLENT! One of the best service experiences I've had. As mentioned earlier, they let us in 10 min before opening so we didn't have to wait in the cold. Our waitress engaged in conversation with us and had no problem answering all the questions we had. We had told her about our plans to go clubbing at Underground, which turned out to be their sister company! As a result, the manager came over, gave us his card and informed us on how to get on the guest list for the club (free entrance, yayyy!). We ended up coming back later that night to pre-game and the bartenders were super chill, making jokes and having conversation. Ambiance: Dimly lit place. There's a bar, booths and tables depending on what you're going for. Can be a place to have drinks with friends or havea romantic dinner date! Would definitely come back again -- to try a meal, more desserts and dranks!
(4)
Jake V.
Great for an unlimited expense account, not so great if you're paying out of pocket. Some of the drinks are really fantastic (something orangey? names are fuzzy at this point...) while others are not so great (something that looked like a snow cone). Mains are decent but there are certainly missteps (tartar sauce runny enough to flow out of a fish sandwich, no sides with some sandwiches, etc.). Service was fine but not amazing. And everything was a little dear for what it was. Not bad, but there are better options nearby.
(3)
Noel S.
First of all if you are not a meat eater I would not recommend coming here. This place makes me think of what a butcher would do if he or she! was to open trendy/casual bar. The food is amazing. Everything is really well done. They are definently thinking outside of the box here, trying new combos you've never tasted or seen before. The servers are super friendly. I highly recommend the chicken sandwhich and the bacon burger. They are SO much better than they sound. Dessert milkshakes are awesome as well. Ask for the "sexy cubes" it's their term for the large scotch ice cubes. I love when places have these. I only came here for brunch on a sunday. It was packed. This place is rather small so I probably wouldn't come in the winter months with out a reso or you take the risk of waiting outside.
(5)
Alex J.
Stopped in for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Started with some salads; this season, watermelon is all the rage, and their grilled watermelon salad with a chipotle lime vinaigrette did not disappoint. It was a refreshing start to the meal. Next, we tried the black bean and chorizo sopas with avocado crema and goat cheese. There was also fresh cilantro on top, but I'm one of the 2% of the population who hates cilantro, so I enjoyed my sopas sans cilantro. The dough for the sopas came out the perfect texture and they were a delicious mixture of textures. Main course involved tacos, because who doesn't love tacos? I tried both the grilled beer soaked chicken thigh and the guajillo and beer braised pork. The meat was flavorful, tender, and the tacos were on point. Finally, we ended with a warm cheesecake with caveat peaches. Unlike normal cheesecake, this wasn't too dense or heavy - it was light and was a perfect end-cap. Decor inside is nice, service is excellent, and food, above all, is done right.
(5)
Joe B.
This place has some superb cocktails! And the bartender will gladly discourse with you about how/why they made or named the specific cocktail. The liquor selection is also finely curated. I didn't get a chance to eat here, but you could easily enjoy just one drink for an hour or longer. If you plan to stick around, order the Bill Brasky. The place is pretty crowded on Sundays, I don't think there was even a seat for one, so I recommend you go on a weekday when it's much more relaxed.
(3)
Pablo B.
I went to Bottlefork after seeing the good reviews on Yelp; I've got to make mention first and foremost of the service. I had made reservations for six but was at a conference and four more hangers-on joined us which irritated me but the host was awesome about. He squeezed us in at a smaller table and bar and then when about half of a huge party left and the rest were just lounging around, he asked them to squeeze in so that we'd have room. Rarely do I find restaurants that are this accommodating especially of patrons who are that annoying (both us and the big group). All of it done professionally and efficiently and the staff as a whole were super friendly. Of course all of that might not have mattered if the food wasn't great but luckily it was. Quite a few of my colleagues had the burger which they said was very good -- served with a pickle skewered on top. I decided to try four appetizers and was really happy with them. The beef jerky was excellent as were the deviled eggs. But what really blew me away were the tots with a cheese sauce (sort of squares with a rich sauce) and especially the creamy kale with a fried egg on top. Absolutely delicious -- highly recommend for both food and service would definitely go back again.
(5)
Jessica S.
My boyfriend and I were trying to find somewhere to dine last minute on a Saturday night and we came across Bottlefork. It was apparently rated one of the Best New Restaurants in 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, so I think we just got lucky to get in on such a short notice. But upon entering, we were both super impressed with the decor. Its very eclectic but chic at the same time, and had a very cozy feel to it. The hostess was very sweet and mentioned it would be a few minutes until our table was ready so we grabbed a couple drinks at the bar first. When it was time to be seated, we were introduced to our server, Eddie. And he was honestly one of the best parts of the night. Hilariously entertaining and full of awesome recommendations. Below are the dishes we went with, and I would get each and every one of them all over again: * Vieux Carre Cocktail = a cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. Its one of their best selling drinks on the menu and quite tasty. * Bag of Crisps + Egg = seriously, don't miss this one guys. It's absolutely amazing. Very interesting, and the server brought it to the table in a bag with a perfectly poached egg on the side. then tossed the egg in the brown bag with the chips and shook it all up right in front of us. I was pleasantly surprised how amazing these little bad boys tasted! * Wagyu Beef Jerky = super delicious. Not too tough, and comes out perfectly bite sized. Has some really great flavors with the soy and garlic. * Tots with Pimento Cheese Drizzle = an interesting little appetizer. Think an upscale tater tot with a fantastic dipping sauce. * Hop Braised Pork Shank = literally died and went to heaven with this one. Fell off the bone, was super moist, and paired perfectly with the Goat Cheese Polenta. I will definitely be coming back to this little spot. And when we have visitors in town, Bottlefork will be at the top of our list!
(5)
Tim R.
I'd heard that Chicago had a foodie reputation and Bottlefork certainly consolidated that for me. My wife and I took shelter here from a thunderstorm that had rolled in off the plains and taken residence over the city. We didn't have a reservation, but were given a spot at the bar. This worked well as the bar staff were very friendly despite never seeming to pause for breath. The bar was fully stocked with not only all the high end staples but also things I'd not seen before and what looked to be hand made infusions. The food was even more impressive with the exponential edge to the taste I've not found outside of London or New York. The only challenge was that I had spotted the sumptuous ice cream sundaes pass through, and had to ration my appetite. A real first world problem, I know. The other first world problem was a feeling of being slightly over dressed to some of the fine young things out on a Friday night. Between the mixology lesson, the bustling kitchen, and the lovelies there was always something to look at.
(5)
Taryn G.
Out of all of the many places I go for brunch, this was my least favorite. The food was less than good, I went on St.Patricks day and the corned beef hash was so salty it was hard to eat. It made me sick to the point I couldn't finish my meal. I had read so many great things and this was by far the biggest brunch disappointment.
(3)
Morganne B.
Free bag of crisps and eggs for checking in. YES. So dang tasty that I'm going to try to emulate this at home. We stopped by for a bite shortly before they closed on a Monday night and had no trouble being seated. I was happy to see they had Penrose Desirous white IPA on tap as it's been one of my favorites this summer! My boyfriend and I shared the cheese and charcuterie plate which was amazing/had great variation. The prosciutto and goat cheese were the standouts but paired well with the mustards. Coming straight from a yelp event with free food, we weren't that hungry so the portion size was great. The place is a little pricy but right on par with everything else you'll see in the area. Didn't have a cocktail here this time but they are delicious and carefully and thoughtfully concocted for sure. This is a great place to bring a date or visitor from out of town that you're trying to impress!
(4)
Tavi J.
4.5 Stars I had been wanting to go to Bottlefork for awhile now after seeing all these delicious pics posted on Yelp. Perfect place to go to brunch and catch up with the girls. We had 1:30 reservations and were seated right away. We started off with mimosas and then went the straight up hardcore cocktail route. Lol drinks were good. As for the food....Delicious and beautiful presentation. We had a hard time deciding what to order so the waitress suggested we share everything, which was definitely the way to go. We started with the corn beef hash which was good, but the Mexican Soppe was even better! I enjoyed the pie crust at the bottom and the guacamole. By far my favorite was the French toast that's prepared in a skillet. Great texture and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Extra bonus is the free chips/egg for checking in on Yelp app. Loved the service and the food. I can't wait to go back to try the desserts!
(4)
Yuri H.
We had a lovely time. It wasn't crowded when we went, so we got nice seats outside. The bag of chips was interesting! I thought the cream kale was decent and unique. We got a grilled chicken sandwich that was better than average. Overall, I wasn't amazed by the food. The food is just all right to me, although I appreciate the effort they go into the presentation. I would give this place 3.5 stars, if I could. Not sure I would come back again just because there are so many restaurants in the area.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Billy Dec has done it again! I've concluded that I will not have a bad FOOD experience at any of his restaurants. This restaurant has definitely rocketed (no pun intended) to the top of my favorite brunch places list. Come hungry and stay awhile because you are going to enjoy every minute of it. Our server, Eddie C., was extremely knowledgeable and very hospitable. He wasn't so hospitable where you felt smothered, or acted like a "know-it-all." He made our simple brunch outting into an experience. We started with the crisps and eggs. Sounds weird... yes. Delicious? ABSO-F-ing-LUTELY! Homemade crisps (or as we Americans like to call it, chips) is delicious as is but seasoned with salt and vinegar... it becomes amazing. My favorite flavor. Throw in a perfectly poached egg and toss it in a paper bag til each chip is coated equally...MIND BLOWN. the egg adds a creamy factor to the chip where it tastes like you had just coated the entire chip with cheese!!! Highly recommend this place! If I lived in River North this would be my go-to brunch place.
(5)
Gwen H.
I had high hopes for this place after reviewing some previous Yelp reviews and knowing that one of my friends had been before and enjoyed her meal. Let's start with the good stuff: the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. The deviled eggs-Yummy! That's the only good stuff. The bad was the fried chicken with some sauce that was spooned on at our table. I wish the expediter would have told us what the gravy was made from since I don't eat gluten and there was probably flour in the gravy. The chicken was dry and there want much on the plate. The ugly-prices!$!$! Ridiculous. A glass of Pinot noir was $17. This place is way too expensive for the mediocre quality of food they serve.
(2)
Laura K.
What a hidden gem! I say "hidden" because it is next to the oh-so-crowded Bub City and on a crowded street full of tourists/clubbers. We were blown away with the food, the service, and overall atmosphere Bottlefork offered in the heart of downtown. I went for dinner and then for brunch a few weeks later. Both were excellent with lots of good options.The Jerky??!? OMG, the Jerky. SO GOOD. As were the fries, the burger, the pork belly....basically everything we had was excellent! I got the corned beef brisket hash for brunch which was excellent and beautifully served. I definitely want to come back from some of their other options. I just looked at their menu and they have Fish N Crisps N Eggs....sign me up please!!! Highly recommend, and can't wait to get back here!
(5)
Joe A.
A Yelp-inspired journey around downtown Chicago in 5-degree weather brought us to Bottlefork for Valentine's Day. Worth. It. We started with the peppery and delicious Wagyu Jerky and the bizarre, but amazing crisps and egg (house-made chips with an egg, shaken in a brown paper bag). I had the Burger and B had the Gnocchi -- both excellent. And because it was V-Day, we went all crazy and got the caramel, pretzel, chocolate, and beer foam dessert. Sounds weird. Tasted ridiculously good. Also, a super shoutout to our waitress, Erin B., who gave us stellar recommendations for everything and really made our night extra great. If you're looking for casual romantic with a nice hipster vibe and excellent food and drinks, this is the spot in CHI.
(5)
Olivia K.
(Drink Review) Their menu is nothing but drinks! Their entire back side is all wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. Definitely not good for kids. I got the special lemonade, and its worse than the store bought lemonades. It was very bitter and sour. The syrup in it made it even worse. Do NOT get the lemonade. (Unless you are into very bitter, very sour drinks.) And if you are hungry, then read my next review.
(3)
Disappointed W.
Very interesting menu - super unique Friendly staff! Bag of crisps and egg is a must have Impressed with the food!
(4)
Tina L.
Came here for brunch. It was a fabulous meal! They had a specialty / seasonal Autumnal Old Fashioned that I just HAD to try even though it was super expensive ($18). It was like Christmas poured over ice! I'm so glad I got to try it...and good thing it was nice and strong, because I like to get my money's worth. It had Hall Apple Brandy, Becherovka, maple and baked apple bitters. YUm!!!~ I am so happy with all the dishes we ordered: MUST TRY -- Started off with the "Bag" of Crisps & Eggs, with malt vinegar powder and sea salt. I mean, wow. Best chips I've ever had with raw egg on it!!! The chips start out super crispy, and then the egg is dropped in and shaken in the bag. Something about the malt vinegar powder, sea salt, and the egg makes the combination of flavors amazing with the chips. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin' was one of our favorite dishes for brunch. It was the perfect mix of raw tuna, avocado and the crispy shrimp stuff on top. If I were to make a poor man's version of it, I'd probably top it with that Asian snack, shrimp crackers. It went really well over the bread they gave us. We got the warm ceasar salad afterwards, which had this grilled cheese thingy on top. I particularly loved the warm, roasted tomatoes with it. I think the cheese a little much, but I just cut a few small pieces according to how much I wanted with each bite. Last but not least, we had the pumpkin donut holes, which were nice and dense and how I like my donuts. We were a little too full by this point, so only got to eat one each...I like that they offered two different dipping sauces to go with it. They make their hot sauce in house and it comes out in the cutest little bottle!
(5)
Yvonne I.
This review is for brunch. My group of 12 recently had a great experience at Bottlefork for Sunday brunch. I made the reservation almost a month before the day, so getting a reservation wasn't a problem. I loved our waiter ! I am always impressed with a waiter that handles a large group of people with ease. I wish I remember his name, but our waiter was very attentive and helpful, and these are not always qualities you find in waiters. My large group ordered a large portion of the options on the brunch menu, so it was nice to see everything in person. I opted for the Greek Omelet with the country pork sausage on the side. The Greek Omelet was the perfect size for me, and the pork sausage platter included 2 standard circular patties. I was very full, and both items tasted fantastic. I tried one of my friend's tater tots, and they were perfectly fried and not greasy. Bottlefork provided a very pleasant brunch experience.
(5)
Christian S.
Salty and overpriced. Moody, chic ambiance. Trendy plating and presentation with a flourish. Quality proteins and mostly quality ingredients.
(2)
Michele N.
Wow - one of the best stumble-on lunches ever! So glad Roka was closed on a Sunday afternoon or we never would have decided to walk across the street. My husband and I split the burger and Mediterranean salad - incredible flavors and huge surprises - as well as the egg and crisps! Woo Hoo!! Even the music was great! Unfortunately we're not from Chicago so have to wait until we're back in the area to eat here again but already looking forward to it!
(5)
Cara L.
Any restaurant that makes their own soft-serve vanilla ice cream and tater tots (with frickin' pimento cheese sauce, no less) is badass in my book. Our large group was lucky enough to be treated to an enormous meal of pre-picked deliciousness, including the malt vinegar potato chips, two different salads, the charcuterie board, the roasted chicken, mushroom gnocchi, squid, homemade tater tots with pimento cheese sauce and some kind of torte with soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Ermahgerd. The food was all very delicious, but the real stand outs to me were (obviously) the homemade tots and the soft-serve. I know... It seems I have the tastebuds of a 10-yr-old boy. But before you judge me, know that these wonders of tastiness are all made in house. That's right. No rinky-dink, pre-frozen tots. These were big, thick squares of potato-y goodness--crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And when you top those with melted pimento cheese sauce?! Stop it. I can't. So good. And who makes homemade soft-serve. Are you kidding me? I need this in my life all day, every day. I didn't even pay one second of attention to the dessert next to this huge, ice cream parlor-style cup of frozen, creamy goodness. I also want to mention how straight-up awesome the service was at Bottlefork. Large dining groups of 10 or more can be really tough on a restaurant, especially a very busy, popular one. The staff at Bottlefork made me feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Yea--I'm talking THAT level of service. I'm so close to giving 5 stars just based on the tots, soft-serve and service, but I have to agree with Yelper Candice G. Even being an out-of-towner, I had be prepped prior to our dinner that this food would be like the second coming of Christ. But outside of those two items that I LOVED, the rest of the dishes really didn't blow me away. Although one honorable mention would be that roasted chicken. As someone who loves to cook, I know it's not easy to get chicken that tender with the crunchy skin on the outside. It's damn good. (Also, I think I'm the only one who didn't think the music choice matched the restaurant. For instance, Iggy Azalea blasting in the background seemed just a bit off--but I can appreciate they're trying to be unique...)
(4)
Shannon E.
Really enjoyed an awesome, impromptu dinner here. Started with the crisps + eggs as a freebie app for checking in on Yelp! (Def do this as it's a great snack starter!) My colleague got the gnocchi with mushroom sauce and I got the grilled octopus with housemade spam. Both entrees were pretty small and mine was very spicy as it comes in a wowser of a kimchi sauce that I was not expecting. We were planning on a dessert so decided to not order another entree to share....but def think 1-2 apps and 2-3 entrees are needed for 2 people if you're not going for a sweet end. The dessert was amazing. Got the special bread pudding of the day, which comes in its own 6" round baking pan...and it was divine. Plenty for 2 people and an awesome way to end the meal. Had to wait for 20min after our reservation time on a Wednesday night, but once seated, the service was great.
(5)
Cindy W.
MY GOD. THAT BURGER. That burger was a good reminder why I haven't turned vegetarian. It was so succulent and tender -- cooked medium rare, just the way I liked it. It's also infused with bacon, which is never a bad idea. You just gotta. Don't count the calories. Just go for it. Also tried the malt chips, which is FREE WITH A YELP CHECK-IN. They essentially put freshly made malted vinegar chips in a bag, drop an egg in it, shake it up, and serve it to you. The egg adds a creamy-ness to the otherwise crispy chips. I would definitely recommend. What would I skip? The sweetbread for sure. For $6, you rarely get anything. Don't let the photos fool you. When it arrived, my face dropped because I bet you would need a magnifying glass to find your food. The amount is less than half of your fist. BUT I would definitely go for the dessert. The sundaes are TO DIE FOR. Get the pretzel sundae with caramel and a beer stout foam. It's really amazing and not too sweet! I loved the pretzel texture to it. I'll have to come back to try more of their dessert cocktails.
(5)
Justine M.
Dark and rustic decor inside, a bit small so I suggest making a reservation. It didn't seem overly crowded on a Saturday at 7pm. Our group of 4 ordered a few dishes to share. Tip: If you check-in on yelp, you get a free order of the crisps & egg (which was a bag of chips and the waitress shakes a poached duck egg into the bag at your table). We also got the tots, sweetbreads, poutine, brussel sprouts, poboy and the ooey gooey dessert (strawberry & lime gooey cheesecake a la mode). Overall, the dishes were tasty and creative with the poboy being my favorite, however, the downfall is everything is extremely heavy. There was nothing fresh or light to cut the taste. It didn't seem like there was much on the menu to help with this (other than the salads that didn't seem noteworthy). This is all definitely bar type food. The drinks weren't great or horrible. Since I tried most of what I wanted off their menu, I don't think I'd come back. It's a good one time restaurant.
(3)
Mark T.
Lovely atmosphere. Excellent staff. And craft cocktails. Did not eat but would definitely come back to try food.
(4)
Haley C.
My boyfriend and I went to Bottlefork before seeing a play at the Cadillac. The restaurant was cool and the service was friendly, but we were put at a very tiny table that could barely hold what we ordered. We started with the Charcuterie Board, which was not the best I've ever had but still pretty good! They brought our meals before we were done with the appetizer, which was difficult because of how small the table was. My boyfriend had the burger which he enjoyed, and I had the Ensalada Latina, which was good but not great. I definitely enjoyed the meal but probably wouldn't go again since there are so many other restaurants in Chicago
(3)
JAY H.
Great time , food was ever so taste , from the lamb sirloin seared perfect , the appetizer fires with vinegar drizzle , waygu jerky , the kale salad umm, there was not a plate I didn't like , drinks where awesome and mixed perfect , the basic, noble , everything was great service was right there too..
(5)
Clay K.
We had the chance to have brunch at Bottlefork, which I found here on Yelp, on Saturday. Overall it was very nice with casual, attentive service. First we had the red velvet doughnut holes with cream cheese icing. As with all the dishes here, a great deal of attention is paid to presentation. They come in a small brown paper bag with the icing on the side. The doughnut holes were perfection - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cream cheese icing is a page out of any home baker's recipe book and lent a nice homemade element to the dish. We also tried the tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin'. This is served in a jam jar. The bottom of the jar is filled with raw, chopped sushi grade tuna then layered with what is essentially guacamole over the top of that. The entire thing is sprinkled with a layer of cracklin' crumbs and served with toasted baguette slices. This dish for me was a bit too bland. It could benefit from a shot of spice or acid. There was nothing per se wrong with it, it was just rather boring. For mains we tried the corned beef brisket hash. This dish is composed with a hearty portion of chopped corn beef, a layer of purple cabbage, a nearly raw egg and hollandaise sauce. Two things - apparently somewhere on the menu a "62 degree egg" is described. The description in the hash dish however says "poached egg". What came with the hash was a cold, translucent, nearly raw egg. I found this extremely unappetizing and decided immediately to send the dish back. When I suggested to the waiter that this egg was nearly raw instead of a, "we'll fix it", I got a long explanation about how the chef believes strongly in a 62 degree egg almost as if I should somehow know about the esteemed 62 degree egg. Well, I've eaten all over the world in some of the best restaurants out there and have never come across a 62 degree egg anywhere else. To me 62 degrees is an ambient temperature at which I don a jacket, it's definitely not, unless I'm Rocky Balboa, the temperature I want to eat an egg at. If you're going to serve it that way even on dishes where it is described as something else, you need to have a prominent warning on the menu and train your staff to explain it before it's in front of me on a plate. They ultimately did remake the dish and gave me a nice, hot, sunny side up egg. Sadly this dish had other issues. Chopped corned beef does not a hash make. Hash implies potatoes, onions and peppers chopped with meat. This was only corned beef. The corned beef was extremely salty and very dry, and I love salt. I'd call this dish a near disaster and would never order it again. HOWEVER, redemption was at hand. Along came the skillet french toast. This is nothing short of a rapturous signature dish. The french toast is made in a skillet and then inverted at the table. It is served with blueberry compote, whipped cream and for an extra two bucks bourbon maple syrup. This dish had a caramel that didn't border on candy - it was candy. It was truly delicious and received raves around the table. I will say it's silly to charge an extra two bucks for the syrup, but other than that this dish was a five star. The improved mimosa was a nice, boozy brunch drink albeit pretty pricey. Overall, this place has a lot of good going on. Is it the best brunch in Chicago as mentioned in another review, not in my opinion, but it's very good. I definitely want to get back to try it at lunch or dinner. For one thing, I heard mention of some spectacular Brussels sprouts that have that bourbon maple syrup. mmmm.
(3)
Antaash U.
We dined at Bottlefork this past Saturday night. I must say that the place is bursting at the seams past 8pm, so if you're looking to get a reservation and stay awhile, a 7pm reservation is your best bet. Because by the time we left at 9:45, it was a struggle to even get out the door. We actually requested to sit in front of the chef's station to get a firsthand view of all the hustle and bustle of the place that makes the magic happen, and we were not disappointed. The crew behind the counter was happy to answer each and every one of our questions, even though they were certainly busy. I appreciated their time and attention. The meal at Bottlefork also didn't disappoint. It's a small plates approach to dining and sharing several things is recommended. Their menu is also very meat heavy and the options for vegetarians is limited compared to what the meat eaters are offered. My friends and I ordered: Braised Beef Cheek Poutine: kenebec fries and Wisconsin curds. Delicious. They put the fries and curds under the broiler, so what is delivered to the table is the crunchy yet gooey concoction of pure deliciousness. We also ordered the "bag" of crisps and egg: malt vinegar powder and sea salt. What arrives at the table is a brown bag full of homemade potato chips and a bowl containing a perfectly poached egg. Our server dropped the egg into the bag and shook the living daylights out of the bag. What came out was a piece of heaven. I have never had poached eggs on a potato chips, and frankly, the idea doesn't sound so appetizing either. Don't be fooled, because it was perfection. The egg brought in a richness to the potato chips that nothing else could come close to recreating. The next item we chose were the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. They were crispy without being charred and burned. They were excellent and the maple glaze on therm was the perfect amount of sweetness and contributed to caramelizing the veggie. Pure goodness. Then there were the tots drizzled with pimento cheese. Oh the tots. We're not talking the frozen "ore ida" tots from childhood. These were, the incredible hulk of tots. First of all, they were huge. One serving contained 6 giant squares (think rice crispy treats) of shredded and deep fried potatoes, which were then drizzled with cheese. Eating them was an experience and something that shouldn't be missed. For entree selections, I had the potato gnocchi: mushroom broth, fried pickled mushrooms, and midnight moon goat cheese. The gnocchi was excellent but I wasn't a fan of the pickled mushrooms that they used. I would have been happier with just the slivers of goat cheese minus the mushrooms. Lastly, my friends shared the pork ribs with mole. They seemed to love their dish and finished the portion, no problems. Though we ordered quite a bit of food, we couldn't stop thinking about dessert. One of the specials of the day with this caramel cheesecake with glazed apples and a side of homemade vanilla soft serve ice cream. This dessert sounds like it would be really heavy and overly sweet, but it really wasn't. The cheesecake was more like a creamy custard and the soft serve actually was't too sweet either. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal. The food is definitely on the pricey side, but you're getting quality ingredients, a thoughtful menu and food prepared with a lot of love and pride. In no way did I feel it was overpriced because I was so satisfied with my meal. Also, our server was amazing. He was there when we needed him, without being overbearing. Though the place was saturated with people, we didn't feel like we were being forced out or rushed in any way, which I always, always appreciate. Not only did I have an enjoyable meal, I had an unforgettable experience (they played amazing music in the background). Thanks for getting me out of my winter hibernation bottlefork, I owe you one!
(5)
Ashley S.
Delicious drinks!! My husband and our friend got the 9oz. Bill Bransky. SO DELICIOUS! It was so smooth for a concoction of whiskey, brandy, etc. Guys and girls alike would love this drink. Food, awesome. We ordered the Poutine and it was rich and yummy. Perfect appetizer for four people to split, with some left over. Service, awesome as well. We were never short of water and when our server got busy on the inside, the manager came outside to check on us and other customers. Very nice, accommodating staff. The girls at the front when you first walk in were sweethearts as well! We asked to move outside and it was not a problem, no issue, more than happy to accommodate, especially since they had planned for us to initially sit inside. Definitely coming back here again....this time, I'm getting the Bill Bransky! :)
(5)
Franchesca R.
Really great service and food. Can't complain about a thing. Check in on yelp to get a free "bag" of chips. They're delicious. My friend and I devoured them--along with the other potato items we ordered.
(4)
Shannon N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with my sister. We didn't have any reservation but were seated at the bar, right next to the prep area after getting there when it opened, around 10:30. We were kinda disappointed because, c'mon, no one likes sitting literally next to the coffee station where they set the pitchers, utensil sets, etc., with waiters constantly coming up next to you to grab things and fill up cups of coffee right next to you for other tables. The only pro about sitting here is that we were able to watch the kitchen do their thing with serving up all the orders, plating etc. WHAT WE GOT: 1) Bag of Crisps and Eggs: easily our favorite thing...despite it being chips and a slow poached egg mixed together, we loved this combo. The chips were salt and vinegar, but unlike the overly vinegar chips you buy from the grocery store, the malt vinegar wasn't overly powering--it was perfect! Plus, they give you a little spectacle by shaking up the chips and egg in a paper bag in front of you. 2) Corned beef hash: mmm this was really good! Loved the approach, it was really different in terms of having corned beef in the form of a patty, topped with the poached egg and hollandaise. I did thing the beef was a bit salty, even with the hollandaise and poached egg. 3) French toast: mmm if you are a fan of sweets for breakfast, you'll love this. They cook the french toast in a skillet, so a sugary, caramelized goodness is the result. Topped with some whipped cream and a blueberry compote--this is freaking amazing. SERVICE: 5 stars!!! Our waiter was super personable, very easy going, and always very attentive and observant, filling up our coffees even if they were only half empty. My sister and I wis we could have tried so much more if we weren't already full :( We had a hard time deciding what to get already, but Bottlefork has secured a spot in placed we'd definitely go to again next time (and with more people!) to try out even more! :)
(4)
Jeffrey G.
Stopped in for lunch on a whim and recommendation of a whiskey fellow. I've noticed the place form the outside when going to 3 Dots before, but nothing about it particularly stood out from the exterior. Inside, however, is a lovely modern atmosphere with good lighting, but not too much lighting for the dark contemporary decor. Music was a touch loud for my preference, but it was good tunes that were not "harsh" sound wise so it was not that big a deal. The food I tried was delicious. The "tots" covered in pimento cheese were nice and crispy and paired nicely with the house ketchup. I chose the portobello sandwich since I was in a suit and did not want to eat anything too messy, but it was also quite tasty. I love goat cheese and mushrooms, so it was a logical choice, rewarded. I also ordered a "for the allocation" on the recommendation of two staff members. I was NOT disappointed! The prices for drinks are on the higher end for the area and for my preference point, but the cocktail was quite good and if You are going to pay a premium price, this is one worth the premium (rather than being a needlessly marked up drink). Service was friendly and accommodating. All in all, I highly recommend stopping in and will return soon.
(4)
Bao L.
Dropped by for after-dinner drinks with some friends after we had dinner at Sunda on a Tuesday night. When you walk in, you're greeted immediately by the hostess. The restaurant gives off a very intimate vibe. We were able to snag a table right away to get out of the freezing cold. The drinks here, with their very unique names, are mixed very well and taste amazing. When I went, I had the Smoke of the Day (which I believe that night involved a whiskey) which had just the right amount of smokiness. Other drinks at our table included Big Salty Tears and Baysic, both of which were very good. Bottlefork also has an extensive wine list - we also ended up getting a carafe of a Malbec, though I forget from where exactly. Although we just ate dinner, we were still able to eat some more (if you have what I call "Stomach #2" after eating dinner, you're already a great person in my book and I want to be your friend). We decided to go with the charcuterie platter, which was amazing and devoured in an instant. I do want to go back to try some of their dinner menu, especially the tots, popcorn sweetbreads, and grilled octopus and housemade spam. The patrons around us eating dinner seemed to enjoy their food. Hopefully I'll be able to update this review soon enough w/ a review about their food also!
(4)
Sunny K.
I'd say my favorite is the charcuterie! The chips and egg is yummy. Try Rhinelander beer, it's also quite yummy, and I think our server explained it's from a brewery in Wisconsin. I've been here twice and each time I'm struck by how kind the servers are. In terms of decor, there's a bunch of wine crates and wooden furniture, nothing revolutionary.
(4)
Lois K.
We started with the bag of crisps eggs, tots, and braised beef cheek poutine. The poutine was delicious! The beef was cooked perfectly and fell apart with the touch of a fork. For dinner, I had the rich man po' boy, which was delicious, but I wish the portion size had been a bit bigger. The food here was pretty good and I would probably go back if I was in the area.
(4)
Andrea H.
I visited for dinner on Saturday night. We had a reservation for 8pm and our table was ready when we got there, always a good start. For drinks we ordered the Baysic cocktail as a shot. It reminded me of lemoncello. Then we ordered the "Smoke of the day" and the "For the Allocation." The "Smoke of the Day" was the clear winner of all the drinks with it's complex flavors and egg foam top. The host brought us out the chips in a bag with the poached egg for checking in. I was not excited about this at first but ended up loving it. This is a super addictive starter. Beware, this blows your diet right from the beginning. But you are not going to be able to stay on your diet and eat here, just FYI. Then we had the Crispy Brussels sprouts, Charcuterie plate, and deviled eggs with salmon. Of those, my favorite was the Charcuterie plate with pickled veggies and cherry preserves, it was amazing. It came with goat cheese, warm bread, and prosciutto. Out of this world good. The Brussels sprouts were a little greasy for my taste, but the deviled eggs were solid although I would prefer them without salmon chunks. I had been reading about the Lobster roll with fried oysters and foie gras and was excited to try thfor my entree. The sandwich tasted as super indulgent as it sounds. The bread was over-buttered for my taste, way way over-buttered. The three fried oysters were, fried and squishily greasy and frankly put my stomach over the edge. I reach my grease limit pretty quickly and my stomach was queasy the remainder of the night. Some people would have no problem with the sandwich though. I could not taste the foie gras, but that was probably a good thing. I would not order this again. My date ordered the Orecchiette pasta which was very good. Finally, we ended with the pretzel sundae with homemade soft serve vanilla ice-cream. The beer foam top was super-gross but the ice-cream was yummy although most homemade ice cream is considered soft serve, right? Get this without the beer foam and you won't regret it. Overall, a very interesting meal. If I return, I would do a round two on that Charcuterie plate for sure. The other things, probably not.
(4)
Megan B.
We came here for drinks after our meal next door at Frontera and were completely blown away by our experience at the bar. Our bartender, who I believe was named Adam, was exceptional. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he was great to hold a conversation with. Since we were visiting from out of town he recommended some other places to us in the city. He even introduced me to my new favorite drink (which he called Four Day Allocation, I believe). This was probably one of my top 5 experiences ever at a bar and I will absolutely recommended this place to anyone and everyone who will listen. Kudos, Adam!
(5)
Candice G.
I'd heard people talk about Bottlefork like it was the second coming of Christ but for me it just wasn't all that. I think it was mostly a combination of my own bad decisions that led me to feel this way, but in general I think that Bottlefork is too many parts style + hype over substance. My first mistake was making a reservation to come on a Friday night as I'd forgotten that I'd rather be in hell than in River North on a weekend night. Not my people. Not my scene. Just nicht für mich all around. I'd made reservations for 2 people at 9pm and received not only a confirmation email but also two phone calls to confirm my 9pm reservation and make sure I knew their policy that my reso is only good for an hour and a half dining experience so they can accommodate all their reservations. I wasn't planning on stretching my meal into a multi-hour-long event, but I also wasn't a huge fan of the pre-game warning about my meal being limited to an hour and a half, especially when their hours note that they close at 11pm... I guess I was just lucky to not be the person with the 10:30 reservation getting a 30-minute dining time-limit warning. I was also a bit put off when I did show up just shy of 9pm for my confirmed reservation and was told that my table wasn't ready and likely wouldn't be for 15 more minutes (which actually ended up being 30 minutes), but that we could try to fight our way through the gauntlet of tragically hip, freshly 20-somethings to attempt to get a drink at the bar or wait outside on the street. We chose the street. After our extended 30-minute wait, we were sat at a tiny 2-seat table across from the host stand which was probably as decent a seat as any, since the noise level throughout was downright deafening. I know it's cool to have loud music and all, but if everyone in the restaurant has to scream or get right up in your ear, it's maybe something to rethink. I will say that all 4 of the cocktails my guest and I had were phenomenal, though half of them seemed to either have a bit too short of a pour or needed to be more fitting glassware. I would still recommend all of them ('Little Miss Dynamite', 'No Tea, No Shade', 'Big Salty Tears', 'Loft on Broadway') to anyone willing to part with $14 for a finely crafted cocktail. As far as food goes, I should have done my research. I didn't realize that there were virtually no dishes on the menu that are vegetarian/pescetarian friendly and that's my fault. I was super bummed to find out that the main dish I'd booked my reservation around, the creamed kale with duck egg, had boar bacon in it (which does totally sound delicious) and the creamed kale is pre-mixed with the bacon in it and unable to be served without. But again, that's my fault completely for reserving my table based on a pretty picture and incomplete dish description. The server suggest 2-3 dishes per couple so we lightly followed her advice and got the following: ** "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs - $5 - which was actually free with Yelp check-in and my favorite dish of the night. If I came back for cocktails I'd have no bones about ordering this again. ** Mediterranean Salad with Olives, Eggplant Hummus, "Saganaki" Cheese, Sumac Croutons - $16 - It was good, but nothing to fawn over. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam with Brussels Sprout "Kim Chee" + Sugar Snap Peas - $21 - We got ours without the spam, which I appreciated them accommodating, but this is one dish I wouldn't recommend altering. It's highly acidic and the vinegar is overpowering to point of stinging if you don't have the buttery bites of Babe mixed in to off-set. ** Walleye special - $22 - I didn't realize that walleye is a largely flavorless fish and the menu description made it seem like it was going to be much more interesting than it was. The plating was beautiful, even in Bottlefork's darkest of dark settings, but beyond that the dish fell flat flavor-wise. ** Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler - It looked stunning, but it tasted about as tart as it could be before hitting the wall on inedible. I'm no good at balancing flavors so I have no constructive suggestions, but I def needed to chug my beverage after each bite to wash the pucker out of my mouth. In the end, our bill was actually really reasonable for what I was expecting and I did love having several of our dishes served by Chef Kevin Hickey, as he just looks like a dude I would hang out with and his smile is certainly contagious. Unfortunately, our dining experience was (more than a bit) marred by the mixed company of freshly-turned-20-somethigns dressed in whatevers trendy at that hour, attempting to shout above the vociferous volume of the dining room about their impending divorce and/or how they cleverly escaped DUI charges while the food just didn't rest as remarkable and certainly didn't inspire me to even want to attempt to push that hour-and-a-half dining time limit the hostess had warned about. A 3.5 from me, overall, but rounded up to 4.
(4)
Hannah C.
Service was a little slow, especially for a work lunch, but mostly the food was just unexceptional. The popcorn sweetbreads were probably well-prepared, but they were too fatty for us. The tots were unimpressive - the sauce tastes like standard nacho cheese sauce on refried potatoes. The bacon burger was a standout, with good flavors and interesting textures. Unfortunately, one good dish in a sea of not means I probably won't be back.
(3)
Frank R.
I really wanted to like this place since the service was excellent the second I stepped in the door. Wanted to grab lunch here on my way to the airport and as soon as the hostess saw me with luggage, she took my bags and placed them in storage without hesitation so I could enjoy my lunch. The place is known for the burgers and I should've gotten one, but I was attracted to the Rich Man's Po Boy on the menu. It had lobster and fried oysters and sounded awesome. Looked great when it came out, however, when it comes to sandwiches, I subscribe to the belief that bigger is better. This sandwich looked like it belonged on the kids menu. The fried oysters were larger than the sandwich and instead of complementing the lobster, it dominated it and had to be removed and eaten separately. The seafood was fresh, but there was not that much of it. I think they should change the title to the Poor Man's Po Boy at a Rich Man's Price. Also decided to be adventurous and try the sweetbreads. I blame that on Silence of the Lambs. They were kind of bland. Wasn't expecting much and got exactly that. For dessert, I had a mint ice cream sundae. This looked like a work of art, but didn't taste like it. The menu said it was comprised of soft serve ice cream. I know my ice cream and that was not soft serve. Looked and tasted like ice milk. If it really was soft serve, it must have been in the freezer past its expiration date. The mint parts were great, but the vanilla ice cream was pedestrian at best. Can't say one bad thing about the service. It was professional and they went above and beyond in my opinion. I would come back again just for that--and to try a hamburger.
(3)
Quin T.
Whether taking advantage of the patio or opting for a seat indoors, this restaurant is a MUST try in River North. I would strongly advise that you make reservations or you will be subject to a long wait or rubbernecking the bar for an empty spot..good luck with that one. While I do love sitting outdoors on a nice day, their awning does not extend that far out to cover your table, so if you are need of a tan, which I am not, then you have found your spot. Opting for a seat at the intimate bar, I was able to ask specific questions regarding the craft cocktails. The bartender was very knowledgeable and patient and because of that, I ordered several drinks..thanks, guy. Needing something to help absorb the alcohol, I found the most intriguing item: The Poor Man's Po Boy with Lobster, Foie, and topped with crispy oysters....damn! There is nothing "Po" about this $25 sandwich, making it the most expensive sandwich I have ever consumed in my life. Regardless of the price, just the description alone should have you wanting to make a reservation today and you should, because it's worth every damn penny! FYI, I have been to this restaurant 3 times and I always order the Po boy because in my opinion, "Nothing Compares"- Sinead O'Connor.
(5)
Erica M.
We read awesome things about Bottlefork so it was our first stop from the airport for brunch. We arrived a few minutes after opening and all the outdoor tables were taken. Our meal was good....our server was nice, but we waited a REALLY long time for our food. The chips and eggs were pretty tasty and we shared the rich man's po-boy. The po-boy was a bit disappointing - super buttery/greasy bun and no identifiable foie gras. And bites on the end of bun-only, which is just so sad. The slow service left a bad taste in our mouth when we left, no pun intended.
(4)
John K.
Located between Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and Bub City, the space is sleek, yet comfortable. There are a few counter seats to watch the action in the kitchen as well. White Sangria Special [$6] For brunch, Bottlefork offered a $6 white sangria, which was a good bet for easy drinking - bright and refreshing. Bottlefork Bloody Mary [$12] Starlite vodka, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon juice The GF and I decided to go down the route of Blood Mary's. Bottlefork offers three and she went went with the middle of pack. The Starlite vodka went well with the house mix and the San Marzano and plum tomato puree offered some tart, bright flavors accentuated by the lemon juice. The toppers included what I believe was a pickled quail egg and radish - wholesome brunch indeed! Slaughterhouse Mary [$18] Northshore Aquavit, veal stock, pork stock, chicken stock, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon Obviously, I went over the top with the premium offering - the Slaughterhouse Mary. North Shore Brewery's Aquavit had hints of caraway which paired well with the slaughterhouse stock. The plum and San Marzano mix helped to temper the savoriness of this tipple. Topped with a smorgasbord of salumi, sausage, chicharron, and pickled quail egg, this was clearly meant for the belly of this pig. It didn't end there though - both Blood Mary's were accompanied by a sidecar shorty of Rhinelander - light and smooth. Maple Slab Bacon [$5] At this point in the meal, the kitchen sent out a complimentary slab of maple bacon, proclaiming it was for the "belly of the pig."Whether it's brunch or dinner, you should order the bacon if it's on the menu. It's done right - thick cut, crispy, yet almost braised within - it's worthy of a steakhouse menu. Simply delicious. Bag of Sour Cream Donut Holes [$6] Bourbon "old fashioned" jam As a sweet starter, our group went with the donut holes, which were decadent, yet light. Creamy and moist within, with a caked glaze exterior, perfectly accented by the slightly tart jam. Crisps & Eggs [$5] Malt vinegar powder, sea salt With our Yelp check-in, we also received the popular crisps and eggs - and rightly so. Our server brought a paper bag filled with house-made chips and a lightly poached egg and shook the contents table-side - a nice, interactive touch. The chips themselves were crispy indeed with a creamy dressing adding some richness. But the real star here? The malt vinegar powder which had some pop to each bite. Richie's Mom's Cast Iron Baked French Toast [$12] Strawberry rhubarb compote, sweet cream Our friend Alex went with the baked french toast, which was served from the cast-iron skillet table-side, so as to scrape off any excess drizzle. If you've got a sweet tooth or any taste buds at all, you need to get a bite of this dish. It was so decadent it ate like cake - the richness of the syrupy glaze was tempered (ever so slightly) by the strawberry rhubarb compote, with the rhubarb adding the necessary tartness to each bite. Good thing Alex ran 7 miles the night before! Breakfast Sope [$16] Ranchera sauce, fried egg, chorizo black beans, cotija cheese, guacamole The GF felt like going a little south of the border so she went with the sope, which I typically find to be a bit dry. While I appreciate that the toppings are meant to add the oomph to each bite, I appreciated that Bottlefork's sope was moister than most. The chorizo provided some heat to complement the ranchera sauce, with the fresh guacamole and cilantro adding some herbal notes to each bite. Of course, the fried egg adding additional richness to complement the salt of the cotija. Rich Man Po' Boy [$25] Lobster, foie, crispy oysters I'm not sure what made me order the dish more - the sheer oxymoronic phrasing of this dish or the fact that it had foie, lobster, and oysters in a po' boy. Either way, I'm glad I did. The crusty, buttery roll encased a bounty from both land and sea. The creamy richness of the foie acted as the mayo component to most lobster rolls, and complemented the perfectly cooked crustacean quite well. The crispy oysters added some additional briny richness, with the scallion accents adding some bite. I occasionally have thoughts of returning to one of my favorite cities in America. The service and, more importantly, the food at Bottlefork helps to underscore the fact that Chicago is not only about deep dish pizza's, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Not every restaurant needs to be Alinea to put Chicago on the map, but if Bottlefork and Chef Hickey have a say in it, it's clear that Chicago chefs are proud of what they put out.
(5)
Oscar R.
We stopped in a whim and had the best afternoon we have had in a long time. We sat at the bar for a drink and the bartender recommended a fine whiskey drink and my wife had a craft beer. We chatted up the staff and each other and just enjoyed the day. I overheard the chef (A young guy named Eric Lopez ) chatting with some other people and I asked about the grits he was serving with the soft shell crab special. He talked lovingly about the grits, but also cooking food in general. Being a chef is a tough racket, but I really got the sense there is nothing he would rather be. his creativity and pride just gushed onto the plate. It was the simple the tastiest most complex thing I have eaten in a long time. It was pricey, but somethings are worth it. Finding a gem like this in a big city is one of them
So for my first experience at Bottlefork was for a Yelp event which happened to be my first Elite event ever. And I remember they had bacon cheeseburger sliders that absolutely delicious. Once I found out the sliders were just miniature versions of the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, I already had it set in my mind that I would be back. Well, I did come back. And if you notice the 3 star rating, it's easy to see I wasn't pleased. We had reservations and when I walked in, the place was crowded. No big deal. The party in front of me, however, did not have a reservation and were given an empty table. I figured no big deal again. When we told them of our reservation, we were told it would probably be a 5-10 min wait as they were crowded. Now if I didn't see the party in front of me get a table without a reservation, I wouldn't have cared. But I kinda feel like my reservation, for which I was early for, should have been honored before those without one. That aside, I couldn't wait to get the burger. I've had my eyes set on this burger since March LOL. Put in the order and when I see the burger coming out, it looked nothing like the burger I saw in March. It's like when you see a Wendys commercial and the sandwich looks like a piece of art and then you go to Wendys and you get this smushed down sandwich with the toppings falling out the side. Totally disappointed in presentation. However, it still was delicious. Ironically the entree that I enjoyed the most was the one I didn't come for and that was the braised pork belly. Waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Drinks were good and our waitress was really nice and professional. I really want to like this place so I'll likely give it another try and update. I definitely want to see what the Bill Brasky drink is all about where you can only order one.
(3)
Casey U.
Do you know Bill Brasky (BILL BRASKY!)? Yeah him, the guy whose drink launched a thousand selfies in one night (my camera took at least two dozen!)?! Yeah, the damn thing is a soda fountain suicide of whiskey! Its the damn size of year head, at least six ounces of booze! (It even includes the perfume Brasky used to seduce your wife, and boy...) Man, its a good cocktail, well balanced, floral, and it includes a fist sized ice cube embedded with a playing card featuring a woman naked as the day Brasky first met her, and saved her from that pack of rampaging elephants that had just broken out of the Atlanta Zoo! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) TO BILL BRASKY, WHAT A GUY, WHAT A DRINK! How about the sweetbreads (BILL BRASKY LOVES SWEETBREADS!). Deep fried, just like Braskey would have wanted them; rich, and a little spicy....just like the time you and Brasky spent three days in that hotel in Cabo...it even comes in a little silver barrel too (just like the hot tub in your suite). Man, they were just about as delicious as your memories of that lost weekend...( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Brasky would have loved the Burger too (and man, Brasky loved his burgers!). Aww man, this one was a beaut. As rare a burger as Braskey is a man. Perfectly charred on the outside while remaining rare inside, salty from its baconey mix-in, beefy, umami-rich, craveworthy. A gloriously toasted potato bun (and boy, did Brasky love his buns!), soaking up all the juicy fat...dripping from the patty, topped with a couple of thick slabs of chaddar (if you know what I mean...and I think you do...). I mean, topped with a dijon mayo and pico de gallo like tomato? Magnificent, like the giant pickle on top of the damn thing. The bunch of fresh cut, earthy fries and homemade catsup? Brasky woulda' been all over that. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Take a swig of the Bill Brasky, bite the burger, man, its heaven...just like the time me an Brasky... Five Freaking Stars Extras: Something something review 200...something something danger zone. The dining experience is the perfect blend of style and substance, extraordinary food which happens to be perfectly photogenic. Its the meal for a selfie obsessed generation who loves to take pictures of their meal. Sit at the chef's counter. The chefs can talk a good game, and gave me a couple of free samples (including the filling for the Rich Man, Po' Boy, which was remarkable). Kick-ass service. Seriously, the "Bill Brasky" is the best 35$ selfie you've ever taken, and a fantastic cocktail (although you'll probably feel...rather conspicuous drinking it). Don't forget to toast like the SNL skit when it comes to your table, because it turns out that everyone's a little narcissistic when they get to spend time with Bill. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… )
(5)
Emily S.
I've had quite a few different things here and have not been in love with any of it. I also think the restaurant is too cramped and the tables are too close together to have private conversations.
(3)
Andrea R.
And yet another uh-mazing new restaurant in River North complete with inventive cocktails, tasty food and even celebrity sightings (David Schwimmer last Thurs evening). I did with every good yelper does when I first arrived at Bottlefork and "checked-in" and was rewarded with a complimentary "bag" of crisps and eggs. They were basically the best chips ever; I'd even pay for them next time. Our fabulous waitress helped my friend & I with the rest of our order. We told her we were hungry and based on the amount of food she suggested she must have thought we just finished running a marathon. It ended up being way too much, but happy I got to try a bit of everything. Next time in addition to the crisps & eggs (of course) I'd stick with the tuna crudo, mediterranean "salad," and potato gnocchi. And that's plenty for 2 people! We also ordered the mussels (paled in comparison to the rest of the meal) and "tots." The tots were basically massive tots covered in cheese...so delish, but felt guilty about them when I woke up the next morning. As for my cocktail I went the vodka route and ordered "loft on broadway." Loved it and bummed I had to stop after just 1 due to a drive back to da burbs. Can't wait til my next dinner here. In fact, I already have reservations lined up for next month! Nice work Rockit Ranch!
(5)
Christopher V.
I've only been once, but I'm impressed with Bottlefork. Service, food & drinks all exceeded expectation. The Berkshire porkchop was the highlight of the meal, perfectly seared and seasoned. The chicken was moist with crisp skin & a hint of smoke. Drinks were expertly crafted as well. I highly recommend.
(4)
Jeff S.
Way way late on this review as I had lunch there on MLK Day. Due to the holiday, it was quite empty for lunch which was a-ok in my book. Considering the location (River North) it probably gets quite crowded for dinner and the weekends. Bottlefork is owned by the guys at Rockit so I expected semi-gourmet food and a nice mix of drinks. And that's pretty much what I got. Unlike Rockit Bar which is currently closed, the alcohol selection is definitely more advanced. Tons of bourbon and an eclectic craft beer selection highlight the bar. For food, I went with the special which was a grass fed burger with bacon and a jalapeno apple slaw. I know that it's not on the menu at all times but the jalapeno apple slaw was delicious and added a fresh component to the burger. The burger was cooked well (not well done but medium rare) though I honestly could not tell if it's grass fed or just a standard burger. In addition to the burger, it came with a load of fries (basically the side for free). Know that none of the standard sandwiches come with a side so the special was well worth the money. Being a fan of Rockit, would I go back to Bottlefork? Probably. But unless the slaw makes a return, I do not think it will be a standard spot for me.
(3)
Kristy H.
In search of a nice brunch spot with some friends, we decided on Bottlefork given the great reviews on Yelp. We were not disappointed. We started off with the chips and an egg (free when you check-in on Yelp) and they were delicious. The mixture between the salt and vinegar chips and the egg was unexpectedly good. They're regularly $5 and I'd definitely get them again. My SO ordered the corn beef and hash and I ordered the bacon burger. Both entrees were really delicious. The hollandaise sauce and poached egg were absolutely amazing. My bacon burger was also really good. Apparently the patty is made of 30% bacon and you can definitely taste it in the patty. We also ordered bloody mary's with beer backs for $10 each with our meal. They were unique and had a smokey flavor - they even came with a quail egg! I'll for sure be ordering them again. Overall, our experience was great and brunch lived up to the hype. A little pricy but worth it.
(4)
Emily Z.
Reservations are your best bet, Tuesday evening we were limited to the bar, or Chef's Table, which is the bar but just in front of the kitchen (marketing!) The Chefs table was actually great, we got to see all the care that is put in to creating each dish! Carafe's are half off on Tuesdays, Pinot Noir was fabulous! Checked in on Yelp and really enjoyed our complimentary free 'bag' of crisp + egg ($5). Delicious salt and vinegar chips with an hour long perfectly poached egg added before serving to add a bit of richness. Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Mapple-Burobon Vinaigrette ($8)- Were not my choice but despite their bad reputation and burnt appearance they were fantastic! They had so much vinaigrette on them that they were barely recognizable as a vegetable! Orecchiette Pasta with Rapini + Breadcrumbs + Spicy Chicken Sausage + Espelette Pepper ($22) was a little heavy on the sausage proportion wise, which is a good problem to have I guess! The dish is really spicy, so I would pass if you are not a spice person. We were full splitting these three plates between two, but everything was great so I will definitely be back to taste more things and hopefully some of their homemade soft serve this time!
(4)
T B.
So the food was decent but for one (rather small) breakfast entre and an iced coffee we paid $30 each... #underwheming. #overpriced
(2)
Rits M.
I came here on a one off chance, and got here a little early so it wasnt jam packed as yet. I would recommend making a reservation or coming for after work drinks and leaving by 7. I let myself be guided by the reviews and tried the popcorn sweetbreads- I think this is the most interesting thing on the menu, definitely get some. I also liked the bacon burger a lot, its one of those burgers that you crave, but dont necessarily want all the time. It has a magical time and place. The place itself is small- and has sizable tables, so hopefully you are good with sharing with other people. Else, the bar is your best place to sit. The aisles are so small you can talk to your friends uninterrupted even when seated at the bar. The drinks here are well mixed, but not necessarily all that great, I would let the waiter be your guide for recommendations.
(4)
Michael M.
Visited Chicago for the first time with my wife.. Just so happens that we visited during her birthday.. I read the reviews and looked at the pictures of Bottlefork.. Decided to take her here for a nice Birthday dinner.. They did not disappoint.. Our server was knowledge and was able to recommend certain items off the menu. Started out with the Bag of Chips.. Compliments of the house if you checked in with Yelp.. The Poached egg on top of these was delicious.. Holy Cow!! It was delicious.. We also had the jerky which was great to.. Very tender.. Very good.. I had the Bacon Burger which was mouthwatering.. My wife had the Rich Man's PoBoy.. We also had the Creamed Kale. Would I go back here to eat?? You better believe it..
(5)
Jessica S.
We recently went to Bottlefork and had a really enjoyable time. The food was all well thought out and delicious. The service was great which is sometimes rare to find downtown. Try the bag of crisps and eggs.... complimentary with a Yelp check in!
(4)
Jori L.
This place is overpriced and a mess. All of riv north is overpriced, one could argue. But those places know it, and see to it that everything else about your experience is on point. My friend had spit out a bite of her $18 Mediterranean (no meat!) salad because in it laid a hair. When she reported the incident to the trendy ass manager, he told her that he has never employed any blonde haired person, and smugly walked away to pose against the bar. Later returned awkwardly to inform us that he actually HAD hired one blonde person(!) And tell us some stupid details about his experience undergoing puberty at age 15. I have included a picture of the bearded idiot handling the situation - professionally, on his phone, lounging against the bar. The food is solid and sorta unique but it's not a stand out in this location, much less the city.
(2)
Jenn D.
Ahhh where to start?! Loved this place! Food, drinks and service were phenomenal. Couldn't pick a drink because they all looked good. Went with our servers recommendations and loved them all! I got the scrubbed the right way and I'd highly recommend it! Favorite dish was the poutine, followed by the egg crisps and the scallops. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
B M.
Meandering the city, we happened into Bottlefork on a Wednesday afternoon. The vibe is devine. Josh was behind the bar; and man can he make a drink. We enjoyed the Smoke of the Day, Baysic, and Shrubbed the Right Way. The latter had a wonderful pop at the end. The food that was served all looked scrumptious. We must go back and try!
(5)
Laila C.
Meh...even for River North it's ridiculously overpriced. Good thing I came with a vendor, I would've punched someone if I had to actually pay for this myself. I had the steak salad, it was $30?!?!?!!?!?!?! What the fuck???? I mean...the steak was ok but literally I can get a better full steak meal for about that price. We had the tots...just way too much potato. I get it was trying to be clever, but really it was just clunky. Two's version of large format tots are way more successful. These are dense, heavy, I couldn't possibly eat more than 2 of these. Also service sucks. We sat around forever..first waiting for water, then for menus, then for someone to take our menu...all so they can forget parts of our order and get it wrong. Lame, lame lame.
(2)
Norm J.
Happened upon Bottlefork one of the nights I was stumbling out of Bub City and decided to give this place a try. Bottlefork's atmosphere was lively and energetic on a Monday evening which instantly perked my friend and I up. We both thought that the decor was hip and modern, but the tables were too close together (we had to pull our table over so the lady at the table next to us could get out...not cool). Our waiter was awesome and I'm mad I forgot his name because I would've loved to give him a shout out. He explained the drink and dinner menu in such detail that I wanted to order everything. Drinks - Corn N' Oil: is a must try! I'm not a fan of rum, but this drink is really good and the huge ice cube that comes in the drink is pretty awesome. I got buzzed off this one. - Loft on Broadway: is a refreshing vodka drink, but there are better drinks on the menu to choose from. Food - Bag of Crisps + Eggs, $5: is a must try! These chips were my favorite part of the meal. I pretty much ate 85% of them, leaving my dining companion (a slow eater) with the other 15%. Also, you get these for FREE when you check-in via Yelp! Not sure how long this will last so don't yell at me if this deal isn't available when you go. - Smoked Spot Prawns, $18: where really good and the sauce that the prawns were placed on top of was a nice touch. You get 3 prawns so if 2 people are sharing this dish you'll need to cut the 3rd prawn in half or hope that your dining companion is generous like mine was and will let you have it all to yourself. #WINNING - Braised Beef Cheek Poutine, $14: was...well poutine. The dish was good and I would try it again, but it tasted like poutine I've had other places. Just good, but nothing special. - Smoked Suckling Pig Flatbread, $17: was good, but I wish it would have been a little bit warmer. I'll definitely be going back to Bottlefork and hopefully I'll be getting some free chips!
(4)
Ngoc N.
Meh - after a couple months they've increased their prices. Some by $1, some by a lot more. This isn't their first venture into restaurant business so I assume they had already have things priced for a profit. I find the change unnecessary and greedy.
(3)
Brian M.
Came here on a Tuesday (I know, Tuesday night) night for a few drinks. The setting is small and intimate. Long bar down the side with about 8-10 tables. If you are coming in a party larger than 2, I would recommend you make a reservation. First, the bartender (Lauren) was amazing. Friendly, informative and made one of the best old fashions that I have had in a long time. Hint: Order it with Rye and you will know what I am talking about. The bad is I probably had a few more than I should. At the table we got the Tots, Poutine and Charcuterie. The tots were amazing and different. They are these large blocks of potato goodness instead of these small bite sized ones. They were also smothered in a cheesy sauce that was really good. The poutines were topped with braised short rib, not sure this is ever a bad thing. Charcuterie was typical for what you would expect. The one item to highlight from there is that the spicy ground pork was really good! Perfect place to have a good drink, a date or to catch up with a friend. I will be back for sure.
(5)
Jocelyn C.
Hands down best place I went to this weekend in Chicago! A friend of a friend made my sister and I reservations here since it was our first time in Chicago and we had no idea where to go for some food/drinks before a night of partying on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is upscale casual and the decor is beautiful definitely goes w the vibe (dark and semi intimate). The service was very helpful and super nice. The GM Chris was constantly checking that all the tables were good and gave us recommendations on food/drinks. (super cute too so heyy eye candy all night ;)) THOSE TATER TOTS!!! oh. My. Goodness. The best tots I've ever had. My sister and I scarfed them down, I couldn't believe how quickly they were off the table in our tummys! Fried to perfection, amazingly seasoned, and the cheese was just... Ugh. My mouth is watering. We also got the Andouille Sausage Flatbread to share. Excellent! Great size for sharing and not too heavy. The pesto and pickled shallots really amped up the flavor on it! Our server also helped us pick out some Bottlefork original cocktails that were very yummy! I had the "Burning the Days" which was a better version of an old fashioned. Not too sweet but not too bitter. My sister ordered the "Little Miss Dynamite" which is one of their most popular drinks, lots of liquor but tastes like juice! This one will definitely knock you on your ass. To end our meal, Chris sent over some dessert. HOLY CHET. just look at the picture. It was their "hot and gooey" dessert of the night. It was cheesecake (more of a cheesecake custard) with orange marmalade, Graham cracker, and vanilla ice cream. They ran out of orange marmalade bc it was so late in the night but that was okay because it was still the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. We pretty much inhaled that one! I can't wait to come back and try more Bottlefork original drinks and food! Thanks Martin and Chris and our wonderful lady server for a great foodie experience!
(5)
Dzeinara P.
Reasons it's not a 1 star review - cocktails are really well made - awesome decor - the chips with the egg and malt.. Yum! I've had drinks here before but not this day. Reasons why review is so low: Our server kept calling one of my friends "Bud, Buddy". My friend was clearly older than him and it was awkward. Server insisted the hash is amazing and his favorite. Turns out it was disgusting. Way too much salt. Like waaaay too much. It was spam overload. When we had mentioned that to the server, after he asked how's everything... He didn't have a response. Just raised his brows a bit and walked away. Who does that? We ended up ordering some toast so we can eat this expensive hash. Which by the way, took over 15 mins to arrive. Our hash was cold by then. I made the reservation through Open Table, under the name Daisy. And there is no way I would recommend this place to any friends. And I am also embarrassed that I took 3 of my friends here. Come here for apps and drinks only.
(2)
Carol K.
Bottlefork continues to knock it out of the park for my friends and me every time we visit. On my last stop in- given all of my friends were new to the place, Jason, the manager, went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, and even comped a few dishes that he said we just had to try! Sweet! Try the house made beef jerky, the poutine and the pretzel caramel sundae . . you can thank me later! Love the cocktails, love the service, love the food! Still at the top of my "go to" list!
(5)
Mary R.
The restaurant tries and the concept is good but everything was a bit off. Service was great so would give that a 5. We went for brunch and seemed like they tried a little too hard. However the chips and egg in a bag was very tasty. The rich mans po'boy had chewy lobster and overpriced. The beef cheek poutine was very salty. The Bloody Mary was sweet???? I could have used the salt from the poutine. Maybe dinner is better.
(3)
Kori E.
I returned for dinner with my beau this past Friday night and we had an excellent time! We started with the deviled eggs and sweetbreads and both were delish. I love how deviled eggs have made a comeback! Next we had the charcuterie plate, and that spicy sausage with the goat cheese was absolutely amazing!! Great recommendation by our server. With my Yelp check-in we got a free Chips/eggs dish and that was the most interesting thing I've seen in a while. They take homemade chips and a runny egg - throw the egg in the bag with the chips and mix it up. It doesnt make the chip soggy like you would think, but I would have liked to have tasted more of the egg - maybe some truffle oil?? Just a thought! We lastly split the steak and it was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal all the way around. I would highly recommend checking this awesome place out - another great restaurant by Billy Dec.
(5)
Alexandria T.
After attending a Yelp elite event at Bottlefork, I couldn't wait to go back to enjoy the full experience. I was able to make a reservation on Open Table for a Tuesday night--man, this place is already super popular. We arrived about ten minutes early, but they were still able to seat us right away. We each ordered a beer off of their extensive drink menu. We laughed about the Bill Brasky but didn't want to splurge. We started off our meal with the crisps, which after reading mixed reviews, I wasn't so sure about. Both my boyfriend and I ended up loving them. They do a nice presentation and if you eat them quickly, the egg doesn't make the chips soggy. We decided to go with separate plates because I don't eat meat, and my boyfriend does. I got the gnocchi, he got the burger, and we shared the tots. He said the burger was really good, but not on the top of his list. I loved the pimento sauce top of the tots. And, the gnocchi was pretty freaking amazing! They have done something right with the ambiance, and I had a very nice celebratory meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Amy S.
My clothes from yesterday smell like smoked meat, and I have to say that's a really great thing! The food at Bottlefork is top notch and delicious. The veal sweetbreads?? Better than any sweetbread I've ever tried, seriously. The batter is light, crunchy, and perfect. The bacon induced slider?? Holy moly. Most sliders become dry because it is hard to keep the juice in with a tiny piece of meat, but they do a phenomenal job here. The slides have the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, salt, and the grilled buns are the best finishing touch. The meat and cheese here is fresh and perfectly cured. Special shoutout to the Foie Gras Chicken Liver Mousse and the Tuna Crudo. Both are little jars of happiness! The drinks here are really delicious: Loft on Broadway - Perfect girl-ish drink. An elevated play on vodka, lemon, vermouth and simple syrup because there is a touch of violet liquor and the vermouth is better than most places. Smoke of the Day - This was corned beef drippings + whiskey, talk about a meaty drink! The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable! I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)
Becca D.
The food is amazing, the service is not that great. I stopped in for some drinks and dessert one night and the pumpkin cheesecake thing is what brought me back there the next day to try again. I went solo the second time for Sunday brunch (which was also my birthday) and sat at the bar. The bar had a good amount of people at it, but it wasn't overly busy by any means. For some reason, the bartender straight up ignored me most of the time I was there. I had to flag down the barback every single time I needed another drink. On the one occasion I did get the bartender's attention for a drink, he completely forgot and ignored me for another 10 minutes... to which I again had to get the barback. The bartender wasn't apologetic at all and just didn't seem to care. Ok, back to the food. Sunday brunch. I had 2 eggs over easy and the tots that came along with them were awesome. I also got a piece of the maple slab bacon which had me in absolute heaven! I had never had slab bacon that thick before and it was just soooo good. Definitely more expensive for what you get, but that's to be expected with any gastropub these days. Loved the decor. Drinks were good too but slightly overpriced. Again, not surprised as it is a gastropub.
(3)
Lindsay F.
Holiday weekend brunch following Thanksgiving did not disappoint. Chef Mitch Bauer is ON POINT! The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the cocktails and food infused and the food is cocktail infused (nothing better than that!), the dishes are creative but familiar, and the staff is all friendly and enjoyable to be around. We starred our brunch with the new-to-menu gingerbread donut holes with bourbon caramel and orange cream icing dips. Holy smokes! Talk about delicious! The chips you get **free** for checking in are phenomenal. Warm, salty, vinegary delights! Brunch plates at our table ranged from a bacon burger to eggs to the "leftover sandwich" special. All of it was delicious and the homemade tots bring it all home. There's really nothing I can find wrong with this place. Come hungry, leave stuffed and ready to come back again!
(5)
Jackie S.
Okay, this place is SO good. My sister and I came here a few months back. What we ordered: Little Miss Dynamite cocktails: Fantastic! Order one and you won't regret it. Bag of Crisps & Eggs: I was hesitant to try these but since they were free with a Yelp check-in, we figured we might as well. Ended up loving them! My sister didn't love them but I thought the combination was surprisingly awesome. Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger: AMAZING. I seriously dream about this burger. If you love burgers, you must give it a try! Well done, Bottlefork!
(5)
Sofia J.
Not very impressed with the brunch menu, most of the items are overpriced and quite simple. The Rich man po boy however is like a fish out of water on this menu. Not sure how something so creative was placed among otherwise less than thrilling choices. Foie gras and lightly fried oysters are a phenomenal lobster roll pairing so I absolutely recommend going there just for the Rich Man Po Boy. Oh, and a side of bacon...a very generous maple-glazed side. Also loved the bloody mary, Bottlefork has one of the most uniquely flavored mixes I've tasted.
(3)
Rosanna P.
Not totally impressed with their food... Also their staff is kind of rude. I work about a 1/2 a block away, and probably wouldn't go back..
(2)
Michael U.
Items Selected: Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Malt Vinegar Powder and Sea Salt Popcorn Sweetbreads - Calabrian Chili Aioli Beef Cheek Poutine - Lemmenec Fries, Wisconsin Curds Rich Man Po-Boy - Lobster, Foie Gras, Crispy Oysters Creamy Kale with Duck Egg and Wild Boar Bacon Fish n' Chips - Lager Battered Cod, Malt Vinegar Crisps, Slaw Smoked Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich - Horseradish Coleslaw and White Cheddar Tots - Pimento Cheese Sauce Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout Sundae Bourbon Peach + Michigan Blueberry + Candied Pecan Sundae Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Humbled by the heat and humidity combined with late nights and substantial dining since arriving in Chicago on Saturday it was with scaled back plans that Labor Day arrived and opting to sleep in before hitting the gym I was admittedly quite famished as we approached Bottklefork, the long and narrow River North restaurant toqued by former Allium Chef Kevin Hickey. Designed in the hip, gastropub style all too familiar to folks interested in dining out these days and owned by the men behind hotspots Rockit and Sunda it was just past noon when our trio was seated in a plush booth and quickly greeted by a charming server who kept beverages brimming throughout our meal a three-course, eleven plate order unfolded - the tableside-shaken chips with a runny egg offered gratis to those using their smartphone to check-in. Perhaps more full than usual as many restaurants in the area were closed for the holiday it was apparent early on that the open kitchen was teeming with activity and as appetizers arrived no more than ten minutes after ordering both the spicy sweetbreads and upscale poutine were exemplary, the later featuring double cooked fries more than capable of holding up to thick gravy and squeaky, fresh curds. Unfortunately a bit more limited at lunch than with the substantial dinner menu it was in a trifecta of sandwiches along with two sides that the meal progressed and although the gussied-up Po-Boy was somewhat undersized for the price it was none the less delicious, a similar compliment befitting the substantial fried cod and equally enormous smoky seasoned beef. Further impressed by large, tender tots and kale that tasted akin to a soft-set quiche it was with a trio of desserts that our visit to 441 North Clark Street culminated and although the beer-head foam on our first sundae was not an ideal first bite, once it was mixed in the malt and hops provided an impressive contrast to flavors both salty and sweet, the bourbon similarly gilding the second goblet with an oaky finish while 'hot and gooey' cobbler arrived bubbly, sweet, and simply delicious.
(4)
Nadege L.
The food here is pretty good! And the ambiance is fun and the customer service was good. You definitely need reservations to come here on the weekends. They have good drinks. The food is a bit pricey, but the portion sizes are decent.
(4)
Dutch R.
I was in Chicago for a Surgery Center conference and a friend of mine suggested BottleFork. The service was excellent, the General Manager, Jason Ring stopped by and provided us with his suggestions including the octopus and the hamburger. I finished with a delicious dessert and capuchino. If I worked within 10 miles of Bottlefork it would be my place. Excellent food and drinks.
(5)
Sam S.
I've been here a few times and will be back. The drinks are creative and fantastic. The food is even better. The chicken sandwich, the poutine, the tater tots...all amazing. I highly recommend stopping into Bottlefork and I suspect you'll be back for more.
(4)
Jessica P.
Bottlefork was a great find on our trip to the amazing food city of Chicago. My sister and I started off with beef cheek poutine. Nobody does poutine like Montreal, but this was definitely the best I have had in the states. The cheese curds were squeaky and the fries stood up great to the savory gravy. Next we had the Mediterranean salad with saganaki cheese. Saganaki is a family favorite so when we saw it on the menu we knew it was a must-try. It did not disappoint. The tangy dressing with the wilted greens, sharp cheese, and pita bread croutons created the perfect salad bite. For our entree we split the grilled octopus and spam and the orecchiette with chicken sausage. Both were great but the spam was by far the star. The house-made treat was beyond delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the grilled octopus. The octopus was a tad bit chewy, but had great flavor. Overall- I would highly recommend this restaurant for some plates for happy hour and shared plates!
(4)
Stephanie L.
Hell yes! Go, now...it's delicious. So I had a blonde moment and made the reservation for the wrong night...when we arrived, they notified me I made it for Thursday...not Wednesday. Whoops! The place was jammed to the gills so I was a little nervous about getting seated but it wasn't 2-3 mins and they were able to seat us at the chefs table...aka the bar right in front of the kitchen. Our server, Nick quickly came and explained everything to us. Suggesting several cocktails to our liking. They have quite a list of craft cocktails and wine. If we didn't like something, no biggie...they would get you whatever YOU want. Great customer service! The food was f-ing great. I have to say, I have been less than impressed with most new restaurants in my hood...but this delivered...much better than it's former counterpart...dragon ranch. HA! Crisp and egg...free with Yelp check in and it's totally delish, like one of the favs Popcorn sweetbreads...perfect. These were amazing! Do it! Rich man's poor boy...good, but prob would skip next time Creamed kale...this shit is like crack! Wild mushroom gnocchi...it was good, but felt like it was missing salt or something. Ooey gooey bread pudding was fan-freaking-tas-tic!!! Price point was totally reasonable for what we got and the area. Only complaint was that the place was jammed...I guess the word is already out. The new cool place to be...RUN
(5)
Eric S.
Excellent experience! The environment struck a balance between classy and casual, which I definitely appreciated. The food and drinks were definitely not typical and everything I had was delicious. I tried their "Smoke of the Day" drink and was pleasantly surprised by it. If you go here (and you should), don't be afraid to experiment!
(5)
Rich M.
I like this place! The atmosphere is cool and sexy but not pretentious. The food is cleverly done and everything we had was exceptional! The service was average at best- our waiter seem to be in a bit of a mood. The prices are high, which I don't mind if the food and service rise to the same level. The food is worth it but the let down in service made the high prices harder to swallow.
(4)
Pam S.
Sooo....Bottlefork. Although my besties DruePaul were only in town for a weekend, we made the most of our brunching time. Since Bottlefork was so close to their hotel, and we were able to get reservations, Bottlefork it was. We were immediately seated in a large booth (there were 5 of us) and were impressed with the decor- a little rustic, very chic. Being that it was our group, we started on drinks- some of us got the Improved Mimosa, some got the Strawberry Rhubarb bellini, and some got beer. Although I started with the bellini, I upgraded to the mimosa and found it to be more of my liking (perhaps because it had more booze). The table tried a bit of everything- donut holes, braised beef cheek poutine, hash, slab o' bacon...and then my paltry eggs, tots and toast. While I like the idea of cubed potatoes, and they were good, the tots were a little much for me. All around, the food was delicious, albeit overwhelming. Why one star down? Our server was...a little all over the place. There's positive energy on a Sunday morning, and then there's loony energy. Our server had more of the latter. In addition, while we had extensive interactions in the beginning, it took awhile to get both drinks and food. All in all I'd recommend- and wouldn't mind coming back for dinner. Might sit in a different section, though.
(4)
Victoria G.
LOVE this place! I will definitely venture back and bring friends. I made a reservation on a Friday night, arrived early and was seated immediately, even though my friend hadn't yet arrived. Super cool vibe and ambience. Low mood lighting with cool background music. I saw a number of dates taking place. We sat at the chefs table and it was fun watching the crew make the food right in front of us. The waitstaff and chefs are super friendly and very knowledgeable. And the food and craft cocktails are SO GOOD. I loved the Brussels sprouts and tater tots with pimento cheese. In general, the food here is really hearty, so don't think you'll do a lot of light eating, but it's still super tasty. I definitely recommend trying the smoked cocktail of the day, too. It's got a really great flavor and finish. The General Manager came over to us at the end if our meal to introduce himself, give us his card and chat for a while - really welcoming. I definitely recommend this place as a local neighborhood haunt, your pre-party spot, or your low-key chill dinner with extended conversation place - it accommodates all three.
(5)
Soumya S.
The ambience is great! The drinks are phenomenal. The food meh not so much! This upscale bar food is still playing catch up with it's sister bar Rockit bar & grill. The tots were good, the trout not so much. Hope it catches up soon with the rest!
(2)
P L S.
Manager was so kind and straightforward when I took a friend with onion /garlic allergies. We couldn't eat there but between the awesome menu, local praise from other restaurant folk and courtesy I will come back next time in Chicago
(5)
Jenn T.
Love Love this place! My husband has been raving about it for months. The drink menu is unique and classic at the same time. I dont generally order appetizers but the Bag of Crisps and Eggs is a must have. At this point im not sure there is anything bad on the menu. Everyone raved about what they ordered. The service was outstanding and the ambiance is very comfortable. Definitely make a reservation because this place is always busy.
(5)
Amoli P.
Just stopped in here late last Friday night when we were turned off by the line for Bub City. What an adorable bar and perfect for getting a delicious cocktail and great snacks. We wandered in after midnight so while the main kitchen was closed we were lucky enough to be the first people to ever see and try their new late night menu featuring grilled cheese sandwiches. I can easily see Bottlefork being a great dinner spot earlier in the evening or perfect for happy hour. It's very Longman & Eagle in terms of amazing drinks and very meat-heavy and fancy food items, while still a bit rustic. Bottlefork has an extra elegance to it over L&E to keep with the River North location. When we wandered in after midnight, the bartender asked us what type of drinks we prefer. I said an old-fashioned and my friend said she typically prefers gin. He came back with 2 amazingly perfect creations. My drink was a bourbon based drink with egg white froth deliciousness. My friend's drink was a gin based cocktail with heavenly fruit flavors with it. He nailed it. The late night menu offers 3 different grilled cheeses to choose from at $8 each, or you can get all 3 at $22. Obviously we had to try all 3, so we split the sampler platter and it was easily a full meal (which is embarrassing since we had already eaten dinner earlier that night). I can't wait to come back to Bottlefork with my husband who will truly appreciate the creativity of the cocktails and try their regular menu.
(4)
Lynn H.
Yes, the food and drinks are good, but at the prices they charge, I will probably pass next time. I would say, try it out (definitely some good menu items - it is share style and unique), but once is probably enough. Favorite menu items: Bag of Crisps and Eggs Tots The burger
(3)
Tera D.
A gem in an otherwise douche-tastic area. We had reservations (highly recommend, since it's small) on a weeknight. Got seated in a great booth and shared a couple of items. The popcorn sweetbreads were a hit, even with group members that weren't big offal eaters. The tots are really unique, and worth getting. The creamed kale was more cream than kale, but in a delicious way. And the lobster po' boy was the winner for entrees, although the lamb ribs were really interesting and tasty too. Price is a little high, but what do you expect in that neighborhood. In my mind, the only real downside is that it's small with barely any bar space, so if you're early for your reservation you'll have to go wait at one of the douchy River North bars in the area.
(4)
Ann H.
Came here with friends on a Friday evening. Ordered several dishes including the special chips jerky, and lamb chops. I must say the flavor combinations are unique but the food tends to run flavorful and heavy. It's not quite the feeling you want after going to a high end restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant is dark by design and there are few tables inside the venue. Service was very good, I didn't feel like we had to wait too long for any of our dishes. Overall I wanted to love this place since it's half a block from my home but I wasn't as impressed with what we ordered. Likely will not return.
(3)
Mouse C.
Bottlefork. What can I say besides you are the biggest dissapointment for me this year since the Real World Explosion aired. I was absolutely JAZZED to come here since I tried thier slider at Baconfest2014 back in April (it was my fav item of the whole fest). Last night, you showed me you are a one trick pony. First off, my dinner crew (WLC what what) and I were greeted, or not greeted, by the most unfriendly waiter on the planet. I was so confused as he just came up to our table and poured water and started talking about drink specials. We didn't get his name until I had to ask (Ray) and I even went as far to ask if he was, IN FACT, our waiter. As he went on to eventually explain the menu to us, he went on this tangent about bringing us back to that one time in the mediterrian....and also the movie Ratatouille. See, now aren't you as confused as us? I thought so. Anyhoo on to the food. As my fellow yelpers pointed out, if you check in you will recieve a free bag of crisps and egg. This was surprsingly very delicious and I do recommend (I mean, its free, why not). For apps, we had the poutine and the tots. The poutine was very good and hearty, while the tots were so - so (not too impressed with those). We each ordered a different dinner to share, which I will list in order of favorite: Rich Man Po' Boy - this was delectable! So rich and yummy. But do not be decieved as I was, the pictures make this sandwhich look very large. It is not, it is a baby sandwhich. Bacon Burger - This was good. The bun and the homemade ketchup made the burger. Again, don't be fooled by the delicious looking pickle you see it topped with on all the pictures. It tastes more like a cucumber than a pickle (wah wahhhhh) Braised Pork Belly - Tasty, but didn't blow my mind. Housemad Spam - This was interesting.....but I think I am just not a SPAM FAN so I wasn't able to put the thought of prison food out of my mind (even though its technically not spam). We did, however, make the wisest choice of the evening in ordering dessert. We ordered the hot and gooey dessert of the day which was a piece of cheesecake served on top of an amazing blueberry field. We also ordered the pretzel carmel sundae which was just as amazing as the hot and gooey. Definitely, definitely order dessert, it is worth the trip believe me. Overall, Bottlefork was overpriced and overated. It saddens me to even write this review because I came in with the highest of hopes. Ah well, live and learn.
(2)
Fei S.
Ordered a dessert cake and the staff gave me a cake plus ice cream. I was amazed how big a portion the dessert was, but the joy soon ended when the server handed me the check. They freaking charged me with the ice cream without me ordering it!!!!! Tried to argue but the server didn't show the slight intention to remove it from my bill. This place will be a pass for me in the future.
(1)
Kathy T.
This place has one of the best services in Chicago. They were very accommodating especially since we came in with a large party. I love the ambiance of this place. The decor was very beautiful! Great food, drinks and service! FYI: they do not make the homemade ice cream on Sunday. I didn't get to try the dessert, but that means I'll have to come back another time.
(5)
Magen R.
Bottlefork definitely lived up to the hype last night when three of my co-workers and I had dinner there. We were starving by the time we were seated as our reservation was for 7:15 and we were not seated until 7:45ish but the free bag of crisps and eggs we got for checking in on Yelp definitely tided us over until we were able to get a sense of the menu and start ordering. Our waitress was super helpful while we perused the menu and gave us some great recommendations, the best of which was encouraging us to order the special of the day, lamb bruschetta. It was amazing and a flavor combo I would never have put together on my own but ended up loving. No one got too crazy with the cocktails but we definitely could've. I tried their Smoke of the Day cocktail and was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The others stuck with beer and wine and were happy with their choices. Once we got through the eggs and the lamb bruschetta we ordered the "popcorn" sweetbreads, braised beef cheese "poutine", smoked lamb ribs, grilled octopus and house made spam, "tots", and roasted parsnips. Each dish was pretty great and was large enough so that each of us could have a taste. Highlights for me were the grilled octopus and the "tots". The octopus had a wonderful tangy flavor that I cannot describe but I absolutely adored it. The "tots" were actually roasted potatoes in a fabulous pimento cheese sauce, they were so awesome we had to get two orders! One of my favorite things about all of the dishes were the way the sauces took the dishes to the next level. The pickled pepper aioli that came with the sweetbreads and the yogurt mint combo on the lamb ribs were outstanding and really heightened the dishes for me. All in all Bottlefork is a great dining experience with excellent service and a rustic, intimate ambiance that I've not found at a lot of other River North spots. I'd definitely recommend hitting up Open Table and getting a reservation ASAP.
(4)
Frances A.
The chips are a must. The egg and vinegar, num num. Barely touched the lobster bisque. So incredibly not impressed. The taste was far too subtle - i fear the cooks forgot the lobster in the ocean. Tots were nothing special. Potato + cheese. That's it. And at $12 for portabella sandwich i was thinking it would be mind blowing, also pretty disappointing. Pretty overpriced for an average menu which was executed pretty mediocre. @Least the service was good
(3)
Lori G.
Bottlefork is a great lunchtime spot! There really wasn't a crowd, surprisingly! The service was great and our food arrived in a timely manner. The waitress also offered suggestions which worked out because I tried everything she recommended! It was delicious! I will be back very soon!!
(5)
Mark S.
Tasty! Frontera has some competition as my favorite neighborhood brunch spot. Fun atmosphere and great service!
Fabulous sandwiches - the bread was as delicious as the brisket. We shared the small Market Greens salad with yummy Green Goddess dressing. Really liked the Huckleberry Lemonade - tart and refreshing. Inside was a bit dark so we sat on the small patio. Service was terrific.
(5)
Saba A.
Extremely impressed- great job Billy Dec, especially after the fire incident that shut down your last establishment and closed it down permanently. The staff is great, as always along with all the other Rockit Productions restaurants. Creatively used small restaurant, made reservations on opentable.com and when I checked in with the host, we got a seating for two immediately. Checked in and got the delicious crisps and eggs. A waitress came with a brown paper bag with a room temperature egg, dropped the egg in the bag, shook it up, and wow, heaven in the mouth appetizer. What a great starter for 4 dollars (all though we got it complimentary for checking in on yelp!) More amazing- the drink list. As our waiter exclaimed, each section, red wine, white wine, cocktails, and beers, started from light-dark, light-full, and so forth. Many varieties, mostly local, I have a new favorite beer now too! Check out my pictures, everything I ordered, I loved. Would I come here to sit at the bar, watch the cooking in action, get a drink and appetizer? Absolutely. I like how this spot differs from the rest of the restaurants in River North in accordance to ambiance. Napkins engraved with the word: Bottlefork, pear shaped plates that are not the typical white, a trendy/casual environment, a great place for happy hour as it's not too or too quiet, just a friendly, chatty atmosphere. My husband and I settled in for dessert, impressed again. Sitting between both tables, we overhead people raving about their desserts too, so save room in your stomach for one of those. It was great to meet Jason Ring, the general manager. Cared about our thoughts and what we thought of everything. Can't wait to come back. Fill out the postcard when you get your check, and recommend it to your fellow foodie friend. Can't wait to go back and so happy a nice new restaurant opened in River North.
(5)
Phoebe W.
If you've been following my Yelp reviews for a while, you'll know that I've had some pretty rocky times with certain hard liquors. Absinthe was also no exception. I'll spare you the nitty gritty details, but there may or may not have been some weeping/praying for death in the shower the morning after. Anyway, I've eased into "responsible" absinthe drinking through my new best friend, the Sazerac. I understand the idea of mixing whiskey and absinthe sounds dangerous, but...it's so worth it. I've sampled a few Sazeracs around the city, but Bottlefork is by far my favorite. Holy moly, that cocktail was insanely smooth. Food-wise, Bottlefork's menu is amazing. Highlights include: tots, gnocci, three different kinds of sundaes, and a Rich Man's Po'Boy. Yes Yelp friends, your seafood lust dreams have come true. As in: lobster, fried oysters, AND FOIS GRAS MOUSSE on top of a perfectly toasted bun. The RMPB has single-handedly (if a sandwich could have hands) converted me into a lobster lover. This bearer of lavish aquatic gluttony is under the "shareable" items of the menu. Sorry ladies, the next girls night will feature me eating this sandwich all my by damn self!
(5)
Paul I.
So this place far exceeded our expectations. Our waitress Tina was great! Had the house chips and jerky - great! The bacon burger and Poutine were both very very good. Be adventurous - Give it a try!
(5)
Matt S.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Use the free checkin gift of the crisps&egg. Burger is outstanding, Fried Chicken impressed me (a guy from Texas that grew up on Sunday afternoon fried chicken), and the braised beef cheek poutine was ridiculous. First time in Chicago, but i'll be back as long as this place is here. Loved it!
(5)
Bryan W.
I've always enjoyed the drinks and food at Bottlefork. I would say going for the Bill Brasky alone is worth the experience.
(4)
Victor R.
You have to try the crisps! Also, the rich man's po boy is fantastic and the drinks are made by some creative mixologists. The tots are just ok.
(4)
Wright A.
I visited Bottlefork for the second time last night. My first visit (about a month ago) was outstanding with the cocktails, food and service all at 4 or 5 star levels. When I returned as host to several guests, I was anticipating an equally positive experince. Unfortunately, it couldn't have been more disappointing. The cocktails were still pretty darn good but the food (what they were not already out of) was mediocre and the service absolutely *sucked*. You know its bad when you watch the drinks you ordered sitting on the bar for 10 minutes awaiting your server and you decide just to get up and get them yourself. To make matters worse, the server never even noticed! Maybe he thought they delivered themselves. There are too many good places in Chicago to waste your time at Bottlefork. My advice - go elsewhere!
(2)
Terry M.
Went for brunch; loved it!
(5)
Jordan M.
Fantastic experience at another Rockit Ranch creation! We had a party of 3 on a Thursday night. We had made reservations in advance and didn't have to wait at all to be seated once we arrived. The space was actually more spacious than I remember it being when it was Dragon Ranch and much more inviting with the dim lighting and dark wood. It was also really cool seeing the chef himself handling the expediting right next to the bar. We ended up ordering all of the "snacks" section of the menu for the table. There was 1-2 bites of each for our our group of 3 to share. We continued this trend throughout the night by splitting a Bill Brasky between me and one of my friends (the drink lasted the two of us the whole dinner). The price is worth it especially when you do it that way. We also ordered a couple things off of the "sharing" area of the menu instead of doing entrees. Favorites of the table included: popcorn sweetbread - just eat it...don't ask what it is quail scotch egg crisps and egg - some thought it could've been more flavorful but I liked that it was simple beef cheek poutine - delicious and not as heavy as you would think poutine would be pesto gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan but everyone at the table loved it We ended up also getting the pretzel parfait dessert...a must! The bill ended up being very reasonable given how many different things we tried but again, we also stuck to the apps/small plates. Entrees and more drinks could easily push you over. Remember to do the Yelp check-in when you arrive to get your Crisps and Eggs for free!
(5)
Nithin N.
Went on a busy saturday night however the service was still impeccable. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. The food was very tasty, hahah restaurant goers were even taking pictures of the food as it was made because of how well done the presentation was. If you're looking for an atmosphere that manages to seamlessly blend upscale, relaxed, intimate and lively all into one then definitely stop by Bottlefork. Also if I had to give a few recs, try the octopus for starters, move on to the burger for the entree and round it all off with the ooey gooey cheesecake (trust me on this one). They're always experimenting with the cocktails so try their newest creations if you're feeling adventurous..it's really pretty hard to go wrong.
(5)
K.c. S.
Amazing food. Not a bad thing on the menu. Chips and Eggs is off the hook! Get it! Service is friendly and prompt. Sit at the bar for maximum entertainment. Have brunch on Sundays. Best burger I've had in the city.
(5)
Horst G.
Nice selection of beers, great burger and an awesome bar atmosphere made for a nice first evening in Chicago. The desserts are probably intended to be shared, though The price there should have been a hint...
(4)
Coll P.
We had a really great meal here this week: -the tots are HUGE and the pimiento cheese drizzle tasted like...nacho cheese -tuna crudo was my favorite appetizer, as it was topped with some crunchy spicy goodness -the mediterranean salad was topped with saganaki cheese and that alone is worth ordering -the richman po'boy (!!!!), suckling pig flatbread and gnocchi were great choices for larger plates, although the gnocchi was a bit underwhelming considering how much it was talked up by our waitress This place is narrow and definitely filled up even though it was a Monday evening. Make a reservation. :)
(4)
J. Chuck K.
Not often do I brave the world of restaurants located in the loop and river north area; they're usually uppity places more concerned with their appearance than the quality of the food. When I do, I usually leave feeling hungry or like I've just been robbed. However, at a friend's suggestion, we checked out Bottlefork and they turned out to be the exception to this perception. Although an evening here isn't cheap by any means, the taste and size of most of the dishes certainly negates my aforementioned complaints. With a Solemn Oath beer by my side, we started with the piggy jerky and popcorn sweetbread.The jerky was perfectly seasoned and surprisingly tender. The popcorn sweet bread itself wasn't remarkable, but the aioli poured all over it was. Next up was their poutine. It's listed under the "shareable" section of the menu, and the portion size lived up to that. The meat, gravy and curds were all great, but the fries were too soft/undercooked to handle these toppings. But that's just my personal preference. The highlight of the night was definitely the "ham butt" steak. I definitely encourage anyone coming here to order it. On the other hand, our wagyu steak was extremely disappointing. While it was cooked at the correct temperature, the top and bottom were so burnt that it didn't matter. The taste of char completely canceled out any flavor coming from the center. After being asked how we liked it, the waitress apologized and even passed our comment onto to the manager, who then came over. He explained something about the oven and offered another apology, but that's about it. I was a little disappointed in the response, especially considering how much we had already spent and that we had spent more on something we weren't going to finish eating. Wagyu aside, Bottlefork turned out to be an awesome experience. As with most of these types of places, you'll end up eating in close proximity to complete strangers, but the excellent beer list and food menu help keep your focus.
(4)
Melissa A.
Incredible drinks! The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable resulting in hand crafted libations that are to die for.
(5)
Adam G.
A forgettable experience. It didn't start out well...we checked in for our reservation and was told, "You're next for a table and we have a couple tables paying their check now." 45 mins later, and after watching three other tables get sat, we finally got a table. Unfortunately, there's really no place to stand and wait for your table given how narrow the place is. The manager came over and gave us a bag of soggy, $5 chips as a consolation prize. The highlight of the meal was the mushroom gnocchi and stuffed squid. Steer clear of the rabbit which is 50% breading. And the grilled kale salad didn't have a lot of flavor. Go for the drinks.
(2)
Maza C.
Great selection of drinks and decorations. However very small list of expensive entree. I brought two friends from Korea. We got Half cooked chicken a very small pan vegetables and unimpressive burger.
(2)
Victoria R.
I went last night and was happily surprised how amazing it was. The popcorn sweetbreads and the poutine were amazing. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our server, Nicholas, was just amazing and so informative. He ordered my entre and chose a great pork dish. I am a big fan. GO in an see for yourself!!
(5)
Lu N.
I was debating on writing a review for this place. Started by having to wait for a table and it seemed as the host/hostess were to busy chatting w friends. So when I asked how long the wait was and they can seat us outside, she didn't seem to like that very much. Anyway we ordered a couple of items the Mediterranean salad, tuna crudo, and tots. Everything was good not spectacular. Felt a little rushed & food came out to fast. Went ahead and ordered lamb ribs, and the po boy. The lamb tasted pretty good until I found a HAIR about a half a foot long in it! What!!! SERIOUSLY!! I know accidents happen but after that the po boy was left untouched. The manager was very nice and apologetic about the whole thing. They took it and the po boy off of our tab and 10$ gift card. He also offered us dessert but how can you eat anything after that?! Too bad really wanted to like this place.
(2)
David D.
Great food and great ambiance. This place is a gem. The drinks are as amazing as the food is and the staff is extremely knowledgable. The chef even came out to make sure everything was ok and then brought out a complimentary dessert for us to try. I am a big time foodie and I can honestly say that this place is on the top of my Chicago list.
(5)
Esther D.
The hostess was very nice. Our server, Erin, was lovely. The staff seemed very professional. But, the place is overpriced and the food was not good. I had the Mediterranean Salad. The lettuce was wilted with brown spots and dark green gooey bits at the edge--the way lettuce gets when it's been soaking in salad dressing overnight. The hummus was watery yet overpowering. The Saganaki cheese was like rubber (If you google " Cold Saganaki" you will get no hits. It's a cheese that's served hot and soft). The pulled chicken topping was non-descript and there was so little for the $6 extra charge (channelling Woody Allen: "this food is terrible." "Yes, and the portions so small."). In fact, the entire $22 dish fit in a modest salad bowl. It was an unmitigated loser. My lunch companion had the smoked corn beef brisket sandwich. It was small and served with not so much as a pickle. It would have been fine for $7.00. But, at $15.00, it was ridiculous (umm.. not to insult the restaurant beyond what's reasonable, but it really was on par with what one gets across the street at Potbelly's). And, there was broken glass in my ice tea. Nothing at all dangerous. Just a few tiny pieces -like grains of sand that made for crunchy ice tea. Erin got me a new glass (and didn't charge me for the tea). I'm not overly squeamish, but it was a bit unappetizing. I eat at a lot of restaurants, but it takes a lot to get me off my lazy butt to write a review. Bottlefork -by the sheer audacity of its terribleness- deserves the honor.
(1)
Jonathan W.
Loved it! Chips and eggs was great and the burger was fantastic. Loved the tater tots too! The chicken and corned beef sandwiches looked awesome! Just a great place with great food!
(4)
Nancy D.
Fantastic cocktails and very interesting food. I mostly go for bland food, but even I found stuff that sounded so good I was willing to give it a try. The husband loved everything he had, even the octopus. An interesting experience. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Allison H.
Tried this place with a few girlfriends the other week. It's fairly small so anything bigger than a party of 4 might be tough. I got wine, which comes in a huge glass so no complaints there. My friends all got sangria, which I tried, and thought it was just average. It was a white sangria and mostly just tasted of lime juice. For starters, we got the tuna crudo and bag of crisps & egg. The tuna crudo was delicious and fresh, exactly what you'd want. The bag of crisps and egg was an interesting concoction. They bring it out and mix a poached egg with potato chips table side. For us, this resulted in crushed, wet potato chips that really didn't taste like anything else other than wet salt and vinegar potato chips. Not a fan but maybe we got a bad batch because all the other reviews seem to rave about them. We also got the Mediterranean salad, which was great and would recommend. For entrees, we got the potato gnocchi, smoked lamb ribs, and pork belly & sausage porchetta pastor. All were really good with the lamb ribs being the star. Overall, food was good and service was great. Our server was very helpful with helping us pick out food items and making recommendations. Nothing outstanding as far as the food goes though.
(3)
Jacob K.
The food was well above average and not overly crowded. Didn't love the egg soaked chips that I got with the yelp check in, but others seemed to like it. Service was ok, but not great. I would probably be back under similar circumstances, late night on a weekend when everything is packed downtown.
(3)
Laurie D.
The food here was truly delicious and creative. I had the Spam Benedict and loved it. The server was charming and attentive. The atmosphere was cute, hipster-chic. Cocktails were also creative and fun, but on the expensive side compared to the very reasonably-priced food. My only complaint is that everything we ate was so rich that everyone in my party felt like we'd just had Thanksgiving dinner for the rest of the day- despite the seemingly small/average size of the servings. I'll probably be back, though, and just eat less than I normally do.
(4)
P J.
My four girlfriends and I had an amazing experience at Bottlefork last week! The food was delicious and gorgeously prepared. I highly recommend getting one of the salumis, popcorn sweetbreads, and the whole chicken! My only qualm about the restaurant is that it was difficult to get a drink at the bar when we were waiting for our table, since all of the bar patrons have reservations and there's not a lot of room to stand around. But I would definitely come back again!
(5)
Abby L.
Food was great, very tasty, interesting ingredients and preparation... atmosphere is fun too, however, service was very bad. My friend and I ate here on a week night and the restaurant wasn't fully packed, we were confused as to why service seemed off. Our waiter seemed to be rushing throughout the meal and it took FOREVER to get our credit cards back after paying at the end. We only paid with 2 cards... it's not like we were a large party. Waiting for over 20 minutes to get cards back is pretty ridiculous :( If the service was better, would have given 4 stars for sure. Disappointing end to an otherwise great dinner.
(3)
Susan S.
Reservations are a must. It's a tiny cozy place with fantastic food. The wines by a glass are a little limited, but the food was amazing. Do not pass up the Mediterranean Salad!
(4)
Emily H.
I loved the ambiance of Bottlefork. The service was great, if not a little too attentive. The bar tables are in a very tight space however. Great wine! I cant wait to go back.
(4)
Kathryn L.
This place is wonderful and the service was excellent. Our server was great at suggesting drinks and knew all the details on the dishes. My friend and I got 2 dishes and an appetizer and shared. First off we had the beef cheek poutine, it was awesome. The cheese was perfectly melted and the beef was rich and tender. After that we split the Wagyu skirt steak salad. It had fries on it too and a bernaise vinaigrette. The steak was perfectly crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth tender. It is probably the most unhealthy salad, but totally worth it. We then ordered the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Our server informed us it was 30% bacon and 70% beef. More importantly it was amazing, my friend took a bite and the server came over and he waved her off "give me a minute, don't talk to me" :) it was that good. We decided all burgers should be 30% bacon at least. Definitely recommend this restaurant and the cocktails are delicious also
(5)
Melissa O.
Fantastic cocktails in a great location. The bartender was kind enough to make me his own version if a corpse surviver #2, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
(5)
Brian M.
Fantastic food, great service, very reasonable prices. They have passion about what they do. Don't think about it just go!
(5)
Jeff W.
I visited last night based on excellent Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgable, and quick. The food was full of flavor and just the right portion size.
(4)
Jimmy F.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago and had a great time! I had the steak salad, and my brother had the lobster po' boy. We shared the brussels sprouts and the popcorn sweetbreads. We both really liked the starters, though the sweetbreads were a really tiny portion, which we didn't really expect. The salad was weird. It was basically an order of steak frites on some arugula with bearnaise on top. However, the steak was AMAZING. I like meat rare, almost mooing, and most places always let me down by overcooking it. They cooked it to perfection. Honestly, kudos to the chef. It was a beautiful steak, seasoned perfectly, and also cooked perfectly. The waitress let me know that they offer the steak in a different set up for dinner, and I can't wait to go back. My brother didn't really love his sandwich, though he did say that it was executed well, he just didn't care for the flavor combination. Service was attentive and on-point. I sadly forgot our servers name, but she was really kind and we were never in need of anything. She even noticed that my brother was wearing a Lima hat, and started chatting with us in Spanish, which was sweet. I look forward to going back and giving their dinner menu a chance!
(4)
C N.
Lively joint with several unique and delicious menu items. The alcohol was very overpriced [ $9 for a Daisy Cuter - Beer]. We had the egg & chips [great snack, one of their larger snacks & at a good price], Sweetbreads [very small but delicious], Deviled Eggs [nothing off the charts], Jerky [unique with good flavor], Brussel sprouts [nice, charred vege], Octopus [ smaller plate & very spicy], Lobster roll [amazing bite, but not very filling] and the gnocchi [out of this world]. I would rate it a 4.5.
(4)
Kris R.
whoa. this place was so damn good. another Stephanie L and Kris R experience that won't be forgotten. refer to her review for our night! it was nutz to buttz on a wed eve. we were able to get some seats at chef's table, which is like, my favorite kind of table. i ordered the vodka (broadway something) drink, twice. it was delicious. i'm not a huge orange fan, but they did this one right, which is why i ordered two. the service was timed nicely. faves were the crisp and egg (check in to get it fo' free), the sweetbreads, the creamed kale, and the ooey gooey. damn, i felt so fat after that. but totes worth it. the mushroom gnocchi was a bit disappointing. maybe salt? it had goat cheese, so i figured it'd be tres amaze. being in the heart of river north, prep for that crowd, you know? wear your button shirt and docksiders. besides that, really great food, great service, great decor, and great drink. even the staff behind the open kitchen were really friendly and awesome. i'd definitely come back with steph on a weekday night.
(5)
Evan K.
Came for Saturday brunch and it was nice to find a place without a line and that takes reservations! Had the burger and corned beef hash. The burger is now one of my favorites, the patty is 30% bacon. The hash was also great, would definitely recommend this place
(5)
Sam C.
pretty solid. the decor reminds me of hubbard inn, with louder more uppity music. food is similar to two, with emphasis on seafood bag of crips plus egg was great to start with. drinks are good, a little pricey for an old fashioned ($22) that was a little on the small side, and not as good as the ones at old fifth. beer list is good as well. prawns were good, but small portion also. cavatelli was great. one thing definitely to try is the warm and gooey - we had some amazing cheesecake inspired dessert that was the best part of the meal. our waitress was awesome - she was very attentive, knew the menu extremely well, and recommend a few great things to try. overall, solid menu, good drinks, small portions. a little pricey, but it's in river north. definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Tristan B.
We discovered Bottlefork on the web. It seemed good. First good impression, great service and a good choice. The waiter was great and was all ears for us. The food was good but it was expensive for what it was. We got a free appetizer, chips and eggs, which was fun, Then, they had a great squash blossom but we were too late for that. The regular menu is decent but not mind blowing. Good overall experience.
(3)
David B.
I had the popcorn sweet breads, the tuna crudo, and the octopus and spam dish. Every single thing I had was good, but the octopus and spam was amazing. If you don't get it, then you ordered the wrong thing.
(5)
Dan S.
As a diner who is usually biased towards the spicy, ethnic side of the food spectrum, usually traditional American cuisine is something to be avoided as most would agree it is generally fashioned for a bland palette. So it was with much skepticism that my lady and I visited Bottlefork. Ok, honestly we only had three dishes and they were all slam-dunks - The Mediterranean salad was summery and refreshing, the octopus with homemade spam elegantly combined sweet and sour flavors for a sublime dish. The dessert was a cobbler dish that was completely satisfying. It is also worth mentioning the house cocktails expertly crafted and not too sweet - you could easily just visit Bottlefork for their mixology and be happy. What also was impressive was the owner and executive chef was actually helping to expedite when the restaurant was busy on a Friday night - talk about someone who really cares about their restaurant. So in conclusion - go to Bottlefork. It is an underrated gem that will leave you smiling and satisfied - five stars all the way.
Stopped in for drinks at billy decs newest establishment in river north. It was lively as it should be for a saturday night and the space itself was darkish and cozy, long and narrow. I tried 2 cocktails (Big Salty Tears-which the waitress recommended as being popular, Loft on Broadway) both of which were decent but i found the Big Salty Tears kind of meh and forgettable. Loft on broadway was very citrusy and refreshing. We tried just a few munchies 2 of which i highly recommend!! The "Popcorn sweetbreads" and "Wild Mushroom Gnocchi". Both are snack/appetizer portions and theyre soooo delectable. Just get them and you'll know what i mean. I used the yelp offer for a free "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs. So they have vinegar chips in a brown bag and the waitress puts a poached egg in the bag and shakes it up so you end up with dressed potato chips. Interesting concept but it was kinda gross because the poached egg just makes the chips all soggy! Eww...Glad they were free
(4)
Amanda C.
Absolutely delicious! The cocktails are amazing. The food puts a fancy spin on common food items from all different types of cuisine.
(5)
Katie M.
We were told on the phone we would have 1.5hrs to eat, fine. We arrived and food was okay, but not great. The biggest issue we has is after we received our appetizer the main entree took another 45-50min. The server even came and cleared our table off at about 40min and didn't even update us and we were pretty surprised. I got up to ask the host to find out what was going on we were ready to call it a night. Entrees finally arrived and if was like it sat too long. Won't be returning and very disappointed.
(1)
K. M.
So, we returned for round 2. This time we had the hamburger and flat bread pizza. Both were excellent. The only reason I am giving 4 stars...I think they changed the recipe for the House made chips. This time, the chips were stale and I couldn't taste the vinegar and salt. Please go back to the original recipe!
(4)
Jacqueline L.
Very unique cocktails! Staff was very attentive. We tried the roasted parsnips and they were delicious!
(5)
Rossie F.
Fabulous cocktails, food is a bit rich but good. Had the lobster po boy, a must share! Really rich but yummy! Best drink is Satan's Whiskers...yum! My favorite was the Kale Ceaser...wow!!!!!
(4)
Connie Y.
Had dinner here with some friends and was quite pleased. Asked the bartender for a fruity cocktail (as I am not a huge fan of alcohol, but my friend insisted on buying me a drink) and it was really good. Checked in on yelp and got a free bag of crisps and eggs which was a great starter. My fave was their tots with pimento cheese sauce! We also had their Mediterranean Salad, their mussels and their smoked suckling pig flatbread, all of which were delicious. I plan on bringing other friends here to try out other items on their menu - and go back for seconds!
(4)
Kristen P.
First impression when walking in was that I loved the inside and that the food coming out looked amazing. Got a well crafted cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready (arrived 10 min before our reso). But then we waited. And waited. And waited some more. We were seated almost 30 min past our reservation time - but management brought out two comped apps: the chips and egg and the wagyu jerkey. Both were good, and I appreciated the gesture to make up for the huge delay in getting seated. After we sat everything was great. The food was really tasty and inventive. We tried: -Kale Caesar -Creamed Kale (awesome) -Poutine (so, so much salty, vinegary goodness) -Salmon Crudo (super fresh, recommend!) -Duck flatbread (my least favorite but still tasty) -Wagyu skirt steak -Potato Gnocchi (SOOO good) I have to say I'm not a huge Rockit Ranch fan, but this place really blew me away. Definitely will be back again!
(4)
Ryan S.
So, I went here with four of my friends about a month ago on a Thursday nite and it was crazy packed. One of my friends made reservations at like 7:45pm I think but we didn't get to our table until over 40min later. We had drinks at the bar while we waited for out table. Because of that the Chef gave us a free appetizer of spicy tuna and rye bread it was delicious. We ordered from the shareable menu which has a fantastic array of awesome food. First off was the squid, absolutely amazing I tell you then 2 different kinds of fries one was good the other super great after that some mussels that tasted like they just came out of the sea, which, came with more fries. We each started to pick items like the poorboy and beef cheek. Everyone had a great time and the food was stellar plus we consumed copious amounts of alcohol throughout the evening, a wonderful night in downtown River North! Can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks.
(5)
Yuki Y.
The tables are very close together. If you are short don't sit across from the hostess stand because there isn't a ledge to rest your feet and they just dangle in the air. We had the "prescription sazerac" & "Vieux Carre" to drink and sweetbreads, "bag" of chips, and the lobster roll to eat. The menu is interesting and challenges your taste buds.
(3)
Andrew H.
Came here for lunch while visiting Chicago. Excellent cocktails and food. The fish & crisp sandwich is amazing. Service was great, as well.
(5)
Bernie M.
Excellent atmosphere, and the service was outstanding. The cocktail menu was impressive as were the choices for beer and wine. I was tempted to try the "Bill Brasky" cocktail (limit 1 per person) for $35, but decided it wasn't the best idea for that given night; next time. The "smoke of the day" cocktail was good. Bag of crisps are a must in my view, as well as the seared steak tartare; comes with a nice poached egg topping. Stay away from the Kale Caesar salad. The gnocchi was a little bland, and the small plate of ribs were perfect. I will definitely return to Bottlefork to taste the other offerings, including the Bill Brasky........best name of a drink I've seen in awhile; "To Bill Brasky!"
(4)
Tri N.
it's aiite
(3)
Virginia D.
Place is a total panty dropper. Managers, bartenders, staff, service, and food! All excellent!!!
(5)
Elena S.
Love this place! We were in town for a wedding and went here for a casual anniversary celebration. They couldn't have been nicer - they brought us over some delicious rose to celebrate and treated us to drinks when we had to wait a few mins for the table. The ambiance is casual but cool and sexy, and the food was absolutely delicious. Really interesting and eclectic menu - something for traditional and adventurous eaters - and a great wine and beer list.
(5)
Dale V.
Wonderful personal touch from our server and the general manager. The food was fantastic and edgie. Probably the best dessert I've ever had with the creamy cheese and blueberry compote with homemade vanilla ice cream.
(5)
erin z.
I would give this place 2 1/2 stars. I came here with 4 others for a friends birthday and the hostess was a huge B%!@$. I told her it was my friends birthday and she acted as if she couldn't care less. I don't know if she passed on the info to the server or if the server just didn't care either. I wasn't expecting a free dessert or for every damn server to come sing Happy Birthday just acknowledge please. Anyways on to the food. I had the octopus which was pretty good but ridiculously small for $21. Maybe 5 pieces of actual octopus. Gnocchi was also very small for the price. Burger was pretty good as was the pork. They were out of the Wagyu Jerky and the dessert we wanted so that was disappointing. "Bag" of crisps + eggs was good however I showed server the coupon on Yelp and she failed to take it off the bill, I didn't mention it because other than that she was great and very pleasant. Loft on Broadway cocktail was very tasty and I might return for a drink at the bar. Hopefully I will be greeted by a more pleasant hostess.
(3)
Silvia F.
Loved the taste of the Crispy chips with egg! Couldn't stop eating it. Our server was able to accommodate my lactose intolerance putting sauces on the side and removing the cheese from the Bacon Burger which was tasteful regardless of missing few ingredients. Definitely want to come back to try the Tots and the Gnocchis!
(4)
Hillary D.
It is very apparent how detail-oriented, precise, and thoughtful Chef Hickey is with his dishes. Everything was absolutely delicious - the tastes were artfully presented in unexpected ways. It was a really fantastic, new way to look at comfort food. The pork belly flat bread was our favorite and the biscuit can't be beat. To top it all off, the pumpkin float was a little slice of heaven. Our server was personable, passionate about the food and drink, and patient. Would go back over and over again! I can't wait to try their brunch:).
(5)
Call Me A.
The food and service was great, but I felt the food was a little overpriced, even for River North.
(3)
E S.
Review update: My husband and I tried Bottlefork for brunch after the manager reached out to me via yelp (which I appreciated). My brunch experience was A LOT better than my prior dinner experience. Honestly one of the best parts about our brunch was our waiter - he was funny!! For a starter, we had the donut holes, then for entrees, my husband had the breakfast sope and I had the 2 eggs any style. I had a mimosa and my husband had this super delicious iced coffee (it came in a bottle). Everything was really, really good. I'm usually not a huge donut fan but the sour cream donut holes were sweet and also had an awesome thick texture. I didn't try my husband's sope but he loved it. My meal was simple but the hash browns were delicious. I didn't try the toast that came with my entree but there was a variety of breads that you could choose from for your toast. My mimosa was nice and strong. I suppose the only ding would be that my husband asked for a second beer and he never received it, but otherwise, it was an excellent brunch experience which is why I'm writing an update for Bottlefork. :)
(4)
Mike P.
Tried BottleFork for first time today. Lunch menu was quite limited in terms of choices. Chicken sandwich was very difficult eat during a business lunch and was a little bland. Definitely needed some salt. Bag of malted chips with poached egg sounds good on the surface but the overwhelming taste and smell of vinegar made them inedible. I might be willing to give this place another chance but not anytime soon.
(2)
Lauren C.
This place was awesome! Came for my sister's birthday during the week and it had a really nice vibe/energy. The food was excellent and I think the prices were worth it. Would recommend the tater tots, lamb ribs, moroccan pumpkin stew, rotisserie chicken, chips w/ egg (forget name of this). Didn't really care for either of the salads we got but they weren't bad, just not extremely delicious (I love salad, so it's not just a knock on the healthier items). The desserts were ridiculous and I would go here just to get those: we got a sundae with pretzel something and also this hot and gooey banana bread pudding which I could eat every day for the rest of my life. I'm a fan and will be back :)
(4)
Parisa H.
Only stopped by here for drinks so this review only applies to that but they sure do know how to make proper cocktails. Both unique, tasty, and strong. Great service as well. I'd go back to try their food as well, looked awesome!
(5)
Alaina T.
Seated right away, which was nice for River North. Tasty food, but disappointed they only had the brunch menu when we went here at 6pm. The poutine was delicious, but it seemed a bit pricey for the portions.
(3)
Lanette R.
Enjoyed dinner while on vacay with my husband and two teenage sons - a big sucess. Delicious octopus, lamb ribs, crisps with egg!, bacon burgers, and asparagus. Fun, young, and hip vibe, too bad we weren't on a date! Kids did not like the odd foam on the sundaes tho.
(4)
Christine S.
Haven't tried the food yet, but the bartenders are knowledgable, cool and gracious. A bit different from the usual Billy Dec scene. This place may be for real.
(5)
Amalita A.
Came here on a Saturday night, the place was packed and popping. Ordered a last word not a lot of places no how to make a good cocktail :) this blew my mind! We had a dark haired woman as our server she was very knowledgeable and friendly. Had the wagyu jerky, cheese platter, gnocchi, and cheesecake. Wish I had more room in my stomach! Great fun place to eat!!!!
(5)
Jared P.
Excellent food, drinks and service. The space is a bit tight, so make a reservation. The tuna jar was great and so were the quail eggs. Bag of chips with soft boiled egg was great too.
(5)
Crystal L.
Heard great things so some girlfriends and I decided to go in for brunch for Labor Day weekend. First impression was a great space and busy! We were greeted by our server within 5 minutes of being seated. We ordered drinks which weren't delivered for 20 minutes; when the rest of our party came she didn't take the last drink order for another 10 minutes. After that service was just not coming back; slow with everything. Food was great but due to the lack of service I probably wouldn't go back. Fix it fast!
(2)
Jody C.
Fun and interesting food options. The bag of crisps and eggs was so tasty! Sweetbreads were tasty- my friends didn't know what they were and raved about them and ordered seconds. Lamb ribs and gnocchi both really good but have had better. The kale salad was not quite what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed but still good. Also impressive drink menu. I'd go back!
(4)
Marty S.
BOTTLEFORK was by far the worst restaurant we have ever been to. The food is laden with vinegar. Very very small menu and extremely noisy. I would not send my worst enemy there.so so overrated!!!!!!! Servers very brusk.
(5)
Aria S.
Came here with my significant other a few weeks ago. I loved the decor of this place. Very trendy - as I expected it to be. One downfall was the proximity of the tables to one another. They are super close and it's obnoxious to try and get in and out of your seat. They have some very cool drink options that are worth trying. The poutine was very good. Think of an upscale version of chili cheese fries. Loved this one. We also got the tots. Not impressed. Too much potato too little sauce. We also had an order of the brussel sprouts which are definitely a must try. I don't know what they did to these things but they were awesome. The rich man po' boy was ok in my opinion. My boyfriend loved it but I didn't. Not really my thing. We also ordered a pasta dish which I thought was decent but the meatballs they came with were to die for. Maybe the best I've ever had. Service was great. Friendly, prompt, and able to give good suggestions. I would come back here to try other dishes on the menu.
(4)
Akeya S.
Good food. Had a great burger and a nice glass of wine. Will be back
(4)
carrie c.
Went for a Saturday brunch and everything was top notch ~ taste, service, presentation, cocktails. Loved everything we tried. Favorites were the breakfast sope, braised beef cheek poutine and sour cream donut holes. Was WOWED by the Spam Eggs Benedict. Fun, eclectic take on some classics. Lively atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.
(5)
William M.
I had a business lunch meeting. Not the appropriate location for this type of event. Loud and dark room. Very limited lunch menu. I'd try going back after work or on the weekend. Looks like interesting bar menu . Very good service though
(3)
J W.
I've had the pleasure of dining here for both lunch and dinner, and both meals were simply spectacular. The servers were friendly, timely, and very helpful in describing the plates and special features. Just a few highlights: Bag of Crisps w/ Eggs- I can't believe this only costs $5, it is so stinking good it could be an entire meal. Not too eggy, just enough vinegar, extra crispy.. a very unique yet simple dish. Wagyu Beef Jerky- This combined with the above starter is a great way to start your meal, perfectly chewy with great flavor. Potato Gnocci- OMG so good. I preferred my bites w/out the mushroom. The mild sauce combined with goat cheese combined with potato- BAM!!! Ground Bacon Burger- Just get it, it's packed with flavor and almost too big to put your mouth around! We got ours with the tots, which are insane inchXinch cubes topped with perfectly smokey cheese. OY! Corned Beef Brisket- Served on a 'lobster roll', it's the perfect combo of meat and spicy, crunchy coleslaw. Rhubarb Cheesecake- Best cheesecake I've ever had in my whole entire GD life. It was pure magic, I would go back just to eat it. Melted in a personal griddle, topped with fresh rhubarb and crushed graham crackers. My mouth is watering right now GEEZUS. Cocktails are divine, try them all! Will go back. Very soon. Maybe today, for the cheesecake.
(4)
W S.
Well tailored interiors with lots of great details. Great staff that are attentive but not annoying. And the food is unbelievable. I had the best mussels I've ever had. Boiled in rye beer and ham. They came with fries and I sat near the kitchen, where I watched the chef throw away my fries and make new ones because he saw them sitting for five minutes. Exactly what you want from a chef. I asked for bread to soak up the juice and the baked me fresh rolls. My wife had baked chicken that was perfectly cooked, and we split wagyu need jerky which is as good as it sounds. Great cocktails as well. Overall could not have been happier.
(5)
Paige O.
So much fun. Every taste is an adventure very rich with flavor. Perfect for sharing on a date or with friends (or parents!). It's roomy enough for elbows but cozy enough to envy the plate on the next table. The ambience feels "grown up" but little details poke through with a playful whimsy that takes away the seriousness. Thinking of the "smoke of the day" makes me salivate! Would love to sit at the chefs table to watch all the action!
(5)
Jason C.
Very much the current trend in Chicago -super-rich food that has tons of flavor but is on the verge of too much. I would call it one step above girl and the goat in terms of salt/seasoning. We had the popcorn sweetbreads (terrific), Kale Ceasar - in my view a flawed dish as Kal and smoke create such a bitter flavor it is just not tasty, Octopus and homemade spam (good, but super oily), and the Nduja/truffle chicken (again, super-rich). Wine list was definitely below expecations (with a name like bottlefork).
(3)
Kristina A.
I was determined to make it here ever since I saw Kevin Hickey make his crisps and eggs on Windy City Live - and they did not disappoint (it also helped that they come free with a Yelp check-in...it was meant to be, I tell you). We started with the soft shell crab special, which was cornmeal crusted and on a bed of ramp grits and kohlrabi relish - so good! The crab was crispy and flavorful and the ramp grits and relish were a bright, almost herby compliment - on the whole, the dish was a lot lighter than I thought it would be. We then got the lamb ribs, which were meaty, sweet, and tangy, and also split a side of the roasted turnips. My favorite part of the meal, by far, was dessert. We got the ooey gooey dessert of the day (apple berry crumble) with a side of their vanilla ice cream - which I still dream about. That was hands down the best soft serve I've ever had in my life. I would go back in a heartbeat just for that ice cream. And the crisps and eggs. Because, you know. Crisps.
(4)
Lauren S.
Just go. It's a foodie's dream experience.
(5)
Ann Marie M.
Had dinner at Bottlefork last night, and I had to write about it . Everything has so many interesting flavors with a terrific presentation. I can honestly say that every dish was amazing! And I tried a lot, as we sharing appetizers and meals at our table. The atmosphere is fun and cozy at the same time-it has a good vibe. I especially enjoyed the super large booths. The prices are reasonable, especiallay with the quality of the food! I loved it !
(5)
Meeta S.
so good!!!!
(4)
Anslee B.
What an awesome night out at Bottlefork! The staff was so accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and, of course, the food was just wonderful. My group of four started out ordering the Wagu Beef Jerky and Bag of Crisps and Eggs. Both were addictive and I am dreaming about them while nursing a slight hangover this morning. We shared the Kale Caesar and Mediterranean Salad, Rich Man's Po' Boy (my favorite of the night), Grilled Octopus and homemade spam, and the truly spectacular Ground Bacon Burger. Everything we ordered was so perfectly balanced and indulgent- I am positive that the whole menu is just as wonderful. We had 9:30 reservations and we were seated around 10:00. It's a small space, so my group and I felt a bit in the way, but the hostesses were attentive and sat us ASAP. Great atmosphere (props to the playlist which included Haim and Broken Bells) and the restaurant has a comfortable and cool, yet totally unpretentious, vibe. I am so excited to go back to Bottlefork
(5)
Peter H.
Great atmosphere, 5-Star Service (Thanks Courtney!) and tasty food. The Mushroom Gnocchi & Pork were absolutely amazing!! I can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)
Beth P.
Went to Bottlefork with a small group on Saturday night. I gotta say, it was delicious. We went with the server's recommendations in regards to the smoked lamb ribs and wow, they were awesome. We also shared the mushroom gnocchi and each had a ground bacon burger for our entree with fries. This is no ordinary burger! Holy cow, it was huge and sooo delicious. It cam with a huge pickle on top of the "fork" stuck into the bun. Fun little detail. Cool vibe at the restaurant as well. Overall, a great experience in regards to atmosphere and food. The dessert we shared was amazing as well! Will be back for sure.
(5)
Lauren B.
I waited until after my second time to review, thinking that maybe I just had an off experience or ordered the wrong things. But no - this place is pretty horrible. The food is meh (cooked okay, I suppose but the flavor combinations are awful). The service is worse (we had to ask multiple times for more water, they took so long with my second drink that I tried to cancel it, and then we were asked to leave our table after spending more than $200 on dinner). The overall experience is pretty awful - similar to Dragon Ranch, this place should not last long.
(1)
Katie H.
Based on my dining experience last night, I will not be going back to Bottlefork. The food was good, but for the price, it just wasn't worth it. The portions were small and nothing blew my socks off, to be honest. The service was also lacking. Our server, while sweet and I do believe she was trying her best, did not know what she was doing and made the experience awkward and uncomfortable. Our drinks took unusually long to come and the food came unusually fast-- it was just an odd "hurry up and wait" type of feeling. We felt like we had to eat fast because the next course was coming and our table was small, but then had to wait 20 minutes for our drinks. Two of my friends had a major fiasco with the wine, too. They were told the bottle of white wine they wanted was unavailable, so they chose another (more expensive) bottle of white that came out 20 minutes later ROOM TEMPERATURE. Then, after saying they didn't want the warm wine, they were told the original bottle actually WAS available, so after another 10 minutes, they finally got THAT bottle. It was just really frustrating and the odd part was, the manager came over after the wine finally came...only to do nothing. He basically gave an obligatory apology- we expressed annoyance- and then he walked away. I think the experience could've been salvaged if he had taken the liberty to comp a drink or a couple of our apps or something to show he genuinely cared that the service and our experience had been bad. It was just such an odd experience to have at a new, trendy restaurant. With all of the fabulous restaurants in the city- and even on this particular block- I won't bother with Bottlefork again.
(2)
Nicki P.
I had been dying to try brunch here after following Billy Dec on instagram, he posted so many delicious looking pics. When I arrived we were seated quickly and our server was excellent but the food was good but not amazing. We started with the homemade chips and eggs. They took a bag of homemade chips and added a poached egg to the bag and shook it up covering all the chips with the yolk, I was nervous as I didn't think I would like the result but in fact it was delicious. From there things went down a bit, my friend had the Mediterranean salad which was OK but nothing special. I went for the bacon burger. I'm not sure why I am on such a burger kick right now but after having the Rockit Burger last week this one didn't compare, which is really odd since they are owned by the same company and they have the same great bun, I guess the rest of the burger just lacked for me. The mimosas were good. I think I would give it another shot for the great service and maybe try the dinner menu.
(3)
Jara S.
Great restaurant, great food, great atmosphere, great staff and fantastic drinks. Ordered the crisps and eggs and they were great! Pace yourself with the drinks; you could easily drink yourself to an early night. This is a lovely place for a date, happy hour or even a solo meal. Intimate seating makes for close conversations with you and sometimes your neighbors. Staff was very enthusiastic and helpful. They were informative and offered great tips. Get the sweet and savory pretzel caramel sundae. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode! This place is like tapas style meets American local food!
(4)
Jason M.
Hey this place rocks. Had the server pick out four or five plates. All excellent except for the chips and egg. I didn't like but everyone else enjoyed them. I really liked the waygu jerky and the sweet breads. I had a glass of cab franc from ohio it was outsanding. Very impressed with this place.
Went for a family weekend brunch and couldn't have been happier. Got the free chips and egg by checking in which is a unique and tasty app. Smallish menu but everyone found something delicious. The French toast and Sope were the favorites. Service was excellent. Will definitely come back!!
(5)
Mariam K.
Cute place, good location. Came here one night for apps, checked in here on yelp and received a free bag of chips with egg, it was pretty good and free... which made it even better! Also got the braised beef poutine and tots (I'm a potato fanatic, if you can't already tell) both were delish. Just basing this place off the apps, It was really good. The dessert menu didn't seem too appealing, however, I'll definitely be back to try their food.
The food was tasty and fresh. We had the sweet breads (crispy, but a bit heavy on the aioli), crispy brussel sprouts (very nice), and poutine (good combination) to start. That was followed by pumpkin gnochi and the suckling pig flatbread. Although both dishes were pleasant, I felt that they could both use a flavor boost. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but the drink menu was extensive. I'll be prepared to drink next time!
(3)
Marla R.
This is the perfect place to go if you are a dude who wants a good food base before going out in River North for the night. The guys from Underground even stopped by our table and give us their cards so we could do just that! The place has a great lively atmosphere (although little loud for me), trendy decor, and great service. Although the food was tasty (we tried the chips, tots, gnocchi, parsnip, and in the jar items), the only item we got that wasn't WAY too rich or heavy was the Chicken. I know my fiance would love to go back, but I'm going to let him save that for a boys night :).
(4)
brenda s.
Went there for brunch on Sunday and everything was top notch. Scored the free chips for an appetizer with yelp check in and wasn't expecting much from those but they were phenomenal. Daughter got the cast iron French toast and I got the skillet hash. Both were great but hash is a little salty. Service was the bomb. Best restaurant we ate at this weekend!
5 stars - really as good as it gets. Just opened up for lunch time and highly recommended for a business lunch, and you'll need to bring the corporate budget as well. This runs about 25% higher than a comparable casual lunch elsewhere. But the food is outstanding and a great alternative to more formal environment places. I had the corned beef sandwich and my fellow diner had a salad with split of the malt vinegar fries. All were outstanding and the corned beef was lean and toppings were spot-on complimentary without overpowering. The root beer is home made unlike one buys in the store. Truly artisan. Friendly service and enjoy the interior although seating closer to the street is limited. A wide variety of craft brews but this being lunch, I couldn't imbibe. But will be back again.
(5)
Samhita P.
Bottlefork has quickly become one of my go to restaurants for brunch, especially when I have friends in town. While the ambiance is a little dark, the food was phenomenal!
(4)
Daniel L.
Great brunch! This place has a unique menu and superb morning drinks. The food is creative and delicious. Service is friendly. The only complaint is the price; it is slightly overpriced. Would I go again? Definitely.
(4)
Vanessa K.
This place had excellent service and fantastic food. I came here with a group of girls for happy hour on a weeknight, and it was on point. We got a few dishes to share (including the incredible sundaes for dessert--don't skip these!!), and all drank a number of cocktails. I will say the whiskey-based drink with the house-made smoke drippings was fantastic. I also really liked the house-made beer they brewed. Don't skip the tots--they are perfection. I'll definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Kim F.
Awesome cocktails. Fantastic food. We didn't have reservations, waited for seats at the bar, and had a great experience.
(5)
Christine M.
I died and went to heaven at Bottlefork. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I went here with my sister Saturday evening, and we ordered far more food than two girls should ever eat, but everything was amazing. My favorites? Beyond our waiter Gus being absolutely hilarious and equally as entertaining, eating homemade crisps and egg has to be my new guilty pleasure. Either that or their dessert. Their salted caramel ice cream and whiskey is as good as it sounds. My only regret is only ordering one and having to share. No matter how full you are after your meal, this needs to be ordered. Your stomach will thank you and make room for it. Other highlights: Creamed kale. I don't even know what exactly it was or what all was in it besides kale and bacon, but it was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. (Make sure you eat it right away though as it's much better warm) And it's kale so it counts as a vegetable, right? Wood grilled ground bacon burger: This sucker was 30% bacon, 70% burger, all ground up together to make one mouthwatering bite after another. The sauces on top, one with a bleu cheese mixture and another with a ketchup mixture (both of which I despise) were still absolutely amazing. Only complaint was that by the time we got the burger we were too full to finish it. This is definitely a place to check out. It is a little pricey. My sister and I's meal was $120 ($40 bottle of wine included) which is more than I'd typically spend, but it was definitely worth it.
(5)
Audrey W.
This place is a rockstar. Everything I ate was on point and affordable. I came with one other person and sat at the bar, next to the exec chef. (He's the most charismatic and loveable person you'll ever meet!) It's always fun to sit at the bar and watch the open kitchen. You also get the best suggestions from the people who are know and cook your food. Just the two of us ordered...... Tots - my favorite dish, the pimento cheese sauce is like crack, no joke. Lamb ribs - so tender, fatty, and clog your heart good. It's worth it, you should get this. "Popcorn" sweetbreads - One of my favorite dishes of the night. Smoked spot prawns - I don't care how classy you are, suck the damn head. You know you want too. Mediterranean salad - You like a big block of seared cheese? How can you go wrong? Cauliflower - the veggie of choice, IMO. Scottish egg - little tiny quail eggs wrapped in delicious bratwurst, then deep fried. Clam and Portuguese flatbread - Really tasty and fun to eat. Yes, two people ate all of this. We be classy, YO. All of my drinks were perfect. I prefer whiskey/bourbon cocktails and they were all great. Sazerac, Old fashioned, and the Vieux Carre (probably my favorite out of the three). If you have the chance, you have to come try this place. There are still so many things I want to taste on the menu! Ya'll know I'll be back!
(5)
Mike K.
Server was awesome. Had crisp n eggs appetizer along with their bacon burger. They said it was 3rd best burger in the city. I would say it's the best burger I've had in a really long time. This was my first time and I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)
Riley R.
Totally impressed with the atmosphere, great service, creative menu. Weren't blown away by the food, but it was still good- I would go there again. Leatherneck cocktail-a bit sweet. Mediterranean salad- interesting taste, hummus was delicious, but presentation made eating a bit unwieldy. Sweat meats-excellent Tuna crudo- delicious Tater "tots"- interesting idea, fine tasting Chips-interesting presentation, actually one of our favorite things, though we didn't order it... The waitress (who we really enjoyed otherwise) had it sent to our table because she thought we'd like to try it, which we were excited about, but then she charged us for it! Dessert menu was a bit dull, but ended up getting the sundae with the pretzel, and the flavor was excellent.
(4)
Emily S.
HUGE fan of Bottle Fork. Ambiance is cool, service was great, food and presentation were also on par. Some favorites: jerky, all fries (we got both lol), and the sundae. Industry tip: 50% on Wednesdays after 9pm (even some alcohol if you're tryna get down and dirty on a Wednesday night). Bottle Fork is my new #BFf
(4)
Barbara H.
Today has been an incredible day starting with watching the river turn green to ending with a most delectable meal at Bottlefork restaurant. My dear friend who lives in Chicago made reservations for Bottlefork and I'm so glad she did ! The service was fabulous with our server, Nick. He described each item we ordered with accurate description. If you try their signature beer, you won't be disappointed. It was worth having a second. I don't eat burgers very often but their burger was worth the calories and those French fries were to die for. My son had the skirt steak - cooked to perfection with the best grilled onions. Yes, we had a cheesecake like dessert that was warm gooey (one for the table) which had a berry strudel topping. At first I thought the size was too big, but oops we just kept eating and very little was left - we could've stop taking one more bite. Great experience. We're headed back to California on Monday and wish we could take this restaurant with us...we'll be back !
(5)
Kelsey K.
This place is awesome! Super friendly and knowledgable staff! Amazing and unique cocktail and food options! Perfect for all occasions! It's the Dawson of river north! You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
(5)
Susan W.
Bottlefork was delicious! We made a reservation for 4 at 7:30 on a Friday and unfortunately the table they were planning to flip for us wanted to stay and chat all night. We had cocktails at the bar so we weren't too bothered, but we didn't end up sitting until 8:15, however the manager moved the chatty table to the bar, got us seated and brought out 3 free appetizers for our trouble and all was forgiven (though we weren't too upset given the excellent quality of cocktails!) The Bill Bradsky cocktail was really good and fun to share. I loved the chips and egg, the bacon burger was delicious and the pasta was also good. The real star of the show was the Rich Man's Po' Boy, served on a buttered lobster roll bun, it was amazingly tasty. We also had a salted caramel sundae for dessert which was unbelievably amazing. I highly recommend Bottlefork, just make you reservation a bit earlier than you think you need. Enjoy!
(5)
Molly C.
Bottlefork has a very upbeat & energetic atmosphere. It's loud and has very trendy music playing. My boyfriend and I went on a Thursday night. We first sat at the bar while we waited for our reservation. The bar staff seemed very knowledgeable about their drinks and had a lot of urgency while serving. Drinks didn't take too long. I ordered Satin's Whisker and my boyfriend had a beer. The drinks were very good and went down a little bit too easily. But hey, that means that they were good. We got sat and our waitress was very attentive and helpful. We had many questions about the menu and our waitress was able to describe anything on the menu. Their staff is very well prepared and very professional. The first things ordered were the Sopresata and Bent River Camebert off the cured meats/cheeses section of the menu. I really enjoyed the Bent River Camebert cheese, it is a cows milk cheese that goes fantastic on their bread. I wasn't a huge fan of the Sopresata though. Maybe it's just my taste. Next we ordered the "Popcorn Sweetbreads" which were my favorite thing on the menu. To those of you, sweetbreads are the thymus gland of a cow. You know you're eating something funky but they are awesome! The sauce that is drizzled over them has a little bit of kick to it which really compliments the entire dish. (This was one of my favorite menu items) Next we ordered the Lamb Ribs. These were incredibly rich and very rustic. The fat helped the meat slide right off the rib so it is can easily be eaten with a fork and knife. We also ordered the "Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger" again this is incredibly rich. I really appreciated the presentation of this dish. The burger has a really interesting tangy sweet sauce that added to the burgers taste and paired well with the bacon flavor. But make sure you share this menu item. I can't imagine eating something that large & rich by myself. Lastly, we had to get one of their shakes. We got the Carmel Milk Stout one.... I can't remember the exact name. All I have to say is WOW! Perfect blend of salty and sweet which is right up my ally! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Overall- I think this place is a fun environment. Not the best food I've had but I wasn't disappointed in any way. Make sure you share all plates because the food is incredibly rich and filling. Between the two of us we only had 4 menu items excluding dessert. This place would be fun for a first date or just for a few casual cocktails. The atmosphere and service is really what makes it.
(3)
Kelly J.
I wish I would have been more hungry when I came here! Everything we had was excellent! We started with the chips and eggs, the wagyu beef jerky, the deviled eggs and really liked all of them. BF had the rich man po boy and liked it. Good thin it was a small portion as it was very rich. I had the orrechette and spicy chicken sausage pasta and it was very flavorful, but just a touch too spicy for me. It was a satisfying portion, but I couldn't finish it. We were stuffed. Interesting cocktail and a lovely wine list. Excellent service from everyone. Loved the atmosphere and all the fun, funky little bits of decor. Check in on yelp for a free chips and eggs. I'll be back!
(5)
Juan F.
Saturday night and this place was dead while all other bars and lounges had long lines to get in. Why did we come here? I don't know. We got a few beers and cocktails but nothing stood out. Check in on Yelp for a free chips and one egg - the soft boiled egg is placed inside a bag and mixed with all the chips coating them with the gooey egg yolk. Sounds good, but the chips were super salty though.
(2)
Jenna T.
Came for brunch on a recommendation from a friend. I did have a reservation and was seated right away but the restaurant filled up shortly after we arrived. The food is great- the crisps and eggs was delicious. our burger was cooked perfectly and the french toast was SO GOOD. The only thing i didn't enjoy was how close together the tables were... it kind of felt like I was sitting on top of another table.
(4)
C.C. H.
Much to the chagrin of my frugal upbringing, I've been spending a lot of time at places near Merchandise Mart but felt like Bottlefork is worth the expense! The place was initially packed when I showed up around 9:30pm on Thursday night, but there was breathing room around 10pm. Our server Eddie was very fun to talk to and I like the team-based approach to service. Another guy (possibly the GM?) showed up with a glistening, voluptuous poached-in-the-shell egg for our crisps and there was a good deal of showmanship in sliding the egg into a brown-paper bag and giving everything a good shaking. Our table felt as though we should politely applaud at the end of the presentation. Drinks were delivered by another friendly server on a tray. In addition to the crisps, I enjoyed the Big Salty Tears, a drink that was not salty at all and not sweet either despite the use of two sherries. It was smooth on the tongue and subtle in flavor, like a citrusy caramel tea. Cocktails were $14, perhaps $2 more expensive than its peers but I had a great time.
(4)
Steph G.
[Out-of-Towner Review] The Yelp God's were watching down on us... ...when we found this spot by happenstance. That's a tiny little lie, we used Yelp to find local spots and we picked this one, mostly due to proximity to where we were and the odd, freezing Chicago evening weather. We'd been Divvy biking for awhile and had built up a huge appetite. It was our attempt to go with the flow and just find somewhere, instead of looking through my lists of recommendations from various people. So, with spontaneity on our side we walked into the BEST last meal in Chicago we could have asked for. It was dim, but it was bustling. I thought there'd be a wait, but there wasn't for a party of two. At first she tried to sit us in a very cramped little two-top, but we asked to try somewhere else. We almost got the 'Chef's Table' bar seats, but sadly we ended up just taking two regular bar seats. As we'd been shuffling about, I'd seen the plate of fried chicken, which essentially meant I was having it. It looked amazing, perfectly battered and fried. Finally seated, we grabbed the menus and went to work. The prices are on the higher side, but as a tourist you get used to it. The vibe is hipster, for sure. They don't even sell soda from the tap, that's how hipster-fancy-cocktail-making they are. Since Yelp helped me find this place, I checked-in on the app and noticed they give you a free appetizer. Who am I to deny anything free? So, I asked the bartender about it and he brought us our "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs in less than a few minutes. He had explained it to us, which left us skeptical. Here's how it goes, a brown lunch bag filled with chips that have added vinegar and salt. In a little ramekin is a poached egg, which he swiftly dumped into the bag of chips. Then he shook them violently. The aftermath of random deliciousness in a bowl was pretty amazing, I'm not sure how the flavors blended so well together, but they did. The chips don't really lose their crispness, but the egg 'sauce' adds great flavor. Already winning, and it was free. We didn't order any adult beverages, which seems to be their thing here. We'd been over indulging all trip and I was ready to have a dinner sans alcohol. J did order a soda and sadly the bartender handed him a glass of ice and the mini Pepsi can. The disappointment of an avid soda drinker was evident across his face. His dreams of endless refills were dashed buy this $2 can of 7.5oz of Pepsi. As for dinner, we ordered to entrees and planned on splitting them both, our normal routine. I had to go with the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger and he went for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It should be noted, when we walked in the door the sandwich board sign said "Home of the Famous Bacon Burger," I knew I was home ;) If you know the burger situation in Chicago (not that I do), then you know about Au Cheval's burger. Bottlefork's burger is on the same level as theirs, yes I said it. The Bacon Burger's flavor profile is much more complex than Au Cheval's, which is why I say they are in the same category. They both kill it. The flavor of just the burger is amazing. The bun is a heavenly carb bonus. The sauce and other fixings complimented the flavor of everything perfectly. Add some huge crispy fries and dipping sauce, and this is a meal made for a hipster-burger-guzzling patron. They way they plate it is also an added bonus, they use a 'green' (re: hippy) wood fork and put a pickle through it on top of the burger. Taste and plating, they win! Who do they think they are feeding with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken? A table of four? For $24 you get your money's worth. They give you four huge pieces of chicken, battered, seasoned, and fried to perfection. Even the huge chunks of white meat where tender and juicy, no fear of dry chicken with this kitchen. We both didn't like the gravy, it had a very strong mustard flavor, mixed with a small hint of vinegar. It just wasn't our thing, but I'm sure you may enjoy it. The griddled biscuit that accompanies this dish, was a huge disk of confusion for taste buds. It was savory, but pancake-esque, but still also like a biscuit. I think after a few bites, we finally gave in to liking it. We probably didn't talk for a good 20 minutes, while we stuffed our faces of this delicious meal. I have so much more to try on this menu, but sadly it will have to wait until I'm back in the Windy City. The desserts looked tempting, but we already had our sights on stopping one more place after dinner, so we passed. The bartenders/servers were awesome, no complaints about anything, really. Other than really awkward seating, this place should be on everyone's list, local or tourist! Saying goodbye is already hard, but even more so when this is your last meal...
(4)
JAY H.
Great time , food was ever so taste , from the lamb sirloin seared perfect , the appetizer fires with vinegar drizzle , waygu jerky , the kale salad umm, there was not a plate I didn't like , drinks where awesome and mixed perfect , the basic, noble , everything was great service was right there too..
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Recently went for lunch and was a little less than impressed. The menu seemed fantastic & the place is very attractive inside although the food was eh. We started with the tuna crudo - which had shrimp cracklings on top. I am not sure what Shrimp cracklings really are but it tasted like fried onion rings on top of avocado & tuna - not a ton of flavor and really didn't need the cracklings. I had the Mediterranean salad with chicken for lunch. What Mediterranean salad doesn't have kalamata olives? It was like green olives. And while the presentation was beautiful the dressing fried cheese, green olive combo was not my favorite. I won't be ordering it again. My new office is right near bottlefork so I plan to go back again and try other items but was disappointed with my first visit.
(3)
Bethany W.
Tired of all the places in the loop for lunch I popped over to Bottlefork. I'd been there once right after it opened for dinner and drinks and enjoyed that visit. Lunch wasn't especially busy and I was able to get a table right away. The patio was packed though by 12:00. Since it was lunch I needed to be productive after I steered clear of the mid day cocktails. :( The grilled beer brined chicken sandwich was interesting & tasty. The good: giardiniera was bright, tangy and crisp and not over spicy. The grilled chicken had nice grill marks, flavor and was juicy. Fried pickes...um yes....stick those things on anything and I'll eat it. The not so great...the sandwich is a bit hard to eat meaning that the ingredients were falling out. One half of the sandwich I just ate with a fork. And the pickles...they were good but I feel like they could be better. I would have liked the batter to have a bit more crunch. Would have gave the sandwich another texture.
(4)
Adrienne B.
I heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try! I came in with high expectations and left with a slight disappointment. First... Making my reservation was easy! Had a lot of opening for a Friday night on open table. As I walked in I liked the decor and how everything was laid out. However... The place came off as an intimate relaxed environment but it was the opposite. It was very loud with music, so then everyone conversations were louder. So overall loud! As for drinks..they nailed it on this one! Amazing cocktails list! I had the Baysic! It was refreshing, smooth with a ginger kick to it! As for food.. Had the crisp & egg.. It was different and delicious! The food is where I give 3 stars because it was just average! Nothing too special. We had the Mediterranean salad which was good, but could of been better. For the entree we chose the hop braised pork shank. It was good just wasn't expecting a sweet taste to it. I thought it would melt in my mouth but it didn't. Overall I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but it was just average in my opinion. Service was wonderful though!!!
(3)
Katie L.
Visiting from Boston, went for brunch. Lovely! We split the tots (you must get the tots!), corned beef hash, and then we shared the French toast at the end as a "desert." Everything was perfect, down to the details (homemade ketchup, great coffee). Andrew at the bar is a DELIGHT! He helped us pick the right dishes, found out the name of the coffee for me, even pointed us in the direction of the closest Patriots bar :)
(5)
Matt C.
Where the hipsters go... I found this joint on yelp. Was rolling into Chi-town and thought I'd see whats up. In the past I have been both successful (The Gage) and unsuccessful (Sable) with yelping in Chicago... yelp.com/user_details_re… yelp.com/user_details_re… So this place had really high reviews. And I booked a reservation. The cocktails that we started off with were very good, then we got into it. -A bag of chips with an egg on it. -Kale and the waiter / cook dude delivered the dish and mixed an egg up with a spoon in front of us like we were at some fine dining or something. (My GF actually had to restrain herself from laughing). I was completely confused and wondered what this guy was doing. I guess that was part of the presentation?... -I think I had the lamb main course thing but it was only a few mouthfuls - like rabbit food basically. We actually left there hungry (but had to catch Keller Williams at the Chicago Theatre) so that was more important than hangin' around for more wetty wetty food with eggs on it... Both my GF and I commented that it was over-rated. It was fine. The cocktail was actually best part. But don't think I would go there for dinner again. Maybe a better lunch spot. And don't order the kale with egg, unless you want to laugh.
(3)
Ada W.
Came here for Sunday brunch. Very cute place. I know why it's rated one of the best new restaurants. The food was amazing. We had the bag of crisps and eggs. We finished the chips in 3 min! We also had the corn beef brisket hash and Richie's Mom's cast iron baked French Toast. I need to try that Breakfast Sope next time. I also like that this place has quite a few non-alcoholic drinks for the sober me.
(5)
Anh H.
The food was ok. We were not very impressed. We ordered Beef jerky, bag of crisps and eggs for starters. Then for entree, we had the smoked wood bacon burger, grilled octopus Brussels sprout kimchi, pork shank and special of the day beer brined beef wagyu sirloin. The burger patty was raw in the middle. The octopus got more sour and more sour after every bite. The pork and beef wagyu were blah... The two things we enjoyed were beef jerky and the fries. That's about it. We complaint to the manager about the raw burger, so he took the burger off the bill and gave us one free dessert, which was nice thing for him to do. However, we didn't really like the dessert either. So overall, I would have given two stars but decided to give this place three stars because of their service....
(3)
Lily Z.
The first time I cam here, I was with other Yelp elites for a Yelp event. I can still remember how I fell in love with their sweetbreads and burger. I mean, it's like 30% bacon. Come on now. But this time, I came with my coworkers for a nice staff lunch. I checked in for the free chips. I ordered the Huckleberry juice (very tart, but I liked that), lobster bisque (very creamy and a good portion) and Rich Man's Po' Boy (oyster tasted a little bland?) but without the foie gras. Service was very friendly. The music was confusing because it constantly crossed genres. My coworkers liked their food and the atmosphere. Overall, a great success!
(4)
kyle t.
Must make time to write this review! Now for a city that has so many places around to eat finding one that can really stand out seems to be difficult. Without someone to guide you even using Yelp can seem a little daunting, oh well we found this place. Booked a table but when we got there instead of waiting we were asked if we wanted to sit in the window by the kitchen, best decision possible. I highly recommend this place, bar like but overlooking the chefs not a bar. Everyone behind the counter were inviting, open and seemed truly happy that we were sitting there. This is a very well run kitchen and it comes across in the food. Everything we ordered was damn near perfect. Starting with the free app that popped up on Yelp, homemade chips with an egg, yes an egg. They bring out a bag of homemade chips in a bag and a perfectly poached egg. The waiter dropped the egg into the bag and closed it, shook it for a minute or so and poured them out on the plate, best chips EVER! Such a treat to watch them prepare this and the flavor was fantastic, much like the rest of the food. For the main course I was forced to order the burger, not that I wanted one but once I saw it come out of the window I could not say no, even passed up Gnocchi! The burger was wonderful but as always I was outdone. CB ordered the PoBoy, rated one of the top 10 in the country. Now I will say it was amazing but not really worth $25. It was lobster with fried oysters on top. The roll was perfect, the oysters were so good but there were not enough of them for $25. Lobster was fresh and perfectly balanced. I do hope though that Smack Shack doesn't catch wind of the pricing here though because their lobster roll is pretty close in taste but half he price. Overall this is one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Service couldn't have been better, kitchen and the people in it were great and inviting and overall the ambiance fit. Great little room and very warm feel to it. In an area with so many places around it I would definitely go back to this one, we already have it on the list for next time.
(5)
Bryan L.
My wife and I made a reservation through Open Table for a Sunday Brunch at Bottlefork while travelling in Chicago for my wife's birthday. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us immediately. We were greeted by the nicest server, she was very friendly and personable! Also very knowledgeable about the menu. I had The Coffee Cocktail, and it was AMAZING!!! So freakin good! Wife has the Bellini. Had two actually.... We started with the Bag of crisps and egg. Unique starter for sure! Wife went nuts over it, I loved it as well. For brunch, She had the Corned beef and Hash, I had the French Toast and I forked over the extra $2 to get the bourbon syrup. The Cast iron skillet gave an awesome crunchy exterior, but the ooey gooey goodness was preserved inside. The house made whipped cream was silky smooth, and the syrup was bourbony delicious! We also had the bacon.. Its a HUGE slab, looks like 1/2 a freakin pound! It was sooooo yummy too. Also had the house made tater tots, highly recommend those as well. Here's the bottom line..... We didn't come here expecting to be blown away. We didn't come here expecting to have some of the best food we'd had all weekend long in Chicago. We didn't come here expecting the best service we'd had in Chicago. But we got all of those things. Food was amazing, Service was awesome, and at the end, we were blown away that everything was just THAT GOOD.
(5)
Jay I.
This was a pleasant brunch/lunch. I stopped by this place and sat on a bar for a quick fix. I never look at yelp at a restaurant, but that time i somehow wanted to check in. So I look at it, then there was a free offer of potato chip with eggs if we check in. Damn. Score! I sat on a bar, and asked for that free potato chip, then ordered a soft drink and greek omelette. I think it was either rasberry or grapefruit fix (doesn't remember), and it was quite refreshing. Then I was satisfied with the chips. Basically what they did was adding raw egg to the just fried chips, and it was better than i expected. the omelette was a surprise, too. It had a very good balance with feta cheese and tomato. I was very impressed with what I was served, so asked the bartender if I can order a poutine for sort of a to go, and he said ok. I asked him to wrap it for me on my way out. Then this chef guy who was around the bar, cooking and sending out dishes, started talking to that bartender in front of me about not taking to go orders. I was very irritated by this guy. If this is a policy known to everyone, my bartender would tell me to go is not permitted. If no to go is the policy but my server didn't know, he could have informed the server after I left. So telling him repeatedly with angry tone about not accepting to go in front of me only should mean that the chef is telling me directly "we don't take to go orders. why are you bothering us?" So please either let every server/bar people know about the policy if any, or don't complain in front of customers. It doesn't look good. I was this close to tell you I have no problem leaving the food.
(4)
Nadia S.
BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO. Yup. I said it. Sadly I have moved away from Chicago, but each time I visit, I have a reservation set for Bottlefork, without question. The cast iron french toast- I don't even have the words to describe this masterpiece. So even if you order something savory- please, PLEASE order the cast iron french toast to split with your party. You can thank me later ;) And of course, awesome service as always.
(5)
Crystal B.
Food was wonderful, yet slightly complicated to decipher with just the menu alone. So we consulted the bartender frequently to describe each beverage and dish. The bartender (with the crazy/awesome hair) was very kind and willing and helped us to choose the best of everything. For dinner we split the beef cheek poutine; do yourself a favor and order it. Amazing! And then had the salted caramel sundae. We left pleasantly satisfied!
(4)
Mark T.
Lovely atmosphere. Excellent staff. And craft cocktails. Did not eat but would definitely come back to try food.
(4)
Haley C.
My boyfriend and I went to Bottlefork before seeing a play at the Cadillac. The restaurant was cool and the service was friendly, but we were put at a very tiny table that could barely hold what we ordered. We started with the Charcuterie Board, which was not the best I've ever had but still pretty good! They brought our meals before we were done with the appetizer, which was difficult because of how small the table was. My boyfriend had the burger which he enjoyed, and I had the Ensalada Latina, which was good but not great. I definitely enjoyed the meal but probably wouldn't go again since there are so many other restaurants in Chicago
(3)
Andre W.
Me and some friends decided this is where our monthly lunch would take place and it was a helluva good choice. The place is located in between Bub City and Frontera Grill on Clark St in River North. A little smaller than what I imagined but makes up for it with awesome, knowledgeable service and really good food. I used my Yelp check in as usual and that awarded me a free Bag of Crisps & Eggs. What is that you ask? Well it is a bag of salt & vinegar chips with a poached egg on a shaken bag and poured onto a plate afterwards...simply delicious and a great idea as a starter. I decided to go with the Grilled Beer Brined Chicken sandwich for my lunch and it was one of those moments that I was afraid to take a bite into as the waiter described it as a really awesome sandwich. He didn't lie as it was good as hell! It includes beer mustard aioli and giardiniera along with the honey chicken. I tasted my friend's Roasted Portobello Sandwich and it was just as good as my sandwich as it includes goat cheese, red onions and frisee'. Good spot to check out and I def will be back for brunch and dinner.
(5)
Anthony C.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in quite a while. The food, the drinks, the music, the lighting, the entire ambiance was outstanding. Oddly enough, I had never seen or heard of this spot before arriving - even though I live in River North. I think it's location, right next to Bub City, really takes away from its visibility. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be back and will recommend this place to anyone that will listen.
(5)
Brittany S.
Note to self: revisit ASAP to claim the egg yolk covered house made potato chips via the Yelp check-in offer. Other notes to self: Call ahead to confirm that the hot and gooey cheesecake with fruit served alongside homemade vanilla ice cream is on the menu. Get ready for a big statement: this is one of the BEST desserts I have ever experienced. Take a moment to appreciate the Yelp shout out of sorts in the bathroom. The cheese board receives 5 stars in my book thanks to the pickled relish and delicious mustard. Had it not been for my dining companions, I would have lifted the relish cup up to my mouth and had my way with those tasty pickled veggies. Super cozy, low lit space with fun decor. I cannot speak highly enough for this dining experience. Now, please bring me home the dessert in a doggy bag...
(5)
Andreas D.
Everything was delicious ! Tried the crisps + eggs which was interesting and good! The way wagyu beef jerky was great and very good flavor if you think it's like store bought jerky you are totally wrong! The octopus had great flavor as well. We had two different drinks unfortunately I can't recall the names because the server just made it for us based on what we liked. Also been there for brunch beef cheek poutine was one of the best fries I have ever had. The breakfast sope had really good flavor and then we finished it off with the French toast which I would try to get anytime I could! Great place!
First off, this place is by far the best of the Rockit Ranch establishments (disclaimer: haven't tried Duck Inn - off the beaten path...). I personally think Billy Dec is a bit of a douche and would honestly choose not to patronize his establishments, but the hype and reviews for Bottlefork were strong, and a buddy of mine recently started working in the kitchen. I was definitely impressed with Bottlefork's brunch for a laundry list of reasons. Let's start from the beginning. Some of my friends decided to be fashionably late, but the hostess let us keep our OpenTable reservation and sat us at a nice big booth. Our server (forgot his name; longer hair, beard) was honestly THE most passionate server I've ever had. He knew the menu inside and out, intricately describing every dish he recommended. He made sure we were well taken care of. As for the sustenance, the Bloody Mary was basically an appetizer. The house blended mix, carefully selected vodka, and intricate skewer were amazing. Not to mention affordable, and a large portion! We only needed to have one apiece. Our Yelp Check-In free crisps app was an interesting twist on boring potato chips - loved the poached egg tossed in as well as the presentation! I ordered the burger. I knew I'd love it when I saw the menu listing. 20% Nueske Bacon embedded INSIDE the patty?! YES! It lived up to expectations and was friggin' bomb to the tastebuds. Solid recommendation by Thrillist for Best Burger in River North. That alone will make me come back. The experience was great, minus the extensive wait for our entrees to come out, despite the place not being packed to capacity. However, I suppose these guys are really into what they do, and it just takes time. Can't wait to come back, eat dinner, and try a Bill Brasky!
(5)
Daniel S.
I've become somewhat of a familiar face at this fantastic River North restaurant and for good reason. Bottlefork continues to draw me in with their tantalizing specials and their spectacular trademarks. Recently, I tried the Buffalo Chicharrones which were well seasoned with a house made spice mix. They were perfectly light and crunchy. Next I shared orders of the Lamb Sirloin w/ shaved asparagus, the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger, and the Chef's Special Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Plaintain & Sofrito. The burger remains the champion of the menu and the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO! The Lamb Sirloin was grilled to medium rare perfection and the Moroccan spiced yogurt added the a lovely and subtle layer of flavor to the dish. The chef's special was small but a delight to the palette. My friends were all blown away by the freshness and flavor from the Scallops and the mezcal Sofrito. The twice fried Plaintain tied the dish together beautifully. I always dine at the chef's table so I can have a 1st hand view of the production in the restaurant's open kitchen and so I can ask questions about any of the dishes that pass by. Chef Eric Lopez always manages to impress myself and my guests with his incredible passion for good food. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He always greets us with a smile and offers great new recommendations. Sadly, I learned that he will be moving to Miami soon. His presence at the restaurant will be missed but I will continue dining here for the great food and the always delightful staff.
(5)
Stefanie A.
Wow! Had dinner here last night with a group of 7. Showed up a bit early than our reservation, but was seated right away with a "hey!" from Billy Dec. Waitress was so sweet, helpful and just awesome. Service was quick too. Love the look of the place-it's like country had a baby with contemporary and poof- Bottlefork it is. I def recommend the jerky, chips, & deviled eggs as apps. For dinner I had the lamb, husband had their burger, and everyone else had something different. Everyone loved their food- my lamb was phenomenal! Husbands burger was maybe the best burger I've ever had. For dessert they had a special apple tart. Obviously we got that as well as the pretzel chocolate sundae which was to die for.
(5)
Tavi J.
4.5 Stars I had been wanting to go to Bottlefork for awhile now after seeing all these delicious pics posted on Yelp. Perfect place to go to brunch and catch up with the girls. We had 1:30 reservations and were seated right away. We started off with mimosas and then went the straight up hardcore cocktail route. Lol drinks were good. As for the food....Delicious and beautiful presentation. We had a hard time deciding what to order so the waitress suggested we share everything, which was definitely the way to go. We started with the corn beef hash which was good, but the Mexican Soppe was even better! I enjoyed the pie crust at the bottom and the guacamole. By far my favorite was the French toast that's prepared in a skillet. Great texture and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Extra bonus is the free chips/egg for checking in on Yelp app. Loved the service and the food. I can't wait to go back to try the desserts!
(4)
Yuri H.
We had a lovely time. It wasn't crowded when we went, so we got nice seats outside. The bag of chips was interesting! I thought the cream kale was decent and unique. We got a grilled chicken sandwich that was better than average. Overall, I wasn't amazed by the food. The food is just all right to me, although I appreciate the effort they go into the presentation. I would give this place 3.5 stars, if I could. Not sure I would come back again just because there are so many restaurants in the area.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Billy Dec has done it again! I've concluded that I will not have a bad FOOD experience at any of his restaurants. This restaurant has definitely rocketed (no pun intended) to the top of my favorite brunch places list. Come hungry and stay awhile because you are going to enjoy every minute of it. Our server, Eddie C., was extremely knowledgeable and very hospitable. He wasn't so hospitable where you felt smothered, or acted like a "know-it-all." He made our simple brunch outting into an experience. We started with the crisps and eggs. Sounds weird... yes. Delicious? ABSO-F-ing-LUTELY! Homemade crisps (or as we Americans like to call it, chips) is delicious as is but seasoned with salt and vinegar... it becomes amazing. My favorite flavor. Throw in a perfectly poached egg and toss it in a paper bag til each chip is coated equally...MIND BLOWN. the egg adds a creamy factor to the chip where it tastes like you had just coated the entire chip with cheese!!! Highly recommend this place! If I lived in River North this would be my go-to brunch place.
(5)
Gwen H.
I had high hopes for this place after reviewing some previous Yelp reviews and knowing that one of my friends had been before and enjoyed her meal. Let's start with the good stuff: the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. The deviled eggs-Yummy! That's the only good stuff. The bad was the fried chicken with some sauce that was spooned on at our table. I wish the expediter would have told us what the gravy was made from since I don't eat gluten and there was probably flour in the gravy. The chicken was dry and there want much on the plate. The ugly-prices!$!$! Ridiculous. A glass of Pinot noir was $17. This place is way too expensive for the mediocre quality of food they serve.
(2)
Laura K.
What a hidden gem! I say "hidden" because it is next to the oh-so-crowded Bub City and on a crowded street full of tourists/clubbers. We were blown away with the food, the service, and overall atmosphere Bottlefork offered in the heart of downtown. I went for dinner and then for brunch a few weeks later. Both were excellent with lots of good options.The Jerky??!? OMG, the Jerky. SO GOOD. As were the fries, the burger, the pork belly....basically everything we had was excellent! I got the corned beef brisket hash for brunch which was excellent and beautifully served. I definitely want to come back from some of their other options. I just looked at their menu and they have Fish N Crisps N Eggs....sign me up please!!! Highly recommend, and can't wait to get back here!
(5)
Joe A.
A Yelp-inspired journey around downtown Chicago in 5-degree weather brought us to Bottlefork for Valentine's Day. Worth. It. We started with the peppery and delicious Wagyu Jerky and the bizarre, but amazing crisps and egg (house-made chips with an egg, shaken in a brown paper bag). I had the Burger and B had the Gnocchi -- both excellent. And because it was V-Day, we went all crazy and got the caramel, pretzel, chocolate, and beer foam dessert. Sounds weird. Tasted ridiculously good. Also, a super shoutout to our waitress, Erin B., who gave us stellar recommendations for everything and really made our night extra great. If you're looking for casual romantic with a nice hipster vibe and excellent food and drinks, this is the spot in CHI.
(5)
Olivia K.
(Drink Review) Their menu is nothing but drinks! Their entire back side is all wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. Definitely not good for kids. I got the special lemonade, and its worse than the store bought lemonades. It was very bitter and sour. The syrup in it made it even worse. Do NOT get the lemonade. (Unless you are into very bitter, very sour drinks.) And if you are hungry, then read my next review.
(3)
Disappointed W.
Very interesting menu - super unique Friendly staff! Bag of crisps and egg is a must have Impressed with the food!
(4)
Tina L.
Came here for brunch. It was a fabulous meal! They had a specialty / seasonal Autumnal Old Fashioned that I just HAD to try even though it was super expensive ($18). It was like Christmas poured over ice! I'm so glad I got to try it...and good thing it was nice and strong, because I like to get my money's worth. It had Hall Apple Brandy, Becherovka, maple and baked apple bitters. YUm!!!~ I am so happy with all the dishes we ordered: MUST TRY -- Started off with the "Bag" of Crisps & Eggs, with malt vinegar powder and sea salt. I mean, wow. Best chips I've ever had with raw egg on it!!! The chips start out super crispy, and then the egg is dropped in and shaken in the bag. Something about the malt vinegar powder, sea salt, and the egg makes the combination of flavors amazing with the chips. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin' was one of our favorite dishes for brunch. It was the perfect mix of raw tuna, avocado and the crispy shrimp stuff on top. If I were to make a poor man's version of it, I'd probably top it with that Asian snack, shrimp crackers. It went really well over the bread they gave us. We got the warm ceasar salad afterwards, which had this grilled cheese thingy on top. I particularly loved the warm, roasted tomatoes with it. I think the cheese a little much, but I just cut a few small pieces according to how much I wanted with each bite. Last but not least, we had the pumpkin donut holes, which were nice and dense and how I like my donuts. We were a little too full by this point, so only got to eat one each...I like that they offered two different dipping sauces to go with it. They make their hot sauce in house and it comes out in the cutest little bottle!
(5)
Yvonne I.
This review is for brunch. My group of 12 recently had a great experience at Bottlefork for Sunday brunch. I made the reservation almost a month before the day, so getting a reservation wasn't a problem. I loved our waiter ! I am always impressed with a waiter that handles a large group of people with ease. I wish I remember his name, but our waiter was very attentive and helpful, and these are not always qualities you find in waiters. My large group ordered a large portion of the options on the brunch menu, so it was nice to see everything in person. I opted for the Greek Omelet with the country pork sausage on the side. The Greek Omelet was the perfect size for me, and the pork sausage platter included 2 standard circular patties. I was very full, and both items tasted fantastic. I tried one of my friend's tater tots, and they were perfectly fried and not greasy. Bottlefork provided a very pleasant brunch experience.
(5)
Christian S.
Salty and overpriced. Moody, chic ambiance. Trendy plating and presentation with a flourish. Quality proteins and mostly quality ingredients.
(2)
Michele N.
Wow - one of the best stumble-on lunches ever! So glad Roka was closed on a Sunday afternoon or we never would have decided to walk across the street. My husband and I split the burger and Mediterranean salad - incredible flavors and huge surprises - as well as the egg and crisps! Woo Hoo!! Even the music was great! Unfortunately we're not from Chicago so have to wait until we're back in the area to eat here again but already looking forward to it!
(5)
Cara L.
Any restaurant that makes their own soft-serve vanilla ice cream and tater tots (with frickin' pimento cheese sauce, no less) is badass in my book. Our large group was lucky enough to be treated to an enormous meal of pre-picked deliciousness, including the malt vinegar potato chips, two different salads, the charcuterie board, the roasted chicken, mushroom gnocchi, squid, homemade tater tots with pimento cheese sauce and some kind of torte with soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Ermahgerd. The food was all very delicious, but the real stand outs to me were (obviously) the homemade tots and the soft-serve. I know... It seems I have the tastebuds of a 10-yr-old boy. But before you judge me, know that these wonders of tastiness are all made in house. That's right. No rinky-dink, pre-frozen tots. These were big, thick squares of potato-y goodness--crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And when you top those with melted pimento cheese sauce?! Stop it. I can't. So good. And who makes homemade soft-serve. Are you kidding me? I need this in my life all day, every day. I didn't even pay one second of attention to the dessert next to this huge, ice cream parlor-style cup of frozen, creamy goodness. I also want to mention how straight-up awesome the service was at Bottlefork. Large dining groups of 10 or more can be really tough on a restaurant, especially a very busy, popular one. The staff at Bottlefork made me feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Yea--I'm talking THAT level of service. I'm so close to giving 5 stars just based on the tots, soft-serve and service, but I have to agree with Yelper Candice G. Even being an out-of-towner, I had be prepped prior to our dinner that this food would be like the second coming of Christ. But outside of those two items that I LOVED, the rest of the dishes really didn't blow me away. Although one honorable mention would be that roasted chicken. As someone who loves to cook, I know it's not easy to get chicken that tender with the crunchy skin on the outside. It's damn good. (Also, I think I'm the only one who didn't think the music choice matched the restaurant. For instance, Iggy Azalea blasting in the background seemed just a bit off--but I can appreciate they're trying to be unique...)
(4)
Shannon E.
Really enjoyed an awesome, impromptu dinner here. Started with the crisps + eggs as a freebie app for checking in on Yelp! (Def do this as it's a great snack starter!) My colleague got the gnocchi with mushroom sauce and I got the grilled octopus with housemade spam. Both entrees were pretty small and mine was very spicy as it comes in a wowser of a kimchi sauce that I was not expecting. We were planning on a dessert so decided to not order another entree to share....but def think 1-2 apps and 2-3 entrees are needed for 2 people if you're not going for a sweet end. The dessert was amazing. Got the special bread pudding of the day, which comes in its own 6" round baking pan...and it was divine. Plenty for 2 people and an awesome way to end the meal. Had to wait for 20min after our reservation time on a Wednesday night, but once seated, the service was great.
(5)
Cindy W.
MY GOD. THAT BURGER. That burger was a good reminder why I haven't turned vegetarian. It was so succulent and tender -- cooked medium rare, just the way I liked it. It's also infused with bacon, which is never a bad idea. You just gotta. Don't count the calories. Just go for it. Also tried the malt chips, which is FREE WITH A YELP CHECK-IN. They essentially put freshly made malted vinegar chips in a bag, drop an egg in it, shake it up, and serve it to you. The egg adds a creamy-ness to the otherwise crispy chips. I would definitely recommend. What would I skip? The sweetbread for sure. For $6, you rarely get anything. Don't let the photos fool you. When it arrived, my face dropped because I bet you would need a magnifying glass to find your food. The amount is less than half of your fist. BUT I would definitely go for the dessert. The sundaes are TO DIE FOR. Get the pretzel sundae with caramel and a beer stout foam. It's really amazing and not too sweet! I loved the pretzel texture to it. I'll have to come back to try more of their dessert cocktails.
(5)
Justine M.
Dark and rustic decor inside, a bit small so I suggest making a reservation. It didn't seem overly crowded on a Saturday at 7pm. Our group of 4 ordered a few dishes to share. Tip: If you check-in on yelp, you get a free order of the crisps & egg (which was a bag of chips and the waitress shakes a poached duck egg into the bag at your table). We also got the tots, sweetbreads, poutine, brussel sprouts, poboy and the ooey gooey dessert (strawberry & lime gooey cheesecake a la mode). Overall, the dishes were tasty and creative with the poboy being my favorite, however, the downfall is everything is extremely heavy. There was nothing fresh or light to cut the taste. It didn't seem like there was much on the menu to help with this (other than the salads that didn't seem noteworthy). This is all definitely bar type food. The drinks weren't great or horrible. Since I tried most of what I wanted off their menu, I don't think I'd come back. It's a good one time restaurant.
(3)
Taryn G.
Out of all of the many places I go for brunch, this was my least favorite. The food was less than good, I went on St.Patricks day and the corned beef hash was so salty it was hard to eat. It made me sick to the point I couldn't finish my meal. I had read so many great things and this was by far the biggest brunch disappointment.
(3)
Katie P.
Some of the best cocktails in River North. The prescription sazerac is one of my favorites, very boozy, but they do lighter cocktails well too. The snack food: the wagyu jerky, the crisps and egg, the chicharron, and the TOTS. The tots take the cake, we got seconds and devoured both rounds. Skip the sweetbreads, not very interesting. Havent eaten a meal there because its just obnoxiously expensive, even for river north. But the snacks are a pretty good deal and pair perfectly with the great drinks.
(4)
Clay K.
We had the chance to have brunch at Bottlefork, which I found here on Yelp, on Saturday. Overall it was very nice with casual, attentive service. First we had the red velvet doughnut holes with cream cheese icing. As with all the dishes here, a great deal of attention is paid to presentation. They come in a small brown paper bag with the icing on the side. The doughnut holes were perfection - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cream cheese icing is a page out of any home baker's recipe book and lent a nice homemade element to the dish. We also tried the tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin'. This is served in a jam jar. The bottom of the jar is filled with raw, chopped sushi grade tuna then layered with what is essentially guacamole over the top of that. The entire thing is sprinkled with a layer of cracklin' crumbs and served with toasted baguette slices. This dish for me was a bit too bland. It could benefit from a shot of spice or acid. There was nothing per se wrong with it, it was just rather boring. For mains we tried the corned beef brisket hash. This dish is composed with a hearty portion of chopped corn beef, a layer of purple cabbage, a nearly raw egg and hollandaise sauce. Two things - apparently somewhere on the menu a "62 degree egg" is described. The description in the hash dish however says "poached egg". What came with the hash was a cold, translucent, nearly raw egg. I found this extremely unappetizing and decided immediately to send the dish back. When I suggested to the waiter that this egg was nearly raw instead of a, "we'll fix it", I got a long explanation about how the chef believes strongly in a 62 degree egg almost as if I should somehow know about the esteemed 62 degree egg. Well, I've eaten all over the world in some of the best restaurants out there and have never come across a 62 degree egg anywhere else. To me 62 degrees is an ambient temperature at which I don a jacket, it's definitely not, unless I'm Rocky Balboa, the temperature I want to eat an egg at. If you're going to serve it that way even on dishes where it is described as something else, you need to have a prominent warning on the menu and train your staff to explain it before it's in front of me on a plate. They ultimately did remake the dish and gave me a nice, hot, sunny side up egg. Sadly this dish had other issues. Chopped corned beef does not a hash make. Hash implies potatoes, onions and peppers chopped with meat. This was only corned beef. The corned beef was extremely salty and very dry, and I love salt. I'd call this dish a near disaster and would never order it again. HOWEVER, redemption was at hand. Along came the skillet french toast. This is nothing short of a rapturous signature dish. The french toast is made in a skillet and then inverted at the table. It is served with blueberry compote, whipped cream and for an extra two bucks bourbon maple syrup. This dish had a caramel that didn't border on candy - it was candy. It was truly delicious and received raves around the table. I will say it's silly to charge an extra two bucks for the syrup, but other than that this dish was a five star. The improved mimosa was a nice, boozy brunch drink albeit pretty pricey. Overall, this place has a lot of good going on. Is it the best brunch in Chicago as mentioned in another review, not in my opinion, but it's very good. I definitely want to get back to try it at lunch or dinner. For one thing, I heard mention of some spectacular Brussels sprouts that have that bourbon maple syrup. mmmm.
(3)
Antaash U.
We dined at Bottlefork this past Saturday night. I must say that the place is bursting at the seams past 8pm, so if you're looking to get a reservation and stay awhile, a 7pm reservation is your best bet. Because by the time we left at 9:45, it was a struggle to even get out the door. We actually requested to sit in front of the chef's station to get a firsthand view of all the hustle and bustle of the place that makes the magic happen, and we were not disappointed. The crew behind the counter was happy to answer each and every one of our questions, even though they were certainly busy. I appreciated their time and attention. The meal at Bottlefork also didn't disappoint. It's a small plates approach to dining and sharing several things is recommended. Their menu is also very meat heavy and the options for vegetarians is limited compared to what the meat eaters are offered. My friends and I ordered: Braised Beef Cheek Poutine: kenebec fries and Wisconsin curds. Delicious. They put the fries and curds under the broiler, so what is delivered to the table is the crunchy yet gooey concoction of pure deliciousness. We also ordered the "bag" of crisps and egg: malt vinegar powder and sea salt. What arrives at the table is a brown bag full of homemade potato chips and a bowl containing a perfectly poached egg. Our server dropped the egg into the bag and shook the living daylights out of the bag. What came out was a piece of heaven. I have never had poached eggs on a potato chips, and frankly, the idea doesn't sound so appetizing either. Don't be fooled, because it was perfection. The egg brought in a richness to the potato chips that nothing else could come close to recreating. The next item we chose were the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. They were crispy without being charred and burned. They were excellent and the maple glaze on therm was the perfect amount of sweetness and contributed to caramelizing the veggie. Pure goodness. Then there were the tots drizzled with pimento cheese. Oh the tots. We're not talking the frozen "ore ida" tots from childhood. These were, the incredible hulk of tots. First of all, they were huge. One serving contained 6 giant squares (think rice crispy treats) of shredded and deep fried potatoes, which were then drizzled with cheese. Eating them was an experience and something that shouldn't be missed. For entree selections, I had the potato gnocchi: mushroom broth, fried pickled mushrooms, and midnight moon goat cheese. The gnocchi was excellent but I wasn't a fan of the pickled mushrooms that they used. I would have been happier with just the slivers of goat cheese minus the mushrooms. Lastly, my friends shared the pork ribs with mole. They seemed to love their dish and finished the portion, no problems. Though we ordered quite a bit of food, we couldn't stop thinking about dessert. One of the specials of the day with this caramel cheesecake with glazed apples and a side of homemade vanilla soft serve ice cream. This dessert sounds like it would be really heavy and overly sweet, but it really wasn't. The cheesecake was more like a creamy custard and the soft serve actually was't too sweet either. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal. The food is definitely on the pricey side, but you're getting quality ingredients, a thoughtful menu and food prepared with a lot of love and pride. In no way did I feel it was overpriced because I was so satisfied with my meal. Also, our server was amazing. He was there when we needed him, without being overbearing. Though the place was saturated with people, we didn't feel like we were being forced out or rushed in any way, which I always, always appreciate. Not only did I have an enjoyable meal, I had an unforgettable experience (they played amazing music in the background). Thanks for getting me out of my winter hibernation bottlefork, I owe you one!
(5)
Ashley S.
Delicious drinks!! My husband and our friend got the 9oz. Bill Bransky. SO DELICIOUS! It was so smooth for a concoction of whiskey, brandy, etc. Guys and girls alike would love this drink. Food, awesome. We ordered the Poutine and it was rich and yummy. Perfect appetizer for four people to split, with some left over. Service, awesome as well. We were never short of water and when our server got busy on the inside, the manager came outside to check on us and other customers. Very nice, accommodating staff. The girls at the front when you first walk in were sweethearts as well! We asked to move outside and it was not a problem, no issue, more than happy to accommodate, especially since they had planned for us to initially sit inside. Definitely coming back here again....this time, I'm getting the Bill Bransky! :)
(5)
Franchesca R.
Really great service and food. Can't complain about a thing. Check in on yelp to get a free "bag" of chips. They're delicious. My friend and I devoured them--along with the other potato items we ordered.
(4)
Shannon N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with my sister. We didn't have any reservation but were seated at the bar, right next to the prep area after getting there when it opened, around 10:30. We were kinda disappointed because, c'mon, no one likes sitting literally next to the coffee station where they set the pitchers, utensil sets, etc., with waiters constantly coming up next to you to grab things and fill up cups of coffee right next to you for other tables. The only pro about sitting here is that we were able to watch the kitchen do their thing with serving up all the orders, plating etc. WHAT WE GOT: 1) Bag of Crisps and Eggs: easily our favorite thing...despite it being chips and a slow poached egg mixed together, we loved this combo. The chips were salt and vinegar, but unlike the overly vinegar chips you buy from the grocery store, the malt vinegar wasn't overly powering--it was perfect! Plus, they give you a little spectacle by shaking up the chips and egg in a paper bag in front of you. 2) Corned beef hash: mmm this was really good! Loved the approach, it was really different in terms of having corned beef in the form of a patty, topped with the poached egg and hollandaise. I did thing the beef was a bit salty, even with the hollandaise and poached egg. 3) French toast: mmm if you are a fan of sweets for breakfast, you'll love this. They cook the french toast in a skillet, so a sugary, caramelized goodness is the result. Topped with some whipped cream and a blueberry compote--this is freaking amazing. SERVICE: 5 stars!!! Our waiter was super personable, very easy going, and always very attentive and observant, filling up our coffees even if they were only half empty. My sister and I wis we could have tried so much more if we weren't already full :( We had a hard time deciding what to get already, but Bottlefork has secured a spot in placed we'd definitely go to again next time (and with more people!) to try out even more! :)
(4)
Jeffrey G.
Stopped in for lunch on a whim and recommendation of a whiskey fellow. I've noticed the place form the outside when going to 3 Dots before, but nothing about it particularly stood out from the exterior. Inside, however, is a lovely modern atmosphere with good lighting, but not too much lighting for the dark contemporary decor. Music was a touch loud for my preference, but it was good tunes that were not "harsh" sound wise so it was not that big a deal. The food I tried was delicious. The "tots" covered in pimento cheese were nice and crispy and paired nicely with the house ketchup. I chose the portobello sandwich since I was in a suit and did not want to eat anything too messy, but it was also quite tasty. I love goat cheese and mushrooms, so it was a logical choice, rewarded. I also ordered a "for the allocation" on the recommendation of two staff members. I was NOT disappointed! The prices for drinks are on the higher end for the area and for my preference point, but the cocktail was quite good and if You are going to pay a premium price, this is one worth the premium (rather than being a needlessly marked up drink). Service was friendly and accommodating. All in all, I highly recommend stopping in and will return soon.
(4)
Bao L.
Dropped by for after-dinner drinks with some friends after we had dinner at Sunda on a Tuesday night. When you walk in, you're greeted immediately by the hostess. The restaurant gives off a very intimate vibe. We were able to snag a table right away to get out of the freezing cold. The drinks here, with their very unique names, are mixed very well and taste amazing. When I went, I had the Smoke of the Day (which I believe that night involved a whiskey) which had just the right amount of smokiness. Other drinks at our table included Big Salty Tears and Baysic, both of which were very good. Bottlefork also has an extensive wine list - we also ended up getting a carafe of a Malbec, though I forget from where exactly. Although we just ate dinner, we were still able to eat some more (if you have what I call "Stomach #2" after eating dinner, you're already a great person in my book and I want to be your friend). We decided to go with the charcuterie platter, which was amazing and devoured in an instant. I do want to go back to try some of their dinner menu, especially the tots, popcorn sweetbreads, and grilled octopus and housemade spam. The patrons around us eating dinner seemed to enjoy their food. Hopefully I'll be able to update this review soon enough w/ a review about their food also!
(4)
Sunny K.
I'd say my favorite is the charcuterie! The chips and egg is yummy. Try Rhinelander beer, it's also quite yummy, and I think our server explained it's from a brewery in Wisconsin. I've been here twice and each time I'm struck by how kind the servers are. In terms of decor, there's a bunch of wine crates and wooden furniture, nothing revolutionary.
(4)
Lois K.
We started with the bag of crisps eggs, tots, and braised beef cheek poutine. The poutine was delicious! The beef was cooked perfectly and fell apart with the touch of a fork. For dinner, I had the rich man po' boy, which was delicious, but I wish the portion size had been a bit bigger. The food here was pretty good and I would probably go back if I was in the area.
(4)
Andrea H.
I visited for dinner on Saturday night. We had a reservation for 8pm and our table was ready when we got there, always a good start. For drinks we ordered the Baysic cocktail as a shot. It reminded me of lemoncello. Then we ordered the "Smoke of the day" and the "For the Allocation." The "Smoke of the Day" was the clear winner of all the drinks with it's complex flavors and egg foam top. The host brought us out the chips in a bag with the poached egg for checking in. I was not excited about this at first but ended up loving it. This is a super addictive starter. Beware, this blows your diet right from the beginning. But you are not going to be able to stay on your diet and eat here, just FYI. Then we had the Crispy Brussels sprouts, Charcuterie plate, and deviled eggs with salmon. Of those, my favorite was the Charcuterie plate with pickled veggies and cherry preserves, it was amazing. It came with goat cheese, warm bread, and prosciutto. Out of this world good. The Brussels sprouts were a little greasy for my taste, but the deviled eggs were solid although I would prefer them without salmon chunks. I had been reading about the Lobster roll with fried oysters and foie gras and was excited to try thfor my entree. The sandwich tasted as super indulgent as it sounds. The bread was over-buttered for my taste, way way over-buttered. The three fried oysters were, fried and squishily greasy and frankly put my stomach over the edge. I reach my grease limit pretty quickly and my stomach was queasy the remainder of the night. Some people would have no problem with the sandwich though. I could not taste the foie gras, but that was probably a good thing. I would not order this again. My date ordered the Orecchiette pasta which was very good. Finally, we ended with the pretzel sundae with homemade soft serve vanilla ice-cream. The beer foam top was super-gross but the ice-cream was yummy although most homemade ice cream is considered soft serve, right? Get this without the beer foam and you won't regret it. Overall, a very interesting meal. If I return, I would do a round two on that Charcuterie plate for sure. The other things, probably not.
(4)
Megan B.
We came here for drinks after our meal next door at Frontera and were completely blown away by our experience at the bar. Our bartender, who I believe was named Adam, was exceptional. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he was great to hold a conversation with. Since we were visiting from out of town he recommended some other places to us in the city. He even introduced me to my new favorite drink (which he called Four Day Allocation, I believe). This was probably one of my top 5 experiences ever at a bar and I will absolutely recommended this place to anyone and everyone who will listen. Kudos, Adam!
(5)
Candice G.
I'd heard people talk about Bottlefork like it was the second coming of Christ but for me it just wasn't all that. I think it was mostly a combination of my own bad decisions that led me to feel this way, but in general I think that Bottlefork is too many parts style + hype over substance. My first mistake was making a reservation to come on a Friday night as I'd forgotten that I'd rather be in hell than in River North on a weekend night. Not my people. Not my scene. Just nicht für mich all around. I'd made reservations for 2 people at 9pm and received not only a confirmation email but also two phone calls to confirm my 9pm reservation and make sure I knew their policy that my reso is only good for an hour and a half dining experience so they can accommodate all their reservations. I wasn't planning on stretching my meal into a multi-hour-long event, but I also wasn't a huge fan of the pre-game warning about my meal being limited to an hour and a half, especially when their hours note that they close at 11pm... I guess I was just lucky to not be the person with the 10:30 reservation getting a 30-minute dining time-limit warning. I was also a bit put off when I did show up just shy of 9pm for my confirmed reservation and was told that my table wasn't ready and likely wouldn't be for 15 more minutes (which actually ended up being 30 minutes), but that we could try to fight our way through the gauntlet of tragically hip, freshly 20-somethings to attempt to get a drink at the bar or wait outside on the street. We chose the street. After our extended 30-minute wait, we were sat at a tiny 2-seat table across from the host stand which was probably as decent a seat as any, since the noise level throughout was downright deafening. I know it's cool to have loud music and all, but if everyone in the restaurant has to scream or get right up in your ear, it's maybe something to rethink. I will say that all 4 of the cocktails my guest and I had were phenomenal, though half of them seemed to either have a bit too short of a pour or needed to be more fitting glassware. I would still recommend all of them ('Little Miss Dynamite', 'No Tea, No Shade', 'Big Salty Tears', 'Loft on Broadway') to anyone willing to part with $14 for a finely crafted cocktail. As far as food goes, I should have done my research. I didn't realize that there were virtually no dishes on the menu that are vegetarian/pescetarian friendly and that's my fault. I was super bummed to find out that the main dish I'd booked my reservation around, the creamed kale with duck egg, had boar bacon in it (which does totally sound delicious) and the creamed kale is pre-mixed with the bacon in it and unable to be served without. But again, that's my fault completely for reserving my table based on a pretty picture and incomplete dish description. The server suggest 2-3 dishes per couple so we lightly followed her advice and got the following: ** "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs - $5 - which was actually free with Yelp check-in and my favorite dish of the night. If I came back for cocktails I'd have no bones about ordering this again. ** Mediterranean Salad with Olives, Eggplant Hummus, "Saganaki" Cheese, Sumac Croutons - $16 - It was good, but nothing to fawn over. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam with Brussels Sprout "Kim Chee" + Sugar Snap Peas - $21 - We got ours without the spam, which I appreciated them accommodating, but this is one dish I wouldn't recommend altering. It's highly acidic and the vinegar is overpowering to point of stinging if you don't have the buttery bites of Babe mixed in to off-set. ** Walleye special - $22 - I didn't realize that walleye is a largely flavorless fish and the menu description made it seem like it was going to be much more interesting than it was. The plating was beautiful, even in Bottlefork's darkest of dark settings, but beyond that the dish fell flat flavor-wise. ** Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler - It looked stunning, but it tasted about as tart as it could be before hitting the wall on inedible. I'm no good at balancing flavors so I have no constructive suggestions, but I def needed to chug my beverage after each bite to wash the pucker out of my mouth. In the end, our bill was actually really reasonable for what I was expecting and I did love having several of our dishes served by Chef Kevin Hickey, as he just looks like a dude I would hang out with and his smile is certainly contagious. Unfortunately, our dining experience was (more than a bit) marred by the mixed company of freshly-turned-20-somethigns dressed in whatevers trendy at that hour, attempting to shout above the vociferous volume of the dining room about their impending divorce and/or how they cleverly escaped DUI charges while the food just didn't rest as remarkable and certainly didn't inspire me to even want to attempt to push that hour-and-a-half dining time limit the hostess had warned about. A 3.5 from me, overall, but rounded up to 4.
(4)
Hannah C.
Service was a little slow, especially for a work lunch, but mostly the food was just unexceptional. The popcorn sweetbreads were probably well-prepared, but they were too fatty for us. The tots were unimpressive - the sauce tastes like standard nacho cheese sauce on refried potatoes. The bacon burger was a standout, with good flavors and interesting textures. Unfortunately, one good dish in a sea of not means I probably won't be back.
(3)
Frank R.
I really wanted to like this place since the service was excellent the second I stepped in the door. Wanted to grab lunch here on my way to the airport and as soon as the hostess saw me with luggage, she took my bags and placed them in storage without hesitation so I could enjoy my lunch. The place is known for the burgers and I should've gotten one, but I was attracted to the Rich Man's Po Boy on the menu. It had lobster and fried oysters and sounded awesome. Looked great when it came out, however, when it comes to sandwiches, I subscribe to the belief that bigger is better. This sandwich looked like it belonged on the kids menu. The fried oysters were larger than the sandwich and instead of complementing the lobster, it dominated it and had to be removed and eaten separately. The seafood was fresh, but there was not that much of it. I think they should change the title to the Poor Man's Po Boy at a Rich Man's Price. Also decided to be adventurous and try the sweetbreads. I blame that on Silence of the Lambs. They were kind of bland. Wasn't expecting much and got exactly that. For dessert, I had a mint ice cream sundae. This looked like a work of art, but didn't taste like it. The menu said it was comprised of soft serve ice cream. I know my ice cream and that was not soft serve. Looked and tasted like ice milk. If it really was soft serve, it must have been in the freezer past its expiration date. The mint parts were great, but the vanilla ice cream was pedestrian at best. Can't say one bad thing about the service. It was professional and they went above and beyond in my opinion. I would come back again just for that--and to try a hamburger.
(3)
Quin T.
Whether taking advantage of the patio or opting for a seat indoors, this restaurant is a MUST try in River North. I would strongly advise that you make reservations or you will be subject to a long wait or rubbernecking the bar for an empty spot..good luck with that one. While I do love sitting outdoors on a nice day, their awning does not extend that far out to cover your table, so if you are need of a tan, which I am not, then you have found your spot. Opting for a seat at the intimate bar, I was able to ask specific questions regarding the craft cocktails. The bartender was very knowledgeable and patient and because of that, I ordered several drinks..thanks, guy. Needing something to help absorb the alcohol, I found the most intriguing item: The Poor Man's Po Boy with Lobster, Foie, and topped with crispy oysters....damn! There is nothing "Po" about this $25 sandwich, making it the most expensive sandwich I have ever consumed in my life. Regardless of the price, just the description alone should have you wanting to make a reservation today and you should, because it's worth every damn penny! FYI, I have been to this restaurant 3 times and I always order the Po boy because in my opinion, "Nothing Compares"- Sinead O'Connor.
(5)
Erica M.
We read awesome things about Bottlefork so it was our first stop from the airport for brunch. We arrived a few minutes after opening and all the outdoor tables were taken. Our meal was good....our server was nice, but we waited a REALLY long time for our food. The chips and eggs were pretty tasty and we shared the rich man's po-boy. The po-boy was a bit disappointing - super buttery/greasy bun and no identifiable foie gras. And bites on the end of bun-only, which is just so sad. The slow service left a bad taste in our mouth when we left, no pun intended.
(4)
John K.
Located between Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and Bub City, the space is sleek, yet comfortable. There are a few counter seats to watch the action in the kitchen as well. White Sangria Special [$6] For brunch, Bottlefork offered a $6 white sangria, which was a good bet for easy drinking - bright and refreshing. Bottlefork Bloody Mary [$12] Starlite vodka, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon juice The GF and I decided to go down the route of Blood Mary's. Bottlefork offers three and she went went with the middle of pack. The Starlite vodka went well with the house mix and the San Marzano and plum tomato puree offered some tart, bright flavors accentuated by the lemon juice. The toppers included what I believe was a pickled quail egg and radish - wholesome brunch indeed! Slaughterhouse Mary [$18] Northshore Aquavit, veal stock, pork stock, chicken stock, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon Obviously, I went over the top with the premium offering - the Slaughterhouse Mary. North Shore Brewery's Aquavit had hints of caraway which paired well with the slaughterhouse stock. The plum and San Marzano mix helped to temper the savoriness of this tipple. Topped with a smorgasbord of salumi, sausage, chicharron, and pickled quail egg, this was clearly meant for the belly of this pig. It didn't end there though - both Blood Mary's were accompanied by a sidecar shorty of Rhinelander - light and smooth. Maple Slab Bacon [$5] At this point in the meal, the kitchen sent out a complimentary slab of maple bacon, proclaiming it was for the "belly of the pig."Whether it's brunch or dinner, you should order the bacon if it's on the menu. It's done right - thick cut, crispy, yet almost braised within - it's worthy of a steakhouse menu. Simply delicious. Bag of Sour Cream Donut Holes [$6] Bourbon "old fashioned" jam As a sweet starter, our group went with the donut holes, which were decadent, yet light. Creamy and moist within, with a caked glaze exterior, perfectly accented by the slightly tart jam. Crisps & Eggs [$5] Malt vinegar powder, sea salt With our Yelp check-in, we also received the popular crisps and eggs - and rightly so. Our server brought a paper bag filled with house-made chips and a lightly poached egg and shook the contents table-side - a nice, interactive touch. The chips themselves were crispy indeed with a creamy dressing adding some richness. But the real star here? The malt vinegar powder which had some pop to each bite. Richie's Mom's Cast Iron Baked French Toast [$12] Strawberry rhubarb compote, sweet cream Our friend Alex went with the baked french toast, which was served from the cast-iron skillet table-side, so as to scrape off any excess drizzle. If you've got a sweet tooth or any taste buds at all, you need to get a bite of this dish. It was so decadent it ate like cake - the richness of the syrupy glaze was tempered (ever so slightly) by the strawberry rhubarb compote, with the rhubarb adding the necessary tartness to each bite. Good thing Alex ran 7 miles the night before! Breakfast Sope [$16] Ranchera sauce, fried egg, chorizo black beans, cotija cheese, guacamole The GF felt like going a little south of the border so she went with the sope, which I typically find to be a bit dry. While I appreciate that the toppings are meant to add the oomph to each bite, I appreciated that Bottlefork's sope was moister than most. The chorizo provided some heat to complement the ranchera sauce, with the fresh guacamole and cilantro adding some herbal notes to each bite. Of course, the fried egg adding additional richness to complement the salt of the cotija. Rich Man Po' Boy [$25] Lobster, foie, crispy oysters I'm not sure what made me order the dish more - the sheer oxymoronic phrasing of this dish or the fact that it had foie, lobster, and oysters in a po' boy. Either way, I'm glad I did. The crusty, buttery roll encased a bounty from both land and sea. The creamy richness of the foie acted as the mayo component to most lobster rolls, and complemented the perfectly cooked crustacean quite well. The crispy oysters added some additional briny richness, with the scallion accents adding some bite. I occasionally have thoughts of returning to one of my favorite cities in America. The service and, more importantly, the food at Bottlefork helps to underscore the fact that Chicago is not only about deep dish pizza's, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Not every restaurant needs to be Alinea to put Chicago on the map, but if Bottlefork and Chef Hickey have a say in it, it's clear that Chicago chefs are proud of what they put out.
(5)
Oscar R.
We stopped in a whim and had the best afternoon we have had in a long time. We sat at the bar for a drink and the bartender recommended a fine whiskey drink and my wife had a craft beer. We chatted up the staff and each other and just enjoyed the day. I overheard the chef (A young guy named Eric Lopez ) chatting with some other people and I asked about the grits he was serving with the soft shell crab special. He talked lovingly about the grits, but also cooking food in general. Being a chef is a tough racket, but I really got the sense there is nothing he would rather be. his creativity and pride just gushed onto the plate. It was the simple the tastiest most complex thing I have eaten in a long time. It was pricey, but somethings are worth it. Finding a gem like this in a big city is one of them
So for my first experience at Bottlefork was for a Yelp event which happened to be my first Elite event ever. And I remember they had bacon cheeseburger sliders that absolutely delicious. Once I found out the sliders were just miniature versions of the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, I already had it set in my mind that I would be back. Well, I did come back. And if you notice the 3 star rating, it's easy to see I wasn't pleased. We had reservations and when I walked in, the place was crowded. No big deal. The party in front of me, however, did not have a reservation and were given an empty table. I figured no big deal again. When we told them of our reservation, we were told it would probably be a 5-10 min wait as they were crowded. Now if I didn't see the party in front of me get a table without a reservation, I wouldn't have cared. But I kinda feel like my reservation, for which I was early for, should have been honored before those without one. That aside, I couldn't wait to get the burger. I've had my eyes set on this burger since March LOL. Put in the order and when I see the burger coming out, it looked nothing like the burger I saw in March. It's like when you see a Wendys commercial and the sandwich looks like a piece of art and then you go to Wendys and you get this smushed down sandwich with the toppings falling out the side. Totally disappointed in presentation. However, it still was delicious. Ironically the entree that I enjoyed the most was the one I didn't come for and that was the braised pork belly. Waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Drinks were good and our waitress was really nice and professional. I really want to like this place so I'll likely give it another try and update. I definitely want to see what the Bill Brasky drink is all about where you can only order one.
(3)
Casey U.
Do you know Bill Brasky (BILL BRASKY!)? Yeah him, the guy whose drink launched a thousand selfies in one night (my camera took at least two dozen!)?! Yeah, the damn thing is a soda fountain suicide of whiskey! Its the damn size of year head, at least six ounces of booze! (It even includes the perfume Brasky used to seduce your wife, and boy...) Man, its a good cocktail, well balanced, floral, and it includes a fist sized ice cube embedded with a playing card featuring a woman naked as the day Brasky first met her, and saved her from that pack of rampaging elephants that had just broken out of the Atlanta Zoo! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) TO BILL BRASKY, WHAT A GUY, WHAT A DRINK! How about the sweetbreads (BILL BRASKY LOVES SWEETBREADS!). Deep fried, just like Braskey would have wanted them; rich, and a little spicy....just like the time you and Brasky spent three days in that hotel in Cabo...it even comes in a little silver barrel too (just like the hot tub in your suite). Man, they were just about as delicious as your memories of that lost weekend...( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Brasky would have loved the Burger too (and man, Brasky loved his burgers!). Aww man, this one was a beaut. As rare a burger as Braskey is a man. Perfectly charred on the outside while remaining rare inside, salty from its baconey mix-in, beefy, umami-rich, craveworthy. A gloriously toasted potato bun (and boy, did Brasky love his buns!), soaking up all the juicy fat...dripping from the patty, topped with a couple of thick slabs of chaddar (if you know what I mean...and I think you do...). I mean, topped with a dijon mayo and pico de gallo like tomato? Magnificent, like the giant pickle on top of the damn thing. The bunch of fresh cut, earthy fries and homemade catsup? Brasky woulda' been all over that. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Take a swig of the Bill Brasky, bite the burger, man, its heaven...just like the time me an Brasky... Five Freaking Stars Extras: Something something review 200...something something danger zone. The dining experience is the perfect blend of style and substance, extraordinary food which happens to be perfectly photogenic. Its the meal for a selfie obsessed generation who loves to take pictures of their meal. Sit at the chef's counter. The chefs can talk a good game, and gave me a couple of free samples (including the filling for the Rich Man, Po' Boy, which was remarkable). Kick-ass service. Seriously, the "Bill Brasky" is the best 35$ selfie you've ever taken, and a fantastic cocktail (although you'll probably feel...rather conspicuous drinking it). Don't forget to toast like the SNL skit when it comes to your table, because it turns out that everyone's a little narcissistic when they get to spend time with Bill. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… )
(5)
Jake V.
Great for an unlimited expense account, not so great if you're paying out of pocket. Some of the drinks are really fantastic (something orangey? names are fuzzy at this point...) while others are not so great (something that looked like a snow cone). Mains are decent but there are certainly missteps (tartar sauce runny enough to flow out of a fish sandwich, no sides with some sandwiches, etc.). Service was fine but not amazing. And everything was a little dear for what it was. Not bad, but there are better options nearby.
(3)
Andrea R.
And yet another uh-mazing new restaurant in River North complete with inventive cocktails, tasty food and even celebrity sightings (David Schwimmer last Thurs evening). I did with every good yelper does when I first arrived at Bottlefork and "checked-in" and was rewarded with a complimentary "bag" of crisps and eggs. They were basically the best chips ever; I'd even pay for them next time. Our fabulous waitress helped my friend & I with the rest of our order. We told her we were hungry and based on the amount of food she suggested she must have thought we just finished running a marathon. It ended up being way too much, but happy I got to try a bit of everything. Next time in addition to the crisps & eggs (of course) I'd stick with the tuna crudo, mediterranean "salad," and potato gnocchi. And that's plenty for 2 people! We also ordered the mussels (paled in comparison to the rest of the meal) and "tots." The tots were basically massive tots covered in cheese...so delish, but felt guilty about them when I woke up the next morning. As for my cocktail I went the vodka route and ordered "loft on broadway." Loved it and bummed I had to stop after just 1 due to a drive back to da burbs. Can't wait til my next dinner here. In fact, I already have reservations lined up for next month! Nice work Rockit Ranch!
(5)
Christopher V.
I've only been once, but I'm impressed with Bottlefork. Service, food & drinks all exceeded expectation. The Berkshire porkchop was the highlight of the meal, perfectly seared and seasoned. The chicken was moist with crisp skin & a hint of smoke. Drinks were expertly crafted as well. I highly recommend.
(4)
Jeff S.
Way way late on this review as I had lunch there on MLK Day. Due to the holiday, it was quite empty for lunch which was a-ok in my book. Considering the location (River North) it probably gets quite crowded for dinner and the weekends. Bottlefork is owned by the guys at Rockit so I expected semi-gourmet food and a nice mix of drinks. And that's pretty much what I got. Unlike Rockit Bar which is currently closed, the alcohol selection is definitely more advanced. Tons of bourbon and an eclectic craft beer selection highlight the bar. For food, I went with the special which was a grass fed burger with bacon and a jalapeno apple slaw. I know that it's not on the menu at all times but the jalapeno apple slaw was delicious and added a fresh component to the burger. The burger was cooked well (not well done but medium rare) though I honestly could not tell if it's grass fed or just a standard burger. In addition to the burger, it came with a load of fries (basically the side for free). Know that none of the standard sandwiches come with a side so the special was well worth the money. Being a fan of Rockit, would I go back to Bottlefork? Probably. But unless the slaw makes a return, I do not think it will be a standard spot for me.
(3)
Kristy H.
In search of a nice brunch spot with some friends, we decided on Bottlefork given the great reviews on Yelp. We were not disappointed. We started off with the chips and an egg (free when you check-in on Yelp) and they were delicious. The mixture between the salt and vinegar chips and the egg was unexpectedly good. They're regularly $5 and I'd definitely get them again. My SO ordered the corn beef and hash and I ordered the bacon burger. Both entrees were really delicious. The hollandaise sauce and poached egg were absolutely amazing. My bacon burger was also really good. Apparently the patty is made of 30% bacon and you can definitely taste it in the patty. We also ordered bloody mary's with beer backs for $10 each with our meal. They were unique and had a smokey flavor - they even came with a quail egg! I'll for sure be ordering them again. Overall, our experience was great and brunch lived up to the hype. A little pricy but worth it.
(4)
Alik W.
Really very solid. The cocktail menu is heavy on the wallop, but that matches their prices, I suppose. Has a wide array of small, well-flavored plates that complement the drinks menu. Service, at least if you sit at the bar, is attentive. Plus, they have a very nice check-in offer (potato chips coated in vinegar and soft egg). I personally was very unimpressed with the sweetbreads, which I felt lacked texture and were mostly a vehicle for aioli. Chips, seasonal vegetables, deviled eggs all were better. But, overall, an excellent place to perch and enjoy dinner and drinks.
(4)
Ashley C.
We were in the area and craving dessert. We were waiting outside the venue for them to open (still had another 10 min) and the hostess kindly let us in since it was extremely cold outside. Food: We ordered the brownie brulee with soft serve on the side and the pretzel caramel soft serve. The soft serve is amazinggggg -- it's perfectly creamy, sweet and just soooo yummmy!!! We never had a brownie brulee before so that also blew our minds - or tastebuds - away. I just wish that soft serve came with the brownie brulee so we didn't have to pay an extra $6 for something that should be paired together. Service: EXCELLENT! One of the best service experiences I've had. As mentioned earlier, they let us in 10 min before opening so we didn't have to wait in the cold. Our waitress engaged in conversation with us and had no problem answering all the questions we had. We had told her about our plans to go clubbing at Underground, which turned out to be their sister company! As a result, the manager came over, gave us his card and informed us on how to get on the guest list for the club (free entrance, yayyy!). We ended up coming back later that night to pre-game and the bartenders were super chill, making jokes and having conversation. Ambiance: Dimly lit place. There's a bar, booths and tables depending on what you're going for. Can be a place to have drinks with friends or havea romantic dinner date! Would definitely come back again -- to try a meal, more desserts and dranks!
(4)
Noel S.
First of all if you are not a meat eater I would not recommend coming here. This place makes me think of what a butcher would do if he or she! was to open trendy/casual bar. The food is amazing. Everything is really well done. They are definently thinking outside of the box here, trying new combos you've never tasted or seen before. The servers are super friendly. I highly recommend the chicken sandwhich and the bacon burger. They are SO much better than they sound. Dessert milkshakes are awesome as well. Ask for the "sexy cubes" it's their term for the large scotch ice cubes. I love when places have these. I only came here for brunch on a sunday. It was packed. This place is rather small so I probably wouldn't come in the winter months with out a reso or you take the risk of waiting outside.
(5)
Alex J.
Stopped in for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Started with some salads; this season, watermelon is all the rage, and their grilled watermelon salad with a chipotle lime vinaigrette did not disappoint. It was a refreshing start to the meal. Next, we tried the black bean and chorizo sopas with avocado crema and goat cheese. There was also fresh cilantro on top, but I'm one of the 2% of the population who hates cilantro, so I enjoyed my sopas sans cilantro. The dough for the sopas came out the perfect texture and they were a delicious mixture of textures. Main course involved tacos, because who doesn't love tacos? I tried both the grilled beer soaked chicken thigh and the guajillo and beer braised pork. The meat was flavorful, tender, and the tacos were on point. Finally, we ended with a warm cheesecake with caveat peaches. Unlike normal cheesecake, this wasn't too dense or heavy - it was light and was a perfect end-cap. Decor inside is nice, service is excellent, and food, above all, is done right.
(5)
Joe B.
This place has some superb cocktails! And the bartender will gladly discourse with you about how/why they made or named the specific cocktail. The liquor selection is also finely curated. I didn't get a chance to eat here, but you could easily enjoy just one drink for an hour or longer. If you plan to stick around, order the Bill Brasky. The place is pretty crowded on Sundays, I don't think there was even a seat for one, so I recommend you go on a weekday when it's much more relaxed.
(3)
Pablo B.
I went to Bottlefork after seeing the good reviews on Yelp; I've got to make mention first and foremost of the service. I had made reservations for six but was at a conference and four more hangers-on joined us which irritated me but the host was awesome about. He squeezed us in at a smaller table and bar and then when about half of a huge party left and the rest were just lounging around, he asked them to squeeze in so that we'd have room. Rarely do I find restaurants that are this accommodating especially of patrons who are that annoying (both us and the big group). All of it done professionally and efficiently and the staff as a whole were super friendly. Of course all of that might not have mattered if the food wasn't great but luckily it was. Quite a few of my colleagues had the burger which they said was very good -- served with a pickle skewered on top. I decided to try four appetizers and was really happy with them. The beef jerky was excellent as were the deviled eggs. But what really blew me away were the tots with a cheese sauce (sort of squares with a rich sauce) and especially the creamy kale with a fried egg on top. Absolutely delicious -- highly recommend for both food and service would definitely go back again.
(5)
Jessica S.
My boyfriend and I were trying to find somewhere to dine last minute on a Saturday night and we came across Bottlefork. It was apparently rated one of the Best New Restaurants in 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, so I think we just got lucky to get in on such a short notice. But upon entering, we were both super impressed with the decor. Its very eclectic but chic at the same time, and had a very cozy feel to it. The hostess was very sweet and mentioned it would be a few minutes until our table was ready so we grabbed a couple drinks at the bar first. When it was time to be seated, we were introduced to our server, Eddie. And he was honestly one of the best parts of the night. Hilariously entertaining and full of awesome recommendations. Below are the dishes we went with, and I would get each and every one of them all over again: * Vieux Carre Cocktail = a cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. Its one of their best selling drinks on the menu and quite tasty. * Bag of Crisps + Egg = seriously, don't miss this one guys. It's absolutely amazing. Very interesting, and the server brought it to the table in a bag with a perfectly poached egg on the side. then tossed the egg in the brown bag with the chips and shook it all up right in front of us. I was pleasantly surprised how amazing these little bad boys tasted! * Wagyu Beef Jerky = super delicious. Not too tough, and comes out perfectly bite sized. Has some really great flavors with the soy and garlic. * Tots with Pimento Cheese Drizzle = an interesting little appetizer. Think an upscale tater tot with a fantastic dipping sauce. * Hop Braised Pork Shank = literally died and went to heaven with this one. Fell off the bone, was super moist, and paired perfectly with the Goat Cheese Polenta. I will definitely be coming back to this little spot. And when we have visitors in town, Bottlefork will be at the top of our list!
(5)
Tim R.
I'd heard that Chicago had a foodie reputation and Bottlefork certainly consolidated that for me. My wife and I took shelter here from a thunderstorm that had rolled in off the plains and taken residence over the city. We didn't have a reservation, but were given a spot at the bar. This worked well as the bar staff were very friendly despite never seeming to pause for breath. The bar was fully stocked with not only all the high end staples but also things I'd not seen before and what looked to be hand made infusions. The food was even more impressive with the exponential edge to the taste I've not found outside of London or New York. The only challenge was that I had spotted the sumptuous ice cream sundaes pass through, and had to ration my appetite. A real first world problem, I know. The other first world problem was a feeling of being slightly over dressed to some of the fine young things out on a Friday night. Between the mixology lesson, the bustling kitchen, and the lovelies there was always something to look at.
(5)
Emily S.
I've had quite a few different things here and have not been in love with any of it. I also think the restaurant is too cramped and the tables are too close together to have private conversations.
(3)
Morganne B.
Free bag of crisps and eggs for checking in. YES. So dang tasty that I'm going to try to emulate this at home. We stopped by for a bite shortly before they closed on a Monday night and had no trouble being seated. I was happy to see they had Penrose Desirous white IPA on tap as it's been one of my favorites this summer! My boyfriend and I shared the cheese and charcuterie plate which was amazing/had great variation. The prosciutto and goat cheese were the standouts but paired well with the mustards. Coming straight from a yelp event with free food, we weren't that hungry so the portion size was great. The place is a little pricy but right on par with everything else you'll see in the area. Didn't have a cocktail here this time but they are delicious and carefully and thoughtfully concocted for sure. This is a great place to bring a date or visitor from out of town that you're trying to impress!
(4)
Emily Z.
Reservations are your best bet, Tuesday evening we were limited to the bar, or Chef's Table, which is the bar but just in front of the kitchen (marketing!) The Chefs table was actually great, we got to see all the care that is put in to creating each dish! Carafe's are half off on Tuesdays, Pinot Noir was fabulous! Checked in on Yelp and really enjoyed our complimentary free 'bag' of crisp + egg ($5). Delicious salt and vinegar chips with an hour long perfectly poached egg added before serving to add a bit of richness. Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Mapple-Burobon Vinaigrette ($8)- Were not my choice but despite their bad reputation and burnt appearance they were fantastic! They had so much vinaigrette on them that they were barely recognizable as a vegetable! Orecchiette Pasta with Rapini + Breadcrumbs + Spicy Chicken Sausage + Espelette Pepper ($22) was a little heavy on the sausage proportion wise, which is a good problem to have I guess! The dish is really spicy, so I would pass if you are not a spice person. We were full splitting these three plates between two, but everything was great so I will definitely be back to taste more things and hopefully some of their homemade soft serve this time!
(4)
T B.
So the food was decent but for one (rather small) breakfast entre and an iced coffee we paid $30 each... #underwheming. #overpriced
(2)
Rits M.
I came here on a one off chance, and got here a little early so it wasnt jam packed as yet. I would recommend making a reservation or coming for after work drinks and leaving by 7. I let myself be guided by the reviews and tried the popcorn sweetbreads- I think this is the most interesting thing on the menu, definitely get some. I also liked the bacon burger a lot, its one of those burgers that you crave, but dont necessarily want all the time. It has a magical time and place. The place itself is small- and has sizable tables, so hopefully you are good with sharing with other people. Else, the bar is your best place to sit. The aisles are so small you can talk to your friends uninterrupted even when seated at the bar. The drinks here are well mixed, but not necessarily all that great, I would let the waiter be your guide for recommendations.
(4)
Michael M.
Visited Chicago for the first time with my wife.. Just so happens that we visited during her birthday.. I read the reviews and looked at the pictures of Bottlefork.. Decided to take her here for a nice Birthday dinner.. They did not disappoint.. Our server was knowledge and was able to recommend certain items off the menu. Started out with the Bag of Chips.. Compliments of the house if you checked in with Yelp.. The Poached egg on top of these was delicious.. Holy Cow!! It was delicious.. We also had the jerky which was great to.. Very tender.. Very good.. I had the Bacon Burger which was mouthwatering.. My wife had the Rich Man's PoBoy.. We also had the Creamed Kale. Would I go back here to eat?? You better believe it..
(5)
Jessica S.
We recently went to Bottlefork and had a really enjoyable time. The food was all well thought out and delicious. The service was great which is sometimes rare to find downtown. Try the bag of crisps and eggs.... complimentary with a Yelp check in!
(4)
Jori L.
This place is overpriced and a mess. All of riv north is overpriced, one could argue. But those places know it, and see to it that everything else about your experience is on point. My friend had spit out a bite of her $18 Mediterranean (no meat!) salad because in it laid a hair. When she reported the incident to the trendy ass manager, he told her that he has never employed any blonde haired person, and smugly walked away to pose against the bar. Later returned awkwardly to inform us that he actually HAD hired one blonde person(!) And tell us some stupid details about his experience undergoing puberty at age 15. I have included a picture of the bearded idiot handling the situation - professionally, on his phone, lounging against the bar. The food is solid and sorta unique but it's not a stand out in this location, much less the city.
(2)
Jenn D.
Ahhh where to start?! Loved this place! Food, drinks and service were phenomenal. Couldn't pick a drink because they all looked good. Went with our servers recommendations and loved them all! I got the scrubbed the right way and I'd highly recommend it! Favorite dish was the poutine, followed by the egg crisps and the scallops. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
B M.
Meandering the city, we happened into Bottlefork on a Wednesday afternoon. The vibe is devine. Josh was behind the bar; and man can he make a drink. We enjoyed the Smoke of the Day, Baysic, and Shrubbed the Right Way. The latter had a wonderful pop at the end. The food that was served all looked scrumptious. We must go back and try!
(5)
Laila C.
Meh...even for River North it's ridiculously overpriced. Good thing I came with a vendor, I would've punched someone if I had to actually pay for this myself. I had the steak salad, it was $30?!?!?!!?!?!?! What the fuck???? I mean...the steak was ok but literally I can get a better full steak meal for about that price. We had the tots...just way too much potato. I get it was trying to be clever, but really it was just clunky. Two's version of large format tots are way more successful. These are dense, heavy, I couldn't possibly eat more than 2 of these. Also service sucks. We sat around forever..first waiting for water, then for menus, then for someone to take our menu...all so they can forget parts of our order and get it wrong. Lame, lame lame.
(2)
Norm J.
Happened upon Bottlefork one of the nights I was stumbling out of Bub City and decided to give this place a try. Bottlefork's atmosphere was lively and energetic on a Monday evening which instantly perked my friend and I up. We both thought that the decor was hip and modern, but the tables were too close together (we had to pull our table over so the lady at the table next to us could get out...not cool). Our waiter was awesome and I'm mad I forgot his name because I would've loved to give him a shout out. He explained the drink and dinner menu in such detail that I wanted to order everything. Drinks - Corn N' Oil: is a must try! I'm not a fan of rum, but this drink is really good and the huge ice cube that comes in the drink is pretty awesome. I got buzzed off this one. - Loft on Broadway: is a refreshing vodka drink, but there are better drinks on the menu to choose from. Food - Bag of Crisps + Eggs, $5: is a must try! These chips were my favorite part of the meal. I pretty much ate 85% of them, leaving my dining companion (a slow eater) with the other 15%. Also, you get these for FREE when you check-in via Yelp! Not sure how long this will last so don't yell at me if this deal isn't available when you go. - Smoked Spot Prawns, $18: where really good and the sauce that the prawns were placed on top of was a nice touch. You get 3 prawns so if 2 people are sharing this dish you'll need to cut the 3rd prawn in half or hope that your dining companion is generous like mine was and will let you have it all to yourself. #WINNING - Braised Beef Cheek Poutine, $14: was...well poutine. The dish was good and I would try it again, but it tasted like poutine I've had other places. Just good, but nothing special. - Smoked Suckling Pig Flatbread, $17: was good, but I wish it would have been a little bit warmer. I'll definitely be going back to Bottlefork and hopefully I'll be getting some free chips!
(4)
Ngoc N.
Meh - after a couple months they've increased their prices. Some by $1, some by a lot more. This isn't their first venture into restaurant business so I assume they had already have things priced for a profit. I find the change unnecessary and greedy.
(3)
Brian M.
Came here on a Tuesday (I know, Tuesday night) night for a few drinks. The setting is small and intimate. Long bar down the side with about 8-10 tables. If you are coming in a party larger than 2, I would recommend you make a reservation. First, the bartender (Lauren) was amazing. Friendly, informative and made one of the best old fashions that I have had in a long time. Hint: Order it with Rye and you will know what I am talking about. The bad is I probably had a few more than I should. At the table we got the Tots, Poutine and Charcuterie. The tots were amazing and different. They are these large blocks of potato goodness instead of these small bite sized ones. They were also smothered in a cheesy sauce that was really good. The poutines were topped with braised short rib, not sure this is ever a bad thing. Charcuterie was typical for what you would expect. The one item to highlight from there is that the spicy ground pork was really good! Perfect place to have a good drink, a date or to catch up with a friend. I will be back for sure.
(5)
Jocelyn C.
Hands down best place I went to this weekend in Chicago! A friend of a friend made my sister and I reservations here since it was our first time in Chicago and we had no idea where to go for some food/drinks before a night of partying on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is upscale casual and the decor is beautiful definitely goes w the vibe (dark and semi intimate). The service was very helpful and super nice. The GM Chris was constantly checking that all the tables were good and gave us recommendations on food/drinks. (super cute too so heyy eye candy all night ;)) THOSE TATER TOTS!!! oh. My. Goodness. The best tots I've ever had. My sister and I scarfed them down, I couldn't believe how quickly they were off the table in our tummys! Fried to perfection, amazingly seasoned, and the cheese was just... Ugh. My mouth is watering. We also got the Andouille Sausage Flatbread to share. Excellent! Great size for sharing and not too heavy. The pesto and pickled shallots really amped up the flavor on it! Our server also helped us pick out some Bottlefork original cocktails that were very yummy! I had the "Burning the Days" which was a better version of an old fashioned. Not too sweet but not too bitter. My sister ordered the "Little Miss Dynamite" which is one of their most popular drinks, lots of liquor but tastes like juice! This one will definitely knock you on your ass. To end our meal, Chris sent over some dessert. HOLY CHET. just look at the picture. It was their "hot and gooey" dessert of the night. It was cheesecake (more of a cheesecake custard) with orange marmalade, Graham cracker, and vanilla ice cream. They ran out of orange marmalade bc it was so late in the night but that was okay because it was still the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. We pretty much inhaled that one! I can't wait to come back and try more Bottlefork original drinks and food! Thanks Martin and Chris and our wonderful lady server for a great foodie experience!
(5)
Dzeinara P.
Reasons it's not a 1 star review - cocktails are really well made - awesome decor - the chips with the egg and malt.. Yum! I've had drinks here before but not this day. Reasons why review is so low: Our server kept calling one of my friends "Bud, Buddy". My friend was clearly older than him and it was awkward. Server insisted the hash is amazing and his favorite. Turns out it was disgusting. Way too much salt. Like waaaay too much. It was spam overload. When we had mentioned that to the server, after he asked how's everything... He didn't have a response. Just raised his brows a bit and walked away. Who does that? We ended up ordering some toast so we can eat this expensive hash. Which by the way, took over 15 mins to arrive. Our hash was cold by then. I made the reservation through Open Table, under the name Daisy. And there is no way I would recommend this place to any friends. And I am also embarrassed that I took 3 of my friends here. Come here for apps and drinks only.
(2)
Carol K.
Bottlefork continues to knock it out of the park for my friends and me every time we visit. On my last stop in- given all of my friends were new to the place, Jason, the manager, went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, and even comped a few dishes that he said we just had to try! Sweet! Try the house made beef jerky, the poutine and the pretzel caramel sundae . . you can thank me later! Love the cocktails, love the service, love the food! Still at the top of my "go to" list!
(5)
Mary R.
The restaurant tries and the concept is good but everything was a bit off. Service was great so would give that a 5. We went for brunch and seemed like they tried a little too hard. However the chips and egg in a bag was very tasty. The rich mans po'boy had chewy lobster and overpriced. The beef cheek poutine was very salty. The Bloody Mary was sweet???? I could have used the salt from the poutine. Maybe dinner is better.
(3)
Kori E.
I returned for dinner with my beau this past Friday night and we had an excellent time! We started with the deviled eggs and sweetbreads and both were delish. I love how deviled eggs have made a comeback! Next we had the charcuterie plate, and that spicy sausage with the goat cheese was absolutely amazing!! Great recommendation by our server. With my Yelp check-in we got a free Chips/eggs dish and that was the most interesting thing I've seen in a while. They take homemade chips and a runny egg - throw the egg in the bag with the chips and mix it up. It doesnt make the chip soggy like you would think, but I would have liked to have tasted more of the egg - maybe some truffle oil?? Just a thought! We lastly split the steak and it was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal all the way around. I would highly recommend checking this awesome place out - another great restaurant by Billy Dec.
(5)
Therese F.
I came here with my boyfriend and three others with whom we typically get together monthly to try out new places. We made a reservation for 9:15 on a Friday. Our table wasn't ready and we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated so we stood @ the bar to grab a drink. It's such a narrow space between the bar and the tables that it is not conducive to anyone standing there without getting bumped or having to constantly move out of the way of the wait staff. Once we were seated out waiter brought us some snacks as an apology and thank you for our 30 minute wait (very nice). Food: The complimentary snacks were the Piggy Jerky (kind of bland), Scotch Quail Eggs (unmemorable), and the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (delicious, wish we got a 2nd one, and we all ate it with a fork, not at all the mess that some other reviewers have stated). We also ordered: - Steak Tartare (meh) - Oysters (4 of the 5 in our group are HUGE oyster fans...we each only tried one. They were truly bad.) - Smoked Salmon Layered Parfait (good) - Grilled Octopus (good) - Rotisserie Chicken (good) - Cauliflower (good) - Hot & Gooey Dessert of the Day (an apple something or other...very good) - Pretzel Caramel Sundae (good) - Brandy Alexander Sundae (good) ....some items were 'good', some meh...other than one of the desserts and the Bag of Crisps, none of it was noteworthy. Drinks: Not going to list them all out...among us we did a pretty good job in trying a good number of their specialty cocktails and drinks. None were that great. Service: Fantastic. They brought us snacks when we sat down because we had to wait 30 minutes with having a reservation. They only charged us for the oysters we ate (4 of a few dozen I think). The waiter was friendly, enthusiastic, knew both the drink/food menu, etc. They really have got this aspect down. Environment: Small, but cozy and nice. Other than the service, this place just does not have good enough quality food or drinks, which is obviously what really makes a restaurant last. I would not go back or recommend it to others.
(2)
Amber A.
Stopped in Bottlefork to see my old friend from Four Seasons Atlanta, Chef Kevin Hickey. The atmosphere was great - upscale casual. My husband and I had cheese platter, cream kale w bacon and burger. All was delicious. And beer menu/beverage menu was great!
(5)
Tiffany R.
Just stumbled upon this place while seeking out a place that was still service breakfast at 11am, so glad we found it. The food was beautifully plated and the tastes matched the presentation. Crisps & eggs were yummy, the hash was perfectly portioned since it is on the rich side and even the oatmeal was yummy although be prepared for a huge bowl of those oats. Service was very lovely; very welcoming and very attentive yet not hovering around.
(4)
Davin L.
Another River North restaurant, courtesy of Rockit Ranch Productions. The decor and design is modern urban, but layout of the establishment is a bit on the narrow side, inevitably leading to elbow bumping with your dining company. Fortunately, with a delicious menu with highlights like fried veal sweetbread and awesome drink concoctions, you'll quickly forget how crowded and loud it gets inside.
(4)
Jen K.
If it was just a review on food, the place would get a 5, but service gets a 1, so we are settling at 3. Let me admit my fault. I was that jerk who was late to brunch plans on Sunday morning. They sat the rest of my party. When I got there my group had already ordered drinks at the table. Our server was a tall guy with a beard and he was incredibly nice. He had a good sense of humor and explained a lot on the menu. When we got our appetizer, the manager on duty came over and said that due to the fact that we were taking so long, he had to ask us to move to another table because they had a reservation coming in. So after blaming us (me) for being late and taking too long, we were moved. After we moved, he was nice enough to bring over poutine on the house, so that was cool, I just don't like the way he made it "our fault". I am aware I was late, sorry dude, but you don't have to call me out like that. Then our new waitress was nice at first, but she consistently tried to up-sell us. Then they ended up charging us for the "on the house" poutine and when we asked her to remove it from the bill, she instantly became very annoyed and couldn't wait for our departure. On the food side, we had the vinegar chips, which were incredible. The poutine had shredded beef which was a great compliment to an otherwise delicious dish. The sopa was incredible. The salsa and guacamole were great flavors.
(3)
Bella P.
Easily one of the most marvelous places in Chicago. The food was superb and the drinks, splendid! It all began with the Beef Cheek Poutine which consisted of crisp fries covered in succulent beef, bathed in gravy with Wisconsin's curds marrying all members. The "tots" were tasteful and terrific, which was brought forth by the creamy cheese that blanketed those potato squares of goodness. Creamed kale, although may not sound appealing to some, was far from the normal vision one might picture of "creamed kale." It consisted of kale marinated with thick bacon, topped with an egg. It had me at bacon. I mean grandma always did say to eat my vegetables- which was made easier with bacon of course. The main course was the Porkbelly and Sausage Porchetta "Pastor." Phenomenal. The portion was decent too. No skimpy belly fat noted. The pastor flavor was pretty spot on as well. The meal was finished with a Fromage a Trois, which consisted of a Brie, goat and a parmesan type cheese, with a side of homemade jelly and bread. They were all very enjoyable. The winner here was the Pretzel Carmel and Chocolate Fudge Sundae- Wow! Absolutely phenomenal!! There were a plethora of drinks to choose from. The bartenders are amazing and well versed, mind-blowing mixologists, you might say. Bottlefork is fabulous, a top 3 restaurant in Chicago for me. I will likely be frequenting here quite often, as there is just so much more to try!!
(5)
Sara P.
Birthday celebration last night and it could not have been better. I'm a gluten free vegan, I learned fast there was much for me to eat there but everything else was spectacular. Our server Raymond went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary Requests along with odd requests from the entire party. We shared wine which he split up for us, and accommodated in every way from questions to tastes. The food was phenomenal, and the service was beyond,we thanked everyone when we left, from kitchen to bar because the teamwork they showed was stellar. Ambiance, beer list was spectacular....... But the service made our visit. Thank you Raymond, we will be back, new hidden gem in river north
(5)
Jerry K.
It was my turn to pick a place for our monthly dinner group and I was really excited about selecting Bottlefork this month. Service was fine all around. We were seated on time and everyone was friendly. Server was attentive and timely. No problems here. The place is LOUD. We found ourselves practically yelling at each other across the table in order to have conversation. Definitely not a place you want to go for a date. Good beer and wine selection. I had the Root Cellar Rye Amber Ale which is apparently specially brewed for Bottlefork and it was tasty. A nice thing to mention is that we got a free order of the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (1 egg, by the way) after checking in on Yelp. However (and I hate to rip on a free dish) it was mediocre at best. A bag of vinegar and salt chips with an egg thrown in there and then oddly but vigorously shaken up by a server in front of us. All I tasted were gooey vinegar chip-crumbs. Nothing special here. We also ordered the mussels with the fries and ham broth, which was delicious, but pricey given the portion. i counted 7 mussels (which were decently sized) for $16. Doesn't seem to add up. We wanted more but couldn't justify paying out another $16 for a second order. The rest of the food was ok. The burger had good flavor but was super salty. The creamed kale was ok, the roasted cauliflower was good. Pumpkin stew was really good, the Pork Belly and Porchetta was just ok. The Potato Gnocchi was ok but once again the portion didn't add up to the cost. Overall, the place was somewhat disappointing. Good service, ok food and pricey given some portion sizes, ok atmosphere if you like screaming at people for conversation.
(3)
Alexandria T.
After attending a Yelp elite event at Bottlefork, I couldn't wait to go back to enjoy the full experience. I was able to make a reservation on Open Table for a Tuesday night--man, this place is already super popular. We arrived about ten minutes early, but they were still able to seat us right away. We each ordered a beer off of their extensive drink menu. We laughed about the Bill Brasky but didn't want to splurge. We started off our meal with the crisps, which after reading mixed reviews, I wasn't so sure about. Both my boyfriend and I ended up loving them. They do a nice presentation and if you eat them quickly, the egg doesn't make the chips soggy. We decided to go with separate plates because I don't eat meat, and my boyfriend does. I got the gnocchi, he got the burger, and we shared the tots. He said the burger was really good, but not on the top of his list. I loved the pimento sauce top of the tots. And, the gnocchi was pretty freaking amazing! They have done something right with the ambiance, and I had a very nice celebratory meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Amy S.
My clothes from yesterday smell like smoked meat, and I have to say that's a really great thing! The food at Bottlefork is top notch and delicious. The veal sweetbreads?? Better than any sweetbread I've ever tried, seriously. The batter is light, crunchy, and perfect. The bacon induced slider?? Holy moly. Most sliders become dry because it is hard to keep the juice in with a tiny piece of meat, but they do a phenomenal job here. The slides have the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, salt, and the grilled buns are the best finishing touch. The meat and cheese here is fresh and perfectly cured. Special shoutout to the Foie Gras Chicken Liver Mousse and the Tuna Crudo. Both are little jars of happiness! The drinks here are really delicious: Loft on Broadway - Perfect girl-ish drink. An elevated play on vodka, lemon, vermouth and simple syrup because there is a touch of violet liquor and the vermouth is better than most places. Smoke of the Day - This was corned beef drippings + whiskey, talk about a meaty drink! The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable! I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)
Becca D.
The food is amazing, the service is not that great. I stopped in for some drinks and dessert one night and the pumpkin cheesecake thing is what brought me back there the next day to try again. I went solo the second time for Sunday brunch (which was also my birthday) and sat at the bar. The bar had a good amount of people at it, but it wasn't overly busy by any means. For some reason, the bartender straight up ignored me most of the time I was there. I had to flag down the barback every single time I needed another drink. On the one occasion I did get the bartender's attention for a drink, he completely forgot and ignored me for another 10 minutes... to which I again had to get the barback. The bartender wasn't apologetic at all and just didn't seem to care. Ok, back to the food. Sunday brunch. I had 2 eggs over easy and the tots that came along with them were awesome. I also got a piece of the maple slab bacon which had me in absolute heaven! I had never had slab bacon that thick before and it was just soooo good. Definitely more expensive for what you get, but that's to be expected with any gastropub these days. Loved the decor. Drinks were good too but slightly overpriced. Again, not surprised as it is a gastropub.
(3)
Lindsay F.
Holiday weekend brunch following Thanksgiving did not disappoint. Chef Mitch Bauer is ON POINT! The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the cocktails and food infused and the food is cocktail infused (nothing better than that!), the dishes are creative but familiar, and the staff is all friendly and enjoyable to be around. We starred our brunch with the new-to-menu gingerbread donut holes with bourbon caramel and orange cream icing dips. Holy smokes! Talk about delicious! The chips you get **free** for checking in are phenomenal. Warm, salty, vinegary delights! Brunch plates at our table ranged from a bacon burger to eggs to the "leftover sandwich" special. All of it was delicious and the homemade tots bring it all home. There's really nothing I can find wrong with this place. Come hungry, leave stuffed and ready to come back again!
(5)
Rosanna P.
Not totally impressed with their food... Also their staff is kind of rude. I work about a 1/2 a block away, and probably wouldn't go back..
(2)
Ann H.
Came here with friends on a Friday evening. Ordered several dishes including the special chips jerky, and lamb chops. I must say the flavor combinations are unique but the food tends to run flavorful and heavy. It's not quite the feeling you want after going to a high end restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant is dark by design and there are few tables inside the venue. Service was very good, I didn't feel like we had to wait too long for any of our dishes. Overall I wanted to love this place since it's half a block from my home but I wasn't as impressed with what we ordered. Likely will not return.
(3)
Michael U.
Items Selected: Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Malt Vinegar Powder and Sea Salt Popcorn Sweetbreads - Calabrian Chili Aioli Beef Cheek Poutine - Lemmenec Fries, Wisconsin Curds Rich Man Po-Boy - Lobster, Foie Gras, Crispy Oysters Creamy Kale with Duck Egg and Wild Boar Bacon Fish n' Chips - Lager Battered Cod, Malt Vinegar Crisps, Slaw Smoked Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich - Horseradish Coleslaw and White Cheddar Tots - Pimento Cheese Sauce Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout Sundae Bourbon Peach + Michigan Blueberry + Candied Pecan Sundae Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Humbled by the heat and humidity combined with late nights and substantial dining since arriving in Chicago on Saturday it was with scaled back plans that Labor Day arrived and opting to sleep in before hitting the gym I was admittedly quite famished as we approached Bottklefork, the long and narrow River North restaurant toqued by former Allium Chef Kevin Hickey. Designed in the hip, gastropub style all too familiar to folks interested in dining out these days and owned by the men behind hotspots Rockit and Sunda it was just past noon when our trio was seated in a plush booth and quickly greeted by a charming server who kept beverages brimming throughout our meal a three-course, eleven plate order unfolded - the tableside-shaken chips with a runny egg offered gratis to those using their smartphone to check-in. Perhaps more full than usual as many restaurants in the area were closed for the holiday it was apparent early on that the open kitchen was teeming with activity and as appetizers arrived no more than ten minutes after ordering both the spicy sweetbreads and upscale poutine were exemplary, the later featuring double cooked fries more than capable of holding up to thick gravy and squeaky, fresh curds. Unfortunately a bit more limited at lunch than with the substantial dinner menu it was in a trifecta of sandwiches along with two sides that the meal progressed and although the gussied-up Po-Boy was somewhat undersized for the price it was none the less delicious, a similar compliment befitting the substantial fried cod and equally enormous smoky seasoned beef. Further impressed by large, tender tots and kale that tasted akin to a soft-set quiche it was with a trio of desserts that our visit to 441 North Clark Street culminated and although the beer-head foam on our first sundae was not an ideal first bite, once it was mixed in the malt and hops provided an impressive contrast to flavors both salty and sweet, the bourbon similarly gilding the second goblet with an oaky finish while 'hot and gooey' cobbler arrived bubbly, sweet, and simply delicious.
(4)
Nadege L.
The food here is pretty good! And the ambiance is fun and the customer service was good. You definitely need reservations to come here on the weekends. They have good drinks. The food is a bit pricey, but the portion sizes are decent.
(4)
Tricia F.
Came for lunch and the food was decent but didn't meet high expectations I had developed after hearing great things from friends. The ambiance is great and what made me give 3 stars. The service, however, was not. Maybe our server was having a bad day but, for a not very crowded lunch service, she was inattentive, dismissive and a bit rude. Made it hard to enjoy the nice but only ok food.
(3)
Jessica P.
Bottlefork was a great find on our trip to the amazing food city of Chicago. My sister and I started off with beef cheek poutine. Nobody does poutine like Montreal, but this was definitely the best I have had in the states. The cheese curds were squeaky and the fries stood up great to the savory gravy. Next we had the Mediterranean salad with saganaki cheese. Saganaki is a family favorite so when we saw it on the menu we knew it was a must-try. It did not disappoint. The tangy dressing with the wilted greens, sharp cheese, and pita bread croutons created the perfect salad bite. For our entree we split the grilled octopus and spam and the orecchiette with chicken sausage. Both were great but the spam was by far the star. The house-made treat was beyond delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the grilled octopus. The octopus was a tad bit chewy, but had great flavor. Overall- I would highly recommend this restaurant for some plates for happy hour and shared plates!
(4)
Stephanie L.
Hell yes! Go, now...it's delicious. So I had a blonde moment and made the reservation for the wrong night...when we arrived, they notified me I made it for Thursday...not Wednesday. Whoops! The place was jammed to the gills so I was a little nervous about getting seated but it wasn't 2-3 mins and they were able to seat us at the chefs table...aka the bar right in front of the kitchen. Our server, Nick quickly came and explained everything to us. Suggesting several cocktails to our liking. They have quite a list of craft cocktails and wine. If we didn't like something, no biggie...they would get you whatever YOU want. Great customer service! The food was f-ing great. I have to say, I have been less than impressed with most new restaurants in my hood...but this delivered...much better than it's former counterpart...dragon ranch. HA! Crisp and egg...free with Yelp check in and it's totally delish, like one of the favs Popcorn sweetbreads...perfect. These were amazing! Do it! Rich man's poor boy...good, but prob would skip next time Creamed kale...this shit is like crack! Wild mushroom gnocchi...it was good, but felt like it was missing salt or something. Ooey gooey bread pudding was fan-freaking-tas-tic!!! Price point was totally reasonable for what we got and the area. Only complaint was that the place was jammed...I guess the word is already out. The new cool place to be...RUN
(5)
Maxie H.
Loved this place! We came here for drinks after lunch, and it was amazing. We ordered the bloody mary, amaretto sour and the coffee. The drinks are off the chain! The bloody mary is to die for. It really is the best we ever had. We really enjoyed the drinks and wished that we came here for lunch. The entrees sounded delicious! We will be back here for brunch!
(5)
Daisy D.
Took my husband here for drinks and lite apps before dinner at Chicago Cut. The two dishes we had were really amazing. -Tuna Crudo with shrimp crackin' and some kind of amazing Jamaican ketchup -Rich Man Po' Boy. We shared one but could've easily had one each. Picked to perfection, the flavors in this sandwich are like any other. Looking forward to going back!
(5)
Pam S.
Sooo....Bottlefork. Although my besties DruePaul were only in town for a weekend, we made the most of our brunching time. Since Bottlefork was so close to their hotel, and we were able to get reservations, Bottlefork it was. We were immediately seated in a large booth (there were 5 of us) and were impressed with the decor- a little rustic, very chic. Being that it was our group, we started on drinks- some of us got the Improved Mimosa, some got the Strawberry Rhubarb bellini, and some got beer. Although I started with the bellini, I upgraded to the mimosa and found it to be more of my liking (perhaps because it had more booze). The table tried a bit of everything- donut holes, braised beef cheek poutine, hash, slab o' bacon...and then my paltry eggs, tots and toast. While I like the idea of cubed potatoes, and they were good, the tots were a little much for me. All around, the food was delicious, albeit overwhelming. Why one star down? Our server was...a little all over the place. There's positive energy on a Sunday morning, and then there's loony energy. Our server had more of the latter. In addition, while we had extensive interactions in the beginning, it took awhile to get both drinks and food. All in all I'd recommend- and wouldn't mind coming back for dinner. Might sit in a different section, though.
(4)
Victoria G.
LOVE this place! I will definitely venture back and bring friends. I made a reservation on a Friday night, arrived early and was seated immediately, even though my friend hadn't yet arrived. Super cool vibe and ambience. Low mood lighting with cool background music. I saw a number of dates taking place. We sat at the chefs table and it was fun watching the crew make the food right in front of us. The waitstaff and chefs are super friendly and very knowledgeable. And the food and craft cocktails are SO GOOD. I loved the Brussels sprouts and tater tots with pimento cheese. In general, the food here is really hearty, so don't think you'll do a lot of light eating, but it's still super tasty. I definitely recommend trying the smoked cocktail of the day, too. It's got a really great flavor and finish. The General Manager came over to us at the end if our meal to introduce himself, give us his card and chat for a while - really welcoming. I definitely recommend this place as a local neighborhood haunt, your pre-party spot, or your low-key chill dinner with extended conversation place - it accommodates all three.
(5)
Jackie S.
Okay, this place is SO good. My sister and I came here a few months back. What we ordered: Little Miss Dynamite cocktails: Fantastic! Order one and you won't regret it. Bag of Crisps & Eggs: I was hesitant to try these but since they were free with a Yelp check-in, we figured we might as well. Ended up loving them! My sister didn't love them but I thought the combination was surprisingly awesome. Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger: AMAZING. I seriously dream about this burger. If you love burgers, you must give it a try! Well done, Bottlefork!
(5)
Jenna G.
I've always had trouble getting the staff to seat my party at the time our reservation has been made. I've gone more than five times and somehow their system is not working. However, the staff is friendly, knowledgable and attentive. The food and drinks come quickly, even if portioning is on the small side. On a personal note, something about the seasoning or flavor profiles seems "funky" and not in a good way. Several friends share my opinion, after trying their brisket hash and anchovy Caesar salad. However, I keep coming back because the execution is impeccable, even if the seasoning sometimes is confusing to the palate. Good, seems it will be great, then is a little weird, but in the end is satisfying.
(3)
Jenny C.
Love this hot new restaurant in River North! Creative menu items and awesome service. Great cocktail menu - their bartender studied under the Aviary bartender! Try the Loft on broadway cocktail if you like citrusy drinks with just a pinch of sweetness. Must try items: - Bag of chips: Vinegar and runny egg on homemade chips. Sounds weird but it's so awesome! The chips really opens up your palate and make you salivate for more food. - Rich man po boy: Chunks of lobster meat in a buttery roll with breaded oyster on top. Felt the oyster wasn't needed as the lobster roll could have stood alone, but the oyster was fried perfectly! - Mushroom gnocchi: Earthy comfort food, great for a cold winter night - Grilled kale and squash: Great flavors, especially mixed with melted cheese on top - Sundae with beer foam and streusel: Perfect ending to our meal. Sweet and salty. Streusel brings a great crunch to the ice cream. Also, who can say no to beer foam?! Our waitress was so energetic about the menu! Really refreshing to interact with her throughout the meal. The general manager came by several time to converse with us and make sure we enjoyed everything. Cool vibe, intimate seating and lighting. Long bar where couples can have a nice meal and drinks at as well.
(5)
Mark F.
I had brunch here one Sunday. I sat at the bar by myself. Waitstaff kept bumping my chair, which was a little annoying. The food was good ... I had the hash brisket. I will definitely come back as Adam, the bartender, is super-talented and makes great cocktails.
(4)
Max G.
It started with a slow cooked egg. it jiggled in the bowl the server brought it in. mesmerized, i watched him slip the egg into the bag of malted vinegar chips and shake it all around. that's what it's all about. tasty food. great drinks menu. many house made flavoring agents. no complaints here.
(4)
L. Danovia ..
My brunch buddy and I made last minute reservations for a late Saturday morning. He had the burger and I had the french toast. We enjoyed both items. Service was fast and friendly. Will return.
(4)
Kristin M.
First learned of Bottlefork through a Yelp event and was really impressed with the food. Returned because of the food with a group of friends who have tried their fair share of Chicago restaurants. We were all impressed with the solid food, service, and ambiance. We particularly loved the poutine (get those over the tots if you're debating), the Mediterranean salad (trust me it's soooo good), and the asparagus (again, so good!) they also have a really cool selection of cocktails, and I'd highly recommend the No Tea, No Shade cocktail if they still have it. Also a great selection of beer and wine. Overall, Bottlefork is a must try spot--would be good for a group, after work happy hour, or just anyone looking for an absolutely delicious and satisfying meal. The ambiance was lively, and it was busy on a week night like most River North spots. Oh, and not too young/fratty.
(5)
Gillian C.
We just finished up dinner here with 4 adults and two little girls. Bottlefork is not really a kids place, but our server, nick b, was THE SHIT. Not only did nick make amazing food and drink recommendations for the adults, but he was super accommodating to the little girls and spoke to them directly, which made them feel like real adults when they were ordering. The food was awesome. Highlights were the Brussels sprouts, gnocchi, burger, and holy melted cheesecake, so delicious. After dinner my sister in law commented that he was "probably the best waiter I have ever had". He was seriously awesome and made our whole dinner better!
(5)
Jackie M.
The menu sounds better then what it is. I came for lunch and had the bag of crisp with egg. It was interesting how a raw egg was cracked and mixed into a bag of house chips. Eat it quick before it gets soggy!! For the rich man po boy which has foie gras, fried oyster, and lobster. I was so excited to eat it. It was drenched in butter and garlic which overpower the seafood flavor. It wa tasty by the bite due to the garlic. You are better off getting a lobster roll elsewhere because there's lack of flavor in foie or oyster. For the poutine, I only ate half and it was mostly cheese. Donut was good.
(3)
Shannon N.
I live in Northcenter and rarely find myself in the loop these days, so when my sister-in-law wanted to meet for drinks while she was in town for a conference, I turned to yelp. I found Bottlefork and we decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The place is fairly small, we got there shortly after five on a Thursday night and already all of their walk in tables had been taken and the rest were reserved. We had no problem sitting at the bar, but even for two people I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is a mixture of upscale modern and antique, but not at all pretentious. Mostly business and young couples. We each had a martini, a beer and shared a few plates between the two of us. Martini was goos, and they have a good beer selection with a lot of local breweries. We shared the smoked salmon deviled eggs, the andouille sausage flatbread and the gnocchi. The deviled eggs were awesome, I've never had anything quite like that. The flatbread and gnocchi were delicious as well, cooked perfectly and flavorful. It was a bit pricey, as is expected in that area. I think our bill was just over $90 for the two of us, but for a fun night out it was worth it and I would go there again with out of town guests!
(4)
Krsna V.
Somebody in this establishment is a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race. Why wouldn't you be, it is the greatest show on tv? The "No Tea, No Shade" cocktail is everything RuPaul means when he says it on his show. With right proportions of tequila, mezcal, and earl grey syrup, this cocktail is a perfect embodiment of the phrase No T, No Shade. I have been away in the jungles for too long...I missed expertly crafted cocktails. After coming back home to Chicago, I was treated to an evening out by Preet, who suggested we check this place out. What a treat, indeed! Yelp checkin gives you a free appetizer of chips and egg, which is a poached egg shaken vigorously in a bag of chips. Deliciousness! We also tried the Tuna Crudo and Smoked spot Prawns, which were excellent. The avocado topping on the tuna crudo was stellar and the prawns were expertly smoked/ grilled. Since we both love our cocktails - we decided to try others. I went with a Loft on Broadway, which smells, tastes, and looks divine. The Violette liqueur elevates the drink to another level. Preet had the Satan's Whiskers, which made it feel like we stepping in to the dark side. Since we don't stop at two cocktails (who drinks just two cocktails?), we decided to try more. In honor of Gojira/ Godzilla and wanting to feel like a reptile, I opted for the Big Salty Tears. The frothy egg on top and the orange flower water sealed the deal. It was a great way to re-acclimatize myself to Chicago and the wonderful world of artisan cocktails. I now have to catch up on seasons 5 and 6 of RuPaul drag race. No T, No Shade...hunty!!
(5)
Rob B.
This is a small bar with big food, and if your watching your fat, don't come here. Well,crafted dishes are on hand and so is the excess. We had the fried sweet breads, poached egg with fried potato chips, french fries poutine and the special salad with fried cheese on top. Well by the end I was well,,,fried. We had the cobbler and frozen yoghurt for dessert, perhaps the lightest option on the table tonight.
(4)
Sonia B.
Great food, great service, and great ambiance! Oh my goodness, my tummy was SO happy when I ate here with my husband! Absolutely amazing! We started with the chips/poached egg and the wagyu beef jerky for appetizer. I highly recommend both! The chips/poached egg was interesting. Our server came over with a bag of chips, put in a poached egg, shook it like crazy and poured it into a bowl...and whoa yumminess! It was a great blend of saltiness, sour/tart (vinegar) and richness from the egg. And I don't even like eggs! The wagyu beef jerky was my favorite thing all night! It was absolutely delectable! The flavor was amazing and it was cooked to perfection...not overdone, but enough crispiness....yummmm! I hope that is a mainstay on the menu! For our entrees, my husband and I shared the bbq tamarind lamb ribs, tots, and a pasta w/ chicken sausage. All were amazing!!! And to cap off the evening we got the pretzel sundae w/ the stout! SO GOOD! I had heard about the brownie brulee, but it wasn't my lucky night, that wasn't the featured gooey dessert. :( I will be frequenting Bottlefork until I get to try the brownie brulee...lol! Our server was awesome...not sure if it's ok to mention her name on here....so, i'll just skip it and hope you get her! It was refreshing after having crappy service at a different Rockit Ranch restaurant. The menu changes weekly and I can't imagine you won't enjoy your dining experience! I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Lisa S.
Food was good service good and the place was hopping! Went with a group of 10. The place was a little tight for that. We had the crisps - which were just a trendy thing - and the to die for brussels sprouts as apps. Also had the tots which were ok. The serving dishes had paper on the bottom which detracted from the presentation and showed how much grease you were consuming. . My meal was the rich man's po boy which is cold lobster, fried oyster and foie. I couldn't taste the foie. The bun was too greasy. The chunks of lobster were good, large and meaty. I was disappointed - got it for the foie gras and it wasnt there. One of the other folks got the pork belly with sweet potato that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beer and wine selection was good.
(3)
Pack C.
We love the experience at the place; interesting cocktails, good selection of beer, good food. My favorite part was probably yelp check-in will give you a complimentary homemade chips with well poached eggs. It sounds weird but it's actually yummy! My main con for the place is it's definitely more pricey than what I thought. Food portion is pretty small even those from the shared plates section. Below were items that we tried. We loved everything we tried. the problem was just the portion & price. Deep fried sweetbread: it's the highly recommended item. It was ok for me. Not sure if it's because I was picturing 'sweetbread' while chewing it. Well, at least I tried Poutine: yummy Po boy: it's basically a lobster roll with fried oyster on top for $25. That was pricey for me, no side even! Bacon burger Octopus homemade spam & kimchi
(3)
Jialing L.
came here with a reservation for dinner with my friends. the server was extremely friendly and gave us a good overview of the menu. we got a free crisp n egg due to a yelp checkin and then ordered the beef cheek poutine and potato gnocchi to share. The beef cheek poutine is my favorite poutine in Chicago so far and the potato gnocchi with mushrooms was flavored very well and soft. we also ordered two bacon burgers to share between 4 of us and it was really good. loved the slaw in the burger and the party itself was juicy. it was the first time I had medium rare but it was a good experience and I loved the mix of beef and bacon. The bun was also really good and crispy on the side. Enjoyed my visit and will recommend this place and try to come back.
(4)
Tara L.
After waiting 50 minutes, our waitress informed us that the soft serve machine won't be ready for an hour so no affogatto. I ordered a cappuccino instead. She brought me espresso with a tiny dollop of foam so I had to ask her to bring some more. We used the free chips from yelp but had to remind her to bring them. When the food finally came, it was actually really good - just small portions. Overall, a pretty good place for brunch, just seemed a little understaffed.
(3)
Stephen S.
The cocktail menu is spendy but ya gotta pay those River North rents somehow. Fortunately, their drinks offer tons of flavor and are worth the price you pay. I also love the carefully selected beer list including a house offering coming from a collaboration with Chicago's own Begyle Brewing. In fact, most of the beers on tap come hail from local breweries and not the big ones you'd see everywhere. Bottlefork is giving love to the local boys who really need it, and I think that's something to really appreciate.
(4)
Katherine M.
So the food here was pretty good but I have to say places like Girl & The Goat, Blackbird and Publican do this style of food better. Highlights: crispy Brussels sprouts and the grilled octopus and spam are phenomenal. The orecchiette is also damn spectacular so be sure to order these items. The braised pork belly and tots get honorable mentions but I feel like you could find them at any new american restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is like you stepped into a high-end backwoods cabin. It's busy but not too loud and the wait staff is attentive. They have an extensive drink list that includes some solid beer options. I'd say if you want a nice dinner out - this place not only have good food but it's easy to get into and might even save you a few bucks.
(3)
Lingyi P.
Came for weekday lunch with a friend. The food menu was limited to salads and sandwiches. Got the crisps and eggs, grilled beer chicken sandwich, and tots which were all ok but not great. I would give the food 3 stars, but the service was disappointing. We waited 40+ minutes for our entrees, which is an issue for lunch during the workday.
(2)
Hilary G.
This place is AMAZEBALLS. First off the drinks are out of this world. The cigars and brandy and the brasky everybody MUST try. My boyfriend and I went in there one sunday and tried nearly everything. Im pretty sure the staff was sure we wouldn't be able to walk out lol. Out waiter upsold us on everything and we couldn't have been happier. The food was a little heavy, but beeing from Texas its nothing we couldn't handle. We had tried almost every drink and the manager was bringing over one last cigar and brandy for us when we started talking to him about THE BILL BRASKY... My boyfriend was having two of his best friends coming in town the next weekend and was already vowing to bring them to bottlefork. I of course was jealous because I wasn't going to be there and wanted to be there for the debauchery (I live out of town). I mentioned how I wanted to be there to try the brasky with them and of course being the best restaurant around they brought one on the house just for us, and emailed us the receipe! The presentation of this and the cigars and brandy is as good as it gets for my bae (NO i dont seriously use this word) and I.
Came here for lunch and was seated right away. I ordered the fish sandwich which was delicious! Cod fish, a big one! Ordered a side of fries and they were yummy, although I wasn't too much of a fan of the aioli they had on it. Fries were fried perfectly, not too soggy. I enjoyed lunch here. It was my first time and and I definitely will be back. Loved the Kale side dish! Delicious. Thank you again!
(4)
Michael S.
Have been traveling to Chicago often lately for work and in the process of building my list of to go places. Bottlefork has now made the list. Had dinner there tonight, had their Monday night burger special with crispy bruseel sprouts. Burger was cooked perfect, cheedar cheese, arugla, pickled onions, slab of bacon (yum) with egg on top. Not the healthiest option but was delicious as were the fries that came with it. The crispy brussel sprouts were very good too. Bottlefork has a great selection on the menu with great ambience inside. Good place to eat alone. Evening was enjoyable and I see a return trip in the future.
(4)
Nicole L.
I was expecting something really great given Rockit and Sundas success, but honestly I was not impressed with this new restaurant. Went in at 830 on a Thursday night expecting a wait, but the hostess said just go to the bar and a table was getting up so they would seat us shortly. This was great news! However after 30 minutes of no word from the hostess we checked back in and she said she had given the table to someone else and it would be another hour. Without any notice! Very annoying. Additionally, when we sat at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get greeted and order a drink, and another 4 attempts just to get a water! Although the food was ok, it was very overpriced considering the poor service. I won't be coming back here.
(2)
Kurt W.
I have only been as happy as this at Peter Luger. Everything was amazing. The smoke of the day cocktail was wonderful. Chips, donut holes, tots and burger were ridiculous. Bacon was an experience. Waiter was excellent and described everything to a tee. Just hands down one of my favorites now for Chicago. Grown man's meal.
(5)
Jonathan C.
We came here for lunch. Overall the experience was good. The host was very nice (even though we were 20 mins late). He took us right to the table. The server was very detailed in his explanation of the food. He was also very knowledgeable with the ingredients, which is always a plus. We ordered two appetizers to share, the bag of crisps, in which they mix a poached egg to a bag of homemade potato crisps in front of you, and the tater tot. The chips was a bit too salty for my taste, but it was good. The tater tot was really good, perfect size and very flavorful without overpowering. I had the special, Spam (made in house) Banh Mi with Lobster Bisque. The Banh Mi was pretty good, although I would argue that the spam could be a bit bigger or need another piece, and it needs more daikon/carrot. It was good but not the best. The soup caught me off guard because it tastes more like an thai lobster curry soup than a "traditional" lobster bisque. Its not as creamy and thick. After a couple sips, it was actually pretty good. I do like it a lot, and it paired very well with the bahn mi. I would probably go back for another business lunch/dinner but probably not on my own. The food is good and definitely very intriguing, but when factored in the price, it a bit overpriced.
(3)
Danny W.
Somebody fill my glass with a Bill Brasky (35 dollar drink, only one per person) and sprinkle on a crushed up Xanax. If you don't have a panic attack before being seated at Bottlefork you'll absolutely love it. If you can't do close quarters and hefty wait times though, you may want to make plans somewhere else. The space is super narrow, crowded, and a lot of people linger after eating so it's tough for the restaurant to keep on it's reservation schedule. Can't blame them for being popular, but it's definitely an issue to be aware of. If you've got the patience it's most certainly worth the wait. Food is phenomenal and it's an excellent menu for sharing. I tried the Scotch Eggs, Crisps, Chorizo Stuffed Squid, Poutine, Tots, Cauliflower, and Gnocchi each was which was even more amazing than the previous dish. Cocktails are clever and pretty damn strong if you didn't quite gather that from the Brasky description. Service was on point and I've got to give them props for being able to maneuver so well in such close quarters. A little on the pricey side? Sure, but definitely worth every penny when you put the food experience into perspective. I'll definitely be back, but either really early or really late to try and avoid the daunting dinner rush. ,
(4)
Cody H.
This place lives and dies by experimenting with things. The Chips and Poached Egg App? Great. Stacking fried cod and chips (not fries) on a sandwich SOUNDS good but the practice is a soggy mess that did not really taste that good to begin with. Decent drink menu, but listing some bottles is not that hard. Their cocktails are try-hard and fail-sure. Except for the Bill Brasky... that is a man's cocktail. Skip it.
(2)
Madison L.
The bag of crisps and egg was very cool- more than just potato chips. Their bellinis are delicious and also their popcorn sweetbreads was also tasty. Their pork belly was delicious and I love the great service. Definitely crowded though, but with such a cool ambience - I expected this!
(4)
Venice Beach Dad K.
WTF?! This place has been good enough for me to return for a third time, and they've outdone themselves!! Whew... The brussel sprouts are top shelf; not that over salted mess you get at some of these other 'high end' gastropubs in Chicagoland I could chew on the wagyu jerky all day The creamed kale salad is worth fighting over ...and I'm not mad at the Tuna Crudo. It's fresh and fun (weird for a dude to admit) Put this place on your list, it's on par with The Publican. Thank you Chicago for providing proper gastropubs for wary travelers like me
(5)
Christine W.
Every bit of food I ate here was remarkable and full of flavor. The burger was amazing--they make a balsamic ketchup that is off the chart. The deviled eggs, the lobster po boy, the COCKTAILS--all exquisite. eat and drink here and your worldview will improve. Actually, the hostess was a little snobby but otherwise everything was great. Flawless food
(5)
Christopher S.
After all the stellar reviews here on Yelp I set expectations pretty high, maybe a little too high...the night we went we received good and hearty food. The service was fast but personally I don't get the hype...It wasn't anything spectacular or "amazing. Maybe we needed to order more drinks but simply put nothing we tried blew me away.
(4)
Stephanie N.
This place is amazing!!! The services is fantastic, the food inventive and superb, and the whole experience is a must. We cannot wait to go back!!! Try the craft cocktails and believe it or not sweetbreads!!!!
(5)
Sara T.
Amazing service, delicious, complex and boozy cocktails (so worth the price) and yummy plates. I will be going back!
(5)
Noah E.
Great place to check out. Smaller sized restaurant which makes it quaint. If you check in on help you get a free bag of potato chips. The food was good but a touch small for the downtown prices. I would go again with a group of friends
(4)
Christopher M.
There's a lot here to like, some to dislike, and some that's disappointing. What's to like? We LOVED the cocktails and wine. Fantastic selection and very well crafted. The lamb ribs were also fantastic, and the creamed kale was seriously awesome. I knocked off two stars for two reasons: one was for the Bag of Crisps and Egg. Sounds awesome ... potato chips and a poached egg. Damn, that's gotta be good, right? It wasn't. Very bland. The second star I knocked off because our shrimp dish came out raw. The waitress was very nice and apologized profusely, but I was surprised that nothing else was done. The manager never apologized, and we didn't get comped anything, be it a dish, drink, or dessert. I feel like if I dish gets that messed up something should be done. 101/365
(3)
Lucy C.
Did I really just drink a cocktail made with meat drippings? It was definitely received with mix reviews, but I liked it. Bottlefork is laid out like many other bar/resto/lounges-- long and narrow, dim lights, intimate setting. The staff is beyond amazing and the menu is imaginative. I especially liked the popcorn sweetbreads and the bacon burger with shoestring potatoes. Kudos to Rockit Ranch for turning out another fun spot!
(5)
Kate J.
Boyfriend had two Slaughterhouse Marys for $18 a piece. Yes, it was worth it. I tried it and they are truly the best bloody mary. He had the rich man's po-boy and he ate it in less than a minute. I had fresh orange juice and their blueberry compote skillet french toast. It comes in a small cast iron skillet and the server flips it over onto a slate cutting board. It's amazing. It's very rich and could be shared between two people. The side slab of bacon is insanely delicious. The staff is very friendly and attentive. We had a really nice brunch and will definitely be back.
(5)
Helen E.
So delicious. I can't recommend this place enough. My boyfriend went to a Michelin starred place earlier in the week and said this was way nicer. The crisps and egg is a must, and the gnocchi is out of this world. I'm nervous this place will get so popular I'll struggle to get a reservation!
(5)
Shuff M.
Lamb was pretty poor... tONS of mint. Service was ok at best. Atmosphere was not bad at all.
(2)
Michael C.
Very pretty and intimate place here at bottlefork. Came for the yelp elite event and had a sampling of some very tasty foods. The sliders here were phenomenal featuring bacon and crispy shoestring potatoes. They were full of flavor and had some really nice char-there was a lot of effort put into these. My other favorites were the popcorn sweet breads which were tasty finger snacks had a nice soft crunch like calimari. They had some really good baked breads with some unique fish spreads that included salmon and tuna. Service here was excellent- the host made sure that everyone was having a great time, but also asked for suggestions on how the food could be better. Cozy place with some unique food. I'll be sure to check this place out again.
(5)
Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute dinner spot on Saturday night to celebrate my graduation! We already had plans with friends in the river north area a little later, so we called up bottle fork to see how long their wait was going to be. Turns out they had a table for two and since we were in a cab they held it for us. Not only were we lucky grabbing the table but we also had an amazing server who was able to offer up recommendations for both drinks and entrees. I had the fried soft shell crab with grits and collard greens, their special for the evening and was absolutely melt in your mouth fantastic. I had Satan's Whiskers as my drink, a well balanced gin cocktail. My boyfriend had the Orecchiette Pasta with chicken sausage that they make in house. Excellent with a little kick as well. Some say that the prices are a little high for the portion size, but I think the flavor and the fact their ingredients are locally sourced make up for it. We actually enjoyed the fact our portion sizes weren't huge, we left satisfied without feeling weighed down and were able to enjoy the rest of our evening celebrating!
(5)
Melissa G.
I went to Bottlefork for brunch this past weekend and was blown away by how fantastic their food was. The service was prompt and professional. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the food and brunch cocktail menus. She even helped us to discretely identify the dishes at neighboring tables that we were coveting! Haha Everything was delicious! If you go for brunch, I highly recommend both the breakfast sope and the cast iron skillet baked French toast. Both were cooked to perfection and sizes were perfect for sharing. I'm definitely looking forward to visiting during dinner hours to see what other glorious foods await!!
(5)
Shayna Y.
Design of the place is beautiful, but table layout is awful. They have long tables that you'd be lucky to hear the person on the opposite side. We got lamb ribs and squid stuffed spicy chorizo. The lamb ribs were flavorful and fall of the bone tender, but really fatty. The squid stuffed spicy chorizo was flavorless. Even the sauce was boring Go here for drinks, not food.
(2)
Margaret H.
This place needs an identity. I was very confused by the menu and what direction it was trying to go in. Are you more of a drink place with some snacks or are you trying to make it a culinary experience? The atmosphere: This place is tiny, so make sure you have a reservation. The tables are extremely close together, so you feel like you're on top of everyone else around you. The service: Needs to be stepped up a notch. The waiters should know their menu better, as recommendations did not come easily, and the awkward "tricks" for presentation purposes could be done away with. I would say the service at Sunda is by far the best of the Billy Dec restaurants. Hopefully this will improve with time, as it is new. The food: I was not overly impressed by the food, which was my main reason for coming here. We ordered a modpodge of food to try a bit of it all. We kept it within the small plates bc that seemed more reasonable than the heavy entree options. -The parma proscuitto - Nothing specatcular. -Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Awkward presentation of dropping a poached egg into a bag of potato chips and shaking it up. The egg yolk made the chips a bit bland and over time, soggy. -Popcorn Sweetbreads - The sauce was delicious, but the sweetbread itself was a strange texture, seemed a bit undercooked. -Wild Mushroom Gnocchi - This was the 2nd best dish we had. Very flavorful and I'm not a huge fan of gnocchi. -Spinach and Artichoke Dip Oysters - These were the best! Reminded me a chargrilled oysters from NOLA, but the spinach and artichoke dip on top gave it a nice twist.
(3)
Sreerupa B.
Food was too salty. We had the egg+chips, tuna crudo, gnocchi and beef cheeks poutine.
(3)
Elizabeth S.
Delicious food! The mimosa was good but nothing special about it. Highly recommend the chips and poached egg dish. Make sure you enjoy Irish food before booking!
(4)
Stephan D.
My friends and I came here for brunch. One of my friend had the lobster roll. A bit pricy but one byte and u will fall in love. I had the fish and chip I never had fish and chip like this before and it was delicious. Oh btw I'm canadian (and a vegetarian) we had the poutine without the sauce (it has beef in it) and even without the gravy the fries and curds were so good. Anyways it's very clear whatever u try on the menu u won't be disappointed. A good place to bring a date as it's fairly quiet and has nice booths.
(5)
Allan C.
The food is really good, especially the sweetbread popcorn and the roast chicken. However, with a 9:15pm reservation we weren't seated until 10pm and there wasn't anything in apologies for it. We ordered our food before we were seated and I was pretty sure the kitchen was just about done making our food before we were seated as well. That really sucked. So yeah I probably won't come here again unless someone else really wants to go but I have to admit that the food is really good.
(3)
Kee V.
Run Tell Dat!! IMO, Bottlefork is the best new restaurant of 2014 so far. You will disagree with me if you visit wanting something quiet and intimate but the service and food were, without question, 5 stars!! This is a Rockit Ranch Production so I knew it was going to be somewhat loud but the noise level was surprisingly bearable. The energy level was sky high with everyone in the place eating, smiling, drinking, laughing and the controlled chaos in the small, open kitchen with chef Kevin Hickey in total command. My friends and I had to wait a little longer than our reservation time because so many tables were enjoying themselves but the hostess did such a great job keeping tabs on us. When we had to wait over 30 minutes past our rsvp, she apologized and offered us a round of drinks on the house. Cocktails are on the expensive side but strong and expertly made. Too bad I can't remember what cocktails I ordered... Food we ordered: -Salumi (all 3): The Nduja was my favorite of the three. The accompanying mustard was good the and housemade giardiniera was lightly pickled with crisp veggies. Perfect starter to whet the appetite. -In a Jar (ordered 3): 1. Tuna crudo (the least favorite dish of the night) could have used something extra. It was a little bland 2.Chicken liver & foie mousse was very airy and smooth and came with a layer of jelly on top that provided a good counterpoint to the rich foie. 3. Smoked salmon was great with the flavors mimicking an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. Capers would have made it perfect for me. -Snacks: Popcorn sweetbreads were awesome! Light batter, expertly fried. I always tell people who are scared of sweetbreads that they taste like delicious chicken mcnuggets. If someone says they will never eat sweetbreads, order these and it will change their stance. Also ordered the Scotch quail eggs. It was ok. Not bad by any means but the other dishes were stronger. -Shareable: Poutine was good but flavors were a little muddled. After recently having multiple versions of poutine in Montreal, my standards are pretty high. The fries were great but I thought the gravy was slightly too thick. Get the smoked lamb ribs! So. good. That's all I have to say about that. -Knife and Fork: Rotisserie chicken was juicy and the skin was crispy and perfectly salty. The brussels sprouts could have roasted a little longer but that a minor quibble. Ham Butt steak is a must order. Forget whatever you think about ham and get it. -Roots & Vegetables: Parsnips were incredible. Make sure you get to the bottom of the dish to get at the caramelized honey. The tots and cheese sauce were great too but don't order expecting Or-Ida tots. They were more like giant home fries. Whatever Rockit Ranch gave Kevin Hickey to come onboard, it was well worth it! Just go and have fun!
(5)
Mikey J.
We stumbled upon a Bottlefork tonight on a trip from Phoenix, and were so excited to get out of the cold. We didn't anticipate that it would be so awesome! The food, served up by Chef Eric Lopez was phenomenal- the bag of crisps was fun and super unique, and the honey Ricotta special was just the right blend of savory and sweet. The burger absolutely deserves the reputation of one of the best in the state. The service was over the top as well! Eddie Cruz took great care of us! He was extremely attentive and offered thoughtful and honest feedback on the menu items. We will most definitely back! Ps- Eddie should have a business card.
(5)
Shaina K.
While Bottlefork is a small space, the tables do not feel too over crowded. I think that the decor is absolutely beautiful. I have to say that out of everything I've tried, the burger is my favorite. I love that it has ground up bacon in it. It was perfectly cooked, and while it is a bit spendy, I think it's worth it. The only thing that I'm not a huge fan of is their drink called "Smoke of the Day." It's a little bit too much for me. I am impressed with the process, and the dedication to make a drink with their weekend meat drippings, infused in to the alcohol. It's different every time, so maybe I will like it the next time I try it. The prices are a little high, but the quality is fantastic. This place is great!
(4)
Catherine C.
This was an amazing place all around. The atmosphere, food, and staff. A friend and I went for dessert and had the pretzel, caramel, fudge, and stout sundae. It was so good we came back the next day for dinner and the same dessert. The food was equally as good as dessert. Any time I go into the city I will go here.
(5)
Galina M.
Service is meeeeeh. The place is cute - very different from Dragon Ranch. The place is buzzy and packed, even on weekdays. We sat at the bar but didn't order drinks because it was late and we had an early morning. The bartender was really disinterested in us once he found out we weren't ordering drinks and barely took our order. Then another bartender took over and he was much better, but still. I wasn't super impressed. We got the chips, they were OK...very greasy. We also got a couple of other appetizers - weren't impressed altogether but the environment is very cool! I'd only go back for drinks if anything.
(3)
S C.
I had a reservation for Tuesday night at 6PM. When I arrived the place was pretty full and I got a crappy table across from the hostess stand. It was tight quarters! I had to squeeze into the seat and I was too close to the next table, I did like the vibe and the music was fun. The food was excellent. We shared the Mediterranean salad, Scotch quail eggs, Lamb ribs and Poutine. All delicious and the right amount of food, I asked our waitress to space out our food. She did not. They actually gave two of our dishes to the table next to us, and when they said it was not theirs, we claimed it. Our waitress did not come by to apologize, which surprised me. At the end of the meal, she brought us the dessert menu, and asked us twice what we wanted . It was obviously time for us to go.. I really liked the food, and want to come back and try more things. I really hope to get a better table.
(3)
Tamara F.
I absolutely loved this place! It was amazing. From the (eccentric) warm egg yolk potato chips (shaken, not stirred) as a pre-appetizer to the very good scotch craft cocktails (our server was fantastic with her recommendations, I forgot her name, but she was a doppleganger for Mindy Kaling). The decor reminds me of a David Lynch ski lodge, minus Willem DaFoe. It was cozy and crowded, but in a friendly and fun way. I had a fantastic evening here and will look forward to doing so again!
(5)
Lissy T.
I came here late with my boyfriend, about 30 minutes before closing. It was a Friday night and we got hungry after walking around in the area. The hostess and waitress were super nice and friendly. We ordered the Bag of Crisps, Egg (yum!!)-- the waitress brings out the vinegar chips in a brown bag, drops the poached egg in there, and shakes it up. Wait, what? Weird. But SO GOOD. We were able to get a free order with a check-in, and that was probably the only way I was going to try it anyways because I am not really the adventurous type & it didn't seem appealing to me on the menu (umm sorry for the run-on sentence? lol). But it's good and I would definitely order it again. Together we got the Grilled Wagyu Skirt Steak and the Wild Mushroom Gnocci. There is NOT a lot of steak, so be forewarned. I guess I imagined it as...a big steak. LOL. If you're hungry, you're going to want to order some more in addition to it. It's really good though. The mushroom gnocci was pretty good, although I'm not sure I would order it again the next time around. The drinks, however, are awesome. Lots of specialty cocktails here and I would love to try more. For dessert, we got the Hot & Gooey dessert of the day, which was a chocolate brownie brulee, served in a hot pan, and with icecream in a glass. WOW. It was so so good. MMmmm...
(4)
Johnny T.
Stick a greasy fork in it. Soo disappointed. Friends gave rave reviews. Scrambles eqqs with super thick fatty bacon were greasy. Day after thanksgiving turkey sandwich was great but the bread was too greasy. I wish I would have picked the sandwich apart and left all the bread. The donut holes and sauces: carmel glaze and orange infused frosting. Yummy. Took it home. Maybe they were better on a different day or we should have ordered something else. : (
(2)
Andy W.
Nice atmosphere. My friends and I were looking for a place to go in the area for a couple drinks and to chill. I t was really nice to be able to walk in around 11:30 and not only get a table we could all sit around, but also get drinks and food. We opted for a dessert treat and the sundaes were to die for. Weird ideas but they really worked. It was delicious. The music wasn't too loud and the food smelled so good. I can't wait to go back and try more of the food. The only reason it didn't get five stars, was that the service was a bit slow. We all had wine and it still took about 15 minutes for us to get our drinks. That, however, is the only complaint I had.
(4)
Kim B.
This was a great, great meal. Where to start? The special pumpkin Wild Turkey cocktail was so good. And I don't care for WT. The Yelp Chips/Egg were so good even if not free. We has the burger, tots, French toast and bacon. All of it was outstanding! Amazing burger and the French toast could have been dessert (didn't like the bourbon syrup though). Eddie provided great service and took care of the one problem we had. Will be back!
(5)
Laurence K.
In the Rockit Ranch group, I have only been to Sunda ,which I thought was good. So I didn't know what to expect with Bottlefork . The decor is a little Urban Earthy / Speakeasy pretty cool . Our Bartender/ Server Nicole was great she was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food wise I was glad to see Kevin Hickey as a partner , meaning the food should be quite good. And I was correct, we started off with pretty much everything on the Cured, Smoked and Raw part of the menu. Fermin Black Hoof Ham Defiantly my favorite and the Bent River Camembert cheese wise was excellent. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracking were awesome along with the steak tartare and the chicken liver Foie. Tasty! The wood Frilled Hanger was very good especially with the smoked onion and parsley via eager sauce. And the Bag of Crisp+ Eggs really addictive ! Drink wise Big Salty Tears and definitely the Bill Brasky were the stand outs. The Wine list has a great selection and had a lot of thought put into it. Beer list the same really great selection my favorite was the Root Cellar Rye Amber which is a collaboration with Begyle brewery and Bottlefork Dessert , The Brandy Alexander and the cheesecake which is served warm almost gooey with an amazing Huckleberry sauce on top really really good! Bottlefork is really good and you should definitely try it out you won't be disappointed I will be back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Stephanie H.
I ate here last Friday and really enjoyed my experience. We had a reservation for two, and just had to wait a few minutes for our table. Our server was Gus and he was really great and funny. He really helped make the dining experience fun and entertaining. We ended up getting seated at the chef's table, which was a really awesome experience too. Executive chef Kevin Hickey was there, so it was cool interacting with him. To start, we ordered the chicken liver & fois gras mousse. It was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again for $18. I happened to be on the Yelp app to help me decide what to order, and you actually get a "bag" of crisps + eggs if you check in! Definitely recommend. We also got the "popcorn" sweetbreads for an appetizer since it was so hyped up about -- also tasty. For our entrees, we shared the clam and Portuguese sausage flatbread. It's definitely got a fishy taste to it, but it as good. We also ordered the fresh cavatelli pasta, which was so so good. The broth at the bottom was very rich. At the end of our meal, one of the chefs also gave us a new octopus entree with brussel sprout kimchi and homemade spam they're adding to the menu. At this point I was extremely full, but it was really delicious. For dessert, we ordered the pretzel caramel + chocolate fudge + buffalo sweat stout sundae. I'm not a huge fan of beer, so the foamy/gelatin stout on top wasn't my favorite, but the sundae was great. Overall, I would definitely give this place a go. It can get a little pricey, but I'd definitely go hungry!
(4)
Geoffery H.
I always like this place! Great service and food. I had the chicken dinner it was absolutely wonderful, very juicy! I ate the gooey pumpkin cheesecake plate. It was very delicious but I recommend you share because I couldn't finish it.
(5)
Zachary W.
Great food even better service. I got the signature drink the Bill Brasky a mix of bourbons and mixers it tasted like cough syrup and perfume. That being said avoid that drink and it is and awesome place to eat.
(4)
Eric L.
Yum!! This place is great - great food, great decor, eclectic menu - really enjoyed the dining experience here. I do think the prices are a bit on the "high end" but not outrageous and at least the quality and portion size are both good. So not saying it's not worth it, but just something to consider. Their signature appetizer (Chips with Egg) was presented well and we both enjoyed it. Not sure if it's finger food or fork food but it was delicious either way :) Everything was very flavorful and there's plenty of it. A great place to share entrees as well as the apps. Was there for lunch and will definitely want to go back and try dinner. Looked like a nice outdoor seating area as well but it was a little too chilly for that when we were there.
(4)
Mihir P.
The restaurant smelled amazing as we walked in. Once we were sat, we ordered the delicious crisps & eggs and deviled eggs. I recommend the first but the latter wasn't anything special. Our waitress was knowledgeable and sweet. Our drinks very refreshing. I was expecting a lot more from the food.... The skirt steak was delicious but it was $29 for 6 measly slices. The chicken was super bland. We had one of the sundaes and it was tasty. I still think Dragon Ranch was far better than Bottlefork.
(3)
Cara Y.
Huge fan of Bottlefork! A+ on ambiance, service, food, presentation, and taste. The menu was different and exciting, and although we had to ask our waiter to explain what each dish "Actually" was, it wasn't as bad as some of these other trendy and foodie restaurants. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars was because it took a WHILE to get our drinks, like, a long time. Also, a friend ordered shots, which ended up to come to $22 a shot- which is absolutely ridiculous. It would have been nice if the waiter mentioned this upon ordering, but maybe that was his fault. Only dish that didn't taste great? Kale salad. It was VERY smokey, but if you're into that, go for it. The gnocchi, chips, sundae, to name a few, were all superb. Will definitely be going back, but I've learned my lesson-- no shots, just more food.
(4)
Cara M.
Bottlefork is a must! My roommate and I tried to sit at the bar at a few other places in the area and ended up here, we got lucky finding two spots at the bar. One of the managers, Nick was such a sweetheart, helped us find the spot at the bar and checked in on us every once in a while to ask how our cocktails are and how the food was. The bartenders were all very attentive to our needs and left us alone when it was necessary. Eddie and Nick (servers) were super sweet and helped us navigate the menu, major props to Eddie who told us all about the popular items on the menu and in the end helped us figure out what we wanted to eat. For cocktails -I had the Little Miss Dynamite (love) and my roommate had No Tea, No Shade, I also tried Big Salty Tears. Food wise Eddie had us at "bacon burger" when he told us about the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, we had it with fries and their homemade ketchup. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. They also have industry night Wednesdays for all you industry people! This place is a must, definitely ask for Eddie or Nick if you're sitting down for dinner! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mike D.
Potato chips for breakfast?!?!?! Trip to Chicago to visit family had been an opportunity to experience new flavors that have incredible!!! Our breakfast started off with chips and eggs! So they take potato chips, add malt vinegar powder then toss a perfectly poached egg in a bag. After some shaking U have yourself a wonderful appetizer!!! The flavors worked very nicely together and was very enjoyable. For our main dishes we all shared the Greek omelet, corned beef brisket hash and the cast iron baked French toast. All three were a home run!!! The Greek omelet had a very nice presentation and was cooked to perfection. Their tsatziki sauce on top was fantastic and was the icing on the omelet. The cast iron baked French toast was winner as well. A nice combination of soft and crunchy. The blueberry topping was delicious! The corn beef brisket hash was fantastic and the best corn beef hash I ever had! The combination of the hallandasie sauce, poached egg and Russian dressing was absolutely fantastic!! Enjoyed the meal very much. Good service and an easy location to walk to from the loop. Give it a shot for breakfast. I'm sure lunch and dinner are great as well
(5)
Karen D.
Bottlefork is located right on Hubbard next to Bub City (and what a contrast it is to Bub City). The cocktails and the wine selection here are amazing. My friend and I came here just to catch up. We asked for a wine bottle recommendation, and the manager came out and told us the story of how he chose the wines to be on the menu. He was extremely knowledgeable of where and how the wines were created...I almost felt as if I was at some sort of wine tasting class. We also ordered the Charcuterie Platter, which was AMAZING! The bread was served warm and soft on the inside/crunchy on the outside. The sausage was like a spread and the cheese selections were perfect (goats milk being one of them). They served their homemade beer mustard and dried fruit mix. I highly recommend ordering the platter - we loved it and ended up sitting, drinking, and nibbling on that for almost 2 hours.
Wow, just an amazing, unique experience with fantastic food. Get the popcorn in the bag thing they do--that is worth it, you may even want to make it a meal!
(5)
Elizabeth C.
We went here to celebrate my boyfriend. The food was delicious. The surroundings were intimate and energetic. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Emily M.
Five stars for service Four stars for atmosphere and cocktails Three for cuisine Our server was very friendly and informative about ingredients, etc. She helped make the whole experience here really pleasant, even if we weren't blown away by the food. The bartender too was talented, and there are plenty of interesting cocktails and well curated beers and wines to enjoy while taking in the lively scene. The food menu is playfully written and well thought out but the executions aren't super impressive. I didn't love the burger. The grilled bun was great and the bacon added a nice smokiness but that's all I could taste. No real beef flavor. Nor much blue cheese flavor. Go for blue cheese or special sauce, not both. Fries were fine, but house made ketchup was just meh. As was the flavorless pickle. Points for the in-house effort but sometimes store-bought is just better. Chips and egg in a bag was fun. I liked the novelty of seeing it made table-side by a gentleman in a great suit, but the mess that came out wasn't super appetizing. Piggy jerky was cute, served in a little piggy dish, and it was tasty--a nice snack to have with drinks. My husband liked the pork belly. He said I might not like it because it was fatty, but the carefully selected non-fatty bite he gave me was good. Nice cilantro. He also loved the honeyed parsnips he got on the side (although they were a little sweet for me). Sweet/salty pretzel caramel sundae was pretty good although the weird gelatinous beer foam whipped cream at the top was a bit of a turn-off. The cappuccino at the next table looked inviting. As did the organic salmon getting delivered to someone else. Maybe I should have gotten that.
(4)
Liz S.
Finally got in to Bottlefork this weekend. I rarely give three star reviews, especially when service is good and none of the dishes are bad, but I really felt like the pricing here is way off. Meats and cheeses were nearly $10 per selection ($12 for prosciutto). That is way too much in my opinion, especially when restaurants a few blocks away are charging $6-$7 per selection (and for the same thing). The salads were also overpriced in the $13-$15 range for non-entree portions. There just seemed to be no rhyme or reason to this pricing. We all know that we should be spending money when eating in River North, but this is just excessive. In terms of the food, we had the crisp and egg (fun to try once), the liver mousse (delicious but needs to be served with appropriate amounts of bread), the winter beet salad (very good), the beef cheek poutine (good but super heavy), and the ham butt steak (yummy--this is more like a pork belly).
(3)
Kate Z.
Bottlefork, you are awesome. I've gone for a few work lunches and love everything I've tried. It swings towards the heavier, greasier side of things but that isn't necessarily a problem. They also cooked up some amazing brussel sprouts (this coming from someone who normally hates them). Service and decor are great too. It seems like they have some nice drink specials but haven't been able to swing by for happy hour or dinner yet.
(4)
Karl Y.
Everything about this place is perfect. Just the right portions, the presentation and the quality of the food and taste. Perfectly executed. Had the bacon burger which tasted steamed and seared which is a great way to have one if you've never had it. Very juicy. The rich mans poboy was awesome as well as the potato chips with the poached egg. I could seriously eat those all day. I will definitley be back and I hope you all try it at least once!
(5)
Tracy F.
Excellent service, great food. I loved our waitress. She was friendly and had great recommendations. The food was great, though there were a couple things I would change: Appetizers: Brussels sprouts and beef jerky. The jerky was one of my favorite dishes! So unique! However, the paper at the bottom of the serving dishes was horribly oily once we finished both plates. It's not appetizing to see how much oil you're eating. Entrees: Rich Man Po' Boy. This sandwich was great! However, neither my husband nor I could taste the fois gras. That's part of what makes this dish so unique, and I'm sure adds to the cost, so it should definitely be more pronounced. Couldn't taste it at all. Roast Suckling Pig Pizza: Very good, but again, couldn't taste the pig. It could have just as easily been chicken in the pizza. Allowing the pig flavor to come through would help distinguish the dish. Dessert: Salted caramel pretzel sundae. Amazing!! I'd definitely visit this restaurant again.
(4)
Michael M.
Three.Five. Went there for brunch w gf and friend from law school. It's a very trendy atmosphere. The food was good. We got the free bag of crisps (thank you yelp). Note, the delicious looking fries are the poutine. We started w blood Mary's. They were very good; served w a quail egg. I had the burger - really f'n good. Jane had sopa - delicious with excellent guacamole. LC had French toast served in iron pot. It looked better in the pot before the server insisted on flipping it over and spilling French toast juice all over the table. Overall a good if expensive brunch.
(3)
Jose V.
This would be a superb gastropub, it has amazing decor, and hip vibe to it. However, I've been here a couple of times for brunch and the service has been slow and disorganized, you have to be on top of your server in order to get your drinks and basics, such as silverware etc. As far as the food, everything I tried has been great and unique. Its on the pricier side and portions sizes just enough, borderline small. So far my favorite has been the sope. I'll probably still come back, but if you are looking for value, there are better choices in the area.
(3)
Romana Y.
Grilled Wagyu skirt steak: The steak was slightly tough, while the onion/parsley/vinegar sauce wasn't the best paired with the meat. I was disappointed the most with this plate. Wagyu meat should never be a disappointment. Mushroom Gnocchi: The gnocchi, brussels "kraut" sauce were perfectly paired together. The sauce was very flavorful, so much that we requested bread to pair with it (unfortunately, they"have no bread."). What restaurant doesn't have bread to offer?! Tots: Pimento cheese perfectly drizzled over hot, flavorful tots. Yum. Intelligentsia coffee... YES! We sat outdoors, where communal tables allow for space. The crowd is semi-casual, fun, and relatively young.
(3)
P K.
A must go to for brunch. Amazing cocktails, fast service, and the BEST chicken sandwich I've ever had.
(5)
Janet X.
I've been here once for brunch and once for dinner, and I will say that this place is good but way overpriced. There is nothing especially memorable but every time I walk away with a bill that's priced as if this was a celebratory meal. Definitely remember to check in and get the bag of crisps, which were good but nothing that I would have paid $5 for. The brussel sprouts and the French Toast also fall under the category of really delicious but should have been $2-3 less than their actual price. Avoid: the mussels (tiny, tiny). Service was hit or miss (okay during our brunch, really difficult during our busy dinner reservation). Their table configuration also makes it really hard to get in and out. Might not recommend for a cozy date as everybody near you could probably listen in on your conversation.
(3)
skip l.
Great reputation, great menu, wonderful reviews -- what more could you ask? We chose Bottlefork for a celebratory brunch when our son received his graduate degree. Sadly, we were disappointed both with the uneven quality of the food and other aspects of the visit. In fairness, we'd give Bottlefork three stars for the food, and four for personality, of the staff, from our reservation call to person who called back to confirm the reservation, to the server, to the person who responded when our server disappeared. But our visit was not a four star experience much less five stars.. The meal: Some of us began with a coffee bourbon based cocktail; a wondeful combination of ingredients that suggested a fine meal ahead. For appetizers we ordered their lemon poppy seed donut holes in a bag, beef cheek poutine, and iron baked french toast. Each was beautifully presented: the holes in a "bag", poutine in a bowl (with nice wooden serving implements), and the French toast in a frying pan. The donut holes were deep fried cake donuts with a sugar glaze: good lemon/spice flavor, but fall-apart dry and not special (day old?) The poutine was tasty and very good; just not especially so. The French toast was wonderful, with sides and bottom of caramelized brown sugar. (This had been suggested by the waitress as an entre; good suggestion; she should have mentioned the bourbon maple syrup that we hadn't notice on the menu). Unfortunately, those two items and the coffee cocktail were the only highlights of the visit. As for entrees we had the bacon burgers, the Greek omlet, and three of the "Rich Man's Po Boy: a lobster roll with fried breaded oysters, lobster, and "foie" (but no discernable "gras.") The burger was good, again nicely presented, but not exemplary in flavor; the Greek omelette was well filled and sauced with tsotziki sauce, but with the eggs in a thicker layer than usual in a chef-run restaurant, and ok but not memorable. The PoBOy lobster roll had good fried oysters on top and a generous portion of lobsters but -- not identified as hotly spiced. While "Po Boys" are sometimes spicy, just as often they are not. This should have been noted by the waitress. Other disappointments? Our first: The person who answered the telephone and the person who confirmed our reservation assured me the restaurant was handicapped accessible -- and that they had some seating that was not of the "perch" variety. I had explained that we had a 93 year old woman in the party. I was assured there was no problem. But when we arrived, there were two steps up at the entrance. We managed this, though not happily. Leaving was more difficult. Then at the banquette reserved for us we found it was indeed perched seating -- lower that other high seats in the restaruant, but still seats on which ones feet were off the floor. Our second: our waitress was very warm and helpful but inexperienced; our entrees were served before we had finished our appetizers. This was poor timing. Worse, because of an uneven table, one of our three Po Boy lobster rolls was inverted with the ingredients spilled out on the tabletop. While immediately cleaned up and re-ordered, that meant that one of our party received his entre as the others were finishing theirs. I expected at least an apology from the manager or a complimentary item -- or the item removed from the bill. But we received only a "sorry" from the waitress during the cleanup. That's not four stars. Our third: we waited several minutes after finishing the meal with no sign of the waitress -- more than enough time for a bathroom stop for one member of the party. That's when I flagged down another server. In a long restaurant with our table visible from the bar and the kitchen someone shold have noticed. Our fouth: When the check arrived, tucked on top were a promotional piece and under that a rating card. The rating has been completed in advance, rating the experience excellent in all categories and nothing else completed. While this may have been a simple mistake, we were among the first customers of the day so the card should have been looked at the night before, if not just before presenting it. All this said, the meal was good -- just and not up to the reviews, or to the standards their location and pricing suggests. For poutine, visit Mash in Lincoln Square. Theirs is as good with several meat options and at a better price; for donut holes in a bag, those at the Peckish Pig on Howard. While their donut holes are not lemon seed, they are extraordinary: light and served hot - worth a visit for themselves.
(2)
Ryan B.
From the moment my gf and I walked in we felt at home in Bottlefork. Our server Billy was incredible and ensured that we had an amazing time. The brisket hash was smokey, salty, savory and just a bit sweet. It blew me away. I cannot sell the red velvet doughnuts enough. They are not overly sweet, they are more buttery and savory with a slight sugar backbone. If you want sweet add the cream cheese... I didn't. The Bloody Mary...awesome. I enjoyed it quite a bit and hope to have many more before I depart this earth. The tiny pickled egg only enhanced the eggsperience... Sorry, I had too. Finally, the smoke of the day was outstanding ( thanks Billy) get that when you stop by!
(5)
C A.
Great food and great desserts. We've been 3 times and haven't found anything yet we didn't like yet. The Rich Man's Po' Boy is probably our favorite so far. Sitting at the Chef's counter is great if you like the interaction with the kitchen. Prices can be a little high, but comparable to other locations in that area of the city.
(4)
Leila T.
Not good at all!!!!! And the portions were so tiny! My boyfriend got the potato gnocchi and it was literally the smallest bowl with 10 gnocchi and some mushrooms and some mushroom sauce. Such a small portion! I got the flatbread which was okay but not worth $16. Another person we were with got the special which was squid ink pasta with lump crab meat but there was barely anyyyy crab at all. Just was not worth the $ due to small portions/not great taste.
(1)
Han C.
Fantastic food, friendly service and classy decor. Bottlefork came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed!
(5)
Sydney T.
I absolutely loved this place. I went here to catch up with a good girlfriend of mine from out of town. The place is tiny so unfortunately the bar was full when I arrived early but it wasn't that big of an issue. We were seated right when my reservation time arrived. Very prompt and no issues. It took us a while to decide on the drink (we went with half a carafe of white wine) which was perfect for the two of us. I'm not a fan of white wine in general but it wasn't bad. I order the porkbelly and she had to gnocchi. The pork was fantastic! Melted in my mouth. Can't speak to the gnocchi but she seemed to enjoy it as well. I would definitely go back!
(4)
L S.
Delicious! Everything we ate was outstanding- we sat at the chefs bar/table so it was really fun to watch the kitchen buzz with all of those creative minds working in sync. Obviously it was packed- there was an insane wait (luckily we had reservations!) but sitting there in front of the chefs zone- we only really noticed that. Great seats if you can get them. We ordered the popcorn sweetbreads, bag of crisps and eggs (yum), tots, Rich Mans po' boy, grilled octopus and house made spam, and finally the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were really interesting and paired well with the cocktails. The cocktails btw were ridiculous- we started out with fine feathers, fine birds and twice armed (my favorite) which was great to pair with-- well, everything. But the drink that finished us was an actual "smoke" drink -brandy and cigars- that had this cutting board perfectly fit for this large glass which revealed a smoke cloud- infused liquor- very clever and entertaining presentation. But what we couldn't get over were the interiors. It was so warm and pretty. Really gorgeous. It all just worked and made for a really pleasant evening. Overall we had a great time. It was certainly a positive experience and if you are visiting from out of town (or local for that matter) I'd certainly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Chirag P.
Not sure where to start, but let's just say I'm a fan. Great food and great drinks. Always fun to do shared plates, since I can pig out without being judged. Check it out, they can make a lot of the non-veg options veggie, so that worked well with our group. Very friendly staff, small spot, so reservations are recommended.
(5)
Matt H.
4 stars for the food, which was much better than we expected on each of the 4 entrees our party ordered 4 stars for featuring local microbreweries: not a huge list with 8 on draft + 9 in bottles, but good enough 2 stars for the prices: $20 for an entree is expensive for a gastropub, though I suppose there are River North and Billy Dec trendiness premiums driving that up. Along those lines, I'd recommend skipping the $22 old fashioned. If you're paying basically double the normal price, I'd expect it to be exceptional. It tasted just average with what felt like a $4 per giant ice cube (seriously enormous) surcharge.
(3)
Christopher B.
One of my favorite dinner spots in Chicago. Love the environment; it's a great place for friends or coworkers. Follow them on Instagram - you'll instantly want to make a reservation.
(4)
Kristin H.
We had a reservation at 9:15, didn't get seated until 9:50pm, they kept saying we would get the next table. After waiting for 35 minutes they actually seated us at the bar, not even a table. After that, I would have expected at least an appetizer or a couple of drinks on the house. The best thing we had were the brussel sprouts, they were delicious because they put them through the deep fat frier. I ordered the Wagyu steak ($29 not cheap) which was only 4 small pieces of thinly sliced steak that came out cold more like steak carpaccio with a few small pieces on onion. The dish was less food than one would expect from a $10 appetizer. The potato gnocci was ok, nothing special. With all of the other restaurants in Chicago to explore, I wouldn't put this one the list to return to.
(2)
Patrick F.
We kind of stumbled into Bottlefork but very glad we did. An eclectic menu of small,shareable plates and "big" plates. For starters we had to go with the malt vinegar potato crisps with poached egg. I'm not a real potato chip fan but this was amazing. Other favorites were the grilled octopus and spam with kimchee, potine, and Mediterranean salad. Excellent food and attentive, friendly and helpful service. Gotta go back.
(5)
Shradha A.
Very okay selection of beers, server could not care less, hostess was not friendly and offered us the table in the back when the restaurant was empty. Gnocchi was decent but overall an average Rockit experience.
(3)
Ryan B.
Awesome creativity and a very advanced, yet simple, menu. Couple of the items were a little oily, but I wouldn't stop going here for that. Great decor and overall a very inviting place with good food.
(3)
Christine W.
Came for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding, almost a bit overboard. The free chips are a nice touch and interesting. The Bloody Mary's were just okay. Certainly not the best I have ever had, and I know my Bloody Mary's. The burger was very good. A bit on the small side for the price ($16 with no sides). The poutine was just okay. Not anything I would order again. All in all, I just didn't think it was worth the price we paid.
(3)
Stacy K.
Great service and excellent food! Make sure to check in on Yelp so that you can get a free order of their crisps and eggs! This was a lightly poached egg that was vigorously and impressively shaken (...helloooo muscles!) by our awesomely cool server, Nick, in a brown paper bag that was filled with their house-made salt and vinegar chips. The end result was these crispy flakes of salty potato goodness that was lightly covered in this eggy buttery sauce. For my drink, I ordered the smoke of the day, which was unique and wonderful! Their special for the smoke of the day changes every day, but Nick explained the process of how they infuse the alcohol with their drippings and then drain this carefully so that the end result is a cocktail that is delicious, light, but still retains that smokey flavor. My table also ordered the bacon kobe burger (voted one of the best in Chicago), the lobster roll (also voted one of the best in the country), the popcorn sweetbreads, and the roasted brussel sprouts. The sweetbreads were a bit too heavy and rich for me (especially once I found out what sweetbreads actually are...), but I would highly recommend getting the burger and sprouts!
(4)
Irem M.
This place is open late night and a good place to meet for drinks. Food options are on the heavier side, but very tasty nonetheless. We tried the deviled eggs, grilled octopus and seared scallops. Their drinks are better than the food so consider going there before or after dinner downtown.
(4)
Monica B.
Very disappointed with Bottlefork. I made reservations through open table to celebrate my boyfriend's last day of law school. Upon arrival the hosts were cold and not friendly. We had to stand and wait for 15 minutes and the hosts did not offer to check our coats or apologize for the fact that they were seating us over 15 miniutes late. When I approached the counter for the 3rd time to check on our reservation all she said was "yep". In regard to the food we ordered the gnocchi and the cavatelli pasta. The gnocchi was good, small portion but that was expected as it was one of the shared plates. The cavatelli was not good at all, it had an off/bitter taste and was actually the same size as the gnocchi but was not under the shared plates. We also got the "eggs and chips" starter for free with the yelp check in which I really liked and found creative, that was probably my favorite dish of the night actually. They shake a poached egg in a brown bag of chips at your table, very unique. In regard to the beverages. We ordered 2 cocktails but I can not remember the names, they were good (a little sweet though). I do have note that it took forever to get our drinks and the starter. Now to get back to the service. Our waitress was very nice but she probably came to our table a total of 3 times. It was like pulling teeth to ask a question or get service. Lastly, I was extremely disappointed because I requested a special surprise through the open table reservation in the comments section for my boyfriends graduation, they did nothing... I have requested surprises at other nice restaurants in river north through open table and they always come through. This time absolutely nothing. Even if they could not do something they could have still told me so I could have thought of a plan b. Overall, we had really high expectations and were very disappointed. I wish I could have better things to say but feel completely ripped off for such an expensive meal.
(2)
Carolyn L.
So this bacon burger is now a solid part of my dreams every night. There's blue cheese, shredded fried onions, and a special sauce that make it OUT OF THIS WORLD. The bun is also nice and golden and toasty. I could literally eat it every day. The bacon is ground up into the beef so it's got a great salty flavor. My friend ordered the pumpkin stew (extra spicy) and it was beautifully delicious (beautiful as in it was really a colorful work of art). I can't say enough good things about Bottlefork. Make a reservation though. It's small and gets really busy!
(5)
Michael P.
This place is nifty. Yes to all the positive review - and eyes rolling to all the nit picky reviews. Here is the deal: The Bartenders are sexy Hot. And not in the trendy metrosexual kinda hot- like the cosmopolitan they don't look like every other hipster bartender in CHI Town kinda way/hot. I could give you details but then that would be trashy. Yea, so def hit up this place for a swank drink, a yummy snack, and super eye-candy. This is how I like my Happy Hour to look. mmmhmmm
(4)
Scott A.
Was so pleasantly surprised by Bottlefork, I was moved to put my Yelp differences aside, dust off the keyboard, and write this review. A random Wednesday night walk-in turned out to be a really great experience! And how cool, is that? Isn't it sometimes often the unplanned that turns out to be the best!? Bottlefork has a casual but at the same time upscale feel. The scene was definitely happening on this night with a great people mix. A number of folks were dressed to impress but you'd have no problem fitting in if attired more on the casual side. I ate at the bar where the service was top notch. I drank Champagne on this occasion so I can't comment on the mixed drinks other than they looked great! While this is definitely a good start to a fantastic experience, the food was what really shined. Not only did it taste amazing but wasn't overly pricey either. Further details are below if so inclined otherwise stop reading now and simply put Bottlefork on your must try list! TIP1: Join their newsletter and save $10. TIP2: A great Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday option. Even Monday night I hear gets a good crowd. I would expect any night of the week to be fine but being on the smaller side, I could see Bottlefork being a bit overcrowded on the weekend. TIP3: Order the Rotisserie Chicken. Hard to imagine anyone not loving this dish!! Only the chicken for two at the Lobby in the Peninsula Hotel remotely gives it a run for the money IMO. TIP4: Good for late night dining! The kitchen -at the time of this review- stays open till 11 PM M-Th and I hear they may keep it open on these days even later in the future. It's already open to 1 AM Fri/Sat. Yes, Bottlefork is open Sunday as well; kitchen open to 10PM. Tasting Notes: ** Scotch Quail Eggs - Traditional style perfectly executed nothing more nothing less. Expect that and you won't be disappointed. The dish would visually stand out more if they added a little decorative garnish but I won't hold it against them; just food for thought as they say. The quail eggs are a nice touch over hen eggs and keeps this dish from being overly heavy though this is not to say its on the lighter side. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam - simply loved this! The octopus was tender and highly favorable; not chewy or rubbery as some of the grilled octopus I've had elsewhere. Plus if you have preconceived notions about spam but them aside. This spam here had a wonderful juicy ham favor that blended in perfect harmony. At the end of this dish I was left wanting more. ** Rotisserie Chicken - Hard to imagine a chicken having better flavor or being more juicy - not even the slightest hint of being overcooked; textbook perfect. I simply loved everything about this dish. I even slowed my eating so I could experience the taste longer which is something I almost never do. In the end, I can't wait to try this one again. Perhaps the secret is in the black truffle chicken au jus which as I understand they lift the skin and use to baste underneath. ** Creamed Kale - With wild board bacon and duck egg, what's not to love? I certainly did. Who would have thought something as healthy as Kale could taste sooooo good?! Actually I'm a fan of Kale and I'm not so sure the presentation used here would merit a healthy dish badge. But hey, Kale is a super food so who knows! ...besides the flavor was AMAZING. Some may find a bit overly creamy so take this into consideration before ordering. ** Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout- Essentially an ice cream sundae topped with some sort of ale based cream. I'm not a big beer drinker so this was the one dish I had mixed feelings about. There was something definitely addictive to it but at the same time something I didn't quite like. That said, I heard another patron absolutely raving about it so perhaps its just me. As I mentioned, I found the food at Bottlefork to be fantastic. I'll be back soon.
(5)
Samantha P.
Great experience at Bottlefork. We went for dinner and left very impressed. The place is small but has a great ambiance. The service we received overall was the best we have had in years. Our server Nick was knowledgable and so friendly. The food was amazing. Would recommend and will return!
(5)
Jonathan C.
I was told for a while that I need to try Bottlefork, and I finally got a chance to drop by. The menu is simple to follow but the options are wonderfully complex- made me wish I could order more than I was able to. The bag of crisps & egg is a must have- simply delicious. The drink menu is also very impressive. Ordered a smoked cocktail and a few locally brewed beers- all very tasty. The food was served in a timely manner (not rushed) and was presented nicely. The entrees were rich and blasting with complex flavors. Overall, a great spot in a fun area, service was excellent and food/drinks were great.
(5)
M J.
The empower has no clothes. Here's a list of perfectly average food: Mediterranean salad Bag of crisps and egg Popcorn sweetbreads Pig Flatbread Rotisserie chicken Bacon burger "Trendy" does not equal "Good".
(3)
Tony R.
Cool atmosphere, great craft drinks, bloody mary is awesome and the kitchen is open so you can smell everything which is a treat. Definitely coming back for dinner
(5)
Vicki L.
Best Brussel sprouts ever! Fabulous service. Everything our table of four ordered was fabulous. Fun desserts too.
(5)
Glenda B.
The bottle AND the fork took the cake! Sorry, that's a bad one - buy this place isn't. Visiting downtown Chicago for a week, it can be hard to find a non-super-touristy or over hyped & priced place for a great meal. Bottlefork saved the day for us, making our dinner one of the best meals the hubby and I have had in the Windy City. Stumbled upon in Yelp, I was a bit skeptical of the positive reviews: something so good, so laid back, so worth it??? We were happy when we nabbed a reservation for a Thursday evening, but I warned myself not to get the hopes up too high in case it all ended with our tummies unsatisfied, our wallets empty and our hearts broken...BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! From the minute we walked into the bustling resto filled with a post-work, slightly-hipster crowd, we were surrounded by that wonderful buzz of a busy hangout. The place was packed, and were sat at the end of the bar overlooking the kitchen, next to the window where the food comes out. At first I was a bit bummed, having made a reservation and assuming we'd get a table, but this turned out to be an awesome spot to take it all in and watch the fun. The sous-chef/expediter took pity on our overly curious eyeballs watching everything come out. It all looked so good and he was polite & kind enough to tell us what each item was and answer any questions we had as dishes appeared for delivery to their waiting table. Our server was very nice and helpful in narrowing down our choices and everything arrived at a good pace and in delicious order. Everything we had was pretty darn tasty and we would go back to try the others we didn't have room for. Bag of Crisps & Egg - crispy, crunchy, creamy goodness! Tuna Crudo and Popcorn Sweetbreads were awesome. Also, the Grilled Octopus with Spam (yes) & Kimchi was fantastic. Be warned, it's got a real kick, but if you love spice this'll be your thing! Too full to try dessert, but we'll be back for more - to try that famous burger, the Mediterranean Salad and more. GO HUNGRY!
My bestfriend and I went to try this place since people were raving about it. To be honest with the food I wasn't impressed at all. We ordered alot to try everything but every single dish was at most okay. Cocktails are bomb though, decor was cute, and the service was good. Sorry I'm too much of a foodie to be returning.
(3)
Kripa P.
Highly recommend the bag of chips + eggs and wagyu beef jerky! The beef jerky was just the right texture and had amazing flavor. The eggs added to the chips made them softer, but still crunchy and delicious. I had the rotisserie half chicken for dinner, which was moist and the vegetables/black truffle jus added some flavor. However, I would recommend trying something different if you are looking for more flavor (like the burger, which my boyfriend got and enjoyed).
(4)
Adam K.
Really good. There's a lot of great places to eat at in this area. This is a gem. Great service. Our waiter was helpful; he was a guide and he didn't steer us wrong. The gnocchi was killer. Ditto with the roasted pig flatbread. I can't say enough about the roasted chicken. Truly outstanding. Reasonable prices for river north. You've got to check it out. Highly recommend.
(4)
Kristine N.
Very dark, intimate, and romantic setting. The restaurant itself is narrow and long. Staff is very very friendly and efficient. Drinks are strong, unique, and delicious (try the orange spade one). The food was a little on the salty side for me but pretty good nonetheless. The sliders with shoestring potatoes were a hit, the clam flatbread was unique, sweet bread shrimp was my favorite, and the tuna and salmon spreads were delicious.
(4)
Leke O.
The chef, staff and the ambiance work well together - has the feel of an upscale dive bar (if there was ever such a thing). My go to is the burger and they never fail to deliver. I haven't done brunch here yet, but I'm sure it's something to look forward to.
(4)
Stef M.
Large slab of prosciutto for fresh slicing. Lots of condiments for all the food. Delicious sliders and orange vodka martinis. Pretty space. The chefs take pride in preparing your dishes.
(5)
Faith D.
I'll give it 3 stars based on my experience & food. Three of us came in for lunch so we did not drink (a REAL bummer). Cocktail & beer menu is huge and sounds interesting. The table behind us had a few appetizers and the brussels sprouts smelled fantastic so we ordered some. Have to say, although no bacon, they were the best freakin' B sprouts I've ever tasted. Just the right amount of oil, roasting and balsamic. Perfect! Generous portion also. My 2 friends ordered the burger (which sounded fabulous with the bacon ground into the meat) and the brisket sandwich. Burger came with ketchup and pickle; brisket had pickle only. Kitchen cut their sandwiches in half so they could share. I had the fish & crisps sandwich. It was piled VERY high (with cole slaw and chips ON the sandwich) and a pickle - and I have to say one of the better fish/chips sandwiches I've had in a long time. PIPING hot when it came to the table which gets high marks from me; generous portion and delicious. Some kind of mayo but I did have to sort of de-construct from the huge bun. Very, very good. Our server was pleasant and attentive. A manager stopped by to make sure we were okay. The burger/brisket people seemed less impressed with their sandwiches but I was very happy. We sat at a high-top table up front by the window. The space is long, narrow and dark and I think if I was back there (booths only) I would have felt claustrophobic. Forgot to take any photos but everything looked terrific. I would definitely try again for dinner if in the neighborhood.
(3)
Elina K.
This place is really terrific. It's perfect for a small intimate girls night, modest boys night, or a date (although you may have to wait, in a very cramped small area by the door, even with reservations, so I wouldn't recommend for a first date :) The decor is warm and trendy. Exposed brick, funky art, fierce bar. The service was A++. Hostess was nice and accomodating, despite the super busy night and antsy patrons waiting and whining. Our waitress was so patient and seemed truly excited about the food and was more than willing to explain the menu and give recommendations. I know this is considered a new, hot mixology spot. I don't drink so I can't comment on that, but my friend ordered one of their barrell WI wines and enjoyed it (I think!) The food was, not suprisingly, deeelish. Here is what we ordered: - Fromage a Trois (cheese platter) - Bag of Crisps and Eggs (chips with malted powder shaked in a bag with a perfectly tempered egg) - Creamed kale - Organic salmon All were fantastic. And the bread they bring - YUMMO. BUT the absolute most incredible thing we had that night was their ooey gooey dessert of the day. Every day they have have a new ooey gooey (not sure what the rotation is like). If you are lucky enough to come on the night where they serve the brownie creme brulee (AHEM: BROWNIE CREME BRULEE) you will be one happy little piggy.
(5)
Nicki P.
I had been dying to try brunch here after following Billy Dec on instagram, he posted so many delicious looking pics. When I arrived we were seated quickly and our server was excellent but the food was good but not amazing. We started with the homemade chips and eggs. They took a bag of homemade chips and added a poached egg to the bag and shook it up covering all the chips with the yolk, I was nervous as I didn't think I would like the result but in fact it was delicious. From there things went down a bit, my friend had the Mediterranean salad which was OK but nothing special. I went for the bacon burger. I'm not sure why I am on such a burger kick right now but after having the Rockit Burger last week this one didn't compare, which is really odd since they are owned by the same company and they have the same great bun, I guess the rest of the burger just lacked for me. The mimosas were good. I think I would give it another shot for the great service and maybe try the dinner menu.
(3)
Jara S.
Great restaurant, great food, great atmosphere, great staff and fantastic drinks. Ordered the crisps and eggs and they were great! Pace yourself with the drinks; you could easily drink yourself to an early night. This is a lovely place for a date, happy hour or even a solo meal. Intimate seating makes for close conversations with you and sometimes your neighbors. Staff was very enthusiastic and helpful. They were informative and offered great tips. Get the sweet and savory pretzel caramel sundae. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode! This place is like tapas style meets American local food!
(4)
Jason M.
Hey this place rocks. Had the server pick out four or five plates. All excellent except for the chips and egg. I didn't like but everyone else enjoyed them. I really liked the waygu jerky and the sweet breads. I had a glass of cab franc from ohio it was outsanding. Very impressed with this place.
The food was tasty and fresh. We had the sweet breads (crispy, but a bit heavy on the aioli), crispy brussel sprouts (very nice), and poutine (good combination) to start. That was followed by pumpkin gnochi and the suckling pig flatbread. Although both dishes were pleasant, I felt that they could both use a flavor boost. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but the drink menu was extensive. I'll be prepared to drink next time!
Good stuff. Went for lunch. The malt vinegar crisps were pretty awesome and a fun presentation. The Poutine is a must in my opinion. Had the bacon burger and enjoyed it, but not blown away. Brussel sprouts were on point. I would recommend and I'm sure I will find my way back again.
(4)
Rachel A.
Bottlefork is great - the knowledgeable (and personable bartenders) have a knack for libations and know their liquor profiles. While getting a table is generally tough... Noshing at the bar with your cocktail of choice is way more approachable. The Baysic and season egg white drinks, Brussels sprouts, burger and po boy are top notch.
(5)
Andy R.
Great service, I've been and it's good for lunch brunch or dinner. Also well done cocktails and great beer selection.
(5)
Deidra G.
The food was fantastic! The chips and egg was SO good, as were the lobster roll and the gnocchi. Best of all though, was the hospitality and expertise of Eric Lopez!
(5)
Sarah W.
I've only been here for drinks. Great bourbon selection. Very knowledgeable bar tenders. Matt took great care of us! Definitely recommend!
(5)
Mariam K.
Cute place, good location. Came here one night for apps, checked in here on yelp and received a free bag of chips with egg, it was pretty good and free... which made it even better! Also got the braised beef poutine and tots (I'm a potato fanatic, if you can't already tell) both were delish. Just basing this place off the apps, It was really good. The dessert menu didn't seem too appealing, however, I'll definitely be back to try their food.
(4)
Alfasha Z.
This.place.is .amazing! I can't rave enough about it, there's just simply nothing bad to say. Let's start with the general things. Our waiter Nick is simply fabulous and the nicest guy ever, if you come here you should definitely seek him out and ask if you can be seated in his section - you won't regret it (seriously, he tried to get us deals by having us check into yelp). The restaurant itself is cute and very trendy, location was great. Bottlefork is affiliated with the Underground Club (also affiliated with Sunda), so after dinner, the very nice general manager, Jason, walked us over to the Underground to get us in as VIP guests - how do you beat that, that's some amazing customer service! Now let's talk about the food. Everything we tried was ridiculous. We tried several things from the Shareable section since we wanted to taste everything. Definitely try the following items: 1. The octopus - ZOMG it's made with kimchee sauce! 2. The mussels - which came in some sort of bacon sauce, so take all the mussels out and dunk the fries in the sauce, you'll feel really guilty about it but just try it, you only live once! 3. The braised beef cheeks - super tender meat, came on top of a bed of fries (could've done without more fries though) 4. Manila clams and Portuguese sausage flatbread - this one was ok, should've doubled up on the octopus 5. After all the carbs we thought we should have the salad so we got the warm spring potato salad - drenched in pesto sauce, it could've been less sauce-ey more green-ey but still very very good We also got the bag of crisps and egg like everybody on here recommended (definitely try it) and the Camembert cheese, which is nothing unusual. Oh, and the sweetbread, which was recommended, but only because it was supposed to be a mild rendition (I still wouldn't necessarily pick it again though). All in all, the dishes are decently priced - having been to many restaurants in the city I was expecting it to be pricey but the Shareables were the perfect portion for a group of girls who want to try a bunch of things from the menu and when we got the bill, we were pleasantly surprised. Great place, definitely check it out, and to think it's only been around for 6 or 7 weeks, I can see this place doing well. Bon appetit!
(5)
Frances H.
I would say the drinks were much more impressive than the food. I went with a group and we ordered a bit of everything from the menu (for 5 people we got 5 dishes). We all shared the food and left not full but not hungry. The drinks on the other hand, were quite intriguing. The waiter after bringing us our drinks challenged us to name an ingredient in one of the special drinks and it would then be on the house (there were no specific ingredients listed in the drink description...we ordered it based on this mystery). None of us could guess anything, but apparently the drink also contained liquor that was infused with meat drippings...Yes, that is correct. Now before you get grossed out, there was no meat flavor that was detectable, but there was a slight savory/smoky flavor that was quite intriguing. I would be ok with returning, but not a must.
(3)
Bret B.
Sat at the chef's bar and was welcomed by Katie who explained in perfect detail the highlights of the food she was preparing. Got an excellent whiskey drink recommendation - smoke of the day. Paired with the Wagyu Beef Jerky (so. tender.). Orecchiette Pasta for the main course - the crunchy breadcrumbs really make it special. Entire staff is noticeably professional - from the entrance to my table to the kitchen. Will be back with friends next time I'm in Chicago.
(5)
#NAME?
Had reservations on Friday night, not sure what to expect in terms of the environment but once we walked in I knew...LOUD- I was so hoping and crossing my fingers to be seated outside, yet we were brought to a table across from the bar that had super loud people on both sides of us- I tried to deal with it and ordered a drink and we shared 3 items: -the jerky -tots- -gnocchi Waitress was nice and food didn't take forever, yet we didn't order anything that would take a long time- We just wanted to eat and leave, it was way too loud-I'm not some old person either, just couldn't talk about how the day was without saying "WHAT?" the whole time- I think the price was decent for what we ordered, but would I go back, probably not-Hated the seating and having to hear what the people on the left and right of me was yelling wasn't cool-
(3)
Gustavo L.
I cannot really understand why other people liked this place. I went with my gf and some friends. We ordered 2 plates and a bottle of wine to share. Everything was overcharged and not enough for 1 person. My gf ordered a gnocchi that was good, but nothing that I could not do at home. I ordered a chicken, and that I guarantee I can make better. They charged us 17$ for some fries with an egg. Really? I rather pay 1$ McDonalds fries. In general it was very disappointing, ~100$ to eat and get out hungry. I would not go to this place again, first because I am afraid of not liking again. Second, I am sure I can eat better for less.
(1)
Craig L.
5 stars - really as good as it gets. Just opened up for lunch time and highly recommended for a business lunch, and you'll need to bring the corporate budget as well. This runs about 25% higher than a comparable casual lunch elsewhere. But the food is outstanding and a great alternative to more formal environment places. I had the corned beef sandwich and my fellow diner had a salad with split of the malt vinegar fries. All were outstanding and the corned beef was lean and toppings were spot-on complimentary without overpowering. The root beer is home made unlike one buys in the store. Truly artisan. Friendly service and enjoy the interior although seating closer to the street is limited. A wide variety of craft brews but this being lunch, I couldn't imbibe. But will be back again.
(5)
Samhita P.
Bottlefork has quickly become one of my go to restaurants for brunch, especially when I have friends in town. While the ambiance is a little dark, the food was phenomenal!
(4)
Daniel L.
Great brunch! This place has a unique menu and superb morning drinks. The food is creative and delicious. Service is friendly. The only complaint is the price; it is slightly overpriced. Would I go again? Definitely.
(4)
Christine M.
I died and went to heaven at Bottlefork. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I went here with my sister Saturday evening, and we ordered far more food than two girls should ever eat, but everything was amazing. My favorites? Beyond our waiter Gus being absolutely hilarious and equally as entertaining, eating homemade crisps and egg has to be my new guilty pleasure. Either that or their dessert. Their salted caramel ice cream and whiskey is as good as it sounds. My only regret is only ordering one and having to share. No matter how full you are after your meal, this needs to be ordered. Your stomach will thank you and make room for it. Other highlights: Creamed kale. I don't even know what exactly it was or what all was in it besides kale and bacon, but it was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. (Make sure you eat it right away though as it's much better warm) And it's kale so it counts as a vegetable, right? Wood grilled ground bacon burger: This sucker was 30% bacon, 70% burger, all ground up together to make one mouthwatering bite after another. The sauces on top, one with a bleu cheese mixture and another with a ketchup mixture (both of which I despise) were still absolutely amazing. Only complaint was that by the time we got the burger we were too full to finish it. This is definitely a place to check out. It is a little pricey. My sister and I's meal was $120 ($40 bottle of wine included) which is more than I'd typically spend, but it was definitely worth it.
(5)
Audrey W.
This place is a rockstar. Everything I ate was on point and affordable. I came with one other person and sat at the bar, next to the exec chef. (He's the most charismatic and loveable person you'll ever meet!) It's always fun to sit at the bar and watch the open kitchen. You also get the best suggestions from the people who are know and cook your food. Just the two of us ordered...... Tots - my favorite dish, the pimento cheese sauce is like crack, no joke. Lamb ribs - so tender, fatty, and clog your heart good. It's worth it, you should get this. "Popcorn" sweetbreads - One of my favorite dishes of the night. Smoked spot prawns - I don't care how classy you are, suck the damn head. You know you want too. Mediterranean salad - You like a big block of seared cheese? How can you go wrong? Cauliflower - the veggie of choice, IMO. Scottish egg - little tiny quail eggs wrapped in delicious bratwurst, then deep fried. Clam and Portuguese flatbread - Really tasty and fun to eat. Yes, two people ate all of this. We be classy, YO. All of my drinks were perfect. I prefer whiskey/bourbon cocktails and they were all great. Sazerac, Old fashioned, and the Vieux Carre (probably my favorite out of the three). If you have the chance, you have to come try this place. There are still so many things I want to taste on the menu! Ya'll know I'll be back!
(5)
Mike K.
Server was awesome. Had crisp n eggs appetizer along with their bacon burger. They said it was 3rd best burger in the city. I would say it's the best burger I've had in a really long time. This was my first time and I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)
Riley R.
Totally impressed with the atmosphere, great service, creative menu. Weren't blown away by the food, but it was still good- I would go there again. Leatherneck cocktail-a bit sweet. Mediterranean salad- interesting taste, hummus was delicious, but presentation made eating a bit unwieldy. Sweat meats-excellent Tuna crudo- delicious Tater "tots"- interesting idea, fine tasting Chips-interesting presentation, actually one of our favorite things, though we didn't order it... The waitress (who we really enjoyed otherwise) had it sent to our table because she thought we'd like to try it, which we were excited about, but then she charged us for it! Dessert menu was a bit dull, but ended up getting the sundae with the pretzel, and the flavor was excellent.
(4)
Emily S.
HUGE fan of Bottle Fork. Ambiance is cool, service was great, food and presentation were also on par. Some favorites: jerky, all fries (we got both lol), and the sundae. Industry tip: 50% on Wednesdays after 9pm (even some alcohol if you're tryna get down and dirty on a Wednesday night). Bottle Fork is my new #BFf
(4)
Barbara H.
Today has been an incredible day starting with watching the river turn green to ending with a most delectable meal at Bottlefork restaurant. My dear friend who lives in Chicago made reservations for Bottlefork and I'm so glad she did ! The service was fabulous with our server, Nick. He described each item we ordered with accurate description. If you try their signature beer, you won't be disappointed. It was worth having a second. I don't eat burgers very often but their burger was worth the calories and those French fries were to die for. My son had the skirt steak - cooked to perfection with the best grilled onions. Yes, we had a cheesecake like dessert that was warm gooey (one for the table) which had a berry strudel topping. At first I thought the size was too big, but oops we just kept eating and very little was left - we could've stop taking one more bite. Great experience. We're headed back to California on Monday and wish we could take this restaurant with us...we'll be back !
(5)
Vanessa K.
This place had excellent service and fantastic food. I came here with a group of girls for happy hour on a weeknight, and it was on point. We got a few dishes to share (including the incredible sundaes for dessert--don't skip these!!), and all drank a number of cocktails. I will say the whiskey-based drink with the house-made smoke drippings was fantastic. I also really liked the house-made beer they brewed. Don't skip the tots--they are perfection. I'll definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Kim F.
Awesome cocktails. Fantastic food. We didn't have reservations, waited for seats at the bar, and had a great experience.
(5)
Elana T.
Went for a family weekend brunch and couldn't have been happier. Got the free chips and egg by checking in which is a unique and tasty app. Smallish menu but everyone found something delicious. The French toast and Sope were the favorites. Service was excellent. Will definitely come back!!
(5)
Molly C.
Bottlefork has a very upbeat & energetic atmosphere. It's loud and has very trendy music playing. My boyfriend and I went on a Thursday night. We first sat at the bar while we waited for our reservation. The bar staff seemed very knowledgeable about their drinks and had a lot of urgency while serving. Drinks didn't take too long. I ordered Satin's Whisker and my boyfriend had a beer. The drinks were very good and went down a little bit too easily. But hey, that means that they were good. We got sat and our waitress was very attentive and helpful. We had many questions about the menu and our waitress was able to describe anything on the menu. Their staff is very well prepared and very professional. The first things ordered were the Sopresata and Bent River Camebert off the cured meats/cheeses section of the menu. I really enjoyed the Bent River Camebert cheese, it is a cows milk cheese that goes fantastic on their bread. I wasn't a huge fan of the Sopresata though. Maybe it's just my taste. Next we ordered the "Popcorn Sweetbreads" which were my favorite thing on the menu. To those of you, sweetbreads are the thymus gland of a cow. You know you're eating something funky but they are awesome! The sauce that is drizzled over them has a little bit of kick to it which really compliments the entire dish. (This was one of my favorite menu items) Next we ordered the Lamb Ribs. These were incredibly rich and very rustic. The fat helped the meat slide right off the rib so it is can easily be eaten with a fork and knife. We also ordered the "Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger" again this is incredibly rich. I really appreciated the presentation of this dish. The burger has a really interesting tangy sweet sauce that added to the burgers taste and paired well with the bacon flavor. But make sure you share this menu item. I can't imagine eating something that large & rich by myself. Lastly, we had to get one of their shakes. We got the Carmel Milk Stout one.... I can't remember the exact name. All I have to say is WOW! Perfect blend of salty and sweet which is right up my ally! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Overall- I think this place is a fun environment. Not the best food I've had but I wasn't disappointed in any way. Make sure you share all plates because the food is incredibly rich and filling. Between the two of us we only had 4 menu items excluding dessert. This place would be fun for a first date or just for a few casual cocktails. The atmosphere and service is really what makes it.
(3)
Nicki W.
Great new addition to the neighborhood! The perfect spot to grab creative cocktails and delicious food. Nice ambiance overall. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic about the concept, and why shouldn't they be? My friend and I shared a few dishes and everything was great. Steak Tartar was spot on, the bowl of greens was great to share and the Rotisserie Chicken with vegetables had amazing flavor and was very filling. The drink list is amazing as well. We tried quite a few of those. Try the Old Fashioned if you want to see a show. Go see Eldridge at the bar. He's pretty awesome!
(4)
Miriam D.
Loved our brunch - our server was helpful and sincere. Truly the best Bloody Mary I've ever had. We tried the corned beef hash, the burger, and the sopes. All outstanding.
(5)
Tara M.
Ugh. We have had such bad luck with restaurants lately that we have decided to stick to our old standbys for the foreseeable future as a result. That list includes other Billy Dec creations, but definitely not this one. Yes, Bottlefork is River North-y. I am River North-y. I love most things River North-y. But not Bottlefork(-y?). I had been wanting to try Bottlefork since it opened, and we finally stopped in for brunch on Sunday. We had a 1:30pm reservation, arrived at 1:28pm and were seated promptly. I was surprised by how many open tables there were, but now I understand why. The space is really cool, there is no denying that. We sat and reviewed the menu, and at least 15 minutes passed before our server stopped by (I stopped looking at my watch at a certain point). She introduced herself, asked us about drinks. I let her know that we were also ready to order our food because we had been sitting there "for a while." She rolled her eyes, realized what she had done, and tried to fix it with a look of shock. We each ordered their standard Bloody Mary. Ten minutes later they were delivered, and they were, well, gross. It is rare that I turn away a drink that contains alcohol, but this not only contained no vodka, but the mix was super watered down. It tasted like nothing. There were jalapeno seeds in it, but I don't know what purpose they served. The "pickle" that accompanied the drink was a sad, flaccid spear of cucumber that dipped its toe in picking liquid and didn't like how it felt. Another 10 minutes after the drinks were delivered, our server stopped by to see how they were. I told her they were "honestly, terrible" and ordered a vodka soda instead. My boyfriend ordered coffee, having no faith in their ability to make a cocktail at that point. After our server left with them, a girl at the table next to us leaned over and said "Good to know that I'm not the only one who thought the Bloody was terrible." This prompted her friend to take a sip and nod in wide-eyed agreement. For entrees, I had the fish & crisps and he had the corned beef hash. We also ordered sides of tots and ham hollandaise asparagus. The tots were good - big, crispy and soft on the inside. The asparagus was delicious - grilled with lost of hollandaise and topped with prosciutto. The corned beef hash entree was good but VERY rich, drenched in hollandaise. My fish was good, but the accompanying chips were possibly the saltiest thing I have ever eaten. Both of our entrees came topped with runny, poached eggs. I prefer to eat most of my food topped with a runny, poached egg. However, these were UNCOOKED poached eggs. The whites were still raw and more or less transparent. We tried to scrape them off as best we could - after all, our server was already pissed at us, I wasn't about to complain again. We ate what we could, asked for our check, and while we waited for it, two other tables asked our server for their checks, received them, paid and left. We were charged for both the Bloody Marys we sent back and our replacement drinks. At that point we didn't even care, we just wanted to get out of there - knowing that we would soon be sick from consuming raw eggs. And sick...we were.
(2)
Rob J.
Great spot, though a little small. The crisps and egg was fantastic!
(4)
Marla R.
This is the perfect place to go if you are a dude who wants a good food base before going out in River North for the night. The guys from Underground even stopped by our table and give us their cards so we could do just that! The place has a great lively atmosphere (although little loud for me), trendy decor, and great service. Although the food was tasty (we tried the chips, tots, gnocchi, parsnip, and in the jar items), the only item we got that wasn't WAY too rich or heavy was the Chicken. I know my fiance would love to go back, but I'm going to let him save that for a boys night :).
(4)
brenda s.
Went there for brunch on Sunday and everything was top notch. Scored the free chips for an appetizer with yelp check in and wasn't expecting much from those but they were phenomenal. Daughter got the cast iron French toast and I got the skillet hash. Both were great but hash is a little salty. Service was the bomb. Best restaurant we ate at this weekend!
(5)
Kelsey K.
This place is awesome! Super friendly and knowledgable staff! Amazing and unique cocktail and food options! Perfect for all occasions! It's the Dawson of river north! You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
(5)
Susan W.
Bottlefork was delicious! We made a reservation for 4 at 7:30 on a Friday and unfortunately the table they were planning to flip for us wanted to stay and chat all night. We had cocktails at the bar so we weren't too bothered, but we didn't end up sitting until 8:15, however the manager moved the chatty table to the bar, got us seated and brought out 3 free appetizers for our trouble and all was forgiven (though we weren't too upset given the excellent quality of cocktails!) The Bill Bradsky cocktail was really good and fun to share. I loved the chips and egg, the bacon burger was delicious and the pasta was also good. The real star of the show was the Rich Man's Po' Boy, served on a buttered lobster roll bun, it was amazingly tasty. We also had a salted caramel sundae for dessert which was unbelievably amazing. I highly recommend Bottlefork, just make you reservation a bit earlier than you think you need. Enjoy!
(5)
Bobbie A.
Nice, cozy room for cocktails and some inventive food. Skip the poutine, the server said it was a favorite, maybe its just me not loving any poutine I've tried. Anywho the potato chips are a taste sensation. The lamb ribs had a delicious flavor, though not the best cut of meat to show it off. All around tasty treats for food and liquor.
(3)
Stephen H.
Food was great, but way overpriced - just like the beer. The brisket sandwich was $15 which I'd be okay with if it had just ONE side, but it came out alone on little dish. It was tasty, but not exactly overflowing. I had two Super Pils that were delicious but were expensive for 12 ounce pours. Two beers and small sandwich for $34 including tax seems a bit steep to me.
(2)
Lindsay S.
Good vibe, great service, but mediocre to bad food. I'll add the caveat my companion had the burger and really enjoyed it. Nothing I had was horrible, but it was all bland or just off.
(3)
Steve W.
I chose Bottlefork for a date tonight and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was amazing and the food and drinks were phenomenal! The cocktails were soooo good. The bartenders really know their craft and take care to make the drinks properly. We sampled 4-5 different cocktails and only disliked 1 which had an absinth flavor that was too strong. The chips and egg were OK, but for a real treat I highly recommend ordering the poutine. It was the best poutine I have ever had. For a main course you can't beat the pork belly and sausage dinner and I would kill for the recipe for their creamed kale side dish. All in all I loved this place and I look forward to going back again sometime!
(5)
Leah C.
I was in town visiting for only 24 hours. As I didn't feel like spending all my caloric intake on a deep dish pizza, I yelped for an American New restaurant and headed here. So glad I did. They sat me at the chef's area of the counter/bar. Since I was dining alone, this provided good entertainment in between conversations with the staff and the diners next to me. All the staff I interacted with were friendly and helpful, but namely my waiter Eddie, Chef Eric, and the General Manager Jason. Eddie made on point recommendations and answered my questions in a detailed and thoughtful manor. To drink, I had the Little Miss cocktail. Good, but the garnish is great. It was like an adult fruit roll-up. I recommend it just for the garnish. For dinner, I had the Octopus, Homemade Spam and Kimchi dish with brussel sprouts as a side. Both dishes could easily be shared, but I was hungry and wasn't afraid of leftovers. The brussel sprouts were typical of the style of late, in a good way, but the octopus dish is where it's at. The octopus was so tender, and the peas and kimchi were bathed in a tangy sauce that made me wish I had bread to sop it all up with. The Spam - well executed for homemade. Being from Hawaii, the Spam consumption capitol of America, I was pleased with their rendition. For dessert, well I had seen pictures and wasn't going to leave without trying something. I was talked into the special dessert for the season - the Pumpkin Cheesecake with marshmallow fluff..a la mode. This dish should be shared, but I managed to put away at least half of it. The soft serve is so great and could be a presented on its own - a thing of beauty. The pumpkin cheesecake is a dream. Exactly as the menu describes and worth every bite. I was wishing I had my husband or a friend with me to share in the experience. I would bring anyone back any day. To the staff, thanks guys for a great dinner!
(5)
Rich B.
Eddy Cruz was an awesome server. This place will now be on my list and a recommend for anyone looking for a place to eat in Chicago. The bag of crisps + egg was awesome (as mentioned in previous reviews) There list of beers is exceptional. Their pork belly dishes were top notch. Wasn't a big fan of the desserts, but I'm not a real big dessert guy.
(5)
Bryan W.
I've always enjoyed the drinks and food at Bottlefork. I would say going for the Bill Brasky alone is worth the experience.
(4)
Victor R.
You have to try the crisps! Also, the rich man's po boy is fantastic and the drinks are made by some creative mixologists. The tots are just ok.
(4)
Wright A.
I visited Bottlefork for the second time last night. My first visit (about a month ago) was outstanding with the cocktails, food and service all at 4 or 5 star levels. When I returned as host to several guests, I was anticipating an equally positive experince. Unfortunately, it couldn't have been more disappointing. The cocktails were still pretty darn good but the food (what they were not already out of) was mediocre and the service absolutely *sucked*. You know its bad when you watch the drinks you ordered sitting on the bar for 10 minutes awaiting your server and you decide just to get up and get them yourself. To make matters worse, the server never even noticed! Maybe he thought they delivered themselves. There are too many good places in Chicago to waste your time at Bottlefork. My advice - go elsewhere!
(2)
Jordan M.
Fantastic experience at another Rockit Ranch creation! We had a party of 3 on a Thursday night. We had made reservations in advance and didn't have to wait at all to be seated once we arrived. The space was actually more spacious than I remember it being when it was Dragon Ranch and much more inviting with the dim lighting and dark wood. It was also really cool seeing the chef himself handling the expediting right next to the bar. We ended up ordering all of the "snacks" section of the menu for the table. There was 1-2 bites of each for our our group of 3 to share. We continued this trend throughout the night by splitting a Bill Brasky between me and one of my friends (the drink lasted the two of us the whole dinner). The price is worth it especially when you do it that way. We also ordered a couple things off of the "sharing" area of the menu instead of doing entrees. Favorites of the table included: popcorn sweetbread - just eat it...don't ask what it is quail scotch egg crisps and egg - some thought it could've been more flavorful but I liked that it was simple beef cheek poutine - delicious and not as heavy as you would think poutine would be pesto gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan but everyone at the table loved it We ended up also getting the pretzel parfait dessert...a must! The bill ended up being very reasonable given how many different things we tried but again, we also stuck to the apps/small plates. Entrees and more drinks could easily push you over. Remember to do the Yelp check-in when you arrive to get your Crisps and Eggs for free!
(5)
Nithin N.
Went on a busy saturday night however the service was still impeccable. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. The food was very tasty, hahah restaurant goers were even taking pictures of the food as it was made because of how well done the presentation was. If you're looking for an atmosphere that manages to seamlessly blend upscale, relaxed, intimate and lively all into one then definitely stop by Bottlefork. Also if I had to give a few recs, try the octopus for starters, move on to the burger for the entree and round it all off with the ooey gooey cheesecake (trust me on this one). They're always experimenting with the cocktails so try their newest creations if you're feeling adventurous..it's really pretty hard to go wrong.
(5)
K.c. S.
Amazing food. Not a bad thing on the menu. Chips and Eggs is off the hook! Get it! Service is friendly and prompt. Sit at the bar for maximum entertainment. Have brunch on Sundays. Best burger I've had in the city.
(5)
Horst G.
Nice selection of beers, great burger and an awesome bar atmosphere made for a nice first evening in Chicago. The desserts are probably intended to be shared, though The price there should have been a hint...
(4)
Coll P.
We had a really great meal here this week: -the tots are HUGE and the pimiento cheese drizzle tasted like...nacho cheese -tuna crudo was my favorite appetizer, as it was topped with some crunchy spicy goodness -the mediterranean salad was topped with saganaki cheese and that alone is worth ordering -the richman po'boy (!!!!), suckling pig flatbread and gnocchi were great choices for larger plates, although the gnocchi was a bit underwhelming considering how much it was talked up by our waitress This place is narrow and definitely filled up even though it was a Monday evening. Make a reservation. :)
(4)
Terry M.
Went for brunch; loved it!
(5)
Dutch R.
I was in Chicago for a Surgery Center conference and a friend of mine suggested BottleFork. The service was excellent, the General Manager, Jason Ring stopped by and provided us with his suggestions including the octopus and the hamburger. I finished with a delicious dessert and capuchino. If I worked within 10 miles of Bottlefork it would be my place. Excellent food and drinks.
(5)
Sam S.
I've been here a few times and will be back. The drinks are creative and fantastic. The food is even better. The chicken sandwich, the poutine, the tater tots...all amazing. I highly recommend stopping into Bottlefork and I suspect you'll be back for more.
(4)
Eric S.
Excellent experience! The environment struck a balance between classy and casual, which I definitely appreciated. The food and drinks were definitely not typical and everything I had was delicious. I tried their "Smoke of the Day" drink and was pleasantly surprised by it. If you go here (and you should), don't be afraid to experiment!
(5)
Rich M.
I like this place! The atmosphere is cool and sexy but not pretentious. The food is cleverly done and everything we had was exceptional! The service was average at best- our waiter seem to be in a bit of a mood. The prices are high, which I don't mind if the food and service rise to the same level. The food is worth it but the let down in service made the high prices harder to swallow.
(4)
Soumya S.
The ambience is great! The drinks are phenomenal. The food meh not so much! This upscale bar food is still playing catch up with it's sister bar Rockit bar & grill. The tots were good, the trout not so much. Hope it catches up soon with the rest!
(2)
P L S.
Manager was so kind and straightforward when I took a friend with onion /garlic allergies. We couldn't eat there but between the awesome menu, local praise from other restaurant folk and courtesy I will come back next time in Chicago
(5)
J. Chuck K.
Not often do I brave the world of restaurants located in the loop and river north area; they're usually uppity places more concerned with their appearance than the quality of the food. When I do, I usually leave feeling hungry or like I've just been robbed. However, at a friend's suggestion, we checked out Bottlefork and they turned out to be the exception to this perception. Although an evening here isn't cheap by any means, the taste and size of most of the dishes certainly negates my aforementioned complaints. With a Solemn Oath beer by my side, we started with the piggy jerky and popcorn sweetbread.The jerky was perfectly seasoned and surprisingly tender. The popcorn sweet bread itself wasn't remarkable, but the aioli poured all over it was. Next up was their poutine. It's listed under the "shareable" section of the menu, and the portion size lived up to that. The meat, gravy and curds were all great, but the fries were too soft/undercooked to handle these toppings. But that's just my personal preference. The highlight of the night was definitely the "ham butt" steak. I definitely encourage anyone coming here to order it. On the other hand, our wagyu steak was extremely disappointing. While it was cooked at the correct temperature, the top and bottom were so burnt that it didn't matter. The taste of char completely canceled out any flavor coming from the center. After being asked how we liked it, the waitress apologized and even passed our comment onto to the manager, who then came over. He explained something about the oven and offered another apology, but that's about it. I was a little disappointed in the response, especially considering how much we had already spent and that we had spent more on something we weren't going to finish eating. Wagyu aside, Bottlefork turned out to be an awesome experience. As with most of these types of places, you'll end up eating in close proximity to complete strangers, but the excellent beer list and food menu help keep your focus.
(4)
Melissa A.
Incredible drinks! The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable resulting in hand crafted libations that are to die for.
(5)
Adam G.
A forgettable experience. It didn't start out well...we checked in for our reservation and was told, "You're next for a table and we have a couple tables paying their check now." 45 mins later, and after watching three other tables get sat, we finally got a table. Unfortunately, there's really no place to stand and wait for your table given how narrow the place is. The manager came over and gave us a bag of soggy, $5 chips as a consolation prize. The highlight of the meal was the mushroom gnocchi and stuffed squid. Steer clear of the rabbit which is 50% breading. And the grilled kale salad didn't have a lot of flavor. Go for the drinks.
(2)
Maza C.
Great selection of drinks and decorations. However very small list of expensive entree. I brought two friends from Korea. We got Half cooked chicken a very small pan vegetables and unimpressive burger.
(2)
Victoria R.
I went last night and was happily surprised how amazing it was. The popcorn sweetbreads and the poutine were amazing. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our server, Nicholas, was just amazing and so informative. He ordered my entre and chose a great pork dish. I am a big fan. GO in an see for yourself!!
(5)
Lu N.
I was debating on writing a review for this place. Started by having to wait for a table and it seemed as the host/hostess were to busy chatting w friends. So when I asked how long the wait was and they can seat us outside, she didn't seem to like that very much. Anyway we ordered a couple of items the Mediterranean salad, tuna crudo, and tots. Everything was good not spectacular. Felt a little rushed & food came out to fast. Went ahead and ordered lamb ribs, and the po boy. The lamb tasted pretty good until I found a HAIR about a half a foot long in it! What!!! SERIOUSLY!! I know accidents happen but after that the po boy was left untouched. The manager was very nice and apologetic about the whole thing. They took it and the po boy off of our tab and 10$ gift card. He also offered us dessert but how can you eat anything after that?! Too bad really wanted to like this place.
(2)
David D.
Great food and great ambiance. This place is a gem. The drinks are as amazing as the food is and the staff is extremely knowledgable. The chef even came out to make sure everything was ok and then brought out a complimentary dessert for us to try. I am a big time foodie and I can honestly say that this place is on the top of my Chicago list.
(5)
Esther D.
The hostess was very nice. Our server, Erin, was lovely. The staff seemed very professional. But, the place is overpriced and the food was not good. I had the Mediterranean Salad. The lettuce was wilted with brown spots and dark green gooey bits at the edge--the way lettuce gets when it's been soaking in salad dressing overnight. The hummus was watery yet overpowering. The Saganaki cheese was like rubber (If you google " Cold Saganaki" you will get no hits. It's a cheese that's served hot and soft). The pulled chicken topping was non-descript and there was so little for the $6 extra charge (channelling Woody Allen: "this food is terrible." "Yes, and the portions so small."). In fact, the entire $22 dish fit in a modest salad bowl. It was an unmitigated loser. My lunch companion had the smoked corn beef brisket sandwich. It was small and served with not so much as a pickle. It would have been fine for $7.00. But, at $15.00, it was ridiculous (umm.. not to insult the restaurant beyond what's reasonable, but it really was on par with what one gets across the street at Potbelly's). And, there was broken glass in my ice tea. Nothing at all dangerous. Just a few tiny pieces -like grains of sand that made for crunchy ice tea. Erin got me a new glass (and didn't charge me for the tea). I'm not overly squeamish, but it was a bit unappetizing. I eat at a lot of restaurants, but it takes a lot to get me off my lazy butt to write a review. Bottlefork -by the sheer audacity of its terribleness- deserves the honor.
(1)
Jonathan W.
Loved it! Chips and eggs was great and the burger was fantastic. Loved the tater tots too! The chicken and corned beef sandwiches looked awesome! Just a great place with great food!
(4)
Nancy D.
Fantastic cocktails and very interesting food. I mostly go for bland food, but even I found stuff that sounded so good I was willing to give it a try. The husband loved everything he had, even the octopus. An interesting experience. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Jenn T.
Love Love this place! My husband has been raving about it for months. The drink menu is unique and classic at the same time. I dont generally order appetizers but the Bag of Crisps and Eggs is a must have. At this point im not sure there is anything bad on the menu. Everyone raved about what they ordered. The service was outstanding and the ambiance is very comfortable. Definitely make a reservation because this place is always busy.
(5)
Lori G.
Bottlefork is a great lunchtime spot! There really wasn't a crowd, surprisingly! The service was great and our food arrived in a timely manner. The waitress also offered suggestions which worked out because I tried everything she recommended! It was delicious! I will be back very soon!!
(5)
Mark S.
Tasty! Frontera has some competition as my favorite neighborhood brunch spot. Fun atmosphere and great service!
(5)
Allison H.
Tried this place with a few girlfriends the other week. It's fairly small so anything bigger than a party of 4 might be tough. I got wine, which comes in a huge glass so no complaints there. My friends all got sangria, which I tried, and thought it was just average. It was a white sangria and mostly just tasted of lime juice. For starters, we got the tuna crudo and bag of crisps & egg. The tuna crudo was delicious and fresh, exactly what you'd want. The bag of crisps and egg was an interesting concoction. They bring it out and mix a poached egg with potato chips table side. For us, this resulted in crushed, wet potato chips that really didn't taste like anything else other than wet salt and vinegar potato chips. Not a fan but maybe we got a bad batch because all the other reviews seem to rave about them. We also got the Mediterranean salad, which was great and would recommend. For entrees, we got the potato gnocchi, smoked lamb ribs, and pork belly & sausage porchetta pastor. All were really good with the lamb ribs being the star. Overall, food was good and service was great. Our server was very helpful with helping us pick out food items and making recommendations. Nothing outstanding as far as the food goes though.
(3)
Jacob K.
The food was well above average and not overly crowded. Didn't love the egg soaked chips that I got with the yelp check in, but others seemed to like it. Service was ok, but not great. I would probably be back under similar circumstances, late night on a weekend when everything is packed downtown.
(3)
Laurie D.
The food here was truly delicious and creative. I had the Spam Benedict and loved it. The server was charming and attentive. The atmosphere was cute, hipster-chic. Cocktails were also creative and fun, but on the expensive side compared to the very reasonably-priced food. My only complaint is that everything we ate was so rich that everyone in my party felt like we'd just had Thanksgiving dinner for the rest of the day- despite the seemingly small/average size of the servings. I'll probably be back, though, and just eat less than I normally do.
(4)
P J.
My four girlfriends and I had an amazing experience at Bottlefork last week! The food was delicious and gorgeously prepared. I highly recommend getting one of the salumis, popcorn sweetbreads, and the whole chicken! My only qualm about the restaurant is that it was difficult to get a drink at the bar when we were waiting for our table, since all of the bar patrons have reservations and there's not a lot of room to stand around. But I would definitely come back again!
(5)
Abby L.
Food was great, very tasty, interesting ingredients and preparation... atmosphere is fun too, however, service was very bad. My friend and I ate here on a week night and the restaurant wasn't fully packed, we were confused as to why service seemed off. Our waiter seemed to be rushing throughout the meal and it took FOREVER to get our credit cards back after paying at the end. We only paid with 2 cards... it's not like we were a large party. Waiting for over 20 minutes to get cards back is pretty ridiculous :( If the service was better, would have given 4 stars for sure. Disappointing end to an otherwise great dinner.
(3)
Susan S.
Reservations are a must. It's a tiny cozy place with fantastic food. The wines by a glass are a little limited, but the food was amazing. Do not pass up the Mediterranean Salad!
(4)
Emily H.
I loved the ambiance of Bottlefork. The service was great, if not a little too attentive. The bar tables are in a very tight space however. Great wine! I cant wait to go back.
(4)
Kathryn L.
This place is wonderful and the service was excellent. Our server was great at suggesting drinks and knew all the details on the dishes. My friend and I got 2 dishes and an appetizer and shared. First off we had the beef cheek poutine, it was awesome. The cheese was perfectly melted and the beef was rich and tender. After that we split the Wagyu skirt steak salad. It had fries on it too and a bernaise vinaigrette. The steak was perfectly crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth tender. It is probably the most unhealthy salad, but totally worth it. We then ordered the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Our server informed us it was 30% bacon and 70% beef. More importantly it was amazing, my friend took a bite and the server came over and he waved her off "give me a minute, don't talk to me" :) it was that good. We decided all burgers should be 30% bacon at least. Definitely recommend this restaurant and the cocktails are delicious also
(5)
Connie Y.
Had dinner here with some friends and was quite pleased. Asked the bartender for a fruity cocktail (as I am not a huge fan of alcohol, but my friend insisted on buying me a drink) and it was really good. Checked in on yelp and got a free bag of crisps and eggs which was a great starter. My fave was their tots with pimento cheese sauce! We also had their Mediterranean Salad, their mussels and their smoked suckling pig flatbread, all of which were delicious. I plan on bringing other friends here to try out other items on their menu - and go back for seconds!
(4)
Khloe K.
Stopped in for drinks at billy decs newest establishment in river north. It was lively as it should be for a saturday night and the space itself was darkish and cozy, long and narrow. I tried 2 cocktails (Big Salty Tears-which the waitress recommended as being popular, Loft on Broadway) both of which were decent but i found the Big Salty Tears kind of meh and forgettable. Loft on broadway was very citrusy and refreshing. We tried just a few munchies 2 of which i highly recommend!! The "Popcorn sweetbreads" and "Wild Mushroom Gnocchi". Both are snack/appetizer portions and theyre soooo delectable. Just get them and you'll know what i mean. I used the yelp offer for a free "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs. So they have vinegar chips in a brown bag and the waitress puts a poached egg in the bag and shakes it up so you end up with dressed potato chips. Interesting concept but it was kinda gross because the poached egg just makes the chips all soggy! Eww...Glad they were free
(4)
Tristan B.
We discovered Bottlefork on the web. It seemed good. First good impression, great service and a good choice. The waiter was great and was all ears for us. The food was good but it was expensive for what it was. We got a free appetizer, chips and eggs, which was fun, Then, they had a great squash blossom but we were too late for that. The regular menu is decent but not mind blowing. Good overall experience.
(3)
David B.
I had the popcorn sweet breads, the tuna crudo, and the octopus and spam dish. Every single thing I had was good, but the octopus and spam was amazing. If you don't get it, then you ordered the wrong thing.
(5)
Amanda C.
Absolutely delicious! The cocktails are amazing. The food puts a fancy spin on common food items from all different types of cuisine.
(5)
Katie M.
We were told on the phone we would have 1.5hrs to eat, fine. We arrived and food was okay, but not great. The biggest issue we has is after we received our appetizer the main entree took another 45-50min. The server even came and cleared our table off at about 40min and didn't even update us and we were pretty surprised. I got up to ask the host to find out what was going on we were ready to call it a night. Entrees finally arrived and if was like it sat too long. Won't be returning and very disappointed.
(1)
K. M.
So, we returned for round 2. This time we had the hamburger and flat bread pizza. Both were excellent. The only reason I am giving 4 stars...I think they changed the recipe for the House made chips. This time, the chips were stale and I couldn't taste the vinegar and salt. Please go back to the original recipe!
(4)
Jacqueline L.
Very unique cocktails! Staff was very attentive. We tried the roasted parsnips and they were delicious!
(5)
Rossie F.
Fabulous cocktails, food is a bit rich but good. Had the lobster po boy, a must share! Really rich but yummy! Best drink is Satan's Whiskers...yum! My favorite was the Kale Ceaser...wow!!!!!
(4)
Kristen P.
First impression when walking in was that I loved the inside and that the food coming out looked amazing. Got a well crafted cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready (arrived 10 min before our reso). But then we waited. And waited. And waited some more. We were seated almost 30 min past our reservation time - but management brought out two comped apps: the chips and egg and the wagyu jerkey. Both were good, and I appreciated the gesture to make up for the huge delay in getting seated. After we sat everything was great. The food was really tasty and inventive. We tried: -Kale Caesar -Creamed Kale (awesome) -Poutine (so, so much salty, vinegary goodness) -Salmon Crudo (super fresh, recommend!) -Duck flatbread (my least favorite but still tasty) -Wagyu skirt steak -Potato Gnocchi (SOOO good) I have to say I'm not a huge Rockit Ranch fan, but this place really blew me away. Definitely will be back again!
(4)
Ryan S.
So, I went here with four of my friends about a month ago on a Thursday nite and it was crazy packed. One of my friends made reservations at like 7:45pm I think but we didn't get to our table until over 40min later. We had drinks at the bar while we waited for out table. Because of that the Chef gave us a free appetizer of spicy tuna and rye bread it was delicious. We ordered from the shareable menu which has a fantastic array of awesome food. First off was the squid, absolutely amazing I tell you then 2 different kinds of fries one was good the other super great after that some mussels that tasted like they just came out of the sea, which, came with more fries. We each started to pick items like the poorboy and beef cheek. Everyone had a great time and the food was stellar plus we consumed copious amounts of alcohol throughout the evening, a wonderful night in downtown River North! Can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks.
(5)
Yuki Y.
The tables are very close together. If you are short don't sit across from the hostess stand because there isn't a ledge to rest your feet and they just dangle in the air. We had the "prescription sazerac" & "Vieux Carre" to drink and sweetbreads, "bag" of chips, and the lobster roll to eat. The menu is interesting and challenges your taste buds.
(3)
Andrew H.
Came here for lunch while visiting Chicago. Excellent cocktails and food. The fish & crisp sandwich is amazing. Service was great, as well.
(5)
Bernie M.
Excellent atmosphere, and the service was outstanding. The cocktail menu was impressive as were the choices for beer and wine. I was tempted to try the "Bill Brasky" cocktail (limit 1 per person) for $35, but decided it wasn't the best idea for that given night; next time. The "smoke of the day" cocktail was good. Bag of crisps are a must in my view, as well as the seared steak tartare; comes with a nice poached egg topping. Stay away from the Kale Caesar salad. The gnocchi was a little bland, and the small plate of ribs were perfect. I will definitely return to Bottlefork to taste the other offerings, including the Bill Brasky........best name of a drink I've seen in awhile; "To Bill Brasky!"
(4)
Tri N.
it's aiite
(3)
Virginia D.
Place is a total panty dropper. Managers, bartenders, staff, service, and food! All excellent!!!
(5)
erin z.
I would give this place 2 1/2 stars. I came here with 4 others for a friends birthday and the hostess was a huge B%!@$. I told her it was my friends birthday and she acted as if she couldn't care less. I don't know if she passed on the info to the server or if the server just didn't care either. I wasn't expecting a free dessert or for every damn server to come sing Happy Birthday just acknowledge please. Anyways on to the food. I had the octopus which was pretty good but ridiculously small for $21. Maybe 5 pieces of actual octopus. Gnocchi was also very small for the price. Burger was pretty good as was the pork. They were out of the Wagyu Jerky and the dessert we wanted so that was disappointing. "Bag" of crisps + eggs was good however I showed server the coupon on Yelp and she failed to take it off the bill, I didn't mention it because other than that she was great and very pleasant. Loft on Broadway cocktail was very tasty and I might return for a drink at the bar. Hopefully I will be greeted by a more pleasant hostess.
(3)
Silvia F.
Loved the taste of the Crispy chips with egg! Couldn't stop eating it. Our server was able to accommodate my lactose intolerance putting sauces on the side and removing the cheese from the Bacon Burger which was tasteful regardless of missing few ingredients. Definitely want to come back to try the Tots and the Gnocchis!
(4)
Hillary D.
It is very apparent how detail-oriented, precise, and thoughtful Chef Hickey is with his dishes. Everything was absolutely delicious - the tastes were artfully presented in unexpected ways. It was a really fantastic, new way to look at comfort food. The pork belly flat bread was our favorite and the biscuit can't be beat. To top it all off, the pumpkin float was a little slice of heaven. Our server was personable, passionate about the food and drink, and patient. Would go back over and over again! I can't wait to try their brunch:).
(5)
Call Me A.
The food and service was great, but I felt the food was a little overpriced, even for River North.
(3)
E S.
Review update: My husband and I tried Bottlefork for brunch after the manager reached out to me via yelp (which I appreciated). My brunch experience was A LOT better than my prior dinner experience. Honestly one of the best parts about our brunch was our waiter - he was funny!! For a starter, we had the donut holes, then for entrees, my husband had the breakfast sope and I had the 2 eggs any style. I had a mimosa and my husband had this super delicious iced coffee (it came in a bottle). Everything was really, really good. I'm usually not a huge donut fan but the sour cream donut holes were sweet and also had an awesome thick texture. I didn't try my husband's sope but he loved it. My meal was simple but the hash browns were delicious. I didn't try the toast that came with my entree but there was a variety of breads that you could choose from for your toast. My mimosa was nice and strong. I suppose the only ding would be that my husband asked for a second beer and he never received it, but otherwise, it was an excellent brunch experience which is why I'm writing an update for Bottlefork. :)
(4)
Elena S.
Love this place! We were in town for a wedding and went here for a casual anniversary celebration. They couldn't have been nicer - they brought us over some delicious rose to celebrate and treated us to drinks when we had to wait a few mins for the table. The ambiance is casual but cool and sexy, and the food was absolutely delicious. Really interesting and eclectic menu - something for traditional and adventurous eaters - and a great wine and beer list.
(5)
Dale V.
Wonderful personal touch from our server and the general manager. The food was fantastic and edgie. Probably the best dessert I've ever had with the creamy cheese and blueberry compote with homemade vanilla ice cream.
(5)
Mike P.
Tried BottleFork for first time today. Lunch menu was quite limited in terms of choices. Chicken sandwich was very difficult eat during a business lunch and was a little bland. Definitely needed some salt. Bag of malted chips with poached egg sounds good on the surface but the overwhelming taste and smell of vinegar made them inedible. I might be willing to give this place another chance but not anytime soon.
(2)
Lauren C.
This place was awesome! Came for my sister's birthday during the week and it had a really nice vibe/energy. The food was excellent and I think the prices were worth it. Would recommend the tater tots, lamb ribs, moroccan pumpkin stew, rotisserie chicken, chips w/ egg (forget name of this). Didn't really care for either of the salads we got but they weren't bad, just not extremely delicious (I love salad, so it's not just a knock on the healthier items). The desserts were ridiculous and I would go here just to get those: we got a sundae with pretzel something and also this hot and gooey banana bread pudding which I could eat every day for the rest of my life. I'm a fan and will be back :)
(4)
Parisa H.
Only stopped by here for drinks so this review only applies to that but they sure do know how to make proper cocktails. Both unique, tasty, and strong. Great service as well. I'd go back to try their food as well, looked awesome!
(5)
Alaina T.
Seated right away, which was nice for River North. Tasty food, but disappointed they only had the brunch menu when we went here at 6pm. The poutine was delicious, but it seemed a bit pricey for the portions.
(3)
Lanette R.
Enjoyed dinner while on vacay with my husband and two teenage sons - a big sucess. Delicious octopus, lamb ribs, crisps with egg!, bacon burgers, and asparagus. Fun, young, and hip vibe, too bad we weren't on a date! Kids did not like the odd foam on the sundaes tho.
(4)
Christine S.
Haven't tried the food yet, but the bartenders are knowledgable, cool and gracious. A bit different from the usual Billy Dec scene. This place may be for real.
(5)
Amalita A.
Came here on a Saturday night, the place was packed and popping. Ordered a last word not a lot of places no how to make a good cocktail :) this blew my mind! We had a dark haired woman as our server she was very knowledgeable and friendly. Had the wagyu jerky, cheese platter, gnocchi, and cheesecake. Wish I had more room in my stomach! Great fun place to eat!!!!
(5)
Jared P.
Excellent food, drinks and service. The space is a bit tight, so make a reservation. The tuna jar was great and so were the quail eggs. Bag of chips with soft boiled egg was great too.
(5)
Crystal L.
Heard great things so some girlfriends and I decided to go in for brunch for Labor Day weekend. First impression was a great space and busy! We were greeted by our server within 5 minutes of being seated. We ordered drinks which weren't delivered for 20 minutes; when the rest of our party came she didn't take the last drink order for another 10 minutes. After that service was just not coming back; slow with everything. Food was great but due to the lack of service I probably wouldn't go back. Fix it fast!
(2)
Jody C.
Fun and interesting food options. The bag of crisps and eggs was so tasty! Sweetbreads were tasty- my friends didn't know what they were and raved about them and ordered seconds. Lamb ribs and gnocchi both really good but have had better. The kale salad was not quite what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed but still good. Also impressive drink menu. I'd go back!
(4)
Marty S.
BOTTLEFORK was by far the worst restaurant we have ever been to. The food is laden with vinegar. Very very small menu and extremely noisy. I would not send my worst enemy there.so so overrated!!!!!!! Servers very brusk.
(5)
Aria S.
Came here with my significant other a few weeks ago. I loved the decor of this place. Very trendy - as I expected it to be. One downfall was the proximity of the tables to one another. They are super close and it's obnoxious to try and get in and out of your seat. They have some very cool drink options that are worth trying. The poutine was very good. Think of an upscale version of chili cheese fries. Loved this one. We also got the tots. Not impressed. Too much potato too little sauce. We also had an order of the brussel sprouts which are definitely a must try. I don't know what they did to these things but they were awesome. The rich man po' boy was ok in my opinion. My boyfriend loved it but I didn't. Not really my thing. We also ordered a pasta dish which I thought was decent but the meatballs they came with were to die for. Maybe the best I've ever had. Service was great. Friendly, prompt, and able to give good suggestions. I would come back here to try other dishes on the menu.
(4)
Akeya S.
Good food. Had a great burger and a nice glass of wine. Will be back
(4)
carrie c.
Went for a Saturday brunch and everything was top notch ~ taste, service, presentation, cocktails. Loved everything we tried. Favorites were the breakfast sope, braised beef cheek poutine and sour cream donut holes. Was WOWED by the Spam Eggs Benedict. Fun, eclectic take on some classics. Lively atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.
(5)
William M.
I had a business lunch meeting. Not the appropriate location for this type of event. Loud and dark room. Very limited lunch menu. I'd try going back after work or on the weekend. Looks like interesting bar menu . Very good service though
(3)
J W.
I've had the pleasure of dining here for both lunch and dinner, and both meals were simply spectacular. The servers were friendly, timely, and very helpful in describing the plates and special features. Just a few highlights: Bag of Crisps w/ Eggs- I can't believe this only costs $5, it is so stinking good it could be an entire meal. Not too eggy, just enough vinegar, extra crispy.. a very unique yet simple dish. Wagyu Beef Jerky- This combined with the above starter is a great way to start your meal, perfectly chewy with great flavor. Potato Gnocci- OMG so good. I preferred my bites w/out the mushroom. The mild sauce combined with goat cheese combined with potato- BAM!!! Ground Bacon Burger- Just get it, it's packed with flavor and almost too big to put your mouth around! We got ours with the tots, which are insane inchXinch cubes topped with perfectly smokey cheese. OY! Corned Beef Brisket- Served on a 'lobster roll', it's the perfect combo of meat and spicy, crunchy coleslaw. Rhubarb Cheesecake- Best cheesecake I've ever had in my whole entire GD life. It was pure magic, I would go back just to eat it. Melted in a personal griddle, topped with fresh rhubarb and crushed graham crackers. My mouth is watering right now GEEZUS. Cocktails are divine, try them all! Will go back. Very soon. Maybe today, for the cheesecake.
(4)
W S.
Well tailored interiors with lots of great details. Great staff that are attentive but not annoying. And the food is unbelievable. I had the best mussels I've ever had. Boiled in rye beer and ham. They came with fries and I sat near the kitchen, where I watched the chef throw away my fries and make new ones because he saw them sitting for five minutes. Exactly what you want from a chef. I asked for bread to soak up the juice and the baked me fresh rolls. My wife had baked chicken that was perfectly cooked, and we split wagyu need jerky which is as good as it sounds. Great cocktails as well. Overall could not have been happier.
(5)
Paige O.
So much fun. Every taste is an adventure very rich with flavor. Perfect for sharing on a date or with friends (or parents!). It's roomy enough for elbows but cozy enough to envy the plate on the next table. The ambience feels "grown up" but little details poke through with a playful whimsy that takes away the seriousness. Thinking of the "smoke of the day" makes me salivate! Would love to sit at the chefs table to watch all the action!
(5)
Jason C.
Very much the current trend in Chicago -super-rich food that has tons of flavor but is on the verge of too much. I would call it one step above girl and the goat in terms of salt/seasoning. We had the popcorn sweetbreads (terrific), Kale Ceasar - in my view a flawed dish as Kal and smoke create such a bitter flavor it is just not tasty, Octopus and homemade spam (good, but super oily), and the Nduja/truffle chicken (again, super-rich). Wine list was definitely below expecations (with a name like bottlefork).
(3)
Kristina A.
I was determined to make it here ever since I saw Kevin Hickey make his crisps and eggs on Windy City Live - and they did not disappoint (it also helped that they come free with a Yelp check-in...it was meant to be, I tell you). We started with the soft shell crab special, which was cornmeal crusted and on a bed of ramp grits and kohlrabi relish - so good! The crab was crispy and flavorful and the ramp grits and relish were a bright, almost herby compliment - on the whole, the dish was a lot lighter than I thought it would be. We then got the lamb ribs, which were meaty, sweet, and tangy, and also split a side of the roasted turnips. My favorite part of the meal, by far, was dessert. We got the ooey gooey dessert of the day (apple berry crumble) with a side of their vanilla ice cream - which I still dream about. That was hands down the best soft serve I've ever had in my life. I would go back in a heartbeat just for that ice cream. And the crisps and eggs. Because, you know. Crisps.
(4)
Lauren S.
Just go. It's a foodie's dream experience.
(5)
Ann Marie M.
Had dinner at Bottlefork last night, and I had to write about it . Everything has so many interesting flavors with a terrific presentation. I can honestly say that every dish was amazing! And I tried a lot, as we sharing appetizers and meals at our table. The atmosphere is fun and cozy at the same time-it has a good vibe. I especially enjoyed the super large booths. The prices are reasonable, especiallay with the quality of the food! I loved it !
(5)
Meeta S.
so good!!!!
(4)
Melissa O.
Fantastic cocktails in a great location. The bartender was kind enough to make me his own version if a corpse surviver #2, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
(5)
Brian M.
Fantastic food, great service, very reasonable prices. They have passion about what they do. Don't think about it just go!
(5)
Jeff W.
I visited last night based on excellent Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgable, and quick. The food was full of flavor and just the right portion size.
(4)
Jimmy F.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago and had a great time! I had the steak salad, and my brother had the lobster po' boy. We shared the brussels sprouts and the popcorn sweetbreads. We both really liked the starters, though the sweetbreads were a really tiny portion, which we didn't really expect. The salad was weird. It was basically an order of steak frites on some arugula with bearnaise on top. However, the steak was AMAZING. I like meat rare, almost mooing, and most places always let me down by overcooking it. They cooked it to perfection. Honestly, kudos to the chef. It was a beautiful steak, seasoned perfectly, and also cooked perfectly. The waitress let me know that they offer the steak in a different set up for dinner, and I can't wait to go back. My brother didn't really love his sandwich, though he did say that it was executed well, he just didn't care for the flavor combination. Service was attentive and on-point. I sadly forgot our servers name, but she was really kind and we were never in need of anything. She even noticed that my brother was wearing a Lima hat, and started chatting with us in Spanish, which was sweet. I look forward to going back and giving their dinner menu a chance!
(4)
C N.
Lively joint with several unique and delicious menu items. The alcohol was very overpriced [ $9 for a Daisy Cuter - Beer]. We had the egg & chips [great snack, one of their larger snacks & at a good price], Sweetbreads [very small but delicious], Deviled Eggs [nothing off the charts], Jerky [unique with good flavor], Brussel sprouts [nice, charred vege], Octopus [ smaller plate & very spicy], Lobster roll [amazing bite, but not very filling] and the gnocchi [out of this world]. I would rate it a 4.5.
(4)
Kris R.
whoa. this place was so damn good. another Stephanie L and Kris R experience that won't be forgotten. refer to her review for our night! it was nutz to buttz on a wed eve. we were able to get some seats at chef's table, which is like, my favorite kind of table. i ordered the vodka (broadway something) drink, twice. it was delicious. i'm not a huge orange fan, but they did this one right, which is why i ordered two. the service was timed nicely. faves were the crisp and egg (check in to get it fo' free), the sweetbreads, the creamed kale, and the ooey gooey. damn, i felt so fat after that. but totes worth it. the mushroom gnocchi was a bit disappointing. maybe salt? it had goat cheese, so i figured it'd be tres amaze. being in the heart of river north, prep for that crowd, you know? wear your button shirt and docksiders. besides that, really great food, great service, great decor, and great drink. even the staff behind the open kitchen were really friendly and awesome. i'd definitely come back with steph on a weekday night.
(5)
Evan K.
Came for Saturday brunch and it was nice to find a place without a line and that takes reservations! Had the burger and corned beef hash. The burger is now one of my favorites, the patty is 30% bacon. The hash was also great, would definitely recommend this place
(5)
Sam C.
pretty solid. the decor reminds me of hubbard inn, with louder more uppity music. food is similar to two, with emphasis on seafood bag of crips plus egg was great to start with. drinks are good, a little pricey for an old fashioned ($22) that was a little on the small side, and not as good as the ones at old fifth. beer list is good as well. prawns were good, but small portion also. cavatelli was great. one thing definitely to try is the warm and gooey - we had some amazing cheesecake inspired dessert that was the best part of the meal. our waitress was awesome - she was very attentive, knew the menu extremely well, and recommend a few great things to try. overall, solid menu, good drinks, small portions. a little pricey, but it's in river north. definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Dan S.
As a diner who is usually biased towards the spicy, ethnic side of the food spectrum, usually traditional American cuisine is something to be avoided as most would agree it is generally fashioned for a bland palette. So it was with much skepticism that my lady and I visited Bottlefork. Ok, honestly we only had three dishes and they were all slam-dunks - The Mediterranean salad was summery and refreshing, the octopus with homemade spam elegantly combined sweet and sour flavors for a sublime dish. The dessert was a cobbler dish that was completely satisfying. It is also worth mentioning the house cocktails expertly crafted and not too sweet - you could easily just visit Bottlefork for their mixology and be happy. What also was impressive was the owner and executive chef was actually helping to expedite when the restaurant was busy on a Friday night - talk about someone who really cares about their restaurant. So in conclusion - go to Bottlefork. It is an underrated gem that will leave you smiling and satisfied - five stars all the way.
What an awesome night out at Bottlefork! The staff was so accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and, of course, the food was just wonderful. My group of four started out ordering the Wagu Beef Jerky and Bag of Crisps and Eggs. Both were addictive and I am dreaming about them while nursing a slight hangover this morning. We shared the Kale Caesar and Mediterranean Salad, Rich Man's Po' Boy (my favorite of the night), Grilled Octopus and homemade spam, and the truly spectacular Ground Bacon Burger. Everything we ordered was so perfectly balanced and indulgent- I am positive that the whole menu is just as wonderful. We had 9:30 reservations and we were seated around 10:00. It's a small space, so my group and I felt a bit in the way, but the hostesses were attentive and sat us ASAP. Great atmosphere (props to the playlist which included Haim and Broken Bells) and the restaurant has a comfortable and cool, yet totally unpretentious, vibe. I am so excited to go back to Bottlefork
(5)
Peter H.
Great atmosphere, 5-Star Service (Thanks Courtney!) and tasty food. The Mushroom Gnocchi & Pork were absolutely amazing!! I can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)
Beth P.
Went to Bottlefork with a small group on Saturday night. I gotta say, it was delicious. We went with the server's recommendations in regards to the smoked lamb ribs and wow, they were awesome. We also shared the mushroom gnocchi and each had a ground bacon burger for our entree with fries. This is no ordinary burger! Holy cow, it was huge and sooo delicious. It cam with a huge pickle on top of the "fork" stuck into the bun. Fun little detail. Cool vibe at the restaurant as well. Overall, a great experience in regards to atmosphere and food. The dessert we shared was amazing as well! Will be back for sure.
(5)
Lauren B.
I waited until after my second time to review, thinking that maybe I just had an off experience or ordered the wrong things. But no - this place is pretty horrible. The food is meh (cooked okay, I suppose but the flavor combinations are awful). The service is worse (we had to ask multiple times for more water, they took so long with my second drink that I tried to cancel it, and then we were asked to leave our table after spending more than $200 on dinner). The overall experience is pretty awful - similar to Dragon Ranch, this place should not last long.
(1)
Katie H.
Based on my dining experience last night, I will not be going back to Bottlefork. The food was good, but for the price, it just wasn't worth it. The portions were small and nothing blew my socks off, to be honest. The service was also lacking. Our server, while sweet and I do believe she was trying her best, did not know what she was doing and made the experience awkward and uncomfortable. Our drinks took unusually long to come and the food came unusually fast-- it was just an odd "hurry up and wait" type of feeling. We felt like we had to eat fast because the next course was coming and our table was small, but then had to wait 20 minutes for our drinks. Two of my friends had a major fiasco with the wine, too. They were told the bottle of white wine they wanted was unavailable, so they chose another (more expensive) bottle of white that came out 20 minutes later ROOM TEMPERATURE. Then, after saying they didn't want the warm wine, they were told the original bottle actually WAS available, so after another 10 minutes, they finally got THAT bottle. It was just really frustrating and the odd part was, the manager came over after the wine finally came...only to do nothing. He basically gave an obligatory apology- we expressed annoyance- and then he walked away. I think the experience could've been salvaged if he had taken the liberty to comp a drink or a couple of our apps or something to show he genuinely cared that the service and our experience had been bad. It was just such an odd experience to have at a new, trendy restaurant. With all of the fabulous restaurants in the city- and even on this particular block- I won't bother with Bottlefork again.
(2)
Sofia J.
Not very impressed with the brunch menu, most of the items are overpriced and quite simple. The Rich man po boy however is like a fish out of water on this menu. Not sure how something so creative was placed among otherwise less than thrilling choices. Foie gras and lightly fried oysters are a phenomenal lobster roll pairing so I absolutely recommend going there just for the Rich Man Po Boy. Oh, and a side of bacon...a very generous maple-glazed side. Also loved the bloody mary, Bottlefork has one of the most uniquely flavored mixes I've tasted.
(3)
Amoli P.
Just stopped in here late last Friday night when we were turned off by the line for Bub City. What an adorable bar and perfect for getting a delicious cocktail and great snacks. We wandered in after midnight so while the main kitchen was closed we were lucky enough to be the first people to ever see and try their new late night menu featuring grilled cheese sandwiches. I can easily see Bottlefork being a great dinner spot earlier in the evening or perfect for happy hour. It's very Longman & Eagle in terms of amazing drinks and very meat-heavy and fancy food items, while still a bit rustic. Bottlefork has an extra elegance to it over L&E to keep with the River North location. When we wandered in after midnight, the bartender asked us what type of drinks we prefer. I said an old-fashioned and my friend said she typically prefers gin. He came back with 2 amazingly perfect creations. My drink was a bourbon based drink with egg white froth deliciousness. My friend's drink was a gin based cocktail with heavenly fruit flavors with it. He nailed it. The late night menu offers 3 different grilled cheeses to choose from at $8 each, or you can get all 3 at $22. Obviously we had to try all 3, so we split the sampler platter and it was easily a full meal (which is embarrassing since we had already eaten dinner earlier that night). I can't wait to come back to Bottlefork with my husband who will truly appreciate the creativity of the cocktails and try their regular menu.
(4)
Lynn H.
Yes, the food and drinks are good, but at the prices they charge, I will probably pass next time. I would say, try it out (definitely some good menu items - it is share style and unique), but once is probably enough. Favorite menu items: Bag of Crisps and Eggs Tots The burger
(3)
Tera D.
A gem in an otherwise douche-tastic area. We had reservations (highly recommend, since it's small) on a weeknight. Got seated in a great booth and shared a couple of items. The popcorn sweetbreads were a hit, even with group members that weren't big offal eaters. The tots are really unique, and worth getting. The creamed kale was more cream than kale, but in a delicious way. And the lobster po' boy was the winner for entrees, although the lamb ribs were really interesting and tasty too. Price is a little high, but what do you expect in that neighborhood. In my mind, the only real downside is that it's small with barely any bar space, so if you're early for your reservation you'll have to go wait at one of the douchy River North bars in the area.
(4)
Curtis H.
This place is terrific, and a perfect spot for an upscale lunch when downtown. Ate here with a friend and shared the DELICIOUS poutine for an appetizer. The braised beef cheek made the dish a total winner. I had one of their varied lunch specials which included an Asian inspired house made "spam" sandwich and a curried lobster bisque. It was a great value at $14. Their cocktails are thoughtful and tastefully inspired as well. I could see myself returning for just their drinks. All in all a great place worth a visit.
(4)
Mouse C.
Bottlefork. What can I say besides you are the biggest dissapointment for me this year since the Real World Explosion aired. I was absolutely JAZZED to come here since I tried thier slider at Baconfest2014 back in April (it was my fav item of the whole fest). Last night, you showed me you are a one trick pony. First off, my dinner crew (WLC what what) and I were greeted, or not greeted, by the most unfriendly waiter on the planet. I was so confused as he just came up to our table and poured water and started talking about drink specials. We didn't get his name until I had to ask (Ray) and I even went as far to ask if he was, IN FACT, our waiter. As he went on to eventually explain the menu to us, he went on this tangent about bringing us back to that one time in the mediterrian....and also the movie Ratatouille. See, now aren't you as confused as us? I thought so. Anyhoo on to the food. As my fellow yelpers pointed out, if you check in you will recieve a free bag of crisps and egg. This was surprsingly very delicious and I do recommend (I mean, its free, why not). For apps, we had the poutine and the tots. The poutine was very good and hearty, while the tots were so - so (not too impressed with those). We each ordered a different dinner to share, which I will list in order of favorite: Rich Man Po' Boy - this was delectable! So rich and yummy. But do not be decieved as I was, the pictures make this sandwhich look very large. It is not, it is a baby sandwhich. Bacon Burger - This was good. The bun and the homemade ketchup made the burger. Again, don't be fooled by the delicious looking pickle you see it topped with on all the pictures. It tastes more like a cucumber than a pickle (wah wahhhhh) Braised Pork Belly - Tasty, but didn't blow my mind. Housemad Spam - This was interesting.....but I think I am just not a SPAM FAN so I wasn't able to put the thought of prison food out of my mind (even though its technically not spam). We did, however, make the wisest choice of the evening in ordering dessert. We ordered the hot and gooey dessert of the day which was a piece of cheesecake served on top of an amazing blueberry field. We also ordered the pretzel carmel sundae which was just as amazing as the hot and gooey. Definitely, definitely order dessert, it is worth the trip believe me. Overall, Bottlefork was overpriced and overated. It saddens me to even write this review because I came in with the highest of hopes. Ah well, live and learn.
(2)
Fei S.
Ordered a dessert cake and the staff gave me a cake plus ice cream. I was amazed how big a portion the dessert was, but the joy soon ended when the server handed me the check. They freaking charged me with the ice cream without me ordering it!!!!! Tried to argue but the server didn't show the slight intention to remove it from my bill. This place will be a pass for me in the future.
(1)
Kathy T.
This place has one of the best services in Chicago. They were very accommodating especially since we came in with a large party. I love the ambiance of this place. The decor was very beautiful! Great food, drinks and service! FYI: they do not make the homemade ice cream on Sunday. I didn't get to try the dessert, but that means I'll have to come back another time.
(5)
Magen R.
Bottlefork definitely lived up to the hype last night when three of my co-workers and I had dinner there. We were starving by the time we were seated as our reservation was for 7:15 and we were not seated until 7:45ish but the free bag of crisps and eggs we got for checking in on Yelp definitely tided us over until we were able to get a sense of the menu and start ordering. Our waitress was super helpful while we perused the menu and gave us some great recommendations, the best of which was encouraging us to order the special of the day, lamb bruschetta. It was amazing and a flavor combo I would never have put together on my own but ended up loving. No one got too crazy with the cocktails but we definitely could've. I tried their Smoke of the Day cocktail and was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The others stuck with beer and wine and were happy with their choices. Once we got through the eggs and the lamb bruschetta we ordered the "popcorn" sweetbreads, braised beef cheese "poutine", smoked lamb ribs, grilled octopus and house made spam, "tots", and roasted parsnips. Each dish was pretty great and was large enough so that each of us could have a taste. Highlights for me were the grilled octopus and the "tots". The octopus had a wonderful tangy flavor that I cannot describe but I absolutely adored it. The "tots" were actually roasted potatoes in a fabulous pimento cheese sauce, they were so awesome we had to get two orders! One of my favorite things about all of the dishes were the way the sauces took the dishes to the next level. The pickled pepper aioli that came with the sweetbreads and the yogurt mint combo on the lamb ribs were outstanding and really heightened the dishes for me. All in all Bottlefork is a great dining experience with excellent service and a rustic, intimate ambiance that I've not found at a lot of other River North spots. I'd definitely recommend hitting up Open Table and getting a reservation ASAP.
(4)
Frances A.
The chips are a must. The egg and vinegar, num num. Barely touched the lobster bisque. So incredibly not impressed. The taste was far too subtle - i fear the cooks forgot the lobster in the ocean. Tots were nothing special. Potato + cheese. That's it. And at $12 for portabella sandwich i was thinking it would be mind blowing, also pretty disappointing. Pretty overpriced for an average menu which was executed pretty mediocre. @Least the service was good
(3)
Bridget H.
The good/great: 1. The Bill Brasky is pricey at $35, but it contains 3 drinks worth of a cocktail and is smooth as silk. A few of us shared the supersized drink and enjoyed every sip. 2. Appetizers- Beef cheek poutine, agyu jerky, Pimento cheese tots - combining many of my favorite things, it's hard to go wrong. 3. Roast Chicken- Far from boring, this was a delicious, albeit somewhat safe, option. The bad/ugly: 1. We had a group of 6 and despite being in a booth, were so spread out that we could barely hear each other. The verdict: A fun stop for drinks and apps before a night out on the town, but not an ideal layout and too noisy for any real conversation or date night.
Fabulous sandwiches - the bread was as delicious as the brisket. We shared the small Market Greens salad with yummy Green Goddess dressing. Really liked the Huckleberry Lemonade - tart and refreshing. Inside was a bit dark so we sat on the small patio. Service was terrific.
(5)
Saba A.
Extremely impressed- great job Billy Dec, especially after the fire incident that shut down your last establishment and closed it down permanently. The staff is great, as always along with all the other Rockit Productions restaurants. Creatively used small restaurant, made reservations on opentable.com and when I checked in with the host, we got a seating for two immediately. Checked in and got the delicious crisps and eggs. A waitress came with a brown paper bag with a room temperature egg, dropped the egg in the bag, shook it up, and wow, heaven in the mouth appetizer. What a great starter for 4 dollars (all though we got it complimentary for checking in on yelp!) More amazing- the drink list. As our waiter exclaimed, each section, red wine, white wine, cocktails, and beers, started from light-dark, light-full, and so forth. Many varieties, mostly local, I have a new favorite beer now too! Check out my pictures, everything I ordered, I loved. Would I come here to sit at the bar, watch the cooking in action, get a drink and appetizer? Absolutely. I like how this spot differs from the rest of the restaurants in River North in accordance to ambiance. Napkins engraved with the word: Bottlefork, pear shaped plates that are not the typical white, a trendy/casual environment, a great place for happy hour as it's not too or too quiet, just a friendly, chatty atmosphere. My husband and I settled in for dessert, impressed again. Sitting between both tables, we overhead people raving about their desserts too, so save room in your stomach for one of those. It was great to meet Jason Ring, the general manager. Cared about our thoughts and what we thought of everything. Can't wait to come back. Fill out the postcard when you get your check, and recommend it to your fellow foodie friend. Can't wait to go back and so happy a nice new restaurant opened in River North.
(5)
Phoebe W.
If you've been following my Yelp reviews for a while, you'll know that I've had some pretty rocky times with certain hard liquors. Absinthe was also no exception. I'll spare you the nitty gritty details, but there may or may not have been some weeping/praying for death in the shower the morning after. Anyway, I've eased into "responsible" absinthe drinking through my new best friend, the Sazerac. I understand the idea of mixing whiskey and absinthe sounds dangerous, but...it's so worth it. I've sampled a few Sazeracs around the city, but Bottlefork is by far my favorite. Holy moly, that cocktail was insanely smooth. Food-wise, Bottlefork's menu is amazing. Highlights include: tots, gnocci, three different kinds of sundaes, and a Rich Man's Po'Boy. Yes Yelp friends, your seafood lust dreams have come true. As in: lobster, fried oysters, AND FOIS GRAS MOUSSE on top of a perfectly toasted bun. The RMPB has single-handedly (if a sandwich could have hands) converted me into a lobster lover. This bearer of lavish aquatic gluttony is under the "shareable" items of the menu. Sorry ladies, the next girls night will feature me eating this sandwich all my by damn self!
(5)
Paul I.
So this place far exceeded our expectations. Our waitress Tina was great! Had the house chips and jerky - great! The bacon burger and Poutine were both very very good. Be adventurous - Give it a try!
(5)
Matt S.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Use the free checkin gift of the crisps&egg. Burger is outstanding, Fried Chicken impressed me (a guy from Texas that grew up on Sunday afternoon fried chicken), and the braised beef cheek poutine was ridiculous. First time in Chicago, but i'll be back as long as this place is here. Loved it!
(5)
Mancow M.
Poached egg shaken in a bag w/ fresh malt vinegar covered homemade potato chips? Uhhh , yes! Housemade pork-belly Spam? Uh huh. Odd and wonderful. Chef Kevin from The 4 Seasons got tired of the corporate controlled life and broke away w/ BottleFork. Teaming w/ promotional machine Billy Dec they have a winner w/ this one. This space used to house a much disliked (unfairly)Mexican Asian fusion joint. It's either small and loud or intimate and exiting. We had great fun. Also, and this ALWAYS comes off wrong, I appreciate that the chef is "fluffy" and enjoys eating. (Translation: he's BIG.) Mario Batalli still holds a grudge against me for pointing that out. Chef Kevin's next place in Bridgeport to be called The Duck Inn I think sounds righteous too. Their drinks are adult and professionally made. I'm so sick of the cute giggling girl in some tight boss mandated clothing that can't make a drink. The people making drinks here are the real deal. This ain't LA and I appreciated their professionalism. And THE thing that Chef Kevin FINALLY did at a hip new place was a REAL desert. Wtf? Yeah,for years I've been so tired of the "too cute for the room" deserts. Can't I just get a piece of cherry pie or a cobbler or crisp? Can I have chocolate cake w/out the drizzle?! Can I have a REAL desert that isn't deconstructed? Here you can. Sometimes it's ok to leave greatness be.
(4)
Jeff O.
Bottlefork is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It's small and often packed, but it's delicious. I've been several times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is intimate, trendy, and chic, and the service is excellent. Drinks - get the Satan's Whiskers, Curled. You won't regret it. It's expensive ($16) but the best cocktail I've ever had (and I've had many a delicious cocktail). Starting with the appetizers - man, the poutine is amazing. I've also had the tots, which are delicious. Entrees - I've had the burger and the orecchiette, both of which are so good that I have not ordered any other entrees on other visits. That said, my fellow diners said that their meals were delicious. Sides - their brussels sprouts are really fantastic, as is their crispy kale with duck egg. I highly recommend both. Overall, it's fantastic. I can't recommend it highly enough. Make sure you have a reservation (reasonably easy to get one a little bit in advance), and for the love of everything delicious, try the poutine.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Nicki W.
Great new addition to the neighborhood! The perfect spot to grab creative cocktails and delicious food. Nice ambiance overall. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic about the concept, and why shouldn't they be? My friend and I shared a few dishes and everything was great. Steak Tartar was spot on, the bowl of greens was great to share and the Rotisserie Chicken with vegetables had amazing flavor and was very filling. The drink list is amazing as well. We tried quite a few of those. Try the Old Fashioned if you want to see a show. Go see Eldridge at the bar. He's pretty awesome!
(4)Miriam D.
Loved our brunch - our server was helpful and sincere. Truly the best Bloody Mary I've ever had. We tried the corned beef hash, the burger, and the sopes. All outstanding.
(5)Tara M.
Ugh. We have had such bad luck with restaurants lately that we have decided to stick to our old standbys for the foreseeable future as a result. That list includes other Billy Dec creations, but definitely not this one. Yes, Bottlefork is River North-y. I am River North-y. I love most things River North-y. But not Bottlefork(-y?). I had been wanting to try Bottlefork since it opened, and we finally stopped in for brunch on Sunday. We had a 1:30pm reservation, arrived at 1:28pm and were seated promptly. I was surprised by how many open tables there were, but now I understand why. The space is really cool, there is no denying that. We sat and reviewed the menu, and at least 15 minutes passed before our server stopped by (I stopped looking at my watch at a certain point). She introduced herself, asked us about drinks. I let her know that we were also ready to order our food because we had been sitting there "for a while." She rolled her eyes, realized what she had done, and tried to fix it with a look of shock. We each ordered their standard Bloody Mary. Ten minutes later they were delivered, and they were, well, gross. It is rare that I turn away a drink that contains alcohol, but this not only contained no vodka, but the mix was super watered down. It tasted like nothing. There were jalapeno seeds in it, but I don't know what purpose they served. The "pickle" that accompanied the drink was a sad, flaccid spear of cucumber that dipped its toe in picking liquid and didn't like how it felt. Another 10 minutes after the drinks were delivered, our server stopped by to see how they were. I told her they were "honestly, terrible" and ordered a vodka soda instead. My boyfriend ordered coffee, having no faith in their ability to make a cocktail at that point. After our server left with them, a girl at the table next to us leaned over and said "Good to know that I'm not the only one who thought the Bloody was terrible." This prompted her friend to take a sip and nod in wide-eyed agreement. For entrees, I had the fish & crisps and he had the corned beef hash. We also ordered sides of tots and ham hollandaise asparagus. The tots were good - big, crispy and soft on the inside. The asparagus was delicious - grilled with lost of hollandaise and topped with prosciutto. The corned beef hash entree was good but VERY rich, drenched in hollandaise. My fish was good, but the accompanying chips were possibly the saltiest thing I have ever eaten. Both of our entrees came topped with runny, poached eggs. I prefer to eat most of my food topped with a runny, poached egg. However, these were UNCOOKED poached eggs. The whites were still raw and more or less transparent. We tried to scrape them off as best we could - after all, our server was already pissed at us, I wasn't about to complain again. We ate what we could, asked for our check, and while we waited for it, two other tables asked our server for their checks, received them, paid and left. We were charged for both the Bloody Marys we sent back and our replacement drinks. At that point we didn't even care, we just wanted to get out of there - knowing that we would soon be sick from consuming raw eggs. And sick...we were.
(2)Rob J.
Great spot, though a little small. The crisps and egg was fantastic!
(4)Bobbie A.
Nice, cozy room for cocktails and some inventive food. Skip the poutine, the server said it was a favorite, maybe its just me not loving any poutine I've tried. Anywho the potato chips are a taste sensation. The lamb ribs had a delicious flavor, though not the best cut of meat to show it off. All around tasty treats for food and liquor.
(3)Stephen H.
Food was great, but way overpriced - just like the beer. The brisket sandwich was $15 which I'd be okay with if it had just ONE side, but it came out alone on little dish. It was tasty, but not exactly overflowing. I had two Super Pils that were delicious but were expensive for 12 ounce pours. Two beers and small sandwich for $34 including tax seems a bit steep to me.
(2)Lindsay S.
Good vibe, great service, but mediocre to bad food. I'll add the caveat my companion had the burger and really enjoyed it. Nothing I had was horrible, but it was all bland or just off.
(3)Steve W.
I chose Bottlefork for a date tonight and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was amazing and the food and drinks were phenomenal! The cocktails were soooo good. The bartenders really know their craft and take care to make the drinks properly. We sampled 4-5 different cocktails and only disliked 1 which had an absinth flavor that was too strong. The chips and egg were OK, but for a real treat I highly recommend ordering the poutine. It was the best poutine I have ever had. For a main course you can't beat the pork belly and sausage dinner and I would kill for the recipe for their creamed kale side dish. All in all I loved this place and I look forward to going back again sometime!
(5)Jenna T.
Came for brunch on a recommendation from a friend. I did have a reservation and was seated right away but the restaurant filled up shortly after we arrived. The food is great- the crisps and eggs was delicious. our burger was cooked perfectly and the french toast was SO GOOD. The only thing i didn't enjoy was how close together the tables were... it kind of felt like I was sitting on top of another table.
(4)C.C. H.
Much to the chagrin of my frugal upbringing, I've been spending a lot of time at places near Merchandise Mart but felt like Bottlefork is worth the expense! The place was initially packed when I showed up around 9:30pm on Thursday night, but there was breathing room around 10pm. Our server Eddie was very fun to talk to and I like the team-based approach to service. Another guy (possibly the GM?) showed up with a glistening, voluptuous poached-in-the-shell egg for our crisps and there was a good deal of showmanship in sliding the egg into a brown-paper bag and giving everything a good shaking. Our table felt as though we should politely applaud at the end of the presentation. Drinks were delivered by another friendly server on a tray. In addition to the crisps, I enjoyed the Big Salty Tears, a drink that was not salty at all and not sweet either despite the use of two sherries. It was smooth on the tongue and subtle in flavor, like a citrusy caramel tea. Cocktails were $14, perhaps $2 more expensive than its peers but I had a great time.
(4)Steph G.
[Out-of-Towner Review] The Yelp God's were watching down on us... ...when we found this spot by happenstance. That's a tiny little lie, we used Yelp to find local spots and we picked this one, mostly due to proximity to where we were and the odd, freezing Chicago evening weather. We'd been Divvy biking for awhile and had built up a huge appetite. It was our attempt to go with the flow and just find somewhere, instead of looking through my lists of recommendations from various people. So, with spontaneity on our side we walked into the BEST last meal in Chicago we could have asked for. It was dim, but it was bustling. I thought there'd be a wait, but there wasn't for a party of two. At first she tried to sit us in a very cramped little two-top, but we asked to try somewhere else. We almost got the 'Chef's Table' bar seats, but sadly we ended up just taking two regular bar seats. As we'd been shuffling about, I'd seen the plate of fried chicken, which essentially meant I was having it. It looked amazing, perfectly battered and fried. Finally seated, we grabbed the menus and went to work. The prices are on the higher side, but as a tourist you get used to it. The vibe is hipster, for sure. They don't even sell soda from the tap, that's how hipster-fancy-cocktail-making they are. Since Yelp helped me find this place, I checked-in on the app and noticed they give you a free appetizer. Who am I to deny anything free? So, I asked the bartender about it and he brought us our "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs in less than a few minutes. He had explained it to us, which left us skeptical. Here's how it goes, a brown lunch bag filled with chips that have added vinegar and salt. In a little ramekin is a poached egg, which he swiftly dumped into the bag of chips. Then he shook them violently. The aftermath of random deliciousness in a bowl was pretty amazing, I'm not sure how the flavors blended so well together, but they did. The chips don't really lose their crispness, but the egg 'sauce' adds great flavor. Already winning, and it was free. We didn't order any adult beverages, which seems to be their thing here. We'd been over indulging all trip and I was ready to have a dinner sans alcohol. J did order a soda and sadly the bartender handed him a glass of ice and the mini Pepsi can. The disappointment of an avid soda drinker was evident across his face. His dreams of endless refills were dashed buy this $2 can of 7.5oz of Pepsi. As for dinner, we ordered to entrees and planned on splitting them both, our normal routine. I had to go with the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger and he went for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It should be noted, when we walked in the door the sandwich board sign said "Home of the Famous Bacon Burger," I knew I was home ;) If you know the burger situation in Chicago (not that I do), then you know about Au Cheval's burger. Bottlefork's burger is on the same level as theirs, yes I said it. The Bacon Burger's flavor profile is much more complex than Au Cheval's, which is why I say they are in the same category. They both kill it. The flavor of just the burger is amazing. The bun is a heavenly carb bonus. The sauce and other fixings complimented the flavor of everything perfectly. Add some huge crispy fries and dipping sauce, and this is a meal made for a hipster-burger-guzzling patron. They way they plate it is also an added bonus, they use a 'green' (re: hippy) wood fork and put a pickle through it on top of the burger. Taste and plating, they win! Who do they think they are feeding with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken? A table of four? For $24 you get your money's worth. They give you four huge pieces of chicken, battered, seasoned, and fried to perfection. Even the huge chunks of white meat where tender and juicy, no fear of dry chicken with this kitchen. We both didn't like the gravy, it had a very strong mustard flavor, mixed with a small hint of vinegar. It just wasn't our thing, but I'm sure you may enjoy it. The griddled biscuit that accompanies this dish, was a huge disk of confusion for taste buds. It was savory, but pancake-esque, but still also like a biscuit. I think after a few bites, we finally gave in to liking it. We probably didn't talk for a good 20 minutes, while we stuffed our faces of this delicious meal. I have so much more to try on this menu, but sadly it will have to wait until I'm back in the Windy City. The desserts looked tempting, but we already had our sights on stopping one more place after dinner, so we passed. The bartenders/servers were awesome, no complaints about anything, really. Other than really awkward seating, this place should be on everyone's list, local or tourist! Saying goodbye is already hard, but even more so when this is your last meal...
(4)Leah C.
I was in town visiting for only 24 hours. As I didn't feel like spending all my caloric intake on a deep dish pizza, I yelped for an American New restaurant and headed here. So glad I did. They sat me at the chef's area of the counter/bar. Since I was dining alone, this provided good entertainment in between conversations with the staff and the diners next to me. All the staff I interacted with were friendly and helpful, but namely my waiter Eddie, Chef Eric, and the General Manager Jason. Eddie made on point recommendations and answered my questions in a detailed and thoughtful manor. To drink, I had the Little Miss cocktail. Good, but the garnish is great. It was like an adult fruit roll-up. I recommend it just for the garnish. For dinner, I had the Octopus, Homemade Spam and Kimchi dish with brussel sprouts as a side. Both dishes could easily be shared, but I was hungry and wasn't afraid of leftovers. The brussel sprouts were typical of the style of late, in a good way, but the octopus dish is where it's at. The octopus was so tender, and the peas and kimchi were bathed in a tangy sauce that made me wish I had bread to sop it all up with. The Spam - well executed for homemade. Being from Hawaii, the Spam consumption capitol of America, I was pleased with their rendition. For dessert, well I had seen pictures and wasn't going to leave without trying something. I was talked into the special dessert for the season - the Pumpkin Cheesecake with marshmallow fluff..a la mode. This dish should be shared, but I managed to put away at least half of it. The soft serve is so great and could be a presented on its own - a thing of beauty. The pumpkin cheesecake is a dream. Exactly as the menu describes and worth every bite. I was wishing I had my husband or a friend with me to share in the experience. I would bring anyone back any day. To the staff, thanks guys for a great dinner!
(5)Rich B.
Eddy Cruz was an awesome server. This place will now be on my list and a recommend for anyone looking for a place to eat in Chicago. The bag of crisps + egg was awesome (as mentioned in previous reviews) There list of beers is exceptional. Their pork belly dishes were top notch. Wasn't a big fan of the desserts, but I'm not a real big dessert guy.
(5)Kelly J.
I wish I would have been more hungry when I came here! Everything we had was excellent! We started with the chips and eggs, the wagyu beef jerky, the deviled eggs and really liked all of them. BF had the rich man po boy and liked it. Good thin it was a small portion as it was very rich. I had the orrechette and spicy chicken sausage pasta and it was very flavorful, but just a touch too spicy for me. It was a satisfying portion, but I couldn't finish it. We were stuffed. Interesting cocktail and a lovely wine list. Excellent service from everyone. Loved the atmosphere and all the fun, funky little bits of decor. Check in on yelp for a free chips and eggs. I'll be back!
(5)Juan F.
Saturday night and this place was dead while all other bars and lounges had long lines to get in. Why did we come here? I don't know. We got a few beers and cocktails but nothing stood out. Check in on Yelp for a free chips and one egg - the soft boiled egg is placed inside a bag and mixed with all the chips coating them with the gooey egg yolk. Sounds good, but the chips were super salty though.
(2)Elizabeth E.
Recently went for lunch and was a little less than impressed. The menu seemed fantastic & the place is very attractive inside although the food was eh. We started with the tuna crudo - which had shrimp cracklings on top. I am not sure what Shrimp cracklings really are but it tasted like fried onion rings on top of avocado & tuna - not a ton of flavor and really didn't need the cracklings. I had the Mediterranean salad with chicken for lunch. What Mediterranean salad doesn't have kalamata olives? It was like green olives. And while the presentation was beautiful the dressing fried cheese, green olive combo was not my favorite. I won't be ordering it again. My new office is right near bottlefork so I plan to go back again and try other items but was disappointed with my first visit.
(3)Bethany W.
Tired of all the places in the loop for lunch I popped over to Bottlefork. I'd been there once right after it opened for dinner and drinks and enjoyed that visit. Lunch wasn't especially busy and I was able to get a table right away. The patio was packed though by 12:00. Since it was lunch I needed to be productive after I steered clear of the mid day cocktails. :( The grilled beer brined chicken sandwich was interesting & tasty. The good: giardiniera was bright, tangy and crisp and not over spicy. The grilled chicken had nice grill marks, flavor and was juicy. Fried pickes...um yes....stick those things on anything and I'll eat it. The not so great...the sandwich is a bit hard to eat meaning that the ingredients were falling out. One half of the sandwich I just ate with a fork. And the pickles...they were good but I feel like they could be better. I would have liked the batter to have a bit more crunch. Would have gave the sandwich another texture.
(4)Adrienne B.
I heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try! I came in with high expectations and left with a slight disappointment. First... Making my reservation was easy! Had a lot of opening for a Friday night on open table. As I walked in I liked the decor and how everything was laid out. However... The place came off as an intimate relaxed environment but it was the opposite. It was very loud with music, so then everyone conversations were louder. So overall loud! As for drinks..they nailed it on this one! Amazing cocktails list! I had the Baysic! It was refreshing, smooth with a ginger kick to it! As for food.. Had the crisp & egg.. It was different and delicious! The food is where I give 3 stars because it was just average! Nothing too special. We had the Mediterranean salad which was good, but could of been better. For the entree we chose the hop braised pork shank. It was good just wasn't expecting a sweet taste to it. I thought it would melt in my mouth but it didn't. Overall I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but it was just average in my opinion. Service was wonderful though!!!
(3)Katie L.
Visiting from Boston, went for brunch. Lovely! We split the tots (you must get the tots!), corned beef hash, and then we shared the French toast at the end as a "desert." Everything was perfect, down to the details (homemade ketchup, great coffee). Andrew at the bar is a DELIGHT! He helped us pick the right dishes, found out the name of the coffee for me, even pointed us in the direction of the closest Patriots bar :)
(5)Matt C.
Where the hipsters go... I found this joint on yelp. Was rolling into Chi-town and thought I'd see whats up. In the past I have been both successful (The Gage) and unsuccessful (Sable) with yelping in Chicago... yelp.com/user_details_re… yelp.com/user_details_re… So this place had really high reviews. And I booked a reservation. The cocktails that we started off with were very good, then we got into it. -A bag of chips with an egg on it. -Kale and the waiter / cook dude delivered the dish and mixed an egg up with a spoon in front of us like we were at some fine dining or something. (My GF actually had to restrain herself from laughing). I was completely confused and wondered what this guy was doing. I guess that was part of the presentation?... -I think I had the lamb main course thing but it was only a few mouthfuls - like rabbit food basically. We actually left there hungry (but had to catch Keller Williams at the Chicago Theatre) so that was more important than hangin' around for more wetty wetty food with eggs on it... Both my GF and I commented that it was over-rated. It was fine. The cocktail was actually best part. But don't think I would go there for dinner again. Maybe a better lunch spot. And don't order the kale with egg, unless you want to laugh.
(3)Ada W.
Came here for Sunday brunch. Very cute place. I know why it's rated one of the best new restaurants. The food was amazing. We had the bag of crisps and eggs. We finished the chips in 3 min! We also had the corn beef brisket hash and Richie's Mom's cast iron baked French Toast. I need to try that Breakfast Sope next time. I also like that this place has quite a few non-alcoholic drinks for the sober me.
(5)Anh H.
The food was ok. We were not very impressed. We ordered Beef jerky, bag of crisps and eggs for starters. Then for entree, we had the smoked wood bacon burger, grilled octopus Brussels sprout kimchi, pork shank and special of the day beer brined beef wagyu sirloin. The burger patty was raw in the middle. The octopus got more sour and more sour after every bite. The pork and beef wagyu were blah... The two things we enjoyed were beef jerky and the fries. That's about it. We complaint to the manager about the raw burger, so he took the burger off the bill and gave us one free dessert, which was nice thing for him to do. However, we didn't really like the dessert either. So overall, I would have given two stars but decided to give this place three stars because of their service....
(3)Lily Z.
The first time I cam here, I was with other Yelp elites for a Yelp event. I can still remember how I fell in love with their sweetbreads and burger. I mean, it's like 30% bacon. Come on now. But this time, I came with my coworkers for a nice staff lunch. I checked in for the free chips. I ordered the Huckleberry juice (very tart, but I liked that), lobster bisque (very creamy and a good portion) and Rich Man's Po' Boy (oyster tasted a little bland?) but without the foie gras. Service was very friendly. The music was confusing because it constantly crossed genres. My coworkers liked their food and the atmosphere. Overall, a great success!
(4)kyle t.
Must make time to write this review! Now for a city that has so many places around to eat finding one that can really stand out seems to be difficult. Without someone to guide you even using Yelp can seem a little daunting, oh well we found this place. Booked a table but when we got there instead of waiting we were asked if we wanted to sit in the window by the kitchen, best decision possible. I highly recommend this place, bar like but overlooking the chefs not a bar. Everyone behind the counter were inviting, open and seemed truly happy that we were sitting there. This is a very well run kitchen and it comes across in the food. Everything we ordered was damn near perfect. Starting with the free app that popped up on Yelp, homemade chips with an egg, yes an egg. They bring out a bag of homemade chips in a bag and a perfectly poached egg. The waiter dropped the egg into the bag and closed it, shook it for a minute or so and poured them out on the plate, best chips EVER! Such a treat to watch them prepare this and the flavor was fantastic, much like the rest of the food. For the main course I was forced to order the burger, not that I wanted one but once I saw it come out of the window I could not say no, even passed up Gnocchi! The burger was wonderful but as always I was outdone. CB ordered the PoBoy, rated one of the top 10 in the country. Now I will say it was amazing but not really worth $25. It was lobster with fried oysters on top. The roll was perfect, the oysters were so good but there were not enough of them for $25. Lobster was fresh and perfectly balanced. I do hope though that Smack Shack doesn't catch wind of the pricing here though because their lobster roll is pretty close in taste but half he price. Overall this is one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Service couldn't have been better, kitchen and the people in it were great and inviting and overall the ambiance fit. Great little room and very warm feel to it. In an area with so many places around it I would definitely go back to this one, we already have it on the list for next time.
(5)Bryan L.
My wife and I made a reservation through Open Table for a Sunday Brunch at Bottlefork while travelling in Chicago for my wife's birthday. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us immediately. We were greeted by the nicest server, she was very friendly and personable! Also very knowledgeable about the menu. I had The Coffee Cocktail, and it was AMAZING!!! So freakin good! Wife has the Bellini. Had two actually.... We started with the Bag of crisps and egg. Unique starter for sure! Wife went nuts over it, I loved it as well. For brunch, She had the Corned beef and Hash, I had the French Toast and I forked over the extra $2 to get the bourbon syrup. The Cast iron skillet gave an awesome crunchy exterior, but the ooey gooey goodness was preserved inside. The house made whipped cream was silky smooth, and the syrup was bourbony delicious! We also had the bacon.. Its a HUGE slab, looks like 1/2 a freakin pound! It was sooooo yummy too. Also had the house made tater tots, highly recommend those as well. Here's the bottom line..... We didn't come here expecting to be blown away. We didn't come here expecting to have some of the best food we'd had all weekend long in Chicago. We didn't come here expecting the best service we'd had in Chicago. But we got all of those things. Food was amazing, Service was awesome, and at the end, we were blown away that everything was just THAT GOOD.
(5)Jay I.
This was a pleasant brunch/lunch. I stopped by this place and sat on a bar for a quick fix. I never look at yelp at a restaurant, but that time i somehow wanted to check in. So I look at it, then there was a free offer of potato chip with eggs if we check in. Damn. Score! I sat on a bar, and asked for that free potato chip, then ordered a soft drink and greek omelette. I think it was either rasberry or grapefruit fix (doesn't remember), and it was quite refreshing. Then I was satisfied with the chips. Basically what they did was adding raw egg to the just fried chips, and it was better than i expected. the omelette was a surprise, too. It had a very good balance with feta cheese and tomato. I was very impressed with what I was served, so asked the bartender if I can order a poutine for sort of a to go, and he said ok. I asked him to wrap it for me on my way out. Then this chef guy who was around the bar, cooking and sending out dishes, started talking to that bartender in front of me about not taking to go orders. I was very irritated by this guy. If this is a policy known to everyone, my bartender would tell me to go is not permitted. If no to go is the policy but my server didn't know, he could have informed the server after I left. So telling him repeatedly with angry tone about not accepting to go in front of me only should mean that the chef is telling me directly "we don't take to go orders. why are you bothering us?" So please either let every server/bar people know about the policy if any, or don't complain in front of customers. It doesn't look good. I was this close to tell you I have no problem leaving the food.
(4)Nadia S.
BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO. Yup. I said it. Sadly I have moved away from Chicago, but each time I visit, I have a reservation set for Bottlefork, without question. The cast iron french toast- I don't even have the words to describe this masterpiece. So even if you order something savory- please, PLEASE order the cast iron french toast to split with your party. You can thank me later ;) And of course, awesome service as always.
(5)Crystal B.
Food was wonderful, yet slightly complicated to decipher with just the menu alone. So we consulted the bartender frequently to describe each beverage and dish. The bartender (with the crazy/awesome hair) was very kind and willing and helped us to choose the best of everything. For dinner we split the beef cheek poutine; do yourself a favor and order it. Amazing! And then had the salted caramel sundae. We left pleasantly satisfied!
(4)Andreas D.
Everything was delicious ! Tried the crisps + eggs which was interesting and good! The way wagyu beef jerky was great and very good flavor if you think it's like store bought jerky you are totally wrong! The octopus had great flavor as well. We had two different drinks unfortunately I can't recall the names because the server just made it for us based on what we liked. Also been there for brunch beef cheek poutine was one of the best fries I have ever had. The breakfast sope had really good flavor and then we finished it off with the French toast which I would try to get anytime I could! Great place!
(5)Andre W.
Me and some friends decided this is where our monthly lunch would take place and it was a helluva good choice. The place is located in between Bub City and Frontera Grill on Clark St in River North. A little smaller than what I imagined but makes up for it with awesome, knowledgeable service and really good food. I used my Yelp check in as usual and that awarded me a free Bag of Crisps & Eggs. What is that you ask? Well it is a bag of salt & vinegar chips with a poached egg on a shaken bag and poured onto a plate afterwards...simply delicious and a great idea as a starter. I decided to go with the Grilled Beer Brined Chicken sandwich for my lunch and it was one of those moments that I was afraid to take a bite into as the waiter described it as a really awesome sandwich. He didn't lie as it was good as hell! It includes beer mustard aioli and giardiniera along with the honey chicken. I tasted my friend's Roasted Portobello Sandwich and it was just as good as my sandwich as it includes goat cheese, red onions and frisee'. Good spot to check out and I def will be back for brunch and dinner.
(5)Anthony C.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in quite a while. The food, the drinks, the music, the lighting, the entire ambiance was outstanding. Oddly enough, I had never seen or heard of this spot before arriving - even though I live in River North. I think it's location, right next to Bub City, really takes away from its visibility. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be back and will recommend this place to anyone that will listen.
(5)Brittany S.
Note to self: revisit ASAP to claim the egg yolk covered house made potato chips via the Yelp check-in offer. Other notes to self: Call ahead to confirm that the hot and gooey cheesecake with fruit served alongside homemade vanilla ice cream is on the menu. Get ready for a big statement: this is one of the BEST desserts I have ever experienced. Take a moment to appreciate the Yelp shout out of sorts in the bathroom. The cheese board receives 5 stars in my book thanks to the pickled relish and delicious mustard. Had it not been for my dining companions, I would have lifted the relish cup up to my mouth and had my way with those tasty pickled veggies. Super cozy, low lit space with fun decor. I cannot speak highly enough for this dining experience. Now, please bring me home the dessert in a doggy bag...
(5)Katie P.
Some of the best cocktails in River North. The prescription sazerac is one of my favorites, very boozy, but they do lighter cocktails well too. The snack food: the wagyu jerky, the crisps and egg, the chicharron, and the TOTS. The tots take the cake, we got seconds and devoured both rounds. Skip the sweetbreads, not very interesting. Havent eaten a meal there because its just obnoxiously expensive, even for river north. But the snacks are a pretty good deal and pair perfectly with the great drinks.
(4)Mancow M.
Poached egg shaken in a bag w/ fresh malt vinegar covered homemade potato chips? Uhhh , yes! Housemade pork-belly Spam? Uh huh. Odd and wonderful. Chef Kevin from The 4 Seasons got tired of the corporate controlled life and broke away w/ BottleFork. Teaming w/ promotional machine Billy Dec they have a winner w/ this one. This space used to house a much disliked (unfairly)Mexican Asian fusion joint. It's either small and loud or intimate and exiting. We had great fun. Also, and this ALWAYS comes off wrong, I appreciate that the chef is "fluffy" and enjoys eating. (Translation: he's BIG.) Mario Batalli still holds a grudge against me for pointing that out. Chef Kevin's next place in Bridgeport to be called The Duck Inn I think sounds righteous too. Their drinks are adult and professionally made. I'm so sick of the cute giggling girl in some tight boss mandated clothing that can't make a drink. The people making drinks here are the real deal. This ain't LA and I appreciated their professionalism. And THE thing that Chef Kevin FINALLY did at a hip new place was a REAL desert. Wtf? Yeah,for years I've been so tired of the "too cute for the room" deserts. Can't I just get a piece of cherry pie or a cobbler or crisp? Can I have chocolate cake w/out the drizzle?! Can I have a REAL desert that isn't deconstructed? Here you can. Sometimes it's ok to leave greatness be.
(4)Maxie H.
Loved this place! We came here for drinks after lunch, and it was amazing. We ordered the bloody mary, amaretto sour and the coffee. The drinks are off the chain! The bloody mary is to die for. It really is the best we ever had. We really enjoyed the drinks and wished that we came here for lunch. The entrees sounded delicious! We will be back here for brunch!
(5)Daisy D.
Took my husband here for drinks and lite apps before dinner at Chicago Cut. The two dishes we had were really amazing. -Tuna Crudo with shrimp crackin' and some kind of amazing Jamaican ketchup -Rich Man Po' Boy. We shared one but could've easily had one each. Picked to perfection, the flavors in this sandwich are like any other. Looking forward to going back!
(5)Jeff O.
Bottlefork is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It's small and often packed, but it's delicious. I've been several times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is intimate, trendy, and chic, and the service is excellent. Drinks - get the Satan's Whiskers, Curled. You won't regret it. It's expensive ($16) but the best cocktail I've ever had (and I've had many a delicious cocktail). Starting with the appetizers - man, the poutine is amazing. I've also had the tots, which are delicious. Entrees - I've had the burger and the orecchiette, both of which are so good that I have not ordered any other entrees on other visits. That said, my fellow diners said that their meals were delicious. Sides - their brussels sprouts are really fantastic, as is their crispy kale with duck egg. I highly recommend both. Overall, it's fantastic. I can't recommend it highly enough. Make sure you have a reservation (reasonably easy to get one a little bit in advance), and for the love of everything delicious, try the poutine.
(5)Gillian C.
We just finished up dinner here with 4 adults and two little girls. Bottlefork is not really a kids place, but our server, nick b, was THE SHIT. Not only did nick make amazing food and drink recommendations for the adults, but he was super accommodating to the little girls and spoke to them directly, which made them feel like real adults when they were ordering. The food was awesome. Highlights were the Brussels sprouts, gnocchi, burger, and holy melted cheesecake, so delicious. After dinner my sister in law commented that he was "probably the best waiter I have ever had". He was seriously awesome and made our whole dinner better!
(5)Jackie M.
The menu sounds better then what it is. I came for lunch and had the bag of crisp with egg. It was interesting how a raw egg was cracked and mixed into a bag of house chips. Eat it quick before it gets soggy!! For the rich man po boy which has foie gras, fried oyster, and lobster. I was so excited to eat it. It was drenched in butter and garlic which overpower the seafood flavor. It wa tasty by the bite due to the garlic. You are better off getting a lobster roll elsewhere because there's lack of flavor in foie or oyster. For the poutine, I only ate half and it was mostly cheese. Donut was good.
(3)skip l.
Great reputation, great menu, wonderful reviews -- what more could you ask? We chose Bottlefork for a celebratory brunch when our son received his graduate degree. Sadly, we were disappointed both with the uneven quality of the food and other aspects of the visit. In fairness, we'd give Bottlefork three stars for the food, and four for personality, of the staff, from our reservation call to person who called back to confirm the reservation, to the server, to the person who responded when our server disappeared. But our visit was not a four star experience much less five stars.. The meal: Some of us began with a coffee bourbon based cocktail; a wondeful combination of ingredients that suggested a fine meal ahead. For appetizers we ordered their lemon poppy seed donut holes in a bag, beef cheek poutine, and iron baked french toast. Each was beautifully presented: the holes in a "bag", poutine in a bowl (with nice wooden serving implements), and the French toast in a frying pan. The donut holes were deep fried cake donuts with a sugar glaze: good lemon/spice flavor, but fall-apart dry and not special (day old?) The poutine was tasty and very good; just not especially so. The French toast was wonderful, with sides and bottom of caramelized brown sugar. (This had been suggested by the waitress as an entre; good suggestion; she should have mentioned the bourbon maple syrup that we hadn't notice on the menu). Unfortunately, those two items and the coffee cocktail were the only highlights of the visit. As for entrees we had the bacon burgers, the Greek omlet, and three of the "Rich Man's Po Boy: a lobster roll with fried breaded oysters, lobster, and "foie" (but no discernable "gras.") The burger was good, again nicely presented, but not exemplary in flavor; the Greek omelette was well filled and sauced with tsotziki sauce, but with the eggs in a thicker layer than usual in a chef-run restaurant, and ok but not memorable. The PoBOy lobster roll had good fried oysters on top and a generous portion of lobsters but -- not identified as hotly spiced. While "Po Boys" are sometimes spicy, just as often they are not. This should have been noted by the waitress. Other disappointments? Our first: The person who answered the telephone and the person who confirmed our reservation assured me the restaurant was handicapped accessible -- and that they had some seating that was not of the "perch" variety. I had explained that we had a 93 year old woman in the party. I was assured there was no problem. But when we arrived, there were two steps up at the entrance. We managed this, though not happily. Leaving was more difficult. Then at the banquette reserved for us we found it was indeed perched seating -- lower that other high seats in the restaruant, but still seats on which ones feet were off the floor. Our second: our waitress was very warm and helpful but inexperienced; our entrees were served before we had finished our appetizers. This was poor timing. Worse, because of an uneven table, one of our three Po Boy lobster rolls was inverted with the ingredients spilled out on the tabletop. While immediately cleaned up and re-ordered, that meant that one of our party received his entre as the others were finishing theirs. I expected at least an apology from the manager or a complimentary item -- or the item removed from the bill. But we received only a "sorry" from the waitress during the cleanup. That's not four stars. Our third: we waited several minutes after finishing the meal with no sign of the waitress -- more than enough time for a bathroom stop for one member of the party. That's when I flagged down another server. In a long restaurant with our table visible from the bar and the kitchen someone shold have noticed. Our fouth: When the check arrived, tucked on top were a promotional piece and under that a rating card. The rating has been completed in advance, rating the experience excellent in all categories and nothing else completed. While this may have been a simple mistake, we were among the first customers of the day so the card should have been looked at the night before, if not just before presenting it. All this said, the meal was good -- just and not up to the reviews, or to the standards their location and pricing suggests. For poutine, visit Mash in Lincoln Square. Theirs is as good with several meat options and at a better price; for donut holes in a bag, those at the Peckish Pig on Howard. While their donut holes are not lemon seed, they are extraordinary: light and served hot - worth a visit for themselves.
(2)Christi M.
Wish there were more than five stars to give- this place was amazing from start to finish. We spotted Bottlefork when we were dining at Frontera and were able to get reservations via Open Table for the next night. Got lucky and were seated at the bar in front of the kitchen which was great. We were able to see everything coming out and everyone was very patient with our questions "what was that?" as each item was complete. We played menu bingo throughout our meal. Since we checked in on Yelp we received a free crisps and egg which is freshly made potato chips shaken in a brown bag with a poached egg. Very tasty. The Mediterranean salad was delicious. Fried cheese on top, grilled lettuce with vinaigrette and eggplant hummus underneath. The creamy kale was topped with a perfect egg and was nicely done. Entrees were the pork belly with a wonderful house made chorizo and a freshly prepared rich mans po' boy. We finished with the dessert special- a brownie brûlée - gooey brownie on the bottom and creme brûlée topping - wonderfully crispy. We added the house made vanilla soft serve which is definitely the best vanilla ice cream I have ever had. It was amazing. Basically everything we ate was perfect. Super tasty. And the service was impeccable all around. Erin, our server, was right there when we needed her and provided great input. The restaurant was packed and she was very busy but she always took her time with us and was never rushed. The expeditor was fun to watch and was clearly focused on making sure everything came out perfectly. Didn't get his name but he happily provided info on each of the dishes to everyone who asked (I wasn't the only one). Everything looks delicious so of course people are curious. My son changed his mind a couple of times based on watching the kitchen. Every single person we encountered was friendly and polite. I left my power bank on the bar and they tried running after us to give it back and had it right there when we came back in to pick it up. Highly, highly recommended but make reservations or be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)Jenna G.
I've always had trouble getting the staff to seat my party at the time our reservation has been made. I've gone more than five times and somehow their system is not working. However, the staff is friendly, knowledgable and attentive. The food and drinks come quickly, even if portioning is on the small side. On a personal note, something about the seasoning or flavor profiles seems "funky" and not in a good way. Several friends share my opinion, after trying their brisket hash and anchovy Caesar salad. However, I keep coming back because the execution is impeccable, even if the seasoning sometimes is confusing to the palate. Good, seems it will be great, then is a little weird, but in the end is satisfying.
(3)Curtis H.
This place is terrific, and a perfect spot for an upscale lunch when downtown. Ate here with a friend and shared the DELICIOUS poutine for an appetizer. The braised beef cheek made the dish a total winner. I had one of their varied lunch specials which included an Asian inspired house made "spam" sandwich and a curried lobster bisque. It was a great value at $14. Their cocktails are thoughtful and tastefully inspired as well. I could see myself returning for just their drinks. All in all a great place worth a visit.
(4)Jenny C.
Love this hot new restaurant in River North! Creative menu items and awesome service. Great cocktail menu - their bartender studied under the Aviary bartender! Try the Loft on broadway cocktail if you like citrusy drinks with just a pinch of sweetness. Must try items: - Bag of chips: Vinegar and runny egg on homemade chips. Sounds weird but it's so awesome! The chips really opens up your palate and make you salivate for more food. - Rich man po boy: Chunks of lobster meat in a buttery roll with breaded oyster on top. Felt the oyster wasn't needed as the lobster roll could have stood alone, but the oyster was fried perfectly! - Mushroom gnocchi: Earthy comfort food, great for a cold winter night - Grilled kale and squash: Great flavors, especially mixed with melted cheese on top - Sundae with beer foam and streusel: Perfect ending to our meal. Sweet and salty. Streusel brings a great crunch to the ice cream. Also, who can say no to beer foam?! Our waitress was so energetic about the menu! Really refreshing to interact with her throughout the meal. The general manager came by several time to converse with us and make sure we enjoyed everything. Cool vibe, intimate seating and lighting. Long bar where couples can have a nice meal and drinks at as well.
(5)Mark F.
I had brunch here one Sunday. I sat at the bar by myself. Waitstaff kept bumping my chair, which was a little annoying. The food was good ... I had the hash brisket. I will definitely come back as Adam, the bartender, is super-talented and makes great cocktails.
(4)Max G.
It started with a slow cooked egg. it jiggled in the bowl the server brought it in. mesmerized, i watched him slip the egg into the bag of malted vinegar chips and shake it all around. that's what it's all about. tasty food. great drinks menu. many house made flavoring agents. no complaints here.
(4)L. Danovia ..
My brunch buddy and I made last minute reservations for a late Saturday morning. He had the burger and I had the french toast. We enjoyed both items. Service was fast and friendly. Will return.
(4)Kristin M.
First learned of Bottlefork through a Yelp event and was really impressed with the food. Returned because of the food with a group of friends who have tried their fair share of Chicago restaurants. We were all impressed with the solid food, service, and ambiance. We particularly loved the poutine (get those over the tots if you're debating), the Mediterranean salad (trust me it's soooo good), and the asparagus (again, so good!) they also have a really cool selection of cocktails, and I'd highly recommend the No Tea, No Shade cocktail if they still have it. Also a great selection of beer and wine. Overall, Bottlefork is a must try spot--would be good for a group, after work happy hour, or just anyone looking for an absolutely delicious and satisfying meal. The ambiance was lively, and it was busy on a week night like most River North spots. Oh, and not too young/fratty.
(5)Shannon N.
I live in Northcenter and rarely find myself in the loop these days, so when my sister-in-law wanted to meet for drinks while she was in town for a conference, I turned to yelp. I found Bottlefork and we decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The place is fairly small, we got there shortly after five on a Thursday night and already all of their walk in tables had been taken and the rest were reserved. We had no problem sitting at the bar, but even for two people I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is a mixture of upscale modern and antique, but not at all pretentious. Mostly business and young couples. We each had a martini, a beer and shared a few plates between the two of us. Martini was goos, and they have a good beer selection with a lot of local breweries. We shared the smoked salmon deviled eggs, the andouille sausage flatbread and the gnocchi. The deviled eggs were awesome, I've never had anything quite like that. The flatbread and gnocchi were delicious as well, cooked perfectly and flavorful. It was a bit pricey, as is expected in that area. I think our bill was just over $90 for the two of us, but for a fun night out it was worth it and I would go there again with out of town guests!
(4)Krsna V.
Somebody in this establishment is a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race. Why wouldn't you be, it is the greatest show on tv? The "No Tea, No Shade" cocktail is everything RuPaul means when he says it on his show. With right proportions of tequila, mezcal, and earl grey syrup, this cocktail is a perfect embodiment of the phrase No T, No Shade. I have been away in the jungles for too long...I missed expertly crafted cocktails. After coming back home to Chicago, I was treated to an evening out by Preet, who suggested we check this place out. What a treat, indeed! Yelp checkin gives you a free appetizer of chips and egg, which is a poached egg shaken vigorously in a bag of chips. Deliciousness! We also tried the Tuna Crudo and Smoked spot Prawns, which were excellent. The avocado topping on the tuna crudo was stellar and the prawns were expertly smoked/ grilled. Since we both love our cocktails - we decided to try others. I went with a Loft on Broadway, which smells, tastes, and looks divine. The Violette liqueur elevates the drink to another level. Preet had the Satan's Whiskers, which made it feel like we stepping in to the dark side. Since we don't stop at two cocktails (who drinks just two cocktails?), we decided to try more. In honor of Gojira/ Godzilla and wanting to feel like a reptile, I opted for the Big Salty Tears. The frothy egg on top and the orange flower water sealed the deal. It was a great way to re-acclimatize myself to Chicago and the wonderful world of artisan cocktails. I now have to catch up on seasons 5 and 6 of RuPaul drag race. No T, No Shade...hunty!!
(5)Rob B.
This is a small bar with big food, and if your watching your fat, don't come here. Well,crafted dishes are on hand and so is the excess. We had the fried sweet breads, poached egg with fried potato chips, french fries poutine and the special salad with fried cheese on top. Well by the end I was well,,,fried. We had the cobbler and frozen yoghurt for dessert, perhaps the lightest option on the table tonight.
(4)Sonia B.
Great food, great service, and great ambiance! Oh my goodness, my tummy was SO happy when I ate here with my husband! Absolutely amazing! We started with the chips/poached egg and the wagyu beef jerky for appetizer. I highly recommend both! The chips/poached egg was interesting. Our server came over with a bag of chips, put in a poached egg, shook it like crazy and poured it into a bowl...and whoa yumminess! It was a great blend of saltiness, sour/tart (vinegar) and richness from the egg. And I don't even like eggs! The wagyu beef jerky was my favorite thing all night! It was absolutely delectable! The flavor was amazing and it was cooked to perfection...not overdone, but enough crispiness....yummmm! I hope that is a mainstay on the menu! For our entrees, my husband and I shared the bbq tamarind lamb ribs, tots, and a pasta w/ chicken sausage. All were amazing!!! And to cap off the evening we got the pretzel sundae w/ the stout! SO GOOD! I had heard about the brownie brulee, but it wasn't my lucky night, that wasn't the featured gooey dessert. :( I will be frequenting Bottlefork until I get to try the brownie brulee...lol! Our server was awesome...not sure if it's ok to mention her name on here....so, i'll just skip it and hope you get her! It was refreshing after having crappy service at a different Rockit Ranch restaurant. The menu changes weekly and I can't imagine you won't enjoy your dining experience! I'll definitely be back!
(5)Bridget H.
The good/great: 1. The Bill Brasky is pricey at $35, but it contains 3 drinks worth of a cocktail and is smooth as silk. A few of us shared the supersized drink and enjoyed every sip. 2. Appetizers- Beef cheek poutine, agyu jerky, Pimento cheese tots - combining many of my favorite things, it's hard to go wrong. 3. Roast Chicken- Far from boring, this was a delicious, albeit somewhat safe, option. The bad/ugly: 1. We had a group of 6 and despite being in a booth, were so spread out that we could barely hear each other. The verdict: A fun stop for drinks and apps before a night out on the town, but not an ideal layout and too noisy for any real conversation or date night.
(4)Lisa S.
Food was good service good and the place was hopping! Went with a group of 10. The place was a little tight for that. We had the crisps - which were just a trendy thing - and the to die for brussels sprouts as apps. Also had the tots which were ok. The serving dishes had paper on the bottom which detracted from the presentation and showed how much grease you were consuming. . My meal was the rich man's po boy which is cold lobster, fried oyster and foie. I couldn't taste the foie. The bun was too greasy. The chunks of lobster were good, large and meaty. I was disappointed - got it for the foie gras and it wasnt there. One of the other folks got the pork belly with sweet potato that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beer and wine selection was good.
(3)Pack C.
We love the experience at the place; interesting cocktails, good selection of beer, good food. My favorite part was probably yelp check-in will give you a complimentary homemade chips with well poached eggs. It sounds weird but it's actually yummy! My main con for the place is it's definitely more pricey than what I thought. Food portion is pretty small even those from the shared plates section. Below were items that we tried. We loved everything we tried. the problem was just the portion & price. Deep fried sweetbread: it's the highly recommended item. It was ok for me. Not sure if it's because I was picturing 'sweetbread' while chewing it. Well, at least I tried Poutine: yummy Po boy: it's basically a lobster roll with fried oyster on top for $25. That was pricey for me, no side even! Bacon burger Octopus homemade spam & kimchi
(3)Jialing L.
came here with a reservation for dinner with my friends. the server was extremely friendly and gave us a good overview of the menu. we got a free crisp n egg due to a yelp checkin and then ordered the beef cheek poutine and potato gnocchi to share. The beef cheek poutine is my favorite poutine in Chicago so far and the potato gnocchi with mushrooms was flavored very well and soft. we also ordered two bacon burgers to share between 4 of us and it was really good. loved the slaw in the burger and the party itself was juicy. it was the first time I had medium rare but it was a good experience and I loved the mix of beef and bacon. The bun was also really good and crispy on the side. Enjoyed my visit and will recommend this place and try to come back.
(4)Tara L.
After waiting 50 minutes, our waitress informed us that the soft serve machine won't be ready for an hour so no affogatto. I ordered a cappuccino instead. She brought me espresso with a tiny dollop of foam so I had to ask her to bring some more. We used the free chips from yelp but had to remind her to bring them. When the food finally came, it was actually really good - just small portions. Overall, a pretty good place for brunch, just seemed a little understaffed.
(3)Stephen S.
The cocktail menu is spendy but ya gotta pay those River North rents somehow. Fortunately, their drinks offer tons of flavor and are worth the price you pay. I also love the carefully selected beer list including a house offering coming from a collaboration with Chicago's own Begyle Brewing. In fact, most of the beers on tap come hail from local breweries and not the big ones you'd see everywhere. Bottlefork is giving love to the local boys who really need it, and I think that's something to really appreciate.
(4)Tricia F.
Came for lunch and the food was decent but didn't meet high expectations I had developed after hearing great things from friends. The ambiance is great and what made me give 3 stars. The service, however, was not. Maybe our server was having a bad day but, for a not very crowded lunch service, she was inattentive, dismissive and a bit rude. Made it hard to enjoy the nice but only ok food.
(3)Katherine M.
So the food here was pretty good but I have to say places like Girl & The Goat, Blackbird and Publican do this style of food better. Highlights: crispy Brussels sprouts and the grilled octopus and spam are phenomenal. The orecchiette is also damn spectacular so be sure to order these items. The braised pork belly and tots get honorable mentions but I feel like you could find them at any new american restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is like you stepped into a high-end backwoods cabin. It's busy but not too loud and the wait staff is attentive. They have an extensive drink list that includes some solid beer options. I'd say if you want a nice dinner out - this place not only have good food but it's easy to get into and might even save you a few bucks.
(3)Lingyi P.
Came for weekday lunch with a friend. The food menu was limited to salads and sandwiches. Got the crisps and eggs, grilled beer chicken sandwich, and tots which were all ok but not great. I would give the food 3 stars, but the service was disappointing. We waited 40+ minutes for our entrees, which is an issue for lunch during the workday.
(2)Hilary G.
This place is AMAZEBALLS. First off the drinks are out of this world. The cigars and brandy and the brasky everybody MUST try. My boyfriend and I went in there one sunday and tried nearly everything. Im pretty sure the staff was sure we wouldn't be able to walk out lol. Out waiter upsold us on everything and we couldn't have been happier. The food was a little heavy, but beeing from Texas its nothing we couldn't handle. We had tried almost every drink and the manager was bringing over one last cigar and brandy for us when we started talking to him about THE BILL BRASKY... My boyfriend was having two of his best friends coming in town the next weekend and was already vowing to bring them to bottlefork. I of course was jealous because I wasn't going to be there and wanted to be there for the debauchery (I live out of town). I mentioned how I wanted to be there to try the brasky with them and of course being the best restaurant around they brought one on the house just for us, and emailed us the receipe! The presentation of this and the cigars and brandy is as good as it gets for my bae (NO i dont seriously use this word) and I.
(5)Mary S.
What a cute place for meeting friends after work or getting your night started. Met two previous co-workers here, having made a reservation for a week night. Glad I made that reservation because by 7pm they were packed! They have an impressive beer list, which is nice to see, and they even brew their own beers locally. Shared the tuna crudo and fries with cheese sauce, which were tasty. I really liked the crisp crackers that came with the tuna. They were able to bring more crackers for us too, no charge, and very attentive to this. I shared the Mediterranean salad which was fresh, albeit it fairly small, not just for sharing, but had it been for an entrée. The prices are a bit high, but what you could expect for the River North area. Not sure I'll be coming back for a $20 entrée though, just not sure it's worth that much.
(3)Jenny S.
Came here for lunch and was seated right away. I ordered the fish sandwich which was delicious! Cod fish, a big one! Ordered a side of fries and they were yummy, although I wasn't too much of a fan of the aioli they had on it. Fries were fried perfectly, not too soggy. I enjoyed lunch here. It was my first time and and I definitely will be back. Loved the Kale side dish! Delicious. Thank you again!
(4)Michael S.
Have been traveling to Chicago often lately for work and in the process of building my list of to go places. Bottlefork has now made the list. Had dinner there tonight, had their Monday night burger special with crispy bruseel sprouts. Burger was cooked perfect, cheedar cheese, arugla, pickled onions, slab of bacon (yum) with egg on top. Not the healthiest option but was delicious as were the fries that came with it. The crispy brussel sprouts were very good too. Bottlefork has a great selection on the menu with great ambience inside. Good place to eat alone. Evening was enjoyable and I see a return trip in the future.
(4)Nicole L.
I was expecting something really great given Rockit and Sundas success, but honestly I was not impressed with this new restaurant. Went in at 830 on a Thursday night expecting a wait, but the hostess said just go to the bar and a table was getting up so they would seat us shortly. This was great news! However after 30 minutes of no word from the hostess we checked back in and she said she had given the table to someone else and it would be another hour. Without any notice! Very annoying. Additionally, when we sat at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get greeted and order a drink, and another 4 attempts just to get a water! Although the food was ok, it was very overpriced considering the poor service. I won't be coming back here.
(2)Kurt W.
I have only been as happy as this at Peter Luger. Everything was amazing. The smoke of the day cocktail was wonderful. Chips, donut holes, tots and burger were ridiculous. Bacon was an experience. Waiter was excellent and described everything to a tee. Just hands down one of my favorites now for Chicago. Grown man's meal.
(5)Jonathan C.
We came here for lunch. Overall the experience was good. The host was very nice (even though we were 20 mins late). He took us right to the table. The server was very detailed in his explanation of the food. He was also very knowledgeable with the ingredients, which is always a plus. We ordered two appetizers to share, the bag of crisps, in which they mix a poached egg to a bag of homemade potato crisps in front of you, and the tater tot. The chips was a bit too salty for my taste, but it was good. The tater tot was really good, perfect size and very flavorful without overpowering. I had the special, Spam (made in house) Banh Mi with Lobster Bisque. The Banh Mi was pretty good, although I would argue that the spam could be a bit bigger or need another piece, and it needs more daikon/carrot. It was good but not the best. The soup caught me off guard because it tastes more like an thai lobster curry soup than a "traditional" lobster bisque. Its not as creamy and thick. After a couple sips, it was actually pretty good. I do like it a lot, and it paired very well with the bahn mi. I would probably go back for another business lunch/dinner but probably not on my own. The food is good and definitely very intriguing, but when factored in the price, it a bit overpriced.
(3)Danny W.
Somebody fill my glass with a Bill Brasky (35 dollar drink, only one per person) and sprinkle on a crushed up Xanax. If you don't have a panic attack before being seated at Bottlefork you'll absolutely love it. If you can't do close quarters and hefty wait times though, you may want to make plans somewhere else. The space is super narrow, crowded, and a lot of people linger after eating so it's tough for the restaurant to keep on it's reservation schedule. Can't blame them for being popular, but it's definitely an issue to be aware of. If you've got the patience it's most certainly worth the wait. Food is phenomenal and it's an excellent menu for sharing. I tried the Scotch Eggs, Crisps, Chorizo Stuffed Squid, Poutine, Tots, Cauliflower, and Gnocchi each was which was even more amazing than the previous dish. Cocktails are clever and pretty damn strong if you didn't quite gather that from the Brasky description. Service was on point and I've got to give them props for being able to maneuver so well in such close quarters. A little on the pricey side? Sure, but definitely worth every penny when you put the food experience into perspective. I'll definitely be back, but either really early or really late to try and avoid the daunting dinner rush. ,
(4)Cody H.
This place lives and dies by experimenting with things. The Chips and Poached Egg App? Great. Stacking fried cod and chips (not fries) on a sandwich SOUNDS good but the practice is a soggy mess that did not really taste that good to begin with. Decent drink menu, but listing some bottles is not that hard. Their cocktails are try-hard and fail-sure. Except for the Bill Brasky... that is a man's cocktail. Skip it.
(2)Madison L.
The bag of crisps and egg was very cool- more than just potato chips. Their bellinis are delicious and also their popcorn sweetbreads was also tasty. Their pork belly was delicious and I love the great service. Definitely crowded though, but with such a cool ambience - I expected this!
(4)Venice Beach Dad K.
WTF?! This place has been good enough for me to return for a third time, and they've outdone themselves!! Whew... The brussel sprouts are top shelf; not that over salted mess you get at some of these other 'high end' gastropubs in Chicagoland I could chew on the wagyu jerky all day The creamed kale salad is worth fighting over ...and I'm not mad at the Tuna Crudo. It's fresh and fun (weird for a dude to admit) Put this place on your list, it's on par with The Publican. Thank you Chicago for providing proper gastropubs for wary travelers like me
(5)Janet X.
I've been here once for brunch and once for dinner, and I will say that this place is good but way overpriced. There is nothing especially memorable but every time I walk away with a bill that's priced as if this was a celebratory meal. Definitely remember to check in and get the bag of crisps, which were good but nothing that I would have paid $5 for. The brussel sprouts and the French Toast also fall under the category of really delicious but should have been $2-3 less than their actual price. Avoid: the mussels (tiny, tiny). Service was hit or miss (okay during our brunch, really difficult during our busy dinner reservation). Their table configuration also makes it really hard to get in and out. Might not recommend for a cozy date as everybody near you could probably listen in on your conversation.
(3)Ryan B.
From the moment my gf and I walked in we felt at home in Bottlefork. Our server Billy was incredible and ensured that we had an amazing time. The brisket hash was smokey, salty, savory and just a bit sweet. It blew me away. I cannot sell the red velvet doughnuts enough. They are not overly sweet, they are more buttery and savory with a slight sugar backbone. If you want sweet add the cream cheese... I didn't. The Bloody Mary...awesome. I enjoyed it quite a bit and hope to have many more before I depart this earth. The tiny pickled egg only enhanced the eggsperience... Sorry, I had too. Finally, the smoke of the day was outstanding ( thanks Billy) get that when you stop by!
(5)C A.
Great food and great desserts. We've been 3 times and haven't found anything yet we didn't like yet. The Rich Man's Po' Boy is probably our favorite so far. Sitting at the Chef's counter is great if you like the interaction with the kitchen. Prices can be a little high, but comparable to other locations in that area of the city.
(4)Leila T.
Not good at all!!!!! And the portions were so tiny! My boyfriend got the potato gnocchi and it was literally the smallest bowl with 10 gnocchi and some mushrooms and some mushroom sauce. Such a small portion! I got the flatbread which was okay but not worth $16. Another person we were with got the special which was squid ink pasta with lump crab meat but there was barely anyyyy crab at all. Just was not worth the $ due to small portions/not great taste.
(1)Han C.
Fantastic food, friendly service and classy decor. Bottlefork came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed!
(5)L S.
Delicious! Everything we ate was outstanding- we sat at the chefs bar/table so it was really fun to watch the kitchen buzz with all of those creative minds working in sync. Obviously it was packed- there was an insane wait (luckily we had reservations!) but sitting there in front of the chefs zone- we only really noticed that. Great seats if you can get them. We ordered the popcorn sweetbreads, bag of crisps and eggs (yum), tots, Rich Mans po' boy, grilled octopus and house made spam, and finally the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were really interesting and paired well with the cocktails. The cocktails btw were ridiculous- we started out with fine feathers, fine birds and twice armed (my favorite) which was great to pair with-- well, everything. But the drink that finished us was an actual "smoke" drink -brandy and cigars- that had this cutting board perfectly fit for this large glass which revealed a smoke cloud- infused liquor- very clever and entertaining presentation. But what we couldn't get over were the interiors. It was so warm and pretty. Really gorgeous. It all just worked and made for a really pleasant evening. Overall we had a great time. It was certainly a positive experience and if you are visiting from out of town (or local for that matter) I'd certainly recommend checking this place out.
(5)Chirag P.
Not sure where to start, but let's just say I'm a fan. Great food and great drinks. Always fun to do shared plates, since I can pig out without being judged. Check it out, they can make a lot of the non-veg options veggie, so that worked well with our group. Very friendly staff, small spot, so reservations are recommended.
(5)Matt H.
4 stars for the food, which was much better than we expected on each of the 4 entrees our party ordered 4 stars for featuring local microbreweries: not a huge list with 8 on draft + 9 in bottles, but good enough 2 stars for the prices: $20 for an entree is expensive for a gastropub, though I suppose there are River North and Billy Dec trendiness premiums driving that up. Along those lines, I'd recommend skipping the $22 old fashioned. If you're paying basically double the normal price, I'd expect it to be exceptional. It tasted just average with what felt like a $4 per giant ice cube (seriously enormous) surcharge.
(3)Christopher B.
One of my favorite dinner spots in Chicago. Love the environment; it's a great place for friends or coworkers. Follow them on Instagram - you'll instantly want to make a reservation.
(4)Christine W.
Every bit of food I ate here was remarkable and full of flavor. The burger was amazing--they make a balsamic ketchup that is off the chart. The deviled eggs, the lobster po boy, the COCKTAILS--all exquisite. eat and drink here and your worldview will improve. Actually, the hostess was a little snobby but otherwise everything was great. Flawless food
(5)Christopher S.
After all the stellar reviews here on Yelp I set expectations pretty high, maybe a little too high...the night we went we received good and hearty food. The service was fast but personally I don't get the hype...It wasn't anything spectacular or "amazing. Maybe we needed to order more drinks but simply put nothing we tried blew me away.
(4)Stephanie N.
This place is amazing!!! The services is fantastic, the food inventive and superb, and the whole experience is a must. We cannot wait to go back!!! Try the craft cocktails and believe it or not sweetbreads!!!!
(5)Sara T.
Amazing service, delicious, complex and boozy cocktails (so worth the price) and yummy plates. I will be going back!
(5)Noah E.
Great place to check out. Smaller sized restaurant which makes it quaint. If you check in on help you get a free bag of potato chips. The food was good but a touch small for the downtown prices. I would go again with a group of friends
(4)Christopher M.
There's a lot here to like, some to dislike, and some that's disappointing. What's to like? We LOVED the cocktails and wine. Fantastic selection and very well crafted. The lamb ribs were also fantastic, and the creamed kale was seriously awesome. I knocked off two stars for two reasons: one was for the Bag of Crisps and Egg. Sounds awesome ... potato chips and a poached egg. Damn, that's gotta be good, right? It wasn't. Very bland. The second star I knocked off because our shrimp dish came out raw. The waitress was very nice and apologized profusely, but I was surprised that nothing else was done. The manager never apologized, and we didn't get comped anything, be it a dish, drink, or dessert. I feel like if I dish gets that messed up something should be done. 101/365
(3)Lucy C.
Did I really just drink a cocktail made with meat drippings? It was definitely received with mix reviews, but I liked it. Bottlefork is laid out like many other bar/resto/lounges-- long and narrow, dim lights, intimate setting. The staff is beyond amazing and the menu is imaginative. I especially liked the popcorn sweetbreads and the bacon burger with shoestring potatoes. Kudos to Rockit Ranch for turning out another fun spot!
(5)Kate J.
Boyfriend had two Slaughterhouse Marys for $18 a piece. Yes, it was worth it. I tried it and they are truly the best bloody mary. He had the rich man's po-boy and he ate it in less than a minute. I had fresh orange juice and their blueberry compote skillet french toast. It comes in a small cast iron skillet and the server flips it over onto a slate cutting board. It's amazing. It's very rich and could be shared between two people. The side slab of bacon is insanely delicious. The staff is very friendly and attentive. We had a really nice brunch and will definitely be back.
(5)Helen E.
So delicious. I can't recommend this place enough. My boyfriend went to a Michelin starred place earlier in the week and said this was way nicer. The crisps and egg is a must, and the gnocchi is out of this world. I'm nervous this place will get so popular I'll struggle to get a reservation!
(5)Shuff M.
Lamb was pretty poor... tONS of mint. Service was ok at best. Atmosphere was not bad at all.
(2)Michael C.
Very pretty and intimate place here at bottlefork. Came for the yelp elite event and had a sampling of some very tasty foods. The sliders here were phenomenal featuring bacon and crispy shoestring potatoes. They were full of flavor and had some really nice char-there was a lot of effort put into these. My other favorites were the popcorn sweet breads which were tasty finger snacks had a nice soft crunch like calimari. They had some really good baked breads with some unique fish spreads that included salmon and tuna. Service here was excellent- the host made sure that everyone was having a great time, but also asked for suggestions on how the food could be better. Cozy place with some unique food. I'll be sure to check this place out again.
(5)Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute dinner spot on Saturday night to celebrate my graduation! We already had plans with friends in the river north area a little later, so we called up bottle fork to see how long their wait was going to be. Turns out they had a table for two and since we were in a cab they held it for us. Not only were we lucky grabbing the table but we also had an amazing server who was able to offer up recommendations for both drinks and entrees. I had the fried soft shell crab with grits and collard greens, their special for the evening and was absolutely melt in your mouth fantastic. I had Satan's Whiskers as my drink, a well balanced gin cocktail. My boyfriend had the Orecchiette Pasta with chicken sausage that they make in house. Excellent with a little kick as well. Some say that the prices are a little high for the portion size, but I think the flavor and the fact their ingredients are locally sourced make up for it. We actually enjoyed the fact our portion sizes weren't huge, we left satisfied without feeling weighed down and were able to enjoy the rest of our evening celebrating!
(5)Melissa G.
I went to Bottlefork for brunch this past weekend and was blown away by how fantastic their food was. The service was prompt and professional. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the food and brunch cocktail menus. She even helped us to discretely identify the dishes at neighboring tables that we were coveting! Haha Everything was delicious! If you go for brunch, I highly recommend both the breakfast sope and the cast iron skillet baked French toast. Both were cooked to perfection and sizes were perfect for sharing. I'm definitely looking forward to visiting during dinner hours to see what other glorious foods await!!
(5)Shayna Y.
Design of the place is beautiful, but table layout is awful. They have long tables that you'd be lucky to hear the person on the opposite side. We got lamb ribs and squid stuffed spicy chorizo. The lamb ribs were flavorful and fall of the bone tender, but really fatty. The squid stuffed spicy chorizo was flavorless. Even the sauce was boring Go here for drinks, not food.
(2)Margaret H.
This place needs an identity. I was very confused by the menu and what direction it was trying to go in. Are you more of a drink place with some snacks or are you trying to make it a culinary experience? The atmosphere: This place is tiny, so make sure you have a reservation. The tables are extremely close together, so you feel like you're on top of everyone else around you. The service: Needs to be stepped up a notch. The waiters should know their menu better, as recommendations did not come easily, and the awkward "tricks" for presentation purposes could be done away with. I would say the service at Sunda is by far the best of the Billy Dec restaurants. Hopefully this will improve with time, as it is new. The food: I was not overly impressed by the food, which was my main reason for coming here. We ordered a modpodge of food to try a bit of it all. We kept it within the small plates bc that seemed more reasonable than the heavy entree options. -The parma proscuitto - Nothing specatcular. -Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Awkward presentation of dropping a poached egg into a bag of potato chips and shaking it up. The egg yolk made the chips a bit bland and over time, soggy. -Popcorn Sweetbreads - The sauce was delicious, but the sweetbread itself was a strange texture, seemed a bit undercooked. -Wild Mushroom Gnocchi - This was the 2nd best dish we had. Very flavorful and I'm not a huge fan of gnocchi. -Spinach and Artichoke Dip Oysters - These were the best! Reminded me a chargrilled oysters from NOLA, but the spinach and artichoke dip on top gave it a nice twist.
(3)Sreerupa B.
Food was too salty. We had the egg+chips, tuna crudo, gnocchi and beef cheeks poutine.
(3)Elizabeth S.
Delicious food! The mimosa was good but nothing special about it. Highly recommend the chips and poached egg dish. Make sure you enjoy Irish food before booking!
(4)Stephan D.
My friends and I came here for brunch. One of my friend had the lobster roll. A bit pricy but one byte and u will fall in love. I had the fish and chip I never had fish and chip like this before and it was delicious. Oh btw I'm canadian (and a vegetarian) we had the poutine without the sauce (it has beef in it) and even without the gravy the fries and curds were so good. Anyways it's very clear whatever u try on the menu u won't be disappointed. A good place to bring a date as it's fairly quiet and has nice booths.
(5)Kee V.
Run Tell Dat!! IMO, Bottlefork is the best new restaurant of 2014 so far. You will disagree with me if you visit wanting something quiet and intimate but the service and food were, without question, 5 stars!! This is a Rockit Ranch Production so I knew it was going to be somewhat loud but the noise level was surprisingly bearable. The energy level was sky high with everyone in the place eating, smiling, drinking, laughing and the controlled chaos in the small, open kitchen with chef Kevin Hickey in total command. My friends and I had to wait a little longer than our reservation time because so many tables were enjoying themselves but the hostess did such a great job keeping tabs on us. When we had to wait over 30 minutes past our rsvp, she apologized and offered us a round of drinks on the house. Cocktails are on the expensive side but strong and expertly made. Too bad I can't remember what cocktails I ordered... Food we ordered: -Salumi (all 3): The Nduja was my favorite of the three. The accompanying mustard was good the and housemade giardiniera was lightly pickled with crisp veggies. Perfect starter to whet the appetite. -In a Jar (ordered 3): 1. Tuna crudo (the least favorite dish of the night) could have used something extra. It was a little bland 2.Chicken liver & foie mousse was very airy and smooth and came with a layer of jelly on top that provided a good counterpoint to the rich foie. 3. Smoked salmon was great with the flavors mimicking an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. Capers would have made it perfect for me. -Snacks: Popcorn sweetbreads were awesome! Light batter, expertly fried. I always tell people who are scared of sweetbreads that they taste like delicious chicken mcnuggets. If someone says they will never eat sweetbreads, order these and it will change their stance. Also ordered the Scotch quail eggs. It was ok. Not bad by any means but the other dishes were stronger. -Shareable: Poutine was good but flavors were a little muddled. After recently having multiple versions of poutine in Montreal, my standards are pretty high. The fries were great but I thought the gravy was slightly too thick. Get the smoked lamb ribs! So. good. That's all I have to say about that. -Knife and Fork: Rotisserie chicken was juicy and the skin was crispy and perfectly salty. The brussels sprouts could have roasted a little longer but that a minor quibble. Ham Butt steak is a must order. Forget whatever you think about ham and get it. -Roots & Vegetables: Parsnips were incredible. Make sure you get to the bottom of the dish to get at the caramelized honey. The tots and cheese sauce were great too but don't order expecting Or-Ida tots. They were more like giant home fries. Whatever Rockit Ranch gave Kevin Hickey to come onboard, it was well worth it! Just go and have fun!
(5)Mikey J.
We stumbled upon a Bottlefork tonight on a trip from Phoenix, and were so excited to get out of the cold. We didn't anticipate that it would be so awesome! The food, served up by Chef Eric Lopez was phenomenal- the bag of crisps was fun and super unique, and the honey Ricotta special was just the right blend of savory and sweet. The burger absolutely deserves the reputation of one of the best in the state. The service was over the top as well! Eddie Cruz took great care of us! He was extremely attentive and offered thoughtful and honest feedback on the menu items. We will most definitely back! Ps- Eddie should have a business card.
(5)Shaina K.
While Bottlefork is a small space, the tables do not feel too over crowded. I think that the decor is absolutely beautiful. I have to say that out of everything I've tried, the burger is my favorite. I love that it has ground up bacon in it. It was perfectly cooked, and while it is a bit spendy, I think it's worth it. The only thing that I'm not a huge fan of is their drink called "Smoke of the Day." It's a little bit too much for me. I am impressed with the process, and the dedication to make a drink with their weekend meat drippings, infused in to the alcohol. It's different every time, so maybe I will like it the next time I try it. The prices are a little high, but the quality is fantastic. This place is great!
(4)Catherine C.
This was an amazing place all around. The atmosphere, food, and staff. A friend and I went for dessert and had the pretzel, caramel, fudge, and stout sundae. It was so good we came back the next day for dinner and the same dessert. The food was equally as good as dessert. Any time I go into the city I will go here.
(5)Galina M.
Service is meeeeeh. The place is cute - very different from Dragon Ranch. The place is buzzy and packed, even on weekdays. We sat at the bar but didn't order drinks because it was late and we had an early morning. The bartender was really disinterested in us once he found out we weren't ordering drinks and barely took our order. Then another bartender took over and he was much better, but still. I wasn't super impressed. We got the chips, they were OK...very greasy. We also got a couple of other appetizers - weren't impressed altogether but the environment is very cool! I'd only go back for drinks if anything.
(3)S C.
I had a reservation for Tuesday night at 6PM. When I arrived the place was pretty full and I got a crappy table across from the hostess stand. It was tight quarters! I had to squeeze into the seat and I was too close to the next table, I did like the vibe and the music was fun. The food was excellent. We shared the Mediterranean salad, Scotch quail eggs, Lamb ribs and Poutine. All delicious and the right amount of food, I asked our waitress to space out our food. She did not. They actually gave two of our dishes to the table next to us, and when they said it was not theirs, we claimed it. Our waitress did not come by to apologize, which surprised me. At the end of the meal, she brought us the dessert menu, and asked us twice what we wanted . It was obviously time for us to go.. I really liked the food, and want to come back and try more things. I really hope to get a better table.
(3)Tamara F.
I absolutely loved this place! It was amazing. From the (eccentric) warm egg yolk potato chips (shaken, not stirred) as a pre-appetizer to the very good scotch craft cocktails (our server was fantastic with her recommendations, I forgot her name, but she was a doppleganger for Mindy Kaling). The decor reminds me of a David Lynch ski lodge, minus Willem DaFoe. It was cozy and crowded, but in a friendly and fun way. I had a fantastic evening here and will look forward to doing so again!
(5)Allan C.
The food is really good, especially the sweetbread popcorn and the roast chicken. However, with a 9:15pm reservation we weren't seated until 10pm and there wasn't anything in apologies for it. We ordered our food before we were seated and I was pretty sure the kitchen was just about done making our food before we were seated as well. That really sucked. So yeah I probably won't come here again unless someone else really wants to go but I have to admit that the food is really good.
(3)Lissy T.
I came here late with my boyfriend, about 30 minutes before closing. It was a Friday night and we got hungry after walking around in the area. The hostess and waitress were super nice and friendly. We ordered the Bag of Crisps, Egg (yum!!)-- the waitress brings out the vinegar chips in a brown bag, drops the poached egg in there, and shakes it up. Wait, what? Weird. But SO GOOD. We were able to get a free order with a check-in, and that was probably the only way I was going to try it anyways because I am not really the adventurous type & it didn't seem appealing to me on the menu (umm sorry for the run-on sentence? lol). But it's good and I would definitely order it again. Together we got the Grilled Wagyu Skirt Steak and the Wild Mushroom Gnocci. There is NOT a lot of steak, so be forewarned. I guess I imagined it as...a big steak. LOL. If you're hungry, you're going to want to order some more in addition to it. It's really good though. The mushroom gnocci was pretty good, although I'm not sure I would order it again the next time around. The drinks, however, are awesome. Lots of specialty cocktails here and I would love to try more. For dessert, we got the Hot & Gooey dessert of the day, which was a chocolate brownie brulee, served in a hot pan, and with icecream in a glass. WOW. It was so so good. MMmmm...
(4)Johnny T.
Stick a greasy fork in it. Soo disappointed. Friends gave rave reviews. Scrambles eqqs with super thick fatty bacon were greasy. Day after thanksgiving turkey sandwich was great but the bread was too greasy. I wish I would have picked the sandwich apart and left all the bread. The donut holes and sauces: carmel glaze and orange infused frosting. Yummy. Took it home. Maybe they were better on a different day or we should have ordered something else. : (
(2)Andy W.
Nice atmosphere. My friends and I were looking for a place to go in the area for a couple drinks and to chill. I t was really nice to be able to walk in around 11:30 and not only get a table we could all sit around, but also get drinks and food. We opted for a dessert treat and the sundaes were to die for. Weird ideas but they really worked. It was delicious. The music wasn't too loud and the food smelled so good. I can't wait to go back and try more of the food. The only reason it didn't get five stars, was that the service was a bit slow. We all had wine and it still took about 15 minutes for us to get our drinks. That, however, is the only complaint I had.
(4)Laurence K.
In the Rockit Ranch group, I have only been to Sunda ,which I thought was good. So I didn't know what to expect with Bottlefork . The decor is a little Urban Earthy / Speakeasy pretty cool . Our Bartender/ Server Nicole was great she was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food wise I was glad to see Kevin Hickey as a partner , meaning the food should be quite good. And I was correct, we started off with pretty much everything on the Cured, Smoked and Raw part of the menu. Fermin Black Hoof Ham Defiantly my favorite and the Bent River Camembert cheese wise was excellent. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracking were awesome along with the steak tartare and the chicken liver Foie. Tasty! The wood Frilled Hanger was very good especially with the smoked onion and parsley via eager sauce. And the Bag of Crisp+ Eggs really addictive ! Drink wise Big Salty Tears and definitely the Bill Brasky were the stand outs. The Wine list has a great selection and had a lot of thought put into it. Beer list the same really great selection my favorite was the Root Cellar Rye Amber which is a collaboration with Begyle brewery and Bottlefork Dessert , The Brandy Alexander and the cheesecake which is served warm almost gooey with an amazing Huckleberry sauce on top really really good! Bottlefork is really good and you should definitely try it out you won't be disappointed I will be back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)Stephanie H.
I ate here last Friday and really enjoyed my experience. We had a reservation for two, and just had to wait a few minutes for our table. Our server was Gus and he was really great and funny. He really helped make the dining experience fun and entertaining. We ended up getting seated at the chef's table, which was a really awesome experience too. Executive chef Kevin Hickey was there, so it was cool interacting with him. To start, we ordered the chicken liver & fois gras mousse. It was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again for $18. I happened to be on the Yelp app to help me decide what to order, and you actually get a "bag" of crisps + eggs if you check in! Definitely recommend. We also got the "popcorn" sweetbreads for an appetizer since it was so hyped up about -- also tasty. For our entrees, we shared the clam and Portuguese sausage flatbread. It's definitely got a fishy taste to it, but it as good. We also ordered the fresh cavatelli pasta, which was so so good. The broth at the bottom was very rich. At the end of our meal, one of the chefs also gave us a new octopus entree with brussel sprout kimchi and homemade spam they're adding to the menu. At this point I was extremely full, but it was really delicious. For dessert, we ordered the pretzel caramel + chocolate fudge + buffalo sweat stout sundae. I'm not a huge fan of beer, so the foamy/gelatin stout on top wasn't my favorite, but the sundae was great. Overall, I would definitely give this place a go. It can get a little pricey, but I'd definitely go hungry!
(4)Eric L.
Yum!! This place is great - great food, great decor, eclectic menu - really enjoyed the dining experience here. I do think the prices are a bit on the "high end" but not outrageous and at least the quality and portion size are both good. So not saying it's not worth it, but just something to consider. Their signature appetizer (Chips with Egg) was presented well and we both enjoyed it. Not sure if it's finger food or fork food but it was delicious either way :) Everything was very flavorful and there's plenty of it. A great place to share entrees as well as the apps. Was there for lunch and will definitely want to go back and try dinner. Looked like a nice outdoor seating area as well but it was a little too chilly for that when we were there.
(4)Mihir P.
The restaurant smelled amazing as we walked in. Once we were sat, we ordered the delicious crisps & eggs and deviled eggs. I recommend the first but the latter wasn't anything special. Our waitress was knowledgeable and sweet. Our drinks very refreshing. I was expecting a lot more from the food.... The skirt steak was delicious but it was $29 for 6 measly slices. The chicken was super bland. We had one of the sundaes and it was tasty. I still think Dragon Ranch was far better than Bottlefork.
(3)Cara Y.
Huge fan of Bottlefork! A+ on ambiance, service, food, presentation, and taste. The menu was different and exciting, and although we had to ask our waiter to explain what each dish "Actually" was, it wasn't as bad as some of these other trendy and foodie restaurants. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars was because it took a WHILE to get our drinks, like, a long time. Also, a friend ordered shots, which ended up to come to $22 a shot- which is absolutely ridiculous. It would have been nice if the waiter mentioned this upon ordering, but maybe that was his fault. Only dish that didn't taste great? Kale salad. It was VERY smokey, but if you're into that, go for it. The gnocchi, chips, sundae, to name a few, were all superb. Will definitely be going back, but I've learned my lesson-- no shots, just more food.
(4)Cara M.
Bottlefork is a must! My roommate and I tried to sit at the bar at a few other places in the area and ended up here, we got lucky finding two spots at the bar. One of the managers, Nick was such a sweetheart, helped us find the spot at the bar and checked in on us every once in a while to ask how our cocktails are and how the food was. The bartenders were all very attentive to our needs and left us alone when it was necessary. Eddie and Nick (servers) were super sweet and helped us navigate the menu, major props to Eddie who told us all about the popular items on the menu and in the end helped us figure out what we wanted to eat. For cocktails -I had the Little Miss Dynamite (love) and my roommate had No Tea, No Shade, I also tried Big Salty Tears. Food wise Eddie had us at "bacon burger" when he told us about the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, we had it with fries and their homemade ketchup. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. They also have industry night Wednesdays for all you industry people! This place is a must, definitely ask for Eddie or Nick if you're sitting down for dinner! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Kim B.
This was a great, great meal. Where to start? The special pumpkin Wild Turkey cocktail was so good. And I don't care for WT. The Yelp Chips/Egg were so good even if not free. We has the burger, tots, French toast and bacon. All of it was outstanding! Amazing burger and the French toast could have been dessert (didn't like the bourbon syrup though). Eddie provided great service and took care of the one problem we had. Will be back!
(5)Mike D.
Potato chips for breakfast?!?!?! Trip to Chicago to visit family had been an opportunity to experience new flavors that have incredible!!! Our breakfast started off with chips and eggs! So they take potato chips, add malt vinegar powder then toss a perfectly poached egg in a bag. After some shaking U have yourself a wonderful appetizer!!! The flavors worked very nicely together and was very enjoyable. For our main dishes we all shared the Greek omelet, corned beef brisket hash and the cast iron baked French toast. All three were a home run!!! The Greek omelet had a very nice presentation and was cooked to perfection. Their tsatziki sauce on top was fantastic and was the icing on the omelet. The cast iron baked French toast was winner as well. A nice combination of soft and crunchy. The blueberry topping was delicious! The corn beef brisket hash was fantastic and the best corn beef hash I ever had! The combination of the hallandasie sauce, poached egg and Russian dressing was absolutely fantastic!! Enjoyed the meal very much. Good service and an easy location to walk to from the loop. Give it a shot for breakfast. I'm sure lunch and dinner are great as well
(5)Karen D.
Bottlefork is located right on Hubbard next to Bub City (and what a contrast it is to Bub City). The cocktails and the wine selection here are amazing. My friend and I came here just to catch up. We asked for a wine bottle recommendation, and the manager came out and told us the story of how he chose the wines to be on the menu. He was extremely knowledgeable of where and how the wines were created...I almost felt as if I was at some sort of wine tasting class. We also ordered the Charcuterie Platter, which was AMAZING! The bread was served warm and soft on the inside/crunchy on the outside. The sausage was like a spread and the cheese selections were perfect (goats milk being one of them). They served their homemade beer mustard and dried fruit mix. I highly recommend ordering the platter - we loved it and ended up sitting, drinking, and nibbling on that for almost 2 hours.
(4)Richard D.
Cool little nook that my girlfriend and I just happened upon one night on our trip to Chicago. I don't often comment on décor, but this place was really well done on the inside - dimly lit, a lot of exposed brick, even behind the bar itself. We sat up at the bar and the staff was friendly and conversational. The drinks were extremely creative, maybe almost too much so, since they looked slightly better than they tasted. For some reason, it was also really hot inside, which didn't make us want to stay very long (we only planned on one drink, anyway). I'd be interested in trying their food - the guy next to us had a burger that looked great.
(4)Steve m.
Wow, just an amazing, unique experience with fantastic food. Get the popcorn in the bag thing they do--that is worth it, you may even want to make it a meal!
(5)Emily M.
Five stars for service Four stars for atmosphere and cocktails Three for cuisine Our server was very friendly and informative about ingredients, etc. She helped make the whole experience here really pleasant, even if we weren't blown away by the food. The bartender too was talented, and there are plenty of interesting cocktails and well curated beers and wines to enjoy while taking in the lively scene. The food menu is playfully written and well thought out but the executions aren't super impressive. I didn't love the burger. The grilled bun was great and the bacon added a nice smokiness but that's all I could taste. No real beef flavor. Nor much blue cheese flavor. Go for blue cheese or special sauce, not both. Fries were fine, but house made ketchup was just meh. As was the flavorless pickle. Points for the in-house effort but sometimes store-bought is just better. Chips and egg in a bag was fun. I liked the novelty of seeing it made table-side by a gentleman in a great suit, but the mess that came out wasn't super appetizing. Piggy jerky was cute, served in a little piggy dish, and it was tasty--a nice snack to have with drinks. My husband liked the pork belly. He said I might not like it because it was fatty, but the carefully selected non-fatty bite he gave me was good. Nice cilantro. He also loved the honeyed parsnips he got on the side (although they were a little sweet for me). Sweet/salty pretzel caramel sundae was pretty good although the weird gelatinous beer foam whipped cream at the top was a bit of a turn-off. The cappuccino at the next table looked inviting. As did the organic salmon getting delivered to someone else. Maybe I should have gotten that.
(4)Liz S.
Finally got in to Bottlefork this weekend. I rarely give three star reviews, especially when service is good and none of the dishes are bad, but I really felt like the pricing here is way off. Meats and cheeses were nearly $10 per selection ($12 for prosciutto). That is way too much in my opinion, especially when restaurants a few blocks away are charging $6-$7 per selection (and for the same thing). The salads were also overpriced in the $13-$15 range for non-entree portions. There just seemed to be no rhyme or reason to this pricing. We all know that we should be spending money when eating in River North, but this is just excessive. In terms of the food, we had the crisp and egg (fun to try once), the liver mousse (delicious but needs to be served with appropriate amounts of bread), the winter beet salad (very good), the beef cheek poutine (good but super heavy), and the ham butt steak (yummy--this is more like a pork belly).
(3)Kate Z.
Bottlefork, you are awesome. I've gone for a few work lunches and love everything I've tried. It swings towards the heavier, greasier side of things but that isn't necessarily a problem. They also cooked up some amazing brussel sprouts (this coming from someone who normally hates them). Service and decor are great too. It seems like they have some nice drink specials but haven't been able to swing by for happy hour or dinner yet.
(4)Karl Y.
Everything about this place is perfect. Just the right portions, the presentation and the quality of the food and taste. Perfectly executed. Had the bacon burger which tasted steamed and seared which is a great way to have one if you've never had it. Very juicy. The rich mans poboy was awesome as well as the potato chips with the poached egg. I could seriously eat those all day. I will definitley be back and I hope you all try it at least once!
(5)Tracy F.
Excellent service, great food. I loved our waitress. She was friendly and had great recommendations. The food was great, though there were a couple things I would change: Appetizers: Brussels sprouts and beef jerky. The jerky was one of my favorite dishes! So unique! However, the paper at the bottom of the serving dishes was horribly oily once we finished both plates. It's not appetizing to see how much oil you're eating. Entrees: Rich Man Po' Boy. This sandwich was great! However, neither my husband nor I could taste the fois gras. That's part of what makes this dish so unique, and I'm sure adds to the cost, so it should definitely be more pronounced. Couldn't taste it at all. Roast Suckling Pig Pizza: Very good, but again, couldn't taste the pig. It could have just as easily been chicken in the pizza. Allowing the pig flavor to come through would help distinguish the dish. Dessert: Salted caramel pretzel sundae. Amazing!! I'd definitely visit this restaurant again.
(4)Michael M.
Three.Five. Went there for brunch w gf and friend from law school. It's a very trendy atmosphere. The food was good. We got the free bag of crisps (thank you yelp). Note, the delicious looking fries are the poutine. We started w blood Mary's. They were very good; served w a quail egg. I had the burger - really f'n good. Jane had sopa - delicious with excellent guacamole. LC had French toast served in iron pot. It looked better in the pot before the server insisted on flipping it over and spilling French toast juice all over the table. Overall a good if expensive brunch.
(3)Jose V.
This would be a superb gastropub, it has amazing decor, and hip vibe to it. However, I've been here a couple of times for brunch and the service has been slow and disorganized, you have to be on top of your server in order to get your drinks and basics, such as silverware etc. As far as the food, everything I tried has been great and unique. Its on the pricier side and portions sizes just enough, borderline small. So far my favorite has been the sope. I'll probably still come back, but if you are looking for value, there are better choices in the area.
(3)Romana Y.
Grilled Wagyu skirt steak: The steak was slightly tough, while the onion/parsley/vinegar sauce wasn't the best paired with the meat. I was disappointed the most with this plate. Wagyu meat should never be a disappointment. Mushroom Gnocchi: The gnocchi, brussels "kraut" sauce were perfectly paired together. The sauce was very flavorful, so much that we requested bread to pair with it (unfortunately, they"have no bread."). What restaurant doesn't have bread to offer?! Tots: Pimento cheese perfectly drizzled over hot, flavorful tots. Yum. Intelligentsia coffee... YES! We sat outdoors, where communal tables allow for space. The crowd is semi-casual, fun, and relatively young.
(3)P K.
A must go to for brunch. Amazing cocktails, fast service, and the BEST chicken sandwich I've ever had.
(5)Elizabeth C.
We went here to celebrate my boyfriend. The food was delicious. The surroundings were intimate and energetic. I would highly recommend!
(5)Dan O.
Good stuff. Went for lunch. The malt vinegar crisps were pretty awesome and a fun presentation. The Poutine is a must in my opinion. Had the bacon burger and enjoyed it, but not blown away. Brussel sprouts were on point. I would recommend and I'm sure I will find my way back again.
(4)Rachel A.
Bottlefork is great - the knowledgeable (and personable bartenders) have a knack for libations and know their liquor profiles. While getting a table is generally tough... Noshing at the bar with your cocktail of choice is way more approachable. The Baysic and season egg white drinks, Brussels sprouts, burger and po boy are top notch.
(5)Alfasha Z.
This.place.is .amazing! I can't rave enough about it, there's just simply nothing bad to say. Let's start with the general things. Our waiter Nick is simply fabulous and the nicest guy ever, if you come here you should definitely seek him out and ask if you can be seated in his section - you won't regret it (seriously, he tried to get us deals by having us check into yelp). The restaurant itself is cute and very trendy, location was great. Bottlefork is affiliated with the Underground Club (also affiliated with Sunda), so after dinner, the very nice general manager, Jason, walked us over to the Underground to get us in as VIP guests - how do you beat that, that's some amazing customer service! Now let's talk about the food. Everything we tried was ridiculous. We tried several things from the Shareable section since we wanted to taste everything. Definitely try the following items: 1. The octopus - ZOMG it's made with kimchee sauce! 2. The mussels - which came in some sort of bacon sauce, so take all the mussels out and dunk the fries in the sauce, you'll feel really guilty about it but just try it, you only live once! 3. The braised beef cheeks - super tender meat, came on top of a bed of fries (could've done without more fries though) 4. Manila clams and Portuguese sausage flatbread - this one was ok, should've doubled up on the octopus 5. After all the carbs we thought we should have the salad so we got the warm spring potato salad - drenched in pesto sauce, it could've been less sauce-ey more green-ey but still very very good We also got the bag of crisps and egg like everybody on here recommended (definitely try it) and the Camembert cheese, which is nothing unusual. Oh, and the sweetbread, which was recommended, but only because it was supposed to be a mild rendition (I still wouldn't necessarily pick it again though). All in all, the dishes are decently priced - having been to many restaurants in the city I was expecting it to be pricey but the Shareables were the perfect portion for a group of girls who want to try a bunch of things from the menu and when we got the bill, we were pleasantly surprised. Great place, definitely check it out, and to think it's only been around for 6 or 7 weeks, I can see this place doing well. Bon appetit!
(5)Frances H.
I would say the drinks were much more impressive than the food. I went with a group and we ordered a bit of everything from the menu (for 5 people we got 5 dishes). We all shared the food and left not full but not hungry. The drinks on the other hand, were quite intriguing. The waiter after bringing us our drinks challenged us to name an ingredient in one of the special drinks and it would then be on the house (there were no specific ingredients listed in the drink description...we ordered it based on this mystery). None of us could guess anything, but apparently the drink also contained liquor that was infused with meat drippings...Yes, that is correct. Now before you get grossed out, there was no meat flavor that was detectable, but there was a slight savory/smoky flavor that was quite intriguing. I would be ok with returning, but not a must.
(3)Bret B.
Sat at the chef's bar and was welcomed by Katie who explained in perfect detail the highlights of the food she was preparing. Got an excellent whiskey drink recommendation - smoke of the day. Paired with the Wagyu Beef Jerky (so. tender.). Orecchiette Pasta for the main course - the crunchy breadcrumbs really make it special. Entire staff is noticeably professional - from the entrance to my table to the kitchen. Will be back with friends next time I'm in Chicago.
(5)Andy R.
Great service, I've been and it's good for lunch brunch or dinner. Also well done cocktails and great beer selection.
(5)Deidra G.
The food was fantastic! The chips and egg was SO good, as were the lobster roll and the gnocchi. Best of all though, was the hospitality and expertise of Eric Lopez!
(5)Sarah W.
I've only been here for drinks. Great bourbon selection. Very knowledgeable bar tenders. Matt took great care of us! Definitely recommend!
(5)#NAME?
Had reservations on Friday night, not sure what to expect in terms of the environment but once we walked in I knew...LOUD- I was so hoping and crossing my fingers to be seated outside, yet we were brought to a table across from the bar that had super loud people on both sides of us- I tried to deal with it and ordered a drink and we shared 3 items: -the jerky -tots- -gnocchi Waitress was nice and food didn't take forever, yet we didn't order anything that would take a long time- We just wanted to eat and leave, it was way too loud-I'm not some old person either, just couldn't talk about how the day was without saying "WHAT?" the whole time- I think the price was decent for what we ordered, but would I go back, probably not-Hated the seating and having to hear what the people on the left and right of me was yelling wasn't cool-
(3)Gustavo L.
I cannot really understand why other people liked this place. I went with my gf and some friends. We ordered 2 plates and a bottle of wine to share. Everything was overcharged and not enough for 1 person. My gf ordered a gnocchi that was good, but nothing that I could not do at home. I ordered a chicken, and that I guarantee I can make better. They charged us 17$ for some fries with an egg. Really? I rather pay 1$ McDonalds fries. In general it was very disappointing, ~100$ to eat and get out hungry. I would not go to this place again, first because I am afraid of not liking again. Second, I am sure I can eat better for less.
(1)Kristin H.
We had a reservation at 9:15, didn't get seated until 9:50pm, they kept saying we would get the next table. After waiting for 35 minutes they actually seated us at the bar, not even a table. After that, I would have expected at least an appetizer or a couple of drinks on the house. The best thing we had were the brussel sprouts, they were delicious because they put them through the deep fat frier. I ordered the Wagyu steak ($29 not cheap) which was only 4 small pieces of thinly sliced steak that came out cold more like steak carpaccio with a few small pieces on onion. The dish was less food than one would expect from a $10 appetizer. The potato gnocci was ok, nothing special. With all of the other restaurants in Chicago to explore, I wouldn't put this one the list to return to.
(2)Sydney T.
I absolutely loved this place. I went here to catch up with a good girlfriend of mine from out of town. The place is tiny so unfortunately the bar was full when I arrived early but it wasn't that big of an issue. We were seated right when my reservation time arrived. Very prompt and no issues. It took us a while to decide on the drink (we went with half a carafe of white wine) which was perfect for the two of us. I'm not a fan of white wine in general but it wasn't bad. I order the porkbelly and she had to gnocchi. The pork was fantastic! Melted in my mouth. Can't speak to the gnocchi but she seemed to enjoy it as well. I would definitely go back!
(4)Geoffery H.
I always like this place! Great service and food. I had the chicken dinner it was absolutely wonderful, very juicy! I ate the gooey pumpkin cheesecake plate. It was very delicious but I recommend you share because I couldn't finish it.
(5)Zachary W.
Great food even better service. I got the signature drink the Bill Brasky a mix of bourbons and mixers it tasted like cough syrup and perfume. That being said avoid that drink and it is and awesome place to eat.
(4)Patrick F.
We kind of stumbled into Bottlefork but very glad we did. An eclectic menu of small,shareable plates and "big" plates. For starters we had to go with the malt vinegar potato crisps with poached egg. I'm not a real potato chip fan but this was amazing. Other favorites were the grilled octopus and spam with kimchee, potine, and Mediterranean salad. Excellent food and attentive, friendly and helpful service. Gotta go back.
(5)Shradha A.
Very okay selection of beers, server could not care less, hostess was not friendly and offered us the table in the back when the restaurant was empty. Gnocchi was decent but overall an average Rockit experience.
(3)Ryan B.
Awesome creativity and a very advanced, yet simple, menu. Couple of the items were a little oily, but I wouldn't stop going here for that. Great decor and overall a very inviting place with good food.
(3)Christine W.
Came for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding, almost a bit overboard. The free chips are a nice touch and interesting. The Bloody Mary's were just okay. Certainly not the best I have ever had, and I know my Bloody Mary's. The burger was very good. A bit on the small side for the price ($16 with no sides). The poutine was just okay. Not anything I would order again. All in all, I just didn't think it was worth the price we paid.
(3)Stacy K.
Great service and excellent food! Make sure to check in on Yelp so that you can get a free order of their crisps and eggs! This was a lightly poached egg that was vigorously and impressively shaken (...helloooo muscles!) by our awesomely cool server, Nick, in a brown paper bag that was filled with their house-made salt and vinegar chips. The end result was these crispy flakes of salty potato goodness that was lightly covered in this eggy buttery sauce. For my drink, I ordered the smoke of the day, which was unique and wonderful! Their special for the smoke of the day changes every day, but Nick explained the process of how they infuse the alcohol with their drippings and then drain this carefully so that the end result is a cocktail that is delicious, light, but still retains that smokey flavor. My table also ordered the bacon kobe burger (voted one of the best in Chicago), the lobster roll (also voted one of the best in the country), the popcorn sweetbreads, and the roasted brussel sprouts. The sweetbreads were a bit too heavy and rich for me (especially once I found out what sweetbreads actually are...), but I would highly recommend getting the burger and sprouts!
(4)Irem M.
This place is open late night and a good place to meet for drinks. Food options are on the heavier side, but very tasty nonetheless. We tried the deviled eggs, grilled octopus and seared scallops. Their drinks are better than the food so consider going there before or after dinner downtown.
(4)Jonathan C.
I was told for a while that I need to try Bottlefork, and I finally got a chance to drop by. The menu is simple to follow but the options are wonderfully complex- made me wish I could order more than I was able to. The bag of crisps & egg is a must have- simply delicious. The drink menu is also very impressive. Ordered a smoked cocktail and a few locally brewed beers- all very tasty. The food was served in a timely manner (not rushed) and was presented nicely. The entrees were rich and blasting with complex flavors. Overall, a great spot in a fun area, service was excellent and food/drinks were great.
(5)M J.
The empower has no clothes. Here's a list of perfectly average food: Mediterranean salad Bag of crisps and egg Popcorn sweetbreads Pig Flatbread Rotisserie chicken Bacon burger "Trendy" does not equal "Good".
(3)Tony R.
Cool atmosphere, great craft drinks, bloody mary is awesome and the kitchen is open so you can smell everything which is a treat. Definitely coming back for dinner
(5)Monica B.
Very disappointed with Bottlefork. I made reservations through open table to celebrate my boyfriend's last day of law school. Upon arrival the hosts were cold and not friendly. We had to stand and wait for 15 minutes and the hosts did not offer to check our coats or apologize for the fact that they were seating us over 15 miniutes late. When I approached the counter for the 3rd time to check on our reservation all she said was "yep". In regard to the food we ordered the gnocchi and the cavatelli pasta. The gnocchi was good, small portion but that was expected as it was one of the shared plates. The cavatelli was not good at all, it had an off/bitter taste and was actually the same size as the gnocchi but was not under the shared plates. We also got the "eggs and chips" starter for free with the yelp check in which I really liked and found creative, that was probably my favorite dish of the night actually. They shake a poached egg in a brown bag of chips at your table, very unique. In regard to the beverages. We ordered 2 cocktails but I can not remember the names, they were good (a little sweet though). I do have note that it took forever to get our drinks and the starter. Now to get back to the service. Our waitress was very nice but she probably came to our table a total of 3 times. It was like pulling teeth to ask a question or get service. Lastly, I was extremely disappointed because I requested a special surprise through the open table reservation in the comments section for my boyfriends graduation, they did nothing... I have requested surprises at other nice restaurants in river north through open table and they always come through. This time absolutely nothing. Even if they could not do something they could have still told me so I could have thought of a plan b. Overall, we had really high expectations and were very disappointed. I wish I could have better things to say but feel completely ripped off for such an expensive meal.
(2)Carolyn L.
So this bacon burger is now a solid part of my dreams every night. There's blue cheese, shredded fried onions, and a special sauce that make it OUT OF THIS WORLD. The bun is also nice and golden and toasty. I could literally eat it every day. The bacon is ground up into the beef so it's got a great salty flavor. My friend ordered the pumpkin stew (extra spicy) and it was beautifully delicious (beautiful as in it was really a colorful work of art). I can't say enough good things about Bottlefork. Make a reservation though. It's small and gets really busy!
(5)Michael P.
This place is nifty. Yes to all the positive review - and eyes rolling to all the nit picky reviews. Here is the deal: The Bartenders are sexy Hot. And not in the trendy metrosexual kinda hot- like the cosmopolitan they don't look like every other hipster bartender in CHI Town kinda way/hot. I could give you details but then that would be trashy. Yea, so def hit up this place for a swank drink, a yummy snack, and super eye-candy. This is how I like my Happy Hour to look. mmmhmmm
(4)Scott A.
Was so pleasantly surprised by Bottlefork, I was moved to put my Yelp differences aside, dust off the keyboard, and write this review. A random Wednesday night walk-in turned out to be a really great experience! And how cool, is that? Isn't it sometimes often the unplanned that turns out to be the best!? Bottlefork has a casual but at the same time upscale feel. The scene was definitely happening on this night with a great people mix. A number of folks were dressed to impress but you'd have no problem fitting in if attired more on the casual side. I ate at the bar where the service was top notch. I drank Champagne on this occasion so I can't comment on the mixed drinks other than they looked great! While this is definitely a good start to a fantastic experience, the food was what really shined. Not only did it taste amazing but wasn't overly pricey either. Further details are below if so inclined otherwise stop reading now and simply put Bottlefork on your must try list! TIP1: Join their newsletter and save $10. TIP2: A great Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday option. Even Monday night I hear gets a good crowd. I would expect any night of the week to be fine but being on the smaller side, I could see Bottlefork being a bit overcrowded on the weekend. TIP3: Order the Rotisserie Chicken. Hard to imagine anyone not loving this dish!! Only the chicken for two at the Lobby in the Peninsula Hotel remotely gives it a run for the money IMO. TIP4: Good for late night dining! The kitchen -at the time of this review- stays open till 11 PM M-Th and I hear they may keep it open on these days even later in the future. It's already open to 1 AM Fri/Sat. Yes, Bottlefork is open Sunday as well; kitchen open to 10PM. Tasting Notes: ** Scotch Quail Eggs - Traditional style perfectly executed nothing more nothing less. Expect that and you won't be disappointed. The dish would visually stand out more if they added a little decorative garnish but I won't hold it against them; just food for thought as they say. The quail eggs are a nice touch over hen eggs and keeps this dish from being overly heavy though this is not to say its on the lighter side. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam - simply loved this! The octopus was tender and highly favorable; not chewy or rubbery as some of the grilled octopus I've had elsewhere. Plus if you have preconceived notions about spam but them aside. This spam here had a wonderful juicy ham favor that blended in perfect harmony. At the end of this dish I was left wanting more. ** Rotisserie Chicken - Hard to imagine a chicken having better flavor or being more juicy - not even the slightest hint of being overcooked; textbook perfect. I simply loved everything about this dish. I even slowed my eating so I could experience the taste longer which is something I almost never do. In the end, I can't wait to try this one again. Perhaps the secret is in the black truffle chicken au jus which as I understand they lift the skin and use to baste underneath. ** Creamed Kale - With wild board bacon and duck egg, what's not to love? I certainly did. Who would have thought something as healthy as Kale could taste sooooo good?! Actually I'm a fan of Kale and I'm not so sure the presentation used here would merit a healthy dish badge. But hey, Kale is a super food so who knows! ...besides the flavor was AMAZING. Some may find a bit overly creamy so take this into consideration before ordering. ** Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout- Essentially an ice cream sundae topped with some sort of ale based cream. I'm not a big beer drinker so this was the one dish I had mixed feelings about. There was something definitely addictive to it but at the same time something I didn't quite like. That said, I heard another patron absolutely raving about it so perhaps its just me. As I mentioned, I found the food at Bottlefork to be fantastic. I'll be back soon.
(5)Samantha P.
Great experience at Bottlefork. We went for dinner and left very impressed. The place is small but has a great ambiance. The service we received overall was the best we have had in years. Our server Nick was knowledgable and so friendly. The food was amazing. Would recommend and will return!
(5)Vicki L.
Best Brussel sprouts ever! Fabulous service. Everything our table of four ordered was fabulous. Fun desserts too.
(5)Glenda B.
The bottle AND the fork took the cake! Sorry, that's a bad one - buy this place isn't. Visiting downtown Chicago for a week, it can be hard to find a non-super-touristy or over hyped & priced place for a great meal. Bottlefork saved the day for us, making our dinner one of the best meals the hubby and I have had in the Windy City. Stumbled upon in Yelp, I was a bit skeptical of the positive reviews: something so good, so laid back, so worth it??? We were happy when we nabbed a reservation for a Thursday evening, but I warned myself not to get the hopes up too high in case it all ended with our tummies unsatisfied, our wallets empty and our hearts broken...BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! From the minute we walked into the bustling resto filled with a post-work, slightly-hipster crowd, we were surrounded by that wonderful buzz of a busy hangout. The place was packed, and were sat at the end of the bar overlooking the kitchen, next to the window where the food comes out. At first I was a bit bummed, having made a reservation and assuming we'd get a table, but this turned out to be an awesome spot to take it all in and watch the fun. The sous-chef/expediter took pity on our overly curious eyeballs watching everything come out. It all looked so good and he was polite & kind enough to tell us what each item was and answer any questions we had as dishes appeared for delivery to their waiting table. Our server was very nice and helpful in narrowing down our choices and everything arrived at a good pace and in delicious order. Everything we had was pretty darn tasty and we would go back to try the others we didn't have room for. Bag of Crisps & Egg - crispy, crunchy, creamy goodness! Tuna Crudo and Popcorn Sweetbreads were awesome. Also, the Grilled Octopus with Spam (yes) & Kimchi was fantastic. Be warned, it's got a real kick, but if you love spice this'll be your thing! Too full to try dessert, but we'll be back for more - to try that famous burger, the Mediterranean Salad and more. GO HUNGRY!
(5)Jon M.
And yet another day of sweet victory.. I swear my fiancé and I are just having a great luck streak with restaurants. To end our 3 year anniversary, we came here to Bottlefork. We by far had the best experience here. We didn't know we needed a reservation. We walked in.. saw an open table in between groups of people.. and we got offered to seat at the chef's counter. How freaking awesome is that. I totally wanted to swear right there! We had two seats right next to where the wait staff picks up their orders. We had the greatest opportunity to watch everything made from scratch. We got some drinks..eh Now onto the food.. Apps 1) "popcorn" 2) "bag" 3) "poutine" Shareable Plates 1) Potato gnocchi 2) Grilled octopus & housemade spam Every employee that we encountered had a great sense of humor. We were laughing the whole time during our visit. We will definitely come back to this place.
(5)Ayame L. O.
My bestfriend and I went to try this place since people were raving about it. To be honest with the food I wasn't impressed at all. We ordered alot to try everything but every single dish was at most okay. Cocktails are bomb though, decor was cute, and the service was good. Sorry I'm too much of a foodie to be returning.
(3)Kripa P.
Highly recommend the bag of chips + eggs and wagyu beef jerky! The beef jerky was just the right texture and had amazing flavor. The eggs added to the chips made them softer, but still crunchy and delicious. I had the rotisserie half chicken for dinner, which was moist and the vegetables/black truffle jus added some flavor. However, I would recommend trying something different if you are looking for more flavor (like the burger, which my boyfriend got and enjoyed).
(4)Therese F.
I came here with my boyfriend and three others with whom we typically get together monthly to try out new places. We made a reservation for 9:15 on a Friday. Our table wasn't ready and we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated so we stood @ the bar to grab a drink. It's such a narrow space between the bar and the tables that it is not conducive to anyone standing there without getting bumped or having to constantly move out of the way of the wait staff. Once we were seated out waiter brought us some snacks as an apology and thank you for our 30 minute wait (very nice). Food: The complimentary snacks were the Piggy Jerky (kind of bland), Scotch Quail Eggs (unmemorable), and the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (delicious, wish we got a 2nd one, and we all ate it with a fork, not at all the mess that some other reviewers have stated). We also ordered: - Steak Tartare (meh) - Oysters (4 of the 5 in our group are HUGE oyster fans...we each only tried one. They were truly bad.) - Smoked Salmon Layered Parfait (good) - Grilled Octopus (good) - Rotisserie Chicken (good) - Cauliflower (good) - Hot & Gooey Dessert of the Day (an apple something or other...very good) - Pretzel Caramel Sundae (good) - Brandy Alexander Sundae (good) ....some items were 'good', some meh...other than one of the desserts and the Bag of Crisps, none of it was noteworthy. Drinks: Not going to list them all out...among us we did a pretty good job in trying a good number of their specialty cocktails and drinks. None were that great. Service: Fantastic. They brought us snacks when we sat down because we had to wait 30 minutes with having a reservation. They only charged us for the oysters we ate (4 of a few dozen I think). The waiter was friendly, enthusiastic, knew both the drink/food menu, etc. They really have got this aspect down. Environment: Small, but cozy and nice. Other than the service, this place just does not have good enough quality food or drinks, which is obviously what really makes a restaurant last. I would not go back or recommend it to others.
(2)Amber A.
Stopped in Bottlefork to see my old friend from Four Seasons Atlanta, Chef Kevin Hickey. The atmosphere was great - upscale casual. My husband and I had cheese platter, cream kale w bacon and burger. All was delicious. And beer menu/beverage menu was great!
(5)Tiffany R.
Just stumbled upon this place while seeking out a place that was still service breakfast at 11am, so glad we found it. The food was beautifully plated and the tastes matched the presentation. Crisps & eggs were yummy, the hash was perfectly portioned since it is on the rich side and even the oatmeal was yummy although be prepared for a huge bowl of those oats. Service was very lovely; very welcoming and very attentive yet not hovering around.
(4)Jen K.
If it was just a review on food, the place would get a 5, but service gets a 1, so we are settling at 3. Let me admit my fault. I was that jerk who was late to brunch plans on Sunday morning. They sat the rest of my party. When I got there my group had already ordered drinks at the table. Our server was a tall guy with a beard and he was incredibly nice. He had a good sense of humor and explained a lot on the menu. When we got our appetizer, the manager on duty came over and said that due to the fact that we were taking so long, he had to ask us to move to another table because they had a reservation coming in. So after blaming us (me) for being late and taking too long, we were moved. After we moved, he was nice enough to bring over poutine on the house, so that was cool, I just don't like the way he made it "our fault". I am aware I was late, sorry dude, but you don't have to call me out like that. Then our new waitress was nice at first, but she consistently tried to up-sell us. Then they ended up charging us for the "on the house" poutine and when we asked her to remove it from the bill, she instantly became very annoyed and couldn't wait for our departure. On the food side, we had the vinegar chips, which were incredible. The poutine had shredded beef which was a great compliment to an otherwise delicious dish. The sopa was incredible. The salsa and guacamole were great flavors.
(3)Bella P.
Easily one of the most marvelous places in Chicago. The food was superb and the drinks, splendid! It all began with the Beef Cheek Poutine which consisted of crisp fries covered in succulent beef, bathed in gravy with Wisconsin's curds marrying all members. The "tots" were tasteful and terrific, which was brought forth by the creamy cheese that blanketed those potato squares of goodness. Creamed kale, although may not sound appealing to some, was far from the normal vision one might picture of "creamed kale." It consisted of kale marinated with thick bacon, topped with an egg. It had me at bacon. I mean grandma always did say to eat my vegetables- which was made easier with bacon of course. The main course was the Porkbelly and Sausage Porchetta "Pastor." Phenomenal. The portion was decent too. No skimpy belly fat noted. The pastor flavor was pretty spot on as well. The meal was finished with a Fromage a Trois, which consisted of a Brie, goat and a parmesan type cheese, with a side of homemade jelly and bread. They were all very enjoyable. The winner here was the Pretzel Carmel and Chocolate Fudge Sundae- Wow! Absolutely phenomenal!! There were a plethora of drinks to choose from. The bartenders are amazing and well versed, mind-blowing mixologists, you might say. Bottlefork is fabulous, a top 3 restaurant in Chicago for me. I will likely be frequenting here quite often, as there is just so much more to try!!
(5)Sara P.
Birthday celebration last night and it could not have been better. I'm a gluten free vegan, I learned fast there was much for me to eat there but everything else was spectacular. Our server Raymond went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary Requests along with odd requests from the entire party. We shared wine which he split up for us, and accommodated in every way from questions to tastes. The food was phenomenal, and the service was beyond,we thanked everyone when we left, from kitchen to bar because the teamwork they showed was stellar. Ambiance, beer list was spectacular....... But the service made our visit. Thank you Raymond, we will be back, new hidden gem in river north
(5)Adam K.
Really good. There's a lot of great places to eat at in this area. This is a gem. Great service. Our waiter was helpful; he was a guide and he didn't steer us wrong. The gnocchi was killer. Ditto with the roasted pig flatbread. I can't say enough about the roasted chicken. Truly outstanding. Reasonable prices for river north. You've got to check it out. Highly recommend.
(4)Jerry K.
It was my turn to pick a place for our monthly dinner group and I was really excited about selecting Bottlefork this month. Service was fine all around. We were seated on time and everyone was friendly. Server was attentive and timely. No problems here. The place is LOUD. We found ourselves practically yelling at each other across the table in order to have conversation. Definitely not a place you want to go for a date. Good beer and wine selection. I had the Root Cellar Rye Amber Ale which is apparently specially brewed for Bottlefork and it was tasty. A nice thing to mention is that we got a free order of the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (1 egg, by the way) after checking in on Yelp. However (and I hate to rip on a free dish) it was mediocre at best. A bag of vinegar and salt chips with an egg thrown in there and then oddly but vigorously shaken up by a server in front of us. All I tasted were gooey vinegar chip-crumbs. Nothing special here. We also ordered the mussels with the fries and ham broth, which was delicious, but pricey given the portion. i counted 7 mussels (which were decently sized) for $16. Doesn't seem to add up. We wanted more but couldn't justify paying out another $16 for a second order. The rest of the food was ok. The burger had good flavor but was super salty. The creamed kale was ok, the roasted cauliflower was good. Pumpkin stew was really good, the Pork Belly and Porchetta was just ok. The Potato Gnocchi was ok but once again the portion didn't add up to the cost. Overall, the place was somewhat disappointing. Good service, ok food and pricey given some portion sizes, ok atmosphere if you like screaming at people for conversation.
(3)Faith D.
I'll give it 3 stars based on my experience & food. Three of us came in for lunch so we did not drink (a REAL bummer). Cocktail & beer menu is huge and sounds interesting. The table behind us had a few appetizers and the brussels sprouts smelled fantastic so we ordered some. Have to say, although no bacon, they were the best freakin' B sprouts I've ever tasted. Just the right amount of oil, roasting and balsamic. Perfect! Generous portion also. My 2 friends ordered the burger (which sounded fabulous with the bacon ground into the meat) and the brisket sandwich. Burger came with ketchup and pickle; brisket had pickle only. Kitchen cut their sandwiches in half so they could share. I had the fish & crisps sandwich. It was piled VERY high (with cole slaw and chips ON the sandwich) and a pickle - and I have to say one of the better fish/chips sandwiches I've had in a long time. PIPING hot when it came to the table which gets high marks from me; generous portion and delicious. Some kind of mayo but I did have to sort of de-construct from the huge bun. Very, very good. Our server was pleasant and attentive. A manager stopped by to make sure we were okay. The burger/brisket people seemed less impressed with their sandwiches but I was very happy. We sat at a high-top table up front by the window. The space is long, narrow and dark and I think if I was back there (booths only) I would have felt claustrophobic. Forgot to take any photos but everything looked terrific. I would definitely try again for dinner if in the neighborhood.
(3)Kristine N.
Very dark, intimate, and romantic setting. The restaurant itself is narrow and long. Staff is very very friendly and efficient. Drinks are strong, unique, and delicious (try the orange spade one). The food was a little on the salty side for me but pretty good nonetheless. The sliders with shoestring potatoes were a hit, the clam flatbread was unique, sweet bread shrimp was my favorite, and the tuna and salmon spreads were delicious.
(4)Leke O.
The chef, staff and the ambiance work well together - has the feel of an upscale dive bar (if there was ever such a thing). My go to is the burger and they never fail to deliver. I haven't done brunch here yet, but I'm sure it's something to look forward to.
(4)Stef M.
Large slab of prosciutto for fresh slicing. Lots of condiments for all the food. Delicious sliders and orange vodka martinis. Pretty space. The chefs take pride in preparing your dishes.
(5)Davin L.
Another River North restaurant, courtesy of Rockit Ranch Productions. The decor and design is modern urban, but layout of the establishment is a bit on the narrow side, inevitably leading to elbow bumping with your dining company. Fortunately, with a delicious menu with highlights like fried veal sweetbread and awesome drink concoctions, you'll quickly forget how crowded and loud it gets inside.
(4)Elina K.
This place is really terrific. It's perfect for a small intimate girls night, modest boys night, or a date (although you may have to wait, in a very cramped small area by the door, even with reservations, so I wouldn't recommend for a first date :) The decor is warm and trendy. Exposed brick, funky art, fierce bar. The service was A++. Hostess was nice and accomodating, despite the super busy night and antsy patrons waiting and whining. Our waitress was so patient and seemed truly excited about the food and was more than willing to explain the menu and give recommendations. I know this is considered a new, hot mixology spot. I don't drink so I can't comment on that, but my friend ordered one of their barrell WI wines and enjoyed it (I think!) The food was, not suprisingly, deeelish. Here is what we ordered: - Fromage a Trois (cheese platter) - Bag of Crisps and Eggs (chips with malted powder shaked in a bag with a perfectly tempered egg) - Creamed kale - Organic salmon All were fantastic. And the bread they bring - YUMMO. BUT the absolute most incredible thing we had that night was their ooey gooey dessert of the day. Every day they have have a new ooey gooey (not sure what the rotation is like). If you are lucky enough to come on the night where they serve the brownie creme brulee (AHEM: BROWNIE CREME BRULEE) you will be one happy little piggy.
(5)Angela S.
Two words...Brussel Sprouts! If my entire meal consisted of only a ginormous plate of brussel sprouts, I'd be okay with that. I'm not always a huge fan of these hard-to-cook and hard-to-season veggies, but whatever the chefs do here, they do it more than very well. Sprouts were crispy, grilled, and seasoned with maple-bourbon vinaigrette. Wow, just wow. But that's not the only wow about this place. There is so much more... I had the pleasure of coming here with a large group of colleagues and a menu made special just for us. The space is long and narrow, but they managed our reservation and seating requirements without a hitch. We had a group of 11, and it was no problem making room for us in the back. I actually enjoyed the intimacy and atmosphere quite a bit. First Course - Bites Our meal consisted of a variety of different course offerings starting with smoked olives. I am a huge olive fan to begin with, so add a hint of orange and coriander and you'll no doubt appreciate the delicacy. Check-in to the restaurant on your Yelp app and you'll enjoy the potato chips with a poached egg all shaken up in a bag. Yeah, they are a bit slimy in consistency, but the flavor of vinegar and sea salt mixed in is explosive. Not like I've ever had before. Our charcuterie plate was lovely. The mini bread loaves attached together like monkey bread, were hot and fresh. 2nd Course - Salads/Greens You already know how I feel about the brussel sprouts. The Ensalada Latina salad, though completely packed with a wonderful variety of fresh ingredients, was a bit too spicey for my mild palate (Corn & Black Bean Relish + Butternut Squash Cotija Cheese + Masa Croutons Tomatillo Vinaigrette). I enjoyed the Meditteranean Salad (Eggplant Hummus + Olives + "Saganaki" Cheese Sumac Croutons), but it's quite filling. I had to stop because I wanted to save room for the main course. Main Course The cider braised pork belly served on a sweet potato purée, melted in my mouth. It was soft and flavorful, and mixed in well with the sweet potato. I wish I would have taken more servings of this. Though my colleagues weren't super into the potato gnocchi with mushroom broth and fried pickled mushrooms, I enjoyed the feeling of the fresh soft dumplings mixed with a mushroom crunch. I'm still not a huge fan of goat cheese, so I could have done without that. I have a soy allergy, and so I was advised to stay away from the grilled octopus. Sadly I enjoy grilled octopus. I am often bored by rotisserie chicken, but here it's moist and well seasoned and fell off the bone when cutting it. Now that's the way chicken should be. Also note, the veggies had a lovely crunch to them. Not over cooked. Dessert Cheers to the homemade creamy soft serve ice cream with the side of apple, caramel and sweet cream custard. Besides being gorgeous in it's presentation, the custard was so ooey gooey yummy and rich. Overall, the service here was 5+ stars. Our server, in particular, did an amazing job of looking after my soy allergy and gave me the heads up when there was something I should stay away from. I'm am so appreciative. I have no doubt the lunch and brunch are a hit. The music was a tad loud that night, the lighting just a hint too dark (only a hint), and I can only imagine the challenge they must have getting people in and out of there quickly. It's small with only a few tables, and there was a group of people waiting when I left. It gets crowed quickly. It's pricey here, which is why I can only give it four stars. It's not a place I could frequent on a regular basis. Great stop for a special date night or with a select colleague though.
(4)Andrew D.
First off, this place is by far the best of the Rockit Ranch establishments (disclaimer: haven't tried Duck Inn - off the beaten path...). I personally think Billy Dec is a bit of a douche and would honestly choose not to patronize his establishments, but the hype and reviews for Bottlefork were strong, and a buddy of mine recently started working in the kitchen. I was definitely impressed with Bottlefork's brunch for a laundry list of reasons. Let's start from the beginning. Some of my friends decided to be fashionably late, but the hostess let us keep our OpenTable reservation and sat us at a nice big booth. Our server (forgot his name; longer hair, beard) was honestly THE most passionate server I've ever had. He knew the menu inside and out, intricately describing every dish he recommended. He made sure we were well taken care of. As for the sustenance, the Bloody Mary was basically an appetizer. The house blended mix, carefully selected vodka, and intricate skewer were amazing. Not to mention affordable, and a large portion! We only needed to have one apiece. Our Yelp Check-In free crisps app was an interesting twist on boring potato chips - loved the poached egg tossed in as well as the presentation! I ordered the burger. I knew I'd love it when I saw the menu listing. 20% Nueske Bacon embedded INSIDE the patty?! YES! It lived up to expectations and was friggin' bomb to the tastebuds. Solid recommendation by Thrillist for Best Burger in River North. That alone will make me come back. The experience was great, minus the extensive wait for our entrees to come out, despite the place not being packed to capacity. However, I suppose these guys are really into what they do, and it just takes time. Can't wait to come back, eat dinner, and try a Bill Brasky!
(5)Daniel S.
I've become somewhat of a familiar face at this fantastic River North restaurant and for good reason. Bottlefork continues to draw me in with their tantalizing specials and their spectacular trademarks. Recently, I tried the Buffalo Chicharrones which were well seasoned with a house made spice mix. They were perfectly light and crunchy. Next I shared orders of the Lamb Sirloin w/ shaved asparagus, the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger, and the Chef's Special Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Plaintain & Sofrito. The burger remains the champion of the menu and the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO! The Lamb Sirloin was grilled to medium rare perfection and the Moroccan spiced yogurt added the a lovely and subtle layer of flavor to the dish. The chef's special was small but a delight to the palette. My friends were all blown away by the freshness and flavor from the Scallops and the mezcal Sofrito. The twice fried Plaintain tied the dish together beautifully. I always dine at the chef's table so I can have a 1st hand view of the production in the restaurant's open kitchen and so I can ask questions about any of the dishes that pass by. Chef Eric Lopez always manages to impress myself and my guests with his incredible passion for good food. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He always greets us with a smile and offers great new recommendations. Sadly, I learned that he will be moving to Miami soon. His presence at the restaurant will be missed but I will continue dining here for the great food and the always delightful staff.
(5)Stefanie A.
Wow! Had dinner here last night with a group of 7. Showed up a bit early than our reservation, but was seated right away with a "hey!" from Billy Dec. Waitress was so sweet, helpful and just awesome. Service was quick too. Love the look of the place-it's like country had a baby with contemporary and poof- Bottlefork it is. I def recommend the jerky, chips, & deviled eggs as apps. For dinner I had the lamb, husband had their burger, and everyone else had something different. Everyone loved their food- my lamb was phenomenal! Husbands burger was maybe the best burger I've ever had. For dessert they had a special apple tart. Obviously we got that as well as the pretzel chocolate sundae which was to die for.
(5)Alik W.
Really very solid. The cocktail menu is heavy on the wallop, but that matches their prices, I suppose. Has a wide array of small, well-flavored plates that complement the drinks menu. Service, at least if you sit at the bar, is attentive. Plus, they have a very nice check-in offer (potato chips coated in vinegar and soft egg). I personally was very unimpressed with the sweetbreads, which I felt lacked texture and were mostly a vehicle for aioli. Chips, seasonal vegetables, deviled eggs all were better. But, overall, an excellent place to perch and enjoy dinner and drinks.
(4)Ashley C.
We were in the area and craving dessert. We were waiting outside the venue for them to open (still had another 10 min) and the hostess kindly let us in since it was extremely cold outside. Food: We ordered the brownie brulee with soft serve on the side and the pretzel caramel soft serve. The soft serve is amazinggggg -- it's perfectly creamy, sweet and just soooo yummmy!!! We never had a brownie brulee before so that also blew our minds - or tastebuds - away. I just wish that soft serve came with the brownie brulee so we didn't have to pay an extra $6 for something that should be paired together. Service: EXCELLENT! One of the best service experiences I've had. As mentioned earlier, they let us in 10 min before opening so we didn't have to wait in the cold. Our waitress engaged in conversation with us and had no problem answering all the questions we had. We had told her about our plans to go clubbing at Underground, which turned out to be their sister company! As a result, the manager came over, gave us his card and informed us on how to get on the guest list for the club (free entrance, yayyy!). We ended up coming back later that night to pre-game and the bartenders were super chill, making jokes and having conversation. Ambiance: Dimly lit place. There's a bar, booths and tables depending on what you're going for. Can be a place to have drinks with friends or havea romantic dinner date! Would definitely come back again -- to try a meal, more desserts and dranks!
(4)Jake V.
Great for an unlimited expense account, not so great if you're paying out of pocket. Some of the drinks are really fantastic (something orangey? names are fuzzy at this point...) while others are not so great (something that looked like a snow cone). Mains are decent but there are certainly missteps (tartar sauce runny enough to flow out of a fish sandwich, no sides with some sandwiches, etc.). Service was fine but not amazing. And everything was a little dear for what it was. Not bad, but there are better options nearby.
(3)Noel S.
First of all if you are not a meat eater I would not recommend coming here. This place makes me think of what a butcher would do if he or she! was to open trendy/casual bar. The food is amazing. Everything is really well done. They are definently thinking outside of the box here, trying new combos you've never tasted or seen before. The servers are super friendly. I highly recommend the chicken sandwhich and the bacon burger. They are SO much better than they sound. Dessert milkshakes are awesome as well. Ask for the "sexy cubes" it's their term for the large scotch ice cubes. I love when places have these. I only came here for brunch on a sunday. It was packed. This place is rather small so I probably wouldn't come in the winter months with out a reso or you take the risk of waiting outside.
(5)Alex J.
Stopped in for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Started with some salads; this season, watermelon is all the rage, and their grilled watermelon salad with a chipotle lime vinaigrette did not disappoint. It was a refreshing start to the meal. Next, we tried the black bean and chorizo sopas with avocado crema and goat cheese. There was also fresh cilantro on top, but I'm one of the 2% of the population who hates cilantro, so I enjoyed my sopas sans cilantro. The dough for the sopas came out the perfect texture and they were a delicious mixture of textures. Main course involved tacos, because who doesn't love tacos? I tried both the grilled beer soaked chicken thigh and the guajillo and beer braised pork. The meat was flavorful, tender, and the tacos were on point. Finally, we ended with a warm cheesecake with caveat peaches. Unlike normal cheesecake, this wasn't too dense or heavy - it was light and was a perfect end-cap. Decor inside is nice, service is excellent, and food, above all, is done right.
(5)Joe B.
This place has some superb cocktails! And the bartender will gladly discourse with you about how/why they made or named the specific cocktail. The liquor selection is also finely curated. I didn't get a chance to eat here, but you could easily enjoy just one drink for an hour or longer. If you plan to stick around, order the Bill Brasky. The place is pretty crowded on Sundays, I don't think there was even a seat for one, so I recommend you go on a weekday when it's much more relaxed.
(3)Pablo B.
I went to Bottlefork after seeing the good reviews on Yelp; I've got to make mention first and foremost of the service. I had made reservations for six but was at a conference and four more hangers-on joined us which irritated me but the host was awesome about. He squeezed us in at a smaller table and bar and then when about half of a huge party left and the rest were just lounging around, he asked them to squeeze in so that we'd have room. Rarely do I find restaurants that are this accommodating especially of patrons who are that annoying (both us and the big group). All of it done professionally and efficiently and the staff as a whole were super friendly. Of course all of that might not have mattered if the food wasn't great but luckily it was. Quite a few of my colleagues had the burger which they said was very good -- served with a pickle skewered on top. I decided to try four appetizers and was really happy with them. The beef jerky was excellent as were the deviled eggs. But what really blew me away were the tots with a cheese sauce (sort of squares with a rich sauce) and especially the creamy kale with a fried egg on top. Absolutely delicious -- highly recommend for both food and service would definitely go back again.
(5)Jessica S.
My boyfriend and I were trying to find somewhere to dine last minute on a Saturday night and we came across Bottlefork. It was apparently rated one of the Best New Restaurants in 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, so I think we just got lucky to get in on such a short notice. But upon entering, we were both super impressed with the decor. Its very eclectic but chic at the same time, and had a very cozy feel to it. The hostess was very sweet and mentioned it would be a few minutes until our table was ready so we grabbed a couple drinks at the bar first. When it was time to be seated, we were introduced to our server, Eddie. And he was honestly one of the best parts of the night. Hilariously entertaining and full of awesome recommendations. Below are the dishes we went with, and I would get each and every one of them all over again: * Vieux Carre Cocktail = a cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. Its one of their best selling drinks on the menu and quite tasty. * Bag of Crisps + Egg = seriously, don't miss this one guys. It's absolutely amazing. Very interesting, and the server brought it to the table in a bag with a perfectly poached egg on the side. then tossed the egg in the brown bag with the chips and shook it all up right in front of us. I was pleasantly surprised how amazing these little bad boys tasted! * Wagyu Beef Jerky = super delicious. Not too tough, and comes out perfectly bite sized. Has some really great flavors with the soy and garlic. * Tots with Pimento Cheese Drizzle = an interesting little appetizer. Think an upscale tater tot with a fantastic dipping sauce. * Hop Braised Pork Shank = literally died and went to heaven with this one. Fell off the bone, was super moist, and paired perfectly with the Goat Cheese Polenta. I will definitely be coming back to this little spot. And when we have visitors in town, Bottlefork will be at the top of our list!
(5)Tim R.
I'd heard that Chicago had a foodie reputation and Bottlefork certainly consolidated that for me. My wife and I took shelter here from a thunderstorm that had rolled in off the plains and taken residence over the city. We didn't have a reservation, but were given a spot at the bar. This worked well as the bar staff were very friendly despite never seeming to pause for breath. The bar was fully stocked with not only all the high end staples but also things I'd not seen before and what looked to be hand made infusions. The food was even more impressive with the exponential edge to the taste I've not found outside of London or New York. The only challenge was that I had spotted the sumptuous ice cream sundaes pass through, and had to ration my appetite. A real first world problem, I know. The other first world problem was a feeling of being slightly over dressed to some of the fine young things out on a Friday night. Between the mixology lesson, the bustling kitchen, and the lovelies there was always something to look at.
(5)Taryn G.
Out of all of the many places I go for brunch, this was my least favorite. The food was less than good, I went on St.Patricks day and the corned beef hash was so salty it was hard to eat. It made me sick to the point I couldn't finish my meal. I had read so many great things and this was by far the biggest brunch disappointment.
(3)Morganne B.
Free bag of crisps and eggs for checking in. YES. So dang tasty that I'm going to try to emulate this at home. We stopped by for a bite shortly before they closed on a Monday night and had no trouble being seated. I was happy to see they had Penrose Desirous white IPA on tap as it's been one of my favorites this summer! My boyfriend and I shared the cheese and charcuterie plate which was amazing/had great variation. The prosciutto and goat cheese were the standouts but paired well with the mustards. Coming straight from a yelp event with free food, we weren't that hungry so the portion size was great. The place is a little pricy but right on par with everything else you'll see in the area. Didn't have a cocktail here this time but they are delicious and carefully and thoughtfully concocted for sure. This is a great place to bring a date or visitor from out of town that you're trying to impress!
(4)Tavi J.
4.5 Stars I had been wanting to go to Bottlefork for awhile now after seeing all these delicious pics posted on Yelp. Perfect place to go to brunch and catch up with the girls. We had 1:30 reservations and were seated right away. We started off with mimosas and then went the straight up hardcore cocktail route. Lol drinks were good. As for the food....Delicious and beautiful presentation. We had a hard time deciding what to order so the waitress suggested we share everything, which was definitely the way to go. We started with the corn beef hash which was good, but the Mexican Soppe was even better! I enjoyed the pie crust at the bottom and the guacamole. By far my favorite was the French toast that's prepared in a skillet. Great texture and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Extra bonus is the free chips/egg for checking in on Yelp app. Loved the service and the food. I can't wait to go back to try the desserts!
(4)Yuri H.
We had a lovely time. It wasn't crowded when we went, so we got nice seats outside. The bag of chips was interesting! I thought the cream kale was decent and unique. We got a grilled chicken sandwich that was better than average. Overall, I wasn't amazed by the food. The food is just all right to me, although I appreciate the effort they go into the presentation. I would give this place 3.5 stars, if I could. Not sure I would come back again just because there are so many restaurants in the area.
(3)Stephanie M.
Billy Dec has done it again! I've concluded that I will not have a bad FOOD experience at any of his restaurants. This restaurant has definitely rocketed (no pun intended) to the top of my favorite brunch places list. Come hungry and stay awhile because you are going to enjoy every minute of it. Our server, Eddie C., was extremely knowledgeable and very hospitable. He wasn't so hospitable where you felt smothered, or acted like a "know-it-all." He made our simple brunch outting into an experience. We started with the crisps and eggs. Sounds weird... yes. Delicious? ABSO-F-ing-LUTELY! Homemade crisps (or as we Americans like to call it, chips) is delicious as is but seasoned with salt and vinegar... it becomes amazing. My favorite flavor. Throw in a perfectly poached egg and toss it in a paper bag til each chip is coated equally...MIND BLOWN. the egg adds a creamy factor to the chip where it tastes like you had just coated the entire chip with cheese!!! Highly recommend this place! If I lived in River North this would be my go-to brunch place.
(5)Gwen H.
I had high hopes for this place after reviewing some previous Yelp reviews and knowing that one of my friends had been before and enjoyed her meal. Let's start with the good stuff: the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. The deviled eggs-Yummy! That's the only good stuff. The bad was the fried chicken with some sauce that was spooned on at our table. I wish the expediter would have told us what the gravy was made from since I don't eat gluten and there was probably flour in the gravy. The chicken was dry and there want much on the plate. The ugly-prices!$!$! Ridiculous. A glass of Pinot noir was $17. This place is way too expensive for the mediocre quality of food they serve.
(2)Laura K.
What a hidden gem! I say "hidden" because it is next to the oh-so-crowded Bub City and on a crowded street full of tourists/clubbers. We were blown away with the food, the service, and overall atmosphere Bottlefork offered in the heart of downtown. I went for dinner and then for brunch a few weeks later. Both were excellent with lots of good options.The Jerky??!? OMG, the Jerky. SO GOOD. As were the fries, the burger, the pork belly....basically everything we had was excellent! I got the corned beef brisket hash for brunch which was excellent and beautifully served. I definitely want to come back from some of their other options. I just looked at their menu and they have Fish N Crisps N Eggs....sign me up please!!! Highly recommend, and can't wait to get back here!
(5)Joe A.
A Yelp-inspired journey around downtown Chicago in 5-degree weather brought us to Bottlefork for Valentine's Day. Worth. It. We started with the peppery and delicious Wagyu Jerky and the bizarre, but amazing crisps and egg (house-made chips with an egg, shaken in a brown paper bag). I had the Burger and B had the Gnocchi -- both excellent. And because it was V-Day, we went all crazy and got the caramel, pretzel, chocolate, and beer foam dessert. Sounds weird. Tasted ridiculously good. Also, a super shoutout to our waitress, Erin B., who gave us stellar recommendations for everything and really made our night extra great. If you're looking for casual romantic with a nice hipster vibe and excellent food and drinks, this is the spot in CHI.
(5)Olivia K.
(Drink Review) Their menu is nothing but drinks! Their entire back side is all wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. Definitely not good for kids. I got the special lemonade, and its worse than the store bought lemonades. It was very bitter and sour. The syrup in it made it even worse. Do NOT get the lemonade. (Unless you are into very bitter, very sour drinks.) And if you are hungry, then read my next review.
(3)Disappointed W.
Very interesting menu - super unique Friendly staff! Bag of crisps and egg is a must have Impressed with the food!
(4)Tina L.
Came here for brunch. It was a fabulous meal! They had a specialty / seasonal Autumnal Old Fashioned that I just HAD to try even though it was super expensive ($18). It was like Christmas poured over ice! I'm so glad I got to try it...and good thing it was nice and strong, because I like to get my money's worth. It had Hall Apple Brandy, Becherovka, maple and baked apple bitters. YUm!!!~ I am so happy with all the dishes we ordered: MUST TRY -- Started off with the "Bag" of Crisps & Eggs, with malt vinegar powder and sea salt. I mean, wow. Best chips I've ever had with raw egg on it!!! The chips start out super crispy, and then the egg is dropped in and shaken in the bag. Something about the malt vinegar powder, sea salt, and the egg makes the combination of flavors amazing with the chips. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin' was one of our favorite dishes for brunch. It was the perfect mix of raw tuna, avocado and the crispy shrimp stuff on top. If I were to make a poor man's version of it, I'd probably top it with that Asian snack, shrimp crackers. It went really well over the bread they gave us. We got the warm ceasar salad afterwards, which had this grilled cheese thingy on top. I particularly loved the warm, roasted tomatoes with it. I think the cheese a little much, but I just cut a few small pieces according to how much I wanted with each bite. Last but not least, we had the pumpkin donut holes, which were nice and dense and how I like my donuts. We were a little too full by this point, so only got to eat one each...I like that they offered two different dipping sauces to go with it. They make their hot sauce in house and it comes out in the cutest little bottle!
(5)Yvonne I.
This review is for brunch. My group of 12 recently had a great experience at Bottlefork for Sunday brunch. I made the reservation almost a month before the day, so getting a reservation wasn't a problem. I loved our waiter ! I am always impressed with a waiter that handles a large group of people with ease. I wish I remember his name, but our waiter was very attentive and helpful, and these are not always qualities you find in waiters. My large group ordered a large portion of the options on the brunch menu, so it was nice to see everything in person. I opted for the Greek Omelet with the country pork sausage on the side. The Greek Omelet was the perfect size for me, and the pork sausage platter included 2 standard circular patties. I was very full, and both items tasted fantastic. I tried one of my friend's tater tots, and they were perfectly fried and not greasy. Bottlefork provided a very pleasant brunch experience.
(5)Christian S.
Salty and overpriced. Moody, chic ambiance. Trendy plating and presentation with a flourish. Quality proteins and mostly quality ingredients.
(2)Michele N.
Wow - one of the best stumble-on lunches ever! So glad Roka was closed on a Sunday afternoon or we never would have decided to walk across the street. My husband and I split the burger and Mediterranean salad - incredible flavors and huge surprises - as well as the egg and crisps! Woo Hoo!! Even the music was great! Unfortunately we're not from Chicago so have to wait until we're back in the area to eat here again but already looking forward to it!
(5)Cara L.
Any restaurant that makes their own soft-serve vanilla ice cream and tater tots (with frickin' pimento cheese sauce, no less) is badass in my book. Our large group was lucky enough to be treated to an enormous meal of pre-picked deliciousness, including the malt vinegar potato chips, two different salads, the charcuterie board, the roasted chicken, mushroom gnocchi, squid, homemade tater tots with pimento cheese sauce and some kind of torte with soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Ermahgerd. The food was all very delicious, but the real stand outs to me were (obviously) the homemade tots and the soft-serve. I know... It seems I have the tastebuds of a 10-yr-old boy. But before you judge me, know that these wonders of tastiness are all made in house. That's right. No rinky-dink, pre-frozen tots. These were big, thick squares of potato-y goodness--crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And when you top those with melted pimento cheese sauce?! Stop it. I can't. So good. And who makes homemade soft-serve. Are you kidding me? I need this in my life all day, every day. I didn't even pay one second of attention to the dessert next to this huge, ice cream parlor-style cup of frozen, creamy goodness. I also want to mention how straight-up awesome the service was at Bottlefork. Large dining groups of 10 or more can be really tough on a restaurant, especially a very busy, popular one. The staff at Bottlefork made me feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Yea--I'm talking THAT level of service. I'm so close to giving 5 stars just based on the tots, soft-serve and service, but I have to agree with Yelper Candice G. Even being an out-of-towner, I had be prepped prior to our dinner that this food would be like the second coming of Christ. But outside of those two items that I LOVED, the rest of the dishes really didn't blow me away. Although one honorable mention would be that roasted chicken. As someone who loves to cook, I know it's not easy to get chicken that tender with the crunchy skin on the outside. It's damn good. (Also, I think I'm the only one who didn't think the music choice matched the restaurant. For instance, Iggy Azalea blasting in the background seemed just a bit off--but I can appreciate they're trying to be unique...)
(4)Shannon E.
Really enjoyed an awesome, impromptu dinner here. Started with the crisps + eggs as a freebie app for checking in on Yelp! (Def do this as it's a great snack starter!) My colleague got the gnocchi with mushroom sauce and I got the grilled octopus with housemade spam. Both entrees were pretty small and mine was very spicy as it comes in a wowser of a kimchi sauce that I was not expecting. We were planning on a dessert so decided to not order another entree to share....but def think 1-2 apps and 2-3 entrees are needed for 2 people if you're not going for a sweet end. The dessert was amazing. Got the special bread pudding of the day, which comes in its own 6" round baking pan...and it was divine. Plenty for 2 people and an awesome way to end the meal. Had to wait for 20min after our reservation time on a Wednesday night, but once seated, the service was great.
(5)Cindy W.
MY GOD. THAT BURGER. That burger was a good reminder why I haven't turned vegetarian. It was so succulent and tender -- cooked medium rare, just the way I liked it. It's also infused with bacon, which is never a bad idea. You just gotta. Don't count the calories. Just go for it. Also tried the malt chips, which is FREE WITH A YELP CHECK-IN. They essentially put freshly made malted vinegar chips in a bag, drop an egg in it, shake it up, and serve it to you. The egg adds a creamy-ness to the otherwise crispy chips. I would definitely recommend. What would I skip? The sweetbread for sure. For $6, you rarely get anything. Don't let the photos fool you. When it arrived, my face dropped because I bet you would need a magnifying glass to find your food. The amount is less than half of your fist. BUT I would definitely go for the dessert. The sundaes are TO DIE FOR. Get the pretzel sundae with caramel and a beer stout foam. It's really amazing and not too sweet! I loved the pretzel texture to it. I'll have to come back to try more of their dessert cocktails.
(5)Justine M.
Dark and rustic decor inside, a bit small so I suggest making a reservation. It didn't seem overly crowded on a Saturday at 7pm. Our group of 4 ordered a few dishes to share. Tip: If you check-in on yelp, you get a free order of the crisps & egg (which was a bag of chips and the waitress shakes a poached duck egg into the bag at your table). We also got the tots, sweetbreads, poutine, brussel sprouts, poboy and the ooey gooey dessert (strawberry & lime gooey cheesecake a la mode). Overall, the dishes were tasty and creative with the poboy being my favorite, however, the downfall is everything is extremely heavy. There was nothing fresh or light to cut the taste. It didn't seem like there was much on the menu to help with this (other than the salads that didn't seem noteworthy). This is all definitely bar type food. The drinks weren't great or horrible. Since I tried most of what I wanted off their menu, I don't think I'd come back. It's a good one time restaurant.
(3)Mark T.
Lovely atmosphere. Excellent staff. And craft cocktails. Did not eat but would definitely come back to try food.
(4)Haley C.
My boyfriend and I went to Bottlefork before seeing a play at the Cadillac. The restaurant was cool and the service was friendly, but we were put at a very tiny table that could barely hold what we ordered. We started with the Charcuterie Board, which was not the best I've ever had but still pretty good! They brought our meals before we were done with the appetizer, which was difficult because of how small the table was. My boyfriend had the burger which he enjoyed, and I had the Ensalada Latina, which was good but not great. I definitely enjoyed the meal but probably wouldn't go again since there are so many other restaurants in Chicago
(3)JAY H.
Great time , food was ever so taste , from the lamb sirloin seared perfect , the appetizer fires with vinegar drizzle , waygu jerky , the kale salad umm, there was not a plate I didn't like , drinks where awesome and mixed perfect , the basic, noble , everything was great service was right there too..
(5)Clay K.
We had the chance to have brunch at Bottlefork, which I found here on Yelp, on Saturday. Overall it was very nice with casual, attentive service. First we had the red velvet doughnut holes with cream cheese icing. As with all the dishes here, a great deal of attention is paid to presentation. They come in a small brown paper bag with the icing on the side. The doughnut holes were perfection - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cream cheese icing is a page out of any home baker's recipe book and lent a nice homemade element to the dish. We also tried the tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin'. This is served in a jam jar. The bottom of the jar is filled with raw, chopped sushi grade tuna then layered with what is essentially guacamole over the top of that. The entire thing is sprinkled with a layer of cracklin' crumbs and served with toasted baguette slices. This dish for me was a bit too bland. It could benefit from a shot of spice or acid. There was nothing per se wrong with it, it was just rather boring. For mains we tried the corned beef brisket hash. This dish is composed with a hearty portion of chopped corn beef, a layer of purple cabbage, a nearly raw egg and hollandaise sauce. Two things - apparently somewhere on the menu a "62 degree egg" is described. The description in the hash dish however says "poached egg". What came with the hash was a cold, translucent, nearly raw egg. I found this extremely unappetizing and decided immediately to send the dish back. When I suggested to the waiter that this egg was nearly raw instead of a, "we'll fix it", I got a long explanation about how the chef believes strongly in a 62 degree egg almost as if I should somehow know about the esteemed 62 degree egg. Well, I've eaten all over the world in some of the best restaurants out there and have never come across a 62 degree egg anywhere else. To me 62 degrees is an ambient temperature at which I don a jacket, it's definitely not, unless I'm Rocky Balboa, the temperature I want to eat an egg at. If you're going to serve it that way even on dishes where it is described as something else, you need to have a prominent warning on the menu and train your staff to explain it before it's in front of me on a plate. They ultimately did remake the dish and gave me a nice, hot, sunny side up egg. Sadly this dish had other issues. Chopped corned beef does not a hash make. Hash implies potatoes, onions and peppers chopped with meat. This was only corned beef. The corned beef was extremely salty and very dry, and I love salt. I'd call this dish a near disaster and would never order it again. HOWEVER, redemption was at hand. Along came the skillet french toast. This is nothing short of a rapturous signature dish. The french toast is made in a skillet and then inverted at the table. It is served with blueberry compote, whipped cream and for an extra two bucks bourbon maple syrup. This dish had a caramel that didn't border on candy - it was candy. It was truly delicious and received raves around the table. I will say it's silly to charge an extra two bucks for the syrup, but other than that this dish was a five star. The improved mimosa was a nice, boozy brunch drink albeit pretty pricey. Overall, this place has a lot of good going on. Is it the best brunch in Chicago as mentioned in another review, not in my opinion, but it's very good. I definitely want to get back to try it at lunch or dinner. For one thing, I heard mention of some spectacular Brussels sprouts that have that bourbon maple syrup. mmmm.
(3)Antaash U.
We dined at Bottlefork this past Saturday night. I must say that the place is bursting at the seams past 8pm, so if you're looking to get a reservation and stay awhile, a 7pm reservation is your best bet. Because by the time we left at 9:45, it was a struggle to even get out the door. We actually requested to sit in front of the chef's station to get a firsthand view of all the hustle and bustle of the place that makes the magic happen, and we were not disappointed. The crew behind the counter was happy to answer each and every one of our questions, even though they were certainly busy. I appreciated their time and attention. The meal at Bottlefork also didn't disappoint. It's a small plates approach to dining and sharing several things is recommended. Their menu is also very meat heavy and the options for vegetarians is limited compared to what the meat eaters are offered. My friends and I ordered: Braised Beef Cheek Poutine: kenebec fries and Wisconsin curds. Delicious. They put the fries and curds under the broiler, so what is delivered to the table is the crunchy yet gooey concoction of pure deliciousness. We also ordered the "bag" of crisps and egg: malt vinegar powder and sea salt. What arrives at the table is a brown bag full of homemade potato chips and a bowl containing a perfectly poached egg. Our server dropped the egg into the bag and shook the living daylights out of the bag. What came out was a piece of heaven. I have never had poached eggs on a potato chips, and frankly, the idea doesn't sound so appetizing either. Don't be fooled, because it was perfection. The egg brought in a richness to the potato chips that nothing else could come close to recreating. The next item we chose were the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. They were crispy without being charred and burned. They were excellent and the maple glaze on therm was the perfect amount of sweetness and contributed to caramelizing the veggie. Pure goodness. Then there were the tots drizzled with pimento cheese. Oh the tots. We're not talking the frozen "ore ida" tots from childhood. These were, the incredible hulk of tots. First of all, they were huge. One serving contained 6 giant squares (think rice crispy treats) of shredded and deep fried potatoes, which were then drizzled with cheese. Eating them was an experience and something that shouldn't be missed. For entree selections, I had the potato gnocchi: mushroom broth, fried pickled mushrooms, and midnight moon goat cheese. The gnocchi was excellent but I wasn't a fan of the pickled mushrooms that they used. I would have been happier with just the slivers of goat cheese minus the mushrooms. Lastly, my friends shared the pork ribs with mole. They seemed to love their dish and finished the portion, no problems. Though we ordered quite a bit of food, we couldn't stop thinking about dessert. One of the specials of the day with this caramel cheesecake with glazed apples and a side of homemade vanilla soft serve ice cream. This dessert sounds like it would be really heavy and overly sweet, but it really wasn't. The cheesecake was more like a creamy custard and the soft serve actually was't too sweet either. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal. The food is definitely on the pricey side, but you're getting quality ingredients, a thoughtful menu and food prepared with a lot of love and pride. In no way did I feel it was overpriced because I was so satisfied with my meal. Also, our server was amazing. He was there when we needed him, without being overbearing. Though the place was saturated with people, we didn't feel like we were being forced out or rushed in any way, which I always, always appreciate. Not only did I have an enjoyable meal, I had an unforgettable experience (they played amazing music in the background). Thanks for getting me out of my winter hibernation bottlefork, I owe you one!
(5)Ashley S.
Delicious drinks!! My husband and our friend got the 9oz. Bill Bransky. SO DELICIOUS! It was so smooth for a concoction of whiskey, brandy, etc. Guys and girls alike would love this drink. Food, awesome. We ordered the Poutine and it was rich and yummy. Perfect appetizer for four people to split, with some left over. Service, awesome as well. We were never short of water and when our server got busy on the inside, the manager came outside to check on us and other customers. Very nice, accommodating staff. The girls at the front when you first walk in were sweethearts as well! We asked to move outside and it was not a problem, no issue, more than happy to accommodate, especially since they had planned for us to initially sit inside. Definitely coming back here again....this time, I'm getting the Bill Bransky! :)
(5)Franchesca R.
Really great service and food. Can't complain about a thing. Check in on yelp to get a free "bag" of chips. They're delicious. My friend and I devoured them--along with the other potato items we ordered.
(4)Shannon N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with my sister. We didn't have any reservation but were seated at the bar, right next to the prep area after getting there when it opened, around 10:30. We were kinda disappointed because, c'mon, no one likes sitting literally next to the coffee station where they set the pitchers, utensil sets, etc., with waiters constantly coming up next to you to grab things and fill up cups of coffee right next to you for other tables. The only pro about sitting here is that we were able to watch the kitchen do their thing with serving up all the orders, plating etc. WHAT WE GOT: 1) Bag of Crisps and Eggs: easily our favorite thing...despite it being chips and a slow poached egg mixed together, we loved this combo. The chips were salt and vinegar, but unlike the overly vinegar chips you buy from the grocery store, the malt vinegar wasn't overly powering--it was perfect! Plus, they give you a little spectacle by shaking up the chips and egg in a paper bag in front of you. 2) Corned beef hash: mmm this was really good! Loved the approach, it was really different in terms of having corned beef in the form of a patty, topped with the poached egg and hollandaise. I did thing the beef was a bit salty, even with the hollandaise and poached egg. 3) French toast: mmm if you are a fan of sweets for breakfast, you'll love this. They cook the french toast in a skillet, so a sugary, caramelized goodness is the result. Topped with some whipped cream and a blueberry compote--this is freaking amazing. SERVICE: 5 stars!!! Our waiter was super personable, very easy going, and always very attentive and observant, filling up our coffees even if they were only half empty. My sister and I wis we could have tried so much more if we weren't already full :( We had a hard time deciding what to get already, but Bottlefork has secured a spot in placed we'd definitely go to again next time (and with more people!) to try out even more! :)
(4)Jeffrey G.
Stopped in for lunch on a whim and recommendation of a whiskey fellow. I've noticed the place form the outside when going to 3 Dots before, but nothing about it particularly stood out from the exterior. Inside, however, is a lovely modern atmosphere with good lighting, but not too much lighting for the dark contemporary decor. Music was a touch loud for my preference, but it was good tunes that were not "harsh" sound wise so it was not that big a deal. The food I tried was delicious. The "tots" covered in pimento cheese were nice and crispy and paired nicely with the house ketchup. I chose the portobello sandwich since I was in a suit and did not want to eat anything too messy, but it was also quite tasty. I love goat cheese and mushrooms, so it was a logical choice, rewarded. I also ordered a "for the allocation" on the recommendation of two staff members. I was NOT disappointed! The prices for drinks are on the higher end for the area and for my preference point, but the cocktail was quite good and if You are going to pay a premium price, this is one worth the premium (rather than being a needlessly marked up drink). Service was friendly and accommodating. All in all, I highly recommend stopping in and will return soon.
(4)Bao L.
Dropped by for after-dinner drinks with some friends after we had dinner at Sunda on a Tuesday night. When you walk in, you're greeted immediately by the hostess. The restaurant gives off a very intimate vibe. We were able to snag a table right away to get out of the freezing cold. The drinks here, with their very unique names, are mixed very well and taste amazing. When I went, I had the Smoke of the Day (which I believe that night involved a whiskey) which had just the right amount of smokiness. Other drinks at our table included Big Salty Tears and Baysic, both of which were very good. Bottlefork also has an extensive wine list - we also ended up getting a carafe of a Malbec, though I forget from where exactly. Although we just ate dinner, we were still able to eat some more (if you have what I call "Stomach #2" after eating dinner, you're already a great person in my book and I want to be your friend). We decided to go with the charcuterie platter, which was amazing and devoured in an instant. I do want to go back to try some of their dinner menu, especially the tots, popcorn sweetbreads, and grilled octopus and housemade spam. The patrons around us eating dinner seemed to enjoy their food. Hopefully I'll be able to update this review soon enough w/ a review about their food also!
(4)Sunny K.
I'd say my favorite is the charcuterie! The chips and egg is yummy. Try Rhinelander beer, it's also quite yummy, and I think our server explained it's from a brewery in Wisconsin. I've been here twice and each time I'm struck by how kind the servers are. In terms of decor, there's a bunch of wine crates and wooden furniture, nothing revolutionary.
(4)Lois K.
We started with the bag of crisps eggs, tots, and braised beef cheek poutine. The poutine was delicious! The beef was cooked perfectly and fell apart with the touch of a fork. For dinner, I had the rich man po' boy, which was delicious, but I wish the portion size had been a bit bigger. The food here was pretty good and I would probably go back if I was in the area.
(4)Andrea H.
I visited for dinner on Saturday night. We had a reservation for 8pm and our table was ready when we got there, always a good start. For drinks we ordered the Baysic cocktail as a shot. It reminded me of lemoncello. Then we ordered the "Smoke of the day" and the "For the Allocation." The "Smoke of the Day" was the clear winner of all the drinks with it's complex flavors and egg foam top. The host brought us out the chips in a bag with the poached egg for checking in. I was not excited about this at first but ended up loving it. This is a super addictive starter. Beware, this blows your diet right from the beginning. But you are not going to be able to stay on your diet and eat here, just FYI. Then we had the Crispy Brussels sprouts, Charcuterie plate, and deviled eggs with salmon. Of those, my favorite was the Charcuterie plate with pickled veggies and cherry preserves, it was amazing. It came with goat cheese, warm bread, and prosciutto. Out of this world good. The Brussels sprouts were a little greasy for my taste, but the deviled eggs were solid although I would prefer them without salmon chunks. I had been reading about the Lobster roll with fried oysters and foie gras and was excited to try thfor my entree. The sandwich tasted as super indulgent as it sounds. The bread was over-buttered for my taste, way way over-buttered. The three fried oysters were, fried and squishily greasy and frankly put my stomach over the edge. I reach my grease limit pretty quickly and my stomach was queasy the remainder of the night. Some people would have no problem with the sandwich though. I could not taste the foie gras, but that was probably a good thing. I would not order this again. My date ordered the Orecchiette pasta which was very good. Finally, we ended with the pretzel sundae with homemade soft serve vanilla ice-cream. The beer foam top was super-gross but the ice-cream was yummy although most homemade ice cream is considered soft serve, right? Get this without the beer foam and you won't regret it. Overall, a very interesting meal. If I return, I would do a round two on that Charcuterie plate for sure. The other things, probably not.
(4)Megan B.
We came here for drinks after our meal next door at Frontera and were completely blown away by our experience at the bar. Our bartender, who I believe was named Adam, was exceptional. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he was great to hold a conversation with. Since we were visiting from out of town he recommended some other places to us in the city. He even introduced me to my new favorite drink (which he called Four Day Allocation, I believe). This was probably one of my top 5 experiences ever at a bar and I will absolutely recommended this place to anyone and everyone who will listen. Kudos, Adam!
(5)Candice G.
I'd heard people talk about Bottlefork like it was the second coming of Christ but for me it just wasn't all that. I think it was mostly a combination of my own bad decisions that led me to feel this way, but in general I think that Bottlefork is too many parts style + hype over substance. My first mistake was making a reservation to come on a Friday night as I'd forgotten that I'd rather be in hell than in River North on a weekend night. Not my people. Not my scene. Just nicht für mich all around. I'd made reservations for 2 people at 9pm and received not only a confirmation email but also two phone calls to confirm my 9pm reservation and make sure I knew their policy that my reso is only good for an hour and a half dining experience so they can accommodate all their reservations. I wasn't planning on stretching my meal into a multi-hour-long event, but I also wasn't a huge fan of the pre-game warning about my meal being limited to an hour and a half, especially when their hours note that they close at 11pm... I guess I was just lucky to not be the person with the 10:30 reservation getting a 30-minute dining time-limit warning. I was also a bit put off when I did show up just shy of 9pm for my confirmed reservation and was told that my table wasn't ready and likely wouldn't be for 15 more minutes (which actually ended up being 30 minutes), but that we could try to fight our way through the gauntlet of tragically hip, freshly 20-somethings to attempt to get a drink at the bar or wait outside on the street. We chose the street. After our extended 30-minute wait, we were sat at a tiny 2-seat table across from the host stand which was probably as decent a seat as any, since the noise level throughout was downright deafening. I know it's cool to have loud music and all, but if everyone in the restaurant has to scream or get right up in your ear, it's maybe something to rethink. I will say that all 4 of the cocktails my guest and I had were phenomenal, though half of them seemed to either have a bit too short of a pour or needed to be more fitting glassware. I would still recommend all of them ('Little Miss Dynamite', 'No Tea, No Shade', 'Big Salty Tears', 'Loft on Broadway') to anyone willing to part with $14 for a finely crafted cocktail. As far as food goes, I should have done my research. I didn't realize that there were virtually no dishes on the menu that are vegetarian/pescetarian friendly and that's my fault. I was super bummed to find out that the main dish I'd booked my reservation around, the creamed kale with duck egg, had boar bacon in it (which does totally sound delicious) and the creamed kale is pre-mixed with the bacon in it and unable to be served without. But again, that's my fault completely for reserving my table based on a pretty picture and incomplete dish description. The server suggest 2-3 dishes per couple so we lightly followed her advice and got the following: ** "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs - $5 - which was actually free with Yelp check-in and my favorite dish of the night. If I came back for cocktails I'd have no bones about ordering this again. ** Mediterranean Salad with Olives, Eggplant Hummus, "Saganaki" Cheese, Sumac Croutons - $16 - It was good, but nothing to fawn over. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam with Brussels Sprout "Kim Chee" + Sugar Snap Peas - $21 - We got ours without the spam, which I appreciated them accommodating, but this is one dish I wouldn't recommend altering. It's highly acidic and the vinegar is overpowering to point of stinging if you don't have the buttery bites of Babe mixed in to off-set. ** Walleye special - $22 - I didn't realize that walleye is a largely flavorless fish and the menu description made it seem like it was going to be much more interesting than it was. The plating was beautiful, even in Bottlefork's darkest of dark settings, but beyond that the dish fell flat flavor-wise. ** Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler - It looked stunning, but it tasted about as tart as it could be before hitting the wall on inedible. I'm no good at balancing flavors so I have no constructive suggestions, but I def needed to chug my beverage after each bite to wash the pucker out of my mouth. In the end, our bill was actually really reasonable for what I was expecting and I did love having several of our dishes served by Chef Kevin Hickey, as he just looks like a dude I would hang out with and his smile is certainly contagious. Unfortunately, our dining experience was (more than a bit) marred by the mixed company of freshly-turned-20-somethigns dressed in whatevers trendy at that hour, attempting to shout above the vociferous volume of the dining room about their impending divorce and/or how they cleverly escaped DUI charges while the food just didn't rest as remarkable and certainly didn't inspire me to even want to attempt to push that hour-and-a-half dining time limit the hostess had warned about. A 3.5 from me, overall, but rounded up to 4.
(4)Hannah C.
Service was a little slow, especially for a work lunch, but mostly the food was just unexceptional. The popcorn sweetbreads were probably well-prepared, but they were too fatty for us. The tots were unimpressive - the sauce tastes like standard nacho cheese sauce on refried potatoes. The bacon burger was a standout, with good flavors and interesting textures. Unfortunately, one good dish in a sea of not means I probably won't be back.
(3)Frank R.
I really wanted to like this place since the service was excellent the second I stepped in the door. Wanted to grab lunch here on my way to the airport and as soon as the hostess saw me with luggage, she took my bags and placed them in storage without hesitation so I could enjoy my lunch. The place is known for the burgers and I should've gotten one, but I was attracted to the Rich Man's Po Boy on the menu. It had lobster and fried oysters and sounded awesome. Looked great when it came out, however, when it comes to sandwiches, I subscribe to the belief that bigger is better. This sandwich looked like it belonged on the kids menu. The fried oysters were larger than the sandwich and instead of complementing the lobster, it dominated it and had to be removed and eaten separately. The seafood was fresh, but there was not that much of it. I think they should change the title to the Poor Man's Po Boy at a Rich Man's Price. Also decided to be adventurous and try the sweetbreads. I blame that on Silence of the Lambs. They were kind of bland. Wasn't expecting much and got exactly that. For dessert, I had a mint ice cream sundae. This looked like a work of art, but didn't taste like it. The menu said it was comprised of soft serve ice cream. I know my ice cream and that was not soft serve. Looked and tasted like ice milk. If it really was soft serve, it must have been in the freezer past its expiration date. The mint parts were great, but the vanilla ice cream was pedestrian at best. Can't say one bad thing about the service. It was professional and they went above and beyond in my opinion. I would come back again just for that--and to try a hamburger.
(3)Quin T.
Whether taking advantage of the patio or opting for a seat indoors, this restaurant is a MUST try in River North. I would strongly advise that you make reservations or you will be subject to a long wait or rubbernecking the bar for an empty spot..good luck with that one. While I do love sitting outdoors on a nice day, their awning does not extend that far out to cover your table, so if you are need of a tan, which I am not, then you have found your spot. Opting for a seat at the intimate bar, I was able to ask specific questions regarding the craft cocktails. The bartender was very knowledgeable and patient and because of that, I ordered several drinks..thanks, guy. Needing something to help absorb the alcohol, I found the most intriguing item: The Poor Man's Po Boy with Lobster, Foie, and topped with crispy oysters....damn! There is nothing "Po" about this $25 sandwich, making it the most expensive sandwich I have ever consumed in my life. Regardless of the price, just the description alone should have you wanting to make a reservation today and you should, because it's worth every damn penny! FYI, I have been to this restaurant 3 times and I always order the Po boy because in my opinion, "Nothing Compares"- Sinead O'Connor.
(5)Erica M.
We read awesome things about Bottlefork so it was our first stop from the airport for brunch. We arrived a few minutes after opening and all the outdoor tables were taken. Our meal was good....our server was nice, but we waited a REALLY long time for our food. The chips and eggs were pretty tasty and we shared the rich man's po-boy. The po-boy was a bit disappointing - super buttery/greasy bun and no identifiable foie gras. And bites on the end of bun-only, which is just so sad. The slow service left a bad taste in our mouth when we left, no pun intended.
(4)John K.
Located between Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and Bub City, the space is sleek, yet comfortable. There are a few counter seats to watch the action in the kitchen as well. White Sangria Special [$6] For brunch, Bottlefork offered a $6 white sangria, which was a good bet for easy drinking - bright and refreshing. Bottlefork Bloody Mary [$12] Starlite vodka, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon juice The GF and I decided to go down the route of Blood Mary's. Bottlefork offers three and she went went with the middle of pack. The Starlite vodka went well with the house mix and the San Marzano and plum tomato puree offered some tart, bright flavors accentuated by the lemon juice. The toppers included what I believe was a pickled quail egg and radish - wholesome brunch indeed! Slaughterhouse Mary [$18] Northshore Aquavit, veal stock, pork stock, chicken stock, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon Obviously, I went over the top with the premium offering - the Slaughterhouse Mary. North Shore Brewery's Aquavit had hints of caraway which paired well with the slaughterhouse stock. The plum and San Marzano mix helped to temper the savoriness of this tipple. Topped with a smorgasbord of salumi, sausage, chicharron, and pickled quail egg, this was clearly meant for the belly of this pig. It didn't end there though - both Blood Mary's were accompanied by a sidecar shorty of Rhinelander - light and smooth. Maple Slab Bacon [$5] At this point in the meal, the kitchen sent out a complimentary slab of maple bacon, proclaiming it was for the "belly of the pig."Whether it's brunch or dinner, you should order the bacon if it's on the menu. It's done right - thick cut, crispy, yet almost braised within - it's worthy of a steakhouse menu. Simply delicious. Bag of Sour Cream Donut Holes [$6] Bourbon "old fashioned" jam As a sweet starter, our group went with the donut holes, which were decadent, yet light. Creamy and moist within, with a caked glaze exterior, perfectly accented by the slightly tart jam. Crisps & Eggs [$5] Malt vinegar powder, sea salt With our Yelp check-in, we also received the popular crisps and eggs - and rightly so. Our server brought a paper bag filled with house-made chips and a lightly poached egg and shook the contents table-side - a nice, interactive touch. The chips themselves were crispy indeed with a creamy dressing adding some richness. But the real star here? The malt vinegar powder which had some pop to each bite. Richie's Mom's Cast Iron Baked French Toast [$12] Strawberry rhubarb compote, sweet cream Our friend Alex went with the baked french toast, which was served from the cast-iron skillet table-side, so as to scrape off any excess drizzle. If you've got a sweet tooth or any taste buds at all, you need to get a bite of this dish. It was so decadent it ate like cake - the richness of the syrupy glaze was tempered (ever so slightly) by the strawberry rhubarb compote, with the rhubarb adding the necessary tartness to each bite. Good thing Alex ran 7 miles the night before! Breakfast Sope [$16] Ranchera sauce, fried egg, chorizo black beans, cotija cheese, guacamole The GF felt like going a little south of the border so she went with the sope, which I typically find to be a bit dry. While I appreciate that the toppings are meant to add the oomph to each bite, I appreciated that Bottlefork's sope was moister than most. The chorizo provided some heat to complement the ranchera sauce, with the fresh guacamole and cilantro adding some herbal notes to each bite. Of course, the fried egg adding additional richness to complement the salt of the cotija. Rich Man Po' Boy [$25] Lobster, foie, crispy oysters I'm not sure what made me order the dish more - the sheer oxymoronic phrasing of this dish or the fact that it had foie, lobster, and oysters in a po' boy. Either way, I'm glad I did. The crusty, buttery roll encased a bounty from both land and sea. The creamy richness of the foie acted as the mayo component to most lobster rolls, and complemented the perfectly cooked crustacean quite well. The crispy oysters added some additional briny richness, with the scallion accents adding some bite. I occasionally have thoughts of returning to one of my favorite cities in America. The service and, more importantly, the food at Bottlefork helps to underscore the fact that Chicago is not only about deep dish pizza's, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Not every restaurant needs to be Alinea to put Chicago on the map, but if Bottlefork and Chef Hickey have a say in it, it's clear that Chicago chefs are proud of what they put out.
(5)Oscar R.
We stopped in a whim and had the best afternoon we have had in a long time. We sat at the bar for a drink and the bartender recommended a fine whiskey drink and my wife had a craft beer. We chatted up the staff and each other and just enjoyed the day. I overheard the chef (A young guy named Eric Lopez ) chatting with some other people and I asked about the grits he was serving with the soft shell crab special. He talked lovingly about the grits, but also cooking food in general. Being a chef is a tough racket, but I really got the sense there is nothing he would rather be. his creativity and pride just gushed onto the plate. It was the simple the tastiest most complex thing I have eaten in a long time. It was pricey, but somethings are worth it. Finding a gem like this in a big city is one of them
(5)Carla A.
First of all, this place is tiny so you might have to wait a little bit to get a table but I promise it is SO worthy. The drinks are top notch, the brussel sprouts are delicious (even if you think you hate vegetables) and the brownie creme bruleé dessert is heaven!!! Go to this place, NOW. Just remember, the space is tight so after you are done eating, don't hesitate to try the cocktails, otherwise let other people have the privilige to get the table, there is nothing more rude than "camping" on a table in a small restaurant.
(5)Kevin B.
So for my first experience at Bottlefork was for a Yelp event which happened to be my first Elite event ever. And I remember they had bacon cheeseburger sliders that absolutely delicious. Once I found out the sliders were just miniature versions of the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, I already had it set in my mind that I would be back. Well, I did come back. And if you notice the 3 star rating, it's easy to see I wasn't pleased. We had reservations and when I walked in, the place was crowded. No big deal. The party in front of me, however, did not have a reservation and were given an empty table. I figured no big deal again. When we told them of our reservation, we were told it would probably be a 5-10 min wait as they were crowded. Now if I didn't see the party in front of me get a table without a reservation, I wouldn't have cared. But I kinda feel like my reservation, for which I was early for, should have been honored before those without one. That aside, I couldn't wait to get the burger. I've had my eyes set on this burger since March LOL. Put in the order and when I see the burger coming out, it looked nothing like the burger I saw in March. It's like when you see a Wendys commercial and the sandwich looks like a piece of art and then you go to Wendys and you get this smushed down sandwich with the toppings falling out the side. Totally disappointed in presentation. However, it still was delicious. Ironically the entree that I enjoyed the most was the one I didn't come for and that was the braised pork belly. Waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Drinks were good and our waitress was really nice and professional. I really want to like this place so I'll likely give it another try and update. I definitely want to see what the Bill Brasky drink is all about where you can only order one.
(3)Casey U.
Do you know Bill Brasky (BILL BRASKY!)? Yeah him, the guy whose drink launched a thousand selfies in one night (my camera took at least two dozen!)?! Yeah, the damn thing is a soda fountain suicide of whiskey! Its the damn size of year head, at least six ounces of booze! (It even includes the perfume Brasky used to seduce your wife, and boy...) Man, its a good cocktail, well balanced, floral, and it includes a fist sized ice cube embedded with a playing card featuring a woman naked as the day Brasky first met her, and saved her from that pack of rampaging elephants that had just broken out of the Atlanta Zoo! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) TO BILL BRASKY, WHAT A GUY, WHAT A DRINK! How about the sweetbreads (BILL BRASKY LOVES SWEETBREADS!). Deep fried, just like Braskey would have wanted them; rich, and a little spicy....just like the time you and Brasky spent three days in that hotel in Cabo...it even comes in a little silver barrel too (just like the hot tub in your suite). Man, they were just about as delicious as your memories of that lost weekend...( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Brasky would have loved the Burger too (and man, Brasky loved his burgers!). Aww man, this one was a beaut. As rare a burger as Braskey is a man. Perfectly charred on the outside while remaining rare inside, salty from its baconey mix-in, beefy, umami-rich, craveworthy. A gloriously toasted potato bun (and boy, did Brasky love his buns!), soaking up all the juicy fat...dripping from the patty, topped with a couple of thick slabs of chaddar (if you know what I mean...and I think you do...). I mean, topped with a dijon mayo and pico de gallo like tomato? Magnificent, like the giant pickle on top of the damn thing. The bunch of fresh cut, earthy fries and homemade catsup? Brasky woulda' been all over that. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Take a swig of the Bill Brasky, bite the burger, man, its heaven...just like the time me an Brasky... Five Freaking Stars Extras: Something something review 200...something something danger zone. The dining experience is the perfect blend of style and substance, extraordinary food which happens to be perfectly photogenic. Its the meal for a selfie obsessed generation who loves to take pictures of their meal. Sit at the chef's counter. The chefs can talk a good game, and gave me a couple of free samples (including the filling for the Rich Man, Po' Boy, which was remarkable). Kick-ass service. Seriously, the "Bill Brasky" is the best 35$ selfie you've ever taken, and a fantastic cocktail (although you'll probably feel...rather conspicuous drinking it). Don't forget to toast like the SNL skit when it comes to your table, because it turns out that everyone's a little narcissistic when they get to spend time with Bill. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… )
(5)Emily S.
I've had quite a few different things here and have not been in love with any of it. I also think the restaurant is too cramped and the tables are too close together to have private conversations.
(3)Andrea R.
And yet another uh-mazing new restaurant in River North complete with inventive cocktails, tasty food and even celebrity sightings (David Schwimmer last Thurs evening). I did with every good yelper does when I first arrived at Bottlefork and "checked-in" and was rewarded with a complimentary "bag" of crisps and eggs. They were basically the best chips ever; I'd even pay for them next time. Our fabulous waitress helped my friend & I with the rest of our order. We told her we were hungry and based on the amount of food she suggested she must have thought we just finished running a marathon. It ended up being way too much, but happy I got to try a bit of everything. Next time in addition to the crisps & eggs (of course) I'd stick with the tuna crudo, mediterranean "salad," and potato gnocchi. And that's plenty for 2 people! We also ordered the mussels (paled in comparison to the rest of the meal) and "tots." The tots were basically massive tots covered in cheese...so delish, but felt guilty about them when I woke up the next morning. As for my cocktail I went the vodka route and ordered "loft on broadway." Loved it and bummed I had to stop after just 1 due to a drive back to da burbs. Can't wait til my next dinner here. In fact, I already have reservations lined up for next month! Nice work Rockit Ranch!
(5)Christopher V.
I've only been once, but I'm impressed with Bottlefork. Service, food & drinks all exceeded expectation. The Berkshire porkchop was the highlight of the meal, perfectly seared and seasoned. The chicken was moist with crisp skin & a hint of smoke. Drinks were expertly crafted as well. I highly recommend.
(4)Jeff S.
Way way late on this review as I had lunch there on MLK Day. Due to the holiday, it was quite empty for lunch which was a-ok in my book. Considering the location (River North) it probably gets quite crowded for dinner and the weekends. Bottlefork is owned by the guys at Rockit so I expected semi-gourmet food and a nice mix of drinks. And that's pretty much what I got. Unlike Rockit Bar which is currently closed, the alcohol selection is definitely more advanced. Tons of bourbon and an eclectic craft beer selection highlight the bar. For food, I went with the special which was a grass fed burger with bacon and a jalapeno apple slaw. I know that it's not on the menu at all times but the jalapeno apple slaw was delicious and added a fresh component to the burger. The burger was cooked well (not well done but medium rare) though I honestly could not tell if it's grass fed or just a standard burger. In addition to the burger, it came with a load of fries (basically the side for free). Know that none of the standard sandwiches come with a side so the special was well worth the money. Being a fan of Rockit, would I go back to Bottlefork? Probably. But unless the slaw makes a return, I do not think it will be a standard spot for me.
(3)Kristy H.
In search of a nice brunch spot with some friends, we decided on Bottlefork given the great reviews on Yelp. We were not disappointed. We started off with the chips and an egg (free when you check-in on Yelp) and they were delicious. The mixture between the salt and vinegar chips and the egg was unexpectedly good. They're regularly $5 and I'd definitely get them again. My SO ordered the corn beef and hash and I ordered the bacon burger. Both entrees were really delicious. The hollandaise sauce and poached egg were absolutely amazing. My bacon burger was also really good. Apparently the patty is made of 30% bacon and you can definitely taste it in the patty. We also ordered bloody mary's with beer backs for $10 each with our meal. They were unique and had a smokey flavor - they even came with a quail egg! I'll for sure be ordering them again. Overall, our experience was great and brunch lived up to the hype. A little pricy but worth it.
(4)Emily Z.
Reservations are your best bet, Tuesday evening we were limited to the bar, or Chef's Table, which is the bar but just in front of the kitchen (marketing!) The Chefs table was actually great, we got to see all the care that is put in to creating each dish! Carafe's are half off on Tuesdays, Pinot Noir was fabulous! Checked in on Yelp and really enjoyed our complimentary free 'bag' of crisp + egg ($5). Delicious salt and vinegar chips with an hour long perfectly poached egg added before serving to add a bit of richness. Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Mapple-Burobon Vinaigrette ($8)- Were not my choice but despite their bad reputation and burnt appearance they were fantastic! They had so much vinaigrette on them that they were barely recognizable as a vegetable! Orecchiette Pasta with Rapini + Breadcrumbs + Spicy Chicken Sausage + Espelette Pepper ($22) was a little heavy on the sausage proportion wise, which is a good problem to have I guess! The dish is really spicy, so I would pass if you are not a spice person. We were full splitting these three plates between two, but everything was great so I will definitely be back to taste more things and hopefully some of their homemade soft serve this time!
(4)T B.
So the food was decent but for one (rather small) breakfast entre and an iced coffee we paid $30 each... #underwheming. #overpriced
(2)Rits M.
I came here on a one off chance, and got here a little early so it wasnt jam packed as yet. I would recommend making a reservation or coming for after work drinks and leaving by 7. I let myself be guided by the reviews and tried the popcorn sweetbreads- I think this is the most interesting thing on the menu, definitely get some. I also liked the bacon burger a lot, its one of those burgers that you crave, but dont necessarily want all the time. It has a magical time and place. The place itself is small- and has sizable tables, so hopefully you are good with sharing with other people. Else, the bar is your best place to sit. The aisles are so small you can talk to your friends uninterrupted even when seated at the bar. The drinks here are well mixed, but not necessarily all that great, I would let the waiter be your guide for recommendations.
(4)Michael M.
Visited Chicago for the first time with my wife.. Just so happens that we visited during her birthday.. I read the reviews and looked at the pictures of Bottlefork.. Decided to take her here for a nice Birthday dinner.. They did not disappoint.. Our server was knowledge and was able to recommend certain items off the menu. Started out with the Bag of Chips.. Compliments of the house if you checked in with Yelp.. The Poached egg on top of these was delicious.. Holy Cow!! It was delicious.. We also had the jerky which was great to.. Very tender.. Very good.. I had the Bacon Burger which was mouthwatering.. My wife had the Rich Man's PoBoy.. We also had the Creamed Kale. Would I go back here to eat?? You better believe it..
(5)Jessica S.
We recently went to Bottlefork and had a really enjoyable time. The food was all well thought out and delicious. The service was great which is sometimes rare to find downtown. Try the bag of crisps and eggs.... complimentary with a Yelp check in!
(4)Jori L.
This place is overpriced and a mess. All of riv north is overpriced, one could argue. But those places know it, and see to it that everything else about your experience is on point. My friend had spit out a bite of her $18 Mediterranean (no meat!) salad because in it laid a hair. When she reported the incident to the trendy ass manager, he told her that he has never employed any blonde haired person, and smugly walked away to pose against the bar. Later returned awkwardly to inform us that he actually HAD hired one blonde person(!) And tell us some stupid details about his experience undergoing puberty at age 15. I have included a picture of the bearded idiot handling the situation - professionally, on his phone, lounging against the bar. The food is solid and sorta unique but it's not a stand out in this location, much less the city.
(2)Jenn D.
Ahhh where to start?! Loved this place! Food, drinks and service were phenomenal. Couldn't pick a drink because they all looked good. Went with our servers recommendations and loved them all! I got the scrubbed the right way and I'd highly recommend it! Favorite dish was the poutine, followed by the egg crisps and the scallops. Can't wait to come back!
(5)B M.
Meandering the city, we happened into Bottlefork on a Wednesday afternoon. The vibe is devine. Josh was behind the bar; and man can he make a drink. We enjoyed the Smoke of the Day, Baysic, and Shrubbed the Right Way. The latter had a wonderful pop at the end. The food that was served all looked scrumptious. We must go back and try!
(5)Laila C.
Meh...even for River North it's ridiculously overpriced. Good thing I came with a vendor, I would've punched someone if I had to actually pay for this myself. I had the steak salad, it was $30?!?!?!!?!?!?! What the fuck???? I mean...the steak was ok but literally I can get a better full steak meal for about that price. We had the tots...just way too much potato. I get it was trying to be clever, but really it was just clunky. Two's version of large format tots are way more successful. These are dense, heavy, I couldn't possibly eat more than 2 of these. Also service sucks. We sat around forever..first waiting for water, then for menus, then for someone to take our menu...all so they can forget parts of our order and get it wrong. Lame, lame lame.
(2)Norm J.
Happened upon Bottlefork one of the nights I was stumbling out of Bub City and decided to give this place a try. Bottlefork's atmosphere was lively and energetic on a Monday evening which instantly perked my friend and I up. We both thought that the decor was hip and modern, but the tables were too close together (we had to pull our table over so the lady at the table next to us could get out...not cool). Our waiter was awesome and I'm mad I forgot his name because I would've loved to give him a shout out. He explained the drink and dinner menu in such detail that I wanted to order everything. Drinks - Corn N' Oil: is a must try! I'm not a fan of rum, but this drink is really good and the huge ice cube that comes in the drink is pretty awesome. I got buzzed off this one. - Loft on Broadway: is a refreshing vodka drink, but there are better drinks on the menu to choose from. Food - Bag of Crisps + Eggs, $5: is a must try! These chips were my favorite part of the meal. I pretty much ate 85% of them, leaving my dining companion (a slow eater) with the other 15%. Also, you get these for FREE when you check-in via Yelp! Not sure how long this will last so don't yell at me if this deal isn't available when you go. - Smoked Spot Prawns, $18: where really good and the sauce that the prawns were placed on top of was a nice touch. You get 3 prawns so if 2 people are sharing this dish you'll need to cut the 3rd prawn in half or hope that your dining companion is generous like mine was and will let you have it all to yourself. #WINNING - Braised Beef Cheek Poutine, $14: was...well poutine. The dish was good and I would try it again, but it tasted like poutine I've had other places. Just good, but nothing special. - Smoked Suckling Pig Flatbread, $17: was good, but I wish it would have been a little bit warmer. I'll definitely be going back to Bottlefork and hopefully I'll be getting some free chips!
(4)Ngoc N.
Meh - after a couple months they've increased their prices. Some by $1, some by a lot more. This isn't their first venture into restaurant business so I assume they had already have things priced for a profit. I find the change unnecessary and greedy.
(3)Brian M.
Came here on a Tuesday (I know, Tuesday night) night for a few drinks. The setting is small and intimate. Long bar down the side with about 8-10 tables. If you are coming in a party larger than 2, I would recommend you make a reservation. First, the bartender (Lauren) was amazing. Friendly, informative and made one of the best old fashions that I have had in a long time. Hint: Order it with Rye and you will know what I am talking about. The bad is I probably had a few more than I should. At the table we got the Tots, Poutine and Charcuterie. The tots were amazing and different. They are these large blocks of potato goodness instead of these small bite sized ones. They were also smothered in a cheesy sauce that was really good. The poutines were topped with braised short rib, not sure this is ever a bad thing. Charcuterie was typical for what you would expect. The one item to highlight from there is that the spicy ground pork was really good! Perfect place to have a good drink, a date or to catch up with a friend. I will be back for sure.
(5)Jocelyn C.
Hands down best place I went to this weekend in Chicago! A friend of a friend made my sister and I reservations here since it was our first time in Chicago and we had no idea where to go for some food/drinks before a night of partying on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is upscale casual and the decor is beautiful definitely goes w the vibe (dark and semi intimate). The service was very helpful and super nice. The GM Chris was constantly checking that all the tables were good and gave us recommendations on food/drinks. (super cute too so heyy eye candy all night ;)) THOSE TATER TOTS!!! oh. My. Goodness. The best tots I've ever had. My sister and I scarfed them down, I couldn't believe how quickly they were off the table in our tummys! Fried to perfection, amazingly seasoned, and the cheese was just... Ugh. My mouth is watering. We also got the Andouille Sausage Flatbread to share. Excellent! Great size for sharing and not too heavy. The pesto and pickled shallots really amped up the flavor on it! Our server also helped us pick out some Bottlefork original cocktails that were very yummy! I had the "Burning the Days" which was a better version of an old fashioned. Not too sweet but not too bitter. My sister ordered the "Little Miss Dynamite" which is one of their most popular drinks, lots of liquor but tastes like juice! This one will definitely knock you on your ass. To end our meal, Chris sent over some dessert. HOLY CHET. just look at the picture. It was their "hot and gooey" dessert of the night. It was cheesecake (more of a cheesecake custard) with orange marmalade, Graham cracker, and vanilla ice cream. They ran out of orange marmalade bc it was so late in the night but that was okay because it was still the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. We pretty much inhaled that one! I can't wait to come back and try more Bottlefork original drinks and food! Thanks Martin and Chris and our wonderful lady server for a great foodie experience!
(5)Dzeinara P.
Reasons it's not a 1 star review - cocktails are really well made - awesome decor - the chips with the egg and malt.. Yum! I've had drinks here before but not this day. Reasons why review is so low: Our server kept calling one of my friends "Bud, Buddy". My friend was clearly older than him and it was awkward. Server insisted the hash is amazing and his favorite. Turns out it was disgusting. Way too much salt. Like waaaay too much. It was spam overload. When we had mentioned that to the server, after he asked how's everything... He didn't have a response. Just raised his brows a bit and walked away. Who does that? We ended up ordering some toast so we can eat this expensive hash. Which by the way, took over 15 mins to arrive. Our hash was cold by then. I made the reservation through Open Table, under the name Daisy. And there is no way I would recommend this place to any friends. And I am also embarrassed that I took 3 of my friends here. Come here for apps and drinks only.
(2)Carol K.
Bottlefork continues to knock it out of the park for my friends and me every time we visit. On my last stop in- given all of my friends were new to the place, Jason, the manager, went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, and even comped a few dishes that he said we just had to try! Sweet! Try the house made beef jerky, the poutine and the pretzel caramel sundae . . you can thank me later! Love the cocktails, love the service, love the food! Still at the top of my "go to" list!
(5)Mary R.
The restaurant tries and the concept is good but everything was a bit off. Service was great so would give that a 5. We went for brunch and seemed like they tried a little too hard. However the chips and egg in a bag was very tasty. The rich mans po'boy had chewy lobster and overpriced. The beef cheek poutine was very salty. The Bloody Mary was sweet???? I could have used the salt from the poutine. Maybe dinner is better.
(3)Kori E.
I returned for dinner with my beau this past Friday night and we had an excellent time! We started with the deviled eggs and sweetbreads and both were delish. I love how deviled eggs have made a comeback! Next we had the charcuterie plate, and that spicy sausage with the goat cheese was absolutely amazing!! Great recommendation by our server. With my Yelp check-in we got a free Chips/eggs dish and that was the most interesting thing I've seen in a while. They take homemade chips and a runny egg - throw the egg in the bag with the chips and mix it up. It doesnt make the chip soggy like you would think, but I would have liked to have tasted more of the egg - maybe some truffle oil?? Just a thought! We lastly split the steak and it was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal all the way around. I would highly recommend checking this awesome place out - another great restaurant by Billy Dec.
(5)Alexandria T.
After attending a Yelp elite event at Bottlefork, I couldn't wait to go back to enjoy the full experience. I was able to make a reservation on Open Table for a Tuesday night--man, this place is already super popular. We arrived about ten minutes early, but they were still able to seat us right away. We each ordered a beer off of their extensive drink menu. We laughed about the Bill Brasky but didn't want to splurge. We started off our meal with the crisps, which after reading mixed reviews, I wasn't so sure about. Both my boyfriend and I ended up loving them. They do a nice presentation and if you eat them quickly, the egg doesn't make the chips soggy. We decided to go with separate plates because I don't eat meat, and my boyfriend does. I got the gnocchi, he got the burger, and we shared the tots. He said the burger was really good, but not on the top of his list. I loved the pimento sauce top of the tots. And, the gnocchi was pretty freaking amazing! They have done something right with the ambiance, and I had a very nice celebratory meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)Amy S.
My clothes from yesterday smell like smoked meat, and I have to say that's a really great thing! The food at Bottlefork is top notch and delicious. The veal sweetbreads?? Better than any sweetbread I've ever tried, seriously. The batter is light, crunchy, and perfect. The bacon induced slider?? Holy moly. Most sliders become dry because it is hard to keep the juice in with a tiny piece of meat, but they do a phenomenal job here. The slides have the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, salt, and the grilled buns are the best finishing touch. The meat and cheese here is fresh and perfectly cured. Special shoutout to the Foie Gras Chicken Liver Mousse and the Tuna Crudo. Both are little jars of happiness! The drinks here are really delicious: Loft on Broadway - Perfect girl-ish drink. An elevated play on vodka, lemon, vermouth and simple syrup because there is a touch of violet liquor and the vermouth is better than most places. Smoke of the Day - This was corned beef drippings + whiskey, talk about a meaty drink! The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable! I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)Becca D.
The food is amazing, the service is not that great. I stopped in for some drinks and dessert one night and the pumpkin cheesecake thing is what brought me back there the next day to try again. I went solo the second time for Sunday brunch (which was also my birthday) and sat at the bar. The bar had a good amount of people at it, but it wasn't overly busy by any means. For some reason, the bartender straight up ignored me most of the time I was there. I had to flag down the barback every single time I needed another drink. On the one occasion I did get the bartender's attention for a drink, he completely forgot and ignored me for another 10 minutes... to which I again had to get the barback. The bartender wasn't apologetic at all and just didn't seem to care. Ok, back to the food. Sunday brunch. I had 2 eggs over easy and the tots that came along with them were awesome. I also got a piece of the maple slab bacon which had me in absolute heaven! I had never had slab bacon that thick before and it was just soooo good. Definitely more expensive for what you get, but that's to be expected with any gastropub these days. Loved the decor. Drinks were good too but slightly overpriced. Again, not surprised as it is a gastropub.
(3)Lindsay F.
Holiday weekend brunch following Thanksgiving did not disappoint. Chef Mitch Bauer is ON POINT! The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the cocktails and food infused and the food is cocktail infused (nothing better than that!), the dishes are creative but familiar, and the staff is all friendly and enjoyable to be around. We starred our brunch with the new-to-menu gingerbread donut holes with bourbon caramel and orange cream icing dips. Holy smokes! Talk about delicious! The chips you get **free** for checking in are phenomenal. Warm, salty, vinegary delights! Brunch plates at our table ranged from a bacon burger to eggs to the "leftover sandwich" special. All of it was delicious and the homemade tots bring it all home. There's really nothing I can find wrong with this place. Come hungry, leave stuffed and ready to come back again!
(5)Jackie S.
Okay, this place is SO good. My sister and I came here a few months back. What we ordered: Little Miss Dynamite cocktails: Fantastic! Order one and you won't regret it. Bag of Crisps & Eggs: I was hesitant to try these but since they were free with a Yelp check-in, we figured we might as well. Ended up loving them! My sister didn't love them but I thought the combination was surprisingly awesome. Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger: AMAZING. I seriously dream about this burger. If you love burgers, you must give it a try! Well done, Bottlefork!
(5)Sofia J.
Not very impressed with the brunch menu, most of the items are overpriced and quite simple. The Rich man po boy however is like a fish out of water on this menu. Not sure how something so creative was placed among otherwise less than thrilling choices. Foie gras and lightly fried oysters are a phenomenal lobster roll pairing so I absolutely recommend going there just for the Rich Man Po Boy. Oh, and a side of bacon...a very generous maple-glazed side. Also loved the bloody mary, Bottlefork has one of the most uniquely flavored mixes I've tasted.
(3)Rosanna P.
Not totally impressed with their food... Also their staff is kind of rude. I work about a 1/2 a block away, and probably wouldn't go back..
(2)Michael U.
Items Selected: Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Malt Vinegar Powder and Sea Salt Popcorn Sweetbreads - Calabrian Chili Aioli Beef Cheek Poutine - Lemmenec Fries, Wisconsin Curds Rich Man Po-Boy - Lobster, Foie Gras, Crispy Oysters Creamy Kale with Duck Egg and Wild Boar Bacon Fish n' Chips - Lager Battered Cod, Malt Vinegar Crisps, Slaw Smoked Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich - Horseradish Coleslaw and White Cheddar Tots - Pimento Cheese Sauce Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout Sundae Bourbon Peach + Michigan Blueberry + Candied Pecan Sundae Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Humbled by the heat and humidity combined with late nights and substantial dining since arriving in Chicago on Saturday it was with scaled back plans that Labor Day arrived and opting to sleep in before hitting the gym I was admittedly quite famished as we approached Bottklefork, the long and narrow River North restaurant toqued by former Allium Chef Kevin Hickey. Designed in the hip, gastropub style all too familiar to folks interested in dining out these days and owned by the men behind hotspots Rockit and Sunda it was just past noon when our trio was seated in a plush booth and quickly greeted by a charming server who kept beverages brimming throughout our meal a three-course, eleven plate order unfolded - the tableside-shaken chips with a runny egg offered gratis to those using their smartphone to check-in. Perhaps more full than usual as many restaurants in the area were closed for the holiday it was apparent early on that the open kitchen was teeming with activity and as appetizers arrived no more than ten minutes after ordering both the spicy sweetbreads and upscale poutine were exemplary, the later featuring double cooked fries more than capable of holding up to thick gravy and squeaky, fresh curds. Unfortunately a bit more limited at lunch than with the substantial dinner menu it was in a trifecta of sandwiches along with two sides that the meal progressed and although the gussied-up Po-Boy was somewhat undersized for the price it was none the less delicious, a similar compliment befitting the substantial fried cod and equally enormous smoky seasoned beef. Further impressed by large, tender tots and kale that tasted akin to a soft-set quiche it was with a trio of desserts that our visit to 441 North Clark Street culminated and although the beer-head foam on our first sundae was not an ideal first bite, once it was mixed in the malt and hops provided an impressive contrast to flavors both salty and sweet, the bourbon similarly gilding the second goblet with an oaky finish while 'hot and gooey' cobbler arrived bubbly, sweet, and simply delicious.
(4)Nadege L.
The food here is pretty good! And the ambiance is fun and the customer service was good. You definitely need reservations to come here on the weekends. They have good drinks. The food is a bit pricey, but the portion sizes are decent.
(4)Dutch R.
I was in Chicago for a Surgery Center conference and a friend of mine suggested BottleFork. The service was excellent, the General Manager, Jason Ring stopped by and provided us with his suggestions including the octopus and the hamburger. I finished with a delicious dessert and capuchino. If I worked within 10 miles of Bottlefork it would be my place. Excellent food and drinks.
(5)Sam S.
I've been here a few times and will be back. The drinks are creative and fantastic. The food is even better. The chicken sandwich, the poutine, the tater tots...all amazing. I highly recommend stopping into Bottlefork and I suspect you'll be back for more.
(4)Jessica P.
Bottlefork was a great find on our trip to the amazing food city of Chicago. My sister and I started off with beef cheek poutine. Nobody does poutine like Montreal, but this was definitely the best I have had in the states. The cheese curds were squeaky and the fries stood up great to the savory gravy. Next we had the Mediterranean salad with saganaki cheese. Saganaki is a family favorite so when we saw it on the menu we knew it was a must-try. It did not disappoint. The tangy dressing with the wilted greens, sharp cheese, and pita bread croutons created the perfect salad bite. For our entree we split the grilled octopus and spam and the orecchiette with chicken sausage. Both were great but the spam was by far the star. The house-made treat was beyond delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the grilled octopus. The octopus was a tad bit chewy, but had great flavor. Overall- I would highly recommend this restaurant for some plates for happy hour and shared plates!
(4)Stephanie L.
Hell yes! Go, now...it's delicious. So I had a blonde moment and made the reservation for the wrong night...when we arrived, they notified me I made it for Thursday...not Wednesday. Whoops! The place was jammed to the gills so I was a little nervous about getting seated but it wasn't 2-3 mins and they were able to seat us at the chefs table...aka the bar right in front of the kitchen. Our server, Nick quickly came and explained everything to us. Suggesting several cocktails to our liking. They have quite a list of craft cocktails and wine. If we didn't like something, no biggie...they would get you whatever YOU want. Great customer service! The food was f-ing great. I have to say, I have been less than impressed with most new restaurants in my hood...but this delivered...much better than it's former counterpart...dragon ranch. HA! Crisp and egg...free with Yelp check in and it's totally delish, like one of the favs Popcorn sweetbreads...perfect. These were amazing! Do it! Rich man's poor boy...good, but prob would skip next time Creamed kale...this shit is like crack! Wild mushroom gnocchi...it was good, but felt like it was missing salt or something. Ooey gooey bread pudding was fan-freaking-tas-tic!!! Price point was totally reasonable for what we got and the area. Only complaint was that the place was jammed...I guess the word is already out. The new cool place to be...RUN
(5)Eric S.
Excellent experience! The environment struck a balance between classy and casual, which I definitely appreciated. The food and drinks were definitely not typical and everything I had was delicious. I tried their "Smoke of the Day" drink and was pleasantly surprised by it. If you go here (and you should), don't be afraid to experiment!
(5)Rich M.
I like this place! The atmosphere is cool and sexy but not pretentious. The food is cleverly done and everything we had was exceptional! The service was average at best- our waiter seem to be in a bit of a mood. The prices are high, which I don't mind if the food and service rise to the same level. The food is worth it but the let down in service made the high prices harder to swallow.
(4)Pam S.
Sooo....Bottlefork. Although my besties DruePaul were only in town for a weekend, we made the most of our brunching time. Since Bottlefork was so close to their hotel, and we were able to get reservations, Bottlefork it was. We were immediately seated in a large booth (there were 5 of us) and were impressed with the decor- a little rustic, very chic. Being that it was our group, we started on drinks- some of us got the Improved Mimosa, some got the Strawberry Rhubarb bellini, and some got beer. Although I started with the bellini, I upgraded to the mimosa and found it to be more of my liking (perhaps because it had more booze). The table tried a bit of everything- donut holes, braised beef cheek poutine, hash, slab o' bacon...and then my paltry eggs, tots and toast. While I like the idea of cubed potatoes, and they were good, the tots were a little much for me. All around, the food was delicious, albeit overwhelming. Why one star down? Our server was...a little all over the place. There's positive energy on a Sunday morning, and then there's loony energy. Our server had more of the latter. In addition, while we had extensive interactions in the beginning, it took awhile to get both drinks and food. All in all I'd recommend- and wouldn't mind coming back for dinner. Might sit in a different section, though.
(4)Victoria G.
LOVE this place! I will definitely venture back and bring friends. I made a reservation on a Friday night, arrived early and was seated immediately, even though my friend hadn't yet arrived. Super cool vibe and ambience. Low mood lighting with cool background music. I saw a number of dates taking place. We sat at the chefs table and it was fun watching the crew make the food right in front of us. The waitstaff and chefs are super friendly and very knowledgeable. And the food and craft cocktails are SO GOOD. I loved the Brussels sprouts and tater tots with pimento cheese. In general, the food here is really hearty, so don't think you'll do a lot of light eating, but it's still super tasty. I definitely recommend trying the smoked cocktail of the day, too. It's got a really great flavor and finish. The General Manager came over to us at the end if our meal to introduce himself, give us his card and chat for a while - really welcoming. I definitely recommend this place as a local neighborhood haunt, your pre-party spot, or your low-key chill dinner with extended conversation place - it accommodates all three.
(5)Soumya S.
The ambience is great! The drinks are phenomenal. The food meh not so much! This upscale bar food is still playing catch up with it's sister bar Rockit bar & grill. The tots were good, the trout not so much. Hope it catches up soon with the rest!
(2)P L S.
Manager was so kind and straightforward when I took a friend with onion /garlic allergies. We couldn't eat there but between the awesome menu, local praise from other restaurant folk and courtesy I will come back next time in Chicago
(5)Jenn T.
Love Love this place! My husband has been raving about it for months. The drink menu is unique and classic at the same time. I dont generally order appetizers but the Bag of Crisps and Eggs is a must have. At this point im not sure there is anything bad on the menu. Everyone raved about what they ordered. The service was outstanding and the ambiance is very comfortable. Definitely make a reservation because this place is always busy.
(5)Amoli P.
Just stopped in here late last Friday night when we were turned off by the line for Bub City. What an adorable bar and perfect for getting a delicious cocktail and great snacks. We wandered in after midnight so while the main kitchen was closed we were lucky enough to be the first people to ever see and try their new late night menu featuring grilled cheese sandwiches. I can easily see Bottlefork being a great dinner spot earlier in the evening or perfect for happy hour. It's very Longman & Eagle in terms of amazing drinks and very meat-heavy and fancy food items, while still a bit rustic. Bottlefork has an extra elegance to it over L&E to keep with the River North location. When we wandered in after midnight, the bartender asked us what type of drinks we prefer. I said an old-fashioned and my friend said she typically prefers gin. He came back with 2 amazingly perfect creations. My drink was a bourbon based drink with egg white froth deliciousness. My friend's drink was a gin based cocktail with heavenly fruit flavors with it. He nailed it. The late night menu offers 3 different grilled cheeses to choose from at $8 each, or you can get all 3 at $22. Obviously we had to try all 3, so we split the sampler platter and it was easily a full meal (which is embarrassing since we had already eaten dinner earlier that night). I can't wait to come back to Bottlefork with my husband who will truly appreciate the creativity of the cocktails and try their regular menu.
(4)Lynn H.
Yes, the food and drinks are good, but at the prices they charge, I will probably pass next time. I would say, try it out (definitely some good menu items - it is share style and unique), but once is probably enough. Favorite menu items: Bag of Crisps and Eggs Tots The burger
(3)Tera D.
A gem in an otherwise douche-tastic area. We had reservations (highly recommend, since it's small) on a weeknight. Got seated in a great booth and shared a couple of items. The popcorn sweetbreads were a hit, even with group members that weren't big offal eaters. The tots are really unique, and worth getting. The creamed kale was more cream than kale, but in a delicious way. And the lobster po' boy was the winner for entrees, although the lamb ribs were really interesting and tasty too. Price is a little high, but what do you expect in that neighborhood. In my mind, the only real downside is that it's small with barely any bar space, so if you're early for your reservation you'll have to go wait at one of the douchy River North bars in the area.
(4)Ann H.
Came here with friends on a Friday evening. Ordered several dishes including the special chips jerky, and lamb chops. I must say the flavor combinations are unique but the food tends to run flavorful and heavy. It's not quite the feeling you want after going to a high end restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant is dark by design and there are few tables inside the venue. Service was very good, I didn't feel like we had to wait too long for any of our dishes. Overall I wanted to love this place since it's half a block from my home but I wasn't as impressed with what we ordered. Likely will not return.
(3)Mouse C.
Bottlefork. What can I say besides you are the biggest dissapointment for me this year since the Real World Explosion aired. I was absolutely JAZZED to come here since I tried thier slider at Baconfest2014 back in April (it was my fav item of the whole fest). Last night, you showed me you are a one trick pony. First off, my dinner crew (WLC what what) and I were greeted, or not greeted, by the most unfriendly waiter on the planet. I was so confused as he just came up to our table and poured water and started talking about drink specials. We didn't get his name until I had to ask (Ray) and I even went as far to ask if he was, IN FACT, our waiter. As he went on to eventually explain the menu to us, he went on this tangent about bringing us back to that one time in the mediterrian....and also the movie Ratatouille. See, now aren't you as confused as us? I thought so. Anyhoo on to the food. As my fellow yelpers pointed out, if you check in you will recieve a free bag of crisps and egg. This was surprsingly very delicious and I do recommend (I mean, its free, why not). For apps, we had the poutine and the tots. The poutine was very good and hearty, while the tots were so - so (not too impressed with those). We each ordered a different dinner to share, which I will list in order of favorite: Rich Man Po' Boy - this was delectable! So rich and yummy. But do not be decieved as I was, the pictures make this sandwhich look very large. It is not, it is a baby sandwhich. Bacon Burger - This was good. The bun and the homemade ketchup made the burger. Again, don't be fooled by the delicious looking pickle you see it topped with on all the pictures. It tastes more like a cucumber than a pickle (wah wahhhhh) Braised Pork Belly - Tasty, but didn't blow my mind. Housemad Spam - This was interesting.....but I think I am just not a SPAM FAN so I wasn't able to put the thought of prison food out of my mind (even though its technically not spam). We did, however, make the wisest choice of the evening in ordering dessert. We ordered the hot and gooey dessert of the day which was a piece of cheesecake served on top of an amazing blueberry field. We also ordered the pretzel carmel sundae which was just as amazing as the hot and gooey. Definitely, definitely order dessert, it is worth the trip believe me. Overall, Bottlefork was overpriced and overated. It saddens me to even write this review because I came in with the highest of hopes. Ah well, live and learn.
(2)Fei S.
Ordered a dessert cake and the staff gave me a cake plus ice cream. I was amazed how big a portion the dessert was, but the joy soon ended when the server handed me the check. They freaking charged me with the ice cream without me ordering it!!!!! Tried to argue but the server didn't show the slight intention to remove it from my bill. This place will be a pass for me in the future.
(1)Kathy T.
This place has one of the best services in Chicago. They were very accommodating especially since we came in with a large party. I love the ambiance of this place. The decor was very beautiful! Great food, drinks and service! FYI: they do not make the homemade ice cream on Sunday. I didn't get to try the dessert, but that means I'll have to come back another time.
(5)Magen R.
Bottlefork definitely lived up to the hype last night when three of my co-workers and I had dinner there. We were starving by the time we were seated as our reservation was for 7:15 and we were not seated until 7:45ish but the free bag of crisps and eggs we got for checking in on Yelp definitely tided us over until we were able to get a sense of the menu and start ordering. Our waitress was super helpful while we perused the menu and gave us some great recommendations, the best of which was encouraging us to order the special of the day, lamb bruschetta. It was amazing and a flavor combo I would never have put together on my own but ended up loving. No one got too crazy with the cocktails but we definitely could've. I tried their Smoke of the Day cocktail and was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The others stuck with beer and wine and were happy with their choices. Once we got through the eggs and the lamb bruschetta we ordered the "popcorn" sweetbreads, braised beef cheese "poutine", smoked lamb ribs, grilled octopus and house made spam, "tots", and roasted parsnips. Each dish was pretty great and was large enough so that each of us could have a taste. Highlights for me were the grilled octopus and the "tots". The octopus had a wonderful tangy flavor that I cannot describe but I absolutely adored it. The "tots" were actually roasted potatoes in a fabulous pimento cheese sauce, they were so awesome we had to get two orders! One of my favorite things about all of the dishes were the way the sauces took the dishes to the next level. The pickled pepper aioli that came with the sweetbreads and the yogurt mint combo on the lamb ribs were outstanding and really heightened the dishes for me. All in all Bottlefork is a great dining experience with excellent service and a rustic, intimate ambiance that I've not found at a lot of other River North spots. I'd definitely recommend hitting up Open Table and getting a reservation ASAP.
(4)Frances A.
The chips are a must. The egg and vinegar, num num. Barely touched the lobster bisque. So incredibly not impressed. The taste was far too subtle - i fear the cooks forgot the lobster in the ocean. Tots were nothing special. Potato + cheese. That's it. And at $12 for portabella sandwich i was thinking it would be mind blowing, also pretty disappointing. Pretty overpriced for an average menu which was executed pretty mediocre. @Least the service was good
(3)Lori G.
Bottlefork is a great lunchtime spot! There really wasn't a crowd, surprisingly! The service was great and our food arrived in a timely manner. The waitress also offered suggestions which worked out because I tried everything she recommended! It was delicious! I will be back very soon!!
(5)Mark S.
Tasty! Frontera has some competition as my favorite neighborhood brunch spot. Fun atmosphere and great service!
(5)Anne A.
Been here 3 times now and will probably go back 102 more. I can't say enough good things about this place. Seriously. Every time I visit it gets better and better. Things I've tried: The deviled eggs, the bag of crispy chips, the tuna tartare, the waygu beef jerky, the octopus and homemade spam (yes spam), the tater tots with pimento cheese, gnocchi, and the chicken entree. Each dish is carefully prepared with so much flavor and creativity. Everything just melts in your mouth. Sometimes I wonder how chefs can make food taste this good!! They really know what their doing here!! The drinks are really great too. If you're a bourbon drinker like I am, you will instantly fall in love with this drink menu. Also, bottles of wine are moderately priced. While the cocktails are not cheap, and we all know river north has steep drink prices, it's worth splurging for one or two. Then onto dessert, you MUST I REPEAT MUST leave room for dessert! I've had both the creme brûlée (it's not always available) and hot and gooey of the day, which was bread pudding one of the times I visited. Holy moly it's a party in your mouth no doubt. You can't skip getting their soft serve ice cream on the side either. This ice cream tower could feed 4 people. I will continue going to this place regularly as long as they stay open. Thank you Bottlefork and Billy Dec for this amazing addition to the River North!! I
(5)Linda F.
Fabulous sandwiches - the bread was as delicious as the brisket. We shared the small Market Greens salad with yummy Green Goddess dressing. Really liked the Huckleberry Lemonade - tart and refreshing. Inside was a bit dark so we sat on the small patio. Service was terrific.
(5)Saba A.
Extremely impressed- great job Billy Dec, especially after the fire incident that shut down your last establishment and closed it down permanently. The staff is great, as always along with all the other Rockit Productions restaurants. Creatively used small restaurant, made reservations on opentable.com and when I checked in with the host, we got a seating for two immediately. Checked in and got the delicious crisps and eggs. A waitress came with a brown paper bag with a room temperature egg, dropped the egg in the bag, shook it up, and wow, heaven in the mouth appetizer. What a great starter for 4 dollars (all though we got it complimentary for checking in on yelp!) More amazing- the drink list. As our waiter exclaimed, each section, red wine, white wine, cocktails, and beers, started from light-dark, light-full, and so forth. Many varieties, mostly local, I have a new favorite beer now too! Check out my pictures, everything I ordered, I loved. Would I come here to sit at the bar, watch the cooking in action, get a drink and appetizer? Absolutely. I like how this spot differs from the rest of the restaurants in River North in accordance to ambiance. Napkins engraved with the word: Bottlefork, pear shaped plates that are not the typical white, a trendy/casual environment, a great place for happy hour as it's not too or too quiet, just a friendly, chatty atmosphere. My husband and I settled in for dessert, impressed again. Sitting between both tables, we overhead people raving about their desserts too, so save room in your stomach for one of those. It was great to meet Jason Ring, the general manager. Cared about our thoughts and what we thought of everything. Can't wait to come back. Fill out the postcard when you get your check, and recommend it to your fellow foodie friend. Can't wait to go back and so happy a nice new restaurant opened in River North.
(5)Phoebe W.
If you've been following my Yelp reviews for a while, you'll know that I've had some pretty rocky times with certain hard liquors. Absinthe was also no exception. I'll spare you the nitty gritty details, but there may or may not have been some weeping/praying for death in the shower the morning after. Anyway, I've eased into "responsible" absinthe drinking through my new best friend, the Sazerac. I understand the idea of mixing whiskey and absinthe sounds dangerous, but...it's so worth it. I've sampled a few Sazeracs around the city, but Bottlefork is by far my favorite. Holy moly, that cocktail was insanely smooth. Food-wise, Bottlefork's menu is amazing. Highlights include: tots, gnocci, three different kinds of sundaes, and a Rich Man's Po'Boy. Yes Yelp friends, your seafood lust dreams have come true. As in: lobster, fried oysters, AND FOIS GRAS MOUSSE on top of a perfectly toasted bun. The RMPB has single-handedly (if a sandwich could have hands) converted me into a lobster lover. This bearer of lavish aquatic gluttony is under the "shareable" items of the menu. Sorry ladies, the next girls night will feature me eating this sandwich all my by damn self!
(5)Paul I.
So this place far exceeded our expectations. Our waitress Tina was great! Had the house chips and jerky - great! The bacon burger and Poutine were both very very good. Be adventurous - Give it a try!
(5)Matt S.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Use the free checkin gift of the crisps&egg. Burger is outstanding, Fried Chicken impressed me (a guy from Texas that grew up on Sunday afternoon fried chicken), and the braised beef cheek poutine was ridiculous. First time in Chicago, but i'll be back as long as this place is here. Loved it!
(5)Bryan W.
I've always enjoyed the drinks and food at Bottlefork. I would say going for the Bill Brasky alone is worth the experience.
(4)Victor R.
You have to try the crisps! Also, the rich man's po boy is fantastic and the drinks are made by some creative mixologists. The tots are just ok.
(4)Wright A.
I visited Bottlefork for the second time last night. My first visit (about a month ago) was outstanding with the cocktails, food and service all at 4 or 5 star levels. When I returned as host to several guests, I was anticipating an equally positive experince. Unfortunately, it couldn't have been more disappointing. The cocktails were still pretty darn good but the food (what they were not already out of) was mediocre and the service absolutely *sucked*. You know its bad when you watch the drinks you ordered sitting on the bar for 10 minutes awaiting your server and you decide just to get up and get them yourself. To make matters worse, the server never even noticed! Maybe he thought they delivered themselves. There are too many good places in Chicago to waste your time at Bottlefork. My advice - go elsewhere!
(2)Terry M.
Went for brunch; loved it!
(5)Jordan M.
Fantastic experience at another Rockit Ranch creation! We had a party of 3 on a Thursday night. We had made reservations in advance and didn't have to wait at all to be seated once we arrived. The space was actually more spacious than I remember it being when it was Dragon Ranch and much more inviting with the dim lighting and dark wood. It was also really cool seeing the chef himself handling the expediting right next to the bar. We ended up ordering all of the "snacks" section of the menu for the table. There was 1-2 bites of each for our our group of 3 to share. We continued this trend throughout the night by splitting a Bill Brasky between me and one of my friends (the drink lasted the two of us the whole dinner). The price is worth it especially when you do it that way. We also ordered a couple things off of the "sharing" area of the menu instead of doing entrees. Favorites of the table included: popcorn sweetbread - just eat it...don't ask what it is quail scotch egg crisps and egg - some thought it could've been more flavorful but I liked that it was simple beef cheek poutine - delicious and not as heavy as you would think poutine would be pesto gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan but everyone at the table loved it We ended up also getting the pretzel parfait dessert...a must! The bill ended up being very reasonable given how many different things we tried but again, we also stuck to the apps/small plates. Entrees and more drinks could easily push you over. Remember to do the Yelp check-in when you arrive to get your Crisps and Eggs for free!
(5)Nithin N.
Went on a busy saturday night however the service was still impeccable. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. The food was very tasty, hahah restaurant goers were even taking pictures of the food as it was made because of how well done the presentation was. If you're looking for an atmosphere that manages to seamlessly blend upscale, relaxed, intimate and lively all into one then definitely stop by Bottlefork. Also if I had to give a few recs, try the octopus for starters, move on to the burger for the entree and round it all off with the ooey gooey cheesecake (trust me on this one). They're always experimenting with the cocktails so try their newest creations if you're feeling adventurous..it's really pretty hard to go wrong.
(5)K.c. S.
Amazing food. Not a bad thing on the menu. Chips and Eggs is off the hook! Get it! Service is friendly and prompt. Sit at the bar for maximum entertainment. Have brunch on Sundays. Best burger I've had in the city.
(5)Horst G.
Nice selection of beers, great burger and an awesome bar atmosphere made for a nice first evening in Chicago. The desserts are probably intended to be shared, though The price there should have been a hint...
(4)Coll P.
We had a really great meal here this week: -the tots are HUGE and the pimiento cheese drizzle tasted like...nacho cheese -tuna crudo was my favorite appetizer, as it was topped with some crunchy spicy goodness -the mediterranean salad was topped with saganaki cheese and that alone is worth ordering -the richman po'boy (!!!!), suckling pig flatbread and gnocchi were great choices for larger plates, although the gnocchi was a bit underwhelming considering how much it was talked up by our waitress This place is narrow and definitely filled up even though it was a Monday evening. Make a reservation. :)
(4)J. Chuck K.
Not often do I brave the world of restaurants located in the loop and river north area; they're usually uppity places more concerned with their appearance than the quality of the food. When I do, I usually leave feeling hungry or like I've just been robbed. However, at a friend's suggestion, we checked out Bottlefork and they turned out to be the exception to this perception. Although an evening here isn't cheap by any means, the taste and size of most of the dishes certainly negates my aforementioned complaints. With a Solemn Oath beer by my side, we started with the piggy jerky and popcorn sweetbread.The jerky was perfectly seasoned and surprisingly tender. The popcorn sweet bread itself wasn't remarkable, but the aioli poured all over it was. Next up was their poutine. It's listed under the "shareable" section of the menu, and the portion size lived up to that. The meat, gravy and curds were all great, but the fries were too soft/undercooked to handle these toppings. But that's just my personal preference. The highlight of the night was definitely the "ham butt" steak. I definitely encourage anyone coming here to order it. On the other hand, our wagyu steak was extremely disappointing. While it was cooked at the correct temperature, the top and bottom were so burnt that it didn't matter. The taste of char completely canceled out any flavor coming from the center. After being asked how we liked it, the waitress apologized and even passed our comment onto to the manager, who then came over. He explained something about the oven and offered another apology, but that's about it. I was a little disappointed in the response, especially considering how much we had already spent and that we had spent more on something we weren't going to finish eating. Wagyu aside, Bottlefork turned out to be an awesome experience. As with most of these types of places, you'll end up eating in close proximity to complete strangers, but the excellent beer list and food menu help keep your focus.
(4)Melissa A.
Incredible drinks! The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable resulting in hand crafted libations that are to die for.
(5)Adam G.
A forgettable experience. It didn't start out well...we checked in for our reservation and was told, "You're next for a table and we have a couple tables paying their check now." 45 mins later, and after watching three other tables get sat, we finally got a table. Unfortunately, there's really no place to stand and wait for your table given how narrow the place is. The manager came over and gave us a bag of soggy, $5 chips as a consolation prize. The highlight of the meal was the mushroom gnocchi and stuffed squid. Steer clear of the rabbit which is 50% breading. And the grilled kale salad didn't have a lot of flavor. Go for the drinks.
(2)Maza C.
Great selection of drinks and decorations. However very small list of expensive entree. I brought two friends from Korea. We got Half cooked chicken a very small pan vegetables and unimpressive burger.
(2)Victoria R.
I went last night and was happily surprised how amazing it was. The popcorn sweetbreads and the poutine were amazing. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our server, Nicholas, was just amazing and so informative. He ordered my entre and chose a great pork dish. I am a big fan. GO in an see for yourself!!
(5)Lu N.
I was debating on writing a review for this place. Started by having to wait for a table and it seemed as the host/hostess were to busy chatting w friends. So when I asked how long the wait was and they can seat us outside, she didn't seem to like that very much. Anyway we ordered a couple of items the Mediterranean salad, tuna crudo, and tots. Everything was good not spectacular. Felt a little rushed & food came out to fast. Went ahead and ordered lamb ribs, and the po boy. The lamb tasted pretty good until I found a HAIR about a half a foot long in it! What!!! SERIOUSLY!! I know accidents happen but after that the po boy was left untouched. The manager was very nice and apologetic about the whole thing. They took it and the po boy off of our tab and 10$ gift card. He also offered us dessert but how can you eat anything after that?! Too bad really wanted to like this place.
(2)David D.
Great food and great ambiance. This place is a gem. The drinks are as amazing as the food is and the staff is extremely knowledgable. The chef even came out to make sure everything was ok and then brought out a complimentary dessert for us to try. I am a big time foodie and I can honestly say that this place is on the top of my Chicago list.
(5)Esther D.
The hostess was very nice. Our server, Erin, was lovely. The staff seemed very professional. But, the place is overpriced and the food was not good. I had the Mediterranean Salad. The lettuce was wilted with brown spots and dark green gooey bits at the edge--the way lettuce gets when it's been soaking in salad dressing overnight. The hummus was watery yet overpowering. The Saganaki cheese was like rubber (If you google " Cold Saganaki" you will get no hits. It's a cheese that's served hot and soft). The pulled chicken topping was non-descript and there was so little for the $6 extra charge (channelling Woody Allen: "this food is terrible." "Yes, and the portions so small."). In fact, the entire $22 dish fit in a modest salad bowl. It was an unmitigated loser. My lunch companion had the smoked corn beef brisket sandwich. It was small and served with not so much as a pickle. It would have been fine for $7.00. But, at $15.00, it was ridiculous (umm.. not to insult the restaurant beyond what's reasonable, but it really was on par with what one gets across the street at Potbelly's). And, there was broken glass in my ice tea. Nothing at all dangerous. Just a few tiny pieces -like grains of sand that made for crunchy ice tea. Erin got me a new glass (and didn't charge me for the tea). I'm not overly squeamish, but it was a bit unappetizing. I eat at a lot of restaurants, but it takes a lot to get me off my lazy butt to write a review. Bottlefork -by the sheer audacity of its terribleness- deserves the honor.
(1)Jonathan W.
Loved it! Chips and eggs was great and the burger was fantastic. Loved the tater tots too! The chicken and corned beef sandwiches looked awesome! Just a great place with great food!
(4)Nancy D.
Fantastic cocktails and very interesting food. I mostly go for bland food, but even I found stuff that sounded so good I was willing to give it a try. The husband loved everything he had, even the octopus. An interesting experience. I would definitely go back.
(5)Allison H.
Tried this place with a few girlfriends the other week. It's fairly small so anything bigger than a party of 4 might be tough. I got wine, which comes in a huge glass so no complaints there. My friends all got sangria, which I tried, and thought it was just average. It was a white sangria and mostly just tasted of lime juice. For starters, we got the tuna crudo and bag of crisps & egg. The tuna crudo was delicious and fresh, exactly what you'd want. The bag of crisps and egg was an interesting concoction. They bring it out and mix a poached egg with potato chips table side. For us, this resulted in crushed, wet potato chips that really didn't taste like anything else other than wet salt and vinegar potato chips. Not a fan but maybe we got a bad batch because all the other reviews seem to rave about them. We also got the Mediterranean salad, which was great and would recommend. For entrees, we got the potato gnocchi, smoked lamb ribs, and pork belly & sausage porchetta pastor. All were really good with the lamb ribs being the star. Overall, food was good and service was great. Our server was very helpful with helping us pick out food items and making recommendations. Nothing outstanding as far as the food goes though.
(3)Jacob K.
The food was well above average and not overly crowded. Didn't love the egg soaked chips that I got with the yelp check in, but others seemed to like it. Service was ok, but not great. I would probably be back under similar circumstances, late night on a weekend when everything is packed downtown.
(3)Laurie D.
The food here was truly delicious and creative. I had the Spam Benedict and loved it. The server was charming and attentive. The atmosphere was cute, hipster-chic. Cocktails were also creative and fun, but on the expensive side compared to the very reasonably-priced food. My only complaint is that everything we ate was so rich that everyone in my party felt like we'd just had Thanksgiving dinner for the rest of the day- despite the seemingly small/average size of the servings. I'll probably be back, though, and just eat less than I normally do.
(4)P J.
My four girlfriends and I had an amazing experience at Bottlefork last week! The food was delicious and gorgeously prepared. I highly recommend getting one of the salumis, popcorn sweetbreads, and the whole chicken! My only qualm about the restaurant is that it was difficult to get a drink at the bar when we were waiting for our table, since all of the bar patrons have reservations and there's not a lot of room to stand around. But I would definitely come back again!
(5)Abby L.
Food was great, very tasty, interesting ingredients and preparation... atmosphere is fun too, however, service was very bad. My friend and I ate here on a week night and the restaurant wasn't fully packed, we were confused as to why service seemed off. Our waiter seemed to be rushing throughout the meal and it took FOREVER to get our credit cards back after paying at the end. We only paid with 2 cards... it's not like we were a large party. Waiting for over 20 minutes to get cards back is pretty ridiculous :( If the service was better, would have given 4 stars for sure. Disappointing end to an otherwise great dinner.
(3)Susan S.
Reservations are a must. It's a tiny cozy place with fantastic food. The wines by a glass are a little limited, but the food was amazing. Do not pass up the Mediterranean Salad!
(4)Emily H.
I loved the ambiance of Bottlefork. The service was great, if not a little too attentive. The bar tables are in a very tight space however. Great wine! I cant wait to go back.
(4)Kathryn L.
This place is wonderful and the service was excellent. Our server was great at suggesting drinks and knew all the details on the dishes. My friend and I got 2 dishes and an appetizer and shared. First off we had the beef cheek poutine, it was awesome. The cheese was perfectly melted and the beef was rich and tender. After that we split the Wagyu skirt steak salad. It had fries on it too and a bernaise vinaigrette. The steak was perfectly crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth tender. It is probably the most unhealthy salad, but totally worth it. We then ordered the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Our server informed us it was 30% bacon and 70% beef. More importantly it was amazing, my friend took a bite and the server came over and he waved her off "give me a minute, don't talk to me" :) it was that good. We decided all burgers should be 30% bacon at least. Definitely recommend this restaurant and the cocktails are delicious also
(5)Melissa O.
Fantastic cocktails in a great location. The bartender was kind enough to make me his own version if a corpse surviver #2, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
(5)Brian M.
Fantastic food, great service, very reasonable prices. They have passion about what they do. Don't think about it just go!
(5)Jeff W.
I visited last night based on excellent Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgable, and quick. The food was full of flavor and just the right portion size.
(4)Jimmy F.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago and had a great time! I had the steak salad, and my brother had the lobster po' boy. We shared the brussels sprouts and the popcorn sweetbreads. We both really liked the starters, though the sweetbreads were a really tiny portion, which we didn't really expect. The salad was weird. It was basically an order of steak frites on some arugula with bearnaise on top. However, the steak was AMAZING. I like meat rare, almost mooing, and most places always let me down by overcooking it. They cooked it to perfection. Honestly, kudos to the chef. It was a beautiful steak, seasoned perfectly, and also cooked perfectly. The waitress let me know that they offer the steak in a different set up for dinner, and I can't wait to go back. My brother didn't really love his sandwich, though he did say that it was executed well, he just didn't care for the flavor combination. Service was attentive and on-point. I sadly forgot our servers name, but she was really kind and we were never in need of anything. She even noticed that my brother was wearing a Lima hat, and started chatting with us in Spanish, which was sweet. I look forward to going back and giving their dinner menu a chance!
(4)C N.
Lively joint with several unique and delicious menu items. The alcohol was very overpriced [ $9 for a Daisy Cuter - Beer]. We had the egg & chips [great snack, one of their larger snacks & at a good price], Sweetbreads [very small but delicious], Deviled Eggs [nothing off the charts], Jerky [unique with good flavor], Brussel sprouts [nice, charred vege], Octopus [ smaller plate & very spicy], Lobster roll [amazing bite, but not very filling] and the gnocchi [out of this world]. I would rate it a 4.5.
(4)Kris R.
whoa. this place was so damn good. another Stephanie L and Kris R experience that won't be forgotten. refer to her review for our night! it was nutz to buttz on a wed eve. we were able to get some seats at chef's table, which is like, my favorite kind of table. i ordered the vodka (broadway something) drink, twice. it was delicious. i'm not a huge orange fan, but they did this one right, which is why i ordered two. the service was timed nicely. faves were the crisp and egg (check in to get it fo' free), the sweetbreads, the creamed kale, and the ooey gooey. damn, i felt so fat after that. but totes worth it. the mushroom gnocchi was a bit disappointing. maybe salt? it had goat cheese, so i figured it'd be tres amaze. being in the heart of river north, prep for that crowd, you know? wear your button shirt and docksiders. besides that, really great food, great service, great decor, and great drink. even the staff behind the open kitchen were really friendly and awesome. i'd definitely come back with steph on a weekday night.
(5)Evan K.
Came for Saturday brunch and it was nice to find a place without a line and that takes reservations! Had the burger and corned beef hash. The burger is now one of my favorites, the patty is 30% bacon. The hash was also great, would definitely recommend this place
(5)Sam C.
pretty solid. the decor reminds me of hubbard inn, with louder more uppity music. food is similar to two, with emphasis on seafood bag of crips plus egg was great to start with. drinks are good, a little pricey for an old fashioned ($22) that was a little on the small side, and not as good as the ones at old fifth. beer list is good as well. prawns were good, but small portion also. cavatelli was great. one thing definitely to try is the warm and gooey - we had some amazing cheesecake inspired dessert that was the best part of the meal. our waitress was awesome - she was very attentive, knew the menu extremely well, and recommend a few great things to try. overall, solid menu, good drinks, small portions. a little pricey, but it's in river north. definitely worth checking out.
(4)Tristan B.
We discovered Bottlefork on the web. It seemed good. First good impression, great service and a good choice. The waiter was great and was all ears for us. The food was good but it was expensive for what it was. We got a free appetizer, chips and eggs, which was fun, Then, they had a great squash blossom but we were too late for that. The regular menu is decent but not mind blowing. Good overall experience.
(3)David B.
I had the popcorn sweet breads, the tuna crudo, and the octopus and spam dish. Every single thing I had was good, but the octopus and spam was amazing. If you don't get it, then you ordered the wrong thing.
(5)Dan S.
As a diner who is usually biased towards the spicy, ethnic side of the food spectrum, usually traditional American cuisine is something to be avoided as most would agree it is generally fashioned for a bland palette. So it was with much skepticism that my lady and I visited Bottlefork. Ok, honestly we only had three dishes and they were all slam-dunks - The Mediterranean salad was summery and refreshing, the octopus with homemade spam elegantly combined sweet and sour flavors for a sublime dish. The dessert was a cobbler dish that was completely satisfying. It is also worth mentioning the house cocktails expertly crafted and not too sweet - you could easily just visit Bottlefork for their mixology and be happy. What also was impressive was the owner and executive chef was actually helping to expedite when the restaurant was busy on a Friday night - talk about someone who really cares about their restaurant. So in conclusion - go to Bottlefork. It is an underrated gem that will leave you smiling and satisfied - five stars all the way.
(5)neal s.
I have been dying to try this place since it opened. I had been hearing great reviews and four weeks after making my Saturday night reservation we were in. It did not disappoint. It is a small restaurant. A few tables in front, the rest of the seating area is booths that lined one side of a long narrow room opposite the bar. Service was great and responsive. When we didn't care for the wine we ordered our waiter saw the look on our face and immediately offered to whisk it away and find something else. Moments later the GM appeared with a carafe of wine for us to try and it was a very good choice. Our group of four had a great meal. You can order your own entrée but we all ordered from the sharable section. All of the following were excellent, unusual and tasty preparations. We started with a potato salad and followed with a gnocchi, lamb ribs, burger and fries, rich mans poboys, braised beef cheeks poutine and a pumpkin soup We finished with one of their daily Gooey desert specials of the day. Last night it was warm cheesecake with huckleberry sauce that is served piping hot. We will all definitely be coming back. Rockin Ranch has done it again
(5)Khloe K.
Stopped in for drinks at billy decs newest establishment in river north. It was lively as it should be for a saturday night and the space itself was darkish and cozy, long and narrow. I tried 2 cocktails (Big Salty Tears-which the waitress recommended as being popular, Loft on Broadway) both of which were decent but i found the Big Salty Tears kind of meh and forgettable. Loft on broadway was very citrusy and refreshing. We tried just a few munchies 2 of which i highly recommend!! The "Popcorn sweetbreads" and "Wild Mushroom Gnocchi". Both are snack/appetizer portions and theyre soooo delectable. Just get them and you'll know what i mean. I used the yelp offer for a free "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs. So they have vinegar chips in a brown bag and the waitress puts a poached egg in the bag and shakes it up so you end up with dressed potato chips. Interesting concept but it was kinda gross because the poached egg just makes the chips all soggy! Eww...Glad they were free
(4)Amanda C.
Absolutely delicious! The cocktails are amazing. The food puts a fancy spin on common food items from all different types of cuisine.
(5)Katie M.
We were told on the phone we would have 1.5hrs to eat, fine. We arrived and food was okay, but not great. The biggest issue we has is after we received our appetizer the main entree took another 45-50min. The server even came and cleared our table off at about 40min and didn't even update us and we were pretty surprised. I got up to ask the host to find out what was going on we were ready to call it a night. Entrees finally arrived and if was like it sat too long. Won't be returning and very disappointed.
(1)K. M.
So, we returned for round 2. This time we had the hamburger and flat bread pizza. Both were excellent. The only reason I am giving 4 stars...I think they changed the recipe for the House made chips. This time, the chips were stale and I couldn't taste the vinegar and salt. Please go back to the original recipe!
(4)Jacqueline L.
Very unique cocktails! Staff was very attentive. We tried the roasted parsnips and they were delicious!
(5)Rossie F.
Fabulous cocktails, food is a bit rich but good. Had the lobster po boy, a must share! Really rich but yummy! Best drink is Satan's Whiskers...yum! My favorite was the Kale Ceaser...wow!!!!!
(4)Connie Y.
Had dinner here with some friends and was quite pleased. Asked the bartender for a fruity cocktail (as I am not a huge fan of alcohol, but my friend insisted on buying me a drink) and it was really good. Checked in on yelp and got a free bag of crisps and eggs which was a great starter. My fave was their tots with pimento cheese sauce! We also had their Mediterranean Salad, their mussels and their smoked suckling pig flatbread, all of which were delicious. I plan on bringing other friends here to try out other items on their menu - and go back for seconds!
(4)Kristen P.
First impression when walking in was that I loved the inside and that the food coming out looked amazing. Got a well crafted cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready (arrived 10 min before our reso). But then we waited. And waited. And waited some more. We were seated almost 30 min past our reservation time - but management brought out two comped apps: the chips and egg and the wagyu jerkey. Both were good, and I appreciated the gesture to make up for the huge delay in getting seated. After we sat everything was great. The food was really tasty and inventive. We tried: -Kale Caesar -Creamed Kale (awesome) -Poutine (so, so much salty, vinegary goodness) -Salmon Crudo (super fresh, recommend!) -Duck flatbread (my least favorite but still tasty) -Wagyu skirt steak -Potato Gnocchi (SOOO good) I have to say I'm not a huge Rockit Ranch fan, but this place really blew me away. Definitely will be back again!
(4)Ryan S.
So, I went here with four of my friends about a month ago on a Thursday nite and it was crazy packed. One of my friends made reservations at like 7:45pm I think but we didn't get to our table until over 40min later. We had drinks at the bar while we waited for out table. Because of that the Chef gave us a free appetizer of spicy tuna and rye bread it was delicious. We ordered from the shareable menu which has a fantastic array of awesome food. First off was the squid, absolutely amazing I tell you then 2 different kinds of fries one was good the other super great after that some mussels that tasted like they just came out of the sea, which, came with more fries. We each started to pick items like the poorboy and beef cheek. Everyone had a great time and the food was stellar plus we consumed copious amounts of alcohol throughout the evening, a wonderful night in downtown River North! Can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks.
(5)Yuki Y.
The tables are very close together. If you are short don't sit across from the hostess stand because there isn't a ledge to rest your feet and they just dangle in the air. We had the "prescription sazerac" & "Vieux Carre" to drink and sweetbreads, "bag" of chips, and the lobster roll to eat. The menu is interesting and challenges your taste buds.
(3)Andrew H.
Came here for lunch while visiting Chicago. Excellent cocktails and food. The fish & crisp sandwich is amazing. Service was great, as well.
(5)Bernie M.
Excellent atmosphere, and the service was outstanding. The cocktail menu was impressive as were the choices for beer and wine. I was tempted to try the "Bill Brasky" cocktail (limit 1 per person) for $35, but decided it wasn't the best idea for that given night; next time. The "smoke of the day" cocktail was good. Bag of crisps are a must in my view, as well as the seared steak tartare; comes with a nice poached egg topping. Stay away from the Kale Caesar salad. The gnocchi was a little bland, and the small plate of ribs were perfect. I will definitely return to Bottlefork to taste the other offerings, including the Bill Brasky........best name of a drink I've seen in awhile; "To Bill Brasky!"
(4)Tri N.
it's aiite
(3)Virginia D.
Place is a total panty dropper. Managers, bartenders, staff, service, and food! All excellent!!!
(5)Elena S.
Love this place! We were in town for a wedding and went here for a casual anniversary celebration. They couldn't have been nicer - they brought us over some delicious rose to celebrate and treated us to drinks when we had to wait a few mins for the table. The ambiance is casual but cool and sexy, and the food was absolutely delicious. Really interesting and eclectic menu - something for traditional and adventurous eaters - and a great wine and beer list.
(5)Dale V.
Wonderful personal touch from our server and the general manager. The food was fantastic and edgie. Probably the best dessert I've ever had with the creamy cheese and blueberry compote with homemade vanilla ice cream.
(5)erin z.
I would give this place 2 1/2 stars. I came here with 4 others for a friends birthday and the hostess was a huge B%!@$. I told her it was my friends birthday and she acted as if she couldn't care less. I don't know if she passed on the info to the server or if the server just didn't care either. I wasn't expecting a free dessert or for every damn server to come sing Happy Birthday just acknowledge please. Anyways on to the food. I had the octopus which was pretty good but ridiculously small for $21. Maybe 5 pieces of actual octopus. Gnocchi was also very small for the price. Burger was pretty good as was the pork. They were out of the Wagyu Jerky and the dessert we wanted so that was disappointing. "Bag" of crisps + eggs was good however I showed server the coupon on Yelp and she failed to take it off the bill, I didn't mention it because other than that she was great and very pleasant. Loft on Broadway cocktail was very tasty and I might return for a drink at the bar. Hopefully I will be greeted by a more pleasant hostess.
(3)Silvia F.
Loved the taste of the Crispy chips with egg! Couldn't stop eating it. Our server was able to accommodate my lactose intolerance putting sauces on the side and removing the cheese from the Bacon Burger which was tasteful regardless of missing few ingredients. Definitely want to come back to try the Tots and the Gnocchis!
(4)Hillary D.
It is very apparent how detail-oriented, precise, and thoughtful Chef Hickey is with his dishes. Everything was absolutely delicious - the tastes were artfully presented in unexpected ways. It was a really fantastic, new way to look at comfort food. The pork belly flat bread was our favorite and the biscuit can't be beat. To top it all off, the pumpkin float was a little slice of heaven. Our server was personable, passionate about the food and drink, and patient. Would go back over and over again! I can't wait to try their brunch:).
(5)Call Me A.
The food and service was great, but I felt the food was a little overpriced, even for River North.
(3)E S.
Review update: My husband and I tried Bottlefork for brunch after the manager reached out to me via yelp (which I appreciated). My brunch experience was A LOT better than my prior dinner experience. Honestly one of the best parts about our brunch was our waiter - he was funny!! For a starter, we had the donut holes, then for entrees, my husband had the breakfast sope and I had the 2 eggs any style. I had a mimosa and my husband had this super delicious iced coffee (it came in a bottle). Everything was really, really good. I'm usually not a huge donut fan but the sour cream donut holes were sweet and also had an awesome thick texture. I didn't try my husband's sope but he loved it. My meal was simple but the hash browns were delicious. I didn't try the toast that came with my entree but there was a variety of breads that you could choose from for your toast. My mimosa was nice and strong. I suppose the only ding would be that my husband asked for a second beer and he never received it, but otherwise, it was an excellent brunch experience which is why I'm writing an update for Bottlefork. :)
(4)Mike P.
Tried BottleFork for first time today. Lunch menu was quite limited in terms of choices. Chicken sandwich was very difficult eat during a business lunch and was a little bland. Definitely needed some salt. Bag of malted chips with poached egg sounds good on the surface but the overwhelming taste and smell of vinegar made them inedible. I might be willing to give this place another chance but not anytime soon.
(2)Lauren C.
This place was awesome! Came for my sister's birthday during the week and it had a really nice vibe/energy. The food was excellent and I think the prices were worth it. Would recommend the tater tots, lamb ribs, moroccan pumpkin stew, rotisserie chicken, chips w/ egg (forget name of this). Didn't really care for either of the salads we got but they weren't bad, just not extremely delicious (I love salad, so it's not just a knock on the healthier items). The desserts were ridiculous and I would go here just to get those: we got a sundae with pretzel something and also this hot and gooey banana bread pudding which I could eat every day for the rest of my life. I'm a fan and will be back :)
(4)Parisa H.
Only stopped by here for drinks so this review only applies to that but they sure do know how to make proper cocktails. Both unique, tasty, and strong. Great service as well. I'd go back to try their food as well, looked awesome!
(5)Alaina T.
Seated right away, which was nice for River North. Tasty food, but disappointed they only had the brunch menu when we went here at 6pm. The poutine was delicious, but it seemed a bit pricey for the portions.
(3)Lanette R.
Enjoyed dinner while on vacay with my husband and two teenage sons - a big sucess. Delicious octopus, lamb ribs, crisps with egg!, bacon burgers, and asparagus. Fun, young, and hip vibe, too bad we weren't on a date! Kids did not like the odd foam on the sundaes tho.
(4)Christine S.
Haven't tried the food yet, but the bartenders are knowledgable, cool and gracious. A bit different from the usual Billy Dec scene. This place may be for real.
(5)Amalita A.
Came here on a Saturday night, the place was packed and popping. Ordered a last word not a lot of places no how to make a good cocktail :) this blew my mind! We had a dark haired woman as our server she was very knowledgeable and friendly. Had the wagyu jerky, cheese platter, gnocchi, and cheesecake. Wish I had more room in my stomach! Great fun place to eat!!!!
(5)Jared P.
Excellent food, drinks and service. The space is a bit tight, so make a reservation. The tuna jar was great and so were the quail eggs. Bag of chips with soft boiled egg was great too.
(5)Crystal L.
Heard great things so some girlfriends and I decided to go in for brunch for Labor Day weekend. First impression was a great space and busy! We were greeted by our server within 5 minutes of being seated. We ordered drinks which weren't delivered for 20 minutes; when the rest of our party came she didn't take the last drink order for another 10 minutes. After that service was just not coming back; slow with everything. Food was great but due to the lack of service I probably wouldn't go back. Fix it fast!
(2)Jody C.
Fun and interesting food options. The bag of crisps and eggs was so tasty! Sweetbreads were tasty- my friends didn't know what they were and raved about them and ordered seconds. Lamb ribs and gnocchi both really good but have had better. The kale salad was not quite what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed but still good. Also impressive drink menu. I'd go back!
(4)Marty S.
BOTTLEFORK was by far the worst restaurant we have ever been to. The food is laden with vinegar. Very very small menu and extremely noisy. I would not send my worst enemy there.so so overrated!!!!!!! Servers very brusk.
(5)Aria S.
Came here with my significant other a few weeks ago. I loved the decor of this place. Very trendy - as I expected it to be. One downfall was the proximity of the tables to one another. They are super close and it's obnoxious to try and get in and out of your seat. They have some very cool drink options that are worth trying. The poutine was very good. Think of an upscale version of chili cheese fries. Loved this one. We also got the tots. Not impressed. Too much potato too little sauce. We also had an order of the brussel sprouts which are definitely a must try. I don't know what they did to these things but they were awesome. The rich man po' boy was ok in my opinion. My boyfriend loved it but I didn't. Not really my thing. We also ordered a pasta dish which I thought was decent but the meatballs they came with were to die for. Maybe the best I've ever had. Service was great. Friendly, prompt, and able to give good suggestions. I would come back here to try other dishes on the menu.
(4)Akeya S.
Good food. Had a great burger and a nice glass of wine. Will be back
(4)carrie c.
Went for a Saturday brunch and everything was top notch ~ taste, service, presentation, cocktails. Loved everything we tried. Favorites were the breakfast sope, braised beef cheek poutine and sour cream donut holes. Was WOWED by the Spam Eggs Benedict. Fun, eclectic take on some classics. Lively atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.
(5)William M.
I had a business lunch meeting. Not the appropriate location for this type of event. Loud and dark room. Very limited lunch menu. I'd try going back after work or on the weekend. Looks like interesting bar menu . Very good service though
(3)J W.
I've had the pleasure of dining here for both lunch and dinner, and both meals were simply spectacular. The servers were friendly, timely, and very helpful in describing the plates and special features. Just a few highlights: Bag of Crisps w/ Eggs- I can't believe this only costs $5, it is so stinking good it could be an entire meal. Not too eggy, just enough vinegar, extra crispy.. a very unique yet simple dish. Wagyu Beef Jerky- This combined with the above starter is a great way to start your meal, perfectly chewy with great flavor. Potato Gnocci- OMG so good. I preferred my bites w/out the mushroom. The mild sauce combined with goat cheese combined with potato- BAM!!! Ground Bacon Burger- Just get it, it's packed with flavor and almost too big to put your mouth around! We got ours with the tots, which are insane inchXinch cubes topped with perfectly smokey cheese. OY! Corned Beef Brisket- Served on a 'lobster roll', it's the perfect combo of meat and spicy, crunchy coleslaw. Rhubarb Cheesecake- Best cheesecake I've ever had in my whole entire GD life. It was pure magic, I would go back just to eat it. Melted in a personal griddle, topped with fresh rhubarb and crushed graham crackers. My mouth is watering right now GEEZUS. Cocktails are divine, try them all! Will go back. Very soon. Maybe today, for the cheesecake.
(4)W S.
Well tailored interiors with lots of great details. Great staff that are attentive but not annoying. And the food is unbelievable. I had the best mussels I've ever had. Boiled in rye beer and ham. They came with fries and I sat near the kitchen, where I watched the chef throw away my fries and make new ones because he saw them sitting for five minutes. Exactly what you want from a chef. I asked for bread to soak up the juice and the baked me fresh rolls. My wife had baked chicken that was perfectly cooked, and we split wagyu need jerky which is as good as it sounds. Great cocktails as well. Overall could not have been happier.
(5)Paige O.
So much fun. Every taste is an adventure very rich with flavor. Perfect for sharing on a date or with friends (or parents!). It's roomy enough for elbows but cozy enough to envy the plate on the next table. The ambience feels "grown up" but little details poke through with a playful whimsy that takes away the seriousness. Thinking of the "smoke of the day" makes me salivate! Would love to sit at the chefs table to watch all the action!
(5)Jason C.
Very much the current trend in Chicago -super-rich food that has tons of flavor but is on the verge of too much. I would call it one step above girl and the goat in terms of salt/seasoning. We had the popcorn sweetbreads (terrific), Kale Ceasar - in my view a flawed dish as Kal and smoke create such a bitter flavor it is just not tasty, Octopus and homemade spam (good, but super oily), and the Nduja/truffle chicken (again, super-rich). Wine list was definitely below expecations (with a name like bottlefork).
(3)Kristina A.
I was determined to make it here ever since I saw Kevin Hickey make his crisps and eggs on Windy City Live - and they did not disappoint (it also helped that they come free with a Yelp check-in...it was meant to be, I tell you). We started with the soft shell crab special, which was cornmeal crusted and on a bed of ramp grits and kohlrabi relish - so good! The crab was crispy and flavorful and the ramp grits and relish were a bright, almost herby compliment - on the whole, the dish was a lot lighter than I thought it would be. We then got the lamb ribs, which were meaty, sweet, and tangy, and also split a side of the roasted turnips. My favorite part of the meal, by far, was dessert. We got the ooey gooey dessert of the day (apple berry crumble) with a side of their vanilla ice cream - which I still dream about. That was hands down the best soft serve I've ever had in my life. I would go back in a heartbeat just for that ice cream. And the crisps and eggs. Because, you know. Crisps.
(4)Lauren S.
Just go. It's a foodie's dream experience.
(5)Ann Marie M.
Had dinner at Bottlefork last night, and I had to write about it . Everything has so many interesting flavors with a terrific presentation. I can honestly say that every dish was amazing! And I tried a lot, as we sharing appetizers and meals at our table. The atmosphere is fun and cozy at the same time-it has a good vibe. I especially enjoyed the super large booths. The prices are reasonable, especiallay with the quality of the food! I loved it !
(5)Meeta S.
so good!!!!
(4)Anslee B.
What an awesome night out at Bottlefork! The staff was so accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and, of course, the food was just wonderful. My group of four started out ordering the Wagu Beef Jerky and Bag of Crisps and Eggs. Both were addictive and I am dreaming about them while nursing a slight hangover this morning. We shared the Kale Caesar and Mediterranean Salad, Rich Man's Po' Boy (my favorite of the night), Grilled Octopus and homemade spam, and the truly spectacular Ground Bacon Burger. Everything we ordered was so perfectly balanced and indulgent- I am positive that the whole menu is just as wonderful. We had 9:30 reservations and we were seated around 10:00. It's a small space, so my group and I felt a bit in the way, but the hostesses were attentive and sat us ASAP. Great atmosphere (props to the playlist which included Haim and Broken Bells) and the restaurant has a comfortable and cool, yet totally unpretentious, vibe. I am so excited to go back to Bottlefork
(5)Peter H.
Great atmosphere, 5-Star Service (Thanks Courtney!) and tasty food. The Mushroom Gnocchi & Pork were absolutely amazing!! I can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)Beth P.
Went to Bottlefork with a small group on Saturday night. I gotta say, it was delicious. We went with the server's recommendations in regards to the smoked lamb ribs and wow, they were awesome. We also shared the mushroom gnocchi and each had a ground bacon burger for our entree with fries. This is no ordinary burger! Holy cow, it was huge and sooo delicious. It cam with a huge pickle on top of the "fork" stuck into the bun. Fun little detail. Cool vibe at the restaurant as well. Overall, a great experience in regards to atmosphere and food. The dessert we shared was amazing as well! Will be back for sure.
(5)Lauren B.
I waited until after my second time to review, thinking that maybe I just had an off experience or ordered the wrong things. But no - this place is pretty horrible. The food is meh (cooked okay, I suppose but the flavor combinations are awful). The service is worse (we had to ask multiple times for more water, they took so long with my second drink that I tried to cancel it, and then we were asked to leave our table after spending more than $200 on dinner). The overall experience is pretty awful - similar to Dragon Ranch, this place should not last long.
(1)Katie H.
Based on my dining experience last night, I will not be going back to Bottlefork. The food was good, but for the price, it just wasn't worth it. The portions were small and nothing blew my socks off, to be honest. The service was also lacking. Our server, while sweet and I do believe she was trying her best, did not know what she was doing and made the experience awkward and uncomfortable. Our drinks took unusually long to come and the food came unusually fast-- it was just an odd "hurry up and wait" type of feeling. We felt like we had to eat fast because the next course was coming and our table was small, but then had to wait 20 minutes for our drinks. Two of my friends had a major fiasco with the wine, too. They were told the bottle of white wine they wanted was unavailable, so they chose another (more expensive) bottle of white that came out 20 minutes later ROOM TEMPERATURE. Then, after saying they didn't want the warm wine, they were told the original bottle actually WAS available, so after another 10 minutes, they finally got THAT bottle. It was just really frustrating and the odd part was, the manager came over after the wine finally came...only to do nothing. He basically gave an obligatory apology- we expressed annoyance- and then he walked away. I think the experience could've been salvaged if he had taken the liberty to comp a drink or a couple of our apps or something to show he genuinely cared that the service and our experience had been bad. It was just such an odd experience to have at a new, trendy restaurant. With all of the fabulous restaurants in the city- and even on this particular block- I won't bother with Bottlefork again.
(2)Nicki P.
I had been dying to try brunch here after following Billy Dec on instagram, he posted so many delicious looking pics. When I arrived we were seated quickly and our server was excellent but the food was good but not amazing. We started with the homemade chips and eggs. They took a bag of homemade chips and added a poached egg to the bag and shook it up covering all the chips with the yolk, I was nervous as I didn't think I would like the result but in fact it was delicious. From there things went down a bit, my friend had the Mediterranean salad which was OK but nothing special. I went for the bacon burger. I'm not sure why I am on such a burger kick right now but after having the Rockit Burger last week this one didn't compare, which is really odd since they are owned by the same company and they have the same great bun, I guess the rest of the burger just lacked for me. The mimosas were good. I think I would give it another shot for the great service and maybe try the dinner menu.
(3)Jara S.
Great restaurant, great food, great atmosphere, great staff and fantastic drinks. Ordered the crisps and eggs and they were great! Pace yourself with the drinks; you could easily drink yourself to an early night. This is a lovely place for a date, happy hour or even a solo meal. Intimate seating makes for close conversations with you and sometimes your neighbors. Staff was very enthusiastic and helpful. They were informative and offered great tips. Get the sweet and savory pretzel caramel sundae. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode! This place is like tapas style meets American local food!
(4)Jason M.
Hey this place rocks. Had the server pick out four or five plates. All excellent except for the chips and egg. I didn't like but everyone else enjoyed them. I really liked the waygu jerky and the sweet breads. I had a glass of cab franc from ohio it was outsanding. Very impressed with this place.
(5)Arielle A.
I came here for Sunday brunch, and checked in to receive the complimentary bag of chips with poached egg. Not sure what the point of the egg was, it only made the chips really soggy, not really my thing. But otherwise it tasted like any regular salt and vinegar ships. I ordered the ground bacon burger as my entrée, and that was delicious. I would come back just for that burger. I wished I tried a dessert because they look and sound amazing. So I guess I have another reason to come back!
(4)Elana T.
Went for a family weekend brunch and couldn't have been happier. Got the free chips and egg by checking in which is a unique and tasty app. Smallish menu but everyone found something delicious. The French toast and Sope were the favorites. Service was excellent. Will definitely come back!!
(5)Mariam K.
Cute place, good location. Came here one night for apps, checked in here on yelp and received a free bag of chips with egg, it was pretty good and free... which made it even better! Also got the braised beef poutine and tots (I'm a potato fanatic, if you can't already tell) both were delish. Just basing this place off the apps, It was really good. The dessert menu didn't seem too appealing, however, I'll definitely be back to try their food.
(4)Sopla R.
First off, YELP whats with the 2 $$ for this restaurant?? I mean Shake Shack is a $$ restaurant as well according to you! Ok that's off my chest...Sometimes, I actually use this as a price guide when we don't want to spend tons on a meal. EVERYTHING here is ala carte. Don't expect your burger to come with those cool square "TOTS" ... If I'd known about the YELP check in thing that may have made me feel better. I also get this was their brunch menu so it's gonna have more expensive items on it AND there are so few tables in this establishment, I know you have to charge more.. still. I'd like to it to be accurate YELP!! iMHO $16- $25 entree's are not $$ range We went for brunch on a recent Sunday afternoon and we opted for this: Leeks + Green Goddess + Spring Onions + Shaved Turnips $12 Bag of Red Velvet Donut Holes $6 Cream Cheese Icing $6 "Tots" $5 Bellini10 Seasonal Fruit Purée + Prosecco $10 Iced Tea $4 Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger $16 All that aside,, we got the burger and we were warned about the bacon/fat rational but seriously, it was just TOO much for either of us. You could tell this was a well appointed burger but just too much on the bacony fat for us. The Leek's green goddess salad.. was bitter and salty for some reason each bite was either bitter or salty or both I only had maybe 3 bites of the salad that tasted normal. I went ahead and kept it but beware. Those "tots" were a hit. just perfect crunch. as well as the red velvet donuts holes. soooo good. Service was friendly enough but she didnt' return to ask about meals once they were dropped off- this is not a good habit for servers to be in and lately it happens all to often. We wanted to trade in the salad but she never came by and by the time she did I'd already just made myself finish it. Not to mention, we needed a refill on the tea that sat empty for most of his meal until she came back by. Decor loved it. especially that mad hatter mural and the mossy light fixture. I wish the overall experience and food would have been better asI really liked the atmosphere. I think the food is good but in one meal was just too hit and miss.
(3)Suzanne N.
The food was tasty and fresh. We had the sweet breads (crispy, but a bit heavy on the aioli), crispy brussel sprouts (very nice), and poutine (good combination) to start. That was followed by pumpkin gnochi and the suckling pig flatbread. Although both dishes were pleasant, I felt that they could both use a flavor boost. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but the drink menu was extensive. I'll be prepared to drink next time!
(3)Marla R.
This is the perfect place to go if you are a dude who wants a good food base before going out in River North for the night. The guys from Underground even stopped by our table and give us their cards so we could do just that! The place has a great lively atmosphere (although little loud for me), trendy decor, and great service. Although the food was tasty (we tried the chips, tots, gnocchi, parsnip, and in the jar items), the only item we got that wasn't WAY too rich or heavy was the Chicken. I know my fiance would love to go back, but I'm going to let him save that for a boys night :).
(4)brenda s.
Went there for brunch on Sunday and everything was top notch. Scored the free chips for an appetizer with yelp check in and wasn't expecting much from those but they were phenomenal. Daughter got the cast iron French toast and I got the skillet hash. Both were great but hash is a little salty. Service was the bomb. Best restaurant we ate at this weekend!
(5)Annie Zean D.
On the last day of our good friends stay in Chicago, we all decided to meet for dinner. Never really venturing to food establishments in this area, we took the bait. I mean, what exactly is a bottlefork, a game children created? A euphemism for some bedroom activity? These and other questions went through my mind as we were seated in a very large booth. The bar is nicely lit with pieces I imagine they acquired from the Anthropologie sea creature collection, specifically a chandelier towards the back of the restaurant. Our server was very helpful and patient. She would pop in through the meal with a good one liner and kept the meal paced well, not too much happening but enough to keep us engaged with the food. The beer menu ranges from fairly pricey to very expensive. I indulged in the Solemn Oath double IPA, a fine vintage. For snacks, the table got the chips, the charcuterie plate, and the fries, all delicious decisions. For my entrée I ordered the pork belly special. Served with a sweet potato purée, arugula, and a glaze, this $18 dreamboat danced upon the high seas of my taste buds. It was fantastic. On a whim we ordered two deserts. Best decision. Each had distinct flavors and the Crème brûlée brownie had playfully rich yet delicate notes that there was no need to rush. We grazed a bit at the table and departed from bottlefork happy, our wallets smaller in size, but our palates satisfied.
(4)Craig L.
5 stars - really as good as it gets. Just opened up for lunch time and highly recommended for a business lunch, and you'll need to bring the corporate budget as well. This runs about 25% higher than a comparable casual lunch elsewhere. But the food is outstanding and a great alternative to more formal environment places. I had the corned beef sandwich and my fellow diner had a salad with split of the malt vinegar fries. All were outstanding and the corned beef was lean and toppings were spot-on complimentary without overpowering. The root beer is home made unlike one buys in the store. Truly artisan. Friendly service and enjoy the interior although seating closer to the street is limited. A wide variety of craft brews but this being lunch, I couldn't imbibe. But will be back again.
(5)Samhita P.
Bottlefork has quickly become one of my go to restaurants for brunch, especially when I have friends in town. While the ambiance is a little dark, the food was phenomenal!
(4)Daniel L.
Great brunch! This place has a unique menu and superb morning drinks. The food is creative and delicious. Service is friendly. The only complaint is the price; it is slightly overpriced. Would I go again? Definitely.
(4)Vanessa K.
This place had excellent service and fantastic food. I came here with a group of girls for happy hour on a weeknight, and it was on point. We got a few dishes to share (including the incredible sundaes for dessert--don't skip these!!), and all drank a number of cocktails. I will say the whiskey-based drink with the house-made smoke drippings was fantastic. I also really liked the house-made beer they brewed. Don't skip the tots--they are perfection. I'll definitely be coming back here.
(5)Kim F.
Awesome cocktails. Fantastic food. We didn't have reservations, waited for seats at the bar, and had a great experience.
(5)Christine M.
I died and went to heaven at Bottlefork. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I went here with my sister Saturday evening, and we ordered far more food than two girls should ever eat, but everything was amazing. My favorites? Beyond our waiter Gus being absolutely hilarious and equally as entertaining, eating homemade crisps and egg has to be my new guilty pleasure. Either that or their dessert. Their salted caramel ice cream and whiskey is as good as it sounds. My only regret is only ordering one and having to share. No matter how full you are after your meal, this needs to be ordered. Your stomach will thank you and make room for it. Other highlights: Creamed kale. I don't even know what exactly it was or what all was in it besides kale and bacon, but it was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. (Make sure you eat it right away though as it's much better warm) And it's kale so it counts as a vegetable, right? Wood grilled ground bacon burger: This sucker was 30% bacon, 70% burger, all ground up together to make one mouthwatering bite after another. The sauces on top, one with a bleu cheese mixture and another with a ketchup mixture (both of which I despise) were still absolutely amazing. Only complaint was that by the time we got the burger we were too full to finish it. This is definitely a place to check out. It is a little pricey. My sister and I's meal was $120 ($40 bottle of wine included) which is more than I'd typically spend, but it was definitely worth it.
(5)Audrey W.
This place is a rockstar. Everything I ate was on point and affordable. I came with one other person and sat at the bar, next to the exec chef. (He's the most charismatic and loveable person you'll ever meet!) It's always fun to sit at the bar and watch the open kitchen. You also get the best suggestions from the people who are know and cook your food. Just the two of us ordered...... Tots - my favorite dish, the pimento cheese sauce is like crack, no joke. Lamb ribs - so tender, fatty, and clog your heart good. It's worth it, you should get this. "Popcorn" sweetbreads - One of my favorite dishes of the night. Smoked spot prawns - I don't care how classy you are, suck the damn head. You know you want too. Mediterranean salad - You like a big block of seared cheese? How can you go wrong? Cauliflower - the veggie of choice, IMO. Scottish egg - little tiny quail eggs wrapped in delicious bratwurst, then deep fried. Clam and Portuguese flatbread - Really tasty and fun to eat. Yes, two people ate all of this. We be classy, YO. All of my drinks were perfect. I prefer whiskey/bourbon cocktails and they were all great. Sazerac, Old fashioned, and the Vieux Carre (probably my favorite out of the three). If you have the chance, you have to come try this place. There are still so many things I want to taste on the menu! Ya'll know I'll be back!
(5)Mike K.
Server was awesome. Had crisp n eggs appetizer along with their bacon burger. They said it was 3rd best burger in the city. I would say it's the best burger I've had in a really long time. This was my first time and I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Riley R.
Totally impressed with the atmosphere, great service, creative menu. Weren't blown away by the food, but it was still good- I would go there again. Leatherneck cocktail-a bit sweet. Mediterranean salad- interesting taste, hummus was delicious, but presentation made eating a bit unwieldy. Sweat meats-excellent Tuna crudo- delicious Tater "tots"- interesting idea, fine tasting Chips-interesting presentation, actually one of our favorite things, though we didn't order it... The waitress (who we really enjoyed otherwise) had it sent to our table because she thought we'd like to try it, which we were excited about, but then she charged us for it! Dessert menu was a bit dull, but ended up getting the sundae with the pretzel, and the flavor was excellent.
(4)Emily S.
HUGE fan of Bottle Fork. Ambiance is cool, service was great, food and presentation were also on par. Some favorites: jerky, all fries (we got both lol), and the sundae. Industry tip: 50% on Wednesdays after 9pm (even some alcohol if you're tryna get down and dirty on a Wednesday night). Bottle Fork is my new #BFf
(4)Barbara H.
Today has been an incredible day starting with watching the river turn green to ending with a most delectable meal at Bottlefork restaurant. My dear friend who lives in Chicago made reservations for Bottlefork and I'm so glad she did ! The service was fabulous with our server, Nick. He described each item we ordered with accurate description. If you try their signature beer, you won't be disappointed. It was worth having a second. I don't eat burgers very often but their burger was worth the calories and those French fries were to die for. My son had the skirt steak - cooked to perfection with the best grilled onions. Yes, we had a cheesecake like dessert that was warm gooey (one for the table) which had a berry strudel topping. At first I thought the size was too big, but oops we just kept eating and very little was left - we could've stop taking one more bite. Great experience. We're headed back to California on Monday and wish we could take this restaurant with us...we'll be back !
(5)Kelsey K.
This place is awesome! Super friendly and knowledgable staff! Amazing and unique cocktail and food options! Perfect for all occasions! It's the Dawson of river north! You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
(5)Susan W.
Bottlefork was delicious! We made a reservation for 4 at 7:30 on a Friday and unfortunately the table they were planning to flip for us wanted to stay and chat all night. We had cocktails at the bar so we weren't too bothered, but we didn't end up sitting until 8:15, however the manager moved the chatty table to the bar, got us seated and brought out 3 free appetizers for our trouble and all was forgiven (though we weren't too upset given the excellent quality of cocktails!) The Bill Bradsky cocktail was really good and fun to share. I loved the chips and egg, the bacon burger was delicious and the pasta was also good. The real star of the show was the Rich Man's Po' Boy, served on a buttered lobster roll bun, it was amazingly tasty. We also had a salted caramel sundae for dessert which was unbelievably amazing. I highly recommend Bottlefork, just make you reservation a bit earlier than you think you need. Enjoy!
(5)Molly C.
Bottlefork has a very upbeat & energetic atmosphere. It's loud and has very trendy music playing. My boyfriend and I went on a Thursday night. We first sat at the bar while we waited for our reservation. The bar staff seemed very knowledgeable about their drinks and had a lot of urgency while serving. Drinks didn't take too long. I ordered Satin's Whisker and my boyfriend had a beer. The drinks were very good and went down a little bit too easily. But hey, that means that they were good. We got sat and our waitress was very attentive and helpful. We had many questions about the menu and our waitress was able to describe anything on the menu. Their staff is very well prepared and very professional. The first things ordered were the Sopresata and Bent River Camebert off the cured meats/cheeses section of the menu. I really enjoyed the Bent River Camebert cheese, it is a cows milk cheese that goes fantastic on their bread. I wasn't a huge fan of the Sopresata though. Maybe it's just my taste. Next we ordered the "Popcorn Sweetbreads" which were my favorite thing on the menu. To those of you, sweetbreads are the thymus gland of a cow. You know you're eating something funky but they are awesome! The sauce that is drizzled over them has a little bit of kick to it which really compliments the entire dish. (This was one of my favorite menu items) Next we ordered the Lamb Ribs. These were incredibly rich and very rustic. The fat helped the meat slide right off the rib so it is can easily be eaten with a fork and knife. We also ordered the "Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger" again this is incredibly rich. I really appreciated the presentation of this dish. The burger has a really interesting tangy sweet sauce that added to the burgers taste and paired well with the bacon flavor. But make sure you share this menu item. I can't imagine eating something that large & rich by myself. Lastly, we had to get one of their shakes. We got the Carmel Milk Stout one.... I can't remember the exact name. All I have to say is WOW! Perfect blend of salty and sweet which is right up my ally! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Overall- I think this place is a fun environment. Not the best food I've had but I wasn't disappointed in any way. Make sure you share all plates because the food is incredibly rich and filling. Between the two of us we only had 4 menu items excluding dessert. This place would be fun for a first date or just for a few casual cocktails. The atmosphere and service is really what makes it.
(3)Kelly J.
I wish I would have been more hungry when I came here! Everything we had was excellent! We started with the chips and eggs, the wagyu beef jerky, the deviled eggs and really liked all of them. BF had the rich man po boy and liked it. Good thin it was a small portion as it was very rich. I had the orrechette and spicy chicken sausage pasta and it was very flavorful, but just a touch too spicy for me. It was a satisfying portion, but I couldn't finish it. We were stuffed. Interesting cocktail and a lovely wine list. Excellent service from everyone. Loved the atmosphere and all the fun, funky little bits of decor. Check in on yelp for a free chips and eggs. I'll be back!
(5)Juan F.
Saturday night and this place was dead while all other bars and lounges had long lines to get in. Why did we come here? I don't know. We got a few beers and cocktails but nothing stood out. Check in on Yelp for a free chips and one egg - the soft boiled egg is placed inside a bag and mixed with all the chips coating them with the gooey egg yolk. Sounds good, but the chips were super salty though.
(2)Jenna T.
Came for brunch on a recommendation from a friend. I did have a reservation and was seated right away but the restaurant filled up shortly after we arrived. The food is great- the crisps and eggs was delicious. our burger was cooked perfectly and the french toast was SO GOOD. The only thing i didn't enjoy was how close together the tables were... it kind of felt like I was sitting on top of another table.
(4)C.C. H.
Much to the chagrin of my frugal upbringing, I've been spending a lot of time at places near Merchandise Mart but felt like Bottlefork is worth the expense! The place was initially packed when I showed up around 9:30pm on Thursday night, but there was breathing room around 10pm. Our server Eddie was very fun to talk to and I like the team-based approach to service. Another guy (possibly the GM?) showed up with a glistening, voluptuous poached-in-the-shell egg for our crisps and there was a good deal of showmanship in sliding the egg into a brown-paper bag and giving everything a good shaking. Our table felt as though we should politely applaud at the end of the presentation. Drinks were delivered by another friendly server on a tray. In addition to the crisps, I enjoyed the Big Salty Tears, a drink that was not salty at all and not sweet either despite the use of two sherries. It was smooth on the tongue and subtle in flavor, like a citrusy caramel tea. Cocktails were $14, perhaps $2 more expensive than its peers but I had a great time.
(4)Steph G.
[Out-of-Towner Review] The Yelp God's were watching down on us... ...when we found this spot by happenstance. That's a tiny little lie, we used Yelp to find local spots and we picked this one, mostly due to proximity to where we were and the odd, freezing Chicago evening weather. We'd been Divvy biking for awhile and had built up a huge appetite. It was our attempt to go with the flow and just find somewhere, instead of looking through my lists of recommendations from various people. So, with spontaneity on our side we walked into the BEST last meal in Chicago we could have asked for. It was dim, but it was bustling. I thought there'd be a wait, but there wasn't for a party of two. At first she tried to sit us in a very cramped little two-top, but we asked to try somewhere else. We almost got the 'Chef's Table' bar seats, but sadly we ended up just taking two regular bar seats. As we'd been shuffling about, I'd seen the plate of fried chicken, which essentially meant I was having it. It looked amazing, perfectly battered and fried. Finally seated, we grabbed the menus and went to work. The prices are on the higher side, but as a tourist you get used to it. The vibe is hipster, for sure. They don't even sell soda from the tap, that's how hipster-fancy-cocktail-making they are. Since Yelp helped me find this place, I checked-in on the app and noticed they give you a free appetizer. Who am I to deny anything free? So, I asked the bartender about it and he brought us our "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs in less than a few minutes. He had explained it to us, which left us skeptical. Here's how it goes, a brown lunch bag filled with chips that have added vinegar and salt. In a little ramekin is a poached egg, which he swiftly dumped into the bag of chips. Then he shook them violently. The aftermath of random deliciousness in a bowl was pretty amazing, I'm not sure how the flavors blended so well together, but they did. The chips don't really lose their crispness, but the egg 'sauce' adds great flavor. Already winning, and it was free. We didn't order any adult beverages, which seems to be their thing here. We'd been over indulging all trip and I was ready to have a dinner sans alcohol. J did order a soda and sadly the bartender handed him a glass of ice and the mini Pepsi can. The disappointment of an avid soda drinker was evident across his face. His dreams of endless refills were dashed buy this $2 can of 7.5oz of Pepsi. As for dinner, we ordered to entrees and planned on splitting them both, our normal routine. I had to go with the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger and he went for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It should be noted, when we walked in the door the sandwich board sign said "Home of the Famous Bacon Burger," I knew I was home ;) If you know the burger situation in Chicago (not that I do), then you know about Au Cheval's burger. Bottlefork's burger is on the same level as theirs, yes I said it. The Bacon Burger's flavor profile is much more complex than Au Cheval's, which is why I say they are in the same category. They both kill it. The flavor of just the burger is amazing. The bun is a heavenly carb bonus. The sauce and other fixings complimented the flavor of everything perfectly. Add some huge crispy fries and dipping sauce, and this is a meal made for a hipster-burger-guzzling patron. They way they plate it is also an added bonus, they use a 'green' (re: hippy) wood fork and put a pickle through it on top of the burger. Taste and plating, they win! Who do they think they are feeding with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken? A table of four? For $24 you get your money's worth. They give you four huge pieces of chicken, battered, seasoned, and fried to perfection. Even the huge chunks of white meat where tender and juicy, no fear of dry chicken with this kitchen. We both didn't like the gravy, it had a very strong mustard flavor, mixed with a small hint of vinegar. It just wasn't our thing, but I'm sure you may enjoy it. The griddled biscuit that accompanies this dish, was a huge disk of confusion for taste buds. It was savory, but pancake-esque, but still also like a biscuit. I think after a few bites, we finally gave in to liking it. We probably didn't talk for a good 20 minutes, while we stuffed our faces of this delicious meal. I have so much more to try on this menu, but sadly it will have to wait until I'm back in the Windy City. The desserts looked tempting, but we already had our sights on stopping one more place after dinner, so we passed. The bartenders/servers were awesome, no complaints about anything, really. Other than really awkward seating, this place should be on everyone's list, local or tourist! Saying goodbye is already hard, but even more so when this is your last meal...
(4)JAY H.
Great time , food was ever so taste , from the lamb sirloin seared perfect , the appetizer fires with vinegar drizzle , waygu jerky , the kale salad umm, there was not a plate I didn't like , drinks where awesome and mixed perfect , the basic, noble , everything was great service was right there too..
(5)Elizabeth E.
Recently went for lunch and was a little less than impressed. The menu seemed fantastic & the place is very attractive inside although the food was eh. We started with the tuna crudo - which had shrimp cracklings on top. I am not sure what Shrimp cracklings really are but it tasted like fried onion rings on top of avocado & tuna - not a ton of flavor and really didn't need the cracklings. I had the Mediterranean salad with chicken for lunch. What Mediterranean salad doesn't have kalamata olives? It was like green olives. And while the presentation was beautiful the dressing fried cheese, green olive combo was not my favorite. I won't be ordering it again. My new office is right near bottlefork so I plan to go back again and try other items but was disappointed with my first visit.
(3)Bethany W.
Tired of all the places in the loop for lunch I popped over to Bottlefork. I'd been there once right after it opened for dinner and drinks and enjoyed that visit. Lunch wasn't especially busy and I was able to get a table right away. The patio was packed though by 12:00. Since it was lunch I needed to be productive after I steered clear of the mid day cocktails. :( The grilled beer brined chicken sandwich was interesting & tasty. The good: giardiniera was bright, tangy and crisp and not over spicy. The grilled chicken had nice grill marks, flavor and was juicy. Fried pickes...um yes....stick those things on anything and I'll eat it. The not so great...the sandwich is a bit hard to eat meaning that the ingredients were falling out. One half of the sandwich I just ate with a fork. And the pickles...they were good but I feel like they could be better. I would have liked the batter to have a bit more crunch. Would have gave the sandwich another texture.
(4)Adrienne B.
I heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try! I came in with high expectations and left with a slight disappointment. First... Making my reservation was easy! Had a lot of opening for a Friday night on open table. As I walked in I liked the decor and how everything was laid out. However... The place came off as an intimate relaxed environment but it was the opposite. It was very loud with music, so then everyone conversations were louder. So overall loud! As for drinks..they nailed it on this one! Amazing cocktails list! I had the Baysic! It was refreshing, smooth with a ginger kick to it! As for food.. Had the crisp & egg.. It was different and delicious! The food is where I give 3 stars because it was just average! Nothing too special. We had the Mediterranean salad which was good, but could of been better. For the entree we chose the hop braised pork shank. It was good just wasn't expecting a sweet taste to it. I thought it would melt in my mouth but it didn't. Overall I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but it was just average in my opinion. Service was wonderful though!!!
(3)Katie L.
Visiting from Boston, went for brunch. Lovely! We split the tots (you must get the tots!), corned beef hash, and then we shared the French toast at the end as a "desert." Everything was perfect, down to the details (homemade ketchup, great coffee). Andrew at the bar is a DELIGHT! He helped us pick the right dishes, found out the name of the coffee for me, even pointed us in the direction of the closest Patriots bar :)
(5)Matt C.
Where the hipsters go... I found this joint on yelp. Was rolling into Chi-town and thought I'd see whats up. In the past I have been both successful (The Gage) and unsuccessful (Sable) with yelping in Chicago... yelp.com/user_details_re… yelp.com/user_details_re… So this place had really high reviews. And I booked a reservation. The cocktails that we started off with were very good, then we got into it. -A bag of chips with an egg on it. -Kale and the waiter / cook dude delivered the dish and mixed an egg up with a spoon in front of us like we were at some fine dining or something. (My GF actually had to restrain herself from laughing). I was completely confused and wondered what this guy was doing. I guess that was part of the presentation?... -I think I had the lamb main course thing but it was only a few mouthfuls - like rabbit food basically. We actually left there hungry (but had to catch Keller Williams at the Chicago Theatre) so that was more important than hangin' around for more wetty wetty food with eggs on it... Both my GF and I commented that it was over-rated. It was fine. The cocktail was actually best part. But don't think I would go there for dinner again. Maybe a better lunch spot. And don't order the kale with egg, unless you want to laugh.
(3)Ada W.
Came here for Sunday brunch. Very cute place. I know why it's rated one of the best new restaurants. The food was amazing. We had the bag of crisps and eggs. We finished the chips in 3 min! We also had the corn beef brisket hash and Richie's Mom's cast iron baked French Toast. I need to try that Breakfast Sope next time. I also like that this place has quite a few non-alcoholic drinks for the sober me.
(5)Anh H.
The food was ok. We were not very impressed. We ordered Beef jerky, bag of crisps and eggs for starters. Then for entree, we had the smoked wood bacon burger, grilled octopus Brussels sprout kimchi, pork shank and special of the day beer brined beef wagyu sirloin. The burger patty was raw in the middle. The octopus got more sour and more sour after every bite. The pork and beef wagyu were blah... The two things we enjoyed were beef jerky and the fries. That's about it. We complaint to the manager about the raw burger, so he took the burger off the bill and gave us one free dessert, which was nice thing for him to do. However, we didn't really like the dessert either. So overall, I would have given two stars but decided to give this place three stars because of their service....
(3)Lily Z.
The first time I cam here, I was with other Yelp elites for a Yelp event. I can still remember how I fell in love with their sweetbreads and burger. I mean, it's like 30% bacon. Come on now. But this time, I came with my coworkers for a nice staff lunch. I checked in for the free chips. I ordered the Huckleberry juice (very tart, but I liked that), lobster bisque (very creamy and a good portion) and Rich Man's Po' Boy (oyster tasted a little bland?) but without the foie gras. Service was very friendly. The music was confusing because it constantly crossed genres. My coworkers liked their food and the atmosphere. Overall, a great success!
(4)kyle t.
Must make time to write this review! Now for a city that has so many places around to eat finding one that can really stand out seems to be difficult. Without someone to guide you even using Yelp can seem a little daunting, oh well we found this place. Booked a table but when we got there instead of waiting we were asked if we wanted to sit in the window by the kitchen, best decision possible. I highly recommend this place, bar like but overlooking the chefs not a bar. Everyone behind the counter were inviting, open and seemed truly happy that we were sitting there. This is a very well run kitchen and it comes across in the food. Everything we ordered was damn near perfect. Starting with the free app that popped up on Yelp, homemade chips with an egg, yes an egg. They bring out a bag of homemade chips in a bag and a perfectly poached egg. The waiter dropped the egg into the bag and closed it, shook it for a minute or so and poured them out on the plate, best chips EVER! Such a treat to watch them prepare this and the flavor was fantastic, much like the rest of the food. For the main course I was forced to order the burger, not that I wanted one but once I saw it come out of the window I could not say no, even passed up Gnocchi! The burger was wonderful but as always I was outdone. CB ordered the PoBoy, rated one of the top 10 in the country. Now I will say it was amazing but not really worth $25. It was lobster with fried oysters on top. The roll was perfect, the oysters were so good but there were not enough of them for $25. Lobster was fresh and perfectly balanced. I do hope though that Smack Shack doesn't catch wind of the pricing here though because their lobster roll is pretty close in taste but half he price. Overall this is one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Service couldn't have been better, kitchen and the people in it were great and inviting and overall the ambiance fit. Great little room and very warm feel to it. In an area with so many places around it I would definitely go back to this one, we already have it on the list for next time.
(5)Bryan L.
My wife and I made a reservation through Open Table for a Sunday Brunch at Bottlefork while travelling in Chicago for my wife's birthday. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us immediately. We were greeted by the nicest server, she was very friendly and personable! Also very knowledgeable about the menu. I had The Coffee Cocktail, and it was AMAZING!!! So freakin good! Wife has the Bellini. Had two actually.... We started with the Bag of crisps and egg. Unique starter for sure! Wife went nuts over it, I loved it as well. For brunch, She had the Corned beef and Hash, I had the French Toast and I forked over the extra $2 to get the bourbon syrup. The Cast iron skillet gave an awesome crunchy exterior, but the ooey gooey goodness was preserved inside. The house made whipped cream was silky smooth, and the syrup was bourbony delicious! We also had the bacon.. Its a HUGE slab, looks like 1/2 a freakin pound! It was sooooo yummy too. Also had the house made tater tots, highly recommend those as well. Here's the bottom line..... We didn't come here expecting to be blown away. We didn't come here expecting to have some of the best food we'd had all weekend long in Chicago. We didn't come here expecting the best service we'd had in Chicago. But we got all of those things. Food was amazing, Service was awesome, and at the end, we were blown away that everything was just THAT GOOD.
(5)Jay I.
This was a pleasant brunch/lunch. I stopped by this place and sat on a bar for a quick fix. I never look at yelp at a restaurant, but that time i somehow wanted to check in. So I look at it, then there was a free offer of potato chip with eggs if we check in. Damn. Score! I sat on a bar, and asked for that free potato chip, then ordered a soft drink and greek omelette. I think it was either rasberry or grapefruit fix (doesn't remember), and it was quite refreshing. Then I was satisfied with the chips. Basically what they did was adding raw egg to the just fried chips, and it was better than i expected. the omelette was a surprise, too. It had a very good balance with feta cheese and tomato. I was very impressed with what I was served, so asked the bartender if I can order a poutine for sort of a to go, and he said ok. I asked him to wrap it for me on my way out. Then this chef guy who was around the bar, cooking and sending out dishes, started talking to that bartender in front of me about not taking to go orders. I was very irritated by this guy. If this is a policy known to everyone, my bartender would tell me to go is not permitted. If no to go is the policy but my server didn't know, he could have informed the server after I left. So telling him repeatedly with angry tone about not accepting to go in front of me only should mean that the chef is telling me directly "we don't take to go orders. why are you bothering us?" So please either let every server/bar people know about the policy if any, or don't complain in front of customers. It doesn't look good. I was this close to tell you I have no problem leaving the food.
(4)Nadia S.
BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO. Yup. I said it. Sadly I have moved away from Chicago, but each time I visit, I have a reservation set for Bottlefork, without question. The cast iron french toast- I don't even have the words to describe this masterpiece. So even if you order something savory- please, PLEASE order the cast iron french toast to split with your party. You can thank me later ;) And of course, awesome service as always.
(5)Crystal B.
Food was wonderful, yet slightly complicated to decipher with just the menu alone. So we consulted the bartender frequently to describe each beverage and dish. The bartender (with the crazy/awesome hair) was very kind and willing and helped us to choose the best of everything. For dinner we split the beef cheek poutine; do yourself a favor and order it. Amazing! And then had the salted caramel sundae. We left pleasantly satisfied!
(4)Mark T.
Lovely atmosphere. Excellent staff. And craft cocktails. Did not eat but would definitely come back to try food.
(4)Haley C.
My boyfriend and I went to Bottlefork before seeing a play at the Cadillac. The restaurant was cool and the service was friendly, but we were put at a very tiny table that could barely hold what we ordered. We started with the Charcuterie Board, which was not the best I've ever had but still pretty good! They brought our meals before we were done with the appetizer, which was difficult because of how small the table was. My boyfriend had the burger which he enjoyed, and I had the Ensalada Latina, which was good but not great. I definitely enjoyed the meal but probably wouldn't go again since there are so many other restaurants in Chicago
(3)Andre W.
Me and some friends decided this is where our monthly lunch would take place and it was a helluva good choice. The place is located in between Bub City and Frontera Grill on Clark St in River North. A little smaller than what I imagined but makes up for it with awesome, knowledgeable service and really good food. I used my Yelp check in as usual and that awarded me a free Bag of Crisps & Eggs. What is that you ask? Well it is a bag of salt & vinegar chips with a poached egg on a shaken bag and poured onto a plate afterwards...simply delicious and a great idea as a starter. I decided to go with the Grilled Beer Brined Chicken sandwich for my lunch and it was one of those moments that I was afraid to take a bite into as the waiter described it as a really awesome sandwich. He didn't lie as it was good as hell! It includes beer mustard aioli and giardiniera along with the honey chicken. I tasted my friend's Roasted Portobello Sandwich and it was just as good as my sandwich as it includes goat cheese, red onions and frisee'. Good spot to check out and I def will be back for brunch and dinner.
(5)Anthony C.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in quite a while. The food, the drinks, the music, the lighting, the entire ambiance was outstanding. Oddly enough, I had never seen or heard of this spot before arriving - even though I live in River North. I think it's location, right next to Bub City, really takes away from its visibility. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be back and will recommend this place to anyone that will listen.
(5)Brittany S.
Note to self: revisit ASAP to claim the egg yolk covered house made potato chips via the Yelp check-in offer. Other notes to self: Call ahead to confirm that the hot and gooey cheesecake with fruit served alongside homemade vanilla ice cream is on the menu. Get ready for a big statement: this is one of the BEST desserts I have ever experienced. Take a moment to appreciate the Yelp shout out of sorts in the bathroom. The cheese board receives 5 stars in my book thanks to the pickled relish and delicious mustard. Had it not been for my dining companions, I would have lifted the relish cup up to my mouth and had my way with those tasty pickled veggies. Super cozy, low lit space with fun decor. I cannot speak highly enough for this dining experience. Now, please bring me home the dessert in a doggy bag...
(5)Andreas D.
Everything was delicious ! Tried the crisps + eggs which was interesting and good! The way wagyu beef jerky was great and very good flavor if you think it's like store bought jerky you are totally wrong! The octopus had great flavor as well. We had two different drinks unfortunately I can't recall the names because the server just made it for us based on what we liked. Also been there for brunch beef cheek poutine was one of the best fries I have ever had. The breakfast sope had really good flavor and then we finished it off with the French toast which I would try to get anytime I could! Great place!
(5)Angela S.
Two words...Brussel Sprouts! If my entire meal consisted of only a ginormous plate of brussel sprouts, I'd be okay with that. I'm not always a huge fan of these hard-to-cook and hard-to-season veggies, but whatever the chefs do here, they do it more than very well. Sprouts were crispy, grilled, and seasoned with maple-bourbon vinaigrette. Wow, just wow. But that's not the only wow about this place. There is so much more... I had the pleasure of coming here with a large group of colleagues and a menu made special just for us. The space is long and narrow, but they managed our reservation and seating requirements without a hitch. We had a group of 11, and it was no problem making room for us in the back. I actually enjoyed the intimacy and atmosphere quite a bit. First Course - Bites Our meal consisted of a variety of different course offerings starting with smoked olives. I am a huge olive fan to begin with, so add a hint of orange and coriander and you'll no doubt appreciate the delicacy. Check-in to the restaurant on your Yelp app and you'll enjoy the potato chips with a poached egg all shaken up in a bag. Yeah, they are a bit slimy in consistency, but the flavor of vinegar and sea salt mixed in is explosive. Not like I've ever had before. Our charcuterie plate was lovely. The mini bread loaves attached together like monkey bread, were hot and fresh. 2nd Course - Salads/Greens You already know how I feel about the brussel sprouts. The Ensalada Latina salad, though completely packed with a wonderful variety of fresh ingredients, was a bit too spicey for my mild palate (Corn & Black Bean Relish + Butternut Squash Cotija Cheese + Masa Croutons Tomatillo Vinaigrette). I enjoyed the Meditteranean Salad (Eggplant Hummus + Olives + "Saganaki" Cheese Sumac Croutons), but it's quite filling. I had to stop because I wanted to save room for the main course. Main Course The cider braised pork belly served on a sweet potato purée, melted in my mouth. It was soft and flavorful, and mixed in well with the sweet potato. I wish I would have taken more servings of this. Though my colleagues weren't super into the potato gnocchi with mushroom broth and fried pickled mushrooms, I enjoyed the feeling of the fresh soft dumplings mixed with a mushroom crunch. I'm still not a huge fan of goat cheese, so I could have done without that. I have a soy allergy, and so I was advised to stay away from the grilled octopus. Sadly I enjoy grilled octopus. I am often bored by rotisserie chicken, but here it's moist and well seasoned and fell off the bone when cutting it. Now that's the way chicken should be. Also note, the veggies had a lovely crunch to them. Not over cooked. Dessert Cheers to the homemade creamy soft serve ice cream with the side of apple, caramel and sweet cream custard. Besides being gorgeous in it's presentation, the custard was so ooey gooey yummy and rich. Overall, the service here was 5+ stars. Our server, in particular, did an amazing job of looking after my soy allergy and gave me the heads up when there was something I should stay away from. I'm am so appreciative. I have no doubt the lunch and brunch are a hit. The music was a tad loud that night, the lighting just a hint too dark (only a hint), and I can only imagine the challenge they must have getting people in and out of there quickly. It's small with only a few tables, and there was a group of people waiting when I left. It gets crowed quickly. It's pricey here, which is why I can only give it four stars. It's not a place I could frequent on a regular basis. Great stop for a special date night or with a select colleague though.
(4)Andrew D.
First off, this place is by far the best of the Rockit Ranch establishments (disclaimer: haven't tried Duck Inn - off the beaten path...). I personally think Billy Dec is a bit of a douche and would honestly choose not to patronize his establishments, but the hype and reviews for Bottlefork were strong, and a buddy of mine recently started working in the kitchen. I was definitely impressed with Bottlefork's brunch for a laundry list of reasons. Let's start from the beginning. Some of my friends decided to be fashionably late, but the hostess let us keep our OpenTable reservation and sat us at a nice big booth. Our server (forgot his name; longer hair, beard) was honestly THE most passionate server I've ever had. He knew the menu inside and out, intricately describing every dish he recommended. He made sure we were well taken care of. As for the sustenance, the Bloody Mary was basically an appetizer. The house blended mix, carefully selected vodka, and intricate skewer were amazing. Not to mention affordable, and a large portion! We only needed to have one apiece. Our Yelp Check-In free crisps app was an interesting twist on boring potato chips - loved the poached egg tossed in as well as the presentation! I ordered the burger. I knew I'd love it when I saw the menu listing. 20% Nueske Bacon embedded INSIDE the patty?! YES! It lived up to expectations and was friggin' bomb to the tastebuds. Solid recommendation by Thrillist for Best Burger in River North. That alone will make me come back. The experience was great, minus the extensive wait for our entrees to come out, despite the place not being packed to capacity. However, I suppose these guys are really into what they do, and it just takes time. Can't wait to come back, eat dinner, and try a Bill Brasky!
(5)Daniel S.
I've become somewhat of a familiar face at this fantastic River North restaurant and for good reason. Bottlefork continues to draw me in with their tantalizing specials and their spectacular trademarks. Recently, I tried the Buffalo Chicharrones which were well seasoned with a house made spice mix. They were perfectly light and crunchy. Next I shared orders of the Lamb Sirloin w/ shaved asparagus, the Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger, and the Chef's Special Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Plaintain & Sofrito. The burger remains the champion of the menu and the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO! The Lamb Sirloin was grilled to medium rare perfection and the Moroccan spiced yogurt added the a lovely and subtle layer of flavor to the dish. The chef's special was small but a delight to the palette. My friends were all blown away by the freshness and flavor from the Scallops and the mezcal Sofrito. The twice fried Plaintain tied the dish together beautifully. I always dine at the chef's table so I can have a 1st hand view of the production in the restaurant's open kitchen and so I can ask questions about any of the dishes that pass by. Chef Eric Lopez always manages to impress myself and my guests with his incredible passion for good food. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He always greets us with a smile and offers great new recommendations. Sadly, I learned that he will be moving to Miami soon. His presence at the restaurant will be missed but I will continue dining here for the great food and the always delightful staff.
(5)Stefanie A.
Wow! Had dinner here last night with a group of 7. Showed up a bit early than our reservation, but was seated right away with a "hey!" from Billy Dec. Waitress was so sweet, helpful and just awesome. Service was quick too. Love the look of the place-it's like country had a baby with contemporary and poof- Bottlefork it is. I def recommend the jerky, chips, & deviled eggs as apps. For dinner I had the lamb, husband had their burger, and everyone else had something different. Everyone loved their food- my lamb was phenomenal! Husbands burger was maybe the best burger I've ever had. For dessert they had a special apple tart. Obviously we got that as well as the pretzel chocolate sundae which was to die for.
(5)Tavi J.
4.5 Stars I had been wanting to go to Bottlefork for awhile now after seeing all these delicious pics posted on Yelp. Perfect place to go to brunch and catch up with the girls. We had 1:30 reservations and were seated right away. We started off with mimosas and then went the straight up hardcore cocktail route. Lol drinks were good. As for the food....Delicious and beautiful presentation. We had a hard time deciding what to order so the waitress suggested we share everything, which was definitely the way to go. We started with the corn beef hash which was good, but the Mexican Soppe was even better! I enjoyed the pie crust at the bottom and the guacamole. By far my favorite was the French toast that's prepared in a skillet. Great texture and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Extra bonus is the free chips/egg for checking in on Yelp app. Loved the service and the food. I can't wait to go back to try the desserts!
(4)Yuri H.
We had a lovely time. It wasn't crowded when we went, so we got nice seats outside. The bag of chips was interesting! I thought the cream kale was decent and unique. We got a grilled chicken sandwich that was better than average. Overall, I wasn't amazed by the food. The food is just all right to me, although I appreciate the effort they go into the presentation. I would give this place 3.5 stars, if I could. Not sure I would come back again just because there are so many restaurants in the area.
(3)Stephanie M.
Billy Dec has done it again! I've concluded that I will not have a bad FOOD experience at any of his restaurants. This restaurant has definitely rocketed (no pun intended) to the top of my favorite brunch places list. Come hungry and stay awhile because you are going to enjoy every minute of it. Our server, Eddie C., was extremely knowledgeable and very hospitable. He wasn't so hospitable where you felt smothered, or acted like a "know-it-all." He made our simple brunch outting into an experience. We started with the crisps and eggs. Sounds weird... yes. Delicious? ABSO-F-ing-LUTELY! Homemade crisps (or as we Americans like to call it, chips) is delicious as is but seasoned with salt and vinegar... it becomes amazing. My favorite flavor. Throw in a perfectly poached egg and toss it in a paper bag til each chip is coated equally...MIND BLOWN. the egg adds a creamy factor to the chip where it tastes like you had just coated the entire chip with cheese!!! Highly recommend this place! If I lived in River North this would be my go-to brunch place.
(5)Gwen H.
I had high hopes for this place after reviewing some previous Yelp reviews and knowing that one of my friends had been before and enjoyed her meal. Let's start with the good stuff: the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. The deviled eggs-Yummy! That's the only good stuff. The bad was the fried chicken with some sauce that was spooned on at our table. I wish the expediter would have told us what the gravy was made from since I don't eat gluten and there was probably flour in the gravy. The chicken was dry and there want much on the plate. The ugly-prices!$!$! Ridiculous. A glass of Pinot noir was $17. This place is way too expensive for the mediocre quality of food they serve.
(2)Laura K.
What a hidden gem! I say "hidden" because it is next to the oh-so-crowded Bub City and on a crowded street full of tourists/clubbers. We were blown away with the food, the service, and overall atmosphere Bottlefork offered in the heart of downtown. I went for dinner and then for brunch a few weeks later. Both were excellent with lots of good options.The Jerky??!? OMG, the Jerky. SO GOOD. As were the fries, the burger, the pork belly....basically everything we had was excellent! I got the corned beef brisket hash for brunch which was excellent and beautifully served. I definitely want to come back from some of their other options. I just looked at their menu and they have Fish N Crisps N Eggs....sign me up please!!! Highly recommend, and can't wait to get back here!
(5)Joe A.
A Yelp-inspired journey around downtown Chicago in 5-degree weather brought us to Bottlefork for Valentine's Day. Worth. It. We started with the peppery and delicious Wagyu Jerky and the bizarre, but amazing crisps and egg (house-made chips with an egg, shaken in a brown paper bag). I had the Burger and B had the Gnocchi -- both excellent. And because it was V-Day, we went all crazy and got the caramel, pretzel, chocolate, and beer foam dessert. Sounds weird. Tasted ridiculously good. Also, a super shoutout to our waitress, Erin B., who gave us stellar recommendations for everything and really made our night extra great. If you're looking for casual romantic with a nice hipster vibe and excellent food and drinks, this is the spot in CHI.
(5)Olivia K.
(Drink Review) Their menu is nothing but drinks! Their entire back side is all wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. Definitely not good for kids. I got the special lemonade, and its worse than the store bought lemonades. It was very bitter and sour. The syrup in it made it even worse. Do NOT get the lemonade. (Unless you are into very bitter, very sour drinks.) And if you are hungry, then read my next review.
(3)Disappointed W.
Very interesting menu - super unique Friendly staff! Bag of crisps and egg is a must have Impressed with the food!
(4)Tina L.
Came here for brunch. It was a fabulous meal! They had a specialty / seasonal Autumnal Old Fashioned that I just HAD to try even though it was super expensive ($18). It was like Christmas poured over ice! I'm so glad I got to try it...and good thing it was nice and strong, because I like to get my money's worth. It had Hall Apple Brandy, Becherovka, maple and baked apple bitters. YUm!!!~ I am so happy with all the dishes we ordered: MUST TRY -- Started off with the "Bag" of Crisps & Eggs, with malt vinegar powder and sea salt. I mean, wow. Best chips I've ever had with raw egg on it!!! The chips start out super crispy, and then the egg is dropped in and shaken in the bag. Something about the malt vinegar powder, sea salt, and the egg makes the combination of flavors amazing with the chips. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin' was one of our favorite dishes for brunch. It was the perfect mix of raw tuna, avocado and the crispy shrimp stuff on top. If I were to make a poor man's version of it, I'd probably top it with that Asian snack, shrimp crackers. It went really well over the bread they gave us. We got the warm ceasar salad afterwards, which had this grilled cheese thingy on top. I particularly loved the warm, roasted tomatoes with it. I think the cheese a little much, but I just cut a few small pieces according to how much I wanted with each bite. Last but not least, we had the pumpkin donut holes, which were nice and dense and how I like my donuts. We were a little too full by this point, so only got to eat one each...I like that they offered two different dipping sauces to go with it. They make their hot sauce in house and it comes out in the cutest little bottle!
(5)Yvonne I.
This review is for brunch. My group of 12 recently had a great experience at Bottlefork for Sunday brunch. I made the reservation almost a month before the day, so getting a reservation wasn't a problem. I loved our waiter ! I am always impressed with a waiter that handles a large group of people with ease. I wish I remember his name, but our waiter was very attentive and helpful, and these are not always qualities you find in waiters. My large group ordered a large portion of the options on the brunch menu, so it was nice to see everything in person. I opted for the Greek Omelet with the country pork sausage on the side. The Greek Omelet was the perfect size for me, and the pork sausage platter included 2 standard circular patties. I was very full, and both items tasted fantastic. I tried one of my friend's tater tots, and they were perfectly fried and not greasy. Bottlefork provided a very pleasant brunch experience.
(5)Christian S.
Salty and overpriced. Moody, chic ambiance. Trendy plating and presentation with a flourish. Quality proteins and mostly quality ingredients.
(2)Michele N.
Wow - one of the best stumble-on lunches ever! So glad Roka was closed on a Sunday afternoon or we never would have decided to walk across the street. My husband and I split the burger and Mediterranean salad - incredible flavors and huge surprises - as well as the egg and crisps! Woo Hoo!! Even the music was great! Unfortunately we're not from Chicago so have to wait until we're back in the area to eat here again but already looking forward to it!
(5)Cara L.
Any restaurant that makes their own soft-serve vanilla ice cream and tater tots (with frickin' pimento cheese sauce, no less) is badass in my book. Our large group was lucky enough to be treated to an enormous meal of pre-picked deliciousness, including the malt vinegar potato chips, two different salads, the charcuterie board, the roasted chicken, mushroom gnocchi, squid, homemade tater tots with pimento cheese sauce and some kind of torte with soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Ermahgerd. The food was all very delicious, but the real stand outs to me were (obviously) the homemade tots and the soft-serve. I know... It seems I have the tastebuds of a 10-yr-old boy. But before you judge me, know that these wonders of tastiness are all made in house. That's right. No rinky-dink, pre-frozen tots. These were big, thick squares of potato-y goodness--crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And when you top those with melted pimento cheese sauce?! Stop it. I can't. So good. And who makes homemade soft-serve. Are you kidding me? I need this in my life all day, every day. I didn't even pay one second of attention to the dessert next to this huge, ice cream parlor-style cup of frozen, creamy goodness. I also want to mention how straight-up awesome the service was at Bottlefork. Large dining groups of 10 or more can be really tough on a restaurant, especially a very busy, popular one. The staff at Bottlefork made me feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Yea--I'm talking THAT level of service. I'm so close to giving 5 stars just based on the tots, soft-serve and service, but I have to agree with Yelper Candice G. Even being an out-of-towner, I had be prepped prior to our dinner that this food would be like the second coming of Christ. But outside of those two items that I LOVED, the rest of the dishes really didn't blow me away. Although one honorable mention would be that roasted chicken. As someone who loves to cook, I know it's not easy to get chicken that tender with the crunchy skin on the outside. It's damn good. (Also, I think I'm the only one who didn't think the music choice matched the restaurant. For instance, Iggy Azalea blasting in the background seemed just a bit off--but I can appreciate they're trying to be unique...)
(4)Shannon E.
Really enjoyed an awesome, impromptu dinner here. Started with the crisps + eggs as a freebie app for checking in on Yelp! (Def do this as it's a great snack starter!) My colleague got the gnocchi with mushroom sauce and I got the grilled octopus with housemade spam. Both entrees were pretty small and mine was very spicy as it comes in a wowser of a kimchi sauce that I was not expecting. We were planning on a dessert so decided to not order another entree to share....but def think 1-2 apps and 2-3 entrees are needed for 2 people if you're not going for a sweet end. The dessert was amazing. Got the special bread pudding of the day, which comes in its own 6" round baking pan...and it was divine. Plenty for 2 people and an awesome way to end the meal. Had to wait for 20min after our reservation time on a Wednesday night, but once seated, the service was great.
(5)Cindy W.
MY GOD. THAT BURGER. That burger was a good reminder why I haven't turned vegetarian. It was so succulent and tender -- cooked medium rare, just the way I liked it. It's also infused with bacon, which is never a bad idea. You just gotta. Don't count the calories. Just go for it. Also tried the malt chips, which is FREE WITH A YELP CHECK-IN. They essentially put freshly made malted vinegar chips in a bag, drop an egg in it, shake it up, and serve it to you. The egg adds a creamy-ness to the otherwise crispy chips. I would definitely recommend. What would I skip? The sweetbread for sure. For $6, you rarely get anything. Don't let the photos fool you. When it arrived, my face dropped because I bet you would need a magnifying glass to find your food. The amount is less than half of your fist. BUT I would definitely go for the dessert. The sundaes are TO DIE FOR. Get the pretzel sundae with caramel and a beer stout foam. It's really amazing and not too sweet! I loved the pretzel texture to it. I'll have to come back to try more of their dessert cocktails.
(5)Justine M.
Dark and rustic decor inside, a bit small so I suggest making a reservation. It didn't seem overly crowded on a Saturday at 7pm. Our group of 4 ordered a few dishes to share. Tip: If you check-in on yelp, you get a free order of the crisps & egg (which was a bag of chips and the waitress shakes a poached duck egg into the bag at your table). We also got the tots, sweetbreads, poutine, brussel sprouts, poboy and the ooey gooey dessert (strawberry & lime gooey cheesecake a la mode). Overall, the dishes were tasty and creative with the poboy being my favorite, however, the downfall is everything is extremely heavy. There was nothing fresh or light to cut the taste. It didn't seem like there was much on the menu to help with this (other than the salads that didn't seem noteworthy). This is all definitely bar type food. The drinks weren't great or horrible. Since I tried most of what I wanted off their menu, I don't think I'd come back. It's a good one time restaurant.
(3)Taryn G.
Out of all of the many places I go for brunch, this was my least favorite. The food was less than good, I went on St.Patricks day and the corned beef hash was so salty it was hard to eat. It made me sick to the point I couldn't finish my meal. I had read so many great things and this was by far the biggest brunch disappointment.
(3)Katie P.
Some of the best cocktails in River North. The prescription sazerac is one of my favorites, very boozy, but they do lighter cocktails well too. The snack food: the wagyu jerky, the crisps and egg, the chicharron, and the TOTS. The tots take the cake, we got seconds and devoured both rounds. Skip the sweetbreads, not very interesting. Havent eaten a meal there because its just obnoxiously expensive, even for river north. But the snacks are a pretty good deal and pair perfectly with the great drinks.
(4)Clay K.
We had the chance to have brunch at Bottlefork, which I found here on Yelp, on Saturday. Overall it was very nice with casual, attentive service. First we had the red velvet doughnut holes with cream cheese icing. As with all the dishes here, a great deal of attention is paid to presentation. They come in a small brown paper bag with the icing on the side. The doughnut holes were perfection - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cream cheese icing is a page out of any home baker's recipe book and lent a nice homemade element to the dish. We also tried the tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracklin'. This is served in a jam jar. The bottom of the jar is filled with raw, chopped sushi grade tuna then layered with what is essentially guacamole over the top of that. The entire thing is sprinkled with a layer of cracklin' crumbs and served with toasted baguette slices. This dish for me was a bit too bland. It could benefit from a shot of spice or acid. There was nothing per se wrong with it, it was just rather boring. For mains we tried the corned beef brisket hash. This dish is composed with a hearty portion of chopped corn beef, a layer of purple cabbage, a nearly raw egg and hollandaise sauce. Two things - apparently somewhere on the menu a "62 degree egg" is described. The description in the hash dish however says "poached egg". What came with the hash was a cold, translucent, nearly raw egg. I found this extremely unappetizing and decided immediately to send the dish back. When I suggested to the waiter that this egg was nearly raw instead of a, "we'll fix it", I got a long explanation about how the chef believes strongly in a 62 degree egg almost as if I should somehow know about the esteemed 62 degree egg. Well, I've eaten all over the world in some of the best restaurants out there and have never come across a 62 degree egg anywhere else. To me 62 degrees is an ambient temperature at which I don a jacket, it's definitely not, unless I'm Rocky Balboa, the temperature I want to eat an egg at. If you're going to serve it that way even on dishes where it is described as something else, you need to have a prominent warning on the menu and train your staff to explain it before it's in front of me on a plate. They ultimately did remake the dish and gave me a nice, hot, sunny side up egg. Sadly this dish had other issues. Chopped corned beef does not a hash make. Hash implies potatoes, onions and peppers chopped with meat. This was only corned beef. The corned beef was extremely salty and very dry, and I love salt. I'd call this dish a near disaster and would never order it again. HOWEVER, redemption was at hand. Along came the skillet french toast. This is nothing short of a rapturous signature dish. The french toast is made in a skillet and then inverted at the table. It is served with blueberry compote, whipped cream and for an extra two bucks bourbon maple syrup. This dish had a caramel that didn't border on candy - it was candy. It was truly delicious and received raves around the table. I will say it's silly to charge an extra two bucks for the syrup, but other than that this dish was a five star. The improved mimosa was a nice, boozy brunch drink albeit pretty pricey. Overall, this place has a lot of good going on. Is it the best brunch in Chicago as mentioned in another review, not in my opinion, but it's very good. I definitely want to get back to try it at lunch or dinner. For one thing, I heard mention of some spectacular Brussels sprouts that have that bourbon maple syrup. mmmm.
(3)Antaash U.
We dined at Bottlefork this past Saturday night. I must say that the place is bursting at the seams past 8pm, so if you're looking to get a reservation and stay awhile, a 7pm reservation is your best bet. Because by the time we left at 9:45, it was a struggle to even get out the door. We actually requested to sit in front of the chef's station to get a firsthand view of all the hustle and bustle of the place that makes the magic happen, and we were not disappointed. The crew behind the counter was happy to answer each and every one of our questions, even though they were certainly busy. I appreciated their time and attention. The meal at Bottlefork also didn't disappoint. It's a small plates approach to dining and sharing several things is recommended. Their menu is also very meat heavy and the options for vegetarians is limited compared to what the meat eaters are offered. My friends and I ordered: Braised Beef Cheek Poutine: kenebec fries and Wisconsin curds. Delicious. They put the fries and curds under the broiler, so what is delivered to the table is the crunchy yet gooey concoction of pure deliciousness. We also ordered the "bag" of crisps and egg: malt vinegar powder and sea salt. What arrives at the table is a brown bag full of homemade potato chips and a bowl containing a perfectly poached egg. Our server dropped the egg into the bag and shook the living daylights out of the bag. What came out was a piece of heaven. I have never had poached eggs on a potato chips, and frankly, the idea doesn't sound so appetizing either. Don't be fooled, because it was perfection. The egg brought in a richness to the potato chips that nothing else could come close to recreating. The next item we chose were the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. They were crispy without being charred and burned. They were excellent and the maple glaze on therm was the perfect amount of sweetness and contributed to caramelizing the veggie. Pure goodness. Then there were the tots drizzled with pimento cheese. Oh the tots. We're not talking the frozen "ore ida" tots from childhood. These were, the incredible hulk of tots. First of all, they were huge. One serving contained 6 giant squares (think rice crispy treats) of shredded and deep fried potatoes, which were then drizzled with cheese. Eating them was an experience and something that shouldn't be missed. For entree selections, I had the potato gnocchi: mushroom broth, fried pickled mushrooms, and midnight moon goat cheese. The gnocchi was excellent but I wasn't a fan of the pickled mushrooms that they used. I would have been happier with just the slivers of goat cheese minus the mushrooms. Lastly, my friends shared the pork ribs with mole. They seemed to love their dish and finished the portion, no problems. Though we ordered quite a bit of food, we couldn't stop thinking about dessert. One of the specials of the day with this caramel cheesecake with glazed apples and a side of homemade vanilla soft serve ice cream. This dessert sounds like it would be really heavy and overly sweet, but it really wasn't. The cheesecake was more like a creamy custard and the soft serve actually was't too sweet either. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal. The food is definitely on the pricey side, but you're getting quality ingredients, a thoughtful menu and food prepared with a lot of love and pride. In no way did I feel it was overpriced because I was so satisfied with my meal. Also, our server was amazing. He was there when we needed him, without being overbearing. Though the place was saturated with people, we didn't feel like we were being forced out or rushed in any way, which I always, always appreciate. Not only did I have an enjoyable meal, I had an unforgettable experience (they played amazing music in the background). Thanks for getting me out of my winter hibernation bottlefork, I owe you one!
(5)Ashley S.
Delicious drinks!! My husband and our friend got the 9oz. Bill Bransky. SO DELICIOUS! It was so smooth for a concoction of whiskey, brandy, etc. Guys and girls alike would love this drink. Food, awesome. We ordered the Poutine and it was rich and yummy. Perfect appetizer for four people to split, with some left over. Service, awesome as well. We were never short of water and when our server got busy on the inside, the manager came outside to check on us and other customers. Very nice, accommodating staff. The girls at the front when you first walk in were sweethearts as well! We asked to move outside and it was not a problem, no issue, more than happy to accommodate, especially since they had planned for us to initially sit inside. Definitely coming back here again....this time, I'm getting the Bill Bransky! :)
(5)Franchesca R.
Really great service and food. Can't complain about a thing. Check in on yelp to get a free "bag" of chips. They're delicious. My friend and I devoured them--along with the other potato items we ordered.
(4)Shannon N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday with my sister. We didn't have any reservation but were seated at the bar, right next to the prep area after getting there when it opened, around 10:30. We were kinda disappointed because, c'mon, no one likes sitting literally next to the coffee station where they set the pitchers, utensil sets, etc., with waiters constantly coming up next to you to grab things and fill up cups of coffee right next to you for other tables. The only pro about sitting here is that we were able to watch the kitchen do their thing with serving up all the orders, plating etc. WHAT WE GOT: 1) Bag of Crisps and Eggs: easily our favorite thing...despite it being chips and a slow poached egg mixed together, we loved this combo. The chips were salt and vinegar, but unlike the overly vinegar chips you buy from the grocery store, the malt vinegar wasn't overly powering--it was perfect! Plus, they give you a little spectacle by shaking up the chips and egg in a paper bag in front of you. 2) Corned beef hash: mmm this was really good! Loved the approach, it was really different in terms of having corned beef in the form of a patty, topped with the poached egg and hollandaise. I did thing the beef was a bit salty, even with the hollandaise and poached egg. 3) French toast: mmm if you are a fan of sweets for breakfast, you'll love this. They cook the french toast in a skillet, so a sugary, caramelized goodness is the result. Topped with some whipped cream and a blueberry compote--this is freaking amazing. SERVICE: 5 stars!!! Our waiter was super personable, very easy going, and always very attentive and observant, filling up our coffees even if they were only half empty. My sister and I wis we could have tried so much more if we weren't already full :( We had a hard time deciding what to get already, but Bottlefork has secured a spot in placed we'd definitely go to again next time (and with more people!) to try out even more! :)
(4)Jeffrey G.
Stopped in for lunch on a whim and recommendation of a whiskey fellow. I've noticed the place form the outside when going to 3 Dots before, but nothing about it particularly stood out from the exterior. Inside, however, is a lovely modern atmosphere with good lighting, but not too much lighting for the dark contemporary decor. Music was a touch loud for my preference, but it was good tunes that were not "harsh" sound wise so it was not that big a deal. The food I tried was delicious. The "tots" covered in pimento cheese were nice and crispy and paired nicely with the house ketchup. I chose the portobello sandwich since I was in a suit and did not want to eat anything too messy, but it was also quite tasty. I love goat cheese and mushrooms, so it was a logical choice, rewarded. I also ordered a "for the allocation" on the recommendation of two staff members. I was NOT disappointed! The prices for drinks are on the higher end for the area and for my preference point, but the cocktail was quite good and if You are going to pay a premium price, this is one worth the premium (rather than being a needlessly marked up drink). Service was friendly and accommodating. All in all, I highly recommend stopping in and will return soon.
(4)Bao L.
Dropped by for after-dinner drinks with some friends after we had dinner at Sunda on a Tuesday night. When you walk in, you're greeted immediately by the hostess. The restaurant gives off a very intimate vibe. We were able to snag a table right away to get out of the freezing cold. The drinks here, with their very unique names, are mixed very well and taste amazing. When I went, I had the Smoke of the Day (which I believe that night involved a whiskey) which had just the right amount of smokiness. Other drinks at our table included Big Salty Tears and Baysic, both of which were very good. Bottlefork also has an extensive wine list - we also ended up getting a carafe of a Malbec, though I forget from where exactly. Although we just ate dinner, we were still able to eat some more (if you have what I call "Stomach #2" after eating dinner, you're already a great person in my book and I want to be your friend). We decided to go with the charcuterie platter, which was amazing and devoured in an instant. I do want to go back to try some of their dinner menu, especially the tots, popcorn sweetbreads, and grilled octopus and housemade spam. The patrons around us eating dinner seemed to enjoy their food. Hopefully I'll be able to update this review soon enough w/ a review about their food also!
(4)Sunny K.
I'd say my favorite is the charcuterie! The chips and egg is yummy. Try Rhinelander beer, it's also quite yummy, and I think our server explained it's from a brewery in Wisconsin. I've been here twice and each time I'm struck by how kind the servers are. In terms of decor, there's a bunch of wine crates and wooden furniture, nothing revolutionary.
(4)Lois K.
We started with the bag of crisps eggs, tots, and braised beef cheek poutine. The poutine was delicious! The beef was cooked perfectly and fell apart with the touch of a fork. For dinner, I had the rich man po' boy, which was delicious, but I wish the portion size had been a bit bigger. The food here was pretty good and I would probably go back if I was in the area.
(4)Andrea H.
I visited for dinner on Saturday night. We had a reservation for 8pm and our table was ready when we got there, always a good start. For drinks we ordered the Baysic cocktail as a shot. It reminded me of lemoncello. Then we ordered the "Smoke of the day" and the "For the Allocation." The "Smoke of the Day" was the clear winner of all the drinks with it's complex flavors and egg foam top. The host brought us out the chips in a bag with the poached egg for checking in. I was not excited about this at first but ended up loving it. This is a super addictive starter. Beware, this blows your diet right from the beginning. But you are not going to be able to stay on your diet and eat here, just FYI. Then we had the Crispy Brussels sprouts, Charcuterie plate, and deviled eggs with salmon. Of those, my favorite was the Charcuterie plate with pickled veggies and cherry preserves, it was amazing. It came with goat cheese, warm bread, and prosciutto. Out of this world good. The Brussels sprouts were a little greasy for my taste, but the deviled eggs were solid although I would prefer them without salmon chunks. I had been reading about the Lobster roll with fried oysters and foie gras and was excited to try thfor my entree. The sandwich tasted as super indulgent as it sounds. The bread was over-buttered for my taste, way way over-buttered. The three fried oysters were, fried and squishily greasy and frankly put my stomach over the edge. I reach my grease limit pretty quickly and my stomach was queasy the remainder of the night. Some people would have no problem with the sandwich though. I could not taste the foie gras, but that was probably a good thing. I would not order this again. My date ordered the Orecchiette pasta which was very good. Finally, we ended with the pretzel sundae with homemade soft serve vanilla ice-cream. The beer foam top was super-gross but the ice-cream was yummy although most homemade ice cream is considered soft serve, right? Get this without the beer foam and you won't regret it. Overall, a very interesting meal. If I return, I would do a round two on that Charcuterie plate for sure. The other things, probably not.
(4)Megan B.
We came here for drinks after our meal next door at Frontera and were completely blown away by our experience at the bar. Our bartender, who I believe was named Adam, was exceptional. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he was great to hold a conversation with. Since we were visiting from out of town he recommended some other places to us in the city. He even introduced me to my new favorite drink (which he called Four Day Allocation, I believe). This was probably one of my top 5 experiences ever at a bar and I will absolutely recommended this place to anyone and everyone who will listen. Kudos, Adam!
(5)Candice G.
I'd heard people talk about Bottlefork like it was the second coming of Christ but for me it just wasn't all that. I think it was mostly a combination of my own bad decisions that led me to feel this way, but in general I think that Bottlefork is too many parts style + hype over substance. My first mistake was making a reservation to come on a Friday night as I'd forgotten that I'd rather be in hell than in River North on a weekend night. Not my people. Not my scene. Just nicht für mich all around. I'd made reservations for 2 people at 9pm and received not only a confirmation email but also two phone calls to confirm my 9pm reservation and make sure I knew their policy that my reso is only good for an hour and a half dining experience so they can accommodate all their reservations. I wasn't planning on stretching my meal into a multi-hour-long event, but I also wasn't a huge fan of the pre-game warning about my meal being limited to an hour and a half, especially when their hours note that they close at 11pm... I guess I was just lucky to not be the person with the 10:30 reservation getting a 30-minute dining time-limit warning. I was also a bit put off when I did show up just shy of 9pm for my confirmed reservation and was told that my table wasn't ready and likely wouldn't be for 15 more minutes (which actually ended up being 30 minutes), but that we could try to fight our way through the gauntlet of tragically hip, freshly 20-somethings to attempt to get a drink at the bar or wait outside on the street. We chose the street. After our extended 30-minute wait, we were sat at a tiny 2-seat table across from the host stand which was probably as decent a seat as any, since the noise level throughout was downright deafening. I know it's cool to have loud music and all, but if everyone in the restaurant has to scream or get right up in your ear, it's maybe something to rethink. I will say that all 4 of the cocktails my guest and I had were phenomenal, though half of them seemed to either have a bit too short of a pour or needed to be more fitting glassware. I would still recommend all of them ('Little Miss Dynamite', 'No Tea, No Shade', 'Big Salty Tears', 'Loft on Broadway') to anyone willing to part with $14 for a finely crafted cocktail. As far as food goes, I should have done my research. I didn't realize that there were virtually no dishes on the menu that are vegetarian/pescetarian friendly and that's my fault. I was super bummed to find out that the main dish I'd booked my reservation around, the creamed kale with duck egg, had boar bacon in it (which does totally sound delicious) and the creamed kale is pre-mixed with the bacon in it and unable to be served without. But again, that's my fault completely for reserving my table based on a pretty picture and incomplete dish description. The server suggest 2-3 dishes per couple so we lightly followed her advice and got the following: ** "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs - $5 - which was actually free with Yelp check-in and my favorite dish of the night. If I came back for cocktails I'd have no bones about ordering this again. ** Mediterranean Salad with Olives, Eggplant Hummus, "Saganaki" Cheese, Sumac Croutons - $16 - It was good, but nothing to fawn over. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam with Brussels Sprout "Kim Chee" + Sugar Snap Peas - $21 - We got ours without the spam, which I appreciated them accommodating, but this is one dish I wouldn't recommend altering. It's highly acidic and the vinegar is overpowering to point of stinging if you don't have the buttery bites of Babe mixed in to off-set. ** Walleye special - $22 - I didn't realize that walleye is a largely flavorless fish and the menu description made it seem like it was going to be much more interesting than it was. The plating was beautiful, even in Bottlefork's darkest of dark settings, but beyond that the dish fell flat flavor-wise. ** Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler - It looked stunning, but it tasted about as tart as it could be before hitting the wall on inedible. I'm no good at balancing flavors so I have no constructive suggestions, but I def needed to chug my beverage after each bite to wash the pucker out of my mouth. In the end, our bill was actually really reasonable for what I was expecting and I did love having several of our dishes served by Chef Kevin Hickey, as he just looks like a dude I would hang out with and his smile is certainly contagious. Unfortunately, our dining experience was (more than a bit) marred by the mixed company of freshly-turned-20-somethigns dressed in whatevers trendy at that hour, attempting to shout above the vociferous volume of the dining room about their impending divorce and/or how they cleverly escaped DUI charges while the food just didn't rest as remarkable and certainly didn't inspire me to even want to attempt to push that hour-and-a-half dining time limit the hostess had warned about. A 3.5 from me, overall, but rounded up to 4.
(4)Hannah C.
Service was a little slow, especially for a work lunch, but mostly the food was just unexceptional. The popcorn sweetbreads were probably well-prepared, but they were too fatty for us. The tots were unimpressive - the sauce tastes like standard nacho cheese sauce on refried potatoes. The bacon burger was a standout, with good flavors and interesting textures. Unfortunately, one good dish in a sea of not means I probably won't be back.
(3)Frank R.
I really wanted to like this place since the service was excellent the second I stepped in the door. Wanted to grab lunch here on my way to the airport and as soon as the hostess saw me with luggage, she took my bags and placed them in storage without hesitation so I could enjoy my lunch. The place is known for the burgers and I should've gotten one, but I was attracted to the Rich Man's Po Boy on the menu. It had lobster and fried oysters and sounded awesome. Looked great when it came out, however, when it comes to sandwiches, I subscribe to the belief that bigger is better. This sandwich looked like it belonged on the kids menu. The fried oysters were larger than the sandwich and instead of complementing the lobster, it dominated it and had to be removed and eaten separately. The seafood was fresh, but there was not that much of it. I think they should change the title to the Poor Man's Po Boy at a Rich Man's Price. Also decided to be adventurous and try the sweetbreads. I blame that on Silence of the Lambs. They were kind of bland. Wasn't expecting much and got exactly that. For dessert, I had a mint ice cream sundae. This looked like a work of art, but didn't taste like it. The menu said it was comprised of soft serve ice cream. I know my ice cream and that was not soft serve. Looked and tasted like ice milk. If it really was soft serve, it must have been in the freezer past its expiration date. The mint parts were great, but the vanilla ice cream was pedestrian at best. Can't say one bad thing about the service. It was professional and they went above and beyond in my opinion. I would come back again just for that--and to try a hamburger.
(3)Quin T.
Whether taking advantage of the patio or opting for a seat indoors, this restaurant is a MUST try in River North. I would strongly advise that you make reservations or you will be subject to a long wait or rubbernecking the bar for an empty spot..good luck with that one. While I do love sitting outdoors on a nice day, their awning does not extend that far out to cover your table, so if you are need of a tan, which I am not, then you have found your spot. Opting for a seat at the intimate bar, I was able to ask specific questions regarding the craft cocktails. The bartender was very knowledgeable and patient and because of that, I ordered several drinks..thanks, guy. Needing something to help absorb the alcohol, I found the most intriguing item: The Poor Man's Po Boy with Lobster, Foie, and topped with crispy oysters....damn! There is nothing "Po" about this $25 sandwich, making it the most expensive sandwich I have ever consumed in my life. Regardless of the price, just the description alone should have you wanting to make a reservation today and you should, because it's worth every damn penny! FYI, I have been to this restaurant 3 times and I always order the Po boy because in my opinion, "Nothing Compares"- Sinead O'Connor.
(5)Erica M.
We read awesome things about Bottlefork so it was our first stop from the airport for brunch. We arrived a few minutes after opening and all the outdoor tables were taken. Our meal was good....our server was nice, but we waited a REALLY long time for our food. The chips and eggs were pretty tasty and we shared the rich man's po-boy. The po-boy was a bit disappointing - super buttery/greasy bun and no identifiable foie gras. And bites on the end of bun-only, which is just so sad. The slow service left a bad taste in our mouth when we left, no pun intended.
(4)John K.
Located between Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and Bub City, the space is sleek, yet comfortable. There are a few counter seats to watch the action in the kitchen as well. White Sangria Special [$6] For brunch, Bottlefork offered a $6 white sangria, which was a good bet for easy drinking - bright and refreshing. Bottlefork Bloody Mary [$12] Starlite vodka, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon juice The GF and I decided to go down the route of Blood Mary's. Bottlefork offers three and she went went with the middle of pack. The Starlite vodka went well with the house mix and the San Marzano and plum tomato puree offered some tart, bright flavors accentuated by the lemon juice. The toppers included what I believe was a pickled quail egg and radish - wholesome brunch indeed! Slaughterhouse Mary [$18] Northshore Aquavit, veal stock, pork stock, chicken stock, house bloody mix, plum/San Marzano puree, lemon Obviously, I went over the top with the premium offering - the Slaughterhouse Mary. North Shore Brewery's Aquavit had hints of caraway which paired well with the slaughterhouse stock. The plum and San Marzano mix helped to temper the savoriness of this tipple. Topped with a smorgasbord of salumi, sausage, chicharron, and pickled quail egg, this was clearly meant for the belly of this pig. It didn't end there though - both Blood Mary's were accompanied by a sidecar shorty of Rhinelander - light and smooth. Maple Slab Bacon [$5] At this point in the meal, the kitchen sent out a complimentary slab of maple bacon, proclaiming it was for the "belly of the pig."Whether it's brunch or dinner, you should order the bacon if it's on the menu. It's done right - thick cut, crispy, yet almost braised within - it's worthy of a steakhouse menu. Simply delicious. Bag of Sour Cream Donut Holes [$6] Bourbon "old fashioned" jam As a sweet starter, our group went with the donut holes, which were decadent, yet light. Creamy and moist within, with a caked glaze exterior, perfectly accented by the slightly tart jam. Crisps & Eggs [$5] Malt vinegar powder, sea salt With our Yelp check-in, we also received the popular crisps and eggs - and rightly so. Our server brought a paper bag filled with house-made chips and a lightly poached egg and shook the contents table-side - a nice, interactive touch. The chips themselves were crispy indeed with a creamy dressing adding some richness. But the real star here? The malt vinegar powder which had some pop to each bite. Richie's Mom's Cast Iron Baked French Toast [$12] Strawberry rhubarb compote, sweet cream Our friend Alex went with the baked french toast, which was served from the cast-iron skillet table-side, so as to scrape off any excess drizzle. If you've got a sweet tooth or any taste buds at all, you need to get a bite of this dish. It was so decadent it ate like cake - the richness of the syrupy glaze was tempered (ever so slightly) by the strawberry rhubarb compote, with the rhubarb adding the necessary tartness to each bite. Good thing Alex ran 7 miles the night before! Breakfast Sope [$16] Ranchera sauce, fried egg, chorizo black beans, cotija cheese, guacamole The GF felt like going a little south of the border so she went with the sope, which I typically find to be a bit dry. While I appreciate that the toppings are meant to add the oomph to each bite, I appreciated that Bottlefork's sope was moister than most. The chorizo provided some heat to complement the ranchera sauce, with the fresh guacamole and cilantro adding some herbal notes to each bite. Of course, the fried egg adding additional richness to complement the salt of the cotija. Rich Man Po' Boy [$25] Lobster, foie, crispy oysters I'm not sure what made me order the dish more - the sheer oxymoronic phrasing of this dish or the fact that it had foie, lobster, and oysters in a po' boy. Either way, I'm glad I did. The crusty, buttery roll encased a bounty from both land and sea. The creamy richness of the foie acted as the mayo component to most lobster rolls, and complemented the perfectly cooked crustacean quite well. The crispy oysters added some additional briny richness, with the scallion accents adding some bite. I occasionally have thoughts of returning to one of my favorite cities in America. The service and, more importantly, the food at Bottlefork helps to underscore the fact that Chicago is not only about deep dish pizza's, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Not every restaurant needs to be Alinea to put Chicago on the map, but if Bottlefork and Chef Hickey have a say in it, it's clear that Chicago chefs are proud of what they put out.
(5)Oscar R.
We stopped in a whim and had the best afternoon we have had in a long time. We sat at the bar for a drink and the bartender recommended a fine whiskey drink and my wife had a craft beer. We chatted up the staff and each other and just enjoyed the day. I overheard the chef (A young guy named Eric Lopez ) chatting with some other people and I asked about the grits he was serving with the soft shell crab special. He talked lovingly about the grits, but also cooking food in general. Being a chef is a tough racket, but I really got the sense there is nothing he would rather be. his creativity and pride just gushed onto the plate. It was the simple the tastiest most complex thing I have eaten in a long time. It was pricey, but somethings are worth it. Finding a gem like this in a big city is one of them
(5)Carla A.
First of all, this place is tiny so you might have to wait a little bit to get a table but I promise it is SO worthy. The drinks are top notch, the brussel sprouts are delicious (even if you think you hate vegetables) and the brownie creme bruleé dessert is heaven!!! Go to this place, NOW. Just remember, the space is tight so after you are done eating, don't hesitate to try the cocktails, otherwise let other people have the privilige to get the table, there is nothing more rude than "camping" on a table in a small restaurant.
(5)Kevin B.
So for my first experience at Bottlefork was for a Yelp event which happened to be my first Elite event ever. And I remember they had bacon cheeseburger sliders that absolutely delicious. Once I found out the sliders were just miniature versions of the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, I already had it set in my mind that I would be back. Well, I did come back. And if you notice the 3 star rating, it's easy to see I wasn't pleased. We had reservations and when I walked in, the place was crowded. No big deal. The party in front of me, however, did not have a reservation and were given an empty table. I figured no big deal again. When we told them of our reservation, we were told it would probably be a 5-10 min wait as they were crowded. Now if I didn't see the party in front of me get a table without a reservation, I wouldn't have cared. But I kinda feel like my reservation, for which I was early for, should have been honored before those without one. That aside, I couldn't wait to get the burger. I've had my eyes set on this burger since March LOL. Put in the order and when I see the burger coming out, it looked nothing like the burger I saw in March. It's like when you see a Wendys commercial and the sandwich looks like a piece of art and then you go to Wendys and you get this smushed down sandwich with the toppings falling out the side. Totally disappointed in presentation. However, it still was delicious. Ironically the entree that I enjoyed the most was the one I didn't come for and that was the braised pork belly. Waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Drinks were good and our waitress was really nice and professional. I really want to like this place so I'll likely give it another try and update. I definitely want to see what the Bill Brasky drink is all about where you can only order one.
(3)Casey U.
Do you know Bill Brasky (BILL BRASKY!)? Yeah him, the guy whose drink launched a thousand selfies in one night (my camera took at least two dozen!)?! Yeah, the damn thing is a soda fountain suicide of whiskey! Its the damn size of year head, at least six ounces of booze! (It even includes the perfume Brasky used to seduce your wife, and boy...) Man, its a good cocktail, well balanced, floral, and it includes a fist sized ice cube embedded with a playing card featuring a woman naked as the day Brasky first met her, and saved her from that pack of rampaging elephants that had just broken out of the Atlanta Zoo! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) TO BILL BRASKY, WHAT A GUY, WHAT A DRINK! How about the sweetbreads (BILL BRASKY LOVES SWEETBREADS!). Deep fried, just like Braskey would have wanted them; rich, and a little spicy....just like the time you and Brasky spent three days in that hotel in Cabo...it even comes in a little silver barrel too (just like the hot tub in your suite). Man, they were just about as delicious as your memories of that lost weekend...( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Brasky would have loved the Burger too (and man, Brasky loved his burgers!). Aww man, this one was a beaut. As rare a burger as Braskey is a man. Perfectly charred on the outside while remaining rare inside, salty from its baconey mix-in, beefy, umami-rich, craveworthy. A gloriously toasted potato bun (and boy, did Brasky love his buns!), soaking up all the juicy fat...dripping from the patty, topped with a couple of thick slabs of chaddar (if you know what I mean...and I think you do...). I mean, topped with a dijon mayo and pico de gallo like tomato? Magnificent, like the giant pickle on top of the damn thing. The bunch of fresh cut, earthy fries and homemade catsup? Brasky woulda' been all over that. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… ) Take a swig of the Bill Brasky, bite the burger, man, its heaven...just like the time me an Brasky... Five Freaking Stars Extras: Something something review 200...something something danger zone. The dining experience is the perfect blend of style and substance, extraordinary food which happens to be perfectly photogenic. Its the meal for a selfie obsessed generation who loves to take pictures of their meal. Sit at the chef's counter. The chefs can talk a good game, and gave me a couple of free samples (including the filling for the Rich Man, Po' Boy, which was remarkable). Kick-ass service. Seriously, the "Bill Brasky" is the best 35$ selfie you've ever taken, and a fantastic cocktail (although you'll probably feel...rather conspicuous drinking it). Don't forget to toast like the SNL skit when it comes to your table, because it turns out that everyone's a little narcissistic when they get to spend time with Bill. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/bott… )
(5)Jake V.
Great for an unlimited expense account, not so great if you're paying out of pocket. Some of the drinks are really fantastic (something orangey? names are fuzzy at this point...) while others are not so great (something that looked like a snow cone). Mains are decent but there are certainly missteps (tartar sauce runny enough to flow out of a fish sandwich, no sides with some sandwiches, etc.). Service was fine but not amazing. And everything was a little dear for what it was. Not bad, but there are better options nearby.
(3)Andrea R.
And yet another uh-mazing new restaurant in River North complete with inventive cocktails, tasty food and even celebrity sightings (David Schwimmer last Thurs evening). I did with every good yelper does when I first arrived at Bottlefork and "checked-in" and was rewarded with a complimentary "bag" of crisps and eggs. They were basically the best chips ever; I'd even pay for them next time. Our fabulous waitress helped my friend & I with the rest of our order. We told her we were hungry and based on the amount of food she suggested she must have thought we just finished running a marathon. It ended up being way too much, but happy I got to try a bit of everything. Next time in addition to the crisps & eggs (of course) I'd stick with the tuna crudo, mediterranean "salad," and potato gnocchi. And that's plenty for 2 people! We also ordered the mussels (paled in comparison to the rest of the meal) and "tots." The tots were basically massive tots covered in cheese...so delish, but felt guilty about them when I woke up the next morning. As for my cocktail I went the vodka route and ordered "loft on broadway." Loved it and bummed I had to stop after just 1 due to a drive back to da burbs. Can't wait til my next dinner here. In fact, I already have reservations lined up for next month! Nice work Rockit Ranch!
(5)Christopher V.
I've only been once, but I'm impressed with Bottlefork. Service, food & drinks all exceeded expectation. The Berkshire porkchop was the highlight of the meal, perfectly seared and seasoned. The chicken was moist with crisp skin & a hint of smoke. Drinks were expertly crafted as well. I highly recommend.
(4)Jeff S.
Way way late on this review as I had lunch there on MLK Day. Due to the holiday, it was quite empty for lunch which was a-ok in my book. Considering the location (River North) it probably gets quite crowded for dinner and the weekends. Bottlefork is owned by the guys at Rockit so I expected semi-gourmet food and a nice mix of drinks. And that's pretty much what I got. Unlike Rockit Bar which is currently closed, the alcohol selection is definitely more advanced. Tons of bourbon and an eclectic craft beer selection highlight the bar. For food, I went with the special which was a grass fed burger with bacon and a jalapeno apple slaw. I know that it's not on the menu at all times but the jalapeno apple slaw was delicious and added a fresh component to the burger. The burger was cooked well (not well done but medium rare) though I honestly could not tell if it's grass fed or just a standard burger. In addition to the burger, it came with a load of fries (basically the side for free). Know that none of the standard sandwiches come with a side so the special was well worth the money. Being a fan of Rockit, would I go back to Bottlefork? Probably. But unless the slaw makes a return, I do not think it will be a standard spot for me.
(3)Kristy H.
In search of a nice brunch spot with some friends, we decided on Bottlefork given the great reviews on Yelp. We were not disappointed. We started off with the chips and an egg (free when you check-in on Yelp) and they were delicious. The mixture between the salt and vinegar chips and the egg was unexpectedly good. They're regularly $5 and I'd definitely get them again. My SO ordered the corn beef and hash and I ordered the bacon burger. Both entrees were really delicious. The hollandaise sauce and poached egg were absolutely amazing. My bacon burger was also really good. Apparently the patty is made of 30% bacon and you can definitely taste it in the patty. We also ordered bloody mary's with beer backs for $10 each with our meal. They were unique and had a smokey flavor - they even came with a quail egg! I'll for sure be ordering them again. Overall, our experience was great and brunch lived up to the hype. A little pricy but worth it.
(4)Alik W.
Really very solid. The cocktail menu is heavy on the wallop, but that matches their prices, I suppose. Has a wide array of small, well-flavored plates that complement the drinks menu. Service, at least if you sit at the bar, is attentive. Plus, they have a very nice check-in offer (potato chips coated in vinegar and soft egg). I personally was very unimpressed with the sweetbreads, which I felt lacked texture and were mostly a vehicle for aioli. Chips, seasonal vegetables, deviled eggs all were better. But, overall, an excellent place to perch and enjoy dinner and drinks.
(4)Ashley C.
We were in the area and craving dessert. We were waiting outside the venue for them to open (still had another 10 min) and the hostess kindly let us in since it was extremely cold outside. Food: We ordered the brownie brulee with soft serve on the side and the pretzel caramel soft serve. The soft serve is amazinggggg -- it's perfectly creamy, sweet and just soooo yummmy!!! We never had a brownie brulee before so that also blew our minds - or tastebuds - away. I just wish that soft serve came with the brownie brulee so we didn't have to pay an extra $6 for something that should be paired together. Service: EXCELLENT! One of the best service experiences I've had. As mentioned earlier, they let us in 10 min before opening so we didn't have to wait in the cold. Our waitress engaged in conversation with us and had no problem answering all the questions we had. We had told her about our plans to go clubbing at Underground, which turned out to be their sister company! As a result, the manager came over, gave us his card and informed us on how to get on the guest list for the club (free entrance, yayyy!). We ended up coming back later that night to pre-game and the bartenders were super chill, making jokes and having conversation. Ambiance: Dimly lit place. There's a bar, booths and tables depending on what you're going for. Can be a place to have drinks with friends or havea romantic dinner date! Would definitely come back again -- to try a meal, more desserts and dranks!
(4)Noel S.
First of all if you are not a meat eater I would not recommend coming here. This place makes me think of what a butcher would do if he or she! was to open trendy/casual bar. The food is amazing. Everything is really well done. They are definently thinking outside of the box here, trying new combos you've never tasted or seen before. The servers are super friendly. I highly recommend the chicken sandwhich and the bacon burger. They are SO much better than they sound. Dessert milkshakes are awesome as well. Ask for the "sexy cubes" it's their term for the large scotch ice cubes. I love when places have these. I only came here for brunch on a sunday. It was packed. This place is rather small so I probably wouldn't come in the winter months with out a reso or you take the risk of waiting outside.
(5)Alex J.
Stopped in for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Started with some salads; this season, watermelon is all the rage, and their grilled watermelon salad with a chipotle lime vinaigrette did not disappoint. It was a refreshing start to the meal. Next, we tried the black bean and chorizo sopas with avocado crema and goat cheese. There was also fresh cilantro on top, but I'm one of the 2% of the population who hates cilantro, so I enjoyed my sopas sans cilantro. The dough for the sopas came out the perfect texture and they were a delicious mixture of textures. Main course involved tacos, because who doesn't love tacos? I tried both the grilled beer soaked chicken thigh and the guajillo and beer braised pork. The meat was flavorful, tender, and the tacos were on point. Finally, we ended with a warm cheesecake with caveat peaches. Unlike normal cheesecake, this wasn't too dense or heavy - it was light and was a perfect end-cap. Decor inside is nice, service is excellent, and food, above all, is done right.
(5)Joe B.
This place has some superb cocktails! And the bartender will gladly discourse with you about how/why they made or named the specific cocktail. The liquor selection is also finely curated. I didn't get a chance to eat here, but you could easily enjoy just one drink for an hour or longer. If you plan to stick around, order the Bill Brasky. The place is pretty crowded on Sundays, I don't think there was even a seat for one, so I recommend you go on a weekday when it's much more relaxed.
(3)Pablo B.
I went to Bottlefork after seeing the good reviews on Yelp; I've got to make mention first and foremost of the service. I had made reservations for six but was at a conference and four more hangers-on joined us which irritated me but the host was awesome about. He squeezed us in at a smaller table and bar and then when about half of a huge party left and the rest were just lounging around, he asked them to squeeze in so that we'd have room. Rarely do I find restaurants that are this accommodating especially of patrons who are that annoying (both us and the big group). All of it done professionally and efficiently and the staff as a whole were super friendly. Of course all of that might not have mattered if the food wasn't great but luckily it was. Quite a few of my colleagues had the burger which they said was very good -- served with a pickle skewered on top. I decided to try four appetizers and was really happy with them. The beef jerky was excellent as were the deviled eggs. But what really blew me away were the tots with a cheese sauce (sort of squares with a rich sauce) and especially the creamy kale with a fried egg on top. Absolutely delicious -- highly recommend for both food and service would definitely go back again.
(5)Jessica S.
My boyfriend and I were trying to find somewhere to dine last minute on a Saturday night and we came across Bottlefork. It was apparently rated one of the Best New Restaurants in 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, so I think we just got lucky to get in on such a short notice. But upon entering, we were both super impressed with the decor. Its very eclectic but chic at the same time, and had a very cozy feel to it. The hostess was very sweet and mentioned it would be a few minutes until our table was ready so we grabbed a couple drinks at the bar first. When it was time to be seated, we were introduced to our server, Eddie. And he was honestly one of the best parts of the night. Hilariously entertaining and full of awesome recommendations. Below are the dishes we went with, and I would get each and every one of them all over again: * Vieux Carre Cocktail = a cross between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. Its one of their best selling drinks on the menu and quite tasty. * Bag of Crisps + Egg = seriously, don't miss this one guys. It's absolutely amazing. Very interesting, and the server brought it to the table in a bag with a perfectly poached egg on the side. then tossed the egg in the brown bag with the chips and shook it all up right in front of us. I was pleasantly surprised how amazing these little bad boys tasted! * Wagyu Beef Jerky = super delicious. Not too tough, and comes out perfectly bite sized. Has some really great flavors with the soy and garlic. * Tots with Pimento Cheese Drizzle = an interesting little appetizer. Think an upscale tater tot with a fantastic dipping sauce. * Hop Braised Pork Shank = literally died and went to heaven with this one. Fell off the bone, was super moist, and paired perfectly with the Goat Cheese Polenta. I will definitely be coming back to this little spot. And when we have visitors in town, Bottlefork will be at the top of our list!
(5)Tim R.
I'd heard that Chicago had a foodie reputation and Bottlefork certainly consolidated that for me. My wife and I took shelter here from a thunderstorm that had rolled in off the plains and taken residence over the city. We didn't have a reservation, but were given a spot at the bar. This worked well as the bar staff were very friendly despite never seeming to pause for breath. The bar was fully stocked with not only all the high end staples but also things I'd not seen before and what looked to be hand made infusions. The food was even more impressive with the exponential edge to the taste I've not found outside of London or New York. The only challenge was that I had spotted the sumptuous ice cream sundaes pass through, and had to ration my appetite. A real first world problem, I know. The other first world problem was a feeling of being slightly over dressed to some of the fine young things out on a Friday night. Between the mixology lesson, the bustling kitchen, and the lovelies there was always something to look at.
(5)Emily S.
I've had quite a few different things here and have not been in love with any of it. I also think the restaurant is too cramped and the tables are too close together to have private conversations.
(3)Morganne B.
Free bag of crisps and eggs for checking in. YES. So dang tasty that I'm going to try to emulate this at home. We stopped by for a bite shortly before they closed on a Monday night and had no trouble being seated. I was happy to see they had Penrose Desirous white IPA on tap as it's been one of my favorites this summer! My boyfriend and I shared the cheese and charcuterie plate which was amazing/had great variation. The prosciutto and goat cheese were the standouts but paired well with the mustards. Coming straight from a yelp event with free food, we weren't that hungry so the portion size was great. The place is a little pricy but right on par with everything else you'll see in the area. Didn't have a cocktail here this time but they are delicious and carefully and thoughtfully concocted for sure. This is a great place to bring a date or visitor from out of town that you're trying to impress!
(4)Emily Z.
Reservations are your best bet, Tuesday evening we were limited to the bar, or Chef's Table, which is the bar but just in front of the kitchen (marketing!) The Chefs table was actually great, we got to see all the care that is put in to creating each dish! Carafe's are half off on Tuesdays, Pinot Noir was fabulous! Checked in on Yelp and really enjoyed our complimentary free 'bag' of crisp + egg ($5). Delicious salt and vinegar chips with an hour long perfectly poached egg added before serving to add a bit of richness. Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Mapple-Burobon Vinaigrette ($8)- Were not my choice but despite their bad reputation and burnt appearance they were fantastic! They had so much vinaigrette on them that they were barely recognizable as a vegetable! Orecchiette Pasta with Rapini + Breadcrumbs + Spicy Chicken Sausage + Espelette Pepper ($22) was a little heavy on the sausage proportion wise, which is a good problem to have I guess! The dish is really spicy, so I would pass if you are not a spice person. We were full splitting these three plates between two, but everything was great so I will definitely be back to taste more things and hopefully some of their homemade soft serve this time!
(4)T B.
So the food was decent but for one (rather small) breakfast entre and an iced coffee we paid $30 each... #underwheming. #overpriced
(2)Rits M.
I came here on a one off chance, and got here a little early so it wasnt jam packed as yet. I would recommend making a reservation or coming for after work drinks and leaving by 7. I let myself be guided by the reviews and tried the popcorn sweetbreads- I think this is the most interesting thing on the menu, definitely get some. I also liked the bacon burger a lot, its one of those burgers that you crave, but dont necessarily want all the time. It has a magical time and place. The place itself is small- and has sizable tables, so hopefully you are good with sharing with other people. Else, the bar is your best place to sit. The aisles are so small you can talk to your friends uninterrupted even when seated at the bar. The drinks here are well mixed, but not necessarily all that great, I would let the waiter be your guide for recommendations.
(4)Michael M.
Visited Chicago for the first time with my wife.. Just so happens that we visited during her birthday.. I read the reviews and looked at the pictures of Bottlefork.. Decided to take her here for a nice Birthday dinner.. They did not disappoint.. Our server was knowledge and was able to recommend certain items off the menu. Started out with the Bag of Chips.. Compliments of the house if you checked in with Yelp.. The Poached egg on top of these was delicious.. Holy Cow!! It was delicious.. We also had the jerky which was great to.. Very tender.. Very good.. I had the Bacon Burger which was mouthwatering.. My wife had the Rich Man's PoBoy.. We also had the Creamed Kale. Would I go back here to eat?? You better believe it..
(5)Jessica S.
We recently went to Bottlefork and had a really enjoyable time. The food was all well thought out and delicious. The service was great which is sometimes rare to find downtown. Try the bag of crisps and eggs.... complimentary with a Yelp check in!
(4)Jori L.
This place is overpriced and a mess. All of riv north is overpriced, one could argue. But those places know it, and see to it that everything else about your experience is on point. My friend had spit out a bite of her $18 Mediterranean (no meat!) salad because in it laid a hair. When she reported the incident to the trendy ass manager, he told her that he has never employed any blonde haired person, and smugly walked away to pose against the bar. Later returned awkwardly to inform us that he actually HAD hired one blonde person(!) And tell us some stupid details about his experience undergoing puberty at age 15. I have included a picture of the bearded idiot handling the situation - professionally, on his phone, lounging against the bar. The food is solid and sorta unique but it's not a stand out in this location, much less the city.
(2)Jenn D.
Ahhh where to start?! Loved this place! Food, drinks and service were phenomenal. Couldn't pick a drink because they all looked good. Went with our servers recommendations and loved them all! I got the scrubbed the right way and I'd highly recommend it! Favorite dish was the poutine, followed by the egg crisps and the scallops. Can't wait to come back!
(5)B M.
Meandering the city, we happened into Bottlefork on a Wednesday afternoon. The vibe is devine. Josh was behind the bar; and man can he make a drink. We enjoyed the Smoke of the Day, Baysic, and Shrubbed the Right Way. The latter had a wonderful pop at the end. The food that was served all looked scrumptious. We must go back and try!
(5)Laila C.
Meh...even for River North it's ridiculously overpriced. Good thing I came with a vendor, I would've punched someone if I had to actually pay for this myself. I had the steak salad, it was $30?!?!?!!?!?!?! What the fuck???? I mean...the steak was ok but literally I can get a better full steak meal for about that price. We had the tots...just way too much potato. I get it was trying to be clever, but really it was just clunky. Two's version of large format tots are way more successful. These are dense, heavy, I couldn't possibly eat more than 2 of these. Also service sucks. We sat around forever..first waiting for water, then for menus, then for someone to take our menu...all so they can forget parts of our order and get it wrong. Lame, lame lame.
(2)Norm J.
Happened upon Bottlefork one of the nights I was stumbling out of Bub City and decided to give this place a try. Bottlefork's atmosphere was lively and energetic on a Monday evening which instantly perked my friend and I up. We both thought that the decor was hip and modern, but the tables were too close together (we had to pull our table over so the lady at the table next to us could get out...not cool). Our waiter was awesome and I'm mad I forgot his name because I would've loved to give him a shout out. He explained the drink and dinner menu in such detail that I wanted to order everything. Drinks - Corn N' Oil: is a must try! I'm not a fan of rum, but this drink is really good and the huge ice cube that comes in the drink is pretty awesome. I got buzzed off this one. - Loft on Broadway: is a refreshing vodka drink, but there are better drinks on the menu to choose from. Food - Bag of Crisps + Eggs, $5: is a must try! These chips were my favorite part of the meal. I pretty much ate 85% of them, leaving my dining companion (a slow eater) with the other 15%. Also, you get these for FREE when you check-in via Yelp! Not sure how long this will last so don't yell at me if this deal isn't available when you go. - Smoked Spot Prawns, $18: where really good and the sauce that the prawns were placed on top of was a nice touch. You get 3 prawns so if 2 people are sharing this dish you'll need to cut the 3rd prawn in half or hope that your dining companion is generous like mine was and will let you have it all to yourself. #WINNING - Braised Beef Cheek Poutine, $14: was...well poutine. The dish was good and I would try it again, but it tasted like poutine I've had other places. Just good, but nothing special. - Smoked Suckling Pig Flatbread, $17: was good, but I wish it would have been a little bit warmer. I'll definitely be going back to Bottlefork and hopefully I'll be getting some free chips!
(4)Ngoc N.
Meh - after a couple months they've increased their prices. Some by $1, some by a lot more. This isn't their first venture into restaurant business so I assume they had already have things priced for a profit. I find the change unnecessary and greedy.
(3)Brian M.
Came here on a Tuesday (I know, Tuesday night) night for a few drinks. The setting is small and intimate. Long bar down the side with about 8-10 tables. If you are coming in a party larger than 2, I would recommend you make a reservation. First, the bartender (Lauren) was amazing. Friendly, informative and made one of the best old fashions that I have had in a long time. Hint: Order it with Rye and you will know what I am talking about. The bad is I probably had a few more than I should. At the table we got the Tots, Poutine and Charcuterie. The tots were amazing and different. They are these large blocks of potato goodness instead of these small bite sized ones. They were also smothered in a cheesy sauce that was really good. The poutines were topped with braised short rib, not sure this is ever a bad thing. Charcuterie was typical for what you would expect. The one item to highlight from there is that the spicy ground pork was really good! Perfect place to have a good drink, a date or to catch up with a friend. I will be back for sure.
(5)Jocelyn C.
Hands down best place I went to this weekend in Chicago! A friend of a friend made my sister and I reservations here since it was our first time in Chicago and we had no idea where to go for some food/drinks before a night of partying on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is upscale casual and the decor is beautiful definitely goes w the vibe (dark and semi intimate). The service was very helpful and super nice. The GM Chris was constantly checking that all the tables were good and gave us recommendations on food/drinks. (super cute too so heyy eye candy all night ;)) THOSE TATER TOTS!!! oh. My. Goodness. The best tots I've ever had. My sister and I scarfed them down, I couldn't believe how quickly they were off the table in our tummys! Fried to perfection, amazingly seasoned, and the cheese was just... Ugh. My mouth is watering. We also got the Andouille Sausage Flatbread to share. Excellent! Great size for sharing and not too heavy. The pesto and pickled shallots really amped up the flavor on it! Our server also helped us pick out some Bottlefork original cocktails that were very yummy! I had the "Burning the Days" which was a better version of an old fashioned. Not too sweet but not too bitter. My sister ordered the "Little Miss Dynamite" which is one of their most popular drinks, lots of liquor but tastes like juice! This one will definitely knock you on your ass. To end our meal, Chris sent over some dessert. HOLY CHET. just look at the picture. It was their "hot and gooey" dessert of the night. It was cheesecake (more of a cheesecake custard) with orange marmalade, Graham cracker, and vanilla ice cream. They ran out of orange marmalade bc it was so late in the night but that was okay because it was still the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. We pretty much inhaled that one! I can't wait to come back and try more Bottlefork original drinks and food! Thanks Martin and Chris and our wonderful lady server for a great foodie experience!
(5)Dzeinara P.
Reasons it's not a 1 star review - cocktails are really well made - awesome decor - the chips with the egg and malt.. Yum! I've had drinks here before but not this day. Reasons why review is so low: Our server kept calling one of my friends "Bud, Buddy". My friend was clearly older than him and it was awkward. Server insisted the hash is amazing and his favorite. Turns out it was disgusting. Way too much salt. Like waaaay too much. It was spam overload. When we had mentioned that to the server, after he asked how's everything... He didn't have a response. Just raised his brows a bit and walked away. Who does that? We ended up ordering some toast so we can eat this expensive hash. Which by the way, took over 15 mins to arrive. Our hash was cold by then. I made the reservation through Open Table, under the name Daisy. And there is no way I would recommend this place to any friends. And I am also embarrassed that I took 3 of my friends here. Come here for apps and drinks only.
(2)Carol K.
Bottlefork continues to knock it out of the park for my friends and me every time we visit. On my last stop in- given all of my friends were new to the place, Jason, the manager, went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, and even comped a few dishes that he said we just had to try! Sweet! Try the house made beef jerky, the poutine and the pretzel caramel sundae . . you can thank me later! Love the cocktails, love the service, love the food! Still at the top of my "go to" list!
(5)Mary R.
The restaurant tries and the concept is good but everything was a bit off. Service was great so would give that a 5. We went for brunch and seemed like they tried a little too hard. However the chips and egg in a bag was very tasty. The rich mans po'boy had chewy lobster and overpriced. The beef cheek poutine was very salty. The Bloody Mary was sweet???? I could have used the salt from the poutine. Maybe dinner is better.
(3)Kori E.
I returned for dinner with my beau this past Friday night and we had an excellent time! We started with the deviled eggs and sweetbreads and both were delish. I love how deviled eggs have made a comeback! Next we had the charcuterie plate, and that spicy sausage with the goat cheese was absolutely amazing!! Great recommendation by our server. With my Yelp check-in we got a free Chips/eggs dish and that was the most interesting thing I've seen in a while. They take homemade chips and a runny egg - throw the egg in the bag with the chips and mix it up. It doesnt make the chip soggy like you would think, but I would have liked to have tasted more of the egg - maybe some truffle oil?? Just a thought! We lastly split the steak and it was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal all the way around. I would highly recommend checking this awesome place out - another great restaurant by Billy Dec.
(5)Therese F.
I came here with my boyfriend and three others with whom we typically get together monthly to try out new places. We made a reservation for 9:15 on a Friday. Our table wasn't ready and we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated so we stood @ the bar to grab a drink. It's such a narrow space between the bar and the tables that it is not conducive to anyone standing there without getting bumped or having to constantly move out of the way of the wait staff. Once we were seated out waiter brought us some snacks as an apology and thank you for our 30 minute wait (very nice). Food: The complimentary snacks were the Piggy Jerky (kind of bland), Scotch Quail Eggs (unmemorable), and the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (delicious, wish we got a 2nd one, and we all ate it with a fork, not at all the mess that some other reviewers have stated). We also ordered: - Steak Tartare (meh) - Oysters (4 of the 5 in our group are HUGE oyster fans...we each only tried one. They were truly bad.) - Smoked Salmon Layered Parfait (good) - Grilled Octopus (good) - Rotisserie Chicken (good) - Cauliflower (good) - Hot & Gooey Dessert of the Day (an apple something or other...very good) - Pretzel Caramel Sundae (good) - Brandy Alexander Sundae (good) ....some items were 'good', some meh...other than one of the desserts and the Bag of Crisps, none of it was noteworthy. Drinks: Not going to list them all out...among us we did a pretty good job in trying a good number of their specialty cocktails and drinks. None were that great. Service: Fantastic. They brought us snacks when we sat down because we had to wait 30 minutes with having a reservation. They only charged us for the oysters we ate (4 of a few dozen I think). The waiter was friendly, enthusiastic, knew both the drink/food menu, etc. They really have got this aspect down. Environment: Small, but cozy and nice. Other than the service, this place just does not have good enough quality food or drinks, which is obviously what really makes a restaurant last. I would not go back or recommend it to others.
(2)Amber A.
Stopped in Bottlefork to see my old friend from Four Seasons Atlanta, Chef Kevin Hickey. The atmosphere was great - upscale casual. My husband and I had cheese platter, cream kale w bacon and burger. All was delicious. And beer menu/beverage menu was great!
(5)Tiffany R.
Just stumbled upon this place while seeking out a place that was still service breakfast at 11am, so glad we found it. The food was beautifully plated and the tastes matched the presentation. Crisps & eggs were yummy, the hash was perfectly portioned since it is on the rich side and even the oatmeal was yummy although be prepared for a huge bowl of those oats. Service was very lovely; very welcoming and very attentive yet not hovering around.
(4)Davin L.
Another River North restaurant, courtesy of Rockit Ranch Productions. The decor and design is modern urban, but layout of the establishment is a bit on the narrow side, inevitably leading to elbow bumping with your dining company. Fortunately, with a delicious menu with highlights like fried veal sweetbread and awesome drink concoctions, you'll quickly forget how crowded and loud it gets inside.
(4)Jen K.
If it was just a review on food, the place would get a 5, but service gets a 1, so we are settling at 3. Let me admit my fault. I was that jerk who was late to brunch plans on Sunday morning. They sat the rest of my party. When I got there my group had already ordered drinks at the table. Our server was a tall guy with a beard and he was incredibly nice. He had a good sense of humor and explained a lot on the menu. When we got our appetizer, the manager on duty came over and said that due to the fact that we were taking so long, he had to ask us to move to another table because they had a reservation coming in. So after blaming us (me) for being late and taking too long, we were moved. After we moved, he was nice enough to bring over poutine on the house, so that was cool, I just don't like the way he made it "our fault". I am aware I was late, sorry dude, but you don't have to call me out like that. Then our new waitress was nice at first, but she consistently tried to up-sell us. Then they ended up charging us for the "on the house" poutine and when we asked her to remove it from the bill, she instantly became very annoyed and couldn't wait for our departure. On the food side, we had the vinegar chips, which were incredible. The poutine had shredded beef which was a great compliment to an otherwise delicious dish. The sopa was incredible. The salsa and guacamole were great flavors.
(3)Bella P.
Easily one of the most marvelous places in Chicago. The food was superb and the drinks, splendid! It all began with the Beef Cheek Poutine which consisted of crisp fries covered in succulent beef, bathed in gravy with Wisconsin's curds marrying all members. The "tots" were tasteful and terrific, which was brought forth by the creamy cheese that blanketed those potato squares of goodness. Creamed kale, although may not sound appealing to some, was far from the normal vision one might picture of "creamed kale." It consisted of kale marinated with thick bacon, topped with an egg. It had me at bacon. I mean grandma always did say to eat my vegetables- which was made easier with bacon of course. The main course was the Porkbelly and Sausage Porchetta "Pastor." Phenomenal. The portion was decent too. No skimpy belly fat noted. The pastor flavor was pretty spot on as well. The meal was finished with a Fromage a Trois, which consisted of a Brie, goat and a parmesan type cheese, with a side of homemade jelly and bread. They were all very enjoyable. The winner here was the Pretzel Carmel and Chocolate Fudge Sundae- Wow! Absolutely phenomenal!! There were a plethora of drinks to choose from. The bartenders are amazing and well versed, mind-blowing mixologists, you might say. Bottlefork is fabulous, a top 3 restaurant in Chicago for me. I will likely be frequenting here quite often, as there is just so much more to try!!
(5)Sara P.
Birthday celebration last night and it could not have been better. I'm a gluten free vegan, I learned fast there was much for me to eat there but everything else was spectacular. Our server Raymond went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary Requests along with odd requests from the entire party. We shared wine which he split up for us, and accommodated in every way from questions to tastes. The food was phenomenal, and the service was beyond,we thanked everyone when we left, from kitchen to bar because the teamwork they showed was stellar. Ambiance, beer list was spectacular....... But the service made our visit. Thank you Raymond, we will be back, new hidden gem in river north
(5)Jerry K.
It was my turn to pick a place for our monthly dinner group and I was really excited about selecting Bottlefork this month. Service was fine all around. We were seated on time and everyone was friendly. Server was attentive and timely. No problems here. The place is LOUD. We found ourselves practically yelling at each other across the table in order to have conversation. Definitely not a place you want to go for a date. Good beer and wine selection. I had the Root Cellar Rye Amber Ale which is apparently specially brewed for Bottlefork and it was tasty. A nice thing to mention is that we got a free order of the "Bag" of Crisps + Eggs (1 egg, by the way) after checking in on Yelp. However (and I hate to rip on a free dish) it was mediocre at best. A bag of vinegar and salt chips with an egg thrown in there and then oddly but vigorously shaken up by a server in front of us. All I tasted were gooey vinegar chip-crumbs. Nothing special here. We also ordered the mussels with the fries and ham broth, which was delicious, but pricey given the portion. i counted 7 mussels (which were decently sized) for $16. Doesn't seem to add up. We wanted more but couldn't justify paying out another $16 for a second order. The rest of the food was ok. The burger had good flavor but was super salty. The creamed kale was ok, the roasted cauliflower was good. Pumpkin stew was really good, the Pork Belly and Porchetta was just ok. The Potato Gnocchi was ok but once again the portion didn't add up to the cost. Overall, the place was somewhat disappointing. Good service, ok food and pricey given some portion sizes, ok atmosphere if you like screaming at people for conversation.
(3)Alexandria T.
After attending a Yelp elite event at Bottlefork, I couldn't wait to go back to enjoy the full experience. I was able to make a reservation on Open Table for a Tuesday night--man, this place is already super popular. We arrived about ten minutes early, but they were still able to seat us right away. We each ordered a beer off of their extensive drink menu. We laughed about the Bill Brasky but didn't want to splurge. We started off our meal with the crisps, which after reading mixed reviews, I wasn't so sure about. Both my boyfriend and I ended up loving them. They do a nice presentation and if you eat them quickly, the egg doesn't make the chips soggy. We decided to go with separate plates because I don't eat meat, and my boyfriend does. I got the gnocchi, he got the burger, and we shared the tots. He said the burger was really good, but not on the top of his list. I loved the pimento sauce top of the tots. And, the gnocchi was pretty freaking amazing! They have done something right with the ambiance, and I had a very nice celebratory meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)Amy S.
My clothes from yesterday smell like smoked meat, and I have to say that's a really great thing! The food at Bottlefork is top notch and delicious. The veal sweetbreads?? Better than any sweetbread I've ever tried, seriously. The batter is light, crunchy, and perfect. The bacon induced slider?? Holy moly. Most sliders become dry because it is hard to keep the juice in with a tiny piece of meat, but they do a phenomenal job here. The slides have the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, salt, and the grilled buns are the best finishing touch. The meat and cheese here is fresh and perfectly cured. Special shoutout to the Foie Gras Chicken Liver Mousse and the Tuna Crudo. Both are little jars of happiness! The drinks here are really delicious: Loft on Broadway - Perfect girl-ish drink. An elevated play on vodka, lemon, vermouth and simple syrup because there is a touch of violet liquor and the vermouth is better than most places. Smoke of the Day - This was corned beef drippings + whiskey, talk about a meaty drink! The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable! I will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)Becca D.
The food is amazing, the service is not that great. I stopped in for some drinks and dessert one night and the pumpkin cheesecake thing is what brought me back there the next day to try again. I went solo the second time for Sunday brunch (which was also my birthday) and sat at the bar. The bar had a good amount of people at it, but it wasn't overly busy by any means. For some reason, the bartender straight up ignored me most of the time I was there. I had to flag down the barback every single time I needed another drink. On the one occasion I did get the bartender's attention for a drink, he completely forgot and ignored me for another 10 minutes... to which I again had to get the barback. The bartender wasn't apologetic at all and just didn't seem to care. Ok, back to the food. Sunday brunch. I had 2 eggs over easy and the tots that came along with them were awesome. I also got a piece of the maple slab bacon which had me in absolute heaven! I had never had slab bacon that thick before and it was just soooo good. Definitely more expensive for what you get, but that's to be expected with any gastropub these days. Loved the decor. Drinks were good too but slightly overpriced. Again, not surprised as it is a gastropub.
(3)Lindsay F.
Holiday weekend brunch following Thanksgiving did not disappoint. Chef Mitch Bauer is ON POINT! The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the cocktails and food infused and the food is cocktail infused (nothing better than that!), the dishes are creative but familiar, and the staff is all friendly and enjoyable to be around. We starred our brunch with the new-to-menu gingerbread donut holes with bourbon caramel and orange cream icing dips. Holy smokes! Talk about delicious! The chips you get **free** for checking in are phenomenal. Warm, salty, vinegary delights! Brunch plates at our table ranged from a bacon burger to eggs to the "leftover sandwich" special. All of it was delicious and the homemade tots bring it all home. There's really nothing I can find wrong with this place. Come hungry, leave stuffed and ready to come back again!
(5)Rosanna P.
Not totally impressed with their food... Also their staff is kind of rude. I work about a 1/2 a block away, and probably wouldn't go back..
(2)Ann H.
Came here with friends on a Friday evening. Ordered several dishes including the special chips jerky, and lamb chops. I must say the flavor combinations are unique but the food tends to run flavorful and heavy. It's not quite the feeling you want after going to a high end restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant is dark by design and there are few tables inside the venue. Service was very good, I didn't feel like we had to wait too long for any of our dishes. Overall I wanted to love this place since it's half a block from my home but I wasn't as impressed with what we ordered. Likely will not return.
(3)Michael U.
Items Selected: Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Malt Vinegar Powder and Sea Salt Popcorn Sweetbreads - Calabrian Chili Aioli Beef Cheek Poutine - Lemmenec Fries, Wisconsin Curds Rich Man Po-Boy - Lobster, Foie Gras, Crispy Oysters Creamy Kale with Duck Egg and Wild Boar Bacon Fish n' Chips - Lager Battered Cod, Malt Vinegar Crisps, Slaw Smoked Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich - Horseradish Coleslaw and White Cheddar Tots - Pimento Cheese Sauce Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout Sundae Bourbon Peach + Michigan Blueberry + Candied Pecan Sundae Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Humbled by the heat and humidity combined with late nights and substantial dining since arriving in Chicago on Saturday it was with scaled back plans that Labor Day arrived and opting to sleep in before hitting the gym I was admittedly quite famished as we approached Bottklefork, the long and narrow River North restaurant toqued by former Allium Chef Kevin Hickey. Designed in the hip, gastropub style all too familiar to folks interested in dining out these days and owned by the men behind hotspots Rockit and Sunda it was just past noon when our trio was seated in a plush booth and quickly greeted by a charming server who kept beverages brimming throughout our meal a three-course, eleven plate order unfolded - the tableside-shaken chips with a runny egg offered gratis to those using their smartphone to check-in. Perhaps more full than usual as many restaurants in the area were closed for the holiday it was apparent early on that the open kitchen was teeming with activity and as appetizers arrived no more than ten minutes after ordering both the spicy sweetbreads and upscale poutine were exemplary, the later featuring double cooked fries more than capable of holding up to thick gravy and squeaky, fresh curds. Unfortunately a bit more limited at lunch than with the substantial dinner menu it was in a trifecta of sandwiches along with two sides that the meal progressed and although the gussied-up Po-Boy was somewhat undersized for the price it was none the less delicious, a similar compliment befitting the substantial fried cod and equally enormous smoky seasoned beef. Further impressed by large, tender tots and kale that tasted akin to a soft-set quiche it was with a trio of desserts that our visit to 441 North Clark Street culminated and although the beer-head foam on our first sundae was not an ideal first bite, once it was mixed in the malt and hops provided an impressive contrast to flavors both salty and sweet, the bourbon similarly gilding the second goblet with an oaky finish while 'hot and gooey' cobbler arrived bubbly, sweet, and simply delicious.
(4)Nadege L.
The food here is pretty good! And the ambiance is fun and the customer service was good. You definitely need reservations to come here on the weekends. They have good drinks. The food is a bit pricey, but the portion sizes are decent.
(4)Tricia F.
Came for lunch and the food was decent but didn't meet high expectations I had developed after hearing great things from friends. The ambiance is great and what made me give 3 stars. The service, however, was not. Maybe our server was having a bad day but, for a not very crowded lunch service, she was inattentive, dismissive and a bit rude. Made it hard to enjoy the nice but only ok food.
(3)Jessica P.
Bottlefork was a great find on our trip to the amazing food city of Chicago. My sister and I started off with beef cheek poutine. Nobody does poutine like Montreal, but this was definitely the best I have had in the states. The cheese curds were squeaky and the fries stood up great to the savory gravy. Next we had the Mediterranean salad with saganaki cheese. Saganaki is a family favorite so when we saw it on the menu we knew it was a must-try. It did not disappoint. The tangy dressing with the wilted greens, sharp cheese, and pita bread croutons created the perfect salad bite. For our entree we split the grilled octopus and spam and the orecchiette with chicken sausage. Both were great but the spam was by far the star. The house-made treat was beyond delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the grilled octopus. The octopus was a tad bit chewy, but had great flavor. Overall- I would highly recommend this restaurant for some plates for happy hour and shared plates!
(4)Stephanie L.
Hell yes! Go, now...it's delicious. So I had a blonde moment and made the reservation for the wrong night...when we arrived, they notified me I made it for Thursday...not Wednesday. Whoops! The place was jammed to the gills so I was a little nervous about getting seated but it wasn't 2-3 mins and they were able to seat us at the chefs table...aka the bar right in front of the kitchen. Our server, Nick quickly came and explained everything to us. Suggesting several cocktails to our liking. They have quite a list of craft cocktails and wine. If we didn't like something, no biggie...they would get you whatever YOU want. Great customer service! The food was f-ing great. I have to say, I have been less than impressed with most new restaurants in my hood...but this delivered...much better than it's former counterpart...dragon ranch. HA! Crisp and egg...free with Yelp check in and it's totally delish, like one of the favs Popcorn sweetbreads...perfect. These were amazing! Do it! Rich man's poor boy...good, but prob would skip next time Creamed kale...this shit is like crack! Wild mushroom gnocchi...it was good, but felt like it was missing salt or something. Ooey gooey bread pudding was fan-freaking-tas-tic!!! Price point was totally reasonable for what we got and the area. Only complaint was that the place was jammed...I guess the word is already out. The new cool place to be...RUN
(5)Maxie H.
Loved this place! We came here for drinks after lunch, and it was amazing. We ordered the bloody mary, amaretto sour and the coffee. The drinks are off the chain! The bloody mary is to die for. It really is the best we ever had. We really enjoyed the drinks and wished that we came here for lunch. The entrees sounded delicious! We will be back here for brunch!
(5)Daisy D.
Took my husband here for drinks and lite apps before dinner at Chicago Cut. The two dishes we had were really amazing. -Tuna Crudo with shrimp crackin' and some kind of amazing Jamaican ketchup -Rich Man Po' Boy. We shared one but could've easily had one each. Picked to perfection, the flavors in this sandwich are like any other. Looking forward to going back!
(5)Pam S.
Sooo....Bottlefork. Although my besties DruePaul were only in town for a weekend, we made the most of our brunching time. Since Bottlefork was so close to their hotel, and we were able to get reservations, Bottlefork it was. We were immediately seated in a large booth (there were 5 of us) and were impressed with the decor- a little rustic, very chic. Being that it was our group, we started on drinks- some of us got the Improved Mimosa, some got the Strawberry Rhubarb bellini, and some got beer. Although I started with the bellini, I upgraded to the mimosa and found it to be more of my liking (perhaps because it had more booze). The table tried a bit of everything- donut holes, braised beef cheek poutine, hash, slab o' bacon...and then my paltry eggs, tots and toast. While I like the idea of cubed potatoes, and they were good, the tots were a little much for me. All around, the food was delicious, albeit overwhelming. Why one star down? Our server was...a little all over the place. There's positive energy on a Sunday morning, and then there's loony energy. Our server had more of the latter. In addition, while we had extensive interactions in the beginning, it took awhile to get both drinks and food. All in all I'd recommend- and wouldn't mind coming back for dinner. Might sit in a different section, though.
(4)Victoria G.
LOVE this place! I will definitely venture back and bring friends. I made a reservation on a Friday night, arrived early and was seated immediately, even though my friend hadn't yet arrived. Super cool vibe and ambience. Low mood lighting with cool background music. I saw a number of dates taking place. We sat at the chefs table and it was fun watching the crew make the food right in front of us. The waitstaff and chefs are super friendly and very knowledgeable. And the food and craft cocktails are SO GOOD. I loved the Brussels sprouts and tater tots with pimento cheese. In general, the food here is really hearty, so don't think you'll do a lot of light eating, but it's still super tasty. I definitely recommend trying the smoked cocktail of the day, too. It's got a really great flavor and finish. The General Manager came over to us at the end if our meal to introduce himself, give us his card and chat for a while - really welcoming. I definitely recommend this place as a local neighborhood haunt, your pre-party spot, or your low-key chill dinner with extended conversation place - it accommodates all three.
(5)Jackie S.
Okay, this place is SO good. My sister and I came here a few months back. What we ordered: Little Miss Dynamite cocktails: Fantastic! Order one and you won't regret it. Bag of Crisps & Eggs: I was hesitant to try these but since they were free with a Yelp check-in, we figured we might as well. Ended up loving them! My sister didn't love them but I thought the combination was surprisingly awesome. Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger: AMAZING. I seriously dream about this burger. If you love burgers, you must give it a try! Well done, Bottlefork!
(5)Jenna G.
I've always had trouble getting the staff to seat my party at the time our reservation has been made. I've gone more than five times and somehow their system is not working. However, the staff is friendly, knowledgable and attentive. The food and drinks come quickly, even if portioning is on the small side. On a personal note, something about the seasoning or flavor profiles seems "funky" and not in a good way. Several friends share my opinion, after trying their brisket hash and anchovy Caesar salad. However, I keep coming back because the execution is impeccable, even if the seasoning sometimes is confusing to the palate. Good, seems it will be great, then is a little weird, but in the end is satisfying.
(3)Jenny C.
Love this hot new restaurant in River North! Creative menu items and awesome service. Great cocktail menu - their bartender studied under the Aviary bartender! Try the Loft on broadway cocktail if you like citrusy drinks with just a pinch of sweetness. Must try items: - Bag of chips: Vinegar and runny egg on homemade chips. Sounds weird but it's so awesome! The chips really opens up your palate and make you salivate for more food. - Rich man po boy: Chunks of lobster meat in a buttery roll with breaded oyster on top. Felt the oyster wasn't needed as the lobster roll could have stood alone, but the oyster was fried perfectly! - Mushroom gnocchi: Earthy comfort food, great for a cold winter night - Grilled kale and squash: Great flavors, especially mixed with melted cheese on top - Sundae with beer foam and streusel: Perfect ending to our meal. Sweet and salty. Streusel brings a great crunch to the ice cream. Also, who can say no to beer foam?! Our waitress was so energetic about the menu! Really refreshing to interact with her throughout the meal. The general manager came by several time to converse with us and make sure we enjoyed everything. Cool vibe, intimate seating and lighting. Long bar where couples can have a nice meal and drinks at as well.
(5)Mark F.
I had brunch here one Sunday. I sat at the bar by myself. Waitstaff kept bumping my chair, which was a little annoying. The food was good ... I had the hash brisket. I will definitely come back as Adam, the bartender, is super-talented and makes great cocktails.
(4)Max G.
It started with a slow cooked egg. it jiggled in the bowl the server brought it in. mesmerized, i watched him slip the egg into the bag of malted vinegar chips and shake it all around. that's what it's all about. tasty food. great drinks menu. many house made flavoring agents. no complaints here.
(4)L. Danovia ..
My brunch buddy and I made last minute reservations for a late Saturday morning. He had the burger and I had the french toast. We enjoyed both items. Service was fast and friendly. Will return.
(4)Kristin M.
First learned of Bottlefork through a Yelp event and was really impressed with the food. Returned because of the food with a group of friends who have tried their fair share of Chicago restaurants. We were all impressed with the solid food, service, and ambiance. We particularly loved the poutine (get those over the tots if you're debating), the Mediterranean salad (trust me it's soooo good), and the asparagus (again, so good!) they also have a really cool selection of cocktails, and I'd highly recommend the No Tea, No Shade cocktail if they still have it. Also a great selection of beer and wine. Overall, Bottlefork is a must try spot--would be good for a group, after work happy hour, or just anyone looking for an absolutely delicious and satisfying meal. The ambiance was lively, and it was busy on a week night like most River North spots. Oh, and not too young/fratty.
(5)Gillian C.
We just finished up dinner here with 4 adults and two little girls. Bottlefork is not really a kids place, but our server, nick b, was THE SHIT. Not only did nick make amazing food and drink recommendations for the adults, but he was super accommodating to the little girls and spoke to them directly, which made them feel like real adults when they were ordering. The food was awesome. Highlights were the Brussels sprouts, gnocchi, burger, and holy melted cheesecake, so delicious. After dinner my sister in law commented that he was "probably the best waiter I have ever had". He was seriously awesome and made our whole dinner better!
(5)Jackie M.
The menu sounds better then what it is. I came for lunch and had the bag of crisp with egg. It was interesting how a raw egg was cracked and mixed into a bag of house chips. Eat it quick before it gets soggy!! For the rich man po boy which has foie gras, fried oyster, and lobster. I was so excited to eat it. It was drenched in butter and garlic which overpower the seafood flavor. It wa tasty by the bite due to the garlic. You are better off getting a lobster roll elsewhere because there's lack of flavor in foie or oyster. For the poutine, I only ate half and it was mostly cheese. Donut was good.
(3)Shannon N.
I live in Northcenter and rarely find myself in the loop these days, so when my sister-in-law wanted to meet for drinks while she was in town for a conference, I turned to yelp. I found Bottlefork and we decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The place is fairly small, we got there shortly after five on a Thursday night and already all of their walk in tables had been taken and the rest were reserved. We had no problem sitting at the bar, but even for two people I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is a mixture of upscale modern and antique, but not at all pretentious. Mostly business and young couples. We each had a martini, a beer and shared a few plates between the two of us. Martini was goos, and they have a good beer selection with a lot of local breweries. We shared the smoked salmon deviled eggs, the andouille sausage flatbread and the gnocchi. The deviled eggs were awesome, I've never had anything quite like that. The flatbread and gnocchi were delicious as well, cooked perfectly and flavorful. It was a bit pricey, as is expected in that area. I think our bill was just over $90 for the two of us, but for a fun night out it was worth it and I would go there again with out of town guests!
(4)Krsna V.
Somebody in this establishment is a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race. Why wouldn't you be, it is the greatest show on tv? The "No Tea, No Shade" cocktail is everything RuPaul means when he says it on his show. With right proportions of tequila, mezcal, and earl grey syrup, this cocktail is a perfect embodiment of the phrase No T, No Shade. I have been away in the jungles for too long...I missed expertly crafted cocktails. After coming back home to Chicago, I was treated to an evening out by Preet, who suggested we check this place out. What a treat, indeed! Yelp checkin gives you a free appetizer of chips and egg, which is a poached egg shaken vigorously in a bag of chips. Deliciousness! We also tried the Tuna Crudo and Smoked spot Prawns, which were excellent. The avocado topping on the tuna crudo was stellar and the prawns were expertly smoked/ grilled. Since we both love our cocktails - we decided to try others. I went with a Loft on Broadway, which smells, tastes, and looks divine. The Violette liqueur elevates the drink to another level. Preet had the Satan's Whiskers, which made it feel like we stepping in to the dark side. Since we don't stop at two cocktails (who drinks just two cocktails?), we decided to try more. In honor of Gojira/ Godzilla and wanting to feel like a reptile, I opted for the Big Salty Tears. The frothy egg on top and the orange flower water sealed the deal. It was a great way to re-acclimatize myself to Chicago and the wonderful world of artisan cocktails. I now have to catch up on seasons 5 and 6 of RuPaul drag race. No T, No Shade...hunty!!
(5)Rob B.
This is a small bar with big food, and if your watching your fat, don't come here. Well,crafted dishes are on hand and so is the excess. We had the fried sweet breads, poached egg with fried potato chips, french fries poutine and the special salad with fried cheese on top. Well by the end I was well,,,fried. We had the cobbler and frozen yoghurt for dessert, perhaps the lightest option on the table tonight.
(4)Sonia B.
Great food, great service, and great ambiance! Oh my goodness, my tummy was SO happy when I ate here with my husband! Absolutely amazing! We started with the chips/poached egg and the wagyu beef jerky for appetizer. I highly recommend both! The chips/poached egg was interesting. Our server came over with a bag of chips, put in a poached egg, shook it like crazy and poured it into a bowl...and whoa yumminess! It was a great blend of saltiness, sour/tart (vinegar) and richness from the egg. And I don't even like eggs! The wagyu beef jerky was my favorite thing all night! It was absolutely delectable! The flavor was amazing and it was cooked to perfection...not overdone, but enough crispiness....yummmm! I hope that is a mainstay on the menu! For our entrees, my husband and I shared the bbq tamarind lamb ribs, tots, and a pasta w/ chicken sausage. All were amazing!!! And to cap off the evening we got the pretzel sundae w/ the stout! SO GOOD! I had heard about the brownie brulee, but it wasn't my lucky night, that wasn't the featured gooey dessert. :( I will be frequenting Bottlefork until I get to try the brownie brulee...lol! Our server was awesome...not sure if it's ok to mention her name on here....so, i'll just skip it and hope you get her! It was refreshing after having crappy service at a different Rockit Ranch restaurant. The menu changes weekly and I can't imagine you won't enjoy your dining experience! I'll definitely be back!
(5)Lisa S.
Food was good service good and the place was hopping! Went with a group of 10. The place was a little tight for that. We had the crisps - which were just a trendy thing - and the to die for brussels sprouts as apps. Also had the tots which were ok. The serving dishes had paper on the bottom which detracted from the presentation and showed how much grease you were consuming. . My meal was the rich man's po boy which is cold lobster, fried oyster and foie. I couldn't taste the foie. The bun was too greasy. The chunks of lobster were good, large and meaty. I was disappointed - got it for the foie gras and it wasnt there. One of the other folks got the pork belly with sweet potato that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beer and wine selection was good.
(3)Pack C.
We love the experience at the place; interesting cocktails, good selection of beer, good food. My favorite part was probably yelp check-in will give you a complimentary homemade chips with well poached eggs. It sounds weird but it's actually yummy! My main con for the place is it's definitely more pricey than what I thought. Food portion is pretty small even those from the shared plates section. Below were items that we tried. We loved everything we tried. the problem was just the portion & price. Deep fried sweetbread: it's the highly recommended item. It was ok for me. Not sure if it's because I was picturing 'sweetbread' while chewing it. Well, at least I tried Poutine: yummy Po boy: it's basically a lobster roll with fried oyster on top for $25. That was pricey for me, no side even! Bacon burger Octopus homemade spam & kimchi
(3)Jialing L.
came here with a reservation for dinner with my friends. the server was extremely friendly and gave us a good overview of the menu. we got a free crisp n egg due to a yelp checkin and then ordered the beef cheek poutine and potato gnocchi to share. The beef cheek poutine is my favorite poutine in Chicago so far and the potato gnocchi with mushrooms was flavored very well and soft. we also ordered two bacon burgers to share between 4 of us and it was really good. loved the slaw in the burger and the party itself was juicy. it was the first time I had medium rare but it was a good experience and I loved the mix of beef and bacon. The bun was also really good and crispy on the side. Enjoyed my visit and will recommend this place and try to come back.
(4)Tara L.
After waiting 50 minutes, our waitress informed us that the soft serve machine won't be ready for an hour so no affogatto. I ordered a cappuccino instead. She brought me espresso with a tiny dollop of foam so I had to ask her to bring some more. We used the free chips from yelp but had to remind her to bring them. When the food finally came, it was actually really good - just small portions. Overall, a pretty good place for brunch, just seemed a little understaffed.
(3)Stephen S.
The cocktail menu is spendy but ya gotta pay those River North rents somehow. Fortunately, their drinks offer tons of flavor and are worth the price you pay. I also love the carefully selected beer list including a house offering coming from a collaboration with Chicago's own Begyle Brewing. In fact, most of the beers on tap come hail from local breweries and not the big ones you'd see everywhere. Bottlefork is giving love to the local boys who really need it, and I think that's something to really appreciate.
(4)Katherine M.
So the food here was pretty good but I have to say places like Girl & The Goat, Blackbird and Publican do this style of food better. Highlights: crispy Brussels sprouts and the grilled octopus and spam are phenomenal. The orecchiette is also damn spectacular so be sure to order these items. The braised pork belly and tots get honorable mentions but I feel like you could find them at any new american restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is like you stepped into a high-end backwoods cabin. It's busy but not too loud and the wait staff is attentive. They have an extensive drink list that includes some solid beer options. I'd say if you want a nice dinner out - this place not only have good food but it's easy to get into and might even save you a few bucks.
(3)Lingyi P.
Came for weekday lunch with a friend. The food menu was limited to salads and sandwiches. Got the crisps and eggs, grilled beer chicken sandwich, and tots which were all ok but not great. I would give the food 3 stars, but the service was disappointing. We waited 40+ minutes for our entrees, which is an issue for lunch during the workday.
(2)Hilary G.
This place is AMAZEBALLS. First off the drinks are out of this world. The cigars and brandy and the brasky everybody MUST try. My boyfriend and I went in there one sunday and tried nearly everything. Im pretty sure the staff was sure we wouldn't be able to walk out lol. Out waiter upsold us on everything and we couldn't have been happier. The food was a little heavy, but beeing from Texas its nothing we couldn't handle. We had tried almost every drink and the manager was bringing over one last cigar and brandy for us when we started talking to him about THE BILL BRASKY... My boyfriend was having two of his best friends coming in town the next weekend and was already vowing to bring them to bottlefork. I of course was jealous because I wasn't going to be there and wanted to be there for the debauchery (I live out of town). I mentioned how I wanted to be there to try the brasky with them and of course being the best restaurant around they brought one on the house just for us, and emailed us the receipe! The presentation of this and the cigars and brandy is as good as it gets for my bae (NO i dont seriously use this word) and I.
(5)Mary S.
What a cute place for meeting friends after work or getting your night started. Met two previous co-workers here, having made a reservation for a week night. Glad I made that reservation because by 7pm they were packed! They have an impressive beer list, which is nice to see, and they even brew their own beers locally. Shared the tuna crudo and fries with cheese sauce, which were tasty. I really liked the crisp crackers that came with the tuna. They were able to bring more crackers for us too, no charge, and very attentive to this. I shared the Mediterranean salad which was fresh, albeit it fairly small, not just for sharing, but had it been for an entrée. The prices are a bit high, but what you could expect for the River North area. Not sure I'll be coming back for a $20 entrée though, just not sure it's worth that much.
(3)Jenny S.
Came here for lunch and was seated right away. I ordered the fish sandwich which was delicious! Cod fish, a big one! Ordered a side of fries and they were yummy, although I wasn't too much of a fan of the aioli they had on it. Fries were fried perfectly, not too soggy. I enjoyed lunch here. It was my first time and and I definitely will be back. Loved the Kale side dish! Delicious. Thank you again!
(4)Michael S.
Have been traveling to Chicago often lately for work and in the process of building my list of to go places. Bottlefork has now made the list. Had dinner there tonight, had their Monday night burger special with crispy bruseel sprouts. Burger was cooked perfect, cheedar cheese, arugla, pickled onions, slab of bacon (yum) with egg on top. Not the healthiest option but was delicious as were the fries that came with it. The crispy brussel sprouts were very good too. Bottlefork has a great selection on the menu with great ambience inside. Good place to eat alone. Evening was enjoyable and I see a return trip in the future.
(4)Nicole L.
I was expecting something really great given Rockit and Sundas success, but honestly I was not impressed with this new restaurant. Went in at 830 on a Thursday night expecting a wait, but the hostess said just go to the bar and a table was getting up so they would seat us shortly. This was great news! However after 30 minutes of no word from the hostess we checked back in and she said she had given the table to someone else and it would be another hour. Without any notice! Very annoying. Additionally, when we sat at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get greeted and order a drink, and another 4 attempts just to get a water! Although the food was ok, it was very overpriced considering the poor service. I won't be coming back here.
(2)Kurt W.
I have only been as happy as this at Peter Luger. Everything was amazing. The smoke of the day cocktail was wonderful. Chips, donut holes, tots and burger were ridiculous. Bacon was an experience. Waiter was excellent and described everything to a tee. Just hands down one of my favorites now for Chicago. Grown man's meal.
(5)Jonathan C.
We came here for lunch. Overall the experience was good. The host was very nice (even though we were 20 mins late). He took us right to the table. The server was very detailed in his explanation of the food. He was also very knowledgeable with the ingredients, which is always a plus. We ordered two appetizers to share, the bag of crisps, in which they mix a poached egg to a bag of homemade potato crisps in front of you, and the tater tot. The chips was a bit too salty for my taste, but it was good. The tater tot was really good, perfect size and very flavorful without overpowering. I had the special, Spam (made in house) Banh Mi with Lobster Bisque. The Banh Mi was pretty good, although I would argue that the spam could be a bit bigger or need another piece, and it needs more daikon/carrot. It was good but not the best. The soup caught me off guard because it tastes more like an thai lobster curry soup than a "traditional" lobster bisque. Its not as creamy and thick. After a couple sips, it was actually pretty good. I do like it a lot, and it paired very well with the bahn mi. I would probably go back for another business lunch/dinner but probably not on my own. The food is good and definitely very intriguing, but when factored in the price, it a bit overpriced.
(3)Danny W.
Somebody fill my glass with a Bill Brasky (35 dollar drink, only one per person) and sprinkle on a crushed up Xanax. If you don't have a panic attack before being seated at Bottlefork you'll absolutely love it. If you can't do close quarters and hefty wait times though, you may want to make plans somewhere else. The space is super narrow, crowded, and a lot of people linger after eating so it's tough for the restaurant to keep on it's reservation schedule. Can't blame them for being popular, but it's definitely an issue to be aware of. If you've got the patience it's most certainly worth the wait. Food is phenomenal and it's an excellent menu for sharing. I tried the Scotch Eggs, Crisps, Chorizo Stuffed Squid, Poutine, Tots, Cauliflower, and Gnocchi each was which was even more amazing than the previous dish. Cocktails are clever and pretty damn strong if you didn't quite gather that from the Brasky description. Service was on point and I've got to give them props for being able to maneuver so well in such close quarters. A little on the pricey side? Sure, but definitely worth every penny when you put the food experience into perspective. I'll definitely be back, but either really early or really late to try and avoid the daunting dinner rush. ,
(4)Cody H.
This place lives and dies by experimenting with things. The Chips and Poached Egg App? Great. Stacking fried cod and chips (not fries) on a sandwich SOUNDS good but the practice is a soggy mess that did not really taste that good to begin with. Decent drink menu, but listing some bottles is not that hard. Their cocktails are try-hard and fail-sure. Except for the Bill Brasky... that is a man's cocktail. Skip it.
(2)Madison L.
The bag of crisps and egg was very cool- more than just potato chips. Their bellinis are delicious and also their popcorn sweetbreads was also tasty. Their pork belly was delicious and I love the great service. Definitely crowded though, but with such a cool ambience - I expected this!
(4)Venice Beach Dad K.
WTF?! This place has been good enough for me to return for a third time, and they've outdone themselves!! Whew... The brussel sprouts are top shelf; not that over salted mess you get at some of these other 'high end' gastropubs in Chicagoland I could chew on the wagyu jerky all day The creamed kale salad is worth fighting over ...and I'm not mad at the Tuna Crudo. It's fresh and fun (weird for a dude to admit) Put this place on your list, it's on par with The Publican. Thank you Chicago for providing proper gastropubs for wary travelers like me
(5)Christine W.
Every bit of food I ate here was remarkable and full of flavor. The burger was amazing--they make a balsamic ketchup that is off the chart. The deviled eggs, the lobster po boy, the COCKTAILS--all exquisite. eat and drink here and your worldview will improve. Actually, the hostess was a little snobby but otherwise everything was great. Flawless food
(5)Christopher S.
After all the stellar reviews here on Yelp I set expectations pretty high, maybe a little too high...the night we went we received good and hearty food. The service was fast but personally I don't get the hype...It wasn't anything spectacular or "amazing. Maybe we needed to order more drinks but simply put nothing we tried blew me away.
(4)Stephanie N.
This place is amazing!!! The services is fantastic, the food inventive and superb, and the whole experience is a must. We cannot wait to go back!!! Try the craft cocktails and believe it or not sweetbreads!!!!
(5)Sara T.
Amazing service, delicious, complex and boozy cocktails (so worth the price) and yummy plates. I will be going back!
(5)Noah E.
Great place to check out. Smaller sized restaurant which makes it quaint. If you check in on help you get a free bag of potato chips. The food was good but a touch small for the downtown prices. I would go again with a group of friends
(4)Christopher M.
There's a lot here to like, some to dislike, and some that's disappointing. What's to like? We LOVED the cocktails and wine. Fantastic selection and very well crafted. The lamb ribs were also fantastic, and the creamed kale was seriously awesome. I knocked off two stars for two reasons: one was for the Bag of Crisps and Egg. Sounds awesome ... potato chips and a poached egg. Damn, that's gotta be good, right? It wasn't. Very bland. The second star I knocked off because our shrimp dish came out raw. The waitress was very nice and apologized profusely, but I was surprised that nothing else was done. The manager never apologized, and we didn't get comped anything, be it a dish, drink, or dessert. I feel like if I dish gets that messed up something should be done. 101/365
(3)Lucy C.
Did I really just drink a cocktail made with meat drippings? It was definitely received with mix reviews, but I liked it. Bottlefork is laid out like many other bar/resto/lounges-- long and narrow, dim lights, intimate setting. The staff is beyond amazing and the menu is imaginative. I especially liked the popcorn sweetbreads and the bacon burger with shoestring potatoes. Kudos to Rockit Ranch for turning out another fun spot!
(5)Kate J.
Boyfriend had two Slaughterhouse Marys for $18 a piece. Yes, it was worth it. I tried it and they are truly the best bloody mary. He had the rich man's po-boy and he ate it in less than a minute. I had fresh orange juice and their blueberry compote skillet french toast. It comes in a small cast iron skillet and the server flips it over onto a slate cutting board. It's amazing. It's very rich and could be shared between two people. The side slab of bacon is insanely delicious. The staff is very friendly and attentive. We had a really nice brunch and will definitely be back.
(5)Helen E.
So delicious. I can't recommend this place enough. My boyfriend went to a Michelin starred place earlier in the week and said this was way nicer. The crisps and egg is a must, and the gnocchi is out of this world. I'm nervous this place will get so popular I'll struggle to get a reservation!
(5)Shuff M.
Lamb was pretty poor... tONS of mint. Service was ok at best. Atmosphere was not bad at all.
(2)Michael C.
Very pretty and intimate place here at bottlefork. Came for the yelp elite event and had a sampling of some very tasty foods. The sliders here were phenomenal featuring bacon and crispy shoestring potatoes. They were full of flavor and had some really nice char-there was a lot of effort put into these. My other favorites were the popcorn sweet breads which were tasty finger snacks had a nice soft crunch like calimari. They had some really good baked breads with some unique fish spreads that included salmon and tuna. Service here was excellent- the host made sure that everyone was having a great time, but also asked for suggestions on how the food could be better. Cozy place with some unique food. I'll be sure to check this place out again.
(5)Megan M.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute dinner spot on Saturday night to celebrate my graduation! We already had plans with friends in the river north area a little later, so we called up bottle fork to see how long their wait was going to be. Turns out they had a table for two and since we were in a cab they held it for us. Not only were we lucky grabbing the table but we also had an amazing server who was able to offer up recommendations for both drinks and entrees. I had the fried soft shell crab with grits and collard greens, their special for the evening and was absolutely melt in your mouth fantastic. I had Satan's Whiskers as my drink, a well balanced gin cocktail. My boyfriend had the Orecchiette Pasta with chicken sausage that they make in house. Excellent with a little kick as well. Some say that the prices are a little high for the portion size, but I think the flavor and the fact their ingredients are locally sourced make up for it. We actually enjoyed the fact our portion sizes weren't huge, we left satisfied without feeling weighed down and were able to enjoy the rest of our evening celebrating!
(5)Melissa G.
I went to Bottlefork for brunch this past weekend and was blown away by how fantastic their food was. The service was prompt and professional. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the food and brunch cocktail menus. She even helped us to discretely identify the dishes at neighboring tables that we were coveting! Haha Everything was delicious! If you go for brunch, I highly recommend both the breakfast sope and the cast iron skillet baked French toast. Both were cooked to perfection and sizes were perfect for sharing. I'm definitely looking forward to visiting during dinner hours to see what other glorious foods await!!
(5)Shayna Y.
Design of the place is beautiful, but table layout is awful. They have long tables that you'd be lucky to hear the person on the opposite side. We got lamb ribs and squid stuffed spicy chorizo. The lamb ribs were flavorful and fall of the bone tender, but really fatty. The squid stuffed spicy chorizo was flavorless. Even the sauce was boring Go here for drinks, not food.
(2)Margaret H.
This place needs an identity. I was very confused by the menu and what direction it was trying to go in. Are you more of a drink place with some snacks or are you trying to make it a culinary experience? The atmosphere: This place is tiny, so make sure you have a reservation. The tables are extremely close together, so you feel like you're on top of everyone else around you. The service: Needs to be stepped up a notch. The waiters should know their menu better, as recommendations did not come easily, and the awkward "tricks" for presentation purposes could be done away with. I would say the service at Sunda is by far the best of the Billy Dec restaurants. Hopefully this will improve with time, as it is new. The food: I was not overly impressed by the food, which was my main reason for coming here. We ordered a modpodge of food to try a bit of it all. We kept it within the small plates bc that seemed more reasonable than the heavy entree options. -The parma proscuitto - Nothing specatcular. -Bag of Crisps and Eggs - Awkward presentation of dropping a poached egg into a bag of potato chips and shaking it up. The egg yolk made the chips a bit bland and over time, soggy. -Popcorn Sweetbreads - The sauce was delicious, but the sweetbread itself was a strange texture, seemed a bit undercooked. -Wild Mushroom Gnocchi - This was the 2nd best dish we had. Very flavorful and I'm not a huge fan of gnocchi. -Spinach and Artichoke Dip Oysters - These were the best! Reminded me a chargrilled oysters from NOLA, but the spinach and artichoke dip on top gave it a nice twist.
(3)Sreerupa B.
Food was too salty. We had the egg+chips, tuna crudo, gnocchi and beef cheeks poutine.
(3)Elizabeth S.
Delicious food! The mimosa was good but nothing special about it. Highly recommend the chips and poached egg dish. Make sure you enjoy Irish food before booking!
(4)Stephan D.
My friends and I came here for brunch. One of my friend had the lobster roll. A bit pricy but one byte and u will fall in love. I had the fish and chip I never had fish and chip like this before and it was delicious. Oh btw I'm canadian (and a vegetarian) we had the poutine without the sauce (it has beef in it) and even without the gravy the fries and curds were so good. Anyways it's very clear whatever u try on the menu u won't be disappointed. A good place to bring a date as it's fairly quiet and has nice booths.
(5)Allan C.
The food is really good, especially the sweetbread popcorn and the roast chicken. However, with a 9:15pm reservation we weren't seated until 10pm and there wasn't anything in apologies for it. We ordered our food before we were seated and I was pretty sure the kitchen was just about done making our food before we were seated as well. That really sucked. So yeah I probably won't come here again unless someone else really wants to go but I have to admit that the food is really good.
(3)Kee V.
Run Tell Dat!! IMO, Bottlefork is the best new restaurant of 2014 so far. You will disagree with me if you visit wanting something quiet and intimate but the service and food were, without question, 5 stars!! This is a Rockit Ranch Production so I knew it was going to be somewhat loud but the noise level was surprisingly bearable. The energy level was sky high with everyone in the place eating, smiling, drinking, laughing and the controlled chaos in the small, open kitchen with chef Kevin Hickey in total command. My friends and I had to wait a little longer than our reservation time because so many tables were enjoying themselves but the hostess did such a great job keeping tabs on us. When we had to wait over 30 minutes past our rsvp, she apologized and offered us a round of drinks on the house. Cocktails are on the expensive side but strong and expertly made. Too bad I can't remember what cocktails I ordered... Food we ordered: -Salumi (all 3): The Nduja was my favorite of the three. The accompanying mustard was good the and housemade giardiniera was lightly pickled with crisp veggies. Perfect starter to whet the appetite. -In a Jar (ordered 3): 1. Tuna crudo (the least favorite dish of the night) could have used something extra. It was a little bland 2.Chicken liver & foie mousse was very airy and smooth and came with a layer of jelly on top that provided a good counterpoint to the rich foie. 3. Smoked salmon was great with the flavors mimicking an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. Capers would have made it perfect for me. -Snacks: Popcorn sweetbreads were awesome! Light batter, expertly fried. I always tell people who are scared of sweetbreads that they taste like delicious chicken mcnuggets. If someone says they will never eat sweetbreads, order these and it will change their stance. Also ordered the Scotch quail eggs. It was ok. Not bad by any means but the other dishes were stronger. -Shareable: Poutine was good but flavors were a little muddled. After recently having multiple versions of poutine in Montreal, my standards are pretty high. The fries were great but I thought the gravy was slightly too thick. Get the smoked lamb ribs! So. good. That's all I have to say about that. -Knife and Fork: Rotisserie chicken was juicy and the skin was crispy and perfectly salty. The brussels sprouts could have roasted a little longer but that a minor quibble. Ham Butt steak is a must order. Forget whatever you think about ham and get it. -Roots & Vegetables: Parsnips were incredible. Make sure you get to the bottom of the dish to get at the caramelized honey. The tots and cheese sauce were great too but don't order expecting Or-Ida tots. They were more like giant home fries. Whatever Rockit Ranch gave Kevin Hickey to come onboard, it was well worth it! Just go and have fun!
(5)Mikey J.
We stumbled upon a Bottlefork tonight on a trip from Phoenix, and were so excited to get out of the cold. We didn't anticipate that it would be so awesome! The food, served up by Chef Eric Lopez was phenomenal- the bag of crisps was fun and super unique, and the honey Ricotta special was just the right blend of savory and sweet. The burger absolutely deserves the reputation of one of the best in the state. The service was over the top as well! Eddie Cruz took great care of us! He was extremely attentive and offered thoughtful and honest feedback on the menu items. We will most definitely back! Ps- Eddie should have a business card.
(5)Shaina K.
While Bottlefork is a small space, the tables do not feel too over crowded. I think that the decor is absolutely beautiful. I have to say that out of everything I've tried, the burger is my favorite. I love that it has ground up bacon in it. It was perfectly cooked, and while it is a bit spendy, I think it's worth it. The only thing that I'm not a huge fan of is their drink called "Smoke of the Day." It's a little bit too much for me. I am impressed with the process, and the dedication to make a drink with their weekend meat drippings, infused in to the alcohol. It's different every time, so maybe I will like it the next time I try it. The prices are a little high, but the quality is fantastic. This place is great!
(4)Catherine C.
This was an amazing place all around. The atmosphere, food, and staff. A friend and I went for dessert and had the pretzel, caramel, fudge, and stout sundae. It was so good we came back the next day for dinner and the same dessert. The food was equally as good as dessert. Any time I go into the city I will go here.
(5)Galina M.
Service is meeeeeh. The place is cute - very different from Dragon Ranch. The place is buzzy and packed, even on weekdays. We sat at the bar but didn't order drinks because it was late and we had an early morning. The bartender was really disinterested in us once he found out we weren't ordering drinks and barely took our order. Then another bartender took over and he was much better, but still. I wasn't super impressed. We got the chips, they were OK...very greasy. We also got a couple of other appetizers - weren't impressed altogether but the environment is very cool! I'd only go back for drinks if anything.
(3)S C.
I had a reservation for Tuesday night at 6PM. When I arrived the place was pretty full and I got a crappy table across from the hostess stand. It was tight quarters! I had to squeeze into the seat and I was too close to the next table, I did like the vibe and the music was fun. The food was excellent. We shared the Mediterranean salad, Scotch quail eggs, Lamb ribs and Poutine. All delicious and the right amount of food, I asked our waitress to space out our food. She did not. They actually gave two of our dishes to the table next to us, and when they said it was not theirs, we claimed it. Our waitress did not come by to apologize, which surprised me. At the end of the meal, she brought us the dessert menu, and asked us twice what we wanted . It was obviously time for us to go.. I really liked the food, and want to come back and try more things. I really hope to get a better table.
(3)Tamara F.
I absolutely loved this place! It was amazing. From the (eccentric) warm egg yolk potato chips (shaken, not stirred) as a pre-appetizer to the very good scotch craft cocktails (our server was fantastic with her recommendations, I forgot her name, but she was a doppleganger for Mindy Kaling). The decor reminds me of a David Lynch ski lodge, minus Willem DaFoe. It was cozy and crowded, but in a friendly and fun way. I had a fantastic evening here and will look forward to doing so again!
(5)Lissy T.
I came here late with my boyfriend, about 30 minutes before closing. It was a Friday night and we got hungry after walking around in the area. The hostess and waitress were super nice and friendly. We ordered the Bag of Crisps, Egg (yum!!)-- the waitress brings out the vinegar chips in a brown bag, drops the poached egg in there, and shakes it up. Wait, what? Weird. But SO GOOD. We were able to get a free order with a check-in, and that was probably the only way I was going to try it anyways because I am not really the adventurous type & it didn't seem appealing to me on the menu (umm sorry for the run-on sentence? lol). But it's good and I would definitely order it again. Together we got the Grilled Wagyu Skirt Steak and the Wild Mushroom Gnocci. There is NOT a lot of steak, so be forewarned. I guess I imagined it as...a big steak. LOL. If you're hungry, you're going to want to order some more in addition to it. It's really good though. The mushroom gnocci was pretty good, although I'm not sure I would order it again the next time around. The drinks, however, are awesome. Lots of specialty cocktails here and I would love to try more. For dessert, we got the Hot & Gooey dessert of the day, which was a chocolate brownie brulee, served in a hot pan, and with icecream in a glass. WOW. It was so so good. MMmmm...
(4)Johnny T.
Stick a greasy fork in it. Soo disappointed. Friends gave rave reviews. Scrambles eqqs with super thick fatty bacon were greasy. Day after thanksgiving turkey sandwich was great but the bread was too greasy. I wish I would have picked the sandwich apart and left all the bread. The donut holes and sauces: carmel glaze and orange infused frosting. Yummy. Took it home. Maybe they were better on a different day or we should have ordered something else. : (
(2)Andy W.
Nice atmosphere. My friends and I were looking for a place to go in the area for a couple drinks and to chill. I t was really nice to be able to walk in around 11:30 and not only get a table we could all sit around, but also get drinks and food. We opted for a dessert treat and the sundaes were to die for. Weird ideas but they really worked. It was delicious. The music wasn't too loud and the food smelled so good. I can't wait to go back and try more of the food. The only reason it didn't get five stars, was that the service was a bit slow. We all had wine and it still took about 15 minutes for us to get our drinks. That, however, is the only complaint I had.
(4)Kim B.
This was a great, great meal. Where to start? The special pumpkin Wild Turkey cocktail was so good. And I don't care for WT. The Yelp Chips/Egg were so good even if not free. We has the burger, tots, French toast and bacon. All of it was outstanding! Amazing burger and the French toast could have been dessert (didn't like the bourbon syrup though). Eddie provided great service and took care of the one problem we had. Will be back!
(5)Laurence K.
In the Rockit Ranch group, I have only been to Sunda ,which I thought was good. So I didn't know what to expect with Bottlefork . The decor is a little Urban Earthy / Speakeasy pretty cool . Our Bartender/ Server Nicole was great she was very friendly and knowledgeable. Food wise I was glad to see Kevin Hickey as a partner , meaning the food should be quite good. And I was correct, we started off with pretty much everything on the Cured, Smoked and Raw part of the menu. Fermin Black Hoof Ham Defiantly my favorite and the Bent River Camembert cheese wise was excellent. The tuna crudo with avocado and shrimp cracking were awesome along with the steak tartare and the chicken liver Foie. Tasty! The wood Frilled Hanger was very good especially with the smoked onion and parsley via eager sauce. And the Bag of Crisp+ Eggs really addictive ! Drink wise Big Salty Tears and definitely the Bill Brasky were the stand outs. The Wine list has a great selection and had a lot of thought put into it. Beer list the same really great selection my favorite was the Root Cellar Rye Amber which is a collaboration with Begyle brewery and Bottlefork Dessert , The Brandy Alexander and the cheesecake which is served warm almost gooey with an amazing Huckleberry sauce on top really really good! Bottlefork is really good and you should definitely try it out you won't be disappointed I will be back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)Stephanie H.
I ate here last Friday and really enjoyed my experience. We had a reservation for two, and just had to wait a few minutes for our table. Our server was Gus and he was really great and funny. He really helped make the dining experience fun and entertaining. We ended up getting seated at the chef's table, which was a really awesome experience too. Executive chef Kevin Hickey was there, so it was cool interacting with him. To start, we ordered the chicken liver & fois gras mousse. It was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again for $18. I happened to be on the Yelp app to help me decide what to order, and you actually get a "bag" of crisps + eggs if you check in! Definitely recommend. We also got the "popcorn" sweetbreads for an appetizer since it was so hyped up about -- also tasty. For our entrees, we shared the clam and Portuguese sausage flatbread. It's definitely got a fishy taste to it, but it as good. We also ordered the fresh cavatelli pasta, which was so so good. The broth at the bottom was very rich. At the end of our meal, one of the chefs also gave us a new octopus entree with brussel sprout kimchi and homemade spam they're adding to the menu. At this point I was extremely full, but it was really delicious. For dessert, we ordered the pretzel caramel + chocolate fudge + buffalo sweat stout sundae. I'm not a huge fan of beer, so the foamy/gelatin stout on top wasn't my favorite, but the sundae was great. Overall, I would definitely give this place a go. It can get a little pricey, but I'd definitely go hungry!
(4)Geoffery H.
I always like this place! Great service and food. I had the chicken dinner it was absolutely wonderful, very juicy! I ate the gooey pumpkin cheesecake plate. It was very delicious but I recommend you share because I couldn't finish it.
(5)Zachary W.
Great food even better service. I got the signature drink the Bill Brasky a mix of bourbons and mixers it tasted like cough syrup and perfume. That being said avoid that drink and it is and awesome place to eat.
(4)Eric L.
Yum!! This place is great - great food, great decor, eclectic menu - really enjoyed the dining experience here. I do think the prices are a bit on the "high end" but not outrageous and at least the quality and portion size are both good. So not saying it's not worth it, but just something to consider. Their signature appetizer (Chips with Egg) was presented well and we both enjoyed it. Not sure if it's finger food or fork food but it was delicious either way :) Everything was very flavorful and there's plenty of it. A great place to share entrees as well as the apps. Was there for lunch and will definitely want to go back and try dinner. Looked like a nice outdoor seating area as well but it was a little too chilly for that when we were there.
(4)Mihir P.
The restaurant smelled amazing as we walked in. Once we were sat, we ordered the delicious crisps & eggs and deviled eggs. I recommend the first but the latter wasn't anything special. Our waitress was knowledgeable and sweet. Our drinks very refreshing. I was expecting a lot more from the food.... The skirt steak was delicious but it was $29 for 6 measly slices. The chicken was super bland. We had one of the sundaes and it was tasty. I still think Dragon Ranch was far better than Bottlefork.
(3)Cara Y.
Huge fan of Bottlefork! A+ on ambiance, service, food, presentation, and taste. The menu was different and exciting, and although we had to ask our waiter to explain what each dish "Actually" was, it wasn't as bad as some of these other trendy and foodie restaurants. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars was because it took a WHILE to get our drinks, like, a long time. Also, a friend ordered shots, which ended up to come to $22 a shot- which is absolutely ridiculous. It would have been nice if the waiter mentioned this upon ordering, but maybe that was his fault. Only dish that didn't taste great? Kale salad. It was VERY smokey, but if you're into that, go for it. The gnocchi, chips, sundae, to name a few, were all superb. Will definitely be going back, but I've learned my lesson-- no shots, just more food.
(4)Cara M.
Bottlefork is a must! My roommate and I tried to sit at the bar at a few other places in the area and ended up here, we got lucky finding two spots at the bar. One of the managers, Nick was such a sweetheart, helped us find the spot at the bar and checked in on us every once in a while to ask how our cocktails are and how the food was. The bartenders were all very attentive to our needs and left us alone when it was necessary. Eddie and Nick (servers) were super sweet and helped us navigate the menu, major props to Eddie who told us all about the popular items on the menu and in the end helped us figure out what we wanted to eat. For cocktails -I had the Little Miss Dynamite (love) and my roommate had No Tea, No Shade, I also tried Big Salty Tears. Food wise Eddie had us at "bacon burger" when he told us about the Wood Grilled Bacon Burger, we had it with fries and their homemade ketchup. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. They also have industry night Wednesdays for all you industry people! This place is a must, definitely ask for Eddie or Nick if you're sitting down for dinner! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Mike D.
Potato chips for breakfast?!?!?! Trip to Chicago to visit family had been an opportunity to experience new flavors that have incredible!!! Our breakfast started off with chips and eggs! So they take potato chips, add malt vinegar powder then toss a perfectly poached egg in a bag. After some shaking U have yourself a wonderful appetizer!!! The flavors worked very nicely together and was very enjoyable. For our main dishes we all shared the Greek omelet, corned beef brisket hash and the cast iron baked French toast. All three were a home run!!! The Greek omelet had a very nice presentation and was cooked to perfection. Their tsatziki sauce on top was fantastic and was the icing on the omelet. The cast iron baked French toast was winner as well. A nice combination of soft and crunchy. The blueberry topping was delicious! The corn beef brisket hash was fantastic and the best corn beef hash I ever had! The combination of the hallandasie sauce, poached egg and Russian dressing was absolutely fantastic!! Enjoyed the meal very much. Good service and an easy location to walk to from the loop. Give it a shot for breakfast. I'm sure lunch and dinner are great as well
(5)Karen D.
Bottlefork is located right on Hubbard next to Bub City (and what a contrast it is to Bub City). The cocktails and the wine selection here are amazing. My friend and I came here just to catch up. We asked for a wine bottle recommendation, and the manager came out and told us the story of how he chose the wines to be on the menu. He was extremely knowledgeable of where and how the wines were created...I almost felt as if I was at some sort of wine tasting class. We also ordered the Charcuterie Platter, which was AMAZING! The bread was served warm and soft on the inside/crunchy on the outside. The sausage was like a spread and the cheese selections were perfect (goats milk being one of them). They served their homemade beer mustard and dried fruit mix. I highly recommend ordering the platter - we loved it and ended up sitting, drinking, and nibbling on that for almost 2 hours.
(4)Richard D.
Cool little nook that my girlfriend and I just happened upon one night on our trip to Chicago. I don't often comment on décor, but this place was really well done on the inside - dimly lit, a lot of exposed brick, even behind the bar itself. We sat up at the bar and the staff was friendly and conversational. The drinks were extremely creative, maybe almost too much so, since they looked slightly better than they tasted. For some reason, it was also really hot inside, which didn't make us want to stay very long (we only planned on one drink, anyway). I'd be interested in trying their food - the guy next to us had a burger that looked great.
(4)Steve m.
Wow, just an amazing, unique experience with fantastic food. Get the popcorn in the bag thing they do--that is worth it, you may even want to make it a meal!
(5)Elizabeth C.
We went here to celebrate my boyfriend. The food was delicious. The surroundings were intimate and energetic. I would highly recommend!
(5)Emily M.
Five stars for service Four stars for atmosphere and cocktails Three for cuisine Our server was very friendly and informative about ingredients, etc. She helped make the whole experience here really pleasant, even if we weren't blown away by the food. The bartender too was talented, and there are plenty of interesting cocktails and well curated beers and wines to enjoy while taking in the lively scene. The food menu is playfully written and well thought out but the executions aren't super impressive. I didn't love the burger. The grilled bun was great and the bacon added a nice smokiness but that's all I could taste. No real beef flavor. Nor much blue cheese flavor. Go for blue cheese or special sauce, not both. Fries were fine, but house made ketchup was just meh. As was the flavorless pickle. Points for the in-house effort but sometimes store-bought is just better. Chips and egg in a bag was fun. I liked the novelty of seeing it made table-side by a gentleman in a great suit, but the mess that came out wasn't super appetizing. Piggy jerky was cute, served in a little piggy dish, and it was tasty--a nice snack to have with drinks. My husband liked the pork belly. He said I might not like it because it was fatty, but the carefully selected non-fatty bite he gave me was good. Nice cilantro. He also loved the honeyed parsnips he got on the side (although they were a little sweet for me). Sweet/salty pretzel caramel sundae was pretty good although the weird gelatinous beer foam whipped cream at the top was a bit of a turn-off. The cappuccino at the next table looked inviting. As did the organic salmon getting delivered to someone else. Maybe I should have gotten that.
(4)Liz S.
Finally got in to Bottlefork this weekend. I rarely give three star reviews, especially when service is good and none of the dishes are bad, but I really felt like the pricing here is way off. Meats and cheeses were nearly $10 per selection ($12 for prosciutto). That is way too much in my opinion, especially when restaurants a few blocks away are charging $6-$7 per selection (and for the same thing). The salads were also overpriced in the $13-$15 range for non-entree portions. There just seemed to be no rhyme or reason to this pricing. We all know that we should be spending money when eating in River North, but this is just excessive. In terms of the food, we had the crisp and egg (fun to try once), the liver mousse (delicious but needs to be served with appropriate amounts of bread), the winter beet salad (very good), the beef cheek poutine (good but super heavy), and the ham butt steak (yummy--this is more like a pork belly).
(3)Kate Z.
Bottlefork, you are awesome. I've gone for a few work lunches and love everything I've tried. It swings towards the heavier, greasier side of things but that isn't necessarily a problem. They also cooked up some amazing brussel sprouts (this coming from someone who normally hates them). Service and decor are great too. It seems like they have some nice drink specials but haven't been able to swing by for happy hour or dinner yet.
(4)Karl Y.
Everything about this place is perfect. Just the right portions, the presentation and the quality of the food and taste. Perfectly executed. Had the bacon burger which tasted steamed and seared which is a great way to have one if you've never had it. Very juicy. The rich mans poboy was awesome as well as the potato chips with the poached egg. I could seriously eat those all day. I will definitley be back and I hope you all try it at least once!
(5)Tracy F.
Excellent service, great food. I loved our waitress. She was friendly and had great recommendations. The food was great, though there were a couple things I would change: Appetizers: Brussels sprouts and beef jerky. The jerky was one of my favorite dishes! So unique! However, the paper at the bottom of the serving dishes was horribly oily once we finished both plates. It's not appetizing to see how much oil you're eating. Entrees: Rich Man Po' Boy. This sandwich was great! However, neither my husband nor I could taste the fois gras. That's part of what makes this dish so unique, and I'm sure adds to the cost, so it should definitely be more pronounced. Couldn't taste it at all. Roast Suckling Pig Pizza: Very good, but again, couldn't taste the pig. It could have just as easily been chicken in the pizza. Allowing the pig flavor to come through would help distinguish the dish. Dessert: Salted caramel pretzel sundae. Amazing!! I'd definitely visit this restaurant again.
(4)Michael M.
Three.Five. Went there for brunch w gf and friend from law school. It's a very trendy atmosphere. The food was good. We got the free bag of crisps (thank you yelp). Note, the delicious looking fries are the poutine. We started w blood Mary's. They were very good; served w a quail egg. I had the burger - really f'n good. Jane had sopa - delicious with excellent guacamole. LC had French toast served in iron pot. It looked better in the pot before the server insisted on flipping it over and spilling French toast juice all over the table. Overall a good if expensive brunch.
(3)Jose V.
This would be a superb gastropub, it has amazing decor, and hip vibe to it. However, I've been here a couple of times for brunch and the service has been slow and disorganized, you have to be on top of your server in order to get your drinks and basics, such as silverware etc. As far as the food, everything I tried has been great and unique. Its on the pricier side and portions sizes just enough, borderline small. So far my favorite has been the sope. I'll probably still come back, but if you are looking for value, there are better choices in the area.
(3)Romana Y.
Grilled Wagyu skirt steak: The steak was slightly tough, while the onion/parsley/vinegar sauce wasn't the best paired with the meat. I was disappointed the most with this plate. Wagyu meat should never be a disappointment. Mushroom Gnocchi: The gnocchi, brussels "kraut" sauce were perfectly paired together. The sauce was very flavorful, so much that we requested bread to pair with it (unfortunately, they"have no bread."). What restaurant doesn't have bread to offer?! Tots: Pimento cheese perfectly drizzled over hot, flavorful tots. Yum. Intelligentsia coffee... YES! We sat outdoors, where communal tables allow for space. The crowd is semi-casual, fun, and relatively young.
(3)P K.
A must go to for brunch. Amazing cocktails, fast service, and the BEST chicken sandwich I've ever had.
(5)Janet X.
I've been here once for brunch and once for dinner, and I will say that this place is good but way overpriced. There is nothing especially memorable but every time I walk away with a bill that's priced as if this was a celebratory meal. Definitely remember to check in and get the bag of crisps, which were good but nothing that I would have paid $5 for. The brussel sprouts and the French Toast also fall under the category of really delicious but should have been $2-3 less than their actual price. Avoid: the mussels (tiny, tiny). Service was hit or miss (okay during our brunch, really difficult during our busy dinner reservation). Their table configuration also makes it really hard to get in and out. Might not recommend for a cozy date as everybody near you could probably listen in on your conversation.
(3)skip l.
Great reputation, great menu, wonderful reviews -- what more could you ask? We chose Bottlefork for a celebratory brunch when our son received his graduate degree. Sadly, we were disappointed both with the uneven quality of the food and other aspects of the visit. In fairness, we'd give Bottlefork three stars for the food, and four for personality, of the staff, from our reservation call to person who called back to confirm the reservation, to the server, to the person who responded when our server disappeared. But our visit was not a four star experience much less five stars.. The meal: Some of us began with a coffee bourbon based cocktail; a wondeful combination of ingredients that suggested a fine meal ahead. For appetizers we ordered their lemon poppy seed donut holes in a bag, beef cheek poutine, and iron baked french toast. Each was beautifully presented: the holes in a "bag", poutine in a bowl (with nice wooden serving implements), and the French toast in a frying pan. The donut holes were deep fried cake donuts with a sugar glaze: good lemon/spice flavor, but fall-apart dry and not special (day old?) The poutine was tasty and very good; just not especially so. The French toast was wonderful, with sides and bottom of caramelized brown sugar. (This had been suggested by the waitress as an entre; good suggestion; she should have mentioned the bourbon maple syrup that we hadn't notice on the menu). Unfortunately, those two items and the coffee cocktail were the only highlights of the visit. As for entrees we had the bacon burgers, the Greek omlet, and three of the "Rich Man's Po Boy: a lobster roll with fried breaded oysters, lobster, and "foie" (but no discernable "gras.") The burger was good, again nicely presented, but not exemplary in flavor; the Greek omelette was well filled and sauced with tsotziki sauce, but with the eggs in a thicker layer than usual in a chef-run restaurant, and ok but not memorable. The PoBOy lobster roll had good fried oysters on top and a generous portion of lobsters but -- not identified as hotly spiced. While "Po Boys" are sometimes spicy, just as often they are not. This should have been noted by the waitress. Other disappointments? Our first: The person who answered the telephone and the person who confirmed our reservation assured me the restaurant was handicapped accessible -- and that they had some seating that was not of the "perch" variety. I had explained that we had a 93 year old woman in the party. I was assured there was no problem. But when we arrived, there were two steps up at the entrance. We managed this, though not happily. Leaving was more difficult. Then at the banquette reserved for us we found it was indeed perched seating -- lower that other high seats in the restaruant, but still seats on which ones feet were off the floor. Our second: our waitress was very warm and helpful but inexperienced; our entrees were served before we had finished our appetizers. This was poor timing. Worse, because of an uneven table, one of our three Po Boy lobster rolls was inverted with the ingredients spilled out on the tabletop. While immediately cleaned up and re-ordered, that meant that one of our party received his entre as the others were finishing theirs. I expected at least an apology from the manager or a complimentary item -- or the item removed from the bill. But we received only a "sorry" from the waitress during the cleanup. That's not four stars. Our third: we waited several minutes after finishing the meal with no sign of the waitress -- more than enough time for a bathroom stop for one member of the party. That's when I flagged down another server. In a long restaurant with our table visible from the bar and the kitchen someone shold have noticed. Our fouth: When the check arrived, tucked on top were a promotional piece and under that a rating card. The rating has been completed in advance, rating the experience excellent in all categories and nothing else completed. While this may have been a simple mistake, we were among the first customers of the day so the card should have been looked at the night before, if not just before presenting it. All this said, the meal was good -- just and not up to the reviews, or to the standards their location and pricing suggests. For poutine, visit Mash in Lincoln Square. Theirs is as good with several meat options and at a better price; for donut holes in a bag, those at the Peckish Pig on Howard. While their donut holes are not lemon seed, they are extraordinary: light and served hot - worth a visit for themselves.
(2)Ryan B.
From the moment my gf and I walked in we felt at home in Bottlefork. Our server Billy was incredible and ensured that we had an amazing time. The brisket hash was smokey, salty, savory and just a bit sweet. It blew me away. I cannot sell the red velvet doughnuts enough. They are not overly sweet, they are more buttery and savory with a slight sugar backbone. If you want sweet add the cream cheese... I didn't. The Bloody Mary...awesome. I enjoyed it quite a bit and hope to have many more before I depart this earth. The tiny pickled egg only enhanced the eggsperience... Sorry, I had too. Finally, the smoke of the day was outstanding ( thanks Billy) get that when you stop by!
(5)C A.
Great food and great desserts. We've been 3 times and haven't found anything yet we didn't like yet. The Rich Man's Po' Boy is probably our favorite so far. Sitting at the Chef's counter is great if you like the interaction with the kitchen. Prices can be a little high, but comparable to other locations in that area of the city.
(4)Leila T.
Not good at all!!!!! And the portions were so tiny! My boyfriend got the potato gnocchi and it was literally the smallest bowl with 10 gnocchi and some mushrooms and some mushroom sauce. Such a small portion! I got the flatbread which was okay but not worth $16. Another person we were with got the special which was squid ink pasta with lump crab meat but there was barely anyyyy crab at all. Just was not worth the $ due to small portions/not great taste.
(1)Han C.
Fantastic food, friendly service and classy decor. Bottlefork came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed!
(5)Sydney T.
I absolutely loved this place. I went here to catch up with a good girlfriend of mine from out of town. The place is tiny so unfortunately the bar was full when I arrived early but it wasn't that big of an issue. We were seated right when my reservation time arrived. Very prompt and no issues. It took us a while to decide on the drink (we went with half a carafe of white wine) which was perfect for the two of us. I'm not a fan of white wine in general but it wasn't bad. I order the porkbelly and she had to gnocchi. The pork was fantastic! Melted in my mouth. Can't speak to the gnocchi but she seemed to enjoy it as well. I would definitely go back!
(4)L S.
Delicious! Everything we ate was outstanding- we sat at the chefs bar/table so it was really fun to watch the kitchen buzz with all of those creative minds working in sync. Obviously it was packed- there was an insane wait (luckily we had reservations!) but sitting there in front of the chefs zone- we only really noticed that. Great seats if you can get them. We ordered the popcorn sweetbreads, bag of crisps and eggs (yum), tots, Rich Mans po' boy, grilled octopus and house made spam, and finally the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were really interesting and paired well with the cocktails. The cocktails btw were ridiculous- we started out with fine feathers, fine birds and twice armed (my favorite) which was great to pair with-- well, everything. But the drink that finished us was an actual "smoke" drink -brandy and cigars- that had this cutting board perfectly fit for this large glass which revealed a smoke cloud- infused liquor- very clever and entertaining presentation. But what we couldn't get over were the interiors. It was so warm and pretty. Really gorgeous. It all just worked and made for a really pleasant evening. Overall we had a great time. It was certainly a positive experience and if you are visiting from out of town (or local for that matter) I'd certainly recommend checking this place out.
(5)Chirag P.
Not sure where to start, but let's just say I'm a fan. Great food and great drinks. Always fun to do shared plates, since I can pig out without being judged. Check it out, they can make a lot of the non-veg options veggie, so that worked well with our group. Very friendly staff, small spot, so reservations are recommended.
(5)Matt H.
4 stars for the food, which was much better than we expected on each of the 4 entrees our party ordered 4 stars for featuring local microbreweries: not a huge list with 8 on draft + 9 in bottles, but good enough 2 stars for the prices: $20 for an entree is expensive for a gastropub, though I suppose there are River North and Billy Dec trendiness premiums driving that up. Along those lines, I'd recommend skipping the $22 old fashioned. If you're paying basically double the normal price, I'd expect it to be exceptional. It tasted just average with what felt like a $4 per giant ice cube (seriously enormous) surcharge.
(3)Christopher B.
One of my favorite dinner spots in Chicago. Love the environment; it's a great place for friends or coworkers. Follow them on Instagram - you'll instantly want to make a reservation.
(4)Kristin H.
We had a reservation at 9:15, didn't get seated until 9:50pm, they kept saying we would get the next table. After waiting for 35 minutes they actually seated us at the bar, not even a table. After that, I would have expected at least an appetizer or a couple of drinks on the house. The best thing we had were the brussel sprouts, they were delicious because they put them through the deep fat frier. I ordered the Wagyu steak ($29 not cheap) which was only 4 small pieces of thinly sliced steak that came out cold more like steak carpaccio with a few small pieces on onion. The dish was less food than one would expect from a $10 appetizer. The potato gnocci was ok, nothing special. With all of the other restaurants in Chicago to explore, I wouldn't put this one the list to return to.
(2)Patrick F.
We kind of stumbled into Bottlefork but very glad we did. An eclectic menu of small,shareable plates and "big" plates. For starters we had to go with the malt vinegar potato crisps with poached egg. I'm not a real potato chip fan but this was amazing. Other favorites were the grilled octopus and spam with kimchee, potine, and Mediterranean salad. Excellent food and attentive, friendly and helpful service. Gotta go back.
(5)Shradha A.
Very okay selection of beers, server could not care less, hostess was not friendly and offered us the table in the back when the restaurant was empty. Gnocchi was decent but overall an average Rockit experience.
(3)Ryan B.
Awesome creativity and a very advanced, yet simple, menu. Couple of the items were a little oily, but I wouldn't stop going here for that. Great decor and overall a very inviting place with good food.
(3)Christine W.
Came for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding, almost a bit overboard. The free chips are a nice touch and interesting. The Bloody Mary's were just okay. Certainly not the best I have ever had, and I know my Bloody Mary's. The burger was very good. A bit on the small side for the price ($16 with no sides). The poutine was just okay. Not anything I would order again. All in all, I just didn't think it was worth the price we paid.
(3)Stacy K.
Great service and excellent food! Make sure to check in on Yelp so that you can get a free order of their crisps and eggs! This was a lightly poached egg that was vigorously and impressively shaken (...helloooo muscles!) by our awesomely cool server, Nick, in a brown paper bag that was filled with their house-made salt and vinegar chips. The end result was these crispy flakes of salty potato goodness that was lightly covered in this eggy buttery sauce. For my drink, I ordered the smoke of the day, which was unique and wonderful! Their special for the smoke of the day changes every day, but Nick explained the process of how they infuse the alcohol with their drippings and then drain this carefully so that the end result is a cocktail that is delicious, light, but still retains that smokey flavor. My table also ordered the bacon kobe burger (voted one of the best in Chicago), the lobster roll (also voted one of the best in the country), the popcorn sweetbreads, and the roasted brussel sprouts. The sweetbreads were a bit too heavy and rich for me (especially once I found out what sweetbreads actually are...), but I would highly recommend getting the burger and sprouts!
(4)Irem M.
This place is open late night and a good place to meet for drinks. Food options are on the heavier side, but very tasty nonetheless. We tried the deviled eggs, grilled octopus and seared scallops. Their drinks are better than the food so consider going there before or after dinner downtown.
(4)Monica B.
Very disappointed with Bottlefork. I made reservations through open table to celebrate my boyfriend's last day of law school. Upon arrival the hosts were cold and not friendly. We had to stand and wait for 15 minutes and the hosts did not offer to check our coats or apologize for the fact that they were seating us over 15 miniutes late. When I approached the counter for the 3rd time to check on our reservation all she said was "yep". In regard to the food we ordered the gnocchi and the cavatelli pasta. The gnocchi was good, small portion but that was expected as it was one of the shared plates. The cavatelli was not good at all, it had an off/bitter taste and was actually the same size as the gnocchi but was not under the shared plates. We also got the "eggs and chips" starter for free with the yelp check in which I really liked and found creative, that was probably my favorite dish of the night actually. They shake a poached egg in a brown bag of chips at your table, very unique. In regard to the beverages. We ordered 2 cocktails but I can not remember the names, they were good (a little sweet though). I do have note that it took forever to get our drinks and the starter. Now to get back to the service. Our waitress was very nice but she probably came to our table a total of 3 times. It was like pulling teeth to ask a question or get service. Lastly, I was extremely disappointed because I requested a special surprise through the open table reservation in the comments section for my boyfriends graduation, they did nothing... I have requested surprises at other nice restaurants in river north through open table and they always come through. This time absolutely nothing. Even if they could not do something they could have still told me so I could have thought of a plan b. Overall, we had really high expectations and were very disappointed. I wish I could have better things to say but feel completely ripped off for such an expensive meal.
(2)Carolyn L.
So this bacon burger is now a solid part of my dreams every night. There's blue cheese, shredded fried onions, and a special sauce that make it OUT OF THIS WORLD. The bun is also nice and golden and toasty. I could literally eat it every day. The bacon is ground up into the beef so it's got a great salty flavor. My friend ordered the pumpkin stew (extra spicy) and it was beautifully delicious (beautiful as in it was really a colorful work of art). I can't say enough good things about Bottlefork. Make a reservation though. It's small and gets really busy!
(5)Michael P.
This place is nifty. Yes to all the positive review - and eyes rolling to all the nit picky reviews. Here is the deal: The Bartenders are sexy Hot. And not in the trendy metrosexual kinda hot- like the cosmopolitan they don't look like every other hipster bartender in CHI Town kinda way/hot. I could give you details but then that would be trashy. Yea, so def hit up this place for a swank drink, a yummy snack, and super eye-candy. This is how I like my Happy Hour to look. mmmhmmm
(4)Scott A.
Was so pleasantly surprised by Bottlefork, I was moved to put my Yelp differences aside, dust off the keyboard, and write this review. A random Wednesday night walk-in turned out to be a really great experience! And how cool, is that? Isn't it sometimes often the unplanned that turns out to be the best!? Bottlefork has a casual but at the same time upscale feel. The scene was definitely happening on this night with a great people mix. A number of folks were dressed to impress but you'd have no problem fitting in if attired more on the casual side. I ate at the bar where the service was top notch. I drank Champagne on this occasion so I can't comment on the mixed drinks other than they looked great! While this is definitely a good start to a fantastic experience, the food was what really shined. Not only did it taste amazing but wasn't overly pricey either. Further details are below if so inclined otherwise stop reading now and simply put Bottlefork on your must try list! TIP1: Join their newsletter and save $10. TIP2: A great Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday option. Even Monday night I hear gets a good crowd. I would expect any night of the week to be fine but being on the smaller side, I could see Bottlefork being a bit overcrowded on the weekend. TIP3: Order the Rotisserie Chicken. Hard to imagine anyone not loving this dish!! Only the chicken for two at the Lobby in the Peninsula Hotel remotely gives it a run for the money IMO. TIP4: Good for late night dining! The kitchen -at the time of this review- stays open till 11 PM M-Th and I hear they may keep it open on these days even later in the future. It's already open to 1 AM Fri/Sat. Yes, Bottlefork is open Sunday as well; kitchen open to 10PM. Tasting Notes: ** Scotch Quail Eggs - Traditional style perfectly executed nothing more nothing less. Expect that and you won't be disappointed. The dish would visually stand out more if they added a little decorative garnish but I won't hold it against them; just food for thought as they say. The quail eggs are a nice touch over hen eggs and keeps this dish from being overly heavy though this is not to say its on the lighter side. ** Grilled Octopus & Housemade Spam - simply loved this! The octopus was tender and highly favorable; not chewy or rubbery as some of the grilled octopus I've had elsewhere. Plus if you have preconceived notions about spam but them aside. This spam here had a wonderful juicy ham favor that blended in perfect harmony. At the end of this dish I was left wanting more. ** Rotisserie Chicken - Hard to imagine a chicken having better flavor or being more juicy - not even the slightest hint of being overcooked; textbook perfect. I simply loved everything about this dish. I even slowed my eating so I could experience the taste longer which is something I almost never do. In the end, I can't wait to try this one again. Perhaps the secret is in the black truffle chicken au jus which as I understand they lift the skin and use to baste underneath. ** Creamed Kale - With wild board bacon and duck egg, what's not to love? I certainly did. Who would have thought something as healthy as Kale could taste sooooo good?! Actually I'm a fan of Kale and I'm not so sure the presentation used here would merit a healthy dish badge. But hey, Kale is a super food so who knows! ...besides the flavor was AMAZING. Some may find a bit overly creamy so take this into consideration before ordering. ** Pretzel Caramel + Chocolate Fudge + Buffalo Sweat Stout- Essentially an ice cream sundae topped with some sort of ale based cream. I'm not a big beer drinker so this was the one dish I had mixed feelings about. There was something definitely addictive to it but at the same time something I didn't quite like. That said, I heard another patron absolutely raving about it so perhaps its just me. As I mentioned, I found the food at Bottlefork to be fantastic. I'll be back soon.
(5)Samantha P.
Great experience at Bottlefork. We went for dinner and left very impressed. The place is small but has a great ambiance. The service we received overall was the best we have had in years. Our server Nick was knowledgable and so friendly. The food was amazing. Would recommend and will return!
(5)Jonathan C.
I was told for a while that I need to try Bottlefork, and I finally got a chance to drop by. The menu is simple to follow but the options are wonderfully complex- made me wish I could order more than I was able to. The bag of crisps & egg is a must have- simply delicious. The drink menu is also very impressive. Ordered a smoked cocktail and a few locally brewed beers- all very tasty. The food was served in a timely manner (not rushed) and was presented nicely. The entrees were rich and blasting with complex flavors. Overall, a great spot in a fun area, service was excellent and food/drinks were great.
(5)M J.
The empower has no clothes. Here's a list of perfectly average food: Mediterranean salad Bag of crisps and egg Popcorn sweetbreads Pig Flatbread Rotisserie chicken Bacon burger "Trendy" does not equal "Good".
(3)Tony R.
Cool atmosphere, great craft drinks, bloody mary is awesome and the kitchen is open so you can smell everything which is a treat. Definitely coming back for dinner
(5)Vicki L.
Best Brussel sprouts ever! Fabulous service. Everything our table of four ordered was fabulous. Fun desserts too.
(5)Glenda B.
The bottle AND the fork took the cake! Sorry, that's a bad one - buy this place isn't. Visiting downtown Chicago for a week, it can be hard to find a non-super-touristy or over hyped & priced place for a great meal. Bottlefork saved the day for us, making our dinner one of the best meals the hubby and I have had in the Windy City. Stumbled upon in Yelp, I was a bit skeptical of the positive reviews: something so good, so laid back, so worth it??? We were happy when we nabbed a reservation for a Thursday evening, but I warned myself not to get the hopes up too high in case it all ended with our tummies unsatisfied, our wallets empty and our hearts broken...BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! From the minute we walked into the bustling resto filled with a post-work, slightly-hipster crowd, we were surrounded by that wonderful buzz of a busy hangout. The place was packed, and were sat at the end of the bar overlooking the kitchen, next to the window where the food comes out. At first I was a bit bummed, having made a reservation and assuming we'd get a table, but this turned out to be an awesome spot to take it all in and watch the fun. The sous-chef/expediter took pity on our overly curious eyeballs watching everything come out. It all looked so good and he was polite & kind enough to tell us what each item was and answer any questions we had as dishes appeared for delivery to their waiting table. Our server was very nice and helpful in narrowing down our choices and everything arrived at a good pace and in delicious order. Everything we had was pretty darn tasty and we would go back to try the others we didn't have room for. Bag of Crisps & Egg - crispy, crunchy, creamy goodness! Tuna Crudo and Popcorn Sweetbreads were awesome. Also, the Grilled Octopus with Spam (yes) & Kimchi was fantastic. Be warned, it's got a real kick, but if you love spice this'll be your thing! Too full to try dessert, but we'll be back for more - to try that famous burger, the Mediterranean Salad and more. GO HUNGRY!
(5)Jon M.
And yet another day of sweet victory.. I swear my fiancé and I are just having a great luck streak with restaurants. To end our 3 year anniversary, we came here to Bottlefork. We by far had the best experience here. We didn't know we needed a reservation. We walked in.. saw an open table in between groups of people.. and we got offered to seat at the chef's counter. How freaking awesome is that. I totally wanted to swear right there! We had two seats right next to where the wait staff picks up their orders. We had the greatest opportunity to watch everything made from scratch. We got some drinks..eh Now onto the food.. Apps 1) "popcorn" 2) "bag" 3) "poutine" Shareable Plates 1) Potato gnocchi 2) Grilled octopus & housemade spam Every employee that we encountered had a great sense of humor. We were laughing the whole time during our visit. We will definitely come back to this place.
(5)Ayame L. O.
My bestfriend and I went to try this place since people were raving about it. To be honest with the food I wasn't impressed at all. We ordered alot to try everything but every single dish was at most okay. Cocktails are bomb though, decor was cute, and the service was good. Sorry I'm too much of a foodie to be returning.
(3)Kripa P.
Highly recommend the bag of chips + eggs and wagyu beef jerky! The beef jerky was just the right texture and had amazing flavor. The eggs added to the chips made them softer, but still crunchy and delicious. I had the rotisserie half chicken for dinner, which was moist and the vegetables/black truffle jus added some flavor. However, I would recommend trying something different if you are looking for more flavor (like the burger, which my boyfriend got and enjoyed).
(4)Adam K.
Really good. There's a lot of great places to eat at in this area. This is a gem. Great service. Our waiter was helpful; he was a guide and he didn't steer us wrong. The gnocchi was killer. Ditto with the roasted pig flatbread. I can't say enough about the roasted chicken. Truly outstanding. Reasonable prices for river north. You've got to check it out. Highly recommend.
(4)Kristine N.
Very dark, intimate, and romantic setting. The restaurant itself is narrow and long. Staff is very very friendly and efficient. Drinks are strong, unique, and delicious (try the orange spade one). The food was a little on the salty side for me but pretty good nonetheless. The sliders with shoestring potatoes were a hit, the clam flatbread was unique, sweet bread shrimp was my favorite, and the tuna and salmon spreads were delicious.
(4)Leke O.
The chef, staff and the ambiance work well together - has the feel of an upscale dive bar (if there was ever such a thing). My go to is the burger and they never fail to deliver. I haven't done brunch here yet, but I'm sure it's something to look forward to.
(4)Stef M.
Large slab of prosciutto for fresh slicing. Lots of condiments for all the food. Delicious sliders and orange vodka martinis. Pretty space. The chefs take pride in preparing your dishes.
(5)Faith D.
I'll give it 3 stars based on my experience & food. Three of us came in for lunch so we did not drink (a REAL bummer). Cocktail & beer menu is huge and sounds interesting. The table behind us had a few appetizers and the brussels sprouts smelled fantastic so we ordered some. Have to say, although no bacon, they were the best freakin' B sprouts I've ever tasted. Just the right amount of oil, roasting and balsamic. Perfect! Generous portion also. My 2 friends ordered the burger (which sounded fabulous with the bacon ground into the meat) and the brisket sandwich. Burger came with ketchup and pickle; brisket had pickle only. Kitchen cut their sandwiches in half so they could share. I had the fish & crisps sandwich. It was piled VERY high (with cole slaw and chips ON the sandwich) and a pickle - and I have to say one of the better fish/chips sandwiches I've had in a long time. PIPING hot when it came to the table which gets high marks from me; generous portion and delicious. Some kind of mayo but I did have to sort of de-construct from the huge bun. Very, very good. Our server was pleasant and attentive. A manager stopped by to make sure we were okay. The burger/brisket people seemed less impressed with their sandwiches but I was very happy. We sat at a high-top table up front by the window. The space is long, narrow and dark and I think if I was back there (booths only) I would have felt claustrophobic. Forgot to take any photos but everything looked terrific. I would definitely try again for dinner if in the neighborhood.
(3)Elina K.
This place is really terrific. It's perfect for a small intimate girls night, modest boys night, or a date (although you may have to wait, in a very cramped small area by the door, even with reservations, so I wouldn't recommend for a first date :) The decor is warm and trendy. Exposed brick, funky art, fierce bar. The service was A++. Hostess was nice and accomodating, despite the super busy night and antsy patrons waiting and whining. Our waitress was so patient and seemed truly excited about the food and was more than willing to explain the menu and give recommendations. I know this is considered a new, hot mixology spot. I don't drink so I can't comment on that, but my friend ordered one of their barrell WI wines and enjoyed it (I think!) The food was, not suprisingly, deeelish. Here is what we ordered: - Fromage a Trois (cheese platter) - Bag of Crisps and Eggs (chips with malted powder shaked in a bag with a perfectly tempered egg) - Creamed kale - Organic salmon All were fantastic. And the bread they bring - YUMMO. BUT the absolute most incredible thing we had that night was their ooey gooey dessert of the day. Every day they have have a new ooey gooey (not sure what the rotation is like). If you are lucky enough to come on the night where they serve the brownie creme brulee (AHEM: BROWNIE CREME BRULEE) you will be one happy little piggy.
(5)Nicki P.
I had been dying to try brunch here after following Billy Dec on instagram, he posted so many delicious looking pics. When I arrived we were seated quickly and our server was excellent but the food was good but not amazing. We started with the homemade chips and eggs. They took a bag of homemade chips and added a poached egg to the bag and shook it up covering all the chips with the yolk, I was nervous as I didn't think I would like the result but in fact it was delicious. From there things went down a bit, my friend had the Mediterranean salad which was OK but nothing special. I went for the bacon burger. I'm not sure why I am on such a burger kick right now but after having the Rockit Burger last week this one didn't compare, which is really odd since they are owned by the same company and they have the same great bun, I guess the rest of the burger just lacked for me. The mimosas were good. I think I would give it another shot for the great service and maybe try the dinner menu.
(3)Jara S.
Great restaurant, great food, great atmosphere, great staff and fantastic drinks. Ordered the crisps and eggs and they were great! Pace yourself with the drinks; you could easily drink yourself to an early night. This is a lovely place for a date, happy hour or even a solo meal. Intimate seating makes for close conversations with you and sometimes your neighbors. Staff was very enthusiastic and helpful. They were informative and offered great tips. Get the sweet and savory pretzel caramel sundae. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode! This place is like tapas style meets American local food!
(4)Jason M.
Hey this place rocks. Had the server pick out four or five plates. All excellent except for the chips and egg. I didn't like but everyone else enjoyed them. I really liked the waygu jerky and the sweet breads. I had a glass of cab franc from ohio it was outsanding. Very impressed with this place.
(5)Arielle A.
I came here for Sunday brunch, and checked in to receive the complimentary bag of chips with poached egg. Not sure what the point of the egg was, it only made the chips really soggy, not really my thing. But otherwise it tasted like any regular salt and vinegar ships. I ordered the ground bacon burger as my entrée, and that was delicious. I would come back just for that burger. I wished I tried a dessert because they look and sound amazing. So I guess I have another reason to come back!
(4)Sopla R.
First off, YELP whats with the 2 $$ for this restaurant?? I mean Shake Shack is a $$ restaurant as well according to you! Ok that's off my chest...Sometimes, I actually use this as a price guide when we don't want to spend tons on a meal. EVERYTHING here is ala carte. Don't expect your burger to come with those cool square "TOTS" ... If I'd known about the YELP check in thing that may have made me feel better. I also get this was their brunch menu so it's gonna have more expensive items on it AND there are so few tables in this establishment, I know you have to charge more.. still. I'd like to it to be accurate YELP!! iMHO $16- $25 entree's are not $$ range We went for brunch on a recent Sunday afternoon and we opted for this: Leeks + Green Goddess + Spring Onions + Shaved Turnips $12 Bag of Red Velvet Donut Holes $6 Cream Cheese Icing $6 "Tots" $5 Bellini10 Seasonal Fruit Purée + Prosecco $10 Iced Tea $4 Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger $16 All that aside,, we got the burger and we were warned about the bacon/fat rational but seriously, it was just TOO much for either of us. You could tell this was a well appointed burger but just too much on the bacony fat for us. The Leek's green goddess salad.. was bitter and salty for some reason each bite was either bitter or salty or both I only had maybe 3 bites of the salad that tasted normal. I went ahead and kept it but beware. Those "tots" were a hit. just perfect crunch. as well as the red velvet donuts holes. soooo good. Service was friendly enough but she didnt' return to ask about meals once they were dropped off- this is not a good habit for servers to be in and lately it happens all to often. We wanted to trade in the salad but she never came by and by the time she did I'd already just made myself finish it. Not to mention, we needed a refill on the tea that sat empty for most of his meal until she came back by. Decor loved it. especially that mad hatter mural and the mossy light fixture. I wish the overall experience and food would have been better asI really liked the atmosphere. I think the food is good but in one meal was just too hit and miss.
(3)Suzanne N.
The food was tasty and fresh. We had the sweet breads (crispy, but a bit heavy on the aioli), crispy brussel sprouts (very nice), and poutine (good combination) to start. That was followed by pumpkin gnochi and the suckling pig flatbread. Although both dishes were pleasant, I felt that they could both use a flavor boost. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but the drink menu was extensive. I'll be prepared to drink next time!
(3)Annie Zean D.
On the last day of our good friends stay in Chicago, we all decided to meet for dinner. Never really venturing to food establishments in this area, we took the bait. I mean, what exactly is a bottlefork, a game children created? A euphemism for some bedroom activity? These and other questions went through my mind as we were seated in a very large booth. The bar is nicely lit with pieces I imagine they acquired from the Anthropologie sea creature collection, specifically a chandelier towards the back of the restaurant. Our server was very helpful and patient. She would pop in through the meal with a good one liner and kept the meal paced well, not too much happening but enough to keep us engaged with the food. The beer menu ranges from fairly pricey to very expensive. I indulged in the Solemn Oath double IPA, a fine vintage. For snacks, the table got the chips, the charcuterie plate, and the fries, all delicious decisions. For my entrée I ordered the pork belly special. Served with a sweet potato purée, arugula, and a glaze, this $18 dreamboat danced upon the high seas of my taste buds. It was fantastic. On a whim we ordered two deserts. Best decision. Each had distinct flavors and the Crème brûlée brownie had playfully rich yet delicate notes that there was no need to rush. We grazed a bit at the table and departed from bottlefork happy, our wallets smaller in size, but our palates satisfied.
(4)Dan O.
Good stuff. Went for lunch. The malt vinegar crisps were pretty awesome and a fun presentation. The Poutine is a must in my opinion. Had the bacon burger and enjoyed it, but not blown away. Brussel sprouts were on point. I would recommend and I'm sure I will find my way back again.
(4)Rachel A.
Bottlefork is great - the knowledgeable (and personable bartenders) have a knack for libations and know their liquor profiles. While getting a table is generally tough... Noshing at the bar with your cocktail of choice is way more approachable. The Baysic and season egg white drinks, Brussels sprouts, burger and po boy are top notch.
(5)Andy R.
Great service, I've been and it's good for lunch brunch or dinner. Also well done cocktails and great beer selection.
(5)Deidra G.
The food was fantastic! The chips and egg was SO good, as were the lobster roll and the gnocchi. Best of all though, was the hospitality and expertise of Eric Lopez!
(5)Sarah W.
I've only been here for drinks. Great bourbon selection. Very knowledgeable bar tenders. Matt took great care of us! Definitely recommend!
(5)Mariam K.
Cute place, good location. Came here one night for apps, checked in here on yelp and received a free bag of chips with egg, it was pretty good and free... which made it even better! Also got the braised beef poutine and tots (I'm a potato fanatic, if you can't already tell) both were delish. Just basing this place off the apps, It was really good. The dessert menu didn't seem too appealing, however, I'll definitely be back to try their food.
(4)Alfasha Z.
This.place.is .amazing! I can't rave enough about it, there's just simply nothing bad to say. Let's start with the general things. Our waiter Nick is simply fabulous and the nicest guy ever, if you come here you should definitely seek him out and ask if you can be seated in his section - you won't regret it (seriously, he tried to get us deals by having us check into yelp). The restaurant itself is cute and very trendy, location was great. Bottlefork is affiliated with the Underground Club (also affiliated with Sunda), so after dinner, the very nice general manager, Jason, walked us over to the Underground to get us in as VIP guests - how do you beat that, that's some amazing customer service! Now let's talk about the food. Everything we tried was ridiculous. We tried several things from the Shareable section since we wanted to taste everything. Definitely try the following items: 1. The octopus - ZOMG it's made with kimchee sauce! 2. The mussels - which came in some sort of bacon sauce, so take all the mussels out and dunk the fries in the sauce, you'll feel really guilty about it but just try it, you only live once! 3. The braised beef cheeks - super tender meat, came on top of a bed of fries (could've done without more fries though) 4. Manila clams and Portuguese sausage flatbread - this one was ok, should've doubled up on the octopus 5. After all the carbs we thought we should have the salad so we got the warm spring potato salad - drenched in pesto sauce, it could've been less sauce-ey more green-ey but still very very good We also got the bag of crisps and egg like everybody on here recommended (definitely try it) and the Camembert cheese, which is nothing unusual. Oh, and the sweetbread, which was recommended, but only because it was supposed to be a mild rendition (I still wouldn't necessarily pick it again though). All in all, the dishes are decently priced - having been to many restaurants in the city I was expecting it to be pricey but the Shareables were the perfect portion for a group of girls who want to try a bunch of things from the menu and when we got the bill, we were pleasantly surprised. Great place, definitely check it out, and to think it's only been around for 6 or 7 weeks, I can see this place doing well. Bon appetit!
(5)Frances H.
I would say the drinks were much more impressive than the food. I went with a group and we ordered a bit of everything from the menu (for 5 people we got 5 dishes). We all shared the food and left not full but not hungry. The drinks on the other hand, were quite intriguing. The waiter after bringing us our drinks challenged us to name an ingredient in one of the special drinks and it would then be on the house (there were no specific ingredients listed in the drink description...we ordered it based on this mystery). None of us could guess anything, but apparently the drink also contained liquor that was infused with meat drippings...Yes, that is correct. Now before you get grossed out, there was no meat flavor that was detectable, but there was a slight savory/smoky flavor that was quite intriguing. I would be ok with returning, but not a must.
(3)Bret B.
Sat at the chef's bar and was welcomed by Katie who explained in perfect detail the highlights of the food she was preparing. Got an excellent whiskey drink recommendation - smoke of the day. Paired with the Wagyu Beef Jerky (so. tender.). Orecchiette Pasta for the main course - the crunchy breadcrumbs really make it special. Entire staff is noticeably professional - from the entrance to my table to the kitchen. Will be back with friends next time I'm in Chicago.
(5)#NAME?
Had reservations on Friday night, not sure what to expect in terms of the environment but once we walked in I knew...LOUD- I was so hoping and crossing my fingers to be seated outside, yet we were brought to a table across from the bar that had super loud people on both sides of us- I tried to deal with it and ordered a drink and we shared 3 items: -the jerky -tots- -gnocchi Waitress was nice and food didn't take forever, yet we didn't order anything that would take a long time- We just wanted to eat and leave, it was way too loud-I'm not some old person either, just couldn't talk about how the day was without saying "WHAT?" the whole time- I think the price was decent for what we ordered, but would I go back, probably not-Hated the seating and having to hear what the people on the left and right of me was yelling wasn't cool-
(3)Gustavo L.
I cannot really understand why other people liked this place. I went with my gf and some friends. We ordered 2 plates and a bottle of wine to share. Everything was overcharged and not enough for 1 person. My gf ordered a gnocchi that was good, but nothing that I could not do at home. I ordered a chicken, and that I guarantee I can make better. They charged us 17$ for some fries with an egg. Really? I rather pay 1$ McDonalds fries. In general it was very disappointing, ~100$ to eat and get out hungry. I would not go to this place again, first because I am afraid of not liking again. Second, I am sure I can eat better for less.
(1)Craig L.
5 stars - really as good as it gets. Just opened up for lunch time and highly recommended for a business lunch, and you'll need to bring the corporate budget as well. This runs about 25% higher than a comparable casual lunch elsewhere. But the food is outstanding and a great alternative to more formal environment places. I had the corned beef sandwich and my fellow diner had a salad with split of the malt vinegar fries. All were outstanding and the corned beef was lean and toppings were spot-on complimentary without overpowering. The root beer is home made unlike one buys in the store. Truly artisan. Friendly service and enjoy the interior although seating closer to the street is limited. A wide variety of craft brews but this being lunch, I couldn't imbibe. But will be back again.
(5)Samhita P.
Bottlefork has quickly become one of my go to restaurants for brunch, especially when I have friends in town. While the ambiance is a little dark, the food was phenomenal!
(4)Daniel L.
Great brunch! This place has a unique menu and superb morning drinks. The food is creative and delicious. Service is friendly. The only complaint is the price; it is slightly overpriced. Would I go again? Definitely.
(4)Christine M.
I died and went to heaven at Bottlefork. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I went here with my sister Saturday evening, and we ordered far more food than two girls should ever eat, but everything was amazing. My favorites? Beyond our waiter Gus being absolutely hilarious and equally as entertaining, eating homemade crisps and egg has to be my new guilty pleasure. Either that or their dessert. Their salted caramel ice cream and whiskey is as good as it sounds. My only regret is only ordering one and having to share. No matter how full you are after your meal, this needs to be ordered. Your stomach will thank you and make room for it. Other highlights: Creamed kale. I don't even know what exactly it was or what all was in it besides kale and bacon, but it was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. (Make sure you eat it right away though as it's much better warm) And it's kale so it counts as a vegetable, right? Wood grilled ground bacon burger: This sucker was 30% bacon, 70% burger, all ground up together to make one mouthwatering bite after another. The sauces on top, one with a bleu cheese mixture and another with a ketchup mixture (both of which I despise) were still absolutely amazing. Only complaint was that by the time we got the burger we were too full to finish it. This is definitely a place to check out. It is a little pricey. My sister and I's meal was $120 ($40 bottle of wine included) which is more than I'd typically spend, but it was definitely worth it.
(5)Audrey W.
This place is a rockstar. Everything I ate was on point and affordable. I came with one other person and sat at the bar, next to the exec chef. (He's the most charismatic and loveable person you'll ever meet!) It's always fun to sit at the bar and watch the open kitchen. You also get the best suggestions from the people who are know and cook your food. Just the two of us ordered...... Tots - my favorite dish, the pimento cheese sauce is like crack, no joke. Lamb ribs - so tender, fatty, and clog your heart good. It's worth it, you should get this. "Popcorn" sweetbreads - One of my favorite dishes of the night. Smoked spot prawns - I don't care how classy you are, suck the damn head. You know you want too. Mediterranean salad - You like a big block of seared cheese? How can you go wrong? Cauliflower - the veggie of choice, IMO. Scottish egg - little tiny quail eggs wrapped in delicious bratwurst, then deep fried. Clam and Portuguese flatbread - Really tasty and fun to eat. Yes, two people ate all of this. We be classy, YO. All of my drinks were perfect. I prefer whiskey/bourbon cocktails and they were all great. Sazerac, Old fashioned, and the Vieux Carre (probably my favorite out of the three). If you have the chance, you have to come try this place. There are still so many things I want to taste on the menu! Ya'll know I'll be back!
(5)Mike K.
Server was awesome. Had crisp n eggs appetizer along with their bacon burger. They said it was 3rd best burger in the city. I would say it's the best burger I've had in a really long time. This was my first time and I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Riley R.
Totally impressed with the atmosphere, great service, creative menu. Weren't blown away by the food, but it was still good- I would go there again. Leatherneck cocktail-a bit sweet. Mediterranean salad- interesting taste, hummus was delicious, but presentation made eating a bit unwieldy. Sweat meats-excellent Tuna crudo- delicious Tater "tots"- interesting idea, fine tasting Chips-interesting presentation, actually one of our favorite things, though we didn't order it... The waitress (who we really enjoyed otherwise) had it sent to our table because she thought we'd like to try it, which we were excited about, but then she charged us for it! Dessert menu was a bit dull, but ended up getting the sundae with the pretzel, and the flavor was excellent.
(4)Emily S.
HUGE fan of Bottle Fork. Ambiance is cool, service was great, food and presentation were also on par. Some favorites: jerky, all fries (we got both lol), and the sundae. Industry tip: 50% on Wednesdays after 9pm (even some alcohol if you're tryna get down and dirty on a Wednesday night). Bottle Fork is my new #BFf
(4)Barbara H.
Today has been an incredible day starting with watching the river turn green to ending with a most delectable meal at Bottlefork restaurant. My dear friend who lives in Chicago made reservations for Bottlefork and I'm so glad she did ! The service was fabulous with our server, Nick. He described each item we ordered with accurate description. If you try their signature beer, you won't be disappointed. It was worth having a second. I don't eat burgers very often but their burger was worth the calories and those French fries were to die for. My son had the skirt steak - cooked to perfection with the best grilled onions. Yes, we had a cheesecake like dessert that was warm gooey (one for the table) which had a berry strudel topping. At first I thought the size was too big, but oops we just kept eating and very little was left - we could've stop taking one more bite. Great experience. We're headed back to California on Monday and wish we could take this restaurant with us...we'll be back !
(5)Vanessa K.
This place had excellent service and fantastic food. I came here with a group of girls for happy hour on a weeknight, and it was on point. We got a few dishes to share (including the incredible sundaes for dessert--don't skip these!!), and all drank a number of cocktails. I will say the whiskey-based drink with the house-made smoke drippings was fantastic. I also really liked the house-made beer they brewed. Don't skip the tots--they are perfection. I'll definitely be coming back here.
(5)Kim F.
Awesome cocktails. Fantastic food. We didn't have reservations, waited for seats at the bar, and had a great experience.
(5)Elana T.
Went for a family weekend brunch and couldn't have been happier. Got the free chips and egg by checking in which is a unique and tasty app. Smallish menu but everyone found something delicious. The French toast and Sope were the favorites. Service was excellent. Will definitely come back!!
(5)Molly C.
Bottlefork has a very upbeat & energetic atmosphere. It's loud and has very trendy music playing. My boyfriend and I went on a Thursday night. We first sat at the bar while we waited for our reservation. The bar staff seemed very knowledgeable about their drinks and had a lot of urgency while serving. Drinks didn't take too long. I ordered Satin's Whisker and my boyfriend had a beer. The drinks were very good and went down a little bit too easily. But hey, that means that they were good. We got sat and our waitress was very attentive and helpful. We had many questions about the menu and our waitress was able to describe anything on the menu. Their staff is very well prepared and very professional. The first things ordered were the Sopresata and Bent River Camebert off the cured meats/cheeses section of the menu. I really enjoyed the Bent River Camebert cheese, it is a cows milk cheese that goes fantastic on their bread. I wasn't a huge fan of the Sopresata though. Maybe it's just my taste. Next we ordered the "Popcorn Sweetbreads" which were my favorite thing on the menu. To those of you, sweetbreads are the thymus gland of a cow. You know you're eating something funky but they are awesome! The sauce that is drizzled over them has a little bit of kick to it which really compliments the entire dish. (This was one of my favorite menu items) Next we ordered the Lamb Ribs. These were incredibly rich and very rustic. The fat helped the meat slide right off the rib so it is can easily be eaten with a fork and knife. We also ordered the "Wood Grilled Ground Bacon Burger" again this is incredibly rich. I really appreciated the presentation of this dish. The burger has a really interesting tangy sweet sauce that added to the burgers taste and paired well with the bacon flavor. But make sure you share this menu item. I can't imagine eating something that large & rich by myself. Lastly, we had to get one of their shakes. We got the Carmel Milk Stout one.... I can't remember the exact name. All I have to say is WOW! Perfect blend of salty and sweet which is right up my ally! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Overall- I think this place is a fun environment. Not the best food I've had but I wasn't disappointed in any way. Make sure you share all plates because the food is incredibly rich and filling. Between the two of us we only had 4 menu items excluding dessert. This place would be fun for a first date or just for a few casual cocktails. The atmosphere and service is really what makes it.
(3)Nicki W.
Great new addition to the neighborhood! The perfect spot to grab creative cocktails and delicious food. Nice ambiance overall. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic about the concept, and why shouldn't they be? My friend and I shared a few dishes and everything was great. Steak Tartar was spot on, the bowl of greens was great to share and the Rotisserie Chicken with vegetables had amazing flavor and was very filling. The drink list is amazing as well. We tried quite a few of those. Try the Old Fashioned if you want to see a show. Go see Eldridge at the bar. He's pretty awesome!
(4)Miriam D.
Loved our brunch - our server was helpful and sincere. Truly the best Bloody Mary I've ever had. We tried the corned beef hash, the burger, and the sopes. All outstanding.
(5)Tara M.
Ugh. We have had such bad luck with restaurants lately that we have decided to stick to our old standbys for the foreseeable future as a result. That list includes other Billy Dec creations, but definitely not this one. Yes, Bottlefork is River North-y. I am River North-y. I love most things River North-y. But not Bottlefork(-y?). I had been wanting to try Bottlefork since it opened, and we finally stopped in for brunch on Sunday. We had a 1:30pm reservation, arrived at 1:28pm and were seated promptly. I was surprised by how many open tables there were, but now I understand why. The space is really cool, there is no denying that. We sat and reviewed the menu, and at least 15 minutes passed before our server stopped by (I stopped looking at my watch at a certain point). She introduced herself, asked us about drinks. I let her know that we were also ready to order our food because we had been sitting there "for a while." She rolled her eyes, realized what she had done, and tried to fix it with a look of shock. We each ordered their standard Bloody Mary. Ten minutes later they were delivered, and they were, well, gross. It is rare that I turn away a drink that contains alcohol, but this not only contained no vodka, but the mix was super watered down. It tasted like nothing. There were jalapeno seeds in it, but I don't know what purpose they served. The "pickle" that accompanied the drink was a sad, flaccid spear of cucumber that dipped its toe in picking liquid and didn't like how it felt. Another 10 minutes after the drinks were delivered, our server stopped by to see how they were. I told her they were "honestly, terrible" and ordered a vodka soda instead. My boyfriend ordered coffee, having no faith in their ability to make a cocktail at that point. After our server left with them, a girl at the table next to us leaned over and said "Good to know that I'm not the only one who thought the Bloody was terrible." This prompted her friend to take a sip and nod in wide-eyed agreement. For entrees, I had the fish & crisps and he had the corned beef hash. We also ordered sides of tots and ham hollandaise asparagus. The tots were good - big, crispy and soft on the inside. The asparagus was delicious - grilled with lost of hollandaise and topped with prosciutto. The corned beef hash entree was good but VERY rich, drenched in hollandaise. My fish was good, but the accompanying chips were possibly the saltiest thing I have ever eaten. Both of our entrees came topped with runny, poached eggs. I prefer to eat most of my food topped with a runny, poached egg. However, these were UNCOOKED poached eggs. The whites were still raw and more or less transparent. We tried to scrape them off as best we could - after all, our server was already pissed at us, I wasn't about to complain again. We ate what we could, asked for our check, and while we waited for it, two other tables asked our server for their checks, received them, paid and left. We were charged for both the Bloody Marys we sent back and our replacement drinks. At that point we didn't even care, we just wanted to get out of there - knowing that we would soon be sick from consuming raw eggs. And sick...we were.
(2)Rob J.
Great spot, though a little small. The crisps and egg was fantastic!
(4)Marla R.
This is the perfect place to go if you are a dude who wants a good food base before going out in River North for the night. The guys from Underground even stopped by our table and give us their cards so we could do just that! The place has a great lively atmosphere (although little loud for me), trendy decor, and great service. Although the food was tasty (we tried the chips, tots, gnocchi, parsnip, and in the jar items), the only item we got that wasn't WAY too rich or heavy was the Chicken. I know my fiance would love to go back, but I'm going to let him save that for a boys night :).
(4)brenda s.
Went there for brunch on Sunday and everything was top notch. Scored the free chips for an appetizer with yelp check in and wasn't expecting much from those but they were phenomenal. Daughter got the cast iron French toast and I got the skillet hash. Both were great but hash is a little salty. Service was the bomb. Best restaurant we ate at this weekend!
(5)Kelsey K.
This place is awesome! Super friendly and knowledgable staff! Amazing and unique cocktail and food options! Perfect for all occasions! It's the Dawson of river north! You can't go wrong with anything at this place.
(5)Susan W.
Bottlefork was delicious! We made a reservation for 4 at 7:30 on a Friday and unfortunately the table they were planning to flip for us wanted to stay and chat all night. We had cocktails at the bar so we weren't too bothered, but we didn't end up sitting until 8:15, however the manager moved the chatty table to the bar, got us seated and brought out 3 free appetizers for our trouble and all was forgiven (though we weren't too upset given the excellent quality of cocktails!) The Bill Bradsky cocktail was really good and fun to share. I loved the chips and egg, the bacon burger was delicious and the pasta was also good. The real star of the show was the Rich Man's Po' Boy, served on a buttered lobster roll bun, it was amazingly tasty. We also had a salted caramel sundae for dessert which was unbelievably amazing. I highly recommend Bottlefork, just make you reservation a bit earlier than you think you need. Enjoy!
(5)Bobbie A.
Nice, cozy room for cocktails and some inventive food. Skip the poutine, the server said it was a favorite, maybe its just me not loving any poutine I've tried. Anywho the potato chips are a taste sensation. The lamb ribs had a delicious flavor, though not the best cut of meat to show it off. All around tasty treats for food and liquor.
(3)Stephen H.
Food was great, but way overpriced - just like the beer. The brisket sandwich was $15 which I'd be okay with if it had just ONE side, but it came out alone on little dish. It was tasty, but not exactly overflowing. I had two Super Pils that were delicious but were expensive for 12 ounce pours. Two beers and small sandwich for $34 including tax seems a bit steep to me.
(2)Lindsay S.
Good vibe, great service, but mediocre to bad food. I'll add the caveat my companion had the burger and really enjoyed it. Nothing I had was horrible, but it was all bland or just off.
(3)Steve W.
I chose Bottlefork for a date tonight and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was amazing and the food and drinks were phenomenal! The cocktails were soooo good. The bartenders really know their craft and take care to make the drinks properly. We sampled 4-5 different cocktails and only disliked 1 which had an absinth flavor that was too strong. The chips and egg were OK, but for a real treat I highly recommend ordering the poutine. It was the best poutine I have ever had. For a main course you can't beat the pork belly and sausage dinner and I would kill for the recipe for their creamed kale side dish. All in all I loved this place and I look forward to going back again sometime!
(5)Leah C.
I was in town visiting for only 24 hours. As I didn't feel like spending all my caloric intake on a deep dish pizza, I yelped for an American New restaurant and headed here. So glad I did. They sat me at the chef's area of the counter/bar. Since I was dining alone, this provided good entertainment in between conversations with the staff and the diners next to me. All the staff I interacted with were friendly and helpful, but namely my waiter Eddie, Chef Eric, and the General Manager Jason. Eddie made on point recommendations and answered my questions in a detailed and thoughtful manor. To drink, I had the Little Miss cocktail. Good, but the garnish is great. It was like an adult fruit roll-up. I recommend it just for the garnish. For dinner, I had the Octopus, Homemade Spam and Kimchi dish with brussel sprouts as a side. Both dishes could easily be shared, but I was hungry and wasn't afraid of leftovers. The brussel sprouts were typical of the style of late, in a good way, but the octopus dish is where it's at. The octopus was so tender, and the peas and kimchi were bathed in a tangy sauce that made me wish I had bread to sop it all up with. The Spam - well executed for homemade. Being from Hawaii, the Spam consumption capitol of America, I was pleased with their rendition. For dessert, well I had seen pictures and wasn't going to leave without trying something. I was talked into the special dessert for the season - the Pumpkin Cheesecake with marshmallow fluff..a la mode. This dish should be shared, but I managed to put away at least half of it. The soft serve is so great and could be a presented on its own - a thing of beauty. The pumpkin cheesecake is a dream. Exactly as the menu describes and worth every bite. I was wishing I had my husband or a friend with me to share in the experience. I would bring anyone back any day. To the staff, thanks guys for a great dinner!
(5)Rich B.
Eddy Cruz was an awesome server. This place will now be on my list and a recommend for anyone looking for a place to eat in Chicago. The bag of crisps + egg was awesome (as mentioned in previous reviews) There list of beers is exceptional. Their pork belly dishes were top notch. Wasn't a big fan of the desserts, but I'm not a real big dessert guy.
(5)Bryan W.
I've always enjoyed the drinks and food at Bottlefork. I would say going for the Bill Brasky alone is worth the experience.
(4)Victor R.
You have to try the crisps! Also, the rich man's po boy is fantastic and the drinks are made by some creative mixologists. The tots are just ok.
(4)Wright A.
I visited Bottlefork for the second time last night. My first visit (about a month ago) was outstanding with the cocktails, food and service all at 4 or 5 star levels. When I returned as host to several guests, I was anticipating an equally positive experince. Unfortunately, it couldn't have been more disappointing. The cocktails were still pretty darn good but the food (what they were not already out of) was mediocre and the service absolutely *sucked*. You know its bad when you watch the drinks you ordered sitting on the bar for 10 minutes awaiting your server and you decide just to get up and get them yourself. To make matters worse, the server never even noticed! Maybe he thought they delivered themselves. There are too many good places in Chicago to waste your time at Bottlefork. My advice - go elsewhere!
(2)Jordan M.
Fantastic experience at another Rockit Ranch creation! We had a party of 3 on a Thursday night. We had made reservations in advance and didn't have to wait at all to be seated once we arrived. The space was actually more spacious than I remember it being when it was Dragon Ranch and much more inviting with the dim lighting and dark wood. It was also really cool seeing the chef himself handling the expediting right next to the bar. We ended up ordering all of the "snacks" section of the menu for the table. There was 1-2 bites of each for our our group of 3 to share. We continued this trend throughout the night by splitting a Bill Brasky between me and one of my friends (the drink lasted the two of us the whole dinner). The price is worth it especially when you do it that way. We also ordered a couple things off of the "sharing" area of the menu instead of doing entrees. Favorites of the table included: popcorn sweetbread - just eat it...don't ask what it is quail scotch egg crisps and egg - some thought it could've been more flavorful but I liked that it was simple beef cheek poutine - delicious and not as heavy as you would think poutine would be pesto gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan but everyone at the table loved it We ended up also getting the pretzel parfait dessert...a must! The bill ended up being very reasonable given how many different things we tried but again, we also stuck to the apps/small plates. Entrees and more drinks could easily push you over. Remember to do the Yelp check-in when you arrive to get your Crisps and Eggs for free!
(5)Nithin N.
Went on a busy saturday night however the service was still impeccable. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. The food was very tasty, hahah restaurant goers were even taking pictures of the food as it was made because of how well done the presentation was. If you're looking for an atmosphere that manages to seamlessly blend upscale, relaxed, intimate and lively all into one then definitely stop by Bottlefork. Also if I had to give a few recs, try the octopus for starters, move on to the burger for the entree and round it all off with the ooey gooey cheesecake (trust me on this one). They're always experimenting with the cocktails so try their newest creations if you're feeling adventurous..it's really pretty hard to go wrong.
(5)K.c. S.
Amazing food. Not a bad thing on the menu. Chips and Eggs is off the hook! Get it! Service is friendly and prompt. Sit at the bar for maximum entertainment. Have brunch on Sundays. Best burger I've had in the city.
(5)Horst G.
Nice selection of beers, great burger and an awesome bar atmosphere made for a nice first evening in Chicago. The desserts are probably intended to be shared, though The price there should have been a hint...
(4)Coll P.
We had a really great meal here this week: -the tots are HUGE and the pimiento cheese drizzle tasted like...nacho cheese -tuna crudo was my favorite appetizer, as it was topped with some crunchy spicy goodness -the mediterranean salad was topped with saganaki cheese and that alone is worth ordering -the richman po'boy (!!!!), suckling pig flatbread and gnocchi were great choices for larger plates, although the gnocchi was a bit underwhelming considering how much it was talked up by our waitress This place is narrow and definitely filled up even though it was a Monday evening. Make a reservation. :)
(4)Terry M.
Went for brunch; loved it!
(5)Dutch R.
I was in Chicago for a Surgery Center conference and a friend of mine suggested BottleFork. The service was excellent, the General Manager, Jason Ring stopped by and provided us with his suggestions including the octopus and the hamburger. I finished with a delicious dessert and capuchino. If I worked within 10 miles of Bottlefork it would be my place. Excellent food and drinks.
(5)Sam S.
I've been here a few times and will be back. The drinks are creative and fantastic. The food is even better. The chicken sandwich, the poutine, the tater tots...all amazing. I highly recommend stopping into Bottlefork and I suspect you'll be back for more.
(4)Eric S.
Excellent experience! The environment struck a balance between classy and casual, which I definitely appreciated. The food and drinks were definitely not typical and everything I had was delicious. I tried their "Smoke of the Day" drink and was pleasantly surprised by it. If you go here (and you should), don't be afraid to experiment!
(5)Rich M.
I like this place! The atmosphere is cool and sexy but not pretentious. The food is cleverly done and everything we had was exceptional! The service was average at best- our waiter seem to be in a bit of a mood. The prices are high, which I don't mind if the food and service rise to the same level. The food is worth it but the let down in service made the high prices harder to swallow.
(4)Soumya S.
The ambience is great! The drinks are phenomenal. The food meh not so much! This upscale bar food is still playing catch up with it's sister bar Rockit bar & grill. The tots were good, the trout not so much. Hope it catches up soon with the rest!
(2)P L S.
Manager was so kind and straightforward when I took a friend with onion /garlic allergies. We couldn't eat there but between the awesome menu, local praise from other restaurant folk and courtesy I will come back next time in Chicago
(5)J. Chuck K.
Not often do I brave the world of restaurants located in the loop and river north area; they're usually uppity places more concerned with their appearance than the quality of the food. When I do, I usually leave feeling hungry or like I've just been robbed. However, at a friend's suggestion, we checked out Bottlefork and they turned out to be the exception to this perception. Although an evening here isn't cheap by any means, the taste and size of most of the dishes certainly negates my aforementioned complaints. With a Solemn Oath beer by my side, we started with the piggy jerky and popcorn sweetbread.The jerky was perfectly seasoned and surprisingly tender. The popcorn sweet bread itself wasn't remarkable, but the aioli poured all over it was. Next up was their poutine. It's listed under the "shareable" section of the menu, and the portion size lived up to that. The meat, gravy and curds were all great, but the fries were too soft/undercooked to handle these toppings. But that's just my personal preference. The highlight of the night was definitely the "ham butt" steak. I definitely encourage anyone coming here to order it. On the other hand, our wagyu steak was extremely disappointing. While it was cooked at the correct temperature, the top and bottom were so burnt that it didn't matter. The taste of char completely canceled out any flavor coming from the center. After being asked how we liked it, the waitress apologized and even passed our comment onto to the manager, who then came over. He explained something about the oven and offered another apology, but that's about it. I was a little disappointed in the response, especially considering how much we had already spent and that we had spent more on something we weren't going to finish eating. Wagyu aside, Bottlefork turned out to be an awesome experience. As with most of these types of places, you'll end up eating in close proximity to complete strangers, but the excellent beer list and food menu help keep your focus.
(4)Melissa A.
Incredible drinks! The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable resulting in hand crafted libations that are to die for.
(5)Adam G.
A forgettable experience. It didn't start out well...we checked in for our reservation and was told, "You're next for a table and we have a couple tables paying their check now." 45 mins later, and after watching three other tables get sat, we finally got a table. Unfortunately, there's really no place to stand and wait for your table given how narrow the place is. The manager came over and gave us a bag of soggy, $5 chips as a consolation prize. The highlight of the meal was the mushroom gnocchi and stuffed squid. Steer clear of the rabbit which is 50% breading. And the grilled kale salad didn't have a lot of flavor. Go for the drinks.
(2)Maza C.
Great selection of drinks and decorations. However very small list of expensive entree. I brought two friends from Korea. We got Half cooked chicken a very small pan vegetables and unimpressive burger.
(2)Victoria R.
I went last night and was happily surprised how amazing it was. The popcorn sweetbreads and the poutine were amazing. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our server, Nicholas, was just amazing and so informative. He ordered my entre and chose a great pork dish. I am a big fan. GO in an see for yourself!!
(5)Lu N.
I was debating on writing a review for this place. Started by having to wait for a table and it seemed as the host/hostess were to busy chatting w friends. So when I asked how long the wait was and they can seat us outside, she didn't seem to like that very much. Anyway we ordered a couple of items the Mediterranean salad, tuna crudo, and tots. Everything was good not spectacular. Felt a little rushed & food came out to fast. Went ahead and ordered lamb ribs, and the po boy. The lamb tasted pretty good until I found a HAIR about a half a foot long in it! What!!! SERIOUSLY!! I know accidents happen but after that the po boy was left untouched. The manager was very nice and apologetic about the whole thing. They took it and the po boy off of our tab and 10$ gift card. He also offered us dessert but how can you eat anything after that?! Too bad really wanted to like this place.
(2)David D.
Great food and great ambiance. This place is a gem. The drinks are as amazing as the food is and the staff is extremely knowledgable. The chef even came out to make sure everything was ok and then brought out a complimentary dessert for us to try. I am a big time foodie and I can honestly say that this place is on the top of my Chicago list.
(5)Esther D.
The hostess was very nice. Our server, Erin, was lovely. The staff seemed very professional. But, the place is overpriced and the food was not good. I had the Mediterranean Salad. The lettuce was wilted with brown spots and dark green gooey bits at the edge--the way lettuce gets when it's been soaking in salad dressing overnight. The hummus was watery yet overpowering. The Saganaki cheese was like rubber (If you google " Cold Saganaki" you will get no hits. It's a cheese that's served hot and soft). The pulled chicken topping was non-descript and there was so little for the $6 extra charge (channelling Woody Allen: "this food is terrible." "Yes, and the portions so small."). In fact, the entire $22 dish fit in a modest salad bowl. It was an unmitigated loser. My lunch companion had the smoked corn beef brisket sandwich. It was small and served with not so much as a pickle. It would have been fine for $7.00. But, at $15.00, it was ridiculous (umm.. not to insult the restaurant beyond what's reasonable, but it really was on par with what one gets across the street at Potbelly's). And, there was broken glass in my ice tea. Nothing at all dangerous. Just a few tiny pieces -like grains of sand that made for crunchy ice tea. Erin got me a new glass (and didn't charge me for the tea). I'm not overly squeamish, but it was a bit unappetizing. I eat at a lot of restaurants, but it takes a lot to get me off my lazy butt to write a review. Bottlefork -by the sheer audacity of its terribleness- deserves the honor.
(1)Jonathan W.
Loved it! Chips and eggs was great and the burger was fantastic. Loved the tater tots too! The chicken and corned beef sandwiches looked awesome! Just a great place with great food!
(4)Nancy D.
Fantastic cocktails and very interesting food. I mostly go for bland food, but even I found stuff that sounded so good I was willing to give it a try. The husband loved everything he had, even the octopus. An interesting experience. I would definitely go back.
(5)Jenn T.
Love Love this place! My husband has been raving about it for months. The drink menu is unique and classic at the same time. I dont generally order appetizers but the Bag of Crisps and Eggs is a must have. At this point im not sure there is anything bad on the menu. Everyone raved about what they ordered. The service was outstanding and the ambiance is very comfortable. Definitely make a reservation because this place is always busy.
(5)Lori G.
Bottlefork is a great lunchtime spot! There really wasn't a crowd, surprisingly! The service was great and our food arrived in a timely manner. The waitress also offered suggestions which worked out because I tried everything she recommended! It was delicious! I will be back very soon!!
(5)Mark S.
Tasty! Frontera has some competition as my favorite neighborhood brunch spot. Fun atmosphere and great service!
(5)Allison H.
Tried this place with a few girlfriends the other week. It's fairly small so anything bigger than a party of 4 might be tough. I got wine, which comes in a huge glass so no complaints there. My friends all got sangria, which I tried, and thought it was just average. It was a white sangria and mostly just tasted of lime juice. For starters, we got the tuna crudo and bag of crisps & egg. The tuna crudo was delicious and fresh, exactly what you'd want. The bag of crisps and egg was an interesting concoction. They bring it out and mix a poached egg with potato chips table side. For us, this resulted in crushed, wet potato chips that really didn't taste like anything else other than wet salt and vinegar potato chips. Not a fan but maybe we got a bad batch because all the other reviews seem to rave about them. We also got the Mediterranean salad, which was great and would recommend. For entrees, we got the potato gnocchi, smoked lamb ribs, and pork belly & sausage porchetta pastor. All were really good with the lamb ribs being the star. Overall, food was good and service was great. Our server was very helpful with helping us pick out food items and making recommendations. Nothing outstanding as far as the food goes though.
(3)Jacob K.
The food was well above average and not overly crowded. Didn't love the egg soaked chips that I got with the yelp check in, but others seemed to like it. Service was ok, but not great. I would probably be back under similar circumstances, late night on a weekend when everything is packed downtown.
(3)Laurie D.
The food here was truly delicious and creative. I had the Spam Benedict and loved it. The server was charming and attentive. The atmosphere was cute, hipster-chic. Cocktails were also creative and fun, but on the expensive side compared to the very reasonably-priced food. My only complaint is that everything we ate was so rich that everyone in my party felt like we'd just had Thanksgiving dinner for the rest of the day- despite the seemingly small/average size of the servings. I'll probably be back, though, and just eat less than I normally do.
(4)P J.
My four girlfriends and I had an amazing experience at Bottlefork last week! The food was delicious and gorgeously prepared. I highly recommend getting one of the salumis, popcorn sweetbreads, and the whole chicken! My only qualm about the restaurant is that it was difficult to get a drink at the bar when we were waiting for our table, since all of the bar patrons have reservations and there's not a lot of room to stand around. But I would definitely come back again!
(5)Abby L.
Food was great, very tasty, interesting ingredients and preparation... atmosphere is fun too, however, service was very bad. My friend and I ate here on a week night and the restaurant wasn't fully packed, we were confused as to why service seemed off. Our waiter seemed to be rushing throughout the meal and it took FOREVER to get our credit cards back after paying at the end. We only paid with 2 cards... it's not like we were a large party. Waiting for over 20 minutes to get cards back is pretty ridiculous :( If the service was better, would have given 4 stars for sure. Disappointing end to an otherwise great dinner.
(3)Susan S.
Reservations are a must. It's a tiny cozy place with fantastic food. The wines by a glass are a little limited, but the food was amazing. Do not pass up the Mediterranean Salad!
(4)Emily H.
I loved the ambiance of Bottlefork. The service was great, if not a little too attentive. The bar tables are in a very tight space however. Great wine! I cant wait to go back.
(4)Kathryn L.
This place is wonderful and the service was excellent. Our server was great at suggesting drinks and knew all the details on the dishes. My friend and I got 2 dishes and an appetizer and shared. First off we had the beef cheek poutine, it was awesome. The cheese was perfectly melted and the beef was rich and tender. After that we split the Wagyu skirt steak salad. It had fries on it too and a bernaise vinaigrette. The steak was perfectly crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth tender. It is probably the most unhealthy salad, but totally worth it. We then ordered the wood grilled ground bacon burger. Our server informed us it was 30% bacon and 70% beef. More importantly it was amazing, my friend took a bite and the server came over and he waved her off "give me a minute, don't talk to me" :) it was that good. We decided all burgers should be 30% bacon at least. Definitely recommend this restaurant and the cocktails are delicious also
(5)Connie Y.
Had dinner here with some friends and was quite pleased. Asked the bartender for a fruity cocktail (as I am not a huge fan of alcohol, but my friend insisted on buying me a drink) and it was really good. Checked in on yelp and got a free bag of crisps and eggs which was a great starter. My fave was their tots with pimento cheese sauce! We also had their Mediterranean Salad, their mussels and their smoked suckling pig flatbread, all of which were delicious. I plan on bringing other friends here to try out other items on their menu - and go back for seconds!
(4)Khloe K.
Stopped in for drinks at billy decs newest establishment in river north. It was lively as it should be for a saturday night and the space itself was darkish and cozy, long and narrow. I tried 2 cocktails (Big Salty Tears-which the waitress recommended as being popular, Loft on Broadway) both of which were decent but i found the Big Salty Tears kind of meh and forgettable. Loft on broadway was very citrusy and refreshing. We tried just a few munchies 2 of which i highly recommend!! The "Popcorn sweetbreads" and "Wild Mushroom Gnocchi". Both are snack/appetizer portions and theyre soooo delectable. Just get them and you'll know what i mean. I used the yelp offer for a free "Bag" of Crisps and Eggs. So they have vinegar chips in a brown bag and the waitress puts a poached egg in the bag and shakes it up so you end up with dressed potato chips. Interesting concept but it was kinda gross because the poached egg just makes the chips all soggy! Eww...Glad they were free
(4)Tristan B.
We discovered Bottlefork on the web. It seemed good. First good impression, great service and a good choice. The waiter was great and was all ears for us. The food was good but it was expensive for what it was. We got a free appetizer, chips and eggs, which was fun, Then, they had a great squash blossom but we were too late for that. The regular menu is decent but not mind blowing. Good overall experience.
(3)David B.
I had the popcorn sweet breads, the tuna crudo, and the octopus and spam dish. Every single thing I had was good, but the octopus and spam was amazing. If you don't get it, then you ordered the wrong thing.
(5)Amanda C.
Absolutely delicious! The cocktails are amazing. The food puts a fancy spin on common food items from all different types of cuisine.
(5)Katie M.
We were told on the phone we would have 1.5hrs to eat, fine. We arrived and food was okay, but not great. The biggest issue we has is after we received our appetizer the main entree took another 45-50min. The server even came and cleared our table off at about 40min and didn't even update us and we were pretty surprised. I got up to ask the host to find out what was going on we were ready to call it a night. Entrees finally arrived and if was like it sat too long. Won't be returning and very disappointed.
(1)K. M.
So, we returned for round 2. This time we had the hamburger and flat bread pizza. Both were excellent. The only reason I am giving 4 stars...I think they changed the recipe for the House made chips. This time, the chips were stale and I couldn't taste the vinegar and salt. Please go back to the original recipe!
(4)Jacqueline L.
Very unique cocktails! Staff was very attentive. We tried the roasted parsnips and they were delicious!
(5)Rossie F.
Fabulous cocktails, food is a bit rich but good. Had the lobster po boy, a must share! Really rich but yummy! Best drink is Satan's Whiskers...yum! My favorite was the Kale Ceaser...wow!!!!!
(4)Kristen P.
First impression when walking in was that I loved the inside and that the food coming out looked amazing. Got a well crafted cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready (arrived 10 min before our reso). But then we waited. And waited. And waited some more. We were seated almost 30 min past our reservation time - but management brought out two comped apps: the chips and egg and the wagyu jerkey. Both were good, and I appreciated the gesture to make up for the huge delay in getting seated. After we sat everything was great. The food was really tasty and inventive. We tried: -Kale Caesar -Creamed Kale (awesome) -Poutine (so, so much salty, vinegary goodness) -Salmon Crudo (super fresh, recommend!) -Duck flatbread (my least favorite but still tasty) -Wagyu skirt steak -Potato Gnocchi (SOOO good) I have to say I'm not a huge Rockit Ranch fan, but this place really blew me away. Definitely will be back again!
(4)Ryan S.
So, I went here with four of my friends about a month ago on a Thursday nite and it was crazy packed. One of my friends made reservations at like 7:45pm I think but we didn't get to our table until over 40min later. We had drinks at the bar while we waited for out table. Because of that the Chef gave us a free appetizer of spicy tuna and rye bread it was delicious. We ordered from the shareable menu which has a fantastic array of awesome food. First off was the squid, absolutely amazing I tell you then 2 different kinds of fries one was good the other super great after that some mussels that tasted like they just came out of the sea, which, came with more fries. We each started to pick items like the poorboy and beef cheek. Everyone had a great time and the food was stellar plus we consumed copious amounts of alcohol throughout the evening, a wonderful night in downtown River North! Can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks.
(5)Yuki Y.
The tables are very close together. If you are short don't sit across from the hostess stand because there isn't a ledge to rest your feet and they just dangle in the air. We had the "prescription sazerac" & "Vieux Carre" to drink and sweetbreads, "bag" of chips, and the lobster roll to eat. The menu is interesting and challenges your taste buds.
(3)Andrew H.
Came here for lunch while visiting Chicago. Excellent cocktails and food. The fish & crisp sandwich is amazing. Service was great, as well.
(5)Bernie M.
Excellent atmosphere, and the service was outstanding. The cocktail menu was impressive as were the choices for beer and wine. I was tempted to try the "Bill Brasky" cocktail (limit 1 per person) for $35, but decided it wasn't the best idea for that given night; next time. The "smoke of the day" cocktail was good. Bag of crisps are a must in my view, as well as the seared steak tartare; comes with a nice poached egg topping. Stay away from the Kale Caesar salad. The gnocchi was a little bland, and the small plate of ribs were perfect. I will definitely return to Bottlefork to taste the other offerings, including the Bill Brasky........best name of a drink I've seen in awhile; "To Bill Brasky!"
(4)Tri N.
it's aiite
(3)Virginia D.
Place is a total panty dropper. Managers, bartenders, staff, service, and food! All excellent!!!
(5)erin z.
I would give this place 2 1/2 stars. I came here with 4 others for a friends birthday and the hostess was a huge B%!@$. I told her it was my friends birthday and she acted as if she couldn't care less. I don't know if she passed on the info to the server or if the server just didn't care either. I wasn't expecting a free dessert or for every damn server to come sing Happy Birthday just acknowledge please. Anyways on to the food. I had the octopus which was pretty good but ridiculously small for $21. Maybe 5 pieces of actual octopus. Gnocchi was also very small for the price. Burger was pretty good as was the pork. They were out of the Wagyu Jerky and the dessert we wanted so that was disappointing. "Bag" of crisps + eggs was good however I showed server the coupon on Yelp and she failed to take it off the bill, I didn't mention it because other than that she was great and very pleasant. Loft on Broadway cocktail was very tasty and I might return for a drink at the bar. Hopefully I will be greeted by a more pleasant hostess.
(3)Silvia F.
Loved the taste of the Crispy chips with egg! Couldn't stop eating it. Our server was able to accommodate my lactose intolerance putting sauces on the side and removing the cheese from the Bacon Burger which was tasteful regardless of missing few ingredients. Definitely want to come back to try the Tots and the Gnocchis!
(4)Hillary D.
It is very apparent how detail-oriented, precise, and thoughtful Chef Hickey is with his dishes. Everything was absolutely delicious - the tastes were artfully presented in unexpected ways. It was a really fantastic, new way to look at comfort food. The pork belly flat bread was our favorite and the biscuit can't be beat. To top it all off, the pumpkin float was a little slice of heaven. Our server was personable, passionate about the food and drink, and patient. Would go back over and over again! I can't wait to try their brunch:).
(5)Call Me A.
The food and service was great, but I felt the food was a little overpriced, even for River North.
(3)E S.
Review update: My husband and I tried Bottlefork for brunch after the manager reached out to me via yelp (which I appreciated). My brunch experience was A LOT better than my prior dinner experience. Honestly one of the best parts about our brunch was our waiter - he was funny!! For a starter, we had the donut holes, then for entrees, my husband had the breakfast sope and I had the 2 eggs any style. I had a mimosa and my husband had this super delicious iced coffee (it came in a bottle). Everything was really, really good. I'm usually not a huge donut fan but the sour cream donut holes were sweet and also had an awesome thick texture. I didn't try my husband's sope but he loved it. My meal was simple but the hash browns were delicious. I didn't try the toast that came with my entree but there was a variety of breads that you could choose from for your toast. My mimosa was nice and strong. I suppose the only ding would be that my husband asked for a second beer and he never received it, but otherwise, it was an excellent brunch experience which is why I'm writing an update for Bottlefork. :)
(4)Elena S.
Love this place! We were in town for a wedding and went here for a casual anniversary celebration. They couldn't have been nicer - they brought us over some delicious rose to celebrate and treated us to drinks when we had to wait a few mins for the table. The ambiance is casual but cool and sexy, and the food was absolutely delicious. Really interesting and eclectic menu - something for traditional and adventurous eaters - and a great wine and beer list.
(5)Dale V.
Wonderful personal touch from our server and the general manager. The food was fantastic and edgie. Probably the best dessert I've ever had with the creamy cheese and blueberry compote with homemade vanilla ice cream.
(5)Mike P.
Tried BottleFork for first time today. Lunch menu was quite limited in terms of choices. Chicken sandwich was very difficult eat during a business lunch and was a little bland. Definitely needed some salt. Bag of malted chips with poached egg sounds good on the surface but the overwhelming taste and smell of vinegar made them inedible. I might be willing to give this place another chance but not anytime soon.
(2)Lauren C.
This place was awesome! Came for my sister's birthday during the week and it had a really nice vibe/energy. The food was excellent and I think the prices were worth it. Would recommend the tater tots, lamb ribs, moroccan pumpkin stew, rotisserie chicken, chips w/ egg (forget name of this). Didn't really care for either of the salads we got but they weren't bad, just not extremely delicious (I love salad, so it's not just a knock on the healthier items). The desserts were ridiculous and I would go here just to get those: we got a sundae with pretzel something and also this hot and gooey banana bread pudding which I could eat every day for the rest of my life. I'm a fan and will be back :)
(4)Parisa H.
Only stopped by here for drinks so this review only applies to that but they sure do know how to make proper cocktails. Both unique, tasty, and strong. Great service as well. I'd go back to try their food as well, looked awesome!
(5)Alaina T.
Seated right away, which was nice for River North. Tasty food, but disappointed they only had the brunch menu when we went here at 6pm. The poutine was delicious, but it seemed a bit pricey for the portions.
(3)Lanette R.
Enjoyed dinner while on vacay with my husband and two teenage sons - a big sucess. Delicious octopus, lamb ribs, crisps with egg!, bacon burgers, and asparagus. Fun, young, and hip vibe, too bad we weren't on a date! Kids did not like the odd foam on the sundaes tho.
(4)Christine S.
Haven't tried the food yet, but the bartenders are knowledgable, cool and gracious. A bit different from the usual Billy Dec scene. This place may be for real.
(5)Amalita A.
Came here on a Saturday night, the place was packed and popping. Ordered a last word not a lot of places no how to make a good cocktail :) this blew my mind! We had a dark haired woman as our server she was very knowledgeable and friendly. Had the wagyu jerky, cheese platter, gnocchi, and cheesecake. Wish I had more room in my stomach! Great fun place to eat!!!!
(5)Jared P.
Excellent food, drinks and service. The space is a bit tight, so make a reservation. The tuna jar was great and so were the quail eggs. Bag of chips with soft boiled egg was great too.
(5)Crystal L.
Heard great things so some girlfriends and I decided to go in for brunch for Labor Day weekend. First impression was a great space and busy! We were greeted by our server within 5 minutes of being seated. We ordered drinks which weren't delivered for 20 minutes; when the rest of our party came she didn't take the last drink order for another 10 minutes. After that service was just not coming back; slow with everything. Food was great but due to the lack of service I probably wouldn't go back. Fix it fast!
(2)Jody C.
Fun and interesting food options. The bag of crisps and eggs was so tasty! Sweetbreads were tasty- my friends didn't know what they were and raved about them and ordered seconds. Lamb ribs and gnocchi both really good but have had better. The kale salad was not quite what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed but still good. Also impressive drink menu. I'd go back!
(4)Marty S.
BOTTLEFORK was by far the worst restaurant we have ever been to. The food is laden with vinegar. Very very small menu and extremely noisy. I would not send my worst enemy there.so so overrated!!!!!!! Servers very brusk.
(5)Aria S.
Came here with my significant other a few weeks ago. I loved the decor of this place. Very trendy - as I expected it to be. One downfall was the proximity of the tables to one another. They are super close and it's obnoxious to try and get in and out of your seat. They have some very cool drink options that are worth trying. The poutine was very good. Think of an upscale version of chili cheese fries. Loved this one. We also got the tots. Not impressed. Too much potato too little sauce. We also had an order of the brussel sprouts which are definitely a must try. I don't know what they did to these things but they were awesome. The rich man po' boy was ok in my opinion. My boyfriend loved it but I didn't. Not really my thing. We also ordered a pasta dish which I thought was decent but the meatballs they came with were to die for. Maybe the best I've ever had. Service was great. Friendly, prompt, and able to give good suggestions. I would come back here to try other dishes on the menu.
(4)Akeya S.
Good food. Had a great burger and a nice glass of wine. Will be back
(4)carrie c.
Went for a Saturday brunch and everything was top notch ~ taste, service, presentation, cocktails. Loved everything we tried. Favorites were the breakfast sope, braised beef cheek poutine and sour cream donut holes. Was WOWED by the Spam Eggs Benedict. Fun, eclectic take on some classics. Lively atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.
(5)William M.
I had a business lunch meeting. Not the appropriate location for this type of event. Loud and dark room. Very limited lunch menu. I'd try going back after work or on the weekend. Looks like interesting bar menu . Very good service though
(3)J W.
I've had the pleasure of dining here for both lunch and dinner, and both meals were simply spectacular. The servers were friendly, timely, and very helpful in describing the plates and special features. Just a few highlights: Bag of Crisps w/ Eggs- I can't believe this only costs $5, it is so stinking good it could be an entire meal. Not too eggy, just enough vinegar, extra crispy.. a very unique yet simple dish. Wagyu Beef Jerky- This combined with the above starter is a great way to start your meal, perfectly chewy with great flavor. Potato Gnocci- OMG so good. I preferred my bites w/out the mushroom. The mild sauce combined with goat cheese combined with potato- BAM!!! Ground Bacon Burger- Just get it, it's packed with flavor and almost too big to put your mouth around! We got ours with the tots, which are insane inchXinch cubes topped with perfectly smokey cheese. OY! Corned Beef Brisket- Served on a 'lobster roll', it's the perfect combo of meat and spicy, crunchy coleslaw. Rhubarb Cheesecake- Best cheesecake I've ever had in my whole entire GD life. It was pure magic, I would go back just to eat it. Melted in a personal griddle, topped with fresh rhubarb and crushed graham crackers. My mouth is watering right now GEEZUS. Cocktails are divine, try them all! Will go back. Very soon. Maybe today, for the cheesecake.
(4)W S.
Well tailored interiors with lots of great details. Great staff that are attentive but not annoying. And the food is unbelievable. I had the best mussels I've ever had. Boiled in rye beer and ham. They came with fries and I sat near the kitchen, where I watched the chef throw away my fries and make new ones because he saw them sitting for five minutes. Exactly what you want from a chef. I asked for bread to soak up the juice and the baked me fresh rolls. My wife had baked chicken that was perfectly cooked, and we split wagyu need jerky which is as good as it sounds. Great cocktails as well. Overall could not have been happier.
(5)Paige O.
So much fun. Every taste is an adventure very rich with flavor. Perfect for sharing on a date or with friends (or parents!). It's roomy enough for elbows but cozy enough to envy the plate on the next table. The ambience feels "grown up" but little details poke through with a playful whimsy that takes away the seriousness. Thinking of the "smoke of the day" makes me salivate! Would love to sit at the chefs table to watch all the action!
(5)Jason C.
Very much the current trend in Chicago -super-rich food that has tons of flavor but is on the verge of too much. I would call it one step above girl and the goat in terms of salt/seasoning. We had the popcorn sweetbreads (terrific), Kale Ceasar - in my view a flawed dish as Kal and smoke create such a bitter flavor it is just not tasty, Octopus and homemade spam (good, but super oily), and the Nduja/truffle chicken (again, super-rich). Wine list was definitely below expecations (with a name like bottlefork).
(3)Kristina A.
I was determined to make it here ever since I saw Kevin Hickey make his crisps and eggs on Windy City Live - and they did not disappoint (it also helped that they come free with a Yelp check-in...it was meant to be, I tell you). We started with the soft shell crab special, which was cornmeal crusted and on a bed of ramp grits and kohlrabi relish - so good! The crab was crispy and flavorful and the ramp grits and relish were a bright, almost herby compliment - on the whole, the dish was a lot lighter than I thought it would be. We then got the lamb ribs, which were meaty, sweet, and tangy, and also split a side of the roasted turnips. My favorite part of the meal, by far, was dessert. We got the ooey gooey dessert of the day (apple berry crumble) with a side of their vanilla ice cream - which I still dream about. That was hands down the best soft serve I've ever had in my life. I would go back in a heartbeat just for that ice cream. And the crisps and eggs. Because, you know. Crisps.
(4)Lauren S.
Just go. It's a foodie's dream experience.
(5)Ann Marie M.
Had dinner at Bottlefork last night, and I had to write about it . Everything has so many interesting flavors with a terrific presentation. I can honestly say that every dish was amazing! And I tried a lot, as we sharing appetizers and meals at our table. The atmosphere is fun and cozy at the same time-it has a good vibe. I especially enjoyed the super large booths. The prices are reasonable, especiallay with the quality of the food! I loved it !
(5)Meeta S.
so good!!!!
(4)Melissa O.
Fantastic cocktails in a great location. The bartender was kind enough to make me his own version if a corpse surviver #2, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
(5)Brian M.
Fantastic food, great service, very reasonable prices. They have passion about what they do. Don't think about it just go!
(5)Jeff W.
I visited last night based on excellent Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgable, and quick. The food was full of flavor and just the right portion size.
(4)Jimmy F.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago and had a great time! I had the steak salad, and my brother had the lobster po' boy. We shared the brussels sprouts and the popcorn sweetbreads. We both really liked the starters, though the sweetbreads were a really tiny portion, which we didn't really expect. The salad was weird. It was basically an order of steak frites on some arugula with bearnaise on top. However, the steak was AMAZING. I like meat rare, almost mooing, and most places always let me down by overcooking it. They cooked it to perfection. Honestly, kudos to the chef. It was a beautiful steak, seasoned perfectly, and also cooked perfectly. The waitress let me know that they offer the steak in a different set up for dinner, and I can't wait to go back. My brother didn't really love his sandwich, though he did say that it was executed well, he just didn't care for the flavor combination. Service was attentive and on-point. I sadly forgot our servers name, but she was really kind and we were never in need of anything. She even noticed that my brother was wearing a Lima hat, and started chatting with us in Spanish, which was sweet. I look forward to going back and giving their dinner menu a chance!
(4)C N.
Lively joint with several unique and delicious menu items. The alcohol was very overpriced [ $9 for a Daisy Cuter - Beer]. We had the egg & chips [great snack, one of their larger snacks & at a good price], Sweetbreads [very small but delicious], Deviled Eggs [nothing off the charts], Jerky [unique with good flavor], Brussel sprouts [nice, charred vege], Octopus [ smaller plate & very spicy], Lobster roll [amazing bite, but not very filling] and the gnocchi [out of this world]. I would rate it a 4.5.
(4)Kris R.
whoa. this place was so damn good. another Stephanie L and Kris R experience that won't be forgotten. refer to her review for our night! it was nutz to buttz on a wed eve. we were able to get some seats at chef's table, which is like, my favorite kind of table. i ordered the vodka (broadway something) drink, twice. it was delicious. i'm not a huge orange fan, but they did this one right, which is why i ordered two. the service was timed nicely. faves were the crisp and egg (check in to get it fo' free), the sweetbreads, the creamed kale, and the ooey gooey. damn, i felt so fat after that. but totes worth it. the mushroom gnocchi was a bit disappointing. maybe salt? it had goat cheese, so i figured it'd be tres amaze. being in the heart of river north, prep for that crowd, you know? wear your button shirt and docksiders. besides that, really great food, great service, great decor, and great drink. even the staff behind the open kitchen were really friendly and awesome. i'd definitely come back with steph on a weekday night.
(5)Evan K.
Came for Saturday brunch and it was nice to find a place without a line and that takes reservations! Had the burger and corned beef hash. The burger is now one of my favorites, the patty is 30% bacon. The hash was also great, would definitely recommend this place
(5)Sam C.
pretty solid. the decor reminds me of hubbard inn, with louder more uppity music. food is similar to two, with emphasis on seafood bag of crips plus egg was great to start with. drinks are good, a little pricey for an old fashioned ($22) that was a little on the small side, and not as good as the ones at old fifth. beer list is good as well. prawns were good, but small portion also. cavatelli was great. one thing definitely to try is the warm and gooey - we had some amazing cheesecake inspired dessert that was the best part of the meal. our waitress was awesome - she was very attentive, knew the menu extremely well, and recommend a few great things to try. overall, solid menu, good drinks, small portions. a little pricey, but it's in river north. definitely worth checking out.
(4)Dan S.
As a diner who is usually biased towards the spicy, ethnic side of the food spectrum, usually traditional American cuisine is something to be avoided as most would agree it is generally fashioned for a bland palette. So it was with much skepticism that my lady and I visited Bottlefork. Ok, honestly we only had three dishes and they were all slam-dunks - The Mediterranean salad was summery and refreshing, the octopus with homemade spam elegantly combined sweet and sour flavors for a sublime dish. The dessert was a cobbler dish that was completely satisfying. It is also worth mentioning the house cocktails expertly crafted and not too sweet - you could easily just visit Bottlefork for their mixology and be happy. What also was impressive was the owner and executive chef was actually helping to expedite when the restaurant was busy on a Friday night - talk about someone who really cares about their restaurant. So in conclusion - go to Bottlefork. It is an underrated gem that will leave you smiling and satisfied - five stars all the way.
(5)neal s.
I have been dying to try this place since it opened. I had been hearing great reviews and four weeks after making my Saturday night reservation we were in. It did not disappoint. It is a small restaurant. A few tables in front, the rest of the seating area is booths that lined one side of a long narrow room opposite the bar. Service was great and responsive. When we didn't care for the wine we ordered our waiter saw the look on our face and immediately offered to whisk it away and find something else. Moments later the GM appeared with a carafe of wine for us to try and it was a very good choice. Our group of four had a great meal. You can order your own entrée but we all ordered from the sharable section. All of the following were excellent, unusual and tasty preparations. We started with a potato salad and followed with a gnocchi, lamb ribs, burger and fries, rich mans poboys, braised beef cheeks poutine and a pumpkin soup We finished with one of their daily Gooey desert specials of the day. Last night it was warm cheesecake with huckleberry sauce that is served piping hot. We will all definitely be coming back. Rockin Ranch has done it again
(5)Anslee B.
What an awesome night out at Bottlefork! The staff was so accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and, of course, the food was just wonderful. My group of four started out ordering the Wagu Beef Jerky and Bag of Crisps and Eggs. Both were addictive and I am dreaming about them while nursing a slight hangover this morning. We shared the Kale Caesar and Mediterranean Salad, Rich Man's Po' Boy (my favorite of the night), Grilled Octopus and homemade spam, and the truly spectacular Ground Bacon Burger. Everything we ordered was so perfectly balanced and indulgent- I am positive that the whole menu is just as wonderful. We had 9:30 reservations and we were seated around 10:00. It's a small space, so my group and I felt a bit in the way, but the hostesses were attentive and sat us ASAP. Great atmosphere (props to the playlist which included Haim and Broken Bells) and the restaurant has a comfortable and cool, yet totally unpretentious, vibe. I am so excited to go back to Bottlefork
(5)Peter H.
Great atmosphere, 5-Star Service (Thanks Courtney!) and tasty food. The Mushroom Gnocchi & Pork were absolutely amazing!! I can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)Beth P.
Went to Bottlefork with a small group on Saturday night. I gotta say, it was delicious. We went with the server's recommendations in regards to the smoked lamb ribs and wow, they were awesome. We also shared the mushroom gnocchi and each had a ground bacon burger for our entree with fries. This is no ordinary burger! Holy cow, it was huge and sooo delicious. It cam with a huge pickle on top of the "fork" stuck into the bun. Fun little detail. Cool vibe at the restaurant as well. Overall, a great experience in regards to atmosphere and food. The dessert we shared was amazing as well! Will be back for sure.
(5)Lauren B.
I waited until after my second time to review, thinking that maybe I just had an off experience or ordered the wrong things. But no - this place is pretty horrible. The food is meh (cooked okay, I suppose but the flavor combinations are awful). The service is worse (we had to ask multiple times for more water, they took so long with my second drink that I tried to cancel it, and then we were asked to leave our table after spending more than $200 on dinner). The overall experience is pretty awful - similar to Dragon Ranch, this place should not last long.
(1)Katie H.
Based on my dining experience last night, I will not be going back to Bottlefork. The food was good, but for the price, it just wasn't worth it. The portions were small and nothing blew my socks off, to be honest. The service was also lacking. Our server, while sweet and I do believe she was trying her best, did not know what she was doing and made the experience awkward and uncomfortable. Our drinks took unusually long to come and the food came unusually fast-- it was just an odd "hurry up and wait" type of feeling. We felt like we had to eat fast because the next course was coming and our table was small, but then had to wait 20 minutes for our drinks. Two of my friends had a major fiasco with the wine, too. They were told the bottle of white wine they wanted was unavailable, so they chose another (more expensive) bottle of white that came out 20 minutes later ROOM TEMPERATURE. Then, after saying they didn't want the warm wine, they were told the original bottle actually WAS available, so after another 10 minutes, they finally got THAT bottle. It was just really frustrating and the odd part was, the manager came over after the wine finally came...only to do nothing. He basically gave an obligatory apology- we expressed annoyance- and then he walked away. I think the experience could've been salvaged if he had taken the liberty to comp a drink or a couple of our apps or something to show he genuinely cared that the service and our experience had been bad. It was just such an odd experience to have at a new, trendy restaurant. With all of the fabulous restaurants in the city- and even on this particular block- I won't bother with Bottlefork again.
(2)Sofia J.
Not very impressed with the brunch menu, most of the items are overpriced and quite simple. The Rich man po boy however is like a fish out of water on this menu. Not sure how something so creative was placed among otherwise less than thrilling choices. Foie gras and lightly fried oysters are a phenomenal lobster roll pairing so I absolutely recommend going there just for the Rich Man Po Boy. Oh, and a side of bacon...a very generous maple-glazed side. Also loved the bloody mary, Bottlefork has one of the most uniquely flavored mixes I've tasted.
(3)Amoli P.
Just stopped in here late last Friday night when we were turned off by the line for Bub City. What an adorable bar and perfect for getting a delicious cocktail and great snacks. We wandered in after midnight so while the main kitchen was closed we were lucky enough to be the first people to ever see and try their new late night menu featuring grilled cheese sandwiches. I can easily see Bottlefork being a great dinner spot earlier in the evening or perfect for happy hour. It's very Longman & Eagle in terms of amazing drinks and very meat-heavy and fancy food items, while still a bit rustic. Bottlefork has an extra elegance to it over L&E to keep with the River North location. When we wandered in after midnight, the bartender asked us what type of drinks we prefer. I said an old-fashioned and my friend said she typically prefers gin. He came back with 2 amazingly perfect creations. My drink was a bourbon based drink with egg white froth deliciousness. My friend's drink was a gin based cocktail with heavenly fruit flavors with it. He nailed it. The late night menu offers 3 different grilled cheeses to choose from at $8 each, or you can get all 3 at $22. Obviously we had to try all 3, so we split the sampler platter and it was easily a full meal (which is embarrassing since we had already eaten dinner earlier that night). I can't wait to come back to Bottlefork with my husband who will truly appreciate the creativity of the cocktails and try their regular menu.
(4)Lynn H.
Yes, the food and drinks are good, but at the prices they charge, I will probably pass next time. I would say, try it out (definitely some good menu items - it is share style and unique), but once is probably enough. Favorite menu items: Bag of Crisps and Eggs Tots The burger
(3)Tera D.
A gem in an otherwise douche-tastic area. We had reservations (highly recommend, since it's small) on a weeknight. Got seated in a great booth and shared a couple of items. The popcorn sweetbreads were a hit, even with group members that weren't big offal eaters. The tots are really unique, and worth getting. The creamed kale was more cream than kale, but in a delicious way. And the lobster po' boy was the winner for entrees, although the lamb ribs were really interesting and tasty too. Price is a little high, but what do you expect in that neighborhood. In my mind, the only real downside is that it's small with barely any bar space, so if you're early for your reservation you'll have to go wait at one of the douchy River North bars in the area.
(4)Curtis H.
This place is terrific, and a perfect spot for an upscale lunch when downtown. Ate here with a friend and shared the DELICIOUS poutine for an appetizer. The braised beef cheek made the dish a total winner. I had one of their varied lunch specials which included an Asian inspired house made "spam" sandwich and a curried lobster bisque. It was a great value at $14. Their cocktails are thoughtful and tastefully inspired as well. I could see myself returning for just their drinks. All in all a great place worth a visit.
(4)Mouse C.
Bottlefork. What can I say besides you are the biggest dissapointment for me this year since the Real World Explosion aired. I was absolutely JAZZED to come here since I tried thier slider at Baconfest2014 back in April (it was my fav item of the whole fest). Last night, you showed me you are a one trick pony. First off, my dinner crew (WLC what what) and I were greeted, or not greeted, by the most unfriendly waiter on the planet. I was so confused as he just came up to our table and poured water and started talking about drink specials. We didn't get his name until I had to ask (Ray) and I even went as far to ask if he was, IN FACT, our waiter. As he went on to eventually explain the menu to us, he went on this tangent about bringing us back to that one time in the mediterrian....and also the movie Ratatouille. See, now aren't you as confused as us? I thought so. Anyhoo on to the food. As my fellow yelpers pointed out, if you check in you will recieve a free bag of crisps and egg. This was surprsingly very delicious and I do recommend (I mean, its free, why not). For apps, we had the poutine and the tots. The poutine was very good and hearty, while the tots were so - so (not too impressed with those). We each ordered a different dinner to share, which I will list in order of favorite: Rich Man Po' Boy - this was delectable! So rich and yummy. But do not be decieved as I was, the pictures make this sandwhich look very large. It is not, it is a baby sandwhich. Bacon Burger - This was good. The bun and the homemade ketchup made the burger. Again, don't be fooled by the delicious looking pickle you see it topped with on all the pictures. It tastes more like a cucumber than a pickle (wah wahhhhh) Braised Pork Belly - Tasty, but didn't blow my mind. Housemad Spam - This was interesting.....but I think I am just not a SPAM FAN so I wasn't able to put the thought of prison food out of my mind (even though its technically not spam). We did, however, make the wisest choice of the evening in ordering dessert. We ordered the hot and gooey dessert of the day which was a piece of cheesecake served on top of an amazing blueberry field. We also ordered the pretzel carmel sundae which was just as amazing as the hot and gooey. Definitely, definitely order dessert, it is worth the trip believe me. Overall, Bottlefork was overpriced and overated. It saddens me to even write this review because I came in with the highest of hopes. Ah well, live and learn.
(2)Fei S.
Ordered a dessert cake and the staff gave me a cake plus ice cream. I was amazed how big a portion the dessert was, but the joy soon ended when the server handed me the check. They freaking charged me with the ice cream without me ordering it!!!!! Tried to argue but the server didn't show the slight intention to remove it from my bill. This place will be a pass for me in the future.
(1)Kathy T.
This place has one of the best services in Chicago. They were very accommodating especially since we came in with a large party. I love the ambiance of this place. The decor was very beautiful! Great food, drinks and service! FYI: they do not make the homemade ice cream on Sunday. I didn't get to try the dessert, but that means I'll have to come back another time.
(5)Magen R.
Bottlefork definitely lived up to the hype last night when three of my co-workers and I had dinner there. We were starving by the time we were seated as our reservation was for 7:15 and we were not seated until 7:45ish but the free bag of crisps and eggs we got for checking in on Yelp definitely tided us over until we were able to get a sense of the menu and start ordering. Our waitress was super helpful while we perused the menu and gave us some great recommendations, the best of which was encouraging us to order the special of the day, lamb bruschetta. It was amazing and a flavor combo I would never have put together on my own but ended up loving. No one got too crazy with the cocktails but we definitely could've. I tried their Smoke of the Day cocktail and was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The others stuck with beer and wine and were happy with their choices. Once we got through the eggs and the lamb bruschetta we ordered the "popcorn" sweetbreads, braised beef cheese "poutine", smoked lamb ribs, grilled octopus and house made spam, "tots", and roasted parsnips. Each dish was pretty great and was large enough so that each of us could have a taste. Highlights for me were the grilled octopus and the "tots". The octopus had a wonderful tangy flavor that I cannot describe but I absolutely adored it. The "tots" were actually roasted potatoes in a fabulous pimento cheese sauce, they were so awesome we had to get two orders! One of my favorite things about all of the dishes were the way the sauces took the dishes to the next level. The pickled pepper aioli that came with the sweetbreads and the yogurt mint combo on the lamb ribs were outstanding and really heightened the dishes for me. All in all Bottlefork is a great dining experience with excellent service and a rustic, intimate ambiance that I've not found at a lot of other River North spots. I'd definitely recommend hitting up Open Table and getting a reservation ASAP.
(4)Frances A.
The chips are a must. The egg and vinegar, num num. Barely touched the lobster bisque. So incredibly not impressed. The taste was far too subtle - i fear the cooks forgot the lobster in the ocean. Tots were nothing special. Potato + cheese. That's it. And at $12 for portabella sandwich i was thinking it would be mind blowing, also pretty disappointing. Pretty overpriced for an average menu which was executed pretty mediocre. @Least the service was good
(3)Bridget H.
The good/great: 1. The Bill Brasky is pricey at $35, but it contains 3 drinks worth of a cocktail and is smooth as silk. A few of us shared the supersized drink and enjoyed every sip. 2. Appetizers- Beef cheek poutine, agyu jerky, Pimento cheese tots - combining many of my favorite things, it's hard to go wrong. 3. Roast Chicken- Far from boring, this was a delicious, albeit somewhat safe, option. The bad/ugly: 1. We had a group of 6 and despite being in a booth, were so spread out that we could barely hear each other. The verdict: A fun stop for drinks and apps before a night out on the town, but not an ideal layout and too noisy for any real conversation or date night.
(4)Anne A.
Been here 3 times now and will probably go back 102 more. I can't say enough good things about this place. Seriously. Every time I visit it gets better and better. Things I've tried: The deviled eggs, the bag of crispy chips, the tuna tartare, the waygu beef jerky, the octopus and homemade spam (yes spam), the tater tots with pimento cheese, gnocchi, and the chicken entree. Each dish is carefully prepared with so much flavor and creativity. Everything just melts in your mouth. Sometimes I wonder how chefs can make food taste this good!! They really know what their doing here!! The drinks are really great too. If you're a bourbon drinker like I am, you will instantly fall in love with this drink menu. Also, bottles of wine are moderately priced. While the cocktails are not cheap, and we all know river north has steep drink prices, it's worth splurging for one or two. Then onto dessert, you MUST I REPEAT MUST leave room for dessert! I've had both the creme brûlée (it's not always available) and hot and gooey of the day, which was bread pudding one of the times I visited. Holy moly it's a party in your mouth no doubt. You can't skip getting their soft serve ice cream on the side either. This ice cream tower could feed 4 people. I will continue going to this place regularly as long as they stay open. Thank you Bottlefork and Billy Dec for this amazing addition to the River North!! I
(5)Linda F.
Fabulous sandwiches - the bread was as delicious as the brisket. We shared the small Market Greens salad with yummy Green Goddess dressing. Really liked the Huckleberry Lemonade - tart and refreshing. Inside was a bit dark so we sat on the small patio. Service was terrific.
(5)Saba A.
Extremely impressed- great job Billy Dec, especially after the fire incident that shut down your last establishment and closed it down permanently. The staff is great, as always along with all the other Rockit Productions restaurants. Creatively used small restaurant, made reservations on opentable.com and when I checked in with the host, we got a seating for two immediately. Checked in and got the delicious crisps and eggs. A waitress came with a brown paper bag with a room temperature egg, dropped the egg in the bag, shook it up, and wow, heaven in the mouth appetizer. What a great starter for 4 dollars (all though we got it complimentary for checking in on yelp!) More amazing- the drink list. As our waiter exclaimed, each section, red wine, white wine, cocktails, and beers, started from light-dark, light-full, and so forth. Many varieties, mostly local, I have a new favorite beer now too! Check out my pictures, everything I ordered, I loved. Would I come here to sit at the bar, watch the cooking in action, get a drink and appetizer? Absolutely. I like how this spot differs from the rest of the restaurants in River North in accordance to ambiance. Napkins engraved with the word: Bottlefork, pear shaped plates that are not the typical white, a trendy/casual environment, a great place for happy hour as it's not too or too quiet, just a friendly, chatty atmosphere. My husband and I settled in for dessert, impressed again. Sitting between both tables, we overhead people raving about their desserts too, so save room in your stomach for one of those. It was great to meet Jason Ring, the general manager. Cared about our thoughts and what we thought of everything. Can't wait to come back. Fill out the postcard when you get your check, and recommend it to your fellow foodie friend. Can't wait to go back and so happy a nice new restaurant opened in River North.
(5)Phoebe W.
If you've been following my Yelp reviews for a while, you'll know that I've had some pretty rocky times with certain hard liquors. Absinthe was also no exception. I'll spare you the nitty gritty details, but there may or may not have been some weeping/praying for death in the shower the morning after. Anyway, I've eased into "responsible" absinthe drinking through my new best friend, the Sazerac. I understand the idea of mixing whiskey and absinthe sounds dangerous, but...it's so worth it. I've sampled a few Sazeracs around the city, but Bottlefork is by far my favorite. Holy moly, that cocktail was insanely smooth. Food-wise, Bottlefork's menu is amazing. Highlights include: tots, gnocci, three different kinds of sundaes, and a Rich Man's Po'Boy. Yes Yelp friends, your seafood lust dreams have come true. As in: lobster, fried oysters, AND FOIS GRAS MOUSSE on top of a perfectly toasted bun. The RMPB has single-handedly (if a sandwich could have hands) converted me into a lobster lover. This bearer of lavish aquatic gluttony is under the "shareable" items of the menu. Sorry ladies, the next girls night will feature me eating this sandwich all my by damn self!
(5)Paul I.
So this place far exceeded our expectations. Our waitress Tina was great! Had the house chips and jerky - great! The bacon burger and Poutine were both very very good. Be adventurous - Give it a try!
(5)Matt S.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Use the free checkin gift of the crisps&egg. Burger is outstanding, Fried Chicken impressed me (a guy from Texas that grew up on Sunday afternoon fried chicken), and the braised beef cheek poutine was ridiculous. First time in Chicago, but i'll be back as long as this place is here. Loved it!
(5)Mancow M.
Poached egg shaken in a bag w/ fresh malt vinegar covered homemade potato chips? Uhhh , yes! Housemade pork-belly Spam? Uh huh. Odd and wonderful. Chef Kevin from The 4 Seasons got tired of the corporate controlled life and broke away w/ BottleFork. Teaming w/ promotional machine Billy Dec they have a winner w/ this one. This space used to house a much disliked (unfairly)Mexican Asian fusion joint. It's either small and loud or intimate and exiting. We had great fun. Also, and this ALWAYS comes off wrong, I appreciate that the chef is "fluffy" and enjoys eating. (Translation: he's BIG.) Mario Batalli still holds a grudge against me for pointing that out. Chef Kevin's next place in Bridgeport to be called The Duck Inn I think sounds righteous too. Their drinks are adult and professionally made. I'm so sick of the cute giggling girl in some tight boss mandated clothing that can't make a drink. The people making drinks here are the real deal. This ain't LA and I appreciated their professionalism. And THE thing that Chef Kevin FINALLY did at a hip new place was a REAL desert. Wtf? Yeah,for years I've been so tired of the "too cute for the room" deserts. Can't I just get a piece of cherry pie or a cobbler or crisp? Can I have chocolate cake w/out the drizzle?! Can I have a REAL desert that isn't deconstructed? Here you can. Sometimes it's ok to leave greatness be.
(4)Jeff O.
Bottlefork is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It's small and often packed, but it's delicious. I've been several times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is intimate, trendy, and chic, and the service is excellent. Drinks - get the Satan's Whiskers, Curled. You won't regret it. It's expensive ($16) but the best cocktail I've ever had (and I've had many a delicious cocktail). Starting with the appetizers - man, the poutine is amazing. I've also had the tots, which are delicious. Entrees - I've had the burger and the orecchiette, both of which are so good that I have not ordered any other entrees on other visits. That said, my fellow diners said that their meals were delicious. Sides - their brussels sprouts are really fantastic, as is their crispy kale with duck egg. I highly recommend both. Overall, it's fantastic. I can't recommend it highly enough. Make sure you have a reservation (reasonably easy to get one a little bit in advance), and for the love of everything delicious, try the poutine.
(5)Christi M.
Wish there were more than five stars to give- this place was amazing from start to finish. We spotted Bottlefork when we were dining at Frontera and were able to get reservations via Open Table for the next night. Got lucky and were seated at the bar in front of the kitchen which was great. We were able to see everything coming out and everyone was very patient with our questions "what was that?" as each item was complete. We played menu bingo throughout our meal. Since we checked in on Yelp we received a free crisps and egg which is freshly made potato chips shaken in a brown bag with a poached egg. Very tasty. The Mediterranean salad was delicious. Fried cheese on top, grilled lettuce with vinaigrette and eggplant hummus underneath. The creamy kale was topped with a perfect egg and was nicely done. Entrees were the pork belly with a wonderful house made chorizo and a freshly prepared rich mans po' boy. We finished with the dessert special- a brownie brûlée - gooey brownie on the bottom and creme brûlée topping - wonderfully crispy. We added the house made vanilla soft serve which is definitely the best vanilla ice cream I have ever had. It was amazing. Basically everything we ate was perfect. Super tasty. And the service was impeccable all around. Erin, our server, was right there when we needed her and provided great input. The restaurant was packed and she was very busy but she always took her time with us and was never rushed. The expeditor was fun to watch and was clearly focused on making sure everything came out perfectly. Didn't get his name but he happily provided info on each of the dishes to everyone who asked (I wasn't the only one). Everything looks delicious so of course people are curious. My son changed his mind a couple of times based on watching the kitchen. Every single person we encountered was friendly and polite. I left my power bank on the bar and they tried running after us to give it back and had it right there when we came back in to pick it up. Highly, highly recommended but make reservations or be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)