Fork! Formerly Fiddlehead! Formerly... something before Fiddlehead! This time (Fiddlehead to Fork transition), little changed. Our server informed us that they were now "less casual" but the management, chefs, and service staff are the same. The beer list was awesome. I believe they have about 75 varieties of craft brews. Enough said. The food was awesome. Olive Oil Roasted Beets - The combination of beet and blue cheese is somewhat expected, but the addition of pistachios was an appreciated new texture and taste. Pork Belly - The pork belly itself was a perfect combination of crunchy and smooth. It sat atop a bed of white cheddar grits which we scraped from the plate so as not to miss a drop. Mussels - We had our choice of Belgian (brothy) or French (creamy) style. We went with Belgian and dug in. This, however, is where the wheels fell off the wagon. The dish was supposed to be served with fries. It arrived, however, sans frites. Let's be honest, I don't need a basket of fries. But would I eat them? Sure. However, just as we were reaching to pull the last mussels from the broth, the fries arrived. Yeah... I don't really want them anymore. They seem like an afterthought at this point. Next - coffee and desserts. We each ordered coffee with a shot (Godiva Dark for him, Godiva White for me) and decided to split the white chocolate banana bread pudding. We wait. And wait. Our server brings us another coffee each (free - to compensate the wait, we assume). I believe I visited the restroom twice at this point due to the large volumes of coffee consumed. Still waiting. The check arrives. OK... you want us to pay before we have our dessert? A look at the check shows that dessert isn't listed. We mention this to our server, and after an awkward attempt at humor (The kitchen is closed! No it' not!) he admits he forgot and goes to grab our wayward dessert. It's excellent (of course) and complimentary (of course).
(3)
Sean F.
Can we take a moment and consider cheese? Please? Cheese, like crazy good cheese, not processed cheese. And let's also consider, along with crazy good cheese, just how a positive experience at a restaurant can alter an entire day? After meeting up with friends, we decided to pop over to Fork for some wine and drinks. The place was busy as it should be on a Friday night and we were seated on some couches around a low table, which was perfect for the type of evening we were having. Once seated we pondered the wine menu. My friends picked their favorite reds and I opted for a Saison style Belgian farmhouse that was stellar, in my opinion. Of course, once you are drinking and chatting, you need some nosh as well. The cheese selection at Fork is amazing. Now, don't expect me to remember all the different types of cheese we had because, well, we had a lot of different cheese and cheese names don't roll of my tongue so easily. There was a creamy gorgeous soft cheese that tasted like a combination of butter and love. On top of this, our server, Chris, attended to us in a brilliant fashion. He was very courteous, very friendly, but not 'hovering' which can be really annoying when trying to chat with friends. I've enjoyed every visit to Fork I've made and will continue to return for the selection of wines, beers, cheese, and of course the magnificent food.
(5)
Tim G.
Won't be returning to Fork. We were the first seating of the day for brunch, we were the second table seated. Following our order, it took over an hour for our food to arrive. This was breakfast. Over an hour, and I am not exaggerating... PROS: Coffee was terrific. That's it... CONS: Poorly managed, no coordination between service and kitchen. Food took forever, and ever, and ever.... After almost an hour, brunch manager offered us a "snack" to tide us over which was delivered after our food finally came. Thanks for nothing. Food. It wasn't very good. The Belgian waffle was OK. Adults at the table didn't like eggs benedict, steak n eggs, or chilaquiles. 0 for 3... Menu was slim, and variety was poor. Bloody Mary. Just not good.
(1)
Jonathan A.
Fantastic spot, food and service. Great in the spring/summer for outside seating and soaking Up some rays while enjoying a great brunch.
(4)
Ziggy I.
This was a first: Never have I been chased down the block by a restaurant owner. It's not nearly as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it was quite touching. My party and I had shown up at prime dinner hour on a weekend, no reservation--of course there was going to be a wait. We waited a bit, but then our hunger got the better of us and we headed down the street to look for somewhere less busy. Then we heard quick footsteps behind us on the sidewalk. It was the owner! He apologized for the wait and implored us to return. He probably had a million other things to do, and not to mention the promise of other willing customers, but he felt bad that we'd waited 20 minutes instead of the promised 10-15. It was such a genuine gesture on his part, and a true reflection of Fork's service in general. Usually you only notice service when it's bad, but Fork's staff are skilled at somehow letting you know that they're taking good care of you without being fussy or pretentious. This was maybe my third or fourth time at the restaurant, and the staff have always been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I really can't praise them enough and am truly surprised to see that this place isn't rated more highly here. As for the food: I've tried a good portion of the menu and have been impressed all around. Some favorites include the summer squash "spaghetti" and the eggplant "caviar," both delicious. Have also really enjoyed the charcuterie, cheeses, poutine (a little on the salty side, but still great), and mac n' cheese. The presentation is attractive without trying too hard. And to say that the wine and beer list is extensive would be a grave understatement. I'm a big fan of this place.
(5)
Eric D.
Four was the first restaurant I ate at when I moved to Lincoln Square. I live right upstairs from it and thought it would be super cool and convenient if the food was as good as it looked on the menu. While I was enjoying my brunch in my over hard poached egg(Why are you cooking if you can't even poach an egg properly?) While the manager and one of their servers were discussing something of a financial nature that I should not of heard to begin with. The manager, I short stocky guy with a blond buzz cut, was being extremely rude to the server and a few tables that can hear him. I'm starting to understand why this place is been three or four different places over the years. I go back but only if somebody else paid.
(3)
Becky S.
This place is a solid 3.5 stars for me but I am bumping them up to 4 for their wine, beer, and cheese flights. I have been here for brunch twice and dinner once. The brunch is good but nothing spectacular, mostly standard fare. I do like the tables that are seated right in the window -- nice for people watching and fresh air. Both times at brunch I had the smoked salmon platter which was good, but nothing novel. My husband and I had dinner here for the first time last weekend despite living in the neighborhood for almost two years. Overall it was a nice experience, and the food was very good. The dinner started off a little rocky in that we were sat outside on the sidewalk by the host (yay for nice weather!) but our server did not appear for about 15 mins. Eventually the host came out and realized we were sitting there not being served and apologized for forgetting to tell the server. No big thing....we were enjoying the nice weather and each other's company, but I think as a restaurant host, I would have offered a free drink at that point to make up for the mistake. Our server was lovely and very friendly, and from there on out the service was perfect. I had the Unibroue beer flight which was great. It's rare you see a beer flight, so I was stoked. My husband had a mixed greens salad to start which was good. But the star was his entree -- the house smoked beef brisket sandwich! YUMMMMM The smokiness of the meat was delicious. And my husband won major brownie points for telling the waitress it was the second best brisket he ever ate. "Second to what?" you may ask, and in fact the waitress did ask. "Second to my mother-in-law's brisket" he answered. Awwww So sweet.... But really, nobody beats a Jewish mom at brisket. My duck confit club sandwich was also very tasty, although I would have liked it better if it was just two slices of bread rather than three. Overall, a very nice dinner.
(4)
Alice H.
I've wanted to eat here for a long time...even before they changed the name...but something always got in the way...you know how that goes. Last night I finally got there and it goes on "the list"...you know, the list of places you'll keep going back to. We had the duck club...scrumptious...the garlic fries with it...great...mac'n'cheese...probably the best around...brussel sprouts with bacon...mmm...bread pudding so good it should be illegal...and great coffee. They have great beers and a good wine list... The menu is marvellous...can't wait to try the pork belly sandwich... The service superb...thanks Hannah! I didn't get the hostess' name or the busboy's, but they were wonderful also. Go! Relax...Enjoy...I know I'll be back soon.
(5)
Erika G.
Neither outrageously good, nor bad. Pleasant, not unpleasant. Didn't sample the food, but by proximity alone, it's a great place to have a drink before a movie at the Davis. The red wine was good. The martinis (after a Bond movie) were not made to the immaculate, ritualistic chilly perfection I enjoy in a martini, I'll stick to Bandera for that. The sorbet was weird. Concord Grape with Thyme. An interesting pairing, but I would have been happy with simply the yummy Concord Grape - I kept thinking "Why Thyme?". It seemed like an experiment just to be different. Still a few ghosts of Square Kitchen lingering. It was surprisingly uncrowded for a late Saturday night, and the staff seemed anxious to close up and get outta there. I'll go back before or after a movie at the Davis, but probably would not go out of my way for this one.
(3)
Jeana P.
Fork is our new neighborhood go to restaurant! My husband and I have lived in LS for 6 years. Having been to previously named Square Kitchen and Fiddlehead, we were never raving fans. But Fork is another story! We love the beer selection and wine flights. Windows open onto Lincoln Ave. in warmer weather months, cozy and inviting in cold weather. Food is AMAZING! Hands down favorite is the Duck Liver Mouse. Also enjoy Pork Belly Reuben, Chix Burger, fish specials. Don't let the Charcuterie name scare you, it's just a yummy assortment of cheese, meats, little pickles, gourmet olives, stone ground mustard, etc. Ask for Niko the waiter, you're guaranteed superb service with a friendly face! Finally a gastropub in LS. Well done Fork, great addition to neighborhood that we highly recommend!
(5)
Kelly A.
I love Fork. While the fare may not be quite as adventurous as Bongo Room or Orange they still have a menu that is pretty creative and very satisfying. I've enjoyed everything I've had on the menu so far, with the chilaquiles being my favorite. I find the texture is hard to get right and they handle it with mastery. It was among the best I've had in the city and very satisfing. I also appreciate that both time I have dined here they have been more than willing to make substitutions based on my preferences and have either done it for free or charged me marginally based on what I switched. As for the atmosphere, it's good. It can get a bit loud during the prime of brunch, but not so much that you cannot hear your companion. And even though this seems to be a mecca for the stroller-toting set, my experience was always that the kind of parents that go to Fork are respectful of other diners and you don't encounter some of the same problems you get at other kid-friendly places. (i.e.kids running around or yelling/crying loudly.)
(4)
V V.
Finally tried this place for the first time. Met two other couples here for dinner on a Friday night and my wife and I will definetely be returning. It was full for a Friday night but not packed in there...each table and patron gets an adequate amount of space. Ambience was nice, wait staff was great. Menu is great with a wide range of appetizers, small plates, and entrees. Our table started with the Duck Poutine (amazing) and the Brussel Sprouts (surprisingly great!). I went with the BBQ Brisket Sandwich on Texas toast. Brisket was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and with just the right amount of leanness to it...it was so good. Wife got the gnocci and she enjoyed it! Wife got a couple glasses of sweet white wine that she loves, and the dirty martinis were made perfectly as well. I hope this place stays around for a while as there are plenty of things on the menu that look unique and tasty. Apparently, their brunch is a must-try as well. Highly recommend!
(4)
Zoe G.
I went to Fork last night for night for dinner and it was amazing. Jamie, our server, was extremely knowlegable, attentive and made outstanding recommendations. My friends and I split the gnocchi, pork belly and cheese plate. The gnoochi was rich and delicious with truffle essence. The pork belly with it's cheesy grits was outstanding. The chef sent out complimentary champagne and sorbet at the end of meal. I will definataly be back!
(5)
Matt T.
You know, not too shabby Fork. When Fork opened up I was pretty meh about going and the menu looked like every other new spot coming to the city. I read the reviews and they were pretty mixed so it seemed Fork would be fairly mediocre. After my wife and I decided not to drive to Berwyn to try a restaurant out there due to ridiculous Friday night traffic we walked through Lincoln Square just to look for a drink and an app to start out our night. We happened upon Fork and thought what could be so bad about a drink and a small starter. Well, to my surprise, Fork had 3 Floyd's Zombie Dust on tap! The only other place I've had this so far is Maria's in Bridgeport. My wife found a good glass of wine (great selection of beer and wine, I must say) and we were off. After perusing the menu we opted for the warm marinated olives and the chicken liver pate. The olives were fine but a little too warm. They were tasted but a hot olive just doesn't do it for me. However, the pate was phenomenal and came in a nice sized glass mason jar. The only downside is you are given 3 small pieces of toasted crostinis but we were able to request more for no charge. The pate was really smooth and delicious and had a really nice rich flavor. After finishing our pate we decided to stay rather than venture out to somewhere else we had no idea where to go. We split a burger with cheddar and it was really great. We both are burger fans and like to try burgers all over the city. Fork's did not disappoint and was cooked to medium-rare perfection and was really really moist and juicy. House-made chipotle ketchup was already on the very nice bun and we opted for the garlic-cilantro fries for a buck extra. A fine choice but beware as the fries are pretty garlicky. We also appreciated the burger and fries split on two separate plates for us. We find this is a nice bonus when kitchens and servers recognize we are splitting something and do it for us. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fairly attentive and pleasant. They got bogged down a few times and it took a while for us to get their attention on two occasions but it was fine as orders were picking up. There are several other items on the menu that we were looking at and are eager to try next time we go to Fork. We'll definitely be back soon.
(4)
Barry B.
My wife and I visited Fork after receiving abysmal service (and no food) at Vermillion. We couldn't have been happier with service and the food. We had an excellent sparkling rose wine and the best mac and cheese I've ever had. Did I mention that our waitress was fantastic? We will definitely be returning to sample the wine flights and cheeses.
(5)
Tita P.
Updated because 4 stars were just not a enough!! Cozy Environment.....check Great Service....check Yummy food....check Nuff said!!
(5)
Risa B.
I have been a fan of this place since they were Fiddlehead. Fork does everything well! Favorites include: Their candied bacon snacks, PBLT (Pork Belly sandwich), the mussels, duck club sandwich ~ And - I am a huge fan of the cheese plate and wine flight - this place does it right! Beyond all the fantastic food on the regular menu - on of their best dishes is on the dessert menu! They have a Sticky toffee dessert that will make your life! Go - Enjoy!
(5)
jenny m.
There are two things that I love about Fiddlehead that keep me coming back time and time again. The first (and most obvious), it's a wine bar and I love me some wine. The second (and I should preface by saying that all but one time I have sat at the bar), the consistent and always spectacular service. I've been there at least a dozen times and the service never fails to impress me. There are 4 or 5 different bartenders I've encountered and they are always friendly, attentive & helpful, but without ever being too in your face. I really think the owner puts a huge emphasis on hiring a certain type of server and it pays off. There are other places in the neighborhood I could go for a good glass of wine, but I generally just default to Fiddlehead because I trust that I will always be treated good there (especially if you are by yourself, they take really good care of you). And beer lovers don't despair, the beer list has gotten pretty extensive, I would say close to 100 beers on the menu now. So you can go with your wine loving friends and enjoy a cold one (or many, no ones judging). As far as the food goes, it's not been my focus there. I tend to just get an app or two and nibble while I make my way through a wine flight. But what I've had is good and I did hear they recently changed chef's and are changing up the menu a bit and they do have a few things I will be trying soon enough.
(5)
James B.
Service was prompt and friendly. 4 course beer pairing menu was good, but heavy on the red meat. The maple, bacon donut was great but that's kind of like dunking on a fisher price basket ball hoop.
Fork is definitely more than three stars, but isn't quite deserving of a true four star ranking. That aside, here's how my recent trip breaks down: I made a reservation for 7pm on a Thursday night, and the restaurant was about half full when I arrived. Not quite necessary, but it's nice to accrue those opentable points! The drinks: My friend and I both decided to try one of their wine flight offerings. I opted for the Pinot Noir flight, and I was satisfied with it. The wines obviously weren't outstanding, but they weren't the cheapest swill from the bottom of the barrel of wine selections. We asked the waiter for his suggestion of a nicer hard cheese that would pair well with our wine, and he recommended the Three Year Cheddar which was wonderfully tangy and had a nice subtle undertone of herbs. I was a fan of this and it was served with a few pieces of bread, apple, and candied pecans. The food: We decided to share a few small plates and settled on the root vegetable hash and one of their specials. The vegetable hash was amazing--I adore fall vegetables and I liked their unique spin on the vegetables. They lightly sauteed celery root, carrots, parsnips, fennel, sweet potatoes and onions and topped it with fresh arugula and a fried egg. The vegetables were well seasoned and weren't doused in butter or an oil, and the fried egg on top made the dish very savory and slightly rich. I could have eaten this alone and been satisfied. But... I'm glad I didn't! The special of the evening was a pheasant sausage with squash, green beans, and light beans. The pheasant was lightly spiced and sliced thin among the vegetables. It had a similar overall seasoning on the dish as the vegetable hash, and the only "alarming" fact of this is my concern that all their dishes may be seasoned similarly. That aside, it all was very tasty and my friend and I enjoyed every bite. The service: They were prompt, but certainly not friendly. The waiter seemed a bit put out when we asked for a recommendation on the cheese. The atmosphere: Not too loud, not too quiet. I loved how we weren't sandwiched in to the point of hearing what the tables around us were saying. Major points there. I'll definitely be back to try their beer list and their brunch. Hopefully my next experiences will boost up the rating to the four stars that it has almost achieved in my eyes.
(3)
Bobby G.
Everything here seems to look and sound way better than it tastes. I'm talking especially to you garlic-cilantro fries. Seriously this might be one of the most aestetically pleasing letdowns in the north side. Even their fine cheese and meat selection is overpriced for the tiny portion you get. The beer selection is a ok though. The only thing that was really great was the pork belly. Beware,it's heavy so if you eat the entire thing you'll feel the way that I imagine pregnant women feel. Which is, like you have a baby in your stomach.
(3)
Bess R.
Yes, fiddleheads are mysterious, but I still like this place. Had a great dinner here last Friday with my ladyfriends. Started with some delicious Zinfandel with cheese plate and olives. All tasty, but could have used some more fruit/nuts/bread/something with the cheese. We split the Salmon, Bison and another fish special. Of course I can't remember the name of it now, but it was the BEST. Very tasty. Salmon and Bison were good, but nothing too special. Enjoyed the laid back ambiance - sat in a nice booth next to the window. Service was attentive and helpful - our server and the manager. Will be back, maybe for brunch next time. Cannot resist the fiddlehead!
(4)
Catherine L.
My experience at Fork proved that good service really does make a difference. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, was very enthusiastic about the food, and even gave suggestions as to different beers to order based on our initial orders. I really wish I could remember her name. Anyway, we started off with the French charcuterie flight, which is comprised of saucisson sec (salami), pate de champagne and magret fume (smoked duck breast). I was not a huge fan of magret fume, but I would eat the pate everyday if I could. The saucisson sec was also delicious, but the pate was simply amazing. We also shared the spring vegetable ragout, the braised pork belly, and the seared diver scallops. My only real complaint is about the order in which the food came out. The braised pork belly came out at the same time as the charcuterie, which we ate first, so it was no longer hot by the time we ate it. Regardless, it was cooked very well and the cheese grits had a wonderfully smooth texture. The seared scallops came out second and were equally as delicious. They may have been ever so slightly overcooked, but I didn't notice. The vegetable ragout came out last, although I think it should have come out first. It also wasn't the best note on which to end the night. This is not to say that it was not good, but it definitely was not amazing. Overall, it was a great experience. I would be happy to eat there again.
(4)
Jenny K.
A nice brunch spot that was buzzing with activity even on a day so cold you'd think everyone would be anchored to the couch, ensconced in a snuggie or slanket of choice. Extremely attentive service - water guy, server, and manager each checked on us multiple times. Fresh, delicious food. Only drawbacks: portion size a little small for the price and limited vegetarian-friendly options.
(4)
Bobby H.
I've been to Fork .. I'm almost embarrassed to admit this .. three times in the past 10 days. But, no, I'm not embarrassed by that. This place is amazing. I've been here on a date, for an impromptu late dinner with friends, and a planned birthday celebration. Every experience was very impressive, from the food and drinks to the quality and timeliness of service. Each of our three different servers were very friendly without being overbearing, and all were very knowledgeable about both the food choices as well as the extensive and impressive list of beers and wines. Food was always brought promptly, even when the place was packed, and everything is very fresh and of high quality. Menu items tried (and enjoyed): House-smoked Brisket Sauteed Brussel Sprouts Braised Pork Belly (I would get this again just for the cheddar grits. Wow.) Duck Confit Poutine Belgian/French Mussels Various Cheese / Charcuterie Plates I thought after being there a third time that we would be burned out by this place, but each time it leaves a better impression. Next up: Need to try the Chicken and Waffles.
(5)
David G.
I recently went with my girlfriend to eat at "Fork" for Sunday brunch. We made a reservation and actually got real good parking which I hear can be a problem. As we walked in we were promptly escorted to our table with no wait. The waitress was almost instantly there to wait on us and ask us if we wanted drinks which was nice. I ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. Now.. its very hard to mess up Fried Chicken and Waffles.... but with that said the meal was excellent. My girlfriend ordered a couple egg dishes that she thoroughly enjoyed. I left the place extremely full, to the point where it was hard to breath haha. Only reason that I give it 4 stars was the price. My orange juice cost $3.50... everything else was steep as well. All in all... I would recommend it and go back.
(4)
Pamela P.
Stay away from the brunch here. It's terrible. Awful. Uncoordinated. Un-tasty (yes, I did just make that word up). Sub-par. Disappointing. First of all, as far as their vegetarian-friendly options, it's a proverbial desert. There's not much for the non-meaters. In somewhat of a tree-huggery area, this isn't very acceptable. We started off with coffee, served in a mug, and we should have nursed that java because to get a refill was equivalent of trying to get blood out of a turnip. Not seeing many options on the menu that suited my tastes, I ordered two eggs with no potatoes and with a bagel and cream cheese. I was told that they can't do "no potatoes" and that the bagel and cream cheese was $2.50. And "what about your toast? You know we still charge you for it." Never mind, I thought, just give me the bagel and cream cheese. I then pressed if I could get a side of the eggs. The waitress looked at me perplexed, walked away without warning and returned saying they could. Very well then, that was my order. The other half ordered some scramble with sausage and toast and potatoes. Two minutes after ordering, my side of over easy eggs arrives. I looked at the server perplexed. I tell him, that's part of my order and questioned if the other food was coming because 1) I didn't want to eat alone and 2) how could I even eat runny eggs with just a fork.... The server ignored me and off he went. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the food comes and the waitress just casually says "Sorry 'bout the eggs." The bagel was old. The cream cheese was lowfat Philadelphia cheese. $2.50 for that? What a rip off. My other half thought his food was terrible. Dry, old eggs with terrible tasting sausage. Dry and old toast without so much as even jam or jelly (on the side, as advertised). Then minutes later, the waitress brings us our bill. What a terrible place. No apologizes for the mix-ups, no refills on the coffee and really bad food. For that price, you'd be better off going somewhere fancy and being served with more respect and better food. Period.
(1)
Chris S.
After seeing the menu on line, I ventured to Fiddlehead for brunch, and I will definitely be back. The menu is inventive and the food is really good. I had the soft-scrambled eggs with truffled goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and arugula. Other items included Nutella-stuffed brioche French toast, and a couple of quiches, among others. They also have flights of mimosas and good bloody Marys. Service was good. We were on the patio, but our server or busser was at our table numerous times to make sure all was well. The dinner menu looked equally great, so between brunch and dinner, this won't be the last they see of me.
(4)
Brian S.
Went on Father's Day for brunch with a group of 4. Called at 11am and was told we'd have no wait as long as we were there before noon (after that, a 5 - 10 min wait). They were really friendly and helpful on the phone. When we arrived (just around noon), they sat us right away outside. Ordered a bloody mary to start. Asked for it medium spice to be safe. When it wasn't quite spicy enough, the waitress was really great about taking it into the bar for a bit more Sriracha. I ordered the chicken & waffles. The food came out within a very acceptable amount of time. There was a light drizzle of butter on the waffles which was not too over powering. There was a great crust and crunch on the fried chicken and the candied bacon made it really special. One piece of the chicken ended up being a bit too red for me (I'm sure it's unusual). I asked another waitress to find our server so I could explain. Instead, the other waitress offered to help me right there on the spot (before knowing my issue -- stellar). She immediately offered to take the chicken and half-eaten waffle away and bring me an entire new order--that's service you don't often get these days. And she did it with a smile. When the new plate arrived, our serve came by to make sure it was alright. The other dishes at the table were also top notch. Great teamwork! You really should try this place.
(4)
Andy K.
Looks like "Fiddlehead" has now become "Fork". My prior review no longer applies, but I'm leaving it up in hopes that the old Manager from Fiddlehead reads it again and decides to actually jump off that bridge he's been thinking about.
(4)
Andrea D.
I've only been here for brunch, so I can't comment on dinner or lunch foods but the brunch.. it is very yummy. I had a waffle with the apple compote and cinnamon butter. Man that cinnamon butter is the yummiest thing. I think I could have that waffle every day. I also had a drink called.. what was it called? Brunch punch?? It was boozy without being overly boozy and citrusy and refreshing on a Sunday morning. My friend Sara had the hangover helper and she thought it was delish as well. It's a pretty good place to go and located near the Davis theater, so I imagine it makes a convenient place to get a bit before or after a movie.
(4)
Bradley S.
Partner and I stopped here for brunch after checking out two applefests Saturday. We chose the place because of their eclectic menu and sidewalk seating. I started off with a bellini; Partner with coffee. I pretty much knew what I wanted by the time we were seated (duck confit hash); Partner took his time. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and didn't seem the least annoyed with our liesurely pace. Partner finally ordered the Farmhouse Burger (bacon, egg and burger). He thouroughly enjoyed his burger: I was very happy with the hash. I wasn't thrilled with his fries. While the price point is a tad above our normal weekly brunch rotation, we'll not hesitate to return.
(4)
Melissa S.
I recently had dinner here with a friend. My intention was to eat, drink and spend too much, and I was successful. The food was all very tasty. The lamb small plate was the clear winner of the evening, I found myself embarrassingly sucking on the bones when all the meat was gone. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the artichoke; I found it too difficult to eat. I feel that when you're paying that much for a vegetable, a kitchen should at least bother to remove the inedible parts. I enjoyed how their menu was arranged to make sharing very easy, and the pre-arranged flights and pairings made ordering easy. Next time I'll be ordering the ganache cake paired with the raspberry lambic, that is just genius. The booze was good. We enjoyed our cocktails and wine flight. The only complaint here was that all of the cocktails seemed very summery. Something to match the Autumn outside would have been great. The atmosphere, however, was in line with the colder weather, and the fireplace helped me settle in and relax. Service was excellent and the opposite of pushy. I think they were trying to let us sit back and enjoy, which was just fine. Our server was really great with my friend's gluten intolerance and went out of his way to make her feel at ease. I must say I love a restaurant that cares about catering to restricted diets. I'll be back!
(4)
Megan B.
As Scarlett used to say, "fiddle-dee-dee!" Roughly translating to, "I don't care what everyone thinks, I will do as I please!" To channel this woman of great personal strength, I say, "Fiddlehead, you are a fine establishment. While I appreciate you introducing me to the smokey joy of duck confit, I don't believe you are anything special. And even though everyone else seems to think you are God's gift to brunch, I don't buy it." Cute decor/ambiance. Standard "fancy" new American fare, with a price tag to match. Solid bloody mary's. Waitresses with 'tude. Nice but relatively cramped outdoor seating. Basically, overpriced and undwerwhelming. 'Nuf said.
(2)
Garrett G.
I have been here for brunch a few times. The food never disappoints. Today I went with the pork belly sandwich with garlic fries and everything was fantastic. It is a big place so waiting hasn't been an issue. The juices are a bit expensive for the size but that is my only complaint.
(4)
Ron P.
First time to Fork this past Sunday evening. Being new to Chicago this place blew us away but so is most of Chicago's best spots that we are getting to know. Fork is a culinary treat. Big flavors in everything we tried and a huge wine and beer selection to match. Their cheese selection is vast so we tried 5 different ones...hard, goat, sheep...they were all excellent. Our server Jamie was a perfect blend of informative, attentive and patient for being first timers...explained the menu concept well and her suggestions gave us a good sampling of the fare. Beet salad was full of complex flavors and delicious. Fork "poutine" and brisket were excellent. We are definitely going back to explore further.
(4)
Kate K.
I've been walking past Fiddlehead once a week for the last year, and my fiance and I decided to try it out for dinner tonight. And we are very glad we did! The decor and ambiance are nice. The brickwork and warm green and brown earth tones make it feel very cozy yet modern. There were many things on the menu we wanted to try. For appetizers we ordered the Roasted Beet & Fig salad and the Sauteed Scallops. I ordered the Vegetable Strudel as my entree and my fiance had the Bison Hanger Steak. For dessert, we split the Tres Leches Cake. All of the food was excellent! The wait staff were friendly and attentive. We have no complaints about the service. We are already looking forward to going back and trying some of the things we didn't choose this round, including the cheese and wine flights and some of the other entrees and sandwiches on the menu. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Kaycee M.
I was surprised to see only 3.5 stars for this place. My husband and I are complete nerds and check the Yelp status of places while we're eating in them- maybe not always a great idea. This place has good food- their potatoes were very flavorful and the portions were good. We had mimosas, and I'll agree with other Yelpers that they're only meh. We have an 11 month old daughter, and the service was good- good service is important when one is dining with a toddler. (Who generally behaves so long as her food comes first and there are cute things to look at somewhere- decorative pigs will do, apparently.) For a slightly pricey brunch with some fancy options you can't get at a greasy spoon, try Fiddlehead. The decor is easy to take, our table was quite comfortable, and the menu was unique. Not bad.
(4)
Jeff G.
for the record, I am really at a 4.5, it must be the Christmas spirit in me. Ended up here after our first brunch place had a 45 minute wait. Was able to get a table quickly, and the food was awesome (had the french toast) and topped it off with a Guinness (it's my coffee). They have a crazy long beer list and the service was excellent. Cozy atmosphere, great find. I will elevate it from a "Plan B" to being my "Plan A" next time.
(5)
Sheila H.
We visited Fork on Saturday right when they opened. I'm not sure why our entrees took over a half hour to receive them. Service was great but due to the wait time you might have thought of even serving us some doughnut holes on the house. I was with my husband and our 4 year old son. The chicken and waffles were absolutely wonderful ( a little pricey for white meat only $14). It was worth the wait. My husband had a juice from the juice bar blueberry pomegranate and enjoyed that. The coffee was good. His entree was also tasty and had a side of hash towns that were very good. We will return for sure but hope to eat a little sooner!
(4)
Megan G.
Went for a light lunch of cheese and olives, and left very pleased. Generous portion of delicious olives. Nice Cheese Selection. Our waiter was informative and helped pick one of the cheeses that we ended up loving. It was the perfect lunch for walking around the neighborhood shopping.
(4)
Ariel B.
Easter Sunday is a hard time to find a decent place to eat around 3pm. After an awesome game of bowling, we walked around Lincoln Square for some place to eat. Fiddlehead's was open for Brunch so we checked it out. $19 for Easter Brunch (not bad price, IMO). Eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, salad, mac n' cheese, homemade waffles, etc. Overall, it was good. The waffles were by far the best item of the brunch offerings. The regular menu looked interesting, but they were only serving Easter Brunch. The Host didn't really make this clear when we sat down, so we tried to ask for regular menus. He got a little snitty with us. The brunch was about to close down, so we rushed to get food and the servers didn't seem happy to see us. C'est la vie. We decided to just do the brunch because we were too hungry to head back out in the cold to look for another place to eat. I'd like to try this place again during regular business hours. Hopefully the service will be better.
(3)
Jamie M.
Stopped in here with a friend before a movie at the Davis( not in a hurry but had a time to meet). They had one other table and a few people at the bar. The woman who sat us didn't give us a menu, so we had to ask the other woman who came to bring water, and take drink order. She returned with our drinks never to be seen again. Then a man was walking around looking at us so I flagged him over to ask a question about a menu item. He knew the answer that was good. he then quickly walked away, as we were ready to order. He came back about 10 min later after chatting to a person at the bar. We Ordered a Crab salad and a burger with Fries.I noticed the cook in the dining room just as I was about to get up and ask if they forgot about us, so i figured that was him telling our server that the food has been sitting in the window. Surely then the server walked away then came out with our food. The salad was very pretty when it came out but It took me about 10 minutes to cut everything up and mix it to even start to eat it. I didn't know I was ordering a master piece or I would have got something else. My friend said her burger was average and fries were cold nothing special! So we finished and had to ask for the check so we could make the movie since we were there for almost 1.5 hr just to grab lunch! I would not go here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Oh the reason I say man & woman is because they never introduced them selves nor did they have name tags.
(1)
Courtney H.
We went here for brunch/lunch on a sunday afternoon. Loved the atmostphere (sitting by the fireplace didn't hurt!) I love their flight of mimosa's and their mac and cheese is heaven. If you get only one thing from here, you MUST get the garlic fries. Positively life changing!
(5)
Unicorn L.
Love this place! Luckily it's close to our apartment, so it's become our go to 'nice' dinner place. The beer menu is extensive, brunch is superb, and everything I've ordered has been delicious. The garlic cilantro fries are SO good, and even worth the bad breath you'll inevitably have the rest of the day.
(4)
Rob L.
I came here with fellow yelper Vamsi V before he went and saw a performance by Lisa Simone, the daughter of his favorite artist Nina. I came because, darn it... I wanted some wine flights. We both were excited about this place. I had been looking over the menu and pondering what to have... I think I had it down... at least I thought I did. First thing to change was the salad with the duck confit in phyllo, they had a potato and fennel soup... sorry I love potato soup and the fennel made it an easy call... they served it table side... I love that and it was really good too. VV had the mussels with chorizo and Israeli cous cous, the mussels were excellently prepared. Then I had the salmon with the potato bacon gratin, darn tasty. The salmon was tender and flavorful and the potato... well it had bacon, hard to get better than that! Vamsi had the red snapper special with lentils, I thought it was really good too, but I was too busy cleaning my plate. Then we had dessert. He went with the chocolate fudge ganache cake, chocolate heaven. I went a little healthy with the sticky toffee pudding with the Guinness ice cream, Guinness has vitamins and minerals.... at least in my head it does. I definitely want to come back and try some more wine flights and have some of their lovely cheese plates. The nice thing is a bunch of their wines and cheese you can buy at the cafe! Very nice, clean, casual atmosphere, (though if you go early you will probably be dining with kids, just an FYI), but a nice little treat that I will be enjoying again, hopefully sooner than later.
(4)
Jessica K.
Good food and friendly service. We sat outside on the Lincoln side, and it wasn't too loud or noisy. Food was good and well portioned. The waitress gave us recommendations, some of which we took and some we didn't, but the ones we took were good.
(4)
Sabrina S.
I went to Fiddlehead Cafe last night with a friend. We made our reservation on OpenTable and arrived a bit late. The host sat us and was actually our server as well. She was very kind and did a great job describing the specials. I had a hard time finding something I wanted to eat on the menu. However, one of the specials sounded just amazing. It was a tempura fried prawn on a bed of zucchini and squash served with gnocchi with marinara sauce. My co-diner and I both thought that sounded awesome and decided to split it along with the vegetable strudel. The kitchen was kind enough to split the dishes for us! Each dish was brought out on separate plates which made me feel like I had 2 dinners. The prawn was just as expected -- wonderful! It was definitely one of those times that I was very happy I made the decision that I did. The vegetable strudel was good too but too much after I finished my first plate. We also ordered the chocolate trio. It was not what I expected but it hit the spot. Next time I hope to have the opportunity to have a salad/entree with fiddlehead ferns but I did not see this on the menu. I was surprised that at 8pm the restaurant was not filled on a Friday night. However, at around 9:30pm, the bar began to fill up. This is a great place to visit in Lincoln Square!
(4)
April L.
Back when it was Fiddlehead, and even in the early stages of being Fork, the service was my chief complaint. Not the food, which was divine, and not the prices (which are a tiny bit elevated but for good reason--the quality). Well, the service gets better and better at Fork. Today I found myself unwilling to head down to Ribfest but seriously jonesing for some BBQ. I placed a phone order to Fork for their brisket (which I know to be delicious) and garlic-cilantro fries. The hostess and bartender were welcoming on the phone, and upon my arrival, offered me a seat at the bar while the back-of-house finished packaging my carryout. The bartender knew exactly what I had ordered and offered me a glass of icewater while I waited. Given the fact that it was about 90 degrees outside, and I had walked from my apartment, I was thrilled. He also commented that the brisket was a great batch; he'd had it for lunch. I asked how long they smoke it and got a different answer than the wait staff has told me, so I guess I'll never know. :) Less than 3 minutes later, my food arrived, and the bartender wished me a nice and cool evening. I added a tip onto my bill, which I don't always do for carryout. Even though it was a good 15 to 20 minutes until I consumed my garlic-cilantro fries, they were wonderful and still crispy. If you have not yet had these fries but have been to Fork, what is WRONG with you? :) All kidding aside, the brisket is as good as I remember it (definitely more tender with tastier BBQ sauce than some of the city's BBQ-only joints), and the texas toast underneath soaks up all the great juices. Topped with fried onion straws, it's a perfect summer dish, albeit a bit of a heavy comfort food. I have yet to bring someone to Fork who has had the garlic-cilantro fries and not declared something to the effect of, "I never want to eat any other kind of fries again." DELICIOUS. Just bring some mints.
(4)
Mill V.
This place delights me. It reminds me of a distant sister to Bin Wine Cafe Wine Flights? Check Cheese Flights? Check Cute everything? Check Great food? Hell yeahs My and friend I hit up some wine flights and cheese. I frickin love their cheeses. They had an awesome French triple cream that blew my mind. And the bread with it was crazy good. It was cornmealish with golden raisins and fennel. Could of made a meal on just that. I got the lamb shank, and it was cooked til falling off. Could of used a heaping of salt. The risotto with it was missing the pecorino, and needed salt, too. But all around good. The sticky toffee pudding was a moist bite of delishness. It was great going on a Saturday night. Totally fun place to get alittle buzzed of wine.
(4)
David G.
I had heard good things about this place and I have to say it lived up to all of them. They have a great beer and wine selection. they offer beer and wine flight and you can even make your own flight. However, the best part of the evening was the food! My wife and I were with another couple so I got to try a few different things (the brisket, the pot pie, and one of the burgers) they were all excellent. We will be back.
(5)
Gloria R.
The food was terrible. I had a lemonade and a sprite, they both had a moldy taste. I'm never going back there again!!!
(1)
Debra R.
delicious brunch! we stumbled in here after leaving bad dog's brunch buffet that we gave the thumbs down. (who wants to eat food that has been sitting out all morning?! ICK!) the ambiance is very cute and cozy in this corner space. the place wasn't crowded so we were seated right away. ordered a much needed bloody mary and began to peruse the menu. btw - the bloody was a bit weak which is why they don't get 5 stars. i had real trouble deciding what to order. truffled eggs? breakfest melt? fried chicken and waffles? everything looked amazing so i asked the waiter what he gets and he said if not the fried chicken and waffles that the truffled eggs are their best seller. i was sold. they were delicious but i was craving the breakfest melt my dining partner had ordered. i had a bite and it was mouth-watering AMAZING. fiddlehead provided a terrific dining experience and i can't wait to go back and try more items from their brunch menu. a new favorite in lincoln square!
(4)
Moe f.
We strolled in on a busy Sat night and managed to snag an awkward spot at the bar. The Duck club sandwich was fantastic. The wife dug her cheese and chartreuse plate. Had an excellent bottle of Zin.
(4)
hillary a.
i'm not quite sure if they're ready for company--at least, not parties of 30. my girlfriends had planned a family-style dinner party. and from the start of the evening, it was a discombobulated effort to get the right amount of tables and chairs together. once that was sorta figured out, and drinks and soggy fries had been served, half of our party got their dinner. you figure--maybe right after their food comes out, ours will too, right? but it doesn't. while it wasn't explicitly explained, there was some sort of snafu, resulting in a breakdown in communication, which lead to our dinner arriving more than an hour after everyone else's! chicken burgers look good. we're excited to eat, at last. so, we each cut our burgers in half, only to see pretty pink chicken meat. which scares all of us. in their rush to get the hour-late food served, they'd completely undercooked it and so another half hour goes by. may i just say that the party started at 7.30, and we FINISHED dinner at midnight, because that's how crazy the tangled kitchen/cooking confusion became. +our waitress was great and very attentive and so apologetic about the evening. we reassured her that we weren't at all upset with her, just very curious about how disjointed everything became. management was able to figure out a fair deal for the not-so-smooth-sailing affair. +what saved the night? good company always makes things better. that, coupled with the cozy fire place, made dining here "a-ok." plus, their diet coke was so crisp!
(3)
Tammy Q.
Loved this place! It was quite intimidating when I saw the menu outside, but the fiance walked in and wanted to try it out. The place is small but very quaint. I had the organic chicken with soy glaze with a mixture of mushrooms, grains and bacon! Yes, bacon! Anything with bacon is an A+ in my book. The fiance got the special of the evening -- grilled salmon atop a bed of wild rice. He loved it. The consensus was that the portions were just right -- and everything seemed healthily prepared. For dessert, we got the chocolate ganache cake -- and that was also great. We are totally going to come back to this place.
(4)
Comensal A.
I've dined at the past two restaurant incarnations at this address (Square Kitchen, Fiddlehead Cafe), and enjoyed both for their warm ambiance, thoughtful food/drink concepts and cordial service. This latest venture, Fork, is an evolution of Fiddlehead (apparently with the same owners & staff), and it continues the favorable trend. The new concept is oriented toward small plates, cheeses & charcuterie and an expanded craft beer presence. The menu is very nice, offering a variety of taste/portion choices, with some new flavors as well as a few echoes of Fiddlehead. This evening, we liked toasted goat cheese & beets, mac'n'cheese, pork belly & grits (ahhhh...) and roasted Brussels sprouts. Sticky toffee pudding cake is a knockout dessert. Nice wine choices, cordial service -- they really know who their customers are and how to appeal to them!
(4)
PJ J.
I had friends in from out of town, and wanted to take them to a great place in my 'hood, and I've had a good experience w/ Fork before, so that's where we went. It was even BETTER than my previous visit. We were seated near the windows at first, and it was chilly there, and they moved us promptly and with no 'tude. The place is SO clean, so well-lit, aahhh....utter ambiance without pretentiousness....what's not to love? Our server was Jamie, and she was extremely knowledgeable regarding the menu from wine to appetizers to entrees. A few thoughtful questions on her part helped us make excellent choices. We started out with the fresh hot pretzels with a beer sauce...mmmmm salty, cheese-sauce dipped pillows of goodness. We also ordered one of the cheese flights....I HIGHLY recommend trying those. One friend ordered a nice Chardonnay that complimented not only the cheese flight, but his dinner of mussels....another friend ordered the brisket, garlic/cilantro fries and brussels sprouts....we all kept tasting each others food....divine!! I ordered pork belly sliders, which also came with the addictive garlic/cilantro fries. The sliders were amazing....rich, satisfying....two was almost too much, but glad I ordered two. We finished the evening with a couple of desserts...the vanilla creme brulee had a perfect burnt sugar top and was dreamy...the apple crisp with ice cream was incredible....comfort food. I want to go back soon for the duck confit....I'm a sucker for duck. ALSO, if you've never tried it before, I HIGHLY recommend the Kentucky Bourbon Ale.....seductive, satisfying, complex....not a beer you're gonna slam down....this is an ale that commands your respect, and gives you a quality beverage that goes good with burgers and more. I hope Fork is around for decades, and that it doesn't change TOO MUCH....the menu is practically PERFECT, the staff is kind, professional, warm and well-informed.
(5)
Val B.
The selection is great -- lots of cheeses and wines to choose from, and great already-created or do-it-yourself wine and cheese flights on the menu. I tried the "Crisp White Wines" flight ($11) and liked two of the three. But I will say the menu's descriptions of each wine was spot on. I also had the "Crowd Pleaser" cheese flight ($10) with 3-year cheddar, Bucherolle (fav by far), and Persian Fetta. It was served with a fruity bread, candied pecans and apple slices. It was great! This would be a good place to talk with girlfriends over wine and cheese, but I wasn't so impressed with my dinner itself. I will give it another try. I give this place 3 stars because the service was pretty slow at the end, and the dinner prices were a tad too high for what I got, but I'm adding one extra star because the bathroom was really nice. Ladies, I know you know what I'm sayin'.
(4)
Christine P.
It's too bad I can only give this place 2 stars, but too many things were wrong. I will say that the ambiance was quite nice. First off, when we walked in for Sunday brunch, there was no host and it took about ten minutes to grab someone's attention. The waiter told us there were "no tables, but if we wanted to wait five minutes for one then they may be able to seat us". So we waited at bar. The bar was filthy - it looked like they forgot to clean it off the night before. We sat there for five minutes before someone got our drink orders; my coffee was brought to me in a dirty cup. 15 minutes later, we were seated, where our water glasses were not clean either. We watched other tables get water glasses that had lipstick stains be served to other customers. The table wasn't in good shape either. Luckily, the service was okay, but sub-par. I expected a little better. Our food took longer than expected to get to us, but it was tasty. I may give this place another chance for dinner, but seeing us and other people served clearly dirty utensils was a real turn-off.
(2)
Teri P.
My favorite place to grab a bite in Lincoln Square! I love that the menu is ever-changing with several tried and true items that remain year-round. Every friend I introduce to Fiddlehead ends up loving it. I especially love it in the warmer months when the outdoor seating is available. The food is wonderful and the service is usually terrific. The wine flights are always spot-on, and the selection of beer and wine is great. What more could you ask for??
(5)
Kristen M.
Delicious appetizers and a wonderful drink selection. Fiddlehead is a great place to sit outside have a light bite and enjoy a refreshing drink. They have a wide variety of cheeses and wines/beers to pair. Perfect summer stop!
(5)
sarah s.
I liked Fiddlehead better. Brunch: Green beans in watered down bloody marys. Tiny little mimosas. Terribly long wait for food. Mac and cheese with no flavor. Disappearing waitress. No more truffle fries. Duck club sandwich with imbalanced flavors, served cold. Really common "antique" decor. Busboys hauling orange juice concentrate and kitchen staff traipsing through the dining room in prime brunch time.
(2)
Ingrid G.
Worst. Service. Possibly. Ever. Never Again. Never. One additional star to thank the manager for the comped wine at the end. We appreciated it. But we won't be returning. UPDATE: OK, well I said never--but I guess never say never. Thank you to the manager who did email me thanks to Yelp and apologized for the service! I am raising one star for this reason and because of him will probably try them again if I'm in the area.
(3)
Nathan H.
I was at fork a couple of weeks ago with my uncle and aunt. we went around 630 on a Saturday and after a short wait were seated. I loved the atmosphere! Cumfy and Cozy and just the right size. The waitstaff was professional and informative and we had a great time. I had the pork-bellied lettuce tomato sandwich which was incredible (albeit a little messy!). also if you enjoy a nice glass of wine and some great selection of cheeses this is the spot for you. If you find yourself around Lincoln square stop by, you will thank yourself!
(4)
N. S.
I think the name is lame. I liked the name Fiddlehead better. But, I really like the direction they've taken with their lunch/dinner menus. Everything I've had so far on my several visits (flatbread, soups, grilled cheese, salt and vinegar chips, cheese plates, brussels sprouts) has been great. The duck poutine is out of this world. It's too rich for me to order on my own, but if I go there with a dude, inevitably it gets ordered, and I end up getting to share it. The service is nice. Wine, beer selections are good. Cocktails are not as interesting. Now for the negative part of the review. This is about brunch, so stop reading now if you only want to know about dinner. Aside from the name, which would be better on a barbecue or fried chicken joint, the only issue is brunch. I went to a wedding shower there, and the family style brunch served for that was great. But, just regular brunch? That doesn't seem to have changed much from the Fiddlehead days, and is a little boring and overpriced. Don't get fooled into one of the overpriced champagne cocktails. I watched the bartender make several of the "pomosas" which is supposed to contain pomegranate juice. Instead, it was a splash of a pomegranate-blueberry juice blend - which would explain the lack of pomegranate tang in the finished product.
(3)
Becky R.
I heart Fiddlehead Cafe. The wine flights are fun for a night out with the girls. They even have little icons on the menu to help you decode the wine. A little bit like wine for dummies. Fiddlehead also has amazing cheese flights, which -- not surprisingly -- pair nicely with the wine flights. The mussels are also top-notch. And the banana cream pie will change your life.
(5)
Chris S.
I've been to Fork for lunch and for a friend's birthday dinner. Overall, the service is attentive, the seats are comfy, and the food is tasty. The drinks list is really impressive and I loved their selection of French and Belgian beers. My main complaint with Fork is that they've hopped on the trendy bandwagon of putting bacon/pork belly/other pork products in everything. I'm a veggiesaurus, so it was irritating to find that basically everything that I initially thought was veggie was slathered in pork. Nevertheless, Fork is a warm, classy place to dine.
(4)
Liane G.
Fork is great. They are super friendly (even to 3.5 year olds) and the food was great. The cilantro fries are home run and the special flatbread (not a regular item) was out of this world. Big fan!
(4)
Carey L.
Nice place, we had a perfect table, half banquette, half chairs, no one too close by. Love that. The food is very tasty. The French mussels are worth coming back for. The duck was weird, tasty, but almost like cheese fries in their presentation, if that's what you seek for a Sat night dinner. The cilantro fries are fantastic.
(4)
Anne J.
What a fun little neighborhood place! We got there early and had wonderful and attentive service. Started with the white wine flight, followed by a cheese plate (Truffle Tremor).....YUM! I had the mussels which were outstanding. There were so many I couldn't finish them all. With so many good choices on the menu I can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)
Rehana M.
We came here for Saturday brunch. I'd walked past it several times and been impressed with the menu, so I decided to give it a shot. And overall? It was pretty good, although a bit overpriced. I ordered a mimosa, which was fine, nothing special, and the Truffled Eggs. In concept, the idea was lovely: eggs scrambled with truffled goat cheese, shiitakes, and arugula, and served sandwiched between two wedges of puff pastry. However, I am disappointed again and again by restaurants that overcook their eggs. It's such a no-brainer! Any kid can do scrambled eggs right - it just takes a little attention. But these were quite rubbery. My boyfriend had the Eggs Florentine, which looked a lot better than mine. We were both impressed by the fresh ingredients used at Fiddlehead, and the menu items were well-thought out. They just need to work on their execution a little. One really apparent deficiency was in the service. The only staff we could discern were a hostess and a waiter, who seemed to be doubling as a bartender. For a weekend brunch crowd on a nice summer day, this place was waaaaay understaffed. All things considered, I'd like to come back here and try dinner sometime, but for $40, that brunch left something to be desired.
(3)
Michael C.
If I could give my experience with the restaurant 0 stars I would. I can't remember the last time an evening out was such a failure in ALL aspects. From the two word greeting of "Hi. Drinks?" To the fact that our server couldn't just take the name of our wine he needed us to find the page that the wine was on (in a huge book without page numbers) and tell him which number the wine was, to the 1 hour and 10 minutes it took to order our entrees, to the fact that our server didn't know or understand how to describe the menu or food, to the fact that some of the bread that was given with the entree was burnt and that side was face down (as to hide it. If my server was ever visable on the floor or came over to our table I would have asked for not burnt bread.... but he never did), to the fact that when I spoke to the manager about the problems all through the meal (and there were many others that i haven't mentioned like our server ignored our finished dirty plates and left them on the table for us to clear and stack), he looked blankly at me and said "sorry".... and that was it. When I prompted him for more of a conversation about the awful experience I just had at his restaurant, he proceeded to tell me how tired he was from working so much and that our server was sick and tried to call out for the evening. NOT MY PROBLEM!!! Your guest just had a horrible experience on all accounts, wake up and and try and win this guest back. But no, you were too tired to be a manager and your server was too sick to know how to take care of his guests. THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER GO BACK TO THIS PLACE. If their servers and managers can't succeed in some of the most basic elements of the restaurant business then I can't imagine that they'll ever understand how to take care of their guests. Especially in Lincoln Square which is full of wonderful, kind, businesses that want to have their guests come back. Actually I take the first sentence of this review back. I do remember the last time I had such an awful experience at a restaurant. It was a place called Fiddlehead. huh....
(1)
Rob D.
This past Saturday, we made reservations to try Fork for the first time. Our reservation was for 6:30 but we were more than an hour late because of an expressway closure. We called from the closed expressway and the Fork staff couldn't have been more accommodating! We were told not to worry, relax and call when we were close. Despite it being a crowded Saturday, and the restaurant being very intimate, They found us a great table and told us how glad they were that we made it. This was only the start of a great dinner however. The Wait Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, without being obnoxious, and had some great suggestions for wines. Because of the small plates, my wife and I were able to sample several of the dishes. The Duck Crostini, had a wonderful smoky sweet combination. The Gnocchi, was outstanding with its woodsy foraged mushrooms and truffle infused cream sauce. (Next time I go I may just have a large plate of this.) The Braised Pork Belly reminded me of a similar dish we had in Napa. It was tender and succulent paired perfectly with the cheesy grits and arugula that it sits on. My wife enjoyed the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I have to admit that the latter has always been on my list of least favorite vegetables but my taste of Fork's version, with its bacon and onions was delicious. We ended the evening with a shared White Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding that was fabulous. Having ordered with reckless abandon, I was pleased when the bill came and was only $50.00, not including our drinks. Considering we both walked out full, this was a great value for a Saturday night in Chicago. We can't wait to return and explore the menu further.
(5)
Colleen D.
Not bad but the only thing really worth going back for is the incredible beer selection. Food was fine but my soup was served medium warm. Same goes for the poutine. Had a bite of the PBLT (pork belly, lettuce and tomato). It would have been much better if they toasted the bread.
(3)
Alaina N.
Soggy chicken and waffles and not-so-fantastic beer choices made for a soggy not-so-fantastic brunch outing.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
I had dinner here this evening with a friend of mine and had a really nice time. I let the waiter surprise me with a glass of wine that was very good ... and given that it is mostly a wine/cheese bar, I would expect nothing less. My friend ordered a chicken dish that she seemed to enjoy (large portions too, she took half home). I had the grilled sturgeon salad and it was delicious. Everything was fresh and we both really enjoyed the meal. I plan on going back for a wine and cheese night very soon. UPDATE: Went back for the cheese/wine flights and am increasing the stars! The service was above and beyond and the suggestions were perfect for our party. I also went back another evening for a dinner date. We closed down the restaurant but never felt rushed and the food was wonderful even the second time around (I ordered a fish dish off the Specials menu, so I'm not sure if it's offered often)
(5)
Michael S.
We were in the neighborhood. We saw a parking place right in front; grabbed it and went in. I remember the lobster club sandwich when this was Square Kitchen, and wondered how this new incarnation would stack up. Three stars for above average brunch food, including a cheap kids' menu and one star for the great service. I always appreciate when the hostess greets the kids like a human, instead of like an annoyance, and when the waitstaff pays attention to the kid and brings their stuff quickly. Friendly, friendy, friendly from the moment we arrived until we left. My Carnivore omelette was a nice variety of breakfast meats glued together with fresh melted cheddar. The Macaroni and Cheese from the kid's menu was good enough to be a regular menu item. It wasn't very busy for a late Saturday morning. Sort of made me wonder about the overall prospects for the place and whether it's a jinxed locale as it was for Square Kitchen. Worth a try while it's still there. I can't imagine the place does all that well with as dead as it was on Saturday just before noon. But, what do I know? Maybe they're doing just fine. If it had parking, I'd likely return. But, it doesn't, and this neighborhood is a bitch to park in. So, I wouldn't go out of my way to return, because there are just too many other places to try, but I can't say anything bad about the place. Overall, it was very pleasant.
(4)
P R.
I've only been here twice, but both times the food was fantastic...even their normal burger is outstanding and only $5 on Wed! My brother had the French burger and was blown away. The place has a cool ambiance as well...in between fancy and casual.
(4)
Neesha O.
I have been here twice now. The first time was mid-summer and I wanted to give this place a chance, even though I had walked past it on a Saturday night, practically empty and wondered why a nice dinner place would be so vacant on a weekend. The cheese plate was good, and the impressive beer list sat well with my husband but the entree was a total disaster. I ordered the gnocchi with morel mushrooms in a bechamel sauce with a balsamic reduction drizzled over it. The gnocchi were fat slabs of semi-cooked dough, there were a few on top distinguishable from the clumpy bed of paste-like pastamush beneath them. The balsamic was too sweet and syrupy and the bechamel was slightly cold and gummy. This was when I realized why the place had been empty that Saturday. I also realized why the place needed to advertise their beer list on a giant banner outside the building. Folks, the impressive beer list is a ruse, a red herring, a distraction, something to keep your mind off the fact that the food is terribly overpriced slop masquerading as gourmet cuisine. These thoughts were solidified with me when I came in for my second dinner here. The service wasn't bad, the decor was nice, but the food was simply disappointing. The beer list is impressive but I find it somewhat obnoxious. This place is trying too hard and not doing a very good job. You certainly won't get what you pay for here.
(2)
Cece C.
The Brunch was awful. I love brunch and it was so disappointing. My cousin and I are both Chefs and we went with our families after going to the Green City Market. No Bueno... I had the Bison Burrito. It was so unseasoned. I never put salt on my food and I had to this time. The flavors tasted so muted and mushed together. There was no texture ot contrast in ingredients at all. My cousin had the Goat cheese truffled eggs. She sent it back because we all couldn't taste goat cheese and still couldn't taste it the second time. Then someone brought us out a rammie of goat cheese and it didn't even taste like Goat Cheese! It was like a goat's milk Ricotta? Anyway The service was great and so was the coffee. I just feel like you should be proud of every dish going out of the kitchen. We won't be back...
(2)
Foodie H.
We went here on Mother's Day Sunday and while the food was ok, the service I felt was a bit underwhelming for the price of the bill. I felt like the server felt he was way too cool for that place. Couldn't get much out of him as far as recommendations. I hate it when you ask them something and their answers are about as vague as a politician. My girlfriend thought her food was good but I would have to give mine 2-stars. I had the whole grilled trout and while the fish was fresh (i.e. no stinky fish smell), whoever cooked the thing seemed to be enamored with rosemary since it was everywhere (on the outside, stuffed in the center of the fish)! I couldn't get a bite without eating some rosemary. That I feel is something the waiter should warn you about since if I knew that, I would have ordered something else. Or maybe he didn't warn us about it since it was one of the pricier item on the menu. When it was time for the bill, they overcharged us for the bottle of wine that we ordered. The waiter caught it as I was re-checking the price again so I'll give them that. Overall, the experience wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Definitely not worth the money.
(2)
K W.
As Fiddlehead, this used to be one of my favorites. No more. Menu is very average, although service is still good. Bring back Fiddlehead.
(2)
Jolie R.
We stopped in on Easter Sunday at around 3pm, looking for a decent place to eat after the bowl-a-rama. The birthday girl couldn't make up her mind....yes, that's YOU, so the general menu seemed to appeal to everyone. HOWEVER.....it was Easter Sunday and they had a buffet for the day until 3pm.....so we thought we'd give it a try. Out of everything, the waffles were the best bet - fresh made. That's it. Place seemed kind of dirty. The waitstaff was excellent, so the stars are for them. Maybe give it a try some other time.
(3)
Scott H.
Always have a nice experience here as wine and cheese flights are fun with friends and the beer list is formidable and always seems to be growing. We enjoyed Earth Hour here recently and it was fun dining by nothing but candlelight. Our attentive waiter was a dead ringer for Richard Marx too, so that was fun. Whenever we needed something, he was right there waiting for us.
(4)
Chiara H.
At first, I felt kind of uneasy because I was certain that my outfit (which consisted of a tank top, jeans, and sandals) wasn't up to par with the restaurant's dress code. The staff was probably too polite to kick me out or I was just being too self-conscious, but either way I made it into the restaurant. Try their cheese flights, especially their feta cheese spread. Oh, yum! No wine for us, though. I got the Grouper (some kind of light white fish) and the boyfriend ordered the feta cheese/asparagus casserole-like dish. Both were phenomenal. For dessert, we got a piece of their banana creme pie. As expected, it was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was awesome. He had this fun party guy vibe going on, but he was still professional. I'm just glad the restaurant wasn't as uptight and anal as I thought. Everyone was actually really nice and laid back. I had no idea they served breakfast food! When I get sick of Cafe Salmarie, I'll start going here to try their yummy breakfast dishes. Thanks Yelpers for giving me the heads up!
(5)
Molly C.
Two friends and I went to fork on sunday night. I got the spring flight which was blanche de bruxelles, another belgian white beer and daisy picker. It was tasty and had very generous pours but a) it's a couple days from july making a spring sampler seem a little inappropriate and b) the daisy picker was so hoppy it totally wiped out the other two beers. Not my best choice. My friends raved about the grilled cheese with candied pecans and bacon but alas the sandwich had no pecans on it and when I mentioned this fact to the waiter he said he could bring out pecans on the side. It wasn't the worst reaction he could've had but not the best either; he could've had the sandwich re-fired with my nuts! Both of my friends really enjoyed their meals and beers. I would go back and try this place again. The patio was great and overall the service was above average.
(3)
Megan H.
Came here with some girlfriends for brunch and was so happy with my meal. I got the breakfast melt. I mean this sandwich is more than perfect. Really crispy country bread layered with ham, bacon, two cheeses, fried egg, caramelized onion and arugula. There is nothing wrong with that and all the flavors melded together perfectly. It was definitely a knife and fork sandwich. There was lots of order envy going around the table. I shared a lot of it and still had so much leftover. It seemed like everyone was a fan of their dishes too. Service was attentive but not overbearing. I would definitely come back!
(5)
Karen L.
3.5 stars. I really like the new menu for this place. Went there for brunch and thought the options were decent. Decided to split some food with my friend, and since we couldn't decide if we wanted to be healthy or not... we did both. (So it really doesn't count!) Got the Mac n cheese, which was underwhelming... and the blue cheese salad (yummy), and the side of fries. (The fries seemed intriguing being garlic cilantro, but we didn't really taste either.) But I did love the sauce it came with. I will be back since it is pretty convenient, inexpensive, and had a nice menu. Also, I like the fact that it is a larger restaurant so if you had to wait, it most likely isn't that long.
(3)
Laura N.
Fork used to be called Fiddlehead Cafe. While it was Fiddlehead, I went there about 3-5 times and the quality was consistently good. The food was always tasty. The service was always good in that I do not remember a bad experience. Now that it is Fork not much has changed. The interior is a bit different but is still very nice. Dark decor, candles, it's romantic. Or you could bring a group of friends, a fellow girlfriend, your family, etc. The service is still good. My date and I went there Valentine's weekend. It was my first time there as Fork and his first time there at all. Valentine's weekend is potentially a disaster at restaurants, like other holiday weekends. Our waiter was fantastic. He did not rush us. He answered questions, he gave us suggestions that were all very good. The food was great. Try any kind of cheese that your server recommends and you should do well. Same goes for the wines. He brought us out some extras on the house. My date had a beer flight; I had the Spicy Reds wine flight. We were both very happy. The mood was intimate and romantic. I suggest that you start with the warm marinated olives. Try the house gnocchi as an entree or split it with your date. You won't be sorry you tried it. The mussels are incredibly yummy and are served one of two ways: Belgian or French. If you haven't had mussels before or you are not a huge fan of seafood, opt for the mussels to be served French style. The sauce, the preparation, and the bacon will help to counter the mussels taste and texture. They're great. We walked out of there satisfied but with room for dessert elsewhere. Parking was surprisingly easy - we parked in the square about 1-2 blocks south of the restaurant. It might have been luck though. We called ahead for reservations at 8pm and it was neither empty nor packed. One thing: if it's not warm outside ask for a table away from the windows. Or wear your coat like I did. The wine and company will warm you up. Wink implied.
(4)
Alison M.
I love this place-- it's perfect for a girls night out when I'm looking for a night of appetizers, drinks and desserts. (Not that the entrees aren't good-- I've just always filled up before getting to try them). The crowdpleaser cheese sampler is good-- nice variety, and the feta spread is fantastic. The homemade chips and blue cheese aioli are amazingly decadent (a must share). The mussels are really creative-- served in an IPA broth that you add giardiniera to after finishing the mussels-- I sopped up every bit of that broth, it was so good! Finally, while the chocolate ganache cake is wonderfully rich (perfect for a chocolate lover like myself) I have to admit, I liked the banana cream pie even more-- perfect proportions of delicious filling, topping, and graham cracker crust-- the best banana cream pie I've ever had! UPDATE: The banana cream pie is gone! Apparently the chef (who held the secret recipe for the amazing pie) has gone on to another restaurant. They now serve a different banana cream pie, which while good, is not life changing. PM me if you know where the chef (and his pie) went.
(4)
Theresa K.
I'm updating this review to say that after I posted this, David B reached out to me here on Yelp and offered to allow me to use the gift certificate. I only just received the message now, but at least he tried to make things right. I'm upping my stars based on this, We still haven't eaten here.
(3)
Peter S.
food is decent but price is kind of high for what you pay for. still debating if I want to go back.
(3)
Patrick R.
I was a bit weary going here as it has 3 1/2 stars - there's so many places in the city that have 4 stars that I haven't tried yet. Should have read more about it though as this is my type of restaurant. Started off with a beer flight, which I'm so glad that they offer. Our waitress was VERY knowledgeable about the beer selection as well. I ordered the candied bacon because how could I resist? ! It was very good, but not sure if I would order it again - can probably give myself a heart attack if I make it at home. Tasted mostly like bacon and maple syrup which and was only 2 strips. It was a good first course though. For my meal I had the PBLT - a pork belly, lettuce, tomato sandwhich with fried egg and dijonnaise. It was very good and rich. Probably not for those who are counting calories, but for those that are looking to indulge. Also had the garlic fries which were very good but a bit too much garlic. Overall a very cool place in a cool location. Very interesting menu for all courses and even their cheese and charcuterie selection. If you're on the fence about the place, I'd say look at their menu and see if there's anything that catches your eye. If so, I'm sure it will be prepared well.
(4)
Erik J.
The food has improved since this restaurant was reconcepted from Fiddlehead to Fork, and the pricing is more weeknight-dinner friendly, but the staff has maintained its "we're better than you" attitude. We left Fiddlehead feeling unwelcome, and left Fork feeling the same way. Avoid.
(2)
Heather L.
Very friendly locale for a small group of women to get a nice glass of wine night cap. Nico was especially friendly and did not rush us out as the last patrons at 11:45pm on a Tuesday night. Especially enjoyed the Zinfandel that night-not even sure of the make or model. It's just nice to be able to get a little taste of a few before committing to "the one". Very pleasant sophisticated but laid back atmosphere. Why don't they have a place like this in my neck of the woods?
(4)
Randal B.
My wife and I decided to try Fiddlehead Cafe when we wandered upon it this weekend. It was late afternoon, so the place wasn't crowded and the waitstaff was very attentive. We tried a red and white wine flight and a cheese flight. All were great choices. We then shared the Smoky Chicken Salad Sandwich with fries and the food was terrific. With the comfortable decor (and no distracting TV), the good music choices, the open windows, and great food and wine, my wife summed it up best: "This is the kind of place we'd want to find if we went on vacation somewhere." We had a great experience at Fiddlehead and will definitely return with friends.
(4)
Stephen J.
This has become a favorite of my wife on our date nights. The drink recommendations are the best and the food is wonderful. We have a great time every time we go.
(4)
Alice S.
what a horrible dining experience. the one star is for their garlic cilantro fries. there are no other stars, because there is nothing else that stood out here. I took my younger cousins out for brunch today and i left the restaurant with my blood boiling. The hostess was super sweet and got us seated in a booth pretty quickly. We had two servers, one male server that seemed like he was in training and a female server, who based on our receipt looks like her name was Jamie. The guy was really nice and friendly to begin with. They took our orders and the food came out fine. The fries, like i said, were great. For brunch we ordered, the sausage scramble, ham benedict, truffled eggs, and soup & grilled cheese. Nothing really stood out. When the bill arrived, our female server came over and my cousin handed her his credit card. I told her to stop and take my card, these are my younger cousins that I'm taking out. She shook her head at me and as she's booking it to the POS system, tells me she only takes the first credit card. I was just thinking, "are you f***ing kidding me?!" So I got up from our booth, and had to run after her as shes looking at me and punching away on the POS system like this was some game and she was trying to run our bill as fast as she could before I could get to her. I ran up to her and again explained that I am taking my younger cousins out and to take my card, and that I am the oldest one at that table and that none of them are even working. I don't even understand why I had to explain all this crap to her. Instead of taking my card, she proceeds to argue with me telling me "her rule" is that she only takes the first credit card. Well lady, I don't care about your rule. Cause its stupid. She then tells me that she is willing to split the bill between the two cards. Seriously? Are you kidding me? I don't think a server should ever force one of their customers to chase after them and argue over something like this and make me provide reasons for why she should give me back my baby cousin's credit card. Talk about ruining what was supposed to be a nice outing with my family. She finally took my card and gave me back my cousin's, but that was just ridiculous. I will definitely not be returning. Go here if you think you can get full off of a meal of just fries and you want bad service and to leave with a completely bad taste in your mouth. I spoke to the hostess on our way out, and she was super sweet and apologetic. The restaurant should have the hostess help train the server we had on how to provide good customer service.
(1)
Sarah B.
Once again, I am keeping my review at four stars even though I maybe shouldn't. I stopped in a week or two ago on a Tuesday night by myself. I noticed a wine flight special and who am I to turn THAT down? So, to get right to the point, I think I was overcharged for my flight--I didn't get the special price or was charged for the wrong flight--whatever. It didn't matter because I couldn't stop drooling over the uber-cute bartender/server (oh no, I'm pulling a David R. here!). I was too distracted by his hotness to really give a shit about my bill. Which, my friends, is why I am keeping 4 stars!
(4)
Cliff E.
This place is a tough one for me to review. I so want to like Fiddlehead Cafe. It's in one of my favorite parts of town (Lincoln Square), and there's tons of fun stuff to do all around it. Like the Davis Theater for a cheap first run movie. Or Old Town School of Folk Music for a cool concert or nifty-shifty music lesson. Or Fine Wine Brokers for a really great bottle of wine from friendly and helpful staff. Or Quake for childhood toy nostalgia. Or Laurie's Planet of Sound for awesome music and videos. Or Merz Apothecary for a little bit of pampering. I've been to Fiddlehead a couple of times now and the reason I really want to like it is that the service is really good, everyone is friendly, and the food is pretty tasty. The servers here are all really friendly. I've never really "wanted" for anything (It's like they have spies in my coffee cup. It gets empty, yet before I go to drink more they refill it. Happiness! I don't have to constantly readjust the cream and sugar from an overzealous coffee dilution incident!) The first few times I got the Spicy Bloody Maria (w/ Tequila instead of Vodka) and the Chilequiles. You can have chorizo added to the Chilequiles (yes, please!) and it's fairly tasty chorizo, but each time I've ordered it, the bed of nachos is soggy and the scrambled eggs have been a bit rubbery. I understand that you want the food to arrive together, but perhaps they could deliver the chiliquiles to the table in two dishes (the nachos in a bowl and the eggs, sour cream, and salsa on a separate plate). It also would allow the servers to slide the eggs/etc. off onto the nachos with a bit of panache while preserving the desirable crispiness of the chips... I recently got the Eggs Florentine Benedict. And my experience was a bit better. The English muffins were nicely toasted and the eggs were poached to perfection. I would've liked a bit more hollandaise sauce ( I had more egg yolk than sauce) and I honestly felt that it was poorly flavored as well. Fewer things in this world are as sad as weak sauce. I've heard great things about the burger's but I've yet to try one. Maybe next time... And I guess that's why I'm giving Fiddlehead only three stars. It's close, so close (in my opinion) to being a solid recommedation that it's minor things that stick out and keep it from being four stars.
(3)
Kim M.
I went here for dinner a few weeks back and was really impressed. The service was great. We were lucky because it was not a busy night, but the waitstaff seemed like real pros that could handle a rush. The wine selection was good and reasonably priced (and generously poured) flights are available. I did the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay flight for $11 and all three wines were great. The flight also got me through my whole meal (although heavier drinkers would need a second). The food was just great. We started with a really tasty meat and cheese board. I had gnocchi and my fiance had steak. Both were delicious. I love a place that can please anyone from vegetarian to hardcore meat eaters. My fiance is a creme brulee connoisseur, and was displeased with his dessert, but that didn't stop him from saying he'd defnitely be back.
(5)
Nicholas C.
It seems like a small thing but I always enjoy when my very first reaction is, "Wow, that's good coffee." That was my first reaction here and Fiddlehead continued to deliver with several more, "Oh wow" moments. The next came when my chilaquiles arrived a very short while after ordering them looking a fantastic shade of orange and yellow. They tasted good, not outstanding but good. They where not very complex in taste and could have been spicier or something, but the rest of the experience was a remarkable combination of the small things I really appreciate getting right at a restaurant. Again, like the coffee, it would seem a small thing but I really appreciate when my wheat toast arrives warm and just toasted enough instead of cold and burnt, another minor factor leading to an excellent experience. The last, "Wow" came out more like "Wmphw!" as I began to chew the potatoes and instantly withdrew my left hand which was in the process of a programmed grab for the ketchup bottle. These taters where a balance of creamy, crunchy and sweet and would be going down naked. All in all I found it a comfortable and pleasant experience and can't wait to go back and try something else. I'll also be trying the wine and cheese offerings the next time I'm in the mood for that.
(4)
Leigh O.
As a long-time neighbor in Lincoln Square, it is hard to try something 'new' when the list of existing favorites is so long. In good news, Fork is basically a retread of previous concepts, so pretty easy to 'make the switch'. Fork solidly delivers on hearty Friday night fare - upscale gastropub. We liked the mussels (small serving was a little small and needs more bread) and the dinner we split was a LOT of yumminess. Go for the garlic cilantro fries - they are a life-changer. However, be prepared to be garlicky for a LONG time afterward. Great wine and beer options and well explained from our server. Our server was kind and engaging - offering nice wine coaching and great validation on her food 'favorites' as well. She was in the weeds almost all night, servicing the entire back room. There was lots of confusion between the server and the expediter about what had been delivered, e.g., 'the mussels will be here soon!' when they had already come and gone. So, I agree with previous reviewers - they have service problems but I think it's a process problem: everybody who came to us directly was extremely good at what they were doing. We liked it and will be back for wine flights and cheese after the movies!
(4)
nancy b.
i was surprised by this place. the first time i went in there for brunch, my mom and i looked at the menu and decided to go elsewhere, as their options were very limited. i went back for my first meal for dinner with three girlfriends, and it was surprisingly much better than i expected. we shared a plate of five cheeses (GET THE HERBED FETA! it will change your life.) and each ordered our own wine. our server was very knowledgeable about the cheese and wine pairings. i ordered the brisket sandwich, which i'm not sure was supposed to be served open-face style, but i was glad it was - no more bread necessary. the brisket was very tender and not over-sauced. it was simple sandwich that let the meat shine. upon insistence from my friends, i ordered the cilantro fries, and they were the hit of the table. "wait, i'll finish those fries for you...." said a friend as they were clearing my plate. overall: good value, good service and decent food. i'll definitely go back! it's also got a warm and fuzzy feel with the exposed brick, large bar and nice decor.
(3)
A S.
Randomly came across this place and must say, WOW! Cozy, classy, excellent food, presentation! Gorgeous staff (always a plus!) Will definitely come back again and recommend to friends.
(5)
Jim B.
My 4 yr old and I had an early dinner here with some friends and their kid. The table service was pleasant and helpful and the kids menu was a nice revelation--I was prepared to have to coddle something together from the appetizer selections for my daughter. The hamburger she got was delicious (hell yeah I had some of it!) I myself had a wonderful braised lamb risotto that was about perfect. It had a nice blend of flavors and textures (the rice was truly a ldente.) I love to see restaurant that cater mostly to adults offer kid friendly options. It only makes me want to come back again with my "grown-up" friends. The nice wine and beer selection doesn't hurt either. It would be nice to see a valet service added for later on the weekends. It's becoming harder and harder to find parking close to the square.
(5)
Chris B.
Wow -- mixed reviews from the Yelp crowd...and some love brunch, some hate it, some loved their dinner, some hated it... Count us in the 'love' column. We've gone twice, and both times were a big success. Our first time was last last year -- perhaps weeks after opening, according to the owners who were there, and we got the VIP treatment. a.) it was a slow SNOWY night, b.) I had just returned from a long business trip, so was excited to have a good date night with dear Jacky and was definitely in a good-to-be-home mood. We started off with some flights, and given that we are big BIN36 fans, we chatted up the owners about their hopes and dreams for this place, and got some good insight on how excited they were to be in Lincoln Square, etc. The wine was predictably good, enough so that we jotted a couple down from each of our flights to buy from a store later (which we did). We did a couple small apps -- the chips with the blue cheese aioli was my fave, and Jacky loved the olives, and both of us loved the seared tuna (that was really good -- a tomato-pancetta jam gave it a little salty/rich bite, as did the olive tapenade and grapefruit). For dinner -- I was definitely smitten by their 'signature dish,' a slow roasted pork shank with lentils and pears that was just amazing. Really really good -- last weekend, our second visit -- I stuck with the pork thing (coincidentally) because it was the special, but it was better than the shank -- a stuffed shoulder equally braised with a mixed greens/arugula salad with fiddlehead ferns and cannellini bean puree. Absolutely phenomenal. Now Jacky -- she is a chicken and fish kind of girl, and not very adventurous -- this IS an adventurous menu by those standards. While this all thematically falls into what I dub 'forest comfort food' - there are a lot of unique choices that I find to be intriguing. Jacky had a fish dish the first visit that she really enjoyed, and this time, she tried the pasta special which I thought rocked (my bite), but she deemed too spicy (a clam pasta with garlic and other goodies). The server was very competent and attentive, and she subbed in the chicken breast and truffled sunchokes which Jacky was in love with. So dinner was saved. The desserts were very fun; this time we had the trio of cheesecakes (peanut butter, dark chocolate and banana), and a couple cups of coffee. All in all -- a great dining experience -- I'm curious about brunch, esp. after reading your reviews, so will check it out. But for dinner -- I think the bottom line is this place is worth trying to get your own hit/miss opinion. I find it to be warm, inviting, attentive and interesting and will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Eric V.
Our friends were in Lincoln Square last Wednesday so we decided to meet up for dinner. Temps had finally hit the 80's in Chicago so what better way to celebrate than Burger Night at Fiddlehead Cafe. Specials included a $5 Half Pound Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion on a Brioche Bun, but I upgraded to the $8 Farm-House Burger which added a Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheddar, Melted Onions, and Dijonaisse. The burger was moist and properly cooked to medium, the bacon was crisp, and the egg was a perfect sunny side up. Overall, it was a solid burger and pretty darn tasty. Service was a touch on the slow side, but still very friendly.
(4)
Amanda Z.
My experience is based on a dessert, cocktail trip here the night of my birthday... We got there late, after a lovely evening of birthday fun (Second City and Twin Anchors--YUM!)...craving something a little sweet. I had an expresso creme brule, which was divine (the perfect amount of sweetness) and my date had the chocolate ganache cake which was rich, super-sweet and super-delicious. I also had a glass of moscato, upon the recommendation of our server, which tasted exactly like apple juice. Furthermore, although the server had pointed to a $4 glass of wine when she recommended it to accompany my dessert, the one I had was $8. Whatever, it was my birthday, I was gonna have whatever sounded good, but I thought that was a little shady. It was a nice experience, I'd like to go back and try their cheese flights (I am a cheese nut!) but overall a little expensive.
(3)
Sarah K.
Fiddlehead is alright. It used to be my favorite brunch place with the best eggs benedict. Eggs benedict is my thing. However, the last time my bf and I went there the benedict was awful. The eggs were horribly over cooked and the potatoes were basically raw. In addition, my coke (yes coke at brunch, sometimes I need it after a long night) was super watery. We queried casually about whether there was a new chef and the waitress told us yes. This was back in fall 2009. We haven't been back since. Maybe they are okay for dinner. They always seem to be crowded.
(2)
Kathryn G.
Great for brunch. Their chilaquiles are the best. Servers are attentive and friendly. On one visit the kitchen got way behind with orders but the waiter kept bringing us free drinks and could not have been more apologetic.
(4)
M L.
Way overpriced for the quality of food. Service could be more friendly too. Felt rushed by impatient staff. Love garlic and fries, but Fork's garlic fries are too strong on the garlic and the fries tasted like they were microwaved. Mac and cheese for $14.00? Buyer beware. Want great food at reasonable prices just a few feet away? Looking for a restaurant that gives back to the community not exploit it? Take a walk down Lincoln Ave. and find much better restaurants with more pleasing atmosphere, greater service, plus less expensive and fresher food.
(2)
Jami K.
I'm not really sure what happened here. Last fall, right after it changed from Square kitchen to Fiddlehead Cafe, a friend and I went here and had a really great breakfast. We shared an omelet and the chocolate french toast, which was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. OMG it was so incredibly good. It's been months and I can still remember the chocolate bread, nutella, cherries and even more chocolate-y goodness. I had an omelet, which was well done which was served with really tasty homefry potatoes, which were well seasoned and plentiful....it was a very nice experience. So, today, we had a friend visiting and we wanted to show her a good place to have breakfast before she had to fly off, so we decided to revisit our old delicious breakfasts place. The wait really wasn't bad for our table, it's really to be expected on a Sunday morning, however, it did take kind of a while for us to get our food after we ordered. I was really disappointed with our food in comparison to our last visit. I don't know if it was because I had too high of expectations, but the food really wasn't anything special. I ordered the black truffle omelet and it wasn't that it was bad, it just wasn't anything special. I could barely taste the truffle...and I don't think that I enjoy ricotta cheese in an omelet. Also, the plate just didn't seem very generous in comparison to the last visit. The fiddlehead potatoes were almost laughable. The are kind of like tater-tots and reminded me of the hashbrown potatoes served at McDonalds, but worse. Mine were overcooked and didn't have much flavor. Also, I was pretty sure that the toast I had last time was way better than this visit. The bread for my toast reminded me of the stuff you can get for $.69 a loaf at Jewel, really nothing special. One of my friends got the Captain Cruch french toast and it was okay, but not really anything special. I always put peanut butter on my french toast and pancakes anyway, so it really wasn't that much of an addition to put some cereal on top of that. So, all in all, except for the black truffles, (which I couldn't even taste) I probably could have gotten a better breakfast at the Golden nugget. However, the food doesn't seem to be that expensive, but the brunch drinks will really bite you in the butt. I probably won't be going back here any time soon since there are so many better places to eat breakfast in the area. It's really a shame that this place really went downhill, I miss that chocolate french toast!
(2)
Cate R.
I really enjoyed my food when we came here for brunch - a ham and cheese egg scramble accompanied by some delicious potatos. Will be back here, let's say that. One problem though, was the service. At first, it was very confusing. One waitress came over with a trainee, took our drink orders, and disappeared for almost 15 minutes. Then another waitress came by and took our drink orders again. Then it took us over 15-20 minutes just to get our check. The service was bad enough it almost loses 2 stars, but I'll be nice.
(4)
Morgan C.
Very nice brunch... much cooler inside than I thought it might have been. I'm not really sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised, not too fancy/pretentious, not too overly-casual (read: no one in sweats or backward baseball caps). The brunch menu is pretty limited, but has some variations on solid brunch items. Some griddle, some eggs, some sandwiches... The gf got the Mediterranean egg plate, I got the, oh yes, Cap'n Crunch French Toast. And that is with peanut butter, in case you were wondering. Hers was a nice egg dish, basically over easy eggs over some chunky tomato sauce, but it's got some cucumbers. Tasty. Hash browns appear to be deep fried; how can that be a bad thing? (She did ask for crispy, too, and I wouldn't have wanted them less done than they were.) Mine was pretty much as amazing as you would think Cap'n Crunch French toast could be. With peanut butter. Nice cereal crunch, but not like overwhelming, gimmicky crunch. Topped with some (slightly not-so-fresh) Crunchberries. Service was decently polite attentive, if not a little slipshod. Coffee was quick and refelled pretty often. Tasty, too. As we waited for food though, I was presented with a side of bacon. No, that's not mine. And we did have to wait for and flag down the waiter for her accompanying toast. A little part of me feels it was a bit pricier than it could have been, but I'd definitely go back again.
(4)
Devon W.
Very good brunch - great selection of dishes and everything was good. Between our group of 6 we had Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup, Belgian Waffles, Pancakes, an Omelet, and French Toast. It was all very good, and they seated our group of 6 + baby very quickly. They seem to stick all the people with kids into the side room, which is great in my opinion. We can all enjoy ourselves and not worry about bothering others if our kids cry.
(4)
Heather B.
I'm a huge fan of their wine and cheese (and beer) selections. Brunch has always underwhelmed me there, but dinner and/or flights are always fantastic. They often use fresh, local and/or organic ingredients when they can (just ask the server) The Amish chicken was to DIE for!
(5)
MELEK L.
I am so surprised by the low rating of Fiddlehead Cafe. I have been there for brunch and was uber impressed. I love the decor. It was warm and inviting. Many of the hangings and patterns I could see in my own place. The atmosphere was comfy, friendly, and unpretenious. The menu was quite impressive as well. I found so many items that I wanted, it was hard to choose. My friend and I were both extremely satisfied with our meals. I also found it impressive that they have such a wide selection of fresh squeezed juices! A perfect morning treat. I am looking forward to my next visit at the Fiddlehead Cafe! Maybe next time I'll try it for dinner.
(4)
Tina B.
A friend who worked at BIN 36 recommended this spot to us. Mike & I went for dinner on Friday at 8pm and were seated near the window right away. The decor has a comfy modern, earthy vibe. Dinner was delicious and relaxed. Tasty eats: *cream of cauliflower soup *lamb risotto w/fontina & chestnuts *halibut *nutella creme brulee : ) The wine flights hit the spot. I enjoyed the icons used to describe each wine! While our server was very nice and helpful, she was a little spotty. No big deal though b/c we were just chillin anyway.
(4)
k b.
Four of us went to Fork before our Old Town School of Folk Music concert. None of us can think of anything that can be improved. We were seated promptly and served our beverages without delay. Our server had every answer to every question and was helpful with suggestions. We all shared a cheese board (the Cheddar - delicious selection) and the roasted beet and goat cheese was passed and enjoyed. Our entries included a Farmland Burger, Flat bread, Gnocchi, and Short Rib Pot Pie. Not one thing about the food could be improved. We had several different glasses of wine and sampled a few beers. This is a wonderful place; a warm, welcoming, and spot-on destination that I will be happy to see again. All four of us recommend this location. Enjoy.
(5)
Lindsey R.
I held a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend here on Saturday night and had a great time! I worked closely with their staff to set up a special dinner for 8 where each of the 3 courses were paired with a beer or two. The food was excellent, I'm still dreaming about the garlic cilantro fries and beef brisket sliders. And the beer was great too. David did a wonderful job selecting the beer choices, he really knows his stuff. Fork went above and beyond to accommodate my vision for this night and to treat us like we were the only party at the restaurant. We had a great time and we'll definitely be back!
(5)
Erin T.
I'm only giving four stars because we've had inconsistent experiences with servers. The food has been amazing each time. The wine flights are amazing. The cheese flights are EFFING amazing. And the entrees have no right to be as delicious as they are when you you consider how good the cheeses and wines are. I had a cheese flight as an appetizer and then a cheese for DESSERT. First server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and unsnobbish about our cheese ignorant ways. The second visit, our server wasn't rude or anything, but he was distant and distracted, and unhelpful re: the menu. The owner/greeter, however, is always a charmer. On my way out the second visit, he made me come back in the restaurant so he could give me a rose. Nice!
(4)
Gfiddy F.
Great beer menu, cheeses, mac & cheese, deserts, etc.
(5)
Lizard F.
I've been here two or three times over the course of the last two years, always for brunch, and it's TASTY. A little on the higher end of the price scale, but in my opinion, well worth it for the portion size and the quality of food that you get. On my last visit I brought a friend from out of town who is by far the pickiest eater alive, and she thought it was delicious! As did I. :o)
(5)
Jenny B.
I live right by this restaurant and I'm really bummed that almost every time I've been there I leave unimpressed. I had one of the worst brunches there about 6 months ago so decided that I would just go there for wine and dinner but since then I've decided it's not worth my time or money. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)
Elizabeth P.
I went here with two of my oldest friends for a night of good food and catch-up conversation and it did not disappoint on either count. This place has a light, airy and modern feel, but is still comfortable and cozy. The bartender was a doll and our waiter was friendly and funny. Now onto the food - yummy! I was worried about ordering the steak frites, in case it didn't compare to my all time favorite at Home in San Francisco, but I was not let down. The steak was perfectly done and very tasty. I could have done without the mix of fries: they had the normal kind, a wider cut and sweet potato, and I only liked the normal kind, but boy were they good (sorry, foodies, I don't know what you call different types of fries!). We also ordered steamed mussels which were excellent, and the salad was pretty good, although not at the level of the other dishes. All in all a terrific dining experience.
(5)
Rlvb V.
The ambiance of this place is adorable, and the wine and cheese menu is so great! We stumbled upon Fiddlehead and are so glad we did. The food was excellent and the dessert menu had really interesting options (Bread Pudding with Guinness beer ice cream - yum!) We're going there again soon and we don't think it'll disappoint!
(5)
Leah P.
I love going to Fiddlehead Cafe when I am looking for a really a great local / seasonal, thoughtfully presented dinner experience. I LOVE that they do not have TVs here. I hope they do not bring them in - ever. It would really disturb the lighting, ambience and flow of conversation. The brick walls, oopen windows and bar are so nice to look at - TVs would take that away. Last night I chose Fiddlehead, specifically bec. they do not have TVs. They also have a great selection of wine and staff are always ready to make a recommendation. Their cheese platters are also very good. Everyone thinks about this place for brunch (which I think is just okay) - - Dinner and / or drinks is what this place excels at. I just wish they did more marketing. I feel like their menu is totally under-rated / unknown in this tightknit commmunity. Get the word out!
(4)
Channyn W.
A lack of willingness to drive a great distance coupled with a general disdain for lines led us to Fiddlehead Cafe last Sunday morning. The overall atmosphere is nice enough, but I HATE the cafeteria style seating where you're seated close enough to the people beside you that you feel almost obligated to be inclusive of them in your conversation. Trust me, they're listening anyway. I'm a huge fan of brunch and there were some nice options, but nothing special that can't be found at the myriad of other restaurants dotting Lincoln Ave. My french toast was stuffed with Nutella (YUM!) and a few small pieces of banana. It was super sweet, but pretty darn tasty. Throw in some more bananas and i'd be a bigger fan. My friend had the truffled eggs. Eh - they were ok. Nothing spectacular, a little runny on the eggs (they're supposed to be soft not runny), and very little seasoning. The concept is great, but the execution was a little lacking. I'd go back to try there lunch or dinner menu, but for brunch, there are much better options.
(3)
Jim S.
My family and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead when walking through Lincoln Square on a sunny Saturday. We needed someplace outdoors to accomodate our dog (because, one cannot have brunch w/o a fluffy white dog in tow). We didn't have to wait long for an outdoor table. The brunch menu has terrific variety--lots of egg concoctions, salads, sandwiches. I ordered a chicken sandwich with some kind of olive oil tapenade and vegetables on ciabatta--it was one of the best sandwiches I've EVER had. My parents were thrilled with their hamburgers. Also, the prices are reasonable so you don't have to break the bank to go here... ...on the other hand, the service leaves a lot to be desired. Our waitress had the best intentions, but she seems to not understand the difference between "salad" and "sandwich" and gave my father the wrong dish....twice. Also, we had to ask 4 or 5 times just for water when we sat down. It took forever to get our food, but when it arrived, it was worth it. The manager told us at the end of the meal that dogs are forbidden from the restaurant, even though the hostess had said it was fine. SO, the long and short of it, is if you're in Lincoln Square, it's nice outside, and you're not in a hurry, and you don't have a pet with you, then go to Fiddlehead.
(3)
caroline e.
After a couple of big beers, we headed out of Maifest and, stumbling down the street, started looking for food. Fiddlehead Cafe sounded like a great place to stop in and grab something to soak up the alcohol. As soon as we walked in though, we realized it might have been a slightly more upscale establishment than the name suggested. So we weren't too surprised when the hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant...away from the other customers. Oops. The food was really good. My mac and cheese was tasty, but I have to say, my stomach hurt for hours afterwards. Maybe it was just too cheesy for me. Our waitress Jamie was really great. She had a sense of humor about our....state of mind...and took great care of us anyway. Thanks for being there when I needed you Fiddlehead!
(3)
Dustin S.
This place was really great. The food was tasty, the beerlist was expansive, lots of cheese and wine, and a really friendly server/host/bartender. I expressed interest in some of the Unibroue beers and he gave me free sample beer!
(5)
Kelly S.
I like wine and I like cheese.
(4)
Marian H.
Everyone was sooo nice, the food was excellent (especially the scallop appetizer and NY strip!! Oh, and that apple dumpling dessert!)...all in all a great experience. They carry the most vast selection of port I have ever seen in a Chicago restaurant. Such an upgrade over the former Square Kitchen (good riddance!) and a great addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back!! I should also mention, we spent way too much time at the bar after dinner, but the bartender and eventually one of the owners humored us through the rest of the evening. We really had a great time there, and look forward to going again (though will try to control ourselves with the booze next time....)
(4)
Sara B.
Even though our adventerous dinner on Friday was a disaster, we decided to be totally crazy and try something new Saturday morning, too. This time wasn't so painful. First off, I really like the inside of this place. Very warm and cozy. However, the warm and coziness was sort of off-set by the crazy techno music they had going. I felt like I should bop my head the entire time I was there. But I didn't because it hurt. Their coffee is outstanding, and it's served in gigantic mugs like I have at home. Major ups to large mugs--that way i don't have to track down the waiter every minute or so for more joe. Aside from a few service issues, I enjoyed myself. I had a Mediterranean egg dish that, strangely, was sans feta cheese. But, it didn't really need it--very packed with flavor. It was sort of like eggs on top of a great tomato sauce. Yum! Half a star off for putting grape jelly in a pretty serving dish--like I'm not going to know it's nasty grape jelly. I paid $9 for eggs. The least you could do is throw some blackberry preserves on the table. Oh well. The bf had captain crunch french toast. It was good but super sweet. There's no way I could eat a plate of it. The pancakes looked pretty delicious, too. Yep, I think I'll be back. If not for the food, for the fact that it was 10:30 on a Saturday and I didn't have to wait for a table.
(3)
Laura H.
We took some friends out last night and boy were we surprised to get the Bill. It was super super pricey for what you get!! So if you go, stay away from the cheese or meat flights and just get entrees individually you will save a ton of money and alot of headache. The cheese/meat flights are tasty but very very minimal for what you pay for and not enough bread to go with the cheese/meat. When they arrived we were very surprised to see how little was served it was almost laughable!!! We did however try the BBQ brisket which was excellent and the Duck Poutine was awesome!!!! Besides that everything else is really overpriced. My friends had a martini and a glass of wine for $28 dollars--eeeks!!!
(2)
Phil F.
We went here because I had read the Red Eye article about the Capital of Brunch being Lincoln Square. And it was okay. We got some brunch cocktails which were not stellar, but just run of the mill. The pomosa, a pomegranate mimosa was a brownish hue, so kind of off putting. And the sparking wine was flat, even after returning it once. The food was okay. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy sounded great, but instead of sausage they used ham. And the biscuits were not my style, they were short and not fluffy. We also got the chilaciles(sp?), which were kinda gross, the sauce was canned or something. Overall, I would go here if I lived nearby.
(3)
rochelle c.
It's so nice not to have to go all the way downtown for great food, drink, and atmosphere. Fork is a great place for a relaxed dinner with friends. Our server was outstanding--a young guy who showed us a great time and gave us some fantastic suggestions for beer and wine pairings with our food. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Ade Z.
I live in Lincon Square and I have grown to love this place. I live right around the block from it and this past weekend i just realized why this place is so fabulous. Some friends, my boyfriend and I went to Lula Cafe in Logan Square and than came back here for some extra wine and chatter. Right away we were greated like we were family. We told the waiter that we would be 6 people and he didn't get scared :) points for him As i sat at the bar and looked at the menu, the owner came up to me and made some suggsetions based on my love for whte wine. He was very nice and let me taste a couple different ones till i made my final choice. My boyfriend opted for the Sangria! WOW i was so jealous it was delicious!!! A MUST TRY! Than him and i decided to order some lemon chessecake- it was delicious but a little toooo lemony. Than the rest of our grouped ordered. One my friends was very excited to have found some old french apple beer that she drank while on vacation with friends... so she ordered it and was very very happy In other words i love this place and i hope it sticks around.
(4)
Laura R.
We have only come here after 9pm so I can't rate based on brunch (though I'll have to try it one of these days), only drinks and the food we've tried. First off, my boyfriend goes crazy for the beer selection. I have never seen so many different types of beer in one place. Personally I'm not a beer fan, but I will say the wine selection is good too and I usually wind up getting a strawberry mojito, which is quite good. All the food we've tried is great - everyone we've come with raves about the garlic cilantro fries. Burgers are good, we had a veggie flatbread pizza that was delicious, and the creme brulee was decent. Service has always been great in our experience - they recognize us and always say hello and welcome us back. Chris the bartender gave great beer suggestions and he will be missed - I hope his replacement is as good as him!
(4)
Kimberly M.
I went here with two friends for brunch, and our first reaction was that it had semi-modern design inside. There's a bar as you walk in and a seating area you can step up into. As we were led to the back room (which was pretty cozy and attempting a hipster cafe vibe), a huddled group of waiters stared at us as if to say, "You don't meet our hip-standard." Whatev. My Cap'N Crunch French Toast with peanut butter was pretty tasty, but got tired of it after awhile. Pomegranate Mimosa -- want some pomegranate with that champagne? Our waitress seemed to have a *slight* chip on her shoulder, but warmed up to us as we were about to leave. Tip, much? I would try this place again, but maybe for dinner and drinks. Maybe brunch just isn't their thing.
(3)
Deb C.
I am a big fan of Fork after a couple of visits. The food has always been good and the wine selection is great. My only suggestion is that they need to change the wine flight combinations regularly, but the small plates, PBLT, cheeses, and meats make up for it.
(5)
Dina D.
Fiddlehead. What does that even mean? What does it have to do with food or wine? (UPDATE: I have since learned that a fiddlehead is some kind of something used for food consumption: still, who knows that..?) Ok, so I think the name of the place is silly and doesn't give me any idea as to what it's about but I went anyway... I was looking for a small bite. I ordered 3 cheeses and a glass of wine. Wine: Good. Cheese: Good. Portions: Teeny tiny. The bread served with the cheese was hard. It was "supposed to be" but it just tasted like stale bread to me. The perfectly nice server brought me non-crunchy bread when I asked, so that was nice... Kind of expensive... And nice outdoor seating... I guess, maybe I'll try it again sometime...maybe.
(3)
Jon J.
We came in for breakfast after hearing from friends that it was a good spot - and were weirded out to see the place having only 3 tables dining, and a couple at the bar. At 10:30am on a Saturday! This is a strange sight in a town that loves weekend breakfast as much as Chicago, and especially in a restaurant as large as Fiddlehead. Oh well, the food was alright. Nothing incredibly remarkable, but pretty solid. Prices were a little on the high side, especially since they didn't have much standout going on, but that's the neighborhood, I guess. We did overhear the waiters discussing job opportunities at other restaurants, which was kind of amusing. For brunch? Eh. I can make myself the same meal for a fraction of the cost, and they didn't have anything special enough on the menu to draw me there. The dinner menu, on the other hand, looks promising, and we may stop by and check it out sometime.
(3)
Susan L.
What is the deal with Fiddlehead Cafe? What is it about? WHAT IS A FIDDLEHEAD?!?!?! I'm asking because this place makes no sense to me. What are they trying to be? A wine bar? A restaurant? Their list of cheeses and desserts was longer than their food menu. The place was pretty empty when I arrived (around 7:30) and 60% full when I left. I had the burger which was ok at best, the boytoy had some chicken breast plate that he enjoyed. I just don't get it though. The food is very average, and the waiter didn't offer any special insights about the wine...I'm left confused. I just can't figure out Fiddlehead.
(3)
Ashley B.
went for brunch with a friend. it was amazingly delicious. our waiter was a little rattled, but the food was outstanding. its in a great location which surprised me that it wasn't as busy as some of the other local restaurants serving brunch. i ordered the truffled eggs because i am a sucker for anything with goat cheese. the portions were generous, but not overwhelming and all the components complimented each other nicely. it was obvious that the ingredients were fresh. the pomosa had great flavor but the champagne was a touch flat. i will return next time i am in the area
(4)
Lisa P.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dinner at Fork. I did not expect it to be as good as it was! We started with some cured meats and cheese which are always appreciated. However, in retrospect, I would have preferred to skip that course and try out more of the entrees instead. The veal meatballs and the poutine are MUST HAVES! They're both delicious and very indulgent! The poutine is made with duck confit and gravy and it's excellent! We also had the gnocchi and butternut squash/chorizo flatbread and they were very tasty as well! The dessert options aren't bad either! I will definitely return.
(4)
Liz T.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to get out and see more of Chicago's wonderful, diverse neighborhoods, which is why I found myself in Lincoln Square on a Sunday morning. I have actually wanted to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a while, so when we walked past, I made a quick decision to have brunch. There was no wait, and this being the the first nice weekend, we opted to sit outside. As soon as I sat down I realized that my chair was partially off the sidewalk. It was too late, my chair tipped back, a leg snapped off, and I was crushed under the plastic carnage. It was terribly embarrassing and not my favorite start to a meal. Shortly after I had been given a new chair, the waitress came over to give us our water. She had put ice and cold water in glasses straight from the dishwasher. By the time the glasses reached our table, they were cracked around the entire circumference. We weren't off to a great start. I was torn between the chilaquiles (a favorite of mine) and the truffled eggs. I took my server's recommendation and had the truffled eggs. B ordered the eggs with cheddar and ham. Now, I'm all for full-disclosure so I will say that I LOVE salt. I can't live without it. And, I probably over-salt...just a little. When dining in restaurants, though, I really try to enjoy dishes as they have been prepared. But take my word when I say that there wasn't a grain of salt in my entree. It hadn't been seasoned at all. I tried to eat it, but finally gave up and asked the server to please bring salt and pepper. The mini salt shaker did it's job and I was back in business, but I was still wishing I had gotten the chilaquiles. The cheddar, ham, and eggs were decent. Nice, sharp cheddar. If I ever find myself in Lincoln Square in time for brunch, I wlll give Fiddlehead Cafe another try, but I certainly would go out of my way for it.
(3)
Tom V.
This is a nice restaurant with a wonderful electic atmosphere. The exposed brick is truly a plus. We went there for Easter Brunch after finding out about this place on metromix.com . The only thing negative I have to say is they didn't have any ham for easter nor was the buffet being monitored closely for refills. Several of us were standing in line waiting for food because the trays were empty and the bartender completely ignored us even though the serving trays were right on the bar. I must admit it was Easter but the restaurant really wasn't that busy. Would I go there again? Absolutely, for made to order but not for a buffet. The wait staff was great and the atmosphere really is exceptional. I would tend to believe their made to order food is probably exceptional.
(3)
Nikkie H.
Decent breakfast without the wait. My boyfriend and I ate here after running the Shamrock Shuffle early this year. We were DYING for breakfast and after driving by our usual spot (Kitsch'n), we realized that we could not wait in the line - especially since I was so sore from the race! We headed to Lincoln Square and decided to check this place out. I had the chiliquiles, which is what I usually get at Kitsch'n. The meal was not as good as I had hoped, but it was still tasty. The price wasn't too extravagant, and since we were seated immediately it made my day. There are still several other brunch spots I'd like to try before I head back here.
(4)
Bee B.
They have wine flights!!! i love being the one at the table with three glasses of wine when everyone else has none (or one). They have a nice selection of wines and their menu has cute little cartoons describing the character of the wine (dry, strong bodied, fruity, etc. -- there is a joke in here somewhere!). The flights are only a few bucks more than a plain glass of wine and I would definitely recommend trying the bold reds or the fun red mixes. This may lead you to believe I had two flights. I did not. Not enough room on the table. And now, on to the food. Mixed reviews. For some of the items I thought the were suffering from a case of, "trying-too-hard-itis." One of my dining companions had a sandwich with (dry!) duck confit, and goat cheese, and duck liver, and some type of jam, and cinnamon-sugar, and i was kidding about the last one but you get the idea. The soup of the day, which was an onion bisque type thing was delicious, and my husband enjoyed the lamb risotto, but was miffed that it came as sortof a porridge in a bowl with no veggies on the side. which brings me to: I was a bit annoyed when I wanted to change out the polenta on my trout entree for some veggies instead and was told that they can only remove items, not substitute them. So, not too friendly on the accommodating people with food needs. Flexibility is always a nice quality in a restaurant, and was lacking at Fiddlehead. Veggies are cheaper than polenta too last time I checked! Okay, now onto the odd. odd. odd. odd. (1) made us wait 20 minutes when we had a reservation and there were obviously tables open. (2) two (2) people came up to say "hi" to us after we had been seated. They weren't there to bring us water, or tell us the specials, just to say hi. Which was nice, I guess, but...odd. (3) As we were finishing our meal two (2) men were carrying three (3) umbrellas from the outside dining area through the main dining room into a storage closet. They knocked down at least one (1) glass and made much noise and commotion. It sorta killed the post dinner buzz, and made me believe that the place was not run by professionals (sorry). The place not being packed to the gills like every other lincoln square eatery should have been a clue. In honest, I probably won't be back...unless its just for some onion soup and a wine flight (or two.)
(2)
Christian F.
Good food and good service. The cheese flights are a must. We didn't try the wine flights because we were having dinner and felt that a bottle was more appropriate than sampling several different wines. But the cheese was fantastic. The rosemary manchego was disappointing because it was too savory but the rest were very good. We had the Blue d' Auvergne (very good blue bursting with flavor if you like blue) and the best of the 5 we had was the Regal de Bourgogne Raisin, highly recommended. Our meals were good as well. They were trying a new dick confit sandwich with an orange marmolaide which was perfect. And my friend was very happy with the monkfish wrapped in bacon. Avoid the mussels though as they are too fishy and not quite right. They could have at least used lemon on the side. The service was very good. Our waiter was quite attentive and suggested a fine wine and even made sure our meals accompanied the wine we were drinking. Fits in nicely in Lincoln Square.
(3)
Jon M.
I feel like I should leave a bad review so I get in quickly next time. Fork is my favorite restaurant on the north side of Chicago. I consider myself a steak connoisseur and the hanger steak was perfect. It wasn't huge, but it was cooked perfectly and had a great smothered sauce. My wife had the grilled flat-bread and loved it.
(5)
Jessica M.
Went here for brunch. I didn't really see anything on the menu that appealed to me. It all seemed kind of heavy or something. I settled on the Captain Crunch French toast. It wasn't awful but it was really heavy and made me really thirsty. I don't know...I don't want a bunch of weird vegetables and exotic spices with my eggs and caramel and crap on my pancakes and waffles. I like to have fruity options for breakfast and there wasn't anything with fruit (other than juice) on the menu. I suppose some people would like the selection here but this will never be my brunch choice. Oh and we had made a reservation for brunch the night before and they seemed surprised when we came in. They scrambled a couple tables together for our party of five but it was missing silverware, mugs and water for everyone and nobody really seemed to be on top remedying that. Liked it better when it was Square Kitchen and they had those glorious mousse crepes.
(2)
Mara Y.
Pretty good. Great beer and wine list. Good recipes on the menu, however I question quality of product. Pretty good for a convenient neighborhood spot.
(3)
Cristin M.
I finally made my way to Fiddlehead. We had brunch on a Sunday afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the quiche Lorraine and Fiddlehead potatoes and both were excellent. I ate half (really large portions) and brought the rest home. The quiche was a really good match of creamy eggs/cheese and salty bacon. The crust was pretty good too. The potatoes were like mini fries sauteed with red pepper, onion, and other goodies. I'd definitely come back with friends or family, or even on my own if I was really craving some quiche on a weekend.
(4)
Julie N.
I've only visited for wine and cheese, but based on that alone I had to give 5 stars. Their flights of wine, paired with flights of cheese, are really delicious and well thought-out. The pairings go very well together. If you like one of the wines you taste, you can purchase a bottle from the restaurant to take home with you! The decor and ambience is really nice and I hope to try their dinner entrees very soon. A great place for a little something before or after a movie at the Davis, or anytime!
(5)
Sarah C.
beer flights are awesome, mushroom flatbread is delicious!
(5)
John C.
I've only been here for brunch, but have been quite happy each of the three times. The eggs florentine and eggs benedict are superb, and come with delicious hash brown potatoes on the side. Very good waffles as well. The coffee is strong and delicious, and the bloody marys are quite good (especially with whatever it is they put on the rim of the glass). Dinner looks a bit pricey, but the brunch is top-notch.
(4)
Joseph O.
Fork is nice in concept but not in execution. Yes, a cheese plate is excellent, especially when it can be eaten outside on a sunny day with a pint of craft beer. But, no, not when the portions of cheese are almost microscopic and its accouterments nearly non-existent. In my mind, it's not a good value, and to me that's a big deal.
(2)
Lisa W.
Why anyone would give this place a good rating is beyond me. My experience there started off ... OK. Our waitress greeted us not at the table but from the other side of the railing (the dining area is on a 1 ft elevated area), which was a little rude. I let that slide because I know what it's like to wait on several tables at once, and in a rush things can get hectic. The ambience of this place was a little confusing. The name is fiddlehead.. so you think.. celtic? But they were playing latin music.. ok.... Then while waiting for my coffee I noticed dangling wires hanging from the ceiling in the corner and shards of wood and plaster where the ceiling meets the wall.... ok... I have to say, I love that they serve their coffee in huge mugs. There's nothing I hate more than having my coffee refilled several times throughout my meal throwing off my ration of cream to sugar. I ordered the eggs florentine, which is what I will usually order at a new place as a basis for comparison, with a pancake on the side. You figure, a pancake is the most basis of breakfast foods. If that gets messed up well... there's a big problem. I also noticed they had a few stolen items from the Bongo Room. Tsk... Tsk... Our food arrived in decent time, I poured a little syrup on my pancake. The syrup had an orange essence which I liked. The pancake was a little dry and crumbled when cut into it. My food was poorly presented, sort looked slopped on the plate and the hash potatoes were sparse, not to mention the onions and red peppers in them were barely existent. They were also unseasoned. My eggs were poached fine, but the spinach was not cooked, at all. I understand some people make choices out of artistic expression, but this was not that. This was blatant laziness or lack of knowledge that spinach should be sauteed or steamed in florentine. The hollandaise was barely there. There was no seasoning. The bussers never came to fill our waters which left us thirsty and disgruntled. They also didn't offer butter for our pancakes.... WTF. Our waitress took forever to bring the check and the bussers never cleared the table. This experience slowly declined from average to horrible. I felt entirely ripped off. My advice to them would be to reassess what you are doing. Decide if you want to go w/ the celtic theme or latin theme and restructure your menu from there. Your lack of focus shows in your decor, your service and your food. Retrain your chefs. Explain to them what seasoning is as well as technique in preparation. Regroup and come back to Chicago. In the meantime, please leave my neighborhood. Thanks.
(1)
Carolyn B.
Painful service. REALLY painful service. Very inconsistent food - one weekend the fries were amazing; the next they were soggy and tepid. Go for the great beer menu, not for the food or service
(2)
Jill S.
Overpriced, bad service, mediocre food. My boyfriend and I live in Lincoln Square and are all about new restaurants in the neighborhood, but we have an inside joke of just simply remind eachother about how much we dislike this place every time we walk by.
(2)
Babs H.
First of all, I want to point out how expensive it is for what it is. Mind you, they have an AMAZING beer list, the food is pretty good, the service was just above ok, the atmosphere is pretty nice, but the music is God awful. But that's just a nutshell. So, I ordered a glass of wine and the summer vegetable pasta entree (I know, I mention the extensive beer list and then order wine. Shut up). The server specifically said there was asparagus in it, which I was happy about and was one of the selling points. I was a little :( to see there was no asparagus in the dish. It was a little bit bland but with a couple dashes of salt it was good. I was ready to order a second glass off wine but then the server didn't come back for another 22 minutes (I counted)! When he did return I ordered the second glass and after it was delivered he disappeared again. I always always always order dessert, but he didn't even ask, just brought us the bill after he had disappeared for another 20 minutes. At that point I decided to just get a ice cream from the 7/11 by my apartment because this server wasn't rubbing me the right way. He could have sold me at least 3 glasses of wine and a dessert in addition to my entree but he was too scarce. I will give it another shot but hopefully with a different server.
(3)
Greer C.
First, after reading some of the terrible service reviews, I was bracing myself. However, the only thing that was a little slow was the bar. The food came at a good pace, in a random order, which it what we requested. I was a little bummed that the poutine came last, because I was most excited for that, but I should have thought of that when placing my order. I went with 2 girlfriends and we split a couple of dishes. Spanish cheese flight (Manchego has been playing an interesting role in my life lately, so figured I should go with it), pickles (I can never say no), brussel sprouts (the onions were a touch overdone, therefore a little bitter, but overall really good), roasted beet and goat cheese salad (A-OK) and my favorite duck confit poutine. My friend thought the duck tasted too much like duck, so I got her helping too (just of the duck, I couldn't wrestle the fries from her). Call it poutine or disco fries, I'm totally down with it. All in all, a happy experience. Our server was really friendly and stopped back often, the bus boys/food runners were great and quick and made sure our waters were full at all times. It's one of my many quirks, but that's really important to me.
(4)
Theresa K.
Meet up with some friends for an early weekend brunch at Fork in the heart of Lincoln Square. The service started off terrible and ended on the right note. Our server pretty much ignored our table for over 20 minutes upon arriving. We couldn't get a coffee order in. She later apologized and we had some of the managers check up on us afterward. Apparently, this is the place for chorizo breakfast items and since wanting a veggie item, I might not have ordered the right dish. My friends all ordered chorizo items: the omelet and scramble, etc. I ordered the chilaquiles. I thought they were delicious, but they did not taste like your typical chilaquiles; for one, they had no salsa. I was still satisfied. My companions did not overindulge in their dishes nor did they comment. Not the reaction you want for a group of Chicago foodies. When the bill came, I was surprised that the coffee cost $3 a cup. Seems a bit too steep. The ambiance was a bit outdated and nothing spectacular. Though the place was spacious and quite filled with people. I wasn't crazy about this place and probably won't be heading back.
(2)
leanne S.
Two words - skip it. There are a ton of restaurants in this city that actually have good food and good service. At Fiddlehead, they have OK food and horrendous service. We went there for New Years Eve. Our party of six had reservations at 8:30 and was not even seated until almost 9:45. After finally being seated our waiter ignored us for another 30 minutes before he actually took our order. As if that's not bad enough they had actually run out of some of the items on the menu. The waiter seemed annoyed and was sweating so profusely I actually started to feel bad for him. That was short lived. By the time I had refilled our water glasses (I actually had to go get the pitcher before the waiter came and refilled our water) and he had someone else serve me my first course of lukewarm bisque while he was on break all thoughts of compassion had vanished. The food was just OK. Much of it was served at room temperature and some of it was over or under cooked. I felt like I was dining on the show Hell's Kitchen except I never signed a consent form (FYI - Gordon Ramsey would have never let that under seasoned risotto leave the kitchen). I would say that the worst part of the entire experience was the owner. At our request, he came to our table towards the end of our meal. He was so incredibly rude. He continuously told us that he had tables that had had great food and service. I ask you, what good does that do me? I had neither. By this point it was close to 1:00 am. Our plans for New Years had been ruined. He finally conceded to comp part of our bill after a long and drawn out argument. His overall treatment of us and his inability to fully acknowledge the extent of his shortcomings was enough to ensure that I will NEVER patronize his establishment again.
(1)
Cassy M.
I think we have found a spot to become regulars! We went to Fork a couple weeks ago with another couple. We were very impressed with the food, service and alcohol selection. While we were there I saw that they were having a special Valentine's Day menu complete with wine pairings so I made a reservation. We went there last night after a long day of work and kids so needless to say I was a little stressed. However after 2 hours of drinking and eating, everything was right in the world again. I attribute my shift to the attentive staff who didn't make me feel like the high maintenance guest that I initially was when I first arrived. I was a little thrown off by a couple additional tables and moved tables three times before finding the "right" spot. Yah, I'm wierd about where I sit, but usually that's where my high maintenance ends. Our server was very friendly and seemed to time everything perfectly. The wine pairings were right on the mark and the food was so good we ended up eating more than we normally do. So by the time we were done we felt like we could've curled up right there on the floor in front of the fireplace and gone to sleep. Alas, we had to walk home. We feel incredibly lucky to have such a great restaurant within walking distance of our home. Thanks Fork!
(4)
Robin C.
The manager contacted me and apologized for the terrible waiter. I can appreciate that. So my friend and I went back for brunch (eggs this time, no rare burgers and soggy bread for me, thanks) and mimosas. Before the waitress knew the manager had invited us back, she was nowhere to be found and not too friendly. The manager was great, the food was much better, (i.e. cooked properly) and we got free dessert on top of it. Still nothing I'd wake up craving but decent eggs, good drinks and I always like sitting by the big open air windows.
(3)
Danielle F.
We had a hamburger and some appetizers. For 3 of us with wine it was 100 bones. I thought that was a little pricey. The food was good though, not spectacular. The menu was limited. The service was very good.
(3)
Allison A.
Ack. Just boring and plain. Good if your country honky relatives are visiting and afraid of "city food." The blandness of the dishes will make them feel right at home. Service is hit or miss, coffee is a total bust. If you need a brunch place, head over to Glen's or Selmarie...worth the wait. Comparable prices.
(2)
Sierra N.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher overall rating! The atmosphere is great - fancy but welcoming with friendly staff and amazing food. The cheese plates are incredible and any entree is delicious. We tried dinner here once and were so excited to share it with friends that just moved to Chicago and they loved it too. A wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Douglas G.
My wife and I ran across the Fiddlehead Saturday night. We went in because it had a great vibe. The vibe was even better once inside. It is a beautiful restaurant. The staff is wonderful, helpful and attentive. But the glory of this place is its menu. Fiddlehead is both a wine bar and a first class bistro. It has an excellent wine list the rival of any place in Chicago. They offer about three dozen wines by the glass, far more than other restaurants, plus they have a wonderful selection of ports and madeiras by the glass. The menu does an excellent job of describing the wines and suggesting pairings. The sommelier is also very helpful. Fiddlehead is an excellent restaurant to learn about wines whether you are a complete beginner or more knowledgeable. Another great part of the menu is the cheese selection. There are about two dozen cheeses that you can mix and match. Like with the wines, the menu describes them well. Choosing a "flight" of three to five cheeses and a "flight" of three glasses of wine is a ton of fun. Of course, Fiddlehead has entrees also. A little surprisingly, the variety of entrees and appetizers are not as vast as the variety of wines and cheeses. Still, the entrees and appetizers are excellent quality. Everything we had was excellent, meats, greens, and breads. We plan on making the Fiddlehead Cafe a part of our regular visits to Old Town School concerts.
(5)
Justine N.
Went here for dessert with after a great dinner at nearby Tank Sushi. The atmosphere is great and is perfect for date night or drinks and dessert with the girls. Despite the inattentive service from our clueless waiter, my experience was pretty positive. They had several wine flights to choose from and tasty desserts (try the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream) and cheeses that were a great way to end the night.
(3)
Flora C.
We are always impressed with the wine, service and food at this restaurant. It is also wonderful on summer nights when they open all the front windows to let in cool breezes. My husband had a grouper on sauteed leeks and lemon butter that was the best he has ever had, and they will be adding it to their main menu. I also love the wine art icons they use to describe thier wines. It makes it easier to choose a perfect wine with your dinner. The neighborhhod is cozy and quaint and when they open the windows, it lets in the quiet bustle of the sidewalk traffic in. It feels European. We just love it. VERY romantic.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I thought I wrote a review for Fiddlehead, but apparently not. Too bad, because it's been several months since I've been here and can't remember everything. I DO remember that our server was friendly, they have a nice selection of cheese, and since I wasn't in the mood for a heavy dessert, the kitchen accommodated my request for a bowl of strawberries. Let me tell you, they were tiny but POWERFUL! These were like wild strawberries we used to grow in our yard, not the behemoths you see in the store. Obviously you can't get them if they're not in season, but the fact that they let me do that AND the fact that they were so good is reason alone to patronize this place.
(4)
William B.
Just got back from brunch. The food was good but a little pricey. Nice exposed brick and wood decor. Service was great. It looks like they have a great beer and wine selection with some interesting cocktails too. Will probably go back for some drinks and home made charcuterie.
(3)
Rebecca C.
I love the fiddlehead. When I was apartment hunting before I moved to Chicago, I stopped in with my mom for an evening drink. The bartender and owner chatted with me and gave me tips on the neighborhood and the city. When I moved in, we went back, and they remembered me and even gave me some good advice on restaurants and takeout in the neighborhood. The next time I went back with a friend (a few months later) the owner remembered me again and gave us some great wine and cheese pairings. The ambiance is very classy without being stuffy or uptight. I've always sat at the bar and have never had a meal here, but the appetizers and wines are great!
(5)
Jennifer H.
Love the wine flights (a tad pricey, but fun), and the small plates (the homemad potato chips with blue cheese and the fresh figs with goat cheese and flatbread are particularly good) are interesting and tasty. The handmade pasta was delicious and the bass was perfectly cooked. The sangria is very yummy -- lots of fresh fruit bobbing around. Great place to sit with some friends, sip some wine, nibble on food, and enjoy the beautiful evening. We've never needed reservations, and the service has been excellent each of the several times we've been.
(4)
Tara C.
Seriously LOVE THIS PLACE!! Flights of wine, beer AND champagne?! Heck yeah! Flights of cheese? You bet! I had the bison and it was fantastic as was everything else ordered at our table. We WILL DEFINITELY be back! After reading the other reviews it seems we have some snooties in the neighborhood, but I was more that happy with all of it!
(5)
Erin T.
We went to Fiddlehead for New Year's Eve 2009. The food was good, but not warm. They were out of many choices on the menu. Our server was at his breaking point and basically wanted us just to leave. The manager was an ass and not helping the situation at all. We arrived at 8:30p.m. for our reservation and we didn't get our first course until 10:30pm. Needless to say, we celebrated the New Year @ Fiddlehead. I would never go there again!!!!!!!
(1)
Cherie E.
Fiddlehead is a solid brunch option - their menu is rotated seasonally but always has the standards with a little twist. It's so super close to our apartment that we stumble over for brunch at least once a month. Dinner, however, is less impressive. Limited menu and blah tasting. Stick to brunch.
(3)
Don S.
Stopped by last night for dinner. Sat outside on a beautiful night. Casual ambiance. Great food. Our party had the duck club sandwich, gnocchi, salmon, and chicken breast salad. My wife thought the salmon, which had a crispy crust, was the best she ever had. We had a red wine flight and a white wine flight; both excellent. The host was knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. Plenty of seating outside, and inside was large. They also had cheeses and an extensive beer menu. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Jon S.
I like the location and the atmosphere; the wait staff tend to be flighty ... you see them playing near the bar a lot rather then taking care of their clients. The wine is good, the cheese selection is good but it seems like they run out of the good ones all the time ... and I wish they'd have more vegetarian options; salads and pastas are not the only vegetarian dishes available. Overall not a bad place, but for the location and amount of clientele they can afford to do better. Oh and work on improving the coffee; sometimes good sometimes tastes burnt. Yuck!
(3)
Lindsey S.
I came here with some friends for Easter brunch and was pleasantly surprised. We were seated promptly, the food was great and the service was friendly. Portions were a little on the small size, but at least I didn't come away feeling overly full. I would definitely come back for dinner.
(4)
Brandon H.
A decent improvement over Square Kitchen's mediocre food at pretty high prices. It's still an upscale American place but it does have some interesting flare to it. The layout and bar are updated cosmetically, but everything else pretty much remains the same. The NY Strip I had was cooked perfectly with a good flavor, but I think for the price they could've offered a more interesting dish rather than just add a few onion rings on top of it. My fiancee's sturgeon was outstanding, and not too pricey either. The wine flights are a nice addition. Overall a decent place in an area that is really up and coming.
(4)
Timothy W.
This is a great brunch restaurant with pomegranate/champagne mimosas or Pomosas ($7, delicious). Prices for the dishes are on average $12. I've been here twice and will continue to come for brunch! Staff isn't overly friendly but they get the job done.
(3)
Billy N.
Horrible service. Seedy feeling with how its managed. No vegetarian options. Avoid at all cost!
(1)
Jeremy D.
If you are looking for a nice place to sample wine and cheese, this place is for you! I've been here a couple of times and the service has always been fantastic. It's a great place to stop for a bite to eat before heading over to the Old Town School for a concert. I have ordered the Hanger steak and that was excellent. It's a nice little neighborhood spot.
(4)
Heidi T.
My husband and I come all the time, probably twice a month for the last eight months or so, sometimes brunch sometimes dinner. He prefers to come for dinner (wine and cheese flights) I prefer brunch (truffle eggs!!) The vegetarian entree is never quite right, and I really wish they would change it more often (or have two options instead of one). However, this is probably not an issue if you don't come so often. It's definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood and never crowded (in fact, it's generally pretty empty). We've never had bad service. The servers can be a little chatty, but they are professional and can answer any questions and are generally happy to make wine recommendations. Did I mention the mimosa flight? and truffle eggs? I'm never waiting 50 minutes for brunch at Lula again when I can come here for food that's 90% as good with 20x better service, much more privacy and no wait.
(4)
Alyse M.
This is a great place for you to get together with your friends for some good drinks and good cheese. It's got a very laid-back atmosphere, while still keeping it more classy than sports-bar-esque. The service is great, my water was always full and my waiters have always been well-mannered and upbeat. Their wine and beer list is pretty lengthy, and they also suggest good cheeses that compliment your drink. The soup has always been a good "usual" for me, but the mac & cheese is sinfully delicious.
(4)
aileen b.
i really enjoyed my experience here the other night. we sat outside in their sidewalk seating along that runs along wilson. good people and i imagine the tables that run along the huge windows in the front would have even better people watching, i may have to try and sit there next time. we were just looking for something light so we split a bottle of wine and some apps, and it was perfect. i really like the olive sampler from the small bites menu, although there was a but too much oil on the olives by the time you get to the bottom of the bowl. we also really enjoyed the seafood medley which included shrimp and grilled calamari in a light pesto type sauce. service was fine, not great, and next time i am in lincoln square i might have to try and snag one of those front tables in the window.
(4)
larry w.
Not bad..not amazing... prices are not in line with the average food...
(3)
Amanda A.
Some friends and I stopped in for brunch after a run at fleet feet across the street Sunday early afternoon. I would say that this restaurant could be classified as one of those places that puts on a good front, but has nothing to hold up it's claim. We were seated promptly at this cute little place - starving and thirsty - but that's where the good stuff ends. Our server was hardly eager to get to our table or ever return once she had stopped by. The menu looks incredibly appetizing - with fancy substitutions for your typical breakfast fare. Everything we had was bland though - again decent presentation with a flop of a finish. I'll keep running by next time...
(1)
Nick W.
I can honestly say that this was the worst dining experience I have ever been apart of. Part of it was our fault because we should have walked out, but we stayed until the bitter end. For starter's, we waited over an hour after the reservation to be seated. Once seated, although our group was able to have a decent conversation, it took an additional hour to get our first course (soup at that). By this time the manager had already heard from us several times and we were not done with him yet. By the time we received the 2nd course he had agreed to comp 20% of the bill. This did not translate to better service. At some point we were told that the manager had left for the night. Maybe he had plans for New Years and had to get out of there. All I know is that we were not leaving anytime soon. They ran out of entree's, gave everybody a random selection of cheese, told us they were out of the desserts that we had ordered (and yes a table seated after us received the desserts that we had ordered) and acted like they did us a favor by giving us champagne at midnight (worst champagne ever tasted and it would have been more of a favor if we would have been at our planned destination). The so called "owner" was a joke that should go back to working at Applebee's (not that there's anything wrong with that). NEVER, EVER, go there. Although I have not never dined and dashed it was seriously discussed. With all the great choices to eat in Chicago I can't imagine this sad excuse for a restaurant will be open long.
(1)
Kitty L.
Wow. They really dropped the ball on New Years Eve. Our group of seven, along with several other parties, waited over an hour past the reservation time just to be seated. Some groups never even saw their food and left in anger. We got lucky and were fed in a slow and painful piecemeal fashion. To be honest, the food was quite good, but it would certainly have tasted better had it been served on time and not by a wait staff whose attitudes hovered around contempt and stoic resignation. The blame for this disastrous evening falls squarely on the manager. His flaccid attempts to placate the discontented tables were inconsistent and unfair. One table got two free bottles of wine and their bar tab comped while we got a $10 discount for a $400+ tab. Not once did I see him running food, seating tables or doing anything useful that managers are expected to do on a busy night. If you really want to try this place, go at a time where you won't be a burden to the staff. Or better yet, go somewhere that actually wants to stay in business.
(1)
Lakeview G.
I've only been there once for brunch so factor that while reading this review. I was torn on what to order (sweet vs. savory) so I asked the waitress if the duck confit hash was greasy, she said no so I went for it. It came out greasy but here's the impressive part, she apologized, offered to take it back and get me something difference but I declined because we were on a time crunch so she discounted our meal. Now every restaurant is going to have an off plate from time to time, it's how they handle it that makes a difference and I was impressed with our waitress. Plus, even greasy, the hash was pretty darn good! I will go back there and give it another shot in a few weeks and update my post :)
(3)
Miss L.
Pricey for my tiny budget and considering the quantity of food, but the quality is top-notch. Yuppie-friendly.
(4)
Keidra C.
Went here for brunch, not ata ll impressed with the service. we waited 15 minutes to get seated, even though there were plenty of empty seats, When we were finally served, the food was lukewarm. The meal itself (I had an omelette) was very bland, the eggs didn't seem seasoned at all. I was not a huge fan of its predecessor, Square Kitchen, but at least for brunch, I would welcome it back in a heartbeat.
(1)
carrie o.
I have gone to Fork (and it's former name Fiddlehead) many times over the past couple years. The experience was good and menu was as well. I ususally frequent the restaurant with friends from my triathlon and swimming group. We are usually between 4-10 deep and pretty regular. This past week I asked to make a reservation for 10 because we were going to be celebrating one of the ladies birthdays after swimming. I was having a special cake made and asked if I could bring it. Of course we would be ordering full meals and just serve the cake ourselves after. I was told there was a $2 per person cake cutting fee! When I later spoke with the manager so see if this was negotiable for loyal customers he told me, "we are not a picnic area". I canceled my reservation for the 10 people tonight. When I called a restaurant down the street where we had never been, they welcomed my group and our cake! All they asked was they get a piece! I guess our business wasn't important.
(2)
Michele K.
My husband and I have just returned from a great meal at Fork!! We ordered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a meat and cheese platter delicious! Mussles, Belgium style, we could have drank the broth! When the garlic, cilantro fries came I thought there were way too many but we were fighting for the last one. We also had the Mac & Cheese which was yummy too, I dont HAVE to have it again but it was tasty. My husband looved the toffee pudding cake, I LOVED the guiness ice cream that sat on top. The beers were fantastic! Overall it was a really great experience and since its within walking distance from us we are already deciding what we will get next time. The only reason we didnt give it 5 stars is we almost melted (we were seated in the second room) during dinner. It was soooo warm in there i think they just need to turn off the fire place. Also the hostest was a bit over the top, she actually bowed and waved her hands when greeting us, twice. ??? weird. and presented the table to us as if she was doing a magic trick. haha. Our server was great very sweet and helpful. but we definitely are excited to go back. :-)
(4)
John O.
Fiddlehead has been remade into Fork, which I have not tried. Next time I'm in Lincoln Square I will give it a try.
(3)
Erin H.
The brunch is always really good but that is all I have ever had. Great brunch cocktails also. Be prepared for a lot a strollers and little kids on the weekends.
(4)
Lulu Y.
My two friends and I came here for brunch on Sunday. It was only a 15 minute wait, but it took a while to actually get our food after we ordered. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was good. The Captain Crunch french toast had yummy peanut butter on it. The black truffle omelet was so-so.. not enough truffle taste though. I had the veggie fritata and it tasted pretty healthy, not greasy at all. I'm not sure if I would go back for brunch, but the mac 'n cheese looked good.
(3)
Brian C.
This place has its ups and downs, I'd say. I really liked the wine list. I was impressed with the selection of ports after dinner. I thought the waiter was very patient with us as as we went over the wines, and let us try whatever we wanted before we decided on it. I'd say the salad and the entree were both above average. The food part, which the waiter didn't have control over, took a bit too long to get to the table. Luckily we weren't pressed for time. The dessert was decent, not omg wow. The waiter was kind enough to throw in the glass of port for the price of half a pour, and it was a very good glass of port. But damn, did that meal really cost what it did? Something is missing at this place. It could be a solid four star restaurant. But I tell you what, I imagine this is a good place to just do wine and cheese, though I haven't tried that out. And I imagine I'll drop in on occasion for a glass of tawny port. The 1986 Delaforce colheita was pretty damn nice, and that's not one I would expect to see on a dessert wine menu. For dinner, something is missing, though. I can't say my experience was as bad as those of the one and two star raters, but I can't say it was on a par with my four star dining experiences, either.
(3)
Matt W.
I wish I could comment about the food here BUT WE NEVER GOT SEATED. We were told it would be a 20-minute wait. So we sat at the bar, where the bartender made a point of calling my wife sweetie every time he addressed her. Weird. Twenty minutes pass and we ask the hostess with the Coke bottle bottom glasses how things were looking. Just a few more minutes, she tells us. So we wait. And wait. Then she says, "They just paid their check." So we wait some more. Finally, we ask the hostess one more time: what gives? She drops the menus she's carrying, she's so nervous. Then she mumbles something like, "My co-workers were misinformed." Wha?! What does that even mean? I guess it meant she was stringing us along for almost an hour. What a waste of time. We asked for the manager, and Coke bottom glasses hostess said he wasn't there. We asked a different employee for the manager and he said the manager was "out back." Seems to me he should be IN FRONT making sure people get seated.
(1)
Laura P.
Love it! Love it! 2 of my freinds and I went there last night on a girl date after it was determined that one was going through -SOMETHING-. You know what that means? Bring me the bottle not the glass...Our waiter was so warm that he almost made me forget how bitter cold it was outside and that my commute home was 2 hours (damn 290). Great recommendation on a Riesling for my freind! She loved it...I had my standard scotch. Phosphates and me do not agree can't drink wine. I decided to load up on the soup of the day...potato leek with parmesan crutons. Sounds wierd, huh...It was beautifully executed. So great on a cold night...another great recommendation from our waiter. I decided to have an appetizer as well. (Hey I was in traffic for 2 hours give me a break) Had the quail and chorizo something. Can't remember the exact name. IT melted like butter in my mouth. WOW WOW...It was sooo rich and so right. Could not eat it every day but....Highly recommend this place the decor is serene and the service is just right. The food is VAVA VOOOOOOOM! P.S. My freind had the chocolate mousse dessert and it also was divine (had like a triangular chocolate grahm cracker at the top that made it look very Jetsons). Do not skip the dessert menu....
(5)
Lynn C.
I went here for the first time today for brunch. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back and try dinner at Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)
Emma C.
(THIS REVIEW IS FOR FIDDLEHEAD. Same location. Changed name or changed management?) We are often in the neighborhood for my son's music lesson at Old Town School, so we would love for this place to be good so we could have breakfast while he toots his horn. But we have tried several times and finally gave up. First of all, they have a terrible time cooking eggs to order. If you ask for the eggs cooked in your benedict to be hard, forget it. If you send anything back, it will take a half hour to correct and whoever you are with will have completely finished their meal before you ever start yours (this happened twice), and the waitstaff will pretend you are invisible in the meantime. I did notice some mild dirty dish issues as mentioned in other posts and have had the sinking feeling that if I really looked closely in the kitchen I might not be a happy camper. I think we kept going back because the potatoes were incomparably deelish and well-seasoned, but then the third time I guess they got a new cook because the potatoes were completely bland, and that ended any reason for us to go there and play breakfast roulette. When it's good, it's very very good, but the kitchen service is slow and the quality is inconsistent. Now we wait until the lesson is over and head to Pauline's on Ravenswood.
(2)
dan b.
so fiddlehead cafe, what can i say, the food is expensive, but it is really good, the beer selection is large, but if you want an expansive list of dark rich brown and black ales and porters and stouts and imperial stouts, this is not your place, but if you want pale ales and india pale ales, then you will be in heaven. would i go back, sure, will i go back, not as often as i go to other places in the area, would i recommend it to someone else, well maybe, know what your in for and if your game then give it a shot. to sum it all up, the food is great, a bit on the pricey side, the beer selection is large, but not expansive, the place is clean, the waitstaff friendly, the bar tender nice and knowledgeable, over all i give it a 3 for what i see as obvious reasons.
(3)
Jill M.
Just went to Fiddlehead last night. My husband and I wanted a low key night so we walked up to the movie theater next door, bought our tix and then ventured in to have some wine before the movie. What a pleasant surprise! To be totally honest and fair- we did not have dinner. so I can't speak to the menu. We each ordered a wine flight and shared a cheese flight. It was fabulous! The cheese list is pretty impressive and the wines are good- the "pictodecoders" are great conversation starters! They are provided with the cheese plate too. I highly recommend this as a date spot or a place for a group of girls...though I am planning to take my parents there next time they are in town. I know they will love it- the entire time my hubby and I were at the table we reminisced about our time spent in France when all we did most nights for several months was drink wine, eat cheese and bread and have a great time. You can definitely have that kind of night at Fiddlehead.
(4)
Margaret C.
menu sounded delicious, but food was mediocre at best. waiter was rude and had NO sense of humor whatsoever. i gave it two stars because we went on a sunday at 12:30 and had no wait. they also have some interesting twists on mimosa. but that's about it.
(2)
Rita M.
Nice hostess. I called saying we may be late 5 or 10 mins for my party of 4 at 13:15. He said no problem and thanks for calling. Nice layout. Outdoor seating. But we sat inside. HUGE beer selection. Tasty food. One star deducted because I got the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I must have ordered off the children's menu because my grilled cheese literally was cut into 4 pieces, each being about an inch wide and 2 inches long. Although tasty, crazy cheap amount given for $11!!!!!! I had to order a side because I was still starving. Another star deducted, because our server, although VERY nice and sweet, was MIA and rarely came around. Would I be back? MAYBE
(3)
Tommy K.
I went to Fork for the first time this past weekend. The atmosphere was great. Sat at a table right up front by the window, and luckily the weather was purely amazing. Warm breeze, 70 degrees. On a Saturday night, there weren't any disturbances from the people walking passed the restaurant. Our waiter was as equally amazing. Very personable, knowledgeable on the menu. I actually ordered based on his suggestions, which I rarely do. For an appetizer we ordered from the cheese and charcuterie menu, and the servings were a little small for 4 adults, but held us over until we received our entrees. I ordered the salmon, with pees. I have never been asked how I would prefer my salmon cooked, and based on my friend's choice, I opted for medium rare. It actually tasted really good! The only annoyance I found with this establishment, is when you are a frequent visiter to the restroom, especially after 3 cosmos, the urinals in the men's restroom are right next to each other, and have no dividers. They are also right in view of the door to the restroom, so when the door opens, you are literally on FULL DISPLAY. I am pee shy, so this kind of a situation is a pure nightmare for me. There is a stall, but with it being on a Saturday night, it was always in use. Next time I visit, i will make sure I don't consume that much liquor, as to avoid the frequent visits to the urinal display! Bottom line, the atmosphere, food and service is top notch. I will be visiting again soon. On an empty bladder for that matter :)
(5)
David B.
I did have some issues on a Saturday brunch there, like the chair broke i was sitting in, the food came pretty slow too. I after we had food the waiter didn't come back so i started to order with the bus-boy. After giving my card it took awhile to have the waiter come back and he didn't leave a pen. I signed it with a crayon, since I wasn't going to wait another 10 minutes to locate a pen for me. The bloody mary was uninspired and chunky but not particularly good. Just throwing stuff into a bloody doesn't make it better. It needs to crafted, carefully, and never forgetting that I want a buzz off of it too not just 16 flavors of cheese cubes! The food was okay, not great. It felt copy-cat and not a perfect copy either. i will go back, but not out of my way.
(3)
Shaunna B.
People aren't lying. The cilantro-garlic fries are amazing! Must try. The burger is also splendid. The service was a little slow, but not terrible.
(4)
Barrye J.
I've dined here quite a few times, mostly dinner but also tried their brunch a few times. Let me start off by saying the food is magnificent - chicken burger is amazing, also very fond of both versions of their mussels. I brought my vegetarian foodie friend here for her birthday and she's pretty picky, but she loved everything she ordered. They have a wonderful selection of beers and wines too, with flights available for each if that's your thing. Now on to the not-so-great: Fork is marketed as a classier place in a classier neighborhood. It's not a divey bar that serves block 'o cheese with tall boys, it's a neat ambient gastropub with charcuteries and craft beer. Why, then, does the service not particularly match up to the image they are portraying? Is it busier than they can handle? I've served, bartended, etc, I forgive a LOT in restaurants. But when I'm on a date night dropping at least $40 a person (2 drinks a person + entree, at the least), why do I get the feeling that I'm being rushed out? Every. Single. Time. Busy or not. If it wasn't for the bussers being great at clearing/noticing when my drink is empty, I don't think I'd get asked how my food is or if I want another drink. Case in point: Any time I've had to make a substitution or extra request for my meal (like... extra ketchup, nothing fancy), it's always forgotten (totally understandable, shit gets hectic) BUT I never get it because I never get checked on. C'mon now. I don't want to sit there for 5 hours but if I wanted to dine in under 30 minutes, I'd go to McD's or something. I keep wanting to do a cheese board for dessert but by the time the server drops the check unceremoniously to me, I really just want to leave. I will give this place yet another try soon because they really do have an extensive drinks selection, great food, and everyone I know constantly raves about this place. Maybe I've just been unlucky.
(3)
Roberta B.
My husband and friends of ours had dinner at Fork. My immediate statement is "make a reservation and go." The food was delicious! We ordered the staff favorite cheese plate which we devoured. It was so good we order a second one. The garlic-cilantro fries - I assumed - would just be 'fries'. They are...with great FLAVOR! They disappeared in no time. The beer list is fabulous and full. We love Belgium beer and their list did not disappoint. I had the chicken burger. They say in public you shouldn't lick your fingers. I didn't! But I soooo wanted to. The juice dripped and was so tasty I wanted to bottle it. Will I return to Fork...no question. Would I recommend Fork...absolutely!!! So when are we going again, is all that was talked about as we left. Excellent service AND FOOD!!!
(5)
Philly G.
Great food and service. Afternoon wine flight was great. Homemade pretzels and beer cheese sauce was delicious. I had the french mussles for entree and the sauce was amazing as well as the mussels. I had bread and garlic cilantro fries with it. The bread was great to soak up all of that sauce and the sauce that came with the fries was yummy. The bread pudding was good but the bourbon ice cream on top of it stole the show. So glad I found this place. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Kelly R.
Stopped by for a Saturday brunch, and while it didn't totally disappoint, the boyfriend and I were not impressed. I will throw the good stuff into the ring first: awesome ambiance and a really friendly staff and terrific! A cozy and trend restaurant with attentive staff. There was a bit of a wait, but we were able to sit up at the bar immediately. The brunchy drink list has a good-looking selection. And their beermosas are made with Daisy Cutter. Hard. to. beat. The brunch and lunch menu offer a lot of great looking choices--including a handful of vegetarian friendly dishes. The not-as-good: The food was only OK. We started with house-made doughnut holes. The were very basic! Uninspired fried dough and powdered sugar. "But that IS a doughnut!" you cry, well maybe. But if I'm ordering them at a restaurant and I'm prompted to "ask my server for details," I just expecting something special. The eggs florentine was calling my name, and I was not disappointed in the great hollandaise sauce and awesomely poached eggs. However, the side of potatoes was very dry and likely microwaved. The english muffin was a little softer than I'm used to in a bennie. The boyfriend got the chilaquiles which were reported to be average and a little overwhelming. (But we have both been spoiled by the chilaquiles at Marmalade). All in all: Seems like this might not be the best place for brunch! Could be worth it to stop in for a cocktail and appetizer late at night, but best to avoid in the daylight.
(3)
Melissa P.
I keep a list of restaurants that I want to dine at and Fork was one of these. And though I wish I could give them more than 3 stars, I unfortunately cannot. The evening started with fireworks and ended in a dreadful sizzle. Bacon wrapped dates, delicious, beet salad lacking and Duck club (giant pieces of Texas toast) not what I was expecting. To top that off my 2nd glass of wine was uber chilled to the point of non resemblance of the sauv I first ordered. I am not a wine snob however I can generally tell a grigio from a blanc. When questioned our very good looking waiter seemed to disappear. Would I go back, yes but would sit in different section facing the bar and ask more about the dishes.
(3)
James R.
We love this place! This is my third update for Fork, as they continue to impress each time we visit. Once again, we were celebrating a special occasion (our wedding anniversary) and they were kind enough to bring out complimentary champagne and a dessert! Both were excellent! I cannot recommend this place highly enough! ten stars! haha!
(5)
Luisana R.
Went here last night on a whim with a couple of friends. No wait at 6:15 on a Friday night, great! Service was good. Food was delicious. The grilled watermelon salad was amazing! Definitely my favorite. The Mac and cheese with crab meat was yummy, the cheese board was good and so were the shrimp and grits. Overall good experience and I would come back.
(4)
Andre M.
Food and environment were nice and good, but my waiter Niko had the driest attitude. I guess the rain made him feel sad or something. But he kinda sucked personality wise. He could at least try to smile. I was sad eating the delicious burger and fries.
(3)
Rick P.
This place would've gotten a far better rating had the service not sucked. The duck was actually delicious. Not sure I would step foot back into this establishment based on the service. Unfortunately, the friendliest & most helpful staff member was the busboy. From the moment we walked in to a nearly empty restaurant, even the hostess tried to refuse to seat us at a booth because she said they were all reserved for dinner later in the evening. Whaaaat??? We got our booth & then got the cold shoulder. The disappointing service continued when after ordering, we got our main entree before our appetizers. No one ever came back to check on us during our entire meal. We, ( meaning I ) had to get up & ask for clean dishes for our mussels. Our waitress never even came back to see how we were doing. We would've ordered after dinner cocktails had someone paid the slightest bit of attention to us. The chef even came out & checked on 3 tables and didn't even look in our direction. Almost no one had a smile on their face & when I asked who was the manager, I was advised they were not even in the building. The waiter on the table to our left, must've checked in on the guests at least 5 times. The only time we felt they even glanced our way was to free up the table as more dinner guests began to arrive. Sadly, this is the poorest example of customer service I've ever received in a restaurant. I expected more. Born & raised in this neighborhood, the transition has been exciting to witness. Sadly, I suspect that being of Latin American descent might have played a role in the inferior service we received. This is not what customer service should ever look like in any establishment. THUMBS DOWN! THUMBS DOWN!!! If your looking for a place to flag people down just for a glass of water, then this place is for you. If not, then stay clear!
(1)
Tom B.
Rude hostess. Clearly had 15 empty tables and yet 25-40 minute wait!!! Stopped yesterday for breakfast and was blown away by give me a minute(10) to come back and say... Oh it will be about 25-40 minute wait! I said what about the us bussed 10 tables and no one waiting for them... Oh we have reservations for them... No one was there stood outside for ten minutes and saw no one enter.
(1)
Bri A.
You know a place will be good when they serve Metropolis coffee! Our group of four was starving after a hot yoga class....we were also probably pretty stinky, but they still let us in. Anyway, we had no problem getting a table around noon on a Saturday. Everything on the menu had me drooling, but the Wild Mushroom Omelet was calling my name. I had that with a side of bacon and it was divine. The berry jam that came with my toast was amazing. I wanted a huge jar of that! The only drawback was the black hair floating in the coffee creamer. GROSS! Our server brought us another, but she never apologized or acknowledged how freaking gross it is to have hair in something consumable. =/
I've been here several times and the food and service has consistently been excellent. I am a huge fan of the thoughtfully put together beer flights and cheese plates
(5)
Rachel V.
I don't know why it took me so long to get to Fork, but I finally did, and I loved it! I went for brunch and left a very happy girl. I ordered the ham and cheese skillet which was outstanding. They make the scrambled eggs just the way I like them - soft and moist - and it was clear the ham was of high quality. My cousin ordered the duck confit hash and said the duck was amazing, but I was too chicken to try it! Our waiter was friendly, but service was a bit slow. They also have great outdoor seating.
(4)
Vicki Z.
Never disappointed!! The flavors and presentation never falls short. It's actually personally one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln Square. All the servers give great recommendations and they're always fast and friendly! I'm always taking out of town guest here! The wine and menu is on point, too! :)
(5)
Leon B.
I was impressed with the experience! Interior decor was nice. A great date spot. Prices were reasonable ($10-16 or so) Drinks were alway full and service was attentive, prompt, patient, and with a smile. We had a group of seven ladies who were primarily there to socialize. While I'm not a huge fan of brunch menu items, my Florentine Benedict ($10) with a side of breakfast potatoes was tasty. The mimosas ($6.50) were strong. We shared French toast of sorts as well as donuts holes- both delicious! The group's bill was on one ticket, but things worked out smoothly. All around, a great experience!
(5)
Rachel P.
I went to Fork on a Saturday night without making a reservation. It was about 8:30 and the restaurant was filled, but found a place for two quickly. They offer a selection of wine flights, which I chose the Smells Like Fruit Spirit, a collection of 3 white wines. My friend chose the Pinot Wizard, 3 red wines. Each flight cost around $15 and were decent pours. They set you up with three glasses immediately and give you a paper that describes each wine in order. They also have cheese and charcuterie flights with a la carte options. We ordered the french cheese flight and the smoked duck breast. Delicious, even though we only ended up with a small portion of duck. I'm not a huge fan of intensely flavored cheese, so this was the perfect choice for me. The cheese plate came with great variety of crispy bread, olives, pickles, candied pecans, fruit, etc. More extras than I thought we were going to get. They also give you a paper describing each cheese, which I love because I want to find my favorites later. We later ordered the House-Made Sausages and the House Pretzels. The pretzels were soft with a little bit of crunch. The beer cheese sauce, made with Half Acre, was tasty. A small portion again, but you can ask for more. The sausage was juicy and a great portion for two. It came with creamy potato salad. You could taste the mustard, but it wasn't too overpowering. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable. We never felt like we were waiting for service. The ambience was nice, dim lighting and big open windows. I love places where you can get various plates to share. I really liked the mix and match cheese and charcuterie. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Charles S.
Have some great things on the menu that you don't find at a lot of places. Nice patio as well as indoor seating next to open air as well during summer time.
(5)
Syd T.
Definitely try the garlic fries with the Sriracha aioli sauce..it's so delicious! Okay, so I ordered the 1/2 lbs. prime burger, it was alright. I thought the special ketchup that came with it was okay too. I had to ask twice for Sriracha aioli for my burger to give it some flavor. The first time I asked, the busser repeated my request and nodded his head, but he never came back. Also, my friend got a brunch meal that came with eggs which she asked for scrambled, but it came out over easy. So, I think this place needs to work on getting the customers' orders right. Because of the garlic fries w/ Sriracha aioli sauce, I might consider coming back to Fork.
(3)
Angela L.
Ive had nothing but pleasant experiences over the last few years. Their $5 appetizers are delicious and filling. I could have the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates for dinner. I could eat the soft pretzels bites with beer cheese all day. The smell alone of the garlic-cilantro fries will remind you why fries exist. Beer list is vast and the servers/bartenders are helpful. The environment is adult-casual. There may be kids around (it IS Lincoln Square after all) but that doesn't mean it's not a great option for a date night. Quiet enough for a conversation, at least.
With last minute changes to my Saturday night plans (some people are SO terrible at communicating ugh), I went with my roommate (who is great a communicating btw!) to Fork. They were able to seat us when we arrived around 9:30PM without any wait. They still had plenty of patrons, which is always a good sign. I had been thinking about giving up red meat for March (for the environment - duh), but I was captured by the aroma of the bacon wrapped dates. I gave in and shared them with my roommate. Amaze-balls! We split the mussels, and they were good but nothing amazing. Then we had the duck club. When it first arrived at the table, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it was actually really delicious! Think jam can't work with meat? It sure does. All the different components came together beautifully. The ambiance is pretty cute and laid back. So all in all, a great Saturday night (even with a change of plans :) !
(4)
Matthew S.
Utterly disappointing brunch - two of us had quiche, the other two chicken and waffles. Every dish was lukewarm-- inviting us to surmise the food had been cooked previous to our ordering it. Lovely. Waffles should be piping hot-- enough to melt the butter, right? Didn't happen. Our spouses who had the quiche questioned if it had even been made on premise. Service was friendly and capable. Would not return.
My sister and I went here for brunch yesterday and loved it. Food was excellent, I had the eggs Benedict. We also had a flight of mimosas that were all very good. Good service and atmosphere, too. Glad we went in even though it was hard to find parking.
(5)
Toni R.
This gets 5 stars because the hangover helper is the best thing I've ever eaten. Herbed biscuit, chicken sausage gravy, eggs over easy...mmmmm!
(5)
Claire W.
My husband and I used to come here all the time. It was our go-to spot for a delicious meal in a neighborhood full of options. We've taken our parents & other out-of-towners here many times as we consider it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. That being said, we went there this past Friday and our service was so bad that I am not sure we will ever come back. Our middle-aged male waiter was incredibly patronizing, to the point where I felt he was actually taking liberties with his attitude towards me. He repeatedly interrupted me mid-sentence, called me pet names like hon, sweetie in a grating tone and kept touching my shoulder when he wanted to assert his opinion. I'm a conversational person and I enjoy the waitstaff-client interaction but this felt so out of touch with today's culture. It got to the point where I cringed each time he came around. Looking back, I should have been more direct about my wishes, but looking forward - should we ever return - we will request to be seated in a different section. That being said, if you find yourself there - get the eggplant caviar & go ahead and order extra toasted bread with goat cheese.
(2)
Jessie J.
Got right in with our reservation. Waited a while for water and even longer for a waiter. It was very loud as there were quite a few standing patrons at the bar (7:45pm). The waiter seemed like he was having a bad night, but was never mean or rude, just a bit short. He told us to wait to order food because the kitchen was backed up. Once we ordered, we ended up getting our food quickly and it was really good. Wasn't impressed with the garlic cilantro fries. However my flatbread was really good and filling. Martini was good and not overly priced, beer was warm. Food would get a 3.5/4, service a 3.
(3)
Jay I.
3.5 stars I tried this place for a saturday brunch. Since I tried by myself I sat on the bar stool and was served by a very nice bartender. I ordered a chicken and waffle (my current hot item). I thought chicken was good and waffle was pretty good too, but it wasn't really something that would blow my mind. It is a nice place with TV, and the server seem to be pretty nice and intact, too (taking care of water and refills). Not a bad option around the lincoln square.
(3)
Megan G.
This review is for the bar only. Cute place! While we only grabbed drinks at the bar, the overall ambiance was nice with the couches and exposed brick. I really liked the wine flight options- I'm quite used to beer flights around the city, but less so wine! The options offered were wines from locations I don't always see. It's about 2.5 glasses of wine for the price, so it's a reasonable deal when compared to other bars in the city. I'll have to return for the food- it looked great based on what I saw!
(4)
James W.
My wife and I go there for brunch and it's actually become a game of ours to guess which side / item will not come with our food. Sometimes it's silverware, sometimes it's the side of toast that comes with and sometimes it's the side that you ordered. Always an adventure! And we get lots of time to play this game because it takes them forever to take your order.
(3)
Jack M.
This review is written after several attempts to allow Fork to prove us wrong / get off our s***-list. My girlfriend and I live a few buildings down from Fork and have been to Fork several times: for brunch, dinner, and drinks. In more than one occurrence, the service was poor to the point of being offensive. Allow me to explain: Instance #1: Breakfast. We arrived at Fork 20 minutes before opening on a Saturday, which was no big deal, we simply walked down the street to get a coffee from Grind. Coming back at 10:05, five minutes after opening, we see that several groups of people had been seated, yet the restaurant could not have been more than 15-20% full at this point, and there was no one waiting to be seated besides us. The hostess informed us it would be 15-20 minutes prior to being seated and that we could sit at the bar while we waited. You could imagine our reaction at this point. However, we sat at the bar, had a Bloody Mary (which was delicious) and waited patiently. 20 minutes go by and still we have not been seated. My girlfriend went up the hostess, who was not more than 15 feet from us, to ask the status. With much attitude, she dismissively told her that she was aware of us waiting and that'd it be another 10 minutes. It's one thing to have to wait when a restaurant is obviously full, but all they had to do was seat us at a table and get us going with some coffee and we'd have had no issue. The attitude towards us from the front of house staff was rude, curt, and dismissive, and not what you'd expect from any decent restaurant. Instance #2: Brunch - Sunday, 4/26/15 The Ravenswood 5K was being held in the area, which brought a lot of traffic to the local eateries, including Fork. We arrived at 10:30 or so, and I put my name in on the waiting list. They told me 20 minutes, and that they would text me. Great, we'll wait and get a coffee, no big deal. I checked in after 20 minutes, no update, told it would be longer. After an hour, my girlfriend goes to check, and she is very rudely told by whoever the male host was that there's nothing he can do, people are eating their breakfast and you just have to wait. Look, Fork. You're busy, we get that. But perhaps you could be honest with us form the get go and not quote an overly optimistic 20 minutes? And when your estimate is off by over 40 minutes, perhaps instead of being rude and annoyed towards us, you could try being decent and apologetic? We moved to wait inside, and were finally seated, perhaps due to the close proximity of our group (four people) to the host station. Food took over an hour to get out and our waitress continued the trend of curtness and poor service. Conclusion: Fork's food is great, and their menu is fantastic. If they're not busy, or you have a reservation, it's likely a good bet your service experience will be fine. I would recommend to Fork that they work to improve their front of house experience on all levels. You had tables sitting empty the entire time we were eating, all while people were waiting outside and inside the restaurant.
(1)
Karen H.
Our meal was so decadent....THE poutine. Before you die, you need to have this poutine. Rich savory gravy, white cheddar sauce, plus duck confit. This could bring peace to the middle east! We had a 16oz veal chop. It was big enough to share and be quite satisfied. All in all, a wonderful experience. Don't miss out on the inventive cocktails. The songbird and bliss, in particular, make this worth the trip. Big plus is being able to have a conversation without having to shout!
(4)
Laura W.
I recently went to Fork for the first time with my parents who were visiting my neighborhood. I was a little hesitant taking them because they normally think my tastes are too "foodie" but Fork did not dissappoint. Stellar service, amazing food and wonderful ambience. The restaurant has such a home-y feel, it's just plain comfortable. The food is by far the best I've had in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area. I had the Duck Club sandwich (as did my very happy 60-year-old mother) and it was on point. Also highly recommend the butternut squash soup which was a special for the evening. The bottom of the bowl is drizzled with chili oil and toasted pumpkin seeds so the range of flavor you get in one spoonful is crazy. Also make sure you go with the garlic cilantro fries instead of the regular fries. Fork is a definite winner in the neighborhood. Though it's a little pricey for some, I'm willing to shell out some extra cash for great food like that. I'll be back for sure.
(5)
Michelle Z.
5 of us came in to Fork on Sunday after waiting in line for 3 hours to vote. We were due for some much needed bloody marys and Fork did not disappoint! Everything about our experience was on point. We were quoted 30-45 minutes for a wait, but got seated in 15! The hostess was super accommodating and friendly. The bloodys were fantastic. We then proceeded to order (nearly) everything off the menu and eat tapas style. The bacon wrapped dates were amazing! As was the "hangover helper." My absolute favorite was the "eggplant caviar". There were a couple items on the menu that they ran out of (and I can totally understand why- all of the food is so good). Our server was such a good sport about it- he even had us pause our ordering as he ran to reserve the last "hangover helper" for us before it ran out. We were eternally grateful. Basically I cannot say enough good things about this place. We will absolutely be back to try it out for dinner.
(5)
Jeff A.
I feel the decor is dated and the food is a step or two above bar food. Not bad (I had to add salt to everything) but not worth a second visit. Service was great. With all of the great options in this neighborhood, they need to step up their game. Note to Fork: turn off the TVs during peak dinner hours. Really cheapens the atmosphere.
(2)
Ruben M.
Kinda expensive when you account for a larger group, but nice place. Not really my scene, kinda loud, but food is great and so is the service.
(5)
Andy W.
Food is good, service is decent. I have tried many of the things on the lunch and dinner menu and haven't had anything I didn't really enjoy. The brunch is okay, nothing special but quality food. What I like most about Fork is that it has a quality product. The food you are served will always be fresh and appealing to all senses. It may not be the most unique menu but its a tasty one. I like that Fork is good for a date, but also can accomodate small groups for a night out with friends. They also have a pretty decent liquor and beer selection. Overall, a good place in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Melissa N.
This is a great place to unwind with friends and enjoy some good food and wine. The ambiance is casual and friendly: nothing super fancy. If you go there during the warmer months, scope out a patio spot instead of an indoor table. The wine list is where this place truly shines. I had a glass of red sangria, which was outstanding: very rich, with notes of clove and cinnamon. So, so good! Fork also offers a large selection of wine flights. My friends and I all enjoyed the Spicy Reds. Great wine! For food, the best thing on the menu is the bacon date chorizo appetizer: oh my GOD! I have never seen bacon date apps this big...each piece is four times the size of the typical version, and so, so good. I could eat a bunch of these for dinner and be fully satisfied (and fat...but happy fat). The asparagus flatbread pizza was good, but perhaps had a tad bit much asparagus, at least for my taste. Next time I will sample something else. I also tried the grits, which are very good as far as grits go. Service was prompt and friendly, and prices are very reasonable. I definitely encourage others to check this place out.
(4)
Lindsey A.
I've been to Fork for brunch, lunch and dinner and all occasions have been lovely. From the beer and wine flights to the morning hash, the food is as solid as the beer list - and service is great, too. This is an affordable, upscale, neighborhood joint that's worth the visit even if you're not a Lincoln Squarer.
(4)
Robert Y.
What a great place!! Our friends turned us on to Fork - we all enjoyed a Saturday dinner next to a huge wide open window looking out onto Lincoln Ave. on a mild late October evening. The best of the evening... 5 star service - our server was a very gracious and unassuming guy who took great care of us -- really good food -- my favs were the Cheese and Charcuterie selections, the beef skewers with amazing hummus, the pulled pork sliders, and the beet salad. Tastes of each were enough to call it a meal. The wines selection was top notch...a really interesting mix... I tried a French Syrah that was delicious (and not something I usually drink). The noise level was perfect (i.e. not that noisy at all, given the crowd). The overall experience was wonderful. We'll be back soon. So many more food and wine options to try next time.
(5)
Kate N.
Good for brunch and somehow not too loud, unlike most brunch places in Chicago. The home-made donut holes are pretty dense, so I wouldn't recommend those, but the florentine benedict was excellent, with a really tasty basil hollandaise and some incredibly ripe and flavorful tomatoes. And their potatoes on the side were excellent - I usually try to avoid eating those, but these were too good to skip.
(4)
Joelen T.
Went here with girlfriends for a Sunday brunch to celebrate my engagement. It was a fabulous brunch where we started with the mimosa flight. I ordered the Short Rib Benedict which had a good ratio of short rib, egg and sauce. The Chicken & Waffles my friend ordered looks fantastic, especially with the candied bacon garnish. And the Bananas Foster French Toast another friend ordered looked divine. I look forward to coming back for lunch/dinner. Very cute spot, wonderful brunch and definitely make reservations as this place fills up quickly!
(5)
Lily F.
I made a reservation for 1 pm on a sunday and arrived at 12 just to see if i could get seated earlier because my friend and i were in a rush. We were sat down at a table immediately and the server prompty came to our table to take our drink orders and inform us on the menu. Thrillist ranked Fork as having the best chicken and waffles in the city so i obviously had to try them. The server informed us that they only had dark meat left, and I was completely fine with that, in fact i prefer dark meat in fried chicken anyways. We also decided to try the smoked salmon Benedict. The fried chicken and waffles was paired with a crispy piece of candied bacon. After i created my perfect bite of bacon, waffle, syrup, and chicken... my mouth was filled with happiness. The combination of the fluffy waffle, brined juicy chicken, crispy skin, and candied bacon was the perfect balance of flavors to complement the existing textures and salty and sweet flavor. Hands down best fried chicken and waffles I've ever had. The fried chicken itself is probably one of the better pieces of fried chicken I've had in a while, and the waffle was absolutely perfect. The smoked salmon benedict was equally as satisfactory. The salmon was smoked in house and (coming from someone from seattle) was amazingly delicious. The smoky flavor paired beautifully with the bloodorange hollandaise sauce and runny egg. I had to think for a while what i wanted my "last bite" of food to be. i ended up choosing the fried chicken and waffle bite, and i left fork in pure happiness. To sum up my experience in one sentence: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME OH MY GOSH IM DYING AND HAVE GONE TO FOOD HEAVEN. PLZ CAN I EAT THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
(5)
Nichole F.
We went here for brunch today and it was delicious! Made our reservation on OpenTable. It is a kid friendly restaurant with crayons and coloring and boostwr seats which are all helpful. There was plenty of parking on the street on front. Our server was super nice and friendly. We started with bacon wrapped dates and chorizo with blue cheese dipping sauce. PARTY IN MY MOUTH!! You must order these and then thank me. You are welcome! I had the chicken cobb salad which was beautiful to look at and yummy to eat. My son had the grilled cheese and fries, boring. My hubby had "the hangover cure" which is biscuits and sausage gravy and overeasy eggs..yum yum! It was definitely comfort food. The gripe that I had with our server is that we told her that it was our first time there and asked for recommendations. She told us about the bacon wrapped dates but what she didn't mention is that they were voted #1 in the city for chicken and waffles. She told us that after we saw them walk by on a tray and inquired (we were already done eating). Even though I loved our food, the chicken and waffles looked WAY better!! We are 100% coming back here because I need the chicken waffles in my mouth! Or the "showstopper".
(4)
Mark D.
Fork was fantastic. We were seated by the front window with a nice view of the street and the Saturday night pedestrian traffic. Their sangria was very good, I had a glass but could have easily enjoyed a pitcher. For starters, we ordered the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo (OMG very good) and the duck crostini (very good). For dinner my friend and I both ordered the duck club. I absolutely LOVE duck, but I had never had it in a club sandwich until I visited Fork. It was superb. This sandwich consisted of duck confit, smoked duck breast, goat cheese, pickled shallots, red wine jam, and candied pecans. I enjoyed every last bite. If you visit Fork, you *must* try the duck club. You're welcome.
(4)
Christina G.
We ended up here randomly one night and had a great time. First, the negative: Parking nearby is to be avoided at all costs. Bus, bike, do whatever you have to do to not drive. Once we did find parking and got into the restaurant, everything was great. We started off with drink flights. I had crisp white wines, my husband had some sort of bourbon barrel brewed flight, I think. We both enjoyed every pick - wine and beer, which was quite unusual for us. The takeaway: Fork has great beer and wine. We started with 2 small plates - the poutine and the chicken and dumplings. The dumplings were butternut squash gnocchi and the chicken was cooked to perfection. The real scene stealer for me though was the poutine. Oh my goodness. I don't know if it was the cheese, the gravy, the duck confit, or just the mixture of them all together but this was one of my favorite dishes I've had in a long time. We rounded out our impromptu meal with a cheese and charcuterie plate. We had a couple cheeses (can't remember the names) that were delicious. We added the house-cured duck prosciutto and we very pleased. You really can't go wrong with any of the meats and cheeses, in my opinion. Finally, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was able to make both food and drink recommendations by asking us just a few questions. He never steered us wrong. Overall, a great night, I can't wait to be back for more poutine, more cheese and meat, and more delicious drinks!
(4)
Kirstin E.
Finally tried brunch at Fork and I really don't know why I waited so long. Just as their dinner menu, everything I had from the breakfast and brunch menu was amazing!! I went with a good friend of mine and we wanted to try a little of everything. We started by ordering the peach glazed donut holes (peach glaze was a special that day) and the homemade pretzel bites with beer cheese. Both were phenomenal! The pretzel bites had the right amount of crunch on the outside with a fluffy inside/middle. We also both had the flight of mimosas. This is a great idea as most places don't offer you the chance to try different varieties. We decided we wanted to go with regular mimosas for the rest of the meal. Niko gladly followed our request for a bottle of champagne and a carafe of OJ. I ordered the chilaquiles and my friend ordered the eggs Benedict with short ribs. Both were again, phenomenal!! Fork is one of the few places that seems to get the concept of brunch while making their guests feel welcomed. If you haven't been to Fork I must ask, what are you waiting for?!?
(5)
Daniel S.
Enjoyed the visit and always like the neighborhood. Good food and beverage choices. A spot id visit again--- certainly seems consistent and solid.
(3)
Yanyao N.
Let's talk brunch. Fork does it, and Fork does it very well. My recent Sunday excursion for sustenance involved: - candied bacon - doughnut holes - beer flights (because who doesn't want a beer flight at 11am?) - a house-smoked salmon Benedict with blood orange hollandaise - chilaquiles with chorizo - a painful walk home (SO FULL) - a nice couch nap thanks to brunch baby For some reason, Fork is never really first on my radar when it comes to food, even though it is so close, and consistently good for dinner. Now I want to have brunch there every single weekend. The service was great. They have a lovely selection of beers of taps and in bottles. Plus, CANDIED BACON for $2 a pop. Be warned though, lots of kids for brunch, if you're not into that thing or avoiding loud screeching sounds.
(4)
Pat G.
Had a brunch date here, was excellent except for one thing. I ordered a dunkelweiss (for those of you who don't know beer, its a dark weiss) and was given a different beer, some light, crisp, fruity beer; it was almost a cider I think. Perhaps an order mix up? Not to sound like a snob, but I know my beers, and that wasn't what I ordered. It was a good beer though, so it didn't ruin the meal. Otherwise it was great. Food was excellent and the portions were worth the price, hostess and waitress were top notch and friendly for a busy Saturday late morning/early afternoon. No wait to be seated, and it wasn't sardines on the inside like some local Lincoln Square restaurants. Would recommend for brunch fans, and I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.
(4)
Leah C.
fork...er fiddlehead...it over! funny, i didn't know this used to be fiddlehead until i read the reviews below. really love the small plate scene and especially when paired with a good drink list. fork is a great gathering spot, early din, late-night munchie, catch-up type of place. they also have entrees but i don't think i'd return for that because the ambiance is more "cafe-like" IMO. the flatbreads are nothing special but go with their zucchini "spaghetti" - it'll make you eat your veggies, i swear! the charcuterie was nicely presented with generous servings. the dishes came out a bit slow so i'm knocking off a star. i wish i could remember her name but our server was just a doll (and i don't say that...ever...but it's a fitting description). so in love with the restaurant and her work, it really added to our dining experience - thank you!
(4)
Yessie S.
This place is totally over rated. I don't think I will want to come back ever again. The service was horrible. My boyfriend and I went there on summer night to have a good time. They sat us below this dripping water pipe. We asked the waitress/hostess to move us, they said there was no other place, but when I walked to the bathroom, after 3 mins being sat down there, there was other place on the other side. The dripping and splashing water made the entire dinner horrible. The food was not even good, the service was horrible. Thanks for the "great" night.
(1)
Lola G.
I am back in Chicago to visit friends and family. I was a little early, so I walked to Fork to grab an app and a glass of wine. Waste of time and money! I can't believe this got four stars on yelp! My wine was served in a dirty glass (not spots, but full on food stuck on the inside!)...I dared order pretzels, which were bland and the cheese sauce was barely edible. And if that wasn't all fun enough, the preggos bartender acted as though every request really put her out. Won't ever be back.
(1)
Kori E.
We made our way to Lincoln Square for brunch on Sunday morning and stumbled upon Fork. The menu had tons of options so we decided to give it a try. First off, they serve their delicious coffee in huge mugs, which we both appreciated. For our meals, I had the chilaquiles (shocker) and he had the sausage scramble, which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were really good! My chilaquiles were good, but I should have added the chorizo on as it was lacking a little something... The service was a little lack luster, but we were in no hurry so whatevs. Cute spot in Lincoln Square and there was no wait to eat at around noonish - always a plus.
(4)
Not Just Brunch B.
A huge group of us came here for brunch on a recent Sunday. Nine of us to be exact. Even though we rolled up without reservations and the place was busy, the hostess was so nice and accommodating and tried really hard to get us a spot. We ended up only having to wait 15 minutes. That must be some sort of brunch record. Our waitress, Kathryn K, was also extremely nice and helpful, and not in that overly peppy annoying way some waiters/waitresses wanting tips can be (especially when you're hungover). She even let us split the check individually between the 9 of us. This is unheard of, people. We would give Fork 5 stars for service alone, but the food and drink also deserve praise. The brunch menu is extensive and you can also choose from the lunch menu, which includes their poutine, which is out of this world, which means it is really good, which means you should try it. The mimosa flight comes with 3 mimosa variations and is a good deal considering they come in regular sized champagne glasses, not the small ones you would expect from it being a flight. To continue the review and the lolz you can read our blog post here: notjustbrunch.wordpress.…
(5)
M P.
Service was very good, but wasn't impressed with the food for the price. The location is good and patio looks nice. I'd like to come back and try one of the charcuterie plates, but the large plates we tried were just okay.
(3)
Pat T.
OMG!!! This place is dynamic!!!! Cool atmosphere !!! Great food!!! Extensive wine and beer list!!! The manager Ashley was so helpful explaining the menu and making suggestions that were right on!!! I will be back, we loved it!!!
(5)
Heather J.
I don't get many Saturdays off, so when I do, I like to get some brunch with the hubby. This past weekend, we ventured out to Fork based on a recommendation from a friend. When we arrived, we found parking right away and there was no wait at all which was fantastic! Plus, the ambience was nice, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive. The prices were fair. No complaints about the restaurant whatsoever! Okay, now for the food... I ordered the Florentine Benedict. The benedict was huge, made with a whole english muffin, two poached eggs (cooked perfectly), tomatoes, spinach, and basil hollandaise. The basil hollandaise was supposed to be what tied the entree together, but it was a little too bland for me. Overall, it wasn't bad, though I think I would try something else next time. It also came with some potatoes on the side, which were alright (but I honestly prefer The Bongo Room's potatoes... Sorry!). My husband ordered their Chilaquiles and LOVED them. I tried them and kind of wish I ordered them, too! Overall, I would go back to Fork, I would just try to order something a little more flavorful!
(3)
Keryn C.
I just moved to Lincoln Square, and I am right next to Fork. All I need to say is, I chose the right location. Fork is so good. Two friends and I went on a Saturday for brunch and it was less than a 15 minute wait. The iced coffee was perfect on a 90 degree day, and everything on the menu looked fabulous. We split the homemade donut holes as a starter, because who doesn't love donut holes? They were so fresh, I wish we ordered more. I ordered the eggs benedict which is indescribable. First off, the English muffins are HUGE. Nestled on top was a delicious piece of grilled ham, topped with poached eggs. I was silent the entire time eating because it was just so good. Their breakfast potatoes were crispy and complimented everything on my plate. One friend got the Hangover Helper, which was smothered in gravy and overall an amazing choice. The second friend got something in a skillet, but I didn't try it because I was too invested in my benedict. Needless to say, I am returning to Fork to try their other items, and for more donut holes.
(4)
Ack M.
There's always a place that you run into and find yourself with good food and great people. I have to say that this place delivers it all. From the minute we walked in we were treated by the manager Ashley. She made us feel right at home. She was on top of everything made sure our drinks was out on time. We have never been here before but Ashley made us feel right at home. She recommended a few dishes that was very delightful. A very neighborhood friendly place. Food was great people were amazing. Price very reasonable.
(5)
Nick W.
After having come to Chicago for an exciting weekend of visiting with friends, we were debating on where to get high-quality brunch. Fork came highly recommended, and it met if not exceeded my standards. The chicken and waffles were transcendent. I tried a friends biscuits and gravy and it took me back to my childhood! The tastes were more complex, of course, but after the meal I wouldn't have been surprised if someone's grandmother came out of the kitchen to wrap a blanket around us. The service was exemplary and left us wanting for nothing more than larger stomachs to comfortably continue eating! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that can really appreciate food made with such attention to detail and care.
(5)
Elma B.
Their brunch is my favorite in the city. My favorite dishes are the smoked salmon benedict, broccoli quiche, and chilaquiles. Our group has also tried the chicken and waffles, various other quiches, and hangover helper. All have been amazing and the portions are great. Service during brunch is great. The food comes out fast and the staff is attentive.
(5)
Meg J.
I was here last Saturday with a group of 7 women for a girls night out. EVERYTHING was delicious. Our server was great, very on top of things. The chef made his way around the dining room, interacting with customers and seeing how they liked the food. I love that, it makes for a more personal dining experience. With such a big group, we got to try a lot of different dishes. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think it'd a toss up between the poutine and the shrimp and grits. I can't wait to go back and try it for brunch!
(5)
DJ F.
Meh - at best. Host staff is always rude. ALWAYS. Beyond that - we've had decent service a couple times, but last night was an epic fail. We asked our waitress about the bottle wine list, if she could suggest a good full body/spicy red. Her response? "Well, I'll let you look some more" and walked away. She returned a good FIFTEEN minutes later to ask if we made a decision. I said We are thinking about this malbec/cab blend, can you please ask the bartender if it's a good choice for spicy/full body. Her response? It's from Argentina - it should be spicy. WHAAAT??? We figured she was new and didn't know the wine list - but it later came up that she has been there for 2 years... You don't have to be a sommelier, but when somebody tells you what they look for in a red you should be able to recommend a few options from your wine list. OR ASK. Never guess when somebody is buying a bottle! The service was as average as the food. $100 for a dry brisket sandwich, average chicken burger and a sweet (NOT spicy as requested) bottle of red. And the smores dessert? Chocolate chip cookies with fluff. It was gross. We barely touched it - but our server didn't say a word. Just took it away! I don't know what it is about this place. Reviews seem positive but we've never been knocked out by the food or the service, and definitely will not be back after that frustrating, overpriced experience.
(2)
Richard C.
When you pay $13 for a chicken burger, you expect a whole (or at the least half) a fresh chicken breast. You don't expect the mashed up, reassembled, stale, chicken patty you buy on sale that sits in the back of your freezer. That's what you get at Fork. When you ask for the regular fries with your chicken patty frankenstein burger to be swapped for the garlic cilantro fries (and pay the upgrade charge), you expect to get garlic cilantro fries. Not the normal, burnt, tasteless fries. That's what you get at Fork. This is why they invented tips. And the ability to not give them. So, don't bother. Don't be sucked in by the vapid atmosphere and terrible food. Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Bad Apple, and Monty Gaels are all cheaper, better, friendlier, and in the same walking distance. Just go there instead.
(1)
Amanda W.
Still really appreciate the gluten-free menu, though it was outdated (had items no longer offered), and the food was delicious again. Especially recommend the French mussels and the duck salad! Nom! Also, sitting outside was really nice. Minus a star this time for weird service. There were empty tables when we arrived, yet we were quoted 15-30 minutes' wait, an unusually large range. Then, they called us about 5 minutes later and gave us one of the empty tables. The wait staff was okay, but no smiles or warmth there at all. It's such a let-down for a place that clearly prides itself on the food and flights side.
(4)
Raul F.
The good is very good. I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very juicy. The customer service was good, they were a bit sassy; however once we got our table it was smooth sailing. Definitely would recommend!
(4)
Lauren H.
So glad they were open for New Year's Day brunch. Bacon wrapped dates held me over until the rest of my table arrived. I rarely dislike a bacon wrapped dates so I didn't really need the bleu cheese sauce on it. The hangover helper was great. It's a giant herb biscuit (good texture) with cheddar, bacon, and chicken sausage gravy. It's served with arugula so all the fat is cancelled out, right? My only tip is to have them skip on the cheese. It s didn't do anything for me flavor wise and it only made the dish too heavy to eat. My table loved the quiche of the day, tomato soup, and breakfast sandwich. You do NOT need a side with the sandwich! My Army Vet husband had a little trouble finishing the generous sammy. Service was fine. The bus boys kept water filled and our server checked in without being annoying. I'd come back for dinner.
(4)
Justine M.
Great ambience, interior, and service. Dark, kind of romantic. We had a party of 12 and had great service. I highly suggest the poutine with duck confit. The bacon wrapped dates with chorizo was very good as well. The pretzel bites were very fluffy. not bad. I had the duck club and it was alright. I was expecting more of a duck taste. A VERY large meal. I suggest you upgrade to the cilantro garlic fries. Depths of flavor. The waitress was able to split all of our bills so super convenient. Overall good experience.
(4)
Joe W.
Fork is a very good restaurant - everything I've had on the menu is good. We've gone there for lunch a few times with kids, which can be challenging, but they were friendly and receptive. A good option in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Josh S.
I went here on Friday with a table for five. It was a great experience all around. We had initially made a reservation for four, but later changed it to five and the hostess was able to accommodate us without moving the reservation time or having us wait. The service was impeccable and the food was stellar. I highly recommend the Farmhouse Burger, Poutine, Asparagus Flatbread, and Charcuterie spreads.
(5)
Tamara S.
I've been here for dinner. I've been here for drinks. Always a great time. The staff is wonderful. The food is yummy. And they do an amazing job of creating interesting desserts.
(5)
Dennis A.
4 of us had dinner there and had a really nice meal. Service was just right, attentive but not annoying. We shared a half dozen items from the menu: each was really great, but 3 of them were so terrific that you could keep eating them til you [fill in your most audacious wonderful outcome here]... those were the house made pretzels with really tasty cheese sauce, the French style Mussels and the Sweet Potato Gnocci. The three that were really great, but overshadowed by the competition were the Merguez Flatbread, the "Amazing" Shrimp Grits and the Diver Sea Scallops. This was our first time here. We'll definitely return. Our thanks to the chef for a great meal experience.
(5)
Angelica V.
The last time I was at Fork (about 2 years ago), I didn't have quite a pleasant experience. Luckily, I spoke to the new owner/chef and he asked that I give it another shot. I chose to go in today for brunch and let me say that this experience was a complete 180°. The hostess sat us immediately and the server came to provide us with specials and drinks right away. Coffee and mimosas were fantastic choices. It took us a few minutes to choose because everything looked so yummy. We finally agreed on the "hangover helper" and pork belly panini. The gravy on the hangover helper was to die for...we are it so quickly. The pork belly was one of my favorite sandwiches. Right amount of belly and slaw. I chose the garlic fries with their sriracha aioli. If you like sriracha, do yourself a favor and ask for another serving. It was delicious! We finalized our meal with their mini donut holes which came out as if you were in a fancy cafe, along with a glazed dipping sauce. From start to finish, the service, food, and ambiance was outstanding. Even something as simple as sitting by their open windows made such a differenece. We have already recommended this place to family and friends. A huge thank you to Chef Tim for allowing me to reexperience a brand new Fork...which you should ALL try sooner than later.
(5)
Rachel T.
I've been to Fork on multiple occasions and have never had an experience I wouldn't rave about. Their beer and wine selection is amazing, and they even have a cranberry cider on tap which is delicious. Both their brunch and dinner menus offer so much variety. I can't make a visit without ordering the house pretzels and the bacon wrapped dates. Recently the poutine has made it into my "must have" list... I mean duck confit and gravy, YUM! I've tried everything on their large plates list from the flatbreads to the brisket to the chicken burger and every time I'm left wanting more. Their specials change almost nightly based on what's new and local and that's fantastic. They just added homemade giardiniera to some of their items and as a girl who likes a little extra flavor, this really meets the bill. And that's just the food! The staff is friendly, from the bartender to the hostesses to the servers. It's all around an amazing dining experience. During the warmer weather, they have a great patio and open window seating. Meets everything on an amazing Chicago dining experience checklist - HIGHLY recommend!
(5)
Erin K.
I recently went to Fork for dinner with my boyfriend, and we had an exceptional experience! Their dinner menu is fun and a bit adventurous, while still reasonably priced. They were also very knowledgeable when it came to their gluten-free options, meaning automatic bonus points from me. Great customer service and a cool ambiance complete the restaurant. Oh, and I can't forget the amazing wine and beer flights! :)
(5)
Joe G.
I've been here several times and really wanted to like it, but 3 strikes and done. The concept is great, the execution falls short. My last try was to order their special bouillabaisse, and it came cold and in a tomato soup base instead of a broath. When drinks run empty before someone comes by to check in on you that is a fail. And it had nothing to do with the place being busy. Put a fork in this one.
(1)
Joanna T.
My sister hosted my baby shower here in February. It was fantastic. The menu was great. We had shared cold appetizers while guests got drinks and mingled. Then we had hot appetizers when seated. Guests were able to choose their entree, which were options of both breakfast sweets and savory lunch sandwiches because you never know which way people lean for brunch. My sister is a foodie and carefully reviewed the menu in detail with the manager, which she had to do from afar in LA. We didn't bring a cake, but rather chose dessert items from their standard menu. The space was ideal for our party size of roughly 35 people. The private room had space for a gift table and a space for the 'crafts' that we set up: a decorating station for onesies and bibs. The room was intimate enough to play a few shower games but was still large enough to stand and mingle. We brought minimal decor. The space is homey and comfortable. We provided centerpieces and candles and hung one banner. I would consider Fork again for a private party. In the meantime we will be back for brunch.
(5)
Natalie B.
Went here for my birthday. The food and service was great. We had the pretzels, cheese plate, shortribs and applepie, I highly recommend all.
(5)
Joanne W.
On Wednesday, I saw The Knife. On Friday, I went to Fork. True story. Seriously though, I really like Fork. It is one of my go-to places. I've dined here with friends on numerous occasions. I've taken my parents here, my sisters and my man. It never disappoints. The service is always good and they have a nice varied menu with something for everyone. They also have a nice cocktail list, wine menu and really great beer options. You can get a flight of wine or beer aaaaand ya gotta love a place that has Revolution Rosa on draft! When it's in season, of course. I've eaten just about everything here. They do nice charcuterie boards, flat breads, mussels, small plates and some interesting large plates. I've also done a Revolution dinner/tasting at Fork and it was GREAT. The stand out items for me are the garlic cilantro fries, the flat breads and the short rib dish but I've never had something and not enjoyed it. The only thing that is left for me to try is brunch... One of my favorite features of Fork is the outside seating and even if that is not available to you...no worries! Fork has large window fronts that open up to Lincoln Square so you can take in some fresh air from the comforts of a cozy booth. Fork has served me many a fine meal...and drink. *burp*
(4)
Brandon B.
I was a little miffed that their hangover helper was sold out by the time I got there on Sunday. I switched to their mushroom omelet, which was surprisingly good. The food was a little better than average, but what really blew me away was their service. Everyone was extremely attentive. My friend and I heard who we thought was the manager chastise the hostess for not noticing that people were waiting up front for a few seconds to be seated. Loved it! They are on the ball, and given the food isn't that bad, I'd go back.
(4)
Len L.
We walked in with a few friends and their kids in a stroller, the hostess said "how many?" I said "three and two children" and the hostess replied "And what are you going to do with that?", pointing at the baby stroller. It was something I was not expecting to hear but I did not react to his attitude other than tell him that I will fold it up and put it behind the door. He paused for a moment and said that it should be fine behind the door. Now I'm wondering if this place is "kid-friendly", I looked around and I guess I was the only group with children. We looked at the menu and their prices was decent to the type of food they offered - We ordered the bacon-wrapped dates - Which in my mind was the best thing you could have ordered for an appetizer. In fact, that tasted better than the entree that we had. most of the dishes were some kind of "duck" dishes. we ordered the duck hash, it was super salty and greasy with eggs. At the end of the meal, I think I gain 10 pounds and think my cholesterol levels jumped off the charts. Overall, I would come back only for the bacon wrapped dates and nothing else.
(3)
Alli Q.
3.5 if I could. We came for brunch based on a friend's recommendation. I thought this place was just okay - nothing too special. It was bit out of the way for us but I'm still glad we tried it. We had the breakfast melt and the sausage scramble. Both portions were pretty large. Our favorite was the mimosa flight - fun and yummy! Also, the coffee here is actually pretty solid. Honestly, service was just okay. We weren't that impressed by our waitress. We had to flag her down for most things and that was a little disappointing. We made a reservation but it didn't seem to be that necessary.
(3)
John G.
This is an update to my last review - both the owner and the chef reached out to ask us to come in and give them the chance to make things right. We did that this evening - it was really good. We started with the pretzels (Chef sent them out as soon as we arrived) followed by English Peas and a cheese selection. If you've never had Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese...go find some - it's truly amazing. Our entrees were the Wild King Salmon and the muscles in a dill broth. I'm not doing those descriptions justice - they were both specials for the evening and both were tremendous. Only complaint was the salmon was a bit overcooked. We were full after that, but chef brought out a good carrot cake w carrot sorbet. Then he brought out probably our favorite bite of the night. The Chef called it a love child of a snickers and a twix, it was FAR better than both. We could have polished off 2 plates of the stuff. In sum, the food was really good and we'll be back.
(4)
Steve S.
Food is excellent, and the service is excellent. The sweet potato gnocchi is a true work of culinary artistry.
(5)
Haley B.
Super disappointed, Me and my boyfriend were really excited to try fork. I think our expectations were too high. the food was good and normally would have gotten 3 or 4 stars but the service was terrible. Although we visited on a friday night which i understand is busy and stressful we were in the early crowd around 6. We arrived at 6 and we had a reservation for 2 at 615. When we checked in with the hostess she said great well seat you at 615. 605 rolls around and a couple without a reservation walks in and are told the wait would be probably less than 10 min. they sat 2 parties of 4 who arrived after us first. When we were eventually seated they took us to the other side of the restaurant which we couldn't see from the front room and there were at least 7 empty tables. When our server came by she just asked if we wanted anything to drink without welcoming us or explaining the menu or any recommendations. the drink menu is super long with a huge selection of beers and wine and flights but nothing was explained or suggested. after receiving our wine flights they were delivered by what seemed to be a manager the server came around to ask if we were ready to order. We ordered a charcuterie board and some small plates and all of the food came out all at once and they just kept filling the table. As we ate our server never checked in except to ask if we wanted more food or dessert. the food was fine but i don't think ill be back, this is not the kind of dining experience i would expect from a seemingly nice place. I thought fork was going to be a new go-to place for dinner for us but i doubt well be back again which is really a bummer. we love wine and cheese and small plates but will have to keep going back to our old neighborhood when were looking for that type of dinner.
(2)
Steph C.
I love it when a brunch spot takes reservations! It is always a good problem to have when there are so many yummy sounding dishes on a menu that it makes ordering a difficult task. I ended up selecting the grilled cheese and porcini soup. Both were very tasty, although I was drooling over my husband's chicken and waffles, which tasted even better than it looked. The only suggestion would be to use a mix like zing zang for the bloody mary... it tasted like straight tomato juice.
(4)
Susan A.
Great beer selection! The best garlic fries and aioli! Love the atmosphere.
(4)
Christopher T.
Great bartenders - knowledgeable and sassy. Staff is very good at making a crazy Friday night fun and stress free Food is very good and highly recommend this place before a concert at old town school of fol music. Very reliable, fairly priced, and terrific food. What else matters?
(4)
Suzanne W.
The food is great, the service good, and the soundtrack spectacular. Hearing something other than Christmas music in December is great, but hearing David Bowie, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, etcetera, is better. The food--I will definitely go back for delicious charcuterie and cheese, heritage pork, decadent desserts. The leftover pork made for a great ingredient in Cubanos and ramen.
(4)
Jim S.
We (Me and my better half) have been to Fork many times and while the food is always awesome. We particularly like the back wrapped dates. While you might expect a standard preparation common in tapas restaurants (sweet sauce) Fork's rendition has chorizo stuffed int he date (which is huge) with a blue cheese sauce. Absolutely wonderful! Usually, the service matches the food as being exceptional. Unfortunately, the service was less than stellar on Sunday. They were to be packed to the gills with people and was hosting a private party in the 2nd dining room. Unlike all of our other visits, they seated us and then forgot us. My other half ordered florentine benedict which was wonderful. I ordered a BLT with mayo which ended up without mayo. When it arrived, fries were ice cold. I was half done with my sandwich by the time hot fries arrived. Kind of expected a table side visit from the manager or some sort of credit. All of this for $42 for 2 people for brunch. I will continue to go here, but just realized that they are just humans and not food service Gods.
(3)
Susan L.
Delicious! We tried the burntendwich with the garlic cilantro fries. Both were very good. We also had the breakfast melt sandwich that has caramelized onions, ham, over easy egg and lots of cheese; amazing!! Also, the beer/wine list is extensive with lots to choose from. Totally recommend eating here if you are in Lincoln park and looking for brunch/lunch.
(5)
Jane R.
This is a great place to grab a drink and a few snacks when you are in Lincoln Square. I always come here with the intention of going on a Lincoln square bar crawl and never make it to any other bars! The wine flights are delightful, the food is delicious, and the staff is very friendly. I thought the service was fast but it can be hard to get a table or spot at the bar because it's so popular. Cheers!
(5)
Rashid J.
We ate brunch with my best friend and his wife here. The service was incredible, the ambiance of this restaurant is hipster-vintage comfortable, and the food was amazing: my french toast was super-good, accompanied by some tender chicken sausage and freshly brewed coffee that kept coming.
(5)
Scott D.
Hey Tim. It did taste like Chinese five spice. Maybe your chef used allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mace or something similar. Flavour was not the problem. A big mouthful of soft chewy fat was. Render it down, crisp it up and I'll indulge in another tomorrow!
(4)
Joshua D.
I rarely give bad reviews because I am definitely one of those people who try to find the good in everything.....after reading the amazing reviews Fork got, my 2 friends and I decided to spend NYE dinner there. It was a prix fixe menu which was cool...normally those type of menus I enjoy! Unfortunately this one was below average....the only positive things were the drinks and the service. The food was not good...even with a couple drinks. Some of the dishes were poorly executed like the tempura fried oysters and some of the pairings just didn't taste well together beet with that gelee. I was underwhelmed with the entire menu and kind of embarrassed because I chose the restaurant and my friends had a horrible food experience. Not a great way to bring in the New Years. I would go back to try the brunch and normal menu but will stay away from prix fixe menus for a while.
(1)
Meredith K.
The food is great. The service is friendly but really slow. We were there on a Tuesday and it was not full. I could see the waitress was not sitting around doing nothing but it still took her a very long time to even greet us. Everything took a long time. I was there for nearly 3 hrs and was there with 1 other person. We had cheese, a chicken burger and dessert. But back to the food. We started with a pick 3 cheese plate. The cheeses are fantastic. My friend got the Brussels sprouts which were awesome and the poutine. She loved it! I had the chicken burger with the garlic cilantro fries. It should be renamed garlic fries. I couldn't taste any cilantro but I could see that it was there. The garlic was so heavy but I'm a garlic fan. The sriracha aioli was fantastic. I didn't want to eat all of the burger but I did. The combo of mustard, cheese and apples made it so flavorful. When it came out it looked like it had been sitting for awhile but it wasn't cold. I wonder if the waitress was backed up. For dessert we liked all of the ingredients of the bread pudding. But it was just bread pudding. A little disappointing until you finally hit the peanut butter in the middle. The outside is just soggy bread to me. I would def meet my friend here again for a casual relaxing night. I wouldn't come here if we had a show to go to.
(4)
Edgar W.
We came to Fork for brunch on New Years Day. It was wonderful! Our waiter, Terrance, was attentive, informative, fast, and funny. He recommended the Duck Confit Hash and I loved it! My wife had the Chilequilles and she loved it as well. He took us through the beer menu (with an enormous selection!) and we ended up enjoying two Bronze Lion drafts. We will definitely be comin' back!
(5)
Amy Q.
Pretty bad NYE prix fixe dinner. Worse decision to go out ever. I only gave a star because I had to. Service was good with the waiter but everything else was pure chaos. No one knew what the heck was what... what a nightmare! Taste was average at best. I wish I could do a re-do.
(1)
Elly K.
We came in for brunch a couple of Saturday's ago and it was really great. The service was good-when we walked in, they were packed but we got a two top right away. The Bloody Mary was really good except I might ask next time if there is horseradish in it and if so, pass on that. I know lots of people are totally into that these days but I hate horseradish. Our server was super knowledgeable and offered her favorites right off the bat, which I love. We had the chicken and waffles and the farmhouse burger. Both were really good, although I don't think I would order the chicken and waffles again-only because it's a bit too decadent. I got the candied bacon on the side b/c I don't eat pork and my boyfriend said it was way too much. Might work well all together, though so not sure if that is really a negative. And the burger was amazing, albeit messy! Also had the cilantro and garlic fries-good stuff. The only slightly negative I might add, though it's no fault of the restaurant so I won't deduct stars, is that there were a ton of children and strollers. Maybe it's just b/c it was Saturday brunch but the table next to us had a child (not a baby) who was screaming from the moment they walked in so it kind of ruined the ambience. Again-not the fault of the restaurant but ugh. Anyway, we are definitely looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Lindsay K.
Every time I go there I really want to like this place, but I always leave feeling, "eh." Bought a Groupon and because of the weird days it can be used and the expiration date, we have gone twice without being able to use it. I think I give up. The wait staff is fine. The menu just isn't that appealing. It's over priced and the main dishes sound good and then there are a few ingredients that just ruin the whole thing. The appetizers are the only thing I'll order. Sometimes they have good specials, but it's a crap shoot. A must say too that everything always seems to be way too salty. It's not that I'll never go back if I had no other place to go.
(3)
Romana Y.
I come here for drinks with one particular buddy every month. It never fails us. The space is great. We love the layout, furnishings, lighting, and crowd! We have had great Belgium beers, to smooth red wines. The food has always been a hit here... from the burgers, fries, eggplant spread, to the salads, vegetable sides, and beyond. The food was unexpectedly scrumptious. Fork is always a hit with friends whom are Fork-virgins!
(5)
Peter M.
We just moved to Lincoln Square and had to see a movie at 740pm. We walked into the square and decided on Fork for a quick dinner. We quickly realized that we were going to be short on time and might not make the movie. Fork was very busy with diners inside and out. I asked our server Mark if he though we would have enough time. He said he would make it happen but I was skeptical. Our food came out very quickly and was delicious. We made our movie with time to spare! Mark really knocked it out the park with our dinner. I would definitely go back again!
(5)
Brynn M.
Fork is great! I've been there for both lunch and brunch and both were delicious. Plus, they can accommodate a large group (and take reservations!) for brunch, so that's a huge plus in my book. And outdoor seating to boot. The bananas foster pancakes are delicious - as are their Parmesan breakfast potatoes. And the staff is always friendly and efficient. I give them 4/5 stars only because of the bloody marys - they are pretty meh. And to me, the definition of a good brunch place is an excellent blood mary :-)
(4)
Phil S.
Great neighborhood spot with an excellent menu of tapas style dishes along with an impressive beer selection. The burgers are phenomenal especially with the garlic cilantro fries! Prices are very reasonable and they are also kid friendly - our new favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square!
This is my favorite spot in Lincoln Square. I've been to Fork multiple times over the past few years, and have never (never) had a bad experience. Only good or great or awesome. I even had my birthday brunch there this summer, and my friends and I had a terrific time. Their chicken and waffles are life-changing. Their flights are incredibly generous. Their staff is great, always helpful.
(5)
Dean L.
Bartender was very nice and provided good service. Mushroom panini too salty and very sparring on the article. Fries very overcooked. Sad.
(2)
Theresa F.
Food was GREAT! Burgers are share-able (and very rich so choose wisely). Service was a little pushy but overall, we were attended to. Came in on a Friday night (with reservations) and it was pretty busy, but still quiet enough where I could hear my drinking buddy.
(4)
PK S.
Love Fork! We came here with a large group before catching a movie at the Davis. It was very good, and everyone was very pleased. Living only 2 blocks away my girlfriend and I wanted to go back so we could explore the menu a little more and try more things. This is now our new favorite Splurge restaurant! We had a great two hour dinner with what we thought was the manager checking in on us very often, giving his personal recommendations on how to try certain dishes. The beer list is great with tons of smaller craft breweries, and the best part is their beer flights! They are very well put together, and the pour size is very generous for each! They also do great events, my girlfriend and I are very excited to attend a special dinner with pairings from Revolution Brewery, which was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather (Polar vortex part 2). However, the chef personally called me to apologize and find a time to reschedule, which was a great touch. LOVE FORK! and will be coming back even when we move from the area.
(4)
Benita T.
It's always such a pleasure to have a meal at Fork. From the first foot in the door you're welcomed by the entire staff who goes to every length to help you enjoy your visit. As a starter the cheeses and meats are an eye-opener; many unique and flavorful varieties - not just the regular mundane cheeses you normally find. The nice part is they're never out of any of the offerings! Brunch entrees were fantastic - all ingredients are locally-sourced and fresh as can be. Bagel and house-smoked lox was fresh and had a full variety of accompaniments; breakfast melt was hot and cheesy; hangover special (house-made biscuit, cheddar cheese and bacon) was rich and creamy and side of eggs was cooked exactly as ordered. One of the highlights of Fork's menu is the variety of fresh, house-made and house-smoked meats - - the sausage is the best I've had and the ham is also excellent - tender and full of smoky flavor. Cocktails are always unique and strong - - a specialty being their extensive beer list. The red Sangria was also flavorful and not too sweet (as sangria often is). Our server was friendly, helpful and bent over backwards to help us out - - drinks stayed full, recommendations were made and we had a tremendous time! As always - A++
(5)
Key K.
We visited Chicago for a day and were pleased with this great find for Sunday Brunch. The chicken and waffles are among the best that we've had outside of our home. My husband enjoyed the Spicy Bloody Mary with a beer chaser. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and very inviting. Each staff member greeted us with a smile as we were coming and going. We will definitely dine at Fork again.
(4)
Brett A.
Popped in for a quick beer and sat at the bar. I really want to like this place, but there's always something wrong. Today, I swear to God, it looked like the bar hadn't been wiped down all day. It was disgusting. The beer menu cover had little pieces of food stuck to it. There were spilled beer stains all over. Crumbs everywhere. The floor hadn't been mopped or vacuumed all day it looked like. French fries under empty tables, leaves blown in from outside. Come on people. Simple tasks go a long way. Gross. Updated: I must say, Fork has gone above and beyond to make things right. With the restaurant and me. The owner has reached out to me numerous times to apologize and invite me back. I accepted and had a wonderful afternoon a month or so ago. Thanks for caring, guys. It's appreciated.
(4)
Alicia P.
Not sure why this place has such good reviews. I'm giving two stars because they have a huge craft beer selection and their eggplant caviar was good. Atmosphere is nice. Overall the food is overpriced for what you get. I had the duck club and it was $20 for a meal that was mostly white bread and not much inside. The small amount of meat that was inside was too salty in my opinion and mostly fat. Very disappointed.
(2)
Greg L.
Fork is a comfortable wine bar for an intimate evening. I have not tried the food, so you'll have to read on for that experience. The service is quite friendly and the beer and wine selection will keep you occupied for a long time (or lots of visits, like I plan to make). In the summer months there are outdoor seating options where you can watch the world go by. It's quite pleasant.
(4)
Dhara S.
We went to fork for brunch. The menu had something for everyone. The food was delicious. It is evident that the Chef Tim puts a lot thought and care into his dishes. The staff was also wonderful from the hostess to our bartender. We can't wait to try it again.
(5)
Mariana B.
Fantastic staff. Inventive slightly French menu. Saddle up a seat the bar while Kelly is working and you'll be treated to expertly mixed drinks and good conversation. My favorite items are the duck prosciutto made in-house and the creamy eggplant "caviar" spread with chevre. Can't wait to back and try more of the menu.
(5)
Gary S.
I made a reservation for a group of more than 10, which is no easy task considering there were 5 kids, and Fork did a great job of accommodating us. The food was great and my big takeaway is that my wife and I really want to go back...just the two of us.
(4)
John C.
The food is excellent, which is a shame because the service is terrible. The bartender and wait staff seemed like they were on Valium. The food came out in good time, but after our order came we were invisible to our waitress. We tried to get another drink, asked two busboys to get our server. And she was no where to be seen for 15 minutes. When finally she came over she seemed grumpy and annoyed. I've been there several times in the past and had good experiences, but no more. When I arrived my friend was at the bar having a drink. The guy next to him got into a conversation about the horrible service... so I'm assuming it just wasn't a one time thing.
(2)
Jennifer B.
UPDATED! After our first trip I was messaged by both the owner and chef who apologized profusely for our first visit and invited us back for a second try. We came back (Same group plus two of our friends) and got a great giant cozy booth! Our server (I forgot his name darn it!) Was FANTASTIC! Oh my goodness he made great recommendations, treated us like royalty, and was just a delight to be around! The food was D E L I C I O U S!!!!! Everything was hot, flavorful and filling! We left stuffed full and post-brunch pleased as one loves to feel (: The chef even came out to present some of our dishes. We felt so valued as customers and people, an individualization that many restaurants lack nowadays. The food, the service, the ambiance - all 5 stars! The staff here is wonderful, we thank you so much for all of your kindness, we will definitely be back soon!!! ----- We were really excited to try brunch here, but unfortunately we left less than warm and post-brunch pleased. Hostess was very nice, seated immediately (reserved through OpenTable) Service however took about 10 minutes before someone (found out later it was the owner) took our drink order. We waited about 15 more minutes and still no drinks. (This was the end of brunch, staff were hanging around as you would when things are slowing down) Another server came up to our table (Everyone was very friendly!) And took our orders and assured us our drinks would be up shortly. Another 10 minutes passes, we look over to see our three drinks sitting at the bar. After about 5 more minutes we FINALLY get our drinks. Standard Mimosa & Bloody Mary - not spectacular but not terrible! We get our food, I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and it was unfortunately luke warm airing on the cold side. I would have asked it be heated up a little more but our server didn't come and ask us how anything was until about 20 minutes later. My friends got the Brioche French Toast & the Duck Confit Hash. The Duck was wonderful and the French Toast was yummy but again luke-warm like my dish. We also got the home-made donut holes. They were yummy but would have tasted better warm, they were pretty cold when we got them. We wanted to order coffee and another round of mimosas which took another 15 minutes (we actually had to go up to the bar and ask because our server was just hanging out chatting in the corner, she actually looked a little offended at our request...) Overall it was a disappointment. The food was yummy and I'm sure would have been even better if it was at a more fresh temperature. Service was friendly but extremely slow! We probably will not return.
(5)
zachary a.
My wife, our kid and I went to Fork to meet old friends a few months back, grabbing Brunch on a Sunday. Now, we're not an easy bunch to deal with: two toddlers and my wife is gluten-free (Has been for a year)... They knocked it out of the park. They brought out these amazing bacon donuts as... An amuse bouche? Whatever, they were great and kept the kids sane (too bad for the wife, but that was the end of her being left out). The wait staff was knowledgable about gluten needs, and there were a variety if GF options. She ended up getting a veggie hash that she still holds up as the best brunch she's ever had (even when compared to her glutinous days). I got an amazing concoction of eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, bacon and egg -- it was freaking perfect, and I'm talking about changing the way I think about those foods. Everyone at the table felt this way (except one of the more fractious toddlers -- he liked the food, but did not like the sitting). Since going, I've recommended this place to my friends and family... It finally occurred to me to recommend it to you; sorry I took so long.
(5)
Eric S.
My wife and I asked Fork to host a "stand-up" reception for about 60-70 guests. We included drinks and a selection of appetizers and finger foods. In the end, we couldn't have been happier. The event went off perfectly and we had an absolutely idyllic evening with our friends and family. We go to Fork about once a week for dinner and drinks, and every time we arrive the staff makes us feel welcome. We don't even bother with a table, but would rather sit at the bar and chat with whoever is tending bar that evening. We've made some great friends and have explored some mind-blowing cocktails. The food is probably in the top two or three in all of the Lincoln Square area of Chicago, and if you couple this with the professional bar you have a guaranteed awesome experience. I can't say enough about Fork. -eric Chicago, IL
(5)
Mike L.
Good food. Kind of a limited menu. We shared a few things and left full. Very expansive beer menu which is nice. We had a late reservation and they close at 11 but they did not rush us out and were very nice the entire time. Good experience here
(4)
Elisabeth B.
The ambiance of this restaurant is nice and from looking at their menu they have an excellent selection of cheese. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and would not order this dish again from Fork. The waffle was too airy and bland...the chicken was soggy and overcooked. Based on what my boyfriend and I ordered here for brunch, we both agreed the food was not restaurant quality at all. If I ever come back here again it will not be for brunch...it will be for a wine and cheese tasting with friends perhaps.
(2)
Ron C.
Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner. Relaxed, eclectic atmosphere in Lincoln Square neighborhood. We sat at the open windows on a beautiful evening. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and patient, made some good suggestions. They have a nice variety of small plate items. Started with cilantro fries while we absorbed the other offerings on the menu - good but not great. We ordered charcuterie and cheeses, all of which were very good - a standout was the house made pistachio mortadella. Each of us ordered are own wine flight and we had a good time sharing and comparing. Twelve different wines between us and nothing disappointing. We then enjoyed a glass of our favorites. They also have a good selection of craft beer. Also enjoyed bruschetta flatbread, pork prime rib and another standout - mushroom and grits, served with a poached egg. Good desserts as well.
(4)
AM L.
Terrible customer service. The hostess told my party we had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table. Another party of young girls came in 10 minutes after us and she told them it would be a 15-20 minute wait. Surprisingly, the party of young girls were given a table before us (an empty table which we were standing next to the whole time). We were given four different responses by the hostess and management as to why we were not seated first and none of them added up. The first response being, "oh, I didn't know you wanted that table". And it just got worse from there. To keep a long story short, management was not helpful and brushed us off, so we left. I do not recommend this place. Completely unprofessional.
(1)
Katarina X.
Um, runners who want brunch are a tough crowd. "I think my toenail fell off" is one fine example we started conversation with. And the fact that the entire menu still looked craveably appetizing is saying something! The servers were totally not fazed by the sweaty, achy, still-in running gear crowd fresh from the Soldier Field 10 mile. It was cold and the entire large party were seated comfortably by the fireplace with no wait. And we ordered everything on the menu- pretzels and cheese, chilequiles, Chicken and waffles, Farmhouse Burger, Eggs Benedict, Beer, Mimosas, coffee... it was plentifully shared and in spite of the conversation- really delicious. They kept the drinks coming (I had the coffee- excellent) water plentiful and made sure we had everything to make it a special finish to a big day. The server was wonderful too, able to break the bill without a sweat or complaint. highly recommended.
(4)
Stephanie C.
I've been back to Fork multiple times since my last review and I think it's becoming my go-to place. Every time time I go, whether for dinner or brunch, it is a great experience. The staff is helpful, the food is always excellent, and the specials are always changing so you can get some variety. There is only one thing I've eaten there that I didn't like, and that was the bread pudding (the peanut butter was weird, yo). But the carrot cake or apple pie were amazing. Also, try the pretzel bites with cheese. And bacon wrapped dates. And beet salad. And for brunch, the eggs benedict with salmon. Mmmmm :) One time I asked the bartender (who was super helpful and generally awesome all evening, as Fork staff usually is!) for a recommendation for a dessert wine, and she brought me a black moscato that was so good I have ordered it twice since then--it tastes like blackberry pie in a glass, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Carly S.
Amazing food. Brunch was fantastic with many options and sweet treats to start off the meal. Desserts phenomenal for those with a killer sweet tooth. Great beer selection and overall just a warm and comfortable environment. Staff excellent as well!!!
(5)
Danielle C.
I have eaten at Fork a few times and have always found it to be impressive. Breakfast is hearty, delicious and worth the wait. The coffee will kick start your heart and your day and get you into gear. I wish I had someone brewing it for me daily. Dinner and the small plates are both superb! Duck liver pate, brussel sprouts, root veggie hash mixed with tasty drinks, and a variety of other dishes recently kicked off our evening. Service was wonderful!
(4)
Sarah P.
Just moved into the neighborhood and was so excited to try the place. Sadly, it was underwhelming. Really loved the wine flights, but food was disappointing. Tried the bacon dates with chorizo, delicious!! But every thing after that lack luster. Brussels sprouts, meh, French onion soup, almost inedible. Gnocchi was hard and crunchy, almost inedible. Service and atmosphere was welcoming, I'll give it another try in the future.
(2)
Craig Y.
You have to get there early to get the donut holes - I have been twice but both time they were already out. I had the regular Bloody Mary it was good not too spicy but lots of zest. We started with the bacon wrapped dated they are delicious, I highly recommend them. I had the ham and cheese hash - it was really good the ham had good flavor and the cheese was definitely not American but real cheddar. I would go again.
(4)
Meag H.
Dined here Friday night with friends! Every bite and sip was fantastic! Great service too! Would definitely recommend Fork to anyone and will be back soon!
(5)
Joonho Y.
Great Location. Service was Friendly, but Very Slow. The Eggs Benedict had Ham that was So Overly Seared that it was Crunchy/Chewy, and the Potatoes were Bland, but the Biscuit was OK. The "Show Stopper" was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING: the Meat was So Overcooked that it was Literally Inedible, and the Cheese Slices seemed to be an Afterthought, but the Waffle was OK (the Entire Dish seemed to be a Horribly Misguided Attempt to get Media Attention based on Sheer Size). We might try it again (solely because of the Location), but we will stick to Simple Dishes, as they were Unable To Properly Execute their Signature Dish. Clearly, the Menu tries too hard to be inventive, and the Kitchen Can't Handle It.
(1)
Bert T.
Service: very good. Almost excellent -- efficient & friendly in every way, EXCEPT the server did not check back to see if the food was OK. (Which it wasn't.) Atmosphere: fine (sidewalk table for Sunday brunch). Food (vegetable hash with eggs over easy and toast, side of bacon, coffee): Bacon was outstanding, cooked to that point in between raw and tough that you want for texture and flavor. Coffee in a large mug, too large to stay fresh or hot. Hash had a nice blend of ingredients (red potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, a few fava beans, hollandaise, topped off with fresh arugula). Problem: it was UNDERDONE. Skillet cooked potatoes are NOT supposed to be raw; they actually CRUNCHED. Also, the hollandaise sauce was also runny; when combined with two barely cooked eggs (yolk entirely raw), this resulted in a plate full of soup. Even with lots of veggies and lettuce to stir into the mess, I was unable to eat most of the yellow of the eggs, which is the only source of protein in this dish! With a creamy hollandaise, eggs cooked at least medium, and properly cooked vegetables, this could have been a fine dish. As it was, it was a big disappointment. And no one came to check on me until, driven by hunger, I'd almost finished eating. Note also that the menu has several changes from what is posted on their website.
(2)
Lindsey D.
Get this guys- Contemporary American cuisine with an extensive beer list and charcuterie and cheeses that even serves PORK BELLY. SO UNIQUE WHERE DID THEY THINK THIS UP? No but really, there are a million and a half of these popping up around the city, but this one is quality and delicious. Burgers were great, loved the duck club, and received amazing service. The wine list left is wanting, but the server was super helpful trying to get us nearer to what we were looking for. Solid food, good variety, nice people, great service. Way to go Fork, you're doing it right.
(4)
Tim K.
While visiting some friends in Chicago last month we were highly recommended to try Fork and it did not disappoint. It was so good that not only did we go there for dinner one of the nights we were there, we also went back for their Sunday brunch. Service was great and it turns out that the GM was also from the Metro Detroit area which was pretty cool. They offer a lot of small plates which worked perfectly the night we had dinner there as we had a fairly large and late lunch that day. The GM took his time to give us suggestions and ask us what we like and didn't like food wise and we even trusted him to surprise us with a few items that he thought we'd like. Never would I have ever ordered beef tongue prosciutto on my own, which is one of the things he surprised us with, but it actually was really good. When we came back for brunch I was egged on (no pun intended) to try and conquer the Showstopper challenge which is two Belgian waffles, a one pound prime beef patty, cheddar and swiss cheese, tomato, arugula, dijonnaise, maple braised short ribs, house cured bacon and ham. I was told many have attempted it and very few have actually succeeded. Holy crapsticks was it good and yes, this fat kid conquered the beast in just under 30 minutes. The chef personally hand delivered it to me and praised me with a "not worthy" bow upon completion. I was stuffed to the gills, but it was worth it. Stick a FORK in me, because I was done (pun intended this time)! Overall it was a great experience all around and we will definitely go back there the next time we are in the Chicagoland area.
(5)
Lauren M.
Service was great ( today) the food was eh. We have been here before for dinner and the service was slow and he forgot many things. When I ordered a beer it came after I had finished my meal... Today's brunch lacked flavor and my Bloody Mary was not strong at all and the mix was watered down. My man' bagel was not toasted and the cream cheese did not look or taste like cream cheese. We will be back because we live close and their beer choices are stellar. Perhaps we shall just sit at the bar next time. Sorry Fork, I really want to love you!
(3)
Joseph D.
Ambiance = 4 stars, Service = 4 stars, Food 3.5 stars Went with the wife and another couple on a Saturday night for the first time and had an enjoyable time. The decor is warm with exposed brick walls and dimly lit dining room. A few TV's are above the main bar but I wouldn't call this a sports bar or a place to watch the game. More of a "if the game is on and you're out dining with some boring coworkers and want to catch the score, you can." The front windows open up to the sidewalk on Lincoln so what's nice is you can sit inside yet feel like you're outside. We did just that as the rain was coming down pretty good but we were able to enjoy the fresh air and be protected by the awnings outside. Service was cordial. Andy our server was nice. Not too friendly, not unfriendly, just professional. The ancillary staff was excellent as not a water glass went empty nor did a plate sit on the table for more than 2 minutes once completed. Kudos to the busing team. The unsung heroes of our dining experience... We started with a Chef's Selection of Charcuterie which consisted of pretty much a little of everything. Meats, cheeses, olives, dried cranberries, etc. It was a nice way to start off for 4 and just the right size and variety. For dinner we had amongst us a steak with fries, a soft shell crab sandwich and two orders of mussels. One French style (mine) and one a nightly special with fresh herbs and a broth. Steak was reportedly good and so were the special mussels. My wife very much enjoyed her crab sandwich and it was large enough that she took half home. My french style mussels were also good although they lacked a bit of the creamy richness that other places I've had this style of mussel (think Le Bouchon in Bucktown) but still decent. Beer list is very interesting with some nice quirky choices on there including a lite cranberry beer and a bitter lemon. Other more traditional choices may be found as well along with a nice cocktail list and wine list. What's nice about Fork is you can go for small plates, big plates or just share a whole lotta stuff. The menu I must admit was a bit all over the place but that may serve you well if you have a diverse group who all like different things. A kinda of "something for everyone" place. For desert we shared (meaning I ate most of it) a bread pudding made with pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate topped with chocolate ice cream and drizzle. It was decadent and so rich I nearly passed out. Worth saving room for... Overall a nice place with good service, nice atmosphere and decent food. Fork won't blow you away but it won't embarrass you if you take some out of town friends there.
(4)
Dan D.
So, after my last review, Fork offered a gift certificate to try them one more time, stating that they have worked hard on improving their customer service. I took them up on the offer, and they definitely succeeded in changing my opinion. My wife and I returned for my birthday on a busy night. The server was running around between all the tables efficiently taking orders, serving food, and handing out drinks. Not once did I feel unattended to. The ambiance continued to be classy, yet casual. Great for date night or to grab a good meal and a couple of drinks with friends. Most of the food continued to be delicious (mussels, salad, bacon wrapped date chorizo, burger, and a salmon dish). My burger was mediocre compared to burgers you can get nearby but the rest was very good. As long as the service continues to be exemplary, I would now recommend trying this place out.
(4)
Tricia D.
And the award goes to... Dish most likely to bring you back: the fork poutine! Fatty, flavorful, and full of plump duck meat! Drool. Great ratios of gravy and cheese too, and I liked the touch of rosemary. Best quality of my duck confit hash: how perfectly diced the potatoes were under those 2 eggs! (Not the pile of arugula on top of the dish, and NOT the 2 pieces of toast that weren't served with any jam or butter.) Biggest nit pick: the dining area gets drafty if the window(s) is open and/or if you're seated at a table by the door (which is constantly opening and closing with customers coming in and out)! Most memorable thing about the bathroom: the hook for your purse on the back of the door is WAY up high, like pretty much at the top edge of the door. What? Not suitable for the vertically challenged (me). Coolest bean: that Metropolis coffee! Best looking crust: that quiche! Most unexpected perk: +100 on OpenTable!
(3)
Linda T.
Service quick and kind. Chicken and waffles OUTSTANDING ! Chilaquiles with home made Chorisa is spice nice. Good select of brunch brews and bloodys. I will be back.
(5)
Lisa P.
My husband & I have been here once before and had a nice lunch experience. We decided to go to Fork for dinner tonight and left rather disappointed. Ordered the Poutine special, which was pretty good.. Your average Poutine with pulled pork & home made giardiniera-- which was the highlight of the dish. My husband ordered the steak frites, ordered medium rare. When it came out it was a rather raw flank steak. The waiter was GREAT about seeing that it was undercooked & took it back to get it fixed. However, when the steak was returned, it was half the portion he previously had and completely well done. I had the burger, which was also a major let down. It was as if they had pre-made burgers patties that they put on their grill and tried to pass for a hand-shaped burger. Their garlic cilantro fries are fantastic. I'd recommend those to anyone. But the end of our meal was a let down... We seemed to be forgotten after we had gotten our main course. The restaurant has so much potential. Their beer and wine list is great!! The service is almost there. Maybe more of a place for drinks rather than a full-on meal??
(2)
Asma M.
Gave this place another shot yesterday. We ordered the same thing, duck confit hash and banana fosters french toast. Two entrees and two drinks was about $50 with tax ($60 with tip). Once again, amazing!! The customer service was better, but it was so bad last time it could only get better. We had the same server which was kinda funny and this time he actually acknowledged us but we still had to flag him down and the interaction was awkward. Oh well the food is worth dealing with a less than ideal waiter, we just wont be back as frequently as we would otherwise.
(4)
Hannah H.
Fork offers a brunch, lunch, and a dinner menu, a cheese & charcuterie option, as well as beer and wine flights. My friend and I came here for an early dinner, and even though we did not make any reservations, we were able to score a table! We tried the duck breast crostini which was actually pretty tasty, with the crunchy crostini bottom and a juicy, perfectly-seasoned duck on top. I also tried the grilled cheese, which was nicely grilled and had a generous amount of melty cheese in between; I just wished they used a better bread that would complement it more, as it was a little too thick. This came with a cup of tomato soup, which was pretty okay, but more on the thicker consistency (I didn't mind this, and definitely do the grilled cheese dipping action!). My friend had a burger, which was pretty okay, with a freshly-ground patty and toppings. The strawberry rhubarb cobbler was a tad too overly sweet and more strawberry jam than the rhubarb. The ginger ice cream, while interesting, was more on the forgettable side. The restaurant also has a patio seating, so you can dine al fresco. Parking is semi-difficult, but can be found in the residential off streets. +duck breast crostini +grilled cheese (request a substitute bread!) +limited residential parking
(3)
Bernard L.
I've been here a couple of times mostly for drinks, but I continue to come back. The location couldn't be any more perfect and a lot of times I have been there after seeing a movie. The place mostly has tables, but there are a couple of booths. The wine list is extensive and I love getting the wine flights, which you can never go wrong. The staff is always gracious and service is really good. The only food item I have ever gotten was the garlic fries, which are sinfully delicious. We almost always end up getting two orders. In a location with so much competition, Fork definitely stands out.
(5)
Justin N.
Honestly, what's not to love about FORK, they have a prime location and we went on a perfect alfresco day in Chicago. Unfortunately, we experienced a bad management and food service experience. When we got there, the host was kind enough to sit us inside next to an open window. Our server took our order, and didn't serve our drinks until 20 minutes later. Food came significantly after that. This is our second time visit, and our experience has been missing. FORK has the ability to be great, but poor service will not get them there.
(2)
Brian M.
Came here for brunch. The food was de...wait for it...licous. The service was nice and friendly. My chicken and waffles were so good the bees were trying to help themselves to my plate the entire time.
(5)
Darren B.
While paying a visit to my old stomping grounds last night, I knew I would find a great place to eat and my instincts were right on. I used to live 3 blocks from here and would come to this particular spot often when it was Square Kitchen. After Square Kitchen, I'm pretty sure there was another restaurant here before Fork took residence about 4 years ago. I had an absolutely fantastic experience. I sat at the bar and Mike, simply put, was awesome and made some great recommendations. The service was spectacular. I felt like I received everything I ordered within 1 minute of having ordered it. I don't know how they do what they do, but they do it so very well. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi (with shitake mushrooms, beer braised fennel, scallions, brussel kraut sauce, truffle oil & pecorino cheese) was unreal!!! The truffle oil was legit; you could taste the truffle. I also had a half order of the Belgian style mussels (as opposed to the French style Mussels offered) which were good. I've had better (Hopleaf), but these were not bad at all and were very serviceable. I recommend dipping the accompanying bread in the belgian ale broth. I finished off with an order of the bacon dates which are bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and drizzled with a delectable blue cheese sauce. These were bombs of sweet, salty and smoky flavor. They came with four and when I saved one for my brother and he realized how amazing they are, he also realized how much I must love him for having not finished them all off myself and for saving one for him. I had a beer that was great. In addition to also having a number of wine options, you can do a sampling by getting a wine flight. The atmosphere is perfect too. I love the natural exposed brick/wood combination and chic overall vibe. I would, without question, love to come back here before I leave and will definitely try to. The only sad part of this experience is knowing how great this place is coupled with the fact that I no longer live around the corner any longer. I will definitely be back, possibly again this week before I leave.
(5)
Michael B.
Love this place. Nice vibe,, great people, good sized selection tasty on trend farm to fork small plate and share plate food choices as well as mains, expansive wine menu combine for a great night. There might have been background music but if there was it was not blaring to the point where we had to scream at each other all night long so we could enjoy each others company and conversation. Big comfortable space with large windows that bring the outside in. In our case, a warm rainy night, which made the place feel more cozy and comfortable. This giant guy came over from behind the bar to take our order. At first we were a little intimidated as he kind of looked like someone you'd see on Ice Road Truckers or Ax Men, but he was a gentle giant, couldn't have been nicer and was spot on in his food recommendations. We shared a bunch of small/share plates and washed it down with a nice Prosecco. Some of our favorites were: Merguez Flatbread - spiced lamb sausage, fava bean puree, feta, arugula, Buriata Root Vegetable Hash - carrots, parsnips, fennel, gold beets, onion, sweet potatoes, butternut squash fried egg & arugula Eggplant "Caviar" Smear- roasted eggplant puree, goat cheese bread, caramelized onions, mint (THIS WAS GREAT) "Amazing Shrimp" & Grits - locally farmed gulf shrimp, scallions, chorizo spiced shrimp gravy Wish it was in my hood, but its worth the trip. Easy street parking during the week.
(4)
scott B.
Lincoln Square is such a great place to meander about to and fro. Last Friday night was one of those nights. We had relatives in town and we wanted to show them the neighborhood. We had never been to Fork, although we had been to several other restaurants that were in its location previously. Our relatives like beer and the beer list was impressive. Making a same day reservation through Yelp and Open Table was easy and seamless. The dinner menu seemed limited. The food was good, not great. I ordered and liked the gnocchi, but wished the portion size was larger for the price they were charging. My son had chicken fingers and they were probably the worst chicken fingers he has ordered in a long time. Mushy breading that kept falling off the meat. He was not a happy camper. I didn't like the $3.95 they charged us for his milk. Half of the Mussels that we ordered had fallen out of their shells. The saving grace was that the fries were excellent. I would go back for drinks and lite bites anytime. Be sure to get fries. Definitely will not be eating here with our son again.
(3)
Shannon S.
BRUNCH: Great menu options. Love the chilaquiles! DRINKS: Amazing wine flights and wine by the glass options. Very nice atmosphere. DINNER: The quality of the food can be tasted in everything, the plating is beautiful and the service is attentive and professional. DESSERT: Hands down the best dessert menu in Lincoln Square. Fork also has just about the nicest restaurant owner out there.
(5)
Gina F.
I've tried this latest incarnation of restaurant at 4600 N. Lincoln a couple times now, and it's pretty good. I preferred the Fiddlehead menu, but this still makes for a nice, upscale bar in the area. It has a great beer & wine menu, and a wonderful cheese selection, but I wouldn't choose it for dinner. The food selection is a little limited (especially if you're a vegetarian). My flat bread was very tasty, though, and my other dining companions enjoyed their food as well. My husband has since declared that he doesn't see the point of a burger without duck confit on it! Overall it was pretty good, with good service, and I'd definitely stop by for some wine & cheese again. On a side note, a friend of mine had her bridal shower here, and they did a FANTASTIC job on brunch. The food was amazing. The air conditioner was broken & it was 85 degrees in there, but the food was great & they made it up to us in mimosas.
(4)
Ronni G.
Great bistro food at reasonable prices in Lincoln Square. Loved the mussels, fries and Fall beer flight. Creme brulee is excellent. Good service. The only shortcoming is the coffee. An expresso or cappuccino would be a welcome addition to the menu.
(4)
Jennifer L.
I stopped by here for a late lunch Saturday with my boyfriend while on a weekend trip to Lincoln Square. We were a bit intimidated by the charcuterie options so we chose to go with what we knew and had sandwiches. Unlike other reviews, I got the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup and enjoyed it. I liked the toast on the bread and the house bacon. My boyfriend got a burger with bleu cheese and he enjoyed it am thought it was worth the $12 price tag. The garlic fries are a must have if you come here. The decor is nice - somewhat small but warm and inviting. Also, they have wine flights and an extensive beer and wine list. We would definitely come back and try it again.
(4)
Minh D.
The farm burger was very greasy. The egg was over cook...like the one that you get at the Chinese carry out. Beats goat cheese salad, the strawberry looks old and darken red. We ask for a slice of lemon with the salad but never arrive. The warm olives has no flavor and mushy. All you can taste is the olive oil. The water taste like sanitizer water. We MIGHT go back and try their brunch menu.
(2)
Heather P.
I've been Forked! I'd heard mixed reviews before I went and I understand why. Two people told me they didn't care for it (prior to explaining that they both ordered the grilled cheese - not to hate on anyone, but who goes to a charcurria (sp?) and only orders grilled cheese?!) At first glance, I was completely overwhelmed by the menu. Drinks alone took me 20 minutes to figure out since there is so much and everything sounds so great. I love the fact that you have the option to create your own flights. Really appreciated the amount of information about each beverage down to a distinct flavor profile description. It's important to note that our server was extremely patient and well educated on the ways of the beers, wines and more. Sadly, my friend wanted to try the sangria; which is advertised as the best in town and they were out. Wow, must be real good then....turns out the owner is in Vegas and won't share his recipe. Interesting little tidbit. On to the food, almost as overwhelming as the beverages. I must say that I am not one who is prone to make decisions especially when it comes to something as important as what I will order at a restaurant so this truly is a dilemma for me. Luckily I was there with a friend who is the take charge type and he just asked questions and ordered. I happily just said, I'll split anything you want on the menu and that we did. It was a great plan - we tried the pork and duck smear....sounds gross, looked gross, tasted incredible! Next up, we had the Italian meat flight. Good, but not a very good value in my opinion. Also, I'll add that they give us 3 tiny little pieces of bread and I'm sorry, but these prices weren't what I'd consider nominal so throw in a few more slices of bread at least. This just didn't have any wow factor for me. Round 3, the poutine. YUMMY!!! My body hates me for this, but I could eat this several times a week. It was loaded with succulent duck with a gravy and cheese sauce. It was heavenly and absolutely horrible for me, but I relished every biteful. I also got to try the farm burger. Unfortunately, the egg was overcooked for my taste but the brioche bun was delectable smothered in a dijon mayo. Was also able to taste a bit of the brisket in root beer sauce. SO GOOD! I was thoroughly impressed with the entire meal. I certainly wouldn't come here regularly, but it's a fun place to check out every so often. I don't know about the value for what you get but I do think the small plates and smears with a few drinks is fun and there's a movie theater nearby so you can make a whole fun date out of it for sure! I'm certain I'll be back ,but this time I'm definitely going for the cheese flights!
(4)
Ann M.
Great little place. Super cozy on the inside and solid food choices. Better yet, short walk from my apartment.
(4)
Geoff S.
I went to Fork on a Saturday morning, hungover as all get out, looking to get some grub. The hostess looked like Madeline (from the books) and tried to seat us at a two-top table. No thanks, we'll sit at the bar. The bartender was nice and friendly. Upon asking for recommendations he suggested something that sounded okay but didn't grab me. Then i saw it, the best item ever, The ShowStopper. It's $27 for a belgium waffle sandwich stuffed with three pounds of meat. Part hamburger, part bacon, part short-rib the ShowStopper was a hilarious way to start my hungover Saturday. The staff was very excited that we ordered it (they had just added it to the menu). The chef even came out and asked for our feedback on the item because we were the first people to try it. Well, it was awesome. Anyhow, what i'm trying to say is Fork is a good brunch spot and if you want to try something ridiculous, order the showstopper. Also, props to our bartender.
(5)
Fia T.
Every Saturday, after lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music, a group of us head over to Fork for lunch. Always happily greeted by Lauren :), we are escorted to our table. You will be delighted with any of the servers! We typically get Katie, Stephanie, Kelly, or Cesar (rumor has it they fight over who will serve us! True story every time!). Food is consistently great and the service is just tops. We luv to get Forked!
(5)
David Z.
Things started off on a sour note between myself and Fork (formerly Fiddlehead - see my old reviews), but now I am possibly their biggest fan. Things have really changed at Fork. The owner has hired a diligent, hard-working staff that really seems to know their stuff. They are friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The bottled beer list is the best in the city (the draft list is pretty darn good too), and the wine list is tremendous. And perhaps best of all, the new chef is great as well. I am now 100% comfortable recommending Fork for both dinner AND brunch. The food for brunch used to be lacking, but the new menu more than exceeds my expectations. If I was looking to nitpick, I COULD say that the removal of the daily food specials means I'll be paying more than I used to. But I'd say it's still totally worth it. Fork is probably my favorite place in the city. The only major downside of Fork's new popularity? Waiting. It used to be that I could go down there at any time, any day, and not have to worry about waiting. Now, depending on the day/time, you may be better off making a reservation. But again, it's worth it!
(5)
Mila G.
really lovely experience here. The ambiance was wonderful and felt like an evening in a warm friendly living room. So, I really really wanted the food to be good too. It did not disappoint! The mushroom panini was rich and delicious, though a tad too heavy on the caramelized onions. The duck club was unbelievably delicious, and i'm not even a huge fan of duck. Also had the poutine, whose cheese sauce i was scraping off the plate until it got awkward. Service was great - our server checked in on us often and was very friendly. Topper of the night was when the kitchen noticed that my fiancee was wearing his chef pants (he's a chef by trade) and sent us out a free dessert, basically for being in the industry! So sweet!
(5)
Brittany M.
I don't normally write reviews, but I greatly benefited from reading a review by Mat M. before I went to this restaurant so I felt like I should pay it forward and do the same for others. Plus I wanted to validate that "Chorizo check. Dates check. Bacon check. Is pretty much an orgasm in your mouth," as he said, especially when it's drizzled in blue cheese. Honestly, if you go to Fork and don't get this dish, you are seriously missing out! To give you a full sense of the experience though, I feel like I should take a step back. From the moment I walked in, I had a good vibe about this place as the hostess warmly greeted us with some sarcastic comment like, "oh no, god forbid your fifteen minutes late," which quickly put us at ease and affirmed it was not a pretentious place. Taking in the surroundings as she escorted us to our table, I couldn't help feeling warm and cozy in the rustic setting with funky-patterned couches, distressed wooden tables and a brick wall decorated with country-inspired art. Admittedly, I had a couple of tasty bourbon cocktails before we went to dinner though and I was in good company, so that could have contributed to it. We decided to go the wine flight route as it had been recommended on a previous review and we both really enjoy the whole wine tasting experience. I got the European Red flight and he got the Pinot Noir flight, both of which enveloped us in luscious berry flavors, spice and vanilla, with a smooth finish. Although I have to say, I wasn't a fan of my last glass as there was a little too much licorice flavor in it for me, but to each his own. I would definitely recommend doing the wine flight though, as it not only complemented the food, but it made for a good conversation starter too. Now onto the food. We had the bacon dates stuffed with chorizo, as I mentioned earlier, and the burrata smear to start, which came with pistachio pesto, fleur de sel and tomato jam that we spread onto toasted bread. It was soooo good! And it came in a cute little mason jar on a personalized cutting board, which was adorable. Then we had gnocchi with foraged and tame mushrooms, fennel, parmesan cream and truffle oil. Need I say more?! It honestly melt it your mouth it was so good. We finished with the rack of lamb, which was presented well, but was a bit dry and bland for both of our liking. All in all, the experience was amazing, with nice service, good wine, delicious food and great company. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you haven't already. Cheers!
(4)
Kristen J.
I had a fantastic brunch the first time I was at Fork--a beautiful non-traditional egg sandwich and garlic cilantro fries while my boyfriend had tomato soup and grilled cheese that contained candied pecans and bacon. That was the only good meal I had there. I returned a handful of times as it was within walking distance of our apartment and I left always wanted more from the meals. I kept wanting to give Fork another chance because that first time was so fantastic, but the restaurant continued to disappoint. The bar is decent and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I would recommend going to drink and to eat only the garlic cilantro fries or a cheese plate.
(2)
Rhonda G.
ah Fork, I like you. Let's spoon. Ha! ok...lame joke over. Your coffee is strong but it's almost a bit too strong and bordering on bitter (contrary to popular belief strong is not equal to bitter). Food was good (tomato basil omelet was pretty awesome), service was scary. Not "what's your favorite scary movie" scary but let's all get Nike's and jumpsuits scary. Our server kept calling us 'friends'. "Hello friends", "what can I get you friends", "how is everything friends", "more coffee friends". I guess she was just being nice. It's interesting how being too nice is creepy. I would come back for brunch because the menu seems pretty interesting. I guess they have a following of fiddle-headers who are distraught over the name change because we had a few people during our brunch who were getting a little feisty.
(4)
Frank I.
Went here with my family for Easter Brunch. We had reservations and were seated right away even though a couple of our party were running late. I like that. The Brunch buffet was definitely a winner. Not being a fan of grits, I was intrigued by their mix of cheeses with the grits. After 1 bite I was sold. The mac and cheese was a winner as well as their brisket and the other offerings. The omelets were knocked out in their kitchen and were brought almost as fast as we returned from the buffet line. Their coffee was great too. Definitely a winner.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
We went here with a friend and the wine, cheese and food were good but it's a bit pricey and the service was less than spectacular. They really need more wait staff and fewer busboys and gals; they were a little too eager to pull plates away. And I'd stick with the cheese and the vino... the entrees were okay.
(3)
Cycette H.
Have you been to the Fiddlehead Cafe?!?!? If not then you missed out, but you still have a chance to try out their great food and enjoy a wonderful venue at Fork. FORK is a new take on one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Try their duck sandwich- It's DELICIOUS and they have a bubbles flight that I really enjoy. As an added bonus, they have a huge selection of beer- so many that it will probably take me a year or two to try them all and I can't wait.
(5)
Anthony Z.
The room is very warm and comfortable. This place definitely has a good vibe. The service was very good. The food was all over the map, and pricey for what you paid. The poutine with duck was the highlight; hearty portion for two that tasted great. Also, the flatbread with sausage was excellent. We ordered both a meat and cheese board, each with three items. This was just okay, and was most notable for the meager portions; I would not order either again. We both agreed that the wrapped dates contained a homemade sausage that had such a gamey, almost fetid flavor they were difficult to eat. I would not recommend arriving hungry, as was mentioned in the Reader review. We both had skipped lunch, and with a couple of drinks and wine flights, it quickly got up to 160 bucks for two, no dessert. With selective ordering, I would return, but not enthusiastically.
(2)
Erin E.
I happened to be there on the night that Oksar Blue's was premiering it's national brews. That was awesome. If you're ever in the Denver area, definitely check out Oskar Blues. For now, settle for the select beers of theirs Fork has on tap. I couldn't bring myself to eat anything healthy, so I had the house pretzels and the summer squash flatbread. The pretzels come with this mind-blowing beer-cheese dip. Loved them. The summer squash flatbread was equally as delicious. I did not hold back. It's nice and quiet. Romantic. I've bookmarked this place as somewhere to bring a date. They've got a cheese menu I'll definitely try next time.
(5)
Vicki P.
My Husband and I went here last weekend, the main reason being they have just employed a new chef, Chef Tim who formally worked at our favorite restaurant. Tim is the kind of Chef worth following to any new restaurant and we were happy to find that again, he has created dishes to die for. He has only been here a few weeks so i am excited to see what other new things he brings to this place. The small plates were so fun to share but they also had special sliders and other great small bites. I don't even like lamb but I liked it here! The space is beautiful yet casual, amazing beer on tap, great drink pairing with the food. Also, great area!! We walked around after dinner down Lincoln and did a little bar hopping. You can really make a night of it. I think anyone who comes here would have a great time and a great dinner. Vicki
(5)
Kevin A.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE SCARRED FOR A LIFE BY A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH? Yes. Yes it is. It pains me to write this because I really wanted to like this place, but my grilled cheese sandwich here was pretty foul. I ordered the soup and grilled cheese combo which comes with tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, fontina, bacon, and pecans. It sounded delicious, but what arrived was like a cheesy Deepwater Horizon disaster. Their was a pool of oil oozing and coagulating on my plate from all the cheese and bacon. The bread was so greasy there was no way I could pick it up without looking like I had high-fived a pizza. I'd like to give this place another shot because they have some interesting stuff on the menu like duck hash, chicken and waffles, etc, but I'll definitely be avoiding that grilled cheese sandwich.
(2)
julie p.
i have been back to Fork twice since my negative review: once was for a baby shower in their private room and the other was FOR MY BABY SHOWER in their private room. needless to say, they've turned things around and their service is much better. the food that we had for the shower (well, for both) was delicious. they went above and beyond what one could want for a private party. the service was excellent, the ambiance is lovely, and we all had an awesome time. i am glad that i have an opportunity to give this place more stars and a better review - it's a cool restaurant in a great location!!
(5)
Phil H.
Second time there visiting from outta town and its like I remember very good food. Well I got the same thing last time lol. Burger baby with the egg, fries r good but the kicker for me the Mac & cheese! Bomb!!! ;-) friendly service and nice faces! Nice place to hit b4 u start a long night...
(4)
Chad I.
Don't be thrown by the atmosphere and menu design - food is great. Chicken burger was tasty, bacon wrapped dates delicious and warm olives surprisingly good. Good beer list.
(4)
Ross K.
Good charcuterie selection. I got the mussels, which were not fresh. I take the blame for that, though, as summer is not a good time of year for mussels. My visiting mother got the pork tenderloin, which was amazing. They have a great beer selection and a nice atmosphere. I almost didn't want to tip the server, however. He was very inattentive and the restaurant wasn't very busy. Meanwhile, his bus boy was busting his ass, making sure we were ok. The server dropped a dessert menu off at the table and just walked away. When we finally got his attention to pay the check, he grabbed the dessert menu from my hand, turned around without saying a word, handed the menu off to the bus boy, and disappeared.
(3)
Alex F.
Let me start by saying Fork is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only has my service but nothing short of wonderful, but the quality of food, wine and other beverages is amazing. You get what you pay for. It's not a place I can dine at frequently, but if I'm looking to splurge for a night, this is the place.
(5)
Josh M.
Think bacon, great draft and wine flights, solid burgers. Won't go home hungry or broke.
(4)
Britt W.
My husband and I were in Chicago visiting from California. We love Farm to table restaurants so we decided to check out Fork. The atmosphere was great! We loved being able to sit by the open window. The service was excellent! We never had to ask for a refill for water ( I love that!! ) The food was outstanding!! I love that you can order flights of wine. I started with a spicy red flight and my husband had the European flight. Both were delicious! We started with one of the appetizer specials : Watermelon with aged balsamic, prosciutto, and parm (I believe) It was AMAZING!! We loved it and could not stop eating it. We next had the house pretzels with half acre beer cheese sauce. These were the best pretzels and cheese sauce we have had! Again we couldn't stop eating, but we had to because we knew we were going to be too full :) Next we had a small order of mussels. WE LOVE MUSSELS! These mussels were in the most unique sauce. The server said to save bread for the sauce and I am so glad we did, it was a blend of melted goat cheese, white wine and spices that was so delicious! I could have licked the bowl. We next had The mushroom crostini. It was very flavorful and again we couldn't stop eating it! For our main plate we ordered pulled pork with root beer bbq sauce. The pork fell apart, so moist, very unique and tasty! I loved the root beer. We ended our tasting journey with a variety of cheeses and the most amazing chocolate mousse. The mousse had the perfect texture and the toffee bacon was incredible. There was not an overwhelming bacon taste and it complimented the mousse perfectly. We had such an incredible experience. The price point for this caliber of food was spot on. What a great night! We can't wait to come back and try some new specials and have some menu staples. Thank you for a delicious meal Chef Tim! We were so impressed!!
(5)
Karen S.
Great neighborhood spot with an extensive beer and wine menu. The menu is varied - lots of small plates / app's, as well as huge entrees. Favorites at our table included chicken/dumplings, poutine, mac & cheese, and a cheese plate. I had a bowl of french onion soup (not normally on the menu) and it was really good - not overly salty, and with a proper coating of melted Gruyere. It could have been a little hotter (temperature wise), but otherwise very good. Shared the vanilla bean creme brule for dessert and it was awesome. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive - and was very tolerant of my 18-month old nephew who was behaving wonderfully, but enjoyed throwing his fork on the floor . Great place!
(4)
Chelsea M.
Fork is one of my favorite Friday night restaurants. I say Friday night, because the vibe is a little more relaxed and informal; which is exactly what a Friday night calls for. The food is trendy but accessible, and most important very good. We ordered the special sausage (I giggled while ordering, okay I'm not very mature), the Belgian mussels, the cured salmon and a side of brussels sprouts. For two people it was a lot of food. The sausage was beyond amazing. The drinks are what make Fork above average. The wine flights are perfectly paired, and are decent pours. The Bubbles flight was my favorite and featured a brut and a rose (the prosecco wasn't my favorite). I highly recommend Fork.
(4)
Suzanne D.
We chose Fork on recommendation of some friends, for a family dinner meeting. So we wanted to have something tasty, not too $$ a menu, not loud so we could hear each other in some important conversation. The hostess was quite patient with us as we chose where we wanted to sit (outside, at the end of table row). We were happy with the meal selections, a mix of comfy food with some sophistication. We were less impressed with the service. We weren't necessarily in a rush for dinner, but the attention to us ... could have been far better. Long waits for beverages, for follow up on our meal (we had one person join us a half hour after the others). Our particular wait person had an emotionless going through (barely) through the motions presence ... could some engagement with eyes and a smile be too much to ask? Dampened some my impression of the restaurant as a future visit option (since wait staff is a component to ambiance).
(4)
Eryn G.
I had my graduation dinner here for a few friends and family, the staff was awesome! I have food allergies and they were completely accommodating and understanding to my needs! They let us stay as long as we wished in a private area, and most really enjoyed their food. I'm happy I made the choice to have my party their and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Kristen S.
Dinner at Fork was excellent. They have a phenomenal wine and beer list that even includes my favorite imported gluten free beer - Green's! We had.... a lot of things... Wine Candied Bacon Garlic Cilantro Fries with sriracha aioli Green Goddess Crab Shooter Husband had pork chop, and I had hamachi. Both were excellent. Service was fantastic, and we loved the ambiance.
(5)
Nicole C.
I cant even believe this place has less than 4 stars. I am probably between a 4 and a 5, but still. Literally - comfort food tapas with a great wine & beer list. I love that you can do wine flights as well. Great for a double date or with a group. We ordered a TON of food - try the following: - BURRATA - must have - MUSSELS - Mac & Cheese - Mushroom flatbread - Garlic friens - Pork Belly I left happy. PS - whatever that weird decor is over the entrance is lame. Get rid of it.
(5)
Kelly C.
Birthday dinner! I went with a group of six (plus baby!), and we were well taken care of. I had the interesting white wine flight, which was a solid choice, if a little sweeter than I like. I tried the truffle goat cheese-damn fine cheese. We moved on to the small plates and had the pork belly which I recommend possibly over anything else I've eaten in the past few months. Crispy yet melt in your mouth-just great. So great. Followed it with the special, which was mahi mahi with fingerling potatoes, spinach, and bacon...once again, delicious. We had the creme brulee for dessert-this was the only part that was kind of 'meh' about the meal. I mean, it was good-it's creamy sugar-but didn't blow me away like the rest of the meal. Regardless, I recommend this place, but be forewarned-it IS pricey. I know it says $$ in the heading, but I would definitely bump it up to $$$-the menu items certainly add up, being that it's a lot of cheese flights and small plates.
(5)
Matthew A.
3/18/12 Update Now that I have been here 3 times, once for small plates, once fore entrees and once for brunch I can say that this is my new favorite restaurant. I would also like to increase my rating to 5 stars. I like everything about this place. The farm house burger is one of the better burgers I have had in some time and the chicken in waffles is just awesome. Metropolitan coffee was also a nice surprise.Can't wait to go back already! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â------------- I finally made it over to Fork, and am very glad that I did. First off, Fork has a very solid beer and wine list, which they break up into flights if you are interested (Hoppy beers, session beers, Belgian Beers etc.) As a beer snob I really enjoyed this. The flights are reasonably priced and a great way to try multiple strong beers without going overboard. The food was equally fantastic. They do a "small plate" thing, however, we later realized that the "small plates" were not that small. We ordered five, and by the end wished we had gone with three so we could have tried desert. The burrata smear was amazing, the duck poutine is still in my dreams, the smoked salmon flat bread was surprisingly good, I've had better mussels and the veal sliders were solid but a little greasy. Everyone at the restaurant was very nice and accommodating, but service got a little slow when it got busy. Nonetheless, I prefer when the meal is on the longer side and they did a good job of spacing out our different courses. Cheers!
(5)
Kurt K.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars. Food was good, menu was diverse. Don't know if I'd go so far as to say "Yay! I'm a fan." But it was good.
(4)
Karrie F.
My new favorite eatery. 3 simple words that changed my life. PORK. BELLY. RUBEN. It was a plus that I wasn't looked at like a complete D-bag when my friends and I brought our kids to brunch either...as if parents aren't allowed to eat good food (you know who you are , lookin at you wicker park)
(4)
Megan K.
Great food, great beer. What more can be said? I have a great time at this place every time I go. Their atmosphere is cozy, and they have a great drink menu.
(5)
Andrea N.
I wast sure how I would like this spot. But they pull off the winebar vibe very well. The flights are well explained and decent pours. They have some interesting wines on their menu by the bottle as well. The food was surprisingly good. We shared the chorizo stuffed dates, for me the least impressive item. Pretty much like any tapas style place. solid in flavor. They have mussels a few ways in the menu and a special preparation. I went with a small of the special and wasn't disappointed. tomato saffron broth with dried Spanish chorizo was flavorful and well balanced went fantastic with the SA red flight. The garlic-cilantro fries with sirrachi aioli were excellent and addictive. We then ordered some cheeses and cured meats and not only were they presented beautifully but the selection of cheeses was very good. They have flights for those who cannot decide or you can choose your own. The wow factor was dessert the sticky toffee pudding with buttered popcorn ice cream was pleasantly light and full of rich decadent yumminess. I would go back either on a date or with a group. They have some really cool plush booths that you can reserve for parties that looked like a lot of fun.
Update: Finally got a burger there. Awesome. Best burger I have ever had, hands down. I bit into the burger and juice literally gushed out for about 15 seconds straight. The beef was seasoned perfectly. I loved everything about this burger. The garlic fries were amazing as always. Just be sure you like a lot of garlic! There are many bottled beers to try and a good selection of draft as well. Next time I will be sure to get a flight. Other people in my party enjoyed the mac and cheese, but the chicken and dumplings were lack luster (although that specific person if very picky). The place is very popular, so don't go on a Saturday night with no reservations or you will be waiting a good hour plus. Many of the people around me were having wine and various cheeses, so I will have to try that some time as well, although it will be hard to not just get a burger every time I go here.
(5)
Laura F.
It's rare that I go to a restaurant and feel absolutely satisfied with the vegan/vegetarian dinner options, but this was a definite exception. My friend and I split the pretzels and cheese to start out, then I had a perfectly cooked and seasoned summer squash small plate. And get the shortcake for dessert. Really. You can thank me later. Being ladies like we are, we did imbibe in some flights. Because why have one drink when you could have three? The jammy red flight was superb, and we finished with dark delight stout/porter flight (dessert for our dessert).
(5)
Natalie R.
Was looking for a casual but trendy place for dinner with my boyfriend, and Fork was recommended. We weren't disappointed! The service was very good, the waitress made sure our questions were answered and checked on us just enough. Another review said that the non-English speaking staff just put the food down without explanation of what it was, but we did not have that experience. The bus boy (?) who brought us our charcuterie explained each meat which we appreciated. We started with two beers, I had the Christmas Ale which I loved. For our app, we got the Italian charcuterie. It came with grilled bread, olives, marinaded onions, whole-grain mustard, and cornichons. It was beautiful and so, so good. For dinner we decided on the pork belly sliders and the garlic cilantro fries. I was tempted to get the brussel sprouts with bacon but I'm glad I didn't because I was stuffed. The sliders were slightly greasy (obv with pork belly) but good nonetheless. I'm so glad we picked this place and definitely recommend it!
(4)
Dan G.
I have been to Fork on a few different occasions. And every time it has been up to par. The cheese, charcuterie and the wine flights are the real star here. They always have a great choice of meats and cheeses from all over the world. And they have something for everyone from sharp to mild, stinky to sweet; If you like cheese, and we know you do, then it is a must. The meats are just as good and pair well. The booze here is great as well. The a fore mentioned wine flights are a steal price-wise and there is something fun about having four large glasses of wine sitting in front of you. The draft list is comparable to most craft beer restaurants, you can occasionally find that hidden gem keg. As for the food, dinner and brunch are always tasty. Good burgers, good mussels, and dank breakfast sandwiches. The service is friendly and they don't mind talking shop. Another nice edition to the wonderful eats in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Chris K.
Wow! Great wine flights (South American was excellent), charcuterie (try the Spanish meat and the aged cheddar cheese), and so on. Everything was delicious, and we got very good service. The little explanatory slips of paper that come with the flights add a fun touch. I notice that a lot of reviewers just "stopped in" on a weekend. Uh, you might want to make a reservation at this place, especially for a Saturday! We went here about 2 years ago when it was "Fiddlehead", and it hasn't changed that much, although we managed to spend a lot less this time and still get a tremendous dinner. Previously, they were a little more aggressive with the upselling.
(5)
Kirsten G.
As a much needed update, I got a message from David, the manager, not long after I submitted my review (over a year ago!) asking us to come back in for a drink on the house. Unfortunately we moved out of the neighborhood and didn't have an opportunity to take him up on his offer, but I appreciate the explanation of what happened and why there was a mix-up. Since my original review was based solely on service, it's only fair that I provide an update that their management is on their game and our experience was a fluke. If we were still in Chicago, I would gladly go back for more wine, which was fantastic. Thanks, Fork (and David).
(4)
Steve S.
Great beer and wine selection Staff very clued in and helpful and explained wine and beer flights well. Food is fantastic! Don't miss desert.
(5)
Matt G.
Two things that I really like about this restaurant are that the food and service are always darned good and that they cater to people that have kids and don't make you feel that you're an inconvenience. So, the result is that I am happy to spend $100+ on a meal that might have been a little more "over the top" than I might have planned when I left the house. Love, love, love the duck mousse. Can I have some more? Couple that with the special "Poutine" that they made with cheddar cheese, homemade fries and shredded duck and I'm singing praises and haven't made it to the main course. So why would you spend $15 on a burger???? Well, when it's the Farmhouse burger, you're happy to do so. It was great, but I would ease up on the Dijonnaise and cheese. It was too much, really. Only other slight gripe is that $6 for plain shells with butter and no cheese on them on the kids menu was a little insulting. However.... on the whole....Good dinner, nice wines by the glass and good service. We'll be back again soon.
(4)
Kristin M.
I'm updating my review to reflect my rating for lunch - I'm knocking it down to 3.5 because my dining companions didn't enjoy their lunch as much as I did. We went at noon on a Saturday and the restaurant was only half full, so we got a nice sunny table right away. I loved, loved, loved my duck club sandwich. I had gone in expecting to order the duck hash (can you sense a pattern?), but was drawn by the description of the sandwich, and promise of garlic cilantro fries. Start with duck confit, throw on a little goat cheese, cherry-red wine jam, pickled shallots and candied pecans, and you can't go wrong. I took off a layer of toast on each so I didn't waste any of the ducky goodness inside. They weren't kidding about garlic fries, they literally top them with chopped garlic, so bring some gum. The sriraccha aioli was kind of a joke. It was basically colored mayo, didn't taste like anything special. My friend ordered the PBLT. The P(ork) B(elly) was sliced thin and was basically just thick bacon. She asked for her egg to be cooked medium-well. They either didn't listen or don't know what that means because it came out really runny. Overall, it was just ok. She said the mixed greens were really bland and could have used some more dressing. Our table also ordered the farmhouse burger. I didn't hear anything good or bad about it. Of note: I uncharacteristically ordered coffee (hangover...) and it arrived in a really dirty mug. I requested a new cup and he apologized, but I can't believe it ever made it out of the kitchen! Also, Fork has notoriously slow service. I knew this ahead of time so it didn't bother me, but just keep that in mind if you're in a hurry.
(4)
Mara S.
A friend and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead yesterday for brunch. We had passed a bunch of other brunch places b/c nothing sounded all that appealing - we were very pleased with our selection. Fiddlehead had a small brunch menu, but it was delicious. I had the chilequiles (yum), which I didn't expect to be as good as I've had other places, but I was wrong (that happens occasionally)! The potatoes were good too, as was the service. We got there around 9:30 and had a great seat by the big windows in the front. It got fairly crowded by the time we left, seemed like the local crowd was rolling in. I'd definitely go back and would be interested in trying something other than brunch next time.
(5)
Tera D.
This review easily could have been 4 stars if things had panned out better, so I almost hate writing it. We went in for dinner with three people and decided to just share small plates. At small plate places my husband and I love to ask the waiter to just bring out his or her favorite dishes because it usually gets you the more unique stuff that you might never have ordered but is actually the best stuff on the menu. Sadly our tactic failed us this time. This waiter clearly went for the obvious, most popular items on the menu, which is precisely what we're trying to avoid by doing it that way. And it wasn't even well thought out. First came the bacon wrapped dates. Congratulations for being the 1 millionth restaurant to serve bacon wrapped dates. And with a lame, watery blue cheese sauce no less. Then came pretzel roles and poutine. The poutine was fine, and the duck on top of it was more than fine, crisp and super flavorful. The pretzel rolls were not good at all, damp and not salty, almost like they had been sitting in a plastic bag. Then came...an order of fries???? We were just served poutine. A dish based in fries. With that was lamb sliders, which to be fair were outstanding. Finally he brought out two different kinds of mussels which was overkill even if they were good, but frankly they were not. And the fact that they came out after the fries instead of with them was even more bizarre than serving us two fry based dishes in the first place. The beer is good, especially the option to do flights with some very generous pours. We'll go back, but we certainly won't bank on the waitstaff next time around.
(3)
Erica W.
I visited Fork with my supper club, and it was just above average - I'd say about 3.5 stars. (Yelp, if you are reading this, please give us the ability to give half stars one day). The dish that I enjoyed the most was the poutine, which is a Canadian dish (I believe French Canadian, because I've only had it in Montreal). Essentially, its french fries w/gravy and cheese on top. Can't go wrong w/that!
(3)
Kate C.
The duck poutine here is incredible! ... so is everything else really, but its the poutine that really stands out in my memory. The service is also very good and the staff are friendly and helpful. They are pretty accommodating for people with disabilities too, which is great and makes it a welcoming atmosphere. EDIT: I had to change my rating from a 5 to a 3 after trying to make a reservation for a larger party here. This is NOT a good location for groups. They completely tried to take advantage of us and were asking that we commit to paying a minimum of $2,000 before they would even take our reservation. Needless to say, we went elsewhere. It was such a disappointment. I can only assume the person who handles larger reservations is different from the main dining room and that they are somehow specially trained in how to be a douchebag.
(3)
Rob K.
Excellent food and drink. I was not a fan of the home made breakfast sausage but nothing else has ever let me down.
(4)
Sarah M.
(let's pretend this is a 3.5 review, ok?) So I hesitated even reviewing this since all we did was drink, but hey, sometimes drinking is all one wants to do at a place, right? Atmosphere is nice. The bar is super long, and wide, with comfy chairs. I hate being shoved in a small bar up on strangers in non-comfortable seats. My friend and I met up for some wine and gossip. They have wine flights (and beer flights as well, if that meets your fancy). I did like that they coded each of the wines with a nifty little graphics, so you knew what to expect from the wines you were getting. Bartender was super friendly and did check up on us although it was somewhat busy. We also ended up getting a few cocktails, which were delicious as well. Also had TVs at the bar, so I could keep up with baseball, football, all while listening to my friend (I'm queen of multitasking, I know). Price was decent enough. I'd probably return to check out the food. Nice little place in LS.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about checking out Fork after reading some of the less than stellar reviews (especially about service). I'm glad to say that I didn't have the same experience as those Yelpers! As soon as the hostess seated us at a booth, I knew that we would have a nice dinner (this girl loves booth seating). We had prime views of both TVs in the bar area, key for the BF since the Bears were playing the Packers. Now to the good stuff. I grabbed the fresca cocktail and he had the pear beer, both were really good drink choices. We then started our meal with the crowd pleasers cheese flight. He didn't love any of the cheese while I thought 2 of the 3 were really good. I didn't like the bread that was served with the cheese as all of the herbs overpowered the cheeses so I ate mine with the apple & peach slices (wish they gave more than 3 thin slices of fruit as there isn't much to go around between 2 people). He got the pork medallions and I got the veggie ragout and corn elotes. He said his meal was better than average but that he wished it had been a bit better. I liked both my items and thought they were a good amount of food. We ended the meal with the ganache cake (super rich chocolatey goodness), which was perfect for sharing. All in all, a good date spot or small group restaurant.
(4)
Christine N.
I live in the neighborhood and love this place. It's reasonably priced.... service and food are always great. Went again this past Friday and had such a great time. Ask for Cesar to wait on you! He was friendly, attentive and let us camp out in his section for way too long! Thank you Cesar!!!!
(5)
Christopher K.
We ordered the crab cake and ribs off of the special menu and they were fine. Moving on. One thing that the two of us really enjoy is the discovery of new cheeses. That is the big draw for us here and what earned this diner its fourth star. There are a lot of times that we could just as well skip a meal and just try cheeses, and this would definitely be a place to try that approach. There was a broad selection and several cheeses that we had not tried before. They were spot on with the suggested beer and wine pairings as well. $70 for two. Definitely a place that we will come back to when the cheese urge strikes.
(4)
Downtown B.
This was my first time at Fork. I had heard good things and wanted to love it. My first observation was that the beer list was good. They have 20 drafts at any one time and that is very good. They have tons of bottles as well. The ambiance/vibe is very nice and the outside areas are more than adequate. Fork promotes itself as a gastropub but is really much more of casual bar that has gastroish items on the menu with a big beer list. Service was slow but friendly and overall it was adequate. Regarding food we wanted the pretzels and beer cheese but they were out, bummer of a start. Grilled corn elotes were not anything to get excited about. Very small amount of corn with minimal seasoning, though the aioli was amazing. And the corn was probably a touch undercooked. Watermelon gazpacho was a-okay but not a lot of flavor. I am not a watermelon lover so take that with a grain of salt. Next up was the mushroom flatbread. Crispy crust but a little flimsy in the center. Ingredients were good. Overall a pretyy good item. I ordered the chicken burger. It was well cooked and seasoned with a nice roll and decadent cheese, they advertise it has peaches on it but there were almost no peaches on there and the ones that were on the burger were razor thin with NO TASTE. Lose the peaches or add more. In any event, this one was okay but not great. Shrimp and grits were runny. Also, they could use more shrimp. I would not order this one. Mac and cheese was very good but probably too rich. The first few bites are amazing but once you get about 5 bites in the jarlsberg and fontina can overwhelm you. So I am torn. Nothing was great and they do try to be creative so I give them credit. I'd say it is a-okay.
(3)
Tracy Y.
First time here and it did not disappoint. Our server Nicole was pleasant and accommodating. Even when we asked for substitutions. The meats and cheeses were stellar. The gnocchi and scallops to die for. And love love love a place that offers wine AND beer flights. Will be going back.
(4)
Nikki K.
If I could split up my review by food and drink, I'd give the drinks a 5 start and the food a 3 star. I ordered the duck sandwich and it sounded so good, but was just ok. The duck sandwich was kind of expensive, so I was disappointed I didn't like it. I loved the summer beer flight I had though. Super tasty and beers I hadn't tried before. My boyfriend had the mac and cheese and I really liked that. We got to sit outside which was a plus. The service was great too. I think I'd come back here again for drinks and apps, but not necessarily for dinner.
(4)
Jonathan H.
I would have liked a little more bang for our buck. The flavors were good so I'll probably be back for a drink and snack.
(3)
Stacy F.
Delicious! I really liked this place, the service, and the food. It was hard to decide what to get for brunch, but thankfully my dining partner and I game-planned it to get sweet and savory dishes!
(4)
Tony M.
eh,.. Not impressed! The build up the hostess made for the "special" pot pie was amazing! why didn't you just tell me it was a 12 dollar cup of thick soup! Stick to the wine and beer.
(1)
Sally J.
Since moving to the neighborhood I've been to Fork 4 times--twice for dinner and twice for brunch. I would say that although 3/4 of those times was great, the latest 1/4 was bad enough that I would reconsider going there again for brunch. I'll start with what I've liked and move on to the most recent debacle in service. (yes, service, not food). The good: Dinner food has always been great. Dinner service always great. In fact, I'd count it among my options I present to out-of-town visitors when we're considering dinner options in Lincoln Square. The atmosphere is interesting but not pretentious and I've never enountered any difficulties with wait or service at dinner. Plus, they have interesting flights whether it's cheese, charcuterie, or the hands down favorite--the beer flights. It lets you try out a variety and if you like one enough that you want more, you can always order it. It's a nice option though. Brunch first time around was fine. Our party of 5 arrived right about opening time, great service, food was good, no compaints. Brunch second time was bad enough to make me re-think this as a future brunch option. We arrived about 5 minutes after the restaurant opened, on a day when there was a local run even in the neighborhood. That makes me think: management should prepare for more customers than usual. What we arrived to however, was a few scattered tables that were full, but many many empty tables. Great news, right? Not so....even though we were just a party of 3, we were gruffly informed by the host that they the number of people they had seated had exceeded their number of menus and they would not seat any additional parties until the seated parties had ordered, freeing up menus. Ok.....seems odd that you have less than half the menus available for the seating you have, on a morning you could expect extra volume...but we found it even stranger that you couldn't at least seat us and just let us wait for a menu to become available. Instead, a crowd of waiting customers accumulated at the host station and out the door. With a restaurant half full of empty tables. Not only that, but it was within 10 minutes of opening. so we waited...and as soon as a few spare menus opened up, the party of two who arrived behind us was seated...after that another party of four, until we asked why we weren't being seated. By the way, there were never any apologies, never any assurances--the communication from the host stand was that it was reasonable that we should wait for a free menu in order to be seated. After some negotiating, we finally were, but after waiting a good 20 minutes (keep in mind, multiple multiple tables were available just to sit and have coffee while we waited for menus). After being seated the service and food were fine. But the front end experience was enough that I don't think I'll go back, especially with the many other brunch options in the neighborhood that treat customers more respectfully...and I actually think based on this experience, I would not risk going for dinner for fear of the "menu deficit." I suspect this is poor management and feel bad as the food and waitservice has always been good but it's bad business to make multiple parties wait to be seated until menus are available when half the seats in the restaurant are open. News flash: you should have enough menus to cover all the seats, especially on a weekend with an event that will bring more business to you. Thumbs down, sorry.
(2)
Dave S.
We've only lived in Chicago two months. We'd like to think we are adventurous eaters. We do not like to eat at the same place multiple times; however, we've eaten here at least four times. This place is fantastic. As others have mentioned, the beer and wine selection is great. Their flights of beer and wine are VERY well priced and poured. The food is outstanding. We've had the burgers, daily specials, cheeses, appetizers, you name it. Some highlights for me include the house ricotta and honey smear, farmhouse burger, and bbq pork sandwich. I'm not a seafood guy, but my wife has had the fish and enjoyed it. Besides the food (again, very good), the service is excellent. We have had the same waitress all four times that we have been to Fork. She is attentive, but not pushy or too talkative. Our food always promptly, but we've never been rushed. One of the more interesting things about Fork is that have a very large ancillary staff. There is always someone walking around filling water glasses, clearing tables, etc. I think this is a main reason why service runs so smoothly. I can't rec. this place enough. Easily one of my favorites.
(5)
Javier O.
Fork is a place that has kept us coming back for years. We love the mood and selection. The drinks are always great and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish. The cheeses are wonderful, as well. It is higher priced, so don't be surprised by that coming in. There are certain days of the week where they have deals, however, so study the menu or call in to get moe info. If you're looking to have a relaxing evening, give Fork a shot.
(4)
Vince W.
What on earth makes a burger worth over $10??? I don't know, but every burger I've had here was worth every cent I paid. From duck confeit fries to their wonderful brunch buffet to over a hundred different beers available for selection, "Fork" (formerly "Fiddlehead Cafe") has yet to disappoint me. ...and they have had many opportunities to do just that. I have attended wine tastings, been there on dates, and held business meetings at "Fork". Not to mention, my family has brunch there at least twice a month. Even my seven-year-old son, Alan likes their food (...and we all know how picky kids can be). The last thing I want to mention is the atmosphere. Along with the name change, "Fork" underwent an image change. The seating is more cozy, the carpeting looks cooler, the waitstaff is more up-beat, and their music playlist is the best! The only suggestion I have is WiFi. EVERY restaurant and bar should have it in this day and age.
(5)
J A.
Went on Sunday morning. Eggs were creamy deliciousness. The Bloody Mary's were super fresh and yummy...it was not a mix.
(4)
Alma V.
Great for Brunch and Beer! Gastro pub! Love this place,,,But, I must make a complaint in hopes that they will listen to me and make changes.... As usual Chicago doesn't know a thing about the Bloody Mary. Noone in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes,etc! I suggest checking out Hollander, Benelux, or Comet cafe for examples!
(4)
Laura R.
This place was already on our "to try" list, but once we read the article in Grubstreet - chicago.grubstreet.com/2… , we knew we had to get there soon, and it did not disappoint. First, the wine and beer selections were both carefully chosen and reasonably priced (my favorite combo). I'm a big fan of the wine flights. The food itself was fabulous - a nice blend of old time favorites and completely new flavorful twists. The kale salad was out of this world. The mussels (which I order pretty much everywhere I go) were among my favorite - both flavorful and extremely meaty and tender. Everything we had was great. I am not ordinarily a huge fan of the growing trend to include grits with dinner meals in Chicago, because most Chicago chefs do not get it right, but the grits here were the best I have had outside of the South and complimented the BBQ sauce well - we scraped the plate clean. The chef is big on farm to table, which is important to us when we're looking for a nice meal on the town - it was evident during every course that each ingredient was meticulously chosen and gingerly prepared. I would highly recommend for both a fun date night or a big group (they have great booth spots).
(5)
Brea K.
We were off to a seriously rocky start, but they redeemed themselves I suppose. Five girlfriends and I walk in, no reservation, at 8pm on a Saturday night. We were told :30, and ended up waiting a rediculous 1.5 hours. The host was begging us to stay but honestly I wish we had left earlier. I missed my train to the burbs and spent $60 getting home. UGH. That being said, niko ("the Greek"???) made sure we had a good time and the food was really, really good. Pricey, but good. I'm pretty sure we ate half the menu, and everything was roughly an A- which is pretty good in my book. Oh, that stupid MacNCheese was an A+. I'm embarrassed that I'm saying that, because we ate several more sophisticated dishes, but seriously, it was amazing. Skip the bacon however. I don't know how they managed to ruin bacon but they over salted it, and it was inedible.... Ok, we ate it anyway.
(4)
Xl G.
I don't why, but the handful of times I've come to this place I've had terrible service. The bartenders aren't attentive and most of the staff's attitude comes off as snooty. Being as someone who works in the service industry, I found it very unprofessional. I won't be coming back here.
(1)
Katie S.
Delightful find in Lincoln Square! I never went to this place in its previous incarnation as Fiddlehead Cafe, but I very much enjoyed going to Fork. I've had both dinner and brunch there, and both were absolutely excellent. For dinner, the butternut squash soup is wonderful - I also had a flatbread that was quite good. For brunch, you can't go wrong with a mimosa flight and the soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil. Mmmm... I need to go back here soon.
(4)
Kelly D.
This place seemed inviting from the outside, but we were disappointed by the food that we ordered -- the rib special and fish special -- which seemed overpriced and somewhat bland considering the price. Only real positive about the experience was that the waitress was very cheerful, even though we were probably the last customers in the place before they closed. It's possible we ordered poorly this time, but I doubt we'll be back to try anything else on the menu.
(2)
Kathleen C.
I never reviewed this as Fiddlehead, though I had visited quite a few times. I think that the restaurant is very similar now - but the menu is a bit different. I have to say - I thought service was fantastic. Everyone that we interacted with was super nice and accommodating. We didn't have to wait for our reservation and the menu 'tweaks' some of us requested were accommodated as well. The food is good, but nothing special. I had the farm burger with a fried egg. It was good and the burger was done as requested, but it was just ok - I wouldn't seek it out as a fantastic burger. I was inadvertently given the garlic fries. These were good, but quite greasy. I ate a few since the taste was delicious, but I couldn't make it through many of them due to the grease factor. Fork does have a great wine and beer list. I think the flights of wine are set up a bit oddly - but you can find some good and interesting wines on the list and they are all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is nice. I actually prefer sitting at a table in the bar area, but the regular dining room spot is nice and cozy as well (but people watching in the bar is fun!). The restaurant is appropriately dark and cozy - so this makes for a good spot for a nice out with friends or a date. Value-wise, this is a great spot. I think the 5 of us paid something like $30pp for dinner and drinks (I will say we didn't have appetizers or dessert), but this is a pretty good deal. Overall, it's cute for the area. I think it's a better spot for drinks or snacks - I wasn't that impressed with the food.
(3)
Anthony J.
Went for their Tyranena event as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Kinda a chintzy "event," as they had all of 3 Tyranena beers on tap, but they were tasty nonetheless. Quality over quantity I suppose. Ordered the mussels, and they were well-prepared. My wife had the poutine, which was yummy if frighteningly unhealthy. As it should be. My biggest complaint is the fact that they seemed to think having all the windows open would do to cool the place off. Mind you it was in the mid-80s. A little AC would've been nice.
(4)
Rachel F.
We went for brunch. The food was a solid 4 stars. Our server was extremely helpful and friendly. Even when it became packed and she was running around, she still checked on us frequently. Bloody Marys were...well I've had better. I've had worse too on that same note. I would go back again.
(3)
Rebecca M.
Awesome food, used to be one of my favorites in my neighborhood; however, service seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Will not make it a point to come back anytime soon---there are too many new spots in the area to explore!
(2)
Colleen C.
Fiddle me this, Batman... A seriously healthy pour of cava brut rose...(pink, love) A kickin' batch of garlic hummus with warm, chewy chunks o' carb... A semi-sweet August evening... [makes for] A seriously perfect happy hour in Lincoln Square. [extra points for impressive beer and wine lists AND a patio!]
(4)
Mitchell A.
Good experience. 3.5 stars Wait staff was nice. Nothing above average nothing bellow average. Decor and ambiance was above average. Love the exposed brick. Simple and standard art but effective. Not to sure about the carpet...something about carpet in a restaurant just turns me off. Music was well mixed with the time of day and mood of the place. Margarita was small but had a nice tart and sweet taste to it. Surprised me, to be honest. Like that they do wine samples aka flights...good deal for those as well. Huge wine and drink menu and broken down very well. Cobb salad was great. Buttermilk dressing tasted home made. Portions were perfect for a Cobb....a must have for Cobb salad eaters. Very very good Cobb salad! Duck club was $17. I expected to be blown away. I was half blown hahaha but still a Very good sandwich. Meat was tasty, goat cheese was a great touch, jam and walnuts added sweatiness and texture. Everything was well portioned and the sandwich had very good taste. What was wrong then?! The damn bread! It was dry, crumbly, and just not good. I think it was brioche. Which is a good idea....not sure if it was a bad batch or what. But if you are charging $17 for a club (I don't care if lobster and truffle is on it) you better have the most important part PERFECT. Garlic fries were the second best I ever had (AT&T ballpark in San Francisco is #1) Overall, prices are decent for the ambience, style of restaurant and type of food on the menu. Its a good meal. I would go back for sure. They have enough variety and style to bring me back.
(4)
Susan F.
Fork is known for their flights of wine, beer, cheese and meat. Cue to the 'Sound of Music' song, "these are a few of my favorite thingssss..." and you'll find me whistling up Lincoln Ave til I get a seat in their plush back room by the fireside. My first visit to Fork was a little sterile. Nothing fell short, but I was expected to be wowed for some reason. Nevertheless, their cheese plate was awesome and decently priced. They don't just give you cheese, but nuts and figs, too! Ok, so maybe everyone does that, but they were extra tasty at Fork. The meat was good too, but how can you go wrong? We had sopressetta and chorizo if I remember correctly. Their beer list is impressive, but not the biggest I've seen (har har). It took us awhile to find out what we hadn't tried before, but it seemed to be pretty local. No shame in that, Chicago has some fab beahs. Like I said, we had some cheese (goat and cheddar varieties) and meat and moved onto some small plates of Mussels (Belgian, oh SO GOOD) and the braised porkbelly. The atmosphere was dark and romantic in the back room, and energetic in the front with more smaller tables. We actually came back for a night cap another time and got seated right by the fireplace. We had the ganache cake and a wine flight. The cake was SO RICH, it hit the spot. It was exactly what I needed and I was so happy we stopped in. They must have heard my 3rd stomach grumbling to know I'd be pleased with chocolate and wine, a girl's close-to-next best friend after diamonds. Actually, I think I like chocolate more than diamonds, but I digress... This place is great to bring friends and family. Definitely go for a wine or cheese flight, you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Heather H.
Pork and Beer? I'm not really the clientele of Fork, as I'm more veggie and wine. I loved this place as Fiddlehead, but I'll tell you this; Fork is always packed now, so they're doing something right. For staff alone, they get 5 stars. From the hostess, servers, and even the owner, the service is stellar and it's appreciated. The wine list has shrunk, but don't get me wrong - it's still huge in comparison to other restaurants. The main event here is the beer, and if you're into that you'll love it. I have to be in a beer mood and with the wine available here I just never am. They carried over the cheese menu from Fiddlehead so it remains outstanding. They have the best selections here, and as a bonus, they have a special menu for carryout cheeses! Inquire about it - they even beat Whole Paycheck's prices! I'm not the best person to review the food menu as it's porky and meaty, and I'm neither. So, all I can say is I've had their eggplant smear on the goat cheese baguette and it's excellent. The mushroom gnocchi can be hit or miss. I've had it twice, once it was to die for, the next time it just wasn't that great. And the artichoke appetizer while tasty, is a bit of a mess. Definitely not a first date choice. The brunch is still a hit for me. The menu still has some of my favorites like the truffled eggs, but they added an amazing tomato basil omelet. Don't get rid of this! It's my new favorite. So I'll still come here for the wine, cheese, and brunch. If you're into the latest pork trend, or looking for that great bottle of beer that no one else carries, this would be the place for you.
(4)
Andrea R.
About once a week I get an email from someone asking if I know of any good restaurants in the city with nice private room for a bridal shower. In fact, I got such an email from one of my friends this morning. Yes, my life this summer so resembles the movie "27 Dresses." And thanks to a bridal shower I attended at Fiddlehead Cafe last weekend I now have another restaurant to add to my "good private room for bridal shower" list. Oooh, I'm so going to make one of those lists on Yelp as soon as this review is written. Anyway, so yeah...Fiddlehead has a beautiful private room that seats 55 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail reception. It was especially nice last weekend because we were blessed with nice spring weather for a day...and were able to keep the windows open. Fiddlehead also happens to have pretty good food. We were given a choice of a few different things and I went with their truffled eggs. YUM! And even better...the banana pancakes the bride-to-be ordered. Double Yum! I highly recommend for any of your private party needs and I look forward to going back myself for a regular brunch/dinner experience. And now, I'm off to make that Yelp list...
(4)
James L.
Definitely a place to go with a group of people. The dishes we had were outstanding. They havea great cheese and meat selection as well as a good wine list/flights. I would definitely come back here to try some other dishes. Only thing I didn't like was finding parking.
(4)
Francis K.
Fork is full of awesome. My introduction to the restaurant was one of those beer/dinner pairings. On a night like this it is easy to get caught up in what is usually I am guessing a show to get you to return. As far as I'm concerned any place that cares enough to bring a brewer (any brewer) to talk about how to pair their drinks with the food is already a winner. Funny thing though is I can't even recall what brewery it was because the food stood out. The beer was well paired but the food stayed with me. You are interested in learning about the place you say? Oh yeah, fantastic setting I will say. Other's have mentioned it isn't a good place for kids. I respectfully disagree. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting bring the wee one at 7PM on a Friday. For starters, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? :-), OK, I got nothing else. Both time's we've been there we've had the same server. Caveat Emptor I guess. Our service has been stellar. The server knows his food, knows his beer and wine pairings. The rest of the staff and anonymous but magically appear unprompted to attend to us. In addition to this and perhaps because we eat early in the evening (see bairn reference) the sense of the place is make our visit and the wee one's fun. The food again, is magnificent and a reason you should return. For this patron the beer list is not exhaustive but clearly someone thinks about what bottles and drafts they will have on their menu. So why 5 stars? Like they say it is always the little things. That the pay attention to their beer means they are likely just as attentive to their food. It is perhaps a leap of logic but allow me that.
(5)
Katie R.
Brunch review. Two friends and I were doing a Sunday lunch - the original idea was Overeasy..but the line scared us off. So we ended up at Fork. And all three of us were super impressed and loved our meal. We all gushed, it was seriously amazing that we were all equally satisfied with our variety of meals. Food: I loved the Ham & Cheese scramble - especially since I asked for Bacon instead of Ham and no one even batted an eyelash. And the breakfast potatoes were delicious, crisp and herby. The breakfast sandwich melt was thoroughly enjoyed by my friend, she made a concerted effort to finish the thing and almost managed. The last meal was a burger, with blue cheese and bacon, with the cilantro garlic fries. My friend loved her burger tons and we all loved the garlic cilantro fries (so garlicky they are spicy!) I will be back. One thing - the pomosa and bellini - basically just champagne with a splash of juice. So if you like champagne, you will like this. Otherwise, the drinks were the only things we didn't love.
(5)
Lydia B.
I love the wine flights! The food was good too.
(4)
Charles J.
Pretension masking average food. Over-priced.
(1)
Krys J.
Well...it was simply okay. I came here for dinner mid-week since my original destination was closed for a private party. Upon entering you are enveloped into the warm, welcoming interior. However, the food just did not excite me. The selections on the menu seem to be a bit too culinary for this corner bistro to pull off and unfortunately my entree was quite bland. The service was good & the wine selection was pleasing though. I would give it another try possibly for brunch or stop in for wine & cheese, but it is highly unlikely that I would go back for dinner.
(2)
Jay S.
Visited Fork this past Friday with my wife. Ordered the mahi mahi special and french onion soup. My wife ordered the duck club and small muscle bowl. The food was absolutely amazing. My mahi mahi tested fresh out of the sea. The duck club topped with an apple mixture was amazing as well. Everything we ate and drank here was simply delicious. Any place with such a full beer and wine list also gets my vote. What gives the place 4 stars is the service. If the manager of this restaurant is reading, the waitress working Friday nights b/w 9 and 11pm is simply amazing. Pleasant lady not afraid to give an honest recommendation. Felt like she was always available when we needed service, despite the place being packed. We also made a reservation and our table was sitting patiently waiting for us with a "reserved" sign when we arrived. Very organized and customer friendly environment. I will definitely be back here many times again. Thanks Fork.
(4)
Lawrence F.
I stumble upon this place while walking with my boyfriend looking for a place to have a drink. It was a very snowy Tuesday and not many people were in there. There is a long bar, booths and tables to sit. Also around the corner in the back is a nice lounging area with sofas. We Had flights of beer and cider that were just fabulous. We also ordered the Duck crostini...it was alright. Definitely going back great service and great selection of beer and wine.
(4)
Brock W.
This was our first time visiting Fork and like many other reviews, I REALLY wanted to love this place after reviewing their food and drink menus. Unfortunately, the food cost them a couple stars, but first let me note a few of the things I really liked about the place. I would HIGHLY recommended the beer flights, generous pours and the price was about right. The ambiance/vibe is very chill, relaxed and really makes for a nice dining environment. The place is self-described as a gastropub type restaurant, but it's really much more casual and less pretentious than some of the other gastropubs (Hopleaf, anyone?) around town. Our waitress was really friendly and overall, pretty attentive. It was a nice evening too, so the windows were open to the sidewalk street, which made for a nice urban dining setting. Now, let's get to food. We ordered the garlic-cilantro french fries as a starter. Below-average. I love garlic and cilantro and french fries, so I thought this combo would be fantastic. Instead, the garlic was really over powering and the fries themselves were underwhelming. They almost tasted microwaved, as the texture was a little moist and soft. Not good. My fiancee and her Mom ordered the mushroom gnocchi to share. It was good, not great though the variety of mushrooms was a nice touch. I've had better gnocchi at many other restaurants around Chicago. I ordered the Farmhouse Burger MEDIUM-WELL and it arrived cooked medium-rare, almost raw. I was starving, so I decided instead of complaining and having to wait for another burger, to just dig in. I ate maybe 1/4 of the burger and had to stop. Interestingly, our waitress noticed the preparedness of the burger, apologized, and took it back to the kitchen to show the cooks. At this point, I'm expecting the burger to be taken off our bill, but instead we received a couple scoops of ice cream as an apology. Gee, thanks. This is a place we'll probably hit-up again, but probably just for drinks. As I said, the beer list is great and the beers flights are even better, but NONE of the food (including our dessert, a bread pudding dish which was maybe above average) we ordered met expectations.
(3)
Emily W.
I highly recommend Fork. Their brunch was delicious! I had the brioche french toast with almonds, strawberries, and a delectable creme anglaise and a side order of applewood smoked bacon. Although the prices might seem high for brunch, the servings are generous and the meals are unique, so I felt the price I paid was justified. The brunch menu itself is diverse; my boyfriend had the spinach and goat cheese omelet, which was also great. We both had a difficult time narrowing our selections down to just one. Just to get a taste of what was on the "regular" menu, we also shared the garlic and cilantro fries as an appetizer; they did not disappoint. We'll definitely go back to try some other entrees. Fork has a really friendly staff and a cute outdoor environment (a must for any Lincoln Sq. joint). Giving it a 5 because I have zero complaints! I hope it sticks around!
(5)
Filip F.
Great food. Beer selection is ridiculous. Soooo many craft beers. Puts place like map room to shame. I had farm burger - excellent. Everyone at my table had something different - chicken burger, pork dish, pasta dish, french onion soup - nothing but great reviews. Creme Brule was awesome. Ambiance was also great. Not to loud, not too quiet. In summary, Fork was on like Donkey Kong. I went to this place when it was Fiddlehead. It was crap. This is obviously a totally different joint. Go there
(5)
Susan C.
It's been many a moon since I've had brunch and my Best Brunch Date Ever and I opted for Lincoln Square as a central location. Fork's menu looked good and if we could snag outdoor seating.... We did! What followed was a perfectly charming meal with my adorably utensil-challenged partner (ummm...why are you using your spoon to try and cut your chicken and waffles? ...turn your knife the other way, it's upside down) when the slow-ish service (due to the suddenly full restaurant) was actually a plus. We had all the time in the world to enjoy our fresh squeezed orange juice, his aforementioned chicken and waffles and my AMAZING salmon benedict. I loved my dish so much I didn't even bother trying his...and I kinda forgot to save the bite of mine that I offered him. sorrynotsorry! The salmon was house smoked, the muffin was so fresh it winked at me and blood orange hollandaise!?
(4)
Gabby R.
Went here 2 months ago and I'm still dreaming about my pork belly sandwich (PBLT). and the garlic-cilantro fries. i'm forgiving the fact that the service was meh just because my sandwich was That. Good.
(5)
Becca S.
Went here tonight for the first time in a few years as I have moved back to the east coast. Unbelievable food and experience. From cheese plate to dessert--a delicious experience!!!
(5)
B C.
Can't speak for dinner or lunch, but brunch was the bomb. Came here with friends and family on a whim. Ordered the steak benedict, truffled eggs, and a steak and egg special. I thought I was in for a standard brunch. I was impressed and surprised to have such a well presented and delicious meal. I had the truffled eggs and it was amazing. The restaurant is stylishly appointed with a loungy feel. Full bar along one length and a whole back room I didn't even know existed. The booths in front have large windows that open to the sidewalk. Works for families, but is a great atmosphere for a friendly get together.
(5)
N L.
Disappointing. Yes, I'm giving them four stars, which is unusual for a disappointing meal, but usually the food and service at Fork is so amazing that they still rate a four. We had an opener of pickles, which are made in-house and fairly fabulous. They had pickled watermelon rind, gooseberries, a type of Italian squash that I'm not familiar with, and something else that I can't recall. They were all very, very tasty, with the squash being very hot. We ordered two 'small plates:' a beet salad and the chicken and dumplings. Then the sad happened. The beet salad should have cheese, and there were a few bits, but not as much as usual. You really need the cheese to offset the taste of the beets. The 'dumplings' are not dumplings, they are gnocchi. That's not the problem -- gnocchi is good. I love gnocchi. The problem is that the gnocchi had been in the broth so long that they were falling apart. The broth had an unusually large amount of onion, as well, which really detracted from the other flavors. And although the gnocchi were falling apart, the carrots were almost crunchy. The peas that were part of this dish earlier in the season were absent. Maybe that's better. They *were* the best damn peas I've ever had -- they're probably not available any longer. Our waiter did not appear for quite a while after our food was served. Usually, after the food hits the table, the waiter comes around to check. Not tonight. We waited and waited, with our water glasses and drinks empty. We finally got his attention and called him over to get another glass of wine and I ordered a starter to round out the meal: the 50/50 bacon burger. (Wonderful! Crispy and flavorful, with aioli and pickles) We also had to wait too long to get our dessert order in. Pot de creme and blueberry crisp. There wasn't a lot of crisp with the blueberries, but otherwise the desserts were good. Then the waiter did something that really ticks me off: He brought the check without being asked. We were not lingering -- we hadn't even finished our coffee. People were not waiting to be seated. We felt that after somewhat lazy service, he was in a big freakin' hurry to get rid of us.
(4)
Scott H.
I've been to Fork a few times for brunch, and I'm sure that I'll be back for more. Each time I go, I've gotten their seasonal/monthly/daily 'Special.' I usually don't bother with the specials at restaurants, but at Fork I just can't pass them up. Last fall they had a Root Vegetable Hash with beets and squash that I still dream about to this day! At my latest visit, I had the quiche of the day, and thought it to be just wonderful. I also had the mimosa flight. This should be a requirement at any restaurant that claims to have a 'brunch' menu. P.S. Don't you dare pass on the freshly made donuts holes!
There is no shortage of great restaurants within a couple of miles of Lincoln Square. Fork is unquestionably one of them. It has a full bar and two separate dining rooms which provide a comfortable atmosphere that is good for families and young professionals alike. We went for brunch but ended up ordering the turkey and pesto panini. Sandwich was delicious. The fries were hand cut and fried properly, with the parmesan fries being particularly tasty. Great service made our meal a 4* experience. This is a solid option but is not the type of place that we would travel out of our way to visit.
(4)
Lizette Y.
This joint was selected as a girl's night out venue, and it did not disappoint! They have a lovely outdoor patio, so get there early and park your butt at one of those tables to enjoy the food, vino, and people watching. A friend ordered the sangria, and we were so enamored with its unique cinnamon-y, clove-y flavor, it was wonderfully unique and delicious. Then, we had the wine flights. Oh, the wine flights. At one point there were so many glasses of wine at our table that there was hardly room for food. I'm OK with that! The server was really attentive and very knowledgeable about the wine, which I truly appreciate. For food my friend ordered the bacon-wrapped dates which she reported to be amazing. I also had the asparagus flatbread (very tasty) and the mushroom grits. The grits were outstanding and included a poached egg. There's nothing more delicious than creamy grits with a heavenly, perfectly-poached egg sitting at the very top. Like I said, the service was very attentive and helpful and I will absolutely be back!
(5)
Irina H.
Upon returning to Fork five years later, for a midafternoon lunch, my dining companions and I were quite disappointed. Two of us ordered the crab roll, which was simple and watery - so much so that you had to make sure you were leaning over for a bite, because watery liquid was pouring out the other side of the sandwich with every bite. I lost my appetite after half a sandwich. And how can you go wrong with tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, a classic combo of comfort food? Well, Fork can do it so wrong that you don't recognize it. The soup was labeled as a tomato bisque on the menu, but looked more like a bowl of orange half-and-half with green oil floating on top. There was nothing remotely tomato-y about it, and nothing remotely appetizing about it, either. The grilled cheese sandwich was made with a slab of very sharp cheddar, which is not a delicious cheese when you have to eat it in a big gob, and the purported bacon in it was really just big hunks of pork fat which even my son, a die-hard bacon lover, could not eat. Fork probably still does a good cheese flight and booze menu, but that's not why we were there today, and we certainly won't be going back, ever.
(1)
Kerrie G.
Excuse me deliciousness move over fancy schmaltzy. Fork treats it's patrons to an elevated menu and top notch wine selection, with a very neighborhood feel. Our table of six enjoyed the poutine, let me rephrase, we nearly "forked" the bus boy who asked if we were done with the dish, when clearly we were still prepared to lick the platter. Service was top notch with recommendations and frequent check ins with out too many, if you know what I mean. All of our entrees were met with mmmm's and ahhh's. All around a wonderful environment to enjoy a winner of a meal.
(5)
Douglas B.
So wifey and I have been coming here for a few years now. We are here almost every weekend for brunch or lunch. Overall we love this place. We have never had a bad experience here and always always get great service. The food is always on point, there is always something tasty to choose from and their beer and wine selection is always great. We typically make reservations on the weekend because it is always busy, especially when it is nice out. The outdoor seating is great, right a long the side of the restaurant. The hosts are super friendly and very accommodating when possible. Julio is usually our server and he always makes it a great experience for us at Fork. He is very knowledgeable on the food, the beer and the wine. He makes great recommendations for drinks, I can honestly say the staff is very well trained on the product. The menu is very consistent, we usually go for brunch or lunch. We have on occasion been there for dinner. I typically order a nice crisp beer and we almost always start off with the duck crostini's. They nice thin cuts of duck breast with this delicious jam, cheese, an arugula leaf and truffle oil all sitting on a nice piece of small crusty bread. Perfect bite to get things started. You get two in the order. Then we move on to bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and covered in a tasty blue cheese sauce that works so well with the sweetness of the date. Since its the weekend, I have to order eggs. I usually get the duck confit hash! If you like duck confit, you will love this dish. Its a nice combination of potato hash with duck confit and arugula. It is just a heavenly mixture. Sitting on top of all that is a couple of sunny side up eggs. Paired with a couple slices of wheat toast, its the perfect breakfast. Wifey usually gets the Florentine Benedict, its your typical eggs Benedict but with spinach. The other day they had a special braised short rib Benedict, i was jealous of wifey for ordering it. I love coming here and I highly recommend it to everyone to try it. It has a great variety of dishes. I've tried something from each category and I can say I have not been disappointed. The staff is wonderful, management is helpful, the food and drink selections are great. Give it a go... do it!
(5)
Leslie B.
Had a really wonderful dinner here on a Saturday night. Our group of 7 was greeted right away by our waitress who got us started with some cocktails. Fork has a great beer list and great cocktail menu, I had a very refreshing gin drink. The food menu is incredibly unique in that you can order traditionally, with appetizers and entrees, or sharing. Our group opted to share everything so we could try more of Fork's offerings. Highly recommend this approach! To start with, we had the bacon wrapped dates, garlic fries, mushroom flatbread, root veggie hash, lamb flatbread, and charcuterie plate. The charcuterie offerings at Fork are so impressive. They have a huge selection of both cheeses and meats and you can mix and match, everything we tried was delicious. The lamb flatbread and bacon wrapped dates were also standouts. For entrees, we had the mussels, which were fantastic. They came in a very rich and flavorful broth, highly recommend this. Other noteworthy entrees were the sweet potato gnocchi, very unique, and the shortrib, which was so tender and tasty. We shared a couple desserts that were on special, but sharing one or two between a group is more than enough after sharing multiple dishes at Fork! Portions are large and the savory dishes are very filling. Overall, Fork is definitely one of the best Lincoln Square spots. Warm and inviting interior, come in with a few friends and share some items. While it may be pretty pricey, the quality and uniqueness of the menu make this is a great special occasion dinner.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I wanted to give Fork a higher rating, but when I thought about it, my experience really was just ok. I will definitely return though. I'm hoping for better....I truly think they have it in them! I went here with my team from work. We are a fun bunch, so we definitely had a good time. A few wine flights later, we were feeling pretty good. Service was a tad weird...difficult to explain. Our server was nice and all, just a tad...well....awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strange bird myself, so I really dig strange people. But this woman just didn't seem comfortable in her own skin, and she was kind of spacey. She didn't really smile either, which is takes from the experience. We started with some apps....bacon wrapped dates (A-mazing), Cliantro Garlic Fries (DEE-lish), Baked Pretzels w/ amazing beer cheese (YUM!). Most of the crew got burgers, which they thought were ok. One guy got the bbq brisket. It was a little dry, but had great flavor and was quite tender. I kept eating his food because my fresh caught salmon was....meh. I was super disappointed. I really wanted to love it. The grain served with it tasted freezer burnt and the whole meal was luke warm vs pleasingly hot. Lackluster. One girl got the mussels. She didn't rave, but no complaints either. Dessert made up for some of the dinner disappointment. We had the creme brulee, which was fantastic. The apple crisp and bread pudding were no slackers either! All in all, decent place. Great vibe. Good neighborhood joint.
(3)
Chris B.
I want to give this place 5 stars but we only had brunch today for the 1st time. We had the chicken and waffles. Amazing! Cant wait to come here for dinner.
(4)
Meredith B.
I love a brunch place that takes reservations! I knew almost nothing about Fork, and was pleasantly surprised to find it bustling and cozy on a Sunday morning in autumn. Definitely make a reservation - most/all tables were full, though it didn't look like there was a huge wait. Great neighborhood restaurant vibe, with a long bar where people were watching the Bears game. I had some tea (which was in a bag, not loose, bummer) and the roasted vegetable hash - veggies like beets, butternut squash, and more. It's a seasonal dish, the veggies in the hash apparently change throughout the year, but are always served with arugula and eggs over easy. The dish was really filling but was a great healthy option. I loved the colorful veggies, and they tasted great especially after I broke the yolk and it poured out all over them. This dish comes with toast, and even though it's vegetarian I know it will fill you up. It's a touch pricey, but not too bad. I think my brunch was $13. Lots of unique breakfast options - a bunch of different benedicts, chicken and waffles, duck confit hash - something for everyone! I've heard that their dinner is great too. I'd definitely come back if I was in Lincoln Square, it has such a relaxed vibe and some cool brunch offerings for sure!
(4)
Esther G.
It was SUCH a long wait on a Saturday night but the hostesses actually made it less painful by chatting/joking with us. The front area is big enough that we didn't feel like we were in the way of people coming and going. The inside is nicer than I was expecting, but it's not like we felt out of place in casual clothes. Looking for something small, I had the duck liver mousse (foie gras for the fancypants). Never had it before and had no idea what to expect, but with the grape jam, white port gelee and the small, perfectly toasted pieces of bread, it was so, so good. Very rich, smooth like butter and delicate. Garlic cilantro fries -- a bit passable. Could use more garlic. There's also an extensive beer/wine menu, which you can all get as flights. They're divided by cost so if you want to mix and match, you pay per sample, otherwise you pick 3-4 for one set price. It's a 3 oz pour so it was pretty generous.
(4)
Tad D.
We went back today for brunch and it was just fantastic. The service was quite good and the food was amazing. I don't even get in to Chicken and Waffles usually, but it was unreal. It will change your perspective on stuff. Chef Tim came out and greeted us. The attention to detail here is quite good. I can't recommend this place enough and I wish the entire ownership and staff the best.
(5)
Brian M.
Great spot for dinner and a date. We ordered quite a bit of food as our group was uber hungry. We started with the house pretzels which were very good and garlic-cilantro fries. The fries were simply out of this world good. Not a date friendly order, but seriously its worth it. I had the farm house burger. This was one hell of a solid burger. Its grass-fed beef, fried egg, white cheddar cheese, friend onions and bacon. What could ever be wrong with a burger like that? It was a messy burger that I would gladly eat many times over. What really made the place awesome was the server [Michael?]. Dude was funny, quick, really good at recommendations and didn't mess around when it came to making sure we were good. Had solid appetizer recommendations and we got a great bottle of wine that he recommended as well! Again, if you are looking for a good burger try here. Also if you want to have a solid date, this is also that spot.
(4)
Max F.
They have 20-75 different cheese I think. I haven't tried them all but I'm pretty sure they're all good. Please note that both the grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni and cheese pasta dishes only contain a select few, but are both stellar entrees. One of the cheeses is from Burgundy.
(5)
Kristin I.
I went in for their Vivant Brewery dinner and it was amazing! The dinner was held in the back room, which was perfect because we were able to hear the chef and the guy from the brewery describe each course. The food was amazing! My favorite was definitely the house-made sausage wrapped in house-made brioche! It was so tasty and perfectly paired with the beer. I was just so impressed that they made both the sausage and the bread! And the service was excellent. We had clean silverware, plates and the next beer pairing before each new dish arrived. Which seems to be something that is missing at most beer dinners. I left stuffed and happy!
(5)
Patrick B.
I came to Fork a couple years ago for brunch because I saw online that they had Chicken and Waffles, which I had been craving. We showed up to find out they had an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. We decided to check it out, but unfortunately it was one of the worst brunch buffets I've ever had. They didn't offer their normal breakfast menu either. It was so bad, I never wanted to give Fork a second try. Well, we've since moved out of Chicago and we were in town for the weekend and decided to give Fork a second chance, mainly because our first choice was closed for the day. Now I'm a little sad I didn't give them a second chance sooner, because the Hangover Helper with biscuit, egg, sausage gravy and bacon on it was amazing. We also got the eggs benedict which hit the spot as well. The beer mimosa was pretty good too, I'm glad there wasn't too much orange juice in it. Anyway, I now recommend going to Fork for brunch. However, if you see an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet when you walk in the door, I would turn back around.
(4)
Rafia J.
Went there for a paintnite event and I am extremely sad to say that besides the paintnite experience, I was greatly disappointed in this place. The only reason we came across this place was because of paintnite while we were there for so late we decided to stay here for dinner. I ordered steak and frites and my friends ordered chicken burger with garlic and cilantro fries. The only thing worth eating in that order were garlic and cilantro fries. My steak was tasteless/ saltless and just was not edible after a couple of bites. I left the whole thing there. My friend's chicken burger was drenched in cheese and was extremely tasteless as well. And we spent quite a lot of money too. Other than that the atmosphere and service were nice but definitely not one of the great places in Chicago to come and dine at.
(1)
T K.
I have to update my review as this place has *drastically* gone downhill from the previous ownership... I went in Sunday with a friend who was visiting from out of town. We had, what we both believed, to be the worst service of our life there. We were seated quickly, however, everything else went downhill... Our food took over 45m to come out, the longest I've ever had to wait there. The waiter was less than attentive, our drinks ran empty during our wait and he never even checked on us without my having to pull him aside (twice) to find out what was taking so long. Offering a shallow "sorry, we're very busy" to attempt to compensate. (hint: they were not that busy, by the time we got our food most of the section was empty and some had already received and eaten their entire meal) Even my friend who is from the south and epitomizes southern charm was fuming. The manager eventually came over to check on us (and the table next to us that was also complaining about the horrible service) and she offered a short apology and nothing else... no offer to compensate for the poor service, nothing, just a "sorry" and off to do whatever else it was she was doing. (it definitely wasn't getting her ass involved in fixing the situation by any means) The final kicker came when we asked for our check... you would think after all this they would promptly grab the ticket and get it to us. NOPE. It took ANOTHER 15-20 mins *JUST TO GET OUR CHECK* I will never go back here and my friend, who didn't complain about anything else the entire weekend, even asked me "can we promise never to eat here again." If it wasn't the fact that we were both hungry to the point of shaky when we realized the situation I would have gotten up and walked out...
(1)
Mark Tuna T.
Had a fantastic dinner here last night. The food is incredible. A great selection of comfort food and artisan cheese/charcuterie. The wine and beer selection is also very easy to get lost in. Everything we ate and drank were spectacular. But the service really stood out. Jen took EXCELLENT care of us keeping our meal moving at the perfect pace and providing the best suggestions. Kudos to the entire staff, kitchen and service! We will def be back again!
(5)
Zach R.
Great beer selection, awesome burgers (and cilantro, garlic fries), and a great vibe.
(5)
Melissa P.
I love this restaurant! Wonderful menu, great cocktail, beer, and wine selection. I can't get enough!
(5)
Rosemary Z.
Super brunch for a group of friends! Thumbs up for yummy fresh food, a creative menu, service with a smile, and a comfortable setting. I really liked my vegetable hash with eggs over easy. It was a little on the sweet side for me, but the arugula and eggs helped balance the flavors. Kudos for getting our food out at the same time. This officially gets 4.5 stars because I didn't like the coffee. I thought it was bitter. :(
(5)
Peter C.
We are regulars at Fork. It is our first choice for a great dinner in Lincoln Square prior to a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The poutine is the best that we have had, even compared to the poutine in Quebec. The mushroom and grits is out of this world. The specials are always fresh and well done. Service is exceptional and the noise level is low, allowing for great conversation. A special shout out for Niko, who is the go-to wait person. He's always tested the specials and will guide you through the extensive beer and wine list. We routinely recommend Fork to friends and family.
(5)
Faye B.
Liked that we were able to make reservations on open table for our party of 7. Had a nice gathering of family for brunch on an early Saturday before noon. The restaurant was busy, but not yet full. It did start to pick up shortly after we had all come together. The food was pretty good. I was starting to get sick so my appetite wasn't all together there. I did however order poutine for the whole table and I got the soup and grilled cheese option. The poutine was delicious! My grilled cheese was a little salty, but I appreciate the two types of cheese and bacon. I also liked that I had an option of tomato or mushroom soup. Went with the mushroom and it was yummy. My husband exclaimed that he had the best french toast ever. It was a bananas foster inspired brioche french toast with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Overall I think we all were happy with the overall meal although my brother and wife were served sour milk, but our waitress managed to get rid of it. That was probably the only thing that kept our experience from being 5 stars. Can't wait to go back to try that french toast....when I have more of an appetite.
(4)
Caitlin B.
After one bite of their mushroom soup, I fell in love and don't even remember the rest of the night. The ambiance is great, can be slightly more casual for lunch, but definitely trendy and upscale by night. The staff is great and attentive. The menu is SUPERB. They recommend a small-plate approach--ordering multiples and sharing. Additionally, they have wine, beer, and cheese flights which is always fun for those of us who can't make up their minds (ahem ahem). It's pretty pricey, so I won't be going here all the time, but it's perfect for special occasions and entertaining out-of-town guests.
(5)
Carol J.
The sausage plate is amazing - the chicken foie gras sausage might be the best sausage I have ever eaten. The "amazing shrimp" lived up to it's name. Every time I come here, it is better than the time before. Keep it up!!!
(5)
Reg T.
Been there twice now and can't wait to get back. From fantastic craft beers, an extensive wine list and scrumptious dishes, Fork is definitely on my "must return" list.
(5)
Guit B.
Fork is a superb restaurant, easily beating out the other neighborhood restaurants. Nearly everything I have had there is special in some way, a standout. My friends and I used to frequent a number of places in Lincoln Square, becoming regulars. As much as we wanted to continue to go to the other places, we just couldn't deny that the food at Fork is better. Worlds better really. I go for brunch and for dinner, usually on the weekend. As for the brunch they have a number of creative entrees (I like the salmon eggs benedict and brioche French toast for a change-up); everyone has their favorite and even simple items are excellent. Dinner is likewise varied in terms of the choices but always excellent and a gourmet experience. Appetizers, extras, coffee, and ciders are delicious as well. Service is superb, I will particularly mention Lauren, Katie, Stephanie, Cesar, & Kelly (and Bailey too) but no matter what you feel taken care of and appreciated as a customer. Even the chef will take care of you if he notices something. The atmosphere is comfortable and unhurried. It manages to be a good environment both for dates and for groups, and families fit in as well during the Saturday and Sunday brunches. You have to ignore the earlier reviews for Fiddlehead which was always a mediocre place. Since Fork came in it is very difficult to go anywhere else nearby-- for food it is head and shoulders above places like Bad Dog, Daily Grill, Grafton or Latitude.
(5)
Laurel N.
We've eaten here for lunch and for dinner, and nearly everything was great, especially the pork slider and grits. The half roast chicken had a nice smokiness to it, but the breast part was so dry it was challenging to eat. Service is friendly and fast and they have a great beer list. The decor could use some updating but on the whole we've enjoyed our experiences here.
(4)
Kylie S.
Made a random and wonderful stop one weekday evening this past summer for a charcuterie board and a few beers with my husband. The patio was a great place to watch the world go by and catch up after a long couple of weeks. Such a great beer and wine list that I had trouble choosing and selected a flight (good idea). The cheese was simple and excellent. Our service was super great and I loved everything about our stop in here. Will return for sure.
(5)
Kristi K.
Fork is an amazing neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Square! From seasonal varieties to classic stand-by's, anything you order at Fork is sure to please! Go for the homemade pretzels, asparagus flat bread, homemade gnocchi, and any kind of dessert! Don't forgot the delicious wine flights!!
(5)
Melissa H.
Went to Fork Tuesday night, 1/20/15. Love, Love,Love!!!! Great room! Great Service! Everything we ordered as good if not better than the dish before!!!! Salmon Salad? To die for!!! Duck liver pate? Unbelievably delicious!!! Wild mushrooms & grits? Superb!! I think the poached egg puts that over the top! Apple crisp? Made with honey crisp apples, wonderful!!! Parking is a little iffy, but well worth the search. Most definitely will return! Won't wait too long with this one!!
(5)
Brian H.
Their Chilaquiles for brunch are some of the best around and overall their brunch is great. Pretty standard dinner fare, but the bar is their strong suit. They have an excellent beer menu with a lot of uncommon bottles and drafts and even do rotating beer and wine flights.
(4)
Rebecca B.
I go to Fork specifically for the garlic cilantro fries. Holy moley, guys, it's insane. Best fries in Chicago. I think everything else is a little overpriced - too little food for the money - but the beer list goes on forever and it's worth walking in if only for the fries. Seriously, you have to try them.
(4)
Adam R.
Fantastic brunch. Very friendly staff. Attentive. Our server even brought out our daughter's food first, and we didn't even ask.
(4)
Harat H.
Had a fantastic dining experience here! Stopped in with some friends and brought our two year old. Right away we were greeted with a smile and the host was sweet to our daughter got her crayons and coloring things right away. We ordered cocktails and beers and all were perfect! For an appetizer we tried their housemade doughnuts that were topped with their special topping of the day was butterscotch! They were to die for! Tasty, light, fluffy. For food two of my friends had their paninis and both were great. My husband and his friend both had their farmhouse burger with a fried egg on top and they were tasty to the last morsel, I had their house burger with caramelized onions and bacon it was fantastic. Their fries and garlic cilantro fries were all wonderful. My daughter had their mac and cheese and it was delicious. Our server Kelly, was incredible and extremely attentive. We had a wonderful time.
(5)
Katie K.
I wanted to write a quick update - in respond to my review I did hear from management, with an offer to come back in for a better experience. This is greatly appreciated. I will post another update once we return.
(3)
Gregory C.
Had dinner with my wife and 17 yo son this past Friday [8/15/14]. The service was outstanding from the host at the door to our server, Kathryn K. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the large draft beer selections. The menu challenges the taste buds and the portions, the small plates, were very generous. When I asked Kathryn about an ingredient she came back with the Chef who spent several valuable Friday night minutes talking about the menu and answering questions about his cooking philosophy.
(5)
Kelly H.
We went for my dad's birthday on a Saturday night and everything was great! We have a 14 month old and they are very family friendly. We had the dates and pretzels to start and I had the duck club for my entree. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee and s'mores. Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful! I would definitely recommend!
(4)
skip l.
We've been to Fork several times -- returning for brunch now and then -- and like the location, which is near the Old Town School of Folk Music, where I teach. We've enjoyed the food, but it's never been a favorite. Tonight's visit was spontaneous, almost accidental, and for dinner -- but well-rewarded. We wanted to go "light." So I had their French chacuterie -- good, but not memorable. What made up for this was a spectacular crabmeat "Slider." The diminuative title did not prepare me for the substantial sandwich that arrived on the table:: the so-called Slider was an almost 2 inch high production of crab, slaw, sauce, and roll, with a half-moon slice of apple toothpicked on top. This delightful creation rang several changes at once: a hot, crispy fried patty of sweet crabmeat, contrasting with the coldness and mild vinegar taste of the slaw and the soft bun, all happily married in the middle, with Mornay sauce presiding. It was delicious and so well constructed that it held together to the last bite. Fran had a beautiful light beet and goat cheese salad, followed by a wonderful mushroom dish with egg, presented in a small frying pan -- just the right touch in presenttion, combined with a fine combination of flavors. Our vanilla bean creme brule was topped with a welcome extra-thick layer of carmelized sugar, and big enough for two. (Even though I was forced to undertake the lonely task by myself). My only quibble is what I remembered only when my cocktail arrived --I thought, yipes, I made the mistake again! I simply don't like their drinks. They incline to overly sour or bitter,. On an earlier visit I sent back a margarita and even the re-make was undrinkable. (The original turned out to be their signature drink). Tonight it was a Sidecar, the drink famed as the ideal combination of strong, sweet, and sour, normally served with sugar around the rim. It came with no sugar and no detectable orange flavor from the sweet liqueur ingredient. I assume their nod to sweet is the sangria, but I would have hoped they could do better with at least one of their actual cocktails. That aside, a fine meal! But how about it, Fork? Come up with a sweet one and you can the Skip Landt.
(4)
George A.
The food was good. The waiter that night was incredibly slow and inattentive. This can make a huge difference when trying to enjoy a meal. Will try Fork again, hopefully that service was uncommon.
(3)
Jiwon M.
Ok. So the service eh. The atmosphere eh. but my food - Fabulous! And know what, I crave their garlic french fries like all the time! Yeah this is comfort nosh food joint with a flare.
(4)
Minna A.
DUCK CONFIT POUTINE. don't question me. your stomach/taste buds will thank me later. Crispy french fries, topped with juicy pulled duck, drizzled with melted cheese. AND IT'S NOT DONE YET. Because then comes the hearty pour of sweet and salty duck gravy. media.comicvine.com/uplo…
(5)
Janet V.
My husband and I were starving after a long work day and just happened to walk by this place, so we decided to give it a try. I loved the ambiance, it was perfectly lit and had a warm vibe. We ordered several small plates, including the corn, pulled pork, mussels, and the duck. We also ordered a 3 cheese plate. I didn't like a lot of what we ordered. I normally love pulled pork but I couldn't even finish one bite of the one we ordered, it was way too sweet and it just didn't taste good, my husband didn't like it either. The mussels were cold and the sauce had no flavor. The roasted corn was AMAZING. It had sweet bacon bits and onions mixed in and it was so flavorful. The cheese platter was also very delicious. We ordered the special pumpkin cheesecake desert which was TO DIE FOR! It was freshly made and it was very unique. I might go back just to have that. The service was great, our waiter was very nice and he was timely. Overall, the food was just okay. I would like to go back and try other things on the menu. I liked the vibe and feel of the restaurant it was very cozy and comfortable. And the service was good. It was just a little bit on the expensive side, but nothing too bad.
(3)
Katie M.
A perfect dinner experience, starting with the friendly host/hostesses (who graciously handled an abrasive and inappropriate guest's rude behavior), our AWESOME waiter TERENCE who was super nice, attentive, and funny (and cute ;) ), to the amazing food. THE FOOD! SOOOO tasty. My friend and I started with flights of wine each, yum! Then split the beef medallions (salty, crunchy, savory perfect outside with red, juicy, tender inside) and a little lettuce with a sweetish sweet potato sauce/not-quite-paste concoction. The scallops were good (not a huge scallops fan, but tasted good) and ended with the braised short ribs with root hash- sooooooo tender, sooooo tasty. The pot-de-crema was the perfect icing on this delicious dinner and the chef honored a special request of ours with the dessert- THANK YOU! The Chef was approachable, friendly and a humble man. A wonderful experience! Recommend reservations, this place was rather popular and hoppin' on a Friday night! (Reasonable priced... we spent more b/c we got A LOT of food, but for the quality, experience and service, this place is reasonably priced) ?? TV's- I don't remember seeing any, GREAT! TV shouldn't be in a restaurant, pay attention to your dining experience!
(5)
Lizzie C.
I love Fork for brunch, and visit frequently. The food is great and the service is generally prompt. It has never been too hard for us to get a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I like to order the chilaquiles, traditional eggs benedict or the poutine. My boyfriend and the rest of my family love the locally sourced root vegetable hash. In fact, he has ordered it the last three times we've visited. Don't skip the Garlic Cilantro Fries with Sriracha Aioli. They are sent straight from heaven (I think.) The coffee is good and the bloody marys are large. Fork is very kid-friendly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it does get a little loud sometimes. On my last visit, there were a pair of twins who were about one year old and decided to shriek at each other for a few minutes. They did quiet down pretty quickly, though. I live about half a mile from Fork, and I like to go for brunch there when I have house guests. I'm sure I will be back soon.
(5)
Joan A.
Definitely a fan of this place! To start, there is parking available, which is always nice, but it's also not a terribly far walk from the metra station. Went here for a late dinner/drinks with some friends. The ambiance of this place was cool without trying too hard, and we had a sweet waiter. Prices weren't bad either. This place has a wide variety both large and small plates, so there's something for everyone. I personally went for the eggplant "caviar" - an eggplant spread with caramelized onions that came with bread with goat cheese on top. It was definitely different than the normal bar food fare. When I ran out of bread, the waiter asked me if I wanted more to finish the spread. Nice! Friends got the fries with sriracha aioli, the mussles, the brisket sandwich, the beet salad, and a cheese/pate plate. Everyone enjoyed their food. Watch out for the sriracha aioli though, the spice apparently gets you after a few bites! Good selection of beers (41 on tap!). You can also do beer flights here.
(4)
Lenore C.
We had just been walking down Lincoln and saw the restaurant windows wide open, so inviting, so we walked in. The hostess sat us at a window booth, just as we had requested. Looking over the menu we saw so many things that sounded delicious but it had been a long time since I had duck confit hash -- in fact, since I can't get it in the town we moved to, I only have it when I make it myself. We ordered that and the grape tomato goat cheese omelet, as an egg white omelet. The hash was exactly what I hoped for. But the omelet surpassed expectations - I had thought it would be a very familiar treatment. Instead, the tomatoes were quite a surprise. Yes, there were the grape tomatoes as described in the menu, but they shared the spotlight with a kind of tomato confit- a sauce that had a thick rich taste, very fresh, not too sweet, highlighted with basil. I've heard that the test of a great chef is in their ability to make the ordinary extraordinary - it was just perfect
(5)
Mike V.
brunch - lots of good stuff here. sweet, savory, good portions. dinner - no good. a bit over the top and overpriced for what it actually is.
(3)
Toni T.
We set a reservation for 10 people, and they had our table ready for us in the back when we got there. We had a bunch of appetizers like cilantro fries, donuts, some pork creation, and bacon wrapped dates. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite! Everyone had either bloody Mary's, mimosas, craft beer, homemade juices, some of us had shots at the end of the meal too. A couple people got the hangover helper and some got items from the Benedict menu. I got 2 poached eggs, English muffin, bacon and their breakfast potatoes. Everything was amazing! Service was a little slow, but once we left the back area we saw that it was packed so that was why. I would go back again. There are a lot of items in various price ranges. My bill was only $15.
(5)
Riina H.
Awesome meal and great experience!
(5)
Lizz M.
3.5 for sure. Came here today with a couple of friends after searching for a good brunch spot. I made my feelings known for Fork as they have chicken and waffles on their menu. The verdict? I think I've been ruined by Gladys Knight's chicken and waffles in Atlanta because I wasn't too crazy about these. The waffle was the highlight of the dish as it was nice and fluffy. I wasn't that impressed with the chicken, though. While it was seasoned pretty well, the coating of the chicken wasn't crispy and the actual meat was a little dry. I also had a side of ham which was overly salty. It's a chance you have to take with ham sometimes, I guess. I had a try of my friend's potatoes which were tasty. Service was good and I'd go back to give their lunch/dinner menu a shot. If I had to do brunch again I'd probably go for an egg dish.
(3)
Scott T.
I don't quite understand the 2- and 3-star reviews. This is a moderately-priced restaurant. I think it unfair to not give it the 4 or 5 stars it deserves. The bar is great. They have an incredibly-wide selection. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, even when it's busy. The table wait staff do a great job, as does the host, and the food is really pretty good. I also like that they have Open Table enabled on yelp so that you can make a reservation in a few seconds, without the old-fashioned voice mail back and forth that some restaurants still use. I guess some unhappy people use yelp place to be unhappy. If I get good service, food, and drinks at a restaurant, and the prices are fair, that's a good restaurant, and they deserve a good review. There are so many restaurants in Chicago, and I don't live in Lincoln Square, so I can't say I'll be here every week, but it's certainly worth going back.
(5)
Michael M.
They have pretty good food, but it is over priced. They think their food is better than it is.
(2)
Abbie F.
Great selection of super delicious entrees! Hangover was super yummy as well as the veggie scrambled. Donuts were pretty delicious as well! Chilliques were ok. Service was pretty good as well! Only downside is it smelled like mildew...:(
(4)
Rose B.
Atmosphere - great Service - great food - okay Wine selections were really nice and I liked the "flights". However, the food was average to just above average. Service was really great. Would have loved to give this a 4 star but maybe next time. Price was way out of line with what was posted on Yelp. party of 5 was $350 with tip
(3)
Kyle B.
How could I not enjoy a restaurant named after my favorite utensil? Just for reference, it's fork, spoon, knife in that order. I feel like a knife is generally unnecessary for the types of foods I normally ingest, however the spoon is relatively ineffective for self-defense. The fork basically takes care of both. The more you know. This Lincoln Square local bar is a nice, relaxing place to grab some food and drinks. I have a few friends in the area that frequent the establishment and have come to know the staff on a more intimate level. The waitresses are always friendly and the owner is very in tune with the latest trends in beers, consistently rotating the taps for some fresh new flavors and rare finds. With a beer list like theirs, you could honestly visit every night of the week drinking a different beer each time, and you wouldn't be able to make it through the whole list without a new one being added. Trust me, Dave Z. tried. He couldn't do it. The food is pretty good, and they even hold special event nights with sponsored beer and grub pairings. If wine is your thing, they have a pretty extensive list too. I'm not really a wine guy, but they have reds and whites. More specifically, dark reds, light reds and whites. That's about as descriptive as I get with those. Sorry wine lovers. All in all, this is a very solid place to grab dinner with friends if you're headed out for a night on the town in Lincoln Square. Get a solid meal and head up the street to drink hefty amounts of German beers. What else could you want?
(4)
Sean T.
Went here for a date, it was overall a great experience! The food was delicious and the staff was very informative. My date had a gluten allergy and chef was able to accommodate her. Overall a great experience!!
(5)
Araceli A.
The food was hearty and the beer selection was good. I thought the service could have been a little better.
(2)
Josh G.
We went for brunch. We sat outside. It was beautiful! Food- My date had the Egg/Ham/Cheese Skillet thingy and a side of the potatoes. The skillet was OK, but the potatoes were full of flavor. I had this egg/goat cheese/Arugula thing on a pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed that and my date's potatoes. Service- I forgot our servers name...Shame on me...She was a blond bubbly server, and was super gregarious and awesome! She was training a new guy the day we were there. If he does what she does, he will go places. :) Parking- Street parking/meters and a metered lot about half a block south. GF Friends- My date is GF and they ordered the Ham/Egg/Cheese skillet thingy and potatoes. I'm sure there are other options, but I know you have at least one option.
(4)
Lolo S.
Visiting for a family occasion in Chicago, my parents, husband and I were driving around looking for a drink/break from all the kiddies. This was the PERFECT find, for a few reasons: -We are beer snobs, my parents a beer newbs. We ordered 3 different flights and had a BLAST (nothing like getting drunk with the fam). Each flight comes with a strip of paper with the name, type, and a blurb about the beer which was great because a-who remembers what servers say when they name the 9 beers that hit the table and b-we were able to remember what we liked and can order them again! My parents had the pretzels and some sort of eggplant dip app that looked amazing and they loved. The servers were pleasant, the atmosphere was perfect, and we had a great evening. Would definitely return on my next visit to Chicago, parents in tow or not.
(4)
Julia R.
Great service and I loved being able to sit outside! I started with the summer whites wine flight and also a cheese flight. Both were great! I got a combination of blues, which my waitress helped me choose. My boyfriend got the pretzels to start with and those weren't very good. Expected them to be soft, warm and doughy, but they were hard. He also got the mushroom flatbread, which he loved, but I was underwhelmed by. I got a small plate of mac n cheese and mussels. What a combination, right? Both were delicious.
(4)
Sarah P.
I just discovered Fork about two months ago, but since then have been back several times already! I am a big fan of the french-style mussels. The sauce is delicious, especially when soaked up with the toasted bread provided with the dish. The garlic cilantro fries are good, not sure if they are worth the extra money though since the regular fries are good as well! The bacon-wrapped dates appetizer is amazing. Then again, I think bacon-wrapped dates anywhere are good, but theirs have a blue cheese dipping sauce that is perfect with the dates. Now on to my favorite part... wine flights and cheese plates. I would come just for this alone, since in life I would prefer to just live off of cheese and wine. What's nice about both of these is that you can order their planned selections or you can order your own mix. Wine flights are grouped in threes but you can also order wines in the 6oz or 2.5oz size on their own. The cheese plates also have pre-set options, OR you can mix your own selections together for a plate. Perfection. Don't forget about dessert. Delicious options, and if you get the ice cream (which I would normally never order for dessert at a restaurant because I'd rather just go to an ice cream place), you can pick three different flavors for the little scoops they give you, and can choose from unique flavors like blood orange or pear moscato sorbet, banana, pumpkin, porter, something or other chocolate with bacon, etc. YUM.
(5)
Vanitha S.
Fork makes for a great brunch place with friends. The menu has all kinds of creative dishes to indulge in. When I went last fall they had a delicious mimosa flight which was fun, colorful, and tasty. I had gotten the tomato basil omelet which was just ok, nothing super fabulous. The next time I got the chilaquiles which were amazing...crispy chips and fluffy eggs and a good homemade sour cream sauce on top. The one thing that was missing big time though was some spicy salsa on top. Their iced chais are good, though really small for $4, and you can ask for them to make it with skim milk. The decor is one of my favorite things about the restaurant--feels like you're in a big family room. Service is consistently great.
(4)
Emily H.
What manner of cheese frippery hath touched my mouth? Only the best! The beer flights and cheese flights make for a scintillating face sensation, and are perfect for lazy afternoons with library books from the Sulzer library. Persian feta on rye and spring beer flight for the win. I went home with prizes from their to-go menu. When you're craving a little more substance but the coffee houses are full and your dining partner requires frequent feedings of meat, the duck confit poutine is there to sweep you away with flavors of Thanksgiving mated with savory duckyness. Seriously. The poutine tastes like Thanksgiving.
(4)
Julie Z.
I have been here 4 x in the last month. PROBLEMS. Here's why I like it and why I think you will too: 1. Extensive menu. Allow me to elaborate. They have snacks, salads, soups, pates, HUGE cheese selection (almost overwhelming), charcuterie, small plates and large plates. You can try a lot of food here, which is what we did. Let's not forget about the wine options. They have several flights to choose from and an excellent "key" that describes each wine (E.g., bold, buttery, jammy, spicy, etc) It was very helpful. They also have a Port flight. Score! On the menu: -Bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese dressing: GENIUS to add blue cheese dressing. It gives it more moisture which sometimes the dates need. - French onion soup - definitely on the sweeter side, which I don't love but I ate the entire crock and ordered it a second time. I cannot resist melted cheese - Beet Salad - Mmmm. It has pears mixed in which I loved - Mixed Greens - standard. no complaints - Duck Poutine - DING DING DING. We have a winner!!!! Pls get this. You will love it. They pour a cheese sauce and then gravy at your table. mmmmmm. more please - mac n cheese - order the small plate. it's big, rich and delicious. - Dessert = volcano type toffee cake goodness. We ordered it after spying it at another table. you will not be disappointed. We also ordered their cookies with ice cream. They have banana ice cream! I loved it and it's a great compliment with chocolate. 2. SERVICE I should preface this. The first time I went the service was outstanding. Our server was patient and actually thought it was cool that we would only order one course at a time. On my second visit, my server was a bit flighty and I had to remind her twice about things she forgot. No biggie but wanted to point it out. 3. VALUE The food and wine is reasonably priced. 4. Ambiance It is cozy and comfortable here. Great to come with friends or with a date.
(4)
Audrey S.
This has been one of my favorite neighborhood places for years. Toniight I had the beef brisket and it was out of this world tender. The bbq sauce had some sweetness, but definitely had a spicey kick. It's served open-faced which is fine by me because I want to conserve room for the meat, not the bread. But the meat is served on a kind of Texas Toast which tasted quite good. As someone that has had a lot of "tough" experiences with brisket, I was incredibly pleased by Fork's tender beef. :) PS - I noticed that in my last review of Fork, I also had the brisket and raved about it just as much as I am doing now. That goes to show their quality is consistent!
(5)
Jennifer E.
There's good and bad news about this place... The goods...the food and the beer...compliments to the chef...the garlic cilantro fries are to die for! and the guys especially my husband loved the extensive beer choices... The bad...the service. Our server who shall not be named but rather be called "the Greek" was awful. He was pompous and rude. He was so lucky that we had a big group and gratuity was added because he sucked. There was another server "the Eastern European" who was nice but unfortunately was not assigned to us but he still made sure our water was always full. Word to the management: you don't have to fire "the Greek" but maybe you can make him into a barback or something that doesn't deal with clients because he had no skills in customer service at all.
(2)
Raymond S.
Fork is not without it's issues. Aside from the small problems, the good outweighs the bad and the meal at Fork was very pleasurable. Getting a seat for brunch was a long process. Rather than the waitress taking the patrons to their seat, the middle aged host would do all of the work along with answering the phones and takings reservations God bless her soul. So we waited for a while since she was taking her sweet little time running back and forth inside the restaurant. While waiting to be seated, I rarely saw waitresses servicing the customers in the main area. And when I did see them, if free fucks were raining from the sky these people wouldn't pick one up and give it. If you tried to tape a fuck on the back of the guy refilling water, I'm sure it would slide off like his uniform like they were created with teflon fibers. I literally tried to sneak some fucks into his pitcher, but he stopped pouring water into glasses because it would have caused him to have to give one of those fucks. The wait staff made the middle age host look like Usain Bolt. Very few fucks were given about servicing customers quickly. But on to the food. We order the duck poutine and candied bacons, both of which were solid. I ordered the bananas foster french toast. It was so damn good, out of the numerous brunch places I've hit within the last few months this was the best thing I've been served. It was topped with caramel(everyone who knows me knows I have a dangerous addiction), bananas, and granola which really set it apart. The other orders at the table were a florentine eggs benedict which was loved, and a biscuit and gravy dish with bacon and greens. The biscuit was one of the best I've ever had. Aside from it's service Forks is a winner. A great place to go if you don't want a large hippy crowd.
(4)
Marta K.
Was here last night.. great waiter, great atmosphere, great food!!! Loved it and hope to come back soon!
(5)
KC F.
Brunch=YUM. Make sure to make a reservation online first!
(4)
Melissa F.
SOOOO yummy!!!! We can't wait to go back and try other dishes!!! Great local place to go and eat!
(5)
Jason D.
An unexpected surprise. The wine & craft beer list was huge and the server was very knowledgeable. We had the bacon wrapped dates (amazing) & the duck sandwich which was more than enough for two people and the best sandwich I've had in some time. Even though it's a bit of a hike for me I will definitely be back.
(5)
Tot L.
Ridiculousness. My friend and I just spent 20 mins waiting for someone to wait on us at an outside table. Mind you, we were flanked by two other tables the waiter was waiting on. He passed us twice with no acknowledgement. A busser finally came by and gave us water and a menu and we continued to wait for another 5 mins before leaving. Won't be back there again!
(1)
Mat M.
Incredible would be the one word I'd use to describe my experience at Fork.... now folks, I'm trying for a ROTD (review of the day) on this one, because everybody needs to know what a great place Fork is. so here it goes... My friend Danielle and I get together about once a month and try out new restaurants, so this time we ended up at Fork. We had some difficult decisions to make... do we go to Fork, Gilt Bar & Grill, Tavernita, Bristol or Leopold. We picked Fork and didn't regret it for a second. We made a reservation for 6:45 and I was of course late, because who knew, parking in Lincoln Square is pretty much a bitch. Now to the fun part... The service was top-notch from the moment I walked in. We were waited on by Jamie with the assistance of Sean ... who I recognized from another of my favorite hangouts ... Rocks Lakeview. The hardest part was figuring out what libations were in order..... well of course, being presented with a menu including wine flights, the decision became all that much easier. I had the three white wine flights....Danielle had two of the red flights, and then another glass of red .... and to say we were feeling pretty and being social is and understatement. the appetizer.... Oohhhhh soooo good. Chroizo, check. Dates, check. Bacon, check. Chorizo Bacon Wrapped Dates ... pretty much an orgasm in your mouth, and that is no joke my friends. the entree... Looking at their lovely menu, one just doesn't know what to get, faced with many great options. Danielle had settled on the Pork Chop and Sean asks what I'm getting...and tells me I should get the pork chop too...and who am I to argue- he's the expert right? The pork chop made you wanna scarf it down in about 30 seconds it was that good. The chop was cooked perfectly, was super juicy and was on a bed of spaghetti squash, bourbon glaze and some candied pecans. It was amazing. We were e-mailing this morning about how good it was. If you want a Chop....go to Fork...you'll leave wanting to lick the place. If you want a finger licking, awesome feeling, super served meal at a great local Chicago restaurant.... eat at Fork. Don't think about it, you'll be super satisfied!
(5)
Matthew M.
Can't find their weakness yet. Nice staff. Attentive. The place is busy most of the times I've been in. Brunch, lunch, dinner have always left me happy. They have unique takes on dishes without seeming to try to hard to change the world. Bar & wait staff have been great the times I have been in. Always part of my rotation when in the neighborhood.
This place was ok for me. We went on a beautiful night and there were options for us to sit outside or inside- the streetfront windows are huge and open up almost completely to the street. The restaurant was much larger than I expected and I liked the vintage look of the large booths scattered about the place. The food was just ok for me. We shared the fries that everyone raved about but I just thought they were alright. I was trying to decide between a chicken dish and the duck sandwich and the waiter said the duck sandwich was bigger and well, size matters. Unfortunately I wasn't a big fan. The sandwich was massive, but all the bread and everything else made the duck kind of lost and it was served cold which I wasn't expecting. I was a little disappointed to see some children literally running around the restaurant, but that isn't a knock against Fork. The food and service was fine, but it wasn't anything special.
(3)
Nancy P.
We showed up before a concert at the Old Town without a reservation, and even though they were really busy and were booked, they managed to accommodate us. All the staff couldn't have been nicer. The food and beer menu was nice, and our meals were great. So happy with experience and will definitely be back to try other times on the menu!
(5)
Rex H.
This place is wonderful! Great food, brilliant service, gorgeous outdoor seating! I will for sure be back!
(5)
Susie C.
My friend had her bridal shower here yesterday. They are a very popular place on a Sunday, but the area is pretty popular. We got the back room which was somewhat secluded for us. The atmosphere is nice....more of a bar/tasting room environment to me. The food was good. We had some kind of breakfast sandwich since the bride-to-be loves brunch. I think we had the egg and portabello melt and the short rib tartine. It was good - both had runny egg yolk in the sandwich. We also had a banana french toast which was the best dish I had. Some people said it was a bit too sweet, but I enjoyed the caramalized nuts and bananas over the toast. This girl at my table literally ate two plateful of it. She really liked it that she didn't have any more room in her stomach for the shower cake. Food was good, location is okay. It is a bit hard to find parking but it is near the brown line so public trans is not bad. Service was decent. Overall had a good time. Good brunch place.
(3)
William R.
SO GOOD! The food was great, and the service was great! Chef Tim came out and asked us how our meal was (SO GOOD!!!!) The caramelized bacon donuts were very good! Great staff, friendly cool chefs ! Thanks guys!
(5)
SC C.
I love Fork - it's one of my go-to standards for great food and cozy atmosphere. However, I really wish they would streamline their drink service and add additional bartenders, especially for busy weekend nights and brunches. On a recent Saturday, we waited nearly 20 minutes for our two glasses of wine. It isn't the server's fault - with one bartender to serve the entire restaurant, plus wait on all the patrons at the bar, it's completely understandable. The back-up then spills over and customers wait longer in general. I still love Fork, but I'll continue to go less frequently as long as the management forces their drinks service to be so inefficient.
(3)
Erin E.
this place was packed on sunday night and i gotta say i'm really scratching my head on that one. i could only conclude that it must have been everyone's first time there. cuz i can't imagine a reason to come back, even though i live only blocks away. overpriced, overpriced, overpriced. there were hardly any entrees less than 14 bucks, many were around 20. i had such a hard time even deciding what to get because i had a feeling going into it that i would be disappointed. and then extra sick to my stomach due to dropping so much money on a mediocre meal. sometimes i hate it when i'm right. nothing was horrible but nothing was good either. and while we each ate our fill, we have done the same at other restaurants with much better food and had leftovers, while here we had none. (not that i would have eaten them anyway.) and did i mention we were starving? this should have been the best meal ever! the only redeeming qualities were the ambiance and the service, neither of which blew me away, but they were nice enough. just not enough to make me a repeat customer.
(2)
Rach H.
Stopped here for drinks and appetizers late afternoon this Saturday. The inside looked really nice but we decided to sit on the patio. We were greeted promptly and the waiter was very helpful/knowledgable about the wine questions I had. I really enjoyed the Pinot noir I had and the cocktail my boyfriend got (peach fizz). We also had the bacon wrapped dates with chorizo and they were amazing! Definitely plan on heading back for more drinks and hopefully dinner. Since we came late lunch early dinner I had the chance to see both menus and was impressed by both, can't wait to try them!
(4)
Oliver B.
Can only vote on brisket. And one star is being generous. Loved the atmosphere. Our server was wonderful. My wife and I both ordered the smoked brisket. We were served two plates of barbecue "organic" grizzle. Maybe 75% fat and the rest brisket, hardly cooked. The brisket was the worst either of us had ever had. After a wonderful brisket sandwich last week at Smoque, this was such a downer. No comparison. Had we not been with friends who love the place, we would have sent our plates back. Not to embarrass our hosts, we both shoved the grizzle aside and ate the fries and the soggy Texas toast.
(1)
JESS G.
If my review were just on the food, I would have given them a 4. But since my review is on the food and service, they are getting a 3. Our waiter was nice, but seemed like he was trying to rush things along for us. Even though there were plenty of tables open and no one was waiting for a seat. After we were done with our meal, he brought us the check and then never came back to see if we wanted anything else. Though we could see that he kept looking over so see if we had paid the bill. My group ordered coffee, drinks, and food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes a lot. I had the chicken and waffles and it was fantastic. The portion size was too big for me to eat in one sitting, but I'm not going to complain about leftovers on a good meal. The food came really quickly, which is always nice, in my opinion. I really wish the service had been better. Like I said, our waiter was nice, but I don't like feeling as though someone is trying to move me along. If I wanted to feel that way, I would have gone to a fast food place. And we weren't there long, so I'm thinking perhaps this was just our waiter's personality or hospitality style. I would definitely give them a second chance based on the food alone. And would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(3)
Lisa H.
Is it bad that I thought the best part of my meal was the conversation? My friend and I arrived at Fork for dinner on a Thursday night and we were promptly seated. First thing I noticed were chunks of things stuck to the inside of my water glass. Disgusting. I looked around at other (empty) tables to see if I could grab a clean glass, and the glasses within reach were dirty as well. Ick. We waited and waited for a server to take our order. Finally a guy who I think was the manager came over and said "Your waitress will be right over, she's in the middle of a conversation with someone." Really? Uh, OK. He began to fill our water glasses and I quickly asked for a clean one. He said "You're right, let me find you a clean one." OK, water glasses filled now. Waiting, waiting...Finally our waitress came over and took our drink & food order. It took a while to get our beer and then our food arrived quickly after that - brought to us by someone else. My friend had the small order of mussels, and I had the house-smoked brisket. I was a bit disappointed. It arrived as an open-faced sandwhich, which was fine, but the brisket was dry and needed more BBQ sauce because of it. The greens on the side were just that, greens, nothing else but the dressing in a little cup. The dressing was good, but the greens could have had an additional topping like tomatoes or cucumbers. I asked my friend how she liked the mussels. She said they were good. At one point I heard some crunching coming from across the table. I looked up and asked "Is that sand?" and she said "Yes." Now, I know mussels can have sand in them, but to be able to hear it from across the table kind of wigged me out. My friend doesn't chew with her mouth open. We finished our meals and sat for quite a while before our plates were taken away. I can understand if your tables are full and you're short-staffed that it can take a while, but the place was practically empty. Once the plates were removed by our waitress, we sat and waited again. And the hostess came over with the dessert menu. We took a pass, waited for our bill, then paid it and left. It might have been an 'off' night for Fork, but I'm in no hurry to go back.
(2)
Zach J.
I'm pretty surprised Fork doesn't have a solid 4-star rating on here, but to each their own I suppose. I for one am definitely a fan, particularly of their Sunday brunch. They just so happen to have my favorite brunch entree in all of Chicago, so get ready: Fried chicken and waffles. That's right. If I could have any brunch entree at any restaurant in all of Chicago, I would pick Fork's fried chicken and waffles. Personally, it's the best fried chicken I've had in Chicago. And yes, I've had Longman & Eagle's fried chicken and waffles and it is simply not as good. Fork's fried-chicken is incredibly juicy and the crust is nice and thick and moist, probably due to their buttermilk batter. I love it, it's great. The waffles are fine (hard to get excited about waffles personally) but the fried chicken is the show stopper. Absolutely fantastic. As for dinner, Fork is also a quality choice. They have a nice eclectic variety of options, which kind of have the whole farm-to-table thing going on, which is cute, but also typically delicious. Can't go wrong with good old-fashioned burger either, and Fork's burgers, while nothing amazing, will almost always hit the spot. Lastly, they've got a more than solid craft brew selection, and they offer beer flights which I always enjoy. Service is fine. So while Fork may not be a super-amazing restaurant, it is certainly a good, solid option. I would say that their brunch is great, largely due to their delectable fried-chicken, so you really can't go wrong at Fork for brunch. One of the best brunch options in the city in my book, and a very good restaurant overall.
(4)
Rikki J.
Thank you Fork! We love having a neighborhood spot that is a cut above the competition. The food is always absolutely delicious, and what a great beer selection -- so much depth and variety. My husband still says the chicken in the chicken and waffle from the brunch menu is the best fried chicken he's had since we moved to Chicago from the south 4 years ago. And please don't ever take the chicken burger off the menu! Service -- especially Nico (a/ka/ Bradley Cooper) -- is polished, seamless and super friendly. We were there again the other night -- Nico knew we were probably there for a concert at Old Town School and asked us about it when we were still eating and yapping away when other concert go-ers had paid up and left. Good thing, because I had gotten the early start time of the concert wrong. You guys take good care of us and always make us feel at home here. Thanks again!!
(5)
Kendrah R.
Good place to grab a beer, would not go back for dinner. Four of us went to dinner. The food was edible, for the most part, but unimpressive. The service was really substandard. Our waitress knew nothing about the menu. She had to come back four times before taking our order because each time she forgot to ask the one question of the kitchen. She never once came to check on us after we got our food. My husband had mussels that were super unimpressive, the sauce was nothing and the mussels just didn't taste fresh. His thinking "If you want to eat mussels why would you ever eat here if you could go to the Hopleaf instead?" I had a burger. It was tasty and the pickles that came with it were great. And it came with tons of fries. It was supposedly local meat but I have my doubts - it just didn't taste that fresh or lean. I also thought, 'If I want a good, local meat burger and am in Lincoln Square, I'd rather have one at Bistro Campagne'. A friend had a pork belly sandwich that was pure fat. Now of course this is pork belly, but still, it was inedible for her. Another friend ate a pork belly sandwich and devoured it. When I asked if they could make the roasted beets without goat cheese (sometimes it is just too heavy and I want my veggies just veggies) they said 'No.' This leads me to believe that much of their food is not made to order. In a restaurant with these prices it should be. I was unimpressed with this place when it was Fiddlehead and am equally unimpressed now. I would not bother going back for dinner. They do have a really good beer list though.
(3)
Christa V.
Really yummy food, friendly eager-to-please service on a busy summer night. We sat outdoors but the cozy vibe of the interior dining rooms washed over us. We started with small plates (those pretzel bites are delish!), went on to small entrees (mussel special, one of three mussel choices, nice and fresh and well-sauced) and sandwiches (duck club! hooray!), and ended with seasonal/local berry dessert specials that were gorgeous. Great selection of cheese and charcuterie -- very Euro! Any adult beverage you want, they've got it and it's good. :-) Definitely coming here again soon, and to enjoy the fireplace in the winter.
(4)
Jeryl C.
We were seated promptly by the open air windows, which was delightful. Our server, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable, answered all our questions patiently, and made suggestions when requested. The garlic/cilantro fries were mouthwatering, accompanied by a delicious aolli (sp). The gnocchi was the sweetest, most melt-in-your-mouth delicioiusness I've ever tasted. I felt cheated because I desperately wanted to try more small plates but I was simply too stuffed! IMHO prices were modest. I will definitely return to Fork as I enjoyed one of my favorite meals ever!!
(5)
Stefanie U.
Great place to hang out at the bar for a cocktail or two and small bite to eat.
(4)
Aimee D.
I just went here tonight with my family (which included our 10 month old) and we had a great time. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and even though this is a wine bar (I tasted one of their wine flights) it's also very kid friendly (granted, we arrived at 6pm). Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered the beet salad which was great and then the pork belly main course which was wonderful. I didn't partake in dessert like the rest of my family did, thanks to my Lenten sacrifice, but it looked like I missed out - a sacrifice indeed. This is a place where I can take my child to eat, but also feel as though I'm going "out to dinner" with other grownups. We will be back for sure.
(5)
Omar K.
Solid place for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and overall good menu with a nice variety. I would say they can definitely skimp on the portions at times and also when they are busy they seem to run out of quite a few things. Wait staff is for the most part extremely friendly, except for a few newcomers. Give this place a try, chances are you'll like it.
(4)
Amanda M.
I've been here twice, both times on a Sunday. They have great meals, good bloody Marys and decent service. Typically find it gets crowded with the church crowed around 11.
(4)
Claire S.
I'm writing this review based off of a brunch experience I had at Fork. First of all, based on the decor and menu items, it didn't seem to me like this place knows exactly what it wants to be. I understand they offer a little bit of everything, but it seems like they're trying to be too many things--a brunch/lunch spot, dinner place, and wine bar with a large beer selection. Maybe they do a good job at one of these things, but it wasn't the brunch. My gripes: -$5 for a small plate of "seasonal fruit" which equaled pineapple, blueberries, and cantelope. Not exactly what I would deem seasonal and probably just purchased in bulk. -Multiple pieces of silverware with gunk and crust on them -Lame brioche French toast that I could have done up better -Cold rye toast--I know it's difficult to keep toast hot, but this was so cold that no butter would even melt on it. What was OK: -Service -Florentine benedict--this was pretty tasty. Although this place is conveniently located to my apartment, I probably won't be back and can't really recommend it, especially not for brunch.
(2)
Paul E.
We had very little time before a concert, but we were graciously and promptly seated, had the Mushroom Soup and Crowd Pleaser Cheese Flight, and left happy all around. We even got a takeaway tin of the Persian Feta for Christmas. Our waitress was most accommodating and pleasant without being overbearing or intrusive. All the pressure of the hurry melted away. Bravo! And the concert was great too. (Our last visit was when this spot was Fiddlehead, so were delighted to see the tradition continuing in this new form.)
(4)
Heather E.
I love the atmosphere and I maintain that this is a great place to go for a drink with a friend- relatively quiet, great lighting, bar with seats usually available, and an extensive beer and wine list. As for the restaurant part of fork, it is good, but a bit unmemorable. During our recent trip we started off dinner with their ricotta honeycomb appetizer. It was really very good, but the problem was they only gave us 4 small pieces of toast for a rather large jar of ricotta. Our waitress later noticed that we had a lot of ricotta left and not a lot of bread, so she kindly brought more. As a tip though, bread is cheap, so I would overestimate and make people happy right off the bat. For dinner, I had the brisket sandwich, which was very tasty- I even enjoyed the sauce, which is not always the case. My husband was a little less impressed with his entree. He ordered the house gnocchi, which in his usual poetry he described as "tasting pretty much like it sounds on the menu". He got the larger portion, which I think still left him hungry, and he spent most of dinner gazing longingly at the grilled cheese and tomato soup one table over...
(4)
Saira C.
Came here on Halloween before a party for dinner. The crowd there is really weird. I was in a non revealing costume, yet all the tables nearby seemed really bothered by our presence. It was super weird. The waitress was kinda grumpy to us too. The ambiance is like some kind of mu-zack contemporary jazz and dark lighting. Like 50+ age bracket, and stuffy young people. I'm into the older crowd, but the stuffiness... hrm. It was okay. I didn't particularly care for the feeling or air in there if that makes sense. Just not for me. The food was pretty good though, and I would do take out if they offer it!!
(3)
Peter S.
we soured on Fork after the shift from Fiddle Head awhile back but urging from our friends convinced us to give it another chance. we sat at the bar and had a flight of Spicy Reds (Mellody's drink of choice) and i had a very well made Manhattan with Bakers 7 y.o. bourbon. we decided to just eat some small plates, i started with the kale salad, a special that was out of this world! homemade gingerbread croutons, candied walnuts and squash. If its on the menu when you get there you must try it. we also had Mac and Cheese, pork belly slider and a gnocci with scallops. All excellent and well worth the price. so after a little hiatus, we'll now put Fork back into the rotation.
(4)
Cynthia F.
The service is usually pretty good, and the food is always delicious. Things to try: the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup combo, the burger with sriracha aioli for the fries, and my favorite, the chilaquiles. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
erika s.
i hate that this is an "update" to my previous review. the owners of this place changed the name, branding, decor and menu and they deserve to be disassociated with fiddlehead. as much as i don't mean that to sound like a backhanded compliment, it prolly does. this place is so great! i'm so excited. apparently the owners have been working with a new chef over the past year and have some of the same menu items, but overall the thing is 100% different. they have done their homework and i can't compliment them enough. in fact, i almost tracked them down today to say how much i enjoyed my experience here this time. the only real indicator for me that it was the same people before i asked the waitress was the wine list--same hilarious icons. i would be willing to design new ones for there is interest. house cured citrus salmon was superb. can't wait to have again. yes. the beer list: extensive. i tasted one of the brown beers--the rocky revenge brown--super yummy. cheese/charcuterie: tasted-- Smoked duck breast--too gamey for me, but my dining partner loved Serrano ham St andre cows milk Kunik triple cream goat milk--sooo good. wow. Persian feta--not bad i loved that they didn't skimp on the pairings--we got apples, pickles, candied walnuts, taosted bread and bread w raisins i got the Metropolis coffee--they didn't have soy which i would have liked--the coffee was way too strong. i drink strong coffee at home and i didn't finish my cup here. this was literally the only thing i wasn't 100% pleased with so in the scheme of things not such a big deal. Good service and hostess--totally important as you can have great food and bad service and you're totally ruined. so excited to have a new fave place for brunch and charcuterie/drinks.
(5)
Lauren B.
It's so strange to me that two people can have two completely different reviews of a restaurant when they dined there on the same night and ordered the same thing on the menu (I'm referring to the post from 10/14/2010 with two stars)... I visited Fiddlehead last night for the second time and once again, had a great meal with great service. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chef at the end of the meal. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi was outstanding. I think some people have and idea in their mind about what traditional gnocchi should be as far as texture and shape go. Even though the gnocchi at Fiddlehead is a departure from the norm, it is fantastic and must be experienced. The beer selection here is also great and very moderately priced for what it is. We wanted to try something new and our server recommended a couple of beers to us that were exactly what we were looking for. She was very knowledgable. We booked our rehersal dinner there last night and will be returning many more times before the event!
(5)
Lakshmi R.
My first visit here was B.Y.E. (Before Yelp Era--that is, my pre-Yelping days) and some time ago, so sadly the details have been lost. But the memory was strong: a delicious flight of cheeses shared with a good friend and paired with a delicious sparkling wine. A memory strong and good enough for me to suggest to my boyfriend that we head there on a little date. And what a yummy date it was! We selected a Parmesan from Wisconsin (lightly fruity) the Ossau Iraty and Valdeon (rich sheep's milk cheese), the O'Banon (wrapped in chestnut leaves!) and best of all, the Green Peppercorn, a spicy goat's milk cheese. Paired with fruit and bread, we were knocked over with pleasure. As for alcohol, I stuck with bubbly wine. The bf picked out an intriguing, citrusy beer after much hemming and hawing: the beer list is massive! Yeah, I think a third visit is in order.
(4)
Russell K.
Finally, the gastropub concept has come to Lincoln Square. The food was great. I loved being able to order a cheese flight for an appetizer. The atmosphere is classy and nice. The only failing the place had was that the temperature was way too high because of the fireplace (I think). I hope they can fix that.
(4)
Brian R.
So I live about a block away from this place, and my wife and I have been there a number of times. Today, we went for brunch, sat down, waited about 15-20 minutes and weren't served. We decided we were going to leave and try someplace else. The manager chased us down in the street, explained that it was the waitress' first day and she didn't realize we were in her section, and that brunch was on him. First time we have ever experienced bad service here, and that completed redeemed it. Go here, the food is good and they have good beers. THAT, my friends, is how you turn a bad Yelp review into a good one.
(4)
Mindy S.
My review will provide a fresh look at Fork (as I had never visited Fiddlehead)... wow!! I loved it and my tablemates did too. Let me just say that the hostess, host, waitresses, and everybody else who helped us out were so kind and friendly. We were able to sit outside with no wait, and were attended to throughout the meal. The food - yum! Seriously, the fried chicken and waffles were a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and a little salty to make you want to order a second plate. The duct confit hash with 2 eggs over easy was a great alternative to the traditional brunch hash, with a nice amount of duck. The potatoes in the hash could have been just a little more cooked for my liking, but the dish was spot on. The bloody marys were good - be sure to ask for yours spicy, as the "medium" we asked for was considered too mild for the table. If the brunch at Fork is any indication of the lunch/dinner quality, be sure to give it a try for any meal.
(4)
Susana D.
Hilariously effete poutine features tableside pours of cheese sauce and gravy (okay, it's true; when classic poutine arrives, it does rather look like a dog's breakfast), but the shredded duck was tender without that metalic taste duck too often has. Imaginative venison flatbread special. Fine list of brews including ciders. Nice groove.
(3)
P M.
Cute yes, cozy for sure! Have an event for friends and family no way! Guests should never have to ask for a portion because plates are served with not enough quantity for each! The food was good if you could get any! When you serve family style there should be enough for everyone in the party? I mean LESS than a half a slice of french toast per person? Really seems they might be taking advantage of the party atmosphere or maybe just not very experienced accommodating parties! Not very good impression if you want returns!
(2)
Kathy S.
Brunch = GREAT Dinner - Meh. Food was disappointing for everyone in my group, but we LOVED the beer sampler.
(3)
Sonata B.
Went to Fork today foor Father's Day and the food was so good!! (garlic cilantro fries and the egg scramble) I would've given them five stars but the wait was not the best. We waited 25 minutes for our drinks and additional 30 minutes for our food. I really didn't mind because of the atmosphere of the place: nice artwork on the wall and people watching on Lincoln Ave. I do want to return soon to see what's on there dinner menu :)
(4)
Caroline M.
I've been meaning to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a long time and finally tried it out last night. The weather yesterday was so nice and they had their outdoor seating up and going and their big front windows wide open. My friend and I were seated in the back room which was really cute. Exposed brick walls and interesting photography made for a cozy dining experience. We are both big fans of wine flights, so we started the evening off with a flight, which were reasonably priced between $11-14. We also couldn't pass up on the cheeses which included some great raisin bread (I don't even like raisins!) and some awesome little spiced pecans. And since the soup of the day was asparagus (my favorite veggie) I had to give it a try. It was the only downfall of the night. Slightly under seasoned and not at all thickened. However, the duck confit in phyllo made up for it. I have never met duck confit that I haven't liked. My friend and I shared the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream, which was really rich and a great way to finish the meal. Our server was very friendly and made some great suggestions for us. I would definitely come back to Fiddlehead for some wine flights and cheese. It's a cute place to relax and have some good conversations over food and wine.
(4)
Grace C.
I want to give 3 stars for the food menu, and 5 for the booze menu, so I will just have to settle on 4 overall. I did not realize they had changed, sort of, from Fiddlehead until I showed up the other night. Mostly the same, although now they are focusing more on tastings; wine, beer, cheeses, small plates of all sorts. Their beer list is now awesome. I am not a huge wino so I can't comment on the wine selection other than that it is large. They have some really good flights put together for both beer and wine; I love themed beer flights! Get one. The food is tasty, well presented, seemingly made with fresh ingredients, but lacking in variety. There is not much available for a vegetarian, which is fine, of course, just don't plan on much variety in the full entree department if you are not a carnivore. Would be perfect for a light lunch for the purpose of cheese tasting. Friendly and attentive hostess and waitstaff! I really appreciate staff that is knowledgable but not pretentious at these types of establishments. Way to go.
(4)
Moyah M.
I would eat here everyday of I could brunch, lunch and dinner. The mac n cheese is awesome, the little bacon bits are a nice touch. The filet mignon sliders are crazy amazing. Get the fries. Yum. They are known for a huge and vast wine selection. They have a great wait staff attentive but not overbearing. I love you Fiddleheads. PS. The best Sangria in Chicago. Truly. I'm so serious.
(5)
Lulu R.
Fiddlehead=Fork? That's OK that you changed names. The food is fantastic so you can do whatever you want. These people can call this place "don't come here" and heards of people will still come. Fork is nestled in the B-E-A-utiful Lincoln Square Village. Obviously there was no parking but it was a nice day for a walk because he ended parking far. Me and my friend had drank the night before so we were a bit hungover. We managed to crawl out of bed and get our asses there for this food...so my expectations were set high. It was brunch time and the place was packed. Its OK, never fret, they have this waiting area with couches and they brought my hungover self some water. I was so comfy talking with my friend over a cup of water on comfy couches. The hostess came over and asked if we needed anything while we waited (how sweet) and that the server was cleaning off our table and would be back to get us shortly. There are two rooms decorated very "homely" and modernly. They have a bar you can also sit at but can be very dangerous while at brunch. We were seated at a table with the perfect amount of sunshine to top off my day. I laid eyes upon the menu and fell in love. I looked around and saw what everyone was getting. Chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. My friend said he was def getting chicken and waffles so I know I could mooch off of his. I ended up deciding of soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil and shitake mushrooms with a triangle of puff pastry. BEST DECISION EVER!!! As a guilty starter, we ordered the garlic cilantro fries served with a siracha...yes i said siracha.... aioli. AMAZING. I know you might be worried about the breath factor but as they as, 2 garlics cancel out each other. Trust me, WORTH IT. They also serve mimosas, Bellini's, and champagne. (BRUNCH EXTRAVAGANZA). The chicken and waffles can out with some candied bacon on top with a warm fluffy waffle. The candied bacon was a perfect addition to it. The chicken was fried golden and was so juicy. I never knew how much they complimented each other with maple syrup all over them. The truffled soft scrambled eggs with shitakke mushrooms and a puff pastry triangle was simply described best as a life changing experience. The flavors in the truffle eggs with shitakke mushrooms was so developed and subtle at the same time. The eggs were cooked perfectly soft but not runny or disgusting. The puff pastry was an added touch that complimented it perfectly. Our server was amazing and the whole team looked really laid back and loved what they do. I know there is no dress code but it seemed a bit more than your regular Sunday sweatpants so bust out your good jeans and sport coat. If i could make up my own dress code, I would say, trendy casual. The pricing is pretty reasonable for the Lincoln Square area. I enjoyed my visit there from beginning to end. I plan to return in the future to try those Eggs Florentine. Who is coming with me?
(4)
Alex A.
I can't comment on the food because my husband and I went for drinks. They have a huge, very diverse beer menu. The bartender was extremely knowledgable about beer. This is a new fave spot and I look forward to trying more "strange" beers, including some of the beer flights.
(4)
Paige W.
Wow, I wrote my first review for Fiddlehead even BEFORE I spent almost an entire summer drinking there at the bar. You think I exaggerate, but let's ponder how else everyone who works there knows my name... Congratulations, Fiddlehead. You just earned your fifth star. I've always adored this place: Amazing wine selection, friendly servers and bartenders, chill soundtrack, great patio. Up the street from my apartment (yeah, I'm biased). Oh, and cheese. Sweet Jesus, the cheese. But the food never really got me. Brunch was too sticky-sweet; dinner was too salty. And everything was too expensive. Though, for that, I blame the neighborhood. And the nearby Old Town School for bringing all those ritzy North Shore people down for guitar lessons. And then...!!!! Fiddlehead got a new chef. Which I found out about when one of the kitchen staff walked by with a plate full of French fries, a potent punch of roasted garlic floating behind it. Those, friends, were the new garlic cilantro fries. I got an order for myself and was in seventh heaven -- though my breath went straight to the seventh circle of hell, I'd imagine. The chef came from a French restaurant and has incorporated a lot of those flavors and techniques into Fiddlehead's revamped menu. I haven't tried a lot of it, though, because I still can't really afford to dine at Fiddlehead as much as I'd like. Ah, but wait. Enter the new weekday specials. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fiddlehead becomes affordable for broke kids like me. Tuesdays: $8 wine flights. Wednesdays: $5 burgers, $8 specialty burgers and $1 off any draft beer. Thursday: FREE CHEESE NIGHT. Sweet Jesus. Order a cheese plate to eat there; take home the same amount for free to enjoy later. Um. Let me back up and discuss Wednesday. I ordered a burger with cheddar, fried onion straws, bourbon barbecue sauce and an impossibly soft, toasted brioche bun for $8. Is there anything higher than seventh heaven? Because I was there. As a Kansas City girl, I'm mighty picky about my barbecue sauces, and ohgoodlord. So, try that. Plus, Ephemere on tap? (And a buck off on Wednesdays?) The newly pumped-up beer selection at Fiddlehead has put them toe to toe with Hopleaf, as far as I'm concerned, minus the snobbery, bad lighting and thunderous din. Actually, the lighting's still bad, but it's much more pleasant at Fiddlehead. If you tried Fiddlehead before and weren't too impressed, give them another try. You won't be sorry.
(5)
Jen S.
I decided to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews, and wasn't disappointed. I had a cheese tasting, which was very good. And tried the candied bacon (bacon as a side dish? yes, please!) but we weren't huge fans of it. I had a salmon dish that was on their specials menu, and my boyfriend had the brisket sandwich both of which were very good. Service was on point and I loved all the flights, wine and beer.
(4)
Marta P.
Went here for brunch today. It was pretty good. Ordered the Bellini, which I would get again. Also tried the truffle eggs and chorizo scramble. Both were great. The chorizo scramble was served with the most amazing garlic potatoes. The crowd was not too bad and we got there at about 10:30 on a Saturday and left just in time because we heard some screaming kids on our way out. Fork seemed pretty low key and it catered to both families and just your average brunch crowd.
(4)
Georgio M.
I have to say, I've found myself frequenting this very intimate restaurant more and more, simply because the food is great. On my last visit, I ordered roasted chicken with veggies. It took a while to get served, but that was probably because I went on a Friday night. My dish was well worth the wait. I've had a lot of chicken at many places, but never as good as Fiddle head's roasted selection. It was fresh, juicy and yes, yummy. My date ordered her usual Mac and Cheese, with pink salmon. Their cooks must really use some secret ingredients because I their fish taste very good. I might also add they have an excellent selection of wine from around the world. The Atmosphere Fiddlehead has a quiet, romantic, laid back front room with open windows during warmer months. If you are able to call ahead, or even request a window seat, then you will really have a wonderful time. They keep the room very dimly lit, which is nice because you can focus on your date. They usually play soft, ambient music in the back which does not disturb the meal. If you are in the Lincoln Square area & and looking for a good restaurant, this is the perfect place.
(4)
Michele K.
I had high hopes for Fork, a newer addition to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. With visions of tasty wine flights and a few apps, a friend and I headed there and were definitely disappointed several times throughout our experience. First, our wine flights were served in extremely spotted/dirty wine glasses. Most likely these were water spots but it was quite unappealing. We sheepishly asked for new glasses and definitely were made to feel funny about this (I don't know that I've ever asked for a new glass before). We ordered three appetizers to share. The first was the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread which was tasty but had a bit too much oil and salt. The second was the Eggplant Caviar which was okay. We waited for over 40 minutes for our third appetizer to be served. Finally we asked for our check and said we'd like to cancel our third appetizer. The waiter said that it was on it's way and it would be on him since we had waited so long. At least 10 minutes later, it was finally served. Sadly, Fork is not a place I would return to based upon poor timing of service, dirty glasses and lackluster food. I hope that Brunch is better and that other customers have had better experiences...
(1)
Jaime G.
Another great place in Lincoln Square. This area is has so many great little bars and new restaurants that makes me jealous that i don't live here. The fiddlehead is a great little spot with a monster beer and wine list and fun and inventive menu. it's a bit small but perfect to get some good attention that from the staff - which is good already. Haven't had their full menu but i did have a great experience at brunch. Had the truffled eggs with shitake mushrooms, truffled goat cheese, arugula, and puff pastry. Really good and seemingly unique. The rest of their menu looked good and would love to go back.
(4)
David B.
In search for another kickass burger, I found myself at Fiddlehead for their Weds burger nights. On Burger nights, they have a menu that change ever so often, with choices ranging from $5-$9. They have interesting selections like a burger with prawns or duck confit. Many of their burgers are served on brioche. And all burgers have the options for additional add-ons. I ended up with the farmhouse burger which was extremely good. Paired it with a couple great beers off their extensive beer/wine list. Service was great and atmosphere nice. They have a nice little outdoor seating area in the warmer months. Fiddlehead is certainly worth a look-see. I now need to check out their Thursday cheese nights.
(4)
Drew S.
3 years in the neighborhood and I finally made it out to Fiddlehead...for $5 burger night. Twice in a month. While the burgers don't have quite the panache of Bad Apple a few blocks south they are extremely tasty. And $5 and $8 on Wednesdays. Bonus points for the options to add a fried egg. I feel like I'd like this to be an option pretty much anywhere I go. And being able to walk up and grab a seat by the window. Great beer selection too, categorized by style. Don't they know the Dewey Decimal System?
(4)
Erin G.
I went to Fork this past weekend for brunch! It was a great location for her to meet my new boyfriend..as we all know how nerve recking that meeting can be! Anywho, the atmosphere was great and the service was pretty good. The place was definitely packed, but I made a reservation and we were seated immediately! The brunch menu had a really nice mix of breakfast and lunch items and everyone was happy with their selection. I am looking forward to going back for the wine/beer flights with cheese plates! Huge selection of cheeses and meats that all looked quite tasty. Overall, great brunch spot. Moderately priced and the food was really good!
(4)
Eric L.
Check it out if you have the time. But it's not necessary. The food is good and unique but on the pricey side. We tend to sit outside when we can, but we did sit inside once and they had the windows open, which made the heat/humidity unbearable. We actually left early because of this (we requested they shut the windows several times and the waiter was nice and tried to relate, but they never shut nor did they turn up the fans). Great beer selection (this is typically why we go) with different flights that are delicious. They also have wine flights, equally good. We love to go and grab a beer flight and a cheese tray. Careful though, the more you drink the more food you will order (this has a caused a slightly shocking bill on more than one occasion). Go if you can and you're in the area.
(3)
brittany s.
Fiddlehead is the best place in the neighborhood for drinks, in my opinion. The wine list is amazing, they have a great selection of flights and the beer selection is great too. I had a great cocktail last night (I think it's called an "Elderflower Royale" and it was AMAZING. It is a pretty pricey, though, so we usually only have a couple of drinks there before moving on. I've never actually eaten there, besides trying the hummus appetizer (which was great!) but the food looks delicious and I'd love to go back for brunch.
(5)
Mark V.
This place is a go-to date night spot for my wife and I. A little pricey, so be prepared, but both the food and drink menus are great and keep us coming back. The service is typically very good. We had a minor mix-up with our server on a recent visit which was really no one's fault, but our server went WAY above and beyond the call of duty and sent us home with a bottle of wine! (Fork sells carry-out wine and cheese that can be purchased whether you're dining there or not.) My wife and I were both shocked but very impressed at how much they clearly care about their customers (or at least this particular server), and the lengths she went to to make sure we had a pleasant evening and would come back again. My only complaint is that the weird trip-hoppy/electronic/world music they play is pretty awful, but we've spent so much time making fun of it that now it's just a running joke that provides a few laughs with each visit. Other perks: there are two TVs at the bar if you want to check in on a baseball game or something, but if you're not interested you'd hardly notice them. The back room is a little more private and cozy than the main dining area. Seating outside is always a nice option, but there are also tables inside next to some giant windows that are open on nice days. Try the chicken burger, the grilled cheese/soup combo, and a wine or beer flight.
(4)
Asa K.
A few things: Waitstaff was very attentive and courteous. Top marks. The menu was probably the most poorly organized and least helpful that I have seen at any restaurant. ANY. In my life. Our charcuteries platter was never served to us, so after our other courses, the waitstaff would stop by to see how we were doing (ostensibly if we were ready to get the bill), and we would say fine (waiting to get the rest of our food), until finally we broke the stalemate. The chef got it right to us and took it off our bill, which we appreciated, but it was an odd thing to have happen at a place so focused on getting things right at the table. The food was extraordinary in terms of taste, freshness, presentation, temperature, etc. -- more than making up for any other deficiencies we experienced. Despite full stomachs, a doggie bag, and having loved everything set on the table, we still got out under $25 a person. Impressive.
(4)
Zoe G.
The best chilaquiles that this Mexican has ever tasted. This brunch dish maintains a nice crisp to the tortillas with just the right amount of Fork's house-made red salsa (not smothered in some kind of cover-up salsa) and a heap of fluffy egg scramble with a a drizzle of sour cream, diced red onions and just the right amount of cilantro and sprinkles of queso fresco crumble. I paired my dish with a mixture of freshly made carrot and orange juice. Generous portions, tasteful coffee and cozy service. I left with a belly-full of gratitude as I do every New Year's day brunch at Fork.
(5)
Preston L.
Great option in in the hood. Very friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, have a flight. Food is always good and the flavours change with the seasons.
(5)
Melanie K.
I want to go to flight school. Let me clarify - flying would be fabulous, but I'd rather perfect a trio of reds, whites, or brews like Fiddlehead does every night of the week. While I can't fully remember my daddy-daughter date with my father at Fiddlehead back in May (something with apple tarts and fancy beers that left me content - a solid four), I will not forget my near perfect catch-up date with a friend this Monday. Ever. Too lovely. A five. Claire had been in France far too long - and we were also quite famished. Muse over the menu or amuse with travel tales? Time was of the essence - so we got down to business and our server (presumably the manager?) played the best sommelier assist I have seen in a long time. Split perfectly down the middle, we opted for the French cheese plate (my favorite - St. Andre, Villefranche de Rouergue - cow's milk), grilled cheese (with bacon and candied pecans on brioche - yum), soup, and bread pudding with dried cherries and pumpkin. Our server (whose name I wish I knew), helped us put together our own trio with a red from their three primary red flights. Taking our coats, checking on us often, pairing with care - he even brought us two glasses of sparkling Moscatel to finish our meal with. The crisp, floral taste countered the warm pudding beautifully. And this doesn't even make mention of the inviting atmosphere! Carefully chosen lighting lightly illuminates the warm, organic space perfectly. Great for a cheese plate and glass of wine with a group or an intimate date with a love. Depending on where you sit - the busy bar, a cozy booth, a window-side table (with open windows in the summer!) - you can achieve a variety of feelings seamlessly. A truly lovely dining experience. I look forward to visiting again.
(5)
Cathleen M.
Brunched here last weekend with three friends. Great location, good vibe inside. Walked out feeling high from the strongest coffee I've had in a long time! Food was good, but not as tasty as I was expecting. I ordered the truffle eggs. They are served on a pastry and it was difficult to cut into. I also shared some of my friend's french toast. It tasted fine, but needed something to make it sing. Maybe a berry and liquor reduction? I wasn't disappointed with the food, just not wowed either. Our server was a gem! She was so friendly, gave us time to mull over the menu, offered suggestions and wasn't pushing us to leave right after the meal was done. At one point, I had mentioned my sweet tooth and she brought over a dessert menu pronto. When I decided against choosing something, she appeared with a small plate. On it was one candied pecan. She said, "This is to satisfy your sweet tooth. I could only get away with taking one. Enjoy!" I loved it! How creative and thoughtful! I wish I could remember her name to give her public props. I'd definitely visit again with friends and try out other items on the menu.
(3)
V H.
Great Service! Can't say enough good things about this place. My friend and I were strolling by on a beautiful, unusually warm Sunday late in the evening and decided to stop in for a quick drink. Staff was very friendly, kind and patient to keep the windows open for us even though it was closing time. Great drink menu as well. Went back to Fork later in the week and made a mistake of ordering a flat bread with meat, and once again the staff was very kind and offered to of take it back without any hesitation. They made us a new one w/o meat (never in my life I have sent the food back, so I felt badly). The flat bread was delicious. I love small neighborhood places with great service and this place is definitely one of them. Will definitely go back!
(5)
Jo W.
So, I came back for brunch here a few weeks ago, and... well, it was different than I remembered. The menu had completely changed since the previous time I'd been here, which I guess is normal for a restaurant. But it seemed a lot smaller, and nothing really stood out to me. I had been so excited to come back and eat at the restaurant that made me like gravy for the first time in 29 years (see previous review), but it's not even on the menu anymore. Sadness. I eventually went with french toast and it was not great. At all. It was very soggy, and didn't have a lot of flavor. In fact, the only thing I could taste were the flavors from the apples that topped my food. So basically I was eating flavorless soggy bread and... well, that's no fun. I ordered a side of bacon (because I can't brunch without bacon), and it also was not good. It tasted like someone had popped some Oscar Meyer bacon in the microwave. Sigh, really? I can do that myself at home. I just remembered this place being good, and my brunch just wasn't. And maybe it's the new menu, maybe it was an off day... who knows. For what it's worth, my friend really enjoyed her egg dish - I think she got the truffled eggs. Her daughter got the kid's PB&J, which comes toasted, which the menu doesn't note. Luckily her 3 year old was having a non-picky day (you know how kids are), and ate it. The PB&J came with really greasy fries which she also gobbled right up. The mimosas were just as weak as I remembered them, but bonus - and the only reason I gave 3 stars and not 2 - they didn't charge us for any of our mimosas, and we had 4 between the two of us. When I first looked at the check I couldn't figure out why it was only $30, and then it dawned on me why. Not sure why we weren't charged, but we appreciated it and our server (who was lovely) got a nice tip for her "error."
(3)
Ed M.
This place has a great waitstaff. They were attentive polite and very accommodating. We went on a Sat. for brunch, and there were plenty of tables. Their food is inventive, and they have great drinks. Their bloody mary's have three levels of spice taste amazing. As for those who like beer, they have a pretty extensive list.
(5)
Benjamin G.
Best brunch I've had in Chicago! I walked in one day for brunch without really knowing what I had coming. I was quickly greeted by one of the friendly staff and given a table close to the window. Everything in the menu sounded good and I was glad to learn that they serve freshly squeezed orange juice, which I ordered. Then, after some hesitation I made up my mind to try the steak benedicts.....simply amazing! My girlfriend had the truffled scrambled eggs and they were also really good. We have gone back several times after that, always trying one new dish and sharing the steak benedicts, and not a single dish has failed to meet our expectations. I recommend it 100%!
(5)
Christoph B.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place as our first choice for brunch apparently did not want our business. (note to self Daily Bar & Grill you suck for completely ignoring patrons) Long story short we ended up at Fiddlehead Cafe and I'm glad we did! The difference in service was 180. And the food, simply delicious. I had the ham and cheese scramble. They use 3 yr Hooks cheddar which has a great sharp taste and goes just perfect with eggs. Good job Fiddlehead, you saved our day!
(5)
Mike F.
I was tempted to give it five stars. Maybe the fifth star will arrive after I eat there a few more times. But my first two visits were great. It's not that it's a "five star" restaurant. But it's very good in the niche its carved itself as a casual place, yet more upscale than other bar/restaurants in Lincoln Square. It's vibe is more similar to 42 Degrees Latitude than Bad Dog, Daily Bar, etc. (not knocking those places, I like them too). I've had three dishes there that were top-notch: watermelon gazpacho, and both the duck club and beef brisket sandwiches. All of them had outstanding flavors and fresh ingredients that elevated them above similar sandwiches at other places. They're known for their cheese plates, and although I'm not a cheese gourmand, tried one of the cheese flights. The various cheeses were very good, and since it was Thursday night, we got to bring home an equal amount of cheese for free. They have a very extensive wine and beer list. I've never discussed beer pairings with the wait staff, so I can't comment on their knowledge, but the tap and bottle range is very broad. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to try the place, but I'm definitely a fan. It's on the list.
(4)
Anne C.
Went to dinner here on a Saturday night with another couple and found that, overall, Fork is a great option for the neighborhood. A couple things that needed work: The online menu sold me on a dish (Moroccan spiced lamb) that unfortunately wasn't on their menu. I was told that the online menu is a "sample menu" but ironically everything else was nearly identical...hmmm...(as of this post, it has been removed). The Cheese Plate - for $12 we expected there would be a little more to it than an apple slice cut in slivers, 4 almonds, and 3 pieces of cheese - each half the size of a slice of American cheese and just as thin. Certainly not enough to share - maybe enough for someone just wanting a 'taste'. Other places are far more generous by comparison. The things that will likely keep me coming back: - Menu variety. The Chicken Burger was surprisingly good that I'd definitely order it again. The French style mussels, Steak Frites and Bread Pudding are also worth a second trip. - Friendly, welcoming staff - The atmosphere was great - warm, lively, and good music was on but not so loud that you couldn't hold a conversation.
(4)
Javier B.
Must update my review to keep up with the fact that the restaurant updated itself and changed names. I have been to Fork once for dinner and once for brunch and the food quality, service and atmosphere continue to be very good. Tried fried chicken and waffles for the first time and they were very enjoyable. The chilaquiles are as good as we remember them. As for the dinner menu, we tried several of the items tapas style. Some were hits and some were so so, but overall the food was good and the service was friendly. Still a great neighborhood spot, only with a different name.
(4)
natalie v.
Wine flights - the complex reds are my favorite Beer flights - my husband likes these Cheese flights - I prefer the Spanish flight $5 - 1/2 pound burgers (or $8 specialty burgers) on Wednesdays If the above doesn't make you go there, you're lame. I love going here for dinner, for brunch and just for a drink. Their windows open so it's like you're sitting outside while you're inside. Or...you can sit outside if you prefer. The servers are always really cool. The food is always really good. The price is very reasonable.
(4)
Jean C.
Maybe it's just that I'm kind of losing patience with the trendy and upscale sort of places that seem to spring up in, well, trendy and upscale neighborhoods like Lincoln Square and Andersonville, but I have to say that Fiddlehead Cafe underwhelmed me at brunch today. We walked into a restaurant with a lot of open tables, but it took close to half an hour for our party of eight to get seated. And for the life of me I don't know why since if anyone had actually bothered to clean off the empty tables in the front and push them together we could have been seated in ten minutes or less. Once we did get seated, we couldn't get enough menus for everyone. Again, in a restaurant where there are a number of empty tables, and many people already have their meals, why on earth was there some kind of menu shortage? They haven't just opened or started with brunches, it's not like they didn't know they might need a bunch of them. Ditto the cups for coffee or tea. It's not like they didn't know that people might want one or the other with their brunch, but while they seemed to have a nearly limitless supply of glasses for mimosas and champagne, people at our table had to wait for cups. Not long, but there was a lag. Once we ordered, the food came pretty quickly, but there were immediate problems. One of the folks at the table ordered smoked salmon and asked for it without onions, emphasizing that she was very, very allergic to onions. And yeah, it arrived with onions. When she sent it back she asked them to please make sure that they remade the plate because if they just picked the onions off she'd become quite sick. I think that finally got through because she seemed okay through the rest of the meal. And to the credit of the server, it really was handled quickly and politely. Another of our number got the wrong kind of sausage, a mistake less potentially disastrous, but bespeaking a sloppiness which might have been marginally acceptable had the place been jammed, but was absolutely not this morning. And I noticed that the watercress on several of the dishes was wilted, and looked sort of funky. There's just no excuse for that. Leave it off if it doesn't look right. I'd ordered chilaquiles, and what I got tasted okay except that I got lumps of scrambled egg, and tortilla chips that were not only still very crisp but had bonded to each other in difficult-to-cut hunks. And it was cold. I know eggs don't hold heat for very long, but I don't expect the entire dish to be cold. It was topped with some scallions, but very little crema and I didn't see any of the queso mentioned on the menu. Yet another member of our party ordered the banana pancakes and while I didn't ask, I sure didn't see any of the Nutella that was promised. She was also the only person to order pancakes, and yet we got two plates of butter and syrup. I don't know if they expected us to put it on the tortilla chips or something. The bottom line is this: As pleasant as the service was -- and everyone was refreshingly free of the upscale 'tude you get from a lot of servers in these places -- it failed to make up for the fact that there was a lot of sloppiness about the meal. Lack of basics, wrong orders, missing ingredients, ingredients not the freshest and dishes not really well thought out or executed. I don't feel I got my money's worth, frankly. Three stars because there was nothing seriously wrong with either the food or the service, and because I'm feeling more generous now than when I left the place.
(3)
Kerry S.
Not sure why I haven't reviewed Fiddlehead yet. Hmmm. I only ate dinner here once years ago when it was a different chef. We go in a lot for drinks and beers because their beer list is spectacular. No gettin' around it. A great bottle selection at a reasonable price, and their draft selection is expanding. I also like their little selection of noshes (blue cheese dip and homemade chips, olives, cheese platters.) We went in a few weeks back for a cocktail, and the bartender (whose name I can't remember now...Chris? Dan? Too much gin?) just got in a new bottle of Aquavit and had a little concoction in his mind he wanted to try out. We lucked out and volunteered to be his guinea pigs. Yum. Aquavit, gin, ginger syrup, bitters, orange zest. So pretty and yummy and potent. Again, this explains why I can't remember this nice gentleman's name. Anyway, I also like the brunch a whole bunch. Great spicy bloody. Perfect poached eggs. The staff can be a little goofy I suppose, but I kinda like that. There's plenty of stale, boring stuff in Lincoln Square, so I like the relaxed feeling of Fiddlehead.
(4)
Matthew S.
Been here many times and always a good experience. The food is great - the place is nice and the staff is friendly. We generally sit a the bar and it makes for a nice simple date-night. Enjoy!
(5)
Jez E.
Delicious, fresh food with gluten-friendly options in a great atmosphere! Our waitress was incredibly helpful and made us want to come back again and again. Have gluten intolerance? Eat here. Don't have gluten intolerance? Eat here. And drink - the wine flights are nice and come with labels you can take home; the beer menu is also good. The extensive cheese list made for a tasty ending to our meal. Overall, an excellent and refreshing addition to Lincoln Square.
(4)
Veronica M.
What where am I ??? I was confused by the name the food and the decor. Ordered a couple of the meat and cheese platters $$$$ I wasn't expecting this type of food from this restaurant I thought it was American cuisine. I guess the food was good you cant really go wrong with the placing of expensive meats and cheeses on platters.
(3)
Jennifer Q.
Another great find for a casual and quiet breakfast. I went on a Sunday morning, around 10am -right when they opened. It was not too crowded yet so we had our choice of seating and great service. I really enjoyed my food -the House Smoked Salmon Benedict. An hour or two later, it started to get more crowded but it wasn't crazy like some of those "line halfway around the block" places -and that's a good thing. It's just a nice, cozy and friendly place to have a nice meal. I can't handle chaos before my morning coffee you know? Which reminds me, good coffee too!
(4)
Ali H.
I was excited to venture to a new brunch spot, but I was underwhelmed by my experience at Fork. What really turned me off was the not thoroughly washed silverware. There was at least one crusted over piece of silverware at each diner's seat. When my partner ordered a chai tea, they brought an iced chai, not the drink she ordered. Food-wise, my egg scramble was lukewarm and the eggs were runny--i like my eggs warm and firm. The toast was cold so using butter wasn't an option. The service was mediocre. Our server was clearly not the brightest and did not check in on us.as frequently as one would expect since it wasn't busy. Overall, I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Maria D.
Went for Sunday brunch with a friend this past weekend, my first time since the switch from Fiddlehead to Fork. Sunday was a hot, gorgeous preview of the summer-to-come and I enjoyed two delicious tequila-based cocktails made with agave syrup and grapefruit juice; a perfect choice for breakfast-y food and the highlight of my meal. I was impressed with the beer and wine lists but disappointed in my entree; I chose the breakfast melt sandwich which includes bacon, ham, cheddar, fontina, arugula and carmelized onions. I ordered without the bacon and ham but was still charged full price; in situations like this I can never understand why there isn't a base price if you order it vegetarian and an add-on price for the meaty version, especially when you have three breakfast sandwich options and none are vegetarian. I might not have minded so much had the sandwich as I ordered it not been a soggy mess; the bread was not thick enough to stand up to the toppings and I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Not to mention the irritating fact that I forgot to specify which bread I wanted, the waitress never asked and it was brought out to me on white, which I never eat if I can possibly help it. My waitress was friendly and seemed to know the menu but she was training another waitress and I think it distracted her on some level; I ordered a side of potatoes, she forgot to bring them out, I said it was fine and to forget about it but still had to ask to have them removed from the bill 20 minutes later. But it was a busy Sunday and the service wouldn't stop me from giving Fork another try. I just won't be ordering that sandwich again, which is disappointing; whatever this place was called before it was Fiddlehead had the best damn breakfast sandwich I've ever had and every time I try one I hope to equal that past glory.
(3)
Sandra S.
Having only gone here twice, I can report I've thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The staff is friendly and effective. The chicken burger is DELICIOUS. I wouldn't have thought a chicken burger could be anything special but Fork proved me wrong. The grilled chicken salad with beets, bleu cheese and champagne vinaigrette was also lovely. I appreciate the fact that it was clear the chicken breast was actually cooked at the restaurant. I hate the fake grilled chicken that comes out of a bag so many places use. The drink menu is expansive -- wine and beer included. Many great options to choose from. The music in Fork is terrible. But it's laughably terrible rather than detrimental. I will definitely be back here.
(4)
Nona Gayle D.
De-Licious..... I had their bbq brisket sandwich and it was exactly what I stated above. At dinner time this cafe sets an ambiance that is personal and warm. They have a huge cheese and wine selection and their prices aren't too bad. My sandwich ran about 12 bucks, and it came with fries! The portions were filling and worth the price! I want to go back here and eat again.... I also noticed they have a 3 cheese mac and cheese... and I need to try it.... it's on my bucket list... I totally suggest it!
(4)
Sarah K.
Our Lincoln Square go to. A great place to go to after a movie down the street. Friendly staff and comfy food.
(4)
Kelly S.
Four stars for my four visits to Fiddlehead. I love feeling like a local of the neighborhood when I sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of something sparkly. The staff here is the best and truly make the experience memorable. Diverse beer selection, reasonably priced bubbly, and a terrific wine list to compliment any mood. I tried the food for the first time this weekend. Those new garlic cilantro fries??? WORTH the trip from Oak Park. They come with a side of aioli and homemade ketchup. The lobster bisque... I had a small sampling and quickly wanted an entire cup. I had to refrain in order to save room for the mac n cheese that I had ordered. The mac n cheese fell a little flat for me. Too many crunchy bread crumbs on top, and I really wasn't getting enough 'WOW! cheeessseee'. Maybe too much flour and salt in the roux? There are definitely a few other things on the menu that I will be back to try! Ya know.... when I come in to pretend like I'm a Lincoln Square native.
(4)
Karen A.
Service (or lack of) can affect the dining experience- no matter how good the food or wine is. I think this place has been on 'auto-management-pilot' for a while now, and is in need of some attention. Hostess: A- gave us a 15 minute wait time (accurate) and sat us down promptly at a bar where the bartender ignored us for 15 minutes. Bartender: F- sorry fella- I've seen you do this multiple times- at least ACKNOWLEDGE that you have a customer sitting there, even if you can serve us right way. Eye contact- GOOD, rudeness- BAD. Wine Flights: C- Same stuff on the menu that was there 6 months ago. Yawn. Can we get some seasonal variety at least? Server-B: When you have a bar server and food server and server bus people all not serving your table or communicating with each other, ain't nobody happy. Food:B+- good menu, consistent good food but it would be nice to see some new stuff on there too.... Overall- an OK experience but it seems as though it is a business in need of some tweaks.
(2)
Renee F.
Yum Yum Yum. I'm pretty much a fan of any place that has wine and cheese flights, so no big win for Fiddlehead Cafe there. However, they do have quite a nice selection and it's reasonably priced. The menu is pretty short and sweet and the dishes are always made with fresh ingredients. The service is great...they check on you but don't bother you and are always so nice, but not fake. I don't know, I just really like this place. It's comfy and I always leave with a happy belly.
(5)
Heather R.
Fork is a sweet little brunch spot for family, a date, or girlfriends catching up. It's comparably priced and friendly service. I loved their mimosa flight for $12----the Pomosa was my favorite, and their potatoes were delicious. I got an omlette which I really enjoyed, but by looking at the table next to me, I wish I had chosen the Chicken-n-Waffes. Thankfully, there's always a next time.
(3)
Nancy M.
Good service, nice environment but LOUSY FOOD. One time was enough for me.
(1)
Suzanne P.
FANTASTIC. I've been wanting to go here for...months. I finally went last night and I am SO glad that I did. First of all, it's a great date spot. It's got a nice modern yet cozy deco to it...very open and just felt very fun. Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I'm a mess with pairing wines with entrees, and she made excellent suggestions to both me and my date. She was also really attentive without being annoying. I had the vegetable strudel...and WOW. I paired it with their Zinfandel and it was just delightful. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the delicious goat cheese just wrapped it all together. My date had the ratatouille stuffed chicken breast. He was really really happy with his choice too. I would come back here in a second. Great food, wonderful service. Definitely a Lincoln Square staple.
(5)
Bridget H.
Stopped in Fork after a movie at the Davis. The atmosphere is causal and comfortable but super nice and stylish. The prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of food and drink. I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup...both delicious - gourmet comfort food. The service was prompt, attentive, an friendly. Best of all, it's steps away from the brown line and other great Lincoln Square faves. I'll be back and look forward to trying their brunch or dinner menu.
(4)
Jamie H.
This place was quite good. I tried the Winter Wine Flight and it was pretty good. I then ordered the Salmon. It was great- cooked perfectly and all the veggies that came with it were good too. My friend got the polenta, which was also excellent. We then got the creme brule for dessert. Also very good. The service was good and the food was good, all around a pretty enjoyable Friday evening. Also, got there about 8pm and there was no wait...so that was a plus!
(4)
Eric X.
Went for brunch with the family. First off, not one, not two, but THREE dirty place settings. Two had food, not just stains, on the silverware. The third had yellow stains on the cloth napkin. Who knows the state of the kitchen when they lack the basic quality control in the dining room. It's too bad, because the eggs benedict was pretty decent. The salmon plate used farm raised salmon and for the cost of the dish, only came with enough lox to fill one half bagel. That's weak. The waffle was your standard belgian variety with a blackberry sauce and cinnamon infused butter. The sauce was not enough to cover the waffle, and maple syrup was conspicuously absent from the table. I'd have considered going back, but the sanitation issues kill it for me. Oh and the coffee sucked -- horribly sour.
(2)
Bill M.
This semi-upscale spot in Lincoln Square sits at the old Square Kitchen location. I did not have a complete meal here, but what I ate was delicious. The squash soup was delectable, and you know it has to be good when the server ladles it into a bowl in front of your very eyes at the table. The creme brulee was creamy with just the right crackle on top, topped with a superb sprinkling of berries. The walls display so many wine selections, as supposedly there are over 350 bottle choices.
(4)
Kristen W.
As I was seated at this restaurant, I realized how very easy I am to please. Such a nice ambience, nice music, and lovely service really gets my attention right off the bat. Little details count: a waiter who takes your drink order right away, a nice long beer list, a well-rounded wine list with flights available. All of these things within the first five minutes of my visit to Fiddlehead. I looked at the dessert menu first, which is very unlike me, I'm not a sweets person- but they had banana cream pie. When's the last time you saw that? Then to the cheese list, wow. You can not only order any cheese 'flight' but you can create your own in addition to being able to take home any cheese(s) on the list. My date had a question about one of the beers on tap and before we knew it a sample had appeared. Just recently the beer list has been expanded. Great food, nice ambiance, great drinks. Lovely.
(4)
Virginia T.
I stopped in for brunch (ok, my friend and I tried to, but missed it by 25min, but had a GREAT host, who actually spoke with the kitchen and put in our order off the brunch menu anyway!!!) Thanks to him, we were able to get the yummy chicken & waffles (really the reason we came in the first place) as well as great tomato soup & grilled cheese. The waffles were crisp, yet tender and so was the chicken. The grilled cheese was crisp, with gooey cheese, bacon, and spiced pecans. The tomato soup was simple, but good. I was very impressed for a special order! We sat at an open window, and it was lovely- they have a nice patio area as well. I'm excited to go back for dinner sometime, especially because of their great beer list.
(4)
Emily C.
Wasn't impressed. Not with the food and certainly not with the service. Our meal took close to 50 minutes to arrive to the bar where we decided to eat. The bar tender was at first knowledgeable about wines and attentive but when a group of "young ladies" plopped down near us, the rest of us sitting at the bar were left watching him work his (lack there of) game on the said ladies. Oh and it was about 83 degrees in that place. We were there in February and the heat was blasting...it was like I was at a bikram class. The menu is pretty boring, trying to be rustic but end up rusty. I had the salmon which had a rank fishy taste and filled with bones. The side of vegetables were also overcooked. It appeared that it sat under a heat lamp for a good half hour. Plus the prices are high for what you actually get. Sorry, won't be back.
(1)
Tory w.
I went on cheap burger night, which happened to be the night the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. It was perfect because I was looking for a non-sports bar kind of place and Fiddlehead fit the bill. Great Malbec, great seats in the big open windows, and very tasty burgers. The chocolate ganache tart with pecan crust is homemade and is to DIE for. I definitely would go back.
(4)
Sarah L.
I want Fiddlehead back!!!!!!!! My husband suggested we check out Fork and I agreed. The new Fork menu is a lot smaller and so are their portions! It reminds me of American Tapas. We both had specials hubs had wild boar burger (was amazing) and I had the scallops. The way the waiter described it, it sounded like it was a dinner portion. When our food arrived, I had 3 TINY scallops, 5 green beans and 2 miniature bites of potatoes. WTH!? I thought I was getting big meaty scallops for dinner along with a side of veggies? How can they advertise that as a dinner special? The price is what killed me, $17 for a 3 bite appetizer. I was sadly disappointed! Luckily I was able to have a few bites of the wild boar burger and some of his fries. Our server was nice and attentive and he was pretty busy. Sadly, I will not be back at Fork. Their menu isn't the same and food prices are higher.
(2)
Katie H.
At first I thought this was just a convenient neighborhood place to stop into for a half-price wine flight on Tuesdays - until I had more wine than planned, decided to stay for dinner, and realized that the food is way more amazing than I expected. The cheese flights are great and the servers are skilled in recommending cheeses to sample together. I especially recommend their selection of blue cheeses. I also had the duck & watercress sandwich and was quite impressed with the complexity of flavors. My only complaint was that it tasted a bit salty for me, but not enough to change my good opinion. I also sampled a bit of the macaroni & cheese and was impressed. The fries accompanying the sandwich were seasoned well. I'm looking forward to sampling more from the menu soon.
(4)
Mikki K.
Went for brunch today. I had the duck confit hash (so yummy, so rich, so filling) & my husband had the lemon curd brioche French toast (totally delicious & worth having too), and the service was flawless just like the food. We made reservations, but I also saw some walk ins get seated fairly quickly. We will be going back & taking all of our friends.
(5)
Leann W.
We went here for brunch a couple months back after church. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. No big deal as we have been wanting to try this place for a while. We ordered some breakfast food and it was just okay. My omlet was mushy and watery. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing but my husbands meal wasnt very impressive either. Needless to say we could have made a better breakfast at home. Kinda disappointed but they are always packed so business must be good!
(2)
Meredith B.
I am writing this review based on my first and so far only experience to Fiddlehead, but man was it a good one. I had the grilled cheese. Now before you start throwing things at my head demanding that I'm silly for "wasting" money on something I can make at home, hear me out. This was the grilled cheese of my dreams. This grilled cheese was filled with bacon, candied pecans, perfectly melty-creamy-cheesy goodness....all on delightfully grilled and slightly sweet bread, and served with the light and uplifting tomato basil soup. I tried the dishes everyone else had around the table and they weren't nearly as memorable....but my goodness. I'll be back for sure. I'm pretty much excited to have that grilled cheese in my mouth once more.
(4)
Colleen F.
I'm surprised by the great reviews of this place. Don't get me wrong it's fine, but in Chicago fine does not cut it. FYI: We sat for probably 2 hours drinking multiple glasses of wine and a bunch of appetizers. Please do not think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that every single glass that came out to the table was dirty and I don't mean spotty, I don't even mean a little leftover lipstick...I mean it looked like it just came out of the hands of a toddler eating spaghetti. After bringing it to the attention of the server who I believe was also the bartender because it was Sunday (maybe Monday) the glasses continued to come out dirty, just smeared as if someone half-heartedly wiped them off.
(2)
Steve B.
The wine flights, from what my family said, were great. The smooth operator and the french and italian wines provided a good variety of both dry, as well as semi-sweet wines. I, on the other hand, tried out the beer flight. It consisted of a light, belgian white, a hoppy pale ale, and a smooth, easy drinking stout. Needless to say, the selection of beverages was fantastic. As for the food, we were all more than satisfied. I had the bison flank steak. The fries that accompanied this were tasty too! Highly recommended!
(5)
Emily S.
Every time I come here I feel like I've been forked over. *Zing!* Overpriced. Kind of blah. Weird vibe. We had, what felt like, eleven or twelve waiters who each had absolutely no idea what was going on and were placed under some sort of secret threat from management to clear a table as fast as humanly possible. I actually had to chase down someone who walked off with half my beer. It's as if you are eating at a restaurant put under a spell by an evil witch. The people that work there seem pleasant enough but there is a deep & terrifying sadness behind their eyes. Maybe they're all forest creatures turned into waiters and cooks for the night. This would explain their lack of knowledge over even the most basic of menu items and why they put pecans on a grilled cheese sandwich. Crazy forest animals! Someone save the creatures who work at fork!
(2)
Katie C.
Bahhhhhhhhh. I'd been here once before, and hoping to be wooed by Fiddlehead during the second visit, the man and I gave it a try for a weekend brunch/lunch. The first three strikes happened within approximately seven minutes of us sitting down: Steeeeeeerike 1: The busboy managed to not actually pour water in the water glass, but in fact poured it ALL OVER the table. And he didn't notice. Steeeeeeerike 2: Our server walks by as we're attempting to mop up the mess with our overly starched napkins and says, "Causing trouble already?" No, smart ass, your busboy is blind. Steeeeeeerike 3: The server then proceeded to LAUGH at our order...um, since when is it professional to mock customers when they ask you for a side of fries? Too bad the fries were good (hence the two stars as opposed to 1) but then again, I am not willing to patronize any restaurant that doesn't have basic restaurant etiquette down. If you want to be considered a higher-class establishment, hire some classy employees. Not to mention the server charged us more for our entrees AND our side o' fries than was the posted price on the menu. That's just sneaky AND lazy. Never again, unless drugged against my will.
(2)
Abbey F.
Looks like the "before" segment of a restaurant make-over show. Half-empty on a Saturday night. Weird, small menu focusing on cheese. Hyped-up entree special came out way salty. boring.
(2)
carolyn h.
3.5, Pro's: Brisket Sandwhich is close to perfect, or at least the way I like it. full of deep flavors, a little bit of fat but not to much. It's served on thick Texas toast. I had it with the mixed greens which balanced the meal ot. I think it would have been to heavy for me if I had ordered the french fries instead. Wine and beer list: My boyfriend loved obscure beers (cause most the time he's to cool for school to actually order a beer with a familiar name) and I'm into red wine and their list is well thought out and also explained to customers. Cons: I've been in there when the server was just out of it. It was like he was on another planet or something. Everything just took a long time and he was slow, didn't really ad anything to our experience.
(3)
Emily L.
As we were looking at the menu trying to decide if we wanted to eat at Fork, some people walked out and said it was great, so we decided to try it out for breakfast. Unfortunately, both of our meals were really bad. I ordered an egg and mushroom dish that was terrible. I couldn't even eat it. I thought maybe it was just my pallet, but when I had my husband try it, he thought it was even worse than I did. He ordered chicken and waffles. The waffles weren't bad, but the chicken was extremely salty and just made the dish taste over-salted. Not sure how you can make chicken salty, but it was way too much salt. The service was good, and the ambiance is nice, but two out of two dishes were bad. Two stars. As much as I wanted to give the place a chance, I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)
Tedd M.
Fiddlehead has become my favorite restaurant in Chicago. If you're looking for great food, a great staff and an enjoyable atmosphere then Fiddlehead is your place. I've dined here on numerous occasions and every time has been fantastic. We some how manage to get the same server (Nick) nearly every time we go in, and he's always taken phenomenal care of us. The wine list is extensive, and their specials are always good if you decide to venture off the regular menu. Fiddlehead is a gem in Lincoln Square!
(5)
Michael J.
The food was pretty good, but nothing to brag about. As far as breakfast places go, this doesn't have the same sunny feeling I like when I go to places like Yolk or Wishbone.
(3)
David P.
Honestly, I was sad to see Square Kitchen leave this space (I miss you, lobster club sandwich and pear and red oak salad!), but when I finally approached Fiddlehead with an open mind, I loved it. The menu is a bit more high-end. If you're looking for just a bite, you'll likely be taking home leftovers. My favorites include the duck and fig jam crostini from the small plates menu, the half-pound burger, and the cheese plate. They have Hook's 10-Year Aged Cheddar, my favorite. The wine flights at this place are difficult not to convert into a round-trip. Nice selection. The ambience has a very interesting organic/rainforest feel to it (don't worry, they have a/c). They definitely know how to craft a mood. When we last were there, they were excited about rennovations to the back dining area, so I'm excited to see what it looks like. Even if you're not a "foodie," (and I really don't consider myself one) I think that, like me, you'll find this to be a bit different from the rest of Lincoln Square, yet not too exotic in their offerings that they are inaccessible. A great place with friendly waitstaff. And how could I forget to mention the martinis...?!
(4)
Daniel B.
I attended a rather large engagement party on Saturday and I found that this place handled it superbly. The 30+ guests were seated at exactly 6:00 and the service could have been better. We showed a little early and grabbed a drink at the bar. The wine list is pretty extensive and they have some pretty sweet beers on tap. This is a really nice looking cafe. They started us off with their cheese appetizers, a mixed vegetable plate, and House Smoked Salmon with some kind of bread. (Sorry I suffer from CRS syndrome- can't remember shit) The standout was the different cheeses, with my favorite being the Valdeon Blue Cheese, the 3yr Cheddar and some kind of feta. I took down one of the plate myself and was wanted to take the left over Blue cheese to go, but I was denied! I was told no one wanted to smell stinky feet the rest of the night. My favorite thing of the night was for sure the salad. Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad, Field Greens, Candied Pecans, Shaved Fennel, Blue Cheese Crouton, Champagne Vinaigrette. Holy Balls! I love me some beets and as soon as I saw this on the menu my eyes lit up. The salad did not disappoint and I will be coming back here just for this salad. The main dish I picked was the beef tenderloin and some sort of potato that I also cannot recall. I'm sorry by the time dinner was served I was 3 glasses of wine and 3 gin and tonics deep. I remember the meat being cooked perfectly and the potatoes were tasty. I also tried the woman's salmon and it was excellent. The dessert was your basic Crème Brulee and served its purpose. The service was excellent, as two very attentive waiters were assigned to our table. My wine glass was never empty and I was always rushed a fresh cocktail. The manager made his presence known and was always available for questions. The back party room is spacious and I really like the exposed brick look of the place. There was one little incident where a glass of wine was spilled on the woman's step dad and a punch was almost thrown, but all in all the night went on without a hitch. I look forward to coming back and trying the rest this place has to offer.
(4)
Nicollette W.
A nice hungover food induced coma could be obtained by coming here on a beautiful Sunday morning for brunch. I had the Eggs Benedict Florentine - delicious....spinach and artichoke hearts....nice and salty. She had the chilaquiles - looked good - said it was good - but I didn't try it. We had a weird experience with the server though - she was nice - but we never got a coffee refill and were brought extra stuff we didn't order....at least we didn't have to pay for it.
(4)
Rick C.
Strolling down Lincoln on a Wednesday night when we saw a sign for a five dollar burgers with options for adding duck confit, bbq brisket, a fried egg. etc. How could we refuse? It seemed like others had the same idea, so it took a while for us to get seated. Once we finally got a table, our server was very cool and didn't even blink when we asked to move to a larger table to accommodate our friends. I went with the duck confit burger. Not sure if the duck complimented it well, but I enjoyed it. Upgraded to the garlic fries and thought it they were tasty. My wife went for the salmon burger and I thought was surprisingly juicy. Our friends had joined us for dinner and from seeing his review in the column to my right as a write this, it appears that he enjoyed his burger as well. We went on one of the first nice nights of spring, so the windows were open and while we ate inside they offered outdoor seating. It was nice to sit and watch people out and about in Chicago.
(4)
Erika E.
We live in the neighborhood, have passed this place often, and decided to stop in last night for $5 burger night / $8 specialty burger night. Our friends really like the place and have recommended it. The beverage list was long and had quite a bit of variety in type as well as price, which was nice. Our server was very prompt and polite. The decor is nice. I ordered the French Burger with fries. My husband also ordered a specialty burger with fries. I really liked that they knew how to cook a medium and a medium well. Both burgers were flavorful. The baguette was fresh, the brie was melted nicely, and the onion marmalade was delicious. My husband's burger has a nice amount of BBQ sauce on it; he liked that it wasn't drenched in sauce, and he could still taste the meat. Both the baguette and his hamburger bun held up well to the weight of the patty. There was a heaping portion of french fries on each of our plates, as well as a side of ketchup. The food was good, and the bill was reasonable. The only criticism I have is that the food was very salty. Perhaps I am a bit sensitive to salt, as I am cutting back on my sodium intake. There were salt and pepper shakers on the table; if one wanted to add more salt they can, but it is hard to make something less salty. To keep in the French style of the plate, it would have been nice if they had mayo instead of ketchup as a condiment, but I am being a bit picky. I am sure I could have requested it. I'm a mac and cheese girl, so I am looking forward to trying it next time. The watermelon gazpacho sounded good, too. We did have a good giggle when a young woman walked in with super-short shorts, shirt off the shoulders and obviously without a bra. It was tacky, but it had nothing to do with the restaurant. :)
(3)
Amy K.
Went there for the first time last Saturday night. Our waiter Nikkos was very good, friendly and attentive. We really like Hopleaf, but it can be so crazy/busy in there. We found this place on Open Table looking for a last minute reservation. We were very pleased. Everything was good-the french onion soup and the macaroni and cheese, to very good-the duck sandwich and the banana cream pie. Large beer selection that makes my husband happy. Nikkos says to try their mussels. We always seem to compare them to Hopleaf's, but since their duck sandwich was better we said we'll try them on our next visit.
(4)
Aquarius E.
Recently went there for a birthday dinner, my mom is friendly with the Chef and he really made the experience a great one. The whole table enjoyed every last bike of their food and our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ate here I had a bad experience with my waiter, this time around totally changed everything. I loved my cheese plate with berries, and the beer menu. my one and only issue.. not enough veggie options for true vegetarians .
(4)
Cheri V.
Friday Night: Nico sets us up with our wine flights. Lets my husband sniff Scotch to get the right one. We close the joint. Stumble half block home. Saturday night: Favorite wine from previous nights flight and Crowd Pleaser cheese flight. Delicious and savory. Banana cream pie tastes homemade and good. Sunday morning: Ham and cheese scramble is the tastiest breakfast ever. Husband's grilled cheese has candied pecans in it. Yum. I have two Pomosas and he has Sangria. Advertised as best Sangria in town. A bold statement and right now true as far as I'm concerned.
(5)
Emily C.
Okay, I forgive you. It's been a few years plus a name change and a facelift (for you), and now I can officially and definitively offer this restaurant my forgiveness for getting rid of the banana-chocolate french toast. I wish I could say something noble like "my forgiveness cannot be bought", but it totally can. So I'd credit whomever added the banana white chocolate bread pudding to the menu with buying my forgiveness and my love. Good job dude or dudette - thanks to that addition, I'm back and I'm ALL IN. I'd never had wine flights here before, but my dude and I had both the "crisp" and "interesting" ones, respectively, and both found things we adored and wanted to purchase (ironically in the flight the other one had, but that's good). Quick suggestion, Fork - encourage people to keep their little wine flight papers that say what's what. I was too lightheadedly giddy to grab mine, but I wish I had now. For food, we split the iceberg & blue salad (delicious and a larger portion than we'd have guessed or hoped for), the French charcuterie (awesome, especially the saucisson sec - salami of some sort rolled in herbs de province? Um yeah!),and the mac & cheese small plate (pretty tasty but the only thing that didn't really set off fireworks for me). For dessert, we split a pricey but delicious flight of madieras, the middle of which went perfectly with the aforementioned love-buying bread pudding. My guy had the chocolate cake which was gorgeously rich & bittersweet, but I still think I had the winner for desserts, especially with the booze pairing. A little expensive, especially with the 3 flights we ordered, but worth it. It's difficult for me to think of this place and not be hungry. The next time I visit won't be so long this time and can't come soon enough.
(5)
Sara J.
Fork is a great neighborhood spot. Great drink selection and I love the wine flight options. I've been here for both brunch and for dinner and have never been disappointed. In particular, the beet salad is delish and the pork belly sliders are amazing. Service could be a little friendlier all around. Weekends are busy but we've never had a problem walking in on a weekday.
(4)
Tim B.
The wife and I were in Lincoln Square this weekend to explore and have some lunch/brunch. Our wandering brought us to Fiddlehead. On first inspection this place is open and inviting and we scored a seat right by the wide open front windows - great for people watching and enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A look at their fantastic beer menu and one bloody mary later and we were settled in for a nice lunch/brunch. Fiddlehead has a nice menu with a mix of brunch and lunch options. The usual faire with sweet and savory options, salads and sandwiches. I went with a very nice duck hash and the wife had a solid grilled chicken salad with peaches. We gave them big points for creativity and originality but they just missed the mark on execution. The salad was flavorful but slightly overdressed. The duck hash was solid and really tasty but my toast came out cold as ice and almost tasted stale - and as any hash lover knows the best part of an egg over-easy on top of hash is dipping the toast in the runny yolk. So the bad toast hurt my dish more than you would think. Would we go there again: yes. But will we give a few other places in the hood a shot before cycling back though: yes.
(3)
Rob L.
We had our rehearsal dinner here (when it was still Fiddlehead). We were treated to wonderful personal service, amazing food, and a very welcoming ambience. We've eaten dinner here a few times as well, and have always had a good experience (which is why we engaged them for the rehearsal dinner!). This is a top-notch locally-owned restaurant that's the perfect match for the neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)
Liz B.
When we showed up for brunch (10 minutes after it was "open") they were still vacuuming the floor and there was no one to even give us the menus. This was our third attempt to brunch there (convenient location) and was the worst service so far but the first two times were not particularly impressive (forgotten bacon and delayed coffee refills jaded my previous 2 experiences). The first two times I stuck around long enough to get food and found it mediocre. The eggs were standard and the french toast was so sweet there were no unique flavors to be enjoyed. I have enjoyed their wine flights on occasion but have been so put off by the bad service I've given up on the place.
(2)
Amanda D.
I heard this place has nice wine and beer selection. The list was actually overwhelming, but I picked a nice flight of reds. I tried the mussels as an appetizer with the blue cheese burger for the entree. I couldn't pass up on their chocolate ganache cake. It was all very delicious and the restaurant itself was very nice. The entire dinner was perfect harmony. The best part was that our waiter and the entire staff was very attentive and polite. I love when everything comes together!
(4)
Cat L.
Stopped in to Fiddlehead for a late brunch today...and I was not wowed. Not that I had super high hopes for this place, but I was just hoping for a little something more. I tried the grilled cheese on Texas toast with a bowl of (what else) tomato soup. The sammich was just fine - the spiced pecans added a nice surprising touch. But the cheese wasn't as melty as I would have liked for a grilled cheese. The soup had a nice tomato flavor, but I couldn't figure out what herbs were used in the oil. Didn't taste like basil, though the menu said it was. Hmmm. My friend tried the waffles - not sure about the taste, but they sure smelled good! Service could have been better. Our waitress seemed like she wanted to be somewhere else. Good thing we didn't let it get to us. If I'm looking for a brunch spot in the Square again, I'll probably hit up another place . But if you're in a pinch, this place should do.
(3)
Maya G.
I love this place, the food is wonderful and unique, yet it's possible to always find something if you aren't feeling adventurous. The wine menu is great as is the beer menu, though both can be a bit overwhelming at times. I've had repeatedly great in actions with the staff too. I do have to admit that depending on who is in the kitchen the food will vary between merely good and fantastic. We used to live 5 minutes away and now we are 45 minutes, but I hope to still make I back.
(4)
Steve G.
Strong beer list, very good food (Farmhouse Burger, yay) in generous portions, friendly service, good location.
(4)
Amy S.
There a few things I like more than wine. In fact, I think I can count them on one hand and that short list includes cheese and bacon. Without question. Fiddlehead has this trifecta of deliciousness down pat. Service/Atmosphere: We arrived on time for our 8:30 dinner reservation, were seated immediately at a booth (yay) with a street view (double yay for people watching Lincoln Square style). Our server greeted us quickly, she was attentive without being obnoxious for the duration of our stay, and we were greeted by the manager, as well. Overall, service was well above average. There are only maybe 17 tables in the place, but the atmosphere is lovely. I'd request a private table when making a reservation. There's a whole row of cafeteria style tables. I, for one, and not a fan of sitting that close anyone I don't know. I just don't like people all that much, and there's that forced awkwardness of feeling like you have to acknowledge them. Food/Drink: I love wine flights and was therefore compelled to order more than one (I went with the Crisp Whites and Interesting Whites), and ended up finding a new wine to love. We started off with a French Cheese flight (great little nibble of 3 cheeses from their extensive cheese menu), then progressed to our meal. I started with the MIxed Green Salad (featuring bacon), but it was pretty unremarkable. Dinner for me was the Pancetta Mac and Cheese appetizer. It was so cheesy, buttery, and delicious- I could have eaten more and might consider the larger size next time I want to indulge. My husband had the Duck Club. YUM! Duck confit,, smoked duck breast, pecans, goat cheese, arugula, and cherry jam. I'm surprised the reviews here were so mixed- I thought it was a pretty solid dining experience, and we'll definitely go back. For our cheese flight, two wine flights, two glasses of red wine, and two dinners, we came away spending $100 with tip.
(4)
john p.
Been there a couple of times and neither one turned out great. First we went for brunch and the food was dry and underwhelming. The second time we went we waited an hour and a half to get our burgers; this was after we waited 30 mins for a table. They told us they lost our order but we heard them say the same thing to another table. When the manager came he was rude and obnoxious. They did pay for my drink and burgers which is why they got the second star. Overall there are just too many good places to eat in Lincoln Square to waste a meal at this place.
(2)
Eric M.
I've eaten here twice. Once for my brother's birthday party - a table of about a dozen of us, and once for my birthday, just my brother, my mother and I. Both times the service was good, both times the food was great. I went back for my birthday because I enjoyed the meal during my brother's birthday so much. I also have to really give them strong props for doing the right thing when it would have been easy to try to cop out. I and four other people ordered the duck breast at my brother's birthday dinner, and we ALL ordered them rare. And they all came out medium-well. Duck-lovers out there know that the difference between rare and medium-well in a duck breast is like the difference between tenderloin and liver in beef. So we all complained and sent them back, and they comped us all. I was really surprised. I mean, it's the right thing to do, but with five meals out of a dozen, it's got to be tempting to try to cut some corners there. They didn't. They admitted the obvious and sucked it up. We left a good tip, and that was part of the reason I went back. If I lived closer to Lincoln Square, I'd probably be back a lot more often. P.S. I love their cheeses.
(5)
Sara W.
I live near Lincoln Square and have been to Fork at least 5 times and I will say that it is overall mediocre at best. Last night is a prime example of it being bad. We came in around 10:45 on New Year's Eve looking to have some great drinks and possibly an appetizer. There were empty tables and no wait and we saddled up to the bar. There were 3 hosts who didn't really give us much guidance, but again being here before, no big deal. Then we waited for at least 10 minutes without menus or a glance hello from the bartender. However, one of the 3 hosts hanging out, did occasionally smile in our direction but never made a move. It took me saying something to be served. Our bartender slammed glasses, threw garbage across the back of the bar, while she swore and conversed with the host as he explained what he was going to eat for dinner. Then a guy came in for a beer and he just wanted one and pay in cash. When he finished, she told him "6.50" and then put the ten he gave her in her tip jar. A server yelled at a busboy to bus tables right in front of us. Like uncomfortably loud. When I go out, I don't want to know your problems or whether you like working on New Year's or not. I don't want to see your dysfunction. They do have a great menu, but the food is mediocre and the wine can be disappointing. The only reason why I think this place stays in business is because it's the only thing around of its kind. If Hopleaf or Webster wine bar were down the street, I think this place would be out. Please investors put a better place in Lincoln Square, because despite the low review, I'll probably be back because again I feel I have little choice in the area.
Emily B and I went here for brunch one day - on her reccomendation. She had been before and had had what amounted to being the best breakfast food of her life - so she drove in from the suburbs and we walked up to Lincoln Square. I ended up with these pancakes with hazelnut butter and bananas and chocolate ganache and they were sinfully good. What I SHOULD have gotten was a Belgium waffle with the same hazelnut butter and blackberry compote - but sometimes I forget to think. I had just put in my order for pancakes and saw a waiter walk by with the waffle and immediately kicked myself. Next time... Emily got the Lox & Bagel platter, which came with a really nice spread including capers and onions and the smoked lox smelled SO GOOD. The space itself is adorable, with comfortable chairs and a really pretty bar and exposed brick and cute lighting. I'm writing this review like, months after I actually went, so I'll just have to go back and re-review it.
(4)
Q M.
I've been to brunch here many, many times and I leave very satisfied every time. This time I branched out from my usual flight of mimosas and truffled eggs (which are so so good by the way) to a flight of mimosas and the breakfast melt. Mmmm. Bacon, ham, melty cheese and some runny eggs? Count. Me. In. It was messy, but totally worth it.
(4)
Janice W.
I've been 4 times and each time I go I think the same thing: overpriced and underwhelmed. The food is a notch above average and it's priced like it thinks it a lot better than it is. On my last visit for example: roasted beet appetizer ($8) - so salty it was barely edible and the little chopped up bits of it amounted to about 1.5 beets. An anemic cheese flight ($12) should have been more like for the teeny tiny slices of 3 cheeses plus 3 almonds, 2 pecans and 4 thin slices if bread and apple. (I was at the John Hancock 96th floor Signature room the other day, where you pay for the views, and had a cheese plate for $11). And the worst offender - one of their seranno ham plates - 2 or 3 slices plus a dolop of mustard ($12 ish - my friend ordered it and I am not sure of the exact price.) But more than anything, the prices wouldn't even be so insulting if the food was worth it. It's not.
(2)
Susie L.
I came here recently for brunch and was amazed by the food. First of all, their Bloody Mary was divine, nice and spicy. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, and let me tell you. The chicken (which they brine overnight) was super tender and flavorful on the inside, and crunchy crispy on the outside, the waffles were also a bit crispy and fluffy (not doughy and heavy like some places), and it came with what I believe was vanilla flavored butter. It honestly did not need any butter or syrup. Just when you think that's all the meal consists of... a HUGE slice of maple flavored crispy carmelized nut-coated bacon was atop the chicken, never experience that before. My friend ordered the Truffled Eggs which was equally divine, fluffy eggs with a delicious truffle oil flavor and seasonings, a bed of tasty arugula, all on top a savory croissant-like biscuit flatbread. The use of ingredients are simple but mind-blowing. I can't wait to go back and try dinner!
(5)
Sean F.
We went here on Saturday night for dinner, and it was a bit of an odd sort of meal. There were some excellent parts, but some other things that kind of took things down a notch. The good parts were: - Grilled Cheese. This was wonderful. Aged cheddar, fontina, bacon, and spiced pecans on brioche bread. The nuts were an excellent touch I had never had before. This may be the best grilled cheese I've ever had. - Potato chips and bleu cheese fondue. This was what chips and dip should be at all times. The chips were crispy with just the right amount of salt. The bleu cheese sauce had a little bit without being overwhelming. - Maple ice cream. Just excellent. It was like eating Vermont. - The service. We had two servers as our waiter was training a new waiter. They both did an excellent job. Friendly, gregarious, and knowledgeable about the food. Service was top-notch. There were some other good things that weren't outstanding. My wife had a very good chateaubriand. The cheese selection is nice, esp. the buttermilk bleu. And the garlic-cilantro fries are a nice side dish. Then there's the not-so-good: - Odor. Upon being seated I noticed a weird odor. It was kind of like sewer smell. I was going to say something when the smell went away. A few times during the meal I caught it again, but it always abated before it was enough to make me move. - Tomato-basil soup. I had high hopes, as the grilled cheese came with tomato basil soup. This was a flop. You can get better at Noodles & Company. It was kind of thin, very bland, and uninspired. As it comes with the grilled cheese see if there's any way to get something subbed in for it. - Champagne grapefruit sorbet. This was just way too strongly flavored to where it was almost impossible to eat. Also, the texture was oddly grainy. Not recommended at all. In general this was a nice place. I would like to try the brunch there one day. I give it three stars, but I think with proper selections it could be four.
(3)
Darin E.
In from out-of-town, we went for Saturday morning brunch. We were the first ones to sit down. Service was overall very good, if a little slow from kitchen to table (25+ min). In contrast to other reviews, our water glasses were clean and kept full -- Just sayin'. My co-diners all got Chilaquiles, which they all enjoyed. I tried theirs and while I agree it was a nice dish, I am very glad that I departed from the trend and indulged in the Cap'n Crunch French Toast (made with brioche) & house-made chicken sausage instead. I was a little bit skeptical of the chicken sausage since I have found it kind of gamey in my experience. Undeterred by bad memories, and determined to dine out of my comfort zone in this wonderful city, I was delighted to find that in this case, the sausage was well seasoned and tasty -- Moist but not too greasy. It was definitely not pork breakfast sausage, or even a self-deceptively 'healthy' alternative, but good in its own right. I accompanied my meal with a fresh Carrot/Orange juice from the raw bar. Overall, the meal was excellent. The vibe was cool and mellow. Nice music and comfy chairs invited us to sit and chat by the open street-side window-wall enjoying the street traffic of people walking down to the music school with guitars strapped to their backs or riding off to the courts with their tennis rackets. It was a nice casual morning in a great neighborhood. I highly recommend Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)
Linda G.
This was the classiest place on the Belgian-American Club of Chicago Pub Crawl. Fully staffed with bartenders waiters and busboys. We were all served quickly. As this was our 4th or 5th stop I can't remember what we drank but they have a BIG beer list and I remember some really good Garlic fries. We'll have to go back.
(4)
Lahrin K.
Fork has fantastic food and a superb bar line-up (lengthy beer list, beautiful wines, and talented bartenders to mix delicious cocktails). After a bad Fiddlehead experience, I was nervous to make my way over, but I'm glad I did - Now I'm over there at least once a month. As a pescatarian, I can promise lots of tasty food options (I've only eaten from their dinner menu). This Summer, be sure to try the Salmon with Fava Beans. Other favorites: gnocci, scallops, beet salad, veggie flatbread, and pickled veggies. My meat-eater friends rave about the Chicken Burger and Pork Belly. Portions are perfect (though, as a warning, I enjoy smaller plates versus the 4-serving portions often found around the city - don't count on getting a piece of meat as big as your head at Fork) and everything is easy to share. Service is always wonderful. Staff members are attentive, fun, and knowledgeable (worst case, we've had to chase away a busser while our waitress brought more bread for our scallop-sauce). The restaurant is nicely appointed and is always clean.
(4)
Albert L.
I like the different selections in comfort foods and its complimentary craft beer selection. However, I think the food is too salty and it left me parching for water hours after.
(3)
A P.
Really loved fork - great food, small plates at an affordable price (I say this coming from DC - Chicagoans might be used to lower prices). Also good portion sizes - we had five people and were able to share a number of small plates with no problem. The service was great, and they have a fantastic beer selection - I really wish more restaurants would offer half pours and diy flights. I highly recommend you stop by when you have a chance! My favorites, of all the things we tried: duck charcuterie, herbed gouda, rosemary manchego, and the eggplant and goat cheese smear.
(5)
Brett M.
I base my reviews of restaurants on the following components: customer service (includes the time it takes to reach me, attentiveness of server), quality of food, value (is it priced fairly), and ambiance. I'm not impossible to please, but I have standards. Fiddlehead Cafe exceeded all of them! My fiance wanted a cheeseburger, and I wanted excellent wine, so as we strolled Lincoln looking for a pre-movie dinner place, we passed our usual favorite Jack Rabbit and checked out the menu of Fiddlehead Cafe. Cheeseburger? Check. Ridiculously awesome wine list? Check. The restaurant was not crowded, which was another plus, and we got a cozy table with the friendliest, most knowledgeable server, who was happy to sub an Argentinian Malbec into my Spanish wine flight because I wasn't thrilled about one of the included reds. Our cheeseburgers were amazing, and the french fries were addictive. My fiance enjoyed a Guiness Ice Cream Pudding (very British dessert) and ate every bite. I ended up leaving with a bottle of the Rioja I had best enjoyed in my wine flight... and it was only $16! Yes, they sell most of the wines AND cheeses on the menu, so you can take your faves with you when you leave. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Kerry W.
I'm not precisely sure when Fork became Fork (nor am I certain what it was before it became so) but I hope it was recent. I hope it was a recent transition because then they have an excuse for some of the hiccups I experienced on my recent visit. I met some girlfriends there for brunch/lunch at noon on Sunday. When I got to the restaurant (around 11:45) I put my name in and asked how long it might be. The host indicated 15-20 minutes. No problem, I said. After all I had gotten there early for this exact reason. The problem is that we weren't seated until nearly 12:30. That wouldn't have bothered me except there were at least three tables that could have accommodated my party that sat open for at least 15 minutes before we were actually seated. Frustrating! When we were finally seated I found that the prices on their menu differed slightly from those posted on their website (not by a ton, but that's still irritating) and our waiter was someone who feels that being contrary with a smile on his face constitutes comedy. After taking our drink orders tersely and then practically throwing the glasses down on the table (my girlfriend's spilled a bit... he really did just toss them down) he disappeared for another ten minutes before taking our food orders. Admittedly when he returned he was apologetic and did seem to get our food orders expedited to make up for it, but still. I agree with the previous poster who said that the garlic cilantro fries were a disappointment. I had high hopes, but they were just ho-hum. The turkey pannini was perfectly tasty, if nothing terribly special. Though the tomato jam was quite a nice addition to the crisp, buttery bread and thick, melty cheese. I was a little put-off by the appearance of my friends' tomato soup (the washed-out color of tomatoes in January. I know it's January and it's tomato soup but if it looks that unappetizing, maybe come up with a seasonal alternative... squash anyone?) but I didn't taste it so I don't know if it was any good. They seemed to enjoy it (both finished it) but I still didn't think it looked very appetizing - particularly with a pool of what looked like finely chopped basil floating in olive oil on the top. Overall, our lunch was pleasant, but not without frustration. If the restaurant is new, I'd probably go back for a brunch in the summer to see if things improve, but if it's been there a while, I won't be back.
(3)
Meghan C.
The wine flights are great...I thought the menu was a little heavy for summer. The food was good, but on a warm summer day, the menu just wasn't seasonally appropriate. The staff is very friendly, though our server was difficult to find later in the meal, and we ended up waiting a very long time for our check, and never got a dessert we ordered. I plan to go back, as it's a nice place and the wine flights make it worth the trip, but may just stick to the bar
(3)
Holly T.
Went for a friends birthday last night just to have drinks and had FABULOUS service! The bar tenders were great and even helped us split up the bill for a party of more than 4. The beer selection was amazing for anyone who loves trying new beers. Overall a great experience and we will be going back to try the food for sure!
(5)
Rachel Y.
I come here so often, I'm amazed I haven't written a review yet! Fiddlehead is one of my favorite wine bars. How they stand out? They don't give you the Bible of wine lists but rather a simple wine list with pictures to describe the wine for you. A man flexing his bicep conveys 'strong'. A chocolate bar means 'cocoa'. A pepper mill means 'spicy'. Simple, straight-forward, very accurate, and combined with a knowledgeable wait-staff, very rewarding!
(5)
Kathy P.
Fiddle dee dee! I met my friend Jen G. here, along with some soon-to-be friends. We were the only peeps in the place on a blustery winter day, looking to warm ourselves with copious beverages from Fiddlehead's extensive selection of wines and beers. The cheese platter and humus were AMAZING (the Persian feta will make you forget all about that pesky Greek feta) and all the cheese is available for sale at the restaurant. Our server, John, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the menu. In addition to his on-target drink and food recommendations, he was pleasant and even took some pics with us by the Christmas tree. I had the pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese aoili and although the aioli was inadvertently forgotten, it was still delicious. Maybe when I go back to try the sandwich with the aoili, they'll earn back the extra star. Everyone else seemed very happy with their selections and a delightful time was had by all. Thanks to John and Fiddlehead for providing the excellent food and the warm holiday glow!
(4)
April W.
I am confused by all of these rave reviews about this place. First of all, we were seated and no one came over to see if we wanted a drink or to order for 15 minutes. I finally had to get up and go and ask the host if we had a server. Then it was stil another 5 minutes before she came over. When she finally came over she was very nice and apologetic....But still...the place was empty so I didn't understand the delay. We ordered a little bit of everything. We had the dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon, these were the only good things we ate. THe mac and cheese was gummy and some of the noodles were hard. We had the pork belly and it was gross because it was luke warm so we were eating slimy pork belly fat. We ordered the elotes, ice cold, and I dont understand how you call a dish elotes and there was no cheese or chili spice. Plus they attempted to slice the corn off the cob and left the hard core so it was difficult to eat. The poutine was awful, the fries were overcooked and cold, the gravy was lumpy and the duck was WAYYYY overcooked. The whole dish was also lukewarm, not good. The flatbread was soggy, no crisp to the crust. We had several desserts that were not too bad, but nothing memorable. To top it off, they never offered us clean plates, the plates that were on the table were dirty, we wiped them off with our napkins. The less than mediocre food and poor service makes this place bad, I won't be back. I was interested in the cheese and charcuterie but I wont waste my time trying it and going back here. Very disappointed in the whole meal. The only reason I didn't give this palce one star is that the waitress was very sweet and tried really hard to make up for leaving us sit for 20 minutes.
(2)
Sara M.
I like Fiddlehead for an above average, sort of fancy experience in my neighborhood. I love the wine and cheese flights (and Mimosa flights at brunch!) and the customer service is excellent. It is a little pricy ($48 with tip for a mimosa brunch) so we save it for special occasions, but I've always had a good experience there.
(4)
Cam M.
I've been to Fork four times so far, three times for dinner, and once for brunch. I'm a def a fan. Make a reservation though for the peak hours or else there can be a bit of a wait. I think they quoted a 45min wait for brunch one time, so we went somewhere else. However, given the area-wait times aren't uncommon during peak hours. They have a nice variety of drinks. I'm a beer fan, and they have flights!! My girlfriend isn't as big of a beer fan, but loves wine...and they do wine flights!! They also have cocktails, sangria, and other drinks as well as non-alcoholic options. So, booze for all! The beer list covers a lot of ground from brews from down the street (literally, they have Half Acre which is a few blocks down on Lincoln) to imports to the familiar domestics. When you go here, come thirsty. The only catch-they take the drink menu when you order your food....so, either ask to keep it or pull it up via your phone. It makes sense since at least the tables for 2 are on the smaller side, but hey-that is the biggest negative I can think of about this place. Try the Beermosa for brunch! The food!! I've had their 23 flavors brisket, prime farm house burger, and then the Hangover Helper for brunch. The brisket has a great sauce, was very tender, and the texas toast was just toasty enough to not get soggy with the mound of delicious beef. The burger was good-nice flavorful meat with nice toppings. The Hang Over Helper is their version of a breakfast bowl (biscuit, meat, eggs, bacon, cheese, and gravy). If that was on the menu all day, I'd get it at least 50% of the time I go there. The food is priced quite well, you can spend a lot if you want, but most entrees are around $15 with the other courses being in the $5-10 range. We typically spend more on booze than food here. The service has been good. All of our waiters/waitresses have been good with timely drink refills, checking in on us, and clearing plates. It seems like they employ a bit of a team here as opposed to solely one server-there have been times where when they see an empty beer glass, they'll offer another even if they aren't our main waiter. My favorite time so far, was when we sat at the bar during the week. The bartender was nice, funny, and extremely helpful. She knew a ton about wine, and answered and educated my girlfriend about them while ensuring that my beer glass wasn't ever empty until I said when. The decor/seating is pretty good/cozy overall. The vibe is entirely different for brunch than for dinner. They have two rooms plus outdoor seating. We went once when it was snowing and got seated by the front windows...that was a drafty meal, to the point we put our sweatshirts on. We've sat at the bar (read about for my views of that), in the middle of the main room, and once in the second room. My preference, in order, is: Bar, 2nd room, middle of main, by the windows. The second room has a fireplace, and was a bit quieter than the main room with a bit more shoulder space. I'm not a small guy (about 6ft 2, 230....I'm a power lifter), so shoulder/belly space can be an issue for me when the tables are jammed together or when sitting at a bar. I've yet to have that issue at Fork. The place is mostly darker wood and brick colors inside with the same color wooden chairs. It feels like it has been there forever, well maintained, and upgraded over time. Not a dive feel at all, but not so incredibly fancy/upscale that you would feel out of place wearing jeans. Maybe not a band t-shirt, but not much more than that. Overall, I'll def be going back, probably within 3 weeks. We went twice last weekend, once for date night, and once for brunch. They have a great menu that I plan on trying at least half of, great service, and awesome drinks. The price range I put, includes 2-3 drinks each.
(4)
Kathleen C.
I never reviewed this as Fiddlehead, though I had visited quite a few times. I think that the restaurant is very similar now - but the menu is a bit different. I have to say - I thought service was fantastic. Everyone that we interacted with was super nice and accommodating. We didn't have to wait for our reservation and the menu 'tweaks' some of us requested were accommodated as well. The food is good, but nothing special. I had the farm burger with a fried egg. It was good and the burger was done as requested, but it was just ok - I wouldn't seek it out as a fantastic burger. I was inadvertently given the garlic fries. These were good, but quite greasy. I ate a few since the taste was delicious, but I couldn't make it through many of them due to the grease factor. Fork does have a great wine and beer list. I think the flights of wine are set up a bit oddly - but you can find some good and interesting wines on the list and they are all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is nice. I actually prefer sitting at a table in the bar area, but the regular dining room spot is nice and cozy as well (but people watching in the bar is fun!). The restaurant is appropriately dark and cozy - so this makes for a good spot for a nice out with friends or a date. Value-wise, this is a great spot. I think the 5 of us paid something like $30pp for dinner and drinks (I will say we didn't have appetizers or dessert), but this is a pretty good deal. Overall, it's cute for the area. I think it's a better spot for drinks or snacks - I wasn't that impressed with the food.
(3)
Anthony J.
Went for their Tyranena event as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Kinda a chintzy "event," as they had all of 3 Tyranena beers on tap, but they were tasty nonetheless. Quality over quantity I suppose. Ordered the mussels, and they were well-prepared. My wife had the poutine, which was yummy if frighteningly unhealthy. As it should be. My biggest complaint is the fact that they seemed to think having all the windows open would do to cool the place off. Mind you it was in the mid-80s. A little AC would've been nice.
(4)
Rachel F.
We went for brunch. The food was a solid 4 stars. Our server was extremely helpful and friendly. Even when it became packed and she was running around, she still checked on us frequently. Bloody Marys were...well I've had better. I've had worse too on that same note. I would go back again.
(3)
Craig Y.
You have to get there early to get the donut holes - I have been twice but both time they were already out. I had the regular Bloody Mary it was good not too spicy but lots of zest. We started with the bacon wrapped dated they are delicious, I highly recommend them. I had the ham and cheese hash - it was really good the ham had good flavor and the cheese was definitely not American but real cheddar. I would go again.
(4)
Meag H.
Dined here Friday night with friends! Every bite and sip was fantastic! Great service too! Would definitely recommend Fork to anyone and will be back soon!
(5)
Joonho Y.
Great Location. Service was Friendly, but Very Slow. The Eggs Benedict had Ham that was So Overly Seared that it was Crunchy/Chewy, and the Potatoes were Bland, but the Biscuit was OK. The "Show Stopper" was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING: the Meat was So Overcooked that it was Literally Inedible, and the Cheese Slices seemed to be an Afterthought, but the Waffle was OK (the Entire Dish seemed to be a Horribly Misguided Attempt to get Media Attention based on Sheer Size). We might try it again (solely because of the Location), but we will stick to Simple Dishes, as they were Unable To Properly Execute their Signature Dish. Clearly, the Menu tries too hard to be inventive, and the Kitchen Can't Handle It.
(1)
Bert T.
Service: very good. Almost excellent -- efficient & friendly in every way, EXCEPT the server did not check back to see if the food was OK. (Which it wasn't.) Atmosphere: fine (sidewalk table for Sunday brunch). Food (vegetable hash with eggs over easy and toast, side of bacon, coffee): Bacon was outstanding, cooked to that point in between raw and tough that you want for texture and flavor. Coffee in a large mug, too large to stay fresh or hot. Hash had a nice blend of ingredients (red potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, a few fava beans, hollandaise, topped off with fresh arugula). Problem: it was UNDERDONE. Skillet cooked potatoes are NOT supposed to be raw; they actually CRUNCHED. Also, the hollandaise sauce was also runny; when combined with two barely cooked eggs (yolk entirely raw), this resulted in a plate full of soup. Even with lots of veggies and lettuce to stir into the mess, I was unable to eat most of the yellow of the eggs, which is the only source of protein in this dish! With a creamy hollandaise, eggs cooked at least medium, and properly cooked vegetables, this could have been a fine dish. As it was, it was a big disappointment. And no one came to check on me until, driven by hunger, I'd almost finished eating. Note also that the menu has several changes from what is posted on their website.
(2)
Lindsey D.
Get this guys- Contemporary American cuisine with an extensive beer list and charcuterie and cheeses that even serves PORK BELLY. SO UNIQUE WHERE DID THEY THINK THIS UP? No but really, there are a million and a half of these popping up around the city, but this one is quality and delicious. Burgers were great, loved the duck club, and received amazing service. The wine list left is wanting, but the server was super helpful trying to get us nearer to what we were looking for. Solid food, good variety, nice people, great service. Way to go Fork, you're doing it right.
(4)
Tim K.
While visiting some friends in Chicago last month we were highly recommended to try Fork and it did not disappoint. It was so good that not only did we go there for dinner one of the nights we were there, we also went back for their Sunday brunch. Service was great and it turns out that the GM was also from the Metro Detroit area which was pretty cool. They offer a lot of small plates which worked perfectly the night we had dinner there as we had a fairly large and late lunch that day. The GM took his time to give us suggestions and ask us what we like and didn't like food wise and we even trusted him to surprise us with a few items that he thought we'd like. Never would I have ever ordered beef tongue prosciutto on my own, which is one of the things he surprised us with, but it actually was really good. When we came back for brunch I was egged on (no pun intended) to try and conquer the Showstopper challenge which is two Belgian waffles, a one pound prime beef patty, cheddar and swiss cheese, tomato, arugula, dijonnaise, maple braised short ribs, house cured bacon and ham. I was told many have attempted it and very few have actually succeeded. Holy crapsticks was it good and yes, this fat kid conquered the beast in just under 30 minutes. The chef personally hand delivered it to me and praised me with a "not worthy" bow upon completion. I was stuffed to the gills, but it was worth it. Stick a FORK in me, because I was done (pun intended this time)! Overall it was a great experience all around and we will definitely go back there the next time we are in the Chicagoland area.
(5)
Lauren M.
Service was great ( today) the food was eh. We have been here before for dinner and the service was slow and he forgot many things. When I ordered a beer it came after I had finished my meal... Today's brunch lacked flavor and my Bloody Mary was not strong at all and the mix was watered down. My man' bagel was not toasted and the cream cheese did not look or taste like cream cheese. We will be back because we live close and their beer choices are stellar. Perhaps we shall just sit at the bar next time. Sorry Fork, I really want to love you!
(3)
Joseph D.
Ambiance = 4 stars, Service = 4 stars, Food 3.5 stars Went with the wife and another couple on a Saturday night for the first time and had an enjoyable time. The decor is warm with exposed brick walls and dimly lit dining room. A few TV's are above the main bar but I wouldn't call this a sports bar or a place to watch the game. More of a "if the game is on and you're out dining with some boring coworkers and want to catch the score, you can." The front windows open up to the sidewalk on Lincoln so what's nice is you can sit inside yet feel like you're outside. We did just that as the rain was coming down pretty good but we were able to enjoy the fresh air and be protected by the awnings outside. Service was cordial. Andy our server was nice. Not too friendly, not unfriendly, just professional. The ancillary staff was excellent as not a water glass went empty nor did a plate sit on the table for more than 2 minutes once completed. Kudos to the busing team. The unsung heroes of our dining experience... We started with a Chef's Selection of Charcuterie which consisted of pretty much a little of everything. Meats, cheeses, olives, dried cranberries, etc. It was a nice way to start off for 4 and just the right size and variety. For dinner we had amongst us a steak with fries, a soft shell crab sandwich and two orders of mussels. One French style (mine) and one a nightly special with fresh herbs and a broth. Steak was reportedly good and so were the special mussels. My wife very much enjoyed her crab sandwich and it was large enough that she took half home. My french style mussels were also good although they lacked a bit of the creamy richness that other places I've had this style of mussel (think Le Bouchon in Bucktown) but still decent. Beer list is very interesting with some nice quirky choices on there including a lite cranberry beer and a bitter lemon. Other more traditional choices may be found as well along with a nice cocktail list and wine list. What's nice about Fork is you can go for small plates, big plates or just share a whole lotta stuff. The menu I must admit was a bit all over the place but that may serve you well if you have a diverse group who all like different things. A kinda of "something for everyone" place. For desert we shared (meaning I ate most of it) a bread pudding made with pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate topped with chocolate ice cream and drizzle. It was decadent and so rich I nearly passed out. Worth saving room for... Overall a nice place with good service, nice atmosphere and decent food. Fork won't blow you away but it won't embarrass you if you take some out of town friends there.
(4)
Dan D.
So, after my last review, Fork offered a gift certificate to try them one more time, stating that they have worked hard on improving their customer service. I took them up on the offer, and they definitely succeeded in changing my opinion. My wife and I returned for my birthday on a busy night. The server was running around between all the tables efficiently taking orders, serving food, and handing out drinks. Not once did I feel unattended to. The ambiance continued to be classy, yet casual. Great for date night or to grab a good meal and a couple of drinks with friends. Most of the food continued to be delicious (mussels, salad, bacon wrapped date chorizo, burger, and a salmon dish). My burger was mediocre compared to burgers you can get nearby but the rest was very good. As long as the service continues to be exemplary, I would now recommend trying this place out.
(4)
Tricia D.
And the award goes to... Dish most likely to bring you back: the fork poutine! Fatty, flavorful, and full of plump duck meat! Drool. Great ratios of gravy and cheese too, and I liked the touch of rosemary. Best quality of my duck confit hash: how perfectly diced the potatoes were under those 2 eggs! (Not the pile of arugula on top of the dish, and NOT the 2 pieces of toast that weren't served with any jam or butter.) Biggest nit pick: the dining area gets drafty if the window(s) is open and/or if you're seated at a table by the door (which is constantly opening and closing with customers coming in and out)! Most memorable thing about the bathroom: the hook for your purse on the back of the door is WAY up high, like pretty much at the top edge of the door. What? Not suitable for the vertically challenged (me). Coolest bean: that Metropolis coffee! Best looking crust: that quiche! Most unexpected perk: +100 on OpenTable!
(3)
Linda T.
Service quick and kind. Chicken and waffles OUTSTANDING ! Chilaquiles with home made Chorisa is spice nice. Good select of brunch brews and bloodys. I will be back.
(5)
Lisa P.
My husband & I have been here once before and had a nice lunch experience. We decided to go to Fork for dinner tonight and left rather disappointed. Ordered the Poutine special, which was pretty good.. Your average Poutine with pulled pork & home made giardiniera-- which was the highlight of the dish. My husband ordered the steak frites, ordered medium rare. When it came out it was a rather raw flank steak. The waiter was GREAT about seeing that it was undercooked & took it back to get it fixed. However, when the steak was returned, it was half the portion he previously had and completely well done. I had the burger, which was also a major let down. It was as if they had pre-made burgers patties that they put on their grill and tried to pass for a hand-shaped burger. Their garlic cilantro fries are fantastic. I'd recommend those to anyone. But the end of our meal was a let down... We seemed to be forgotten after we had gotten our main course. The restaurant has so much potential. Their beer and wine list is great!! The service is almost there. Maybe more of a place for drinks rather than a full-on meal??
(2)
Blake H.
There is no shortage of great restaurants within a couple of miles of Lincoln Square. Fork is unquestionably one of them. It has a full bar and two separate dining rooms which provide a comfortable atmosphere that is good for families and young professionals alike. We went for brunch but ended up ordering the turkey and pesto panini. Sandwich was delicious. The fries were hand cut and fried properly, with the parmesan fries being particularly tasty. Great service made our meal a 4* experience. This is a solid option but is not the type of place that we would travel out of our way to visit.
(4)
Lizette Y.
This joint was selected as a girl's night out venue, and it did not disappoint! They have a lovely outdoor patio, so get there early and park your butt at one of those tables to enjoy the food, vino, and people watching. A friend ordered the sangria, and we were so enamored with its unique cinnamon-y, clove-y flavor, it was wonderfully unique and delicious. Then, we had the wine flights. Oh, the wine flights. At one point there were so many glasses of wine at our table that there was hardly room for food. I'm OK with that! The server was really attentive and very knowledgeable about the wine, which I truly appreciate. For food my friend ordered the bacon-wrapped dates which she reported to be amazing. I also had the asparagus flatbread (very tasty) and the mushroom grits. The grits were outstanding and included a poached egg. There's nothing more delicious than creamy grits with a heavenly, perfectly-poached egg sitting at the very top. Like I said, the service was very attentive and helpful and I will absolutely be back!
(5)
Irina H.
Upon returning to Fork five years later, for a midafternoon lunch, my dining companions and I were quite disappointed. Two of us ordered the crab roll, which was simple and watery - so much so that you had to make sure you were leaning over for a bite, because watery liquid was pouring out the other side of the sandwich with every bite. I lost my appetite after half a sandwich. And how can you go wrong with tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, a classic combo of comfort food? Well, Fork can do it so wrong that you don't recognize it. The soup was labeled as a tomato bisque on the menu, but looked more like a bowl of orange half-and-half with green oil floating on top. There was nothing remotely tomato-y about it, and nothing remotely appetizing about it, either. The grilled cheese sandwich was made with a slab of very sharp cheddar, which is not a delicious cheese when you have to eat it in a big gob, and the purported bacon in it was really just big hunks of pork fat which even my son, a die-hard bacon lover, could not eat. Fork probably still does a good cheese flight and booze menu, but that's not why we were there today, and we certainly won't be going back, ever.
(1)
Kerrie G.
Excuse me deliciousness move over fancy schmaltzy. Fork treats it's patrons to an elevated menu and top notch wine selection, with a very neighborhood feel. Our table of six enjoyed the poutine, let me rephrase, we nearly "forked" the bus boy who asked if we were done with the dish, when clearly we were still prepared to lick the platter. Service was top notch with recommendations and frequent check ins with out too many, if you know what I mean. All of our entrees were met with mmmm's and ahhh's. All around a wonderful environment to enjoy a winner of a meal.
(5)
Douglas B.
So wifey and I have been coming here for a few years now. We are here almost every weekend for brunch or lunch. Overall we love this place. We have never had a bad experience here and always always get great service. The food is always on point, there is always something tasty to choose from and their beer and wine selection is always great. We typically make reservations on the weekend because it is always busy, especially when it is nice out. The outdoor seating is great, right a long the side of the restaurant. The hosts are super friendly and very accommodating when possible. Julio is usually our server and he always makes it a great experience for us at Fork. He is very knowledgeable on the food, the beer and the wine. He makes great recommendations for drinks, I can honestly say the staff is very well trained on the product. The menu is very consistent, we usually go for brunch or lunch. We have on occasion been there for dinner. I typically order a nice crisp beer and we almost always start off with the duck crostini's. They nice thin cuts of duck breast with this delicious jam, cheese, an arugula leaf and truffle oil all sitting on a nice piece of small crusty bread. Perfect bite to get things started. You get two in the order. Then we move on to bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and covered in a tasty blue cheese sauce that works so well with the sweetness of the date. Since its the weekend, I have to order eggs. I usually get the duck confit hash! If you like duck confit, you will love this dish. Its a nice combination of potato hash with duck confit and arugula. It is just a heavenly mixture. Sitting on top of all that is a couple of sunny side up eggs. Paired with a couple slices of wheat toast, its the perfect breakfast. Wifey usually gets the Florentine Benedict, its your typical eggs Benedict but with spinach. The other day they had a special braised short rib Benedict, i was jealous of wifey for ordering it. I love coming here and I highly recommend it to everyone to try it. It has a great variety of dishes. I've tried something from each category and I can say I have not been disappointed. The staff is wonderful, management is helpful, the food and drink selections are great. Give it a go... do it!
(5)
Leslie B.
Had a really wonderful dinner here on a Saturday night. Our group of 7 was greeted right away by our waitress who got us started with some cocktails. Fork has a great beer list and great cocktail menu, I had a very refreshing gin drink. The food menu is incredibly unique in that you can order traditionally, with appetizers and entrees, or sharing. Our group opted to share everything so we could try more of Fork's offerings. Highly recommend this approach! To start with, we had the bacon wrapped dates, garlic fries, mushroom flatbread, root veggie hash, lamb flatbread, and charcuterie plate. The charcuterie offerings at Fork are so impressive. They have a huge selection of both cheeses and meats and you can mix and match, everything we tried was delicious. The lamb flatbread and bacon wrapped dates were also standouts. For entrees, we had the mussels, which were fantastic. They came in a very rich and flavorful broth, highly recommend this. Other noteworthy entrees were the sweet potato gnocchi, very unique, and the shortrib, which was so tender and tasty. We shared a couple desserts that were on special, but sharing one or two between a group is more than enough after sharing multiple dishes at Fork! Portions are large and the savory dishes are very filling. Overall, Fork is definitely one of the best Lincoln Square spots. Warm and inviting interior, come in with a few friends and share some items. While it may be pretty pricey, the quality and uniqueness of the menu make this is a great special occasion dinner.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I wanted to give Fork a higher rating, but when I thought about it, my experience really was just ok. I will definitely return though. I'm hoping for better....I truly think they have it in them! I went here with my team from work. We are a fun bunch, so we definitely had a good time. A few wine flights later, we were feeling pretty good. Service was a tad weird...difficult to explain. Our server was nice and all, just a tad...well....awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strange bird myself, so I really dig strange people. But this woman just didn't seem comfortable in her own skin, and she was kind of spacey. She didn't really smile either, which is takes from the experience. We started with some apps....bacon wrapped dates (A-mazing), Cliantro Garlic Fries (DEE-lish), Baked Pretzels w/ amazing beer cheese (YUM!). Most of the crew got burgers, which they thought were ok. One guy got the bbq brisket. It was a little dry, but had great flavor and was quite tender. I kept eating his food because my fresh caught salmon was....meh. I was super disappointed. I really wanted to love it. The grain served with it tasted freezer burnt and the whole meal was luke warm vs pleasingly hot. Lackluster. One girl got the mussels. She didn't rave, but no complaints either. Dessert made up for some of the dinner disappointment. We had the creme brulee, which was fantastic. The apple crisp and bread pudding were no slackers either! All in all, decent place. Great vibe. Good neighborhood joint.
(3)
Chris B.
I want to give this place 5 stars but we only had brunch today for the 1st time. We had the chicken and waffles. Amazing! Cant wait to come here for dinner.
(4)
Meredith B.
I love a brunch place that takes reservations! I knew almost nothing about Fork, and was pleasantly surprised to find it bustling and cozy on a Sunday morning in autumn. Definitely make a reservation - most/all tables were full, though it didn't look like there was a huge wait. Great neighborhood restaurant vibe, with a long bar where people were watching the Bears game. I had some tea (which was in a bag, not loose, bummer) and the roasted vegetable hash - veggies like beets, butternut squash, and more. It's a seasonal dish, the veggies in the hash apparently change throughout the year, but are always served with arugula and eggs over easy. The dish was really filling but was a great healthy option. I loved the colorful veggies, and they tasted great especially after I broke the yolk and it poured out all over them. This dish comes with toast, and even though it's vegetarian I know it will fill you up. It's a touch pricey, but not too bad. I think my brunch was $13. Lots of unique breakfast options - a bunch of different benedicts, chicken and waffles, duck confit hash - something for everyone! I've heard that their dinner is great too. I'd definitely come back if I was in Lincoln Square, it has such a relaxed vibe and some cool brunch offerings for sure!
(4)
Esther G.
It was SUCH a long wait on a Saturday night but the hostesses actually made it less painful by chatting/joking with us. The front area is big enough that we didn't feel like we were in the way of people coming and going. The inside is nicer than I was expecting, but it's not like we felt out of place in casual clothes. Looking for something small, I had the duck liver mousse (foie gras for the fancypants). Never had it before and had no idea what to expect, but with the grape jam, white port gelee and the small, perfectly toasted pieces of bread, it was so, so good. Very rich, smooth like butter and delicate. Garlic cilantro fries -- a bit passable. Could use more garlic. There's also an extensive beer/wine menu, which you can all get as flights. They're divided by cost so if you want to mix and match, you pay per sample, otherwise you pick 3-4 for one set price. It's a 3 oz pour so it was pretty generous.
(4)
Tad D.
We went back today for brunch and it was just fantastic. The service was quite good and the food was amazing. I don't even get in to Chicken and Waffles usually, but it was unreal. It will change your perspective on stuff. Chef Tim came out and greeted us. The attention to detail here is quite good. I can't recommend this place enough and I wish the entire ownership and staff the best.
(5)
Brian M.
Great spot for dinner and a date. We ordered quite a bit of food as our group was uber hungry. We started with the house pretzels which were very good and garlic-cilantro fries. The fries were simply out of this world good. Not a date friendly order, but seriously its worth it. I had the farm house burger. This was one hell of a solid burger. Its grass-fed beef, fried egg, white cheddar cheese, friend onions and bacon. What could ever be wrong with a burger like that? It was a messy burger that I would gladly eat many times over. What really made the place awesome was the server [Michael?]. Dude was funny, quick, really good at recommendations and didn't mess around when it came to making sure we were good. Had solid appetizer recommendations and we got a great bottle of wine that he recommended as well! Again, if you are looking for a good burger try here. Also if you want to have a solid date, this is also that spot.
(4)
Max F.
They have 20-75 different cheese I think. I haven't tried them all but I'm pretty sure they're all good. Please note that both the grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni and cheese pasta dishes only contain a select few, but are both stellar entrees. One of the cheeses is from Burgundy.
(5)
Kristin I.
I went in for their Vivant Brewery dinner and it was amazing! The dinner was held in the back room, which was perfect because we were able to hear the chef and the guy from the brewery describe each course. The food was amazing! My favorite was definitely the house-made sausage wrapped in house-made brioche! It was so tasty and perfectly paired with the beer. I was just so impressed that they made both the sausage and the bread! And the service was excellent. We had clean silverware, plates and the next beer pairing before each new dish arrived. Which seems to be something that is missing at most beer dinners. I left stuffed and happy!
(5)
Patrick B.
I came to Fork a couple years ago for brunch because I saw online that they had Chicken and Waffles, which I had been craving. We showed up to find out they had an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. We decided to check it out, but unfortunately it was one of the worst brunch buffets I've ever had. They didn't offer their normal breakfast menu either. It was so bad, I never wanted to give Fork a second try. Well, we've since moved out of Chicago and we were in town for the weekend and decided to give Fork a second chance, mainly because our first choice was closed for the day. Now I'm a little sad I didn't give them a second chance sooner, because the Hangover Helper with biscuit, egg, sausage gravy and bacon on it was amazing. We also got the eggs benedict which hit the spot as well. The beer mimosa was pretty good too, I'm glad there wasn't too much orange juice in it. Anyway, I now recommend going to Fork for brunch. However, if you see an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet when you walk in the door, I would turn back around.
(4)
Rafia J.
Went there for a paintnite event and I am extremely sad to say that besides the paintnite experience, I was greatly disappointed in this place. The only reason we came across this place was because of paintnite while we were there for so late we decided to stay here for dinner. I ordered steak and frites and my friends ordered chicken burger with garlic and cilantro fries. The only thing worth eating in that order were garlic and cilantro fries. My steak was tasteless/ saltless and just was not edible after a couple of bites. I left the whole thing there. My friend's chicken burger was drenched in cheese and was extremely tasteless as well. And we spent quite a lot of money too. Other than that the atmosphere and service were nice but definitely not one of the great places in Chicago to come and dine at.
(1)
T K.
I have to update my review as this place has *drastically* gone downhill from the previous ownership... I went in Sunday with a friend who was visiting from out of town. We had, what we both believed, to be the worst service of our life there. We were seated quickly, however, everything else went downhill... Our food took over 45m to come out, the longest I've ever had to wait there. The waiter was less than attentive, our drinks ran empty during our wait and he never even checked on us without my having to pull him aside (twice) to find out what was taking so long. Offering a shallow "sorry, we're very busy" to attempt to compensate. (hint: they were not that busy, by the time we got our food most of the section was empty and some had already received and eaten their entire meal) Even my friend who is from the south and epitomizes southern charm was fuming. The manager eventually came over to check on us (and the table next to us that was also complaining about the horrible service) and she offered a short apology and nothing else... no offer to compensate for the poor service, nothing, just a "sorry" and off to do whatever else it was she was doing. (it definitely wasn't getting her ass involved in fixing the situation by any means) The final kicker came when we asked for our check... you would think after all this they would promptly grab the ticket and get it to us. NOPE. It took ANOTHER 15-20 mins *JUST TO GET OUR CHECK* I will never go back here and my friend, who didn't complain about anything else the entire weekend, even asked me "can we promise never to eat here again." If it wasn't the fact that we were both hungry to the point of shaky when we realized the situation I would have gotten up and walked out...
(1)
Mark Tuna T.
Had a fantastic dinner here last night. The food is incredible. A great selection of comfort food and artisan cheese/charcuterie. The wine and beer selection is also very easy to get lost in. Everything we ate and drank were spectacular. But the service really stood out. Jen took EXCELLENT care of us keeping our meal moving at the perfect pace and providing the best suggestions. Kudos to the entire staff, kitchen and service! We will def be back again!
(5)
Rita M.
Nice hostess. I called saying we may be late 5 or 10 mins for my party of 4 at 13:15. He said no problem and thanks for calling. Nice layout. Outdoor seating. But we sat inside. HUGE beer selection. Tasty food. One star deducted because I got the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I must have ordered off the children's menu because my grilled cheese literally was cut into 4 pieces, each being about an inch wide and 2 inches long. Although tasty, crazy cheap amount given for $11!!!!!! I had to order a side because I was still starving. Another star deducted, because our server, although VERY nice and sweet, was MIA and rarely came around. Would I be back? MAYBE
(3)
Tommy K.
I went to Fork for the first time this past weekend. The atmosphere was great. Sat at a table right up front by the window, and luckily the weather was purely amazing. Warm breeze, 70 degrees. On a Saturday night, there weren't any disturbances from the people walking passed the restaurant. Our waiter was as equally amazing. Very personable, knowledgeable on the menu. I actually ordered based on his suggestions, which I rarely do. For an appetizer we ordered from the cheese and charcuterie menu, and the servings were a little small for 4 adults, but held us over until we received our entrees. I ordered the salmon, with pees. I have never been asked how I would prefer my salmon cooked, and based on my friend's choice, I opted for medium rare. It actually tasted really good! The only annoyance I found with this establishment, is when you are a frequent visiter to the restroom, especially after 3 cosmos, the urinals in the men's restroom are right next to each other, and have no dividers. They are also right in view of the door to the restroom, so when the door opens, you are literally on FULL DISPLAY. I am pee shy, so this kind of a situation is a pure nightmare for me. There is a stall, but with it being on a Saturday night, it was always in use. Next time I visit, i will make sure I don't consume that much liquor, as to avoid the frequent visits to the urinal display! Bottom line, the atmosphere, food and service is top notch. I will be visiting again soon. On an empty bladder for that matter :)
(5)
David B.
I did have some issues on a Saturday brunch there, like the chair broke i was sitting in, the food came pretty slow too. I after we had food the waiter didn't come back so i started to order with the bus-boy. After giving my card it took awhile to have the waiter come back and he didn't leave a pen. I signed it with a crayon, since I wasn't going to wait another 10 minutes to locate a pen for me. The bloody mary was uninspired and chunky but not particularly good. Just throwing stuff into a bloody doesn't make it better. It needs to crafted, carefully, and never forgetting that I want a buzz off of it too not just 16 flavors of cheese cubes! The food was okay, not great. It felt copy-cat and not a perfect copy either. i will go back, but not out of my way.
(3)
Shaunna B.
People aren't lying. The cilantro-garlic fries are amazing! Must try. The burger is also splendid. The service was a little slow, but not terrible.
(4)
Barrye J.
I've dined here quite a few times, mostly dinner but also tried their brunch a few times. Let me start off by saying the food is magnificent - chicken burger is amazing, also very fond of both versions of their mussels. I brought my vegetarian foodie friend here for her birthday and she's pretty picky, but she loved everything she ordered. They have a wonderful selection of beers and wines too, with flights available for each if that's your thing. Now on to the not-so-great: Fork is marketed as a classier place in a classier neighborhood. It's not a divey bar that serves block 'o cheese with tall boys, it's a neat ambient gastropub with charcuteries and craft beer. Why, then, does the service not particularly match up to the image they are portraying? Is it busier than they can handle? I've served, bartended, etc, I forgive a LOT in restaurants. But when I'm on a date night dropping at least $40 a person (2 drinks a person + entree, at the least), why do I get the feeling that I'm being rushed out? Every. Single. Time. Busy or not. If it wasn't for the bussers being great at clearing/noticing when my drink is empty, I don't think I'd get asked how my food is or if I want another drink. Case in point: Any time I've had to make a substitution or extra request for my meal (like... extra ketchup, nothing fancy), it's always forgotten (totally understandable, shit gets hectic) BUT I never get it because I never get checked on. C'mon now. I don't want to sit there for 5 hours but if I wanted to dine in under 30 minutes, I'd go to McD's or something. I keep wanting to do a cheese board for dessert but by the time the server drops the check unceremoniously to me, I really just want to leave. I will give this place yet another try soon because they really do have an extensive drinks selection, great food, and everyone I know constantly raves about this place. Maybe I've just been unlucky.
(3)
Roberta B.
My husband and friends of ours had dinner at Fork. My immediate statement is "make a reservation and go." The food was delicious! We ordered the staff favorite cheese plate which we devoured. It was so good we order a second one. The garlic-cilantro fries - I assumed - would just be 'fries'. They are...with great FLAVOR! They disappeared in no time. The beer list is fabulous and full. We love Belgium beer and their list did not disappoint. I had the chicken burger. They say in public you shouldn't lick your fingers. I didn't! But I soooo wanted to. The juice dripped and was so tasty I wanted to bottle it. Will I return to Fork...no question. Would I recommend Fork...absolutely!!! So when are we going again, is all that was talked about as we left. Excellent service AND FOOD!!!
(5)
Siobhan F.
My sister and I went here for brunch yesterday and loved it. Food was excellent, I had the eggs Benedict. We also had a flight of mimosas that were all very good. Good service and atmosphere, too. Glad we went in even though it was hard to find parking.
(5)
Toni R.
This gets 5 stars because the hangover helper is the best thing I've ever eaten. Herbed biscuit, chicken sausage gravy, eggs over easy...mmmmm!
(5)
Kelly R.
Stopped by for a Saturday brunch, and while it didn't totally disappoint, the boyfriend and I were not impressed. I will throw the good stuff into the ring first: awesome ambiance and a really friendly staff and terrific! A cozy and trend restaurant with attentive staff. There was a bit of a wait, but we were able to sit up at the bar immediately. The brunchy drink list has a good-looking selection. And their beermosas are made with Daisy Cutter. Hard. to. beat. The brunch and lunch menu offer a lot of great looking choices--including a handful of vegetarian friendly dishes. The not-as-good: The food was only OK. We started with house-made doughnut holes. The were very basic! Uninspired fried dough and powdered sugar. "But that IS a doughnut!" you cry, well maybe. But if I'm ordering them at a restaurant and I'm prompted to "ask my server for details," I just expecting something special. The eggs florentine was calling my name, and I was not disappointed in the great hollandaise sauce and awesomely poached eggs. However, the side of potatoes was very dry and likely microwaved. The english muffin was a little softer than I'm used to in a bennie. The boyfriend got the chilaquiles which were reported to be average and a little overwhelming. (But we have both been spoiled by the chilaquiles at Marmalade). All in all: Seems like this might not be the best place for brunch! Could be worth it to stop in for a cocktail and appetizer late at night, but best to avoid in the daylight.
(3)
Melissa P.
I keep a list of restaurants that I want to dine at and Fork was one of these. And though I wish I could give them more than 3 stars, I unfortunately cannot. The evening started with fireworks and ended in a dreadful sizzle. Bacon wrapped dates, delicious, beet salad lacking and Duck club (giant pieces of Texas toast) not what I was expecting. To top that off my 2nd glass of wine was uber chilled to the point of non resemblance of the sauv I first ordered. I am not a wine snob however I can generally tell a grigio from a blanc. When questioned our very good looking waiter seemed to disappear. Would I go back, yes but would sit in different section facing the bar and ask more about the dishes.
(3)
James R.
We love this place! This is my third update for Fork, as they continue to impress each time we visit. Once again, we were celebrating a special occasion (our wedding anniversary) and they were kind enough to bring out complimentary champagne and a dessert! Both were excellent! I cannot recommend this place highly enough! ten stars! haha!
(5)
Luisana R.
Went here last night on a whim with a couple of friends. No wait at 6:15 on a Friday night, great! Service was good. Food was delicious. The grilled watermelon salad was amazing! Definitely my favorite. The Mac and cheese with crab meat was yummy, the cheese board was good and so were the shrimp and grits. Overall good experience and I would come back.
(4)
Andre M.
Food and environment were nice and good, but my waiter Niko had the driest attitude. I guess the rain made him feel sad or something. But he kinda sucked personality wise. He could at least try to smile. I was sad eating the delicious burger and fries.
(3)
Rick P.
This place would've gotten a far better rating had the service not sucked. The duck was actually delicious. Not sure I would step foot back into this establishment based on the service. Unfortunately, the friendliest & most helpful staff member was the busboy. From the moment we walked in to a nearly empty restaurant, even the hostess tried to refuse to seat us at a booth because she said they were all reserved for dinner later in the evening. Whaaaat??? We got our booth & then got the cold shoulder. The disappointing service continued when after ordering, we got our main entree before our appetizers. No one ever came back to check on us during our entire meal. We, ( meaning I ) had to get up & ask for clean dishes for our mussels. Our waitress never even came back to see how we were doing. We would've ordered after dinner cocktails had someone paid the slightest bit of attention to us. The chef even came out & checked on 3 tables and didn't even look in our direction. Almost no one had a smile on their face & when I asked who was the manager, I was advised they were not even in the building. The waiter on the table to our left, must've checked in on the guests at least 5 times. The only time we felt they even glanced our way was to free up the table as more dinner guests began to arrive. Sadly, this is the poorest example of customer service I've ever received in a restaurant. I expected more. Born & raised in this neighborhood, the transition has been exciting to witness. Sadly, I suspect that being of Latin American descent might have played a role in the inferior service we received. This is not what customer service should ever look like in any establishment. THUMBS DOWN! THUMBS DOWN!!! If your looking for a place to flag people down just for a glass of water, then this place is for you. If not, then stay clear!
(1)
Tom B.
Rude hostess. Clearly had 15 empty tables and yet 25-40 minute wait!!! Stopped yesterday for breakfast and was blown away by give me a minute(10) to come back and say... Oh it will be about 25-40 minute wait! I said what about the us bussed 10 tables and no one waiting for them... Oh we have reservations for them... No one was there stood outside for ten minutes and saw no one enter.
(1)
Justin N.
Honestly, what's not to love about FORK, they have a prime location and we went on a perfect alfresco day in Chicago. Unfortunately, we experienced a bad management and food service experience. When we got there, the host was kind enough to sit us inside next to an open window. Our server took our order, and didn't serve our drinks until 20 minutes later. Food came significantly after that. This is our second time visit, and our experience has been missing. FORK has the ability to be great, but poor service will not get them there.
(2)
Brian M.
Came here for brunch. The food was de...wait for it...licous. The service was nice and friendly. My chicken and waffles were so good the bees were trying to help themselves to my plate the entire time.
(5)
James W.
My wife and I go there for brunch and it's actually become a game of ours to guess which side / item will not come with our food. Sometimes it's silverware, sometimes it's the side of toast that comes with and sometimes it's the side that you ordered. Always an adventure! And we get lots of time to play this game because it takes them forever to take your order.
I've been here several times and the food and service has consistently been excellent. I am a huge fan of the thoughtfully put together beer flights and cheese plates
(5)
Rachel V.
I don't know why it took me so long to get to Fork, but I finally did, and I loved it! I went for brunch and left a very happy girl. I ordered the ham and cheese skillet which was outstanding. They make the scrambled eggs just the way I like them - soft and moist - and it was clear the ham was of high quality. My cousin ordered the duck confit hash and said the duck was amazing, but I was too chicken to try it! Our waiter was friendly, but service was a bit slow. They also have great outdoor seating.
(4)
Leon B.
I was impressed with the experience! Interior decor was nice. A great date spot. Prices were reasonable ($10-16 or so) Drinks were alway full and service was attentive, prompt, patient, and with a smile. We had a group of seven ladies who were primarily there to socialize. While I'm not a huge fan of brunch menu items, my Florentine Benedict ($10) with a side of breakfast potatoes was tasty. The mimosas ($6.50) were strong. We shared French toast of sorts as well as donuts holes- both delicious! The group's bill was on one ticket, but things worked out smoothly. All around, a great experience!
(5)
Rachel P.
I went to Fork on a Saturday night without making a reservation. It was about 8:30 and the restaurant was filled, but found a place for two quickly. They offer a selection of wine flights, which I chose the Smells Like Fruit Spirit, a collection of 3 white wines. My friend chose the Pinot Wizard, 3 red wines. Each flight cost around $15 and were decent pours. They set you up with three glasses immediately and give you a paper that describes each wine in order. They also have cheese and charcuterie flights with a la carte options. We ordered the french cheese flight and the smoked duck breast. Delicious, even though we only ended up with a small portion of duck. I'm not a huge fan of intensely flavored cheese, so this was the perfect choice for me. The cheese plate came with great variety of crispy bread, olives, pickles, candied pecans, fruit, etc. More extras than I thought we were going to get. They also give you a paper describing each cheese, which I love because I want to find my favorites later. We later ordered the House-Made Sausages and the House Pretzels. The pretzels were soft with a little bit of crunch. The beer cheese sauce, made with Half Acre, was tasty. A small portion again, but you can ask for more. The sausage was juicy and a great portion for two. It came with creamy potato salad. You could taste the mustard, but it wasn't too overpowering. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable. We never felt like we were waiting for service. The ambience was nice, dim lighting and big open windows. I love places where you can get various plates to share. I really liked the mix and match cheese and charcuterie. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Charles S.
Have some great things on the menu that you don't find at a lot of places. Nice patio as well as indoor seating next to open air as well during summer time.
(5)
Syd T.
Definitely try the garlic fries with the Sriracha aioli sauce..it's so delicious! Okay, so I ordered the 1/2 lbs. prime burger, it was alright. I thought the special ketchup that came with it was okay too. I had to ask twice for Sriracha aioli for my burger to give it some flavor. The first time I asked, the busser repeated my request and nodded his head, but he never came back. Also, my friend got a brunch meal that came with eggs which she asked for scrambled, but it came out over easy. So, I think this place needs to work on getting the customers' orders right. Because of the garlic fries w/ Sriracha aioli sauce, I might consider coming back to Fork.
(3)
Angela L.
Ive had nothing but pleasant experiences over the last few years. Their $5 appetizers are delicious and filling. I could have the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates for dinner. I could eat the soft pretzels bites with beer cheese all day. The smell alone of the garlic-cilantro fries will remind you why fries exist. Beer list is vast and the servers/bartenders are helpful. The environment is adult-casual. There may be kids around (it IS Lincoln Square after all) but that doesn't mean it's not a great option for a date night. Quiet enough for a conversation, at least.
With last minute changes to my Saturday night plans (some people are SO terrible at communicating ugh), I went with my roommate (who is great a communicating btw!) to Fork. They were able to seat us when we arrived around 9:30PM without any wait. They still had plenty of patrons, which is always a good sign. I had been thinking about giving up red meat for March (for the environment - duh), but I was captured by the aroma of the bacon wrapped dates. I gave in and shared them with my roommate. Amaze-balls! We split the mussels, and they were good but nothing amazing. Then we had the duck club. When it first arrived at the table, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it was actually really delicious! Think jam can't work with meat? It sure does. All the different components came together beautifully. The ambiance is pretty cute and laid back. So all in all, a great Saturday night (even with a change of plans :) !
(4)
Matthew S.
Utterly disappointing brunch - two of us had quiche, the other two chicken and waffles. Every dish was lukewarm-- inviting us to surmise the food had been cooked previous to our ordering it. Lovely. Waffles should be piping hot-- enough to melt the butter, right? Didn't happen. Our spouses who had the quiche questioned if it had even been made on premise. Service was friendly and capable. Would not return.
Never disappointed!! The flavors and presentation never falls short. It's actually personally one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln Square. All the servers give great recommendations and they're always fast and friendly! I'm always taking out of town guest here! The wine and menu is on point, too! :)
(5)
Claire W.
My husband and I used to come here all the time. It was our go-to spot for a delicious meal in a neighborhood full of options. We've taken our parents & other out-of-towners here many times as we consider it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. That being said, we went there this past Friday and our service was so bad that I am not sure we will ever come back. Our middle-aged male waiter was incredibly patronizing, to the point where I felt he was actually taking liberties with his attitude towards me. He repeatedly interrupted me mid-sentence, called me pet names like hon, sweetie in a grating tone and kept touching my shoulder when he wanted to assert his opinion. I'm a conversational person and I enjoy the waitstaff-client interaction but this felt so out of touch with today's culture. It got to the point where I cringed each time he came around. Looking back, I should have been more direct about my wishes, but looking forward - should we ever return - we will request to be seated in a different section. That being said, if you find yourself there - get the eggplant caviar & go ahead and order extra toasted bread with goat cheese.
(2)
Jessie J.
Got right in with our reservation. Waited a while for water and even longer for a waiter. It was very loud as there were quite a few standing patrons at the bar (7:45pm). The waiter seemed like he was having a bad night, but was never mean or rude, just a bit short. He told us to wait to order food because the kitchen was backed up. Once we ordered, we ended up getting our food quickly and it was really good. Wasn't impressed with the garlic cilantro fries. However my flatbread was really good and filling. Martini was good and not overly priced, beer was warm. Food would get a 3.5/4, service a 3.
(3)
Jay I.
3.5 stars I tried this place for a saturday brunch. Since I tried by myself I sat on the bar stool and was served by a very nice bartender. I ordered a chicken and waffle (my current hot item). I thought chicken was good and waffle was pretty good too, but it wasn't really something that would blow my mind. It is a nice place with TV, and the server seem to be pretty nice and intact, too (taking care of water and refills). Not a bad option around the lincoln square.
(3)
Andy W.
Food is good, service is decent. I have tried many of the things on the lunch and dinner menu and haven't had anything I didn't really enjoy. The brunch is okay, nothing special but quality food. What I like most about Fork is that it has a quality product. The food you are served will always be fresh and appealing to all senses. It may not be the most unique menu but its a tasty one. I like that Fork is good for a date, but also can accomodate small groups for a night out with friends. They also have a pretty decent liquor and beer selection. Overall, a good place in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Jack M.
This review is written after several attempts to allow Fork to prove us wrong / get off our s***-list. My girlfriend and I live a few buildings down from Fork and have been to Fork several times: for brunch, dinner, and drinks. In more than one occurrence, the service was poor to the point of being offensive. Allow me to explain: Instance #1: Breakfast. We arrived at Fork 20 minutes before opening on a Saturday, which was no big deal, we simply walked down the street to get a coffee from Grind. Coming back at 10:05, five minutes after opening, we see that several groups of people had been seated, yet the restaurant could not have been more than 15-20% full at this point, and there was no one waiting to be seated besides us. The hostess informed us it would be 15-20 minutes prior to being seated and that we could sit at the bar while we waited. You could imagine our reaction at this point. However, we sat at the bar, had a Bloody Mary (which was delicious) and waited patiently. 20 minutes go by and still we have not been seated. My girlfriend went up the hostess, who was not more than 15 feet from us, to ask the status. With much attitude, she dismissively told her that she was aware of us waiting and that'd it be another 10 minutes. It's one thing to have to wait when a restaurant is obviously full, but all they had to do was seat us at a table and get us going with some coffee and we'd have had no issue. The attitude towards us from the front of house staff was rude, curt, and dismissive, and not what you'd expect from any decent restaurant. Instance #2: Brunch - Sunday, 4/26/15 The Ravenswood 5K was being held in the area, which brought a lot of traffic to the local eateries, including Fork. We arrived at 10:30 or so, and I put my name in on the waiting list. They told me 20 minutes, and that they would text me. Great, we'll wait and get a coffee, no big deal. I checked in after 20 minutes, no update, told it would be longer. After an hour, my girlfriend goes to check, and she is very rudely told by whoever the male host was that there's nothing he can do, people are eating their breakfast and you just have to wait. Look, Fork. You're busy, we get that. But perhaps you could be honest with us form the get go and not quote an overly optimistic 20 minutes? And when your estimate is off by over 40 minutes, perhaps instead of being rude and annoyed towards us, you could try being decent and apologetic? We moved to wait inside, and were finally seated, perhaps due to the close proximity of our group (four people) to the host station. Food took over an hour to get out and our waitress continued the trend of curtness and poor service. Conclusion: Fork's food is great, and their menu is fantastic. If they're not busy, or you have a reservation, it's likely a good bet your service experience will be fine. I would recommend to Fork that they work to improve their front of house experience on all levels. You had tables sitting empty the entire time we were eating, all while people were waiting outside and inside the restaurant.
(1)
Karen H.
Our meal was so decadent....THE poutine. Before you die, you need to have this poutine. Rich savory gravy, white cheddar sauce, plus duck confit. This could bring peace to the middle east! We had a 16oz veal chop. It was big enough to share and be quite satisfied. All in all, a wonderful experience. Don't miss out on the inventive cocktails. The songbird and bliss, in particular, make this worth the trip. Big plus is being able to have a conversation without having to shout!
(4)
Laura W.
I recently went to Fork for the first time with my parents who were visiting my neighborhood. I was a little hesitant taking them because they normally think my tastes are too "foodie" but Fork did not dissappoint. Stellar service, amazing food and wonderful ambience. The restaurant has such a home-y feel, it's just plain comfortable. The food is by far the best I've had in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area. I had the Duck Club sandwich (as did my very happy 60-year-old mother) and it was on point. Also highly recommend the butternut squash soup which was a special for the evening. The bottom of the bowl is drizzled with chili oil and toasted pumpkin seeds so the range of flavor you get in one spoonful is crazy. Also make sure you go with the garlic cilantro fries instead of the regular fries. Fork is a definite winner in the neighborhood. Though it's a little pricey for some, I'm willing to shell out some extra cash for great food like that. I'll be back for sure.
(5)
Michelle Z.
5 of us came in to Fork on Sunday after waiting in line for 3 hours to vote. We were due for some much needed bloody marys and Fork did not disappoint! Everything about our experience was on point. We were quoted 30-45 minutes for a wait, but got seated in 15! The hostess was super accommodating and friendly. The bloodys were fantastic. We then proceeded to order (nearly) everything off the menu and eat tapas style. The bacon wrapped dates were amazing! As was the "hangover helper." My absolute favorite was the "eggplant caviar". There were a couple items on the menu that they ran out of (and I can totally understand why- all of the food is so good). Our server was such a good sport about it- he even had us pause our ordering as he ran to reserve the last "hangover helper" for us before it ran out. We were eternally grateful. Basically I cannot say enough good things about this place. We will absolutely be back to try it out for dinner.
(5)
Jeff A.
I feel the decor is dated and the food is a step or two above bar food. Not bad (I had to add salt to everything) but not worth a second visit. Service was great. With all of the great options in this neighborhood, they need to step up their game. Note to Fork: turn off the TVs during peak dinner hours. Really cheapens the atmosphere.
(2)
Asma M.
Gave this place another shot yesterday. We ordered the same thing, duck confit hash and banana fosters french toast. Two entrees and two drinks was about $50 with tax ($60 with tip). Once again, amazing!! The customer service was better, but it was so bad last time it could only get better. We had the same server which was kinda funny and this time he actually acknowledged us but we still had to flag him down and the interaction was awkward. Oh well the food is worth dealing with a less than ideal waiter, we just wont be back as frequently as we would otherwise.
(4)
Hannah H.
Fork offers a brunch, lunch, and a dinner menu, a cheese & charcuterie option, as well as beer and wine flights. My friend and I came here for an early dinner, and even though we did not make any reservations, we were able to score a table! We tried the duck breast crostini which was actually pretty tasty, with the crunchy crostini bottom and a juicy, perfectly-seasoned duck on top. I also tried the grilled cheese, which was nicely grilled and had a generous amount of melty cheese in between; I just wished they used a better bread that would complement it more, as it was a little too thick. This came with a cup of tomato soup, which was pretty okay, but more on the thicker consistency (I didn't mind this, and definitely do the grilled cheese dipping action!). My friend had a burger, which was pretty okay, with a freshly-ground patty and toppings. The strawberry rhubarb cobbler was a tad too overly sweet and more strawberry jam than the rhubarb. The ginger ice cream, while interesting, was more on the forgettable side. The restaurant also has a patio seating, so you can dine al fresco. Parking is semi-difficult, but can be found in the residential off streets. +duck breast crostini +grilled cheese (request a substitute bread!) +limited residential parking
(3)
Darren B.
While paying a visit to my old stomping grounds last night, I knew I would find a great place to eat and my instincts were right on. I used to live 3 blocks from here and would come to this particular spot often when it was Square Kitchen. After Square Kitchen, I'm pretty sure there was another restaurant here before Fork took residence about 4 years ago. I had an absolutely fantastic experience. I sat at the bar and Mike, simply put, was awesome and made some great recommendations. The service was spectacular. I felt like I received everything I ordered within 1 minute of having ordered it. I don't know how they do what they do, but they do it so very well. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi (with shitake mushrooms, beer braised fennel, scallions, brussel kraut sauce, truffle oil & pecorino cheese) was unreal!!! The truffle oil was legit; you could taste the truffle. I also had a half order of the Belgian style mussels (as opposed to the French style Mussels offered) which were good. I've had better (Hopleaf), but these were not bad at all and were very serviceable. I recommend dipping the accompanying bread in the belgian ale broth. I finished off with an order of the bacon dates which are bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and drizzled with a delectable blue cheese sauce. These were bombs of sweet, salty and smoky flavor. They came with four and when I saved one for my brother and he realized how amazing they are, he also realized how much I must love him for having not finished them all off myself and for saving one for him. I had a beer that was great. In addition to also having a number of wine options, you can do a sampling by getting a wine flight. The atmosphere is perfect too. I love the natural exposed brick/wood combination and chic overall vibe. I would, without question, love to come back here before I leave and will definitely try to. The only sad part of this experience is knowing how great this place is coupled with the fact that I no longer live around the corner any longer. I will definitely be back, possibly again this week before I leave.
(5)
Michael B.
Love this place. Nice vibe,, great people, good sized selection tasty on trend farm to fork small plate and share plate food choices as well as mains, expansive wine menu combine for a great night. There might have been background music but if there was it was not blaring to the point where we had to scream at each other all night long so we could enjoy each others company and conversation. Big comfortable space with large windows that bring the outside in. In our case, a warm rainy night, which made the place feel more cozy and comfortable. This giant guy came over from behind the bar to take our order. At first we were a little intimidated as he kind of looked like someone you'd see on Ice Road Truckers or Ax Men, but he was a gentle giant, couldn't have been nicer and was spot on in his food recommendations. We shared a bunch of small/share plates and washed it down with a nice Prosecco. Some of our favorites were: Merguez Flatbread - spiced lamb sausage, fava bean puree, feta, arugula, Buriata Root Vegetable Hash - carrots, parsnips, fennel, gold beets, onion, sweet potatoes, butternut squash fried egg & arugula Eggplant "Caviar" Smear- roasted eggplant puree, goat cheese bread, caramelized onions, mint (THIS WAS GREAT) "Amazing Shrimp" & Grits - locally farmed gulf shrimp, scallions, chorizo spiced shrimp gravy Wish it was in my hood, but its worth the trip. Easy street parking during the week.
(4)
Bernard L.
I've been here a couple of times mostly for drinks, but I continue to come back. The location couldn't be any more perfect and a lot of times I have been there after seeing a movie. The place mostly has tables, but there are a couple of booths. The wine list is extensive and I love getting the wine flights, which you can never go wrong. The staff is always gracious and service is really good. The only food item I have ever gotten was the garlic fries, which are sinfully delicious. We almost always end up getting two orders. In a location with so much competition, Fork definitely stands out.
(5)
Bri A.
You know a place will be good when they serve Metropolis coffee! Our group of four was starving after a hot yoga class....we were also probably pretty stinky, but they still let us in. Anyway, we had no problem getting a table around noon on a Saturday. Everything on the menu had me drooling, but the Wild Mushroom Omelet was calling my name. I had that with a side of bacon and it was divine. The berry jam that came with my toast was amazing. I wanted a huge jar of that! The only drawback was the black hair floating in the coffee creamer. GROSS! Our server brought us another, but she never apologized or acknowledged how freaking gross it is to have hair in something consumable. =/
Disappointing. Yes, I'm giving them four stars, which is unusual for a disappointing meal, but usually the food and service at Fork is so amazing that they still rate a four. We had an opener of pickles, which are made in-house and fairly fabulous. They had pickled watermelon rind, gooseberries, a type of Italian squash that I'm not familiar with, and something else that I can't recall. They were all very, very tasty, with the squash being very hot. We ordered two 'small plates:' a beet salad and the chicken and dumplings. Then the sad happened. The beet salad should have cheese, and there were a few bits, but not as much as usual. You really need the cheese to offset the taste of the beets. The 'dumplings' are not dumplings, they are gnocchi. That's not the problem -- gnocchi is good. I love gnocchi. The problem is that the gnocchi had been in the broth so long that they were falling apart. The broth had an unusually large amount of onion, as well, which really detracted from the other flavors. And although the gnocchi were falling apart, the carrots were almost crunchy. The peas that were part of this dish earlier in the season were absent. Maybe that's better. They *were* the best damn peas I've ever had -- they're probably not available any longer. Our waiter did not appear for quite a while after our food was served. Usually, after the food hits the table, the waiter comes around to check. Not tonight. We waited and waited, with our water glasses and drinks empty. We finally got his attention and called him over to get another glass of wine and I ordered a starter to round out the meal: the 50/50 bacon burger. (Wonderful! Crispy and flavorful, with aioli and pickles) We also had to wait too long to get our dessert order in. Pot de creme and blueberry crisp. There wasn't a lot of crisp with the blueberries, but otherwise the desserts were good. Then the waiter did something that really ticks me off: He brought the check without being asked. We were not lingering -- we hadn't even finished our coffee. People were not waiting to be seated. We felt that after somewhat lazy service, he was in a big freakin' hurry to get rid of us.
(4)
Scott H.
I've been to Fork a few times for brunch, and I'm sure that I'll be back for more. Each time I go, I've gotten their seasonal/monthly/daily 'Special.' I usually don't bother with the specials at restaurants, but at Fork I just can't pass them up. Last fall they had a Root Vegetable Hash with beets and squash that I still dream about to this day! At my latest visit, I had the quiche of the day, and thought it to be just wonderful. I also had the mimosa flight. This should be a requirement at any restaurant that claims to have a 'brunch' menu. P.S. Don't you dare pass on the freshly made donuts holes!
We ended up here randomly one night and had a great time. First, the negative: Parking nearby is to be avoided at all costs. Bus, bike, do whatever you have to do to not drive. Once we did find parking and got into the restaurant, everything was great. We started off with drink flights. I had crisp white wines, my husband had some sort of bourbon barrel brewed flight, I think. We both enjoyed every pick - wine and beer, which was quite unusual for us. The takeaway: Fork has great beer and wine. We started with 2 small plates - the poutine and the chicken and dumplings. The dumplings were butternut squash gnocchi and the chicken was cooked to perfection. The real scene stealer for me though was the poutine. Oh my goodness. I don't know if it was the cheese, the gravy, the duck confit, or just the mixture of them all together but this was one of my favorite dishes I've had in a long time. We rounded out our impromptu meal with a cheese and charcuterie plate. We had a couple cheeses (can't remember the names) that were delicious. We added the house-cured duck prosciutto and we very pleased. You really can't go wrong with any of the meats and cheeses, in my opinion. Finally, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was able to make both food and drink recommendations by asking us just a few questions. He never steered us wrong. Overall, a great night, I can't wait to be back for more poutine, more cheese and meat, and more delicious drinks!
(4)
Kirstin E.
Finally tried brunch at Fork and I really don't know why I waited so long. Just as their dinner menu, everything I had from the breakfast and brunch menu was amazing!! I went with a good friend of mine and we wanted to try a little of everything. We started by ordering the peach glazed donut holes (peach glaze was a special that day) and the homemade pretzel bites with beer cheese. Both were phenomenal! The pretzel bites had the right amount of crunch on the outside with a fluffy inside/middle. We also both had the flight of mimosas. This is a great idea as most places don't offer you the chance to try different varieties. We decided we wanted to go with regular mimosas for the rest of the meal. Niko gladly followed our request for a bottle of champagne and a carafe of OJ. I ordered the chilaquiles and my friend ordered the eggs Benedict with short ribs. Both were again, phenomenal!! Fork is one of the few places that seems to get the concept of brunch while making their guests feel welcomed. If you haven't been to Fork I must ask, what are you waiting for?!?
(5)
Daniel S.
Enjoyed the visit and always like the neighborhood. Good food and beverage choices. A spot id visit again--- certainly seems consistent and solid.
(3)
Yanyao N.
Let's talk brunch. Fork does it, and Fork does it very well. My recent Sunday excursion for sustenance involved: - candied bacon - doughnut holes - beer flights (because who doesn't want a beer flight at 11am?) - a house-smoked salmon Benedict with blood orange hollandaise - chilaquiles with chorizo - a painful walk home (SO FULL) - a nice couch nap thanks to brunch baby For some reason, Fork is never really first on my radar when it comes to food, even though it is so close, and consistently good for dinner. Now I want to have brunch there every single weekend. The service was great. They have a lovely selection of beers of taps and in bottles. Plus, CANDIED BACON for $2 a pop. Be warned though, lots of kids for brunch, if you're not into that thing or avoiding loud screeching sounds.
(4)
Pat G.
Had a brunch date here, was excellent except for one thing. I ordered a dunkelweiss (for those of you who don't know beer, its a dark weiss) and was given a different beer, some light, crisp, fruity beer; it was almost a cider I think. Perhaps an order mix up? Not to sound like a snob, but I know my beers, and that wasn't what I ordered. It was a good beer though, so it didn't ruin the meal. Otherwise it was great. Food was excellent and the portions were worth the price, hostess and waitress were top notch and friendly for a busy Saturday late morning/early afternoon. No wait to be seated, and it wasn't sardines on the inside like some local Lincoln Square restaurants. Would recommend for brunch fans, and I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.
(4)
Leah C.
fork...er fiddlehead...it over! funny, i didn't know this used to be fiddlehead until i read the reviews below. really love the small plate scene and especially when paired with a good drink list. fork is a great gathering spot, early din, late-night munchie, catch-up type of place. they also have entrees but i don't think i'd return for that because the ambiance is more "cafe-like" IMO. the flatbreads are nothing special but go with their zucchini "spaghetti" - it'll make you eat your veggies, i swear! the charcuterie was nicely presented with generous servings. the dishes came out a bit slow so i'm knocking off a star. i wish i could remember her name but our server was just a doll (and i don't say that...ever...but it's a fitting description). so in love with the restaurant and her work, it really added to our dining experience - thank you!
(4)
Yessie S.
This place is totally over rated. I don't think I will want to come back ever again. The service was horrible. My boyfriend and I went there on summer night to have a good time. They sat us below this dripping water pipe. We asked the waitress/hostess to move us, they said there was no other place, but when I walked to the bathroom, after 3 mins being sat down there, there was other place on the other side. The dripping and splashing water made the entire dinner horrible. The food was not even good, the service was horrible. Thanks for the "great" night.
(1)
Lola G.
I am back in Chicago to visit friends and family. I was a little early, so I walked to Fork to grab an app and a glass of wine. Waste of time and money! I can't believe this got four stars on yelp! My wine was served in a dirty glass (not spots, but full on food stuck on the inside!)...I dared order pretzels, which were bland and the cheese sauce was barely edible. And if that wasn't all fun enough, the preggos bartender acted as though every request really put her out. Won't ever be back.
(1)
Kori E.
We made our way to Lincoln Square for brunch on Sunday morning and stumbled upon Fork. The menu had tons of options so we decided to give it a try. First off, they serve their delicious coffee in huge mugs, which we both appreciated. For our meals, I had the chilaquiles (shocker) and he had the sausage scramble, which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were really good! My chilaquiles were good, but I should have added the chorizo on as it was lacking a little something... The service was a little lack luster, but we were in no hurry so whatevs. Cute spot in Lincoln Square and there was no wait to eat at around noonish - always a plus.
(4)
Not Just Brunch B.
A huge group of us came here for brunch on a recent Sunday. Nine of us to be exact. Even though we rolled up without reservations and the place was busy, the hostess was so nice and accommodating and tried really hard to get us a spot. We ended up only having to wait 15 minutes. That must be some sort of brunch record. Our waitress, Kathryn K, was also extremely nice and helpful, and not in that overly peppy annoying way some waiters/waitresses wanting tips can be (especially when you're hungover). She even let us split the check individually between the 9 of us. This is unheard of, people. We would give Fork 5 stars for service alone, but the food and drink also deserve praise. The brunch menu is extensive and you can also choose from the lunch menu, which includes their poutine, which is out of this world, which means it is really good, which means you should try it. The mimosa flight comes with 3 mimosa variations and is a good deal considering they come in regular sized champagne glasses, not the small ones you would expect from it being a flight. To continue the review and the lolz you can read our blog post here: notjustbrunch.wordpress.…
(5)
M P.
Service was very good, but wasn't impressed with the food for the price. The location is good and patio looks nice. I'd like to come back and try one of the charcuterie plates, but the large plates we tried were just okay.
(3)
Pat T.
OMG!!! This place is dynamic!!!! Cool atmosphere !!! Great food!!! Extensive wine and beer list!!! The manager Ashley was so helpful explaining the menu and making suggestions that were right on!!! I will be back, we loved it!!!
(5)
Heather J.
I don't get many Saturdays off, so when I do, I like to get some brunch with the hubby. This past weekend, we ventured out to Fork based on a recommendation from a friend. When we arrived, we found parking right away and there was no wait at all which was fantastic! Plus, the ambience was nice, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive. The prices were fair. No complaints about the restaurant whatsoever! Okay, now for the food... I ordered the Florentine Benedict. The benedict was huge, made with a whole english muffin, two poached eggs (cooked perfectly), tomatoes, spinach, and basil hollandaise. The basil hollandaise was supposed to be what tied the entree together, but it was a little too bland for me. Overall, it wasn't bad, though I think I would try something else next time. It also came with some potatoes on the side, which were alright (but I honestly prefer The Bongo Room's potatoes... Sorry!). My husband ordered their Chilaquiles and LOVED them. I tried them and kind of wish I ordered them, too! Overall, I would go back to Fork, I would just try to order something a little more flavorful!
(3)
Keryn C.
I just moved to Lincoln Square, and I am right next to Fork. All I need to say is, I chose the right location. Fork is so good. Two friends and I went on a Saturday for brunch and it was less than a 15 minute wait. The iced coffee was perfect on a 90 degree day, and everything on the menu looked fabulous. We split the homemade donut holes as a starter, because who doesn't love donut holes? They were so fresh, I wish we ordered more. I ordered the eggs benedict which is indescribable. First off, the English muffins are HUGE. Nestled on top was a delicious piece of grilled ham, topped with poached eggs. I was silent the entire time eating because it was just so good. Their breakfast potatoes were crispy and complimented everything on my plate. One friend got the Hangover Helper, which was smothered in gravy and overall an amazing choice. The second friend got something in a skillet, but I didn't try it because I was too invested in my benedict. Needless to say, I am returning to Fork to try their other items, and for more donut holes.
(4)
Ack M.
There's always a place that you run into and find yourself with good food and great people. I have to say that this place delivers it all. From the minute we walked in we were treated by the manager Ashley. She made us feel right at home. She was on top of everything made sure our drinks was out on time. We have never been here before but Ashley made us feel right at home. She recommended a few dishes that was very delightful. A very neighborhood friendly place. Food was great people were amazing. Price very reasonable.
(5)
Nick W.
After having come to Chicago for an exciting weekend of visiting with friends, we were debating on where to get high-quality brunch. Fork came highly recommended, and it met if not exceeded my standards. The chicken and waffles were transcendent. I tried a friends biscuits and gravy and it took me back to my childhood! The tastes were more complex, of course, but after the meal I wouldn't have been surprised if someone's grandmother came out of the kitchen to wrap a blanket around us. The service was exemplary and left us wanting for nothing more than larger stomachs to comfortably continue eating! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that can really appreciate food made with such attention to detail and care.
(5)
Elma B.
Their brunch is my favorite in the city. My favorite dishes are the smoked salmon benedict, broccoli quiche, and chilaquiles. Our group has also tried the chicken and waffles, various other quiches, and hangover helper. All have been amazing and the portions are great. Service during brunch is great. The food comes out fast and the staff is attentive.
(5)
Meg J.
I was here last Saturday with a group of 7 women for a girls night out. EVERYTHING was delicious. Our server was great, very on top of things. The chef made his way around the dining room, interacting with customers and seeing how they liked the food. I love that, it makes for a more personal dining experience. With such a big group, we got to try a lot of different dishes. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think it'd a toss up between the poutine and the shrimp and grits. I can't wait to go back and try it for brunch!
(5)
DJ F.
Meh - at best. Host staff is always rude. ALWAYS. Beyond that - we've had decent service a couple times, but last night was an epic fail. We asked our waitress about the bottle wine list, if she could suggest a good full body/spicy red. Her response? "Well, I'll let you look some more" and walked away. She returned a good FIFTEEN minutes later to ask if we made a decision. I said We are thinking about this malbec/cab blend, can you please ask the bartender if it's a good choice for spicy/full body. Her response? It's from Argentina - it should be spicy. WHAAAT??? We figured she was new and didn't know the wine list - but it later came up that she has been there for 2 years... You don't have to be a sommelier, but when somebody tells you what they look for in a red you should be able to recommend a few options from your wine list. OR ASK. Never guess when somebody is buying a bottle! The service was as average as the food. $100 for a dry brisket sandwich, average chicken burger and a sweet (NOT spicy as requested) bottle of red. And the smores dessert? Chocolate chip cookies with fluff. It was gross. We barely touched it - but our server didn't say a word. Just took it away! I don't know what it is about this place. Reviews seem positive but we've never been knocked out by the food or the service, and definitely will not be back after that frustrating, overpriced experience.
(2)
Richard C.
When you pay $13 for a chicken burger, you expect a whole (or at the least half) a fresh chicken breast. You don't expect the mashed up, reassembled, stale, chicken patty you buy on sale that sits in the back of your freezer. That's what you get at Fork. When you ask for the regular fries with your chicken patty frankenstein burger to be swapped for the garlic cilantro fries (and pay the upgrade charge), you expect to get garlic cilantro fries. Not the normal, burnt, tasteless fries. That's what you get at Fork. This is why they invented tips. And the ability to not give them. So, don't bother. Don't be sucked in by the vapid atmosphere and terrible food. Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Bad Apple, and Monty Gaels are all cheaper, better, friendlier, and in the same walking distance. Just go there instead.
(1)
Amanda W.
Still really appreciate the gluten-free menu, though it was outdated (had items no longer offered), and the food was delicious again. Especially recommend the French mussels and the duck salad! Nom! Also, sitting outside was really nice. Minus a star this time for weird service. There were empty tables when we arrived, yet we were quoted 15-30 minutes' wait, an unusually large range. Then, they called us about 5 minutes later and gave us one of the empty tables. The wait staff was okay, but no smiles or warmth there at all. It's such a let-down for a place that clearly prides itself on the food and flights side.
(4)
Raul F.
The good is very good. I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very juicy. The customer service was good, they were a bit sassy; however once we got our table it was smooth sailing. Definitely would recommend!
(4)
Lauren H.
So glad they were open for New Year's Day brunch. Bacon wrapped dates held me over until the rest of my table arrived. I rarely dislike a bacon wrapped dates so I didn't really need the bleu cheese sauce on it. The hangover helper was great. It's a giant herb biscuit (good texture) with cheddar, bacon, and chicken sausage gravy. It's served with arugula so all the fat is cancelled out, right? My only tip is to have them skip on the cheese. It s didn't do anything for me flavor wise and it only made the dish too heavy to eat. My table loved the quiche of the day, tomato soup, and breakfast sandwich. You do NOT need a side with the sandwich! My Army Vet husband had a little trouble finishing the generous sammy. Service was fine. The bus boys kept water filled and our server checked in without being annoying. I'd come back for dinner.
(4)
Justine M.
Great ambience, interior, and service. Dark, kind of romantic. We had a party of 12 and had great service. I highly suggest the poutine with duck confit. The bacon wrapped dates with chorizo was very good as well. The pretzel bites were very fluffy. not bad. I had the duck club and it was alright. I was expecting more of a duck taste. A VERY large meal. I suggest you upgrade to the cilantro garlic fries. Depths of flavor. The waitress was able to split all of our bills so super convenient. Overall good experience.
(4)
Joe W.
Fork is a very good restaurant - everything I've had on the menu is good. We've gone there for lunch a few times with kids, which can be challenging, but they were friendly and receptive. A good option in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Josh S.
I went here on Friday with a table for five. It was a great experience all around. We had initially made a reservation for four, but later changed it to five and the hostess was able to accommodate us without moving the reservation time or having us wait. The service was impeccable and the food was stellar. I highly recommend the Farmhouse Burger, Poutine, Asparagus Flatbread, and Charcuterie spreads.
(5)
Tamara S.
I've been here for dinner. I've been here for drinks. Always a great time. The staff is wonderful. The food is yummy. And they do an amazing job of creating interesting desserts.
(5)
Brandon B.
I was a little miffed that their hangover helper was sold out by the time I got there on Sunday. I switched to their mushroom omelet, which was surprisingly good. The food was a little better than average, but what really blew me away was their service. Everyone was extremely attentive. My friend and I heard who we thought was the manager chastise the hostess for not noticing that people were waiting up front for a few seconds to be seated. Loved it! They are on the ball, and given the food isn't that bad, I'd go back.
(4)
Angelica V.
The last time I was at Fork (about 2 years ago), I didn't have quite a pleasant experience. Luckily, I spoke to the new owner/chef and he asked that I give it another shot. I chose to go in today for brunch and let me say that this experience was a complete 180°. The hostess sat us immediately and the server came to provide us with specials and drinks right away. Coffee and mimosas were fantastic choices. It took us a few minutes to choose because everything looked so yummy. We finally agreed on the "hangover helper" and pork belly panini. The gravy on the hangover helper was to die for...we are it so quickly. The pork belly was one of my favorite sandwiches. Right amount of belly and slaw. I chose the garlic fries with their sriracha aioli. If you like sriracha, do yourself a favor and ask for another serving. It was delicious! We finalized our meal with their mini donut holes which came out as if you were in a fancy cafe, along with a glazed dipping sauce. From start to finish, the service, food, and ambiance was outstanding. Even something as simple as sitting by their open windows made such a differenece. We have already recommended this place to family and friends. A huge thank you to Chef Tim for allowing me to reexperience a brand new Fork...which you should ALL try sooner than later.
(5)
Rachel T.
I've been to Fork on multiple occasions and have never had an experience I wouldn't rave about. Their beer and wine selection is amazing, and they even have a cranberry cider on tap which is delicious. Both their brunch and dinner menus offer so much variety. I can't make a visit without ordering the house pretzels and the bacon wrapped dates. Recently the poutine has made it into my "must have" list... I mean duck confit and gravy, YUM! I've tried everything on their large plates list from the flatbreads to the brisket to the chicken burger and every time I'm left wanting more. Their specials change almost nightly based on what's new and local and that's fantastic. They just added homemade giardiniera to some of their items and as a girl who likes a little extra flavor, this really meets the bill. And that's just the food! The staff is friendly, from the bartender to the hostesses to the servers. It's all around an amazing dining experience. During the warmer weather, they have a great patio and open window seating. Meets everything on an amazing Chicago dining experience checklist - HIGHLY recommend!
(5)
Erin K.
I recently went to Fork for dinner with my boyfriend, and we had an exceptional experience! Their dinner menu is fun and a bit adventurous, while still reasonably priced. They were also very knowledgeable when it came to their gluten-free options, meaning automatic bonus points from me. Great customer service and a cool ambiance complete the restaurant. Oh, and I can't forget the amazing wine and beer flights! :)
(5)
Joe G.
I've been here several times and really wanted to like it, but 3 strikes and done. The concept is great, the execution falls short. My last try was to order their special bouillabaisse, and it came cold and in a tomato soup base instead of a broath. When drinks run empty before someone comes by to check in on you that is a fail. And it had nothing to do with the place being busy. Put a fork in this one.
(1)
Joanna T.
My sister hosted my baby shower here in February. It was fantastic. The menu was great. We had shared cold appetizers while guests got drinks and mingled. Then we had hot appetizers when seated. Guests were able to choose their entree, which were options of both breakfast sweets and savory lunch sandwiches because you never know which way people lean for brunch. My sister is a foodie and carefully reviewed the menu in detail with the manager, which she had to do from afar in LA. We didn't bring a cake, but rather chose dessert items from their standard menu. The space was ideal for our party size of roughly 35 people. The private room had space for a gift table and a space for the 'crafts' that we set up: a decorating station for onesies and bibs. The room was intimate enough to play a few shower games but was still large enough to stand and mingle. We brought minimal decor. The space is homey and comfortable. We provided centerpieces and candles and hung one banner. I would consider Fork again for a private party. In the meantime we will be back for brunch.
(5)
Natalie B.
Went here for my birthday. The food and service was great. We had the pretzels, cheese plate, shortribs and applepie, I highly recommend all.
(5)
Joanne W.
On Wednesday, I saw The Knife. On Friday, I went to Fork. True story. Seriously though, I really like Fork. It is one of my go-to places. I've dined here with friends on numerous occasions. I've taken my parents here, my sisters and my man. It never disappoints. The service is always good and they have a nice varied menu with something for everyone. They also have a nice cocktail list, wine menu and really great beer options. You can get a flight of wine or beer aaaaand ya gotta love a place that has Revolution Rosa on draft! When it's in season, of course. I've eaten just about everything here. They do nice charcuterie boards, flat breads, mussels, small plates and some interesting large plates. I've also done a Revolution dinner/tasting at Fork and it was GREAT. The stand out items for me are the garlic cilantro fries, the flat breads and the short rib dish but I've never had something and not enjoyed it. The only thing that is left for me to try is brunch... One of my favorite features of Fork is the outside seating and even if that is not available to you...no worries! Fork has large window fronts that open up to Lincoln Square so you can take in some fresh air from the comforts of a cozy booth. Fork has served me many a fine meal...and drink. *burp*
(4)
Ruben M.
Kinda expensive when you account for a larger group, but nice place. Not really my scene, kinda loud, but food is great and so is the service.
(5)
Dennis A.
4 of us had dinner there and had a really nice meal. Service was just right, attentive but not annoying. We shared a half dozen items from the menu: each was really great, but 3 of them were so terrific that you could keep eating them til you [fill in your most audacious wonderful outcome here]... those were the house made pretzels with really tasty cheese sauce, the French style Mussels and the Sweet Potato Gnocci. The three that were really great, but overshadowed by the competition were the Merguez Flatbread, the "Amazing" Shrimp Grits and the Diver Sea Scallops. This was our first time here. We'll definitely return. Our thanks to the chef for a great meal experience.
(5)
Melissa N.
This is a great place to unwind with friends and enjoy some good food and wine. The ambiance is casual and friendly: nothing super fancy. If you go there during the warmer months, scope out a patio spot instead of an indoor table. The wine list is where this place truly shines. I had a glass of red sangria, which was outstanding: very rich, with notes of clove and cinnamon. So, so good! Fork also offers a large selection of wine flights. My friends and I all enjoyed the Spicy Reds. Great wine! For food, the best thing on the menu is the bacon date chorizo appetizer: oh my GOD! I have never seen bacon date apps this big...each piece is four times the size of the typical version, and so, so good. I could eat a bunch of these for dinner and be fully satisfied (and fat...but happy fat). The asparagus flatbread pizza was good, but perhaps had a tad bit much asparagus, at least for my taste. Next time I will sample something else. I also tried the grits, which are very good as far as grits go. Service was prompt and friendly, and prices are very reasonable. I definitely encourage others to check this place out.
(4)
Lindsey A.
I've been to Fork for brunch, lunch and dinner and all occasions have been lovely. From the beer and wine flights to the morning hash, the food is as solid as the beer list - and service is great, too. This is an affordable, upscale, neighborhood joint that's worth the visit even if you're not a Lincoln Squarer.
(4)
Robert Y.
What a great place!! Our friends turned us on to Fork - we all enjoyed a Saturday dinner next to a huge wide open window looking out onto Lincoln Ave. on a mild late October evening. The best of the evening... 5 star service - our server was a very gracious and unassuming guy who took great care of us -- really good food -- my favs were the Cheese and Charcuterie selections, the beef skewers with amazing hummus, the pulled pork sliders, and the beet salad. Tastes of each were enough to call it a meal. The wines selection was top notch...a really interesting mix... I tried a French Syrah that was delicious (and not something I usually drink). The noise level was perfect (i.e. not that noisy at all, given the crowd). The overall experience was wonderful. We'll be back soon. So many more food and wine options to try next time.
(5)
Megan G.
This review is for the bar only. Cute place! While we only grabbed drinks at the bar, the overall ambiance was nice with the couches and exposed brick. I really liked the wine flight options- I'm quite used to beer flights around the city, but less so wine! The options offered were wines from locations I don't always see. It's about 2.5 glasses of wine for the price, so it's a reasonable deal when compared to other bars in the city. I'll have to return for the food- it looked great based on what I saw!
(4)
Lily F.
I made a reservation for 1 pm on a sunday and arrived at 12 just to see if i could get seated earlier because my friend and i were in a rush. We were sat down at a table immediately and the server prompty came to our table to take our drink orders and inform us on the menu. Thrillist ranked Fork as having the best chicken and waffles in the city so i obviously had to try them. The server informed us that they only had dark meat left, and I was completely fine with that, in fact i prefer dark meat in fried chicken anyways. We also decided to try the smoked salmon Benedict. The fried chicken and waffles was paired with a crispy piece of candied bacon. After i created my perfect bite of bacon, waffle, syrup, and chicken... my mouth was filled with happiness. The combination of the fluffy waffle, brined juicy chicken, crispy skin, and candied bacon was the perfect balance of flavors to complement the existing textures and salty and sweet flavor. Hands down best fried chicken and waffles I've ever had. The fried chicken itself is probably one of the better pieces of fried chicken I've had in a while, and the waffle was absolutely perfect. The smoked salmon benedict was equally as satisfactory. The salmon was smoked in house and (coming from someone from seattle) was amazingly delicious. The smoky flavor paired beautifully with the bloodorange hollandaise sauce and runny egg. I had to think for a while what i wanted my "last bite" of food to be. i ended up choosing the fried chicken and waffle bite, and i left fork in pure happiness. To sum up my experience in one sentence: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME OH MY GOSH IM DYING AND HAVE GONE TO FOOD HEAVEN. PLZ CAN I EAT THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
(5)
Nichole F.
We went here for brunch today and it was delicious! Made our reservation on OpenTable. It is a kid friendly restaurant with crayons and coloring and boostwr seats which are all helpful. There was plenty of parking on the street on front. Our server was super nice and friendly. We started with bacon wrapped dates and chorizo with blue cheese dipping sauce. PARTY IN MY MOUTH!! You must order these and then thank me. You are welcome! I had the chicken cobb salad which was beautiful to look at and yummy to eat. My son had the grilled cheese and fries, boring. My hubby had "the hangover cure" which is biscuits and sausage gravy and overeasy eggs..yum yum! It was definitely comfort food. The gripe that I had with our server is that we told her that it was our first time there and asked for recommendations. She told us about the bacon wrapped dates but what she didn't mention is that they were voted #1 in the city for chicken and waffles. She told us that after we saw them walk by on a tray and inquired (we were already done eating). Even though I loved our food, the chicken and waffles looked WAY better!! We are 100% coming back here because I need the chicken waffles in my mouth! Or the "showstopper".
(4)
Mark D.
Fork was fantastic. We were seated by the front window with a nice view of the street and the Saturday night pedestrian traffic. Their sangria was very good, I had a glass but could have easily enjoyed a pitcher. For starters, we ordered the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo (OMG very good) and the duck crostini (very good). For dinner my friend and I both ordered the duck club. I absolutely LOVE duck, but I had never had it in a club sandwich until I visited Fork. It was superb. This sandwich consisted of duck confit, smoked duck breast, goat cheese, pickled shallots, red wine jam, and candied pecans. I enjoyed every last bite. If you visit Fork, you *must* try the duck club. You're welcome.
(4)
Len L.
We walked in with a few friends and their kids in a stroller, the hostess said "how many?" I said "three and two children" and the hostess replied "And what are you going to do with that?", pointing at the baby stroller. It was something I was not expecting to hear but I did not react to his attitude other than tell him that I will fold it up and put it behind the door. He paused for a moment and said that it should be fine behind the door. Now I'm wondering if this place is "kid-friendly", I looked around and I guess I was the only group with children. We looked at the menu and their prices was decent to the type of food they offered - We ordered the bacon-wrapped dates - Which in my mind was the best thing you could have ordered for an appetizer. In fact, that tasted better than the entree that we had. most of the dishes were some kind of "duck" dishes. we ordered the duck hash, it was super salty and greasy with eggs. At the end of the meal, I think I gain 10 pounds and think my cholesterol levels jumped off the charts. Overall, I would come back only for the bacon wrapped dates and nothing else.
(3)
Alli Q.
3.5 if I could. We came for brunch based on a friend's recommendation. I thought this place was just okay - nothing too special. It was bit out of the way for us but I'm still glad we tried it. We had the breakfast melt and the sausage scramble. Both portions were pretty large. Our favorite was the mimosa flight - fun and yummy! Also, the coffee here is actually pretty solid. Honestly, service was just okay. We weren't that impressed by our waitress. We had to flag her down for most things and that was a little disappointing. We made a reservation but it didn't seem to be that necessary.
(3)
John G.
This is an update to my last review - both the owner and the chef reached out to ask us to come in and give them the chance to make things right. We did that this evening - it was really good. We started with the pretzels (Chef sent them out as soon as we arrived) followed by English Peas and a cheese selection. If you've never had Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese...go find some - it's truly amazing. Our entrees were the Wild King Salmon and the muscles in a dill broth. I'm not doing those descriptions justice - they were both specials for the evening and both were tremendous. Only complaint was the salmon was a bit overcooked. We were full after that, but chef brought out a good carrot cake w carrot sorbet. Then he brought out probably our favorite bite of the night. The Chef called it a love child of a snickers and a twix, it was FAR better than both. We could have polished off 2 plates of the stuff. In sum, the food was really good and we'll be back.
(4)
Steve S.
Food is excellent, and the service is excellent. The sweet potato gnocchi is a true work of culinary artistry.
(5)
Haley B.
Super disappointed, Me and my boyfriend were really excited to try fork. I think our expectations were too high. the food was good and normally would have gotten 3 or 4 stars but the service was terrible. Although we visited on a friday night which i understand is busy and stressful we were in the early crowd around 6. We arrived at 6 and we had a reservation for 2 at 615. When we checked in with the hostess she said great well seat you at 615. 605 rolls around and a couple without a reservation walks in and are told the wait would be probably less than 10 min. they sat 2 parties of 4 who arrived after us first. When we were eventually seated they took us to the other side of the restaurant which we couldn't see from the front room and there were at least 7 empty tables. When our server came by she just asked if we wanted anything to drink without welcoming us or explaining the menu or any recommendations. the drink menu is super long with a huge selection of beers and wine and flights but nothing was explained or suggested. after receiving our wine flights they were delivered by what seemed to be a manager the server came around to ask if we were ready to order. We ordered a charcuterie board and some small plates and all of the food came out all at once and they just kept filling the table. As we ate our server never checked in except to ask if we wanted more food or dessert. the food was fine but i don't think ill be back, this is not the kind of dining experience i would expect from a seemingly nice place. I thought fork was going to be a new go-to place for dinner for us but i doubt well be back again which is really a bummer. we love wine and cheese and small plates but will have to keep going back to our old neighborhood when were looking for that type of dinner.
(2)
Steph C.
I love it when a brunch spot takes reservations! It is always a good problem to have when there are so many yummy sounding dishes on a menu that it makes ordering a difficult task. I ended up selecting the grilled cheese and porcini soup. Both were very tasty, although I was drooling over my husband's chicken and waffles, which tasted even better than it looked. The only suggestion would be to use a mix like zing zang for the bloody mary... it tasted like straight tomato juice.
(4)
Susan A.
Great beer selection! The best garlic fries and aioli! Love the atmosphere.
(4)
Christopher T.
Great bartenders - knowledgeable and sassy. Staff is very good at making a crazy Friday night fun and stress free Food is very good and highly recommend this place before a concert at old town school of fol music. Very reliable, fairly priced, and terrific food. What else matters?
(4)
Suzanne W.
The food is great, the service good, and the soundtrack spectacular. Hearing something other than Christmas music in December is great, but hearing David Bowie, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, etcetera, is better. The food--I will definitely go back for delicious charcuterie and cheese, heritage pork, decadent desserts. The leftover pork made for a great ingredient in Cubanos and ramen.
(4)
Jim S.
We (Me and my better half) have been to Fork many times and while the food is always awesome. We particularly like the back wrapped dates. While you might expect a standard preparation common in tapas restaurants (sweet sauce) Fork's rendition has chorizo stuffed int he date (which is huge) with a blue cheese sauce. Absolutely wonderful! Usually, the service matches the food as being exceptional. Unfortunately, the service was less than stellar on Sunday. They were to be packed to the gills with people and was hosting a private party in the 2nd dining room. Unlike all of our other visits, they seated us and then forgot us. My other half ordered florentine benedict which was wonderful. I ordered a BLT with mayo which ended up without mayo. When it arrived, fries were ice cold. I was half done with my sandwich by the time hot fries arrived. Kind of expected a table side visit from the manager or some sort of credit. All of this for $42 for 2 people for brunch. I will continue to go here, but just realized that they are just humans and not food service Gods.
(3)
Susan L.
Delicious! We tried the burntendwich with the garlic cilantro fries. Both were very good. We also had the breakfast melt sandwich that has caramelized onions, ham, over easy egg and lots of cheese; amazing!! Also, the beer/wine list is extensive with lots to choose from. Totally recommend eating here if you are in Lincoln park and looking for brunch/lunch.
(5)
Jane R.
This is a great place to grab a drink and a few snacks when you are in Lincoln Square. I always come here with the intention of going on a Lincoln square bar crawl and never make it to any other bars! The wine flights are delightful, the food is delicious, and the staff is very friendly. I thought the service was fast but it can be hard to get a table or spot at the bar because it's so popular. Cheers!
(5)
Rashid J.
We ate brunch with my best friend and his wife here. The service was incredible, the ambiance of this restaurant is hipster-vintage comfortable, and the food was amazing: my french toast was super-good, accompanied by some tender chicken sausage and freshly brewed coffee that kept coming.
(5)
Scott D.
Hey Tim. It did taste like Chinese five spice. Maybe your chef used allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mace or something similar. Flavour was not the problem. A big mouthful of soft chewy fat was. Render it down, crisp it up and I'll indulge in another tomorrow!
(4)
Joshua D.
I rarely give bad reviews because I am definitely one of those people who try to find the good in everything.....after reading the amazing reviews Fork got, my 2 friends and I decided to spend NYE dinner there. It was a prix fixe menu which was cool...normally those type of menus I enjoy! Unfortunately this one was below average....the only positive things were the drinks and the service. The food was not good...even with a couple drinks. Some of the dishes were poorly executed like the tempura fried oysters and some of the pairings just didn't taste well together beet with that gelee. I was underwhelmed with the entire menu and kind of embarrassed because I chose the restaurant and my friends had a horrible food experience. Not a great way to bring in the New Years. I would go back to try the brunch and normal menu but will stay away from prix fixe menus for a while.
(1)
Meredith K.
The food is great. The service is friendly but really slow. We were there on a Tuesday and it was not full. I could see the waitress was not sitting around doing nothing but it still took her a very long time to even greet us. Everything took a long time. I was there for nearly 3 hrs and was there with 1 other person. We had cheese, a chicken burger and dessert. But back to the food. We started with a pick 3 cheese plate. The cheeses are fantastic. My friend got the Brussels sprouts which were awesome and the poutine. She loved it! I had the chicken burger with the garlic cilantro fries. It should be renamed garlic fries. I couldn't taste any cilantro but I could see that it was there. The garlic was so heavy but I'm a garlic fan. The sriracha aioli was fantastic. I didn't want to eat all of the burger but I did. The combo of mustard, cheese and apples made it so flavorful. When it came out it looked like it had been sitting for awhile but it wasn't cold. I wonder if the waitress was backed up. For dessert we liked all of the ingredients of the bread pudding. But it was just bread pudding. A little disappointing until you finally hit the peanut butter in the middle. The outside is just soggy bread to me. I would def meet my friend here again for a casual relaxing night. I wouldn't come here if we had a show to go to.
(4)
Edgar W.
We came to Fork for brunch on New Years Day. It was wonderful! Our waiter, Terrance, was attentive, informative, fast, and funny. He recommended the Duck Confit Hash and I loved it! My wife had the Chilequilles and she loved it as well. He took us through the beer menu (with an enormous selection!) and we ended up enjoying two Bronze Lion drafts. We will definitely be comin' back!
(5)
Amy Q.
Pretty bad NYE prix fixe dinner. Worse decision to go out ever. I only gave a star because I had to. Service was good with the waiter but everything else was pure chaos. No one knew what the heck was what... what a nightmare! Taste was average at best. I wish I could do a re-do.
(1)
Elly K.
We came in for brunch a couple of Saturday's ago and it was really great. The service was good-when we walked in, they were packed but we got a two top right away. The Bloody Mary was really good except I might ask next time if there is horseradish in it and if so, pass on that. I know lots of people are totally into that these days but I hate horseradish. Our server was super knowledgeable and offered her favorites right off the bat, which I love. We had the chicken and waffles and the farmhouse burger. Both were really good, although I don't think I would order the chicken and waffles again-only because it's a bit too decadent. I got the candied bacon on the side b/c I don't eat pork and my boyfriend said it was way too much. Might work well all together, though so not sure if that is really a negative. And the burger was amazing, albeit messy! Also had the cilantro and garlic fries-good stuff. The only slightly negative I might add, though it's no fault of the restaurant so I won't deduct stars, is that there were a ton of children and strollers. Maybe it's just b/c it was Saturday brunch but the table next to us had a child (not a baby) who was screaming from the moment they walked in so it kind of ruined the ambience. Again-not the fault of the restaurant but ugh. Anyway, we are definitely looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Kate N.
Good for brunch and somehow not too loud, unlike most brunch places in Chicago. The home-made donut holes are pretty dense, so I wouldn't recommend those, but the florentine benedict was excellent, with a really tasty basil hollandaise and some incredibly ripe and flavorful tomatoes. And their potatoes on the side were excellent - I usually try to avoid eating those, but these were too good to skip.
(4)
Joelen T.
Went here with girlfriends for a Sunday brunch to celebrate my engagement. It was a fabulous brunch where we started with the mimosa flight. I ordered the Short Rib Benedict which had a good ratio of short rib, egg and sauce. The Chicken & Waffles my friend ordered looks fantastic, especially with the candied bacon garnish. And the Bananas Foster French Toast another friend ordered looked divine. I look forward to coming back for lunch/dinner. Very cute spot, wonderful brunch and definitely make reservations as this place fills up quickly!
(5)
Philly G.
Great food and service. Afternoon wine flight was great. Homemade pretzels and beer cheese sauce was delicious. I had the french mussles for entree and the sauce was amazing as well as the mussels. I had bread and garlic cilantro fries with it. The bread was great to soak up all of that sauce and the sauce that came with the fries was yummy. The bread pudding was good but the bourbon ice cream on top of it stole the show. So glad I found this place. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Lindsay K.
Every time I go there I really want to like this place, but I always leave feeling, "eh." Bought a Groupon and because of the weird days it can be used and the expiration date, we have gone twice without being able to use it. I think I give up. The wait staff is fine. The menu just isn't that appealing. It's over priced and the main dishes sound good and then there are a few ingredients that just ruin the whole thing. The appetizers are the only thing I'll order. Sometimes they have good specials, but it's a crap shoot. A must say too that everything always seems to be way too salty. It's not that I'll never go back if I had no other place to go.
(3)
Romana Y.
I come here for drinks with one particular buddy every month. It never fails us. The space is great. We love the layout, furnishings, lighting, and crowd! We have had great Belgium beers, to smooth red wines. The food has always been a hit here... from the burgers, fries, eggplant spread, to the salads, vegetable sides, and beyond. The food was unexpectedly scrumptious. Fork is always a hit with friends whom are Fork-virgins!
(5)
Peter M.
We just moved to Lincoln Square and had to see a movie at 740pm. We walked into the square and decided on Fork for a quick dinner. We quickly realized that we were going to be short on time and might not make the movie. Fork was very busy with diners inside and out. I asked our server Mark if he though we would have enough time. He said he would make it happen but I was skeptical. Our food came out very quickly and was delicious. We made our movie with time to spare! Mark really knocked it out the park with our dinner. I would definitely go back again!
(5)
Brynn M.
Fork is great! I've been there for both lunch and brunch and both were delicious. Plus, they can accommodate a large group (and take reservations!) for brunch, so that's a huge plus in my book. And outdoor seating to boot. The bananas foster pancakes are delicious - as are their Parmesan breakfast potatoes. And the staff is always friendly and efficient. I give them 4/5 stars only because of the bloody marys - they are pretty meh. And to me, the definition of a good brunch place is an excellent blood mary :-)
(4)
Phil S.
Great neighborhood spot with an excellent menu of tapas style dishes along with an impressive beer selection. The burgers are phenomenal especially with the garlic cilantro fries! Prices are very reasonable and they are also kid friendly - our new favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square!
This is my favorite spot in Lincoln Square. I've been to Fork multiple times over the past few years, and have never (never) had a bad experience. Only good or great or awesome. I even had my birthday brunch there this summer, and my friends and I had a terrific time. Their chicken and waffles are life-changing. Their flights are incredibly generous. Their staff is great, always helpful.
(5)
Dean L.
Bartender was very nice and provided good service. Mushroom panini too salty and very sparring on the article. Fries very overcooked. Sad.
(2)
Theresa F.
Food was GREAT! Burgers are share-able (and very rich so choose wisely). Service was a little pushy but overall, we were attended to. Came in on a Friday night (with reservations) and it was pretty busy, but still quiet enough where I could hear my drinking buddy.
(4)
PK S.
Love Fork! We came here with a large group before catching a movie at the Davis. It was very good, and everyone was very pleased. Living only 2 blocks away my girlfriend and I wanted to go back so we could explore the menu a little more and try more things. This is now our new favorite Splurge restaurant! We had a great two hour dinner with what we thought was the manager checking in on us very often, giving his personal recommendations on how to try certain dishes. The beer list is great with tons of smaller craft breweries, and the best part is their beer flights! They are very well put together, and the pour size is very generous for each! They also do great events, my girlfriend and I are very excited to attend a special dinner with pairings from Revolution Brewery, which was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather (Polar vortex part 2). However, the chef personally called me to apologize and find a time to reschedule, which was a great touch. LOVE FORK! and will be coming back even when we move from the area.
(4)
Benita T.
It's always such a pleasure to have a meal at Fork. From the first foot in the door you're welcomed by the entire staff who goes to every length to help you enjoy your visit. As a starter the cheeses and meats are an eye-opener; many unique and flavorful varieties - not just the regular mundane cheeses you normally find. The nice part is they're never out of any of the offerings! Brunch entrees were fantastic - all ingredients are locally-sourced and fresh as can be. Bagel and house-smoked lox was fresh and had a full variety of accompaniments; breakfast melt was hot and cheesy; hangover special (house-made biscuit, cheddar cheese and bacon) was rich and creamy and side of eggs was cooked exactly as ordered. One of the highlights of Fork's menu is the variety of fresh, house-made and house-smoked meats - - the sausage is the best I've had and the ham is also excellent - tender and full of smoky flavor. Cocktails are always unique and strong - - a specialty being their extensive beer list. The red Sangria was also flavorful and not too sweet (as sangria often is). Our server was friendly, helpful and bent over backwards to help us out - - drinks stayed full, recommendations were made and we had a tremendous time! As always - A++
(5)
Brett A.
Popped in for a quick beer and sat at the bar. I really want to like this place, but there's always something wrong. Today, I swear to God, it looked like the bar hadn't been wiped down all day. It was disgusting. The beer menu cover had little pieces of food stuck to it. There were spilled beer stains all over. Crumbs everywhere. The floor hadn't been mopped or vacuumed all day it looked like. French fries under empty tables, leaves blown in from outside. Come on people. Simple tasks go a long way. Gross. Updated: I must say, Fork has gone above and beyond to make things right. With the restaurant and me. The owner has reached out to me numerous times to apologize and invite me back. I accepted and had a wonderful afternoon a month or so ago. Thanks for caring, guys. It's appreciated.
(4)
Alicia P.
Not sure why this place has such good reviews. I'm giving two stars because they have a huge craft beer selection and their eggplant caviar was good. Atmosphere is nice. Overall the food is overpriced for what you get. I had the duck club and it was $20 for a meal that was mostly white bread and not much inside. The small amount of meat that was inside was too salty in my opinion and mostly fat. Very disappointed.
(2)
Greg L.
Fork is a comfortable wine bar for an intimate evening. I have not tried the food, so you'll have to read on for that experience. The service is quite friendly and the beer and wine selection will keep you occupied for a long time (or lots of visits, like I plan to make). In the summer months there are outdoor seating options where you can watch the world go by. It's quite pleasant.
(4)
Gary S.
I made a reservation for a group of more than 10, which is no easy task considering there were 5 kids, and Fork did a great job of accommodating us. The food was great and my big takeaway is that my wife and I really want to go back...just the two of us.
(4)
John C.
The food is excellent, which is a shame because the service is terrible. The bartender and wait staff seemed like they were on Valium. The food came out in good time, but after our order came we were invisible to our waitress. We tried to get another drink, asked two busboys to get our server. And she was no where to be seen for 15 minutes. When finally she came over she seemed grumpy and annoyed. I've been there several times in the past and had good experiences, but no more. When I arrived my friend was at the bar having a drink. The guy next to him got into a conversation about the horrible service... so I'm assuming it just wasn't a one time thing.
(2)
Jennifer B.
UPDATED! After our first trip I was messaged by both the owner and chef who apologized profusely for our first visit and invited us back for a second try. We came back (Same group plus two of our friends) and got a great giant cozy booth! Our server (I forgot his name darn it!) Was FANTASTIC! Oh my goodness he made great recommendations, treated us like royalty, and was just a delight to be around! The food was D E L I C I O U S!!!!! Everything was hot, flavorful and filling! We left stuffed full and post-brunch pleased as one loves to feel (: The chef even came out to present some of our dishes. We felt so valued as customers and people, an individualization that many restaurants lack nowadays. The food, the service, the ambiance - all 5 stars! The staff here is wonderful, we thank you so much for all of your kindness, we will definitely be back soon!!! ----- We were really excited to try brunch here, but unfortunately we left less than warm and post-brunch pleased. Hostess was very nice, seated immediately (reserved through OpenTable) Service however took about 10 minutes before someone (found out later it was the owner) took our drink order. We waited about 15 more minutes and still no drinks. (This was the end of brunch, staff were hanging around as you would when things are slowing down) Another server came up to our table (Everyone was very friendly!) And took our orders and assured us our drinks would be up shortly. Another 10 minutes passes, we look over to see our three drinks sitting at the bar. After about 5 more minutes we FINALLY get our drinks. Standard Mimosa & Bloody Mary - not spectacular but not terrible! We get our food, I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and it was unfortunately luke warm airing on the cold side. I would have asked it be heated up a little more but our server didn't come and ask us how anything was until about 20 minutes later. My friends got the Brioche French Toast & the Duck Confit Hash. The Duck was wonderful and the French Toast was yummy but again luke-warm like my dish. We also got the home-made donut holes. They were yummy but would have tasted better warm, they were pretty cold when we got them. We wanted to order coffee and another round of mimosas which took another 15 minutes (we actually had to go up to the bar and ask because our server was just hanging out chatting in the corner, she actually looked a little offended at our request...) Overall it was a disappointment. The food was yummy and I'm sure would have been even better if it was at a more fresh temperature. Service was friendly but extremely slow! We probably will not return.
(5)
zachary a.
My wife, our kid and I went to Fork to meet old friends a few months back, grabbing Brunch on a Sunday. Now, we're not an easy bunch to deal with: two toddlers and my wife is gluten-free (Has been for a year)... They knocked it out of the park. They brought out these amazing bacon donuts as... An amuse bouche? Whatever, they were great and kept the kids sane (too bad for the wife, but that was the end of her being left out). The wait staff was knowledgable about gluten needs, and there were a variety if GF options. She ended up getting a veggie hash that she still holds up as the best brunch she's ever had (even when compared to her glutinous days). I got an amazing concoction of eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, bacon and egg -- it was freaking perfect, and I'm talking about changing the way I think about those foods. Everyone at the table felt this way (except one of the more fractious toddlers -- he liked the food, but did not like the sitting). Since going, I've recommended this place to my friends and family... It finally occurred to me to recommend it to you; sorry I took so long.
(5)
Key K.
We visited Chicago for a day and were pleased with this great find for Sunday Brunch. The chicken and waffles are among the best that we've had outside of our home. My husband enjoyed the Spicy Bloody Mary with a beer chaser. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and very inviting. Each staff member greeted us with a smile as we were coming and going. We will definitely dine at Fork again.
(4)
Eric S.
My wife and I asked Fork to host a "stand-up" reception for about 60-70 guests. We included drinks and a selection of appetizers and finger foods. In the end, we couldn't have been happier. The event went off perfectly and we had an absolutely idyllic evening with our friends and family. We go to Fork about once a week for dinner and drinks, and every time we arrive the staff makes us feel welcome. We don't even bother with a table, but would rather sit at the bar and chat with whoever is tending bar that evening. We've made some great friends and have explored some mind-blowing cocktails. The food is probably in the top two or three in all of the Lincoln Square area of Chicago, and if you couple this with the professional bar you have a guaranteed awesome experience. I can't say enough about Fork. -eric Chicago, IL
(5)
Mike L.
Good food. Kind of a limited menu. We shared a few things and left full. Very expansive beer menu which is nice. We had a late reservation and they close at 11 but they did not rush us out and were very nice the entire time. Good experience here
(4)
Elisabeth B.
The ambiance of this restaurant is nice and from looking at their menu they have an excellent selection of cheese. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and would not order this dish again from Fork. The waffle was too airy and bland...the chicken was soggy and overcooked. Based on what my boyfriend and I ordered here for brunch, we both agreed the food was not restaurant quality at all. If I ever come back here again it will not be for brunch...it will be for a wine and cheese tasting with friends perhaps.
(2)
Ron C.
Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner. Relaxed, eclectic atmosphere in Lincoln Square neighborhood. We sat at the open windows on a beautiful evening. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and patient, made some good suggestions. They have a nice variety of small plate items. Started with cilantro fries while we absorbed the other offerings on the menu - good but not great. We ordered charcuterie and cheeses, all of which were very good - a standout was the house made pistachio mortadella. Each of us ordered are own wine flight and we had a good time sharing and comparing. Twelve different wines between us and nothing disappointing. We then enjoyed a glass of our favorites. They also have a good selection of craft beer. Also enjoyed bruschetta flatbread, pork prime rib and another standout - mushroom and grits, served with a poached egg. Good desserts as well.
(4)
AM L.
Terrible customer service. The hostess told my party we had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table. Another party of young girls came in 10 minutes after us and she told them it would be a 15-20 minute wait. Surprisingly, the party of young girls were given a table before us (an empty table which we were standing next to the whole time). We were given four different responses by the hostess and management as to why we were not seated first and none of them added up. The first response being, "oh, I didn't know you wanted that table". And it just got worse from there. To keep a long story short, management was not helpful and brushed us off, so we left. I do not recommend this place. Completely unprofessional.
(1)
Katarina X.
Um, runners who want brunch are a tough crowd. "I think my toenail fell off" is one fine example we started conversation with. And the fact that the entire menu still looked craveably appetizing is saying something! The servers were totally not fazed by the sweaty, achy, still-in running gear crowd fresh from the Soldier Field 10 mile. It was cold and the entire large party were seated comfortably by the fireplace with no wait. And we ordered everything on the menu- pretzels and cheese, chilequiles, Chicken and waffles, Farmhouse Burger, Eggs Benedict, Beer, Mimosas, coffee... it was plentifully shared and in spite of the conversation- really delicious. They kept the drinks coming (I had the coffee- excellent) water plentiful and made sure we had everything to make it a special finish to a big day. The server was wonderful too, able to break the bill without a sweat or complaint. highly recommended.
(4)
Stephanie C.
I've been back to Fork multiple times since my last review and I think it's becoming my go-to place. Every time time I go, whether for dinner or brunch, it is a great experience. The staff is helpful, the food is always excellent, and the specials are always changing so you can get some variety. There is only one thing I've eaten there that I didn't like, and that was the bread pudding (the peanut butter was weird, yo). But the carrot cake or apple pie were amazing. Also, try the pretzel bites with cheese. And bacon wrapped dates. And beet salad. And for brunch, the eggs benedict with salmon. Mmmmm :) One time I asked the bartender (who was super helpful and generally awesome all evening, as Fork staff usually is!) for a recommendation for a dessert wine, and she brought me a black moscato that was so good I have ordered it twice since then--it tastes like blackberry pie in a glass, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Carly S.
Amazing food. Brunch was fantastic with many options and sweet treats to start off the meal. Desserts phenomenal for those with a killer sweet tooth. Great beer selection and overall just a warm and comfortable environment. Staff excellent as well!!!
(5)
Raymond S.
Fork is not without it's issues. Aside from the small problems, the good outweighs the bad and the meal at Fork was very pleasurable. Getting a seat for brunch was a long process. Rather than the waitress taking the patrons to their seat, the middle aged host would do all of the work along with answering the phones and takings reservations God bless her soul. So we waited for a while since she was taking her sweet little time running back and forth inside the restaurant. While waiting to be seated, I rarely saw waitresses servicing the customers in the main area. And when I did see them, if free fucks were raining from the sky these people wouldn't pick one up and give it. If you tried to tape a fuck on the back of the guy refilling water, I'm sure it would slide off like his uniform like they were created with teflon fibers. I literally tried to sneak some fucks into his pitcher, but he stopped pouring water into glasses because it would have caused him to have to give one of those fucks. The wait staff made the middle age host look like Usain Bolt. Very few fucks were given about servicing customers quickly. But on to the food. We order the duck poutine and candied bacons, both of which were solid. I ordered the bananas foster french toast. It was so damn good, out of the numerous brunch places I've hit within the last few months this was the best thing I've been served. It was topped with caramel(everyone who knows me knows I have a dangerous addiction), bananas, and granola which really set it apart. The other orders at the table were a florentine eggs benedict which was loved, and a biscuit and gravy dish with bacon and greens. The biscuit was one of the best I've ever had. Aside from it's service Forks is a winner. A great place to go if you don't want a large hippy crowd.
(4)
Marta K.
Was here last night.. great waiter, great atmosphere, great food!!! Loved it and hope to come back soon!
(5)
KC F.
Brunch=YUM. Make sure to make a reservation online first!
(4)
Melissa F.
SOOOO yummy!!!! We can't wait to go back and try other dishes!!! Great local place to go and eat!
(5)
Jason D.
An unexpected surprise. The wine & craft beer list was huge and the server was very knowledgeable. We had the bacon wrapped dates (amazing) & the duck sandwich which was more than enough for two people and the best sandwich I've had in some time. Even though it's a bit of a hike for me I will definitely be back.
(5)
Tot L.
Ridiculousness. My friend and I just spent 20 mins waiting for someone to wait on us at an outside table. Mind you, we were flanked by two other tables the waiter was waiting on. He passed us twice with no acknowledgement. A busser finally came by and gave us water and a menu and we continued to wait for another 5 mins before leaving. Won't be back there again!
(1)
Cam M.
I've been to Fork four times so far, three times for dinner, and once for brunch. I'm a def a fan. Make a reservation though for the peak hours or else there can be a bit of a wait. I think they quoted a 45min wait for brunch one time, so we went somewhere else. However, given the area-wait times aren't uncommon during peak hours. They have a nice variety of drinks. I'm a beer fan, and they have flights!! My girlfriend isn't as big of a beer fan, but loves wine...and they do wine flights!! They also have cocktails, sangria, and other drinks as well as non-alcoholic options. So, booze for all! The beer list covers a lot of ground from brews from down the street (literally, they have Half Acre which is a few blocks down on Lincoln) to imports to the familiar domestics. When you go here, come thirsty. The only catch-they take the drink menu when you order your food....so, either ask to keep it or pull it up via your phone. It makes sense since at least the tables for 2 are on the smaller side, but hey-that is the biggest negative I can think of about this place. Try the Beermosa for brunch! The food!! I've had their 23 flavors brisket, prime farm house burger, and then the Hangover Helper for brunch. The brisket has a great sauce, was very tender, and the texas toast was just toasty enough to not get soggy with the mound of delicious beef. The burger was good-nice flavorful meat with nice toppings. The Hang Over Helper is their version of a breakfast bowl (biscuit, meat, eggs, bacon, cheese, and gravy). If that was on the menu all day, I'd get it at least 50% of the time I go there. The food is priced quite well, you can spend a lot if you want, but most entrees are around $15 with the other courses being in the $5-10 range. We typically spend more on booze than food here. The service has been good. All of our waiters/waitresses have been good with timely drink refills, checking in on us, and clearing plates. It seems like they employ a bit of a team here as opposed to solely one server-there have been times where when they see an empty beer glass, they'll offer another even if they aren't our main waiter. My favorite time so far, was when we sat at the bar during the week. The bartender was nice, funny, and extremely helpful. She knew a ton about wine, and answered and educated my girlfriend about them while ensuring that my beer glass wasn't ever empty until I said when. The decor/seating is pretty good/cozy overall. The vibe is entirely different for brunch than for dinner. They have two rooms plus outdoor seating. We went once when it was snowing and got seated by the front windows...that was a drafty meal, to the point we put our sweatshirts on. We've sat at the bar (read about for my views of that), in the middle of the main room, and once in the second room. My preference, in order, is: Bar, 2nd room, middle of main, by the windows. The second room has a fireplace, and was a bit quieter than the main room with a bit more shoulder space. I'm not a small guy (about 6ft 2, 230....I'm a power lifter), so shoulder/belly space can be an issue for me when the tables are jammed together or when sitting at a bar. I've yet to have that issue at Fork. The place is mostly darker wood and brick colors inside with the same color wooden chairs. It feels like it has been there forever, well maintained, and upgraded over time. Not a dive feel at all, but not so incredibly fancy/upscale that you would feel out of place wearing jeans. Maybe not a band t-shirt, but not much more than that. Overall, I'll def be going back, probably within 3 weeks. We went twice last weekend, once for date night, and once for brunch. They have a great menu that I plan on trying at least half of, great service, and awesome drinks. The price range I put, includes 2-3 drinks each.
(4)
Mat M.
Incredible would be the one word I'd use to describe my experience at Fork.... now folks, I'm trying for a ROTD (review of the day) on this one, because everybody needs to know what a great place Fork is. so here it goes... My friend Danielle and I get together about once a month and try out new restaurants, so this time we ended up at Fork. We had some difficult decisions to make... do we go to Fork, Gilt Bar & Grill, Tavernita, Bristol or Leopold. We picked Fork and didn't regret it for a second. We made a reservation for 6:45 and I was of course late, because who knew, parking in Lincoln Square is pretty much a bitch. Now to the fun part... The service was top-notch from the moment I walked in. We were waited on by Jamie with the assistance of Sean ... who I recognized from another of my favorite hangouts ... Rocks Lakeview. The hardest part was figuring out what libations were in order..... well of course, being presented with a menu including wine flights, the decision became all that much easier. I had the three white wine flights....Danielle had two of the red flights, and then another glass of red .... and to say we were feeling pretty and being social is and understatement. the appetizer.... Oohhhhh soooo good. Chroizo, check. Dates, check. Bacon, check. Chorizo Bacon Wrapped Dates ... pretty much an orgasm in your mouth, and that is no joke my friends. the entree... Looking at their lovely menu, one just doesn't know what to get, faced with many great options. Danielle had settled on the Pork Chop and Sean asks what I'm getting...and tells me I should get the pork chop too...and who am I to argue- he's the expert right? The pork chop made you wanna scarf it down in about 30 seconds it was that good. The chop was cooked perfectly, was super juicy and was on a bed of spaghetti squash, bourbon glaze and some candied pecans. It was amazing. We were e-mailing this morning about how good it was. If you want a Chop....go to Fork...you'll leave wanting to lick the place. If you want a finger licking, awesome feeling, super served meal at a great local Chicago restaurant.... eat at Fork. Don't think about it, you'll be super satisfied!
(5)
Matthew M.
Can't find their weakness yet. Nice staff. Attentive. The place is busy most of the times I've been in. Brunch, lunch, dinner have always left me happy. They have unique takes on dishes without seeming to try to hard to change the world. Bar & wait staff have been great the times I have been in. Always part of my rotation when in the neighborhood.
This place was ok for me. We went on a beautiful night and there were options for us to sit outside or inside- the streetfront windows are huge and open up almost completely to the street. The restaurant was much larger than I expected and I liked the vintage look of the large booths scattered about the place. The food was just ok for me. We shared the fries that everyone raved about but I just thought they were alright. I was trying to decide between a chicken dish and the duck sandwich and the waiter said the duck sandwich was bigger and well, size matters. Unfortunately I wasn't a big fan. The sandwich was massive, but all the bread and everything else made the duck kind of lost and it was served cold which I wasn't expecting. I was a little disappointed to see some children literally running around the restaurant, but that isn't a knock against Fork. The food and service was fine, but it wasn't anything special.
(3)
Nancy P.
We showed up before a concert at the Old Town without a reservation, and even though they were really busy and were booked, they managed to accommodate us. All the staff couldn't have been nicer. The food and beer menu was nice, and our meals were great. So happy with experience and will definitely be back to try other times on the menu!
(5)
Rex H.
This place is wonderful! Great food, brilliant service, gorgeous outdoor seating! I will for sure be back!
(5)
Susie C.
My friend had her bridal shower here yesterday. They are a very popular place on a Sunday, but the area is pretty popular. We got the back room which was somewhat secluded for us. The atmosphere is nice....more of a bar/tasting room environment to me. The food was good. We had some kind of breakfast sandwich since the bride-to-be loves brunch. I think we had the egg and portabello melt and the short rib tartine. It was good - both had runny egg yolk in the sandwich. We also had a banana french toast which was the best dish I had. Some people said it was a bit too sweet, but I enjoyed the caramalized nuts and bananas over the toast. This girl at my table literally ate two plateful of it. She really liked it that she didn't have any more room in her stomach for the shower cake. Food was good, location is okay. It is a bit hard to find parking but it is near the brown line so public trans is not bad. Service was decent. Overall had a good time. Good brunch place.
(3)
William R.
SO GOOD! The food was great, and the service was great! Chef Tim came out and asked us how our meal was (SO GOOD!!!!) The caramelized bacon donuts were very good! Great staff, friendly cool chefs ! Thanks guys!
(5)
SC C.
I love Fork - it's one of my go-to standards for great food and cozy atmosphere. However, I really wish they would streamline their drink service and add additional bartenders, especially for busy weekend nights and brunches. On a recent Saturday, we waited nearly 20 minutes for our two glasses of wine. It isn't the server's fault - with one bartender to serve the entire restaurant, plus wait on all the patrons at the bar, it's completely understandable. The back-up then spills over and customers wait longer in general. I still love Fork, but I'll continue to go less frequently as long as the management forces their drinks service to be so inefficient.
(3)
Erin E.
this place was packed on sunday night and i gotta say i'm really scratching my head on that one. i could only conclude that it must have been everyone's first time there. cuz i can't imagine a reason to come back, even though i live only blocks away. overpriced, overpriced, overpriced. there were hardly any entrees less than 14 bucks, many were around 20. i had such a hard time even deciding what to get because i had a feeling going into it that i would be disappointed. and then extra sick to my stomach due to dropping so much money on a mediocre meal. sometimes i hate it when i'm right. nothing was horrible but nothing was good either. and while we each ate our fill, we have done the same at other restaurants with much better food and had leftovers, while here we had none. (not that i would have eaten them anyway.) and did i mention we were starving? this should have been the best meal ever! the only redeeming qualities were the ambiance and the service, neither of which blew me away, but they were nice enough. just not enough to make me a repeat customer.
(2)
Rach H.
Stopped here for drinks and appetizers late afternoon this Saturday. The inside looked really nice but we decided to sit on the patio. We were greeted promptly and the waiter was very helpful/knowledgable about the wine questions I had. I really enjoyed the Pinot noir I had and the cocktail my boyfriend got (peach fizz). We also had the bacon wrapped dates with chorizo and they were amazing! Definitely plan on heading back for more drinks and hopefully dinner. Since we came late lunch early dinner I had the chance to see both menus and was impressed by both, can't wait to try them!
(4)
Oliver B.
Can only vote on brisket. And one star is being generous. Loved the atmosphere. Our server was wonderful. My wife and I both ordered the smoked brisket. We were served two plates of barbecue "organic" grizzle. Maybe 75% fat and the rest brisket, hardly cooked. The brisket was the worst either of us had ever had. After a wonderful brisket sandwich last week at Smoque, this was such a downer. No comparison. Had we not been with friends who love the place, we would have sent our plates back. Not to embarrass our hosts, we both shoved the grizzle aside and ate the fries and the soggy Texas toast.
(1)
JESS G.
If my review were just on the food, I would have given them a 4. But since my review is on the food and service, they are getting a 3. Our waiter was nice, but seemed like he was trying to rush things along for us. Even though there were plenty of tables open and no one was waiting for a seat. After we were done with our meal, he brought us the check and then never came back to see if we wanted anything else. Though we could see that he kept looking over so see if we had paid the bill. My group ordered coffee, drinks, and food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes a lot. I had the chicken and waffles and it was fantastic. The portion size was too big for me to eat in one sitting, but I'm not going to complain about leftovers on a good meal. The food came really quickly, which is always nice, in my opinion. I really wish the service had been better. Like I said, our waiter was nice, but I don't like feeling as though someone is trying to move me along. If I wanted to feel that way, I would have gone to a fast food place. And we weren't there long, so I'm thinking perhaps this was just our waiter's personality or hospitality style. I would definitely give them a second chance based on the food alone. And would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(3)
Danielle C.
I have eaten at Fork a few times and have always found it to be impressive. Breakfast is hearty, delicious and worth the wait. The coffee will kick start your heart and your day and get you into gear. I wish I had someone brewing it for me daily. Dinner and the small plates are both superb! Duck liver pate, brussel sprouts, root veggie hash mixed with tasty drinks, and a variety of other dishes recently kicked off our evening. Service was wonderful!
(4)
Lisa H.
Is it bad that I thought the best part of my meal was the conversation? My friend and I arrived at Fork for dinner on a Thursday night and we were promptly seated. First thing I noticed were chunks of things stuck to the inside of my water glass. Disgusting. I looked around at other (empty) tables to see if I could grab a clean glass, and the glasses within reach were dirty as well. Ick. We waited and waited for a server to take our order. Finally a guy who I think was the manager came over and said "Your waitress will be right over, she's in the middle of a conversation with someone." Really? Uh, OK. He began to fill our water glasses and I quickly asked for a clean one. He said "You're right, let me find you a clean one." OK, water glasses filled now. Waiting, waiting...Finally our waitress came over and took our drink & food order. It took a while to get our beer and then our food arrived quickly after that - brought to us by someone else. My friend had the small order of mussels, and I had the house-smoked brisket. I was a bit disappointed. It arrived as an open-faced sandwhich, which was fine, but the brisket was dry and needed more BBQ sauce because of it. The greens on the side were just that, greens, nothing else but the dressing in a little cup. The dressing was good, but the greens could have had an additional topping like tomatoes or cucumbers. I asked my friend how she liked the mussels. She said they were good. At one point I heard some crunching coming from across the table. I looked up and asked "Is that sand?" and she said "Yes." Now, I know mussels can have sand in them, but to be able to hear it from across the table kind of wigged me out. My friend doesn't chew with her mouth open. We finished our meals and sat for quite a while before our plates were taken away. I can understand if your tables are full and you're short-staffed that it can take a while, but the place was practically empty. Once the plates were removed by our waitress, we sat and waited again. And the hostess came over with the dessert menu. We took a pass, waited for our bill, then paid it and left. It might have been an 'off' night for Fork, but I'm in no hurry to go back.
(2)
Rosemary Z.
Super brunch for a group of friends! Thumbs up for yummy fresh food, a creative menu, service with a smile, and a comfortable setting. I really liked my vegetable hash with eggs over easy. It was a little on the sweet side for me, but the arugula and eggs helped balance the flavors. Kudos for getting our food out at the same time. This officially gets 4.5 stars because I didn't like the coffee. I thought it was bitter. :(
(5)
Zach J.
I'm pretty surprised Fork doesn't have a solid 4-star rating on here, but to each their own I suppose. I for one am definitely a fan, particularly of their Sunday brunch. They just so happen to have my favorite brunch entree in all of Chicago, so get ready: Fried chicken and waffles. That's right. If I could have any brunch entree at any restaurant in all of Chicago, I would pick Fork's fried chicken and waffles. Personally, it's the best fried chicken I've had in Chicago. And yes, I've had Longman & Eagle's fried chicken and waffles and it is simply not as good. Fork's fried-chicken is incredibly juicy and the crust is nice and thick and moist, probably due to their buttermilk batter. I love it, it's great. The waffles are fine (hard to get excited about waffles personally) but the fried chicken is the show stopper. Absolutely fantastic. As for dinner, Fork is also a quality choice. They have a nice eclectic variety of options, which kind of have the whole farm-to-table thing going on, which is cute, but also typically delicious. Can't go wrong with good old-fashioned burger either, and Fork's burgers, while nothing amazing, will almost always hit the spot. Lastly, they've got a more than solid craft brew selection, and they offer beer flights which I always enjoy. Service is fine. So while Fork may not be a super-amazing restaurant, it is certainly a good, solid option. I would say that their brunch is great, largely due to their delectable fried-chicken, so you really can't go wrong at Fork for brunch. One of the best brunch options in the city in my book, and a very good restaurant overall.
(4)
Sarah P.
Just moved into the neighborhood and was so excited to try the place. Sadly, it was underwhelming. Really loved the wine flights, but food was disappointing. Tried the bacon dates with chorizo, delicious!! But every thing after that lack luster. Brussels sprouts, meh, French onion soup, almost inedible. Gnocchi was hard and crunchy, almost inedible. Service and atmosphere was welcoming, I'll give it another try in the future.
(2)
Rikki J.
Thank you Fork! We love having a neighborhood spot that is a cut above the competition. The food is always absolutely delicious, and what a great beer selection -- so much depth and variety. My husband still says the chicken in the chicken and waffle from the brunch menu is the best fried chicken he's had since we moved to Chicago from the south 4 years ago. And please don't ever take the chicken burger off the menu! Service -- especially Nico (a/ka/ Bradley Cooper) -- is polished, seamless and super friendly. We were there again the other night -- Nico knew we were probably there for a concert at Old Town School and asked us about it when we were still eating and yapping away when other concert go-ers had paid up and left. Good thing, because I had gotten the early start time of the concert wrong. You guys take good care of us and always make us feel at home here. Thanks again!!
(5)
Zach R.
Great beer selection, awesome burgers (and cilantro, garlic fries), and a great vibe.
(5)
Melissa P.
I love this restaurant! Wonderful menu, great cocktail, beer, and wine selection. I can't get enough!
(5)
Peter C.
We are regulars at Fork. It is our first choice for a great dinner in Lincoln Square prior to a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The poutine is the best that we have had, even compared to the poutine in Quebec. The mushroom and grits is out of this world. The specials are always fresh and well done. Service is exceptional and the noise level is low, allowing for great conversation. A special shout out for Niko, who is the go-to wait person. He's always tested the specials and will guide you through the extensive beer and wine list. We routinely recommend Fork to friends and family.
(5)
Faye B.
Liked that we were able to make reservations on open table for our party of 7. Had a nice gathering of family for brunch on an early Saturday before noon. The restaurant was busy, but not yet full. It did start to pick up shortly after we had all come together. The food was pretty good. I was starting to get sick so my appetite wasn't all together there. I did however order poutine for the whole table and I got the soup and grilled cheese option. The poutine was delicious! My grilled cheese was a little salty, but I appreciate the two types of cheese and bacon. I also liked that I had an option of tomato or mushroom soup. Went with the mushroom and it was yummy. My husband exclaimed that he had the best french toast ever. It was a bananas foster inspired brioche french toast with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Overall I think we all were happy with the overall meal although my brother and wife were served sour milk, but our waitress managed to get rid of it. That was probably the only thing that kept our experience from being 5 stars. Can't wait to go back to try that french toast....when I have more of an appetite.
(4)
Caitlin B.
After one bite of their mushroom soup, I fell in love and don't even remember the rest of the night. The ambiance is great, can be slightly more casual for lunch, but definitely trendy and upscale by night. The staff is great and attentive. The menu is SUPERB. They recommend a small-plate approach--ordering multiples and sharing. Additionally, they have wine, beer, and cheese flights which is always fun for those of us who can't make up their minds (ahem ahem). It's pretty pricey, so I won't be going here all the time, but it's perfect for special occasions and entertaining out-of-town guests.
(5)
Carol J.
The sausage plate is amazing - the chicken foie gras sausage might be the best sausage I have ever eaten. The "amazing shrimp" lived up to it's name. Every time I come here, it is better than the time before. Keep it up!!!
(5)
Reg T.
Been there twice now and can't wait to get back. From fantastic craft beers, an extensive wine list and scrumptious dishes, Fork is definitely on my "must return" list.
(5)
Guit B.
Fork is a superb restaurant, easily beating out the other neighborhood restaurants. Nearly everything I have had there is special in some way, a standout. My friends and I used to frequent a number of places in Lincoln Square, becoming regulars. As much as we wanted to continue to go to the other places, we just couldn't deny that the food at Fork is better. Worlds better really. I go for brunch and for dinner, usually on the weekend. As for the brunch they have a number of creative entrees (I like the salmon eggs benedict and brioche French toast for a change-up); everyone has their favorite and even simple items are excellent. Dinner is likewise varied in terms of the choices but always excellent and a gourmet experience. Appetizers, extras, coffee, and ciders are delicious as well. Service is superb, I will particularly mention Lauren, Katie, Stephanie, Cesar, & Kelly (and Bailey too) but no matter what you feel taken care of and appreciated as a customer. Even the chef will take care of you if he notices something. The atmosphere is comfortable and unhurried. It manages to be a good environment both for dates and for groups, and families fit in as well during the Saturday and Sunday brunches. You have to ignore the earlier reviews for Fiddlehead which was always a mediocre place. Since Fork came in it is very difficult to go anywhere else nearby-- for food it is head and shoulders above places like Bad Dog, Daily Grill, Grafton or Latitude.
(5)
Laurel N.
We've eaten here for lunch and for dinner, and nearly everything was great, especially the pork slider and grits. The half roast chicken had a nice smokiness to it, but the breast part was so dry it was challenging to eat. Service is friendly and fast and they have a great beer list. The decor could use some updating but on the whole we've enjoyed our experiences here.
(4)
Kylie S.
Made a random and wonderful stop one weekday evening this past summer for a charcuterie board and a few beers with my husband. The patio was a great place to watch the world go by and catch up after a long couple of weeks. Such a great beer and wine list that I had trouble choosing and selected a flight (good idea). The cheese was simple and excellent. Our service was super great and I loved everything about our stop in here. Will return for sure.
(5)
Kristi K.
Fork is an amazing neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Square! From seasonal varieties to classic stand-by's, anything you order at Fork is sure to please! Go for the homemade pretzels, asparagus flat bread, homemade gnocchi, and any kind of dessert! Don't forgot the delicious wine flights!!
(5)
Dhara S.
We went to fork for brunch. The menu had something for everyone. The food was delicious. It is evident that the Chef Tim puts a lot thought and care into his dishes. The staff was also wonderful from the hostess to our bartender. We can't wait to try it again.
(5)
Mariana B.
Fantastic staff. Inventive slightly French menu. Saddle up a seat the bar while Kelly is working and you'll be treated to expertly mixed drinks and good conversation. My favorite items are the duck prosciutto made in-house and the creamy eggplant "caviar" spread with chevre. Can't wait to back and try more of the menu.
(5)
Jiwon M.
Ok. So the service eh. The atmosphere eh. but my food - Fabulous! And know what, I crave their garlic french fries like all the time! Yeah this is comfort nosh food joint with a flare.
(4)
Minna A.
DUCK CONFIT POUTINE. don't question me. your stomach/taste buds will thank me later. Crispy french fries, topped with juicy pulled duck, drizzled with melted cheese. AND IT'S NOT DONE YET. Because then comes the hearty pour of sweet and salty duck gravy. media.comicvine.com/uplo…
(5)
Janet V.
My husband and I were starving after a long work day and just happened to walk by this place, so we decided to give it a try. I loved the ambiance, it was perfectly lit and had a warm vibe. We ordered several small plates, including the corn, pulled pork, mussels, and the duck. We also ordered a 3 cheese plate. I didn't like a lot of what we ordered. I normally love pulled pork but I couldn't even finish one bite of the one we ordered, it was way too sweet and it just didn't taste good, my husband didn't like it either. The mussels were cold and the sauce had no flavor. The roasted corn was AMAZING. It had sweet bacon bits and onions mixed in and it was so flavorful. The cheese platter was also very delicious. We ordered the special pumpkin cheesecake desert which was TO DIE FOR! It was freshly made and it was very unique. I might go back just to have that. The service was great, our waiter was very nice and he was timely. Overall, the food was just okay. I would like to go back and try other things on the menu. I liked the vibe and feel of the restaurant it was very cozy and comfortable. And the service was good. It was just a little bit on the expensive side, but nothing too bad.
(3)
Katie M.
A perfect dinner experience, starting with the friendly host/hostesses (who graciously handled an abrasive and inappropriate guest's rude behavior), our AWESOME waiter TERENCE who was super nice, attentive, and funny (and cute ;) ), to the amazing food. THE FOOD! SOOOO tasty. My friend and I started with flights of wine each, yum! Then split the beef medallions (salty, crunchy, savory perfect outside with red, juicy, tender inside) and a little lettuce with a sweetish sweet potato sauce/not-quite-paste concoction. The scallops were good (not a huge scallops fan, but tasted good) and ended with the braised short ribs with root hash- sooooooo tender, sooooo tasty. The pot-de-crema was the perfect icing on this delicious dinner and the chef honored a special request of ours with the dessert- THANK YOU! The Chef was approachable, friendly and a humble man. A wonderful experience! Recommend reservations, this place was rather popular and hoppin' on a Friday night! (Reasonable priced... we spent more b/c we got A LOT of food, but for the quality, experience and service, this place is reasonably priced) ?? TV's- I don't remember seeing any, GREAT! TV shouldn't be in a restaurant, pay attention to your dining experience!
(5)
Lizzie C.
I love Fork for brunch, and visit frequently. The food is great and the service is generally prompt. It has never been too hard for us to get a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I like to order the chilaquiles, traditional eggs benedict or the poutine. My boyfriend and the rest of my family love the locally sourced root vegetable hash. In fact, he has ordered it the last three times we've visited. Don't skip the Garlic Cilantro Fries with Sriracha Aioli. They are sent straight from heaven (I think.) The coffee is good and the bloody marys are large. Fork is very kid-friendly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it does get a little loud sometimes. On my last visit, there were a pair of twins who were about one year old and decided to shriek at each other for a few minutes. They did quiet down pretty quickly, though. I live about half a mile from Fork, and I like to go for brunch there when I have house guests. I'm sure I will be back soon.
(5)
Joan A.
Definitely a fan of this place! To start, there is parking available, which is always nice, but it's also not a terribly far walk from the metra station. Went here for a late dinner/drinks with some friends. The ambiance of this place was cool without trying too hard, and we had a sweet waiter. Prices weren't bad either. This place has a wide variety both large and small plates, so there's something for everyone. I personally went for the eggplant "caviar" - an eggplant spread with caramelized onions that came with bread with goat cheese on top. It was definitely different than the normal bar food fare. When I ran out of bread, the waiter asked me if I wanted more to finish the spread. Nice! Friends got the fries with sriracha aioli, the mussles, the brisket sandwich, the beet salad, and a cheese/pate plate. Everyone enjoyed their food. Watch out for the sriracha aioli though, the spice apparently gets you after a few bites! Good selection of beers (41 on tap!). You can also do beer flights here.
(4)
Lenore C.
We had just been walking down Lincoln and saw the restaurant windows wide open, so inviting, so we walked in. The hostess sat us at a window booth, just as we had requested. Looking over the menu we saw so many things that sounded delicious but it had been a long time since I had duck confit hash -- in fact, since I can't get it in the town we moved to, I only have it when I make it myself. We ordered that and the grape tomato goat cheese omelet, as an egg white omelet. The hash was exactly what I hoped for. But the omelet surpassed expectations - I had thought it would be a very familiar treatment. Instead, the tomatoes were quite a surprise. Yes, there were the grape tomatoes as described in the menu, but they shared the spotlight with a kind of tomato confit- a sauce that had a thick rich taste, very fresh, not too sweet, highlighted with basil. I've heard that the test of a great chef is in their ability to make the ordinary extraordinary - it was just perfect
(5)
Mike V.
brunch - lots of good stuff here. sweet, savory, good portions. dinner - no good. a bit over the top and overpriced for what it actually is.
(3)
Toni T.
We set a reservation for 10 people, and they had our table ready for us in the back when we got there. We had a bunch of appetizers like cilantro fries, donuts, some pork creation, and bacon wrapped dates. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite! Everyone had either bloody Mary's, mimosas, craft beer, homemade juices, some of us had shots at the end of the meal too. A couple people got the hangover helper and some got items from the Benedict menu. I got 2 poached eggs, English muffin, bacon and their breakfast potatoes. Everything was amazing! Service was a little slow, but once we left the back area we saw that it was packed so that was why. I would go back again. There are a lot of items in various price ranges. My bill was only $15.
(5)
Riina H.
Awesome meal and great experience!
(5)
Lizz M.
3.5 for sure. Came here today with a couple of friends after searching for a good brunch spot. I made my feelings known for Fork as they have chicken and waffles on their menu. The verdict? I think I've been ruined by Gladys Knight's chicken and waffles in Atlanta because I wasn't too crazy about these. The waffle was the highlight of the dish as it was nice and fluffy. I wasn't that impressed with the chicken, though. While it was seasoned pretty well, the coating of the chicken wasn't crispy and the actual meat was a little dry. I also had a side of ham which was overly salty. It's a chance you have to take with ham sometimes, I guess. I had a try of my friend's potatoes which were tasty. Service was good and I'd go back to give their lunch/dinner menu a shot. If I had to do brunch again I'd probably go for an egg dish.
(3)
Scott T.
I don't quite understand the 2- and 3-star reviews. This is a moderately-priced restaurant. I think it unfair to not give it the 4 or 5 stars it deserves. The bar is great. They have an incredibly-wide selection. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, even when it's busy. The table wait staff do a great job, as does the host, and the food is really pretty good. I also like that they have Open Table enabled on yelp so that you can make a reservation in a few seconds, without the old-fashioned voice mail back and forth that some restaurants still use. I guess some unhappy people use yelp place to be unhappy. If I get good service, food, and drinks at a restaurant, and the prices are fair, that's a good restaurant, and they deserve a good review. There are so many restaurants in Chicago, and I don't live in Lincoln Square, so I can't say I'll be here every week, but it's certainly worth going back.
(5)
Michael M.
They have pretty good food, but it is over priced. They think their food is better than it is.
(2)
Abbie F.
Great selection of super delicious entrees! Hangover was super yummy as well as the veggie scrambled. Donuts were pretty delicious as well! Chilliques were ok. Service was pretty good as well! Only downside is it smelled like mildew...:(
(4)
Rose B.
Atmosphere - great Service - great food - okay Wine selections were really nice and I liked the "flights". However, the food was average to just above average. Service was really great. Would have loved to give this a 4 star but maybe next time. Price was way out of line with what was posted on Yelp. party of 5 was $350 with tip
(3)
Kyle B.
How could I not enjoy a restaurant named after my favorite utensil? Just for reference, it's fork, spoon, knife in that order. I feel like a knife is generally unnecessary for the types of foods I normally ingest, however the spoon is relatively ineffective for self-defense. The fork basically takes care of both. The more you know. This Lincoln Square local bar is a nice, relaxing place to grab some food and drinks. I have a few friends in the area that frequent the establishment and have come to know the staff on a more intimate level. The waitresses are always friendly and the owner is very in tune with the latest trends in beers, consistently rotating the taps for some fresh new flavors and rare finds. With a beer list like theirs, you could honestly visit every night of the week drinking a different beer each time, and you wouldn't be able to make it through the whole list without a new one being added. Trust me, Dave Z. tried. He couldn't do it. The food is pretty good, and they even hold special event nights with sponsored beer and grub pairings. If wine is your thing, they have a pretty extensive list too. I'm not really a wine guy, but they have reds and whites. More specifically, dark reds, light reds and whites. That's about as descriptive as I get with those. Sorry wine lovers. All in all, this is a very solid place to grab dinner with friends if you're headed out for a night on the town in Lincoln Square. Get a solid meal and head up the street to drink hefty amounts of German beers. What else could you want?
(4)
Sean T.
Went here for a date, it was overall a great experience! The food was delicious and the staff was very informative. My date had a gluten allergy and chef was able to accommodate her. Overall a great experience!!
(5)
Araceli A.
The food was hearty and the beer selection was good. I thought the service could have been a little better.
(2)
Josh G.
We went for brunch. We sat outside. It was beautiful! Food- My date had the Egg/Ham/Cheese Skillet thingy and a side of the potatoes. The skillet was OK, but the potatoes were full of flavor. I had this egg/goat cheese/Arugula thing on a pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed that and my date's potatoes. Service- I forgot our servers name...Shame on me...She was a blond bubbly server, and was super gregarious and awesome! She was training a new guy the day we were there. If he does what she does, he will go places. :) Parking- Street parking/meters and a metered lot about half a block south. GF Friends- My date is GF and they ordered the Ham/Egg/Cheese skillet thingy and potatoes. I'm sure there are other options, but I know you have at least one option.
(4)
Lolo S.
Visiting for a family occasion in Chicago, my parents, husband and I were driving around looking for a drink/break from all the kiddies. This was the PERFECT find, for a few reasons: -We are beer snobs, my parents a beer newbs. We ordered 3 different flights and had a BLAST (nothing like getting drunk with the fam). Each flight comes with a strip of paper with the name, type, and a blurb about the beer which was great because a-who remembers what servers say when they name the 9 beers that hit the table and b-we were able to remember what we liked and can order them again! My parents had the pretzels and some sort of eggplant dip app that looked amazing and they loved. The servers were pleasant, the atmosphere was perfect, and we had a great evening. Would definitely return on my next visit to Chicago, parents in tow or not.
(4)
Julia R.
Great service and I loved being able to sit outside! I started with the summer whites wine flight and also a cheese flight. Both were great! I got a combination of blues, which my waitress helped me choose. My boyfriend got the pretzels to start with and those weren't very good. Expected them to be soft, warm and doughy, but they were hard. He also got the mushroom flatbread, which he loved, but I was underwhelmed by. I got a small plate of mac n cheese and mussels. What a combination, right? Both were delicious.
(4)
Sarah P.
I just discovered Fork about two months ago, but since then have been back several times already! I am a big fan of the french-style mussels. The sauce is delicious, especially when soaked up with the toasted bread provided with the dish. The garlic cilantro fries are good, not sure if they are worth the extra money though since the regular fries are good as well! The bacon-wrapped dates appetizer is amazing. Then again, I think bacon-wrapped dates anywhere are good, but theirs have a blue cheese dipping sauce that is perfect with the dates. Now on to my favorite part... wine flights and cheese plates. I would come just for this alone, since in life I would prefer to just live off of cheese and wine. What's nice about both of these is that you can order their planned selections or you can order your own mix. Wine flights are grouped in threes but you can also order wines in the 6oz or 2.5oz size on their own. The cheese plates also have pre-set options, OR you can mix your own selections together for a plate. Perfection. Don't forget about dessert. Delicious options, and if you get the ice cream (which I would normally never order for dessert at a restaurant because I'd rather just go to an ice cream place), you can pick three different flavors for the little scoops they give you, and can choose from unique flavors like blood orange or pear moscato sorbet, banana, pumpkin, porter, something or other chocolate with bacon, etc. YUM.
(5)
Vanitha S.
Fork makes for a great brunch place with friends. The menu has all kinds of creative dishes to indulge in. When I went last fall they had a delicious mimosa flight which was fun, colorful, and tasty. I had gotten the tomato basil omelet which was just ok, nothing super fabulous. The next time I got the chilaquiles which were amazing...crispy chips and fluffy eggs and a good homemade sour cream sauce on top. The one thing that was missing big time though was some spicy salsa on top. Their iced chais are good, though really small for $4, and you can ask for them to make it with skim milk. The decor is one of my favorite things about the restaurant--feels like you're in a big family room. Service is consistently great.
(4)
Emily H.
What manner of cheese frippery hath touched my mouth? Only the best! The beer flights and cheese flights make for a scintillating face sensation, and are perfect for lazy afternoons with library books from the Sulzer library. Persian feta on rye and spring beer flight for the win. I went home with prizes from their to-go menu. When you're craving a little more substance but the coffee houses are full and your dining partner requires frequent feedings of meat, the duck confit poutine is there to sweep you away with flavors of Thanksgiving mated with savory duckyness. Seriously. The poutine tastes like Thanksgiving.
(4)
Julie Z.
I have been here 4 x in the last month. PROBLEMS. Here's why I like it and why I think you will too: 1. Extensive menu. Allow me to elaborate. They have snacks, salads, soups, pates, HUGE cheese selection (almost overwhelming), charcuterie, small plates and large plates. You can try a lot of food here, which is what we did. Let's not forget about the wine options. They have several flights to choose from and an excellent "key" that describes each wine (E.g., bold, buttery, jammy, spicy, etc) It was very helpful. They also have a Port flight. Score! On the menu: -Bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese dressing: GENIUS to add blue cheese dressing. It gives it more moisture which sometimes the dates need. - French onion soup - definitely on the sweeter side, which I don't love but I ate the entire crock and ordered it a second time. I cannot resist melted cheese - Beet Salad - Mmmm. It has pears mixed in which I loved - Mixed Greens - standard. no complaints - Duck Poutine - DING DING DING. We have a winner!!!! Pls get this. You will love it. They pour a cheese sauce and then gravy at your table. mmmmmm. more please - mac n cheese - order the small plate. it's big, rich and delicious. - Dessert = volcano type toffee cake goodness. We ordered it after spying it at another table. you will not be disappointed. We also ordered their cookies with ice cream. They have banana ice cream! I loved it and it's a great compliment with chocolate. 2. SERVICE I should preface this. The first time I went the service was outstanding. Our server was patient and actually thought it was cool that we would only order one course at a time. On my second visit, my server was a bit flighty and I had to remind her twice about things she forgot. No biggie but wanted to point it out. 3. VALUE The food and wine is reasonably priced. 4. Ambiance It is cozy and comfortable here. Great to come with friends or with a date.
(4)
Audrey S.
This has been one of my favorite neighborhood places for years. Toniight I had the beef brisket and it was out of this world tender. The bbq sauce had some sweetness, but definitely had a spicey kick. It's served open-faced which is fine by me because I want to conserve room for the meat, not the bread. But the meat is served on a kind of Texas Toast which tasted quite good. As someone that has had a lot of "tough" experiences with brisket, I was incredibly pleased by Fork's tender beef. :) PS - I noticed that in my last review of Fork, I also had the brisket and raved about it just as much as I am doing now. That goes to show their quality is consistent!
(5)
Jennifer E.
There's good and bad news about this place... The goods...the food and the beer...compliments to the chef...the garlic cilantro fries are to die for! and the guys especially my husband loved the extensive beer choices... The bad...the service. Our server who shall not be named but rather be called "the Greek" was awful. He was pompous and rude. He was so lucky that we had a big group and gratuity was added because he sucked. There was another server "the Eastern European" who was nice but unfortunately was not assigned to us but he still made sure our water was always full. Word to the management: you don't have to fire "the Greek" but maybe you can make him into a barback or something that doesn't deal with clients because he had no skills in customer service at all.
(2)
scott B.
Lincoln Square is such a great place to meander about to and fro. Last Friday night was one of those nights. We had relatives in town and we wanted to show them the neighborhood. We had never been to Fork, although we had been to several other restaurants that were in its location previously. Our relatives like beer and the beer list was impressive. Making a same day reservation through Yelp and Open Table was easy and seamless. The dinner menu seemed limited. The food was good, not great. I ordered and liked the gnocchi, but wished the portion size was larger for the price they were charging. My son had chicken fingers and they were probably the worst chicken fingers he has ordered in a long time. Mushy breading that kept falling off the meat. He was not a happy camper. I didn't like the $3.95 they charged us for his milk. Half of the Mussels that we ordered had fallen out of their shells. The saving grace was that the fries were excellent. I would go back for drinks and lite bites anytime. Be sure to get fries. Definitely will not be eating here with our son again.
(3)
Shannon S.
BRUNCH: Great menu options. Love the chilaquiles! DRINKS: Amazing wine flights and wine by the glass options. Very nice atmosphere. DINNER: The quality of the food can be tasted in everything, the plating is beautiful and the service is attentive and professional. DESSERT: Hands down the best dessert menu in Lincoln Square. Fork also has just about the nicest restaurant owner out there.
(5)
Gina F.
I've tried this latest incarnation of restaurant at 4600 N. Lincoln a couple times now, and it's pretty good. I preferred the Fiddlehead menu, but this still makes for a nice, upscale bar in the area. It has a great beer & wine menu, and a wonderful cheese selection, but I wouldn't choose it for dinner. The food selection is a little limited (especially if you're a vegetarian). My flat bread was very tasty, though, and my other dining companions enjoyed their food as well. My husband has since declared that he doesn't see the point of a burger without duck confit on it! Overall it was pretty good, with good service, and I'd definitely stop by for some wine & cheese again. On a side note, a friend of mine had her bridal shower here, and they did a FANTASTIC job on brunch. The food was amazing. The air conditioner was broken & it was 85 degrees in there, but the food was great & they made it up to us in mimosas.
(4)
Eryn G.
I had my graduation dinner here for a few friends and family, the staff was awesome! I have food allergies and they were completely accommodating and understanding to my needs! They let us stay as long as we wished in a private area, and most really enjoyed their food. I'm happy I made the choice to have my party their and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Kristen S.
Dinner at Fork was excellent. They have a phenomenal wine and beer list that even includes my favorite imported gluten free beer - Green's! We had.... a lot of things... Wine Candied Bacon Garlic Cilantro Fries with sriracha aioli Green Goddess Crab Shooter Husband had pork chop, and I had hamachi. Both were excellent. Service was fantastic, and we loved the ambiance.
(5)
Nicole C.
I cant even believe this place has less than 4 stars. I am probably between a 4 and a 5, but still. Literally - comfort food tapas with a great wine & beer list. I love that you can do wine flights as well. Great for a double date or with a group. We ordered a TON of food - try the following: - BURRATA - must have - MUSSELS - Mac & Cheese - Mushroom flatbread - Garlic friens - Pork Belly I left happy. PS - whatever that weird decor is over the entrance is lame. Get rid of it.
(5)
Kelly C.
Birthday dinner! I went with a group of six (plus baby!), and we were well taken care of. I had the interesting white wine flight, which was a solid choice, if a little sweeter than I like. I tried the truffle goat cheese-damn fine cheese. We moved on to the small plates and had the pork belly which I recommend possibly over anything else I've eaten in the past few months. Crispy yet melt in your mouth-just great. So great. Followed it with the special, which was mahi mahi with fingerling potatoes, spinach, and bacon...once again, delicious. We had the creme brulee for dessert-this was the only part that was kind of 'meh' about the meal. I mean, it was good-it's creamy sugar-but didn't blow me away like the rest of the meal. Regardless, I recommend this place, but be forewarned-it IS pricey. I know it says $$ in the heading, but I would definitely bump it up to $$$-the menu items certainly add up, being that it's a lot of cheese flights and small plates.
Update: Finally got a burger there. Awesome. Best burger I have ever had, hands down. I bit into the burger and juice literally gushed out for about 15 seconds straight. The beef was seasoned perfectly. I loved everything about this burger. The garlic fries were amazing as always. Just be sure you like a lot of garlic! There are many bottled beers to try and a good selection of draft as well. Next time I will be sure to get a flight. Other people in my party enjoyed the mac and cheese, but the chicken and dumplings were lack luster (although that specific person if very picky). The place is very popular, so don't go on a Saturday night with no reservations or you will be waiting a good hour plus. Many of the people around me were having wine and various cheeses, so I will have to try that some time as well, although it will be hard to not just get a burger every time I go here.
(5)
Matthew A.
3/18/12 Update Now that I have been here 3 times, once for small plates, once fore entrees and once for brunch I can say that this is my new favorite restaurant. I would also like to increase my rating to 5 stars. I like everything about this place. The farm house burger is one of the better burgers I have had in some time and the chicken in waffles is just awesome. Metropolitan coffee was also a nice surprise.Can't wait to go back already! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â------------- I finally made it over to Fork, and am very glad that I did. First off, Fork has a very solid beer and wine list, which they break up into flights if you are interested (Hoppy beers, session beers, Belgian Beers etc.) As a beer snob I really enjoyed this. The flights are reasonably priced and a great way to try multiple strong beers without going overboard. The food was equally fantastic. They do a "small plate" thing, however, we later realized that the "small plates" were not that small. We ordered five, and by the end wished we had gone with three so we could have tried desert. The burrata smear was amazing, the duck poutine is still in my dreams, the smoked salmon flat bread was surprisingly good, I've had better mussels and the veal sliders were solid but a little greasy. Everyone at the restaurant was very nice and accommodating, but service got a little slow when it got busy. Nonetheless, I prefer when the meal is on the longer side and they did a good job of spacing out our different courses. Cheers!
(5)
Kurt K.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars. Food was good, menu was diverse. Don't know if I'd go so far as to say "Yay! I'm a fan." But it was good.
(4)
Karrie F.
My new favorite eatery. 3 simple words that changed my life. PORK. BELLY. RUBEN. It was a plus that I wasn't looked at like a complete D-bag when my friends and I brought our kids to brunch either...as if parents aren't allowed to eat good food (you know who you are , lookin at you wicker park)
(4)
Megan K.
Great food, great beer. What more can be said? I have a great time at this place every time I go. Their atmosphere is cozy, and they have a great drink menu.
(5)
Andrea N.
I wast sure how I would like this spot. But they pull off the winebar vibe very well. The flights are well explained and decent pours. They have some interesting wines on their menu by the bottle as well. The food was surprisingly good. We shared the chorizo stuffed dates, for me the least impressive item. Pretty much like any tapas style place. solid in flavor. They have mussels a few ways in the menu and a special preparation. I went with a small of the special and wasn't disappointed. tomato saffron broth with dried Spanish chorizo was flavorful and well balanced went fantastic with the SA red flight. The garlic-cilantro fries with sirrachi aioli were excellent and addictive. We then ordered some cheeses and cured meats and not only were they presented beautifully but the selection of cheeses was very good. They have flights for those who cannot decide or you can choose your own. The wow factor was dessert the sticky toffee pudding with buttered popcorn ice cream was pleasantly light and full of rich decadent yumminess. I would go back either on a date or with a group. They have some really cool plush booths that you can reserve for parties that looked like a lot of fun.
(4)
Laura F.
It's rare that I go to a restaurant and feel absolutely satisfied with the vegan/vegetarian dinner options, but this was a definite exception. My friend and I split the pretzels and cheese to start out, then I had a perfectly cooked and seasoned summer squash small plate. And get the shortcake for dessert. Really. You can thank me later. Being ladies like we are, we did imbibe in some flights. Because why have one drink when you could have three? The jammy red flight was superb, and we finished with dark delight stout/porter flight (dessert for our dessert).
(5)
Natalie R.
Was looking for a casual but trendy place for dinner with my boyfriend, and Fork was recommended. We weren't disappointed! The service was very good, the waitress made sure our questions were answered and checked on us just enough. Another review said that the non-English speaking staff just put the food down without explanation of what it was, but we did not have that experience. The bus boy (?) who brought us our charcuterie explained each meat which we appreciated. We started with two beers, I had the Christmas Ale which I loved. For our app, we got the Italian charcuterie. It came with grilled bread, olives, marinaded onions, whole-grain mustard, and cornichons. It was beautiful and so, so good. For dinner we decided on the pork belly sliders and the garlic cilantro fries. I was tempted to get the brussel sprouts with bacon but I'm glad I didn't because I was stuffed. The sliders were slightly greasy (obv with pork belly) but good nonetheless. I'm so glad we picked this place and definitely recommend it!
(4)
Dan G.
I have been to Fork on a few different occasions. And every time it has been up to par. The cheese, charcuterie and the wine flights are the real star here. They always have a great choice of meats and cheeses from all over the world. And they have something for everyone from sharp to mild, stinky to sweet; If you like cheese, and we know you do, then it is a must. The meats are just as good and pair well. The booze here is great as well. The a fore mentioned wine flights are a steal price-wise and there is something fun about having four large glasses of wine sitting in front of you. The draft list is comparable to most craft beer restaurants, you can occasionally find that hidden gem keg. As for the food, dinner and brunch are always tasty. Good burgers, good mussels, and dank breakfast sandwiches. The service is friendly and they don't mind talking shop. Another nice edition to the wonderful eats in Lincoln Square.
(4)
Chris K.
Wow! Great wine flights (South American was excellent), charcuterie (try the Spanish meat and the aged cheddar cheese), and so on. Everything was delicious, and we got very good service. The little explanatory slips of paper that come with the flights add a fun touch. I notice that a lot of reviewers just "stopped in" on a weekend. Uh, you might want to make a reservation at this place, especially for a Saturday! We went here about 2 years ago when it was "Fiddlehead", and it hasn't changed that much, although we managed to spend a lot less this time and still get a tremendous dinner. Previously, they were a little more aggressive with the upselling.
(5)
Matt G.
Two things that I really like about this restaurant are that the food and service are always darned good and that they cater to people that have kids and don't make you feel that you're an inconvenience. So, the result is that I am happy to spend $100+ on a meal that might have been a little more "over the top" than I might have planned when I left the house. Love, love, love the duck mousse. Can I have some more? Couple that with the special "Poutine" that they made with cheddar cheese, homemade fries and shredded duck and I'm singing praises and haven't made it to the main course. So why would you spend $15 on a burger???? Well, when it's the Farmhouse burger, you're happy to do so. It was great, but I would ease up on the Dijonnaise and cheese. It was too much, really. Only other slight gripe is that $6 for plain shells with butter and no cheese on them on the kids menu was a little insulting. However.... on the whole....Good dinner, nice wines by the glass and good service. We'll be back again soon.
(4)
Kristin M.
I'm updating my review to reflect my rating for lunch - I'm knocking it down to 3.5 because my dining companions didn't enjoy their lunch as much as I did. We went at noon on a Saturday and the restaurant was only half full, so we got a nice sunny table right away. I loved, loved, loved my duck club sandwich. I had gone in expecting to order the duck hash (can you sense a pattern?), but was drawn by the description of the sandwich, and promise of garlic cilantro fries. Start with duck confit, throw on a little goat cheese, cherry-red wine jam, pickled shallots and candied pecans, and you can't go wrong. I took off a layer of toast on each so I didn't waste any of the ducky goodness inside. They weren't kidding about garlic fries, they literally top them with chopped garlic, so bring some gum. The sriraccha aioli was kind of a joke. It was basically colored mayo, didn't taste like anything special. My friend ordered the PBLT. The P(ork) B(elly) was sliced thin and was basically just thick bacon. She asked for her egg to be cooked medium-well. They either didn't listen or don't know what that means because it came out really runny. Overall, it was just ok. She said the mixed greens were really bland and could have used some more dressing. Our table also ordered the farmhouse burger. I didn't hear anything good or bad about it. Of note: I uncharacteristically ordered coffee (hangover...) and it arrived in a really dirty mug. I requested a new cup and he apologized, but I can't believe it ever made it out of the kitchen! Also, Fork has notoriously slow service. I knew this ahead of time so it didn't bother me, but just keep that in mind if you're in a hurry.
(4)
Kirsten G.
As a much needed update, I got a message from David, the manager, not long after I submitted my review (over a year ago!) asking us to come back in for a drink on the house. Unfortunately we moved out of the neighborhood and didn't have an opportunity to take him up on his offer, but I appreciate the explanation of what happened and why there was a mix-up. Since my original review was based solely on service, it's only fair that I provide an update that their management is on their game and our experience was a fluke. If we were still in Chicago, I would gladly go back for more wine, which was fantastic. Thanks, Fork (and David).
(4)
Steve S.
Great beer and wine selection Staff very clued in and helpful and explained wine and beer flights well. Food is fantastic! Don't miss desert.
(5)
Tera D.
This review easily could have been 4 stars if things had panned out better, so I almost hate writing it. We went in for dinner with three people and decided to just share small plates. At small plate places my husband and I love to ask the waiter to just bring out his or her favorite dishes because it usually gets you the more unique stuff that you might never have ordered but is actually the best stuff on the menu. Sadly our tactic failed us this time. This waiter clearly went for the obvious, most popular items on the menu, which is precisely what we're trying to avoid by doing it that way. And it wasn't even well thought out. First came the bacon wrapped dates. Congratulations for being the 1 millionth restaurant to serve bacon wrapped dates. And with a lame, watery blue cheese sauce no less. Then came pretzel roles and poutine. The poutine was fine, and the duck on top of it was more than fine, crisp and super flavorful. The pretzel rolls were not good at all, damp and not salty, almost like they had been sitting in a plastic bag. Then came...an order of fries???? We were just served poutine. A dish based in fries. With that was lamb sliders, which to be fair were outstanding. Finally he brought out two different kinds of mussels which was overkill even if they were good, but frankly they were not. And the fact that they came out after the fries instead of with them was even more bizarre than serving us two fry based dishes in the first place. The beer is good, especially the option to do flights with some very generous pours. We'll go back, but we certainly won't bank on the waitstaff next time around.
(3)
Erica W.
I visited Fork with my supper club, and it was just above average - I'd say about 3.5 stars. (Yelp, if you are reading this, please give us the ability to give half stars one day). The dish that I enjoyed the most was the poutine, which is a Canadian dish (I believe French Canadian, because I've only had it in Montreal). Essentially, its french fries w/gravy and cheese on top. Can't go wrong w/that!
(3)
Kate C.
The duck poutine here is incredible! ... so is everything else really, but its the poutine that really stands out in my memory. The service is also very good and the staff are friendly and helpful. They are pretty accommodating for people with disabilities too, which is great and makes it a welcoming atmosphere. EDIT: I had to change my rating from a 5 to a 3 after trying to make a reservation for a larger party here. This is NOT a good location for groups. They completely tried to take advantage of us and were asking that we commit to paying a minimum of $2,000 before they would even take our reservation. Needless to say, we went elsewhere. It was such a disappointment. I can only assume the person who handles larger reservations is different from the main dining room and that they are somehow specially trained in how to be a douchebag.
(3)
Rob K.
Excellent food and drink. I was not a fan of the home made breakfast sausage but nothing else has ever let me down.
(4)
Sarah M.
(let's pretend this is a 3.5 review, ok?) So I hesitated even reviewing this since all we did was drink, but hey, sometimes drinking is all one wants to do at a place, right? Atmosphere is nice. The bar is super long, and wide, with comfy chairs. I hate being shoved in a small bar up on strangers in non-comfortable seats. My friend and I met up for some wine and gossip. They have wine flights (and beer flights as well, if that meets your fancy). I did like that they coded each of the wines with a nifty little graphics, so you knew what to expect from the wines you were getting. Bartender was super friendly and did check up on us although it was somewhat busy. We also ended up getting a few cocktails, which were delicious as well. Also had TVs at the bar, so I could keep up with baseball, football, all while listening to my friend (I'm queen of multitasking, I know). Price was decent enough. I'd probably return to check out the food. Nice little place in LS.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about checking out Fork after reading some of the less than stellar reviews (especially about service). I'm glad to say that I didn't have the same experience as those Yelpers! As soon as the hostess seated us at a booth, I knew that we would have a nice dinner (this girl loves booth seating). We had prime views of both TVs in the bar area, key for the BF since the Bears were playing the Packers. Now to the good stuff. I grabbed the fresca cocktail and he had the pear beer, both were really good drink choices. We then started our meal with the crowd pleasers cheese flight. He didn't love any of the cheese while I thought 2 of the 3 were really good. I didn't like the bread that was served with the cheese as all of the herbs overpowered the cheeses so I ate mine with the apple & peach slices (wish they gave more than 3 thin slices of fruit as there isn't much to go around between 2 people). He got the pork medallions and I got the veggie ragout and corn elotes. He said his meal was better than average but that he wished it had been a bit better. I liked both my items and thought they were a good amount of food. We ended the meal with the ganache cake (super rich chocolatey goodness), which was perfect for sharing. All in all, a good date spot or small group restaurant.
(4)
Christine N.
I live in the neighborhood and love this place. It's reasonably priced.... service and food are always great. Went again this past Friday and had such a great time. Ask for Cesar to wait on you! He was friendly, attentive and let us camp out in his section for way too long! Thank you Cesar!!!!
(5)
Christopher K.
We ordered the crab cake and ribs off of the special menu and they were fine. Moving on. One thing that the two of us really enjoy is the discovery of new cheeses. That is the big draw for us here and what earned this diner its fourth star. There are a lot of times that we could just as well skip a meal and just try cheeses, and this would definitely be a place to try that approach. There was a broad selection and several cheeses that we had not tried before. They were spot on with the suggested beer and wine pairings as well. $70 for two. Definitely a place that we will come back to when the cheese urge strikes.
(4)
Downtown B.
This was my first time at Fork. I had heard good things and wanted to love it. My first observation was that the beer list was good. They have 20 drafts at any one time and that is very good. They have tons of bottles as well. The ambiance/vibe is very nice and the outside areas are more than adequate. Fork promotes itself as a gastropub but is really much more of casual bar that has gastroish items on the menu with a big beer list. Service was slow but friendly and overall it was adequate. Regarding food we wanted the pretzels and beer cheese but they were out, bummer of a start. Grilled corn elotes were not anything to get excited about. Very small amount of corn with minimal seasoning, though the aioli was amazing. And the corn was probably a touch undercooked. Watermelon gazpacho was a-okay but not a lot of flavor. I am not a watermelon lover so take that with a grain of salt. Next up was the mushroom flatbread. Crispy crust but a little flimsy in the center. Ingredients were good. Overall a pretyy good item. I ordered the chicken burger. It was well cooked and seasoned with a nice roll and decadent cheese, they advertise it has peaches on it but there were almost no peaches on there and the ones that were on the burger were razor thin with NO TASTE. Lose the peaches or add more. In any event, this one was okay but not great. Shrimp and grits were runny. Also, they could use more shrimp. I would not order this one. Mac and cheese was very good but probably too rich. The first few bites are amazing but once you get about 5 bites in the jarlsberg and fontina can overwhelm you. So I am torn. Nothing was great and they do try to be creative so I give them credit. I'd say it is a-okay.
(3)
Tracy Y.
First time here and it did not disappoint. Our server Nicole was pleasant and accommodating. Even when we asked for substitutions. The meats and cheeses were stellar. The gnocchi and scallops to die for. And love love love a place that offers wine AND beer flights. Will be going back.
(4)
Nikki K.
If I could split up my review by food and drink, I'd give the drinks a 5 start and the food a 3 star. I ordered the duck sandwich and it sounded so good, but was just ok. The duck sandwich was kind of expensive, so I was disappointed I didn't like it. I loved the summer beer flight I had though. Super tasty and beers I hadn't tried before. My boyfriend had the mac and cheese and I really liked that. We got to sit outside which was a plus. The service was great too. I think I'd come back here again for drinks and apps, but not necessarily for dinner.
(4)
Rebecca M.
Awesome food, used to be one of my favorites in my neighborhood; however, service seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Will not make it a point to come back anytime soon---there are too many new spots in the area to explore!
(2)
Colleen C.
Fiddle me this, Batman... A seriously healthy pour of cava brut rose...(pink, love) A kickin' batch of garlic hummus with warm, chewy chunks o' carb... A semi-sweet August evening... [makes for] A seriously perfect happy hour in Lincoln Square. [extra points for impressive beer and wine lists AND a patio!]
(4)
Sally J.
Since moving to the neighborhood I've been to Fork 4 times--twice for dinner and twice for brunch. I would say that although 3/4 of those times was great, the latest 1/4 was bad enough that I would reconsider going there again for brunch. I'll start with what I've liked and move on to the most recent debacle in service. (yes, service, not food). The good: Dinner food has always been great. Dinner service always great. In fact, I'd count it among my options I present to out-of-town visitors when we're considering dinner options in Lincoln Square. The atmosphere is interesting but not pretentious and I've never enountered any difficulties with wait or service at dinner. Plus, they have interesting flights whether it's cheese, charcuterie, or the hands down favorite--the beer flights. It lets you try out a variety and if you like one enough that you want more, you can always order it. It's a nice option though. Brunch first time around was fine. Our party of 5 arrived right about opening time, great service, food was good, no compaints. Brunch second time was bad enough to make me re-think this as a future brunch option. We arrived about 5 minutes after the restaurant opened, on a day when there was a local run even in the neighborhood. That makes me think: management should prepare for more customers than usual. What we arrived to however, was a few scattered tables that were full, but many many empty tables. Great news, right? Not so....even though we were just a party of 3, we were gruffly informed by the host that they the number of people they had seated had exceeded their number of menus and they would not seat any additional parties until the seated parties had ordered, freeing up menus. Ok.....seems odd that you have less than half the menus available for the seating you have, on a morning you could expect extra volume...but we found it even stranger that you couldn't at least seat us and just let us wait for a menu to become available. Instead, a crowd of waiting customers accumulated at the host station and out the door. With a restaurant half full of empty tables. Not only that, but it was within 10 minutes of opening. so we waited...and as soon as a few spare menus opened up, the party of two who arrived behind us was seated...after that another party of four, until we asked why we weren't being seated. By the way, there were never any apologies, never any assurances--the communication from the host stand was that it was reasonable that we should wait for a free menu in order to be seated. After some negotiating, we finally were, but after waiting a good 20 minutes (keep in mind, multiple multiple tables were available just to sit and have coffee while we waited for menus). After being seated the service and food were fine. But the front end experience was enough that I don't think I'll go back, especially with the many other brunch options in the neighborhood that treat customers more respectfully...and I actually think based on this experience, I would not risk going for dinner for fear of the "menu deficit." I suspect this is poor management and feel bad as the food and waitservice has always been good but it's bad business to make multiple parties wait to be seated until menus are available when half the seats in the restaurant are open. News flash: you should have enough menus to cover all the seats, especially on a weekend with an event that will bring more business to you. Thumbs down, sorry.
We've only lived in Chicago two months. We'd like to think we are adventurous eaters. We do not like to eat at the same place multiple times; however, we've eaten here at least four times. This place is fantastic. As others have mentioned, the beer and wine selection is great. Their flights of beer and wine are VERY well priced and poured. The food is outstanding. We've had the burgers, daily specials, cheeses, appetizers, you name it. Some highlights for me include the house ricotta and honey smear, farmhouse burger, and bbq pork sandwich. I'm not a seafood guy, but my wife has had the fish and enjoyed it. Besides the food (again, very good), the service is excellent. We have had the same waitress all four times that we have been to Fork. She is attentive, but not pushy or too talkative. Our food always promptly, but we've never been rushed. One of the more interesting things about Fork is that have a very large ancillary staff. There is always someone walking around filling water glasses, clearing tables, etc. I think this is a main reason why service runs so smoothly. I can't rec. this place enough. Easily one of my favorites.
(5)
Javier O.
Fork is a place that has kept us coming back for years. We love the mood and selection. The drinks are always great and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish. The cheeses are wonderful, as well. It is higher priced, so don't be surprised by that coming in. There are certain days of the week where they have deals, however, so study the menu or call in to get moe info. If you're looking to have a relaxing evening, give Fork a shot.
(4)
Vince W.
What on earth makes a burger worth over $10??? I don't know, but every burger I've had here was worth every cent I paid. From duck confeit fries to their wonderful brunch buffet to over a hundred different beers available for selection, "Fork" (formerly "Fiddlehead Cafe") has yet to disappoint me. ...and they have had many opportunities to do just that. I have attended wine tastings, been there on dates, and held business meetings at "Fork". Not to mention, my family has brunch there at least twice a month. Even my seven-year-old son, Alan likes their food (...and we all know how picky kids can be). The last thing I want to mention is the atmosphere. Along with the name change, "Fork" underwent an image change. The seating is more cozy, the carpeting looks cooler, the waitstaff is more up-beat, and their music playlist is the best! The only suggestion I have is WiFi. EVERY restaurant and bar should have it in this day and age.
(5)
J A.
Went on Sunday morning. Eggs were creamy deliciousness. The Bloody Mary's were super fresh and yummy...it was not a mix.
(4)
Alma V.
Great for Brunch and Beer! Gastro pub! Love this place,,,But, I must make a complaint in hopes that they will listen to me and make changes.... As usual Chicago doesn't know a thing about the Bloody Mary. Noone in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes,etc! I suggest checking out Hollander, Benelux, or Comet cafe for examples!
(4)
Laura R.
This place was already on our "to try" list, but once we read the article in Grubstreet - chicago.grubstreet.com/2… , we knew we had to get there soon, and it did not disappoint. First, the wine and beer selections were both carefully chosen and reasonably priced (my favorite combo). I'm a big fan of the wine flights. The food itself was fabulous - a nice blend of old time favorites and completely new flavorful twists. The kale salad was out of this world. The mussels (which I order pretty much everywhere I go) were among my favorite - both flavorful and extremely meaty and tender. Everything we had was great. I am not ordinarily a huge fan of the growing trend to include grits with dinner meals in Chicago, because most Chicago chefs do not get it right, but the grits here were the best I have had outside of the South and complimented the BBQ sauce well - we scraped the plate clean. The chef is big on farm to table, which is important to us when we're looking for a nice meal on the town - it was evident during every course that each ingredient was meticulously chosen and gingerly prepared. I would highly recommend for both a fun date night or a big group (they have great booth spots).
(5)
Brea K.
We were off to a seriously rocky start, but they redeemed themselves I suppose. Five girlfriends and I walk in, no reservation, at 8pm on a Saturday night. We were told :30, and ended up waiting a rediculous 1.5 hours. The host was begging us to stay but honestly I wish we had left earlier. I missed my train to the burbs and spent $60 getting home. UGH. That being said, niko ("the Greek"???) made sure we had a good time and the food was really, really good. Pricey, but good. I'm pretty sure we ate half the menu, and everything was roughly an A- which is pretty good in my book. Oh, that stupid MacNCheese was an A+. I'm embarrassed that I'm saying that, because we ate several more sophisticated dishes, but seriously, it was amazing. Skip the bacon however. I don't know how they managed to ruin bacon but they over salted it, and it was inedible.... Ok, we ate it anyway.
(4)
Xl G.
I don't why, but the handful of times I've come to this place I've had terrible service. The bartenders aren't attentive and most of the staff's attitude comes off as snooty. Being as someone who works in the service industry, I found it very unprofessional. I won't be coming back here.
(1)
Phil H.
Second time there visiting from outta town and its like I remember very good food. Well I got the same thing last time lol. Burger baby with the egg, fries r good but the kicker for me the Mac & cheese! Bomb!!! ;-) friendly service and nice faces! Nice place to hit b4 u start a long night...
(4)
Chad I.
Don't be thrown by the atmosphere and menu design - food is great. Chicken burger was tasty, bacon wrapped dates delicious and warm olives surprisingly good. Good beer list.
(4)
Ross K.
Good charcuterie selection. I got the mussels, which were not fresh. I take the blame for that, though, as summer is not a good time of year for mussels. My visiting mother got the pork tenderloin, which was amazing. They have a great beer selection and a nice atmosphere. I almost didn't want to tip the server, however. He was very inattentive and the restaurant wasn't very busy. Meanwhile, his bus boy was busting his ass, making sure we were ok. The server dropped a dessert menu off at the table and just walked away. When we finally got his attention to pay the check, he grabbed the dessert menu from my hand, turned around without saying a word, handed the menu off to the bus boy, and disappeared.
(3)
Alex F.
Let me start by saying Fork is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only has my service but nothing short of wonderful, but the quality of food, wine and other beverages is amazing. You get what you pay for. It's not a place I can dine at frequently, but if I'm looking to splurge for a night, this is the place.
(5)
Josh M.
Think bacon, great draft and wine flights, solid burgers. Won't go home hungry or broke.
(4)
Britt W.
My husband and I were in Chicago visiting from California. We love Farm to table restaurants so we decided to check out Fork. The atmosphere was great! We loved being able to sit by the open window. The service was excellent! We never had to ask for a refill for water ( I love that!! ) The food was outstanding!! I love that you can order flights of wine. I started with a spicy red flight and my husband had the European flight. Both were delicious! We started with one of the appetizer specials : Watermelon with aged balsamic, prosciutto, and parm (I believe) It was AMAZING!! We loved it and could not stop eating it. We next had the house pretzels with half acre beer cheese sauce. These were the best pretzels and cheese sauce we have had! Again we couldn't stop eating, but we had to because we knew we were going to be too full :) Next we had a small order of mussels. WE LOVE MUSSELS! These mussels were in the most unique sauce. The server said to save bread for the sauce and I am so glad we did, it was a blend of melted goat cheese, white wine and spices that was so delicious! I could have licked the bowl. We next had The mushroom crostini. It was very flavorful and again we couldn't stop eating it! For our main plate we ordered pulled pork with root beer bbq sauce. The pork fell apart, so moist, very unique and tasty! I loved the root beer. We ended our tasting journey with a variety of cheeses and the most amazing chocolate mousse. The mousse had the perfect texture and the toffee bacon was incredible. There was not an overwhelming bacon taste and it complimented the mousse perfectly. We had such an incredible experience. The price point for this caliber of food was spot on. What a great night! We can't wait to come back and try some new specials and have some menu staples. Thank you for a delicious meal Chef Tim! We were so impressed!!
(5)
Karen S.
Great neighborhood spot with an extensive beer and wine menu. The menu is varied - lots of small plates / app's, as well as huge entrees. Favorites at our table included chicken/dumplings, poutine, mac & cheese, and a cheese plate. I had a bowl of french onion soup (not normally on the menu) and it was really good - not overly salty, and with a proper coating of melted Gruyere. It could have been a little hotter (temperature wise), but otherwise very good. Shared the vanilla bean creme brule for dessert and it was awesome. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive - and was very tolerant of my 18-month old nephew who was behaving wonderfully, but enjoyed throwing his fork on the floor . Great place!
(4)
Chelsea M.
Fork is one of my favorite Friday night restaurants. I say Friday night, because the vibe is a little more relaxed and informal; which is exactly what a Friday night calls for. The food is trendy but accessible, and most important very good. We ordered the special sausage (I giggled while ordering, okay I'm not very mature), the Belgian mussels, the cured salmon and a side of brussels sprouts. For two people it was a lot of food. The sausage was beyond amazing. The drinks are what make Fork above average. The wine flights are perfectly paired, and are decent pours. The Bubbles flight was my favorite and featured a brut and a rose (the prosecco wasn't my favorite). I highly recommend Fork.
(4)
Katie S.
Delightful find in Lincoln Square! I never went to this place in its previous incarnation as Fiddlehead Cafe, but I very much enjoyed going to Fork. I've had both dinner and brunch there, and both were absolutely excellent. For dinner, the butternut squash soup is wonderful - I also had a flatbread that was quite good. For brunch, you can't go wrong with a mimosa flight and the soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil. Mmmm... I need to go back here soon.
(4)
Kelly D.
This place seemed inviting from the outside, but we were disappointed by the food that we ordered -- the rib special and fish special -- which seemed overpriced and somewhat bland considering the price. Only real positive about the experience was that the waitress was very cheerful, even though we were probably the last customers in the place before they closed. It's possible we ordered poorly this time, but I doubt we'll be back to try anything else on the menu.
(2)
Jonathan H.
I would have liked a little more bang for our buck. The flavors were good so I'll probably be back for a drink and snack.
(3)
Liz B.
When we showed up for brunch (10 minutes after it was "open") they were still vacuuming the floor and there was no one to even give us the menus. This was our third attempt to brunch there (convenient location) and was the worst service so far but the first two times were not particularly impressive (forgotten bacon and delayed coffee refills jaded my previous 2 experiences). The first two times I stuck around long enough to get food and found it mediocre. The eggs were standard and the french toast was so sweet there were no unique flavors to be enjoyed. I have enjoyed their wine flights on occasion but have been so put off by the bad service I've given up on the place.
(2)
Mitchell A.
Good experience. 3.5 stars Wait staff was nice. Nothing above average nothing bellow average. Decor and ambiance was above average. Love the exposed brick. Simple and standard art but effective. Not to sure about the carpet...something about carpet in a restaurant just turns me off. Music was well mixed with the time of day and mood of the place. Margarita was small but had a nice tart and sweet taste to it. Surprised me, to be honest. Like that they do wine samples aka flights...good deal for those as well. Huge wine and drink menu and broken down very well. Cobb salad was great. Buttermilk dressing tasted home made. Portions were perfect for a Cobb....a must have for Cobb salad eaters. Very very good Cobb salad! Duck club was $17. I expected to be blown away. I was half blown hahaha but still a Very good sandwich. Meat was tasty, goat cheese was a great touch, jam and walnuts added sweatiness and texture. Everything was well portioned and the sandwich had very good taste. What was wrong then?! The damn bread! It was dry, crumbly, and just not good. I think it was brioche. Which is a good idea....not sure if it was a bad batch or what. But if you are charging $17 for a club (I don't care if lobster and truffle is on it) you better have the most important part PERFECT. Garlic fries were the second best I ever had (AT&T ballpark in San Francisco is #1) Overall, prices are decent for the ambience, style of restaurant and type of food on the menu. Its a good meal. I would go back for sure. They have enough variety and style to bring me back.
(4)
Susan F.
Fork is known for their flights of wine, beer, cheese and meat. Cue to the 'Sound of Music' song, "these are a few of my favorite thingssss..." and you'll find me whistling up Lincoln Ave til I get a seat in their plush back room by the fireside. My first visit to Fork was a little sterile. Nothing fell short, but I was expected to be wowed for some reason. Nevertheless, their cheese plate was awesome and decently priced. They don't just give you cheese, but nuts and figs, too! Ok, so maybe everyone does that, but they were extra tasty at Fork. The meat was good too, but how can you go wrong? We had sopressetta and chorizo if I remember correctly. Their beer list is impressive, but not the biggest I've seen (har har). It took us awhile to find out what we hadn't tried before, but it seemed to be pretty local. No shame in that, Chicago has some fab beahs. Like I said, we had some cheese (goat and cheddar varieties) and meat and moved onto some small plates of Mussels (Belgian, oh SO GOOD) and the braised porkbelly. The atmosphere was dark and romantic in the back room, and energetic in the front with more smaller tables. We actually came back for a night cap another time and got seated right by the fireplace. We had the ganache cake and a wine flight. The cake was SO RICH, it hit the spot. It was exactly what I needed and I was so happy we stopped in. They must have heard my 3rd stomach grumbling to know I'd be pleased with chocolate and wine, a girl's close-to-next best friend after diamonds. Actually, I think I like chocolate more than diamonds, but I digress... This place is great to bring friends and family. Definitely go for a wine or cheese flight, you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Heather H.
Pork and Beer? I'm not really the clientele of Fork, as I'm more veggie and wine. I loved this place as Fiddlehead, but I'll tell you this; Fork is always packed now, so they're doing something right. For staff alone, they get 5 stars. From the hostess, servers, and even the owner, the service is stellar and it's appreciated. The wine list has shrunk, but don't get me wrong - it's still huge in comparison to other restaurants. The main event here is the beer, and if you're into that you'll love it. I have to be in a beer mood and with the wine available here I just never am. They carried over the cheese menu from Fiddlehead so it remains outstanding. They have the best selections here, and as a bonus, they have a special menu for carryout cheeses! Inquire about it - they even beat Whole Paycheck's prices! I'm not the best person to review the food menu as it's porky and meaty, and I'm neither. So, all I can say is I've had their eggplant smear on the goat cheese baguette and it's excellent. The mushroom gnocchi can be hit or miss. I've had it twice, once it was to die for, the next time it just wasn't that great. And the artichoke appetizer while tasty, is a bit of a mess. Definitely not a first date choice. The brunch is still a hit for me. The menu still has some of my favorites like the truffled eggs, but they added an amazing tomato basil omelet. Don't get rid of this! It's my new favorite. So I'll still come here for the wine, cheese, and brunch. If you're into the latest pork trend, or looking for that great bottle of beer that no one else carries, this would be the place for you.
(4)
Andrea R.
About once a week I get an email from someone asking if I know of any good restaurants in the city with nice private room for a bridal shower. In fact, I got such an email from one of my friends this morning. Yes, my life this summer so resembles the movie "27 Dresses." And thanks to a bridal shower I attended at Fiddlehead Cafe last weekend I now have another restaurant to add to my "good private room for bridal shower" list. Oooh, I'm so going to make one of those lists on Yelp as soon as this review is written. Anyway, so yeah...Fiddlehead has a beautiful private room that seats 55 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail reception. It was especially nice last weekend because we were blessed with nice spring weather for a day...and were able to keep the windows open. Fiddlehead also happens to have pretty good food. We were given a choice of a few different things and I went with their truffled eggs. YUM! And even better...the banana pancakes the bride-to-be ordered. Double Yum! I highly recommend for any of your private party needs and I look forward to going back myself for a regular brunch/dinner experience. And now, I'm off to make that Yelp list...
(4)
James L.
Definitely a place to go with a group of people. The dishes we had were outstanding. They havea great cheese and meat selection as well as a good wine list/flights. I would definitely come back here to try some other dishes. Only thing I didn't like was finding parking.
(4)
Francis K.
Fork is full of awesome. My introduction to the restaurant was one of those beer/dinner pairings. On a night like this it is easy to get caught up in what is usually I am guessing a show to get you to return. As far as I'm concerned any place that cares enough to bring a brewer (any brewer) to talk about how to pair their drinks with the food is already a winner. Funny thing though is I can't even recall what brewery it was because the food stood out. The beer was well paired but the food stayed with me. You are interested in learning about the place you say? Oh yeah, fantastic setting I will say. Other's have mentioned it isn't a good place for kids. I respectfully disagree. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting bring the wee one at 7PM on a Friday. For starters, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? :-), OK, I got nothing else. Both time's we've been there we've had the same server. Caveat Emptor I guess. Our service has been stellar. The server knows his food, knows his beer and wine pairings. The rest of the staff and anonymous but magically appear unprompted to attend to us. In addition to this and perhaps because we eat early in the evening (see bairn reference) the sense of the place is make our visit and the wee one's fun. The food again, is magnificent and a reason you should return. For this patron the beer list is not exhaustive but clearly someone thinks about what bottles and drafts they will have on their menu. So why 5 stars? Like they say it is always the little things. That the pay attention to their beer means they are likely just as attentive to their food. It is perhaps a leap of logic but allow me that.
(5)
Katie R.
Brunch review. Two friends and I were doing a Sunday lunch - the original idea was Overeasy..but the line scared us off. So we ended up at Fork. And all three of us were super impressed and loved our meal. We all gushed, it was seriously amazing that we were all equally satisfied with our variety of meals. Food: I loved the Ham & Cheese scramble - especially since I asked for Bacon instead of Ham and no one even batted an eyelash. And the breakfast potatoes were delicious, crisp and herby. The breakfast sandwich melt was thoroughly enjoyed by my friend, she made a concerted effort to finish the thing and almost managed. The last meal was a burger, with blue cheese and bacon, with the cilantro garlic fries. My friend loved her burger tons and we all loved the garlic cilantro fries (so garlicky they are spicy!) I will be back. One thing - the pomosa and bellini - basically just champagne with a splash of juice. So if you like champagne, you will like this. Otherwise, the drinks were the only things we didn't love.
(5)
Lydia B.
I love the wine flights! The food was good too.
(4)
Charles J.
Pretension masking average food. Over-priced.
(1)
Javier B.
Must update my review to keep up with the fact that the restaurant updated itself and changed names. I have been to Fork once for dinner and once for brunch and the food quality, service and atmosphere continue to be very good. Tried fried chicken and waffles for the first time and they were very enjoyable. The chilaquiles are as good as we remember them. As for the dinner menu, we tried several of the items tapas style. Some were hits and some were so so, but overall the food was good and the service was friendly. Still a great neighborhood spot, only with a different name.
(4)
Jay S.
Visited Fork this past Friday with my wife. Ordered the mahi mahi special and french onion soup. My wife ordered the duck club and small muscle bowl. The food was absolutely amazing. My mahi mahi tested fresh out of the sea. The duck club topped with an apple mixture was amazing as well. Everything we ate and drank here was simply delicious. Any place with such a full beer and wine list also gets my vote. What gives the place 4 stars is the service. If the manager of this restaurant is reading, the waitress working Friday nights b/w 9 and 11pm is simply amazing. Pleasant lady not afraid to give an honest recommendation. Felt like she was always available when we needed service, despite the place being packed. We also made a reservation and our table was sitting patiently waiting for us with a "reserved" sign when we arrived. Very organized and customer friendly environment. I will definitely be back here many times again. Thanks Fork.
(4)
Lawrence F.
I stumble upon this place while walking with my boyfriend looking for a place to have a drink. It was a very snowy Tuesday and not many people were in there. There is a long bar, booths and tables to sit. Also around the corner in the back is a nice lounging area with sofas. We Had flights of beer and cider that were just fabulous. We also ordered the Duck crostini...it was alright. Definitely going back great service and great selection of beer and wine.
(4)
Brock W.
This was our first time visiting Fork and like many other reviews, I REALLY wanted to love this place after reviewing their food and drink menus. Unfortunately, the food cost them a couple stars, but first let me note a few of the things I really liked about the place. I would HIGHLY recommended the beer flights, generous pours and the price was about right. The ambiance/vibe is very chill, relaxed and really makes for a nice dining environment. The place is self-described as a gastropub type restaurant, but it's really much more casual and less pretentious than some of the other gastropubs (Hopleaf, anyone?) around town. Our waitress was really friendly and overall, pretty attentive. It was a nice evening too, so the windows were open to the sidewalk street, which made for a nice urban dining setting. Now, let's get to food. We ordered the garlic-cilantro french fries as a starter. Below-average. I love garlic and cilantro and french fries, so I thought this combo would be fantastic. Instead, the garlic was really over powering and the fries themselves were underwhelming. They almost tasted microwaved, as the texture was a little moist and soft. Not good. My fiancee and her Mom ordered the mushroom gnocchi to share. It was good, not great though the variety of mushrooms was a nice touch. I've had better gnocchi at many other restaurants around Chicago. I ordered the Farmhouse Burger MEDIUM-WELL and it arrived cooked medium-rare, almost raw. I was starving, so I decided instead of complaining and having to wait for another burger, to just dig in. I ate maybe 1/4 of the burger and had to stop. Interestingly, our waitress noticed the preparedness of the burger, apologized, and took it back to the kitchen to show the cooks. At this point, I'm expecting the burger to be taken off our bill, but instead we received a couple scoops of ice cream as an apology. Gee, thanks. This is a place we'll probably hit-up again, but probably just for drinks. As I said, the beer list is great and the beers flights are even better, but NONE of the food (including our dessert, a bread pudding dish which was maybe above average) we ordered met expectations.
(3)
Emily W.
I highly recommend Fork. Their brunch was delicious! I had the brioche french toast with almonds, strawberries, and a delectable creme anglaise and a side order of applewood smoked bacon. Although the prices might seem high for brunch, the servings are generous and the meals are unique, so I felt the price I paid was justified. The brunch menu itself is diverse; my boyfriend had the spinach and goat cheese omelet, which was also great. We both had a difficult time narrowing our selections down to just one. Just to get a taste of what was on the "regular" menu, we also shared the garlic and cilantro fries as an appetizer; they did not disappoint. We'll definitely go back to try some other entrees. Fork has a really friendly staff and a cute outdoor environment (a must for any Lincoln Sq. joint). Giving it a 5 because I have zero complaints! I hope it sticks around!
(5)
Filip F.
Great food. Beer selection is ridiculous. Soooo many craft beers. Puts place like map room to shame. I had farm burger - excellent. Everyone at my table had something different - chicken burger, pork dish, pasta dish, french onion soup - nothing but great reviews. Creme Brule was awesome. Ambiance was also great. Not to loud, not too quiet. In summary, Fork was on like Donkey Kong. I went to this place when it was Fiddlehead. It was crap. This is obviously a totally different joint. Go there
(5)
Susan C.
It's been many a moon since I've had brunch and my Best Brunch Date Ever and I opted for Lincoln Square as a central location. Fork's menu looked good and if we could snag outdoor seating.... We did! What followed was a perfectly charming meal with my adorably utensil-challenged partner (ummm...why are you using your spoon to try and cut your chicken and waffles? ...turn your knife the other way, it's upside down) when the slow-ish service (due to the suddenly full restaurant) was actually a plus. We had all the time in the world to enjoy our fresh squeezed orange juice, his aforementioned chicken and waffles and my AMAZING salmon benedict. I loved my dish so much I didn't even bother trying his...and I kinda forgot to save the bite of mine that I offered him. sorrynotsorry! The salmon was house smoked, the muffin was so fresh it winked at me and blood orange hollandaise!?
(4)
Gabby R.
Went here 2 months ago and I'm still dreaming about my pork belly sandwich (PBLT). and the garlic-cilantro fries. i'm forgiving the fact that the service was meh just because my sandwich was That. Good.
(5)
Becca S.
Went here tonight for the first time in a few years as I have moved back to the east coast. Unbelievable food and experience. From cheese plate to dessert--a delicious experience!!!
(5)
Brian R.
So I live about a block away from this place, and my wife and I have been there a number of times. Today, we went for brunch, sat down, waited about 15-20 minutes and weren't served. We decided we were going to leave and try someplace else. The manager chased us down in the street, explained that it was the waitress' first day and she didn't realize we were in her section, and that brunch was on him. First time we have ever experienced bad service here, and that completed redeemed it. Go here, the food is good and they have good beers. THAT, my friends, is how you turn a bad Yelp review into a good one.
(4)
Helena B.
Fork! Formerly Fiddlehead! Formerly... something before Fiddlehead! This time (Fiddlehead to Fork transition), little changed. Our server informed us that they were now "less casual" but the management, chefs, and service staff are the same. The beer list was awesome. I believe they have about 75 varieties of craft brews. Enough said. The food was awesome. Olive Oil Roasted Beets - The combination of beet and blue cheese is somewhat expected, but the addition of pistachios was an appreciated new texture and taste. Pork Belly - The pork belly itself was a perfect combination of crunchy and smooth. It sat atop a bed of white cheddar grits which we scraped from the plate so as not to miss a drop. Mussels - We had our choice of Belgian (brothy) or French (creamy) style. We went with Belgian and dug in. This, however, is where the wheels fell off the wagon. The dish was supposed to be served with fries. It arrived, however, sans frites. Let's be honest, I don't need a basket of fries. But would I eat them? Sure. However, just as we were reaching to pull the last mussels from the broth, the fries arrived. Yeah... I don't really want them anymore. They seem like an afterthought at this point. Next - coffee and desserts. We each ordered coffee with a shot (Godiva Dark for him, Godiva White for me) and decided to split the white chocolate banana bread pudding. We wait. And wait. Our server brings us another coffee each (free - to compensate the wait, we assume). I believe I visited the restroom twice at this point due to the large volumes of coffee consumed. Still waiting. The check arrives. OK... you want us to pay before we have our dessert? A look at the check shows that dessert isn't listed. We mention this to our server, and after an awkward attempt at humor (The kitchen is closed! No it' not!) he admits he forgot and goes to grab our wayward dessert. It's excellent (of course) and complimentary (of course).
(3)
Sean F.
Can we take a moment and consider cheese? Please? Cheese, like crazy good cheese, not processed cheese. And let's also consider, along with crazy good cheese, just how a positive experience at a restaurant can alter an entire day? After meeting up with friends, we decided to pop over to Fork for some wine and drinks. The place was busy as it should be on a Friday night and we were seated on some couches around a low table, which was perfect for the type of evening we were having. Once seated we pondered the wine menu. My friends picked their favorite reds and I opted for a Saison style Belgian farmhouse that was stellar, in my opinion. Of course, once you are drinking and chatting, you need some nosh as well. The cheese selection at Fork is amazing. Now, don't expect me to remember all the different types of cheese we had because, well, we had a lot of different cheese and cheese names don't roll of my tongue so easily. There was a creamy gorgeous soft cheese that tasted like a combination of butter and love. On top of this, our server, Chris, attended to us in a brilliant fashion. He was very courteous, very friendly, but not 'hovering' which can be really annoying when trying to chat with friends. I've enjoyed every visit to Fork I've made and will continue to return for the selection of wines, beers, cheese, and of course the magnificent food.
(5)
Tim G.
Won't be returning to Fork. We were the first seating of the day for brunch, we were the second table seated. Following our order, it took over an hour for our food to arrive. This was breakfast. Over an hour, and I am not exaggerating... PROS: Coffee was terrific. That's it... CONS: Poorly managed, no coordination between service and kitchen. Food took forever, and ever, and ever.... After almost an hour, brunch manager offered us a "snack" to tide us over which was delivered after our food finally came. Thanks for nothing. Food. It wasn't very good. The Belgian waffle was OK. Adults at the table didn't like eggs benedict, steak n eggs, or chilaquiles. 0 for 3... Menu was slim, and variety was poor. Bloody Mary. Just not good.
(1)
Jonathan A.
Fantastic spot, food and service. Great in the spring/summer for outside seating and soaking Up some rays while enjoying a great brunch.
(4)
Ziggy I.
This was a first: Never have I been chased down the block by a restaurant owner. It's not nearly as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it was quite touching. My party and I had shown up at prime dinner hour on a weekend, no reservation--of course there was going to be a wait. We waited a bit, but then our hunger got the better of us and we headed down the street to look for somewhere less busy. Then we heard quick footsteps behind us on the sidewalk. It was the owner! He apologized for the wait and implored us to return. He probably had a million other things to do, and not to mention the promise of other willing customers, but he felt bad that we'd waited 20 minutes instead of the promised 10-15. It was such a genuine gesture on his part, and a true reflection of Fork's service in general. Usually you only notice service when it's bad, but Fork's staff are skilled at somehow letting you know that they're taking good care of you without being fussy or pretentious. This was maybe my third or fourth time at the restaurant, and the staff have always been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I really can't praise them enough and am truly surprised to see that this place isn't rated more highly here. As for the food: I've tried a good portion of the menu and have been impressed all around. Some favorites include the summer squash "spaghetti" and the eggplant "caviar," both delicious. Have also really enjoyed the charcuterie, cheeses, poutine (a little on the salty side, but still great), and mac n' cheese. The presentation is attractive without trying too hard. And to say that the wine and beer list is extensive would be a grave understatement. I'm a big fan of this place.
(5)
Eric D.
Four was the first restaurant I ate at when I moved to Lincoln Square. I live right upstairs from it and thought it would be super cool and convenient if the food was as good as it looked on the menu. While I was enjoying my brunch in my over hard poached egg(Why are you cooking if you can't even poach an egg properly?) While the manager and one of their servers were discussing something of a financial nature that I should not of heard to begin with. The manager, I short stocky guy with a blond buzz cut, was being extremely rude to the server and a few tables that can hear him. I'm starting to understand why this place is been three or four different places over the years. I go back but only if somebody else paid.
(3)
Becky S.
This place is a solid 3.5 stars for me but I am bumping them up to 4 for their wine, beer, and cheese flights. I have been here for brunch twice and dinner once. The brunch is good but nothing spectacular, mostly standard fare. I do like the tables that are seated right in the window -- nice for people watching and fresh air. Both times at brunch I had the smoked salmon platter which was good, but nothing novel. My husband and I had dinner here for the first time last weekend despite living in the neighborhood for almost two years. Overall it was a nice experience, and the food was very good. The dinner started off a little rocky in that we were sat outside on the sidewalk by the host (yay for nice weather!) but our server did not appear for about 15 mins. Eventually the host came out and realized we were sitting there not being served and apologized for forgetting to tell the server. No big thing....we were enjoying the nice weather and each other's company, but I think as a restaurant host, I would have offered a free drink at that point to make up for the mistake. Our server was lovely and very friendly, and from there on out the service was perfect. I had the Unibroue beer flight which was great. It's rare you see a beer flight, so I was stoked. My husband had a mixed greens salad to start which was good. But the star was his entree -- the house smoked beef brisket sandwich! YUMMMMM The smokiness of the meat was delicious. And my husband won major brownie points for telling the waitress it was the second best brisket he ever ate. "Second to what?" you may ask, and in fact the waitress did ask. "Second to my mother-in-law's brisket" he answered. Awwww So sweet.... But really, nobody beats a Jewish mom at brisket. My duck confit club sandwich was also very tasty, although I would have liked it better if it was just two slices of bread rather than three. Overall, a very nice dinner.
(4)
Alice H.
I've wanted to eat here for a long time...even before they changed the name...but something always got in the way...you know how that goes. Last night I finally got there and it goes on "the list"...you know, the list of places you'll keep going back to. We had the duck club...scrumptious...the garlic fries with it...great...mac'n'cheese...probably the best around...brussel sprouts with bacon...mmm...bread pudding so good it should be illegal...and great coffee. They have great beers and a good wine list... The menu is marvellous...can't wait to try the pork belly sandwich... The service superb...thanks Hannah! I didn't get the hostess' name or the busboy's, but they were wonderful also. Go! Relax...Enjoy...I know I'll be back soon.
(5)
Erika G.
Neither outrageously good, nor bad. Pleasant, not unpleasant. Didn't sample the food, but by proximity alone, it's a great place to have a drink before a movie at the Davis. The red wine was good. The martinis (after a Bond movie) were not made to the immaculate, ritualistic chilly perfection I enjoy in a martini, I'll stick to Bandera for that. The sorbet was weird. Concord Grape with Thyme. An interesting pairing, but I would have been happy with simply the yummy Concord Grape - I kept thinking "Why Thyme?". It seemed like an experiment just to be different. Still a few ghosts of Square Kitchen lingering. It was surprisingly uncrowded for a late Saturday night, and the staff seemed anxious to close up and get outta there. I'll go back before or after a movie at the Davis, but probably would not go out of my way for this one.
(3)
Jeana P.
Fork is our new neighborhood go to restaurant! My husband and I have lived in LS for 6 years. Having been to previously named Square Kitchen and Fiddlehead, we were never raving fans. But Fork is another story! We love the beer selection and wine flights. Windows open onto Lincoln Ave. in warmer weather months, cozy and inviting in cold weather. Food is AMAZING! Hands down favorite is the Duck Liver Mouse. Also enjoy Pork Belly Reuben, Chix Burger, fish specials. Don't let the Charcuterie name scare you, it's just a yummy assortment of cheese, meats, little pickles, gourmet olives, stone ground mustard, etc. Ask for Niko the waiter, you're guaranteed superb service with a friendly face! Finally a gastropub in LS. Well done Fork, great addition to neighborhood that we highly recommend!
(5)
Kelly A.
I love Fork. While the fare may not be quite as adventurous as Bongo Room or Orange they still have a menu that is pretty creative and very satisfying. I've enjoyed everything I've had on the menu so far, with the chilaquiles being my favorite. I find the texture is hard to get right and they handle it with mastery. It was among the best I've had in the city and very satisfing. I also appreciate that both time I have dined here they have been more than willing to make substitutions based on my preferences and have either done it for free or charged me marginally based on what I switched. As for the atmosphere, it's good. It can get a bit loud during the prime of brunch, but not so much that you cannot hear your companion. And even though this seems to be a mecca for the stroller-toting set, my experience was always that the kind of parents that go to Fork are respectful of other diners and you don't encounter some of the same problems you get at other kid-friendly places. (i.e.kids running around or yelling/crying loudly.)
(4)
V V.
Finally tried this place for the first time. Met two other couples here for dinner on a Friday night and my wife and I will definetely be returning. It was full for a Friday night but not packed in there...each table and patron gets an adequate amount of space. Ambience was nice, wait staff was great. Menu is great with a wide range of appetizers, small plates, and entrees. Our table started with the Duck Poutine (amazing) and the Brussel Sprouts (surprisingly great!). I went with the BBQ Brisket Sandwich on Texas toast. Brisket was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and with just the right amount of leanness to it...it was so good. Wife got the gnocci and she enjoyed it! Wife got a couple glasses of sweet white wine that she loves, and the dirty martinis were made perfectly as well. I hope this place stays around for a while as there are plenty of things on the menu that look unique and tasty. Apparently, their brunch is a must-try as well. Highly recommend!
(4)
Zoe G.
I went to Fork last night for night for dinner and it was amazing. Jamie, our server, was extremely knowlegable, attentive and made outstanding recommendations. My friends and I split the gnocchi, pork belly and cheese plate. The gnoochi was rich and delicious with truffle essence. The pork belly with it's cheesy grits was outstanding. The chef sent out complimentary champagne and sorbet at the end of meal. I will definataly be back!
(5)
Matt T.
You know, not too shabby Fork. When Fork opened up I was pretty meh about going and the menu looked like every other new spot coming to the city. I read the reviews and they were pretty mixed so it seemed Fork would be fairly mediocre. After my wife and I decided not to drive to Berwyn to try a restaurant out there due to ridiculous Friday night traffic we walked through Lincoln Square just to look for a drink and an app to start out our night. We happened upon Fork and thought what could be so bad about a drink and a small starter. Well, to my surprise, Fork had 3 Floyd's Zombie Dust on tap! The only other place I've had this so far is Maria's in Bridgeport. My wife found a good glass of wine (great selection of beer and wine, I must say) and we were off. After perusing the menu we opted for the warm marinated olives and the chicken liver pate. The olives were fine but a little too warm. They were tasted but a hot olive just doesn't do it for me. However, the pate was phenomenal and came in a nice sized glass mason jar. The only downside is you are given 3 small pieces of toasted crostinis but we were able to request more for no charge. The pate was really smooth and delicious and had a really nice rich flavor. After finishing our pate we decided to stay rather than venture out to somewhere else we had no idea where to go. We split a burger with cheddar and it was really great. We both are burger fans and like to try burgers all over the city. Fork's did not disappoint and was cooked to medium-rare perfection and was really really moist and juicy. House-made chipotle ketchup was already on the very nice bun and we opted for the garlic-cilantro fries for a buck extra. A fine choice but beware as the fries are pretty garlicky. We also appreciated the burger and fries split on two separate plates for us. We find this is a nice bonus when kitchens and servers recognize we are splitting something and do it for us. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fairly attentive and pleasant. They got bogged down a few times and it took a while for us to get their attention on two occasions but it was fine as orders were picking up. There are several other items on the menu that we were looking at and are eager to try next time we go to Fork. We'll definitely be back soon.
(4)
Barry B.
My wife and I visited Fork after receiving abysmal service (and no food) at Vermillion. We couldn't have been happier with service and the food. We had an excellent sparkling rose wine and the best mac and cheese I've ever had. Did I mention that our waitress was fantastic? We will definitely be returning to sample the wine flights and cheeses.
(5)
James B.
Service was prompt and friendly. 4 course beer pairing menu was good, but heavy on the red meat. The maple, bacon donut was great but that's kind of like dunking on a fisher price basket ball hoop.
(4)
Megan K.
Fork is definitely more than three stars, but isn't quite deserving of a true four star ranking. That aside, here's how my recent trip breaks down: I made a reservation for 7pm on a Thursday night, and the restaurant was about half full when I arrived. Not quite necessary, but it's nice to accrue those opentable points! The drinks: My friend and I both decided to try one of their wine flight offerings. I opted for the Pinot Noir flight, and I was satisfied with it. The wines obviously weren't outstanding, but they weren't the cheapest swill from the bottom of the barrel of wine selections. We asked the waiter for his suggestion of a nicer hard cheese that would pair well with our wine, and he recommended the Three Year Cheddar which was wonderfully tangy and had a nice subtle undertone of herbs. I was a fan of this and it was served with a few pieces of bread, apple, and candied pecans. The food: We decided to share a few small plates and settled on the root vegetable hash and one of their specials. The vegetable hash was amazing--I adore fall vegetables and I liked their unique spin on the vegetables. They lightly sauteed celery root, carrots, parsnips, fennel, sweet potatoes and onions and topped it with fresh arugula and a fried egg. The vegetables were well seasoned and weren't doused in butter or an oil, and the fried egg on top made the dish very savory and slightly rich. I could have eaten this alone and been satisfied. But... I'm glad I didn't! The special of the evening was a pheasant sausage with squash, green beans, and light beans. The pheasant was lightly spiced and sliced thin among the vegetables. It had a similar overall seasoning on the dish as the vegetable hash, and the only "alarming" fact of this is my concern that all their dishes may be seasoned similarly. That aside, it all was very tasty and my friend and I enjoyed every bite. The service: They were prompt, but certainly not friendly. The waiter seemed a bit put out when we asked for a recommendation on the cheese. The atmosphere: Not too loud, not too quiet. I loved how we weren't sandwiched in to the point of hearing what the tables around us were saying. Major points there. I'll definitely be back to try their beer list and their brunch. Hopefully my next experiences will boost up the rating to the four stars that it has almost achieved in my eyes.
(3)
Bobby G.
Everything here seems to look and sound way better than it tastes. I'm talking especially to you garlic-cilantro fries. Seriously this might be one of the most aestetically pleasing letdowns in the north side. Even their fine cheese and meat selection is overpriced for the tiny portion you get. The beer selection is a ok though. The only thing that was really great was the pork belly. Beware,it's heavy so if you eat the entire thing you'll feel the way that I imagine pregnant women feel. Which is, like you have a baby in your stomach.
(3)
Risa B.
I have been a fan of this place since they were Fiddlehead. Fork does everything well! Favorites include: Their candied bacon snacks, PBLT (Pork Belly sandwich), the mussels, duck club sandwich ~ And - I am a huge fan of the cheese plate and wine flight - this place does it right! Beyond all the fantastic food on the regular menu - on of their best dishes is on the dessert menu! They have a Sticky toffee dessert that will make your life! Go - Enjoy!
(5)
Catherine L.
My experience at Fork proved that good service really does make a difference. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, was very enthusiastic about the food, and even gave suggestions as to different beers to order based on our initial orders. I really wish I could remember her name. Anyway, we started off with the French charcuterie flight, which is comprised of saucisson sec (salami), pate de champagne and magret fume (smoked duck breast). I was not a huge fan of magret fume, but I would eat the pate everyday if I could. The saucisson sec was also delicious, but the pate was simply amazing. We also shared the spring vegetable ragout, the braised pork belly, and the seared diver scallops. My only real complaint is about the order in which the food came out. The braised pork belly came out at the same time as the charcuterie, which we ate first, so it was no longer hot by the time we ate it. Regardless, it was cooked very well and the cheese grits had a wonderfully smooth texture. The seared scallops came out second and were equally as delicious. They may have been ever so slightly overcooked, but I didn't notice. The vegetable ragout came out last, although I think it should have come out first. It also wasn't the best note on which to end the night. This is not to say that it was not good, but it definitely was not amazing. Overall, it was a great experience. I would be happy to eat there again.
(4)
Jenny K.
A nice brunch spot that was buzzing with activity even on a day so cold you'd think everyone would be anchored to the couch, ensconced in a snuggie or slanket of choice. Extremely attentive service - water guy, server, and manager each checked on us multiple times. Fresh, delicious food. Only drawbacks: portion size a little small for the price and limited vegetarian-friendly options.
(4)
Bobby H.
I've been to Fork .. I'm almost embarrassed to admit this .. three times in the past 10 days. But, no, I'm not embarrassed by that. This place is amazing. I've been here on a date, for an impromptu late dinner with friends, and a planned birthday celebration. Every experience was very impressive, from the food and drinks to the quality and timeliness of service. Each of our three different servers were very friendly without being overbearing, and all were very knowledgeable about both the food choices as well as the extensive and impressive list of beers and wines. Food was always brought promptly, even when the place was packed, and everything is very fresh and of high quality. Menu items tried (and enjoyed): House-smoked Brisket Sauteed Brussel Sprouts Braised Pork Belly (I would get this again just for the cheddar grits. Wow.) Duck Confit Poutine Belgian/French Mussels Various Cheese / Charcuterie Plates I thought after being there a third time that we would be burned out by this place, but each time it leaves a better impression. Next up: Need to try the Chicken and Waffles.
(5)
David G.
I recently went with my girlfriend to eat at "Fork" for Sunday brunch. We made a reservation and actually got real good parking which I hear can be a problem. As we walked in we were promptly escorted to our table with no wait. The waitress was almost instantly there to wait on us and ask us if we wanted drinks which was nice. I ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. Now.. its very hard to mess up Fried Chicken and Waffles.... but with that said the meal was excellent. My girlfriend ordered a couple egg dishes that she thoroughly enjoyed. I left the place extremely full, to the point where it was hard to breath haha. Only reason that I give it 4 stars was the price. My orange juice cost $3.50... everything else was steep as well. All in all... I would recommend it and go back.
(4)
Pamela P.
Stay away from the brunch here. It's terrible. Awful. Uncoordinated. Un-tasty (yes, I did just make that word up). Sub-par. Disappointing. First of all, as far as their vegetarian-friendly options, it's a proverbial desert. There's not much for the non-meaters. In somewhat of a tree-huggery area, this isn't very acceptable. We started off with coffee, served in a mug, and we should have nursed that java because to get a refill was equivalent of trying to get blood out of a turnip. Not seeing many options on the menu that suited my tastes, I ordered two eggs with no potatoes and with a bagel and cream cheese. I was told that they can't do "no potatoes" and that the bagel and cream cheese was $2.50. And "what about your toast? You know we still charge you for it." Never mind, I thought, just give me the bagel and cream cheese. I then pressed if I could get a side of the eggs. The waitress looked at me perplexed, walked away without warning and returned saying they could. Very well then, that was my order. The other half ordered some scramble with sausage and toast and potatoes. Two minutes after ordering, my side of over easy eggs arrives. I looked at the server perplexed. I tell him, that's part of my order and questioned if the other food was coming because 1) I didn't want to eat alone and 2) how could I even eat runny eggs with just a fork.... The server ignored me and off he went. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the food comes and the waitress just casually says "Sorry 'bout the eggs." The bagel was old. The cream cheese was lowfat Philadelphia cheese. $2.50 for that? What a rip off. My other half thought his food was terrible. Dry, old eggs with terrible tasting sausage. Dry and old toast without so much as even jam or jelly (on the side, as advertised). Then minutes later, the waitress brings us our bill. What a terrible place. No apologizes for the mix-ups, no refills on the coffee and really bad food. For that price, you'd be better off going somewhere fancy and being served with more respect and better food. Period.
(1)
Moyah M.
I would eat here everyday of I could brunch, lunch and dinner. The mac n cheese is awesome, the little bacon bits are a nice touch. The filet mignon sliders are crazy amazing. Get the fries. Yum. They are known for a huge and vast wine selection. They have a great wait staff attentive but not overbearing. I love you Fiddleheads. PS. The best Sangria in Chicago. Truly. I'm so serious.
(5)
Brian S.
Went on Father's Day for brunch with a group of 4. Called at 11am and was told we'd have no wait as long as we were there before noon (after that, a 5 - 10 min wait). They were really friendly and helpful on the phone. When we arrived (just around noon), they sat us right away outside. Ordered a bloody mary to start. Asked for it medium spice to be safe. When it wasn't quite spicy enough, the waitress was really great about taking it into the bar for a bit more Sriracha. I ordered the chicken & waffles. The food came out within a very acceptable amount of time. There was a light drizzle of butter on the waffles which was not too over powering. There was a great crust and crunch on the fried chicken and the candied bacon made it really special. One piece of the chicken ended up being a bit too red for me (I'm sure it's unusual). I asked another waitress to find our server so I could explain. Instead, the other waitress offered to help me right there on the spot (before knowing my issue -- stellar). She immediately offered to take the chicken and half-eaten waffle away and bring me an entire new order--that's service you don't often get these days. And she did it with a smile. When the new plate arrived, our serve came by to make sure it was alright. The other dishes at the table were also top notch. Great teamwork! You really should try this place.
(4)
Andy K.
Looks like "Fiddlehead" has now become "Fork". My prior review no longer applies, but I'm leaving it up in hopes that the old Manager from Fiddlehead reads it again and decides to actually jump off that bridge he's been thinking about.
(4)
Andrea D.
I've only been here for brunch, so I can't comment on dinner or lunch foods but the brunch.. it is very yummy. I had a waffle with the apple compote and cinnamon butter. Man that cinnamon butter is the yummiest thing. I think I could have that waffle every day. I also had a drink called.. what was it called? Brunch punch?? It was boozy without being overly boozy and citrusy and refreshing on a Sunday morning. My friend Sara had the hangover helper and she thought it was delish as well. It's a pretty good place to go and located near the Davis theater, so I imagine it makes a convenient place to get a bit before or after a movie.
(4)
Bradley S.
Partner and I stopped here for brunch after checking out two applefests Saturday. We chose the place because of their eclectic menu and sidewalk seating. I started off with a bellini; Partner with coffee. I pretty much knew what I wanted by the time we were seated (duck confit hash); Partner took his time. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and didn't seem the least annoyed with our liesurely pace. Partner finally ordered the Farmhouse Burger (bacon, egg and burger). He thouroughly enjoyed his burger: I was very happy with the hash. I wasn't thrilled with his fries. While the price point is a tad above our normal weekly brunch rotation, we'll not hesitate to return.
(4)
Melissa S.
I recently had dinner here with a friend. My intention was to eat, drink and spend too much, and I was successful. The food was all very tasty. The lamb small plate was the clear winner of the evening, I found myself embarrassingly sucking on the bones when all the meat was gone. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the artichoke; I found it too difficult to eat. I feel that when you're paying that much for a vegetable, a kitchen should at least bother to remove the inedible parts. I enjoyed how their menu was arranged to make sharing very easy, and the pre-arranged flights and pairings made ordering easy. Next time I'll be ordering the ganache cake paired with the raspberry lambic, that is just genius. The booze was good. We enjoyed our cocktails and wine flight. The only complaint here was that all of the cocktails seemed very summery. Something to match the Autumn outside would have been great. The atmosphere, however, was in line with the colder weather, and the fireplace helped me settle in and relax. Service was excellent and the opposite of pushy. I think they were trying to let us sit back and enjoy, which was just fine. Our server was really great with my friend's gluten intolerance and went out of his way to make her feel at ease. I must say I love a restaurant that cares about catering to restricted diets. I'll be back!
(4)
Megan B.
As Scarlett used to say, "fiddle-dee-dee!" Roughly translating to, "I don't care what everyone thinks, I will do as I please!" To channel this woman of great personal strength, I say, "Fiddlehead, you are a fine establishment. While I appreciate you introducing me to the smokey joy of duck confit, I don't believe you are anything special. And even though everyone else seems to think you are God's gift to brunch, I don't buy it." Cute decor/ambiance. Standard "fancy" new American fare, with a price tag to match. Solid bloody mary's. Waitresses with 'tude. Nice but relatively cramped outdoor seating. Basically, overpriced and undwerwhelming. 'Nuf said.
(2)
Garrett G.
I have been here for brunch a few times. The food never disappoints. Today I went with the pork belly sandwich with garlic fries and everything was fantastic. It is a big place so waiting hasn't been an issue. The juices are a bit expensive for the size but that is my only complaint.
(4)
Ron P.
First time to Fork this past Sunday evening. Being new to Chicago this place blew us away but so is most of Chicago's best spots that we are getting to know. Fork is a culinary treat. Big flavors in everything we tried and a huge wine and beer selection to match. Their cheese selection is vast so we tried 5 different ones...hard, goat, sheep...they were all excellent. Our server Jamie was a perfect blend of informative, attentive and patient for being first timers...explained the menu concept well and her suggestions gave us a good sampling of the fare. Beet salad was full of complex flavors and delicious. Fork "poutine" and brisket were excellent. We are definitely going back to explore further.
(4)
Kendrah R.
Good place to grab a beer, would not go back for dinner. Four of us went to dinner. The food was edible, for the most part, but unimpressive. The service was really substandard. Our waitress knew nothing about the menu. She had to come back four times before taking our order because each time she forgot to ask the one question of the kitchen. She never once came to check on us after we got our food. My husband had mussels that were super unimpressive, the sauce was nothing and the mussels just didn't taste fresh. His thinking "If you want to eat mussels why would you ever eat here if you could go to the Hopleaf instead?" I had a burger. It was tasty and the pickles that came with it were great. And it came with tons of fries. It was supposedly local meat but I have my doubts - it just didn't taste that fresh or lean. I also thought, 'If I want a good, local meat burger and am in Lincoln Square, I'd rather have one at Bistro Campagne'. A friend had a pork belly sandwich that was pure fat. Now of course this is pork belly, but still, it was inedible for her. Another friend ate a pork belly sandwich and devoured it. When I asked if they could make the roasted beets without goat cheese (sometimes it is just too heavy and I want my veggies just veggies) they said 'No.' This leads me to believe that much of their food is not made to order. In a restaurant with these prices it should be. I was unimpressed with this place when it was Fiddlehead and am equally unimpressed now. I would not bother going back for dinner. They do have a really good beer list though.
(3)
Christa V.
Really yummy food, friendly eager-to-please service on a busy summer night. We sat outdoors but the cozy vibe of the interior dining rooms washed over us. We started with small plates (those pretzel bites are delish!), went on to small entrees (mussel special, one of three mussel choices, nice and fresh and well-sauced) and sandwiches (duck club! hooray!), and ended with seasonal/local berry dessert specials that were gorgeous. Great selection of cheese and charcuterie -- very Euro! Any adult beverage you want, they've got it and it's good. :-) Definitely coming here again soon, and to enjoy the fireplace in the winter.
(4)
Jeryl C.
We were seated promptly by the open air windows, which was delightful. Our server, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable, answered all our questions patiently, and made suggestions when requested. The garlic/cilantro fries were mouthwatering, accompanied by a delicious aolli (sp). The gnocchi was the sweetest, most melt-in-your-mouth delicioiusness I've ever tasted. I felt cheated because I desperately wanted to try more small plates but I was simply too stuffed! IMHO prices were modest. I will definitely return to Fork as I enjoyed one of my favorite meals ever!!
(5)
Stefanie U.
Great place to hang out at the bar for a cocktail or two and small bite to eat.
(4)
Aimee D.
I just went here tonight with my family (which included our 10 month old) and we had a great time. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and even though this is a wine bar (I tasted one of their wine flights) it's also very kid friendly (granted, we arrived at 6pm). Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered the beet salad which was great and then the pork belly main course which was wonderful. I didn't partake in dessert like the rest of my family did, thanks to my Lenten sacrifice, but it looked like I missed out - a sacrifice indeed. This is a place where I can take my child to eat, but also feel as though I'm going "out to dinner" with other grownups. We will be back for sure.
(5)
Omar K.
Solid place for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and overall good menu with a nice variety. I would say they can definitely skimp on the portions at times and also when they are busy they seem to run out of quite a few things. Wait staff is for the most part extremely friendly, except for a few newcomers. Give this place a try, chances are you'll like it.
(4)
Amanda M.
I've been here twice, both times on a Sunday. They have great meals, good bloody Marys and decent service. Typically find it gets crowded with the church crowed around 11.
(4)
Claire S.
I'm writing this review based off of a brunch experience I had at Fork. First of all, based on the decor and menu items, it didn't seem to me like this place knows exactly what it wants to be. I understand they offer a little bit of everything, but it seems like they're trying to be too many things--a brunch/lunch spot, dinner place, and wine bar with a large beer selection. Maybe they do a good job at one of these things, but it wasn't the brunch. My gripes: -$5 for a small plate of "seasonal fruit" which equaled pineapple, blueberries, and cantelope. Not exactly what I would deem seasonal and probably just purchased in bulk. -Multiple pieces of silverware with gunk and crust on them -Lame brioche French toast that I could have done up better -Cold rye toast--I know it's difficult to keep toast hot, but this was so cold that no butter would even melt on it. What was OK: -Service -Florentine benedict--this was pretty tasty. Although this place is conveniently located to my apartment, I probably won't be back and can't really recommend it, especially not for brunch.
(2)
Paul E.
We had very little time before a concert, but we were graciously and promptly seated, had the Mushroom Soup and Crowd Pleaser Cheese Flight, and left happy all around. We even got a takeaway tin of the Persian Feta for Christmas. Our waitress was most accommodating and pleasant without being overbearing or intrusive. All the pressure of the hurry melted away. Bravo! And the concert was great too. (Our last visit was when this spot was Fiddlehead, so were delighted to see the tradition continuing in this new form.)
(4)
Heather E.
I love the atmosphere and I maintain that this is a great place to go for a drink with a friend- relatively quiet, great lighting, bar with seats usually available, and an extensive beer and wine list. As for the restaurant part of fork, it is good, but a bit unmemorable. During our recent trip we started off dinner with their ricotta honeycomb appetizer. It was really very good, but the problem was they only gave us 4 small pieces of toast for a rather large jar of ricotta. Our waitress later noticed that we had a lot of ricotta left and not a lot of bread, so she kindly brought more. As a tip though, bread is cheap, so I would overestimate and make people happy right off the bat. For dinner, I had the brisket sandwich, which was very tasty- I even enjoyed the sauce, which is not always the case. My husband was a little less impressed with his entree. He ordered the house gnocchi, which in his usual poetry he described as "tasting pretty much like it sounds on the menu". He got the larger portion, which I think still left him hungry, and he spent most of dinner gazing longingly at the grilled cheese and tomato soup one table over...
(4)
Saira C.
Came here on Halloween before a party for dinner. The crowd there is really weird. I was in a non revealing costume, yet all the tables nearby seemed really bothered by our presence. It was super weird. The waitress was kinda grumpy to us too. The ambiance is like some kind of mu-zack contemporary jazz and dark lighting. Like 50+ age bracket, and stuffy young people. I'm into the older crowd, but the stuffiness... hrm. It was okay. I didn't particularly care for the feeling or air in there if that makes sense. Just not for me. The food was pretty good though, and I would do take out if they offer it!!
(3)
erika s.
i hate that this is an "update" to my previous review. the owners of this place changed the name, branding, decor and menu and they deserve to be disassociated with fiddlehead. as much as i don't mean that to sound like a backhanded compliment, it prolly does. this place is so great! i'm so excited. apparently the owners have been working with a new chef over the past year and have some of the same menu items, but overall the thing is 100% different. they have done their homework and i can't compliment them enough. in fact, i almost tracked them down today to say how much i enjoyed my experience here this time. the only real indicator for me that it was the same people before i asked the waitress was the wine list--same hilarious icons. i would be willing to design new ones for there is interest. house cured citrus salmon was superb. can't wait to have again. yes. the beer list: extensive. i tasted one of the brown beers--the rocky revenge brown--super yummy. cheese/charcuterie: tasted-- Smoked duck breast--too gamey for me, but my dining partner loved Serrano ham St andre cows milk Kunik triple cream goat milk--sooo good. wow. Persian feta--not bad i loved that they didn't skimp on the pairings--we got apples, pickles, candied walnuts, taosted bread and bread w raisins i got the Metropolis coffee--they didn't have soy which i would have liked--the coffee was way too strong. i drink strong coffee at home and i didn't finish my cup here. this was literally the only thing i wasn't 100% pleased with so in the scheme of things not such a big deal. Good service and hostess--totally important as you can have great food and bad service and you're totally ruined. so excited to have a new fave place for brunch and charcuterie/drinks.
(5)
Lauren B.
It's so strange to me that two people can have two completely different reviews of a restaurant when they dined there on the same night and ordered the same thing on the menu (I'm referring to the post from 10/14/2010 with two stars)... I visited Fiddlehead last night for the second time and once again, had a great meal with great service. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chef at the end of the meal. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi was outstanding. I think some people have and idea in their mind about what traditional gnocchi should be as far as texture and shape go. Even though the gnocchi at Fiddlehead is a departure from the norm, it is fantastic and must be experienced. The beer selection here is also great and very moderately priced for what it is. We wanted to try something new and our server recommended a couple of beers to us that were exactly what we were looking for. She was very knowledgable. We booked our rehersal dinner there last night and will be returning many more times before the event!
(5)
Lakshmi R.
My first visit here was B.Y.E. (Before Yelp Era--that is, my pre-Yelping days) and some time ago, so sadly the details have been lost. But the memory was strong: a delicious flight of cheeses shared with a good friend and paired with a delicious sparkling wine. A memory strong and good enough for me to suggest to my boyfriend that we head there on a little date. And what a yummy date it was! We selected a Parmesan from Wisconsin (lightly fruity) the Ossau Iraty and Valdeon (rich sheep's milk cheese), the O'Banon (wrapped in chestnut leaves!) and best of all, the Green Peppercorn, a spicy goat's milk cheese. Paired with fruit and bread, we were knocked over with pleasure. As for alcohol, I stuck with bubbly wine. The bf picked out an intriguing, citrusy beer after much hemming and hawing: the beer list is massive! Yeah, I think a third visit is in order.
(4)
Peter S.
we soured on Fork after the shift from Fiddle Head awhile back but urging from our friends convinced us to give it another chance. we sat at the bar and had a flight of Spicy Reds (Mellody's drink of choice) and i had a very well made Manhattan with Bakers 7 y.o. bourbon. we decided to just eat some small plates, i started with the kale salad, a special that was out of this world! homemade gingerbread croutons, candied walnuts and squash. If its on the menu when you get there you must try it. we also had Mac and Cheese, pork belly slider and a gnocci with scallops. All excellent and well worth the price. so after a little hiatus, we'll now put Fork back into the rotation.
(4)
Cynthia F.
The service is usually pretty good, and the food is always delicious. Things to try: the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup combo, the burger with sriracha aioli for the fries, and my favorite, the chilaquiles. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Russell K.
Finally, the gastropub concept has come to Lincoln Square. The food was great. I loved being able to order a cheese flight for an appetizer. The atmosphere is classy and nice. The only failing the place had was that the temperature was way too high because of the fireplace (I think). I hope they can fix that.
(4)
Mindy S.
My review will provide a fresh look at Fork (as I had never visited Fiddlehead)... wow!! I loved it and my tablemates did too. Let me just say that the hostess, host, waitresses, and everybody else who helped us out were so kind and friendly. We were able to sit outside with no wait, and were attended to throughout the meal. The food - yum! Seriously, the fried chicken and waffles were a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and a little salty to make you want to order a second plate. The duct confit hash with 2 eggs over easy was a great alternative to the traditional brunch hash, with a nice amount of duck. The potatoes in the hash could have been just a little more cooked for my liking, but the dish was spot on. The bloody marys were good - be sure to ask for yours spicy, as the "medium" we asked for was considered too mild for the table. If the brunch at Fork is any indication of the lunch/dinner quality, be sure to give it a try for any meal.
(4)
Susana D.
Hilariously effete poutine features tableside pours of cheese sauce and gravy (okay, it's true; when classic poutine arrives, it does rather look like a dog's breakfast), but the shredded duck was tender without that metalic taste duck too often has. Imaginative venison flatbread special. Fine list of brews including ciders. Nice groove.
(3)
P M.
Cute yes, cozy for sure! Have an event for friends and family no way! Guests should never have to ask for a portion because plates are served with not enough quantity for each! The food was good if you could get any! When you serve family style there should be enough for everyone in the party? I mean LESS than a half a slice of french toast per person? Really seems they might be taking advantage of the party atmosphere or maybe just not very experienced accommodating parties! Not very good impression if you want returns!
(2)
Kathy S.
Brunch = GREAT Dinner - Meh. Food was disappointing for everyone in my group, but we LOVED the beer sampler.
(3)
Sonata B.
Went to Fork today foor Father's Day and the food was so good!! (garlic cilantro fries and the egg scramble) I would've given them five stars but the wait was not the best. We waited 25 minutes for our drinks and additional 30 minutes for our food. I really didn't mind because of the atmosphere of the place: nice artwork on the wall and people watching on Lincoln Ave. I do want to return soon to see what's on there dinner menu :)
(4)
Alex A.
I can't comment on the food because my husband and I went for drinks. They have a huge, very diverse beer menu. The bartender was extremely knowledgable about beer. This is a new fave spot and I look forward to trying more "strange" beers, including some of the beer flights.
(4)
Caroline M.
I've been meaning to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a long time and finally tried it out last night. The weather yesterday was so nice and they had their outdoor seating up and going and their big front windows wide open. My friend and I were seated in the back room which was really cute. Exposed brick walls and interesting photography made for a cozy dining experience. We are both big fans of wine flights, so we started the evening off with a flight, which were reasonably priced between $11-14. We also couldn't pass up on the cheeses which included some great raisin bread (I don't even like raisins!) and some awesome little spiced pecans. And since the soup of the day was asparagus (my favorite veggie) I had to give it a try. It was the only downfall of the night. Slightly under seasoned and not at all thickened. However, the duck confit in phyllo made up for it. I have never met duck confit that I haven't liked. My friend and I shared the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream, which was really rich and a great way to finish the meal. Our server was very friendly and made some great suggestions for us. I would definitely come back to Fiddlehead for some wine flights and cheese. It's a cute place to relax and have some good conversations over food and wine.
(4)
Grace C.
I want to give 3 stars for the food menu, and 5 for the booze menu, so I will just have to settle on 4 overall. I did not realize they had changed, sort of, from Fiddlehead until I showed up the other night. Mostly the same, although now they are focusing more on tastings; wine, beer, cheeses, small plates of all sorts. Their beer list is now awesome. I am not a huge wino so I can't comment on the wine selection other than that it is large. They have some really good flights put together for both beer and wine; I love themed beer flights! Get one. The food is tasty, well presented, seemingly made with fresh ingredients, but lacking in variety. There is not much available for a vegetarian, which is fine, of course, just don't plan on much variety in the full entree department if you are not a carnivore. Would be perfect for a light lunch for the purpose of cheese tasting. Friendly and attentive hostess and waitstaff! I really appreciate staff that is knowledgable but not pretentious at these types of establishments. Way to go.
(4)
Georgio M.
I have to say, I've found myself frequenting this very intimate restaurant more and more, simply because the food is great. On my last visit, I ordered roasted chicken with veggies. It took a while to get served, but that was probably because I went on a Friday night. My dish was well worth the wait. I've had a lot of chicken at many places, but never as good as Fiddle head's roasted selection. It was fresh, juicy and yes, yummy. My date ordered her usual Mac and Cheese, with pink salmon. Their cooks must really use some secret ingredients because I their fish taste very good. I might also add they have an excellent selection of wine from around the world. The Atmosphere Fiddlehead has a quiet, romantic, laid back front room with open windows during warmer months. If you are able to call ahead, or even request a window seat, then you will really have a wonderful time. They keep the room very dimly lit, which is nice because you can focus on your date. They usually play soft, ambient music in the back which does not disturb the meal. If you are in the Lincoln Square area & and looking for a good restaurant, this is the perfect place.
(4)
Lulu R.
Fiddlehead=Fork? That's OK that you changed names. The food is fantastic so you can do whatever you want. These people can call this place "don't come here" and heards of people will still come. Fork is nestled in the B-E-A-utiful Lincoln Square Village. Obviously there was no parking but it was a nice day for a walk because he ended parking far. Me and my friend had drank the night before so we were a bit hungover. We managed to crawl out of bed and get our asses there for this food...so my expectations were set high. It was brunch time and the place was packed. Its OK, never fret, they have this waiting area with couches and they brought my hungover self some water. I was so comfy talking with my friend over a cup of water on comfy couches. The hostess came over and asked if we needed anything while we waited (how sweet) and that the server was cleaning off our table and would be back to get us shortly. There are two rooms decorated very "homely" and modernly. They have a bar you can also sit at but can be very dangerous while at brunch. We were seated at a table with the perfect amount of sunshine to top off my day. I laid eyes upon the menu and fell in love. I looked around and saw what everyone was getting. Chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. My friend said he was def getting chicken and waffles so I know I could mooch off of his. I ended up deciding of soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil and shitake mushrooms with a triangle of puff pastry. BEST DECISION EVER!!! As a guilty starter, we ordered the garlic cilantro fries served with a siracha...yes i said siracha.... aioli. AMAZING. I know you might be worried about the breath factor but as they as, 2 garlics cancel out each other. Trust me, WORTH IT. They also serve mimosas, Bellini's, and champagne. (BRUNCH EXTRAVAGANZA). The chicken and waffles can out with some candied bacon on top with a warm fluffy waffle. The candied bacon was a perfect addition to it. The chicken was fried golden and was so juicy. I never knew how much they complimented each other with maple syrup all over them. The truffled soft scrambled eggs with shitakke mushrooms and a puff pastry triangle was simply described best as a life changing experience. The flavors in the truffle eggs with shitakke mushrooms was so developed and subtle at the same time. The eggs were cooked perfectly soft but not runny or disgusting. The puff pastry was an added touch that complimented it perfectly. Our server was amazing and the whole team looked really laid back and loved what they do. I know there is no dress code but it seemed a bit more than your regular Sunday sweatpants so bust out your good jeans and sport coat. If i could make up my own dress code, I would say, trendy casual. The pricing is pretty reasonable for the Lincoln Square area. I enjoyed my visit there from beginning to end. I plan to return in the future to try those Eggs Florentine. Who is coming with me?
(4)
brittany s.
Fiddlehead is the best place in the neighborhood for drinks, in my opinion. The wine list is amazing, they have a great selection of flights and the beer selection is great too. I had a great cocktail last night (I think it's called an "Elderflower Royale" and it was AMAZING. It is a pretty pricey, though, so we usually only have a couple of drinks there before moving on. I've never actually eaten there, besides trying the hummus appetizer (which was great!) but the food looks delicious and I'd love to go back for brunch.
(5)
Paige W.
Wow, I wrote my first review for Fiddlehead even BEFORE I spent almost an entire summer drinking there at the bar. You think I exaggerate, but let's ponder how else everyone who works there knows my name... Congratulations, Fiddlehead. You just earned your fifth star. I've always adored this place: Amazing wine selection, friendly servers and bartenders, chill soundtrack, great patio. Up the street from my apartment (yeah, I'm biased). Oh, and cheese. Sweet Jesus, the cheese. But the food never really got me. Brunch was too sticky-sweet; dinner was too salty. And everything was too expensive. Though, for that, I blame the neighborhood. And the nearby Old Town School for bringing all those ritzy North Shore people down for guitar lessons. And then...!!!! Fiddlehead got a new chef. Which I found out about when one of the kitchen staff walked by with a plate full of French fries, a potent punch of roasted garlic floating behind it. Those, friends, were the new garlic cilantro fries. I got an order for myself and was in seventh heaven -- though my breath went straight to the seventh circle of hell, I'd imagine. The chef came from a French restaurant and has incorporated a lot of those flavors and techniques into Fiddlehead's revamped menu. I haven't tried a lot of it, though, because I still can't really afford to dine at Fiddlehead as much as I'd like. Ah, but wait. Enter the new weekday specials. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fiddlehead becomes affordable for broke kids like me. Tuesdays: $8 wine flights. Wednesdays: $5 burgers, $8 specialty burgers and $1 off any draft beer. Thursday: FREE CHEESE NIGHT. Sweet Jesus. Order a cheese plate to eat there; take home the same amount for free to enjoy later. Um. Let me back up and discuss Wednesday. I ordered a burger with cheddar, fried onion straws, bourbon barbecue sauce and an impossibly soft, toasted brioche bun for $8. Is there anything higher than seventh heaven? Because I was there. As a Kansas City girl, I'm mighty picky about my barbecue sauces, and ohgoodlord. So, try that. Plus, Ephemere on tap? (And a buck off on Wednesdays?) The newly pumped-up beer selection at Fiddlehead has put them toe to toe with Hopleaf, as far as I'm concerned, minus the snobbery, bad lighting and thunderous din. Actually, the lighting's still bad, but it's much more pleasant at Fiddlehead. If you tried Fiddlehead before and weren't too impressed, give them another try. You won't be sorry.
(5)
Jen S.
I decided to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews, and wasn't disappointed. I had a cheese tasting, which was very good. And tried the candied bacon (bacon as a side dish? yes, please!) but we weren't huge fans of it. I had a salmon dish that was on their specials menu, and my boyfriend had the brisket sandwich both of which were very good. Service was on point and I loved all the flights, wine and beer.
(4)
Marta P.
Went here for brunch today. It was pretty good. Ordered the Bellini, which I would get again. Also tried the truffle eggs and chorizo scramble. Both were great. The chorizo scramble was served with the most amazing garlic potatoes. The crowd was not too bad and we got there at about 10:30 on a Saturday and left just in time because we heard some screaming kids on our way out. Fork seemed pretty low key and it catered to both families and just your average brunch crowd.
(4)
Michele K.
I had high hopes for Fork, a newer addition to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. With visions of tasty wine flights and a few apps, a friend and I headed there and were definitely disappointed several times throughout our experience. First, our wine flights were served in extremely spotted/dirty wine glasses. Most likely these were water spots but it was quite unappealing. We sheepishly asked for new glasses and definitely were made to feel funny about this (I don't know that I've ever asked for a new glass before). We ordered three appetizers to share. The first was the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread which was tasty but had a bit too much oil and salt. The second was the Eggplant Caviar which was okay. We waited for over 40 minutes for our third appetizer to be served. Finally we asked for our check and said we'd like to cancel our third appetizer. The waiter said that it was on it's way and it would be on him since we had waited so long. At least 10 minutes later, it was finally served. Sadly, Fork is not a place I would return to based upon poor timing of service, dirty glasses and lackluster food. I hope that Brunch is better and that other customers have had better experiences...
(1)
Jaime G.
Another great place in Lincoln Square. This area is has so many great little bars and new restaurants that makes me jealous that i don't live here. The fiddlehead is a great little spot with a monster beer and wine list and fun and inventive menu. it's a bit small but perfect to get some good attention that from the staff - which is good already. Haven't had their full menu but i did have a great experience at brunch. Had the truffled eggs with shitake mushrooms, truffled goat cheese, arugula, and puff pastry. Really good and seemingly unique. The rest of their menu looked good and would love to go back.
(4)
Tita P.
Updated because 4 stars were just not a enough!! Cozy Environment.....check Great Service....check Yummy food....check Nuff said!!
(5)
jenny m.
There are two things that I love about Fiddlehead that keep me coming back time and time again. The first (and most obvious), it's a wine bar and I love me some wine. The second (and I should preface by saying that all but one time I have sat at the bar), the consistent and always spectacular service. I've been there at least a dozen times and the service never fails to impress me. There are 4 or 5 different bartenders I've encountered and they are always friendly, attentive & helpful, but without ever being too in your face. I really think the owner puts a huge emphasis on hiring a certain type of server and it pays off. There are other places in the neighborhood I could go for a good glass of wine, but I generally just default to Fiddlehead because I trust that I will always be treated good there (especially if you are by yourself, they take really good care of you). And beer lovers don't despair, the beer list has gotten pretty extensive, I would say close to 100 beers on the menu now. So you can go with your wine loving friends and enjoy a cold one (or many, no ones judging). As far as the food goes, it's not been my focus there. I tend to just get an app or two and nibble while I make my way through a wine flight. But what I've had is good and I did hear they recently changed chef's and are changing up the menu a bit and they do have a few things I will be trying soon enough.
(5)
Jo W.
So, I came back for brunch here a few weeks ago, and... well, it was different than I remembered. The menu had completely changed since the previous time I'd been here, which I guess is normal for a restaurant. But it seemed a lot smaller, and nothing really stood out to me. I had been so excited to come back and eat at the restaurant that made me like gravy for the first time in 29 years (see previous review), but it's not even on the menu anymore. Sadness. I eventually went with french toast and it was not great. At all. It was very soggy, and didn't have a lot of flavor. In fact, the only thing I could taste were the flavors from the apples that topped my food. So basically I was eating flavorless soggy bread and... well, that's no fun. I ordered a side of bacon (because I can't brunch without bacon), and it also was not good. It tasted like someone had popped some Oscar Meyer bacon in the microwave. Sigh, really? I can do that myself at home. I just remembered this place being good, and my brunch just wasn't. And maybe it's the new menu, maybe it was an off day... who knows. For what it's worth, my friend really enjoyed her egg dish - I think she got the truffled eggs. Her daughter got the kid's PB&J, which comes toasted, which the menu doesn't note. Luckily her 3 year old was having a non-picky day (you know how kids are), and ate it. The PB&J came with really greasy fries which she also gobbled right up. The mimosas were just as weak as I remembered them, but bonus - and the only reason I gave 3 stars and not 2 - they didn't charge us for any of our mimosas, and we had 4 between the two of us. When I first looked at the check I couldn't figure out why it was only $30, and then it dawned on me why. Not sure why we weren't charged, but we appreciated it and our server (who was lovely) got a nice tip for her "error."
(3)
Ed M.
This place has a great waitstaff. They were attentive polite and very accommodating. We went on a Sat. for brunch, and there were plenty of tables. Their food is inventive, and they have great drinks. Their bloody mary's have three levels of spice taste amazing. As for those who like beer, they have a pretty extensive list.
(5)
Benjamin G.
Best brunch I've had in Chicago! I walked in one day for brunch without really knowing what I had coming. I was quickly greeted by one of the friendly staff and given a table close to the window. Everything in the menu sounded good and I was glad to learn that they serve freshly squeezed orange juice, which I ordered. Then, after some hesitation I made up my mind to try the steak benedicts.....simply amazing! My girlfriend had the truffled scrambled eggs and they were also really good. We have gone back several times after that, always trying one new dish and sharing the steak benedicts, and not a single dish has failed to meet our expectations. I recommend it 100%!
(5)
Mike F.
I was tempted to give it five stars. Maybe the fifth star will arrive after I eat there a few more times. But my first two visits were great. It's not that it's a "five star" restaurant. But it's very good in the niche its carved itself as a casual place, yet more upscale than other bar/restaurants in Lincoln Square. It's vibe is more similar to 42 Degrees Latitude than Bad Dog, Daily Bar, etc. (not knocking those places, I like them too). I've had three dishes there that were top-notch: watermelon gazpacho, and both the duck club and beef brisket sandwiches. All of them had outstanding flavors and fresh ingredients that elevated them above similar sandwiches at other places. They're known for their cheese plates, and although I'm not a cheese gourmand, tried one of the cheese flights. The various cheeses were very good, and since it was Thursday night, we got to bring home an equal amount of cheese for free. They have a very extensive wine and beer list. I've never discussed beer pairings with the wait staff, so I can't comment on their knowledge, but the tap and bottle range is very broad. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to try the place, but I'm definitely a fan. It's on the list.
(4)
Anne C.
Went to dinner here on a Saturday night with another couple and found that, overall, Fork is a great option for the neighborhood. A couple things that needed work: The online menu sold me on a dish (Moroccan spiced lamb) that unfortunately wasn't on their menu. I was told that the online menu is a "sample menu" but ironically everything else was nearly identical...hmmm...(as of this post, it has been removed). The Cheese Plate - for $12 we expected there would be a little more to it than an apple slice cut in slivers, 4 almonds, and 3 pieces of cheese - each half the size of a slice of American cheese and just as thin. Certainly not enough to share - maybe enough for someone just wanting a 'taste'. Other places are far more generous by comparison. The things that will likely keep me coming back: - Menu variety. The Chicken Burger was surprisingly good that I'd definitely order it again. The French style mussels, Steak Frites and Bread Pudding are also worth a second trip. - Friendly, welcoming staff - The atmosphere was great - warm, lively, and good music was on but not so loud that you couldn't hold a conversation.
(4)
natalie v.
Wine flights - the complex reds are my favorite Beer flights - my husband likes these Cheese flights - I prefer the Spanish flight $5 - 1/2 pound burgers (or $8 specialty burgers) on Wednesdays If the above doesn't make you go there, you're lame. I love going here for dinner, for brunch and just for a drink. Their windows open so it's like you're sitting outside while you're inside. Or...you can sit outside if you prefer. The servers are always really cool. The food is always really good. The price is very reasonable.
(4)
Preston L.
Great option in in the hood. Very friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, have a flight. Food is always good and the flavours change with the seasons.
(5)
Jean C.
Maybe it's just that I'm kind of losing patience with the trendy and upscale sort of places that seem to spring up in, well, trendy and upscale neighborhoods like Lincoln Square and Andersonville, but I have to say that Fiddlehead Cafe underwhelmed me at brunch today. We walked into a restaurant with a lot of open tables, but it took close to half an hour for our party of eight to get seated. And for the life of me I don't know why since if anyone had actually bothered to clean off the empty tables in the front and push them together we could have been seated in ten minutes or less. Once we did get seated, we couldn't get enough menus for everyone. Again, in a restaurant where there are a number of empty tables, and many people already have their meals, why on earth was there some kind of menu shortage? They haven't just opened or started with brunches, it's not like they didn't know they might need a bunch of them. Ditto the cups for coffee or tea. It's not like they didn't know that people might want one or the other with their brunch, but while they seemed to have a nearly limitless supply of glasses for mimosas and champagne, people at our table had to wait for cups. Not long, but there was a lag. Once we ordered, the food came pretty quickly, but there were immediate problems. One of the folks at the table ordered smoked salmon and asked for it without onions, emphasizing that she was very, very allergic to onions. And yeah, it arrived with onions. When she sent it back she asked them to please make sure that they remade the plate because if they just picked the onions off she'd become quite sick. I think that finally got through because she seemed okay through the rest of the meal. And to the credit of the server, it really was handled quickly and politely. Another of our number got the wrong kind of sausage, a mistake less potentially disastrous, but bespeaking a sloppiness which might have been marginally acceptable had the place been jammed, but was absolutely not this morning. And I noticed that the watercress on several of the dishes was wilted, and looked sort of funky. There's just no excuse for that. Leave it off if it doesn't look right. I'd ordered chilaquiles, and what I got tasted okay except that I got lumps of scrambled egg, and tortilla chips that were not only still very crisp but had bonded to each other in difficult-to-cut hunks. And it was cold. I know eggs don't hold heat for very long, but I don't expect the entire dish to be cold. It was topped with some scallions, but very little crema and I didn't see any of the queso mentioned on the menu. Yet another member of our party ordered the banana pancakes and while I didn't ask, I sure didn't see any of the Nutella that was promised. She was also the only person to order pancakes, and yet we got two plates of butter and syrup. I don't know if they expected us to put it on the tortilla chips or something. The bottom line is this: As pleasant as the service was -- and everyone was refreshingly free of the upscale 'tude you get from a lot of servers in these places -- it failed to make up for the fact that there was a lot of sloppiness about the meal. Lack of basics, wrong orders, missing ingredients, ingredients not the freshest and dishes not really well thought out or executed. I don't feel I got my money's worth, frankly. Three stars because there was nothing seriously wrong with either the food or the service, and because I'm feeling more generous now than when I left the place.
(3)
Kerry S.
Not sure why I haven't reviewed Fiddlehead yet. Hmmm. I only ate dinner here once years ago when it was a different chef. We go in a lot for drinks and beers because their beer list is spectacular. No gettin' around it. A great bottle selection at a reasonable price, and their draft selection is expanding. I also like their little selection of noshes (blue cheese dip and homemade chips, olives, cheese platters.) We went in a few weeks back for a cocktail, and the bartender (whose name I can't remember now...Chris? Dan? Too much gin?) just got in a new bottle of Aquavit and had a little concoction in his mind he wanted to try out. We lucked out and volunteered to be his guinea pigs. Yum. Aquavit, gin, ginger syrup, bitters, orange zest. So pretty and yummy and potent. Again, this explains why I can't remember this nice gentleman's name. Anyway, I also like the brunch a whole bunch. Great spicy bloody. Perfect poached eggs. The staff can be a little goofy I suppose, but I kinda like that. There's plenty of stale, boring stuff in Lincoln Square, so I like the relaxed feeling of Fiddlehead.
(4)
Matthew S.
Been here many times and always a good experience. The food is great - the place is nice and the staff is friendly. We generally sit a the bar and it makes for a nice simple date-night. Enjoy!
(5)
Jez E.
Delicious, fresh food with gluten-friendly options in a great atmosphere! Our waitress was incredibly helpful and made us want to come back again and again. Have gluten intolerance? Eat here. Don't have gluten intolerance? Eat here. And drink - the wine flights are nice and come with labels you can take home; the beer menu is also good. The extensive cheese list made for a tasty ending to our meal. Overall, an excellent and refreshing addition to Lincoln Square.
(4)
Veronica M.
What where am I ??? I was confused by the name the food and the decor. Ordered a couple of the meat and cheese platters $$$$ I wasn't expecting this type of food from this restaurant I thought it was American cuisine. I guess the food was good you cant really go wrong with the placing of expensive meats and cheeses on platters.
(3)
Jennifer Q.
Another great find for a casual and quiet breakfast. I went on a Sunday morning, around 10am -right when they opened. It was not too crowded yet so we had our choice of seating and great service. I really enjoyed my food -the House Smoked Salmon Benedict. An hour or two later, it started to get more crowded but it wasn't crazy like some of those "line halfway around the block" places -and that's a good thing. It's just a nice, cozy and friendly place to have a nice meal. I can't handle chaos before my morning coffee you know? Which reminds me, good coffee too!
(4)
Ali H.
I was excited to venture to a new brunch spot, but I was underwhelmed by my experience at Fork. What really turned me off was the not thoroughly washed silverware. There was at least one crusted over piece of silverware at each diner's seat. When my partner ordered a chai tea, they brought an iced chai, not the drink she ordered. Food-wise, my egg scramble was lukewarm and the eggs were runny--i like my eggs warm and firm. The toast was cold so using butter wasn't an option. The service was mediocre. Our server was clearly not the brightest and did not check in on us.as frequently as one would expect since it wasn't busy. Overall, I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Maria D.
Went for Sunday brunch with a friend this past weekend, my first time since the switch from Fiddlehead to Fork. Sunday was a hot, gorgeous preview of the summer-to-come and I enjoyed two delicious tequila-based cocktails made with agave syrup and grapefruit juice; a perfect choice for breakfast-y food and the highlight of my meal. I was impressed with the beer and wine lists but disappointed in my entree; I chose the breakfast melt sandwich which includes bacon, ham, cheddar, fontina, arugula and carmelized onions. I ordered without the bacon and ham but was still charged full price; in situations like this I can never understand why there isn't a base price if you order it vegetarian and an add-on price for the meaty version, especially when you have three breakfast sandwich options and none are vegetarian. I might not have minded so much had the sandwich as I ordered it not been a soggy mess; the bread was not thick enough to stand up to the toppings and I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Not to mention the irritating fact that I forgot to specify which bread I wanted, the waitress never asked and it was brought out to me on white, which I never eat if I can possibly help it. My waitress was friendly and seemed to know the menu but she was training another waitress and I think it distracted her on some level; I ordered a side of potatoes, she forgot to bring them out, I said it was fine and to forget about it but still had to ask to have them removed from the bill 20 minutes later. But it was a busy Sunday and the service wouldn't stop me from giving Fork another try. I just won't be ordering that sandwich again, which is disappointing; whatever this place was called before it was Fiddlehead had the best damn breakfast sandwich I've ever had and every time I try one I hope to equal that past glory.
(3)
Sandra S.
Having only gone here twice, I can report I've thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The staff is friendly and effective. The chicken burger is DELICIOUS. I wouldn't have thought a chicken burger could be anything special but Fork proved me wrong. The grilled chicken salad with beets, bleu cheese and champagne vinaigrette was also lovely. I appreciate the fact that it was clear the chicken breast was actually cooked at the restaurant. I hate the fake grilled chicken that comes out of a bag so many places use. The drink menu is expansive -- wine and beer included. Many great options to choose from. The music in Fork is terrible. But it's laughably terrible rather than detrimental. I will definitely be back here.
(4)
Nona Gayle D.
De-Licious..... I had their bbq brisket sandwich and it was exactly what I stated above. At dinner time this cafe sets an ambiance that is personal and warm. They have a huge cheese and wine selection and their prices aren't too bad. My sandwich ran about 12 bucks, and it came with fries! The portions were filling and worth the price! I want to go back here and eat again.... I also noticed they have a 3 cheese mac and cheese... and I need to try it.... it's on my bucket list... I totally suggest it!
(4)
Sarah K.
Our Lincoln Square go to. A great place to go to after a movie down the street. Friendly staff and comfy food.
(4)
Kelly S.
Four stars for my four visits to Fiddlehead. I love feeling like a local of the neighborhood when I sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of something sparkly. The staff here is the best and truly make the experience memorable. Diverse beer selection, reasonably priced bubbly, and a terrific wine list to compliment any mood. I tried the food for the first time this weekend. Those new garlic cilantro fries??? WORTH the trip from Oak Park. They come with a side of aioli and homemade ketchup. The lobster bisque... I had a small sampling and quickly wanted an entire cup. I had to refrain in order to save room for the mac n cheese that I had ordered. The mac n cheese fell a little flat for me. Too many crunchy bread crumbs on top, and I really wasn't getting enough 'WOW! cheeessseee'. Maybe too much flour and salt in the roux? There are definitely a few other things on the menu that I will be back to try! Ya know.... when I come in to pretend like I'm a Lincoln Square native.
(4)
Karen A.
Service (or lack of) can affect the dining experience- no matter how good the food or wine is. I think this place has been on 'auto-management-pilot' for a while now, and is in need of some attention. Hostess: A- gave us a 15 minute wait time (accurate) and sat us down promptly at a bar where the bartender ignored us for 15 minutes. Bartender: F- sorry fella- I've seen you do this multiple times- at least ACKNOWLEDGE that you have a customer sitting there, even if you can serve us right way. Eye contact- GOOD, rudeness- BAD. Wine Flights: C- Same stuff on the menu that was there 6 months ago. Yawn. Can we get some seasonal variety at least? Server-B: When you have a bar server and food server and server bus people all not serving your table or communicating with each other, ain't nobody happy. Food:B+- good menu, consistent good food but it would be nice to see some new stuff on there too.... Overall- an OK experience but it seems as though it is a business in need of some tweaks.
(2)
Renee F.
Yum Yum Yum. I'm pretty much a fan of any place that has wine and cheese flights, so no big win for Fiddlehead Cafe there. However, they do have quite a nice selection and it's reasonably priced. The menu is pretty short and sweet and the dishes are always made with fresh ingredients. The service is great...they check on you but don't bother you and are always so nice, but not fake. I don't know, I just really like this place. It's comfy and I always leave with a happy belly.
(5)
Heather R.
Fork is a sweet little brunch spot for family, a date, or girlfriends catching up. It's comparably priced and friendly service. I loved their mimosa flight for $12----the Pomosa was my favorite, and their potatoes were delicious. I got an omlette which I really enjoyed, but by looking at the table next to me, I wish I had chosen the Chicken-n-Waffes. Thankfully, there's always a next time.
(3)
Suzanne P.
FANTASTIC. I've been wanting to go here for...months. I finally went last night and I am SO glad that I did. First of all, it's a great date spot. It's got a nice modern yet cozy deco to it...very open and just felt very fun. Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I'm a mess with pairing wines with entrees, and she made excellent suggestions to both me and my date. She was also really attentive without being annoying. I had the vegetable strudel...and WOW. I paired it with their Zinfandel and it was just delightful. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the delicious goat cheese just wrapped it all together. My date had the ratatouille stuffed chicken breast. He was really really happy with his choice too. I would come back here in a second. Great food, wonderful service. Definitely a Lincoln Square staple.
(5)
Bridget H.
Stopped in Fork after a movie at the Davis. The atmosphere is causal and comfortable but super nice and stylish. The prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of food and drink. I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup...both delicious - gourmet comfort food. The service was prompt, attentive, an friendly. Best of all, it's steps away from the brown line and other great Lincoln Square faves. I'll be back and look forward to trying their brunch or dinner menu.
(4)
Jamie H.
This place was quite good. I tried the Winter Wine Flight and it was pretty good. I then ordered the Salmon. It was great- cooked perfectly and all the veggies that came with it were good too. My friend got the polenta, which was also excellent. We then got the creme brule for dessert. Also very good. The service was good and the food was good, all around a pretty enjoyable Friday evening. Also, got there about 8pm and there was no wait...so that was a plus!
(4)
Eric X.
Went for brunch with the family. First off, not one, not two, but THREE dirty place settings. Two had food, not just stains, on the silverware. The third had yellow stains on the cloth napkin. Who knows the state of the kitchen when they lack the basic quality control in the dining room. It's too bad, because the eggs benedict was pretty decent. The salmon plate used farm raised salmon and for the cost of the dish, only came with enough lox to fill one half bagel. That's weak. The waffle was your standard belgian variety with a blackberry sauce and cinnamon infused butter. The sauce was not enough to cover the waffle, and maple syrup was conspicuously absent from the table. I'd have considered going back, but the sanitation issues kill it for me. Oh and the coffee sucked -- horribly sour.
(2)
Bill M.
This semi-upscale spot in Lincoln Square sits at the old Square Kitchen location. I did not have a complete meal here, but what I ate was delicious. The squash soup was delectable, and you know it has to be good when the server ladles it into a bowl in front of your very eyes at the table. The creme brulee was creamy with just the right crackle on top, topped with a superb sprinkling of berries. The walls display so many wine selections, as supposedly there are over 350 bottle choices.
(4)
Nancy M.
Good service, nice environment but LOUSY FOOD. One time was enough for me.
(1)
Kristen W.
As I was seated at this restaurant, I realized how very easy I am to please. Such a nice ambience, nice music, and lovely service really gets my attention right off the bat. Little details count: a waiter who takes your drink order right away, a nice long beer list, a well-rounded wine list with flights available. All of these things within the first five minutes of my visit to Fiddlehead. I looked at the dessert menu first, which is very unlike me, I'm not a sweets person- but they had banana cream pie. When's the last time you saw that? Then to the cheese list, wow. You can not only order any cheese 'flight' but you can create your own in addition to being able to take home any cheese(s) on the list. My date had a question about one of the beers on tap and before we knew it a sample had appeared. Just recently the beer list has been expanded. Great food, nice ambiance, great drinks. Lovely.
(4)
Virginia T.
I stopped in for brunch (ok, my friend and I tried to, but missed it by 25min, but had a GREAT host, who actually spoke with the kitchen and put in our order off the brunch menu anyway!!!) Thanks to him, we were able to get the yummy chicken & waffles (really the reason we came in the first place) as well as great tomato soup & grilled cheese. The waffles were crisp, yet tender and so was the chicken. The grilled cheese was crisp, with gooey cheese, bacon, and spiced pecans. The tomato soup was simple, but good. I was very impressed for a special order! We sat at an open window, and it was lovely- they have a nice patio area as well. I'm excited to go back for dinner sometime, especially because of their great beer list.
(4)
Emily C.
Wasn't impressed. Not with the food and certainly not with the service. Our meal took close to 50 minutes to arrive to the bar where we decided to eat. The bar tender was at first knowledgeable about wines and attentive but when a group of "young ladies" plopped down near us, the rest of us sitting at the bar were left watching him work his (lack there of) game on the said ladies. Oh and it was about 83 degrees in that place. We were there in February and the heat was blasting...it was like I was at a bikram class. The menu is pretty boring, trying to be rustic but end up rusty. I had the salmon which had a rank fishy taste and filled with bones. The side of vegetables were also overcooked. It appeared that it sat under a heat lamp for a good half hour. Plus the prices are high for what you actually get. Sorry, won't be back.
(1)
Tory w.
I went on cheap burger night, which happened to be the night the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. It was perfect because I was looking for a non-sports bar kind of place and Fiddlehead fit the bill. Great Malbec, great seats in the big open windows, and very tasty burgers. The chocolate ganache tart with pecan crust is homemade and is to DIE for. I definitely would go back.
(4)
Sarah L.
I want Fiddlehead back!!!!!!!! My husband suggested we check out Fork and I agreed. The new Fork menu is a lot smaller and so are their portions! It reminds me of American Tapas. We both had specials hubs had wild boar burger (was amazing) and I had the scallops. The way the waiter described it, it sounded like it was a dinner portion. When our food arrived, I had 3 TINY scallops, 5 green beans and 2 miniature bites of potatoes. WTH!? I thought I was getting big meaty scallops for dinner along with a side of veggies? How can they advertise that as a dinner special? The price is what killed me, $17 for a 3 bite appetizer. I was sadly disappointed! Luckily I was able to have a few bites of the wild boar burger and some of his fries. Our server was nice and attentive and he was pretty busy. Sadly, I will not be back at Fork. Their menu isn't the same and food prices are higher.
(2)
Katie H.
At first I thought this was just a convenient neighborhood place to stop into for a half-price wine flight on Tuesdays - until I had more wine than planned, decided to stay for dinner, and realized that the food is way more amazing than I expected. The cheese flights are great and the servers are skilled in recommending cheeses to sample together. I especially recommend their selection of blue cheeses. I also had the duck & watercress sandwich and was quite impressed with the complexity of flavors. My only complaint was that it tasted a bit salty for me, but not enough to change my good opinion. I also sampled a bit of the macaroni & cheese and was impressed. The fries accompanying the sandwich were seasoned well. I'm looking forward to sampling more from the menu soon.
(4)
Mikki K.
Went for brunch today. I had the duck confit hash (so yummy, so rich, so filling) & my husband had the lemon curd brioche French toast (totally delicious & worth having too), and the service was flawless just like the food. We made reservations, but I also saw some walk ins get seated fairly quickly. We will be going back & taking all of our friends.
(5)
Leann W.
We went here for brunch a couple months back after church. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. No big deal as we have been wanting to try this place for a while. We ordered some breakfast food and it was just okay. My omlet was mushy and watery. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing but my husbands meal wasnt very impressive either. Needless to say we could have made a better breakfast at home. Kinda disappointed but they are always packed so business must be good!
(2)
Meredith B.
I am writing this review based on my first and so far only experience to Fiddlehead, but man was it a good one. I had the grilled cheese. Now before you start throwing things at my head demanding that I'm silly for "wasting" money on something I can make at home, hear me out. This was the grilled cheese of my dreams. This grilled cheese was filled with bacon, candied pecans, perfectly melty-creamy-cheesy goodness....all on delightfully grilled and slightly sweet bread, and served with the light and uplifting tomato basil soup. I tried the dishes everyone else had around the table and they weren't nearly as memorable....but my goodness. I'll be back for sure. I'm pretty much excited to have that grilled cheese in my mouth once more.
(4)
Colleen F.
I'm surprised by the great reviews of this place. Don't get me wrong it's fine, but in Chicago fine does not cut it. FYI: We sat for probably 2 hours drinking multiple glasses of wine and a bunch of appetizers. Please do not think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that every single glass that came out to the table was dirty and I don't mean spotty, I don't even mean a little leftover lipstick...I mean it looked like it just came out of the hands of a toddler eating spaghetti. After bringing it to the attention of the server who I believe was also the bartender because it was Sunday (maybe Monday) the glasses continued to come out dirty, just smeared as if someone half-heartedly wiped them off.
(2)
Steve B.
The wine flights, from what my family said, were great. The smooth operator and the french and italian wines provided a good variety of both dry, as well as semi-sweet wines. I, on the other hand, tried out the beer flight. It consisted of a light, belgian white, a hoppy pale ale, and a smooth, easy drinking stout. Needless to say, the selection of beverages was fantastic. As for the food, we were all more than satisfied. I had the bison flank steak. The fries that accompanied this were tasty too! Highly recommended!
(5)
Emily S.
Every time I come here I feel like I've been forked over. *Zing!* Overpriced. Kind of blah. Weird vibe. We had, what felt like, eleven or twelve waiters who each had absolutely no idea what was going on and were placed under some sort of secret threat from management to clear a table as fast as humanly possible. I actually had to chase down someone who walked off with half my beer. It's as if you are eating at a restaurant put under a spell by an evil witch. The people that work there seem pleasant enough but there is a deep & terrifying sadness behind their eyes. Maybe they're all forest creatures turned into waiters and cooks for the night. This would explain their lack of knowledge over even the most basic of menu items and why they put pecans on a grilled cheese sandwich. Crazy forest animals! Someone save the creatures who work at fork!
(2)
Katie C.
Bahhhhhhhhh. I'd been here once before, and hoping to be wooed by Fiddlehead during the second visit, the man and I gave it a try for a weekend brunch/lunch. The first three strikes happened within approximately seven minutes of us sitting down: Steeeeeeerike 1: The busboy managed to not actually pour water in the water glass, but in fact poured it ALL OVER the table. And he didn't notice. Steeeeeeerike 2: Our server walks by as we're attempting to mop up the mess with our overly starched napkins and says, "Causing trouble already?" No, smart ass, your busboy is blind. Steeeeeeerike 3: The server then proceeded to LAUGH at our order...um, since when is it professional to mock customers when they ask you for a side of fries? Too bad the fries were good (hence the two stars as opposed to 1) but then again, I am not willing to patronize any restaurant that doesn't have basic restaurant etiquette down. If you want to be considered a higher-class establishment, hire some classy employees. Not to mention the server charged us more for our entrees AND our side o' fries than was the posted price on the menu. That's just sneaky AND lazy. Never again, unless drugged against my will.
(2)
Abbey F.
Looks like the "before" segment of a restaurant make-over show. Half-empty on a Saturday night. Weird, small menu focusing on cheese. Hyped-up entree special came out way salty. boring.
(2)
carolyn h.
3.5, Pro's: Brisket Sandwhich is close to perfect, or at least the way I like it. full of deep flavors, a little bit of fat but not to much. It's served on thick Texas toast. I had it with the mixed greens which balanced the meal ot. I think it would have been to heavy for me if I had ordered the french fries instead. Wine and beer list: My boyfriend loved obscure beers (cause most the time he's to cool for school to actually order a beer with a familiar name) and I'm into red wine and their list is well thought out and also explained to customers. Cons: I've been in there when the server was just out of it. It was like he was on another planet or something. Everything just took a long time and he was slow, didn't really ad anything to our experience.
(3)
Emily L.
As we were looking at the menu trying to decide if we wanted to eat at Fork, some people walked out and said it was great, so we decided to try it out for breakfast. Unfortunately, both of our meals were really bad. I ordered an egg and mushroom dish that was terrible. I couldn't even eat it. I thought maybe it was just my pallet, but when I had my husband try it, he thought it was even worse than I did. He ordered chicken and waffles. The waffles weren't bad, but the chicken was extremely salty and just made the dish taste over-salted. Not sure how you can make chicken salty, but it was way too much salt. The service was good, and the ambiance is nice, but two out of two dishes were bad. Two stars. As much as I wanted to give the place a chance, I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)
Tedd M.
Fiddlehead has become my favorite restaurant in Chicago. If you're looking for great food, a great staff and an enjoyable atmosphere then Fiddlehead is your place. I've dined here on numerous occasions and every time has been fantastic. We some how manage to get the same server (Nick) nearly every time we go in, and he's always taken phenomenal care of us. The wine list is extensive, and their specials are always good if you decide to venture off the regular menu. Fiddlehead is a gem in Lincoln Square!
(5)
Michael J.
The food was pretty good, but nothing to brag about. As far as breakfast places go, this doesn't have the same sunny feeling I like when I go to places like Yolk or Wishbone.
(3)
Cheri V.
Friday Night: Nico sets us up with our wine flights. Lets my husband sniff Scotch to get the right one. We close the joint. Stumble half block home. Saturday night: Favorite wine from previous nights flight and Crowd Pleaser cheese flight. Delicious and savory. Banana cream pie tastes homemade and good. Sunday morning: Ham and cheese scramble is the tastiest breakfast ever. Husband's grilled cheese has candied pecans in it. Yum. I have two Pomosas and he has Sangria. Advertised as best Sangria in town. A bold statement and right now true as far as I'm concerned.
(5)
Rob L.
We had our rehearsal dinner here (when it was still Fiddlehead). We were treated to wonderful personal service, amazing food, and a very welcoming ambience. We've eaten dinner here a few times as well, and have always had a good experience (which is why we engaged them for the rehearsal dinner!). This is a top-notch locally-owned restaurant that's the perfect match for the neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)
Emily C.
Okay, I forgive you. It's been a few years plus a name change and a facelift (for you), and now I can officially and definitively offer this restaurant my forgiveness for getting rid of the banana-chocolate french toast. I wish I could say something noble like "my forgiveness cannot be bought", but it totally can. So I'd credit whomever added the banana white chocolate bread pudding to the menu with buying my forgiveness and my love. Good job dude or dudette - thanks to that addition, I'm back and I'm ALL IN. I'd never had wine flights here before, but my dude and I had both the "crisp" and "interesting" ones, respectively, and both found things we adored and wanted to purchase (ironically in the flight the other one had, but that's good). Quick suggestion, Fork - encourage people to keep their little wine flight papers that say what's what. I was too lightheadedly giddy to grab mine, but I wish I had now. For food, we split the iceberg & blue salad (delicious and a larger portion than we'd have guessed or hoped for), the French charcuterie (awesome, especially the saucisson sec - salami of some sort rolled in herbs de province? Um yeah!),and the mac & cheese small plate (pretty tasty but the only thing that didn't really set off fireworks for me). For dessert, we split a pricey but delicious flight of madieras, the middle of which went perfectly with the aforementioned love-buying bread pudding. My guy had the chocolate cake which was gorgeously rich & bittersweet, but I still think I had the winner for desserts, especially with the booze pairing. A little expensive, especially with the 3 flights we ordered, but worth it. It's difficult for me to think of this place and not be hungry. The next time I visit won't be so long this time and can't come soon enough.
(5)
Sara J.
Fork is a great neighborhood spot. Great drink selection and I love the wine flight options. I've been here for both brunch and for dinner and have never been disappointed. In particular, the beet salad is delish and the pork belly sliders are amazing. Service could be a little friendlier all around. Weekends are busy but we've never had a problem walking in on a weekday.
(4)
Tim B.
The wife and I were in Lincoln Square this weekend to explore and have some lunch/brunch. Our wandering brought us to Fiddlehead. On first inspection this place is open and inviting and we scored a seat right by the wide open front windows - great for people watching and enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A look at their fantastic beer menu and one bloody mary later and we were settled in for a nice lunch/brunch. Fiddlehead has a nice menu with a mix of brunch and lunch options. The usual faire with sweet and savory options, salads and sandwiches. I went with a very nice duck hash and the wife had a solid grilled chicken salad with peaches. We gave them big points for creativity and originality but they just missed the mark on execution. The salad was flavorful but slightly overdressed. The duck hash was solid and really tasty but my toast came out cold as ice and almost tasted stale - and as any hash lover knows the best part of an egg over-easy on top of hash is dipping the toast in the runny yolk. So the bad toast hurt my dish more than you would think. Would we go there again: yes. But will we give a few other places in the hood a shot before cycling back though: yes.
(3)
Amanda D.
I heard this place has nice wine and beer selection. The list was actually overwhelming, but I picked a nice flight of reds. I tried the mussels as an appetizer with the blue cheese burger for the entree. I couldn't pass up on their chocolate ganache cake. It was all very delicious and the restaurant itself was very nice. The entire dinner was perfect harmony. The best part was that our waiter and the entire staff was very attentive and polite. I love when everything comes together!
(4)
Cat L.
Stopped in to Fiddlehead for a late brunch today...and I was not wowed. Not that I had super high hopes for this place, but I was just hoping for a little something more. I tried the grilled cheese on Texas toast with a bowl of (what else) tomato soup. The sammich was just fine - the spiced pecans added a nice surprising touch. But the cheese wasn't as melty as I would have liked for a grilled cheese. The soup had a nice tomato flavor, but I couldn't figure out what herbs were used in the oil. Didn't taste like basil, though the menu said it was. Hmmm. My friend tried the waffles - not sure about the taste, but they sure smelled good! Service could have been better. Our waitress seemed like she wanted to be somewhere else. Good thing we didn't let it get to us. If I'm looking for a brunch spot in the Square again, I'll probably hit up another place . But if you're in a pinch, this place should do.
(3)
Amy S.
There a few things I like more than wine. In fact, I think I can count them on one hand and that short list includes cheese and bacon. Without question. Fiddlehead has this trifecta of deliciousness down pat. Service/Atmosphere: We arrived on time for our 8:30 dinner reservation, were seated immediately at a booth (yay) with a street view (double yay for people watching Lincoln Square style). Our server greeted us quickly, she was attentive without being obnoxious for the duration of our stay, and we were greeted by the manager, as well. Overall, service was well above average. There are only maybe 17 tables in the place, but the atmosphere is lovely. I'd request a private table when making a reservation. There's a whole row of cafeteria style tables. I, for one, and not a fan of sitting that close anyone I don't know. I just don't like people all that much, and there's that forced awkwardness of feeling like you have to acknowledge them. Food/Drink: I love wine flights and was therefore compelled to order more than one (I went with the Crisp Whites and Interesting Whites), and ended up finding a new wine to love. We started off with a French Cheese flight (great little nibble of 3 cheeses from their extensive cheese menu), then progressed to our meal. I started with the MIxed Green Salad (featuring bacon), but it was pretty unremarkable. Dinner for me was the Pancetta Mac and Cheese appetizer. It was so cheesy, buttery, and delicious- I could have eaten more and might consider the larger size next time I want to indulge. My husband had the Duck Club. YUM! Duck confit,, smoked duck breast, pecans, goat cheese, arugula, and cherry jam. I'm surprised the reviews here were so mixed- I thought it was a pretty solid dining experience, and we'll definitely go back. For our cheese flight, two wine flights, two glasses of red wine, and two dinners, we came away spending $100 with tip.
(4)
john p.
Been there a couple of times and neither one turned out great. First we went for brunch and the food was dry and underwhelming. The second time we went we waited an hour and a half to get our burgers; this was after we waited 30 mins for a table. They told us they lost our order but we heard them say the same thing to another table. When the manager came he was rude and obnoxious. They did pay for my drink and burgers which is why they got the second star. Overall there are just too many good places to eat in Lincoln Square to waste a meal at this place.
(2)
Eric M.
I've eaten here twice. Once for my brother's birthday party - a table of about a dozen of us, and once for my birthday, just my brother, my mother and I. Both times the service was good, both times the food was great. I went back for my birthday because I enjoyed the meal during my brother's birthday so much. I also have to really give them strong props for doing the right thing when it would have been easy to try to cop out. I and four other people ordered the duck breast at my brother's birthday dinner, and we ALL ordered them rare. And they all came out medium-well. Duck-lovers out there know that the difference between rare and medium-well in a duck breast is like the difference between tenderloin and liver in beef. So we all complained and sent them back, and they comped us all. I was really surprised. I mean, it's the right thing to do, but with five meals out of a dozen, it's got to be tempting to try to cut some corners there. They didn't. They admitted the obvious and sucked it up. We left a good tip, and that was part of the reason I went back. If I lived closer to Lincoln Square, I'd probably be back a lot more often. P.S. I love their cheeses.
(5)
Sara W.
I live near Lincoln Square and have been to Fork at least 5 times and I will say that it is overall mediocre at best. Last night is a prime example of it being bad. We came in around 10:45 on New Year's Eve looking to have some great drinks and possibly an appetizer. There were empty tables and no wait and we saddled up to the bar. There were 3 hosts who didn't really give us much guidance, but again being here before, no big deal. Then we waited for at least 10 minutes without menus or a glance hello from the bartender. However, one of the 3 hosts hanging out, did occasionally smile in our direction but never made a move. It took me saying something to be served. Our bartender slammed glasses, threw garbage across the back of the bar, while she swore and conversed with the host as he explained what he was going to eat for dinner. Then a guy came in for a beer and he just wanted one and pay in cash. When he finished, she told him "6.50" and then put the ten he gave her in her tip jar. A server yelled at a busboy to bus tables right in front of us. Like uncomfortably loud. When I go out, I don't want to know your problems or whether you like working on New Year's or not. I don't want to see your dysfunction. They do have a great menu, but the food is mediocre and the wine can be disappointing. The only reason why I think this place stays in business is because it's the only thing around of its kind. If Hopleaf or Webster wine bar were down the street, I think this place would be out. Please investors put a better place in Lincoln Square, because despite the low review, I'll probably be back because again I feel I have little choice in the area.
Emily B and I went here for brunch one day - on her reccomendation. She had been before and had had what amounted to being the best breakfast food of her life - so she drove in from the suburbs and we walked up to Lincoln Square. I ended up with these pancakes with hazelnut butter and bananas and chocolate ganache and they were sinfully good. What I SHOULD have gotten was a Belgium waffle with the same hazelnut butter and blackberry compote - but sometimes I forget to think. I had just put in my order for pancakes and saw a waiter walk by with the waffle and immediately kicked myself. Next time... Emily got the Lox & Bagel platter, which came with a really nice spread including capers and onions and the smoked lox smelled SO GOOD. The space itself is adorable, with comfortable chairs and a really pretty bar and exposed brick and cute lighting. I'm writing this review like, months after I actually went, so I'll just have to go back and re-review it.
(4)
Q M.
I've been to brunch here many, many times and I leave very satisfied every time. This time I branched out from my usual flight of mimosas and truffled eggs (which are so so good by the way) to a flight of mimosas and the breakfast melt. Mmmm. Bacon, ham, melty cheese and some runny eggs? Count. Me. In. It was messy, but totally worth it.
(4)
Janice W.
I've been 4 times and each time I go I think the same thing: overpriced and underwhelmed. The food is a notch above average and it's priced like it thinks it a lot better than it is. On my last visit for example: roasted beet appetizer ($8) - so salty it was barely edible and the little chopped up bits of it amounted to about 1.5 beets. An anemic cheese flight ($12) should have been more like for the teeny tiny slices of 3 cheeses plus 3 almonds, 2 pecans and 4 thin slices if bread and apple. (I was at the John Hancock 96th floor Signature room the other day, where you pay for the views, and had a cheese plate for $11). And the worst offender - one of their seranno ham plates - 2 or 3 slices plus a dolop of mustard ($12 ish - my friend ordered it and I am not sure of the exact price.) But more than anything, the prices wouldn't even be so insulting if the food was worth it. It's not.
(2)
Susie L.
I came here recently for brunch and was amazed by the food. First of all, their Bloody Mary was divine, nice and spicy. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, and let me tell you. The chicken (which they brine overnight) was super tender and flavorful on the inside, and crunchy crispy on the outside, the waffles were also a bit crispy and fluffy (not doughy and heavy like some places), and it came with what I believe was vanilla flavored butter. It honestly did not need any butter or syrup. Just when you think that's all the meal consists of... a HUGE slice of maple flavored crispy carmelized nut-coated bacon was atop the chicken, never experience that before. My friend ordered the Truffled Eggs which was equally divine, fluffy eggs with a delicious truffle oil flavor and seasonings, a bed of tasty arugula, all on top a savory croissant-like biscuit flatbread. The use of ingredients are simple but mind-blowing. I can't wait to go back and try dinner!
(5)
Maya G.
I love this place, the food is wonderful and unique, yet it's possible to always find something if you aren't feeling adventurous. The wine menu is great as is the beer menu, though both can be a bit overwhelming at times. I've had repeatedly great in actions with the staff too. I do have to admit that depending on who is in the kitchen the food will vary between merely good and fantastic. We used to live 5 minutes away and now we are 45 minutes, but I hope to still make I back.
(4)
Steve G.
Strong beer list, very good food (Farmhouse Burger, yay) in generous portions, friendly service, good location.
(4)
Linda G.
This was the classiest place on the Belgian-American Club of Chicago Pub Crawl. Fully staffed with bartenders waiters and busboys. We were all served quickly. As this was our 4th or 5th stop I can't remember what we drank but they have a BIG beer list and I remember some really good Garlic fries. We'll have to go back.
(4)
Sean F.
We went here on Saturday night for dinner, and it was a bit of an odd sort of meal. There were some excellent parts, but some other things that kind of took things down a notch. The good parts were: - Grilled Cheese. This was wonderful. Aged cheddar, fontina, bacon, and spiced pecans on brioche bread. The nuts were an excellent touch I had never had before. This may be the best grilled cheese I've ever had. - Potato chips and bleu cheese fondue. This was what chips and dip should be at all times. The chips were crispy with just the right amount of salt. The bleu cheese sauce had a little bit without being overwhelming. - Maple ice cream. Just excellent. It was like eating Vermont. - The service. We had two servers as our waiter was training a new waiter. They both did an excellent job. Friendly, gregarious, and knowledgeable about the food. Service was top-notch. There were some other good things that weren't outstanding. My wife had a very good chateaubriand. The cheese selection is nice, esp. the buttermilk bleu. And the garlic-cilantro fries are a nice side dish. Then there's the not-so-good: - Odor. Upon being seated I noticed a weird odor. It was kind of like sewer smell. I was going to say something when the smell went away. A few times during the meal I caught it again, but it always abated before it was enough to make me move. - Tomato-basil soup. I had high hopes, as the grilled cheese came with tomato basil soup. This was a flop. You can get better at Noodles & Company. It was kind of thin, very bland, and uninspired. As it comes with the grilled cheese see if there's any way to get something subbed in for it. - Champagne grapefruit sorbet. This was just way too strongly flavored to where it was almost impossible to eat. Also, the texture was oddly grainy. Not recommended at all. In general this was a nice place. I would like to try the brunch there one day. I give it three stars, but I think with proper selections it could be four.
(3)
Darin E.
In from out-of-town, we went for Saturday morning brunch. We were the first ones to sit down. Service was overall very good, if a little slow from kitchen to table (25+ min). In contrast to other reviews, our water glasses were clean and kept full -- Just sayin'. My co-diners all got Chilaquiles, which they all enjoyed. I tried theirs and while I agree it was a nice dish, I am very glad that I departed from the trend and indulged in the Cap'n Crunch French Toast (made with brioche) & house-made chicken sausage instead. I was a little bit skeptical of the chicken sausage since I have found it kind of gamey in my experience. Undeterred by bad memories, and determined to dine out of my comfort zone in this wonderful city, I was delighted to find that in this case, the sausage was well seasoned and tasty -- Moist but not too greasy. It was definitely not pork breakfast sausage, or even a self-deceptively 'healthy' alternative, but good in its own right. I accompanied my meal with a fresh Carrot/Orange juice from the raw bar. Overall, the meal was excellent. The vibe was cool and mellow. Nice music and comfy chairs invited us to sit and chat by the open street-side window-wall enjoying the street traffic of people walking down to the music school with guitars strapped to their backs or riding off to the courts with their tennis rackets. It was a nice casual morning in a great neighborhood. I highly recommend Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)
Lahrin K.
Fork has fantastic food and a superb bar line-up (lengthy beer list, beautiful wines, and talented bartenders to mix delicious cocktails). After a bad Fiddlehead experience, I was nervous to make my way over, but I'm glad I did - Now I'm over there at least once a month. As a pescatarian, I can promise lots of tasty food options (I've only eaten from their dinner menu). This Summer, be sure to try the Salmon with Fava Beans. Other favorites: gnocci, scallops, beet salad, veggie flatbread, and pickled veggies. My meat-eater friends rave about the Chicken Burger and Pork Belly. Portions are perfect (though, as a warning, I enjoy smaller plates versus the 4-serving portions often found around the city - don't count on getting a piece of meat as big as your head at Fork) and everything is easy to share. Service is always wonderful. Staff members are attentive, fun, and knowledgeable (worst case, we've had to chase away a busser while our waitress brought more bread for our scallop-sauce). The restaurant is nicely appointed and is always clean.
(4)
Albert L.
I like the different selections in comfort foods and its complimentary craft beer selection. However, I think the food is too salty and it left me parching for water hours after.
(3)
Kerry W.
I'm not precisely sure when Fork became Fork (nor am I certain what it was before it became so) but I hope it was recent. I hope it was a recent transition because then they have an excuse for some of the hiccups I experienced on my recent visit. I met some girlfriends there for brunch/lunch at noon on Sunday. When I got to the restaurant (around 11:45) I put my name in and asked how long it might be. The host indicated 15-20 minutes. No problem, I said. After all I had gotten there early for this exact reason. The problem is that we weren't seated until nearly 12:30. That wouldn't have bothered me except there were at least three tables that could have accommodated my party that sat open for at least 15 minutes before we were actually seated. Frustrating! When we were finally seated I found that the prices on their menu differed slightly from those posted on their website (not by a ton, but that's still irritating) and our waiter was someone who feels that being contrary with a smile on his face constitutes comedy. After taking our drink orders tersely and then practically throwing the glasses down on the table (my girlfriend's spilled a bit... he really did just toss them down) he disappeared for another ten minutes before taking our food orders. Admittedly when he returned he was apologetic and did seem to get our food orders expedited to make up for it, but still. I agree with the previous poster who said that the garlic cilantro fries were a disappointment. I had high hopes, but they were just ho-hum. The turkey pannini was perfectly tasty, if nothing terribly special. Though the tomato jam was quite a nice addition to the crisp, buttery bread and thick, melty cheese. I was a little put-off by the appearance of my friends' tomato soup (the washed-out color of tomatoes in January. I know it's January and it's tomato soup but if it looks that unappetizing, maybe come up with a seasonal alternative... squash anyone?) but I didn't taste it so I don't know if it was any good. They seemed to enjoy it (both finished it) but I still didn't think it looked very appetizing - particularly with a pool of what looked like finely chopped basil floating in olive oil on the top. Overall, our lunch was pleasant, but not without frustration. If the restaurant is new, I'd probably go back for a brunch in the summer to see if things improve, but if it's been there a while, I won't be back.
(3)
Meghan C.
The wine flights are great...I thought the menu was a little heavy for summer. The food was good, but on a warm summer day, the menu just wasn't seasonally appropriate. The staff is very friendly, though our server was difficult to find later in the meal, and we ended up waiting a very long time for our check, and never got a dessert we ordered. I plan to go back, as it's a nice place and the wine flights make it worth the trip, but may just stick to the bar
(3)
Holly T.
Went for a friends birthday last night just to have drinks and had FABULOUS service! The bar tenders were great and even helped us split up the bill for a party of more than 4. The beer selection was amazing for anyone who loves trying new beers. Overall a great experience and we will be going back to try the food for sure!
(5)
A P.
Really loved fork - great food, small plates at an affordable price (I say this coming from DC - Chicagoans might be used to lower prices). Also good portion sizes - we had five people and were able to share a number of small plates with no problem. The service was great, and they have a fantastic beer selection - I really wish more restaurants would offer half pours and diy flights. I highly recommend you stop by when you have a chance! My favorites, of all the things we tried: duck charcuterie, herbed gouda, rosemary manchego, and the eggplant and goat cheese smear.
(5)
Brett M.
I base my reviews of restaurants on the following components: customer service (includes the time it takes to reach me, attentiveness of server), quality of food, value (is it priced fairly), and ambiance. I'm not impossible to please, but I have standards. Fiddlehead Cafe exceeded all of them! My fiance wanted a cheeseburger, and I wanted excellent wine, so as we strolled Lincoln looking for a pre-movie dinner place, we passed our usual favorite Jack Rabbit and checked out the menu of Fiddlehead Cafe. Cheeseburger? Check. Ridiculously awesome wine list? Check. The restaurant was not crowded, which was another plus, and we got a cozy table with the friendliest, most knowledgeable server, who was happy to sub an Argentinian Malbec into my Spanish wine flight because I wasn't thrilled about one of the included reds. Our cheeseburgers were amazing, and the french fries were addictive. My fiance enjoyed a Guiness Ice Cream Pudding (very British dessert) and ate every bite. I ended up leaving with a bottle of the Rioja I had best enjoyed in my wine flight... and it was only $16! Yes, they sell most of the wines AND cheeses on the menu, so you can take your faves with you when you leave. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Rachel Y.
I come here so often, I'm amazed I haven't written a review yet! Fiddlehead is one of my favorite wine bars. How they stand out? They don't give you the Bible of wine lists but rather a simple wine list with pictures to describe the wine for you. A man flexing his bicep conveys 'strong'. A chocolate bar means 'cocoa'. A pepper mill means 'spicy'. Simple, straight-forward, very accurate, and combined with a knowledgeable wait-staff, very rewarding!
(5)
Kathy P.
Fiddle dee dee! I met my friend Jen G. here, along with some soon-to-be friends. We were the only peeps in the place on a blustery winter day, looking to warm ourselves with copious beverages from Fiddlehead's extensive selection of wines and beers. The cheese platter and humus were AMAZING (the Persian feta will make you forget all about that pesky Greek feta) and all the cheese is available for sale at the restaurant. Our server, John, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the menu. In addition to his on-target drink and food recommendations, he was pleasant and even took some pics with us by the Christmas tree. I had the pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese aoili and although the aioli was inadvertently forgotten, it was still delicious. Maybe when I go back to try the sandwich with the aoili, they'll earn back the extra star. Everyone else seemed very happy with their selections and a delightful time was had by all. Thanks to John and Fiddlehead for providing the excellent food and the warm holiday glow!
(4)
April W.
I am confused by all of these rave reviews about this place. First of all, we were seated and no one came over to see if we wanted a drink or to order for 15 minutes. I finally had to get up and go and ask the host if we had a server. Then it was stil another 5 minutes before she came over. When she finally came over she was very nice and apologetic....But still...the place was empty so I didn't understand the delay. We ordered a little bit of everything. We had the dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon, these were the only good things we ate. THe mac and cheese was gummy and some of the noodles were hard. We had the pork belly and it was gross because it was luke warm so we were eating slimy pork belly fat. We ordered the elotes, ice cold, and I dont understand how you call a dish elotes and there was no cheese or chili spice. Plus they attempted to slice the corn off the cob and left the hard core so it was difficult to eat. The poutine was awful, the fries were overcooked and cold, the gravy was lumpy and the duck was WAYYYY overcooked. The whole dish was also lukewarm, not good. The flatbread was soggy, no crisp to the crust. We had several desserts that were not too bad, but nothing memorable. To top it off, they never offered us clean plates, the plates that were on the table were dirty, we wiped them off with our napkins. The less than mediocre food and poor service makes this place bad, I won't be back. I was interested in the cheese and charcuterie but I wont waste my time trying it and going back here. Very disappointed in the whole meal. The only reason I didn't give this palce one star is that the waitress was very sweet and tried really hard to make up for leaving us sit for 20 minutes.
(2)
Sara M.
I like Fiddlehead for an above average, sort of fancy experience in my neighborhood. I love the wine and cheese flights (and Mimosa flights at brunch!) and the customer service is excellent. It is a little pricy ($48 with tip for a mimosa brunch) so we save it for special occasions, but I've always had a good experience there.
(4)
Kate K.
I've been walking past Fiddlehead once a week for the last year, and my fiance and I decided to try it out for dinner tonight. And we are very glad we did! The decor and ambiance are nice. The brickwork and warm green and brown earth tones make it feel very cozy yet modern. There were many things on the menu we wanted to try. For appetizers we ordered the Roasted Beet & Fig salad and the Sauteed Scallops. I ordered the Vegetable Strudel as my entree and my fiance had the Bison Hanger Steak. For dessert, we split the Tres Leches Cake. All of the food was excellent! The wait staff were friendly and attentive. We have no complaints about the service. We are already looking forward to going back and trying some of the things we didn't choose this round, including the cheese and wine flights and some of the other entrees and sandwiches on the menu. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Kaycee M.
I was surprised to see only 3.5 stars for this place. My husband and I are complete nerds and check the Yelp status of places while we're eating in them- maybe not always a great idea. This place has good food- their potatoes were very flavorful and the portions were good. We had mimosas, and I'll agree with other Yelpers that they're only meh. We have an 11 month old daughter, and the service was good- good service is important when one is dining with a toddler. (Who generally behaves so long as her food comes first and there are cute things to look at somewhere- decorative pigs will do, apparently.) For a slightly pricey brunch with some fancy options you can't get at a greasy spoon, try Fiddlehead. The decor is easy to take, our table was quite comfortable, and the menu was unique. Not bad.
(4)
Jeff G.
for the record, I am really at a 4.5, it must be the Christmas spirit in me. Ended up here after our first brunch place had a 45 minute wait. Was able to get a table quickly, and the food was awesome (had the french toast) and topped it off with a Guinness (it's my coffee). They have a crazy long beer list and the service was excellent. Cozy atmosphere, great find. I will elevate it from a "Plan B" to being my "Plan A" next time.
(5)
Sheila H.
We visited Fork on Saturday right when they opened. I'm not sure why our entrees took over a half hour to receive them. Service was great but due to the wait time you might have thought of even serving us some doughnut holes on the house. I was with my husband and our 4 year old son. The chicken and waffles were absolutely wonderful ( a little pricey for white meat only $14). It was worth the wait. My husband had a juice from the juice bar blueberry pomegranate and enjoyed that. The coffee was good. His entree was also tasty and had a side of hash towns that were very good. We will return for sure but hope to eat a little sooner!
(4)
Amy K.
Went there for the first time last Saturday night. Our waiter Nikkos was very good, friendly and attentive. We really like Hopleaf, but it can be so crazy/busy in there. We found this place on Open Table looking for a last minute reservation. We were very pleased. Everything was good-the french onion soup and the macaroni and cheese, to very good-the duck sandwich and the banana cream pie. Large beer selection that makes my husband happy. Nikkos says to try their mussels. We always seem to compare them to Hopleaf's, but since their duck sandwich was better we said we'll try them on our next visit.
(4)
Ariel B.
Easter Sunday is a hard time to find a decent place to eat around 3pm. After an awesome game of bowling, we walked around Lincoln Square for some place to eat. Fiddlehead's was open for Brunch so we checked it out. $19 for Easter Brunch (not bad price, IMO). Eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, salad, mac n' cheese, homemade waffles, etc. Overall, it was good. The waffles were by far the best item of the brunch offerings. The regular menu looked interesting, but they were only serving Easter Brunch. The Host didn't really make this clear when we sat down, so we tried to ask for regular menus. He got a little snitty with us. The brunch was about to close down, so we rushed to get food and the servers didn't seem happy to see us. C'est la vie. We decided to just do the brunch because we were too hungry to head back out in the cold to look for another place to eat. I'd like to try this place again during regular business hours. Hopefully the service will be better.
(3)
Jamie M.
Stopped in here with a friend before a movie at the Davis( not in a hurry but had a time to meet). They had one other table and a few people at the bar. The woman who sat us didn't give us a menu, so we had to ask the other woman who came to bring water, and take drink order. She returned with our drinks never to be seen again. Then a man was walking around looking at us so I flagged him over to ask a question about a menu item. He knew the answer that was good. he then quickly walked away, as we were ready to order. He came back about 10 min later after chatting to a person at the bar. We Ordered a Crab salad and a burger with Fries.I noticed the cook in the dining room just as I was about to get up and ask if they forgot about us, so i figured that was him telling our server that the food has been sitting in the window. Surely then the server walked away then came out with our food. The salad was very pretty when it came out but It took me about 10 minutes to cut everything up and mix it to even start to eat it. I didn't know I was ordering a master piece or I would have got something else. My friend said her burger was average and fries were cold nothing special! So we finished and had to ask for the check so we could make the movie since we were there for almost 1.5 hr just to grab lunch! I would not go here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Oh the reason I say man & woman is because they never introduced them selves nor did they have name tags.
(1)
Courtney H.
We went here for brunch/lunch on a sunday afternoon. Loved the atmostphere (sitting by the fireplace didn't hurt!) I love their flight of mimosa's and their mac and cheese is heaven. If you get only one thing from here, you MUST get the garlic fries. Positively life changing!
(5)
Nicollette W.
A nice hungover food induced coma could be obtained by coming here on a beautiful Sunday morning for brunch. I had the Eggs Benedict Florentine - delicious....spinach and artichoke hearts....nice and salty. She had the chilaquiles - looked good - said it was good - but I didn't try it. We had a weird experience with the server though - she was nice - but we never got a coffee refill and were brought extra stuff we didn't order....at least we didn't have to pay for it.
(4)
David P.
Honestly, I was sad to see Square Kitchen leave this space (I miss you, lobster club sandwich and pear and red oak salad!), but when I finally approached Fiddlehead with an open mind, I loved it. The menu is a bit more high-end. If you're looking for just a bite, you'll likely be taking home leftovers. My favorites include the duck and fig jam crostini from the small plates menu, the half-pound burger, and the cheese plate. They have Hook's 10-Year Aged Cheddar, my favorite. The wine flights at this place are difficult not to convert into a round-trip. Nice selection. The ambience has a very interesting organic/rainforest feel to it (don't worry, they have a/c). They definitely know how to craft a mood. When we last were there, they were excited about rennovations to the back dining area, so I'm excited to see what it looks like. Even if you're not a "foodie," (and I really don't consider myself one) I think that, like me, you'll find this to be a bit different from the rest of Lincoln Square, yet not too exotic in their offerings that they are inaccessible. A great place with friendly waitstaff. And how could I forget to mention the martinis...?!
(4)
Daniel B.
I attended a rather large engagement party on Saturday and I found that this place handled it superbly. The 30+ guests were seated at exactly 6:00 and the service could have been better. We showed a little early and grabbed a drink at the bar. The wine list is pretty extensive and they have some pretty sweet beers on tap. This is a really nice looking cafe. They started us off with their cheese appetizers, a mixed vegetable plate, and House Smoked Salmon with some kind of bread. (Sorry I suffer from CRS syndrome- can't remember shit) The standout was the different cheeses, with my favorite being the Valdeon Blue Cheese, the 3yr Cheddar and some kind of feta. I took down one of the plate myself and was wanted to take the left over Blue cheese to go, but I was denied! I was told no one wanted to smell stinky feet the rest of the night. My favorite thing of the night was for sure the salad. Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad, Field Greens, Candied Pecans, Shaved Fennel, Blue Cheese Crouton, Champagne Vinaigrette. Holy Balls! I love me some beets and as soon as I saw this on the menu my eyes lit up. The salad did not disappoint and I will be coming back here just for this salad. The main dish I picked was the beef tenderloin and some sort of potato that I also cannot recall. I'm sorry by the time dinner was served I was 3 glasses of wine and 3 gin and tonics deep. I remember the meat being cooked perfectly and the potatoes were tasty. I also tried the woman's salmon and it was excellent. The dessert was your basic Crème Brulee and served its purpose. The service was excellent, as two very attentive waiters were assigned to our table. My wine glass was never empty and I was always rushed a fresh cocktail. The manager made his presence known and was always available for questions. The back party room is spacious and I really like the exposed brick look of the place. There was one little incident where a glass of wine was spilled on the woman's step dad and a punch was almost thrown, but all in all the night went on without a hitch. I look forward to coming back and trying the rest this place has to offer.
(4)
Rick C.
Strolling down Lincoln on a Wednesday night when we saw a sign for a five dollar burgers with options for adding duck confit, bbq brisket, a fried egg. etc. How could we refuse? It seemed like others had the same idea, so it took a while for us to get seated. Once we finally got a table, our server was very cool and didn't even blink when we asked to move to a larger table to accommodate our friends. I went with the duck confit burger. Not sure if the duck complimented it well, but I enjoyed it. Upgraded to the garlic fries and thought it they were tasty. My wife went for the salmon burger and I thought was surprisingly juicy. Our friends had joined us for dinner and from seeing his review in the column to my right as a write this, it appears that he enjoyed his burger as well. We went on one of the first nice nights of spring, so the windows were open and while we ate inside they offered outdoor seating. It was nice to sit and watch people out and about in Chicago.
(4)
Christoph B.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place as our first choice for brunch apparently did not want our business. (note to self Daily Bar & Grill you suck for completely ignoring patrons) Long story short we ended up at Fiddlehead Cafe and I'm glad we did! The difference in service was 180. And the food, simply delicious. I had the ham and cheese scramble. They use 3 yr Hooks cheddar which has a great sharp taste and goes just perfect with eggs. Good job Fiddlehead, you saved our day!
(5)
Erika E.
We live in the neighborhood, have passed this place often, and decided to stop in last night for $5 burger night / $8 specialty burger night. Our friends really like the place and have recommended it. The beverage list was long and had quite a bit of variety in type as well as price, which was nice. Our server was very prompt and polite. The decor is nice. I ordered the French Burger with fries. My husband also ordered a specialty burger with fries. I really liked that they knew how to cook a medium and a medium well. Both burgers were flavorful. The baguette was fresh, the brie was melted nicely, and the onion marmalade was delicious. My husband's burger has a nice amount of BBQ sauce on it; he liked that it wasn't drenched in sauce, and he could still taste the meat. Both the baguette and his hamburger bun held up well to the weight of the patty. There was a heaping portion of french fries on each of our plates, as well as a side of ketchup. The food was good, and the bill was reasonable. The only criticism I have is that the food was very salty. Perhaps I am a bit sensitive to salt, as I am cutting back on my sodium intake. There were salt and pepper shakers on the table; if one wanted to add more salt they can, but it is hard to make something less salty. To keep in the French style of the plate, it would have been nice if they had mayo instead of ketchup as a condiment, but I am being a bit picky. I am sure I could have requested it. I'm a mac and cheese girl, so I am looking forward to trying it next time. The watermelon gazpacho sounded good, too. We did have a good giggle when a young woman walked in with super-short shorts, shirt off the shoulders and obviously without a bra. It was tacky, but it had nothing to do with the restaurant. :)
(3)
Aquarius E.
Recently went there for a birthday dinner, my mom is friendly with the Chef and he really made the experience a great one. The whole table enjoyed every last bike of their food and our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ate here I had a bad experience with my waiter, this time around totally changed everything. I loved my cheese plate with berries, and the beer menu. my one and only issue.. not enough veggie options for true vegetarians .
(4)
Unicorn L.
Love this place! Luckily it's close to our apartment, so it's become our go to 'nice' dinner place. The beer menu is extensive, brunch is superb, and everything I've ordered has been delicious. The garlic cilantro fries are SO good, and even worth the bad breath you'll inevitably have the rest of the day.
(4)
Rob L.
I came here with fellow yelper Vamsi V before he went and saw a performance by Lisa Simone, the daughter of his favorite artist Nina. I came because, darn it... I wanted some wine flights. We both were excited about this place. I had been looking over the menu and pondering what to have... I think I had it down... at least I thought I did. First thing to change was the salad with the duck confit in phyllo, they had a potato and fennel soup... sorry I love potato soup and the fennel made it an easy call... they served it table side... I love that and it was really good too. VV had the mussels with chorizo and Israeli cous cous, the mussels were excellently prepared. Then I had the salmon with the potato bacon gratin, darn tasty. The salmon was tender and flavorful and the potato... well it had bacon, hard to get better than that! Vamsi had the red snapper special with lentils, I thought it was really good too, but I was too busy cleaning my plate. Then we had dessert. He went with the chocolate fudge ganache cake, chocolate heaven. I went a little healthy with the sticky toffee pudding with the Guinness ice cream, Guinness has vitamins and minerals.... at least in my head it does. I definitely want to come back and try some more wine flights and have some of their lovely cheese plates. The nice thing is a bunch of their wines and cheese you can buy at the cafe! Very nice, clean, casual atmosphere, (though if you go early you will probably be dining with kids, just an FYI), but a nice little treat that I will be enjoying again, hopefully sooner than later.
(4)
Jessica K.
Good food and friendly service. We sat outside on the Lincoln side, and it wasn't too loud or noisy. Food was good and well portioned. The waitress gave us recommendations, some of which we took and some we didn't, but the ones we took were good.
(4)
Moe f.
We strolled in on a busy Sat night and managed to snag an awkward spot at the bar. The Duck club sandwich was fantastic. The wife dug her cheese and chartreuse plate. Had an excellent bottle of Zin.
(4)
Sabrina S.
I went to Fiddlehead Cafe last night with a friend. We made our reservation on OpenTable and arrived a bit late. The host sat us and was actually our server as well. She was very kind and did a great job describing the specials. I had a hard time finding something I wanted to eat on the menu. However, one of the specials sounded just amazing. It was a tempura fried prawn on a bed of zucchini and squash served with gnocchi with marinara sauce. My co-diner and I both thought that sounded awesome and decided to split it along with the vegetable strudel. The kitchen was kind enough to split the dishes for us! Each dish was brought out on separate plates which made me feel like I had 2 dinners. The prawn was just as expected -- wonderful! It was definitely one of those times that I was very happy I made the decision that I did. The vegetable strudel was good too but too much after I finished my first plate. We also ordered the chocolate trio. It was not what I expected but it hit the spot. Next time I hope to have the opportunity to have a salad/entree with fiddlehead ferns but I did not see this on the menu. I was surprised that at 8pm the restaurant was not filled on a Friday night. However, at around 9:30pm, the bar began to fill up. This is a great place to visit in Lincoln Square!
(4)
April L.
Back when it was Fiddlehead, and even in the early stages of being Fork, the service was my chief complaint. Not the food, which was divine, and not the prices (which are a tiny bit elevated but for good reason--the quality). Well, the service gets better and better at Fork. Today I found myself unwilling to head down to Ribfest but seriously jonesing for some BBQ. I placed a phone order to Fork for their brisket (which I know to be delicious) and garlic-cilantro fries. The hostess and bartender were welcoming on the phone, and upon my arrival, offered me a seat at the bar while the back-of-house finished packaging my carryout. The bartender knew exactly what I had ordered and offered me a glass of icewater while I waited. Given the fact that it was about 90 degrees outside, and I had walked from my apartment, I was thrilled. He also commented that the brisket was a great batch; he'd had it for lunch. I asked how long they smoke it and got a different answer than the wait staff has told me, so I guess I'll never know. :) Less than 3 minutes later, my food arrived, and the bartender wished me a nice and cool evening. I added a tip onto my bill, which I don't always do for carryout. Even though it was a good 15 to 20 minutes until I consumed my garlic-cilantro fries, they were wonderful and still crispy. If you have not yet had these fries but have been to Fork, what is WRONG with you? :) All kidding aside, the brisket is as good as I remember it (definitely more tender with tastier BBQ sauce than some of the city's BBQ-only joints), and the texas toast underneath soaks up all the great juices. Topped with fried onion straws, it's a perfect summer dish, albeit a bit of a heavy comfort food. I have yet to bring someone to Fork who has had the garlic-cilantro fries and not declared something to the effect of, "I never want to eat any other kind of fries again." DELICIOUS. Just bring some mints.
(4)
Mill V.
This place delights me. It reminds me of a distant sister to Bin Wine Cafe Wine Flights? Check Cheese Flights? Check Cute everything? Check Great food? Hell yeahs My and friend I hit up some wine flights and cheese. I frickin love their cheeses. They had an awesome French triple cream that blew my mind. And the bread with it was crazy good. It was cornmealish with golden raisins and fennel. Could of made a meal on just that. I got the lamb shank, and it was cooked til falling off. Could of used a heaping of salt. The risotto with it was missing the pecorino, and needed salt, too. But all around good. The sticky toffee pudding was a moist bite of delishness. It was great going on a Saturday night. Totally fun place to get alittle buzzed of wine.
(4)
David G.
I had heard good things about this place and I have to say it lived up to all of them. They have a great beer and wine selection. they offer beer and wine flight and you can even make your own flight. However, the best part of the evening was the food! My wife and I were with another couple so I got to try a few different things (the brisket, the pot pie, and one of the burgers) they were all excellent. We will be back.
(5)
Gloria R.
The food was terrible. I had a lemonade and a sprite, they both had a moldy taste. I'm never going back there again!!!
(1)
Megan G.
Went for a light lunch of cheese and olives, and left very pleased. Generous portion of delicious olives. Nice Cheese Selection. Our waiter was informative and helped pick one of the cheeses that we ended up loving. It was the perfect lunch for walking around the neighborhood shopping.
(4)
Chris S.
After seeing the menu on line, I ventured to Fiddlehead for brunch, and I will definitely be back. The menu is inventive and the food is really good. I had the soft-scrambled eggs with truffled goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and arugula. Other items included Nutella-stuffed brioche French toast, and a couple of quiches, among others. They also have flights of mimosas and good bloody Marys. Service was good. We were on the patio, but our server or busser was at our table numerous times to make sure all was well. The dinner menu looked equally great, so between brunch and dinner, this won't be the last they see of me.
(4)
Debra R.
delicious brunch! we stumbled in here after leaving bad dog's brunch buffet that we gave the thumbs down. (who wants to eat food that has been sitting out all morning?! ICK!) the ambiance is very cute and cozy in this corner space. the place wasn't crowded so we were seated right away. ordered a much needed bloody mary and began to peruse the menu. btw - the bloody was a bit weak which is why they don't get 5 stars. i had real trouble deciding what to order. truffled eggs? breakfest melt? fried chicken and waffles? everything looked amazing so i asked the waiter what he gets and he said if not the fried chicken and waffles that the truffled eggs are their best seller. i was sold. they were delicious but i was craving the breakfest melt my dining partner had ordered. i had a bite and it was mouth-watering AMAZING. fiddlehead provided a terrific dining experience and i can't wait to go back and try more items from their brunch menu. a new favorite in lincoln square!
(4)
hillary a.
i'm not quite sure if they're ready for company--at least, not parties of 30. my girlfriends had planned a family-style dinner party. and from the start of the evening, it was a discombobulated effort to get the right amount of tables and chairs together. once that was sorta figured out, and drinks and soggy fries had been served, half of our party got their dinner. you figure--maybe right after their food comes out, ours will too, right? but it doesn't. while it wasn't explicitly explained, there was some sort of snafu, resulting in a breakdown in communication, which lead to our dinner arriving more than an hour after everyone else's! chicken burgers look good. we're excited to eat, at last. so, we each cut our burgers in half, only to see pretty pink chicken meat. which scares all of us. in their rush to get the hour-late food served, they'd completely undercooked it and so another half hour goes by. may i just say that the party started at 7.30, and we FINISHED dinner at midnight, because that's how crazy the tangled kitchen/cooking confusion became. +our waitress was great and very attentive and so apologetic about the evening. we reassured her that we weren't at all upset with her, just very curious about how disjointed everything became. management was able to figure out a fair deal for the not-so-smooth-sailing affair. +what saved the night? good company always makes things better. that, coupled with the cozy fire place, made dining here "a-ok." plus, their diet coke was so crisp!
(3)
Tammy Q.
Loved this place! It was quite intimidating when I saw the menu outside, but the fiance walked in and wanted to try it out. The place is small but very quaint. I had the organic chicken with soy glaze with a mixture of mushrooms, grains and bacon! Yes, bacon! Anything with bacon is an A+ in my book. The fiance got the special of the evening -- grilled salmon atop a bed of wild rice. He loved it. The consensus was that the portions were just right -- and everything seemed healthily prepared. For dessert, we got the chocolate ganache cake -- and that was also great. We are totally going to come back to this place.
(4)
Comensal A.
I've dined at the past two restaurant incarnations at this address (Square Kitchen, Fiddlehead Cafe), and enjoyed both for their warm ambiance, thoughtful food/drink concepts and cordial service. This latest venture, Fork, is an evolution of Fiddlehead (apparently with the same owners & staff), and it continues the favorable trend. The new concept is oriented toward small plates, cheeses & charcuterie and an expanded craft beer presence. The menu is very nice, offering a variety of taste/portion choices, with some new flavors as well as a few echoes of Fiddlehead. This evening, we liked toasted goat cheese & beets, mac'n'cheese, pork belly & grits (ahhhh...) and roasted Brussels sprouts. Sticky toffee pudding cake is a knockout dessert. Nice wine choices, cordial service -- they really know who their customers are and how to appeal to them!
(4)
PJ J.
I had friends in from out of town, and wanted to take them to a great place in my 'hood, and I've had a good experience w/ Fork before, so that's where we went. It was even BETTER than my previous visit. We were seated near the windows at first, and it was chilly there, and they moved us promptly and with no 'tude. The place is SO clean, so well-lit, aahhh....utter ambiance without pretentiousness....what's not to love? Our server was Jamie, and she was extremely knowledgeable regarding the menu from wine to appetizers to entrees. A few thoughtful questions on her part helped us make excellent choices. We started out with the fresh hot pretzels with a beer sauce...mmmmm salty, cheese-sauce dipped pillows of goodness. We also ordered one of the cheese flights....I HIGHLY recommend trying those. One friend ordered a nice Chardonnay that complimented not only the cheese flight, but his dinner of mussels....another friend ordered the brisket, garlic/cilantro fries and brussels sprouts....we all kept tasting each others food....divine!! I ordered pork belly sliders, which also came with the addictive garlic/cilantro fries. The sliders were amazing....rich, satisfying....two was almost too much, but glad I ordered two. We finished the evening with a couple of desserts...the vanilla creme brulee had a perfect burnt sugar top and was dreamy...the apple crisp with ice cream was incredible....comfort food. I want to go back soon for the duck confit....I'm a sucker for duck. ALSO, if you've never tried it before, I HIGHLY recommend the Kentucky Bourbon Ale.....seductive, satisfying, complex....not a beer you're gonna slam down....this is an ale that commands your respect, and gives you a quality beverage that goes good with burgers and more. I hope Fork is around for decades, and that it doesn't change TOO MUCH....the menu is practically PERFECT, the staff is kind, professional, warm and well-informed.
(5)
Val B.
The selection is great -- lots of cheeses and wines to choose from, and great already-created or do-it-yourself wine and cheese flights on the menu. I tried the "Crisp White Wines" flight ($11) and liked two of the three. But I will say the menu's descriptions of each wine was spot on. I also had the "Crowd Pleaser" cheese flight ($10) with 3-year cheddar, Bucherolle (fav by far), and Persian Fetta. It was served with a fruity bread, candied pecans and apple slices. It was great! This would be a good place to talk with girlfriends over wine and cheese, but I wasn't so impressed with my dinner itself. I will give it another try. I give this place 3 stars because the service was pretty slow at the end, and the dinner prices were a tad too high for what I got, but I'm adding one extra star because the bathroom was really nice. Ladies, I know you know what I'm sayin'.
(4)
B C.
Can't speak for dinner or lunch, but brunch was the bomb. Came here with friends and family on a whim. Ordered the steak benedict, truffled eggs, and a steak and egg special. I thought I was in for a standard brunch. I was impressed and surprised to have such a well presented and delicious meal. I had the truffled eggs and it was amazing. The restaurant is stylishly appointed with a loungy feel. Full bar along one length and a whole back room I didn't even know existed. The booths in front have large windows that open to the sidewalk. Works for families, but is a great atmosphere for a friendly get together.
(5)
Stacy F.
Delicious! I really liked this place, the service, and the food. It was hard to decide what to get for brunch, but thankfully my dining partner and I game-planned it to get sweet and savory dishes!
(4)
Tony M.
eh,.. Not impressed! The build up the hostess made for the "special" pot pie was amazing! why didn't you just tell me it was a 12 dollar cup of thick soup! Stick to the wine and beer.
(1)
Christine P.
It's too bad I can only give this place 2 stars, but too many things were wrong. I will say that the ambiance was quite nice. First off, when we walked in for Sunday brunch, there was no host and it took about ten minutes to grab someone's attention. The waiter told us there were "no tables, but if we wanted to wait five minutes for one then they may be able to seat us". So we waited at bar. The bar was filthy - it looked like they forgot to clean it off the night before. We sat there for five minutes before someone got our drink orders; my coffee was brought to me in a dirty cup. 15 minutes later, we were seated, where our water glasses were not clean either. We watched other tables get water glasses that had lipstick stains be served to other customers. The table wasn't in good shape either. Luckily, the service was okay, but sub-par. I expected a little better. Our food took longer than expected to get to us, but it was tasty. I may give this place another chance for dinner, but seeing us and other people served clearly dirty utensils was a real turn-off.
(2)
Teri P.
My favorite place to grab a bite in Lincoln Square! I love that the menu is ever-changing with several tried and true items that remain year-round. Every friend I introduce to Fiddlehead ends up loving it. I especially love it in the warmer months when the outdoor seating is available. The food is wonderful and the service is usually terrific. The wine flights are always spot-on, and the selection of beer and wine is great. What more could you ask for??
(5)
Kristen M.
Delicious appetizers and a wonderful drink selection. Fiddlehead is a great place to sit outside have a light bite and enjoy a refreshing drink. They have a wide variety of cheeses and wines/beers to pair. Perfect summer stop!
(5)
sarah s.
I liked Fiddlehead better. Brunch: Green beans in watered down bloody marys. Tiny little mimosas. Terribly long wait for food. Mac and cheese with no flavor. Disappearing waitress. No more truffle fries. Duck club sandwich with imbalanced flavors, served cold. Really common "antique" decor. Busboys hauling orange juice concentrate and kitchen staff traipsing through the dining room in prime brunch time.
(2)
Ingrid G.
Worst. Service. Possibly. Ever. Never Again. Never. One additional star to thank the manager for the comped wine at the end. We appreciated it. But we won't be returning. UPDATE: OK, well I said never--but I guess never say never. Thank you to the manager who did email me thanks to Yelp and apologized for the service! I am raising one star for this reason and because of him will probably try them again if I'm in the area.
(3)
Nathan H.
I was at fork a couple of weeks ago with my uncle and aunt. we went around 630 on a Saturday and after a short wait were seated. I loved the atmosphere! Cumfy and Cozy and just the right size. The waitstaff was professional and informative and we had a great time. I had the pork-bellied lettuce tomato sandwich which was incredible (albeit a little messy!). also if you enjoy a nice glass of wine and some great selection of cheeses this is the spot for you. If you find yourself around Lincoln square stop by, you will thank yourself!
(4)
N. S.
I think the name is lame. I liked the name Fiddlehead better. But, I really like the direction they've taken with their lunch/dinner menus. Everything I've had so far on my several visits (flatbread, soups, grilled cheese, salt and vinegar chips, cheese plates, brussels sprouts) has been great. The duck poutine is out of this world. It's too rich for me to order on my own, but if I go there with a dude, inevitably it gets ordered, and I end up getting to share it. The service is nice. Wine, beer selections are good. Cocktails are not as interesting. Now for the negative part of the review. This is about brunch, so stop reading now if you only want to know about dinner. Aside from the name, which would be better on a barbecue or fried chicken joint, the only issue is brunch. I went to a wedding shower there, and the family style brunch served for that was great. But, just regular brunch? That doesn't seem to have changed much from the Fiddlehead days, and is a little boring and overpriced. Don't get fooled into one of the overpriced champagne cocktails. I watched the bartender make several of the "pomosas" which is supposed to contain pomegranate juice. Instead, it was a splash of a pomegranate-blueberry juice blend - which would explain the lack of pomegranate tang in the finished product.
(3)
Becky R.
I heart Fiddlehead Cafe. The wine flights are fun for a night out with the girls. They even have little icons on the menu to help you decode the wine. A little bit like wine for dummies. Fiddlehead also has amazing cheese flights, which -- not surprisingly -- pair nicely with the wine flights. The mussels are also top-notch. And the banana cream pie will change your life.
(5)
Chris S.
I've been to Fork for lunch and for a friend's birthday dinner. Overall, the service is attentive, the seats are comfy, and the food is tasty. The drinks list is really impressive and I loved their selection of French and Belgian beers. My main complaint with Fork is that they've hopped on the trendy bandwagon of putting bacon/pork belly/other pork products in everything. I'm a veggiesaurus, so it was irritating to find that basically everything that I initially thought was veggie was slathered in pork. Nevertheless, Fork is a warm, classy place to dine.
(4)
Liane G.
Fork is great. They are super friendly (even to 3.5 year olds) and the food was great. The cilantro fries are home run and the special flatbread (not a regular item) was out of this world. Big fan!
(4)
Carey L.
Nice place, we had a perfect table, half banquette, half chairs, no one too close by. Love that. The food is very tasty. The French mussels are worth coming back for. The duck was weird, tasty, but almost like cheese fries in their presentation, if that's what you seek for a Sat night dinner. The cilantro fries are fantastic.
(4)
Anne J.
What a fun little neighborhood place! We got there early and had wonderful and attentive service. Started with the white wine flight, followed by a cheese plate (Truffle Tremor).....YUM! I had the mussels which were outstanding. There were so many I couldn't finish them all. With so many good choices on the menu I can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)
Rehana M.
We came here for Saturday brunch. I'd walked past it several times and been impressed with the menu, so I decided to give it a shot. And overall? It was pretty good, although a bit overpriced. I ordered a mimosa, which was fine, nothing special, and the Truffled Eggs. In concept, the idea was lovely: eggs scrambled with truffled goat cheese, shiitakes, and arugula, and served sandwiched between two wedges of puff pastry. However, I am disappointed again and again by restaurants that overcook their eggs. It's such a no-brainer! Any kid can do scrambled eggs right - it just takes a little attention. But these were quite rubbery. My boyfriend had the Eggs Florentine, which looked a lot better than mine. We were both impressed by the fresh ingredients used at Fiddlehead, and the menu items were well-thought out. They just need to work on their execution a little. One really apparent deficiency was in the service. The only staff we could discern were a hostess and a waiter, who seemed to be doubling as a bartender. For a weekend brunch crowd on a nice summer day, this place was waaaaay understaffed. All things considered, I'd like to come back here and try dinner sometime, but for $40, that brunch left something to be desired.
(3)
Michael C.
If I could give my experience with the restaurant 0 stars I would. I can't remember the last time an evening out was such a failure in ALL aspects. From the two word greeting of "Hi. Drinks?" To the fact that our server couldn't just take the name of our wine he needed us to find the page that the wine was on (in a huge book without page numbers) and tell him which number the wine was, to the 1 hour and 10 minutes it took to order our entrees, to the fact that our server didn't know or understand how to describe the menu or food, to the fact that some of the bread that was given with the entree was burnt and that side was face down (as to hide it. If my server was ever visable on the floor or came over to our table I would have asked for not burnt bread.... but he never did), to the fact that when I spoke to the manager about the problems all through the meal (and there were many others that i haven't mentioned like our server ignored our finished dirty plates and left them on the table for us to clear and stack), he looked blankly at me and said "sorry".... and that was it. When I prompted him for more of a conversation about the awful experience I just had at his restaurant, he proceeded to tell me how tired he was from working so much and that our server was sick and tried to call out for the evening. NOT MY PROBLEM!!! Your guest just had a horrible experience on all accounts, wake up and and try and win this guest back. But no, you were too tired to be a manager and your server was too sick to know how to take care of his guests. THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER GO BACK TO THIS PLACE. If their servers and managers can't succeed in some of the most basic elements of the restaurant business then I can't imagine that they'll ever understand how to take care of their guests. Especially in Lincoln Square which is full of wonderful, kind, businesses that want to have their guests come back. Actually I take the first sentence of this review back. I do remember the last time I had such an awful experience at a restaurant. It was a place called Fiddlehead. huh....
(1)
Rob D.
This past Saturday, we made reservations to try Fork for the first time. Our reservation was for 6:30 but we were more than an hour late because of an expressway closure. We called from the closed expressway and the Fork staff couldn't have been more accommodating! We were told not to worry, relax and call when we were close. Despite it being a crowded Saturday, and the restaurant being very intimate, They found us a great table and told us how glad they were that we made it. This was only the start of a great dinner however. The Wait Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, without being obnoxious, and had some great suggestions for wines. Because of the small plates, my wife and I were able to sample several of the dishes. The Duck Crostini, had a wonderful smoky sweet combination. The Gnocchi, was outstanding with its woodsy foraged mushrooms and truffle infused cream sauce. (Next time I go I may just have a large plate of this.) The Braised Pork Belly reminded me of a similar dish we had in Napa. It was tender and succulent paired perfectly with the cheesy grits and arugula that it sits on. My wife enjoyed the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I have to admit that the latter has always been on my list of least favorite vegetables but my taste of Fork's version, with its bacon and onions was delicious. We ended the evening with a shared White Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding that was fabulous. Having ordered with reckless abandon, I was pleased when the bill came and was only $50.00, not including our drinks. Considering we both walked out full, this was a great value for a Saturday night in Chicago. We can't wait to return and explore the menu further.
(5)
Colleen D.
Not bad but the only thing really worth going back for is the incredible beer selection. Food was fine but my soup was served medium warm. Same goes for the poutine. Had a bite of the PBLT (pork belly, lettuce and tomato). It would have been much better if they toasted the bread.
(3)
Alaina N.
Soggy chicken and waffles and not-so-fantastic beer choices made for a soggy not-so-fantastic brunch outing.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
I had dinner here this evening with a friend of mine and had a really nice time. I let the waiter surprise me with a glass of wine that was very good ... and given that it is mostly a wine/cheese bar, I would expect nothing less. My friend ordered a chicken dish that she seemed to enjoy (large portions too, she took half home). I had the grilled sturgeon salad and it was delicious. Everything was fresh and we both really enjoyed the meal. I plan on going back for a wine and cheese night very soon. UPDATE: Went back for the cheese/wine flights and am increasing the stars! The service was above and beyond and the suggestions were perfect for our party. I also went back another evening for a dinner date. We closed down the restaurant but never felt rushed and the food was wonderful even the second time around (I ordered a fish dish off the Specials menu, so I'm not sure if it's offered often)
(5)
Michael S.
We were in the neighborhood. We saw a parking place right in front; grabbed it and went in. I remember the lobster club sandwich when this was Square Kitchen, and wondered how this new incarnation would stack up. Three stars for above average brunch food, including a cheap kids' menu and one star for the great service. I always appreciate when the hostess greets the kids like a human, instead of like an annoyance, and when the waitstaff pays attention to the kid and brings their stuff quickly. Friendly, friendy, friendly from the moment we arrived until we left. My Carnivore omelette was a nice variety of breakfast meats glued together with fresh melted cheddar. The Macaroni and Cheese from the kid's menu was good enough to be a regular menu item. It wasn't very busy for a late Saturday morning. Sort of made me wonder about the overall prospects for the place and whether it's a jinxed locale as it was for Square Kitchen. Worth a try while it's still there. I can't imagine the place does all that well with as dead as it was on Saturday just before noon. But, what do I know? Maybe they're doing just fine. If it had parking, I'd likely return. But, it doesn't, and this neighborhood is a bitch to park in. So, I wouldn't go out of my way to return, because there are just too many other places to try, but I can't say anything bad about the place. Overall, it was very pleasant.
(4)
P R.
I've only been here twice, but both times the food was fantastic...even their normal burger is outstanding and only $5 on Wed! My brother had the French burger and was blown away. The place has a cool ambiance as well...in between fancy and casual.
(4)
Neesha O.
I have been here twice now. The first time was mid-summer and I wanted to give this place a chance, even though I had walked past it on a Saturday night, practically empty and wondered why a nice dinner place would be so vacant on a weekend. The cheese plate was good, and the impressive beer list sat well with my husband but the entree was a total disaster. I ordered the gnocchi with morel mushrooms in a bechamel sauce with a balsamic reduction drizzled over it. The gnocchi were fat slabs of semi-cooked dough, there were a few on top distinguishable from the clumpy bed of paste-like pastamush beneath them. The balsamic was too sweet and syrupy and the bechamel was slightly cold and gummy. This was when I realized why the place had been empty that Saturday. I also realized why the place needed to advertise their beer list on a giant banner outside the building. Folks, the impressive beer list is a ruse, a red herring, a distraction, something to keep your mind off the fact that the food is terribly overpriced slop masquerading as gourmet cuisine. These thoughts were solidified with me when I came in for my second dinner here. The service wasn't bad, the decor was nice, but the food was simply disappointing. The beer list is impressive but I find it somewhat obnoxious. This place is trying too hard and not doing a very good job. You certainly won't get what you pay for here.
(2)
Bess R.
Yes, fiddleheads are mysterious, but I still like this place. Had a great dinner here last Friday with my ladyfriends. Started with some delicious Zinfandel with cheese plate and olives. All tasty, but could have used some more fruit/nuts/bread/something with the cheese. We split the Salmon, Bison and another fish special. Of course I can't remember the name of it now, but it was the BEST. Very tasty. Salmon and Bison were good, but nothing too special. Enjoyed the laid back ambiance - sat in a nice booth next to the window. Service was attentive and helpful - our server and the manager. Will be back, maybe for brunch next time. Cannot resist the fiddlehead!
(4)
Cece C.
The Brunch was awful. I love brunch and it was so disappointing. My cousin and I are both Chefs and we went with our families after going to the Green City Market. No Bueno... I had the Bison Burrito. It was so unseasoned. I never put salt on my food and I had to this time. The flavors tasted so muted and mushed together. There was no texture ot contrast in ingredients at all. My cousin had the Goat cheese truffled eggs. She sent it back because we all couldn't taste goat cheese and still couldn't taste it the second time. Then someone brought us out a rammie of goat cheese and it didn't even taste like Goat Cheese! It was like a goat's milk Ricotta? Anyway The service was great and so was the coffee. I just feel like you should be proud of every dish going out of the kitchen. We won't be back...
(2)
Foodie H.
We went here on Mother's Day Sunday and while the food was ok, the service I felt was a bit underwhelming for the price of the bill. I felt like the server felt he was way too cool for that place. Couldn't get much out of him as far as recommendations. I hate it when you ask them something and their answers are about as vague as a politician. My girlfriend thought her food was good but I would have to give mine 2-stars. I had the whole grilled trout and while the fish was fresh (i.e. no stinky fish smell), whoever cooked the thing seemed to be enamored with rosemary since it was everywhere (on the outside, stuffed in the center of the fish)! I couldn't get a bite without eating some rosemary. That I feel is something the waiter should warn you about since if I knew that, I would have ordered something else. Or maybe he didn't warn us about it since it was one of the pricier item on the menu. When it was time for the bill, they overcharged us for the bottle of wine that we ordered. The waiter caught it as I was re-checking the price again so I'll give them that. Overall, the experience wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Definitely not worth the money.
(2)
K W.
As Fiddlehead, this used to be one of my favorites. No more. Menu is very average, although service is still good. Bring back Fiddlehead.
(2)
Jolie R.
We stopped in on Easter Sunday at around 3pm, looking for a decent place to eat after the bowl-a-rama. The birthday girl couldn't make up her mind....yes, that's YOU, so the general menu seemed to appeal to everyone. HOWEVER.....it was Easter Sunday and they had a buffet for the day until 3pm.....so we thought we'd give it a try. Out of everything, the waffles were the best bet - fresh made. That's it. Place seemed kind of dirty. The waitstaff was excellent, so the stars are for them. Maybe give it a try some other time.
(3)
Chiara H.
At first, I felt kind of uneasy because I was certain that my outfit (which consisted of a tank top, jeans, and sandals) wasn't up to par with the restaurant's dress code. The staff was probably too polite to kick me out or I was just being too self-conscious, but either way I made it into the restaurant. Try their cheese flights, especially their feta cheese spread. Oh, yum! No wine for us, though. I got the Grouper (some kind of light white fish) and the boyfriend ordered the feta cheese/asparagus casserole-like dish. Both were phenomenal. For dessert, we got a piece of their banana creme pie. As expected, it was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was awesome. He had this fun party guy vibe going on, but he was still professional. I'm just glad the restaurant wasn't as uptight and anal as I thought. Everyone was actually really nice and laid back. I had no idea they served breakfast food! When I get sick of Cafe Salmarie, I'll start going here to try their yummy breakfast dishes. Thanks Yelpers for giving me the heads up!
(5)
Molly C.
Two friends and I went to fork on sunday night. I got the spring flight which was blanche de bruxelles, another belgian white beer and daisy picker. It was tasty and had very generous pours but a) it's a couple days from july making a spring sampler seem a little inappropriate and b) the daisy picker was so hoppy it totally wiped out the other two beers. Not my best choice. My friends raved about the grilled cheese with candied pecans and bacon but alas the sandwich had no pecans on it and when I mentioned this fact to the waiter he said he could bring out pecans on the side. It wasn't the worst reaction he could've had but not the best either; he could've had the sandwich re-fired with my nuts! Both of my friends really enjoyed their meals and beers. I would go back and try this place again. The patio was great and overall the service was above average.
(3)
Megan H.
Came here with some girlfriends for brunch and was so happy with my meal. I got the breakfast melt. I mean this sandwich is more than perfect. Really crispy country bread layered with ham, bacon, two cheeses, fried egg, caramelized onion and arugula. There is nothing wrong with that and all the flavors melded together perfectly. It was definitely a knife and fork sandwich. There was lots of order envy going around the table. I shared a lot of it and still had so much leftover. It seemed like everyone was a fan of their dishes too. Service was attentive but not overbearing. I would definitely come back!
(5)
Karen L.
3.5 stars. I really like the new menu for this place. Went there for brunch and thought the options were decent. Decided to split some food with my friend, and since we couldn't decide if we wanted to be healthy or not... we did both. (So it really doesn't count!) Got the Mac n cheese, which was underwhelming... and the blue cheese salad (yummy), and the side of fries. (The fries seemed intriguing being garlic cilantro, but we didn't really taste either.) But I did love the sauce it came with. I will be back since it is pretty convenient, inexpensive, and had a nice menu. Also, I like the fact that it is a larger restaurant so if you had to wait, it most likely isn't that long.
(3)
Laura N.
Fork used to be called Fiddlehead Cafe. While it was Fiddlehead, I went there about 3-5 times and the quality was consistently good. The food was always tasty. The service was always good in that I do not remember a bad experience. Now that it is Fork not much has changed. The interior is a bit different but is still very nice. Dark decor, candles, it's romantic. Or you could bring a group of friends, a fellow girlfriend, your family, etc. The service is still good. My date and I went there Valentine's weekend. It was my first time there as Fork and his first time there at all. Valentine's weekend is potentially a disaster at restaurants, like other holiday weekends. Our waiter was fantastic. He did not rush us. He answered questions, he gave us suggestions that were all very good. The food was great. Try any kind of cheese that your server recommends and you should do well. Same goes for the wines. He brought us out some extras on the house. My date had a beer flight; I had the Spicy Reds wine flight. We were both very happy. The mood was intimate and romantic. I suggest that you start with the warm marinated olives. Try the house gnocchi as an entree or split it with your date. You won't be sorry you tried it. The mussels are incredibly yummy and are served one of two ways: Belgian or French. If you haven't had mussels before or you are not a huge fan of seafood, opt for the mussels to be served French style. The sauce, the preparation, and the bacon will help to counter the mussels taste and texture. They're great. We walked out of there satisfied but with room for dessert elsewhere. Parking was surprisingly easy - we parked in the square about 1-2 blocks south of the restaurant. It might have been luck though. We called ahead for reservations at 8pm and it was neither empty nor packed. One thing: if it's not warm outside ask for a table away from the windows. Or wear your coat like I did. The wine and company will warm you up. Wink implied.
(4)
Alison M.
I love this place-- it's perfect for a girls night out when I'm looking for a night of appetizers, drinks and desserts. (Not that the entrees aren't good-- I've just always filled up before getting to try them). The crowdpleaser cheese sampler is good-- nice variety, and the feta spread is fantastic. The homemade chips and blue cheese aioli are amazingly decadent (a must share). The mussels are really creative-- served in an IPA broth that you add giardiniera to after finishing the mussels-- I sopped up every bit of that broth, it was so good! Finally, while the chocolate ganache cake is wonderfully rich (perfect for a chocolate lover like myself) I have to admit, I liked the banana cream pie even more-- perfect proportions of delicious filling, topping, and graham cracker crust-- the best banana cream pie I've ever had! UPDATE: The banana cream pie is gone! Apparently the chef (who held the secret recipe for the amazing pie) has gone on to another restaurant. They now serve a different banana cream pie, which while good, is not life changing. PM me if you know where the chef (and his pie) went.
(4)
Theresa K.
I'm updating this review to say that after I posted this, David B reached out to me here on Yelp and offered to allow me to use the gift certificate. I only just received the message now, but at least he tried to make things right. I'm upping my stars based on this, We still haven't eaten here.
(3)
Peter S.
food is decent but price is kind of high for what you pay for. still debating if I want to go back.
(3)
Scott H.
Always have a nice experience here as wine and cheese flights are fun with friends and the beer list is formidable and always seems to be growing. We enjoyed Earth Hour here recently and it was fun dining by nothing but candlelight. Our attentive waiter was a dead ringer for Richard Marx too, so that was fun. Whenever we needed something, he was right there waiting for us.
(4)
Krys J.
Well...it was simply okay. I came here for dinner mid-week since my original destination was closed for a private party. Upon entering you are enveloped into the warm, welcoming interior. However, the food just did not excite me. The selections on the menu seem to be a bit too culinary for this corner bistro to pull off and unfortunately my entree was quite bland. The service was good & the wine selection was pleasing though. I would give it another try possibly for brunch or stop in for wine & cheese, but it is highly unlikely that I would go back for dinner.
(2)
Nicholas C.
It seems like a small thing but I always enjoy when my very first reaction is, "Wow, that's good coffee." That was my first reaction here and Fiddlehead continued to deliver with several more, "Oh wow" moments. The next came when my chilaquiles arrived a very short while after ordering them looking a fantastic shade of orange and yellow. They tasted good, not outstanding but good. They where not very complex in taste and could have been spicier or something, but the rest of the experience was a remarkable combination of the small things I really appreciate getting right at a restaurant. Again, like the coffee, it would seem a small thing but I really appreciate when my wheat toast arrives warm and just toasted enough instead of cold and burnt, another minor factor leading to an excellent experience. The last, "Wow" came out more like "Wmphw!" as I began to chew the potatoes and instantly withdrew my left hand which was in the process of a programmed grab for the ketchup bottle. These taters where a balance of creamy, crunchy and sweet and would be going down naked. All in all I found it a comfortable and pleasant experience and can't wait to go back and try something else. I'll also be trying the wine and cheese offerings the next time I'm in the mood for that.
(4)
Leigh O.
As a long-time neighbor in Lincoln Square, it is hard to try something 'new' when the list of existing favorites is so long. In good news, Fork is basically a retread of previous concepts, so pretty easy to 'make the switch'. Fork solidly delivers on hearty Friday night fare - upscale gastropub. We liked the mussels (small serving was a little small and needs more bread) and the dinner we split was a LOT of yumminess. Go for the garlic cilantro fries - they are a life-changer. However, be prepared to be garlicky for a LONG time afterward. Great wine and beer options and well explained from our server. Our server was kind and engaging - offering nice wine coaching and great validation on her food 'favorites' as well. She was in the weeds almost all night, servicing the entire back room. There was lots of confusion between the server and the expediter about what had been delivered, e.g., 'the mussels will be here soon!' when they had already come and gone. So, I agree with previous reviewers - they have service problems but I think it's a process problem: everybody who came to us directly was extremely good at what they were doing. We liked it and will be back for wine flights and cheese after the movies!
(4)
nancy b.
i was surprised by this place. the first time i went in there for brunch, my mom and i looked at the menu and decided to go elsewhere, as their options were very limited. i went back for my first meal for dinner with three girlfriends, and it was surprisingly much better than i expected. we shared a plate of five cheeses (GET THE HERBED FETA! it will change your life.) and each ordered our own wine. our server was very knowledgeable about the cheese and wine pairings. i ordered the brisket sandwich, which i'm not sure was supposed to be served open-face style, but i was glad it was - no more bread necessary. the brisket was very tender and not over-sauced. it was simple sandwich that let the meat shine. upon insistence from my friends, i ordered the cilantro fries, and they were the hit of the table. "wait, i'll finish those fries for you...." said a friend as they were clearing my plate. overall: good value, good service and decent food. i'll definitely go back! it's also got a warm and fuzzy feel with the exposed brick, large bar and nice decor.
(3)
A S.
Randomly came across this place and must say, WOW! Cozy, classy, excellent food, presentation! Gorgeous staff (always a plus!) Will definitely come back again and recommend to friends.
(5)
Jim B.
My 4 yr old and I had an early dinner here with some friends and their kid. The table service was pleasant and helpful and the kids menu was a nice revelation--I was prepared to have to coddle something together from the appetizer selections for my daughter. The hamburger she got was delicious (hell yeah I had some of it!) I myself had a wonderful braised lamb risotto that was about perfect. It had a nice blend of flavors and textures (the rice was truly a ldente.) I love to see restaurant that cater mostly to adults offer kid friendly options. It only makes me want to come back again with my "grown-up" friends. The nice wine and beer selection doesn't hurt either. It would be nice to see a valet service added for later on the weekends. It's becoming harder and harder to find parking close to the square.
(5)
Danielle F.
We had a hamburger and some appetizers. For 3 of us with wine it was 100 bones. I thought that was a little pricey. The food was good though, not spectacular. The menu was limited. The service was very good.
(3)
Allison A.
Ack. Just boring and plain. Good if your country honky relatives are visiting and afraid of "city food." The blandness of the dishes will make them feel right at home. Service is hit or miss, coffee is a total bust. If you need a brunch place, head over to Glen's or Selmarie...worth the wait. Comparable prices.
(2)
Sierra N.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher overall rating! The atmosphere is great - fancy but welcoming with friendly staff and amazing food. The cheese plates are incredible and any entree is delicious. We tried dinner here once and were so excited to share it with friends that just moved to Chicago and they loved it too. A wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Chris B.
Wow -- mixed reviews from the Yelp crowd...and some love brunch, some hate it, some loved their dinner, some hated it... Count us in the 'love' column. We've gone twice, and both times were a big success. Our first time was last last year -- perhaps weeks after opening, according to the owners who were there, and we got the VIP treatment. a.) it was a slow SNOWY night, b.) I had just returned from a long business trip, so was excited to have a good date night with dear Jacky and was definitely in a good-to-be-home mood. We started off with some flights, and given that we are big BIN36 fans, we chatted up the owners about their hopes and dreams for this place, and got some good insight on how excited they were to be in Lincoln Square, etc. The wine was predictably good, enough so that we jotted a couple down from each of our flights to buy from a store later (which we did). We did a couple small apps -- the chips with the blue cheese aioli was my fave, and Jacky loved the olives, and both of us loved the seared tuna (that was really good -- a tomato-pancetta jam gave it a little salty/rich bite, as did the olive tapenade and grapefruit). For dinner -- I was definitely smitten by their 'signature dish,' a slow roasted pork shank with lentils and pears that was just amazing. Really really good -- last weekend, our second visit -- I stuck with the pork thing (coincidentally) because it was the special, but it was better than the shank -- a stuffed shoulder equally braised with a mixed greens/arugula salad with fiddlehead ferns and cannellini bean puree. Absolutely phenomenal. Now Jacky -- she is a chicken and fish kind of girl, and not very adventurous -- this IS an adventurous menu by those standards. While this all thematically falls into what I dub 'forest comfort food' - there are a lot of unique choices that I find to be intriguing. Jacky had a fish dish the first visit that she really enjoyed, and this time, she tried the pasta special which I thought rocked (my bite), but she deemed too spicy (a clam pasta with garlic and other goodies). The server was very competent and attentive, and she subbed in the chicken breast and truffled sunchokes which Jacky was in love with. So dinner was saved. The desserts were very fun; this time we had the trio of cheesecakes (peanut butter, dark chocolate and banana), and a couple cups of coffee. All in all -- a great dining experience -- I'm curious about brunch, esp. after reading your reviews, so will check it out. But for dinner -- I think the bottom line is this place is worth trying to get your own hit/miss opinion. I find it to be warm, inviting, attentive and interesting and will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Eric V.
Our friends were in Lincoln Square last Wednesday so we decided to meet up for dinner. Temps had finally hit the 80's in Chicago so what better way to celebrate than Burger Night at Fiddlehead Cafe. Specials included a $5 Half Pound Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion on a Brioche Bun, but I upgraded to the $8 Farm-House Burger which added a Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheddar, Melted Onions, and Dijonaisse. The burger was moist and properly cooked to medium, the bacon was crisp, and the egg was a perfect sunny side up. Overall, it was a solid burger and pretty darn tasty. Service was a touch on the slow side, but still very friendly.
(4)
Amanda Z.
My experience is based on a dessert, cocktail trip here the night of my birthday... We got there late, after a lovely evening of birthday fun (Second City and Twin Anchors--YUM!)...craving something a little sweet. I had an expresso creme brule, which was divine (the perfect amount of sweetness) and my date had the chocolate ganache cake which was rich, super-sweet and super-delicious. I also had a glass of moscato, upon the recommendation of our server, which tasted exactly like apple juice. Furthermore, although the server had pointed to a $4 glass of wine when she recommended it to accompany my dessert, the one I had was $8. Whatever, it was my birthday, I was gonna have whatever sounded good, but I thought that was a little shady. It was a nice experience, I'd like to go back and try their cheese flights (I am a cheese nut!) but overall a little expensive.
(3)
Sarah K.
Fiddlehead is alright. It used to be my favorite brunch place with the best eggs benedict. Eggs benedict is my thing. However, the last time my bf and I went there the benedict was awful. The eggs were horribly over cooked and the potatoes were basically raw. In addition, my coke (yes coke at brunch, sometimes I need it after a long night) was super watery. We queried casually about whether there was a new chef and the waitress told us yes. This was back in fall 2009. We haven't been back since. Maybe they are okay for dinner. They always seem to be crowded.
(2)
Kathryn G.
Great for brunch. Their chilaquiles are the best. Servers are attentive and friendly. On one visit the kitchen got way behind with orders but the waiter kept bringing us free drinks and could not have been more apologetic.
(4)
M L.
Way overpriced for the quality of food. Service could be more friendly too. Felt rushed by impatient staff. Love garlic and fries, but Fork's garlic fries are too strong on the garlic and the fries tasted like they were microwaved. Mac and cheese for $14.00? Buyer beware. Want great food at reasonable prices just a few feet away? Looking for a restaurant that gives back to the community not exploit it? Take a walk down Lincoln Ave. and find much better restaurants with more pleasing atmosphere, greater service, plus less expensive and fresher food.
(2)
John C.
I've only been here for brunch, but have been quite happy each of the three times. The eggs florentine and eggs benedict are superb, and come with delicious hash brown potatoes on the side. Very good waffles as well. The coffee is strong and delicious, and the bloody marys are quite good (especially with whatever it is they put on the rim of the glass). Dinner looks a bit pricey, but the brunch is top-notch.
(4)
Joseph O.
Fork is nice in concept but not in execution. Yes, a cheese plate is excellent, especially when it can be eaten outside on a sunny day with a pint of craft beer. But, no, not when the portions of cheese are almost microscopic and its accouterments nearly non-existent. In my mind, it's not a good value, and to me that's a big deal.
(2)
Jami K.
I'm not really sure what happened here. Last fall, right after it changed from Square kitchen to Fiddlehead Cafe, a friend and I went here and had a really great breakfast. We shared an omelet and the chocolate french toast, which was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. OMG it was so incredibly good. It's been months and I can still remember the chocolate bread, nutella, cherries and even more chocolate-y goodness. I had an omelet, which was well done which was served with really tasty homefry potatoes, which were well seasoned and plentiful....it was a very nice experience. So, today, we had a friend visiting and we wanted to show her a good place to have breakfast before she had to fly off, so we decided to revisit our old delicious breakfasts place. The wait really wasn't bad for our table, it's really to be expected on a Sunday morning, however, it did take kind of a while for us to get our food after we ordered. I was really disappointed with our food in comparison to our last visit. I don't know if it was because I had too high of expectations, but the food really wasn't anything special. I ordered the black truffle omelet and it wasn't that it was bad, it just wasn't anything special. I could barely taste the truffle...and I don't think that I enjoy ricotta cheese in an omelet. Also, the plate just didn't seem very generous in comparison to the last visit. The fiddlehead potatoes were almost laughable. The are kind of like tater-tots and reminded me of the hashbrown potatoes served at McDonalds, but worse. Mine were overcooked and didn't have much flavor. Also, I was pretty sure that the toast I had last time was way better than this visit. The bread for my toast reminded me of the stuff you can get for $.69 a loaf at Jewel, really nothing special. One of my friends got the Captain Cruch french toast and it was okay, but not really anything special. I always put peanut butter on my french toast and pancakes anyway, so it really wasn't that much of an addition to put some cereal on top of that. So, all in all, except for the black truffles, (which I couldn't even taste) I probably could have gotten a better breakfast at the Golden nugget. However, the food doesn't seem to be that expensive, but the brunch drinks will really bite you in the butt. I probably won't be going back here any time soon since there are so many better places to eat breakfast in the area. It's really a shame that this place really went downhill, I miss that chocolate french toast!
(2)
Rebecca C.
I love the fiddlehead. When I was apartment hunting before I moved to Chicago, I stopped in with my mom for an evening drink. The bartender and owner chatted with me and gave me tips on the neighborhood and the city. When I moved in, we went back, and they remembered me and even gave me some good advice on restaurants and takeout in the neighborhood. The next time I went back with a friend (a few months later) the owner remembered me again and gave us some great wine and cheese pairings. The ambiance is very classy without being stuffy or uptight. I've always sat at the bar and have never had a meal here, but the appetizers and wines are great!
(5)
Morgan C.
Very nice brunch... much cooler inside than I thought it might have been. I'm not really sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised, not too fancy/pretentious, not too overly-casual (read: no one in sweats or backward baseball caps). The brunch menu is pretty limited, but has some variations on solid brunch items. Some griddle, some eggs, some sandwiches... The gf got the Mediterranean egg plate, I got the, oh yes, Cap'n Crunch French Toast. And that is with peanut butter, in case you were wondering. Hers was a nice egg dish, basically over easy eggs over some chunky tomato sauce, but it's got some cucumbers. Tasty. Hash browns appear to be deep fried; how can that be a bad thing? (She did ask for crispy, too, and I wouldn't have wanted them less done than they were.) Mine was pretty much as amazing as you would think Cap'n Crunch French toast could be. With peanut butter. Nice cereal crunch, but not like overwhelming, gimmicky crunch. Topped with some (slightly not-so-fresh) Crunchberries. Service was decently polite attentive, if not a little slipshod. Coffee was quick and refelled pretty often. Tasty, too. As we waited for food though, I was presented with a side of bacon. No, that's not mine. And we did have to wait for and flag down the waiter for her accompanying toast. A little part of me feels it was a bit pricier than it could have been, but I'd definitely go back again.
(4)
Devon W.
Very good brunch - great selection of dishes and everything was good. Between our group of 6 we had Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup, Belgian Waffles, Pancakes, an Omelet, and French Toast. It was all very good, and they seated our group of 6 + baby very quickly. They seem to stick all the people with kids into the side room, which is great in my opinion. We can all enjoy ourselves and not worry about bothering others if our kids cry.
(4)
Heather B.
I'm a huge fan of their wine and cheese (and beer) selections. Brunch has always underwhelmed me there, but dinner and/or flights are always fantastic. They often use fresh, local and/or organic ingredients when they can (just ask the server) The Amish chicken was to DIE for!
(5)
MELEK L.
I am so surprised by the low rating of Fiddlehead Cafe. I have been there for brunch and was uber impressed. I love the decor. It was warm and inviting. Many of the hangings and patterns I could see in my own place. The atmosphere was comfy, friendly, and unpretenious. The menu was quite impressive as well. I found so many items that I wanted, it was hard to choose. My friend and I were both extremely satisfied with our meals. I also found it impressive that they have such a wide selection of fresh squeezed juices! A perfect morning treat. I am looking forward to my next visit at the Fiddlehead Cafe! Maybe next time I'll try it for dinner.
(4)
Tina B.
A friend who worked at BIN 36 recommended this spot to us. Mike & I went for dinner on Friday at 8pm and were seated near the window right away. The decor has a comfy modern, earthy vibe. Dinner was delicious and relaxed. Tasty eats: *cream of cauliflower soup *lamb risotto w/fontina & chestnuts *halibut *nutella creme brulee : ) The wine flights hit the spot. I enjoyed the icons used to describe each wine! While our server was very nice and helpful, she was a little spotty. No big deal though b/c we were just chillin anyway.
(4)
k b.
Four of us went to Fork before our Old Town School of Folk Music concert. None of us can think of anything that can be improved. We were seated promptly and served our beverages without delay. Our server had every answer to every question and was helpful with suggestions. We all shared a cheese board (the Cheddar - delicious selection) and the roasted beet and goat cheese was passed and enjoyed. Our entries included a Farmland Burger, Flat bread, Gnocchi, and Short Rib Pot Pie. Not one thing about the food could be improved. We had several different glasses of wine and sampled a few beers. This is a wonderful place; a warm, welcoming, and spot-on destination that I will be happy to see again. All four of us recommend this location. Enjoy.
(5)
Lindsey R.
I held a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend here on Saturday night and had a great time! I worked closely with their staff to set up a special dinner for 8 where each of the 3 courses were paired with a beer or two. The food was excellent, I'm still dreaming about the garlic cilantro fries and beef brisket sliders. And the beer was great too. David did a wonderful job selecting the beer choices, he really knows his stuff. Fork went above and beyond to accommodate my vision for this night and to treat us like we were the only party at the restaurant. We had a great time and we'll definitely be back!
(5)
Erin T.
I'm only giving four stars because we've had inconsistent experiences with servers. The food has been amazing each time. The wine flights are amazing. The cheese flights are EFFING amazing. And the entrees have no right to be as delicious as they are when you you consider how good the cheeses and wines are. I had a cheese flight as an appetizer and then a cheese for DESSERT. First server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and unsnobbish about our cheese ignorant ways. The second visit, our server wasn't rude or anything, but he was distant and distracted, and unhelpful re: the menu. The owner/greeter, however, is always a charmer. On my way out the second visit, he made me come back in the restaurant so he could give me a rose. Nice!
(4)
Gfiddy F.
Great beer menu, cheeses, mac & cheese, deserts, etc.
(5)
Lizard F.
I've been here two or three times over the course of the last two years, always for brunch, and it's TASTY. A little on the higher end of the price scale, but in my opinion, well worth it for the portion size and the quality of food that you get. On my last visit I brought a friend from out of town who is by far the pickiest eater alive, and she thought it was delicious! As did I. :o)
(5)
Cate R.
I really enjoyed my food when we came here for brunch - a ham and cheese egg scramble accompanied by some delicious potatos. Will be back here, let's say that. One problem though, was the service. At first, it was very confusing. One waitress came over with a trainee, took our drink orders, and disappeared for almost 15 minutes. Then another waitress came by and took our drink orders again. Then it took us over 15-20 minutes just to get our check. The service was bad enough it almost loses 2 stars, but I'll be nice.
(4)
Elizabeth P.
I went here with two of my oldest friends for a night of good food and catch-up conversation and it did not disappoint on either count. This place has a light, airy and modern feel, but is still comfortable and cozy. The bartender was a doll and our waiter was friendly and funny. Now onto the food - yummy! I was worried about ordering the steak frites, in case it didn't compare to my all time favorite at Home in San Francisco, but I was not let down. The steak was perfectly done and very tasty. I could have done without the mix of fries: they had the normal kind, a wider cut and sweet potato, and I only liked the normal kind, but boy were they good (sorry, foodies, I don't know what you call different types of fries!). We also ordered steamed mussels which were excellent, and the salad was pretty good, although not at the level of the other dishes. All in all a terrific dining experience.
(5)
Rlvb V.
The ambiance of this place is adorable, and the wine and cheese menu is so great! We stumbled upon Fiddlehead and are so glad we did. The food was excellent and the dessert menu had really interesting options (Bread Pudding with Guinness beer ice cream - yum!) We're going there again soon and we don't think it'll disappoint!
(5)
Leah P.
I love going to Fiddlehead Cafe when I am looking for a really a great local / seasonal, thoughtfully presented dinner experience. I LOVE that they do not have TVs here. I hope they do not bring them in - ever. It would really disturb the lighting, ambience and flow of conversation. The brick walls, oopen windows and bar are so nice to look at - TVs would take that away. Last night I chose Fiddlehead, specifically bec. they do not have TVs. They also have a great selection of wine and staff are always ready to make a recommendation. Their cheese platters are also very good. Everyone thinks about this place for brunch (which I think is just okay) - - Dinner and / or drinks is what this place excels at. I just wish they did more marketing. I feel like their menu is totally under-rated / unknown in this tightknit commmunity. Get the word out!
(4)
Channyn W.
A lack of willingness to drive a great distance coupled with a general disdain for lines led us to Fiddlehead Cafe last Sunday morning. The overall atmosphere is nice enough, but I HATE the cafeteria style seating where you're seated close enough to the people beside you that you feel almost obligated to be inclusive of them in your conversation. Trust me, they're listening anyway. I'm a huge fan of brunch and there were some nice options, but nothing special that can't be found at the myriad of other restaurants dotting Lincoln Ave. My french toast was stuffed with Nutella (YUM!) and a few small pieces of banana. It was super sweet, but pretty darn tasty. Throw in some more bananas and i'd be a bigger fan. My friend had the truffled eggs. Eh - they were ok. Nothing spectacular, a little runny on the eggs (they're supposed to be soft not runny), and very little seasoning. The concept is great, but the execution was a little lacking. I'd go back to try there lunch or dinner menu, but for brunch, there are much better options.
(3)
Jim S.
My family and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead when walking through Lincoln Square on a sunny Saturday. We needed someplace outdoors to accomodate our dog (because, one cannot have brunch w/o a fluffy white dog in tow). We didn't have to wait long for an outdoor table. The brunch menu has terrific variety--lots of egg concoctions, salads, sandwiches. I ordered a chicken sandwich with some kind of olive oil tapenade and vegetables on ciabatta--it was one of the best sandwiches I've EVER had. My parents were thrilled with their hamburgers. Also, the prices are reasonable so you don't have to break the bank to go here... ...on the other hand, the service leaves a lot to be desired. Our waitress had the best intentions, but she seems to not understand the difference between "salad" and "sandwich" and gave my father the wrong dish....twice. Also, we had to ask 4 or 5 times just for water when we sat down. It took forever to get our food, but when it arrived, it was worth it. The manager told us at the end of the meal that dogs are forbidden from the restaurant, even though the hostess had said it was fine. SO, the long and short of it, is if you're in Lincoln Square, it's nice outside, and you're not in a hurry, and you don't have a pet with you, then go to Fiddlehead.
(3)
caroline e.
After a couple of big beers, we headed out of Maifest and, stumbling down the street, started looking for food. Fiddlehead Cafe sounded like a great place to stop in and grab something to soak up the alcohol. As soon as we walked in though, we realized it might have been a slightly more upscale establishment than the name suggested. So we weren't too surprised when the hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant...away from the other customers. Oops. The food was really good. My mac and cheese was tasty, but I have to say, my stomach hurt for hours afterwards. Maybe it was just too cheesy for me. Our waitress Jamie was really great. She had a sense of humor about our....state of mind...and took great care of us anyway. Thanks for being there when I needed you Fiddlehead!
(3)
Dustin S.
This place was really great. The food was tasty, the beerlist was expansive, lots of cheese and wine, and a really friendly server/host/bartender. I expressed interest in some of the Unibroue beers and he gave me free sample beer!
(5)
Kelly S.
I like wine and I like cheese.
(4)
Marian H.
Everyone was sooo nice, the food was excellent (especially the scallop appetizer and NY strip!! Oh, and that apple dumpling dessert!)...all in all a great experience. They carry the most vast selection of port I have ever seen in a Chicago restaurant. Such an upgrade over the former Square Kitchen (good riddance!) and a great addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back!! I should also mention, we spent way too much time at the bar after dinner, but the bartender and eventually one of the owners humored us through the rest of the evening. We really had a great time there, and look forward to going again (though will try to control ourselves with the booze next time....)
(4)
Sara B.
Even though our adventerous dinner on Friday was a disaster, we decided to be totally crazy and try something new Saturday morning, too. This time wasn't so painful. First off, I really like the inside of this place. Very warm and cozy. However, the warm and coziness was sort of off-set by the crazy techno music they had going. I felt like I should bop my head the entire time I was there. But I didn't because it hurt. Their coffee is outstanding, and it's served in gigantic mugs like I have at home. Major ups to large mugs--that way i don't have to track down the waiter every minute or so for more joe. Aside from a few service issues, I enjoyed myself. I had a Mediterranean egg dish that, strangely, was sans feta cheese. But, it didn't really need it--very packed with flavor. It was sort of like eggs on top of a great tomato sauce. Yum! Half a star off for putting grape jelly in a pretty serving dish--like I'm not going to know it's nasty grape jelly. I paid $9 for eggs. The least you could do is throw some blackberry preserves on the table. Oh well. The bf had captain crunch french toast. It was good but super sweet. There's no way I could eat a plate of it. The pancakes looked pretty delicious, too. Yep, I think I'll be back. If not for the food, for the fact that it was 10:30 on a Saturday and I didn't have to wait for a table.
(3)
Laura H.
We took some friends out last night and boy were we surprised to get the Bill. It was super super pricey for what you get!! So if you go, stay away from the cheese or meat flights and just get entrees individually you will save a ton of money and alot of headache. The cheese/meat flights are tasty but very very minimal for what you pay for and not enough bread to go with the cheese/meat. When they arrived we were very surprised to see how little was served it was almost laughable!!! We did however try the BBQ brisket which was excellent and the Duck Poutine was awesome!!!! Besides that everything else is really overpriced. My friends had a martini and a glass of wine for $28 dollars--eeeks!!!
(2)
Phil F.
We went here because I had read the Red Eye article about the Capital of Brunch being Lincoln Square. And it was okay. We got some brunch cocktails which were not stellar, but just run of the mill. The pomosa, a pomegranate mimosa was a brownish hue, so kind of off putting. And the sparking wine was flat, even after returning it once. The food was okay. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy sounded great, but instead of sausage they used ham. And the biscuits were not my style, they were short and not fluffy. We also got the chilaciles(sp?), which were kinda gross, the sauce was canned or something. Overall, I would go here if I lived nearby.
(3)
Mara S.
A friend and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead yesterday for brunch. We had passed a bunch of other brunch places b/c nothing sounded all that appealing - we were very pleased with our selection. Fiddlehead had a small brunch menu, but it was delicious. I had the chilequiles (yum), which I didn't expect to be as good as I've had other places, but I was wrong (that happens occasionally)! The potatoes were good too, as was the service. We got there around 9:30 and had a great seat by the big windows in the front. It got fairly crowded by the time we left, seemed like the local crowd was rolling in. I'd definitely go back and would be interested in trying something other than brunch next time.
(5)
Ade Z.
I live in Lincon Square and I have grown to love this place. I live right around the block from it and this past weekend i just realized why this place is so fabulous. Some friends, my boyfriend and I went to Lula Cafe in Logan Square and than came back here for some extra wine and chatter. Right away we were greated like we were family. We told the waiter that we would be 6 people and he didn't get scared :) points for him As i sat at the bar and looked at the menu, the owner came up to me and made some suggsetions based on my love for whte wine. He was very nice and let me taste a couple different ones till i made my final choice. My boyfriend opted for the Sangria! WOW i was so jealous it was delicious!!! A MUST TRY! Than him and i decided to order some lemon chessecake- it was delicious but a little toooo lemony. Than the rest of our grouped ordered. One my friends was very excited to have found some old french apple beer that she drank while on vacation with friends... so she ordered it and was very very happy In other words i love this place and i hope it sticks around.
(4)
Laura R.
We have only come here after 9pm so I can't rate based on brunch (though I'll have to try it one of these days), only drinks and the food we've tried. First off, my boyfriend goes crazy for the beer selection. I have never seen so many different types of beer in one place. Personally I'm not a beer fan, but I will say the wine selection is good too and I usually wind up getting a strawberry mojito, which is quite good. All the food we've tried is great - everyone we've come with raves about the garlic cilantro fries. Burgers are good, we had a veggie flatbread pizza that was delicious, and the creme brulee was decent. Service has always been great in our experience - they recognize us and always say hello and welcome us back. Chris the bartender gave great beer suggestions and he will be missed - I hope his replacement is as good as him!
(4)
Kimberly M.
I went here with two friends for brunch, and our first reaction was that it had semi-modern design inside. There's a bar as you walk in and a seating area you can step up into. As we were led to the back room (which was pretty cozy and attempting a hipster cafe vibe), a huddled group of waiters stared at us as if to say, "You don't meet our hip-standard." Whatev. My Cap'N Crunch French Toast with peanut butter was pretty tasty, but got tired of it after awhile. Pomegranate Mimosa -- want some pomegranate with that champagne? Our waitress seemed to have a *slight* chip on her shoulder, but warmed up to us as we were about to leave. Tip, much? I would try this place again, but maybe for dinner and drinks. Maybe brunch just isn't their thing.
(3)
Deb C.
I am a big fan of Fork after a couple of visits. The food has always been good and the wine selection is great. My only suggestion is that they need to change the wine flight combinations regularly, but the small plates, PBLT, cheeses, and meats make up for it.
(5)
Dina D.
Fiddlehead. What does that even mean? What does it have to do with food or wine? (UPDATE: I have since learned that a fiddlehead is some kind of something used for food consumption: still, who knows that..?) Ok, so I think the name of the place is silly and doesn't give me any idea as to what it's about but I went anyway... I was looking for a small bite. I ordered 3 cheeses and a glass of wine. Wine: Good. Cheese: Good. Portions: Teeny tiny. The bread served with the cheese was hard. It was "supposed to be" but it just tasted like stale bread to me. The perfectly nice server brought me non-crunchy bread when I asked, so that was nice... Kind of expensive... And nice outdoor seating... I guess, maybe I'll try it again sometime...maybe.
(3)
Jon J.
We came in for breakfast after hearing from friends that it was a good spot - and were weirded out to see the place having only 3 tables dining, and a couple at the bar. At 10:30am on a Saturday! This is a strange sight in a town that loves weekend breakfast as much as Chicago, and especially in a restaurant as large as Fiddlehead. Oh well, the food was alright. Nothing incredibly remarkable, but pretty solid. Prices were a little on the high side, especially since they didn't have much standout going on, but that's the neighborhood, I guess. We did overhear the waiters discussing job opportunities at other restaurants, which was kind of amusing. For brunch? Eh. I can make myself the same meal for a fraction of the cost, and they didn't have anything special enough on the menu to draw me there. The dinner menu, on the other hand, looks promising, and we may stop by and check it out sometime.
(3)
Susan L.
What is the deal with Fiddlehead Cafe? What is it about? WHAT IS A FIDDLEHEAD?!?!?! I'm asking because this place makes no sense to me. What are they trying to be? A wine bar? A restaurant? Their list of cheeses and desserts was longer than their food menu. The place was pretty empty when I arrived (around 7:30) and 60% full when I left. I had the burger which was ok at best, the boytoy had some chicken breast plate that he enjoyed. I just don't get it though. The food is very average, and the waiter didn't offer any special insights about the wine...I'm left confused. I just can't figure out Fiddlehead.
(3)
Ashley B.
went for brunch with a friend. it was amazingly delicious. our waiter was a little rattled, but the food was outstanding. its in a great location which surprised me that it wasn't as busy as some of the other local restaurants serving brunch. i ordered the truffled eggs because i am a sucker for anything with goat cheese. the portions were generous, but not overwhelming and all the components complimented each other nicely. it was obvious that the ingredients were fresh. the pomosa had great flavor but the champagne was a touch flat. i will return next time i am in the area
(4)
Lisa P.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dinner at Fork. I did not expect it to be as good as it was! We started with some cured meats and cheese which are always appreciated. However, in retrospect, I would have preferred to skip that course and try out more of the entrees instead. The veal meatballs and the poutine are MUST HAVES! They're both delicious and very indulgent! The poutine is made with duck confit and gravy and it's excellent! We also had the gnocchi and butternut squash/chorizo flatbread and they were very tasty as well! The dessert options aren't bad either! I will definitely return.
(4)
Liz T.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to get out and see more of Chicago's wonderful, diverse neighborhoods, which is why I found myself in Lincoln Square on a Sunday morning. I have actually wanted to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a while, so when we walked past, I made a quick decision to have brunch. There was no wait, and this being the the first nice weekend, we opted to sit outside. As soon as I sat down I realized that my chair was partially off the sidewalk. It was too late, my chair tipped back, a leg snapped off, and I was crushed under the plastic carnage. It was terribly embarrassing and not my favorite start to a meal. Shortly after I had been given a new chair, the waitress came over to give us our water. She had put ice and cold water in glasses straight from the dishwasher. By the time the glasses reached our table, they were cracked around the entire circumference. We weren't off to a great start. I was torn between the chilaquiles (a favorite of mine) and the truffled eggs. I took my server's recommendation and had the truffled eggs. B ordered the eggs with cheddar and ham. Now, I'm all for full-disclosure so I will say that I LOVE salt. I can't live without it. And, I probably over-salt...just a little. When dining in restaurants, though, I really try to enjoy dishes as they have been prepared. But take my word when I say that there wasn't a grain of salt in my entree. It hadn't been seasoned at all. I tried to eat it, but finally gave up and asked the server to please bring salt and pepper. The mini salt shaker did it's job and I was back in business, but I was still wishing I had gotten the chilaquiles. The cheddar, ham, and eggs were decent. Nice, sharp cheddar. If I ever find myself in Lincoln Square in time for brunch, I wlll give Fiddlehead Cafe another try, but I certainly would go out of my way for it.
(3)
Tom V.
This is a nice restaurant with a wonderful electic atmosphere. The exposed brick is truly a plus. We went there for Easter Brunch after finding out about this place on metromix.com . The only thing negative I have to say is they didn't have any ham for easter nor was the buffet being monitored closely for refills. Several of us were standing in line waiting for food because the trays were empty and the bartender completely ignored us even though the serving trays were right on the bar. I must admit it was Easter but the restaurant really wasn't that busy. Would I go there again? Absolutely, for made to order but not for a buffet. The wait staff was great and the atmosphere really is exceptional. I would tend to believe their made to order food is probably exceptional.
(3)
Jenny B.
I live right by this restaurant and I'm really bummed that almost every time I've been there I leave unimpressed. I had one of the worst brunches there about 6 months ago so decided that I would just go there for wine and dinner but since then I've decided it's not worth my time or money. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)
Bee B.
They have wine flights!!! i love being the one at the table with three glasses of wine when everyone else has none (or one). They have a nice selection of wines and their menu has cute little cartoons describing the character of the wine (dry, strong bodied, fruity, etc. -- there is a joke in here somewhere!). The flights are only a few bucks more than a plain glass of wine and I would definitely recommend trying the bold reds or the fun red mixes. This may lead you to believe I had two flights. I did not. Not enough room on the table. And now, on to the food. Mixed reviews. For some of the items I thought the were suffering from a case of, "trying-too-hard-itis." One of my dining companions had a sandwich with (dry!) duck confit, and goat cheese, and duck liver, and some type of jam, and cinnamon-sugar, and i was kidding about the last one but you get the idea. The soup of the day, which was an onion bisque type thing was delicious, and my husband enjoyed the lamb risotto, but was miffed that it came as sortof a porridge in a bowl with no veggies on the side. which brings me to: I was a bit annoyed when I wanted to change out the polenta on my trout entree for some veggies instead and was told that they can only remove items, not substitute them. So, not too friendly on the accommodating people with food needs. Flexibility is always a nice quality in a restaurant, and was lacking at Fiddlehead. Veggies are cheaper than polenta too last time I checked! Okay, now onto the odd. odd. odd. odd. (1) made us wait 20 minutes when we had a reservation and there were obviously tables open. (2) two (2) people came up to say "hi" to us after we had been seated. They weren't there to bring us water, or tell us the specials, just to say hi. Which was nice, I guess, but...odd. (3) As we were finishing our meal two (2) men were carrying three (3) umbrellas from the outside dining area through the main dining room into a storage closet. They knocked down at least one (1) glass and made much noise and commotion. It sorta killed the post dinner buzz, and made me believe that the place was not run by professionals (sorry). The place not being packed to the gills like every other lincoln square eatery should have been a clue. In honest, I probably won't be back...unless its just for some onion soup and a wine flight (or two.)
(2)
Christian F.
Good food and good service. The cheese flights are a must. We didn't try the wine flights because we were having dinner and felt that a bottle was more appropriate than sampling several different wines. But the cheese was fantastic. The rosemary manchego was disappointing because it was too savory but the rest were very good. We had the Blue d' Auvergne (very good blue bursting with flavor if you like blue) and the best of the 5 we had was the Regal de Bourgogne Raisin, highly recommended. Our meals were good as well. They were trying a new dick confit sandwich with an orange marmolaide which was perfect. And my friend was very happy with the monkfish wrapped in bacon. Avoid the mussels though as they are too fishy and not quite right. They could have at least used lemon on the side. The service was very good. Our waiter was quite attentive and suggested a fine wine and even made sure our meals accompanied the wine we were drinking. Fits in nicely in Lincoln Square.
(3)
Jon M.
I feel like I should leave a bad review so I get in quickly next time. Fork is my favorite restaurant on the north side of Chicago. I consider myself a steak connoisseur and the hanger steak was perfect. It wasn't huge, but it was cooked perfectly and had a great smothered sauce. My wife had the grilled flat-bread and loved it.
(5)
Patrick R.
I was a bit weary going here as it has 3 1/2 stars - there's so many places in the city that have 4 stars that I haven't tried yet. Should have read more about it though as this is my type of restaurant. Started off with a beer flight, which I'm so glad that they offer. Our waitress was VERY knowledgeable about the beer selection as well. I ordered the candied bacon because how could I resist? ! It was very good, but not sure if I would order it again - can probably give myself a heart attack if I make it at home. Tasted mostly like bacon and maple syrup which and was only 2 strips. It was a good first course though. For my meal I had the PBLT - a pork belly, lettuce, tomato sandwhich with fried egg and dijonnaise. It was very good and rich. Probably not for those who are counting calories, but for those that are looking to indulge. Also had the garlic fries which were very good but a bit too much garlic. Overall a very cool place in a cool location. Very interesting menu for all courses and even their cheese and charcuterie selection. If you're on the fence about the place, I'd say look at their menu and see if there's anything that catches your eye. If so, I'm sure it will be prepared well.
(4)
Erik J.
The food has improved since this restaurant was reconcepted from Fiddlehead to Fork, and the pricing is more weeknight-dinner friendly, but the staff has maintained its "we're better than you" attitude. We left Fiddlehead feeling unwelcome, and left Fork feeling the same way. Avoid.
(2)
Heather L.
Very friendly locale for a small group of women to get a nice glass of wine night cap. Nico was especially friendly and did not rush us out as the last patrons at 11:45pm on a Tuesday night. Especially enjoyed the Zinfandel that night-not even sure of the make or model. It's just nice to be able to get a little taste of a few before committing to "the one". Very pleasant sophisticated but laid back atmosphere. Why don't they have a place like this in my neck of the woods?
(4)
Randal B.
My wife and I decided to try Fiddlehead Cafe when we wandered upon it this weekend. It was late afternoon, so the place wasn't crowded and the waitstaff was very attentive. We tried a red and white wine flight and a cheese flight. All were great choices. We then shared the Smoky Chicken Salad Sandwich with fries and the food was terrific. With the comfortable decor (and no distracting TV), the good music choices, the open windows, and great food and wine, my wife summed it up best: "This is the kind of place we'd want to find if we went on vacation somewhere." We had a great experience at Fiddlehead and will definitely return with friends.
(4)
Stephen J.
This has become a favorite of my wife on our date nights. The drink recommendations are the best and the food is wonderful. We have a great time every time we go.
(4)
Sarah C.
beer flights are awesome, mushroom flatbread is delicious!
(5)
Alice S.
what a horrible dining experience. the one star is for their garlic cilantro fries. there are no other stars, because there is nothing else that stood out here. I took my younger cousins out for brunch today and i left the restaurant with my blood boiling. The hostess was super sweet and got us seated in a booth pretty quickly. We had two servers, one male server that seemed like he was in training and a female server, who based on our receipt looks like her name was Jamie. The guy was really nice and friendly to begin with. They took our orders and the food came out fine. The fries, like i said, were great. For brunch we ordered, the sausage scramble, ham benedict, truffled eggs, and soup & grilled cheese. Nothing really stood out. When the bill arrived, our female server came over and my cousin handed her his credit card. I told her to stop and take my card, these are my younger cousins that I'm taking out. She shook her head at me and as she's booking it to the POS system, tells me she only takes the first credit card. I was just thinking, "are you f***ing kidding me?!" So I got up from our booth, and had to run after her as shes looking at me and punching away on the POS system like this was some game and she was trying to run our bill as fast as she could before I could get to her. I ran up to her and again explained that I am taking my younger cousins out and to take my card, and that I am the oldest one at that table and that none of them are even working. I don't even understand why I had to explain all this crap to her. Instead of taking my card, she proceeds to argue with me telling me "her rule" is that she only takes the first credit card. Well lady, I don't care about your rule. Cause its stupid. She then tells me that she is willing to split the bill between the two cards. Seriously? Are you kidding me? I don't think a server should ever force one of their customers to chase after them and argue over something like this and make me provide reasons for why she should give me back my baby cousin's credit card. Talk about ruining what was supposed to be a nice outing with my family. She finally took my card and gave me back my cousin's, but that was just ridiculous. I will definitely not be returning. Go here if you think you can get full off of a meal of just fries and you want bad service and to leave with a completely bad taste in your mouth. I spoke to the hostess on our way out, and she was super sweet and apologetic. The restaurant should have the hostess help train the server we had on how to provide good customer service.
(1)
Sarah B.
Once again, I am keeping my review at four stars even though I maybe shouldn't. I stopped in a week or two ago on a Tuesday night by myself. I noticed a wine flight special and who am I to turn THAT down? So, to get right to the point, I think I was overcharged for my flight--I didn't get the special price or was charged for the wrong flight--whatever. It didn't matter because I couldn't stop drooling over the uber-cute bartender/server (oh no, I'm pulling a David R. here!). I was too distracted by his hotness to really give a shit about my bill. Which, my friends, is why I am keeping 4 stars!
(4)
Cliff E.
This place is a tough one for me to review. I so want to like Fiddlehead Cafe. It's in one of my favorite parts of town (Lincoln Square), and there's tons of fun stuff to do all around it. Like the Davis Theater for a cheap first run movie. Or Old Town School of Folk Music for a cool concert or nifty-shifty music lesson. Or Fine Wine Brokers for a really great bottle of wine from friendly and helpful staff. Or Quake for childhood toy nostalgia. Or Laurie's Planet of Sound for awesome music and videos. Or Merz Apothecary for a little bit of pampering. I've been to Fiddlehead a couple of times now and the reason I really want to like it is that the service is really good, everyone is friendly, and the food is pretty tasty. The servers here are all really friendly. I've never really "wanted" for anything (It's like they have spies in my coffee cup. It gets empty, yet before I go to drink more they refill it. Happiness! I don't have to constantly readjust the cream and sugar from an overzealous coffee dilution incident!) The first few times I got the Spicy Bloody Maria (w/ Tequila instead of Vodka) and the Chilequiles. You can have chorizo added to the Chilequiles (yes, please!) and it's fairly tasty chorizo, but each time I've ordered it, the bed of nachos is soggy and the scrambled eggs have been a bit rubbery. I understand that you want the food to arrive together, but perhaps they could deliver the chiliquiles to the table in two dishes (the nachos in a bowl and the eggs, sour cream, and salsa on a separate plate). It also would allow the servers to slide the eggs/etc. off onto the nachos with a bit of panache while preserving the desirable crispiness of the chips... I recently got the Eggs Florentine Benedict. And my experience was a bit better. The English muffins were nicely toasted and the eggs were poached to perfection. I would've liked a bit more hollandaise sauce ( I had more egg yolk than sauce) and I honestly felt that it was poorly flavored as well. Fewer things in this world are as sad as weak sauce. I've heard great things about the burger's but I've yet to try one. Maybe next time... And I guess that's why I'm giving Fiddlehead only three stars. It's close, so close (in my opinion) to being a solid recommedation that it's minor things that stick out and keep it from being four stars.
(3)
Kim M.
I went here for dinner a few weeks back and was really impressed. The service was great. We were lucky because it was not a busy night, but the waitstaff seemed like real pros that could handle a rush. The wine selection was good and reasonably priced (and generously poured) flights are available. I did the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay flight for $11 and all three wines were great. The flight also got me through my whole meal (although heavier drinkers would need a second). The food was just great. We started with a really tasty meat and cheese board. I had gnocchi and my fiance had steak. Both were delicious. I love a place that can please anyone from vegetarian to hardcore meat eaters. My fiance is a creme brulee connoisseur, and was displeased with his dessert, but that didn't stop him from saying he'd defnitely be back.
(5)
Julie N.
I've only visited for wine and cheese, but based on that alone I had to give 5 stars. Their flights of wine, paired with flights of cheese, are really delicious and well thought-out. The pairings go very well together. If you like one of the wines you taste, you can purchase a bottle from the restaurant to take home with you! The decor and ambience is really nice and I hope to try their dinner entrees very soon. A great place for a little something before or after a movie at the Davis, or anytime!
(5)
Lisa W.
Why anyone would give this place a good rating is beyond me. My experience there started off ... OK. Our waitress greeted us not at the table but from the other side of the railing (the dining area is on a 1 ft elevated area), which was a little rude. I let that slide because I know what it's like to wait on several tables at once, and in a rush things can get hectic. The ambience of this place was a little confusing. The name is fiddlehead.. so you think.. celtic? But they were playing latin music.. ok.... Then while waiting for my coffee I noticed dangling wires hanging from the ceiling in the corner and shards of wood and plaster where the ceiling meets the wall.... ok... I have to say, I love that they serve their coffee in huge mugs. There's nothing I hate more than having my coffee refilled several times throughout my meal throwing off my ration of cream to sugar. I ordered the eggs florentine, which is what I will usually order at a new place as a basis for comparison, with a pancake on the side. You figure, a pancake is the most basis of breakfast foods. If that gets messed up well... there's a big problem. I also noticed they had a few stolen items from the Bongo Room. Tsk... Tsk... Our food arrived in decent time, I poured a little syrup on my pancake. The syrup had an orange essence which I liked. The pancake was a little dry and crumbled when cut into it. My food was poorly presented, sort looked slopped on the plate and the hash potatoes were sparse, not to mention the onions and red peppers in them were barely existent. They were also unseasoned. My eggs were poached fine, but the spinach was not cooked, at all. I understand some people make choices out of artistic expression, but this was not that. This was blatant laziness or lack of knowledge that spinach should be sauteed or steamed in florentine. The hollandaise was barely there. There was no seasoning. The bussers never came to fill our waters which left us thirsty and disgruntled. They also didn't offer butter for our pancakes.... WTF. Our waitress took forever to bring the check and the bussers never cleared the table. This experience slowly declined from average to horrible. I felt entirely ripped off. My advice to them would be to reassess what you are doing. Decide if you want to go w/ the celtic theme or latin theme and restructure your menu from there. Your lack of focus shows in your decor, your service and your food. Retrain your chefs. Explain to them what seasoning is as well as technique in preparation. Regroup and come back to Chicago. In the meantime, please leave my neighborhood. Thanks.
(1)
Carolyn B.
Painful service. REALLY painful service. Very inconsistent food - one weekend the fries were amazing; the next they were soggy and tepid. Go for the great beer menu, not for the food or service
(2)
Jill S.
Overpriced, bad service, mediocre food. My boyfriend and I live in Lincoln Square and are all about new restaurants in the neighborhood, but we have an inside joke of just simply remind eachother about how much we dislike this place every time we walk by.
(2)
Babs H.
First of all, I want to point out how expensive it is for what it is. Mind you, they have an AMAZING beer list, the food is pretty good, the service was just above ok, the atmosphere is pretty nice, but the music is God awful. But that's just a nutshell. So, I ordered a glass of wine and the summer vegetable pasta entree (I know, I mention the extensive beer list and then order wine. Shut up). The server specifically said there was asparagus in it, which I was happy about and was one of the selling points. I was a little :( to see there was no asparagus in the dish. It was a little bit bland but with a couple dashes of salt it was good. I was ready to order a second glass off wine but then the server didn't come back for another 22 minutes (I counted)! When he did return I ordered the second glass and after it was delivered he disappeared again. I always always always order dessert, but he didn't even ask, just brought us the bill after he had disappeared for another 20 minutes. At that point I decided to just get a ice cream from the 7/11 by my apartment because this server wasn't rubbing me the right way. He could have sold me at least 3 glasses of wine and a dessert in addition to my entree but he was too scarce. I will give it another shot but hopefully with a different server.
(3)
Greer C.
First, after reading some of the terrible service reviews, I was bracing myself. However, the only thing that was a little slow was the bar. The food came at a good pace, in a random order, which it what we requested. I was a little bummed that the poutine came last, because I was most excited for that, but I should have thought of that when placing my order. I went with 2 girlfriends and we split a couple of dishes. Spanish cheese flight (Manchego has been playing an interesting role in my life lately, so figured I should go with it), pickles (I can never say no), brussel sprouts (the onions were a touch overdone, therefore a little bitter, but overall really good), roasted beet and goat cheese salad (A-OK) and my favorite duck confit poutine. My friend thought the duck tasted too much like duck, so I got her helping too (just of the duck, I couldn't wrestle the fries from her). Call it poutine or disco fries, I'm totally down with it. All in all, a happy experience. Our server was really friendly and stopped back often, the bus boys/food runners were great and quick and made sure our waters were full at all times. It's one of my many quirks, but that's really important to me.
(4)
Theresa K.
Meet up with some friends for an early weekend brunch at Fork in the heart of Lincoln Square. The service started off terrible and ended on the right note. Our server pretty much ignored our table for over 20 minutes upon arriving. We couldn't get a coffee order in. She later apologized and we had some of the managers check up on us afterward. Apparently, this is the place for chorizo breakfast items and since wanting a veggie item, I might not have ordered the right dish. My friends all ordered chorizo items: the omelet and scramble, etc. I ordered the chilaquiles. I thought they were delicious, but they did not taste like your typical chilaquiles; for one, they had no salsa. I was still satisfied. My companions did not overindulge in their dishes nor did they comment. Not the reaction you want for a group of Chicago foodies. When the bill came, I was surprised that the coffee cost $3 a cup. Seems a bit too steep. The ambiance was a bit outdated and nothing spectacular. Though the place was spacious and quite filled with people. I wasn't crazy about this place and probably won't be heading back.
(2)
leanne S.
Two words - skip it. There are a ton of restaurants in this city that actually have good food and good service. At Fiddlehead, they have OK food and horrendous service. We went there for New Years Eve. Our party of six had reservations at 8:30 and was not even seated until almost 9:45. After finally being seated our waiter ignored us for another 30 minutes before he actually took our order. As if that's not bad enough they had actually run out of some of the items on the menu. The waiter seemed annoyed and was sweating so profusely I actually started to feel bad for him. That was short lived. By the time I had refilled our water glasses (I actually had to go get the pitcher before the waiter came and refilled our water) and he had someone else serve me my first course of lukewarm bisque while he was on break all thoughts of compassion had vanished. The food was just OK. Much of it was served at room temperature and some of it was over or under cooked. I felt like I was dining on the show Hell's Kitchen except I never signed a consent form (FYI - Gordon Ramsey would have never let that under seasoned risotto leave the kitchen). I would say that the worst part of the entire experience was the owner. At our request, he came to our table towards the end of our meal. He was so incredibly rude. He continuously told us that he had tables that had had great food and service. I ask you, what good does that do me? I had neither. By this point it was close to 1:00 am. Our plans for New Years had been ruined. He finally conceded to comp part of our bill after a long and drawn out argument. His overall treatment of us and his inability to fully acknowledge the extent of his shortcomings was enough to ensure that I will NEVER patronize his establishment again.
(1)
Cassy M.
I think we have found a spot to become regulars! We went to Fork a couple weeks ago with another couple. We were very impressed with the food, service and alcohol selection. While we were there I saw that they were having a special Valentine's Day menu complete with wine pairings so I made a reservation. We went there last night after a long day of work and kids so needless to say I was a little stressed. However after 2 hours of drinking and eating, everything was right in the world again. I attribute my shift to the attentive staff who didn't make me feel like the high maintenance guest that I initially was when I first arrived. I was a little thrown off by a couple additional tables and moved tables three times before finding the "right" spot. Yah, I'm wierd about where I sit, but usually that's where my high maintenance ends. Our server was very friendly and seemed to time everything perfectly. The wine pairings were right on the mark and the food was so good we ended up eating more than we normally do. So by the time we were done we felt like we could've curled up right there on the floor in front of the fireplace and gone to sleep. Alas, we had to walk home. We feel incredibly lucky to have such a great restaurant within walking distance of our home. Thanks Fork!
(4)
Robin C.
The manager contacted me and apologized for the terrible waiter. I can appreciate that. So my friend and I went back for brunch (eggs this time, no rare burgers and soggy bread for me, thanks) and mimosas. Before the waitress knew the manager had invited us back, she was nowhere to be found and not too friendly. The manager was great, the food was much better, (i.e. cooked properly) and we got free dessert on top of it. Still nothing I'd wake up craving but decent eggs, good drinks and I always like sitting by the big open air windows.
(3)
Douglas G.
My wife and I ran across the Fiddlehead Saturday night. We went in because it had a great vibe. The vibe was even better once inside. It is a beautiful restaurant. The staff is wonderful, helpful and attentive. But the glory of this place is its menu. Fiddlehead is both a wine bar and a first class bistro. It has an excellent wine list the rival of any place in Chicago. They offer about three dozen wines by the glass, far more than other restaurants, plus they have a wonderful selection of ports and madeiras by the glass. The menu does an excellent job of describing the wines and suggesting pairings. The sommelier is also very helpful. Fiddlehead is an excellent restaurant to learn about wines whether you are a complete beginner or more knowledgeable. Another great part of the menu is the cheese selection. There are about two dozen cheeses that you can mix and match. Like with the wines, the menu describes them well. Choosing a "flight" of three to five cheeses and a "flight" of three glasses of wine is a ton of fun. Of course, Fiddlehead has entrees also. A little surprisingly, the variety of entrees and appetizers are not as vast as the variety of wines and cheeses. Still, the entrees and appetizers are excellent quality. Everything we had was excellent, meats, greens, and breads. We plan on making the Fiddlehead Cafe a part of our regular visits to Old Town School concerts.
(5)
Justine N.
Went here for dessert with after a great dinner at nearby Tank Sushi. The atmosphere is great and is perfect for date night or drinks and dessert with the girls. Despite the inattentive service from our clueless waiter, my experience was pretty positive. They had several wine flights to choose from and tasty desserts (try the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream) and cheeses that were a great way to end the night.
(3)
Flora C.
We are always impressed with the wine, service and food at this restaurant. It is also wonderful on summer nights when they open all the front windows to let in cool breezes. My husband had a grouper on sauteed leeks and lemon butter that was the best he has ever had, and they will be adding it to their main menu. I also love the wine art icons they use to describe thier wines. It makes it easier to choose a perfect wine with your dinner. The neighborhhod is cozy and quaint and when they open the windows, it lets in the quiet bustle of the sidewalk traffic in. It feels European. We just love it. VERY romantic.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I thought I wrote a review for Fiddlehead, but apparently not. Too bad, because it's been several months since I've been here and can't remember everything. I DO remember that our server was friendly, they have a nice selection of cheese, and since I wasn't in the mood for a heavy dessert, the kitchen accommodated my request for a bowl of strawberries. Let me tell you, they were tiny but POWERFUL! These were like wild strawberries we used to grow in our yard, not the behemoths you see in the store. Obviously you can't get them if they're not in season, but the fact that they let me do that AND the fact that they were so good is reason alone to patronize this place.
(4)
William B.
Just got back from brunch. The food was good but a little pricey. Nice exposed brick and wood decor. Service was great. It looks like they have a great beer and wine selection with some interesting cocktails too. Will probably go back for some drinks and home made charcuterie.
(3)
Jennifer H.
Love the wine flights (a tad pricey, but fun), and the small plates (the homemad potato chips with blue cheese and the fresh figs with goat cheese and flatbread are particularly good) are interesting and tasty. The handmade pasta was delicious and the bass was perfectly cooked. The sangria is very yummy -- lots of fresh fruit bobbing around. Great place to sit with some friends, sip some wine, nibble on food, and enjoy the beautiful evening. We've never needed reservations, and the service has been excellent each of the several times we've been.
(4)
Tara C.
Seriously LOVE THIS PLACE!! Flights of wine, beer AND champagne?! Heck yeah! Flights of cheese? You bet! I had the bison and it was fantastic as was everything else ordered at our table. We WILL DEFINITELY be back! After reading the other reviews it seems we have some snooties in the neighborhood, but I was more that happy with all of it!
(5)
Erin T.
We went to Fiddlehead for New Year's Eve 2009. The food was good, but not warm. They were out of many choices on the menu. Our server was at his breaking point and basically wanted us just to leave. The manager was an ass and not helping the situation at all. We arrived at 8:30p.m. for our reservation and we didn't get our first course until 10:30pm. Needless to say, we celebrated the New Year @ Fiddlehead. I would never go there again!!!!!!!
(1)
Cherie E.
Fiddlehead is a solid brunch option - their menu is rotated seasonally but always has the standards with a little twist. It's so super close to our apartment that we stumble over for brunch at least once a month. Dinner, however, is less impressive. Limited menu and blah tasting. Stick to brunch.
(3)
Don S.
Stopped by last night for dinner. Sat outside on a beautiful night. Casual ambiance. Great food. Our party had the duck club sandwich, gnocchi, salmon, and chicken breast salad. My wife thought the salmon, which had a crispy crust, was the best she ever had. We had a red wine flight and a white wine flight; both excellent. The host was knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. Plenty of seating outside, and inside was large. They also had cheeses and an extensive beer menu. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Jon S.
I like the location and the atmosphere; the wait staff tend to be flighty ... you see them playing near the bar a lot rather then taking care of their clients. The wine is good, the cheese selection is good but it seems like they run out of the good ones all the time ... and I wish they'd have more vegetarian options; salads and pastas are not the only vegetarian dishes available. Overall not a bad place, but for the location and amount of clientele they can afford to do better. Oh and work on improving the coffee; sometimes good sometimes tastes burnt. Yuck!
(3)
Lindsey S.
I came here with some friends for Easter brunch and was pleasantly surprised. We were seated promptly, the food was great and the service was friendly. Portions were a little on the small size, but at least I didn't come away feeling overly full. I would definitely come back for dinner.
(4)
Brandon H.
A decent improvement over Square Kitchen's mediocre food at pretty high prices. It's still an upscale American place but it does have some interesting flare to it. The layout and bar are updated cosmetically, but everything else pretty much remains the same. The NY Strip I had was cooked perfectly with a good flavor, but I think for the price they could've offered a more interesting dish rather than just add a few onion rings on top of it. My fiancee's sturgeon was outstanding, and not too pricey either. The wine flights are a nice addition. Overall a decent place in an area that is really up and coming.
(4)
Timothy W.
This is a great brunch restaurant with pomegranate/champagne mimosas or Pomosas ($7, delicious). Prices for the dishes are on average $12. I've been here twice and will continue to come for brunch! Staff isn't overly friendly but they get the job done.
(3)
Billy N.
Horrible service. Seedy feeling with how its managed. No vegetarian options. Avoid at all cost!
(1)
Jeremy D.
If you are looking for a nice place to sample wine and cheese, this place is for you! I've been here a couple of times and the service has always been fantastic. It's a great place to stop for a bite to eat before heading over to the Old Town School for a concert. I have ordered the Hanger steak and that was excellent. It's a nice little neighborhood spot.
(4)
Heidi T.
My husband and I come all the time, probably twice a month for the last eight months or so, sometimes brunch sometimes dinner. He prefers to come for dinner (wine and cheese flights) I prefer brunch (truffle eggs!!) The vegetarian entree is never quite right, and I really wish they would change it more often (or have two options instead of one). However, this is probably not an issue if you don't come so often. It's definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood and never crowded (in fact, it's generally pretty empty). We've never had bad service. The servers can be a little chatty, but they are professional and can answer any questions and are generally happy to make wine recommendations. Did I mention the mimosa flight? and truffle eggs? I'm never waiting 50 minutes for brunch at Lula again when I can come here for food that's 90% as good with 20x better service, much more privacy and no wait.
(4)
Alyse M.
This is a great place for you to get together with your friends for some good drinks and good cheese. It's got a very laid-back atmosphere, while still keeping it more classy than sports-bar-esque. The service is great, my water was always full and my waiters have always been well-mannered and upbeat. Their wine and beer list is pretty lengthy, and they also suggest good cheeses that compliment your drink. The soup has always been a good "usual" for me, but the mac & cheese is sinfully delicious.
(4)
aileen b.
i really enjoyed my experience here the other night. we sat outside in their sidewalk seating along that runs along wilson. good people and i imagine the tables that run along the huge windows in the front would have even better people watching, i may have to try and sit there next time. we were just looking for something light so we split a bottle of wine and some apps, and it was perfect. i really like the olive sampler from the small bites menu, although there was a but too much oil on the olives by the time you get to the bottom of the bowl. we also really enjoyed the seafood medley which included shrimp and grilled calamari in a light pesto type sauce. service was fine, not great, and next time i am in lincoln square i might have to try and snag one of those front tables in the window.
(4)
larry w.
Not bad..not amazing... prices are not in line with the average food...
(3)
Nick W.
I can honestly say that this was the worst dining experience I have ever been apart of. Part of it was our fault because we should have walked out, but we stayed until the bitter end. For starter's, we waited over an hour after the reservation to be seated. Once seated, although our group was able to have a decent conversation, it took an additional hour to get our first course (soup at that). By this time the manager had already heard from us several times and we were not done with him yet. By the time we received the 2nd course he had agreed to comp 20% of the bill. This did not translate to better service. At some point we were told that the manager had left for the night. Maybe he had plans for New Years and had to get out of there. All I know is that we were not leaving anytime soon. They ran out of entree's, gave everybody a random selection of cheese, told us they were out of the desserts that we had ordered (and yes a table seated after us received the desserts that we had ordered) and acted like they did us a favor by giving us champagne at midnight (worst champagne ever tasted and it would have been more of a favor if we would have been at our planned destination). The so called "owner" was a joke that should go back to working at Applebee's (not that there's anything wrong with that). NEVER, EVER, go there. Although I have not never dined and dashed it was seriously discussed. With all the great choices to eat in Chicago I can't imagine this sad excuse for a restaurant will be open long.
(1)
Kitty L.
Wow. They really dropped the ball on New Years Eve. Our group of seven, along with several other parties, waited over an hour past the reservation time just to be seated. Some groups never even saw their food and left in anger. We got lucky and were fed in a slow and painful piecemeal fashion. To be honest, the food was quite good, but it would certainly have tasted better had it been served on time and not by a wait staff whose attitudes hovered around contempt and stoic resignation. The blame for this disastrous evening falls squarely on the manager. His flaccid attempts to placate the discontented tables were inconsistent and unfair. One table got two free bottles of wine and their bar tab comped while we got a $10 discount for a $400+ tab. Not once did I see him running food, seating tables or doing anything useful that managers are expected to do on a busy night. If you really want to try this place, go at a time where you won't be a burden to the staff. Or better yet, go somewhere that actually wants to stay in business.
(1)
Nikkie H.
Decent breakfast without the wait. My boyfriend and I ate here after running the Shamrock Shuffle early this year. We were DYING for breakfast and after driving by our usual spot (Kitsch'n), we realized that we could not wait in the line - especially since I was so sore from the race! We headed to Lincoln Square and decided to check this place out. I had the chiliquiles, which is what I usually get at Kitsch'n. The meal was not as good as I had hoped, but it was still tasty. The price wasn't too extravagant, and since we were seated immediately it made my day. There are still several other brunch spots I'd like to try before I head back here.
(4)
rochelle c.
It's so nice not to have to go all the way downtown for great food, drink, and atmosphere. Fork is a great place for a relaxed dinner with friends. Our server was outstanding--a young guy who showed us a great time and gave us some fantastic suggestions for beer and wine pairings with our food. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Jessica M.
Went here for brunch. I didn't really see anything on the menu that appealed to me. It all seemed kind of heavy or something. I settled on the Captain Crunch French toast. It wasn't awful but it was really heavy and made me really thirsty. I don't know...I don't want a bunch of weird vegetables and exotic spices with my eggs and caramel and crap on my pancakes and waffles. I like to have fruity options for breakfast and there wasn't anything with fruit (other than juice) on the menu. I suppose some people would like the selection here but this will never be my brunch choice. Oh and we had made a reservation for brunch the night before and they seemed surprised when we came in. They scrambled a couple tables together for our party of five but it was missing silverware, mugs and water for everyone and nobody really seemed to be on top remedying that. Liked it better when it was Square Kitchen and they had those glorious mousse crepes.
(2)
Mara Y.
Pretty good. Great beer and wine list. Good recipes on the menu, however I question quality of product. Pretty good for a convenient neighborhood spot.
(3)
Cristin M.
I finally made my way to Fiddlehead. We had brunch on a Sunday afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the quiche Lorraine and Fiddlehead potatoes and both were excellent. I ate half (really large portions) and brought the rest home. The quiche was a really good match of creamy eggs/cheese and salty bacon. The crust was pretty good too. The potatoes were like mini fries sauteed with red pepper, onion, and other goodies. I'd definitely come back with friends or family, or even on my own if I was really craving some quiche on a weekend.
(4)
Lakeview G.
I've only been there once for brunch so factor that while reading this review. I was torn on what to order (sweet vs. savory) so I asked the waitress if the duck confit hash was greasy, she said no so I went for it. It came out greasy but here's the impressive part, she apologized, offered to take it back and get me something difference but I declined because we were on a time crunch so she discounted our meal. Now every restaurant is going to have an off plate from time to time, it's how they handle it that makes a difference and I was impressed with our waitress. Plus, even greasy, the hash was pretty darn good! I will go back there and give it another shot in a few weeks and update my post :)
(3)
Miss L.
Pricey for my tiny budget and considering the quantity of food, but the quality is top-notch. Yuppie-friendly.
(4)
Amanda A.
Some friends and I stopped in for brunch after a run at fleet feet across the street Sunday early afternoon. I would say that this restaurant could be classified as one of those places that puts on a good front, but has nothing to hold up it's claim. We were seated promptly at this cute little place - starving and thirsty - but that's where the good stuff ends. Our server was hardly eager to get to our table or ever return once she had stopped by. The menu looks incredibly appetizing - with fancy substitutions for your typical breakfast fare. Everything we had was bland though - again decent presentation with a flop of a finish. I'll keep running by next time...
(1)
Keidra C.
Went here for brunch, not ata ll impressed with the service. we waited 15 minutes to get seated, even though there were plenty of empty seats, When we were finally served, the food was lukewarm. The meal itself (I had an omelette) was very bland, the eggs didn't seem seasoned at all. I was not a huge fan of its predecessor, Square Kitchen, but at least for brunch, I would welcome it back in a heartbeat.
(1)
carrie o.
I have gone to Fork (and it's former name Fiddlehead) many times over the past couple years. The experience was good and menu was as well. I ususally frequent the restaurant with friends from my triathlon and swimming group. We are usually between 4-10 deep and pretty regular. This past week I asked to make a reservation for 10 because we were going to be celebrating one of the ladies birthdays after swimming. I was having a special cake made and asked if I could bring it. Of course we would be ordering full meals and just serve the cake ourselves after. I was told there was a $2 per person cake cutting fee! When I later spoke with the manager so see if this was negotiable for loyal customers he told me, "we are not a picnic area". I canceled my reservation for the 10 people tonight. When I called a restaurant down the street where we had never been, they welcomed my group and our cake! All they asked was they get a piece! I guess our business wasn't important.
(2)
Michele K.
My husband and I have just returned from a great meal at Fork!! We ordered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a meat and cheese platter delicious! Mussles, Belgium style, we could have drank the broth! When the garlic, cilantro fries came I thought there were way too many but we were fighting for the last one. We also had the Mac & Cheese which was yummy too, I dont HAVE to have it again but it was tasty. My husband looved the toffee pudding cake, I LOVED the guiness ice cream that sat on top. The beers were fantastic! Overall it was a really great experience and since its within walking distance from us we are already deciding what we will get next time. The only reason we didnt give it 5 stars is we almost melted (we were seated in the second room) during dinner. It was soooo warm in there i think they just need to turn off the fire place. Also the hostest was a bit over the top, she actually bowed and waved her hands when greeting us, twice. ??? weird. and presented the table to us as if she was doing a magic trick. haha. Our server was great very sweet and helpful. but we definitely are excited to go back. :-)
(4)
John O.
Fiddlehead has been remade into Fork, which I have not tried. Next time I'm in Lincoln Square I will give it a try.
(3)
Erin H.
The brunch is always really good but that is all I have ever had. Great brunch cocktails also. Be prepared for a lot a strollers and little kids on the weekends.
(4)
Lulu Y.
My two friends and I came here for brunch on Sunday. It was only a 15 minute wait, but it took a while to actually get our food after we ordered. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was good. The Captain Crunch french toast had yummy peanut butter on it. The black truffle omelet was so-so.. not enough truffle taste though. I had the veggie fritata and it tasted pretty healthy, not greasy at all. I'm not sure if I would go back for brunch, but the mac 'n cheese looked good.
(3)
Brian C.
This place has its ups and downs, I'd say. I really liked the wine list. I was impressed with the selection of ports after dinner. I thought the waiter was very patient with us as as we went over the wines, and let us try whatever we wanted before we decided on it. I'd say the salad and the entree were both above average. The food part, which the waiter didn't have control over, took a bit too long to get to the table. Luckily we weren't pressed for time. The dessert was decent, not omg wow. The waiter was kind enough to throw in the glass of port for the price of half a pour, and it was a very good glass of port. But damn, did that meal really cost what it did? Something is missing at this place. It could be a solid four star restaurant. But I tell you what, I imagine this is a good place to just do wine and cheese, though I haven't tried that out. And I imagine I'll drop in on occasion for a glass of tawny port. The 1986 Delaforce colheita was pretty damn nice, and that's not one I would expect to see on a dessert wine menu. For dinner, something is missing, though. I can't say my experience was as bad as those of the one and two star raters, but I can't say it was on a par with my four star dining experiences, either.
(3)
Matt W.
I wish I could comment about the food here BUT WE NEVER GOT SEATED. We were told it would be a 20-minute wait. So we sat at the bar, where the bartender made a point of calling my wife sweetie every time he addressed her. Weird. Twenty minutes pass and we ask the hostess with the Coke bottle bottom glasses how things were looking. Just a few more minutes, she tells us. So we wait. And wait. Then she says, "They just paid their check." So we wait some more. Finally, we ask the hostess one more time: what gives? She drops the menus she's carrying, she's so nervous. Then she mumbles something like, "My co-workers were misinformed." Wha?! What does that even mean? I guess it meant she was stringing us along for almost an hour. What a waste of time. We asked for the manager, and Coke bottom glasses hostess said he wasn't there. We asked a different employee for the manager and he said the manager was "out back." Seems to me he should be IN FRONT making sure people get seated.
(1)
Laura P.
Love it! Love it! 2 of my freinds and I went there last night on a girl date after it was determined that one was going through -SOMETHING-. You know what that means? Bring me the bottle not the glass...Our waiter was so warm that he almost made me forget how bitter cold it was outside and that my commute home was 2 hours (damn 290). Great recommendation on a Riesling for my freind! She loved it...I had my standard scotch. Phosphates and me do not agree can't drink wine. I decided to load up on the soup of the day...potato leek with parmesan crutons. Sounds wierd, huh...It was beautifully executed. So great on a cold night...another great recommendation from our waiter. I decided to have an appetizer as well. (Hey I was in traffic for 2 hours give me a break) Had the quail and chorizo something. Can't remember the exact name. IT melted like butter in my mouth. WOW WOW...It was sooo rich and so right. Could not eat it every day but....Highly recommend this place the decor is serene and the service is just right. The food is VAVA VOOOOOOOM! P.S. My freind had the chocolate mousse dessert and it also was divine (had like a triangular chocolate grahm cracker at the top that made it look very Jetsons). Do not skip the dessert menu....
(5)
Lynn C.
I went here for the first time today for brunch. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back and try dinner at Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)
Emma C.
(THIS REVIEW IS FOR FIDDLEHEAD. Same location. Changed name or changed management?) We are often in the neighborhood for my son's music lesson at Old Town School, so we would love for this place to be good so we could have breakfast while he toots his horn. But we have tried several times and finally gave up. First of all, they have a terrible time cooking eggs to order. If you ask for the eggs cooked in your benedict to be hard, forget it. If you send anything back, it will take a half hour to correct and whoever you are with will have completely finished their meal before you ever start yours (this happened twice), and the waitstaff will pretend you are invisible in the meantime. I did notice some mild dirty dish issues as mentioned in other posts and have had the sinking feeling that if I really looked closely in the kitchen I might not be a happy camper. I think we kept going back because the potatoes were incomparably deelish and well-seasoned, but then the third time I guess they got a new cook because the potatoes were completely bland, and that ended any reason for us to go there and play breakfast roulette. When it's good, it's very very good, but the kitchen service is slow and the quality is inconsistent. Now we wait until the lesson is over and head to Pauline's on Ravenswood.
(2)
dan b.
so fiddlehead cafe, what can i say, the food is expensive, but it is really good, the beer selection is large, but if you want an expansive list of dark rich brown and black ales and porters and stouts and imperial stouts, this is not your place, but if you want pale ales and india pale ales, then you will be in heaven. would i go back, sure, will i go back, not as often as i go to other places in the area, would i recommend it to someone else, well maybe, know what your in for and if your game then give it a shot. to sum it all up, the food is great, a bit on the pricey side, the beer selection is large, but not expansive, the place is clean, the waitstaff friendly, the bar tender nice and knowledgeable, over all i give it a 3 for what i see as obvious reasons.
(3)
Jill M.
Just went to Fiddlehead last night. My husband and I wanted a low key night so we walked up to the movie theater next door, bought our tix and then ventured in to have some wine before the movie. What a pleasant surprise! To be totally honest and fair- we did not have dinner. so I can't speak to the menu. We each ordered a wine flight and shared a cheese flight. It was fabulous! The cheese list is pretty impressive and the wines are good- the "pictodecoders" are great conversation starters! They are provided with the cheese plate too. I highly recommend this as a date spot or a place for a group of girls...though I am planning to take my parents there next time they are in town. I know they will love it- the entire time my hubby and I were at the table we reminisced about our time spent in France when all we did most nights for several months was drink wine, eat cheese and bread and have a great time. You can definitely have that kind of night at Fiddlehead.
(4)
Margaret C.
menu sounded delicious, but food was mediocre at best. waiter was rude and had NO sense of humor whatsoever. i gave it two stars because we went on a sunday at 12:30 and had no wait. they also have some interesting twists on mimosa. but that's about it.
(2)
David B.
In search for another kickass burger, I found myself at Fiddlehead for their Weds burger nights. On Burger nights, they have a menu that change ever so often, with choices ranging from $5-$9. They have interesting selections like a burger with prawns or duck confit. Many of their burgers are served on brioche. And all burgers have the options for additional add-ons. I ended up with the farmhouse burger which was extremely good. Paired it with a couple great beers off their extensive beer/wine list. Service was great and atmosphere nice. They have a nice little outdoor seating area in the warmer months. Fiddlehead is certainly worth a look-see. I now need to check out their Thursday cheese nights.
(4)
Drew S.
3 years in the neighborhood and I finally made it out to Fiddlehead...for $5 burger night. Twice in a month. While the burgers don't have quite the panache of Bad Apple a few blocks south they are extremely tasty. And $5 and $8 on Wednesdays. Bonus points for the options to add a fried egg. I feel like I'd like this to be an option pretty much anywhere I go. And being able to walk up and grab a seat by the window. Great beer selection too, categorized by style. Don't they know the Dewey Decimal System?
(4)
Erin G.
I went to Fork this past weekend for brunch! It was a great location for her to meet my new boyfriend..as we all know how nerve recking that meeting can be! Anywho, the atmosphere was great and the service was pretty good. The place was definitely packed, but I made a reservation and we were seated immediately! The brunch menu had a really nice mix of breakfast and lunch items and everyone was happy with their selection. I am looking forward to going back for the wine/beer flights with cheese plates! Huge selection of cheeses and meats that all looked quite tasty. Overall, great brunch spot. Moderately priced and the food was really good!
(4)
Eric L.
Check it out if you have the time. But it's not necessary. The food is good and unique but on the pricey side. We tend to sit outside when we can, but we did sit inside once and they had the windows open, which made the heat/humidity unbearable. We actually left early because of this (we requested they shut the windows several times and the waiter was nice and tried to relate, but they never shut nor did they turn up the fans). Great beer selection (this is typically why we go) with different flights that are delicious. They also have wine flights, equally good. We love to go and grab a beer flight and a cheese tray. Careful though, the more you drink the more food you will order (this has a caused a slightly shocking bill on more than one occasion). Go if you can and you're in the area.
(3)
Mark V.
This place is a go-to date night spot for my wife and I. A little pricey, so be prepared, but both the food and drink menus are great and keep us coming back. The service is typically very good. We had a minor mix-up with our server on a recent visit which was really no one's fault, but our server went WAY above and beyond the call of duty and sent us home with a bottle of wine! (Fork sells carry-out wine and cheese that can be purchased whether you're dining there or not.) My wife and I were both shocked but very impressed at how much they clearly care about their customers (or at least this particular server), and the lengths she went to to make sure we had a pleasant evening and would come back again. My only complaint is that the weird trip-hoppy/electronic/world music they play is pretty awful, but we've spent so much time making fun of it that now it's just a running joke that provides a few laughs with each visit. Other perks: there are two TVs at the bar if you want to check in on a baseball game or something, but if you're not interested you'd hardly notice them. The back room is a little more private and cozy than the main dining area. Seating outside is always a nice option, but there are also tables inside next to some giant windows that are open on nice days. Try the chicken burger, the grilled cheese/soup combo, and a wine or beer flight.
(4)
Asa K.
A few things: Waitstaff was very attentive and courteous. Top marks. The menu was probably the most poorly organized and least helpful that I have seen at any restaurant. ANY. In my life. Our charcuteries platter was never served to us, so after our other courses, the waitstaff would stop by to see how we were doing (ostensibly if we were ready to get the bill), and we would say fine (waiting to get the rest of our food), until finally we broke the stalemate. The chef got it right to us and took it off our bill, which we appreciated, but it was an odd thing to have happen at a place so focused on getting things right at the table. The food was extraordinary in terms of taste, freshness, presentation, temperature, etc. -- more than making up for any other deficiencies we experienced. Despite full stomachs, a doggie bag, and having loved everything set on the table, we still got out under $25 a person. Impressive.
(4)
Zoe G.
The best chilaquiles that this Mexican has ever tasted. This brunch dish maintains a nice crisp to the tortillas with just the right amount of Fork's house-made red salsa (not smothered in some kind of cover-up salsa) and a heap of fluffy egg scramble with a a drizzle of sour cream, diced red onions and just the right amount of cilantro and sprinkles of queso fresco crumble. I paired my dish with a mixture of freshly made carrot and orange juice. Generous portions, tasteful coffee and cozy service. I left with a belly-full of gratitude as I do every New Year's day brunch at Fork.
(5)
Melanie K.
I want to go to flight school. Let me clarify - flying would be fabulous, but I'd rather perfect a trio of reds, whites, or brews like Fiddlehead does every night of the week. While I can't fully remember my daddy-daughter date with my father at Fiddlehead back in May (something with apple tarts and fancy beers that left me content - a solid four), I will not forget my near perfect catch-up date with a friend this Monday. Ever. Too lovely. A five. Claire had been in France far too long - and we were also quite famished. Muse over the menu or amuse with travel tales? Time was of the essence - so we got down to business and our server (presumably the manager?) played the best sommelier assist I have seen in a long time. Split perfectly down the middle, we opted for the French cheese plate (my favorite - St. Andre, Villefranche de Rouergue - cow's milk), grilled cheese (with bacon and candied pecans on brioche - yum), soup, and bread pudding with dried cherries and pumpkin. Our server (whose name I wish I knew), helped us put together our own trio with a red from their three primary red flights. Taking our coats, checking on us often, pairing with care - he even brought us two glasses of sparkling Moscatel to finish our meal with. The crisp, floral taste countered the warm pudding beautifully. And this doesn't even make mention of the inviting atmosphere! Carefully chosen lighting lightly illuminates the warm, organic space perfectly. Great for a cheese plate and glass of wine with a group or an intimate date with a love. Depending on where you sit - the busy bar, a cozy booth, a window-side table (with open windows in the summer!) - you can achieve a variety of feelings seamlessly. A truly lovely dining experience. I look forward to visiting again.
(5)
Cathleen M.
Brunched here last weekend with three friends. Great location, good vibe inside. Walked out feeling high from the strongest coffee I've had in a long time! Food was good, but not as tasty as I was expecting. I ordered the truffle eggs. They are served on a pastry and it was difficult to cut into. I also shared some of my friend's french toast. It tasted fine, but needed something to make it sing. Maybe a berry and liquor reduction? I wasn't disappointed with the food, just not wowed either. Our server was a gem! She was so friendly, gave us time to mull over the menu, offered suggestions and wasn't pushing us to leave right after the meal was done. At one point, I had mentioned my sweet tooth and she brought over a dessert menu pronto. When I decided against choosing something, she appeared with a small plate. On it was one candied pecan. She said, "This is to satisfy your sweet tooth. I could only get away with taking one. Enjoy!" I loved it! How creative and thoughtful! I wish I could remember her name to give her public props. I'd definitely visit again with friends and try out other items on the menu.
(3)
V H.
Great Service! Can't say enough good things about this place. My friend and I were strolling by on a beautiful, unusually warm Sunday late in the evening and decided to stop in for a quick drink. Staff was very friendly, kind and patient to keep the windows open for us even though it was closing time. Great drink menu as well. Went back to Fork later in the week and made a mistake of ordering a flat bread with meat, and once again the staff was very kind and offered to of take it back without any hesitation. They made us a new one w/o meat (never in my life I have sent the food back, so I felt badly). The flat bread was delicious. I love small neighborhood places with great service and this place is definitely one of them. Will definitely go back!
(5)
Ronni G.
Great bistro food at reasonable prices in Lincoln Square. Loved the mussels, fries and Fall beer flight. Creme brulee is excellent. Good service. The only shortcoming is the coffee. An expresso or cappuccino would be a welcome addition to the menu.
(4)
Jennifer L.
I stopped by here for a late lunch Saturday with my boyfriend while on a weekend trip to Lincoln Square. We were a bit intimidated by the charcuterie options so we chose to go with what we knew and had sandwiches. Unlike other reviews, I got the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup and enjoyed it. I liked the toast on the bread and the house bacon. My boyfriend got a burger with bleu cheese and he enjoyed it am thought it was worth the $12 price tag. The garlic fries are a must have if you come here. The decor is nice - somewhat small but warm and inviting. Also, they have wine flights and an extensive beer and wine list. We would definitely come back and try it again.
(4)
Minh D.
The farm burger was very greasy. The egg was over cook...like the one that you get at the Chinese carry out. Beats goat cheese salad, the strawberry looks old and darken red. We ask for a slice of lemon with the salad but never arrive. The warm olives has no flavor and mushy. All you can taste is the olive oil. The water taste like sanitizer water. We MIGHT go back and try their brunch menu.
(2)
Heather P.
I've been Forked! I'd heard mixed reviews before I went and I understand why. Two people told me they didn't care for it (prior to explaining that they both ordered the grilled cheese - not to hate on anyone, but who goes to a charcurria (sp?) and only orders grilled cheese?!) At first glance, I was completely overwhelmed by the menu. Drinks alone took me 20 minutes to figure out since there is so much and everything sounds so great. I love the fact that you have the option to create your own flights. Really appreciated the amount of information about each beverage down to a distinct flavor profile description. It's important to note that our server was extremely patient and well educated on the ways of the beers, wines and more. Sadly, my friend wanted to try the sangria; which is advertised as the best in town and they were out. Wow, must be real good then....turns out the owner is in Vegas and won't share his recipe. Interesting little tidbit. On to the food, almost as overwhelming as the beverages. I must say that I am not one who is prone to make decisions especially when it comes to something as important as what I will order at a restaurant so this truly is a dilemma for me. Luckily I was there with a friend who is the take charge type and he just asked questions and ordered. I happily just said, I'll split anything you want on the menu and that we did. It was a great plan - we tried the pork and duck smear....sounds gross, looked gross, tasted incredible! Next up, we had the Italian meat flight. Good, but not a very good value in my opinion. Also, I'll add that they give us 3 tiny little pieces of bread and I'm sorry, but these prices weren't what I'd consider nominal so throw in a few more slices of bread at least. This just didn't have any wow factor for me. Round 3, the poutine. YUMMY!!! My body hates me for this, but I could eat this several times a week. It was loaded with succulent duck with a gravy and cheese sauce. It was heavenly and absolutely horrible for me, but I relished every biteful. I also got to try the farm burger. Unfortunately, the egg was overcooked for my taste but the brioche bun was delectable smothered in a dijon mayo. Was also able to taste a bit of the brisket in root beer sauce. SO GOOD! I was thoroughly impressed with the entire meal. I certainly wouldn't come here regularly, but it's a fun place to check out every so often. I don't know about the value for what you get but I do think the small plates and smears with a few drinks is fun and there's a movie theater nearby so you can make a whole fun date out of it for sure! I'm certain I'll be back ,but this time I'm definitely going for the cheese flights!
(4)
Ann M.
Great little place. Super cozy on the inside and solid food choices. Better yet, short walk from my apartment.
(4)
Geoff S.
I went to Fork on a Saturday morning, hungover as all get out, looking to get some grub. The hostess looked like Madeline (from the books) and tried to seat us at a two-top table. No thanks, we'll sit at the bar. The bartender was nice and friendly. Upon asking for recommendations he suggested something that sounded okay but didn't grab me. Then i saw it, the best item ever, The ShowStopper. It's $27 for a belgium waffle sandwich stuffed with three pounds of meat. Part hamburger, part bacon, part short-rib the ShowStopper was a hilarious way to start my hungover Saturday. The staff was very excited that we ordered it (they had just added it to the menu). The chef even came out and asked for our feedback on the item because we were the first people to try it. Well, it was awesome. Anyhow, what i'm trying to say is Fork is a good brunch spot and if you want to try something ridiculous, order the showstopper. Also, props to our bartender.
(5)
Fia T.
Every Saturday, after lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music, a group of us head over to Fork for lunch. Always happily greeted by Lauren :), we are escorted to our table. You will be delighted with any of the servers! We typically get Katie, Stephanie, Kelly, or Cesar (rumor has it they fight over who will serve us! True story every time!). Food is consistently great and the service is just tops. We luv to get Forked!
(5)
David Z.
Things started off on a sour note between myself and Fork (formerly Fiddlehead - see my old reviews), but now I am possibly their biggest fan. Things have really changed at Fork. The owner has hired a diligent, hard-working staff that really seems to know their stuff. They are friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The bottled beer list is the best in the city (the draft list is pretty darn good too), and the wine list is tremendous. And perhaps best of all, the new chef is great as well. I am now 100% comfortable recommending Fork for both dinner AND brunch. The food for brunch used to be lacking, but the new menu more than exceeds my expectations. If I was looking to nitpick, I COULD say that the removal of the daily food specials means I'll be paying more than I used to. But I'd say it's still totally worth it. Fork is probably my favorite place in the city. The only major downside of Fork's new popularity? Waiting. It used to be that I could go down there at any time, any day, and not have to worry about waiting. Now, depending on the day/time, you may be better off making a reservation. But again, it's worth it!
(5)
Mila G.
really lovely experience here. The ambiance was wonderful and felt like an evening in a warm friendly living room. So, I really really wanted the food to be good too. It did not disappoint! The mushroom panini was rich and delicious, though a tad too heavy on the caramelized onions. The duck club was unbelievably delicious, and i'm not even a huge fan of duck. Also had the poutine, whose cheese sauce i was scraping off the plate until it got awkward. Service was great - our server checked in on us often and was very friendly. Topper of the night was when the kitchen noticed that my fiancee was wearing his chef pants (he's a chef by trade) and sent us out a free dessert, basically for being in the industry! So sweet!
(5)
Brittany M.
I don't normally write reviews, but I greatly benefited from reading a review by Mat M. before I went to this restaurant so I felt like I should pay it forward and do the same for others. Plus I wanted to validate that "Chorizo check. Dates check. Bacon check. Is pretty much an orgasm in your mouth," as he said, especially when it's drizzled in blue cheese. Honestly, if you go to Fork and don't get this dish, you are seriously missing out! To give you a full sense of the experience though, I feel like I should take a step back. From the moment I walked in, I had a good vibe about this place as the hostess warmly greeted us with some sarcastic comment like, "oh no, god forbid your fifteen minutes late," which quickly put us at ease and affirmed it was not a pretentious place. Taking in the surroundings as she escorted us to our table, I couldn't help feeling warm and cozy in the rustic setting with funky-patterned couches, distressed wooden tables and a brick wall decorated with country-inspired art. Admittedly, I had a couple of tasty bourbon cocktails before we went to dinner though and I was in good company, so that could have contributed to it. We decided to go the wine flight route as it had been recommended on a previous review and we both really enjoy the whole wine tasting experience. I got the European Red flight and he got the Pinot Noir flight, both of which enveloped us in luscious berry flavors, spice and vanilla, with a smooth finish. Although I have to say, I wasn't a fan of my last glass as there was a little too much licorice flavor in it for me, but to each his own. I would definitely recommend doing the wine flight though, as it not only complemented the food, but it made for a good conversation starter too. Now onto the food. We had the bacon dates stuffed with chorizo, as I mentioned earlier, and the burrata smear to start, which came with pistachio pesto, fleur de sel and tomato jam that we spread onto toasted bread. It was soooo good! And it came in a cute little mason jar on a personalized cutting board, which was adorable. Then we had gnocchi with foraged and tame mushrooms, fennel, parmesan cream and truffle oil. Need I say more?! It honestly melt it your mouth it was so good. We finished with the rack of lamb, which was presented well, but was a bit dry and bland for both of our liking. All in all, the experience was amazing, with nice service, good wine, delicious food and great company. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you haven't already. Cheers!
(4)
Kristen J.
I had a fantastic brunch the first time I was at Fork--a beautiful non-traditional egg sandwich and garlic cilantro fries while my boyfriend had tomato soup and grilled cheese that contained candied pecans and bacon. That was the only good meal I had there. I returned a handful of times as it was within walking distance of our apartment and I left always wanted more from the meals. I kept wanting to give Fork another chance because that first time was so fantastic, but the restaurant continued to disappoint. The bar is decent and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I would recommend going to drink and to eat only the garlic cilantro fries or a cheese plate.
(2)
Rhonda G.
ah Fork, I like you. Let's spoon. Ha! ok...lame joke over. Your coffee is strong but it's almost a bit too strong and bordering on bitter (contrary to popular belief strong is not equal to bitter). Food was good (tomato basil omelet was pretty awesome), service was scary. Not "what's your favorite scary movie" scary but let's all get Nike's and jumpsuits scary. Our server kept calling us 'friends'. "Hello friends", "what can I get you friends", "how is everything friends", "more coffee friends". I guess she was just being nice. It's interesting how being too nice is creepy. I would come back for brunch because the menu seems pretty interesting. I guess they have a following of fiddle-headers who are distraught over the name change because we had a few people during our brunch who were getting a little feisty.
(4)
Frank I.
Went here with my family for Easter Brunch. We had reservations and were seated right away even though a couple of our party were running late. I like that. The Brunch buffet was definitely a winner. Not being a fan of grits, I was intrigued by their mix of cheeses with the grits. After 1 bite I was sold. The mac and cheese was a winner as well as their brisket and the other offerings. The omelets were knocked out in their kitchen and were brought almost as fast as we returned from the buffet line. Their coffee was great too. Definitely a winner.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
We went here with a friend and the wine, cheese and food were good but it's a bit pricey and the service was less than spectacular. They really need more wait staff and fewer busboys and gals; they were a little too eager to pull plates away. And I'd stick with the cheese and the vino... the entrees were okay.
(3)
Cycette H.
Have you been to the Fiddlehead Cafe?!?!? If not then you missed out, but you still have a chance to try out their great food and enjoy a wonderful venue at Fork. FORK is a new take on one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Try their duck sandwich- It's DELICIOUS and they have a bubbles flight that I really enjoy. As an added bonus, they have a huge selection of beer- so many that it will probably take me a year or two to try them all and I can't wait.
(5)
Anthony Z.
The room is very warm and comfortable. This place definitely has a good vibe. The service was very good. The food was all over the map, and pricey for what you paid. The poutine with duck was the highlight; hearty portion for two that tasted great. Also, the flatbread with sausage was excellent. We ordered both a meat and cheese board, each with three items. This was just okay, and was most notable for the meager portions; I would not order either again. We both agreed that the wrapped dates contained a homemade sausage that had such a gamey, almost fetid flavor they were difficult to eat. I would not recommend arriving hungry, as was mentioned in the Reader review. We both had skipped lunch, and with a couple of drinks and wine flights, it quickly got up to 160 bucks for two, no dessert. With selective ordering, I would return, but not enthusiastically.
(2)
Erin E.
I happened to be there on the night that Oksar Blue's was premiering it's national brews. That was awesome. If you're ever in the Denver area, definitely check out Oskar Blues. For now, settle for the select beers of theirs Fork has on tap. I couldn't bring myself to eat anything healthy, so I had the house pretzels and the summer squash flatbread. The pretzels come with this mind-blowing beer-cheese dip. Loved them. The summer squash flatbread was equally as delicious. I did not hold back. It's nice and quiet. Romantic. I've bookmarked this place as somewhere to bring a date. They've got a cheese menu I'll definitely try next time.
(5)
Vicki P.
My Husband and I went here last weekend, the main reason being they have just employed a new chef, Chef Tim who formally worked at our favorite restaurant. Tim is the kind of Chef worth following to any new restaurant and we were happy to find that again, he has created dishes to die for. He has only been here a few weeks so i am excited to see what other new things he brings to this place. The small plates were so fun to share but they also had special sliders and other great small bites. I don't even like lamb but I liked it here! The space is beautiful yet casual, amazing beer on tap, great drink pairing with the food. Also, great area!! We walked around after dinner down Lincoln and did a little bar hopping. You can really make a night of it. I think anyone who comes here would have a great time and a great dinner. Vicki
(5)
Kevin A.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE SCARRED FOR A LIFE BY A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH? Yes. Yes it is. It pains me to write this because I really wanted to like this place, but my grilled cheese sandwich here was pretty foul. I ordered the soup and grilled cheese combo which comes with tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, fontina, bacon, and pecans. It sounded delicious, but what arrived was like a cheesy Deepwater Horizon disaster. Their was a pool of oil oozing and coagulating on my plate from all the cheese and bacon. The bread was so greasy there was no way I could pick it up without looking like I had high-fived a pizza. I'd like to give this place another shot because they have some interesting stuff on the menu like duck hash, chicken and waffles, etc, but I'll definitely be avoiding that grilled cheese sandwich.
(2)
julie p.
i have been back to Fork twice since my negative review: once was for a baby shower in their private room and the other was FOR MY BABY SHOWER in their private room. needless to say, they've turned things around and their service is much better. the food that we had for the shower (well, for both) was delicious. they went above and beyond what one could want for a private party. the service was excellent, the ambiance is lovely, and we all had an awesome time. i am glad that i have an opportunity to give this place more stars and a better review - it's a cool restaurant in a great location!!
(5)
Melissa H.
Went to Fork Tuesday night, 1/20/15. Love, Love,Love!!!! Great room! Great Service! Everything we ordered as good if not better than the dish before!!!! Salmon Salad? To die for!!! Duck liver pate? Unbelievably delicious!!! Wild mushrooms & grits? Superb!! I think the poached egg puts that over the top! Apple crisp? Made with honey crisp apples, wonderful!!! Parking is a little iffy, but well worth the search. Most definitely will return! Won't wait too long with this one!!
(5)
Brian H.
Their Chilaquiles for brunch are some of the best around and overall their brunch is great. Pretty standard dinner fare, but the bar is their strong suit. They have an excellent beer menu with a lot of uncommon bottles and drafts and even do rotating beer and wine flights.
(4)
Rebecca B.
I go to Fork specifically for the garlic cilantro fries. Holy moley, guys, it's insane. Best fries in Chicago. I think everything else is a little overpriced - too little food for the money - but the beer list goes on forever and it's worth walking in if only for the fries. Seriously, you have to try them.
(4)
Adam R.
Fantastic brunch. Very friendly staff. Attentive. Our server even brought out our daughter's food first, and we didn't even ask.
(4)
Harat H.
Had a fantastic dining experience here! Stopped in with some friends and brought our two year old. Right away we were greeted with a smile and the host was sweet to our daughter got her crayons and coloring things right away. We ordered cocktails and beers and all were perfect! For an appetizer we tried their housemade doughnuts that were topped with their special topping of the day was butterscotch! They were to die for! Tasty, light, fluffy. For food two of my friends had their paninis and both were great. My husband and his friend both had their farmhouse burger with a fried egg on top and they were tasty to the last morsel, I had their house burger with caramelized onions and bacon it was fantastic. Their fries and garlic cilantro fries were all wonderful. My daughter had their mac and cheese and it was delicious. Our server Kelly, was incredible and extremely attentive. We had a wonderful time.
(5)
Katie K.
I wanted to write a quick update - in respond to my review I did hear from management, with an offer to come back in for a better experience. This is greatly appreciated. I will post another update once we return.
(3)
Gregory C.
Had dinner with my wife and 17 yo son this past Friday [8/15/14]. The service was outstanding from the host at the door to our server, Kathryn K. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the large draft beer selections. The menu challenges the taste buds and the portions, the small plates, were very generous. When I asked Kathryn about an ingredient she came back with the Chef who spent several valuable Friday night minutes talking about the menu and answering questions about his cooking philosophy.
(5)
Kelly H.
We went for my dad's birthday on a Saturday night and everything was great! We have a 14 month old and they are very family friendly. We had the dates and pretzels to start and I had the duck club for my entree. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee and s'mores. Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful! I would definitely recommend!
(4)
skip l.
We've been to Fork several times -- returning for brunch now and then -- and like the location, which is near the Old Town School of Folk Music, where I teach. We've enjoyed the food, but it's never been a favorite. Tonight's visit was spontaneous, almost accidental, and for dinner -- but well-rewarded. We wanted to go "light." So I had their French chacuterie -- good, but not memorable. What made up for this was a spectacular crabmeat "Slider." The diminuative title did not prepare me for the substantial sandwich that arrived on the table:: the so-called Slider was an almost 2 inch high production of crab, slaw, sauce, and roll, with a half-moon slice of apple toothpicked on top. This delightful creation rang several changes at once: a hot, crispy fried patty of sweet crabmeat, contrasting with the coldness and mild vinegar taste of the slaw and the soft bun, all happily married in the middle, with Mornay sauce presiding. It was delicious and so well constructed that it held together to the last bite. Fran had a beautiful light beet and goat cheese salad, followed by a wonderful mushroom dish with egg, presented in a small frying pan -- just the right touch in presenttion, combined with a fine combination of flavors. Our vanilla bean creme brule was topped with a welcome extra-thick layer of carmelized sugar, and big enough for two. (Even though I was forced to undertake the lonely task by myself). My only quibble is what I remembered only when my cocktail arrived --I thought, yipes, I made the mistake again! I simply don't like their drinks. They incline to overly sour or bitter,. On an earlier visit I sent back a margarita and even the re-make was undrinkable. (The original turned out to be their signature drink). Tonight it was a Sidecar, the drink famed as the ideal combination of strong, sweet, and sour, normally served with sugar around the rim. It came with no sugar and no detectable orange flavor from the sweet liqueur ingredient. I assume their nod to sweet is the sangria, but I would have hoped they could do better with at least one of their actual cocktails. That aside, a fine meal! But how about it, Fork? Come up with a sweet one and you can the Skip Landt.
(4)
George A.
The food was good. The waiter that night was incredibly slow and inattentive. This can make a huge difference when trying to enjoy a meal. Will try Fork again, hopefully that service was uncommon.
(3)
Suzanne D.
We chose Fork on recommendation of some friends, for a family dinner meeting. So we wanted to have something tasty, not too $$ a menu, not loud so we could hear each other in some important conversation. The hostess was quite patient with us as we chose where we wanted to sit (outside, at the end of table row). We were happy with the meal selections, a mix of comfy food with some sophistication. We were less impressed with the service. We weren't necessarily in a rush for dinner, but the attention to us ... could have been far better. Long waits for beverages, for follow up on our meal (we had one person join us a half hour after the others). Our particular wait person had an emotionless going through (barely) through the motions presence ... could some engagement with eyes and a smile be too much to ask? Dampened some my impression of the restaurant as a future visit option (since wait staff is a component to ambiance).
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Wed, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Helena B.
Fork! Formerly Fiddlehead! Formerly... something before Fiddlehead! This time (Fiddlehead to Fork transition), little changed. Our server informed us that they were now "less casual" but the management, chefs, and service staff are the same. The beer list was awesome. I believe they have about 75 varieties of craft brews. Enough said. The food was awesome. Olive Oil Roasted Beets - The combination of beet and blue cheese is somewhat expected, but the addition of pistachios was an appreciated new texture and taste. Pork Belly - The pork belly itself was a perfect combination of crunchy and smooth. It sat atop a bed of white cheddar grits which we scraped from the plate so as not to miss a drop. Mussels - We had our choice of Belgian (brothy) or French (creamy) style. We went with Belgian and dug in. This, however, is where the wheels fell off the wagon. The dish was supposed to be served with fries. It arrived, however, sans frites. Let's be honest, I don't need a basket of fries. But would I eat them? Sure. However, just as we were reaching to pull the last mussels from the broth, the fries arrived. Yeah... I don't really want them anymore. They seem like an afterthought at this point. Next - coffee and desserts. We each ordered coffee with a shot (Godiva Dark for him, Godiva White for me) and decided to split the white chocolate banana bread pudding. We wait. And wait. Our server brings us another coffee each (free - to compensate the wait, we assume). I believe I visited the restroom twice at this point due to the large volumes of coffee consumed. Still waiting. The check arrives. OK... you want us to pay before we have our dessert? A look at the check shows that dessert isn't listed. We mention this to our server, and after an awkward attempt at humor (The kitchen is closed! No it' not!) he admits he forgot and goes to grab our wayward dessert. It's excellent (of course) and complimentary (of course).
(3)Sean F.
Can we take a moment and consider cheese? Please? Cheese, like crazy good cheese, not processed cheese. And let's also consider, along with crazy good cheese, just how a positive experience at a restaurant can alter an entire day? After meeting up with friends, we decided to pop over to Fork for some wine and drinks. The place was busy as it should be on a Friday night and we were seated on some couches around a low table, which was perfect for the type of evening we were having. Once seated we pondered the wine menu. My friends picked their favorite reds and I opted for a Saison style Belgian farmhouse that was stellar, in my opinion. Of course, once you are drinking and chatting, you need some nosh as well. The cheese selection at Fork is amazing. Now, don't expect me to remember all the different types of cheese we had because, well, we had a lot of different cheese and cheese names don't roll of my tongue so easily. There was a creamy gorgeous soft cheese that tasted like a combination of butter and love. On top of this, our server, Chris, attended to us in a brilliant fashion. He was very courteous, very friendly, but not 'hovering' which can be really annoying when trying to chat with friends. I've enjoyed every visit to Fork I've made and will continue to return for the selection of wines, beers, cheese, and of course the magnificent food.
(5)Tim G.
Won't be returning to Fork. We were the first seating of the day for brunch, we were the second table seated. Following our order, it took over an hour for our food to arrive. This was breakfast. Over an hour, and I am not exaggerating... PROS: Coffee was terrific. That's it... CONS: Poorly managed, no coordination between service and kitchen. Food took forever, and ever, and ever.... After almost an hour, brunch manager offered us a "snack" to tide us over which was delivered after our food finally came. Thanks for nothing. Food. It wasn't very good. The Belgian waffle was OK. Adults at the table didn't like eggs benedict, steak n eggs, or chilaquiles. 0 for 3... Menu was slim, and variety was poor. Bloody Mary. Just not good.
(1)Jonathan A.
Fantastic spot, food and service. Great in the spring/summer for outside seating and soaking Up some rays while enjoying a great brunch.
(4)Ziggy I.
This was a first: Never have I been chased down the block by a restaurant owner. It's not nearly as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it was quite touching. My party and I had shown up at prime dinner hour on a weekend, no reservation--of course there was going to be a wait. We waited a bit, but then our hunger got the better of us and we headed down the street to look for somewhere less busy. Then we heard quick footsteps behind us on the sidewalk. It was the owner! He apologized for the wait and implored us to return. He probably had a million other things to do, and not to mention the promise of other willing customers, but he felt bad that we'd waited 20 minutes instead of the promised 10-15. It was such a genuine gesture on his part, and a true reflection of Fork's service in general. Usually you only notice service when it's bad, but Fork's staff are skilled at somehow letting you know that they're taking good care of you without being fussy or pretentious. This was maybe my third or fourth time at the restaurant, and the staff have always been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I really can't praise them enough and am truly surprised to see that this place isn't rated more highly here. As for the food: I've tried a good portion of the menu and have been impressed all around. Some favorites include the summer squash "spaghetti" and the eggplant "caviar," both delicious. Have also really enjoyed the charcuterie, cheeses, poutine (a little on the salty side, but still great), and mac n' cheese. The presentation is attractive without trying too hard. And to say that the wine and beer list is extensive would be a grave understatement. I'm a big fan of this place.
(5)Eric D.
Four was the first restaurant I ate at when I moved to Lincoln Square. I live right upstairs from it and thought it would be super cool and convenient if the food was as good as it looked on the menu. While I was enjoying my brunch in my over hard poached egg(Why are you cooking if you can't even poach an egg properly?) While the manager and one of their servers were discussing something of a financial nature that I should not of heard to begin with. The manager, I short stocky guy with a blond buzz cut, was being extremely rude to the server and a few tables that can hear him. I'm starting to understand why this place is been three or four different places over the years. I go back but only if somebody else paid.
(3)Becky S.
This place is a solid 3.5 stars for me but I am bumping them up to 4 for their wine, beer, and cheese flights. I have been here for brunch twice and dinner once. The brunch is good but nothing spectacular, mostly standard fare. I do like the tables that are seated right in the window -- nice for people watching and fresh air. Both times at brunch I had the smoked salmon platter which was good, but nothing novel. My husband and I had dinner here for the first time last weekend despite living in the neighborhood for almost two years. Overall it was a nice experience, and the food was very good. The dinner started off a little rocky in that we were sat outside on the sidewalk by the host (yay for nice weather!) but our server did not appear for about 15 mins. Eventually the host came out and realized we were sitting there not being served and apologized for forgetting to tell the server. No big thing....we were enjoying the nice weather and each other's company, but I think as a restaurant host, I would have offered a free drink at that point to make up for the mistake. Our server was lovely and very friendly, and from there on out the service was perfect. I had the Unibroue beer flight which was great. It's rare you see a beer flight, so I was stoked. My husband had a mixed greens salad to start which was good. But the star was his entree -- the house smoked beef brisket sandwich! YUMMMMM The smokiness of the meat was delicious. And my husband won major brownie points for telling the waitress it was the second best brisket he ever ate. "Second to what?" you may ask, and in fact the waitress did ask. "Second to my mother-in-law's brisket" he answered. Awwww So sweet.... But really, nobody beats a Jewish mom at brisket. My duck confit club sandwich was also very tasty, although I would have liked it better if it was just two slices of bread rather than three. Overall, a very nice dinner.
(4)Alice H.
I've wanted to eat here for a long time...even before they changed the name...but something always got in the way...you know how that goes. Last night I finally got there and it goes on "the list"...you know, the list of places you'll keep going back to. We had the duck club...scrumptious...the garlic fries with it...great...mac'n'cheese...probably the best around...brussel sprouts with bacon...mmm...bread pudding so good it should be illegal...and great coffee. They have great beers and a good wine list... The menu is marvellous...can't wait to try the pork belly sandwich... The service superb...thanks Hannah! I didn't get the hostess' name or the busboy's, but they were wonderful also. Go! Relax...Enjoy...I know I'll be back soon.
(5)Erika G.
Neither outrageously good, nor bad. Pleasant, not unpleasant. Didn't sample the food, but by proximity alone, it's a great place to have a drink before a movie at the Davis. The red wine was good. The martinis (after a Bond movie) were not made to the immaculate, ritualistic chilly perfection I enjoy in a martini, I'll stick to Bandera for that. The sorbet was weird. Concord Grape with Thyme. An interesting pairing, but I would have been happy with simply the yummy Concord Grape - I kept thinking "Why Thyme?". It seemed like an experiment just to be different. Still a few ghosts of Square Kitchen lingering. It was surprisingly uncrowded for a late Saturday night, and the staff seemed anxious to close up and get outta there. I'll go back before or after a movie at the Davis, but probably would not go out of my way for this one.
(3)Jeana P.
Fork is our new neighborhood go to restaurant! My husband and I have lived in LS for 6 years. Having been to previously named Square Kitchen and Fiddlehead, we were never raving fans. But Fork is another story! We love the beer selection and wine flights. Windows open onto Lincoln Ave. in warmer weather months, cozy and inviting in cold weather. Food is AMAZING! Hands down favorite is the Duck Liver Mouse. Also enjoy Pork Belly Reuben, Chix Burger, fish specials. Don't let the Charcuterie name scare you, it's just a yummy assortment of cheese, meats, little pickles, gourmet olives, stone ground mustard, etc. Ask for Niko the waiter, you're guaranteed superb service with a friendly face! Finally a gastropub in LS. Well done Fork, great addition to neighborhood that we highly recommend!
(5)Kelly A.
I love Fork. While the fare may not be quite as adventurous as Bongo Room or Orange they still have a menu that is pretty creative and very satisfying. I've enjoyed everything I've had on the menu so far, with the chilaquiles being my favorite. I find the texture is hard to get right and they handle it with mastery. It was among the best I've had in the city and very satisfing. I also appreciate that both time I have dined here they have been more than willing to make substitutions based on my preferences and have either done it for free or charged me marginally based on what I switched. As for the atmosphere, it's good. It can get a bit loud during the prime of brunch, but not so much that you cannot hear your companion. And even though this seems to be a mecca for the stroller-toting set, my experience was always that the kind of parents that go to Fork are respectful of other diners and you don't encounter some of the same problems you get at other kid-friendly places. (i.e.kids running around or yelling/crying loudly.)
(4)V V.
Finally tried this place for the first time. Met two other couples here for dinner on a Friday night and my wife and I will definetely be returning. It was full for a Friday night but not packed in there...each table and patron gets an adequate amount of space. Ambience was nice, wait staff was great. Menu is great with a wide range of appetizers, small plates, and entrees. Our table started with the Duck Poutine (amazing) and the Brussel Sprouts (surprisingly great!). I went with the BBQ Brisket Sandwich on Texas toast. Brisket was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and with just the right amount of leanness to it...it was so good. Wife got the gnocci and she enjoyed it! Wife got a couple glasses of sweet white wine that she loves, and the dirty martinis were made perfectly as well. I hope this place stays around for a while as there are plenty of things on the menu that look unique and tasty. Apparently, their brunch is a must-try as well. Highly recommend!
(4)Zoe G.
I went to Fork last night for night for dinner and it was amazing. Jamie, our server, was extremely knowlegable, attentive and made outstanding recommendations. My friends and I split the gnocchi, pork belly and cheese plate. The gnoochi was rich and delicious with truffle essence. The pork belly with it's cheesy grits was outstanding. The chef sent out complimentary champagne and sorbet at the end of meal. I will definataly be back!
(5)Matt T.
You know, not too shabby Fork. When Fork opened up I was pretty meh about going and the menu looked like every other new spot coming to the city. I read the reviews and they were pretty mixed so it seemed Fork would be fairly mediocre. After my wife and I decided not to drive to Berwyn to try a restaurant out there due to ridiculous Friday night traffic we walked through Lincoln Square just to look for a drink and an app to start out our night. We happened upon Fork and thought what could be so bad about a drink and a small starter. Well, to my surprise, Fork had 3 Floyd's Zombie Dust on tap! The only other place I've had this so far is Maria's in Bridgeport. My wife found a good glass of wine (great selection of beer and wine, I must say) and we were off. After perusing the menu we opted for the warm marinated olives and the chicken liver pate. The olives were fine but a little too warm. They were tasted but a hot olive just doesn't do it for me. However, the pate was phenomenal and came in a nice sized glass mason jar. The only downside is you are given 3 small pieces of toasted crostinis but we were able to request more for no charge. The pate was really smooth and delicious and had a really nice rich flavor. After finishing our pate we decided to stay rather than venture out to somewhere else we had no idea where to go. We split a burger with cheddar and it was really great. We both are burger fans and like to try burgers all over the city. Fork's did not disappoint and was cooked to medium-rare perfection and was really really moist and juicy. House-made chipotle ketchup was already on the very nice bun and we opted for the garlic-cilantro fries for a buck extra. A fine choice but beware as the fries are pretty garlicky. We also appreciated the burger and fries split on two separate plates for us. We find this is a nice bonus when kitchens and servers recognize we are splitting something and do it for us. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fairly attentive and pleasant. They got bogged down a few times and it took a while for us to get their attention on two occasions but it was fine as orders were picking up. There are several other items on the menu that we were looking at and are eager to try next time we go to Fork. We'll definitely be back soon.
(4)Barry B.
My wife and I visited Fork after receiving abysmal service (and no food) at Vermillion. We couldn't have been happier with service and the food. We had an excellent sparkling rose wine and the best mac and cheese I've ever had. Did I mention that our waitress was fantastic? We will definitely be returning to sample the wine flights and cheeses.
(5)Tita P.
Updated because 4 stars were just not a enough!! Cozy Environment.....check Great Service....check Yummy food....check Nuff said!!
(5)Risa B.
I have been a fan of this place since they were Fiddlehead. Fork does everything well! Favorites include: Their candied bacon snacks, PBLT (Pork Belly sandwich), the mussels, duck club sandwich ~ And - I am a huge fan of the cheese plate and wine flight - this place does it right! Beyond all the fantastic food on the regular menu - on of their best dishes is on the dessert menu! They have a Sticky toffee dessert that will make your life! Go - Enjoy!
(5)jenny m.
There are two things that I love about Fiddlehead that keep me coming back time and time again. The first (and most obvious), it's a wine bar and I love me some wine. The second (and I should preface by saying that all but one time I have sat at the bar), the consistent and always spectacular service. I've been there at least a dozen times and the service never fails to impress me. There are 4 or 5 different bartenders I've encountered and they are always friendly, attentive & helpful, but without ever being too in your face. I really think the owner puts a huge emphasis on hiring a certain type of server and it pays off. There are other places in the neighborhood I could go for a good glass of wine, but I generally just default to Fiddlehead because I trust that I will always be treated good there (especially if you are by yourself, they take really good care of you). And beer lovers don't despair, the beer list has gotten pretty extensive, I would say close to 100 beers on the menu now. So you can go with your wine loving friends and enjoy a cold one (or many, no ones judging). As far as the food goes, it's not been my focus there. I tend to just get an app or two and nibble while I make my way through a wine flight. But what I've had is good and I did hear they recently changed chef's and are changing up the menu a bit and they do have a few things I will be trying soon enough.
(5)James B.
Service was prompt and friendly. 4 course beer pairing menu was good, but heavy on the red meat. The maple, bacon donut was great but that's kind of like dunking on a fisher price basket ball hoop.
(4)Ryan G.
Now I have been in Fork all of once when it was previously Fiddlehead and I can gladly say I will not miss it. I walked in one random Saturday morning when I did not need to catch up on sleep from the week when I saw they had breakfast. I was pleasantly surprised by the menu offerings and juice selection; I am a sucker when it comes to fresh juice and it doesn't matter how expensive it is when it tastes THAT GOOD... The Chicken and Waffles is a thing of beauty and and the single piece of Candied Bacon is a damn tease. The Breakfast Potatoes are a little off-putting, though, because they are really garlic-y. Normally, I would go for that but not as a breakfast side but that is probably a personal preference. Since then I have been back multiple times during breakfast and even my father has been won over with their Eggs Benedict (a dish which he is almost a Michelin inspector of solely). I have returned once during dinner; their fare not quite as alluring to me as their breakfast. The Tomato Soup had a very strong acidic taste to it. The Duck Confit Club was well made but the greens, dressing and bread overpowered the confit which I felt was lost within the sandwich. The Crème Brûlée was very nice; tradtional and garnished with some berries. The restaurant is very popular over the weekend and unless you are coming in by yourself to eat at the bar I would suggest calling ahead. Dinner during the week was quite vacant but it was the middle of the week so your millage may vary. The dinner menu has offerings that don't particularly appeal to me but the brunch selections of well-made classic dishes are amazing and have yet to disappoint. The staff is attentive, eager and friendly. While a bit pricy, I would recommend the restaurant, especially their breakfast fare, without hesitation.
(3)Megan K.
Fork is definitely more than three stars, but isn't quite deserving of a true four star ranking. That aside, here's how my recent trip breaks down: I made a reservation for 7pm on a Thursday night, and the restaurant was about half full when I arrived. Not quite necessary, but it's nice to accrue those opentable points! The drinks: My friend and I both decided to try one of their wine flight offerings. I opted for the Pinot Noir flight, and I was satisfied with it. The wines obviously weren't outstanding, but they weren't the cheapest swill from the bottom of the barrel of wine selections. We asked the waiter for his suggestion of a nicer hard cheese that would pair well with our wine, and he recommended the Three Year Cheddar which was wonderfully tangy and had a nice subtle undertone of herbs. I was a fan of this and it was served with a few pieces of bread, apple, and candied pecans. The food: We decided to share a few small plates and settled on the root vegetable hash and one of their specials. The vegetable hash was amazing--I adore fall vegetables and I liked their unique spin on the vegetables. They lightly sauteed celery root, carrots, parsnips, fennel, sweet potatoes and onions and topped it with fresh arugula and a fried egg. The vegetables were well seasoned and weren't doused in butter or an oil, and the fried egg on top made the dish very savory and slightly rich. I could have eaten this alone and been satisfied. But... I'm glad I didn't! The special of the evening was a pheasant sausage with squash, green beans, and light beans. The pheasant was lightly spiced and sliced thin among the vegetables. It had a similar overall seasoning on the dish as the vegetable hash, and the only "alarming" fact of this is my concern that all their dishes may be seasoned similarly. That aside, it all was very tasty and my friend and I enjoyed every bite. The service: They were prompt, but certainly not friendly. The waiter seemed a bit put out when we asked for a recommendation on the cheese. The atmosphere: Not too loud, not too quiet. I loved how we weren't sandwiched in to the point of hearing what the tables around us were saying. Major points there. I'll definitely be back to try their beer list and their brunch. Hopefully my next experiences will boost up the rating to the four stars that it has almost achieved in my eyes.
(3)Bobby G.
Everything here seems to look and sound way better than it tastes. I'm talking especially to you garlic-cilantro fries. Seriously this might be one of the most aestetically pleasing letdowns in the north side. Even their fine cheese and meat selection is overpriced for the tiny portion you get. The beer selection is a ok though. The only thing that was really great was the pork belly. Beware,it's heavy so if you eat the entire thing you'll feel the way that I imagine pregnant women feel. Which is, like you have a baby in your stomach.
(3)Bess R.
Yes, fiddleheads are mysterious, but I still like this place. Had a great dinner here last Friday with my ladyfriends. Started with some delicious Zinfandel with cheese plate and olives. All tasty, but could have used some more fruit/nuts/bread/something with the cheese. We split the Salmon, Bison and another fish special. Of course I can't remember the name of it now, but it was the BEST. Very tasty. Salmon and Bison were good, but nothing too special. Enjoyed the laid back ambiance - sat in a nice booth next to the window. Service was attentive and helpful - our server and the manager. Will be back, maybe for brunch next time. Cannot resist the fiddlehead!
(4)Catherine L.
My experience at Fork proved that good service really does make a difference. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, was very enthusiastic about the food, and even gave suggestions as to different beers to order based on our initial orders. I really wish I could remember her name. Anyway, we started off with the French charcuterie flight, which is comprised of saucisson sec (salami), pate de champagne and magret fume (smoked duck breast). I was not a huge fan of magret fume, but I would eat the pate everyday if I could. The saucisson sec was also delicious, but the pate was simply amazing. We also shared the spring vegetable ragout, the braised pork belly, and the seared diver scallops. My only real complaint is about the order in which the food came out. The braised pork belly came out at the same time as the charcuterie, which we ate first, so it was no longer hot by the time we ate it. Regardless, it was cooked very well and the cheese grits had a wonderfully smooth texture. The seared scallops came out second and were equally as delicious. They may have been ever so slightly overcooked, but I didn't notice. The vegetable ragout came out last, although I think it should have come out first. It also wasn't the best note on which to end the night. This is not to say that it was not good, but it definitely was not amazing. Overall, it was a great experience. I would be happy to eat there again.
(4)Jenny K.
A nice brunch spot that was buzzing with activity even on a day so cold you'd think everyone would be anchored to the couch, ensconced in a snuggie or slanket of choice. Extremely attentive service - water guy, server, and manager each checked on us multiple times. Fresh, delicious food. Only drawbacks: portion size a little small for the price and limited vegetarian-friendly options.
(4)Bobby H.
I've been to Fork .. I'm almost embarrassed to admit this .. three times in the past 10 days. But, no, I'm not embarrassed by that. This place is amazing. I've been here on a date, for an impromptu late dinner with friends, and a planned birthday celebration. Every experience was very impressive, from the food and drinks to the quality and timeliness of service. Each of our three different servers were very friendly without being overbearing, and all were very knowledgeable about both the food choices as well as the extensive and impressive list of beers and wines. Food was always brought promptly, even when the place was packed, and everything is very fresh and of high quality. Menu items tried (and enjoyed): House-smoked Brisket Sauteed Brussel Sprouts Braised Pork Belly (I would get this again just for the cheddar grits. Wow.) Duck Confit Poutine Belgian/French Mussels Various Cheese / Charcuterie Plates I thought after being there a third time that we would be burned out by this place, but each time it leaves a better impression. Next up: Need to try the Chicken and Waffles.
(5)David G.
I recently went with my girlfriend to eat at "Fork" for Sunday brunch. We made a reservation and actually got real good parking which I hear can be a problem. As we walked in we were promptly escorted to our table with no wait. The waitress was almost instantly there to wait on us and ask us if we wanted drinks which was nice. I ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. Now.. its very hard to mess up Fried Chicken and Waffles.... but with that said the meal was excellent. My girlfriend ordered a couple egg dishes that she thoroughly enjoyed. I left the place extremely full, to the point where it was hard to breath haha. Only reason that I give it 4 stars was the price. My orange juice cost $3.50... everything else was steep as well. All in all... I would recommend it and go back.
(4)Pamela P.
Stay away from the brunch here. It's terrible. Awful. Uncoordinated. Un-tasty (yes, I did just make that word up). Sub-par. Disappointing. First of all, as far as their vegetarian-friendly options, it's a proverbial desert. There's not much for the non-meaters. In somewhat of a tree-huggery area, this isn't very acceptable. We started off with coffee, served in a mug, and we should have nursed that java because to get a refill was equivalent of trying to get blood out of a turnip. Not seeing many options on the menu that suited my tastes, I ordered two eggs with no potatoes and with a bagel and cream cheese. I was told that they can't do "no potatoes" and that the bagel and cream cheese was $2.50. And "what about your toast? You know we still charge you for it." Never mind, I thought, just give me the bagel and cream cheese. I then pressed if I could get a side of the eggs. The waitress looked at me perplexed, walked away without warning and returned saying they could. Very well then, that was my order. The other half ordered some scramble with sausage and toast and potatoes. Two minutes after ordering, my side of over easy eggs arrives. I looked at the server perplexed. I tell him, that's part of my order and questioned if the other food was coming because 1) I didn't want to eat alone and 2) how could I even eat runny eggs with just a fork.... The server ignored me and off he went. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the food comes and the waitress just casually says "Sorry 'bout the eggs." The bagel was old. The cream cheese was lowfat Philadelphia cheese. $2.50 for that? What a rip off. My other half thought his food was terrible. Dry, old eggs with terrible tasting sausage. Dry and old toast without so much as even jam or jelly (on the side, as advertised). Then minutes later, the waitress brings us our bill. What a terrible place. No apologizes for the mix-ups, no refills on the coffee and really bad food. For that price, you'd be better off going somewhere fancy and being served with more respect and better food. Period.
(1)Chris S.
After seeing the menu on line, I ventured to Fiddlehead for brunch, and I will definitely be back. The menu is inventive and the food is really good. I had the soft-scrambled eggs with truffled goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and arugula. Other items included Nutella-stuffed brioche French toast, and a couple of quiches, among others. They also have flights of mimosas and good bloody Marys. Service was good. We were on the patio, but our server or busser was at our table numerous times to make sure all was well. The dinner menu looked equally great, so between brunch and dinner, this won't be the last they see of me.
(4)Brian S.
Went on Father's Day for brunch with a group of 4. Called at 11am and was told we'd have no wait as long as we were there before noon (after that, a 5 - 10 min wait). They were really friendly and helpful on the phone. When we arrived (just around noon), they sat us right away outside. Ordered a bloody mary to start. Asked for it medium spice to be safe. When it wasn't quite spicy enough, the waitress was really great about taking it into the bar for a bit more Sriracha. I ordered the chicken & waffles. The food came out within a very acceptable amount of time. There was a light drizzle of butter on the waffles which was not too over powering. There was a great crust and crunch on the fried chicken and the candied bacon made it really special. One piece of the chicken ended up being a bit too red for me (I'm sure it's unusual). I asked another waitress to find our server so I could explain. Instead, the other waitress offered to help me right there on the spot (before knowing my issue -- stellar). She immediately offered to take the chicken and half-eaten waffle away and bring me an entire new order--that's service you don't often get these days. And she did it with a smile. When the new plate arrived, our serve came by to make sure it was alright. The other dishes at the table were also top notch. Great teamwork! You really should try this place.
(4)Andy K.
Looks like "Fiddlehead" has now become "Fork". My prior review no longer applies, but I'm leaving it up in hopes that the old Manager from Fiddlehead reads it again and decides to actually jump off that bridge he's been thinking about.
(4)Andrea D.
I've only been here for brunch, so I can't comment on dinner or lunch foods but the brunch.. it is very yummy. I had a waffle with the apple compote and cinnamon butter. Man that cinnamon butter is the yummiest thing. I think I could have that waffle every day. I also had a drink called.. what was it called? Brunch punch?? It was boozy without being overly boozy and citrusy and refreshing on a Sunday morning. My friend Sara had the hangover helper and she thought it was delish as well. It's a pretty good place to go and located near the Davis theater, so I imagine it makes a convenient place to get a bit before or after a movie.
(4)Bradley S.
Partner and I stopped here for brunch after checking out two applefests Saturday. We chose the place because of their eclectic menu and sidewalk seating. I started off with a bellini; Partner with coffee. I pretty much knew what I wanted by the time we were seated (duck confit hash); Partner took his time. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and didn't seem the least annoyed with our liesurely pace. Partner finally ordered the Farmhouse Burger (bacon, egg and burger). He thouroughly enjoyed his burger: I was very happy with the hash. I wasn't thrilled with his fries. While the price point is a tad above our normal weekly brunch rotation, we'll not hesitate to return.
(4)Melissa S.
I recently had dinner here with a friend. My intention was to eat, drink and spend too much, and I was successful. The food was all very tasty. The lamb small plate was the clear winner of the evening, I found myself embarrassingly sucking on the bones when all the meat was gone. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the artichoke; I found it too difficult to eat. I feel that when you're paying that much for a vegetable, a kitchen should at least bother to remove the inedible parts. I enjoyed how their menu was arranged to make sharing very easy, and the pre-arranged flights and pairings made ordering easy. Next time I'll be ordering the ganache cake paired with the raspberry lambic, that is just genius. The booze was good. We enjoyed our cocktails and wine flight. The only complaint here was that all of the cocktails seemed very summery. Something to match the Autumn outside would have been great. The atmosphere, however, was in line with the colder weather, and the fireplace helped me settle in and relax. Service was excellent and the opposite of pushy. I think they were trying to let us sit back and enjoy, which was just fine. Our server was really great with my friend's gluten intolerance and went out of his way to make her feel at ease. I must say I love a restaurant that cares about catering to restricted diets. I'll be back!
(4)Megan B.
As Scarlett used to say, "fiddle-dee-dee!" Roughly translating to, "I don't care what everyone thinks, I will do as I please!" To channel this woman of great personal strength, I say, "Fiddlehead, you are a fine establishment. While I appreciate you introducing me to the smokey joy of duck confit, I don't believe you are anything special. And even though everyone else seems to think you are God's gift to brunch, I don't buy it." Cute decor/ambiance. Standard "fancy" new American fare, with a price tag to match. Solid bloody mary's. Waitresses with 'tude. Nice but relatively cramped outdoor seating. Basically, overpriced and undwerwhelming. 'Nuf said.
(2)Garrett G.
I have been here for brunch a few times. The food never disappoints. Today I went with the pork belly sandwich with garlic fries and everything was fantastic. It is a big place so waiting hasn't been an issue. The juices are a bit expensive for the size but that is my only complaint.
(4)Ron P.
First time to Fork this past Sunday evening. Being new to Chicago this place blew us away but so is most of Chicago's best spots that we are getting to know. Fork is a culinary treat. Big flavors in everything we tried and a huge wine and beer selection to match. Their cheese selection is vast so we tried 5 different ones...hard, goat, sheep...they were all excellent. Our server Jamie was a perfect blend of informative, attentive and patient for being first timers...explained the menu concept well and her suggestions gave us a good sampling of the fare. Beet salad was full of complex flavors and delicious. Fork "poutine" and brisket were excellent. We are definitely going back to explore further.
(4)Kate K.
I've been walking past Fiddlehead once a week for the last year, and my fiance and I decided to try it out for dinner tonight. And we are very glad we did! The decor and ambiance are nice. The brickwork and warm green and brown earth tones make it feel very cozy yet modern. There were many things on the menu we wanted to try. For appetizers we ordered the Roasted Beet & Fig salad and the Sauteed Scallops. I ordered the Vegetable Strudel as my entree and my fiance had the Bison Hanger Steak. For dessert, we split the Tres Leches Cake. All of the food was excellent! The wait staff were friendly and attentive. We have no complaints about the service. We are already looking forward to going back and trying some of the things we didn't choose this round, including the cheese and wine flights and some of the other entrees and sandwiches on the menu. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)Kaycee M.
I was surprised to see only 3.5 stars for this place. My husband and I are complete nerds and check the Yelp status of places while we're eating in them- maybe not always a great idea. This place has good food- their potatoes were very flavorful and the portions were good. We had mimosas, and I'll agree with other Yelpers that they're only meh. We have an 11 month old daughter, and the service was good- good service is important when one is dining with a toddler. (Who generally behaves so long as her food comes first and there are cute things to look at somewhere- decorative pigs will do, apparently.) For a slightly pricey brunch with some fancy options you can't get at a greasy spoon, try Fiddlehead. The decor is easy to take, our table was quite comfortable, and the menu was unique. Not bad.
(4)Jeff G.
for the record, I am really at a 4.5, it must be the Christmas spirit in me. Ended up here after our first brunch place had a 45 minute wait. Was able to get a table quickly, and the food was awesome (had the french toast) and topped it off with a Guinness (it's my coffee). They have a crazy long beer list and the service was excellent. Cozy atmosphere, great find. I will elevate it from a "Plan B" to being my "Plan A" next time.
(5)Sheila H.
We visited Fork on Saturday right when they opened. I'm not sure why our entrees took over a half hour to receive them. Service was great but due to the wait time you might have thought of even serving us some doughnut holes on the house. I was with my husband and our 4 year old son. The chicken and waffles were absolutely wonderful ( a little pricey for white meat only $14). It was worth the wait. My husband had a juice from the juice bar blueberry pomegranate and enjoyed that. The coffee was good. His entree was also tasty and had a side of hash towns that were very good. We will return for sure but hope to eat a little sooner!
(4)Megan G.
Went for a light lunch of cheese and olives, and left very pleased. Generous portion of delicious olives. Nice Cheese Selection. Our waiter was informative and helped pick one of the cheeses that we ended up loving. It was the perfect lunch for walking around the neighborhood shopping.
(4)Ariel B.
Easter Sunday is a hard time to find a decent place to eat around 3pm. After an awesome game of bowling, we walked around Lincoln Square for some place to eat. Fiddlehead's was open for Brunch so we checked it out. $19 for Easter Brunch (not bad price, IMO). Eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, salad, mac n' cheese, homemade waffles, etc. Overall, it was good. The waffles were by far the best item of the brunch offerings. The regular menu looked interesting, but they were only serving Easter Brunch. The Host didn't really make this clear when we sat down, so we tried to ask for regular menus. He got a little snitty with us. The brunch was about to close down, so we rushed to get food and the servers didn't seem happy to see us. C'est la vie. We decided to just do the brunch because we were too hungry to head back out in the cold to look for another place to eat. I'd like to try this place again during regular business hours. Hopefully the service will be better.
(3)Jamie M.
Stopped in here with a friend before a movie at the Davis( not in a hurry but had a time to meet). They had one other table and a few people at the bar. The woman who sat us didn't give us a menu, so we had to ask the other woman who came to bring water, and take drink order. She returned with our drinks never to be seen again. Then a man was walking around looking at us so I flagged him over to ask a question about a menu item. He knew the answer that was good. he then quickly walked away, as we were ready to order. He came back about 10 min later after chatting to a person at the bar. We Ordered a Crab salad and a burger with Fries.I noticed the cook in the dining room just as I was about to get up and ask if they forgot about us, so i figured that was him telling our server that the food has been sitting in the window. Surely then the server walked away then came out with our food. The salad was very pretty when it came out but It took me about 10 minutes to cut everything up and mix it to even start to eat it. I didn't know I was ordering a master piece or I would have got something else. My friend said her burger was average and fries were cold nothing special! So we finished and had to ask for the check so we could make the movie since we were there for almost 1.5 hr just to grab lunch! I would not go here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Oh the reason I say man & woman is because they never introduced them selves nor did they have name tags.
(1)Courtney H.
We went here for brunch/lunch on a sunday afternoon. Loved the atmostphere (sitting by the fireplace didn't hurt!) I love their flight of mimosa's and their mac and cheese is heaven. If you get only one thing from here, you MUST get the garlic fries. Positively life changing!
(5)Unicorn L.
Love this place! Luckily it's close to our apartment, so it's become our go to 'nice' dinner place. The beer menu is extensive, brunch is superb, and everything I've ordered has been delicious. The garlic cilantro fries are SO good, and even worth the bad breath you'll inevitably have the rest of the day.
(4)Rob L.
I came here with fellow yelper Vamsi V before he went and saw a performance by Lisa Simone, the daughter of his favorite artist Nina. I came because, darn it... I wanted some wine flights. We both were excited about this place. I had been looking over the menu and pondering what to have... I think I had it down... at least I thought I did. First thing to change was the salad with the duck confit in phyllo, they had a potato and fennel soup... sorry I love potato soup and the fennel made it an easy call... they served it table side... I love that and it was really good too. VV had the mussels with chorizo and Israeli cous cous, the mussels were excellently prepared. Then I had the salmon with the potato bacon gratin, darn tasty. The salmon was tender and flavorful and the potato... well it had bacon, hard to get better than that! Vamsi had the red snapper special with lentils, I thought it was really good too, but I was too busy cleaning my plate. Then we had dessert. He went with the chocolate fudge ganache cake, chocolate heaven. I went a little healthy with the sticky toffee pudding with the Guinness ice cream, Guinness has vitamins and minerals.... at least in my head it does. I definitely want to come back and try some more wine flights and have some of their lovely cheese plates. The nice thing is a bunch of their wines and cheese you can buy at the cafe! Very nice, clean, casual atmosphere, (though if you go early you will probably be dining with kids, just an FYI), but a nice little treat that I will be enjoying again, hopefully sooner than later.
(4)Jessica K.
Good food and friendly service. We sat outside on the Lincoln side, and it wasn't too loud or noisy. Food was good and well portioned. The waitress gave us recommendations, some of which we took and some we didn't, but the ones we took were good.
(4)Sabrina S.
I went to Fiddlehead Cafe last night with a friend. We made our reservation on OpenTable and arrived a bit late. The host sat us and was actually our server as well. She was very kind and did a great job describing the specials. I had a hard time finding something I wanted to eat on the menu. However, one of the specials sounded just amazing. It was a tempura fried prawn on a bed of zucchini and squash served with gnocchi with marinara sauce. My co-diner and I both thought that sounded awesome and decided to split it along with the vegetable strudel. The kitchen was kind enough to split the dishes for us! Each dish was brought out on separate plates which made me feel like I had 2 dinners. The prawn was just as expected -- wonderful! It was definitely one of those times that I was very happy I made the decision that I did. The vegetable strudel was good too but too much after I finished my first plate. We also ordered the chocolate trio. It was not what I expected but it hit the spot. Next time I hope to have the opportunity to have a salad/entree with fiddlehead ferns but I did not see this on the menu. I was surprised that at 8pm the restaurant was not filled on a Friday night. However, at around 9:30pm, the bar began to fill up. This is a great place to visit in Lincoln Square!
(4)April L.
Back when it was Fiddlehead, and even in the early stages of being Fork, the service was my chief complaint. Not the food, which was divine, and not the prices (which are a tiny bit elevated but for good reason--the quality). Well, the service gets better and better at Fork. Today I found myself unwilling to head down to Ribfest but seriously jonesing for some BBQ. I placed a phone order to Fork for their brisket (which I know to be delicious) and garlic-cilantro fries. The hostess and bartender were welcoming on the phone, and upon my arrival, offered me a seat at the bar while the back-of-house finished packaging my carryout. The bartender knew exactly what I had ordered and offered me a glass of icewater while I waited. Given the fact that it was about 90 degrees outside, and I had walked from my apartment, I was thrilled. He also commented that the brisket was a great batch; he'd had it for lunch. I asked how long they smoke it and got a different answer than the wait staff has told me, so I guess I'll never know. :) Less than 3 minutes later, my food arrived, and the bartender wished me a nice and cool evening. I added a tip onto my bill, which I don't always do for carryout. Even though it was a good 15 to 20 minutes until I consumed my garlic-cilantro fries, they were wonderful and still crispy. If you have not yet had these fries but have been to Fork, what is WRONG with you? :) All kidding aside, the brisket is as good as I remember it (definitely more tender with tastier BBQ sauce than some of the city's BBQ-only joints), and the texas toast underneath soaks up all the great juices. Topped with fried onion straws, it's a perfect summer dish, albeit a bit of a heavy comfort food. I have yet to bring someone to Fork who has had the garlic-cilantro fries and not declared something to the effect of, "I never want to eat any other kind of fries again." DELICIOUS. Just bring some mints.
(4)Mill V.
This place delights me. It reminds me of a distant sister to Bin Wine Cafe Wine Flights? Check Cheese Flights? Check Cute everything? Check Great food? Hell yeahs My and friend I hit up some wine flights and cheese. I frickin love their cheeses. They had an awesome French triple cream that blew my mind. And the bread with it was crazy good. It was cornmealish with golden raisins and fennel. Could of made a meal on just that. I got the lamb shank, and it was cooked til falling off. Could of used a heaping of salt. The risotto with it was missing the pecorino, and needed salt, too. But all around good. The sticky toffee pudding was a moist bite of delishness. It was great going on a Saturday night. Totally fun place to get alittle buzzed of wine.
(4)David G.
I had heard good things about this place and I have to say it lived up to all of them. They have a great beer and wine selection. they offer beer and wine flight and you can even make your own flight. However, the best part of the evening was the food! My wife and I were with another couple so I got to try a few different things (the brisket, the pot pie, and one of the burgers) they were all excellent. We will be back.
(5)Gloria R.
The food was terrible. I had a lemonade and a sprite, they both had a moldy taste. I'm never going back there again!!!
(1)Debra R.
delicious brunch! we stumbled in here after leaving bad dog's brunch buffet that we gave the thumbs down. (who wants to eat food that has been sitting out all morning?! ICK!) the ambiance is very cute and cozy in this corner space. the place wasn't crowded so we were seated right away. ordered a much needed bloody mary and began to peruse the menu. btw - the bloody was a bit weak which is why they don't get 5 stars. i had real trouble deciding what to order. truffled eggs? breakfest melt? fried chicken and waffles? everything looked amazing so i asked the waiter what he gets and he said if not the fried chicken and waffles that the truffled eggs are their best seller. i was sold. they were delicious but i was craving the breakfest melt my dining partner had ordered. i had a bite and it was mouth-watering AMAZING. fiddlehead provided a terrific dining experience and i can't wait to go back and try more items from their brunch menu. a new favorite in lincoln square!
(4)Moe f.
We strolled in on a busy Sat night and managed to snag an awkward spot at the bar. The Duck club sandwich was fantastic. The wife dug her cheese and chartreuse plate. Had an excellent bottle of Zin.
(4)hillary a.
i'm not quite sure if they're ready for company--at least, not parties of 30. my girlfriends had planned a family-style dinner party. and from the start of the evening, it was a discombobulated effort to get the right amount of tables and chairs together. once that was sorta figured out, and drinks and soggy fries had been served, half of our party got their dinner. you figure--maybe right after their food comes out, ours will too, right? but it doesn't. while it wasn't explicitly explained, there was some sort of snafu, resulting in a breakdown in communication, which lead to our dinner arriving more than an hour after everyone else's! chicken burgers look good. we're excited to eat, at last. so, we each cut our burgers in half, only to see pretty pink chicken meat. which scares all of us. in their rush to get the hour-late food served, they'd completely undercooked it and so another half hour goes by. may i just say that the party started at 7.30, and we FINISHED dinner at midnight, because that's how crazy the tangled kitchen/cooking confusion became. +our waitress was great and very attentive and so apologetic about the evening. we reassured her that we weren't at all upset with her, just very curious about how disjointed everything became. management was able to figure out a fair deal for the not-so-smooth-sailing affair. +what saved the night? good company always makes things better. that, coupled with the cozy fire place, made dining here "a-ok." plus, their diet coke was so crisp!
(3)Tammy Q.
Loved this place! It was quite intimidating when I saw the menu outside, but the fiance walked in and wanted to try it out. The place is small but very quaint. I had the organic chicken with soy glaze with a mixture of mushrooms, grains and bacon! Yes, bacon! Anything with bacon is an A+ in my book. The fiance got the special of the evening -- grilled salmon atop a bed of wild rice. He loved it. The consensus was that the portions were just right -- and everything seemed healthily prepared. For dessert, we got the chocolate ganache cake -- and that was also great. We are totally going to come back to this place.
(4)Comensal A.
I've dined at the past two restaurant incarnations at this address (Square Kitchen, Fiddlehead Cafe), and enjoyed both for their warm ambiance, thoughtful food/drink concepts and cordial service. This latest venture, Fork, is an evolution of Fiddlehead (apparently with the same owners & staff), and it continues the favorable trend. The new concept is oriented toward small plates, cheeses & charcuterie and an expanded craft beer presence. The menu is very nice, offering a variety of taste/portion choices, with some new flavors as well as a few echoes of Fiddlehead. This evening, we liked toasted goat cheese & beets, mac'n'cheese, pork belly & grits (ahhhh...) and roasted Brussels sprouts. Sticky toffee pudding cake is a knockout dessert. Nice wine choices, cordial service -- they really know who their customers are and how to appeal to them!
(4)PJ J.
I had friends in from out of town, and wanted to take them to a great place in my 'hood, and I've had a good experience w/ Fork before, so that's where we went. It was even BETTER than my previous visit. We were seated near the windows at first, and it was chilly there, and they moved us promptly and with no 'tude. The place is SO clean, so well-lit, aahhh....utter ambiance without pretentiousness....what's not to love? Our server was Jamie, and she was extremely knowledgeable regarding the menu from wine to appetizers to entrees. A few thoughtful questions on her part helped us make excellent choices. We started out with the fresh hot pretzels with a beer sauce...mmmmm salty, cheese-sauce dipped pillows of goodness. We also ordered one of the cheese flights....I HIGHLY recommend trying those. One friend ordered a nice Chardonnay that complimented not only the cheese flight, but his dinner of mussels....another friend ordered the brisket, garlic/cilantro fries and brussels sprouts....we all kept tasting each others food....divine!! I ordered pork belly sliders, which also came with the addictive garlic/cilantro fries. The sliders were amazing....rich, satisfying....two was almost too much, but glad I ordered two. We finished the evening with a couple of desserts...the vanilla creme brulee had a perfect burnt sugar top and was dreamy...the apple crisp with ice cream was incredible....comfort food. I want to go back soon for the duck confit....I'm a sucker for duck. ALSO, if you've never tried it before, I HIGHLY recommend the Kentucky Bourbon Ale.....seductive, satisfying, complex....not a beer you're gonna slam down....this is an ale that commands your respect, and gives you a quality beverage that goes good with burgers and more. I hope Fork is around for decades, and that it doesn't change TOO MUCH....the menu is practically PERFECT, the staff is kind, professional, warm and well-informed.
(5)Val B.
The selection is great -- lots of cheeses and wines to choose from, and great already-created or do-it-yourself wine and cheese flights on the menu. I tried the "Crisp White Wines" flight ($11) and liked two of the three. But I will say the menu's descriptions of each wine was spot on. I also had the "Crowd Pleaser" cheese flight ($10) with 3-year cheddar, Bucherolle (fav by far), and Persian Fetta. It was served with a fruity bread, candied pecans and apple slices. It was great! This would be a good place to talk with girlfriends over wine and cheese, but I wasn't so impressed with my dinner itself. I will give it another try. I give this place 3 stars because the service was pretty slow at the end, and the dinner prices were a tad too high for what I got, but I'm adding one extra star because the bathroom was really nice. Ladies, I know you know what I'm sayin'.
(4)Christine P.
It's too bad I can only give this place 2 stars, but too many things were wrong. I will say that the ambiance was quite nice. First off, when we walked in for Sunday brunch, there was no host and it took about ten minutes to grab someone's attention. The waiter told us there were "no tables, but if we wanted to wait five minutes for one then they may be able to seat us". So we waited at bar. The bar was filthy - it looked like they forgot to clean it off the night before. We sat there for five minutes before someone got our drink orders; my coffee was brought to me in a dirty cup. 15 minutes later, we were seated, where our water glasses were not clean either. We watched other tables get water glasses that had lipstick stains be served to other customers. The table wasn't in good shape either. Luckily, the service was okay, but sub-par. I expected a little better. Our food took longer than expected to get to us, but it was tasty. I may give this place another chance for dinner, but seeing us and other people served clearly dirty utensils was a real turn-off.
(2)Teri P.
My favorite place to grab a bite in Lincoln Square! I love that the menu is ever-changing with several tried and true items that remain year-round. Every friend I introduce to Fiddlehead ends up loving it. I especially love it in the warmer months when the outdoor seating is available. The food is wonderful and the service is usually terrific. The wine flights are always spot-on, and the selection of beer and wine is great. What more could you ask for??
(5)Kristen M.
Delicious appetizers and a wonderful drink selection. Fiddlehead is a great place to sit outside have a light bite and enjoy a refreshing drink. They have a wide variety of cheeses and wines/beers to pair. Perfect summer stop!
(5)sarah s.
I liked Fiddlehead better. Brunch: Green beans in watered down bloody marys. Tiny little mimosas. Terribly long wait for food. Mac and cheese with no flavor. Disappearing waitress. No more truffle fries. Duck club sandwich with imbalanced flavors, served cold. Really common "antique" decor. Busboys hauling orange juice concentrate and kitchen staff traipsing through the dining room in prime brunch time.
(2)Ingrid G.
Worst. Service. Possibly. Ever. Never Again. Never. One additional star to thank the manager for the comped wine at the end. We appreciated it. But we won't be returning. UPDATE: OK, well I said never--but I guess never say never. Thank you to the manager who did email me thanks to Yelp and apologized for the service! I am raising one star for this reason and because of him will probably try them again if I'm in the area.
(3)Nathan H.
I was at fork a couple of weeks ago with my uncle and aunt. we went around 630 on a Saturday and after a short wait were seated. I loved the atmosphere! Cumfy and Cozy and just the right size. The waitstaff was professional and informative and we had a great time. I had the pork-bellied lettuce tomato sandwich which was incredible (albeit a little messy!). also if you enjoy a nice glass of wine and some great selection of cheeses this is the spot for you. If you find yourself around Lincoln square stop by, you will thank yourself!
(4)N. S.
I think the name is lame. I liked the name Fiddlehead better. But, I really like the direction they've taken with their lunch/dinner menus. Everything I've had so far on my several visits (flatbread, soups, grilled cheese, salt and vinegar chips, cheese plates, brussels sprouts) has been great. The duck poutine is out of this world. It's too rich for me to order on my own, but if I go there with a dude, inevitably it gets ordered, and I end up getting to share it. The service is nice. Wine, beer selections are good. Cocktails are not as interesting. Now for the negative part of the review. This is about brunch, so stop reading now if you only want to know about dinner. Aside from the name, which would be better on a barbecue or fried chicken joint, the only issue is brunch. I went to a wedding shower there, and the family style brunch served for that was great. But, just regular brunch? That doesn't seem to have changed much from the Fiddlehead days, and is a little boring and overpriced. Don't get fooled into one of the overpriced champagne cocktails. I watched the bartender make several of the "pomosas" which is supposed to contain pomegranate juice. Instead, it was a splash of a pomegranate-blueberry juice blend - which would explain the lack of pomegranate tang in the finished product.
(3)Becky R.
I heart Fiddlehead Cafe. The wine flights are fun for a night out with the girls. They even have little icons on the menu to help you decode the wine. A little bit like wine for dummies. Fiddlehead also has amazing cheese flights, which -- not surprisingly -- pair nicely with the wine flights. The mussels are also top-notch. And the banana cream pie will change your life.
(5)Chris S.
I've been to Fork for lunch and for a friend's birthday dinner. Overall, the service is attentive, the seats are comfy, and the food is tasty. The drinks list is really impressive and I loved their selection of French and Belgian beers. My main complaint with Fork is that they've hopped on the trendy bandwagon of putting bacon/pork belly/other pork products in everything. I'm a veggiesaurus, so it was irritating to find that basically everything that I initially thought was veggie was slathered in pork. Nevertheless, Fork is a warm, classy place to dine.
(4)Liane G.
Fork is great. They are super friendly (even to 3.5 year olds) and the food was great. The cilantro fries are home run and the special flatbread (not a regular item) was out of this world. Big fan!
(4)Carey L.
Nice place, we had a perfect table, half banquette, half chairs, no one too close by. Love that. The food is very tasty. The French mussels are worth coming back for. The duck was weird, tasty, but almost like cheese fries in their presentation, if that's what you seek for a Sat night dinner. The cilantro fries are fantastic.
(4)Anne J.
What a fun little neighborhood place! We got there early and had wonderful and attentive service. Started with the white wine flight, followed by a cheese plate (Truffle Tremor).....YUM! I had the mussels which were outstanding. There were so many I couldn't finish them all. With so many good choices on the menu I can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)Rehana M.
We came here for Saturday brunch. I'd walked past it several times and been impressed with the menu, so I decided to give it a shot. And overall? It was pretty good, although a bit overpriced. I ordered a mimosa, which was fine, nothing special, and the Truffled Eggs. In concept, the idea was lovely: eggs scrambled with truffled goat cheese, shiitakes, and arugula, and served sandwiched between two wedges of puff pastry. However, I am disappointed again and again by restaurants that overcook their eggs. It's such a no-brainer! Any kid can do scrambled eggs right - it just takes a little attention. But these were quite rubbery. My boyfriend had the Eggs Florentine, which looked a lot better than mine. We were both impressed by the fresh ingredients used at Fiddlehead, and the menu items were well-thought out. They just need to work on their execution a little. One really apparent deficiency was in the service. The only staff we could discern were a hostess and a waiter, who seemed to be doubling as a bartender. For a weekend brunch crowd on a nice summer day, this place was waaaaay understaffed. All things considered, I'd like to come back here and try dinner sometime, but for $40, that brunch left something to be desired.
(3)Michael C.
If I could give my experience with the restaurant 0 stars I would. I can't remember the last time an evening out was such a failure in ALL aspects. From the two word greeting of "Hi. Drinks?" To the fact that our server couldn't just take the name of our wine he needed us to find the page that the wine was on (in a huge book without page numbers) and tell him which number the wine was, to the 1 hour and 10 minutes it took to order our entrees, to the fact that our server didn't know or understand how to describe the menu or food, to the fact that some of the bread that was given with the entree was burnt and that side was face down (as to hide it. If my server was ever visable on the floor or came over to our table I would have asked for not burnt bread.... but he never did), to the fact that when I spoke to the manager about the problems all through the meal (and there were many others that i haven't mentioned like our server ignored our finished dirty plates and left them on the table for us to clear and stack), he looked blankly at me and said "sorry".... and that was it. When I prompted him for more of a conversation about the awful experience I just had at his restaurant, he proceeded to tell me how tired he was from working so much and that our server was sick and tried to call out for the evening. NOT MY PROBLEM!!! Your guest just had a horrible experience on all accounts, wake up and and try and win this guest back. But no, you were too tired to be a manager and your server was too sick to know how to take care of his guests. THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER GO BACK TO THIS PLACE. If their servers and managers can't succeed in some of the most basic elements of the restaurant business then I can't imagine that they'll ever understand how to take care of their guests. Especially in Lincoln Square which is full of wonderful, kind, businesses that want to have their guests come back. Actually I take the first sentence of this review back. I do remember the last time I had such an awful experience at a restaurant. It was a place called Fiddlehead. huh....
(1)Rob D.
This past Saturday, we made reservations to try Fork for the first time. Our reservation was for 6:30 but we were more than an hour late because of an expressway closure. We called from the closed expressway and the Fork staff couldn't have been more accommodating! We were told not to worry, relax and call when we were close. Despite it being a crowded Saturday, and the restaurant being very intimate, They found us a great table and told us how glad they were that we made it. This was only the start of a great dinner however. The Wait Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, without being obnoxious, and had some great suggestions for wines. Because of the small plates, my wife and I were able to sample several of the dishes. The Duck Crostini, had a wonderful smoky sweet combination. The Gnocchi, was outstanding with its woodsy foraged mushrooms and truffle infused cream sauce. (Next time I go I may just have a large plate of this.) The Braised Pork Belly reminded me of a similar dish we had in Napa. It was tender and succulent paired perfectly with the cheesy grits and arugula that it sits on. My wife enjoyed the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I have to admit that the latter has always been on my list of least favorite vegetables but my taste of Fork's version, with its bacon and onions was delicious. We ended the evening with a shared White Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding that was fabulous. Having ordered with reckless abandon, I was pleased when the bill came and was only $50.00, not including our drinks. Considering we both walked out full, this was a great value for a Saturday night in Chicago. We can't wait to return and explore the menu further.
(5)Colleen D.
Not bad but the only thing really worth going back for is the incredible beer selection. Food was fine but my soup was served medium warm. Same goes for the poutine. Had a bite of the PBLT (pork belly, lettuce and tomato). It would have been much better if they toasted the bread.
(3)Alaina N.
Soggy chicken and waffles and not-so-fantastic beer choices made for a soggy not-so-fantastic brunch outing.
(2)Elizabeth H.
I had dinner here this evening with a friend of mine and had a really nice time. I let the waiter surprise me with a glass of wine that was very good ... and given that it is mostly a wine/cheese bar, I would expect nothing less. My friend ordered a chicken dish that she seemed to enjoy (large portions too, she took half home). I had the grilled sturgeon salad and it was delicious. Everything was fresh and we both really enjoyed the meal. I plan on going back for a wine and cheese night very soon. UPDATE: Went back for the cheese/wine flights and am increasing the stars! The service was above and beyond and the suggestions were perfect for our party. I also went back another evening for a dinner date. We closed down the restaurant but never felt rushed and the food was wonderful even the second time around (I ordered a fish dish off the Specials menu, so I'm not sure if it's offered often)
(5)Michael S.
We were in the neighborhood. We saw a parking place right in front; grabbed it and went in. I remember the lobster club sandwich when this was Square Kitchen, and wondered how this new incarnation would stack up. Three stars for above average brunch food, including a cheap kids' menu and one star for the great service. I always appreciate when the hostess greets the kids like a human, instead of like an annoyance, and when the waitstaff pays attention to the kid and brings their stuff quickly. Friendly, friendy, friendly from the moment we arrived until we left. My Carnivore omelette was a nice variety of breakfast meats glued together with fresh melted cheddar. The Macaroni and Cheese from the kid's menu was good enough to be a regular menu item. It wasn't very busy for a late Saturday morning. Sort of made me wonder about the overall prospects for the place and whether it's a jinxed locale as it was for Square Kitchen. Worth a try while it's still there. I can't imagine the place does all that well with as dead as it was on Saturday just before noon. But, what do I know? Maybe they're doing just fine. If it had parking, I'd likely return. But, it doesn't, and this neighborhood is a bitch to park in. So, I wouldn't go out of my way to return, because there are just too many other places to try, but I can't say anything bad about the place. Overall, it was very pleasant.
(4)P R.
I've only been here twice, but both times the food was fantastic...even their normal burger is outstanding and only $5 on Wed! My brother had the French burger and was blown away. The place has a cool ambiance as well...in between fancy and casual.
(4)Neesha O.
I have been here twice now. The first time was mid-summer and I wanted to give this place a chance, even though I had walked past it on a Saturday night, practically empty and wondered why a nice dinner place would be so vacant on a weekend. The cheese plate was good, and the impressive beer list sat well with my husband but the entree was a total disaster. I ordered the gnocchi with morel mushrooms in a bechamel sauce with a balsamic reduction drizzled over it. The gnocchi were fat slabs of semi-cooked dough, there were a few on top distinguishable from the clumpy bed of paste-like pastamush beneath them. The balsamic was too sweet and syrupy and the bechamel was slightly cold and gummy. This was when I realized why the place had been empty that Saturday. I also realized why the place needed to advertise their beer list on a giant banner outside the building. Folks, the impressive beer list is a ruse, a red herring, a distraction, something to keep your mind off the fact that the food is terribly overpriced slop masquerading as gourmet cuisine. These thoughts were solidified with me when I came in for my second dinner here. The service wasn't bad, the decor was nice, but the food was simply disappointing. The beer list is impressive but I find it somewhat obnoxious. This place is trying too hard and not doing a very good job. You certainly won't get what you pay for here.
(2)Cece C.
The Brunch was awful. I love brunch and it was so disappointing. My cousin and I are both Chefs and we went with our families after going to the Green City Market. No Bueno... I had the Bison Burrito. It was so unseasoned. I never put salt on my food and I had to this time. The flavors tasted so muted and mushed together. There was no texture ot contrast in ingredients at all. My cousin had the Goat cheese truffled eggs. She sent it back because we all couldn't taste goat cheese and still couldn't taste it the second time. Then someone brought us out a rammie of goat cheese and it didn't even taste like Goat Cheese! It was like a goat's milk Ricotta? Anyway The service was great and so was the coffee. I just feel like you should be proud of every dish going out of the kitchen. We won't be back...
(2)Foodie H.
We went here on Mother's Day Sunday and while the food was ok, the service I felt was a bit underwhelming for the price of the bill. I felt like the server felt he was way too cool for that place. Couldn't get much out of him as far as recommendations. I hate it when you ask them something and their answers are about as vague as a politician. My girlfriend thought her food was good but I would have to give mine 2-stars. I had the whole grilled trout and while the fish was fresh (i.e. no stinky fish smell), whoever cooked the thing seemed to be enamored with rosemary since it was everywhere (on the outside, stuffed in the center of the fish)! I couldn't get a bite without eating some rosemary. That I feel is something the waiter should warn you about since if I knew that, I would have ordered something else. Or maybe he didn't warn us about it since it was one of the pricier item on the menu. When it was time for the bill, they overcharged us for the bottle of wine that we ordered. The waiter caught it as I was re-checking the price again so I'll give them that. Overall, the experience wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Definitely not worth the money.
(2)K W.
As Fiddlehead, this used to be one of my favorites. No more. Menu is very average, although service is still good. Bring back Fiddlehead.
(2)Jolie R.
We stopped in on Easter Sunday at around 3pm, looking for a decent place to eat after the bowl-a-rama. The birthday girl couldn't make up her mind....yes, that's YOU, so the general menu seemed to appeal to everyone. HOWEVER.....it was Easter Sunday and they had a buffet for the day until 3pm.....so we thought we'd give it a try. Out of everything, the waffles were the best bet - fresh made. That's it. Place seemed kind of dirty. The waitstaff was excellent, so the stars are for them. Maybe give it a try some other time.
(3)Scott H.
Always have a nice experience here as wine and cheese flights are fun with friends and the beer list is formidable and always seems to be growing. We enjoyed Earth Hour here recently and it was fun dining by nothing but candlelight. Our attentive waiter was a dead ringer for Richard Marx too, so that was fun. Whenever we needed something, he was right there waiting for us.
(4)Chiara H.
At first, I felt kind of uneasy because I was certain that my outfit (which consisted of a tank top, jeans, and sandals) wasn't up to par with the restaurant's dress code. The staff was probably too polite to kick me out or I was just being too self-conscious, but either way I made it into the restaurant. Try their cheese flights, especially their feta cheese spread. Oh, yum! No wine for us, though. I got the Grouper (some kind of light white fish) and the boyfriend ordered the feta cheese/asparagus casserole-like dish. Both were phenomenal. For dessert, we got a piece of their banana creme pie. As expected, it was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was awesome. He had this fun party guy vibe going on, but he was still professional. I'm just glad the restaurant wasn't as uptight and anal as I thought. Everyone was actually really nice and laid back. I had no idea they served breakfast food! When I get sick of Cafe Salmarie, I'll start going here to try their yummy breakfast dishes. Thanks Yelpers for giving me the heads up!
(5)Molly C.
Two friends and I went to fork on sunday night. I got the spring flight which was blanche de bruxelles, another belgian white beer and daisy picker. It was tasty and had very generous pours but a) it's a couple days from july making a spring sampler seem a little inappropriate and b) the daisy picker was so hoppy it totally wiped out the other two beers. Not my best choice. My friends raved about the grilled cheese with candied pecans and bacon but alas the sandwich had no pecans on it and when I mentioned this fact to the waiter he said he could bring out pecans on the side. It wasn't the worst reaction he could've had but not the best either; he could've had the sandwich re-fired with my nuts! Both of my friends really enjoyed their meals and beers. I would go back and try this place again. The patio was great and overall the service was above average.
(3)Megan H.
Came here with some girlfriends for brunch and was so happy with my meal. I got the breakfast melt. I mean this sandwich is more than perfect. Really crispy country bread layered with ham, bacon, two cheeses, fried egg, caramelized onion and arugula. There is nothing wrong with that and all the flavors melded together perfectly. It was definitely a knife and fork sandwich. There was lots of order envy going around the table. I shared a lot of it and still had so much leftover. It seemed like everyone was a fan of their dishes too. Service was attentive but not overbearing. I would definitely come back!
(5)Karen L.
3.5 stars. I really like the new menu for this place. Went there for brunch and thought the options were decent. Decided to split some food with my friend, and since we couldn't decide if we wanted to be healthy or not... we did both. (So it really doesn't count!) Got the Mac n cheese, which was underwhelming... and the blue cheese salad (yummy), and the side of fries. (The fries seemed intriguing being garlic cilantro, but we didn't really taste either.) But I did love the sauce it came with. I will be back since it is pretty convenient, inexpensive, and had a nice menu. Also, I like the fact that it is a larger restaurant so if you had to wait, it most likely isn't that long.
(3)Laura N.
Fork used to be called Fiddlehead Cafe. While it was Fiddlehead, I went there about 3-5 times and the quality was consistently good. The food was always tasty. The service was always good in that I do not remember a bad experience. Now that it is Fork not much has changed. The interior is a bit different but is still very nice. Dark decor, candles, it's romantic. Or you could bring a group of friends, a fellow girlfriend, your family, etc. The service is still good. My date and I went there Valentine's weekend. It was my first time there as Fork and his first time there at all. Valentine's weekend is potentially a disaster at restaurants, like other holiday weekends. Our waiter was fantastic. He did not rush us. He answered questions, he gave us suggestions that were all very good. The food was great. Try any kind of cheese that your server recommends and you should do well. Same goes for the wines. He brought us out some extras on the house. My date had a beer flight; I had the Spicy Reds wine flight. We were both very happy. The mood was intimate and romantic. I suggest that you start with the warm marinated olives. Try the house gnocchi as an entree or split it with your date. You won't be sorry you tried it. The mussels are incredibly yummy and are served one of two ways: Belgian or French. If you haven't had mussels before or you are not a huge fan of seafood, opt for the mussels to be served French style. The sauce, the preparation, and the bacon will help to counter the mussels taste and texture. They're great. We walked out of there satisfied but with room for dessert elsewhere. Parking was surprisingly easy - we parked in the square about 1-2 blocks south of the restaurant. It might have been luck though. We called ahead for reservations at 8pm and it was neither empty nor packed. One thing: if it's not warm outside ask for a table away from the windows. Or wear your coat like I did. The wine and company will warm you up. Wink implied.
(4)Alison M.
I love this place-- it's perfect for a girls night out when I'm looking for a night of appetizers, drinks and desserts. (Not that the entrees aren't good-- I've just always filled up before getting to try them). The crowdpleaser cheese sampler is good-- nice variety, and the feta spread is fantastic. The homemade chips and blue cheese aioli are amazingly decadent (a must share). The mussels are really creative-- served in an IPA broth that you add giardiniera to after finishing the mussels-- I sopped up every bit of that broth, it was so good! Finally, while the chocolate ganache cake is wonderfully rich (perfect for a chocolate lover like myself) I have to admit, I liked the banana cream pie even more-- perfect proportions of delicious filling, topping, and graham cracker crust-- the best banana cream pie I've ever had! UPDATE: The banana cream pie is gone! Apparently the chef (who held the secret recipe for the amazing pie) has gone on to another restaurant. They now serve a different banana cream pie, which while good, is not life changing. PM me if you know where the chef (and his pie) went.
(4)Theresa K.
I'm updating this review to say that after I posted this, David B reached out to me here on Yelp and offered to allow me to use the gift certificate. I only just received the message now, but at least he tried to make things right. I'm upping my stars based on this, We still haven't eaten here.
(3)Peter S.
food is decent but price is kind of high for what you pay for. still debating if I want to go back.
(3)Patrick R.
I was a bit weary going here as it has 3 1/2 stars - there's so many places in the city that have 4 stars that I haven't tried yet. Should have read more about it though as this is my type of restaurant. Started off with a beer flight, which I'm so glad that they offer. Our waitress was VERY knowledgeable about the beer selection as well. I ordered the candied bacon because how could I resist? ! It was very good, but not sure if I would order it again - can probably give myself a heart attack if I make it at home. Tasted mostly like bacon and maple syrup which and was only 2 strips. It was a good first course though. For my meal I had the PBLT - a pork belly, lettuce, tomato sandwhich with fried egg and dijonnaise. It was very good and rich. Probably not for those who are counting calories, but for those that are looking to indulge. Also had the garlic fries which were very good but a bit too much garlic. Overall a very cool place in a cool location. Very interesting menu for all courses and even their cheese and charcuterie selection. If you're on the fence about the place, I'd say look at their menu and see if there's anything that catches your eye. If so, I'm sure it will be prepared well.
(4)Erik J.
The food has improved since this restaurant was reconcepted from Fiddlehead to Fork, and the pricing is more weeknight-dinner friendly, but the staff has maintained its "we're better than you" attitude. We left Fiddlehead feeling unwelcome, and left Fork feeling the same way. Avoid.
(2)Heather L.
Very friendly locale for a small group of women to get a nice glass of wine night cap. Nico was especially friendly and did not rush us out as the last patrons at 11:45pm on a Tuesday night. Especially enjoyed the Zinfandel that night-not even sure of the make or model. It's just nice to be able to get a little taste of a few before committing to "the one". Very pleasant sophisticated but laid back atmosphere. Why don't they have a place like this in my neck of the woods?
(4)Randal B.
My wife and I decided to try Fiddlehead Cafe when we wandered upon it this weekend. It was late afternoon, so the place wasn't crowded and the waitstaff was very attentive. We tried a red and white wine flight and a cheese flight. All were great choices. We then shared the Smoky Chicken Salad Sandwich with fries and the food was terrific. With the comfortable decor (and no distracting TV), the good music choices, the open windows, and great food and wine, my wife summed it up best: "This is the kind of place we'd want to find if we went on vacation somewhere." We had a great experience at Fiddlehead and will definitely return with friends.
(4)Stephen J.
This has become a favorite of my wife on our date nights. The drink recommendations are the best and the food is wonderful. We have a great time every time we go.
(4)Alice S.
what a horrible dining experience. the one star is for their garlic cilantro fries. there are no other stars, because there is nothing else that stood out here. I took my younger cousins out for brunch today and i left the restaurant with my blood boiling. The hostess was super sweet and got us seated in a booth pretty quickly. We had two servers, one male server that seemed like he was in training and a female server, who based on our receipt looks like her name was Jamie. The guy was really nice and friendly to begin with. They took our orders and the food came out fine. The fries, like i said, were great. For brunch we ordered, the sausage scramble, ham benedict, truffled eggs, and soup & grilled cheese. Nothing really stood out. When the bill arrived, our female server came over and my cousin handed her his credit card. I told her to stop and take my card, these are my younger cousins that I'm taking out. She shook her head at me and as she's booking it to the POS system, tells me she only takes the first credit card. I was just thinking, "are you f***ing kidding me?!" So I got up from our booth, and had to run after her as shes looking at me and punching away on the POS system like this was some game and she was trying to run our bill as fast as she could before I could get to her. I ran up to her and again explained that I am taking my younger cousins out and to take my card, and that I am the oldest one at that table and that none of them are even working. I don't even understand why I had to explain all this crap to her. Instead of taking my card, she proceeds to argue with me telling me "her rule" is that she only takes the first credit card. Well lady, I don't care about your rule. Cause its stupid. She then tells me that she is willing to split the bill between the two cards. Seriously? Are you kidding me? I don't think a server should ever force one of their customers to chase after them and argue over something like this and make me provide reasons for why she should give me back my baby cousin's credit card. Talk about ruining what was supposed to be a nice outing with my family. She finally took my card and gave me back my cousin's, but that was just ridiculous. I will definitely not be returning. Go here if you think you can get full off of a meal of just fries and you want bad service and to leave with a completely bad taste in your mouth. I spoke to the hostess on our way out, and she was super sweet and apologetic. The restaurant should have the hostess help train the server we had on how to provide good customer service.
(1)Sarah B.
Once again, I am keeping my review at four stars even though I maybe shouldn't. I stopped in a week or two ago on a Tuesday night by myself. I noticed a wine flight special and who am I to turn THAT down? So, to get right to the point, I think I was overcharged for my flight--I didn't get the special price or was charged for the wrong flight--whatever. It didn't matter because I couldn't stop drooling over the uber-cute bartender/server (oh no, I'm pulling a David R. here!). I was too distracted by his hotness to really give a shit about my bill. Which, my friends, is why I am keeping 4 stars!
(4)Cliff E.
This place is a tough one for me to review. I so want to like Fiddlehead Cafe. It's in one of my favorite parts of town (Lincoln Square), and there's tons of fun stuff to do all around it. Like the Davis Theater for a cheap first run movie. Or Old Town School of Folk Music for a cool concert or nifty-shifty music lesson. Or Fine Wine Brokers for a really great bottle of wine from friendly and helpful staff. Or Quake for childhood toy nostalgia. Or Laurie's Planet of Sound for awesome music and videos. Or Merz Apothecary for a little bit of pampering. I've been to Fiddlehead a couple of times now and the reason I really want to like it is that the service is really good, everyone is friendly, and the food is pretty tasty. The servers here are all really friendly. I've never really "wanted" for anything (It's like they have spies in my coffee cup. It gets empty, yet before I go to drink more they refill it. Happiness! I don't have to constantly readjust the cream and sugar from an overzealous coffee dilution incident!) The first few times I got the Spicy Bloody Maria (w/ Tequila instead of Vodka) and the Chilequiles. You can have chorizo added to the Chilequiles (yes, please!) and it's fairly tasty chorizo, but each time I've ordered it, the bed of nachos is soggy and the scrambled eggs have been a bit rubbery. I understand that you want the food to arrive together, but perhaps they could deliver the chiliquiles to the table in two dishes (the nachos in a bowl and the eggs, sour cream, and salsa on a separate plate). It also would allow the servers to slide the eggs/etc. off onto the nachos with a bit of panache while preserving the desirable crispiness of the chips... I recently got the Eggs Florentine Benedict. And my experience was a bit better. The English muffins were nicely toasted and the eggs were poached to perfection. I would've liked a bit more hollandaise sauce ( I had more egg yolk than sauce) and I honestly felt that it was poorly flavored as well. Fewer things in this world are as sad as weak sauce. I've heard great things about the burger's but I've yet to try one. Maybe next time... And I guess that's why I'm giving Fiddlehead only three stars. It's close, so close (in my opinion) to being a solid recommedation that it's minor things that stick out and keep it from being four stars.
(3)Kim M.
I went here for dinner a few weeks back and was really impressed. The service was great. We were lucky because it was not a busy night, but the waitstaff seemed like real pros that could handle a rush. The wine selection was good and reasonably priced (and generously poured) flights are available. I did the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay flight for $11 and all three wines were great. The flight also got me through my whole meal (although heavier drinkers would need a second). The food was just great. We started with a really tasty meat and cheese board. I had gnocchi and my fiance had steak. Both were delicious. I love a place that can please anyone from vegetarian to hardcore meat eaters. My fiance is a creme brulee connoisseur, and was displeased with his dessert, but that didn't stop him from saying he'd defnitely be back.
(5)Nicholas C.
It seems like a small thing but I always enjoy when my very first reaction is, "Wow, that's good coffee." That was my first reaction here and Fiddlehead continued to deliver with several more, "Oh wow" moments. The next came when my chilaquiles arrived a very short while after ordering them looking a fantastic shade of orange and yellow. They tasted good, not outstanding but good. They where not very complex in taste and could have been spicier or something, but the rest of the experience was a remarkable combination of the small things I really appreciate getting right at a restaurant. Again, like the coffee, it would seem a small thing but I really appreciate when my wheat toast arrives warm and just toasted enough instead of cold and burnt, another minor factor leading to an excellent experience. The last, "Wow" came out more like "Wmphw!" as I began to chew the potatoes and instantly withdrew my left hand which was in the process of a programmed grab for the ketchup bottle. These taters where a balance of creamy, crunchy and sweet and would be going down naked. All in all I found it a comfortable and pleasant experience and can't wait to go back and try something else. I'll also be trying the wine and cheese offerings the next time I'm in the mood for that.
(4)Leigh O.
As a long-time neighbor in Lincoln Square, it is hard to try something 'new' when the list of existing favorites is so long. In good news, Fork is basically a retread of previous concepts, so pretty easy to 'make the switch'. Fork solidly delivers on hearty Friday night fare - upscale gastropub. We liked the mussels (small serving was a little small and needs more bread) and the dinner we split was a LOT of yumminess. Go for the garlic cilantro fries - they are a life-changer. However, be prepared to be garlicky for a LONG time afterward. Great wine and beer options and well explained from our server. Our server was kind and engaging - offering nice wine coaching and great validation on her food 'favorites' as well. She was in the weeds almost all night, servicing the entire back room. There was lots of confusion between the server and the expediter about what had been delivered, e.g., 'the mussels will be here soon!' when they had already come and gone. So, I agree with previous reviewers - they have service problems but I think it's a process problem: everybody who came to us directly was extremely good at what they were doing. We liked it and will be back for wine flights and cheese after the movies!
(4)nancy b.
i was surprised by this place. the first time i went in there for brunch, my mom and i looked at the menu and decided to go elsewhere, as their options were very limited. i went back for my first meal for dinner with three girlfriends, and it was surprisingly much better than i expected. we shared a plate of five cheeses (GET THE HERBED FETA! it will change your life.) and each ordered our own wine. our server was very knowledgeable about the cheese and wine pairings. i ordered the brisket sandwich, which i'm not sure was supposed to be served open-face style, but i was glad it was - no more bread necessary. the brisket was very tender and not over-sauced. it was simple sandwich that let the meat shine. upon insistence from my friends, i ordered the cilantro fries, and they were the hit of the table. "wait, i'll finish those fries for you...." said a friend as they were clearing my plate. overall: good value, good service and decent food. i'll definitely go back! it's also got a warm and fuzzy feel with the exposed brick, large bar and nice decor.
(3)A S.
Randomly came across this place and must say, WOW! Cozy, classy, excellent food, presentation! Gorgeous staff (always a plus!) Will definitely come back again and recommend to friends.
(5)Jim B.
My 4 yr old and I had an early dinner here with some friends and their kid. The table service was pleasant and helpful and the kids menu was a nice revelation--I was prepared to have to coddle something together from the appetizer selections for my daughter. The hamburger she got was delicious (hell yeah I had some of it!) I myself had a wonderful braised lamb risotto that was about perfect. It had a nice blend of flavors and textures (the rice was truly a ldente.) I love to see restaurant that cater mostly to adults offer kid friendly options. It only makes me want to come back again with my "grown-up" friends. The nice wine and beer selection doesn't hurt either. It would be nice to see a valet service added for later on the weekends. It's becoming harder and harder to find parking close to the square.
(5)Chris B.
Wow -- mixed reviews from the Yelp crowd...and some love brunch, some hate it, some loved their dinner, some hated it... Count us in the 'love' column. We've gone twice, and both times were a big success. Our first time was last last year -- perhaps weeks after opening, according to the owners who were there, and we got the VIP treatment. a.) it was a slow SNOWY night, b.) I had just returned from a long business trip, so was excited to have a good date night with dear Jacky and was definitely in a good-to-be-home mood. We started off with some flights, and given that we are big BIN36 fans, we chatted up the owners about their hopes and dreams for this place, and got some good insight on how excited they were to be in Lincoln Square, etc. The wine was predictably good, enough so that we jotted a couple down from each of our flights to buy from a store later (which we did). We did a couple small apps -- the chips with the blue cheese aioli was my fave, and Jacky loved the olives, and both of us loved the seared tuna (that was really good -- a tomato-pancetta jam gave it a little salty/rich bite, as did the olive tapenade and grapefruit). For dinner -- I was definitely smitten by their 'signature dish,' a slow roasted pork shank with lentils and pears that was just amazing. Really really good -- last weekend, our second visit -- I stuck with the pork thing (coincidentally) because it was the special, but it was better than the shank -- a stuffed shoulder equally braised with a mixed greens/arugula salad with fiddlehead ferns and cannellini bean puree. Absolutely phenomenal. Now Jacky -- she is a chicken and fish kind of girl, and not very adventurous -- this IS an adventurous menu by those standards. While this all thematically falls into what I dub 'forest comfort food' - there are a lot of unique choices that I find to be intriguing. Jacky had a fish dish the first visit that she really enjoyed, and this time, she tried the pasta special which I thought rocked (my bite), but she deemed too spicy (a clam pasta with garlic and other goodies). The server was very competent and attentive, and she subbed in the chicken breast and truffled sunchokes which Jacky was in love with. So dinner was saved. The desserts were very fun; this time we had the trio of cheesecakes (peanut butter, dark chocolate and banana), and a couple cups of coffee. All in all -- a great dining experience -- I'm curious about brunch, esp. after reading your reviews, so will check it out. But for dinner -- I think the bottom line is this place is worth trying to get your own hit/miss opinion. I find it to be warm, inviting, attentive and interesting and will definitely be back soon.
(5)Eric V.
Our friends were in Lincoln Square last Wednesday so we decided to meet up for dinner. Temps had finally hit the 80's in Chicago so what better way to celebrate than Burger Night at Fiddlehead Cafe. Specials included a $5 Half Pound Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion on a Brioche Bun, but I upgraded to the $8 Farm-House Burger which added a Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheddar, Melted Onions, and Dijonaisse. The burger was moist and properly cooked to medium, the bacon was crisp, and the egg was a perfect sunny side up. Overall, it was a solid burger and pretty darn tasty. Service was a touch on the slow side, but still very friendly.
(4)Amanda Z.
My experience is based on a dessert, cocktail trip here the night of my birthday... We got there late, after a lovely evening of birthday fun (Second City and Twin Anchors--YUM!)...craving something a little sweet. I had an expresso creme brule, which was divine (the perfect amount of sweetness) and my date had the chocolate ganache cake which was rich, super-sweet and super-delicious. I also had a glass of moscato, upon the recommendation of our server, which tasted exactly like apple juice. Furthermore, although the server had pointed to a $4 glass of wine when she recommended it to accompany my dessert, the one I had was $8. Whatever, it was my birthday, I was gonna have whatever sounded good, but I thought that was a little shady. It was a nice experience, I'd like to go back and try their cheese flights (I am a cheese nut!) but overall a little expensive.
(3)Sarah K.
Fiddlehead is alright. It used to be my favorite brunch place with the best eggs benedict. Eggs benedict is my thing. However, the last time my bf and I went there the benedict was awful. The eggs were horribly over cooked and the potatoes were basically raw. In addition, my coke (yes coke at brunch, sometimes I need it after a long night) was super watery. We queried casually about whether there was a new chef and the waitress told us yes. This was back in fall 2009. We haven't been back since. Maybe they are okay for dinner. They always seem to be crowded.
(2)Kathryn G.
Great for brunch. Their chilaquiles are the best. Servers are attentive and friendly. On one visit the kitchen got way behind with orders but the waiter kept bringing us free drinks and could not have been more apologetic.
(4)M L.
Way overpriced for the quality of food. Service could be more friendly too. Felt rushed by impatient staff. Love garlic and fries, but Fork's garlic fries are too strong on the garlic and the fries tasted like they were microwaved. Mac and cheese for $14.00? Buyer beware. Want great food at reasonable prices just a few feet away? Looking for a restaurant that gives back to the community not exploit it? Take a walk down Lincoln Ave. and find much better restaurants with more pleasing atmosphere, greater service, plus less expensive and fresher food.
(2)Jami K.
I'm not really sure what happened here. Last fall, right after it changed from Square kitchen to Fiddlehead Cafe, a friend and I went here and had a really great breakfast. We shared an omelet and the chocolate french toast, which was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. OMG it was so incredibly good. It's been months and I can still remember the chocolate bread, nutella, cherries and even more chocolate-y goodness. I had an omelet, which was well done which was served with really tasty homefry potatoes, which were well seasoned and plentiful....it was a very nice experience. So, today, we had a friend visiting and we wanted to show her a good place to have breakfast before she had to fly off, so we decided to revisit our old delicious breakfasts place. The wait really wasn't bad for our table, it's really to be expected on a Sunday morning, however, it did take kind of a while for us to get our food after we ordered. I was really disappointed with our food in comparison to our last visit. I don't know if it was because I had too high of expectations, but the food really wasn't anything special. I ordered the black truffle omelet and it wasn't that it was bad, it just wasn't anything special. I could barely taste the truffle...and I don't think that I enjoy ricotta cheese in an omelet. Also, the plate just didn't seem very generous in comparison to the last visit. The fiddlehead potatoes were almost laughable. The are kind of like tater-tots and reminded me of the hashbrown potatoes served at McDonalds, but worse. Mine were overcooked and didn't have much flavor. Also, I was pretty sure that the toast I had last time was way better than this visit. The bread for my toast reminded me of the stuff you can get for $.69 a loaf at Jewel, really nothing special. One of my friends got the Captain Cruch french toast and it was okay, but not really anything special. I always put peanut butter on my french toast and pancakes anyway, so it really wasn't that much of an addition to put some cereal on top of that. So, all in all, except for the black truffles, (which I couldn't even taste) I probably could have gotten a better breakfast at the Golden nugget. However, the food doesn't seem to be that expensive, but the brunch drinks will really bite you in the butt. I probably won't be going back here any time soon since there are so many better places to eat breakfast in the area. It's really a shame that this place really went downhill, I miss that chocolate french toast!
(2)Cate R.
I really enjoyed my food when we came here for brunch - a ham and cheese egg scramble accompanied by some delicious potatos. Will be back here, let's say that. One problem though, was the service. At first, it was very confusing. One waitress came over with a trainee, took our drink orders, and disappeared for almost 15 minutes. Then another waitress came by and took our drink orders again. Then it took us over 15-20 minutes just to get our check. The service was bad enough it almost loses 2 stars, but I'll be nice.
(4)Morgan C.
Very nice brunch... much cooler inside than I thought it might have been. I'm not really sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised, not too fancy/pretentious, not too overly-casual (read: no one in sweats or backward baseball caps). The brunch menu is pretty limited, but has some variations on solid brunch items. Some griddle, some eggs, some sandwiches... The gf got the Mediterranean egg plate, I got the, oh yes, Cap'n Crunch French Toast. And that is with peanut butter, in case you were wondering. Hers was a nice egg dish, basically over easy eggs over some chunky tomato sauce, but it's got some cucumbers. Tasty. Hash browns appear to be deep fried; how can that be a bad thing? (She did ask for crispy, too, and I wouldn't have wanted them less done than they were.) Mine was pretty much as amazing as you would think Cap'n Crunch French toast could be. With peanut butter. Nice cereal crunch, but not like overwhelming, gimmicky crunch. Topped with some (slightly not-so-fresh) Crunchberries. Service was decently polite attentive, if not a little slipshod. Coffee was quick and refelled pretty often. Tasty, too. As we waited for food though, I was presented with a side of bacon. No, that's not mine. And we did have to wait for and flag down the waiter for her accompanying toast. A little part of me feels it was a bit pricier than it could have been, but I'd definitely go back again.
(4)Devon W.
Very good brunch - great selection of dishes and everything was good. Between our group of 6 we had Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup, Belgian Waffles, Pancakes, an Omelet, and French Toast. It was all very good, and they seated our group of 6 + baby very quickly. They seem to stick all the people with kids into the side room, which is great in my opinion. We can all enjoy ourselves and not worry about bothering others if our kids cry.
(4)Heather B.
I'm a huge fan of their wine and cheese (and beer) selections. Brunch has always underwhelmed me there, but dinner and/or flights are always fantastic. They often use fresh, local and/or organic ingredients when they can (just ask the server) The Amish chicken was to DIE for!
(5)MELEK L.
I am so surprised by the low rating of Fiddlehead Cafe. I have been there for brunch and was uber impressed. I love the decor. It was warm and inviting. Many of the hangings and patterns I could see in my own place. The atmosphere was comfy, friendly, and unpretenious. The menu was quite impressive as well. I found so many items that I wanted, it was hard to choose. My friend and I were both extremely satisfied with our meals. I also found it impressive that they have such a wide selection of fresh squeezed juices! A perfect morning treat. I am looking forward to my next visit at the Fiddlehead Cafe! Maybe next time I'll try it for dinner.
(4)Tina B.
A friend who worked at BIN 36 recommended this spot to us. Mike & I went for dinner on Friday at 8pm and were seated near the window right away. The decor has a comfy modern, earthy vibe. Dinner was delicious and relaxed. Tasty eats: *cream of cauliflower soup *lamb risotto w/fontina & chestnuts *halibut *nutella creme brulee : ) The wine flights hit the spot. I enjoyed the icons used to describe each wine! While our server was very nice and helpful, she was a little spotty. No big deal though b/c we were just chillin anyway.
(4)k b.
Four of us went to Fork before our Old Town School of Folk Music concert. None of us can think of anything that can be improved. We were seated promptly and served our beverages without delay. Our server had every answer to every question and was helpful with suggestions. We all shared a cheese board (the Cheddar - delicious selection) and the roasted beet and goat cheese was passed and enjoyed. Our entries included a Farmland Burger, Flat bread, Gnocchi, and Short Rib Pot Pie. Not one thing about the food could be improved. We had several different glasses of wine and sampled a few beers. This is a wonderful place; a warm, welcoming, and spot-on destination that I will be happy to see again. All four of us recommend this location. Enjoy.
(5)Lindsey R.
I held a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend here on Saturday night and had a great time! I worked closely with their staff to set up a special dinner for 8 where each of the 3 courses were paired with a beer or two. The food was excellent, I'm still dreaming about the garlic cilantro fries and beef brisket sliders. And the beer was great too. David did a wonderful job selecting the beer choices, he really knows his stuff. Fork went above and beyond to accommodate my vision for this night and to treat us like we were the only party at the restaurant. We had a great time and we'll definitely be back!
(5)Erin T.
I'm only giving four stars because we've had inconsistent experiences with servers. The food has been amazing each time. The wine flights are amazing. The cheese flights are EFFING amazing. And the entrees have no right to be as delicious as they are when you you consider how good the cheeses and wines are. I had a cheese flight as an appetizer and then a cheese for DESSERT. First server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and unsnobbish about our cheese ignorant ways. The second visit, our server wasn't rude or anything, but he was distant and distracted, and unhelpful re: the menu. The owner/greeter, however, is always a charmer. On my way out the second visit, he made me come back in the restaurant so he could give me a rose. Nice!
(4)Gfiddy F.
Great beer menu, cheeses, mac & cheese, deserts, etc.
(5)Lizard F.
I've been here two or three times over the course of the last two years, always for brunch, and it's TASTY. A little on the higher end of the price scale, but in my opinion, well worth it for the portion size and the quality of food that you get. On my last visit I brought a friend from out of town who is by far the pickiest eater alive, and she thought it was delicious! As did I. :o)
(5)Jenny B.
I live right by this restaurant and I'm really bummed that almost every time I've been there I leave unimpressed. I had one of the worst brunches there about 6 months ago so decided that I would just go there for wine and dinner but since then I've decided it's not worth my time or money. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Elizabeth P.
I went here with two of my oldest friends for a night of good food and catch-up conversation and it did not disappoint on either count. This place has a light, airy and modern feel, but is still comfortable and cozy. The bartender was a doll and our waiter was friendly and funny. Now onto the food - yummy! I was worried about ordering the steak frites, in case it didn't compare to my all time favorite at Home in San Francisco, but I was not let down. The steak was perfectly done and very tasty. I could have done without the mix of fries: they had the normal kind, a wider cut and sweet potato, and I only liked the normal kind, but boy were they good (sorry, foodies, I don't know what you call different types of fries!). We also ordered steamed mussels which were excellent, and the salad was pretty good, although not at the level of the other dishes. All in all a terrific dining experience.
(5)Rlvb V.
The ambiance of this place is adorable, and the wine and cheese menu is so great! We stumbled upon Fiddlehead and are so glad we did. The food was excellent and the dessert menu had really interesting options (Bread Pudding with Guinness beer ice cream - yum!) We're going there again soon and we don't think it'll disappoint!
(5)Leah P.
I love going to Fiddlehead Cafe when I am looking for a really a great local / seasonal, thoughtfully presented dinner experience. I LOVE that they do not have TVs here. I hope they do not bring them in - ever. It would really disturb the lighting, ambience and flow of conversation. The brick walls, oopen windows and bar are so nice to look at - TVs would take that away. Last night I chose Fiddlehead, specifically bec. they do not have TVs. They also have a great selection of wine and staff are always ready to make a recommendation. Their cheese platters are also very good. Everyone thinks about this place for brunch (which I think is just okay) - - Dinner and / or drinks is what this place excels at. I just wish they did more marketing. I feel like their menu is totally under-rated / unknown in this tightknit commmunity. Get the word out!
(4)Channyn W.
A lack of willingness to drive a great distance coupled with a general disdain for lines led us to Fiddlehead Cafe last Sunday morning. The overall atmosphere is nice enough, but I HATE the cafeteria style seating where you're seated close enough to the people beside you that you feel almost obligated to be inclusive of them in your conversation. Trust me, they're listening anyway. I'm a huge fan of brunch and there were some nice options, but nothing special that can't be found at the myriad of other restaurants dotting Lincoln Ave. My french toast was stuffed with Nutella (YUM!) and a few small pieces of banana. It was super sweet, but pretty darn tasty. Throw in some more bananas and i'd be a bigger fan. My friend had the truffled eggs. Eh - they were ok. Nothing spectacular, a little runny on the eggs (they're supposed to be soft not runny), and very little seasoning. The concept is great, but the execution was a little lacking. I'd go back to try there lunch or dinner menu, but for brunch, there are much better options.
(3)Jim S.
My family and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead when walking through Lincoln Square on a sunny Saturday. We needed someplace outdoors to accomodate our dog (because, one cannot have brunch w/o a fluffy white dog in tow). We didn't have to wait long for an outdoor table. The brunch menu has terrific variety--lots of egg concoctions, salads, sandwiches. I ordered a chicken sandwich with some kind of olive oil tapenade and vegetables on ciabatta--it was one of the best sandwiches I've EVER had. My parents were thrilled with their hamburgers. Also, the prices are reasonable so you don't have to break the bank to go here... ...on the other hand, the service leaves a lot to be desired. Our waitress had the best intentions, but she seems to not understand the difference between "salad" and "sandwich" and gave my father the wrong dish....twice. Also, we had to ask 4 or 5 times just for water when we sat down. It took forever to get our food, but when it arrived, it was worth it. The manager told us at the end of the meal that dogs are forbidden from the restaurant, even though the hostess had said it was fine. SO, the long and short of it, is if you're in Lincoln Square, it's nice outside, and you're not in a hurry, and you don't have a pet with you, then go to Fiddlehead.
(3)caroline e.
After a couple of big beers, we headed out of Maifest and, stumbling down the street, started looking for food. Fiddlehead Cafe sounded like a great place to stop in and grab something to soak up the alcohol. As soon as we walked in though, we realized it might have been a slightly more upscale establishment than the name suggested. So we weren't too surprised when the hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant...away from the other customers. Oops. The food was really good. My mac and cheese was tasty, but I have to say, my stomach hurt for hours afterwards. Maybe it was just too cheesy for me. Our waitress Jamie was really great. She had a sense of humor about our....state of mind...and took great care of us anyway. Thanks for being there when I needed you Fiddlehead!
(3)Dustin S.
This place was really great. The food was tasty, the beerlist was expansive, lots of cheese and wine, and a really friendly server/host/bartender. I expressed interest in some of the Unibroue beers and he gave me free sample beer!
(5)Kelly S.
I like wine and I like cheese.
(4)Marian H.
Everyone was sooo nice, the food was excellent (especially the scallop appetizer and NY strip!! Oh, and that apple dumpling dessert!)...all in all a great experience. They carry the most vast selection of port I have ever seen in a Chicago restaurant. Such an upgrade over the former Square Kitchen (good riddance!) and a great addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back!! I should also mention, we spent way too much time at the bar after dinner, but the bartender and eventually one of the owners humored us through the rest of the evening. We really had a great time there, and look forward to going again (though will try to control ourselves with the booze next time....)
(4)Sara B.
Even though our adventerous dinner on Friday was a disaster, we decided to be totally crazy and try something new Saturday morning, too. This time wasn't so painful. First off, I really like the inside of this place. Very warm and cozy. However, the warm and coziness was sort of off-set by the crazy techno music they had going. I felt like I should bop my head the entire time I was there. But I didn't because it hurt. Their coffee is outstanding, and it's served in gigantic mugs like I have at home. Major ups to large mugs--that way i don't have to track down the waiter every minute or so for more joe. Aside from a few service issues, I enjoyed myself. I had a Mediterranean egg dish that, strangely, was sans feta cheese. But, it didn't really need it--very packed with flavor. It was sort of like eggs on top of a great tomato sauce. Yum! Half a star off for putting grape jelly in a pretty serving dish--like I'm not going to know it's nasty grape jelly. I paid $9 for eggs. The least you could do is throw some blackberry preserves on the table. Oh well. The bf had captain crunch french toast. It was good but super sweet. There's no way I could eat a plate of it. The pancakes looked pretty delicious, too. Yep, I think I'll be back. If not for the food, for the fact that it was 10:30 on a Saturday and I didn't have to wait for a table.
(3)Laura H.
We took some friends out last night and boy were we surprised to get the Bill. It was super super pricey for what you get!! So if you go, stay away from the cheese or meat flights and just get entrees individually you will save a ton of money and alot of headache. The cheese/meat flights are tasty but very very minimal for what you pay for and not enough bread to go with the cheese/meat. When they arrived we were very surprised to see how little was served it was almost laughable!!! We did however try the BBQ brisket which was excellent and the Duck Poutine was awesome!!!! Besides that everything else is really overpriced. My friends had a martini and a glass of wine for $28 dollars--eeeks!!!
(2)Phil F.
We went here because I had read the Red Eye article about the Capital of Brunch being Lincoln Square. And it was okay. We got some brunch cocktails which were not stellar, but just run of the mill. The pomosa, a pomegranate mimosa was a brownish hue, so kind of off putting. And the sparking wine was flat, even after returning it once. The food was okay. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy sounded great, but instead of sausage they used ham. And the biscuits were not my style, they were short and not fluffy. We also got the chilaciles(sp?), which were kinda gross, the sauce was canned or something. Overall, I would go here if I lived nearby.
(3)rochelle c.
It's so nice not to have to go all the way downtown for great food, drink, and atmosphere. Fork is a great place for a relaxed dinner with friends. Our server was outstanding--a young guy who showed us a great time and gave us some fantastic suggestions for beer and wine pairings with our food. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Ade Z.
I live in Lincon Square and I have grown to love this place. I live right around the block from it and this past weekend i just realized why this place is so fabulous. Some friends, my boyfriend and I went to Lula Cafe in Logan Square and than came back here for some extra wine and chatter. Right away we were greated like we were family. We told the waiter that we would be 6 people and he didn't get scared :) points for him As i sat at the bar and looked at the menu, the owner came up to me and made some suggsetions based on my love for whte wine. He was very nice and let me taste a couple different ones till i made my final choice. My boyfriend opted for the Sangria! WOW i was so jealous it was delicious!!! A MUST TRY! Than him and i decided to order some lemon chessecake- it was delicious but a little toooo lemony. Than the rest of our grouped ordered. One my friends was very excited to have found some old french apple beer that she drank while on vacation with friends... so she ordered it and was very very happy In other words i love this place and i hope it sticks around.
(4)Laura R.
We have only come here after 9pm so I can't rate based on brunch (though I'll have to try it one of these days), only drinks and the food we've tried. First off, my boyfriend goes crazy for the beer selection. I have never seen so many different types of beer in one place. Personally I'm not a beer fan, but I will say the wine selection is good too and I usually wind up getting a strawberry mojito, which is quite good. All the food we've tried is great - everyone we've come with raves about the garlic cilantro fries. Burgers are good, we had a veggie flatbread pizza that was delicious, and the creme brulee was decent. Service has always been great in our experience - they recognize us and always say hello and welcome us back. Chris the bartender gave great beer suggestions and he will be missed - I hope his replacement is as good as him!
(4)Kimberly M.
I went here with two friends for brunch, and our first reaction was that it had semi-modern design inside. There's a bar as you walk in and a seating area you can step up into. As we were led to the back room (which was pretty cozy and attempting a hipster cafe vibe), a huddled group of waiters stared at us as if to say, "You don't meet our hip-standard." Whatev. My Cap'N Crunch French Toast with peanut butter was pretty tasty, but got tired of it after awhile. Pomegranate Mimosa -- want some pomegranate with that champagne? Our waitress seemed to have a *slight* chip on her shoulder, but warmed up to us as we were about to leave. Tip, much? I would try this place again, but maybe for dinner and drinks. Maybe brunch just isn't their thing.
(3)Deb C.
I am a big fan of Fork after a couple of visits. The food has always been good and the wine selection is great. My only suggestion is that they need to change the wine flight combinations regularly, but the small plates, PBLT, cheeses, and meats make up for it.
(5)Dina D.
Fiddlehead. What does that even mean? What does it have to do with food or wine? (UPDATE: I have since learned that a fiddlehead is some kind of something used for food consumption: still, who knows that..?) Ok, so I think the name of the place is silly and doesn't give me any idea as to what it's about but I went anyway... I was looking for a small bite. I ordered 3 cheeses and a glass of wine. Wine: Good. Cheese: Good. Portions: Teeny tiny. The bread served with the cheese was hard. It was "supposed to be" but it just tasted like stale bread to me. The perfectly nice server brought me non-crunchy bread when I asked, so that was nice... Kind of expensive... And nice outdoor seating... I guess, maybe I'll try it again sometime...maybe.
(3)Jon J.
We came in for breakfast after hearing from friends that it was a good spot - and were weirded out to see the place having only 3 tables dining, and a couple at the bar. At 10:30am on a Saturday! This is a strange sight in a town that loves weekend breakfast as much as Chicago, and especially in a restaurant as large as Fiddlehead. Oh well, the food was alright. Nothing incredibly remarkable, but pretty solid. Prices were a little on the high side, especially since they didn't have much standout going on, but that's the neighborhood, I guess. We did overhear the waiters discussing job opportunities at other restaurants, which was kind of amusing. For brunch? Eh. I can make myself the same meal for a fraction of the cost, and they didn't have anything special enough on the menu to draw me there. The dinner menu, on the other hand, looks promising, and we may stop by and check it out sometime.
(3)Susan L.
What is the deal with Fiddlehead Cafe? What is it about? WHAT IS A FIDDLEHEAD?!?!?! I'm asking because this place makes no sense to me. What are they trying to be? A wine bar? A restaurant? Their list of cheeses and desserts was longer than their food menu. The place was pretty empty when I arrived (around 7:30) and 60% full when I left. I had the burger which was ok at best, the boytoy had some chicken breast plate that he enjoyed. I just don't get it though. The food is very average, and the waiter didn't offer any special insights about the wine...I'm left confused. I just can't figure out Fiddlehead.
(3)Ashley B.
went for brunch with a friend. it was amazingly delicious. our waiter was a little rattled, but the food was outstanding. its in a great location which surprised me that it wasn't as busy as some of the other local restaurants serving brunch. i ordered the truffled eggs because i am a sucker for anything with goat cheese. the portions were generous, but not overwhelming and all the components complimented each other nicely. it was obvious that the ingredients were fresh. the pomosa had great flavor but the champagne was a touch flat. i will return next time i am in the area
(4)Lisa P.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dinner at Fork. I did not expect it to be as good as it was! We started with some cured meats and cheese which are always appreciated. However, in retrospect, I would have preferred to skip that course and try out more of the entrees instead. The veal meatballs and the poutine are MUST HAVES! They're both delicious and very indulgent! The poutine is made with duck confit and gravy and it's excellent! We also had the gnocchi and butternut squash/chorizo flatbread and they were very tasty as well! The dessert options aren't bad either! I will definitely return.
(4)Liz T.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to get out and see more of Chicago's wonderful, diverse neighborhoods, which is why I found myself in Lincoln Square on a Sunday morning. I have actually wanted to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a while, so when we walked past, I made a quick decision to have brunch. There was no wait, and this being the the first nice weekend, we opted to sit outside. As soon as I sat down I realized that my chair was partially off the sidewalk. It was too late, my chair tipped back, a leg snapped off, and I was crushed under the plastic carnage. It was terribly embarrassing and not my favorite start to a meal. Shortly after I had been given a new chair, the waitress came over to give us our water. She had put ice and cold water in glasses straight from the dishwasher. By the time the glasses reached our table, they were cracked around the entire circumference. We weren't off to a great start. I was torn between the chilaquiles (a favorite of mine) and the truffled eggs. I took my server's recommendation and had the truffled eggs. B ordered the eggs with cheddar and ham. Now, I'm all for full-disclosure so I will say that I LOVE salt. I can't live without it. And, I probably over-salt...just a little. When dining in restaurants, though, I really try to enjoy dishes as they have been prepared. But take my word when I say that there wasn't a grain of salt in my entree. It hadn't been seasoned at all. I tried to eat it, but finally gave up and asked the server to please bring salt and pepper. The mini salt shaker did it's job and I was back in business, but I was still wishing I had gotten the chilaquiles. The cheddar, ham, and eggs were decent. Nice, sharp cheddar. If I ever find myself in Lincoln Square in time for brunch, I wlll give Fiddlehead Cafe another try, but I certainly would go out of my way for it.
(3)Tom V.
This is a nice restaurant with a wonderful electic atmosphere. The exposed brick is truly a plus. We went there for Easter Brunch after finding out about this place on metromix.com . The only thing negative I have to say is they didn't have any ham for easter nor was the buffet being monitored closely for refills. Several of us were standing in line waiting for food because the trays were empty and the bartender completely ignored us even though the serving trays were right on the bar. I must admit it was Easter but the restaurant really wasn't that busy. Would I go there again? Absolutely, for made to order but not for a buffet. The wait staff was great and the atmosphere really is exceptional. I would tend to believe their made to order food is probably exceptional.
(3)Nikkie H.
Decent breakfast without the wait. My boyfriend and I ate here after running the Shamrock Shuffle early this year. We were DYING for breakfast and after driving by our usual spot (Kitsch'n), we realized that we could not wait in the line - especially since I was so sore from the race! We headed to Lincoln Square and decided to check this place out. I had the chiliquiles, which is what I usually get at Kitsch'n. The meal was not as good as I had hoped, but it was still tasty. The price wasn't too extravagant, and since we were seated immediately it made my day. There are still several other brunch spots I'd like to try before I head back here.
(4)Bee B.
They have wine flights!!! i love being the one at the table with three glasses of wine when everyone else has none (or one). They have a nice selection of wines and their menu has cute little cartoons describing the character of the wine (dry, strong bodied, fruity, etc. -- there is a joke in here somewhere!). The flights are only a few bucks more than a plain glass of wine and I would definitely recommend trying the bold reds or the fun red mixes. This may lead you to believe I had two flights. I did not. Not enough room on the table. And now, on to the food. Mixed reviews. For some of the items I thought the were suffering from a case of, "trying-too-hard-itis." One of my dining companions had a sandwich with (dry!) duck confit, and goat cheese, and duck liver, and some type of jam, and cinnamon-sugar, and i was kidding about the last one but you get the idea. The soup of the day, which was an onion bisque type thing was delicious, and my husband enjoyed the lamb risotto, but was miffed that it came as sortof a porridge in a bowl with no veggies on the side. which brings me to: I was a bit annoyed when I wanted to change out the polenta on my trout entree for some veggies instead and was told that they can only remove items, not substitute them. So, not too friendly on the accommodating people with food needs. Flexibility is always a nice quality in a restaurant, and was lacking at Fiddlehead. Veggies are cheaper than polenta too last time I checked! Okay, now onto the odd. odd. odd. odd. (1) made us wait 20 minutes when we had a reservation and there were obviously tables open. (2) two (2) people came up to say "hi" to us after we had been seated. They weren't there to bring us water, or tell us the specials, just to say hi. Which was nice, I guess, but...odd. (3) As we were finishing our meal two (2) men were carrying three (3) umbrellas from the outside dining area through the main dining room into a storage closet. They knocked down at least one (1) glass and made much noise and commotion. It sorta killed the post dinner buzz, and made me believe that the place was not run by professionals (sorry). The place not being packed to the gills like every other lincoln square eatery should have been a clue. In honest, I probably won't be back...unless its just for some onion soup and a wine flight (or two.)
(2)Christian F.
Good food and good service. The cheese flights are a must. We didn't try the wine flights because we were having dinner and felt that a bottle was more appropriate than sampling several different wines. But the cheese was fantastic. The rosemary manchego was disappointing because it was too savory but the rest were very good. We had the Blue d' Auvergne (very good blue bursting with flavor if you like blue) and the best of the 5 we had was the Regal de Bourgogne Raisin, highly recommended. Our meals were good as well. They were trying a new dick confit sandwich with an orange marmolaide which was perfect. And my friend was very happy with the monkfish wrapped in bacon. Avoid the mussels though as they are too fishy and not quite right. They could have at least used lemon on the side. The service was very good. Our waiter was quite attentive and suggested a fine wine and even made sure our meals accompanied the wine we were drinking. Fits in nicely in Lincoln Square.
(3)Jon M.
I feel like I should leave a bad review so I get in quickly next time. Fork is my favorite restaurant on the north side of Chicago. I consider myself a steak connoisseur and the hanger steak was perfect. It wasn't huge, but it was cooked perfectly and had a great smothered sauce. My wife had the grilled flat-bread and loved it.
(5)Jessica M.
Went here for brunch. I didn't really see anything on the menu that appealed to me. It all seemed kind of heavy or something. I settled on the Captain Crunch French toast. It wasn't awful but it was really heavy and made me really thirsty. I don't know...I don't want a bunch of weird vegetables and exotic spices with my eggs and caramel and crap on my pancakes and waffles. I like to have fruity options for breakfast and there wasn't anything with fruit (other than juice) on the menu. I suppose some people would like the selection here but this will never be my brunch choice. Oh and we had made a reservation for brunch the night before and they seemed surprised when we came in. They scrambled a couple tables together for our party of five but it was missing silverware, mugs and water for everyone and nobody really seemed to be on top remedying that. Liked it better when it was Square Kitchen and they had those glorious mousse crepes.
(2)Mara Y.
Pretty good. Great beer and wine list. Good recipes on the menu, however I question quality of product. Pretty good for a convenient neighborhood spot.
(3)Cristin M.
I finally made my way to Fiddlehead. We had brunch on a Sunday afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the quiche Lorraine and Fiddlehead potatoes and both were excellent. I ate half (really large portions) and brought the rest home. The quiche was a really good match of creamy eggs/cheese and salty bacon. The crust was pretty good too. The potatoes were like mini fries sauteed with red pepper, onion, and other goodies. I'd definitely come back with friends or family, or even on my own if I was really craving some quiche on a weekend.
(4)Julie N.
I've only visited for wine and cheese, but based on that alone I had to give 5 stars. Their flights of wine, paired with flights of cheese, are really delicious and well thought-out. The pairings go very well together. If you like one of the wines you taste, you can purchase a bottle from the restaurant to take home with you! The decor and ambience is really nice and I hope to try their dinner entrees very soon. A great place for a little something before or after a movie at the Davis, or anytime!
(5)Sarah C.
beer flights are awesome, mushroom flatbread is delicious!
(5)John C.
I've only been here for brunch, but have been quite happy each of the three times. The eggs florentine and eggs benedict are superb, and come with delicious hash brown potatoes on the side. Very good waffles as well. The coffee is strong and delicious, and the bloody marys are quite good (especially with whatever it is they put on the rim of the glass). Dinner looks a bit pricey, but the brunch is top-notch.
(4)Joseph O.
Fork is nice in concept but not in execution. Yes, a cheese plate is excellent, especially when it can be eaten outside on a sunny day with a pint of craft beer. But, no, not when the portions of cheese are almost microscopic and its accouterments nearly non-existent. In my mind, it's not a good value, and to me that's a big deal.
(2)Lisa W.
Why anyone would give this place a good rating is beyond me. My experience there started off ... OK. Our waitress greeted us not at the table but from the other side of the railing (the dining area is on a 1 ft elevated area), which was a little rude. I let that slide because I know what it's like to wait on several tables at once, and in a rush things can get hectic. The ambience of this place was a little confusing. The name is fiddlehead.. so you think.. celtic? But they were playing latin music.. ok.... Then while waiting for my coffee I noticed dangling wires hanging from the ceiling in the corner and shards of wood and plaster where the ceiling meets the wall.... ok... I have to say, I love that they serve their coffee in huge mugs. There's nothing I hate more than having my coffee refilled several times throughout my meal throwing off my ration of cream to sugar. I ordered the eggs florentine, which is what I will usually order at a new place as a basis for comparison, with a pancake on the side. You figure, a pancake is the most basis of breakfast foods. If that gets messed up well... there's a big problem. I also noticed they had a few stolen items from the Bongo Room. Tsk... Tsk... Our food arrived in decent time, I poured a little syrup on my pancake. The syrup had an orange essence which I liked. The pancake was a little dry and crumbled when cut into it. My food was poorly presented, sort looked slopped on the plate and the hash potatoes were sparse, not to mention the onions and red peppers in them were barely existent. They were also unseasoned. My eggs were poached fine, but the spinach was not cooked, at all. I understand some people make choices out of artistic expression, but this was not that. This was blatant laziness or lack of knowledge that spinach should be sauteed or steamed in florentine. The hollandaise was barely there. There was no seasoning. The bussers never came to fill our waters which left us thirsty and disgruntled. They also didn't offer butter for our pancakes.... WTF. Our waitress took forever to bring the check and the bussers never cleared the table. This experience slowly declined from average to horrible. I felt entirely ripped off. My advice to them would be to reassess what you are doing. Decide if you want to go w/ the celtic theme or latin theme and restructure your menu from there. Your lack of focus shows in your decor, your service and your food. Retrain your chefs. Explain to them what seasoning is as well as technique in preparation. Regroup and come back to Chicago. In the meantime, please leave my neighborhood. Thanks.
(1)Carolyn B.
Painful service. REALLY painful service. Very inconsistent food - one weekend the fries were amazing; the next they were soggy and tepid. Go for the great beer menu, not for the food or service
(2)Jill S.
Overpriced, bad service, mediocre food. My boyfriend and I live in Lincoln Square and are all about new restaurants in the neighborhood, but we have an inside joke of just simply remind eachother about how much we dislike this place every time we walk by.
(2)Babs H.
First of all, I want to point out how expensive it is for what it is. Mind you, they have an AMAZING beer list, the food is pretty good, the service was just above ok, the atmosphere is pretty nice, but the music is God awful. But that's just a nutshell. So, I ordered a glass of wine and the summer vegetable pasta entree (I know, I mention the extensive beer list and then order wine. Shut up). The server specifically said there was asparagus in it, which I was happy about and was one of the selling points. I was a little :( to see there was no asparagus in the dish. It was a little bit bland but with a couple dashes of salt it was good. I was ready to order a second glass off wine but then the server didn't come back for another 22 minutes (I counted)! When he did return I ordered the second glass and after it was delivered he disappeared again. I always always always order dessert, but he didn't even ask, just brought us the bill after he had disappeared for another 20 minutes. At that point I decided to just get a ice cream from the 7/11 by my apartment because this server wasn't rubbing me the right way. He could have sold me at least 3 glasses of wine and a dessert in addition to my entree but he was too scarce. I will give it another shot but hopefully with a different server.
(3)Greer C.
First, after reading some of the terrible service reviews, I was bracing myself. However, the only thing that was a little slow was the bar. The food came at a good pace, in a random order, which it what we requested. I was a little bummed that the poutine came last, because I was most excited for that, but I should have thought of that when placing my order. I went with 2 girlfriends and we split a couple of dishes. Spanish cheese flight (Manchego has been playing an interesting role in my life lately, so figured I should go with it), pickles (I can never say no), brussel sprouts (the onions were a touch overdone, therefore a little bitter, but overall really good), roasted beet and goat cheese salad (A-OK) and my favorite duck confit poutine. My friend thought the duck tasted too much like duck, so I got her helping too (just of the duck, I couldn't wrestle the fries from her). Call it poutine or disco fries, I'm totally down with it. All in all, a happy experience. Our server was really friendly and stopped back often, the bus boys/food runners were great and quick and made sure our waters were full at all times. It's one of my many quirks, but that's really important to me.
(4)Theresa K.
Meet up with some friends for an early weekend brunch at Fork in the heart of Lincoln Square. The service started off terrible and ended on the right note. Our server pretty much ignored our table for over 20 minutes upon arriving. We couldn't get a coffee order in. She later apologized and we had some of the managers check up on us afterward. Apparently, this is the place for chorizo breakfast items and since wanting a veggie item, I might not have ordered the right dish. My friends all ordered chorizo items: the omelet and scramble, etc. I ordered the chilaquiles. I thought they were delicious, but they did not taste like your typical chilaquiles; for one, they had no salsa. I was still satisfied. My companions did not overindulge in their dishes nor did they comment. Not the reaction you want for a group of Chicago foodies. When the bill came, I was surprised that the coffee cost $3 a cup. Seems a bit too steep. The ambiance was a bit outdated and nothing spectacular. Though the place was spacious and quite filled with people. I wasn't crazy about this place and probably won't be heading back.
(2)leanne S.
Two words - skip it. There are a ton of restaurants in this city that actually have good food and good service. At Fiddlehead, they have OK food and horrendous service. We went there for New Years Eve. Our party of six had reservations at 8:30 and was not even seated until almost 9:45. After finally being seated our waiter ignored us for another 30 minutes before he actually took our order. As if that's not bad enough they had actually run out of some of the items on the menu. The waiter seemed annoyed and was sweating so profusely I actually started to feel bad for him. That was short lived. By the time I had refilled our water glasses (I actually had to go get the pitcher before the waiter came and refilled our water) and he had someone else serve me my first course of lukewarm bisque while he was on break all thoughts of compassion had vanished. The food was just OK. Much of it was served at room temperature and some of it was over or under cooked. I felt like I was dining on the show Hell's Kitchen except I never signed a consent form (FYI - Gordon Ramsey would have never let that under seasoned risotto leave the kitchen). I would say that the worst part of the entire experience was the owner. At our request, he came to our table towards the end of our meal. He was so incredibly rude. He continuously told us that he had tables that had had great food and service. I ask you, what good does that do me? I had neither. By this point it was close to 1:00 am. Our plans for New Years had been ruined. He finally conceded to comp part of our bill after a long and drawn out argument. His overall treatment of us and his inability to fully acknowledge the extent of his shortcomings was enough to ensure that I will NEVER patronize his establishment again.
(1)Cassy M.
I think we have found a spot to become regulars! We went to Fork a couple weeks ago with another couple. We were very impressed with the food, service and alcohol selection. While we were there I saw that they were having a special Valentine's Day menu complete with wine pairings so I made a reservation. We went there last night after a long day of work and kids so needless to say I was a little stressed. However after 2 hours of drinking and eating, everything was right in the world again. I attribute my shift to the attentive staff who didn't make me feel like the high maintenance guest that I initially was when I first arrived. I was a little thrown off by a couple additional tables and moved tables three times before finding the "right" spot. Yah, I'm wierd about where I sit, but usually that's where my high maintenance ends. Our server was very friendly and seemed to time everything perfectly. The wine pairings were right on the mark and the food was so good we ended up eating more than we normally do. So by the time we were done we felt like we could've curled up right there on the floor in front of the fireplace and gone to sleep. Alas, we had to walk home. We feel incredibly lucky to have such a great restaurant within walking distance of our home. Thanks Fork!
(4)Robin C.
The manager contacted me and apologized for the terrible waiter. I can appreciate that. So my friend and I went back for brunch (eggs this time, no rare burgers and soggy bread for me, thanks) and mimosas. Before the waitress knew the manager had invited us back, she was nowhere to be found and not too friendly. The manager was great, the food was much better, (i.e. cooked properly) and we got free dessert on top of it. Still nothing I'd wake up craving but decent eggs, good drinks and I always like sitting by the big open air windows.
(3)Danielle F.
We had a hamburger and some appetizers. For 3 of us with wine it was 100 bones. I thought that was a little pricey. The food was good though, not spectacular. The menu was limited. The service was very good.
(3)Allison A.
Ack. Just boring and plain. Good if your country honky relatives are visiting and afraid of "city food." The blandness of the dishes will make them feel right at home. Service is hit or miss, coffee is a total bust. If you need a brunch place, head over to Glen's or Selmarie...worth the wait. Comparable prices.
(2)Sierra N.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher overall rating! The atmosphere is great - fancy but welcoming with friendly staff and amazing food. The cheese plates are incredible and any entree is delicious. We tried dinner here once and were so excited to share it with friends that just moved to Chicago and they loved it too. A wonderful dining experience.
(5)Douglas G.
My wife and I ran across the Fiddlehead Saturday night. We went in because it had a great vibe. The vibe was even better once inside. It is a beautiful restaurant. The staff is wonderful, helpful and attentive. But the glory of this place is its menu. Fiddlehead is both a wine bar and a first class bistro. It has an excellent wine list the rival of any place in Chicago. They offer about three dozen wines by the glass, far more than other restaurants, plus they have a wonderful selection of ports and madeiras by the glass. The menu does an excellent job of describing the wines and suggesting pairings. The sommelier is also very helpful. Fiddlehead is an excellent restaurant to learn about wines whether you are a complete beginner or more knowledgeable. Another great part of the menu is the cheese selection. There are about two dozen cheeses that you can mix and match. Like with the wines, the menu describes them well. Choosing a "flight" of three to five cheeses and a "flight" of three glasses of wine is a ton of fun. Of course, Fiddlehead has entrees also. A little surprisingly, the variety of entrees and appetizers are not as vast as the variety of wines and cheeses. Still, the entrees and appetizers are excellent quality. Everything we had was excellent, meats, greens, and breads. We plan on making the Fiddlehead Cafe a part of our regular visits to Old Town School concerts.
(5)Justine N.
Went here for dessert with after a great dinner at nearby Tank Sushi. The atmosphere is great and is perfect for date night or drinks and dessert with the girls. Despite the inattentive service from our clueless waiter, my experience was pretty positive. They had several wine flights to choose from and tasty desserts (try the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream) and cheeses that were a great way to end the night.
(3)Flora C.
We are always impressed with the wine, service and food at this restaurant. It is also wonderful on summer nights when they open all the front windows to let in cool breezes. My husband had a grouper on sauteed leeks and lemon butter that was the best he has ever had, and they will be adding it to their main menu. I also love the wine art icons they use to describe thier wines. It makes it easier to choose a perfect wine with your dinner. The neighborhhod is cozy and quaint and when they open the windows, it lets in the quiet bustle of the sidewalk traffic in. It feels European. We just love it. VERY romantic.
(5)Jennifer L.
I thought I wrote a review for Fiddlehead, but apparently not. Too bad, because it's been several months since I've been here and can't remember everything. I DO remember that our server was friendly, they have a nice selection of cheese, and since I wasn't in the mood for a heavy dessert, the kitchen accommodated my request for a bowl of strawberries. Let me tell you, they were tiny but POWERFUL! These were like wild strawberries we used to grow in our yard, not the behemoths you see in the store. Obviously you can't get them if they're not in season, but the fact that they let me do that AND the fact that they were so good is reason alone to patronize this place.
(4)William B.
Just got back from brunch. The food was good but a little pricey. Nice exposed brick and wood decor. Service was great. It looks like they have a great beer and wine selection with some interesting cocktails too. Will probably go back for some drinks and home made charcuterie.
(3)Rebecca C.
I love the fiddlehead. When I was apartment hunting before I moved to Chicago, I stopped in with my mom for an evening drink. The bartender and owner chatted with me and gave me tips on the neighborhood and the city. When I moved in, we went back, and they remembered me and even gave me some good advice on restaurants and takeout in the neighborhood. The next time I went back with a friend (a few months later) the owner remembered me again and gave us some great wine and cheese pairings. The ambiance is very classy without being stuffy or uptight. I've always sat at the bar and have never had a meal here, but the appetizers and wines are great!
(5)Jennifer H.
Love the wine flights (a tad pricey, but fun), and the small plates (the homemad potato chips with blue cheese and the fresh figs with goat cheese and flatbread are particularly good) are interesting and tasty. The handmade pasta was delicious and the bass was perfectly cooked. The sangria is very yummy -- lots of fresh fruit bobbing around. Great place to sit with some friends, sip some wine, nibble on food, and enjoy the beautiful evening. We've never needed reservations, and the service has been excellent each of the several times we've been.
(4)Tara C.
Seriously LOVE THIS PLACE!! Flights of wine, beer AND champagne?! Heck yeah! Flights of cheese? You bet! I had the bison and it was fantastic as was everything else ordered at our table. We WILL DEFINITELY be back! After reading the other reviews it seems we have some snooties in the neighborhood, but I was more that happy with all of it!
(5)Erin T.
We went to Fiddlehead for New Year's Eve 2009. The food was good, but not warm. They were out of many choices on the menu. Our server was at his breaking point and basically wanted us just to leave. The manager was an ass and not helping the situation at all. We arrived at 8:30p.m. for our reservation and we didn't get our first course until 10:30pm. Needless to say, we celebrated the New Year @ Fiddlehead. I would never go there again!!!!!!!
(1)Cherie E.
Fiddlehead is a solid brunch option - their menu is rotated seasonally but always has the standards with a little twist. It's so super close to our apartment that we stumble over for brunch at least once a month. Dinner, however, is less impressive. Limited menu and blah tasting. Stick to brunch.
(3)Don S.
Stopped by last night for dinner. Sat outside on a beautiful night. Casual ambiance. Great food. Our party had the duck club sandwich, gnocchi, salmon, and chicken breast salad. My wife thought the salmon, which had a crispy crust, was the best she ever had. We had a red wine flight and a white wine flight; both excellent. The host was knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. Plenty of seating outside, and inside was large. They also had cheeses and an extensive beer menu. Definitely recommend.
(4)Jon S.
I like the location and the atmosphere; the wait staff tend to be flighty ... you see them playing near the bar a lot rather then taking care of their clients. The wine is good, the cheese selection is good but it seems like they run out of the good ones all the time ... and I wish they'd have more vegetarian options; salads and pastas are not the only vegetarian dishes available. Overall not a bad place, but for the location and amount of clientele they can afford to do better. Oh and work on improving the coffee; sometimes good sometimes tastes burnt. Yuck!
(3)Lindsey S.
I came here with some friends for Easter brunch and was pleasantly surprised. We were seated promptly, the food was great and the service was friendly. Portions were a little on the small size, but at least I didn't come away feeling overly full. I would definitely come back for dinner.
(4)Brandon H.
A decent improvement over Square Kitchen's mediocre food at pretty high prices. It's still an upscale American place but it does have some interesting flare to it. The layout and bar are updated cosmetically, but everything else pretty much remains the same. The NY Strip I had was cooked perfectly with a good flavor, but I think for the price they could've offered a more interesting dish rather than just add a few onion rings on top of it. My fiancee's sturgeon was outstanding, and not too pricey either. The wine flights are a nice addition. Overall a decent place in an area that is really up and coming.
(4)Timothy W.
This is a great brunch restaurant with pomegranate/champagne mimosas or Pomosas ($7, delicious). Prices for the dishes are on average $12. I've been here twice and will continue to come for brunch! Staff isn't overly friendly but they get the job done.
(3)Billy N.
Horrible service. Seedy feeling with how its managed. No vegetarian options. Avoid at all cost!
(1)Jeremy D.
If you are looking for a nice place to sample wine and cheese, this place is for you! I've been here a couple of times and the service has always been fantastic. It's a great place to stop for a bite to eat before heading over to the Old Town School for a concert. I have ordered the Hanger steak and that was excellent. It's a nice little neighborhood spot.
(4)Heidi T.
My husband and I come all the time, probably twice a month for the last eight months or so, sometimes brunch sometimes dinner. He prefers to come for dinner (wine and cheese flights) I prefer brunch (truffle eggs!!) The vegetarian entree is never quite right, and I really wish they would change it more often (or have two options instead of one). However, this is probably not an issue if you don't come so often. It's definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood and never crowded (in fact, it's generally pretty empty). We've never had bad service. The servers can be a little chatty, but they are professional and can answer any questions and are generally happy to make wine recommendations. Did I mention the mimosa flight? and truffle eggs? I'm never waiting 50 minutes for brunch at Lula again when I can come here for food that's 90% as good with 20x better service, much more privacy and no wait.
(4)Alyse M.
This is a great place for you to get together with your friends for some good drinks and good cheese. It's got a very laid-back atmosphere, while still keeping it more classy than sports-bar-esque. The service is great, my water was always full and my waiters have always been well-mannered and upbeat. Their wine and beer list is pretty lengthy, and they also suggest good cheeses that compliment your drink. The soup has always been a good "usual" for me, but the mac & cheese is sinfully delicious.
(4)aileen b.
i really enjoyed my experience here the other night. we sat outside in their sidewalk seating along that runs along wilson. good people and i imagine the tables that run along the huge windows in the front would have even better people watching, i may have to try and sit there next time. we were just looking for something light so we split a bottle of wine and some apps, and it was perfect. i really like the olive sampler from the small bites menu, although there was a but too much oil on the olives by the time you get to the bottom of the bowl. we also really enjoyed the seafood medley which included shrimp and grilled calamari in a light pesto type sauce. service was fine, not great, and next time i am in lincoln square i might have to try and snag one of those front tables in the window.
(4)larry w.
Not bad..not amazing... prices are not in line with the average food...
(3)Amanda A.
Some friends and I stopped in for brunch after a run at fleet feet across the street Sunday early afternoon. I would say that this restaurant could be classified as one of those places that puts on a good front, but has nothing to hold up it's claim. We were seated promptly at this cute little place - starving and thirsty - but that's where the good stuff ends. Our server was hardly eager to get to our table or ever return once she had stopped by. The menu looks incredibly appetizing - with fancy substitutions for your typical breakfast fare. Everything we had was bland though - again decent presentation with a flop of a finish. I'll keep running by next time...
(1)Nick W.
I can honestly say that this was the worst dining experience I have ever been apart of. Part of it was our fault because we should have walked out, but we stayed until the bitter end. For starter's, we waited over an hour after the reservation to be seated. Once seated, although our group was able to have a decent conversation, it took an additional hour to get our first course (soup at that). By this time the manager had already heard from us several times and we were not done with him yet. By the time we received the 2nd course he had agreed to comp 20% of the bill. This did not translate to better service. At some point we were told that the manager had left for the night. Maybe he had plans for New Years and had to get out of there. All I know is that we were not leaving anytime soon. They ran out of entree's, gave everybody a random selection of cheese, told us they were out of the desserts that we had ordered (and yes a table seated after us received the desserts that we had ordered) and acted like they did us a favor by giving us champagne at midnight (worst champagne ever tasted and it would have been more of a favor if we would have been at our planned destination). The so called "owner" was a joke that should go back to working at Applebee's (not that there's anything wrong with that). NEVER, EVER, go there. Although I have not never dined and dashed it was seriously discussed. With all the great choices to eat in Chicago I can't imagine this sad excuse for a restaurant will be open long.
(1)Kitty L.
Wow. They really dropped the ball on New Years Eve. Our group of seven, along with several other parties, waited over an hour past the reservation time just to be seated. Some groups never even saw their food and left in anger. We got lucky and were fed in a slow and painful piecemeal fashion. To be honest, the food was quite good, but it would certainly have tasted better had it been served on time and not by a wait staff whose attitudes hovered around contempt and stoic resignation. The blame for this disastrous evening falls squarely on the manager. His flaccid attempts to placate the discontented tables were inconsistent and unfair. One table got two free bottles of wine and their bar tab comped while we got a $10 discount for a $400+ tab. Not once did I see him running food, seating tables or doing anything useful that managers are expected to do on a busy night. If you really want to try this place, go at a time where you won't be a burden to the staff. Or better yet, go somewhere that actually wants to stay in business.
(1)Lakeview G.
I've only been there once for brunch so factor that while reading this review. I was torn on what to order (sweet vs. savory) so I asked the waitress if the duck confit hash was greasy, she said no so I went for it. It came out greasy but here's the impressive part, she apologized, offered to take it back and get me something difference but I declined because we were on a time crunch so she discounted our meal. Now every restaurant is going to have an off plate from time to time, it's how they handle it that makes a difference and I was impressed with our waitress. Plus, even greasy, the hash was pretty darn good! I will go back there and give it another shot in a few weeks and update my post :)
(3)Miss L.
Pricey for my tiny budget and considering the quantity of food, but the quality is top-notch. Yuppie-friendly.
(4)Keidra C.
Went here for brunch, not ata ll impressed with the service. we waited 15 minutes to get seated, even though there were plenty of empty seats, When we were finally served, the food was lukewarm. The meal itself (I had an omelette) was very bland, the eggs didn't seem seasoned at all. I was not a huge fan of its predecessor, Square Kitchen, but at least for brunch, I would welcome it back in a heartbeat.
(1)carrie o.
I have gone to Fork (and it's former name Fiddlehead) many times over the past couple years. The experience was good and menu was as well. I ususally frequent the restaurant with friends from my triathlon and swimming group. We are usually between 4-10 deep and pretty regular. This past week I asked to make a reservation for 10 because we were going to be celebrating one of the ladies birthdays after swimming. I was having a special cake made and asked if I could bring it. Of course we would be ordering full meals and just serve the cake ourselves after. I was told there was a $2 per person cake cutting fee! When I later spoke with the manager so see if this was negotiable for loyal customers he told me, "we are not a picnic area". I canceled my reservation for the 10 people tonight. When I called a restaurant down the street where we had never been, they welcomed my group and our cake! All they asked was they get a piece! I guess our business wasn't important.
(2)Michele K.
My husband and I have just returned from a great meal at Fork!! We ordered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a meat and cheese platter delicious! Mussles, Belgium style, we could have drank the broth! When the garlic, cilantro fries came I thought there were way too many but we were fighting for the last one. We also had the Mac & Cheese which was yummy too, I dont HAVE to have it again but it was tasty. My husband looved the toffee pudding cake, I LOVED the guiness ice cream that sat on top. The beers were fantastic! Overall it was a really great experience and since its within walking distance from us we are already deciding what we will get next time. The only reason we didnt give it 5 stars is we almost melted (we were seated in the second room) during dinner. It was soooo warm in there i think they just need to turn off the fire place. Also the hostest was a bit over the top, she actually bowed and waved her hands when greeting us, twice. ??? weird. and presented the table to us as if she was doing a magic trick. haha. Our server was great very sweet and helpful. but we definitely are excited to go back. :-)
(4)John O.
Fiddlehead has been remade into Fork, which I have not tried. Next time I'm in Lincoln Square I will give it a try.
(3)Erin H.
The brunch is always really good but that is all I have ever had. Great brunch cocktails also. Be prepared for a lot a strollers and little kids on the weekends.
(4)Lulu Y.
My two friends and I came here for brunch on Sunday. It was only a 15 minute wait, but it took a while to actually get our food after we ordered. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was good. The Captain Crunch french toast had yummy peanut butter on it. The black truffle omelet was so-so.. not enough truffle taste though. I had the veggie fritata and it tasted pretty healthy, not greasy at all. I'm not sure if I would go back for brunch, but the mac 'n cheese looked good.
(3)Brian C.
This place has its ups and downs, I'd say. I really liked the wine list. I was impressed with the selection of ports after dinner. I thought the waiter was very patient with us as as we went over the wines, and let us try whatever we wanted before we decided on it. I'd say the salad and the entree were both above average. The food part, which the waiter didn't have control over, took a bit too long to get to the table. Luckily we weren't pressed for time. The dessert was decent, not omg wow. The waiter was kind enough to throw in the glass of port for the price of half a pour, and it was a very good glass of port. But damn, did that meal really cost what it did? Something is missing at this place. It could be a solid four star restaurant. But I tell you what, I imagine this is a good place to just do wine and cheese, though I haven't tried that out. And I imagine I'll drop in on occasion for a glass of tawny port. The 1986 Delaforce colheita was pretty damn nice, and that's not one I would expect to see on a dessert wine menu. For dinner, something is missing, though. I can't say my experience was as bad as those of the one and two star raters, but I can't say it was on a par with my four star dining experiences, either.
(3)Matt W.
I wish I could comment about the food here BUT WE NEVER GOT SEATED. We were told it would be a 20-minute wait. So we sat at the bar, where the bartender made a point of calling my wife sweetie every time he addressed her. Weird. Twenty minutes pass and we ask the hostess with the Coke bottle bottom glasses how things were looking. Just a few more minutes, she tells us. So we wait. And wait. Then she says, "They just paid their check." So we wait some more. Finally, we ask the hostess one more time: what gives? She drops the menus she's carrying, she's so nervous. Then she mumbles something like, "My co-workers were misinformed." Wha?! What does that even mean? I guess it meant she was stringing us along for almost an hour. What a waste of time. We asked for the manager, and Coke bottom glasses hostess said he wasn't there. We asked a different employee for the manager and he said the manager was "out back." Seems to me he should be IN FRONT making sure people get seated.
(1)Laura P.
Love it! Love it! 2 of my freinds and I went there last night on a girl date after it was determined that one was going through -SOMETHING-. You know what that means? Bring me the bottle not the glass...Our waiter was so warm that he almost made me forget how bitter cold it was outside and that my commute home was 2 hours (damn 290). Great recommendation on a Riesling for my freind! She loved it...I had my standard scotch. Phosphates and me do not agree can't drink wine. I decided to load up on the soup of the day...potato leek with parmesan crutons. Sounds wierd, huh...It was beautifully executed. So great on a cold night...another great recommendation from our waiter. I decided to have an appetizer as well. (Hey I was in traffic for 2 hours give me a break) Had the quail and chorizo something. Can't remember the exact name. IT melted like butter in my mouth. WOW WOW...It was sooo rich and so right. Could not eat it every day but....Highly recommend this place the decor is serene and the service is just right. The food is VAVA VOOOOOOOM! P.S. My freind had the chocolate mousse dessert and it also was divine (had like a triangular chocolate grahm cracker at the top that made it look very Jetsons). Do not skip the dessert menu....
(5)Lynn C.
I went here for the first time today for brunch. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back and try dinner at Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)Emma C.
(THIS REVIEW IS FOR FIDDLEHEAD. Same location. Changed name or changed management?) We are often in the neighborhood for my son's music lesson at Old Town School, so we would love for this place to be good so we could have breakfast while he toots his horn. But we have tried several times and finally gave up. First of all, they have a terrible time cooking eggs to order. If you ask for the eggs cooked in your benedict to be hard, forget it. If you send anything back, it will take a half hour to correct and whoever you are with will have completely finished their meal before you ever start yours (this happened twice), and the waitstaff will pretend you are invisible in the meantime. I did notice some mild dirty dish issues as mentioned in other posts and have had the sinking feeling that if I really looked closely in the kitchen I might not be a happy camper. I think we kept going back because the potatoes were incomparably deelish and well-seasoned, but then the third time I guess they got a new cook because the potatoes were completely bland, and that ended any reason for us to go there and play breakfast roulette. When it's good, it's very very good, but the kitchen service is slow and the quality is inconsistent. Now we wait until the lesson is over and head to Pauline's on Ravenswood.
(2)dan b.
so fiddlehead cafe, what can i say, the food is expensive, but it is really good, the beer selection is large, but if you want an expansive list of dark rich brown and black ales and porters and stouts and imperial stouts, this is not your place, but if you want pale ales and india pale ales, then you will be in heaven. would i go back, sure, will i go back, not as often as i go to other places in the area, would i recommend it to someone else, well maybe, know what your in for and if your game then give it a shot. to sum it all up, the food is great, a bit on the pricey side, the beer selection is large, but not expansive, the place is clean, the waitstaff friendly, the bar tender nice and knowledgeable, over all i give it a 3 for what i see as obvious reasons.
(3)Jill M.
Just went to Fiddlehead last night. My husband and I wanted a low key night so we walked up to the movie theater next door, bought our tix and then ventured in to have some wine before the movie. What a pleasant surprise! To be totally honest and fair- we did not have dinner. so I can't speak to the menu. We each ordered a wine flight and shared a cheese flight. It was fabulous! The cheese list is pretty impressive and the wines are good- the "pictodecoders" are great conversation starters! They are provided with the cheese plate too. I highly recommend this as a date spot or a place for a group of girls...though I am planning to take my parents there next time they are in town. I know they will love it- the entire time my hubby and I were at the table we reminisced about our time spent in France when all we did most nights for several months was drink wine, eat cheese and bread and have a great time. You can definitely have that kind of night at Fiddlehead.
(4)Margaret C.
menu sounded delicious, but food was mediocre at best. waiter was rude and had NO sense of humor whatsoever. i gave it two stars because we went on a sunday at 12:30 and had no wait. they also have some interesting twists on mimosa. but that's about it.
(2)Rita M.
Nice hostess. I called saying we may be late 5 or 10 mins for my party of 4 at 13:15. He said no problem and thanks for calling. Nice layout. Outdoor seating. But we sat inside. HUGE beer selection. Tasty food. One star deducted because I got the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I must have ordered off the children's menu because my grilled cheese literally was cut into 4 pieces, each being about an inch wide and 2 inches long. Although tasty, crazy cheap amount given for $11!!!!!! I had to order a side because I was still starving. Another star deducted, because our server, although VERY nice and sweet, was MIA and rarely came around. Would I be back? MAYBE
(3)Tommy K.
I went to Fork for the first time this past weekend. The atmosphere was great. Sat at a table right up front by the window, and luckily the weather was purely amazing. Warm breeze, 70 degrees. On a Saturday night, there weren't any disturbances from the people walking passed the restaurant. Our waiter was as equally amazing. Very personable, knowledgeable on the menu. I actually ordered based on his suggestions, which I rarely do. For an appetizer we ordered from the cheese and charcuterie menu, and the servings were a little small for 4 adults, but held us over until we received our entrees. I ordered the salmon, with pees. I have never been asked how I would prefer my salmon cooked, and based on my friend's choice, I opted for medium rare. It actually tasted really good! The only annoyance I found with this establishment, is when you are a frequent visiter to the restroom, especially after 3 cosmos, the urinals in the men's restroom are right next to each other, and have no dividers. They are also right in view of the door to the restroom, so when the door opens, you are literally on FULL DISPLAY. I am pee shy, so this kind of a situation is a pure nightmare for me. There is a stall, but with it being on a Saturday night, it was always in use. Next time I visit, i will make sure I don't consume that much liquor, as to avoid the frequent visits to the urinal display! Bottom line, the atmosphere, food and service is top notch. I will be visiting again soon. On an empty bladder for that matter :)
(5)David B.
I did have some issues on a Saturday brunch there, like the chair broke i was sitting in, the food came pretty slow too. I after we had food the waiter didn't come back so i started to order with the bus-boy. After giving my card it took awhile to have the waiter come back and he didn't leave a pen. I signed it with a crayon, since I wasn't going to wait another 10 minutes to locate a pen for me. The bloody mary was uninspired and chunky but not particularly good. Just throwing stuff into a bloody doesn't make it better. It needs to crafted, carefully, and never forgetting that I want a buzz off of it too not just 16 flavors of cheese cubes! The food was okay, not great. It felt copy-cat and not a perfect copy either. i will go back, but not out of my way.
(3)Shaunna B.
People aren't lying. The cilantro-garlic fries are amazing! Must try. The burger is also splendid. The service was a little slow, but not terrible.
(4)Barrye J.
I've dined here quite a few times, mostly dinner but also tried their brunch a few times. Let me start off by saying the food is magnificent - chicken burger is amazing, also very fond of both versions of their mussels. I brought my vegetarian foodie friend here for her birthday and she's pretty picky, but she loved everything she ordered. They have a wonderful selection of beers and wines too, with flights available for each if that's your thing. Now on to the not-so-great: Fork is marketed as a classier place in a classier neighborhood. It's not a divey bar that serves block 'o cheese with tall boys, it's a neat ambient gastropub with charcuteries and craft beer. Why, then, does the service not particularly match up to the image they are portraying? Is it busier than they can handle? I've served, bartended, etc, I forgive a LOT in restaurants. But when I'm on a date night dropping at least $40 a person (2 drinks a person + entree, at the least), why do I get the feeling that I'm being rushed out? Every. Single. Time. Busy or not. If it wasn't for the bussers being great at clearing/noticing when my drink is empty, I don't think I'd get asked how my food is or if I want another drink. Case in point: Any time I've had to make a substitution or extra request for my meal (like... extra ketchup, nothing fancy), it's always forgotten (totally understandable, shit gets hectic) BUT I never get it because I never get checked on. C'mon now. I don't want to sit there for 5 hours but if I wanted to dine in under 30 minutes, I'd go to McD's or something. I keep wanting to do a cheese board for dessert but by the time the server drops the check unceremoniously to me, I really just want to leave. I will give this place yet another try soon because they really do have an extensive drinks selection, great food, and everyone I know constantly raves about this place. Maybe I've just been unlucky.
(3)Roberta B.
My husband and friends of ours had dinner at Fork. My immediate statement is "make a reservation and go." The food was delicious! We ordered the staff favorite cheese plate which we devoured. It was so good we order a second one. The garlic-cilantro fries - I assumed - would just be 'fries'. They are...with great FLAVOR! They disappeared in no time. The beer list is fabulous and full. We love Belgium beer and their list did not disappoint. I had the chicken burger. They say in public you shouldn't lick your fingers. I didn't! But I soooo wanted to. The juice dripped and was so tasty I wanted to bottle it. Will I return to Fork...no question. Would I recommend Fork...absolutely!!! So when are we going again, is all that was talked about as we left. Excellent service AND FOOD!!!
(5)Philly G.
Great food and service. Afternoon wine flight was great. Homemade pretzels and beer cheese sauce was delicious. I had the french mussles for entree and the sauce was amazing as well as the mussels. I had bread and garlic cilantro fries with it. The bread was great to soak up all of that sauce and the sauce that came with the fries was yummy. The bread pudding was good but the bourbon ice cream on top of it stole the show. So glad I found this place. Will definitely go back.
(5)Kelly R.
Stopped by for a Saturday brunch, and while it didn't totally disappoint, the boyfriend and I were not impressed. I will throw the good stuff into the ring first: awesome ambiance and a really friendly staff and terrific! A cozy and trend restaurant with attentive staff. There was a bit of a wait, but we were able to sit up at the bar immediately. The brunchy drink list has a good-looking selection. And their beermosas are made with Daisy Cutter. Hard. to. beat. The brunch and lunch menu offer a lot of great looking choices--including a handful of vegetarian friendly dishes. The not-as-good: The food was only OK. We started with house-made doughnut holes. The were very basic! Uninspired fried dough and powdered sugar. "But that IS a doughnut!" you cry, well maybe. But if I'm ordering them at a restaurant and I'm prompted to "ask my server for details," I just expecting something special. The eggs florentine was calling my name, and I was not disappointed in the great hollandaise sauce and awesomely poached eggs. However, the side of potatoes was very dry and likely microwaved. The english muffin was a little softer than I'm used to in a bennie. The boyfriend got the chilaquiles which were reported to be average and a little overwhelming. (But we have both been spoiled by the chilaquiles at Marmalade). All in all: Seems like this might not be the best place for brunch! Could be worth it to stop in for a cocktail and appetizer late at night, but best to avoid in the daylight.
(3)Melissa P.
I keep a list of restaurants that I want to dine at and Fork was one of these. And though I wish I could give them more than 3 stars, I unfortunately cannot. The evening started with fireworks and ended in a dreadful sizzle. Bacon wrapped dates, delicious, beet salad lacking and Duck club (giant pieces of Texas toast) not what I was expecting. To top that off my 2nd glass of wine was uber chilled to the point of non resemblance of the sauv I first ordered. I am not a wine snob however I can generally tell a grigio from a blanc. When questioned our very good looking waiter seemed to disappear. Would I go back, yes but would sit in different section facing the bar and ask more about the dishes.
(3)James R.
We love this place! This is my third update for Fork, as they continue to impress each time we visit. Once again, we were celebrating a special occasion (our wedding anniversary) and they were kind enough to bring out complimentary champagne and a dessert! Both were excellent! I cannot recommend this place highly enough! ten stars! haha!
(5)Luisana R.
Went here last night on a whim with a couple of friends. No wait at 6:15 on a Friday night, great! Service was good. Food was delicious. The grilled watermelon salad was amazing! Definitely my favorite. The Mac and cheese with crab meat was yummy, the cheese board was good and so were the shrimp and grits. Overall good experience and I would come back.
(4)Andre M.
Food and environment were nice and good, but my waiter Niko had the driest attitude. I guess the rain made him feel sad or something. But he kinda sucked personality wise. He could at least try to smile. I was sad eating the delicious burger and fries.
(3)Rick P.
This place would've gotten a far better rating had the service not sucked. The duck was actually delicious. Not sure I would step foot back into this establishment based on the service. Unfortunately, the friendliest & most helpful staff member was the busboy. From the moment we walked in to a nearly empty restaurant, even the hostess tried to refuse to seat us at a booth because she said they were all reserved for dinner later in the evening. Whaaaat??? We got our booth & then got the cold shoulder. The disappointing service continued when after ordering, we got our main entree before our appetizers. No one ever came back to check on us during our entire meal. We, ( meaning I ) had to get up & ask for clean dishes for our mussels. Our waitress never even came back to see how we were doing. We would've ordered after dinner cocktails had someone paid the slightest bit of attention to us. The chef even came out & checked on 3 tables and didn't even look in our direction. Almost no one had a smile on their face & when I asked who was the manager, I was advised they were not even in the building. The waiter on the table to our left, must've checked in on the guests at least 5 times. The only time we felt they even glanced our way was to free up the table as more dinner guests began to arrive. Sadly, this is the poorest example of customer service I've ever received in a restaurant. I expected more. Born & raised in this neighborhood, the transition has been exciting to witness. Sadly, I suspect that being of Latin American descent might have played a role in the inferior service we received. This is not what customer service should ever look like in any establishment. THUMBS DOWN! THUMBS DOWN!!! If your looking for a place to flag people down just for a glass of water, then this place is for you. If not, then stay clear!
(1)Tom B.
Rude hostess. Clearly had 15 empty tables and yet 25-40 minute wait!!! Stopped yesterday for breakfast and was blown away by give me a minute(10) to come back and say... Oh it will be about 25-40 minute wait! I said what about the us bussed 10 tables and no one waiting for them... Oh we have reservations for them... No one was there stood outside for ten minutes and saw no one enter.
(1)Bri A.
You know a place will be good when they serve Metropolis coffee! Our group of four was starving after a hot yoga class....we were also probably pretty stinky, but they still let us in. Anyway, we had no problem getting a table around noon on a Saturday. Everything on the menu had me drooling, but the Wild Mushroom Omelet was calling my name. I had that with a side of bacon and it was divine. The berry jam that came with my toast was amazing. I wanted a huge jar of that! The only drawback was the black hair floating in the coffee creamer. GROSS! Our server brought us another, but she never apologized or acknowledged how freaking gross it is to have hair in something consumable. =/
(3)Natalie T.
The roommate and I just moved into the neighborhood and we decided to try out a new restaurant nearby. We stumbled on Fork after Café Selanie had a 45 minute wait. We decided to sit at the bar and were promptly greeted by 2 really nice bartenders. We both ordered the mimosas, decent amount of champagne which is always a plus for me. I had the 2 eggs breakfast with the potatoes, the breakfast potatoes were absolutely delish. Looking through the menu they offer wine and beer flights as well as decently priced cheese and meat boards. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Natalia M.
Came here for date night, which ended up being perfect. The ambiance was great for exactly that. We came about an hour before closing on a Wednesday night, and there were still plenty of people there. I usually take that as a good sign, and I was not wrong. I'd been wanting to try Fork for months because I drive past it on my way to work and it's always busy, so I'm very glad that my expectations were well met. We started off with some of the cheese and house-made charcuterie. I can't remember which two cheeses we got, but they were both soft, like brie. I believe one was Camembert though. They were both fantastic. We also got the duck prosciutto, chorizo, and country pork paté. All three were VERY good. I would definitely go back just to try some more of the house-made selections. I loved the cornichons (or tiny pickles, as I like to call them), pickled onions, and olives that came on the side as well. They were perfect accompaniments. The dish that I know I will be craving in the near future though... The Fork poutine. Oh. My. God. The amount of duck they put on it... I felt like we were ripping them off by only paying $11 for the dish! It was a tad salty, but for that kind of a dish, I like salty. The saltiness came from the duck confit, which went so well with the fries instead of the traditional gravy. Definitely will be returning for that dish soon. We finished with a small order of the mac and cheese. They use three cheeses, and oh my, was it good. Not salty, like a lot of mac and cheeses can be, just perfectly cheesy and noodley (I know that's not a word, but I don't care.) We couldn't finish it though because we were so stuffed from everything else, and it actually reheated pretty well the next day. Overall a great experience at Fork. I will be back!
(5)Bradford M.
I've been here several times and the food and service has consistently been excellent. I am a huge fan of the thoughtfully put together beer flights and cheese plates
(5)Rachel V.
I don't know why it took me so long to get to Fork, but I finally did, and I loved it! I went for brunch and left a very happy girl. I ordered the ham and cheese skillet which was outstanding. They make the scrambled eggs just the way I like them - soft and moist - and it was clear the ham was of high quality. My cousin ordered the duck confit hash and said the duck was amazing, but I was too chicken to try it! Our waiter was friendly, but service was a bit slow. They also have great outdoor seating.
(4)Vicki Z.
Never disappointed!! The flavors and presentation never falls short. It's actually personally one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln Square. All the servers give great recommendations and they're always fast and friendly! I'm always taking out of town guest here! The wine and menu is on point, too! :)
(5)Leon B.
I was impressed with the experience! Interior decor was nice. A great date spot. Prices were reasonable ($10-16 or so) Drinks were alway full and service was attentive, prompt, patient, and with a smile. We had a group of seven ladies who were primarily there to socialize. While I'm not a huge fan of brunch menu items, my Florentine Benedict ($10) with a side of breakfast potatoes was tasty. The mimosas ($6.50) were strong. We shared French toast of sorts as well as donuts holes- both delicious! The group's bill was on one ticket, but things worked out smoothly. All around, a great experience!
(5)Rachel P.
I went to Fork on a Saturday night without making a reservation. It was about 8:30 and the restaurant was filled, but found a place for two quickly. They offer a selection of wine flights, which I chose the Smells Like Fruit Spirit, a collection of 3 white wines. My friend chose the Pinot Wizard, 3 red wines. Each flight cost around $15 and were decent pours. They set you up with three glasses immediately and give you a paper that describes each wine in order. They also have cheese and charcuterie flights with a la carte options. We ordered the french cheese flight and the smoked duck breast. Delicious, even though we only ended up with a small portion of duck. I'm not a huge fan of intensely flavored cheese, so this was the perfect choice for me. The cheese plate came with great variety of crispy bread, olives, pickles, candied pecans, fruit, etc. More extras than I thought we were going to get. They also give you a paper describing each cheese, which I love because I want to find my favorites later. We later ordered the House-Made Sausages and the House Pretzels. The pretzels were soft with a little bit of crunch. The beer cheese sauce, made with Half Acre, was tasty. A small portion again, but you can ask for more. The sausage was juicy and a great portion for two. It came with creamy potato salad. You could taste the mustard, but it wasn't too overpowering. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable. We never felt like we were waiting for service. The ambience was nice, dim lighting and big open windows. I love places where you can get various plates to share. I really liked the mix and match cheese and charcuterie. I would definitely go back.
(4)Charles S.
Have some great things on the menu that you don't find at a lot of places. Nice patio as well as indoor seating next to open air as well during summer time.
(5)Syd T.
Definitely try the garlic fries with the Sriracha aioli sauce..it's so delicious! Okay, so I ordered the 1/2 lbs. prime burger, it was alright. I thought the special ketchup that came with it was okay too. I had to ask twice for Sriracha aioli for my burger to give it some flavor. The first time I asked, the busser repeated my request and nodded his head, but he never came back. Also, my friend got a brunch meal that came with eggs which she asked for scrambled, but it came out over easy. So, I think this place needs to work on getting the customers' orders right. Because of the garlic fries w/ Sriracha aioli sauce, I might consider coming back to Fork.
(3)Angela L.
Ive had nothing but pleasant experiences over the last few years. Their $5 appetizers are delicious and filling. I could have the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates for dinner. I could eat the soft pretzels bites with beer cheese all day. The smell alone of the garlic-cilantro fries will remind you why fries exist. Beer list is vast and the servers/bartenders are helpful. The environment is adult-casual. There may be kids around (it IS Lincoln Square after all) but that doesn't mean it's not a great option for a date night. Quiet enough for a conversation, at least.
(5)Hans A.
I must say the food is fabulous, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves eating at Fork restaurant. The Executive Chef dropped off the food himself and touched our table. He later stopped by asking how are food was and gave us two glasses of Sweet Ice Wine for the end of our meal. We started with the mushroom grits as an appetizer that was fantastic with truffle and perfectly sautéd mushrooms, and a perfectly poached egg on top. My lovely wife had the sliders special with cilantro Fries and enjoyed them with a glass of house red wine. I had the Duck confit club sandwich, it was ample and was ever so addictive with a cocktail called the bliss. We are definitely going to Fork restaurant again, the cocktails were tasty and the food was great. As for the service we where two people so I can not really comment on large parties. We did enjoy our server and she was funny and charming.
(4)Lex B.
With last minute changes to my Saturday night plans (some people are SO terrible at communicating ugh), I went with my roommate (who is great a communicating btw!) to Fork. They were able to seat us when we arrived around 9:30PM without any wait. They still had plenty of patrons, which is always a good sign. I had been thinking about giving up red meat for March (for the environment - duh), but I was captured by the aroma of the bacon wrapped dates. I gave in and shared them with my roommate. Amaze-balls! We split the mussels, and they were good but nothing amazing. Then we had the duck club. When it first arrived at the table, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it was actually really delicious! Think jam can't work with meat? It sure does. All the different components came together beautifully. The ambiance is pretty cute and laid back. So all in all, a great Saturday night (even with a change of plans :) !
(4)Matthew S.
Utterly disappointing brunch - two of us had quiche, the other two chicken and waffles. Every dish was lukewarm-- inviting us to surmise the food had been cooked previous to our ordering it. Lovely. Waffles should be piping hot-- enough to melt the butter, right? Didn't happen. Our spouses who had the quiche questioned if it had even been made on premise. Service was friendly and capable. Would not return.
(2)Amanda W.
Seriously killer brunch. I don't "brunch" much, I prefer to just eat breakfast at home in pajamas. But we gave Fork a try around noon. Got seated quickly outside and had great service. I ordered the breakfast melt; basically was a glorified grilled cheese (amazing) and my fiancé ordered chilaquiles that were out of this world. I thought they were awesome for dinner, but they might be even better for brunch!
(5)Siobhan F.
My sister and I went here for brunch yesterday and loved it. Food was excellent, I had the eggs Benedict. We also had a flight of mimosas that were all very good. Good service and atmosphere, too. Glad we went in even though it was hard to find parking.
(5)Toni R.
This gets 5 stars because the hangover helper is the best thing I've ever eaten. Herbed biscuit, chicken sausage gravy, eggs over easy...mmmmm!
(5)Claire W.
My husband and I used to come here all the time. It was our go-to spot for a delicious meal in a neighborhood full of options. We've taken our parents & other out-of-towners here many times as we consider it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. That being said, we went there this past Friday and our service was so bad that I am not sure we will ever come back. Our middle-aged male waiter was incredibly patronizing, to the point where I felt he was actually taking liberties with his attitude towards me. He repeatedly interrupted me mid-sentence, called me pet names like hon, sweetie in a grating tone and kept touching my shoulder when he wanted to assert his opinion. I'm a conversational person and I enjoy the waitstaff-client interaction but this felt so out of touch with today's culture. It got to the point where I cringed each time he came around. Looking back, I should have been more direct about my wishes, but looking forward - should we ever return - we will request to be seated in a different section. That being said, if you find yourself there - get the eggplant caviar & go ahead and order extra toasted bread with goat cheese.
(2)Jessie J.
Got right in with our reservation. Waited a while for water and even longer for a waiter. It was very loud as there were quite a few standing patrons at the bar (7:45pm). The waiter seemed like he was having a bad night, but was never mean or rude, just a bit short. He told us to wait to order food because the kitchen was backed up. Once we ordered, we ended up getting our food quickly and it was really good. Wasn't impressed with the garlic cilantro fries. However my flatbread was really good and filling. Martini was good and not overly priced, beer was warm. Food would get a 3.5/4, service a 3.
(3)Jay I.
3.5 stars I tried this place for a saturday brunch. Since I tried by myself I sat on the bar stool and was served by a very nice bartender. I ordered a chicken and waffle (my current hot item). I thought chicken was good and waffle was pretty good too, but it wasn't really something that would blow my mind. It is a nice place with TV, and the server seem to be pretty nice and intact, too (taking care of water and refills). Not a bad option around the lincoln square.
(3)Megan G.
This review is for the bar only. Cute place! While we only grabbed drinks at the bar, the overall ambiance was nice with the couches and exposed brick. I really liked the wine flight options- I'm quite used to beer flights around the city, but less so wine! The options offered were wines from locations I don't always see. It's about 2.5 glasses of wine for the price, so it's a reasonable deal when compared to other bars in the city. I'll have to return for the food- it looked great based on what I saw!
(4)James W.
My wife and I go there for brunch and it's actually become a game of ours to guess which side / item will not come with our food. Sometimes it's silverware, sometimes it's the side of toast that comes with and sometimes it's the side that you ordered. Always an adventure! And we get lots of time to play this game because it takes them forever to take your order.
(3)Jack M.
This review is written after several attempts to allow Fork to prove us wrong / get off our s***-list. My girlfriend and I live a few buildings down from Fork and have been to Fork several times: for brunch, dinner, and drinks. In more than one occurrence, the service was poor to the point of being offensive. Allow me to explain: Instance #1: Breakfast. We arrived at Fork 20 minutes before opening on a Saturday, which was no big deal, we simply walked down the street to get a coffee from Grind. Coming back at 10:05, five minutes after opening, we see that several groups of people had been seated, yet the restaurant could not have been more than 15-20% full at this point, and there was no one waiting to be seated besides us. The hostess informed us it would be 15-20 minutes prior to being seated and that we could sit at the bar while we waited. You could imagine our reaction at this point. However, we sat at the bar, had a Bloody Mary (which was delicious) and waited patiently. 20 minutes go by and still we have not been seated. My girlfriend went up the hostess, who was not more than 15 feet from us, to ask the status. With much attitude, she dismissively told her that she was aware of us waiting and that'd it be another 10 minutes. It's one thing to have to wait when a restaurant is obviously full, but all they had to do was seat us at a table and get us going with some coffee and we'd have had no issue. The attitude towards us from the front of house staff was rude, curt, and dismissive, and not what you'd expect from any decent restaurant. Instance #2: Brunch - Sunday, 4/26/15 The Ravenswood 5K was being held in the area, which brought a lot of traffic to the local eateries, including Fork. We arrived at 10:30 or so, and I put my name in on the waiting list. They told me 20 minutes, and that they would text me. Great, we'll wait and get a coffee, no big deal. I checked in after 20 minutes, no update, told it would be longer. After an hour, my girlfriend goes to check, and she is very rudely told by whoever the male host was that there's nothing he can do, people are eating their breakfast and you just have to wait. Look, Fork. You're busy, we get that. But perhaps you could be honest with us form the get go and not quote an overly optimistic 20 minutes? And when your estimate is off by over 40 minutes, perhaps instead of being rude and annoyed towards us, you could try being decent and apologetic? We moved to wait inside, and were finally seated, perhaps due to the close proximity of our group (four people) to the host station. Food took over an hour to get out and our waitress continued the trend of curtness and poor service. Conclusion: Fork's food is great, and their menu is fantastic. If they're not busy, or you have a reservation, it's likely a good bet your service experience will be fine. I would recommend to Fork that they work to improve their front of house experience on all levels. You had tables sitting empty the entire time we were eating, all while people were waiting outside and inside the restaurant.
(1)Karen H.
Our meal was so decadent....THE poutine. Before you die, you need to have this poutine. Rich savory gravy, white cheddar sauce, plus duck confit. This could bring peace to the middle east! We had a 16oz veal chop. It was big enough to share and be quite satisfied. All in all, a wonderful experience. Don't miss out on the inventive cocktails. The songbird and bliss, in particular, make this worth the trip. Big plus is being able to have a conversation without having to shout!
(4)Laura W.
I recently went to Fork for the first time with my parents who were visiting my neighborhood. I was a little hesitant taking them because they normally think my tastes are too "foodie" but Fork did not dissappoint. Stellar service, amazing food and wonderful ambience. The restaurant has such a home-y feel, it's just plain comfortable. The food is by far the best I've had in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area. I had the Duck Club sandwich (as did my very happy 60-year-old mother) and it was on point. Also highly recommend the butternut squash soup which was a special for the evening. The bottom of the bowl is drizzled with chili oil and toasted pumpkin seeds so the range of flavor you get in one spoonful is crazy. Also make sure you go with the garlic cilantro fries instead of the regular fries. Fork is a definite winner in the neighborhood. Though it's a little pricey for some, I'm willing to shell out some extra cash for great food like that. I'll be back for sure.
(5)Michelle Z.
5 of us came in to Fork on Sunday after waiting in line for 3 hours to vote. We were due for some much needed bloody marys and Fork did not disappoint! Everything about our experience was on point. We were quoted 30-45 minutes for a wait, but got seated in 15! The hostess was super accommodating and friendly. The bloodys were fantastic. We then proceeded to order (nearly) everything off the menu and eat tapas style. The bacon wrapped dates were amazing! As was the "hangover helper." My absolute favorite was the "eggplant caviar". There were a couple items on the menu that they ran out of (and I can totally understand why- all of the food is so good). Our server was such a good sport about it- he even had us pause our ordering as he ran to reserve the last "hangover helper" for us before it ran out. We were eternally grateful. Basically I cannot say enough good things about this place. We will absolutely be back to try it out for dinner.
(5)Jeff A.
I feel the decor is dated and the food is a step or two above bar food. Not bad (I had to add salt to everything) but not worth a second visit. Service was great. With all of the great options in this neighborhood, they need to step up their game. Note to Fork: turn off the TVs during peak dinner hours. Really cheapens the atmosphere.
(2)Ruben M.
Kinda expensive when you account for a larger group, but nice place. Not really my scene, kinda loud, but food is great and so is the service.
(5)Andy W.
Food is good, service is decent. I have tried many of the things on the lunch and dinner menu and haven't had anything I didn't really enjoy. The brunch is okay, nothing special but quality food. What I like most about Fork is that it has a quality product. The food you are served will always be fresh and appealing to all senses. It may not be the most unique menu but its a tasty one. I like that Fork is good for a date, but also can accomodate small groups for a night out with friends. They also have a pretty decent liquor and beer selection. Overall, a good place in Lincoln Square.
(4)Melissa N.
This is a great place to unwind with friends and enjoy some good food and wine. The ambiance is casual and friendly: nothing super fancy. If you go there during the warmer months, scope out a patio spot instead of an indoor table. The wine list is where this place truly shines. I had a glass of red sangria, which was outstanding: very rich, with notes of clove and cinnamon. So, so good! Fork also offers a large selection of wine flights. My friends and I all enjoyed the Spicy Reds. Great wine! For food, the best thing on the menu is the bacon date chorizo appetizer: oh my GOD! I have never seen bacon date apps this big...each piece is four times the size of the typical version, and so, so good. I could eat a bunch of these for dinner and be fully satisfied (and fat...but happy fat). The asparagus flatbread pizza was good, but perhaps had a tad bit much asparagus, at least for my taste. Next time I will sample something else. I also tried the grits, which are very good as far as grits go. Service was prompt and friendly, and prices are very reasonable. I definitely encourage others to check this place out.
(4)Lindsey A.
I've been to Fork for brunch, lunch and dinner and all occasions have been lovely. From the beer and wine flights to the morning hash, the food is as solid as the beer list - and service is great, too. This is an affordable, upscale, neighborhood joint that's worth the visit even if you're not a Lincoln Squarer.
(4)Robert Y.
What a great place!! Our friends turned us on to Fork - we all enjoyed a Saturday dinner next to a huge wide open window looking out onto Lincoln Ave. on a mild late October evening. The best of the evening... 5 star service - our server was a very gracious and unassuming guy who took great care of us -- really good food -- my favs were the Cheese and Charcuterie selections, the beef skewers with amazing hummus, the pulled pork sliders, and the beet salad. Tastes of each were enough to call it a meal. The wines selection was top notch...a really interesting mix... I tried a French Syrah that was delicious (and not something I usually drink). The noise level was perfect (i.e. not that noisy at all, given the crowd). The overall experience was wonderful. We'll be back soon. So many more food and wine options to try next time.
(5)Kate N.
Good for brunch and somehow not too loud, unlike most brunch places in Chicago. The home-made donut holes are pretty dense, so I wouldn't recommend those, but the florentine benedict was excellent, with a really tasty basil hollandaise and some incredibly ripe and flavorful tomatoes. And their potatoes on the side were excellent - I usually try to avoid eating those, but these were too good to skip.
(4)Joelen T.
Went here with girlfriends for a Sunday brunch to celebrate my engagement. It was a fabulous brunch where we started with the mimosa flight. I ordered the Short Rib Benedict which had a good ratio of short rib, egg and sauce. The Chicken & Waffles my friend ordered looks fantastic, especially with the candied bacon garnish. And the Bananas Foster French Toast another friend ordered looked divine. I look forward to coming back for lunch/dinner. Very cute spot, wonderful brunch and definitely make reservations as this place fills up quickly!
(5)Lily F.
I made a reservation for 1 pm on a sunday and arrived at 12 just to see if i could get seated earlier because my friend and i were in a rush. We were sat down at a table immediately and the server prompty came to our table to take our drink orders and inform us on the menu. Thrillist ranked Fork as having the best chicken and waffles in the city so i obviously had to try them. The server informed us that they only had dark meat left, and I was completely fine with that, in fact i prefer dark meat in fried chicken anyways. We also decided to try the smoked salmon Benedict. The fried chicken and waffles was paired with a crispy piece of candied bacon. After i created my perfect bite of bacon, waffle, syrup, and chicken... my mouth was filled with happiness. The combination of the fluffy waffle, brined juicy chicken, crispy skin, and candied bacon was the perfect balance of flavors to complement the existing textures and salty and sweet flavor. Hands down best fried chicken and waffles I've ever had. The fried chicken itself is probably one of the better pieces of fried chicken I've had in a while, and the waffle was absolutely perfect. The smoked salmon benedict was equally as satisfactory. The salmon was smoked in house and (coming from someone from seattle) was amazingly delicious. The smoky flavor paired beautifully with the bloodorange hollandaise sauce and runny egg. I had to think for a while what i wanted my "last bite" of food to be. i ended up choosing the fried chicken and waffle bite, and i left fork in pure happiness. To sum up my experience in one sentence: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME OH MY GOSH IM DYING AND HAVE GONE TO FOOD HEAVEN. PLZ CAN I EAT THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
(5)Nichole F.
We went here for brunch today and it was delicious! Made our reservation on OpenTable. It is a kid friendly restaurant with crayons and coloring and boostwr seats which are all helpful. There was plenty of parking on the street on front. Our server was super nice and friendly. We started with bacon wrapped dates and chorizo with blue cheese dipping sauce. PARTY IN MY MOUTH!! You must order these and then thank me. You are welcome! I had the chicken cobb salad which was beautiful to look at and yummy to eat. My son had the grilled cheese and fries, boring. My hubby had "the hangover cure" which is biscuits and sausage gravy and overeasy eggs..yum yum! It was definitely comfort food. The gripe that I had with our server is that we told her that it was our first time there and asked for recommendations. She told us about the bacon wrapped dates but what she didn't mention is that they were voted #1 in the city for chicken and waffles. She told us that after we saw them walk by on a tray and inquired (we were already done eating). Even though I loved our food, the chicken and waffles looked WAY better!! We are 100% coming back here because I need the chicken waffles in my mouth! Or the "showstopper".
(4)Mark D.
Fork was fantastic. We were seated by the front window with a nice view of the street and the Saturday night pedestrian traffic. Their sangria was very good, I had a glass but could have easily enjoyed a pitcher. For starters, we ordered the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo (OMG very good) and the duck crostini (very good). For dinner my friend and I both ordered the duck club. I absolutely LOVE duck, but I had never had it in a club sandwich until I visited Fork. It was superb. This sandwich consisted of duck confit, smoked duck breast, goat cheese, pickled shallots, red wine jam, and candied pecans. I enjoyed every last bite. If you visit Fork, you *must* try the duck club. You're welcome.
(4)Christina G.
We ended up here randomly one night and had a great time. First, the negative: Parking nearby is to be avoided at all costs. Bus, bike, do whatever you have to do to not drive. Once we did find parking and got into the restaurant, everything was great. We started off with drink flights. I had crisp white wines, my husband had some sort of bourbon barrel brewed flight, I think. We both enjoyed every pick - wine and beer, which was quite unusual for us. The takeaway: Fork has great beer and wine. We started with 2 small plates - the poutine and the chicken and dumplings. The dumplings were butternut squash gnocchi and the chicken was cooked to perfection. The real scene stealer for me though was the poutine. Oh my goodness. I don't know if it was the cheese, the gravy, the duck confit, or just the mixture of them all together but this was one of my favorite dishes I've had in a long time. We rounded out our impromptu meal with a cheese and charcuterie plate. We had a couple cheeses (can't remember the names) that were delicious. We added the house-cured duck prosciutto and we very pleased. You really can't go wrong with any of the meats and cheeses, in my opinion. Finally, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was able to make both food and drink recommendations by asking us just a few questions. He never steered us wrong. Overall, a great night, I can't wait to be back for more poutine, more cheese and meat, and more delicious drinks!
(4)Kirstin E.
Finally tried brunch at Fork and I really don't know why I waited so long. Just as their dinner menu, everything I had from the breakfast and brunch menu was amazing!! I went with a good friend of mine and we wanted to try a little of everything. We started by ordering the peach glazed donut holes (peach glaze was a special that day) and the homemade pretzel bites with beer cheese. Both were phenomenal! The pretzel bites had the right amount of crunch on the outside with a fluffy inside/middle. We also both had the flight of mimosas. This is a great idea as most places don't offer you the chance to try different varieties. We decided we wanted to go with regular mimosas for the rest of the meal. Niko gladly followed our request for a bottle of champagne and a carafe of OJ. I ordered the chilaquiles and my friend ordered the eggs Benedict with short ribs. Both were again, phenomenal!! Fork is one of the few places that seems to get the concept of brunch while making their guests feel welcomed. If you haven't been to Fork I must ask, what are you waiting for?!?
(5)Daniel S.
Enjoyed the visit and always like the neighborhood. Good food and beverage choices. A spot id visit again--- certainly seems consistent and solid.
(3)Yanyao N.
Let's talk brunch. Fork does it, and Fork does it very well. My recent Sunday excursion for sustenance involved: - candied bacon - doughnut holes - beer flights (because who doesn't want a beer flight at 11am?) - a house-smoked salmon Benedict with blood orange hollandaise - chilaquiles with chorizo - a painful walk home (SO FULL) - a nice couch nap thanks to brunch baby For some reason, Fork is never really first on my radar when it comes to food, even though it is so close, and consistently good for dinner. Now I want to have brunch there every single weekend. The service was great. They have a lovely selection of beers of taps and in bottles. Plus, CANDIED BACON for $2 a pop. Be warned though, lots of kids for brunch, if you're not into that thing or avoiding loud screeching sounds.
(4)Pat G.
Had a brunch date here, was excellent except for one thing. I ordered a dunkelweiss (for those of you who don't know beer, its a dark weiss) and was given a different beer, some light, crisp, fruity beer; it was almost a cider I think. Perhaps an order mix up? Not to sound like a snob, but I know my beers, and that wasn't what I ordered. It was a good beer though, so it didn't ruin the meal. Otherwise it was great. Food was excellent and the portions were worth the price, hostess and waitress were top notch and friendly for a busy Saturday late morning/early afternoon. No wait to be seated, and it wasn't sardines on the inside like some local Lincoln Square restaurants. Would recommend for brunch fans, and I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.
(4)Leah C.
fork...er fiddlehead...it over! funny, i didn't know this used to be fiddlehead until i read the reviews below. really love the small plate scene and especially when paired with a good drink list. fork is a great gathering spot, early din, late-night munchie, catch-up type of place. they also have entrees but i don't think i'd return for that because the ambiance is more "cafe-like" IMO. the flatbreads are nothing special but go with their zucchini "spaghetti" - it'll make you eat your veggies, i swear! the charcuterie was nicely presented with generous servings. the dishes came out a bit slow so i'm knocking off a star. i wish i could remember her name but our server was just a doll (and i don't say that...ever...but it's a fitting description). so in love with the restaurant and her work, it really added to our dining experience - thank you!
(4)Yessie S.
This place is totally over rated. I don't think I will want to come back ever again. The service was horrible. My boyfriend and I went there on summer night to have a good time. They sat us below this dripping water pipe. We asked the waitress/hostess to move us, they said there was no other place, but when I walked to the bathroom, after 3 mins being sat down there, there was other place on the other side. The dripping and splashing water made the entire dinner horrible. The food was not even good, the service was horrible. Thanks for the "great" night.
(1)Lola G.
I am back in Chicago to visit friends and family. I was a little early, so I walked to Fork to grab an app and a glass of wine. Waste of time and money! I can't believe this got four stars on yelp! My wine was served in a dirty glass (not spots, but full on food stuck on the inside!)...I dared order pretzels, which were bland and the cheese sauce was barely edible. And if that wasn't all fun enough, the preggos bartender acted as though every request really put her out. Won't ever be back.
(1)Kori E.
We made our way to Lincoln Square for brunch on Sunday morning and stumbled upon Fork. The menu had tons of options so we decided to give it a try. First off, they serve their delicious coffee in huge mugs, which we both appreciated. For our meals, I had the chilaquiles (shocker) and he had the sausage scramble, which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were really good! My chilaquiles were good, but I should have added the chorizo on as it was lacking a little something... The service was a little lack luster, but we were in no hurry so whatevs. Cute spot in Lincoln Square and there was no wait to eat at around noonish - always a plus.
(4)Not Just Brunch B.
A huge group of us came here for brunch on a recent Sunday. Nine of us to be exact. Even though we rolled up without reservations and the place was busy, the hostess was so nice and accommodating and tried really hard to get us a spot. We ended up only having to wait 15 minutes. That must be some sort of brunch record. Our waitress, Kathryn K, was also extremely nice and helpful, and not in that overly peppy annoying way some waiters/waitresses wanting tips can be (especially when you're hungover). She even let us split the check individually between the 9 of us. This is unheard of, people. We would give Fork 5 stars for service alone, but the food and drink also deserve praise. The brunch menu is extensive and you can also choose from the lunch menu, which includes their poutine, which is out of this world, which means it is really good, which means you should try it. The mimosa flight comes with 3 mimosa variations and is a good deal considering they come in regular sized champagne glasses, not the small ones you would expect from it being a flight. To continue the review and the lolz you can read our blog post here: notjustbrunch.wordpress.…
(5)M P.
Service was very good, but wasn't impressed with the food for the price. The location is good and patio looks nice. I'd like to come back and try one of the charcuterie plates, but the large plates we tried were just okay.
(3)Pat T.
OMG!!! This place is dynamic!!!! Cool atmosphere !!! Great food!!! Extensive wine and beer list!!! The manager Ashley was so helpful explaining the menu and making suggestions that were right on!!! I will be back, we loved it!!!
(5)Heather J.
I don't get many Saturdays off, so when I do, I like to get some brunch with the hubby. This past weekend, we ventured out to Fork based on a recommendation from a friend. When we arrived, we found parking right away and there was no wait at all which was fantastic! Plus, the ambience was nice, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive. The prices were fair. No complaints about the restaurant whatsoever! Okay, now for the food... I ordered the Florentine Benedict. The benedict was huge, made with a whole english muffin, two poached eggs (cooked perfectly), tomatoes, spinach, and basil hollandaise. The basil hollandaise was supposed to be what tied the entree together, but it was a little too bland for me. Overall, it wasn't bad, though I think I would try something else next time. It also came with some potatoes on the side, which were alright (but I honestly prefer The Bongo Room's potatoes... Sorry!). My husband ordered their Chilaquiles and LOVED them. I tried them and kind of wish I ordered them, too! Overall, I would go back to Fork, I would just try to order something a little more flavorful!
(3)Keryn C.
I just moved to Lincoln Square, and I am right next to Fork. All I need to say is, I chose the right location. Fork is so good. Two friends and I went on a Saturday for brunch and it was less than a 15 minute wait. The iced coffee was perfect on a 90 degree day, and everything on the menu looked fabulous. We split the homemade donut holes as a starter, because who doesn't love donut holes? They were so fresh, I wish we ordered more. I ordered the eggs benedict which is indescribable. First off, the English muffins are HUGE. Nestled on top was a delicious piece of grilled ham, topped with poached eggs. I was silent the entire time eating because it was just so good. Their breakfast potatoes were crispy and complimented everything on my plate. One friend got the Hangover Helper, which was smothered in gravy and overall an amazing choice. The second friend got something in a skillet, but I didn't try it because I was too invested in my benedict. Needless to say, I am returning to Fork to try their other items, and for more donut holes.
(4)Ack M.
There's always a place that you run into and find yourself with good food and great people. I have to say that this place delivers it all. From the minute we walked in we were treated by the manager Ashley. She made us feel right at home. She was on top of everything made sure our drinks was out on time. We have never been here before but Ashley made us feel right at home. She recommended a few dishes that was very delightful. A very neighborhood friendly place. Food was great people were amazing. Price very reasonable.
(5)Nick W.
After having come to Chicago for an exciting weekend of visiting with friends, we were debating on where to get high-quality brunch. Fork came highly recommended, and it met if not exceeded my standards. The chicken and waffles were transcendent. I tried a friends biscuits and gravy and it took me back to my childhood! The tastes were more complex, of course, but after the meal I wouldn't have been surprised if someone's grandmother came out of the kitchen to wrap a blanket around us. The service was exemplary and left us wanting for nothing more than larger stomachs to comfortably continue eating! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that can really appreciate food made with such attention to detail and care.
(5)Elma B.
Their brunch is my favorite in the city. My favorite dishes are the smoked salmon benedict, broccoli quiche, and chilaquiles. Our group has also tried the chicken and waffles, various other quiches, and hangover helper. All have been amazing and the portions are great. Service during brunch is great. The food comes out fast and the staff is attentive.
(5)Meg J.
I was here last Saturday with a group of 7 women for a girls night out. EVERYTHING was delicious. Our server was great, very on top of things. The chef made his way around the dining room, interacting with customers and seeing how they liked the food. I love that, it makes for a more personal dining experience. With such a big group, we got to try a lot of different dishes. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think it'd a toss up between the poutine and the shrimp and grits. I can't wait to go back and try it for brunch!
(5)DJ F.
Meh - at best. Host staff is always rude. ALWAYS. Beyond that - we've had decent service a couple times, but last night was an epic fail. We asked our waitress about the bottle wine list, if she could suggest a good full body/spicy red. Her response? "Well, I'll let you look some more" and walked away. She returned a good FIFTEEN minutes later to ask if we made a decision. I said We are thinking about this malbec/cab blend, can you please ask the bartender if it's a good choice for spicy/full body. Her response? It's from Argentina - it should be spicy. WHAAAT??? We figured she was new and didn't know the wine list - but it later came up that she has been there for 2 years... You don't have to be a sommelier, but when somebody tells you what they look for in a red you should be able to recommend a few options from your wine list. OR ASK. Never guess when somebody is buying a bottle! The service was as average as the food. $100 for a dry brisket sandwich, average chicken burger and a sweet (NOT spicy as requested) bottle of red. And the smores dessert? Chocolate chip cookies with fluff. It was gross. We barely touched it - but our server didn't say a word. Just took it away! I don't know what it is about this place. Reviews seem positive but we've never been knocked out by the food or the service, and definitely will not be back after that frustrating, overpriced experience.
(2)Richard C.
When you pay $13 for a chicken burger, you expect a whole (or at the least half) a fresh chicken breast. You don't expect the mashed up, reassembled, stale, chicken patty you buy on sale that sits in the back of your freezer. That's what you get at Fork. When you ask for the regular fries with your chicken patty frankenstein burger to be swapped for the garlic cilantro fries (and pay the upgrade charge), you expect to get garlic cilantro fries. Not the normal, burnt, tasteless fries. That's what you get at Fork. This is why they invented tips. And the ability to not give them. So, don't bother. Don't be sucked in by the vapid atmosphere and terrible food. Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Bad Apple, and Monty Gaels are all cheaper, better, friendlier, and in the same walking distance. Just go there instead.
(1)Amanda W.
Still really appreciate the gluten-free menu, though it was outdated (had items no longer offered), and the food was delicious again. Especially recommend the French mussels and the duck salad! Nom! Also, sitting outside was really nice. Minus a star this time for weird service. There were empty tables when we arrived, yet we were quoted 15-30 minutes' wait, an unusually large range. Then, they called us about 5 minutes later and gave us one of the empty tables. The wait staff was okay, but no smiles or warmth there at all. It's such a let-down for a place that clearly prides itself on the food and flights side.
(4)Raul F.
The good is very good. I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very juicy. The customer service was good, they were a bit sassy; however once we got our table it was smooth sailing. Definitely would recommend!
(4)Lauren H.
So glad they were open for New Year's Day brunch. Bacon wrapped dates held me over until the rest of my table arrived. I rarely dislike a bacon wrapped dates so I didn't really need the bleu cheese sauce on it. The hangover helper was great. It's a giant herb biscuit (good texture) with cheddar, bacon, and chicken sausage gravy. It's served with arugula so all the fat is cancelled out, right? My only tip is to have them skip on the cheese. It s didn't do anything for me flavor wise and it only made the dish too heavy to eat. My table loved the quiche of the day, tomato soup, and breakfast sandwich. You do NOT need a side with the sandwich! My Army Vet husband had a little trouble finishing the generous sammy. Service was fine. The bus boys kept water filled and our server checked in without being annoying. I'd come back for dinner.
(4)Justine M.
Great ambience, interior, and service. Dark, kind of romantic. We had a party of 12 and had great service. I highly suggest the poutine with duck confit. The bacon wrapped dates with chorizo was very good as well. The pretzel bites were very fluffy. not bad. I had the duck club and it was alright. I was expecting more of a duck taste. A VERY large meal. I suggest you upgrade to the cilantro garlic fries. Depths of flavor. The waitress was able to split all of our bills so super convenient. Overall good experience.
(4)Joe W.
Fork is a very good restaurant - everything I've had on the menu is good. We've gone there for lunch a few times with kids, which can be challenging, but they were friendly and receptive. A good option in Lincoln Square.
(4)Josh S.
I went here on Friday with a table for five. It was a great experience all around. We had initially made a reservation for four, but later changed it to five and the hostess was able to accommodate us without moving the reservation time or having us wait. The service was impeccable and the food was stellar. I highly recommend the Farmhouse Burger, Poutine, Asparagus Flatbread, and Charcuterie spreads.
(5)Tamara S.
I've been here for dinner. I've been here for drinks. Always a great time. The staff is wonderful. The food is yummy. And they do an amazing job of creating interesting desserts.
(5)Dennis A.
4 of us had dinner there and had a really nice meal. Service was just right, attentive but not annoying. We shared a half dozen items from the menu: each was really great, but 3 of them were so terrific that you could keep eating them til you [fill in your most audacious wonderful outcome here]... those were the house made pretzels with really tasty cheese sauce, the French style Mussels and the Sweet Potato Gnocci. The three that were really great, but overshadowed by the competition were the Merguez Flatbread, the "Amazing" Shrimp Grits and the Diver Sea Scallops. This was our first time here. We'll definitely return. Our thanks to the chef for a great meal experience.
(5)Angelica V.
The last time I was at Fork (about 2 years ago), I didn't have quite a pleasant experience. Luckily, I spoke to the new owner/chef and he asked that I give it another shot. I chose to go in today for brunch and let me say that this experience was a complete 180°. The hostess sat us immediately and the server came to provide us with specials and drinks right away. Coffee and mimosas were fantastic choices. It took us a few minutes to choose because everything looked so yummy. We finally agreed on the "hangover helper" and pork belly panini. The gravy on the hangover helper was to die for...we are it so quickly. The pork belly was one of my favorite sandwiches. Right amount of belly and slaw. I chose the garlic fries with their sriracha aioli. If you like sriracha, do yourself a favor and ask for another serving. It was delicious! We finalized our meal with their mini donut holes which came out as if you were in a fancy cafe, along with a glazed dipping sauce. From start to finish, the service, food, and ambiance was outstanding. Even something as simple as sitting by their open windows made such a differenece. We have already recommended this place to family and friends. A huge thank you to Chef Tim for allowing me to reexperience a brand new Fork...which you should ALL try sooner than later.
(5)Rachel T.
I've been to Fork on multiple occasions and have never had an experience I wouldn't rave about. Their beer and wine selection is amazing, and they even have a cranberry cider on tap which is delicious. Both their brunch and dinner menus offer so much variety. I can't make a visit without ordering the house pretzels and the bacon wrapped dates. Recently the poutine has made it into my "must have" list... I mean duck confit and gravy, YUM! I've tried everything on their large plates list from the flatbreads to the brisket to the chicken burger and every time I'm left wanting more. Their specials change almost nightly based on what's new and local and that's fantastic. They just added homemade giardiniera to some of their items and as a girl who likes a little extra flavor, this really meets the bill. And that's just the food! The staff is friendly, from the bartender to the hostesses to the servers. It's all around an amazing dining experience. During the warmer weather, they have a great patio and open window seating. Meets everything on an amazing Chicago dining experience checklist - HIGHLY recommend!
(5)Erin K.
I recently went to Fork for dinner with my boyfriend, and we had an exceptional experience! Their dinner menu is fun and a bit adventurous, while still reasonably priced. They were also very knowledgeable when it came to their gluten-free options, meaning automatic bonus points from me. Great customer service and a cool ambiance complete the restaurant. Oh, and I can't forget the amazing wine and beer flights! :)
(5)Joe G.
I've been here several times and really wanted to like it, but 3 strikes and done. The concept is great, the execution falls short. My last try was to order their special bouillabaisse, and it came cold and in a tomato soup base instead of a broath. When drinks run empty before someone comes by to check in on you that is a fail. And it had nothing to do with the place being busy. Put a fork in this one.
(1)Joanna T.
My sister hosted my baby shower here in February. It was fantastic. The menu was great. We had shared cold appetizers while guests got drinks and mingled. Then we had hot appetizers when seated. Guests were able to choose their entree, which were options of both breakfast sweets and savory lunch sandwiches because you never know which way people lean for brunch. My sister is a foodie and carefully reviewed the menu in detail with the manager, which she had to do from afar in LA. We didn't bring a cake, but rather chose dessert items from their standard menu. The space was ideal for our party size of roughly 35 people. The private room had space for a gift table and a space for the 'crafts' that we set up: a decorating station for onesies and bibs. The room was intimate enough to play a few shower games but was still large enough to stand and mingle. We brought minimal decor. The space is homey and comfortable. We provided centerpieces and candles and hung one banner. I would consider Fork again for a private party. In the meantime we will be back for brunch.
(5)Natalie B.
Went here for my birthday. The food and service was great. We had the pretzels, cheese plate, shortribs and applepie, I highly recommend all.
(5)Joanne W.
On Wednesday, I saw The Knife. On Friday, I went to Fork. True story. Seriously though, I really like Fork. It is one of my go-to places. I've dined here with friends on numerous occasions. I've taken my parents here, my sisters and my man. It never disappoints. The service is always good and they have a nice varied menu with something for everyone. They also have a nice cocktail list, wine menu and really great beer options. You can get a flight of wine or beer aaaaand ya gotta love a place that has Revolution Rosa on draft! When it's in season, of course. I've eaten just about everything here. They do nice charcuterie boards, flat breads, mussels, small plates and some interesting large plates. I've also done a Revolution dinner/tasting at Fork and it was GREAT. The stand out items for me are the garlic cilantro fries, the flat breads and the short rib dish but I've never had something and not enjoyed it. The only thing that is left for me to try is brunch... One of my favorite features of Fork is the outside seating and even if that is not available to you...no worries! Fork has large window fronts that open up to Lincoln Square so you can take in some fresh air from the comforts of a cozy booth. Fork has served me many a fine meal...and drink. *burp*
(4)Brandon B.
I was a little miffed that their hangover helper was sold out by the time I got there on Sunday. I switched to their mushroom omelet, which was surprisingly good. The food was a little better than average, but what really blew me away was their service. Everyone was extremely attentive. My friend and I heard who we thought was the manager chastise the hostess for not noticing that people were waiting up front for a few seconds to be seated. Loved it! They are on the ball, and given the food isn't that bad, I'd go back.
(4)Len L.
We walked in with a few friends and their kids in a stroller, the hostess said "how many?" I said "three and two children" and the hostess replied "And what are you going to do with that?", pointing at the baby stroller. It was something I was not expecting to hear but I did not react to his attitude other than tell him that I will fold it up and put it behind the door. He paused for a moment and said that it should be fine behind the door. Now I'm wondering if this place is "kid-friendly", I looked around and I guess I was the only group with children. We looked at the menu and their prices was decent to the type of food they offered - We ordered the bacon-wrapped dates - Which in my mind was the best thing you could have ordered for an appetizer. In fact, that tasted better than the entree that we had. most of the dishes were some kind of "duck" dishes. we ordered the duck hash, it was super salty and greasy with eggs. At the end of the meal, I think I gain 10 pounds and think my cholesterol levels jumped off the charts. Overall, I would come back only for the bacon wrapped dates and nothing else.
(3)Alli Q.
3.5 if I could. We came for brunch based on a friend's recommendation. I thought this place was just okay - nothing too special. It was bit out of the way for us but I'm still glad we tried it. We had the breakfast melt and the sausage scramble. Both portions were pretty large. Our favorite was the mimosa flight - fun and yummy! Also, the coffee here is actually pretty solid. Honestly, service was just okay. We weren't that impressed by our waitress. We had to flag her down for most things and that was a little disappointing. We made a reservation but it didn't seem to be that necessary.
(3)John G.
This is an update to my last review - both the owner and the chef reached out to ask us to come in and give them the chance to make things right. We did that this evening - it was really good. We started with the pretzels (Chef sent them out as soon as we arrived) followed by English Peas and a cheese selection. If you've never had Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese...go find some - it's truly amazing. Our entrees were the Wild King Salmon and the muscles in a dill broth. I'm not doing those descriptions justice - they were both specials for the evening and both were tremendous. Only complaint was the salmon was a bit overcooked. We were full after that, but chef brought out a good carrot cake w carrot sorbet. Then he brought out probably our favorite bite of the night. The Chef called it a love child of a snickers and a twix, it was FAR better than both. We could have polished off 2 plates of the stuff. In sum, the food was really good and we'll be back.
(4)Steve S.
Food is excellent, and the service is excellent. The sweet potato gnocchi is a true work of culinary artistry.
(5)Haley B.
Super disappointed, Me and my boyfriend were really excited to try fork. I think our expectations were too high. the food was good and normally would have gotten 3 or 4 stars but the service was terrible. Although we visited on a friday night which i understand is busy and stressful we were in the early crowd around 6. We arrived at 6 and we had a reservation for 2 at 615. When we checked in with the hostess she said great well seat you at 615. 605 rolls around and a couple without a reservation walks in and are told the wait would be probably less than 10 min. they sat 2 parties of 4 who arrived after us first. When we were eventually seated they took us to the other side of the restaurant which we couldn't see from the front room and there were at least 7 empty tables. When our server came by she just asked if we wanted anything to drink without welcoming us or explaining the menu or any recommendations. the drink menu is super long with a huge selection of beers and wine and flights but nothing was explained or suggested. after receiving our wine flights they were delivered by what seemed to be a manager the server came around to ask if we were ready to order. We ordered a charcuterie board and some small plates and all of the food came out all at once and they just kept filling the table. As we ate our server never checked in except to ask if we wanted more food or dessert. the food was fine but i don't think ill be back, this is not the kind of dining experience i would expect from a seemingly nice place. I thought fork was going to be a new go-to place for dinner for us but i doubt well be back again which is really a bummer. we love wine and cheese and small plates but will have to keep going back to our old neighborhood when were looking for that type of dinner.
(2)Steph C.
I love it when a brunch spot takes reservations! It is always a good problem to have when there are so many yummy sounding dishes on a menu that it makes ordering a difficult task. I ended up selecting the grilled cheese and porcini soup. Both were very tasty, although I was drooling over my husband's chicken and waffles, which tasted even better than it looked. The only suggestion would be to use a mix like zing zang for the bloody mary... it tasted like straight tomato juice.
(4)Susan A.
Great beer selection! The best garlic fries and aioli! Love the atmosphere.
(4)Christopher T.
Great bartenders - knowledgeable and sassy. Staff is very good at making a crazy Friday night fun and stress free Food is very good and highly recommend this place before a concert at old town school of fol music. Very reliable, fairly priced, and terrific food. What else matters?
(4)Suzanne W.
The food is great, the service good, and the soundtrack spectacular. Hearing something other than Christmas music in December is great, but hearing David Bowie, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, etcetera, is better. The food--I will definitely go back for delicious charcuterie and cheese, heritage pork, decadent desserts. The leftover pork made for a great ingredient in Cubanos and ramen.
(4)Jim S.
We (Me and my better half) have been to Fork many times and while the food is always awesome. We particularly like the back wrapped dates. While you might expect a standard preparation common in tapas restaurants (sweet sauce) Fork's rendition has chorizo stuffed int he date (which is huge) with a blue cheese sauce. Absolutely wonderful! Usually, the service matches the food as being exceptional. Unfortunately, the service was less than stellar on Sunday. They were to be packed to the gills with people and was hosting a private party in the 2nd dining room. Unlike all of our other visits, they seated us and then forgot us. My other half ordered florentine benedict which was wonderful. I ordered a BLT with mayo which ended up without mayo. When it arrived, fries were ice cold. I was half done with my sandwich by the time hot fries arrived. Kind of expected a table side visit from the manager or some sort of credit. All of this for $42 for 2 people for brunch. I will continue to go here, but just realized that they are just humans and not food service Gods.
(3)Susan L.
Delicious! We tried the burntendwich with the garlic cilantro fries. Both were very good. We also had the breakfast melt sandwich that has caramelized onions, ham, over easy egg and lots of cheese; amazing!! Also, the beer/wine list is extensive with lots to choose from. Totally recommend eating here if you are in Lincoln park and looking for brunch/lunch.
(5)Jane R.
This is a great place to grab a drink and a few snacks when you are in Lincoln Square. I always come here with the intention of going on a Lincoln square bar crawl and never make it to any other bars! The wine flights are delightful, the food is delicious, and the staff is very friendly. I thought the service was fast but it can be hard to get a table or spot at the bar because it's so popular. Cheers!
(5)Rashid J.
We ate brunch with my best friend and his wife here. The service was incredible, the ambiance of this restaurant is hipster-vintage comfortable, and the food was amazing: my french toast was super-good, accompanied by some tender chicken sausage and freshly brewed coffee that kept coming.
(5)Scott D.
Hey Tim. It did taste like Chinese five spice. Maybe your chef used allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mace or something similar. Flavour was not the problem. A big mouthful of soft chewy fat was. Render it down, crisp it up and I'll indulge in another tomorrow!
(4)Joshua D.
I rarely give bad reviews because I am definitely one of those people who try to find the good in everything.....after reading the amazing reviews Fork got, my 2 friends and I decided to spend NYE dinner there. It was a prix fixe menu which was cool...normally those type of menus I enjoy! Unfortunately this one was below average....the only positive things were the drinks and the service. The food was not good...even with a couple drinks. Some of the dishes were poorly executed like the tempura fried oysters and some of the pairings just didn't taste well together beet with that gelee. I was underwhelmed with the entire menu and kind of embarrassed because I chose the restaurant and my friends had a horrible food experience. Not a great way to bring in the New Years. I would go back to try the brunch and normal menu but will stay away from prix fixe menus for a while.
(1)Meredith K.
The food is great. The service is friendly but really slow. We were there on a Tuesday and it was not full. I could see the waitress was not sitting around doing nothing but it still took her a very long time to even greet us. Everything took a long time. I was there for nearly 3 hrs and was there with 1 other person. We had cheese, a chicken burger and dessert. But back to the food. We started with a pick 3 cheese plate. The cheeses are fantastic. My friend got the Brussels sprouts which were awesome and the poutine. She loved it! I had the chicken burger with the garlic cilantro fries. It should be renamed garlic fries. I couldn't taste any cilantro but I could see that it was there. The garlic was so heavy but I'm a garlic fan. The sriracha aioli was fantastic. I didn't want to eat all of the burger but I did. The combo of mustard, cheese and apples made it so flavorful. When it came out it looked like it had been sitting for awhile but it wasn't cold. I wonder if the waitress was backed up. For dessert we liked all of the ingredients of the bread pudding. But it was just bread pudding. A little disappointing until you finally hit the peanut butter in the middle. The outside is just soggy bread to me. I would def meet my friend here again for a casual relaxing night. I wouldn't come here if we had a show to go to.
(4)Edgar W.
We came to Fork for brunch on New Years Day. It was wonderful! Our waiter, Terrance, was attentive, informative, fast, and funny. He recommended the Duck Confit Hash and I loved it! My wife had the Chilequilles and she loved it as well. He took us through the beer menu (with an enormous selection!) and we ended up enjoying two Bronze Lion drafts. We will definitely be comin' back!
(5)Amy Q.
Pretty bad NYE prix fixe dinner. Worse decision to go out ever. I only gave a star because I had to. Service was good with the waiter but everything else was pure chaos. No one knew what the heck was what... what a nightmare! Taste was average at best. I wish I could do a re-do.
(1)Elly K.
We came in for brunch a couple of Saturday's ago and it was really great. The service was good-when we walked in, they were packed but we got a two top right away. The Bloody Mary was really good except I might ask next time if there is horseradish in it and if so, pass on that. I know lots of people are totally into that these days but I hate horseradish. Our server was super knowledgeable and offered her favorites right off the bat, which I love. We had the chicken and waffles and the farmhouse burger. Both were really good, although I don't think I would order the chicken and waffles again-only because it's a bit too decadent. I got the candied bacon on the side b/c I don't eat pork and my boyfriend said it was way too much. Might work well all together, though so not sure if that is really a negative. And the burger was amazing, albeit messy! Also had the cilantro and garlic fries-good stuff. The only slightly negative I might add, though it's no fault of the restaurant so I won't deduct stars, is that there were a ton of children and strollers. Maybe it's just b/c it was Saturday brunch but the table next to us had a child (not a baby) who was screaming from the moment they walked in so it kind of ruined the ambience. Again-not the fault of the restaurant but ugh. Anyway, we are definitely looking forward to coming back.
(5)Lindsay K.
Every time I go there I really want to like this place, but I always leave feeling, "eh." Bought a Groupon and because of the weird days it can be used and the expiration date, we have gone twice without being able to use it. I think I give up. The wait staff is fine. The menu just isn't that appealing. It's over priced and the main dishes sound good and then there are a few ingredients that just ruin the whole thing. The appetizers are the only thing I'll order. Sometimes they have good specials, but it's a crap shoot. A must say too that everything always seems to be way too salty. It's not that I'll never go back if I had no other place to go.
(3)Romana Y.
I come here for drinks with one particular buddy every month. It never fails us. The space is great. We love the layout, furnishings, lighting, and crowd! We have had great Belgium beers, to smooth red wines. The food has always been a hit here... from the burgers, fries, eggplant spread, to the salads, vegetable sides, and beyond. The food was unexpectedly scrumptious. Fork is always a hit with friends whom are Fork-virgins!
(5)Peter M.
We just moved to Lincoln Square and had to see a movie at 740pm. We walked into the square and decided on Fork for a quick dinner. We quickly realized that we were going to be short on time and might not make the movie. Fork was very busy with diners inside and out. I asked our server Mark if he though we would have enough time. He said he would make it happen but I was skeptical. Our food came out very quickly and was delicious. We made our movie with time to spare! Mark really knocked it out the park with our dinner. I would definitely go back again!
(5)Brynn M.
Fork is great! I've been there for both lunch and brunch and both were delicious. Plus, they can accommodate a large group (and take reservations!) for brunch, so that's a huge plus in my book. And outdoor seating to boot. The bananas foster pancakes are delicious - as are their Parmesan breakfast potatoes. And the staff is always friendly and efficient. I give them 4/5 stars only because of the bloody marys - they are pretty meh. And to me, the definition of a good brunch place is an excellent blood mary :-)
(4)Phil S.
Great neighborhood spot with an excellent menu of tapas style dishes along with an impressive beer selection. The burgers are phenomenal especially with the garlic cilantro fries! Prices are very reasonable and they are also kid friendly - our new favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square!
(5)Nicklaus R.
Went for desert. Had a wonderfully spacious table for 5. Nice, dressed up causal environment. Service was great. Food was amazing. Crème brûlée was one of the best I have ever had. Well balance of sweet and cream.
(5)Melody L.
This is my favorite spot in Lincoln Square. I've been to Fork multiple times over the past few years, and have never (never) had a bad experience. Only good or great or awesome. I even had my birthday brunch there this summer, and my friends and I had a terrific time. Their chicken and waffles are life-changing. Their flights are incredibly generous. Their staff is great, always helpful.
(5)Dean L.
Bartender was very nice and provided good service. Mushroom panini too salty and very sparring on the article. Fries very overcooked. Sad.
(2)Theresa F.
Food was GREAT! Burgers are share-able (and very rich so choose wisely). Service was a little pushy but overall, we were attended to. Came in on a Friday night (with reservations) and it was pretty busy, but still quiet enough where I could hear my drinking buddy.
(4)PK S.
Love Fork! We came here with a large group before catching a movie at the Davis. It was very good, and everyone was very pleased. Living only 2 blocks away my girlfriend and I wanted to go back so we could explore the menu a little more and try more things. This is now our new favorite Splurge restaurant! We had a great two hour dinner with what we thought was the manager checking in on us very often, giving his personal recommendations on how to try certain dishes. The beer list is great with tons of smaller craft breweries, and the best part is their beer flights! They are very well put together, and the pour size is very generous for each! They also do great events, my girlfriend and I are very excited to attend a special dinner with pairings from Revolution Brewery, which was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather (Polar vortex part 2). However, the chef personally called me to apologize and find a time to reschedule, which was a great touch. LOVE FORK! and will be coming back even when we move from the area.
(4)Benita T.
It's always such a pleasure to have a meal at Fork. From the first foot in the door you're welcomed by the entire staff who goes to every length to help you enjoy your visit. As a starter the cheeses and meats are an eye-opener; many unique and flavorful varieties - not just the regular mundane cheeses you normally find. The nice part is they're never out of any of the offerings! Brunch entrees were fantastic - all ingredients are locally-sourced and fresh as can be. Bagel and house-smoked lox was fresh and had a full variety of accompaniments; breakfast melt was hot and cheesy; hangover special (house-made biscuit, cheddar cheese and bacon) was rich and creamy and side of eggs was cooked exactly as ordered. One of the highlights of Fork's menu is the variety of fresh, house-made and house-smoked meats - - the sausage is the best I've had and the ham is also excellent - tender and full of smoky flavor. Cocktails are always unique and strong - - a specialty being their extensive beer list. The red Sangria was also flavorful and not too sweet (as sangria often is). Our server was friendly, helpful and bent over backwards to help us out - - drinks stayed full, recommendations were made and we had a tremendous time! As always - A++
(5)Key K.
We visited Chicago for a day and were pleased with this great find for Sunday Brunch. The chicken and waffles are among the best that we've had outside of our home. My husband enjoyed the Spicy Bloody Mary with a beer chaser. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and very inviting. Each staff member greeted us with a smile as we were coming and going. We will definitely dine at Fork again.
(4)Brett A.
Popped in for a quick beer and sat at the bar. I really want to like this place, but there's always something wrong. Today, I swear to God, it looked like the bar hadn't been wiped down all day. It was disgusting. The beer menu cover had little pieces of food stuck to it. There were spilled beer stains all over. Crumbs everywhere. The floor hadn't been mopped or vacuumed all day it looked like. French fries under empty tables, leaves blown in from outside. Come on people. Simple tasks go a long way. Gross. Updated: I must say, Fork has gone above and beyond to make things right. With the restaurant and me. The owner has reached out to me numerous times to apologize and invite me back. I accepted and had a wonderful afternoon a month or so ago. Thanks for caring, guys. It's appreciated.
(4)Alicia P.
Not sure why this place has such good reviews. I'm giving two stars because they have a huge craft beer selection and their eggplant caviar was good. Atmosphere is nice. Overall the food is overpriced for what you get. I had the duck club and it was $20 for a meal that was mostly white bread and not much inside. The small amount of meat that was inside was too salty in my opinion and mostly fat. Very disappointed.
(2)Greg L.
Fork is a comfortable wine bar for an intimate evening. I have not tried the food, so you'll have to read on for that experience. The service is quite friendly and the beer and wine selection will keep you occupied for a long time (or lots of visits, like I plan to make). In the summer months there are outdoor seating options where you can watch the world go by. It's quite pleasant.
(4)Dhara S.
We went to fork for brunch. The menu had something for everyone. The food was delicious. It is evident that the Chef Tim puts a lot thought and care into his dishes. The staff was also wonderful from the hostess to our bartender. We can't wait to try it again.
(5)Mariana B.
Fantastic staff. Inventive slightly French menu. Saddle up a seat the bar while Kelly is working and you'll be treated to expertly mixed drinks and good conversation. My favorite items are the duck prosciutto made in-house and the creamy eggplant "caviar" spread with chevre. Can't wait to back and try more of the menu.
(5)Gary S.
I made a reservation for a group of more than 10, which is no easy task considering there were 5 kids, and Fork did a great job of accommodating us. The food was great and my big takeaway is that my wife and I really want to go back...just the two of us.
(4)John C.
The food is excellent, which is a shame because the service is terrible. The bartender and wait staff seemed like they were on Valium. The food came out in good time, but after our order came we were invisible to our waitress. We tried to get another drink, asked two busboys to get our server. And she was no where to be seen for 15 minutes. When finally she came over she seemed grumpy and annoyed. I've been there several times in the past and had good experiences, but no more. When I arrived my friend was at the bar having a drink. The guy next to him got into a conversation about the horrible service... so I'm assuming it just wasn't a one time thing.
(2)Jennifer B.
UPDATED! After our first trip I was messaged by both the owner and chef who apologized profusely for our first visit and invited us back for a second try. We came back (Same group plus two of our friends) and got a great giant cozy booth! Our server (I forgot his name darn it!) Was FANTASTIC! Oh my goodness he made great recommendations, treated us like royalty, and was just a delight to be around! The food was D E L I C I O U S!!!!! Everything was hot, flavorful and filling! We left stuffed full and post-brunch pleased as one loves to feel (: The chef even came out to present some of our dishes. We felt so valued as customers and people, an individualization that many restaurants lack nowadays. The food, the service, the ambiance - all 5 stars! The staff here is wonderful, we thank you so much for all of your kindness, we will definitely be back soon!!! ----- We were really excited to try brunch here, but unfortunately we left less than warm and post-brunch pleased. Hostess was very nice, seated immediately (reserved through OpenTable) Service however took about 10 minutes before someone (found out later it was the owner) took our drink order. We waited about 15 more minutes and still no drinks. (This was the end of brunch, staff were hanging around as you would when things are slowing down) Another server came up to our table (Everyone was very friendly!) And took our orders and assured us our drinks would be up shortly. Another 10 minutes passes, we look over to see our three drinks sitting at the bar. After about 5 more minutes we FINALLY get our drinks. Standard Mimosa & Bloody Mary - not spectacular but not terrible! We get our food, I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and it was unfortunately luke warm airing on the cold side. I would have asked it be heated up a little more but our server didn't come and ask us how anything was until about 20 minutes later. My friends got the Brioche French Toast & the Duck Confit Hash. The Duck was wonderful and the French Toast was yummy but again luke-warm like my dish. We also got the home-made donut holes. They were yummy but would have tasted better warm, they were pretty cold when we got them. We wanted to order coffee and another round of mimosas which took another 15 minutes (we actually had to go up to the bar and ask because our server was just hanging out chatting in the corner, she actually looked a little offended at our request...) Overall it was a disappointment. The food was yummy and I'm sure would have been even better if it was at a more fresh temperature. Service was friendly but extremely slow! We probably will not return.
(5)zachary a.
My wife, our kid and I went to Fork to meet old friends a few months back, grabbing Brunch on a Sunday. Now, we're not an easy bunch to deal with: two toddlers and my wife is gluten-free (Has been for a year)... They knocked it out of the park. They brought out these amazing bacon donuts as... An amuse bouche? Whatever, they were great and kept the kids sane (too bad for the wife, but that was the end of her being left out). The wait staff was knowledgable about gluten needs, and there were a variety if GF options. She ended up getting a veggie hash that she still holds up as the best brunch she's ever had (even when compared to her glutinous days). I got an amazing concoction of eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, bacon and egg -- it was freaking perfect, and I'm talking about changing the way I think about those foods. Everyone at the table felt this way (except one of the more fractious toddlers -- he liked the food, but did not like the sitting). Since going, I've recommended this place to my friends and family... It finally occurred to me to recommend it to you; sorry I took so long.
(5)Eric S.
My wife and I asked Fork to host a "stand-up" reception for about 60-70 guests. We included drinks and a selection of appetizers and finger foods. In the end, we couldn't have been happier. The event went off perfectly and we had an absolutely idyllic evening with our friends and family. We go to Fork about once a week for dinner and drinks, and every time we arrive the staff makes us feel welcome. We don't even bother with a table, but would rather sit at the bar and chat with whoever is tending bar that evening. We've made some great friends and have explored some mind-blowing cocktails. The food is probably in the top two or three in all of the Lincoln Square area of Chicago, and if you couple this with the professional bar you have a guaranteed awesome experience. I can't say enough about Fork. -eric Chicago, IL
(5)Mike L.
Good food. Kind of a limited menu. We shared a few things and left full. Very expansive beer menu which is nice. We had a late reservation and they close at 11 but they did not rush us out and were very nice the entire time. Good experience here
(4)Elisabeth B.
The ambiance of this restaurant is nice and from looking at their menu they have an excellent selection of cheese. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and would not order this dish again from Fork. The waffle was too airy and bland...the chicken was soggy and overcooked. Based on what my boyfriend and I ordered here for brunch, we both agreed the food was not restaurant quality at all. If I ever come back here again it will not be for brunch...it will be for a wine and cheese tasting with friends perhaps.
(2)Ron C.
Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner. Relaxed, eclectic atmosphere in Lincoln Square neighborhood. We sat at the open windows on a beautiful evening. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and patient, made some good suggestions. They have a nice variety of small plate items. Started with cilantro fries while we absorbed the other offerings on the menu - good but not great. We ordered charcuterie and cheeses, all of which were very good - a standout was the house made pistachio mortadella. Each of us ordered are own wine flight and we had a good time sharing and comparing. Twelve different wines between us and nothing disappointing. We then enjoyed a glass of our favorites. They also have a good selection of craft beer. Also enjoyed bruschetta flatbread, pork prime rib and another standout - mushroom and grits, served with a poached egg. Good desserts as well.
(4)AM L.
Terrible customer service. The hostess told my party we had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table. Another party of young girls came in 10 minutes after us and she told them it would be a 15-20 minute wait. Surprisingly, the party of young girls were given a table before us (an empty table which we were standing next to the whole time). We were given four different responses by the hostess and management as to why we were not seated first and none of them added up. The first response being, "oh, I didn't know you wanted that table". And it just got worse from there. To keep a long story short, management was not helpful and brushed us off, so we left. I do not recommend this place. Completely unprofessional.
(1)Katarina X.
Um, runners who want brunch are a tough crowd. "I think my toenail fell off" is one fine example we started conversation with. And the fact that the entire menu still looked craveably appetizing is saying something! The servers were totally not fazed by the sweaty, achy, still-in running gear crowd fresh from the Soldier Field 10 mile. It was cold and the entire large party were seated comfortably by the fireplace with no wait. And we ordered everything on the menu- pretzels and cheese, chilequiles, Chicken and waffles, Farmhouse Burger, Eggs Benedict, Beer, Mimosas, coffee... it was plentifully shared and in spite of the conversation- really delicious. They kept the drinks coming (I had the coffee- excellent) water plentiful and made sure we had everything to make it a special finish to a big day. The server was wonderful too, able to break the bill without a sweat or complaint. highly recommended.
(4)Stephanie C.
I've been back to Fork multiple times since my last review and I think it's becoming my go-to place. Every time time I go, whether for dinner or brunch, it is a great experience. The staff is helpful, the food is always excellent, and the specials are always changing so you can get some variety. There is only one thing I've eaten there that I didn't like, and that was the bread pudding (the peanut butter was weird, yo). But the carrot cake or apple pie were amazing. Also, try the pretzel bites with cheese. And bacon wrapped dates. And beet salad. And for brunch, the eggs benedict with salmon. Mmmmm :) One time I asked the bartender (who was super helpful and generally awesome all evening, as Fork staff usually is!) for a recommendation for a dessert wine, and she brought me a black moscato that was so good I have ordered it twice since then--it tastes like blackberry pie in a glass, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Carly S.
Amazing food. Brunch was fantastic with many options and sweet treats to start off the meal. Desserts phenomenal for those with a killer sweet tooth. Great beer selection and overall just a warm and comfortable environment. Staff excellent as well!!!
(5)Danielle C.
I have eaten at Fork a few times and have always found it to be impressive. Breakfast is hearty, delicious and worth the wait. The coffee will kick start your heart and your day and get you into gear. I wish I had someone brewing it for me daily. Dinner and the small plates are both superb! Duck liver pate, brussel sprouts, root veggie hash mixed with tasty drinks, and a variety of other dishes recently kicked off our evening. Service was wonderful!
(4)Sarah P.
Just moved into the neighborhood and was so excited to try the place. Sadly, it was underwhelming. Really loved the wine flights, but food was disappointing. Tried the bacon dates with chorizo, delicious!! But every thing after that lack luster. Brussels sprouts, meh, French onion soup, almost inedible. Gnocchi was hard and crunchy, almost inedible. Service and atmosphere was welcoming, I'll give it another try in the future.
(2)Craig Y.
You have to get there early to get the donut holes - I have been twice but both time they were already out. I had the regular Bloody Mary it was good not too spicy but lots of zest. We started with the bacon wrapped dated they are delicious, I highly recommend them. I had the ham and cheese hash - it was really good the ham had good flavor and the cheese was definitely not American but real cheddar. I would go again.
(4)Meag H.
Dined here Friday night with friends! Every bite and sip was fantastic! Great service too! Would definitely recommend Fork to anyone and will be back soon!
(5)Joonho Y.
Great Location. Service was Friendly, but Very Slow. The Eggs Benedict had Ham that was So Overly Seared that it was Crunchy/Chewy, and the Potatoes were Bland, but the Biscuit was OK. The "Show Stopper" was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING: the Meat was So Overcooked that it was Literally Inedible, and the Cheese Slices seemed to be an Afterthought, but the Waffle was OK (the Entire Dish seemed to be a Horribly Misguided Attempt to get Media Attention based on Sheer Size). We might try it again (solely because of the Location), but we will stick to Simple Dishes, as they were Unable To Properly Execute their Signature Dish. Clearly, the Menu tries too hard to be inventive, and the Kitchen Can't Handle It.
(1)Bert T.
Service: very good. Almost excellent -- efficient & friendly in every way, EXCEPT the server did not check back to see if the food was OK. (Which it wasn't.) Atmosphere: fine (sidewalk table for Sunday brunch). Food (vegetable hash with eggs over easy and toast, side of bacon, coffee): Bacon was outstanding, cooked to that point in between raw and tough that you want for texture and flavor. Coffee in a large mug, too large to stay fresh or hot. Hash had a nice blend of ingredients (red potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, a few fava beans, hollandaise, topped off with fresh arugula). Problem: it was UNDERDONE. Skillet cooked potatoes are NOT supposed to be raw; they actually CRUNCHED. Also, the hollandaise sauce was also runny; when combined with two barely cooked eggs (yolk entirely raw), this resulted in a plate full of soup. Even with lots of veggies and lettuce to stir into the mess, I was unable to eat most of the yellow of the eggs, which is the only source of protein in this dish! With a creamy hollandaise, eggs cooked at least medium, and properly cooked vegetables, this could have been a fine dish. As it was, it was a big disappointment. And no one came to check on me until, driven by hunger, I'd almost finished eating. Note also that the menu has several changes from what is posted on their website.
(2)Lindsey D.
Get this guys- Contemporary American cuisine with an extensive beer list and charcuterie and cheeses that even serves PORK BELLY. SO UNIQUE WHERE DID THEY THINK THIS UP? No but really, there are a million and a half of these popping up around the city, but this one is quality and delicious. Burgers were great, loved the duck club, and received amazing service. The wine list left is wanting, but the server was super helpful trying to get us nearer to what we were looking for. Solid food, good variety, nice people, great service. Way to go Fork, you're doing it right.
(4)Tim K.
While visiting some friends in Chicago last month we were highly recommended to try Fork and it did not disappoint. It was so good that not only did we go there for dinner one of the nights we were there, we also went back for their Sunday brunch. Service was great and it turns out that the GM was also from the Metro Detroit area which was pretty cool. They offer a lot of small plates which worked perfectly the night we had dinner there as we had a fairly large and late lunch that day. The GM took his time to give us suggestions and ask us what we like and didn't like food wise and we even trusted him to surprise us with a few items that he thought we'd like. Never would I have ever ordered beef tongue prosciutto on my own, which is one of the things he surprised us with, but it actually was really good. When we came back for brunch I was egged on (no pun intended) to try and conquer the Showstopper challenge which is two Belgian waffles, a one pound prime beef patty, cheddar and swiss cheese, tomato, arugula, dijonnaise, maple braised short ribs, house cured bacon and ham. I was told many have attempted it and very few have actually succeeded. Holy crapsticks was it good and yes, this fat kid conquered the beast in just under 30 minutes. The chef personally hand delivered it to me and praised me with a "not worthy" bow upon completion. I was stuffed to the gills, but it was worth it. Stick a FORK in me, because I was done (pun intended this time)! Overall it was a great experience all around and we will definitely go back there the next time we are in the Chicagoland area.
(5)Lauren M.
Service was great ( today) the food was eh. We have been here before for dinner and the service was slow and he forgot many things. When I ordered a beer it came after I had finished my meal... Today's brunch lacked flavor and my Bloody Mary was not strong at all and the mix was watered down. My man' bagel was not toasted and the cream cheese did not look or taste like cream cheese. We will be back because we live close and their beer choices are stellar. Perhaps we shall just sit at the bar next time. Sorry Fork, I really want to love you!
(3)Joseph D.
Ambiance = 4 stars, Service = 4 stars, Food 3.5 stars Went with the wife and another couple on a Saturday night for the first time and had an enjoyable time. The decor is warm with exposed brick walls and dimly lit dining room. A few TV's are above the main bar but I wouldn't call this a sports bar or a place to watch the game. More of a "if the game is on and you're out dining with some boring coworkers and want to catch the score, you can." The front windows open up to the sidewalk on Lincoln so what's nice is you can sit inside yet feel like you're outside. We did just that as the rain was coming down pretty good but we were able to enjoy the fresh air and be protected by the awnings outside. Service was cordial. Andy our server was nice. Not too friendly, not unfriendly, just professional. The ancillary staff was excellent as not a water glass went empty nor did a plate sit on the table for more than 2 minutes once completed. Kudos to the busing team. The unsung heroes of our dining experience... We started with a Chef's Selection of Charcuterie which consisted of pretty much a little of everything. Meats, cheeses, olives, dried cranberries, etc. It was a nice way to start off for 4 and just the right size and variety. For dinner we had amongst us a steak with fries, a soft shell crab sandwich and two orders of mussels. One French style (mine) and one a nightly special with fresh herbs and a broth. Steak was reportedly good and so were the special mussels. My wife very much enjoyed her crab sandwich and it was large enough that she took half home. My french style mussels were also good although they lacked a bit of the creamy richness that other places I've had this style of mussel (think Le Bouchon in Bucktown) but still decent. Beer list is very interesting with some nice quirky choices on there including a lite cranberry beer and a bitter lemon. Other more traditional choices may be found as well along with a nice cocktail list and wine list. What's nice about Fork is you can go for small plates, big plates or just share a whole lotta stuff. The menu I must admit was a bit all over the place but that may serve you well if you have a diverse group who all like different things. A kinda of "something for everyone" place. For desert we shared (meaning I ate most of it) a bread pudding made with pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate topped with chocolate ice cream and drizzle. It was decadent and so rich I nearly passed out. Worth saving room for... Overall a nice place with good service, nice atmosphere and decent food. Fork won't blow you away but it won't embarrass you if you take some out of town friends there.
(4)Dan D.
So, after my last review, Fork offered a gift certificate to try them one more time, stating that they have worked hard on improving their customer service. I took them up on the offer, and they definitely succeeded in changing my opinion. My wife and I returned for my birthday on a busy night. The server was running around between all the tables efficiently taking orders, serving food, and handing out drinks. Not once did I feel unattended to. The ambiance continued to be classy, yet casual. Great for date night or to grab a good meal and a couple of drinks with friends. Most of the food continued to be delicious (mussels, salad, bacon wrapped date chorizo, burger, and a salmon dish). My burger was mediocre compared to burgers you can get nearby but the rest was very good. As long as the service continues to be exemplary, I would now recommend trying this place out.
(4)Tricia D.
And the award goes to... Dish most likely to bring you back: the fork poutine! Fatty, flavorful, and full of plump duck meat! Drool. Great ratios of gravy and cheese too, and I liked the touch of rosemary. Best quality of my duck confit hash: how perfectly diced the potatoes were under those 2 eggs! (Not the pile of arugula on top of the dish, and NOT the 2 pieces of toast that weren't served with any jam or butter.) Biggest nit pick: the dining area gets drafty if the window(s) is open and/or if you're seated at a table by the door (which is constantly opening and closing with customers coming in and out)! Most memorable thing about the bathroom: the hook for your purse on the back of the door is WAY up high, like pretty much at the top edge of the door. What? Not suitable for the vertically challenged (me). Coolest bean: that Metropolis coffee! Best looking crust: that quiche! Most unexpected perk: +100 on OpenTable!
(3)Linda T.
Service quick and kind. Chicken and waffles OUTSTANDING ! Chilaquiles with home made Chorisa is spice nice. Good select of brunch brews and bloodys. I will be back.
(5)Lisa P.
My husband & I have been here once before and had a nice lunch experience. We decided to go to Fork for dinner tonight and left rather disappointed. Ordered the Poutine special, which was pretty good.. Your average Poutine with pulled pork & home made giardiniera-- which was the highlight of the dish. My husband ordered the steak frites, ordered medium rare. When it came out it was a rather raw flank steak. The waiter was GREAT about seeing that it was undercooked & took it back to get it fixed. However, when the steak was returned, it was half the portion he previously had and completely well done. I had the burger, which was also a major let down. It was as if they had pre-made burgers patties that they put on their grill and tried to pass for a hand-shaped burger. Their garlic cilantro fries are fantastic. I'd recommend those to anyone. But the end of our meal was a let down... We seemed to be forgotten after we had gotten our main course. The restaurant has so much potential. Their beer and wine list is great!! The service is almost there. Maybe more of a place for drinks rather than a full-on meal??
(2)Asma M.
Gave this place another shot yesterday. We ordered the same thing, duck confit hash and banana fosters french toast. Two entrees and two drinks was about $50 with tax ($60 with tip). Once again, amazing!! The customer service was better, but it was so bad last time it could only get better. We had the same server which was kinda funny and this time he actually acknowledged us but we still had to flag him down and the interaction was awkward. Oh well the food is worth dealing with a less than ideal waiter, we just wont be back as frequently as we would otherwise.
(4)Hannah H.
Fork offers a brunch, lunch, and a dinner menu, a cheese & charcuterie option, as well as beer and wine flights. My friend and I came here for an early dinner, and even though we did not make any reservations, we were able to score a table! We tried the duck breast crostini which was actually pretty tasty, with the crunchy crostini bottom and a juicy, perfectly-seasoned duck on top. I also tried the grilled cheese, which was nicely grilled and had a generous amount of melty cheese in between; I just wished they used a better bread that would complement it more, as it was a little too thick. This came with a cup of tomato soup, which was pretty okay, but more on the thicker consistency (I didn't mind this, and definitely do the grilled cheese dipping action!). My friend had a burger, which was pretty okay, with a freshly-ground patty and toppings. The strawberry rhubarb cobbler was a tad too overly sweet and more strawberry jam than the rhubarb. The ginger ice cream, while interesting, was more on the forgettable side. The restaurant also has a patio seating, so you can dine al fresco. Parking is semi-difficult, but can be found in the residential off streets. +duck breast crostini +grilled cheese (request a substitute bread!) +limited residential parking
(3)Bernard L.
I've been here a couple of times mostly for drinks, but I continue to come back. The location couldn't be any more perfect and a lot of times I have been there after seeing a movie. The place mostly has tables, but there are a couple of booths. The wine list is extensive and I love getting the wine flights, which you can never go wrong. The staff is always gracious and service is really good. The only food item I have ever gotten was the garlic fries, which are sinfully delicious. We almost always end up getting two orders. In a location with so much competition, Fork definitely stands out.
(5)Justin N.
Honestly, what's not to love about FORK, they have a prime location and we went on a perfect alfresco day in Chicago. Unfortunately, we experienced a bad management and food service experience. When we got there, the host was kind enough to sit us inside next to an open window. Our server took our order, and didn't serve our drinks until 20 minutes later. Food came significantly after that. This is our second time visit, and our experience has been missing. FORK has the ability to be great, but poor service will not get them there.
(2)Brian M.
Came here for brunch. The food was de...wait for it...licous. The service was nice and friendly. My chicken and waffles were so good the bees were trying to help themselves to my plate the entire time.
(5)Darren B.
While paying a visit to my old stomping grounds last night, I knew I would find a great place to eat and my instincts were right on. I used to live 3 blocks from here and would come to this particular spot often when it was Square Kitchen. After Square Kitchen, I'm pretty sure there was another restaurant here before Fork took residence about 4 years ago. I had an absolutely fantastic experience. I sat at the bar and Mike, simply put, was awesome and made some great recommendations. The service was spectacular. I felt like I received everything I ordered within 1 minute of having ordered it. I don't know how they do what they do, but they do it so very well. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi (with shitake mushrooms, beer braised fennel, scallions, brussel kraut sauce, truffle oil & pecorino cheese) was unreal!!! The truffle oil was legit; you could taste the truffle. I also had a half order of the Belgian style mussels (as opposed to the French style Mussels offered) which were good. I've had better (Hopleaf), but these were not bad at all and were very serviceable. I recommend dipping the accompanying bread in the belgian ale broth. I finished off with an order of the bacon dates which are bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and drizzled with a delectable blue cheese sauce. These were bombs of sweet, salty and smoky flavor. They came with four and when I saved one for my brother and he realized how amazing they are, he also realized how much I must love him for having not finished them all off myself and for saving one for him. I had a beer that was great. In addition to also having a number of wine options, you can do a sampling by getting a wine flight. The atmosphere is perfect too. I love the natural exposed brick/wood combination and chic overall vibe. I would, without question, love to come back here before I leave and will definitely try to. The only sad part of this experience is knowing how great this place is coupled with the fact that I no longer live around the corner any longer. I will definitely be back, possibly again this week before I leave.
(5)Michael B.
Love this place. Nice vibe,, great people, good sized selection tasty on trend farm to fork small plate and share plate food choices as well as mains, expansive wine menu combine for a great night. There might have been background music but if there was it was not blaring to the point where we had to scream at each other all night long so we could enjoy each others company and conversation. Big comfortable space with large windows that bring the outside in. In our case, a warm rainy night, which made the place feel more cozy and comfortable. This giant guy came over from behind the bar to take our order. At first we were a little intimidated as he kind of looked like someone you'd see on Ice Road Truckers or Ax Men, but he was a gentle giant, couldn't have been nicer and was spot on in his food recommendations. We shared a bunch of small/share plates and washed it down with a nice Prosecco. Some of our favorites were: Merguez Flatbread - spiced lamb sausage, fava bean puree, feta, arugula, Buriata Root Vegetable Hash - carrots, parsnips, fennel, gold beets, onion, sweet potatoes, butternut squash fried egg & arugula Eggplant "Caviar" Smear- roasted eggplant puree, goat cheese bread, caramelized onions, mint (THIS WAS GREAT) "Amazing Shrimp" & Grits - locally farmed gulf shrimp, scallions, chorizo spiced shrimp gravy Wish it was in my hood, but its worth the trip. Easy street parking during the week.
(4)scott B.
Lincoln Square is such a great place to meander about to and fro. Last Friday night was one of those nights. We had relatives in town and we wanted to show them the neighborhood. We had never been to Fork, although we had been to several other restaurants that were in its location previously. Our relatives like beer and the beer list was impressive. Making a same day reservation through Yelp and Open Table was easy and seamless. The dinner menu seemed limited. The food was good, not great. I ordered and liked the gnocchi, but wished the portion size was larger for the price they were charging. My son had chicken fingers and they were probably the worst chicken fingers he has ordered in a long time. Mushy breading that kept falling off the meat. He was not a happy camper. I didn't like the $3.95 they charged us for his milk. Half of the Mussels that we ordered had fallen out of their shells. The saving grace was that the fries were excellent. I would go back for drinks and lite bites anytime. Be sure to get fries. Definitely will not be eating here with our son again.
(3)Shannon S.
BRUNCH: Great menu options. Love the chilaquiles! DRINKS: Amazing wine flights and wine by the glass options. Very nice atmosphere. DINNER: The quality of the food can be tasted in everything, the plating is beautiful and the service is attentive and professional. DESSERT: Hands down the best dessert menu in Lincoln Square. Fork also has just about the nicest restaurant owner out there.
(5)Gina F.
I've tried this latest incarnation of restaurant at 4600 N. Lincoln a couple times now, and it's pretty good. I preferred the Fiddlehead menu, but this still makes for a nice, upscale bar in the area. It has a great beer & wine menu, and a wonderful cheese selection, but I wouldn't choose it for dinner. The food selection is a little limited (especially if you're a vegetarian). My flat bread was very tasty, though, and my other dining companions enjoyed their food as well. My husband has since declared that he doesn't see the point of a burger without duck confit on it! Overall it was pretty good, with good service, and I'd definitely stop by for some wine & cheese again. On a side note, a friend of mine had her bridal shower here, and they did a FANTASTIC job on brunch. The food was amazing. The air conditioner was broken & it was 85 degrees in there, but the food was great & they made it up to us in mimosas.
(4)Ronni G.
Great bistro food at reasonable prices in Lincoln Square. Loved the mussels, fries and Fall beer flight. Creme brulee is excellent. Good service. The only shortcoming is the coffee. An expresso or cappuccino would be a welcome addition to the menu.
(4)Jennifer L.
I stopped by here for a late lunch Saturday with my boyfriend while on a weekend trip to Lincoln Square. We were a bit intimidated by the charcuterie options so we chose to go with what we knew and had sandwiches. Unlike other reviews, I got the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup and enjoyed it. I liked the toast on the bread and the house bacon. My boyfriend got a burger with bleu cheese and he enjoyed it am thought it was worth the $12 price tag. The garlic fries are a must have if you come here. The decor is nice - somewhat small but warm and inviting. Also, they have wine flights and an extensive beer and wine list. We would definitely come back and try it again.
(4)Minh D.
The farm burger was very greasy. The egg was over cook...like the one that you get at the Chinese carry out. Beats goat cheese salad, the strawberry looks old and darken red. We ask for a slice of lemon with the salad but never arrive. The warm olives has no flavor and mushy. All you can taste is the olive oil. The water taste like sanitizer water. We MIGHT go back and try their brunch menu.
(2)Heather P.
I've been Forked! I'd heard mixed reviews before I went and I understand why. Two people told me they didn't care for it (prior to explaining that they both ordered the grilled cheese - not to hate on anyone, but who goes to a charcurria (sp?) and only orders grilled cheese?!) At first glance, I was completely overwhelmed by the menu. Drinks alone took me 20 minutes to figure out since there is so much and everything sounds so great. I love the fact that you have the option to create your own flights. Really appreciated the amount of information about each beverage down to a distinct flavor profile description. It's important to note that our server was extremely patient and well educated on the ways of the beers, wines and more. Sadly, my friend wanted to try the sangria; which is advertised as the best in town and they were out. Wow, must be real good then....turns out the owner is in Vegas and won't share his recipe. Interesting little tidbit. On to the food, almost as overwhelming as the beverages. I must say that I am not one who is prone to make decisions especially when it comes to something as important as what I will order at a restaurant so this truly is a dilemma for me. Luckily I was there with a friend who is the take charge type and he just asked questions and ordered. I happily just said, I'll split anything you want on the menu and that we did. It was a great plan - we tried the pork and duck smear....sounds gross, looked gross, tasted incredible! Next up, we had the Italian meat flight. Good, but not a very good value in my opinion. Also, I'll add that they give us 3 tiny little pieces of bread and I'm sorry, but these prices weren't what I'd consider nominal so throw in a few more slices of bread at least. This just didn't have any wow factor for me. Round 3, the poutine. YUMMY!!! My body hates me for this, but I could eat this several times a week. It was loaded with succulent duck with a gravy and cheese sauce. It was heavenly and absolutely horrible for me, but I relished every biteful. I also got to try the farm burger. Unfortunately, the egg was overcooked for my taste but the brioche bun was delectable smothered in a dijon mayo. Was also able to taste a bit of the brisket in root beer sauce. SO GOOD! I was thoroughly impressed with the entire meal. I certainly wouldn't come here regularly, but it's a fun place to check out every so often. I don't know about the value for what you get but I do think the small plates and smears with a few drinks is fun and there's a movie theater nearby so you can make a whole fun date out of it for sure! I'm certain I'll be back ,but this time I'm definitely going for the cheese flights!
(4)Ann M.
Great little place. Super cozy on the inside and solid food choices. Better yet, short walk from my apartment.
(4)Geoff S.
I went to Fork on a Saturday morning, hungover as all get out, looking to get some grub. The hostess looked like Madeline (from the books) and tried to seat us at a two-top table. No thanks, we'll sit at the bar. The bartender was nice and friendly. Upon asking for recommendations he suggested something that sounded okay but didn't grab me. Then i saw it, the best item ever, The ShowStopper. It's $27 for a belgium waffle sandwich stuffed with three pounds of meat. Part hamburger, part bacon, part short-rib the ShowStopper was a hilarious way to start my hungover Saturday. The staff was very excited that we ordered it (they had just added it to the menu). The chef even came out and asked for our feedback on the item because we were the first people to try it. Well, it was awesome. Anyhow, what i'm trying to say is Fork is a good brunch spot and if you want to try something ridiculous, order the showstopper. Also, props to our bartender.
(5)Fia T.
Every Saturday, after lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music, a group of us head over to Fork for lunch. Always happily greeted by Lauren :), we are escorted to our table. You will be delighted with any of the servers! We typically get Katie, Stephanie, Kelly, or Cesar (rumor has it they fight over who will serve us! True story every time!). Food is consistently great and the service is just tops. We luv to get Forked!
(5)David Z.
Things started off on a sour note between myself and Fork (formerly Fiddlehead - see my old reviews), but now I am possibly their biggest fan. Things have really changed at Fork. The owner has hired a diligent, hard-working staff that really seems to know their stuff. They are friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The bottled beer list is the best in the city (the draft list is pretty darn good too), and the wine list is tremendous. And perhaps best of all, the new chef is great as well. I am now 100% comfortable recommending Fork for both dinner AND brunch. The food for brunch used to be lacking, but the new menu more than exceeds my expectations. If I was looking to nitpick, I COULD say that the removal of the daily food specials means I'll be paying more than I used to. But I'd say it's still totally worth it. Fork is probably my favorite place in the city. The only major downside of Fork's new popularity? Waiting. It used to be that I could go down there at any time, any day, and not have to worry about waiting. Now, depending on the day/time, you may be better off making a reservation. But again, it's worth it!
(5)Mila G.
really lovely experience here. The ambiance was wonderful and felt like an evening in a warm friendly living room. So, I really really wanted the food to be good too. It did not disappoint! The mushroom panini was rich and delicious, though a tad too heavy on the caramelized onions. The duck club was unbelievably delicious, and i'm not even a huge fan of duck. Also had the poutine, whose cheese sauce i was scraping off the plate until it got awkward. Service was great - our server checked in on us often and was very friendly. Topper of the night was when the kitchen noticed that my fiancee was wearing his chef pants (he's a chef by trade) and sent us out a free dessert, basically for being in the industry! So sweet!
(5)Brittany M.
I don't normally write reviews, but I greatly benefited from reading a review by Mat M. before I went to this restaurant so I felt like I should pay it forward and do the same for others. Plus I wanted to validate that "Chorizo check. Dates check. Bacon check. Is pretty much an orgasm in your mouth," as he said, especially when it's drizzled in blue cheese. Honestly, if you go to Fork and don't get this dish, you are seriously missing out! To give you a full sense of the experience though, I feel like I should take a step back. From the moment I walked in, I had a good vibe about this place as the hostess warmly greeted us with some sarcastic comment like, "oh no, god forbid your fifteen minutes late," which quickly put us at ease and affirmed it was not a pretentious place. Taking in the surroundings as she escorted us to our table, I couldn't help feeling warm and cozy in the rustic setting with funky-patterned couches, distressed wooden tables and a brick wall decorated with country-inspired art. Admittedly, I had a couple of tasty bourbon cocktails before we went to dinner though and I was in good company, so that could have contributed to it. We decided to go the wine flight route as it had been recommended on a previous review and we both really enjoy the whole wine tasting experience. I got the European Red flight and he got the Pinot Noir flight, both of which enveloped us in luscious berry flavors, spice and vanilla, with a smooth finish. Although I have to say, I wasn't a fan of my last glass as there was a little too much licorice flavor in it for me, but to each his own. I would definitely recommend doing the wine flight though, as it not only complemented the food, but it made for a good conversation starter too. Now onto the food. We had the bacon dates stuffed with chorizo, as I mentioned earlier, and the burrata smear to start, which came with pistachio pesto, fleur de sel and tomato jam that we spread onto toasted bread. It was soooo good! And it came in a cute little mason jar on a personalized cutting board, which was adorable. Then we had gnocchi with foraged and tame mushrooms, fennel, parmesan cream and truffle oil. Need I say more?! It honestly melt it your mouth it was so good. We finished with the rack of lamb, which was presented well, but was a bit dry and bland for both of our liking. All in all, the experience was amazing, with nice service, good wine, delicious food and great company. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you haven't already. Cheers!
(4)Kristen J.
I had a fantastic brunch the first time I was at Fork--a beautiful non-traditional egg sandwich and garlic cilantro fries while my boyfriend had tomato soup and grilled cheese that contained candied pecans and bacon. That was the only good meal I had there. I returned a handful of times as it was within walking distance of our apartment and I left always wanted more from the meals. I kept wanting to give Fork another chance because that first time was so fantastic, but the restaurant continued to disappoint. The bar is decent and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I would recommend going to drink and to eat only the garlic cilantro fries or a cheese plate.
(2)Rhonda G.
ah Fork, I like you. Let's spoon. Ha! ok...lame joke over. Your coffee is strong but it's almost a bit too strong and bordering on bitter (contrary to popular belief strong is not equal to bitter). Food was good (tomato basil omelet was pretty awesome), service was scary. Not "what's your favorite scary movie" scary but let's all get Nike's and jumpsuits scary. Our server kept calling us 'friends'. "Hello friends", "what can I get you friends", "how is everything friends", "more coffee friends". I guess she was just being nice. It's interesting how being too nice is creepy. I would come back for brunch because the menu seems pretty interesting. I guess they have a following of fiddle-headers who are distraught over the name change because we had a few people during our brunch who were getting a little feisty.
(4)Frank I.
Went here with my family for Easter Brunch. We had reservations and were seated right away even though a couple of our party were running late. I like that. The Brunch buffet was definitely a winner. Not being a fan of grits, I was intrigued by their mix of cheeses with the grits. After 1 bite I was sold. The mac and cheese was a winner as well as their brisket and the other offerings. The omelets were knocked out in their kitchen and were brought almost as fast as we returned from the buffet line. Their coffee was great too. Definitely a winner.
(4)Jeffrey K.
We went here with a friend and the wine, cheese and food were good but it's a bit pricey and the service was less than spectacular. They really need more wait staff and fewer busboys and gals; they were a little too eager to pull plates away. And I'd stick with the cheese and the vino... the entrees were okay.
(3)Cycette H.
Have you been to the Fiddlehead Cafe?!?!? If not then you missed out, but you still have a chance to try out their great food and enjoy a wonderful venue at Fork. FORK is a new take on one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Try their duck sandwich- It's DELICIOUS and they have a bubbles flight that I really enjoy. As an added bonus, they have a huge selection of beer- so many that it will probably take me a year or two to try them all and I can't wait.
(5)Anthony Z.
The room is very warm and comfortable. This place definitely has a good vibe. The service was very good. The food was all over the map, and pricey for what you paid. The poutine with duck was the highlight; hearty portion for two that tasted great. Also, the flatbread with sausage was excellent. We ordered both a meat and cheese board, each with three items. This was just okay, and was most notable for the meager portions; I would not order either again. We both agreed that the wrapped dates contained a homemade sausage that had such a gamey, almost fetid flavor they were difficult to eat. I would not recommend arriving hungry, as was mentioned in the Reader review. We both had skipped lunch, and with a couple of drinks and wine flights, it quickly got up to 160 bucks for two, no dessert. With selective ordering, I would return, but not enthusiastically.
(2)Erin E.
I happened to be there on the night that Oksar Blue's was premiering it's national brews. That was awesome. If you're ever in the Denver area, definitely check out Oskar Blues. For now, settle for the select beers of theirs Fork has on tap. I couldn't bring myself to eat anything healthy, so I had the house pretzels and the summer squash flatbread. The pretzels come with this mind-blowing beer-cheese dip. Loved them. The summer squash flatbread was equally as delicious. I did not hold back. It's nice and quiet. Romantic. I've bookmarked this place as somewhere to bring a date. They've got a cheese menu I'll definitely try next time.
(5)Vicki P.
My Husband and I went here last weekend, the main reason being they have just employed a new chef, Chef Tim who formally worked at our favorite restaurant. Tim is the kind of Chef worth following to any new restaurant and we were happy to find that again, he has created dishes to die for. He has only been here a few weeks so i am excited to see what other new things he brings to this place. The small plates were so fun to share but they also had special sliders and other great small bites. I don't even like lamb but I liked it here! The space is beautiful yet casual, amazing beer on tap, great drink pairing with the food. Also, great area!! We walked around after dinner down Lincoln and did a little bar hopping. You can really make a night of it. I think anyone who comes here would have a great time and a great dinner. Vicki
(5)Kevin A.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE SCARRED FOR A LIFE BY A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH? Yes. Yes it is. It pains me to write this because I really wanted to like this place, but my grilled cheese sandwich here was pretty foul. I ordered the soup and grilled cheese combo which comes with tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, fontina, bacon, and pecans. It sounded delicious, but what arrived was like a cheesy Deepwater Horizon disaster. Their was a pool of oil oozing and coagulating on my plate from all the cheese and bacon. The bread was so greasy there was no way I could pick it up without looking like I had high-fived a pizza. I'd like to give this place another shot because they have some interesting stuff on the menu like duck hash, chicken and waffles, etc, but I'll definitely be avoiding that grilled cheese sandwich.
(2)julie p.
i have been back to Fork twice since my negative review: once was for a baby shower in their private room and the other was FOR MY BABY SHOWER in their private room. needless to say, they've turned things around and their service is much better. the food that we had for the shower (well, for both) was delicious. they went above and beyond what one could want for a private party. the service was excellent, the ambiance is lovely, and we all had an awesome time. i am glad that i have an opportunity to give this place more stars and a better review - it's a cool restaurant in a great location!!
(5)Phil H.
Second time there visiting from outta town and its like I remember very good food. Well I got the same thing last time lol. Burger baby with the egg, fries r good but the kicker for me the Mac & cheese! Bomb!!! ;-) friendly service and nice faces! Nice place to hit b4 u start a long night...
(4)Chad I.
Don't be thrown by the atmosphere and menu design - food is great. Chicken burger was tasty, bacon wrapped dates delicious and warm olives surprisingly good. Good beer list.
(4)Ross K.
Good charcuterie selection. I got the mussels, which were not fresh. I take the blame for that, though, as summer is not a good time of year for mussels. My visiting mother got the pork tenderloin, which was amazing. They have a great beer selection and a nice atmosphere. I almost didn't want to tip the server, however. He was very inattentive and the restaurant wasn't very busy. Meanwhile, his bus boy was busting his ass, making sure we were ok. The server dropped a dessert menu off at the table and just walked away. When we finally got his attention to pay the check, he grabbed the dessert menu from my hand, turned around without saying a word, handed the menu off to the bus boy, and disappeared.
(3)Alex F.
Let me start by saying Fork is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only has my service but nothing short of wonderful, but the quality of food, wine and other beverages is amazing. You get what you pay for. It's not a place I can dine at frequently, but if I'm looking to splurge for a night, this is the place.
(5)Josh M.
Think bacon, great draft and wine flights, solid burgers. Won't go home hungry or broke.
(4)Britt W.
My husband and I were in Chicago visiting from California. We love Farm to table restaurants so we decided to check out Fork. The atmosphere was great! We loved being able to sit by the open window. The service was excellent! We never had to ask for a refill for water ( I love that!! ) The food was outstanding!! I love that you can order flights of wine. I started with a spicy red flight and my husband had the European flight. Both were delicious! We started with one of the appetizer specials : Watermelon with aged balsamic, prosciutto, and parm (I believe) It was AMAZING!! We loved it and could not stop eating it. We next had the house pretzels with half acre beer cheese sauce. These were the best pretzels and cheese sauce we have had! Again we couldn't stop eating, but we had to because we knew we were going to be too full :) Next we had a small order of mussels. WE LOVE MUSSELS! These mussels were in the most unique sauce. The server said to save bread for the sauce and I am so glad we did, it was a blend of melted goat cheese, white wine and spices that was so delicious! I could have licked the bowl. We next had The mushroom crostini. It was very flavorful and again we couldn't stop eating it! For our main plate we ordered pulled pork with root beer bbq sauce. The pork fell apart, so moist, very unique and tasty! I loved the root beer. We ended our tasting journey with a variety of cheeses and the most amazing chocolate mousse. The mousse had the perfect texture and the toffee bacon was incredible. There was not an overwhelming bacon taste and it complimented the mousse perfectly. We had such an incredible experience. The price point for this caliber of food was spot on. What a great night! We can't wait to come back and try some new specials and have some menu staples. Thank you for a delicious meal Chef Tim! We were so impressed!!
(5)Karen S.
Great neighborhood spot with an extensive beer and wine menu. The menu is varied - lots of small plates / app's, as well as huge entrees. Favorites at our table included chicken/dumplings, poutine, mac & cheese, and a cheese plate. I had a bowl of french onion soup (not normally on the menu) and it was really good - not overly salty, and with a proper coating of melted Gruyere. It could have been a little hotter (temperature wise), but otherwise very good. Shared the vanilla bean creme brule for dessert and it was awesome. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive - and was very tolerant of my 18-month old nephew who was behaving wonderfully, but enjoyed throwing his fork on the floor . Great place!
(4)Chelsea M.
Fork is one of my favorite Friday night restaurants. I say Friday night, because the vibe is a little more relaxed and informal; which is exactly what a Friday night calls for. The food is trendy but accessible, and most important very good. We ordered the special sausage (I giggled while ordering, okay I'm not very mature), the Belgian mussels, the cured salmon and a side of brussels sprouts. For two people it was a lot of food. The sausage was beyond amazing. The drinks are what make Fork above average. The wine flights are perfectly paired, and are decent pours. The Bubbles flight was my favorite and featured a brut and a rose (the prosecco wasn't my favorite). I highly recommend Fork.
(4)Suzanne D.
We chose Fork on recommendation of some friends, for a family dinner meeting. So we wanted to have something tasty, not too $$ a menu, not loud so we could hear each other in some important conversation. The hostess was quite patient with us as we chose where we wanted to sit (outside, at the end of table row). We were happy with the meal selections, a mix of comfy food with some sophistication. We were less impressed with the service. We weren't necessarily in a rush for dinner, but the attention to us ... could have been far better. Long waits for beverages, for follow up on our meal (we had one person join us a half hour after the others). Our particular wait person had an emotionless going through (barely) through the motions presence ... could some engagement with eyes and a smile be too much to ask? Dampened some my impression of the restaurant as a future visit option (since wait staff is a component to ambiance).
(4)Eryn G.
I had my graduation dinner here for a few friends and family, the staff was awesome! I have food allergies and they were completely accommodating and understanding to my needs! They let us stay as long as we wished in a private area, and most really enjoyed their food. I'm happy I made the choice to have my party their and I will definitely be back!
(4)Kristen S.
Dinner at Fork was excellent. They have a phenomenal wine and beer list that even includes my favorite imported gluten free beer - Green's! We had.... a lot of things... Wine Candied Bacon Garlic Cilantro Fries with sriracha aioli Green Goddess Crab Shooter Husband had pork chop, and I had hamachi. Both were excellent. Service was fantastic, and we loved the ambiance.
(5)Nicole C.
I cant even believe this place has less than 4 stars. I am probably between a 4 and a 5, but still. Literally - comfort food tapas with a great wine & beer list. I love that you can do wine flights as well. Great for a double date or with a group. We ordered a TON of food - try the following: - BURRATA - must have - MUSSELS - Mac & Cheese - Mushroom flatbread - Garlic friens - Pork Belly I left happy. PS - whatever that weird decor is over the entrance is lame. Get rid of it.
(5)Kelly C.
Birthday dinner! I went with a group of six (plus baby!), and we were well taken care of. I had the interesting white wine flight, which was a solid choice, if a little sweeter than I like. I tried the truffle goat cheese-damn fine cheese. We moved on to the small plates and had the pork belly which I recommend possibly over anything else I've eaten in the past few months. Crispy yet melt in your mouth-just great. So great. Followed it with the special, which was mahi mahi with fingerling potatoes, spinach, and bacon...once again, delicious. We had the creme brulee for dessert-this was the only part that was kind of 'meh' about the meal. I mean, it was good-it's creamy sugar-but didn't blow me away like the rest of the meal. Regardless, I recommend this place, but be forewarned-it IS pricey. I know it says $$ in the heading, but I would definitely bump it up to $$$-the menu items certainly add up, being that it's a lot of cheese flights and small plates.
(5)Matthew A.
3/18/12 Update Now that I have been here 3 times, once for small plates, once fore entrees and once for brunch I can say that this is my new favorite restaurant. I would also like to increase my rating to 5 stars. I like everything about this place. The farm house burger is one of the better burgers I have had in some time and the chicken in waffles is just awesome. Metropolitan coffee was also a nice surprise.Can't wait to go back already! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â------------- I finally made it over to Fork, and am very glad that I did. First off, Fork has a very solid beer and wine list, which they break up into flights if you are interested (Hoppy beers, session beers, Belgian Beers etc.) As a beer snob I really enjoyed this. The flights are reasonably priced and a great way to try multiple strong beers without going overboard. The food was equally fantastic. They do a "small plate" thing, however, we later realized that the "small plates" were not that small. We ordered five, and by the end wished we had gone with three so we could have tried desert. The burrata smear was amazing, the duck poutine is still in my dreams, the smoked salmon flat bread was surprisingly good, I've had better mussels and the veal sliders were solid but a little greasy. Everyone at the restaurant was very nice and accommodating, but service got a little slow when it got busy. Nonetheless, I prefer when the meal is on the longer side and they did a good job of spacing out our different courses. Cheers!
(5)Kurt K.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars. Food was good, menu was diverse. Don't know if I'd go so far as to say "Yay! I'm a fan." But it was good.
(4)Karrie F.
My new favorite eatery. 3 simple words that changed my life. PORK. BELLY. RUBEN. It was a plus that I wasn't looked at like a complete D-bag when my friends and I brought our kids to brunch either...as if parents aren't allowed to eat good food (you know who you are , lookin at you wicker park)
(4)Megan K.
Great food, great beer. What more can be said? I have a great time at this place every time I go. Their atmosphere is cozy, and they have a great drink menu.
(5)Andrea N.
I wast sure how I would like this spot. But they pull off the winebar vibe very well. The flights are well explained and decent pours. They have some interesting wines on their menu by the bottle as well. The food was surprisingly good. We shared the chorizo stuffed dates, for me the least impressive item. Pretty much like any tapas style place. solid in flavor. They have mussels a few ways in the menu and a special preparation. I went with a small of the special and wasn't disappointed. tomato saffron broth with dried Spanish chorizo was flavorful and well balanced went fantastic with the SA red flight. The garlic-cilantro fries with sirrachi aioli were excellent and addictive. We then ordered some cheeses and cured meats and not only were they presented beautifully but the selection of cheeses was very good. They have flights for those who cannot decide or you can choose your own. The wow factor was dessert the sticky toffee pudding with buttered popcorn ice cream was pleasantly light and full of rich decadent yumminess. I would go back either on a date or with a group. They have some really cool plush booths that you can reserve for parties that looked like a lot of fun.
(4)Jo P.
The food was good. Ambience was nice. The flights were awesome. But the crème brûlée was freakin amazing!
(4)Joel O.
Update: Finally got a burger there. Awesome. Best burger I have ever had, hands down. I bit into the burger and juice literally gushed out for about 15 seconds straight. The beef was seasoned perfectly. I loved everything about this burger. The garlic fries were amazing as always. Just be sure you like a lot of garlic! There are many bottled beers to try and a good selection of draft as well. Next time I will be sure to get a flight. Other people in my party enjoyed the mac and cheese, but the chicken and dumplings were lack luster (although that specific person if very picky). The place is very popular, so don't go on a Saturday night with no reservations or you will be waiting a good hour plus. Many of the people around me were having wine and various cheeses, so I will have to try that some time as well, although it will be hard to not just get a burger every time I go here.
(5)Laura F.
It's rare that I go to a restaurant and feel absolutely satisfied with the vegan/vegetarian dinner options, but this was a definite exception. My friend and I split the pretzels and cheese to start out, then I had a perfectly cooked and seasoned summer squash small plate. And get the shortcake for dessert. Really. You can thank me later. Being ladies like we are, we did imbibe in some flights. Because why have one drink when you could have three? The jammy red flight was superb, and we finished with dark delight stout/porter flight (dessert for our dessert).
(5)Natalie R.
Was looking for a casual but trendy place for dinner with my boyfriend, and Fork was recommended. We weren't disappointed! The service was very good, the waitress made sure our questions were answered and checked on us just enough. Another review said that the non-English speaking staff just put the food down without explanation of what it was, but we did not have that experience. The bus boy (?) who brought us our charcuterie explained each meat which we appreciated. We started with two beers, I had the Christmas Ale which I loved. For our app, we got the Italian charcuterie. It came with grilled bread, olives, marinaded onions, whole-grain mustard, and cornichons. It was beautiful and so, so good. For dinner we decided on the pork belly sliders and the garlic cilantro fries. I was tempted to get the brussel sprouts with bacon but I'm glad I didn't because I was stuffed. The sliders were slightly greasy (obv with pork belly) but good nonetheless. I'm so glad we picked this place and definitely recommend it!
(4)Dan G.
I have been to Fork on a few different occasions. And every time it has been up to par. The cheese, charcuterie and the wine flights are the real star here. They always have a great choice of meats and cheeses from all over the world. And they have something for everyone from sharp to mild, stinky to sweet; If you like cheese, and we know you do, then it is a must. The meats are just as good and pair well. The booze here is great as well. The a fore mentioned wine flights are a steal price-wise and there is something fun about having four large glasses of wine sitting in front of you. The draft list is comparable to most craft beer restaurants, you can occasionally find that hidden gem keg. As for the food, dinner and brunch are always tasty. Good burgers, good mussels, and dank breakfast sandwiches. The service is friendly and they don't mind talking shop. Another nice edition to the wonderful eats in Lincoln Square.
(4)Chris K.
Wow! Great wine flights (South American was excellent), charcuterie (try the Spanish meat and the aged cheddar cheese), and so on. Everything was delicious, and we got very good service. The little explanatory slips of paper that come with the flights add a fun touch. I notice that a lot of reviewers just "stopped in" on a weekend. Uh, you might want to make a reservation at this place, especially for a Saturday! We went here about 2 years ago when it was "Fiddlehead", and it hasn't changed that much, although we managed to spend a lot less this time and still get a tremendous dinner. Previously, they were a little more aggressive with the upselling.
(5)Kirsten G.
As a much needed update, I got a message from David, the manager, not long after I submitted my review (over a year ago!) asking us to come back in for a drink on the house. Unfortunately we moved out of the neighborhood and didn't have an opportunity to take him up on his offer, but I appreciate the explanation of what happened and why there was a mix-up. Since my original review was based solely on service, it's only fair that I provide an update that their management is on their game and our experience was a fluke. If we were still in Chicago, I would gladly go back for more wine, which was fantastic. Thanks, Fork (and David).
(4)Steve S.
Great beer and wine selection Staff very clued in and helpful and explained wine and beer flights well. Food is fantastic! Don't miss desert.
(5)Matt G.
Two things that I really like about this restaurant are that the food and service are always darned good and that they cater to people that have kids and don't make you feel that you're an inconvenience. So, the result is that I am happy to spend $100+ on a meal that might have been a little more "over the top" than I might have planned when I left the house. Love, love, love the duck mousse. Can I have some more? Couple that with the special "Poutine" that they made with cheddar cheese, homemade fries and shredded duck and I'm singing praises and haven't made it to the main course. So why would you spend $15 on a burger???? Well, when it's the Farmhouse burger, you're happy to do so. It was great, but I would ease up on the Dijonnaise and cheese. It was too much, really. Only other slight gripe is that $6 for plain shells with butter and no cheese on them on the kids menu was a little insulting. However.... on the whole....Good dinner, nice wines by the glass and good service. We'll be back again soon.
(4)Kristin M.
I'm updating my review to reflect my rating for lunch - I'm knocking it down to 3.5 because my dining companions didn't enjoy their lunch as much as I did. We went at noon on a Saturday and the restaurant was only half full, so we got a nice sunny table right away. I loved, loved, loved my duck club sandwich. I had gone in expecting to order the duck hash (can you sense a pattern?), but was drawn by the description of the sandwich, and promise of garlic cilantro fries. Start with duck confit, throw on a little goat cheese, cherry-red wine jam, pickled shallots and candied pecans, and you can't go wrong. I took off a layer of toast on each so I didn't waste any of the ducky goodness inside. They weren't kidding about garlic fries, they literally top them with chopped garlic, so bring some gum. The sriraccha aioli was kind of a joke. It was basically colored mayo, didn't taste like anything special. My friend ordered the PBLT. The P(ork) B(elly) was sliced thin and was basically just thick bacon. She asked for her egg to be cooked medium-well. They either didn't listen or don't know what that means because it came out really runny. Overall, it was just ok. She said the mixed greens were really bland and could have used some more dressing. Our table also ordered the farmhouse burger. I didn't hear anything good or bad about it. Of note: I uncharacteristically ordered coffee (hangover...) and it arrived in a really dirty mug. I requested a new cup and he apologized, but I can't believe it ever made it out of the kitchen! Also, Fork has notoriously slow service. I knew this ahead of time so it didn't bother me, but just keep that in mind if you're in a hurry.
(4)Mara S.
A friend and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead yesterday for brunch. We had passed a bunch of other brunch places b/c nothing sounded all that appealing - we were very pleased with our selection. Fiddlehead had a small brunch menu, but it was delicious. I had the chilequiles (yum), which I didn't expect to be as good as I've had other places, but I was wrong (that happens occasionally)! The potatoes were good too, as was the service. We got there around 9:30 and had a great seat by the big windows in the front. It got fairly crowded by the time we left, seemed like the local crowd was rolling in. I'd definitely go back and would be interested in trying something other than brunch next time.
(5)Tera D.
This review easily could have been 4 stars if things had panned out better, so I almost hate writing it. We went in for dinner with three people and decided to just share small plates. At small plate places my husband and I love to ask the waiter to just bring out his or her favorite dishes because it usually gets you the more unique stuff that you might never have ordered but is actually the best stuff on the menu. Sadly our tactic failed us this time. This waiter clearly went for the obvious, most popular items on the menu, which is precisely what we're trying to avoid by doing it that way. And it wasn't even well thought out. First came the bacon wrapped dates. Congratulations for being the 1 millionth restaurant to serve bacon wrapped dates. And with a lame, watery blue cheese sauce no less. Then came pretzel roles and poutine. The poutine was fine, and the duck on top of it was more than fine, crisp and super flavorful. The pretzel rolls were not good at all, damp and not salty, almost like they had been sitting in a plastic bag. Then came...an order of fries???? We were just served poutine. A dish based in fries. With that was lamb sliders, which to be fair were outstanding. Finally he brought out two different kinds of mussels which was overkill even if they were good, but frankly they were not. And the fact that they came out after the fries instead of with them was even more bizarre than serving us two fry based dishes in the first place. The beer is good, especially the option to do flights with some very generous pours. We'll go back, but we certainly won't bank on the waitstaff next time around.
(3)Erica W.
I visited Fork with my supper club, and it was just above average - I'd say about 3.5 stars. (Yelp, if you are reading this, please give us the ability to give half stars one day). The dish that I enjoyed the most was the poutine, which is a Canadian dish (I believe French Canadian, because I've only had it in Montreal). Essentially, its french fries w/gravy and cheese on top. Can't go wrong w/that!
(3)Kate C.
The duck poutine here is incredible! ... so is everything else really, but its the poutine that really stands out in my memory. The service is also very good and the staff are friendly and helpful. They are pretty accommodating for people with disabilities too, which is great and makes it a welcoming atmosphere. EDIT: I had to change my rating from a 5 to a 3 after trying to make a reservation for a larger party here. This is NOT a good location for groups. They completely tried to take advantage of us and were asking that we commit to paying a minimum of $2,000 before they would even take our reservation. Needless to say, we went elsewhere. It was such a disappointment. I can only assume the person who handles larger reservations is different from the main dining room and that they are somehow specially trained in how to be a douchebag.
(3)Rob K.
Excellent food and drink. I was not a fan of the home made breakfast sausage but nothing else has ever let me down.
(4)Sarah M.
(let's pretend this is a 3.5 review, ok?) So I hesitated even reviewing this since all we did was drink, but hey, sometimes drinking is all one wants to do at a place, right? Atmosphere is nice. The bar is super long, and wide, with comfy chairs. I hate being shoved in a small bar up on strangers in non-comfortable seats. My friend and I met up for some wine and gossip. They have wine flights (and beer flights as well, if that meets your fancy). I did like that they coded each of the wines with a nifty little graphics, so you knew what to expect from the wines you were getting. Bartender was super friendly and did check up on us although it was somewhat busy. We also ended up getting a few cocktails, which were delicious as well. Also had TVs at the bar, so I could keep up with baseball, football, all while listening to my friend (I'm queen of multitasking, I know). Price was decent enough. I'd probably return to check out the food. Nice little place in LS.
(3)Elizabeth H.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about checking out Fork after reading some of the less than stellar reviews (especially about service). I'm glad to say that I didn't have the same experience as those Yelpers! As soon as the hostess seated us at a booth, I knew that we would have a nice dinner (this girl loves booth seating). We had prime views of both TVs in the bar area, key for the BF since the Bears were playing the Packers. Now to the good stuff. I grabbed the fresca cocktail and he had the pear beer, both were really good drink choices. We then started our meal with the crowd pleasers cheese flight. He didn't love any of the cheese while I thought 2 of the 3 were really good. I didn't like the bread that was served with the cheese as all of the herbs overpowered the cheeses so I ate mine with the apple & peach slices (wish they gave more than 3 thin slices of fruit as there isn't much to go around between 2 people). He got the pork medallions and I got the veggie ragout and corn elotes. He said his meal was better than average but that he wished it had been a bit better. I liked both my items and thought they were a good amount of food. We ended the meal with the ganache cake (super rich chocolatey goodness), which was perfect for sharing. All in all, a good date spot or small group restaurant.
(4)Christine N.
I live in the neighborhood and love this place. It's reasonably priced.... service and food are always great. Went again this past Friday and had such a great time. Ask for Cesar to wait on you! He was friendly, attentive and let us camp out in his section for way too long! Thank you Cesar!!!!
(5)Christopher K.
We ordered the crab cake and ribs off of the special menu and they were fine. Moving on. One thing that the two of us really enjoy is the discovery of new cheeses. That is the big draw for us here and what earned this diner its fourth star. There are a lot of times that we could just as well skip a meal and just try cheeses, and this would definitely be a place to try that approach. There was a broad selection and several cheeses that we had not tried before. They were spot on with the suggested beer and wine pairings as well. $70 for two. Definitely a place that we will come back to when the cheese urge strikes.
(4)Downtown B.
This was my first time at Fork. I had heard good things and wanted to love it. My first observation was that the beer list was good. They have 20 drafts at any one time and that is very good. They have tons of bottles as well. The ambiance/vibe is very nice and the outside areas are more than adequate. Fork promotes itself as a gastropub but is really much more of casual bar that has gastroish items on the menu with a big beer list. Service was slow but friendly and overall it was adequate. Regarding food we wanted the pretzels and beer cheese but they were out, bummer of a start. Grilled corn elotes were not anything to get excited about. Very small amount of corn with minimal seasoning, though the aioli was amazing. And the corn was probably a touch undercooked. Watermelon gazpacho was a-okay but not a lot of flavor. I am not a watermelon lover so take that with a grain of salt. Next up was the mushroom flatbread. Crispy crust but a little flimsy in the center. Ingredients were good. Overall a pretyy good item. I ordered the chicken burger. It was well cooked and seasoned with a nice roll and decadent cheese, they advertise it has peaches on it but there were almost no peaches on there and the ones that were on the burger were razor thin with NO TASTE. Lose the peaches or add more. In any event, this one was okay but not great. Shrimp and grits were runny. Also, they could use more shrimp. I would not order this one. Mac and cheese was very good but probably too rich. The first few bites are amazing but once you get about 5 bites in the jarlsberg and fontina can overwhelm you. So I am torn. Nothing was great and they do try to be creative so I give them credit. I'd say it is a-okay.
(3)Tracy Y.
First time here and it did not disappoint. Our server Nicole was pleasant and accommodating. Even when we asked for substitutions. The meats and cheeses were stellar. The gnocchi and scallops to die for. And love love love a place that offers wine AND beer flights. Will be going back.
(4)Nikki K.
If I could split up my review by food and drink, I'd give the drinks a 5 start and the food a 3 star. I ordered the duck sandwich and it sounded so good, but was just ok. The duck sandwich was kind of expensive, so I was disappointed I didn't like it. I loved the summer beer flight I had though. Super tasty and beers I hadn't tried before. My boyfriend had the mac and cheese and I really liked that. We got to sit outside which was a plus. The service was great too. I think I'd come back here again for drinks and apps, but not necessarily for dinner.
(4)Jonathan H.
I would have liked a little more bang for our buck. The flavors were good so I'll probably be back for a drink and snack.
(3)Stacy F.
Delicious! I really liked this place, the service, and the food. It was hard to decide what to get for brunch, but thankfully my dining partner and I game-planned it to get sweet and savory dishes!
(4)Tony M.
eh,.. Not impressed! The build up the hostess made for the "special" pot pie was amazing! why didn't you just tell me it was a 12 dollar cup of thick soup! Stick to the wine and beer.
(1)Sally J.
Since moving to the neighborhood I've been to Fork 4 times--twice for dinner and twice for brunch. I would say that although 3/4 of those times was great, the latest 1/4 was bad enough that I would reconsider going there again for brunch. I'll start with what I've liked and move on to the most recent debacle in service. (yes, service, not food). The good: Dinner food has always been great. Dinner service always great. In fact, I'd count it among my options I present to out-of-town visitors when we're considering dinner options in Lincoln Square. The atmosphere is interesting but not pretentious and I've never enountered any difficulties with wait or service at dinner. Plus, they have interesting flights whether it's cheese, charcuterie, or the hands down favorite--the beer flights. It lets you try out a variety and if you like one enough that you want more, you can always order it. It's a nice option though. Brunch first time around was fine. Our party of 5 arrived right about opening time, great service, food was good, no compaints. Brunch second time was bad enough to make me re-think this as a future brunch option. We arrived about 5 minutes after the restaurant opened, on a day when there was a local run even in the neighborhood. That makes me think: management should prepare for more customers than usual. What we arrived to however, was a few scattered tables that were full, but many many empty tables. Great news, right? Not so....even though we were just a party of 3, we were gruffly informed by the host that they the number of people they had seated had exceeded their number of menus and they would not seat any additional parties until the seated parties had ordered, freeing up menus. Ok.....seems odd that you have less than half the menus available for the seating you have, on a morning you could expect extra volume...but we found it even stranger that you couldn't at least seat us and just let us wait for a menu to become available. Instead, a crowd of waiting customers accumulated at the host station and out the door. With a restaurant half full of empty tables. Not only that, but it was within 10 minutes of opening. so we waited...and as soon as a few spare menus opened up, the party of two who arrived behind us was seated...after that another party of four, until we asked why we weren't being seated. By the way, there were never any apologies, never any assurances--the communication from the host stand was that it was reasonable that we should wait for a free menu in order to be seated. After some negotiating, we finally were, but after waiting a good 20 minutes (keep in mind, multiple multiple tables were available just to sit and have coffee while we waited for menus). After being seated the service and food were fine. But the front end experience was enough that I don't think I'll go back, especially with the many other brunch options in the neighborhood that treat customers more respectfully...and I actually think based on this experience, I would not risk going for dinner for fear of the "menu deficit." I suspect this is poor management and feel bad as the food and waitservice has always been good but it's bad business to make multiple parties wait to be seated until menus are available when half the seats in the restaurant are open. News flash: you should have enough menus to cover all the seats, especially on a weekend with an event that will bring more business to you. Thumbs down, sorry.
(2)Dave S.
We've only lived in Chicago two months. We'd like to think we are adventurous eaters. We do not like to eat at the same place multiple times; however, we've eaten here at least four times. This place is fantastic. As others have mentioned, the beer and wine selection is great. Their flights of beer and wine are VERY well priced and poured. The food is outstanding. We've had the burgers, daily specials, cheeses, appetizers, you name it. Some highlights for me include the house ricotta and honey smear, farmhouse burger, and bbq pork sandwich. I'm not a seafood guy, but my wife has had the fish and enjoyed it. Besides the food (again, very good), the service is excellent. We have had the same waitress all four times that we have been to Fork. She is attentive, but not pushy or too talkative. Our food always promptly, but we've never been rushed. One of the more interesting things about Fork is that have a very large ancillary staff. There is always someone walking around filling water glasses, clearing tables, etc. I think this is a main reason why service runs so smoothly. I can't rec. this place enough. Easily one of my favorites.
(5)Javier O.
Fork is a place that has kept us coming back for years. We love the mood and selection. The drinks are always great and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish. The cheeses are wonderful, as well. It is higher priced, so don't be surprised by that coming in. There are certain days of the week where they have deals, however, so study the menu or call in to get moe info. If you're looking to have a relaxing evening, give Fork a shot.
(4)Vince W.
What on earth makes a burger worth over $10??? I don't know, but every burger I've had here was worth every cent I paid. From duck confeit fries to their wonderful brunch buffet to over a hundred different beers available for selection, "Fork" (formerly "Fiddlehead Cafe") has yet to disappoint me. ...and they have had many opportunities to do just that. I have attended wine tastings, been there on dates, and held business meetings at "Fork". Not to mention, my family has brunch there at least twice a month. Even my seven-year-old son, Alan likes their food (...and we all know how picky kids can be). The last thing I want to mention is the atmosphere. Along with the name change, "Fork" underwent an image change. The seating is more cozy, the carpeting looks cooler, the waitstaff is more up-beat, and their music playlist is the best! The only suggestion I have is WiFi. EVERY restaurant and bar should have it in this day and age.
(5)J A.
Went on Sunday morning. Eggs were creamy deliciousness. The Bloody Mary's were super fresh and yummy...it was not a mix.
(4)Alma V.
Great for Brunch and Beer! Gastro pub! Love this place,,,But, I must make a complaint in hopes that they will listen to me and make changes.... As usual Chicago doesn't know a thing about the Bloody Mary. Noone in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes,etc! I suggest checking out Hollander, Benelux, or Comet cafe for examples!
(4)Laura R.
This place was already on our "to try" list, but once we read the article in Grubstreet - chicago.grubstreet.com/2… , we knew we had to get there soon, and it did not disappoint. First, the wine and beer selections were both carefully chosen and reasonably priced (my favorite combo). I'm a big fan of the wine flights. The food itself was fabulous - a nice blend of old time favorites and completely new flavorful twists. The kale salad was out of this world. The mussels (which I order pretty much everywhere I go) were among my favorite - both flavorful and extremely meaty and tender. Everything we had was great. I am not ordinarily a huge fan of the growing trend to include grits with dinner meals in Chicago, because most Chicago chefs do not get it right, but the grits here were the best I have had outside of the South and complimented the BBQ sauce well - we scraped the plate clean. The chef is big on farm to table, which is important to us when we're looking for a nice meal on the town - it was evident during every course that each ingredient was meticulously chosen and gingerly prepared. I would highly recommend for both a fun date night or a big group (they have great booth spots).
(5)Brea K.
We were off to a seriously rocky start, but they redeemed themselves I suppose. Five girlfriends and I walk in, no reservation, at 8pm on a Saturday night. We were told :30, and ended up waiting a rediculous 1.5 hours. The host was begging us to stay but honestly I wish we had left earlier. I missed my train to the burbs and spent $60 getting home. UGH. That being said, niko ("the Greek"???) made sure we had a good time and the food was really, really good. Pricey, but good. I'm pretty sure we ate half the menu, and everything was roughly an A- which is pretty good in my book. Oh, that stupid MacNCheese was an A+. I'm embarrassed that I'm saying that, because we ate several more sophisticated dishes, but seriously, it was amazing. Skip the bacon however. I don't know how they managed to ruin bacon but they over salted it, and it was inedible.... Ok, we ate it anyway.
(4)Xl G.
I don't why, but the handful of times I've come to this place I've had terrible service. The bartenders aren't attentive and most of the staff's attitude comes off as snooty. Being as someone who works in the service industry, I found it very unprofessional. I won't be coming back here.
(1)Katie S.
Delightful find in Lincoln Square! I never went to this place in its previous incarnation as Fiddlehead Cafe, but I very much enjoyed going to Fork. I've had both dinner and brunch there, and both were absolutely excellent. For dinner, the butternut squash soup is wonderful - I also had a flatbread that was quite good. For brunch, you can't go wrong with a mimosa flight and the soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil. Mmmm... I need to go back here soon.
(4)Kelly D.
This place seemed inviting from the outside, but we were disappointed by the food that we ordered -- the rib special and fish special -- which seemed overpriced and somewhat bland considering the price. Only real positive about the experience was that the waitress was very cheerful, even though we were probably the last customers in the place before they closed. It's possible we ordered poorly this time, but I doubt we'll be back to try anything else on the menu.
(2)Kathleen C.
I never reviewed this as Fiddlehead, though I had visited quite a few times. I think that the restaurant is very similar now - but the menu is a bit different. I have to say - I thought service was fantastic. Everyone that we interacted with was super nice and accommodating. We didn't have to wait for our reservation and the menu 'tweaks' some of us requested were accommodated as well. The food is good, but nothing special. I had the farm burger with a fried egg. It was good and the burger was done as requested, but it was just ok - I wouldn't seek it out as a fantastic burger. I was inadvertently given the garlic fries. These were good, but quite greasy. I ate a few since the taste was delicious, but I couldn't make it through many of them due to the grease factor. Fork does have a great wine and beer list. I think the flights of wine are set up a bit oddly - but you can find some good and interesting wines on the list and they are all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is nice. I actually prefer sitting at a table in the bar area, but the regular dining room spot is nice and cozy as well (but people watching in the bar is fun!). The restaurant is appropriately dark and cozy - so this makes for a good spot for a nice out with friends or a date. Value-wise, this is a great spot. I think the 5 of us paid something like $30pp for dinner and drinks (I will say we didn't have appetizers or dessert), but this is a pretty good deal. Overall, it's cute for the area. I think it's a better spot for drinks or snacks - I wasn't that impressed with the food.
(3)Anthony J.
Went for their Tyranena event as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Kinda a chintzy "event," as they had all of 3 Tyranena beers on tap, but they were tasty nonetheless. Quality over quantity I suppose. Ordered the mussels, and they were well-prepared. My wife had the poutine, which was yummy if frighteningly unhealthy. As it should be. My biggest complaint is the fact that they seemed to think having all the windows open would do to cool the place off. Mind you it was in the mid-80s. A little AC would've been nice.
(4)Rachel F.
We went for brunch. The food was a solid 4 stars. Our server was extremely helpful and friendly. Even when it became packed and she was running around, she still checked on us frequently. Bloody Marys were...well I've had better. I've had worse too on that same note. I would go back again.
(3)Rebecca M.
Awesome food, used to be one of my favorites in my neighborhood; however, service seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Will not make it a point to come back anytime soon---there are too many new spots in the area to explore!
(2)Colleen C.
Fiddle me this, Batman... A seriously healthy pour of cava brut rose...(pink, love) A kickin' batch of garlic hummus with warm, chewy chunks o' carb... A semi-sweet August evening... [makes for] A seriously perfect happy hour in Lincoln Square. [extra points for impressive beer and wine lists AND a patio!]
(4)Mitchell A.
Good experience. 3.5 stars Wait staff was nice. Nothing above average nothing bellow average. Decor and ambiance was above average. Love the exposed brick. Simple and standard art but effective. Not to sure about the carpet...something about carpet in a restaurant just turns me off. Music was well mixed with the time of day and mood of the place. Margarita was small but had a nice tart and sweet taste to it. Surprised me, to be honest. Like that they do wine samples aka flights...good deal for those as well. Huge wine and drink menu and broken down very well. Cobb salad was great. Buttermilk dressing tasted home made. Portions were perfect for a Cobb....a must have for Cobb salad eaters. Very very good Cobb salad! Duck club was $17. I expected to be blown away. I was half blown hahaha but still a Very good sandwich. Meat was tasty, goat cheese was a great touch, jam and walnuts added sweatiness and texture. Everything was well portioned and the sandwich had very good taste. What was wrong then?! The damn bread! It was dry, crumbly, and just not good. I think it was brioche. Which is a good idea....not sure if it was a bad batch or what. But if you are charging $17 for a club (I don't care if lobster and truffle is on it) you better have the most important part PERFECT. Garlic fries were the second best I ever had (AT&T ballpark in San Francisco is #1) Overall, prices are decent for the ambience, style of restaurant and type of food on the menu. Its a good meal. I would go back for sure. They have enough variety and style to bring me back.
(4)Susan F.
Fork is known for their flights of wine, beer, cheese and meat. Cue to the 'Sound of Music' song, "these are a few of my favorite thingssss..." and you'll find me whistling up Lincoln Ave til I get a seat in their plush back room by the fireside. My first visit to Fork was a little sterile. Nothing fell short, but I was expected to be wowed for some reason. Nevertheless, their cheese plate was awesome and decently priced. They don't just give you cheese, but nuts and figs, too! Ok, so maybe everyone does that, but they were extra tasty at Fork. The meat was good too, but how can you go wrong? We had sopressetta and chorizo if I remember correctly. Their beer list is impressive, but not the biggest I've seen (har har). It took us awhile to find out what we hadn't tried before, but it seemed to be pretty local. No shame in that, Chicago has some fab beahs. Like I said, we had some cheese (goat and cheddar varieties) and meat and moved onto some small plates of Mussels (Belgian, oh SO GOOD) and the braised porkbelly. The atmosphere was dark and romantic in the back room, and energetic in the front with more smaller tables. We actually came back for a night cap another time and got seated right by the fireplace. We had the ganache cake and a wine flight. The cake was SO RICH, it hit the spot. It was exactly what I needed and I was so happy we stopped in. They must have heard my 3rd stomach grumbling to know I'd be pleased with chocolate and wine, a girl's close-to-next best friend after diamonds. Actually, I think I like chocolate more than diamonds, but I digress... This place is great to bring friends and family. Definitely go for a wine or cheese flight, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Heather H.
Pork and Beer? I'm not really the clientele of Fork, as I'm more veggie and wine. I loved this place as Fiddlehead, but I'll tell you this; Fork is always packed now, so they're doing something right. For staff alone, they get 5 stars. From the hostess, servers, and even the owner, the service is stellar and it's appreciated. The wine list has shrunk, but don't get me wrong - it's still huge in comparison to other restaurants. The main event here is the beer, and if you're into that you'll love it. I have to be in a beer mood and with the wine available here I just never am. They carried over the cheese menu from Fiddlehead so it remains outstanding. They have the best selections here, and as a bonus, they have a special menu for carryout cheeses! Inquire about it - they even beat Whole Paycheck's prices! I'm not the best person to review the food menu as it's porky and meaty, and I'm neither. So, all I can say is I've had their eggplant smear on the goat cheese baguette and it's excellent. The mushroom gnocchi can be hit or miss. I've had it twice, once it was to die for, the next time it just wasn't that great. And the artichoke appetizer while tasty, is a bit of a mess. Definitely not a first date choice. The brunch is still a hit for me. The menu still has some of my favorites like the truffled eggs, but they added an amazing tomato basil omelet. Don't get rid of this! It's my new favorite. So I'll still come here for the wine, cheese, and brunch. If you're into the latest pork trend, or looking for that great bottle of beer that no one else carries, this would be the place for you.
(4)Andrea R.
About once a week I get an email from someone asking if I know of any good restaurants in the city with nice private room for a bridal shower. In fact, I got such an email from one of my friends this morning. Yes, my life this summer so resembles the movie "27 Dresses." And thanks to a bridal shower I attended at Fiddlehead Cafe last weekend I now have another restaurant to add to my "good private room for bridal shower" list. Oooh, I'm so going to make one of those lists on Yelp as soon as this review is written. Anyway, so yeah...Fiddlehead has a beautiful private room that seats 55 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail reception. It was especially nice last weekend because we were blessed with nice spring weather for a day...and were able to keep the windows open. Fiddlehead also happens to have pretty good food. We were given a choice of a few different things and I went with their truffled eggs. YUM! And even better...the banana pancakes the bride-to-be ordered. Double Yum! I highly recommend for any of your private party needs and I look forward to going back myself for a regular brunch/dinner experience. And now, I'm off to make that Yelp list...
(4)James L.
Definitely a place to go with a group of people. The dishes we had were outstanding. They havea great cheese and meat selection as well as a good wine list/flights. I would definitely come back here to try some other dishes. Only thing I didn't like was finding parking.
(4)Francis K.
Fork is full of awesome. My introduction to the restaurant was one of those beer/dinner pairings. On a night like this it is easy to get caught up in what is usually I am guessing a show to get you to return. As far as I'm concerned any place that cares enough to bring a brewer (any brewer) to talk about how to pair their drinks with the food is already a winner. Funny thing though is I can't even recall what brewery it was because the food stood out. The beer was well paired but the food stayed with me. You are interested in learning about the place you say? Oh yeah, fantastic setting I will say. Other's have mentioned it isn't a good place for kids. I respectfully disagree. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting bring the wee one at 7PM on a Friday. For starters, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? :-), OK, I got nothing else. Both time's we've been there we've had the same server. Caveat Emptor I guess. Our service has been stellar. The server knows his food, knows his beer and wine pairings. The rest of the staff and anonymous but magically appear unprompted to attend to us. In addition to this and perhaps because we eat early in the evening (see bairn reference) the sense of the place is make our visit and the wee one's fun. The food again, is magnificent and a reason you should return. For this patron the beer list is not exhaustive but clearly someone thinks about what bottles and drafts they will have on their menu. So why 5 stars? Like they say it is always the little things. That the pay attention to their beer means they are likely just as attentive to their food. It is perhaps a leap of logic but allow me that.
(5)Katie R.
Brunch review. Two friends and I were doing a Sunday lunch - the original idea was Overeasy..but the line scared us off. So we ended up at Fork. And all three of us were super impressed and loved our meal. We all gushed, it was seriously amazing that we were all equally satisfied with our variety of meals. Food: I loved the Ham & Cheese scramble - especially since I asked for Bacon instead of Ham and no one even batted an eyelash. And the breakfast potatoes were delicious, crisp and herby. The breakfast sandwich melt was thoroughly enjoyed by my friend, she made a concerted effort to finish the thing and almost managed. The last meal was a burger, with blue cheese and bacon, with the cilantro garlic fries. My friend loved her burger tons and we all loved the garlic cilantro fries (so garlicky they are spicy!) I will be back. One thing - the pomosa and bellini - basically just champagne with a splash of juice. So if you like champagne, you will like this. Otherwise, the drinks were the only things we didn't love.
(5)Lydia B.
I love the wine flights! The food was good too.
(4)Charles J.
Pretension masking average food. Over-priced.
(1)Krys J.
Well...it was simply okay. I came here for dinner mid-week since my original destination was closed for a private party. Upon entering you are enveloped into the warm, welcoming interior. However, the food just did not excite me. The selections on the menu seem to be a bit too culinary for this corner bistro to pull off and unfortunately my entree was quite bland. The service was good & the wine selection was pleasing though. I would give it another try possibly for brunch or stop in for wine & cheese, but it is highly unlikely that I would go back for dinner.
(2)Jay S.
Visited Fork this past Friday with my wife. Ordered the mahi mahi special and french onion soup. My wife ordered the duck club and small muscle bowl. The food was absolutely amazing. My mahi mahi tested fresh out of the sea. The duck club topped with an apple mixture was amazing as well. Everything we ate and drank here was simply delicious. Any place with such a full beer and wine list also gets my vote. What gives the place 4 stars is the service. If the manager of this restaurant is reading, the waitress working Friday nights b/w 9 and 11pm is simply amazing. Pleasant lady not afraid to give an honest recommendation. Felt like she was always available when we needed service, despite the place being packed. We also made a reservation and our table was sitting patiently waiting for us with a "reserved" sign when we arrived. Very organized and customer friendly environment. I will definitely be back here many times again. Thanks Fork.
(4)Lawrence F.
I stumble upon this place while walking with my boyfriend looking for a place to have a drink. It was a very snowy Tuesday and not many people were in there. There is a long bar, booths and tables to sit. Also around the corner in the back is a nice lounging area with sofas. We Had flights of beer and cider that were just fabulous. We also ordered the Duck crostini...it was alright. Definitely going back great service and great selection of beer and wine.
(4)Brock W.
This was our first time visiting Fork and like many other reviews, I REALLY wanted to love this place after reviewing their food and drink menus. Unfortunately, the food cost them a couple stars, but first let me note a few of the things I really liked about the place. I would HIGHLY recommended the beer flights, generous pours and the price was about right. The ambiance/vibe is very chill, relaxed and really makes for a nice dining environment. The place is self-described as a gastropub type restaurant, but it's really much more casual and less pretentious than some of the other gastropubs (Hopleaf, anyone?) around town. Our waitress was really friendly and overall, pretty attentive. It was a nice evening too, so the windows were open to the sidewalk street, which made for a nice urban dining setting. Now, let's get to food. We ordered the garlic-cilantro french fries as a starter. Below-average. I love garlic and cilantro and french fries, so I thought this combo would be fantastic. Instead, the garlic was really over powering and the fries themselves were underwhelming. They almost tasted microwaved, as the texture was a little moist and soft. Not good. My fiancee and her Mom ordered the mushroom gnocchi to share. It was good, not great though the variety of mushrooms was a nice touch. I've had better gnocchi at many other restaurants around Chicago. I ordered the Farmhouse Burger MEDIUM-WELL and it arrived cooked medium-rare, almost raw. I was starving, so I decided instead of complaining and having to wait for another burger, to just dig in. I ate maybe 1/4 of the burger and had to stop. Interestingly, our waitress noticed the preparedness of the burger, apologized, and took it back to the kitchen to show the cooks. At this point, I'm expecting the burger to be taken off our bill, but instead we received a couple scoops of ice cream as an apology. Gee, thanks. This is a place we'll probably hit-up again, but probably just for drinks. As I said, the beer list is great and the beers flights are even better, but NONE of the food (including our dessert, a bread pudding dish which was maybe above average) we ordered met expectations.
(3)Emily W.
I highly recommend Fork. Their brunch was delicious! I had the brioche french toast with almonds, strawberries, and a delectable creme anglaise and a side order of applewood smoked bacon. Although the prices might seem high for brunch, the servings are generous and the meals are unique, so I felt the price I paid was justified. The brunch menu itself is diverse; my boyfriend had the spinach and goat cheese omelet, which was also great. We both had a difficult time narrowing our selections down to just one. Just to get a taste of what was on the "regular" menu, we also shared the garlic and cilantro fries as an appetizer; they did not disappoint. We'll definitely go back to try some other entrees. Fork has a really friendly staff and a cute outdoor environment (a must for any Lincoln Sq. joint). Giving it a 5 because I have zero complaints! I hope it sticks around!
(5)Filip F.
Great food. Beer selection is ridiculous. Soooo many craft beers. Puts place like map room to shame. I had farm burger - excellent. Everyone at my table had something different - chicken burger, pork dish, pasta dish, french onion soup - nothing but great reviews. Creme Brule was awesome. Ambiance was also great. Not to loud, not too quiet. In summary, Fork was on like Donkey Kong. I went to this place when it was Fiddlehead. It was crap. This is obviously a totally different joint. Go there
(5)Susan C.
It's been many a moon since I've had brunch and my Best Brunch Date Ever and I opted for Lincoln Square as a central location. Fork's menu looked good and if we could snag outdoor seating.... We did! What followed was a perfectly charming meal with my adorably utensil-challenged partner (ummm...why are you using your spoon to try and cut your chicken and waffles? ...turn your knife the other way, it's upside down) when the slow-ish service (due to the suddenly full restaurant) was actually a plus. We had all the time in the world to enjoy our fresh squeezed orange juice, his aforementioned chicken and waffles and my AMAZING salmon benedict. I loved my dish so much I didn't even bother trying his...and I kinda forgot to save the bite of mine that I offered him. sorrynotsorry! The salmon was house smoked, the muffin was so fresh it winked at me and blood orange hollandaise!?
(4)Gabby R.
Went here 2 months ago and I'm still dreaming about my pork belly sandwich (PBLT). and the garlic-cilantro fries. i'm forgiving the fact that the service was meh just because my sandwich was That. Good.
(5)Becca S.
Went here tonight for the first time in a few years as I have moved back to the east coast. Unbelievable food and experience. From cheese plate to dessert--a delicious experience!!!
(5)B C.
Can't speak for dinner or lunch, but brunch was the bomb. Came here with friends and family on a whim. Ordered the steak benedict, truffled eggs, and a steak and egg special. I thought I was in for a standard brunch. I was impressed and surprised to have such a well presented and delicious meal. I had the truffled eggs and it was amazing. The restaurant is stylishly appointed with a loungy feel. Full bar along one length and a whole back room I didn't even know existed. The booths in front have large windows that open to the sidewalk. Works for families, but is a great atmosphere for a friendly get together.
(5)N L.
Disappointing. Yes, I'm giving them four stars, which is unusual for a disappointing meal, but usually the food and service at Fork is so amazing that they still rate a four. We had an opener of pickles, which are made in-house and fairly fabulous. They had pickled watermelon rind, gooseberries, a type of Italian squash that I'm not familiar with, and something else that I can't recall. They were all very, very tasty, with the squash being very hot. We ordered two 'small plates:' a beet salad and the chicken and dumplings. Then the sad happened. The beet salad should have cheese, and there were a few bits, but not as much as usual. You really need the cheese to offset the taste of the beets. The 'dumplings' are not dumplings, they are gnocchi. That's not the problem -- gnocchi is good. I love gnocchi. The problem is that the gnocchi had been in the broth so long that they were falling apart. The broth had an unusually large amount of onion, as well, which really detracted from the other flavors. And although the gnocchi were falling apart, the carrots were almost crunchy. The peas that were part of this dish earlier in the season were absent. Maybe that's better. They *were* the best damn peas I've ever had -- they're probably not available any longer. Our waiter did not appear for quite a while after our food was served. Usually, after the food hits the table, the waiter comes around to check. Not tonight. We waited and waited, with our water glasses and drinks empty. We finally got his attention and called him over to get another glass of wine and I ordered a starter to round out the meal: the 50/50 bacon burger. (Wonderful! Crispy and flavorful, with aioli and pickles) We also had to wait too long to get our dessert order in. Pot de creme and blueberry crisp. There wasn't a lot of crisp with the blueberries, but otherwise the desserts were good. Then the waiter did something that really ticks me off: He brought the check without being asked. We were not lingering -- we hadn't even finished our coffee. People were not waiting to be seated. We felt that after somewhat lazy service, he was in a big freakin' hurry to get rid of us.
(4)Scott H.
I've been to Fork a few times for brunch, and I'm sure that I'll be back for more. Each time I go, I've gotten their seasonal/monthly/daily 'Special.' I usually don't bother with the specials at restaurants, but at Fork I just can't pass them up. Last fall they had a Root Vegetable Hash with beets and squash that I still dream about to this day! At my latest visit, I had the quiche of the day, and thought it to be just wonderful. I also had the mimosa flight. This should be a requirement at any restaurant that claims to have a 'brunch' menu. P.S. Don't you dare pass on the freshly made donuts holes!
(4)Makenzie B.
I went here in early July when in town for a conference. LOVED IT. If I could have, I would have eaten here every night. Wonderful staff, great service, and the food? Oh my. They even had a gluten-free menu (I have Cealiac's) I tried the mushroom and grits. The grits were creamy and cheesy, mushrooms were perfectly sautéed, and it came in a cute little skillet. My friend and I split the poutine as an appetizer. It's basically the ultimate guilty pleasure: French fries fried in duck fat topped with cheese and gravy. Fork put their own twist on this by adding braised duck. It was a huge serving and I was almost too full to eat the grits. When they came, there was no issue eating it, it was so good. Go to fork for a decadent delicious experience. The cocktails are also fantastic! You really can't go wrong. Now if they could just decide to move to North Carolina...
(5)Blake H.
There is no shortage of great restaurants within a couple of miles of Lincoln Square. Fork is unquestionably one of them. It has a full bar and two separate dining rooms which provide a comfortable atmosphere that is good for families and young professionals alike. We went for brunch but ended up ordering the turkey and pesto panini. Sandwich was delicious. The fries were hand cut and fried properly, with the parmesan fries being particularly tasty. Great service made our meal a 4* experience. This is a solid option but is not the type of place that we would travel out of our way to visit.
(4)Lizette Y.
This joint was selected as a girl's night out venue, and it did not disappoint! They have a lovely outdoor patio, so get there early and park your butt at one of those tables to enjoy the food, vino, and people watching. A friend ordered the sangria, and we were so enamored with its unique cinnamon-y, clove-y flavor, it was wonderfully unique and delicious. Then, we had the wine flights. Oh, the wine flights. At one point there were so many glasses of wine at our table that there was hardly room for food. I'm OK with that! The server was really attentive and very knowledgeable about the wine, which I truly appreciate. For food my friend ordered the bacon-wrapped dates which she reported to be amazing. I also had the asparagus flatbread (very tasty) and the mushroom grits. The grits were outstanding and included a poached egg. There's nothing more delicious than creamy grits with a heavenly, perfectly-poached egg sitting at the very top. Like I said, the service was very attentive and helpful and I will absolutely be back!
(5)Irina H.
Upon returning to Fork five years later, for a midafternoon lunch, my dining companions and I were quite disappointed. Two of us ordered the crab roll, which was simple and watery - so much so that you had to make sure you were leaning over for a bite, because watery liquid was pouring out the other side of the sandwich with every bite. I lost my appetite after half a sandwich. And how can you go wrong with tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, a classic combo of comfort food? Well, Fork can do it so wrong that you don't recognize it. The soup was labeled as a tomato bisque on the menu, but looked more like a bowl of orange half-and-half with green oil floating on top. There was nothing remotely tomato-y about it, and nothing remotely appetizing about it, either. The grilled cheese sandwich was made with a slab of very sharp cheddar, which is not a delicious cheese when you have to eat it in a big gob, and the purported bacon in it was really just big hunks of pork fat which even my son, a die-hard bacon lover, could not eat. Fork probably still does a good cheese flight and booze menu, but that's not why we were there today, and we certainly won't be going back, ever.
(1)Kerrie G.
Excuse me deliciousness move over fancy schmaltzy. Fork treats it's patrons to an elevated menu and top notch wine selection, with a very neighborhood feel. Our table of six enjoyed the poutine, let me rephrase, we nearly "forked" the bus boy who asked if we were done with the dish, when clearly we were still prepared to lick the platter. Service was top notch with recommendations and frequent check ins with out too many, if you know what I mean. All of our entrees were met with mmmm's and ahhh's. All around a wonderful environment to enjoy a winner of a meal.
(5)Douglas B.
So wifey and I have been coming here for a few years now. We are here almost every weekend for brunch or lunch. Overall we love this place. We have never had a bad experience here and always always get great service. The food is always on point, there is always something tasty to choose from and their beer and wine selection is always great. We typically make reservations on the weekend because it is always busy, especially when it is nice out. The outdoor seating is great, right a long the side of the restaurant. The hosts are super friendly and very accommodating when possible. Julio is usually our server and he always makes it a great experience for us at Fork. He is very knowledgeable on the food, the beer and the wine. He makes great recommendations for drinks, I can honestly say the staff is very well trained on the product. The menu is very consistent, we usually go for brunch or lunch. We have on occasion been there for dinner. I typically order a nice crisp beer and we almost always start off with the duck crostini's. They nice thin cuts of duck breast with this delicious jam, cheese, an arugula leaf and truffle oil all sitting on a nice piece of small crusty bread. Perfect bite to get things started. You get two in the order. Then we move on to bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and covered in a tasty blue cheese sauce that works so well with the sweetness of the date. Since its the weekend, I have to order eggs. I usually get the duck confit hash! If you like duck confit, you will love this dish. Its a nice combination of potato hash with duck confit and arugula. It is just a heavenly mixture. Sitting on top of all that is a couple of sunny side up eggs. Paired with a couple slices of wheat toast, its the perfect breakfast. Wifey usually gets the Florentine Benedict, its your typical eggs Benedict but with spinach. The other day they had a special braised short rib Benedict, i was jealous of wifey for ordering it. I love coming here and I highly recommend it to everyone to try it. It has a great variety of dishes. I've tried something from each category and I can say I have not been disappointed. The staff is wonderful, management is helpful, the food and drink selections are great. Give it a go... do it!
(5)Leslie B.
Had a really wonderful dinner here on a Saturday night. Our group of 7 was greeted right away by our waitress who got us started with some cocktails. Fork has a great beer list and great cocktail menu, I had a very refreshing gin drink. The food menu is incredibly unique in that you can order traditionally, with appetizers and entrees, or sharing. Our group opted to share everything so we could try more of Fork's offerings. Highly recommend this approach! To start with, we had the bacon wrapped dates, garlic fries, mushroom flatbread, root veggie hash, lamb flatbread, and charcuterie plate. The charcuterie offerings at Fork are so impressive. They have a huge selection of both cheeses and meats and you can mix and match, everything we tried was delicious. The lamb flatbread and bacon wrapped dates were also standouts. For entrees, we had the mussels, which were fantastic. They came in a very rich and flavorful broth, highly recommend this. Other noteworthy entrees were the sweet potato gnocchi, very unique, and the shortrib, which was so tender and tasty. We shared a couple desserts that were on special, but sharing one or two between a group is more than enough after sharing multiple dishes at Fork! Portions are large and the savory dishes are very filling. Overall, Fork is definitely one of the best Lincoln Square spots. Warm and inviting interior, come in with a few friends and share some items. While it may be pretty pricey, the quality and uniqueness of the menu make this is a great special occasion dinner.
(4)Cynthia R.
I wanted to give Fork a higher rating, but when I thought about it, my experience really was just ok. I will definitely return though. I'm hoping for better....I truly think they have it in them! I went here with my team from work. We are a fun bunch, so we definitely had a good time. A few wine flights later, we were feeling pretty good. Service was a tad weird...difficult to explain. Our server was nice and all, just a tad...well....awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strange bird myself, so I really dig strange people. But this woman just didn't seem comfortable in her own skin, and she was kind of spacey. She didn't really smile either, which is takes from the experience. We started with some apps....bacon wrapped dates (A-mazing), Cliantro Garlic Fries (DEE-lish), Baked Pretzels w/ amazing beer cheese (YUM!). Most of the crew got burgers, which they thought were ok. One guy got the bbq brisket. It was a little dry, but had great flavor and was quite tender. I kept eating his food because my fresh caught salmon was....meh. I was super disappointed. I really wanted to love it. The grain served with it tasted freezer burnt and the whole meal was luke warm vs pleasingly hot. Lackluster. One girl got the mussels. She didn't rave, but no complaints either. Dessert made up for some of the dinner disappointment. We had the creme brulee, which was fantastic. The apple crisp and bread pudding were no slackers either! All in all, decent place. Great vibe. Good neighborhood joint.
(3)Chris B.
I want to give this place 5 stars but we only had brunch today for the 1st time. We had the chicken and waffles. Amazing! Cant wait to come here for dinner.
(4)Meredith B.
I love a brunch place that takes reservations! I knew almost nothing about Fork, and was pleasantly surprised to find it bustling and cozy on a Sunday morning in autumn. Definitely make a reservation - most/all tables were full, though it didn't look like there was a huge wait. Great neighborhood restaurant vibe, with a long bar where people were watching the Bears game. I had some tea (which was in a bag, not loose, bummer) and the roasted vegetable hash - veggies like beets, butternut squash, and more. It's a seasonal dish, the veggies in the hash apparently change throughout the year, but are always served with arugula and eggs over easy. The dish was really filling but was a great healthy option. I loved the colorful veggies, and they tasted great especially after I broke the yolk and it poured out all over them. This dish comes with toast, and even though it's vegetarian I know it will fill you up. It's a touch pricey, but not too bad. I think my brunch was $13. Lots of unique breakfast options - a bunch of different benedicts, chicken and waffles, duck confit hash - something for everyone! I've heard that their dinner is great too. I'd definitely come back if I was in Lincoln Square, it has such a relaxed vibe and some cool brunch offerings for sure!
(4)Esther G.
It was SUCH a long wait on a Saturday night but the hostesses actually made it less painful by chatting/joking with us. The front area is big enough that we didn't feel like we were in the way of people coming and going. The inside is nicer than I was expecting, but it's not like we felt out of place in casual clothes. Looking for something small, I had the duck liver mousse (foie gras for the fancypants). Never had it before and had no idea what to expect, but with the grape jam, white port gelee and the small, perfectly toasted pieces of bread, it was so, so good. Very rich, smooth like butter and delicate. Garlic cilantro fries -- a bit passable. Could use more garlic. There's also an extensive beer/wine menu, which you can all get as flights. They're divided by cost so if you want to mix and match, you pay per sample, otherwise you pick 3-4 for one set price. It's a 3 oz pour so it was pretty generous.
(4)Tad D.
We went back today for brunch and it was just fantastic. The service was quite good and the food was amazing. I don't even get in to Chicken and Waffles usually, but it was unreal. It will change your perspective on stuff. Chef Tim came out and greeted us. The attention to detail here is quite good. I can't recommend this place enough and I wish the entire ownership and staff the best.
(5)Brian M.
Great spot for dinner and a date. We ordered quite a bit of food as our group was uber hungry. We started with the house pretzels which were very good and garlic-cilantro fries. The fries were simply out of this world good. Not a date friendly order, but seriously its worth it. I had the farm house burger. This was one hell of a solid burger. Its grass-fed beef, fried egg, white cheddar cheese, friend onions and bacon. What could ever be wrong with a burger like that? It was a messy burger that I would gladly eat many times over. What really made the place awesome was the server [Michael?]. Dude was funny, quick, really good at recommendations and didn't mess around when it came to making sure we were good. Had solid appetizer recommendations and we got a great bottle of wine that he recommended as well! Again, if you are looking for a good burger try here. Also if you want to have a solid date, this is also that spot.
(4)Max F.
They have 20-75 different cheese I think. I haven't tried them all but I'm pretty sure they're all good. Please note that both the grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni and cheese pasta dishes only contain a select few, but are both stellar entrees. One of the cheeses is from Burgundy.
(5)Kristin I.
I went in for their Vivant Brewery dinner and it was amazing! The dinner was held in the back room, which was perfect because we were able to hear the chef and the guy from the brewery describe each course. The food was amazing! My favorite was definitely the house-made sausage wrapped in house-made brioche! It was so tasty and perfectly paired with the beer. I was just so impressed that they made both the sausage and the bread! And the service was excellent. We had clean silverware, plates and the next beer pairing before each new dish arrived. Which seems to be something that is missing at most beer dinners. I left stuffed and happy!
(5)Patrick B.
I came to Fork a couple years ago for brunch because I saw online that they had Chicken and Waffles, which I had been craving. We showed up to find out they had an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. We decided to check it out, but unfortunately it was one of the worst brunch buffets I've ever had. They didn't offer their normal breakfast menu either. It was so bad, I never wanted to give Fork a second try. Well, we've since moved out of Chicago and we were in town for the weekend and decided to give Fork a second chance, mainly because our first choice was closed for the day. Now I'm a little sad I didn't give them a second chance sooner, because the Hangover Helper with biscuit, egg, sausage gravy and bacon on it was amazing. We also got the eggs benedict which hit the spot as well. The beer mimosa was pretty good too, I'm glad there wasn't too much orange juice in it. Anyway, I now recommend going to Fork for brunch. However, if you see an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet when you walk in the door, I would turn back around.
(4)Rafia J.
Went there for a paintnite event and I am extremely sad to say that besides the paintnite experience, I was greatly disappointed in this place. The only reason we came across this place was because of paintnite while we were there for so late we decided to stay here for dinner. I ordered steak and frites and my friends ordered chicken burger with garlic and cilantro fries. The only thing worth eating in that order were garlic and cilantro fries. My steak was tasteless/ saltless and just was not edible after a couple of bites. I left the whole thing there. My friend's chicken burger was drenched in cheese and was extremely tasteless as well. And we spent quite a lot of money too. Other than that the atmosphere and service were nice but definitely not one of the great places in Chicago to come and dine at.
(1)T K.
I have to update my review as this place has *drastically* gone downhill from the previous ownership... I went in Sunday with a friend who was visiting from out of town. We had, what we both believed, to be the worst service of our life there. We were seated quickly, however, everything else went downhill... Our food took over 45m to come out, the longest I've ever had to wait there. The waiter was less than attentive, our drinks ran empty during our wait and he never even checked on us without my having to pull him aside (twice) to find out what was taking so long. Offering a shallow "sorry, we're very busy" to attempt to compensate. (hint: they were not that busy, by the time we got our food most of the section was empty and some had already received and eaten their entire meal) Even my friend who is from the south and epitomizes southern charm was fuming. The manager eventually came over to check on us (and the table next to us that was also complaining about the horrible service) and she offered a short apology and nothing else... no offer to compensate for the poor service, nothing, just a "sorry" and off to do whatever else it was she was doing. (it definitely wasn't getting her ass involved in fixing the situation by any means) The final kicker came when we asked for our check... you would think after all this they would promptly grab the ticket and get it to us. NOPE. It took ANOTHER 15-20 mins *JUST TO GET OUR CHECK* I will never go back here and my friend, who didn't complain about anything else the entire weekend, even asked me "can we promise never to eat here again." If it wasn't the fact that we were both hungry to the point of shaky when we realized the situation I would have gotten up and walked out...
(1)Mark Tuna T.
Had a fantastic dinner here last night. The food is incredible. A great selection of comfort food and artisan cheese/charcuterie. The wine and beer selection is also very easy to get lost in. Everything we ate and drank were spectacular. But the service really stood out. Jen took EXCELLENT care of us keeping our meal moving at the perfect pace and providing the best suggestions. Kudos to the entire staff, kitchen and service! We will def be back again!
(5)Zach R.
Great beer selection, awesome burgers (and cilantro, garlic fries), and a great vibe.
(5)Melissa P.
I love this restaurant! Wonderful menu, great cocktail, beer, and wine selection. I can't get enough!
(5)Rosemary Z.
Super brunch for a group of friends! Thumbs up for yummy fresh food, a creative menu, service with a smile, and a comfortable setting. I really liked my vegetable hash with eggs over easy. It was a little on the sweet side for me, but the arugula and eggs helped balance the flavors. Kudos for getting our food out at the same time. This officially gets 4.5 stars because I didn't like the coffee. I thought it was bitter. :(
(5)Peter C.
We are regulars at Fork. It is our first choice for a great dinner in Lincoln Square prior to a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The poutine is the best that we have had, even compared to the poutine in Quebec. The mushroom and grits is out of this world. The specials are always fresh and well done. Service is exceptional and the noise level is low, allowing for great conversation. A special shout out for Niko, who is the go-to wait person. He's always tested the specials and will guide you through the extensive beer and wine list. We routinely recommend Fork to friends and family.
(5)Faye B.
Liked that we were able to make reservations on open table for our party of 7. Had a nice gathering of family for brunch on an early Saturday before noon. The restaurant was busy, but not yet full. It did start to pick up shortly after we had all come together. The food was pretty good. I was starting to get sick so my appetite wasn't all together there. I did however order poutine for the whole table and I got the soup and grilled cheese option. The poutine was delicious! My grilled cheese was a little salty, but I appreciate the two types of cheese and bacon. I also liked that I had an option of tomato or mushroom soup. Went with the mushroom and it was yummy. My husband exclaimed that he had the best french toast ever. It was a bananas foster inspired brioche french toast with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Overall I think we all were happy with the overall meal although my brother and wife were served sour milk, but our waitress managed to get rid of it. That was probably the only thing that kept our experience from being 5 stars. Can't wait to go back to try that french toast....when I have more of an appetite.
(4)Caitlin B.
After one bite of their mushroom soup, I fell in love and don't even remember the rest of the night. The ambiance is great, can be slightly more casual for lunch, but definitely trendy and upscale by night. The staff is great and attentive. The menu is SUPERB. They recommend a small-plate approach--ordering multiples and sharing. Additionally, they have wine, beer, and cheese flights which is always fun for those of us who can't make up their minds (ahem ahem). It's pretty pricey, so I won't be going here all the time, but it's perfect for special occasions and entertaining out-of-town guests.
(5)Carol J.
The sausage plate is amazing - the chicken foie gras sausage might be the best sausage I have ever eaten. The "amazing shrimp" lived up to it's name. Every time I come here, it is better than the time before. Keep it up!!!
(5)Reg T.
Been there twice now and can't wait to get back. From fantastic craft beers, an extensive wine list and scrumptious dishes, Fork is definitely on my "must return" list.
(5)Guit B.
Fork is a superb restaurant, easily beating out the other neighborhood restaurants. Nearly everything I have had there is special in some way, a standout. My friends and I used to frequent a number of places in Lincoln Square, becoming regulars. As much as we wanted to continue to go to the other places, we just couldn't deny that the food at Fork is better. Worlds better really. I go for brunch and for dinner, usually on the weekend. As for the brunch they have a number of creative entrees (I like the salmon eggs benedict and brioche French toast for a change-up); everyone has their favorite and even simple items are excellent. Dinner is likewise varied in terms of the choices but always excellent and a gourmet experience. Appetizers, extras, coffee, and ciders are delicious as well. Service is superb, I will particularly mention Lauren, Katie, Stephanie, Cesar, & Kelly (and Bailey too) but no matter what you feel taken care of and appreciated as a customer. Even the chef will take care of you if he notices something. The atmosphere is comfortable and unhurried. It manages to be a good environment both for dates and for groups, and families fit in as well during the Saturday and Sunday brunches. You have to ignore the earlier reviews for Fiddlehead which was always a mediocre place. Since Fork came in it is very difficult to go anywhere else nearby-- for food it is head and shoulders above places like Bad Dog, Daily Grill, Grafton or Latitude.
(5)Laurel N.
We've eaten here for lunch and for dinner, and nearly everything was great, especially the pork slider and grits. The half roast chicken had a nice smokiness to it, but the breast part was so dry it was challenging to eat. Service is friendly and fast and they have a great beer list. The decor could use some updating but on the whole we've enjoyed our experiences here.
(4)Kylie S.
Made a random and wonderful stop one weekday evening this past summer for a charcuterie board and a few beers with my husband. The patio was a great place to watch the world go by and catch up after a long couple of weeks. Such a great beer and wine list that I had trouble choosing and selected a flight (good idea). The cheese was simple and excellent. Our service was super great and I loved everything about our stop in here. Will return for sure.
(5)Kristi K.
Fork is an amazing neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Square! From seasonal varieties to classic stand-by's, anything you order at Fork is sure to please! Go for the homemade pretzels, asparagus flat bread, homemade gnocchi, and any kind of dessert! Don't forgot the delicious wine flights!!
(5)Melissa H.
Went to Fork Tuesday night, 1/20/15. Love, Love,Love!!!! Great room! Great Service! Everything we ordered as good if not better than the dish before!!!! Salmon Salad? To die for!!! Duck liver pate? Unbelievably delicious!!! Wild mushrooms & grits? Superb!! I think the poached egg puts that over the top! Apple crisp? Made with honey crisp apples, wonderful!!! Parking is a little iffy, but well worth the search. Most definitely will return! Won't wait too long with this one!!
(5)Brian H.
Their Chilaquiles for brunch are some of the best around and overall their brunch is great. Pretty standard dinner fare, but the bar is their strong suit. They have an excellent beer menu with a lot of uncommon bottles and drafts and even do rotating beer and wine flights.
(4)Rebecca B.
I go to Fork specifically for the garlic cilantro fries. Holy moley, guys, it's insane. Best fries in Chicago. I think everything else is a little overpriced - too little food for the money - but the beer list goes on forever and it's worth walking in if only for the fries. Seriously, you have to try them.
(4)Adam R.
Fantastic brunch. Very friendly staff. Attentive. Our server even brought out our daughter's food first, and we didn't even ask.
(4)Harat H.
Had a fantastic dining experience here! Stopped in with some friends and brought our two year old. Right away we were greeted with a smile and the host was sweet to our daughter got her crayons and coloring things right away. We ordered cocktails and beers and all were perfect! For an appetizer we tried their housemade doughnuts that were topped with their special topping of the day was butterscotch! They were to die for! Tasty, light, fluffy. For food two of my friends had their paninis and both were great. My husband and his friend both had their farmhouse burger with a fried egg on top and they were tasty to the last morsel, I had their house burger with caramelized onions and bacon it was fantastic. Their fries and garlic cilantro fries were all wonderful. My daughter had their mac and cheese and it was delicious. Our server Kelly, was incredible and extremely attentive. We had a wonderful time.
(5)Katie K.
I wanted to write a quick update - in respond to my review I did hear from management, with an offer to come back in for a better experience. This is greatly appreciated. I will post another update once we return.
(3)Gregory C.
Had dinner with my wife and 17 yo son this past Friday [8/15/14]. The service was outstanding from the host at the door to our server, Kathryn K. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the large draft beer selections. The menu challenges the taste buds and the portions, the small plates, were very generous. When I asked Kathryn about an ingredient she came back with the Chef who spent several valuable Friday night minutes talking about the menu and answering questions about his cooking philosophy.
(5)Kelly H.
We went for my dad's birthday on a Saturday night and everything was great! We have a 14 month old and they are very family friendly. We had the dates and pretzels to start and I had the duck club for my entree. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee and s'mores. Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful! I would definitely recommend!
(4)skip l.
We've been to Fork several times -- returning for brunch now and then -- and like the location, which is near the Old Town School of Folk Music, where I teach. We've enjoyed the food, but it's never been a favorite. Tonight's visit was spontaneous, almost accidental, and for dinner -- but well-rewarded. We wanted to go "light." So I had their French chacuterie -- good, but not memorable. What made up for this was a spectacular crabmeat "Slider." The diminuative title did not prepare me for the substantial sandwich that arrived on the table:: the so-called Slider was an almost 2 inch high production of crab, slaw, sauce, and roll, with a half-moon slice of apple toothpicked on top. This delightful creation rang several changes at once: a hot, crispy fried patty of sweet crabmeat, contrasting with the coldness and mild vinegar taste of the slaw and the soft bun, all happily married in the middle, with Mornay sauce presiding. It was delicious and so well constructed that it held together to the last bite. Fran had a beautiful light beet and goat cheese salad, followed by a wonderful mushroom dish with egg, presented in a small frying pan -- just the right touch in presenttion, combined with a fine combination of flavors. Our vanilla bean creme brule was topped with a welcome extra-thick layer of carmelized sugar, and big enough for two. (Even though I was forced to undertake the lonely task by myself). My only quibble is what I remembered only when my cocktail arrived --I thought, yipes, I made the mistake again! I simply don't like their drinks. They incline to overly sour or bitter,. On an earlier visit I sent back a margarita and even the re-make was undrinkable. (The original turned out to be their signature drink). Tonight it was a Sidecar, the drink famed as the ideal combination of strong, sweet, and sour, normally served with sugar around the rim. It came with no sugar and no detectable orange flavor from the sweet liqueur ingredient. I assume their nod to sweet is the sangria, but I would have hoped they could do better with at least one of their actual cocktails. That aside, a fine meal! But how about it, Fork? Come up with a sweet one and you can the Skip Landt.
(4)George A.
The food was good. The waiter that night was incredibly slow and inattentive. This can make a huge difference when trying to enjoy a meal. Will try Fork again, hopefully that service was uncommon.
(3)Jiwon M.
Ok. So the service eh. The atmosphere eh. but my food - Fabulous! And know what, I crave their garlic french fries like all the time! Yeah this is comfort nosh food joint with a flare.
(4)Minna A.
DUCK CONFIT POUTINE. don't question me. your stomach/taste buds will thank me later. Crispy french fries, topped with juicy pulled duck, drizzled with melted cheese. AND IT'S NOT DONE YET. Because then comes the hearty pour of sweet and salty duck gravy. media.comicvine.com/uplo…
(5)Janet V.
My husband and I were starving after a long work day and just happened to walk by this place, so we decided to give it a try. I loved the ambiance, it was perfectly lit and had a warm vibe. We ordered several small plates, including the corn, pulled pork, mussels, and the duck. We also ordered a 3 cheese plate. I didn't like a lot of what we ordered. I normally love pulled pork but I couldn't even finish one bite of the one we ordered, it was way too sweet and it just didn't taste good, my husband didn't like it either. The mussels were cold and the sauce had no flavor. The roasted corn was AMAZING. It had sweet bacon bits and onions mixed in and it was so flavorful. The cheese platter was also very delicious. We ordered the special pumpkin cheesecake desert which was TO DIE FOR! It was freshly made and it was very unique. I might go back just to have that. The service was great, our waiter was very nice and he was timely. Overall, the food was just okay. I would like to go back and try other things on the menu. I liked the vibe and feel of the restaurant it was very cozy and comfortable. And the service was good. It was just a little bit on the expensive side, but nothing too bad.
(3)Katie M.
A perfect dinner experience, starting with the friendly host/hostesses (who graciously handled an abrasive and inappropriate guest's rude behavior), our AWESOME waiter TERENCE who was super nice, attentive, and funny (and cute ;) ), to the amazing food. THE FOOD! SOOOO tasty. My friend and I started with flights of wine each, yum! Then split the beef medallions (salty, crunchy, savory perfect outside with red, juicy, tender inside) and a little lettuce with a sweetish sweet potato sauce/not-quite-paste concoction. The scallops were good (not a huge scallops fan, but tasted good) and ended with the braised short ribs with root hash- sooooooo tender, sooooo tasty. The pot-de-crema was the perfect icing on this delicious dinner and the chef honored a special request of ours with the dessert- THANK YOU! The Chef was approachable, friendly and a humble man. A wonderful experience! Recommend reservations, this place was rather popular and hoppin' on a Friday night! (Reasonable priced... we spent more b/c we got A LOT of food, but for the quality, experience and service, this place is reasonably priced) ?? TV's- I don't remember seeing any, GREAT! TV shouldn't be in a restaurant, pay attention to your dining experience!
(5)Lizzie C.
I love Fork for brunch, and visit frequently. The food is great and the service is generally prompt. It has never been too hard for us to get a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I like to order the chilaquiles, traditional eggs benedict or the poutine. My boyfriend and the rest of my family love the locally sourced root vegetable hash. In fact, he has ordered it the last three times we've visited. Don't skip the Garlic Cilantro Fries with Sriracha Aioli. They are sent straight from heaven (I think.) The coffee is good and the bloody marys are large. Fork is very kid-friendly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it does get a little loud sometimes. On my last visit, there were a pair of twins who were about one year old and decided to shriek at each other for a few minutes. They did quiet down pretty quickly, though. I live about half a mile from Fork, and I like to go for brunch there when I have house guests. I'm sure I will be back soon.
(5)Joan A.
Definitely a fan of this place! To start, there is parking available, which is always nice, but it's also not a terribly far walk from the metra station. Went here for a late dinner/drinks with some friends. The ambiance of this place was cool without trying too hard, and we had a sweet waiter. Prices weren't bad either. This place has a wide variety both large and small plates, so there's something for everyone. I personally went for the eggplant "caviar" - an eggplant spread with caramelized onions that came with bread with goat cheese on top. It was definitely different than the normal bar food fare. When I ran out of bread, the waiter asked me if I wanted more to finish the spread. Nice! Friends got the fries with sriracha aioli, the mussles, the brisket sandwich, the beet salad, and a cheese/pate plate. Everyone enjoyed their food. Watch out for the sriracha aioli though, the spice apparently gets you after a few bites! Good selection of beers (41 on tap!). You can also do beer flights here.
(4)Lenore C.
We had just been walking down Lincoln and saw the restaurant windows wide open, so inviting, so we walked in. The hostess sat us at a window booth, just as we had requested. Looking over the menu we saw so many things that sounded delicious but it had been a long time since I had duck confit hash -- in fact, since I can't get it in the town we moved to, I only have it when I make it myself. We ordered that and the grape tomato goat cheese omelet, as an egg white omelet. The hash was exactly what I hoped for. But the omelet surpassed expectations - I had thought it would be a very familiar treatment. Instead, the tomatoes were quite a surprise. Yes, there were the grape tomatoes as described in the menu, but they shared the spotlight with a kind of tomato confit- a sauce that had a thick rich taste, very fresh, not too sweet, highlighted with basil. I've heard that the test of a great chef is in their ability to make the ordinary extraordinary - it was just perfect
(5)Mike V.
brunch - lots of good stuff here. sweet, savory, good portions. dinner - no good. a bit over the top and overpriced for what it actually is.
(3)Toni T.
We set a reservation for 10 people, and they had our table ready for us in the back when we got there. We had a bunch of appetizers like cilantro fries, donuts, some pork creation, and bacon wrapped dates. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite! Everyone had either bloody Mary's, mimosas, craft beer, homemade juices, some of us had shots at the end of the meal too. A couple people got the hangover helper and some got items from the Benedict menu. I got 2 poached eggs, English muffin, bacon and their breakfast potatoes. Everything was amazing! Service was a little slow, but once we left the back area we saw that it was packed so that was why. I would go back again. There are a lot of items in various price ranges. My bill was only $15.
(5)Riina H.
Awesome meal and great experience!
(5)Lizz M.
3.5 for sure. Came here today with a couple of friends after searching for a good brunch spot. I made my feelings known for Fork as they have chicken and waffles on their menu. The verdict? I think I've been ruined by Gladys Knight's chicken and waffles in Atlanta because I wasn't too crazy about these. The waffle was the highlight of the dish as it was nice and fluffy. I wasn't that impressed with the chicken, though. While it was seasoned pretty well, the coating of the chicken wasn't crispy and the actual meat was a little dry. I also had a side of ham which was overly salty. It's a chance you have to take with ham sometimes, I guess. I had a try of my friend's potatoes which were tasty. Service was good and I'd go back to give their lunch/dinner menu a shot. If I had to do brunch again I'd probably go for an egg dish.
(3)Scott T.
I don't quite understand the 2- and 3-star reviews. This is a moderately-priced restaurant. I think it unfair to not give it the 4 or 5 stars it deserves. The bar is great. They have an incredibly-wide selection. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, even when it's busy. The table wait staff do a great job, as does the host, and the food is really pretty good. I also like that they have Open Table enabled on yelp so that you can make a reservation in a few seconds, without the old-fashioned voice mail back and forth that some restaurants still use. I guess some unhappy people use yelp place to be unhappy. If I get good service, food, and drinks at a restaurant, and the prices are fair, that's a good restaurant, and they deserve a good review. There are so many restaurants in Chicago, and I don't live in Lincoln Square, so I can't say I'll be here every week, but it's certainly worth going back.
(5)Michael M.
They have pretty good food, but it is over priced. They think their food is better than it is.
(2)Abbie F.
Great selection of super delicious entrees! Hangover was super yummy as well as the veggie scrambled. Donuts were pretty delicious as well! Chilliques were ok. Service was pretty good as well! Only downside is it smelled like mildew...:(
(4)Rose B.
Atmosphere - great Service - great food - okay Wine selections were really nice and I liked the "flights". However, the food was average to just above average. Service was really great. Would have loved to give this a 4 star but maybe next time. Price was way out of line with what was posted on Yelp. party of 5 was $350 with tip
(3)Kyle B.
How could I not enjoy a restaurant named after my favorite utensil? Just for reference, it's fork, spoon, knife in that order. I feel like a knife is generally unnecessary for the types of foods I normally ingest, however the spoon is relatively ineffective for self-defense. The fork basically takes care of both. The more you know. This Lincoln Square local bar is a nice, relaxing place to grab some food and drinks. I have a few friends in the area that frequent the establishment and have come to know the staff on a more intimate level. The waitresses are always friendly and the owner is very in tune with the latest trends in beers, consistently rotating the taps for some fresh new flavors and rare finds. With a beer list like theirs, you could honestly visit every night of the week drinking a different beer each time, and you wouldn't be able to make it through the whole list without a new one being added. Trust me, Dave Z. tried. He couldn't do it. The food is pretty good, and they even hold special event nights with sponsored beer and grub pairings. If wine is your thing, they have a pretty extensive list too. I'm not really a wine guy, but they have reds and whites. More specifically, dark reds, light reds and whites. That's about as descriptive as I get with those. Sorry wine lovers. All in all, this is a very solid place to grab dinner with friends if you're headed out for a night on the town in Lincoln Square. Get a solid meal and head up the street to drink hefty amounts of German beers. What else could you want?
(4)Sean T.
Went here for a date, it was overall a great experience! The food was delicious and the staff was very informative. My date had a gluten allergy and chef was able to accommodate her. Overall a great experience!!
(5)Araceli A.
The food was hearty and the beer selection was good. I thought the service could have been a little better.
(2)Josh G.
We went for brunch. We sat outside. It was beautiful! Food- My date had the Egg/Ham/Cheese Skillet thingy and a side of the potatoes. The skillet was OK, but the potatoes were full of flavor. I had this egg/goat cheese/Arugula thing on a pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed that and my date's potatoes. Service- I forgot our servers name...Shame on me...She was a blond bubbly server, and was super gregarious and awesome! She was training a new guy the day we were there. If he does what she does, he will go places. :) Parking- Street parking/meters and a metered lot about half a block south. GF Friends- My date is GF and they ordered the Ham/Egg/Cheese skillet thingy and potatoes. I'm sure there are other options, but I know you have at least one option.
(4)Lolo S.
Visiting for a family occasion in Chicago, my parents, husband and I were driving around looking for a drink/break from all the kiddies. This was the PERFECT find, for a few reasons: -We are beer snobs, my parents a beer newbs. We ordered 3 different flights and had a BLAST (nothing like getting drunk with the fam). Each flight comes with a strip of paper with the name, type, and a blurb about the beer which was great because a-who remembers what servers say when they name the 9 beers that hit the table and b-we were able to remember what we liked and can order them again! My parents had the pretzels and some sort of eggplant dip app that looked amazing and they loved. The servers were pleasant, the atmosphere was perfect, and we had a great evening. Would definitely return on my next visit to Chicago, parents in tow or not.
(4)Julia R.
Great service and I loved being able to sit outside! I started with the summer whites wine flight and also a cheese flight. Both were great! I got a combination of blues, which my waitress helped me choose. My boyfriend got the pretzels to start with and those weren't very good. Expected them to be soft, warm and doughy, but they were hard. He also got the mushroom flatbread, which he loved, but I was underwhelmed by. I got a small plate of mac n cheese and mussels. What a combination, right? Both were delicious.
(4)Sarah P.
I just discovered Fork about two months ago, but since then have been back several times already! I am a big fan of the french-style mussels. The sauce is delicious, especially when soaked up with the toasted bread provided with the dish. The garlic cilantro fries are good, not sure if they are worth the extra money though since the regular fries are good as well! The bacon-wrapped dates appetizer is amazing. Then again, I think bacon-wrapped dates anywhere are good, but theirs have a blue cheese dipping sauce that is perfect with the dates. Now on to my favorite part... wine flights and cheese plates. I would come just for this alone, since in life I would prefer to just live off of cheese and wine. What's nice about both of these is that you can order their planned selections or you can order your own mix. Wine flights are grouped in threes but you can also order wines in the 6oz or 2.5oz size on their own. The cheese plates also have pre-set options, OR you can mix your own selections together for a plate. Perfection. Don't forget about dessert. Delicious options, and if you get the ice cream (which I would normally never order for dessert at a restaurant because I'd rather just go to an ice cream place), you can pick three different flavors for the little scoops they give you, and can choose from unique flavors like blood orange or pear moscato sorbet, banana, pumpkin, porter, something or other chocolate with bacon, etc. YUM.
(5)Vanitha S.
Fork makes for a great brunch place with friends. The menu has all kinds of creative dishes to indulge in. When I went last fall they had a delicious mimosa flight which was fun, colorful, and tasty. I had gotten the tomato basil omelet which was just ok, nothing super fabulous. The next time I got the chilaquiles which were amazing...crispy chips and fluffy eggs and a good homemade sour cream sauce on top. The one thing that was missing big time though was some spicy salsa on top. Their iced chais are good, though really small for $4, and you can ask for them to make it with skim milk. The decor is one of my favorite things about the restaurant--feels like you're in a big family room. Service is consistently great.
(4)Emily H.
What manner of cheese frippery hath touched my mouth? Only the best! The beer flights and cheese flights make for a scintillating face sensation, and are perfect for lazy afternoons with library books from the Sulzer library. Persian feta on rye and spring beer flight for the win. I went home with prizes from their to-go menu. When you're craving a little more substance but the coffee houses are full and your dining partner requires frequent feedings of meat, the duck confit poutine is there to sweep you away with flavors of Thanksgiving mated with savory duckyness. Seriously. The poutine tastes like Thanksgiving.
(4)Julie Z.
I have been here 4 x in the last month. PROBLEMS. Here's why I like it and why I think you will too: 1. Extensive menu. Allow me to elaborate. They have snacks, salads, soups, pates, HUGE cheese selection (almost overwhelming), charcuterie, small plates and large plates. You can try a lot of food here, which is what we did. Let's not forget about the wine options. They have several flights to choose from and an excellent "key" that describes each wine (E.g., bold, buttery, jammy, spicy, etc) It was very helpful. They also have a Port flight. Score! On the menu: -Bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese dressing: GENIUS to add blue cheese dressing. It gives it more moisture which sometimes the dates need. - French onion soup - definitely on the sweeter side, which I don't love but I ate the entire crock and ordered it a second time. I cannot resist melted cheese - Beet Salad - Mmmm. It has pears mixed in which I loved - Mixed Greens - standard. no complaints - Duck Poutine - DING DING DING. We have a winner!!!! Pls get this. You will love it. They pour a cheese sauce and then gravy at your table. mmmmmm. more please - mac n cheese - order the small plate. it's big, rich and delicious. - Dessert = volcano type toffee cake goodness. We ordered it after spying it at another table. you will not be disappointed. We also ordered their cookies with ice cream. They have banana ice cream! I loved it and it's a great compliment with chocolate. 2. SERVICE I should preface this. The first time I went the service was outstanding. Our server was patient and actually thought it was cool that we would only order one course at a time. On my second visit, my server was a bit flighty and I had to remind her twice about things she forgot. No biggie but wanted to point it out. 3. VALUE The food and wine is reasonably priced. 4. Ambiance It is cozy and comfortable here. Great to come with friends or with a date.
(4)Audrey S.
This has been one of my favorite neighborhood places for years. Toniight I had the beef brisket and it was out of this world tender. The bbq sauce had some sweetness, but definitely had a spicey kick. It's served open-faced which is fine by me because I want to conserve room for the meat, not the bread. But the meat is served on a kind of Texas Toast which tasted quite good. As someone that has had a lot of "tough" experiences with brisket, I was incredibly pleased by Fork's tender beef. :) PS - I noticed that in my last review of Fork, I also had the brisket and raved about it just as much as I am doing now. That goes to show their quality is consistent!
(5)Jennifer E.
There's good and bad news about this place... The goods...the food and the beer...compliments to the chef...the garlic cilantro fries are to die for! and the guys especially my husband loved the extensive beer choices... The bad...the service. Our server who shall not be named but rather be called "the Greek" was awful. He was pompous and rude. He was so lucky that we had a big group and gratuity was added because he sucked. There was another server "the Eastern European" who was nice but unfortunately was not assigned to us but he still made sure our water was always full. Word to the management: you don't have to fire "the Greek" but maybe you can make him into a barback or something that doesn't deal with clients because he had no skills in customer service at all.
(2)Raymond S.
Fork is not without it's issues. Aside from the small problems, the good outweighs the bad and the meal at Fork was very pleasurable. Getting a seat for brunch was a long process. Rather than the waitress taking the patrons to their seat, the middle aged host would do all of the work along with answering the phones and takings reservations God bless her soul. So we waited for a while since she was taking her sweet little time running back and forth inside the restaurant. While waiting to be seated, I rarely saw waitresses servicing the customers in the main area. And when I did see them, if free fucks were raining from the sky these people wouldn't pick one up and give it. If you tried to tape a fuck on the back of the guy refilling water, I'm sure it would slide off like his uniform like they were created with teflon fibers. I literally tried to sneak some fucks into his pitcher, but he stopped pouring water into glasses because it would have caused him to have to give one of those fucks. The wait staff made the middle age host look like Usain Bolt. Very few fucks were given about servicing customers quickly. But on to the food. We order the duck poutine and candied bacons, both of which were solid. I ordered the bananas foster french toast. It was so damn good, out of the numerous brunch places I've hit within the last few months this was the best thing I've been served. It was topped with caramel(everyone who knows me knows I have a dangerous addiction), bananas, and granola which really set it apart. The other orders at the table were a florentine eggs benedict which was loved, and a biscuit and gravy dish with bacon and greens. The biscuit was one of the best I've ever had. Aside from it's service Forks is a winner. A great place to go if you don't want a large hippy crowd.
(4)Marta K.
Was here last night.. great waiter, great atmosphere, great food!!! Loved it and hope to come back soon!
(5)KC F.
Brunch=YUM. Make sure to make a reservation online first!
(4)Melissa F.
SOOOO yummy!!!! We can't wait to go back and try other dishes!!! Great local place to go and eat!
(5)Jason D.
An unexpected surprise. The wine & craft beer list was huge and the server was very knowledgeable. We had the bacon wrapped dates (amazing) & the duck sandwich which was more than enough for two people and the best sandwich I've had in some time. Even though it's a bit of a hike for me I will definitely be back.
(5)Tot L.
Ridiculousness. My friend and I just spent 20 mins waiting for someone to wait on us at an outside table. Mind you, we were flanked by two other tables the waiter was waiting on. He passed us twice with no acknowledgement. A busser finally came by and gave us water and a menu and we continued to wait for another 5 mins before leaving. Won't be back there again!
(1)Mat M.
Incredible would be the one word I'd use to describe my experience at Fork.... now folks, I'm trying for a ROTD (review of the day) on this one, because everybody needs to know what a great place Fork is. so here it goes... My friend Danielle and I get together about once a month and try out new restaurants, so this time we ended up at Fork. We had some difficult decisions to make... do we go to Fork, Gilt Bar & Grill, Tavernita, Bristol or Leopold. We picked Fork and didn't regret it for a second. We made a reservation for 6:45 and I was of course late, because who knew, parking in Lincoln Square is pretty much a bitch. Now to the fun part... The service was top-notch from the moment I walked in. We were waited on by Jamie with the assistance of Sean ... who I recognized from another of my favorite hangouts ... Rocks Lakeview. The hardest part was figuring out what libations were in order..... well of course, being presented with a menu including wine flights, the decision became all that much easier. I had the three white wine flights....Danielle had two of the red flights, and then another glass of red .... and to say we were feeling pretty and being social is and understatement. the appetizer.... Oohhhhh soooo good. Chroizo, check. Dates, check. Bacon, check. Chorizo Bacon Wrapped Dates ... pretty much an orgasm in your mouth, and that is no joke my friends. the entree... Looking at their lovely menu, one just doesn't know what to get, faced with many great options. Danielle had settled on the Pork Chop and Sean asks what I'm getting...and tells me I should get the pork chop too...and who am I to argue- he's the expert right? The pork chop made you wanna scarf it down in about 30 seconds it was that good. The chop was cooked perfectly, was super juicy and was on a bed of spaghetti squash, bourbon glaze and some candied pecans. It was amazing. We were e-mailing this morning about how good it was. If you want a Chop....go to Fork...you'll leave wanting to lick the place. If you want a finger licking, awesome feeling, super served meal at a great local Chicago restaurant.... eat at Fork. Don't think about it, you'll be super satisfied!
(5)Matthew M.
Can't find their weakness yet. Nice staff. Attentive. The place is busy most of the times I've been in. Brunch, lunch, dinner have always left me happy. They have unique takes on dishes without seeming to try to hard to change the world. Bar & wait staff have been great the times I have been in. Always part of my rotation when in the neighborhood.
(5)Jacob J.
I remember checking them out right about the time they changed their name in the hopes of facilitating a new identity. Unfortunately they stuck with some of the same menu items and offerings and well, people in the hood still look at them the same way. Fiddlehead café reformed, word of mouth had often pegged them as a pricey meal and an expensive tab. Though it had always been an often companion for my Sunday brunch or occasional Thursday night outing. Pluses - Same great beer and wine menu's. Flights offered. Brunch offerings and a pretty damn good beef pot pie, when it's available.
(4)Stephanie H.
This place was ok for me. We went on a beautiful night and there were options for us to sit outside or inside- the streetfront windows are huge and open up almost completely to the street. The restaurant was much larger than I expected and I liked the vintage look of the large booths scattered about the place. The food was just ok for me. We shared the fries that everyone raved about but I just thought they were alright. I was trying to decide between a chicken dish and the duck sandwich and the waiter said the duck sandwich was bigger and well, size matters. Unfortunately I wasn't a big fan. The sandwich was massive, but all the bread and everything else made the duck kind of lost and it was served cold which I wasn't expecting. I was a little disappointed to see some children literally running around the restaurant, but that isn't a knock against Fork. The food and service was fine, but it wasn't anything special.
(3)Nancy P.
We showed up before a concert at the Old Town without a reservation, and even though they were really busy and were booked, they managed to accommodate us. All the staff couldn't have been nicer. The food and beer menu was nice, and our meals were great. So happy with experience and will definitely be back to try other times on the menu!
(5)Rex H.
This place is wonderful! Great food, brilliant service, gorgeous outdoor seating! I will for sure be back!
(5)Susie C.
My friend had her bridal shower here yesterday. They are a very popular place on a Sunday, but the area is pretty popular. We got the back room which was somewhat secluded for us. The atmosphere is nice....more of a bar/tasting room environment to me. The food was good. We had some kind of breakfast sandwich since the bride-to-be loves brunch. I think we had the egg and portabello melt and the short rib tartine. It was good - both had runny egg yolk in the sandwich. We also had a banana french toast which was the best dish I had. Some people said it was a bit too sweet, but I enjoyed the caramalized nuts and bananas over the toast. This girl at my table literally ate two plateful of it. She really liked it that she didn't have any more room in her stomach for the shower cake. Food was good, location is okay. It is a bit hard to find parking but it is near the brown line so public trans is not bad. Service was decent. Overall had a good time. Good brunch place.
(3)William R.
SO GOOD! The food was great, and the service was great! Chef Tim came out and asked us how our meal was (SO GOOD!!!!) The caramelized bacon donuts were very good! Great staff, friendly cool chefs ! Thanks guys!
(5)SC C.
I love Fork - it's one of my go-to standards for great food and cozy atmosphere. However, I really wish they would streamline their drink service and add additional bartenders, especially for busy weekend nights and brunches. On a recent Saturday, we waited nearly 20 minutes for our two glasses of wine. It isn't the server's fault - with one bartender to serve the entire restaurant, plus wait on all the patrons at the bar, it's completely understandable. The back-up then spills over and customers wait longer in general. I still love Fork, but I'll continue to go less frequently as long as the management forces their drinks service to be so inefficient.
(3)Erin E.
this place was packed on sunday night and i gotta say i'm really scratching my head on that one. i could only conclude that it must have been everyone's first time there. cuz i can't imagine a reason to come back, even though i live only blocks away. overpriced, overpriced, overpriced. there were hardly any entrees less than 14 bucks, many were around 20. i had such a hard time even deciding what to get because i had a feeling going into it that i would be disappointed. and then extra sick to my stomach due to dropping so much money on a mediocre meal. sometimes i hate it when i'm right. nothing was horrible but nothing was good either. and while we each ate our fill, we have done the same at other restaurants with much better food and had leftovers, while here we had none. (not that i would have eaten them anyway.) and did i mention we were starving? this should have been the best meal ever! the only redeeming qualities were the ambiance and the service, neither of which blew me away, but they were nice enough. just not enough to make me a repeat customer.
(2)Rach H.
Stopped here for drinks and appetizers late afternoon this Saturday. The inside looked really nice but we decided to sit on the patio. We were greeted promptly and the waiter was very helpful/knowledgable about the wine questions I had. I really enjoyed the Pinot noir I had and the cocktail my boyfriend got (peach fizz). We also had the bacon wrapped dates with chorizo and they were amazing! Definitely plan on heading back for more drinks and hopefully dinner. Since we came late lunch early dinner I had the chance to see both menus and was impressed by both, can't wait to try them!
(4)Oliver B.
Can only vote on brisket. And one star is being generous. Loved the atmosphere. Our server was wonderful. My wife and I both ordered the smoked brisket. We were served two plates of barbecue "organic" grizzle. Maybe 75% fat and the rest brisket, hardly cooked. The brisket was the worst either of us had ever had. After a wonderful brisket sandwich last week at Smoque, this was such a downer. No comparison. Had we not been with friends who love the place, we would have sent our plates back. Not to embarrass our hosts, we both shoved the grizzle aside and ate the fries and the soggy Texas toast.
(1)JESS G.
If my review were just on the food, I would have given them a 4. But since my review is on the food and service, they are getting a 3. Our waiter was nice, but seemed like he was trying to rush things along for us. Even though there were plenty of tables open and no one was waiting for a seat. After we were done with our meal, he brought us the check and then never came back to see if we wanted anything else. Though we could see that he kept looking over so see if we had paid the bill. My group ordered coffee, drinks, and food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes a lot. I had the chicken and waffles and it was fantastic. The portion size was too big for me to eat in one sitting, but I'm not going to complain about leftovers on a good meal. The food came really quickly, which is always nice, in my opinion. I really wish the service had been better. Like I said, our waiter was nice, but I don't like feeling as though someone is trying to move me along. If I wanted to feel that way, I would have gone to a fast food place. And we weren't there long, so I'm thinking perhaps this was just our waiter's personality or hospitality style. I would definitely give them a second chance based on the food alone. And would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(3)Lisa H.
Is it bad that I thought the best part of my meal was the conversation? My friend and I arrived at Fork for dinner on a Thursday night and we were promptly seated. First thing I noticed were chunks of things stuck to the inside of my water glass. Disgusting. I looked around at other (empty) tables to see if I could grab a clean glass, and the glasses within reach were dirty as well. Ick. We waited and waited for a server to take our order. Finally a guy who I think was the manager came over and said "Your waitress will be right over, she's in the middle of a conversation with someone." Really? Uh, OK. He began to fill our water glasses and I quickly asked for a clean one. He said "You're right, let me find you a clean one." OK, water glasses filled now. Waiting, waiting...Finally our waitress came over and took our drink & food order. It took a while to get our beer and then our food arrived quickly after that - brought to us by someone else. My friend had the small order of mussels, and I had the house-smoked brisket. I was a bit disappointed. It arrived as an open-faced sandwhich, which was fine, but the brisket was dry and needed more BBQ sauce because of it. The greens on the side were just that, greens, nothing else but the dressing in a little cup. The dressing was good, but the greens could have had an additional topping like tomatoes or cucumbers. I asked my friend how she liked the mussels. She said they were good. At one point I heard some crunching coming from across the table. I looked up and asked "Is that sand?" and she said "Yes." Now, I know mussels can have sand in them, but to be able to hear it from across the table kind of wigged me out. My friend doesn't chew with her mouth open. We finished our meals and sat for quite a while before our plates were taken away. I can understand if your tables are full and you're short-staffed that it can take a while, but the place was practically empty. Once the plates were removed by our waitress, we sat and waited again. And the hostess came over with the dessert menu. We took a pass, waited for our bill, then paid it and left. It might have been an 'off' night for Fork, but I'm in no hurry to go back.
(2)Zach J.
I'm pretty surprised Fork doesn't have a solid 4-star rating on here, but to each their own I suppose. I for one am definitely a fan, particularly of their Sunday brunch. They just so happen to have my favorite brunch entree in all of Chicago, so get ready: Fried chicken and waffles. That's right. If I could have any brunch entree at any restaurant in all of Chicago, I would pick Fork's fried chicken and waffles. Personally, it's the best fried chicken I've had in Chicago. And yes, I've had Longman & Eagle's fried chicken and waffles and it is simply not as good. Fork's fried-chicken is incredibly juicy and the crust is nice and thick and moist, probably due to their buttermilk batter. I love it, it's great. The waffles are fine (hard to get excited about waffles personally) but the fried chicken is the show stopper. Absolutely fantastic. As for dinner, Fork is also a quality choice. They have a nice eclectic variety of options, which kind of have the whole farm-to-table thing going on, which is cute, but also typically delicious. Can't go wrong with good old-fashioned burger either, and Fork's burgers, while nothing amazing, will almost always hit the spot. Lastly, they've got a more than solid craft brew selection, and they offer beer flights which I always enjoy. Service is fine. So while Fork may not be a super-amazing restaurant, it is certainly a good, solid option. I would say that their brunch is great, largely due to their delectable fried-chicken, so you really can't go wrong at Fork for brunch. One of the best brunch options in the city in my book, and a very good restaurant overall.
(4)Rikki J.
Thank you Fork! We love having a neighborhood spot that is a cut above the competition. The food is always absolutely delicious, and what a great beer selection -- so much depth and variety. My husband still says the chicken in the chicken and waffle from the brunch menu is the best fried chicken he's had since we moved to Chicago from the south 4 years ago. And please don't ever take the chicken burger off the menu! Service -- especially Nico (a/ka/ Bradley Cooper) -- is polished, seamless and super friendly. We were there again the other night -- Nico knew we were probably there for a concert at Old Town School and asked us about it when we were still eating and yapping away when other concert go-ers had paid up and left. Good thing, because I had gotten the early start time of the concert wrong. You guys take good care of us and always make us feel at home here. Thanks again!!
(5)Kendrah R.
Good place to grab a beer, would not go back for dinner. Four of us went to dinner. The food was edible, for the most part, but unimpressive. The service was really substandard. Our waitress knew nothing about the menu. She had to come back four times before taking our order because each time she forgot to ask the one question of the kitchen. She never once came to check on us after we got our food. My husband had mussels that were super unimpressive, the sauce was nothing and the mussels just didn't taste fresh. His thinking "If you want to eat mussels why would you ever eat here if you could go to the Hopleaf instead?" I had a burger. It was tasty and the pickles that came with it were great. And it came with tons of fries. It was supposedly local meat but I have my doubts - it just didn't taste that fresh or lean. I also thought, 'If I want a good, local meat burger and am in Lincoln Square, I'd rather have one at Bistro Campagne'. A friend had a pork belly sandwich that was pure fat. Now of course this is pork belly, but still, it was inedible for her. Another friend ate a pork belly sandwich and devoured it. When I asked if they could make the roasted beets without goat cheese (sometimes it is just too heavy and I want my veggies just veggies) they said 'No.' This leads me to believe that much of their food is not made to order. In a restaurant with these prices it should be. I was unimpressed with this place when it was Fiddlehead and am equally unimpressed now. I would not bother going back for dinner. They do have a really good beer list though.
(3)Christa V.
Really yummy food, friendly eager-to-please service on a busy summer night. We sat outdoors but the cozy vibe of the interior dining rooms washed over us. We started with small plates (those pretzel bites are delish!), went on to small entrees (mussel special, one of three mussel choices, nice and fresh and well-sauced) and sandwiches (duck club! hooray!), and ended with seasonal/local berry dessert specials that were gorgeous. Great selection of cheese and charcuterie -- very Euro! Any adult beverage you want, they've got it and it's good. :-) Definitely coming here again soon, and to enjoy the fireplace in the winter.
(4)Jeryl C.
We were seated promptly by the open air windows, which was delightful. Our server, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable, answered all our questions patiently, and made suggestions when requested. The garlic/cilantro fries were mouthwatering, accompanied by a delicious aolli (sp). The gnocchi was the sweetest, most melt-in-your-mouth delicioiusness I've ever tasted. I felt cheated because I desperately wanted to try more small plates but I was simply too stuffed! IMHO prices were modest. I will definitely return to Fork as I enjoyed one of my favorite meals ever!!
(5)Stefanie U.
Great place to hang out at the bar for a cocktail or two and small bite to eat.
(4)Aimee D.
I just went here tonight with my family (which included our 10 month old) and we had a great time. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and even though this is a wine bar (I tasted one of their wine flights) it's also very kid friendly (granted, we arrived at 6pm). Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered the beet salad which was great and then the pork belly main course which was wonderful. I didn't partake in dessert like the rest of my family did, thanks to my Lenten sacrifice, but it looked like I missed out - a sacrifice indeed. This is a place where I can take my child to eat, but also feel as though I'm going "out to dinner" with other grownups. We will be back for sure.
(5)Omar K.
Solid place for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and overall good menu with a nice variety. I would say they can definitely skimp on the portions at times and also when they are busy they seem to run out of quite a few things. Wait staff is for the most part extremely friendly, except for a few newcomers. Give this place a try, chances are you'll like it.
(4)Amanda M.
I've been here twice, both times on a Sunday. They have great meals, good bloody Marys and decent service. Typically find it gets crowded with the church crowed around 11.
(4)Claire S.
I'm writing this review based off of a brunch experience I had at Fork. First of all, based on the decor and menu items, it didn't seem to me like this place knows exactly what it wants to be. I understand they offer a little bit of everything, but it seems like they're trying to be too many things--a brunch/lunch spot, dinner place, and wine bar with a large beer selection. Maybe they do a good job at one of these things, but it wasn't the brunch. My gripes: -$5 for a small plate of "seasonal fruit" which equaled pineapple, blueberries, and cantelope. Not exactly what I would deem seasonal and probably just purchased in bulk. -Multiple pieces of silverware with gunk and crust on them -Lame brioche French toast that I could have done up better -Cold rye toast--I know it's difficult to keep toast hot, but this was so cold that no butter would even melt on it. What was OK: -Service -Florentine benedict--this was pretty tasty. Although this place is conveniently located to my apartment, I probably won't be back and can't really recommend it, especially not for brunch.
(2)Paul E.
We had very little time before a concert, but we were graciously and promptly seated, had the Mushroom Soup and Crowd Pleaser Cheese Flight, and left happy all around. We even got a takeaway tin of the Persian Feta for Christmas. Our waitress was most accommodating and pleasant without being overbearing or intrusive. All the pressure of the hurry melted away. Bravo! And the concert was great too. (Our last visit was when this spot was Fiddlehead, so were delighted to see the tradition continuing in this new form.)
(4)Heather E.
I love the atmosphere and I maintain that this is a great place to go for a drink with a friend- relatively quiet, great lighting, bar with seats usually available, and an extensive beer and wine list. As for the restaurant part of fork, it is good, but a bit unmemorable. During our recent trip we started off dinner with their ricotta honeycomb appetizer. It was really very good, but the problem was they only gave us 4 small pieces of toast for a rather large jar of ricotta. Our waitress later noticed that we had a lot of ricotta left and not a lot of bread, so she kindly brought more. As a tip though, bread is cheap, so I would overestimate and make people happy right off the bat. For dinner, I had the brisket sandwich, which was very tasty- I even enjoyed the sauce, which is not always the case. My husband was a little less impressed with his entree. He ordered the house gnocchi, which in his usual poetry he described as "tasting pretty much like it sounds on the menu". He got the larger portion, which I think still left him hungry, and he spent most of dinner gazing longingly at the grilled cheese and tomato soup one table over...
(4)Saira C.
Came here on Halloween before a party for dinner. The crowd there is really weird. I was in a non revealing costume, yet all the tables nearby seemed really bothered by our presence. It was super weird. The waitress was kinda grumpy to us too. The ambiance is like some kind of mu-zack contemporary jazz and dark lighting. Like 50+ age bracket, and stuffy young people. I'm into the older crowd, but the stuffiness... hrm. It was okay. I didn't particularly care for the feeling or air in there if that makes sense. Just not for me. The food was pretty good though, and I would do take out if they offer it!!
(3)Peter S.
we soured on Fork after the shift from Fiddle Head awhile back but urging from our friends convinced us to give it another chance. we sat at the bar and had a flight of Spicy Reds (Mellody's drink of choice) and i had a very well made Manhattan with Bakers 7 y.o. bourbon. we decided to just eat some small plates, i started with the kale salad, a special that was out of this world! homemade gingerbread croutons, candied walnuts and squash. If its on the menu when you get there you must try it. we also had Mac and Cheese, pork belly slider and a gnocci with scallops. All excellent and well worth the price. so after a little hiatus, we'll now put Fork back into the rotation.
(4)Cynthia F.
The service is usually pretty good, and the food is always delicious. Things to try: the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup combo, the burger with sriracha aioli for the fries, and my favorite, the chilaquiles. You will not be disappointed!
(5)erika s.
i hate that this is an "update" to my previous review. the owners of this place changed the name, branding, decor and menu and they deserve to be disassociated with fiddlehead. as much as i don't mean that to sound like a backhanded compliment, it prolly does. this place is so great! i'm so excited. apparently the owners have been working with a new chef over the past year and have some of the same menu items, but overall the thing is 100% different. they have done their homework and i can't compliment them enough. in fact, i almost tracked them down today to say how much i enjoyed my experience here this time. the only real indicator for me that it was the same people before i asked the waitress was the wine list--same hilarious icons. i would be willing to design new ones for there is interest. house cured citrus salmon was superb. can't wait to have again. yes. the beer list: extensive. i tasted one of the brown beers--the rocky revenge brown--super yummy. cheese/charcuterie: tasted-- Smoked duck breast--too gamey for me, but my dining partner loved Serrano ham St andre cows milk Kunik triple cream goat milk--sooo good. wow. Persian feta--not bad i loved that they didn't skimp on the pairings--we got apples, pickles, candied walnuts, taosted bread and bread w raisins i got the Metropolis coffee--they didn't have soy which i would have liked--the coffee was way too strong. i drink strong coffee at home and i didn't finish my cup here. this was literally the only thing i wasn't 100% pleased with so in the scheme of things not such a big deal. Good service and hostess--totally important as you can have great food and bad service and you're totally ruined. so excited to have a new fave place for brunch and charcuterie/drinks.
(5)Lauren B.
It's so strange to me that two people can have two completely different reviews of a restaurant when they dined there on the same night and ordered the same thing on the menu (I'm referring to the post from 10/14/2010 with two stars)... I visited Fiddlehead last night for the second time and once again, had a great meal with great service. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chef at the end of the meal. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi was outstanding. I think some people have and idea in their mind about what traditional gnocchi should be as far as texture and shape go. Even though the gnocchi at Fiddlehead is a departure from the norm, it is fantastic and must be experienced. The beer selection here is also great and very moderately priced for what it is. We wanted to try something new and our server recommended a couple of beers to us that were exactly what we were looking for. She was very knowledgable. We booked our rehersal dinner there last night and will be returning many more times before the event!
(5)Lakshmi R.
My first visit here was B.Y.E. (Before Yelp Era--that is, my pre-Yelping days) and some time ago, so sadly the details have been lost. But the memory was strong: a delicious flight of cheeses shared with a good friend and paired with a delicious sparkling wine. A memory strong and good enough for me to suggest to my boyfriend that we head there on a little date. And what a yummy date it was! We selected a Parmesan from Wisconsin (lightly fruity) the Ossau Iraty and Valdeon (rich sheep's milk cheese), the O'Banon (wrapped in chestnut leaves!) and best of all, the Green Peppercorn, a spicy goat's milk cheese. Paired with fruit and bread, we were knocked over with pleasure. As for alcohol, I stuck with bubbly wine. The bf picked out an intriguing, citrusy beer after much hemming and hawing: the beer list is massive! Yeah, I think a third visit is in order.
(4)Russell K.
Finally, the gastropub concept has come to Lincoln Square. The food was great. I loved being able to order a cheese flight for an appetizer. The atmosphere is classy and nice. The only failing the place had was that the temperature was way too high because of the fireplace (I think). I hope they can fix that.
(4)Brian R.
So I live about a block away from this place, and my wife and I have been there a number of times. Today, we went for brunch, sat down, waited about 15-20 minutes and weren't served. We decided we were going to leave and try someplace else. The manager chased us down in the street, explained that it was the waitress' first day and she didn't realize we were in her section, and that brunch was on him. First time we have ever experienced bad service here, and that completed redeemed it. Go here, the food is good and they have good beers. THAT, my friends, is how you turn a bad Yelp review into a good one.
(4)Mindy S.
My review will provide a fresh look at Fork (as I had never visited Fiddlehead)... wow!! I loved it and my tablemates did too. Let me just say that the hostess, host, waitresses, and everybody else who helped us out were so kind and friendly. We were able to sit outside with no wait, and were attended to throughout the meal. The food - yum! Seriously, the fried chicken and waffles were a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and a little salty to make you want to order a second plate. The duct confit hash with 2 eggs over easy was a great alternative to the traditional brunch hash, with a nice amount of duck. The potatoes in the hash could have been just a little more cooked for my liking, but the dish was spot on. The bloody marys were good - be sure to ask for yours spicy, as the "medium" we asked for was considered too mild for the table. If the brunch at Fork is any indication of the lunch/dinner quality, be sure to give it a try for any meal.
(4)Susana D.
Hilariously effete poutine features tableside pours of cheese sauce and gravy (okay, it's true; when classic poutine arrives, it does rather look like a dog's breakfast), but the shredded duck was tender without that metalic taste duck too often has. Imaginative venison flatbread special. Fine list of brews including ciders. Nice groove.
(3)P M.
Cute yes, cozy for sure! Have an event for friends and family no way! Guests should never have to ask for a portion because plates are served with not enough quantity for each! The food was good if you could get any! When you serve family style there should be enough for everyone in the party? I mean LESS than a half a slice of french toast per person? Really seems they might be taking advantage of the party atmosphere or maybe just not very experienced accommodating parties! Not very good impression if you want returns!
(2)Kathy S.
Brunch = GREAT Dinner - Meh. Food was disappointing for everyone in my group, but we LOVED the beer sampler.
(3)Sonata B.
Went to Fork today foor Father's Day and the food was so good!! (garlic cilantro fries and the egg scramble) I would've given them five stars but the wait was not the best. We waited 25 minutes for our drinks and additional 30 minutes for our food. I really didn't mind because of the atmosphere of the place: nice artwork on the wall and people watching on Lincoln Ave. I do want to return soon to see what's on there dinner menu :)
(4)Caroline M.
I've been meaning to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a long time and finally tried it out last night. The weather yesterday was so nice and they had their outdoor seating up and going and their big front windows wide open. My friend and I were seated in the back room which was really cute. Exposed brick walls and interesting photography made for a cozy dining experience. We are both big fans of wine flights, so we started the evening off with a flight, which were reasonably priced between $11-14. We also couldn't pass up on the cheeses which included some great raisin bread (I don't even like raisins!) and some awesome little spiced pecans. And since the soup of the day was asparagus (my favorite veggie) I had to give it a try. It was the only downfall of the night. Slightly under seasoned and not at all thickened. However, the duck confit in phyllo made up for it. I have never met duck confit that I haven't liked. My friend and I shared the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream, which was really rich and a great way to finish the meal. Our server was very friendly and made some great suggestions for us. I would definitely come back to Fiddlehead for some wine flights and cheese. It's a cute place to relax and have some good conversations over food and wine.
(4)Grace C.
I want to give 3 stars for the food menu, and 5 for the booze menu, so I will just have to settle on 4 overall. I did not realize they had changed, sort of, from Fiddlehead until I showed up the other night. Mostly the same, although now they are focusing more on tastings; wine, beer, cheeses, small plates of all sorts. Their beer list is now awesome. I am not a huge wino so I can't comment on the wine selection other than that it is large. They have some really good flights put together for both beer and wine; I love themed beer flights! Get one. The food is tasty, well presented, seemingly made with fresh ingredients, but lacking in variety. There is not much available for a vegetarian, which is fine, of course, just don't plan on much variety in the full entree department if you are not a carnivore. Would be perfect for a light lunch for the purpose of cheese tasting. Friendly and attentive hostess and waitstaff! I really appreciate staff that is knowledgable but not pretentious at these types of establishments. Way to go.
(4)Moyah M.
I would eat here everyday of I could brunch, lunch and dinner. The mac n cheese is awesome, the little bacon bits are a nice touch. The filet mignon sliders are crazy amazing. Get the fries. Yum. They are known for a huge and vast wine selection. They have a great wait staff attentive but not overbearing. I love you Fiddleheads. PS. The best Sangria in Chicago. Truly. I'm so serious.
(5)Lulu R.
Fiddlehead=Fork? That's OK that you changed names. The food is fantastic so you can do whatever you want. These people can call this place "don't come here" and heards of people will still come. Fork is nestled in the B-E-A-utiful Lincoln Square Village. Obviously there was no parking but it was a nice day for a walk because he ended parking far. Me and my friend had drank the night before so we were a bit hungover. We managed to crawl out of bed and get our asses there for this food...so my expectations were set high. It was brunch time and the place was packed. Its OK, never fret, they have this waiting area with couches and they brought my hungover self some water. I was so comfy talking with my friend over a cup of water on comfy couches. The hostess came over and asked if we needed anything while we waited (how sweet) and that the server was cleaning off our table and would be back to get us shortly. There are two rooms decorated very "homely" and modernly. They have a bar you can also sit at but can be very dangerous while at brunch. We were seated at a table with the perfect amount of sunshine to top off my day. I laid eyes upon the menu and fell in love. I looked around and saw what everyone was getting. Chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. My friend said he was def getting chicken and waffles so I know I could mooch off of his. I ended up deciding of soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil and shitake mushrooms with a triangle of puff pastry. BEST DECISION EVER!!! As a guilty starter, we ordered the garlic cilantro fries served with a siracha...yes i said siracha.... aioli. AMAZING. I know you might be worried about the breath factor but as they as, 2 garlics cancel out each other. Trust me, WORTH IT. They also serve mimosas, Bellini's, and champagne. (BRUNCH EXTRAVAGANZA). The chicken and waffles can out with some candied bacon on top with a warm fluffy waffle. The candied bacon was a perfect addition to it. The chicken was fried golden and was so juicy. I never knew how much they complimented each other with maple syrup all over them. The truffled soft scrambled eggs with shitakke mushrooms and a puff pastry triangle was simply described best as a life changing experience. The flavors in the truffle eggs with shitakke mushrooms was so developed and subtle at the same time. The eggs were cooked perfectly soft but not runny or disgusting. The puff pastry was an added touch that complimented it perfectly. Our server was amazing and the whole team looked really laid back and loved what they do. I know there is no dress code but it seemed a bit more than your regular Sunday sweatpants so bust out your good jeans and sport coat. If i could make up my own dress code, I would say, trendy casual. The pricing is pretty reasonable for the Lincoln Square area. I enjoyed my visit there from beginning to end. I plan to return in the future to try those Eggs Florentine. Who is coming with me?
(4)Alex A.
I can't comment on the food because my husband and I went for drinks. They have a huge, very diverse beer menu. The bartender was extremely knowledgable about beer. This is a new fave spot and I look forward to trying more "strange" beers, including some of the beer flights.
(4)Paige W.
Wow, I wrote my first review for Fiddlehead even BEFORE I spent almost an entire summer drinking there at the bar. You think I exaggerate, but let's ponder how else everyone who works there knows my name... Congratulations, Fiddlehead. You just earned your fifth star. I've always adored this place: Amazing wine selection, friendly servers and bartenders, chill soundtrack, great patio. Up the street from my apartment (yeah, I'm biased). Oh, and cheese. Sweet Jesus, the cheese. But the food never really got me. Brunch was too sticky-sweet; dinner was too salty. And everything was too expensive. Though, for that, I blame the neighborhood. And the nearby Old Town School for bringing all those ritzy North Shore people down for guitar lessons. And then...!!!! Fiddlehead got a new chef. Which I found out about when one of the kitchen staff walked by with a plate full of French fries, a potent punch of roasted garlic floating behind it. Those, friends, were the new garlic cilantro fries. I got an order for myself and was in seventh heaven -- though my breath went straight to the seventh circle of hell, I'd imagine. The chef came from a French restaurant and has incorporated a lot of those flavors and techniques into Fiddlehead's revamped menu. I haven't tried a lot of it, though, because I still can't really afford to dine at Fiddlehead as much as I'd like. Ah, but wait. Enter the new weekday specials. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fiddlehead becomes affordable for broke kids like me. Tuesdays: $8 wine flights. Wednesdays: $5 burgers, $8 specialty burgers and $1 off any draft beer. Thursday: FREE CHEESE NIGHT. Sweet Jesus. Order a cheese plate to eat there; take home the same amount for free to enjoy later. Um. Let me back up and discuss Wednesday. I ordered a burger with cheddar, fried onion straws, bourbon barbecue sauce and an impossibly soft, toasted brioche bun for $8. Is there anything higher than seventh heaven? Because I was there. As a Kansas City girl, I'm mighty picky about my barbecue sauces, and ohgoodlord. So, try that. Plus, Ephemere on tap? (And a buck off on Wednesdays?) The newly pumped-up beer selection at Fiddlehead has put them toe to toe with Hopleaf, as far as I'm concerned, minus the snobbery, bad lighting and thunderous din. Actually, the lighting's still bad, but it's much more pleasant at Fiddlehead. If you tried Fiddlehead before and weren't too impressed, give them another try. You won't be sorry.
(5)Jen S.
I decided to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews, and wasn't disappointed. I had a cheese tasting, which was very good. And tried the candied bacon (bacon as a side dish? yes, please!) but we weren't huge fans of it. I had a salmon dish that was on their specials menu, and my boyfriend had the brisket sandwich both of which were very good. Service was on point and I loved all the flights, wine and beer.
(4)Marta P.
Went here for brunch today. It was pretty good. Ordered the Bellini, which I would get again. Also tried the truffle eggs and chorizo scramble. Both were great. The chorizo scramble was served with the most amazing garlic potatoes. The crowd was not too bad and we got there at about 10:30 on a Saturday and left just in time because we heard some screaming kids on our way out. Fork seemed pretty low key and it catered to both families and just your average brunch crowd.
(4)Georgio M.
I have to say, I've found myself frequenting this very intimate restaurant more and more, simply because the food is great. On my last visit, I ordered roasted chicken with veggies. It took a while to get served, but that was probably because I went on a Friday night. My dish was well worth the wait. I've had a lot of chicken at many places, but never as good as Fiddle head's roasted selection. It was fresh, juicy and yes, yummy. My date ordered her usual Mac and Cheese, with pink salmon. Their cooks must really use some secret ingredients because I their fish taste very good. I might also add they have an excellent selection of wine from around the world. The Atmosphere Fiddlehead has a quiet, romantic, laid back front room with open windows during warmer months. If you are able to call ahead, or even request a window seat, then you will really have a wonderful time. They keep the room very dimly lit, which is nice because you can focus on your date. They usually play soft, ambient music in the back which does not disturb the meal. If you are in the Lincoln Square area & and looking for a good restaurant, this is the perfect place.
(4)Michele K.
I had high hopes for Fork, a newer addition to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. With visions of tasty wine flights and a few apps, a friend and I headed there and were definitely disappointed several times throughout our experience. First, our wine flights were served in extremely spotted/dirty wine glasses. Most likely these were water spots but it was quite unappealing. We sheepishly asked for new glasses and definitely were made to feel funny about this (I don't know that I've ever asked for a new glass before). We ordered three appetizers to share. The first was the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread which was tasty but had a bit too much oil and salt. The second was the Eggplant Caviar which was okay. We waited for over 40 minutes for our third appetizer to be served. Finally we asked for our check and said we'd like to cancel our third appetizer. The waiter said that it was on it's way and it would be on him since we had waited so long. At least 10 minutes later, it was finally served. Sadly, Fork is not a place I would return to based upon poor timing of service, dirty glasses and lackluster food. I hope that Brunch is better and that other customers have had better experiences...
(1)Jaime G.
Another great place in Lincoln Square. This area is has so many great little bars and new restaurants that makes me jealous that i don't live here. The fiddlehead is a great little spot with a monster beer and wine list and fun and inventive menu. it's a bit small but perfect to get some good attention that from the staff - which is good already. Haven't had their full menu but i did have a great experience at brunch. Had the truffled eggs with shitake mushrooms, truffled goat cheese, arugula, and puff pastry. Really good and seemingly unique. The rest of their menu looked good and would love to go back.
(4)David B.
In search for another kickass burger, I found myself at Fiddlehead for their Weds burger nights. On Burger nights, they have a menu that change ever so often, with choices ranging from $5-$9. They have interesting selections like a burger with prawns or duck confit. Many of their burgers are served on brioche. And all burgers have the options for additional add-ons. I ended up with the farmhouse burger which was extremely good. Paired it with a couple great beers off their extensive beer/wine list. Service was great and atmosphere nice. They have a nice little outdoor seating area in the warmer months. Fiddlehead is certainly worth a look-see. I now need to check out their Thursday cheese nights.
(4)Drew S.
3 years in the neighborhood and I finally made it out to Fiddlehead...for $5 burger night. Twice in a month. While the burgers don't have quite the panache of Bad Apple a few blocks south they are extremely tasty. And $5 and $8 on Wednesdays. Bonus points for the options to add a fried egg. I feel like I'd like this to be an option pretty much anywhere I go. And being able to walk up and grab a seat by the window. Great beer selection too, categorized by style. Don't they know the Dewey Decimal System?
(4)Erin G.
I went to Fork this past weekend for brunch! It was a great location for her to meet my new boyfriend..as we all know how nerve recking that meeting can be! Anywho, the atmosphere was great and the service was pretty good. The place was definitely packed, but I made a reservation and we were seated immediately! The brunch menu had a really nice mix of breakfast and lunch items and everyone was happy with their selection. I am looking forward to going back for the wine/beer flights with cheese plates! Huge selection of cheeses and meats that all looked quite tasty. Overall, great brunch spot. Moderately priced and the food was really good!
(4)Eric L.
Check it out if you have the time. But it's not necessary. The food is good and unique but on the pricey side. We tend to sit outside when we can, but we did sit inside once and they had the windows open, which made the heat/humidity unbearable. We actually left early because of this (we requested they shut the windows several times and the waiter was nice and tried to relate, but they never shut nor did they turn up the fans). Great beer selection (this is typically why we go) with different flights that are delicious. They also have wine flights, equally good. We love to go and grab a beer flight and a cheese tray. Careful though, the more you drink the more food you will order (this has a caused a slightly shocking bill on more than one occasion). Go if you can and you're in the area.
(3)brittany s.
Fiddlehead is the best place in the neighborhood for drinks, in my opinion. The wine list is amazing, they have a great selection of flights and the beer selection is great too. I had a great cocktail last night (I think it's called an "Elderflower Royale" and it was AMAZING. It is a pretty pricey, though, so we usually only have a couple of drinks there before moving on. I've never actually eaten there, besides trying the hummus appetizer (which was great!) but the food looks delicious and I'd love to go back for brunch.
(5)Mark V.
This place is a go-to date night spot for my wife and I. A little pricey, so be prepared, but both the food and drink menus are great and keep us coming back. The service is typically very good. We had a minor mix-up with our server on a recent visit which was really no one's fault, but our server went WAY above and beyond the call of duty and sent us home with a bottle of wine! (Fork sells carry-out wine and cheese that can be purchased whether you're dining there or not.) My wife and I were both shocked but very impressed at how much they clearly care about their customers (or at least this particular server), and the lengths she went to to make sure we had a pleasant evening and would come back again. My only complaint is that the weird trip-hoppy/electronic/world music they play is pretty awful, but we've spent so much time making fun of it that now it's just a running joke that provides a few laughs with each visit. Other perks: there are two TVs at the bar if you want to check in on a baseball game or something, but if you're not interested you'd hardly notice them. The back room is a little more private and cozy than the main dining area. Seating outside is always a nice option, but there are also tables inside next to some giant windows that are open on nice days. Try the chicken burger, the grilled cheese/soup combo, and a wine or beer flight.
(4)Asa K.
A few things: Waitstaff was very attentive and courteous. Top marks. The menu was probably the most poorly organized and least helpful that I have seen at any restaurant. ANY. In my life. Our charcuteries platter was never served to us, so after our other courses, the waitstaff would stop by to see how we were doing (ostensibly if we were ready to get the bill), and we would say fine (waiting to get the rest of our food), until finally we broke the stalemate. The chef got it right to us and took it off our bill, which we appreciated, but it was an odd thing to have happen at a place so focused on getting things right at the table. The food was extraordinary in terms of taste, freshness, presentation, temperature, etc. -- more than making up for any other deficiencies we experienced. Despite full stomachs, a doggie bag, and having loved everything set on the table, we still got out under $25 a person. Impressive.
(4)Zoe G.
The best chilaquiles that this Mexican has ever tasted. This brunch dish maintains a nice crisp to the tortillas with just the right amount of Fork's house-made red salsa (not smothered in some kind of cover-up salsa) and a heap of fluffy egg scramble with a a drizzle of sour cream, diced red onions and just the right amount of cilantro and sprinkles of queso fresco crumble. I paired my dish with a mixture of freshly made carrot and orange juice. Generous portions, tasteful coffee and cozy service. I left with a belly-full of gratitude as I do every New Year's day brunch at Fork.
(5)Preston L.
Great option in in the hood. Very friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, have a flight. Food is always good and the flavours change with the seasons.
(5)Melanie K.
I want to go to flight school. Let me clarify - flying would be fabulous, but I'd rather perfect a trio of reds, whites, or brews like Fiddlehead does every night of the week. While I can't fully remember my daddy-daughter date with my father at Fiddlehead back in May (something with apple tarts and fancy beers that left me content - a solid four), I will not forget my near perfect catch-up date with a friend this Monday. Ever. Too lovely. A five. Claire had been in France far too long - and we were also quite famished. Muse over the menu or amuse with travel tales? Time was of the essence - so we got down to business and our server (presumably the manager?) played the best sommelier assist I have seen in a long time. Split perfectly down the middle, we opted for the French cheese plate (my favorite - St. Andre, Villefranche de Rouergue - cow's milk), grilled cheese (with bacon and candied pecans on brioche - yum), soup, and bread pudding with dried cherries and pumpkin. Our server (whose name I wish I knew), helped us put together our own trio with a red from their three primary red flights. Taking our coats, checking on us often, pairing with care - he even brought us two glasses of sparkling Moscatel to finish our meal with. The crisp, floral taste countered the warm pudding beautifully. And this doesn't even make mention of the inviting atmosphere! Carefully chosen lighting lightly illuminates the warm, organic space perfectly. Great for a cheese plate and glass of wine with a group or an intimate date with a love. Depending on where you sit - the busy bar, a cozy booth, a window-side table (with open windows in the summer!) - you can achieve a variety of feelings seamlessly. A truly lovely dining experience. I look forward to visiting again.
(5)Cathleen M.
Brunched here last weekend with three friends. Great location, good vibe inside. Walked out feeling high from the strongest coffee I've had in a long time! Food was good, but not as tasty as I was expecting. I ordered the truffle eggs. They are served on a pastry and it was difficult to cut into. I also shared some of my friend's french toast. It tasted fine, but needed something to make it sing. Maybe a berry and liquor reduction? I wasn't disappointed with the food, just not wowed either. Our server was a gem! She was so friendly, gave us time to mull over the menu, offered suggestions and wasn't pushing us to leave right after the meal was done. At one point, I had mentioned my sweet tooth and she brought over a dessert menu pronto. When I decided against choosing something, she appeared with a small plate. On it was one candied pecan. She said, "This is to satisfy your sweet tooth. I could only get away with taking one. Enjoy!" I loved it! How creative and thoughtful! I wish I could remember her name to give her public props. I'd definitely visit again with friends and try out other items on the menu.
(3)V H.
Great Service! Can't say enough good things about this place. My friend and I were strolling by on a beautiful, unusually warm Sunday late in the evening and decided to stop in for a quick drink. Staff was very friendly, kind and patient to keep the windows open for us even though it was closing time. Great drink menu as well. Went back to Fork later in the week and made a mistake of ordering a flat bread with meat, and once again the staff was very kind and offered to of take it back without any hesitation. They made us a new one w/o meat (never in my life I have sent the food back, so I felt badly). The flat bread was delicious. I love small neighborhood places with great service and this place is definitely one of them. Will definitely go back!
(5)Jo W.
So, I came back for brunch here a few weeks ago, and... well, it was different than I remembered. The menu had completely changed since the previous time I'd been here, which I guess is normal for a restaurant. But it seemed a lot smaller, and nothing really stood out to me. I had been so excited to come back and eat at the restaurant that made me like gravy for the first time in 29 years (see previous review), but it's not even on the menu anymore. Sadness. I eventually went with french toast and it was not great. At all. It was very soggy, and didn't have a lot of flavor. In fact, the only thing I could taste were the flavors from the apples that topped my food. So basically I was eating flavorless soggy bread and... well, that's no fun. I ordered a side of bacon (because I can't brunch without bacon), and it also was not good. It tasted like someone had popped some Oscar Meyer bacon in the microwave. Sigh, really? I can do that myself at home. I just remembered this place being good, and my brunch just wasn't. And maybe it's the new menu, maybe it was an off day... who knows. For what it's worth, my friend really enjoyed her egg dish - I think she got the truffled eggs. Her daughter got the kid's PB&J, which comes toasted, which the menu doesn't note. Luckily her 3 year old was having a non-picky day (you know how kids are), and ate it. The PB&J came with really greasy fries which she also gobbled right up. The mimosas were just as weak as I remembered them, but bonus - and the only reason I gave 3 stars and not 2 - they didn't charge us for any of our mimosas, and we had 4 between the two of us. When I first looked at the check I couldn't figure out why it was only $30, and then it dawned on me why. Not sure why we weren't charged, but we appreciated it and our server (who was lovely) got a nice tip for her "error."
(3)Ed M.
This place has a great waitstaff. They were attentive polite and very accommodating. We went on a Sat. for brunch, and there were plenty of tables. Their food is inventive, and they have great drinks. Their bloody mary's have three levels of spice taste amazing. As for those who like beer, they have a pretty extensive list.
(5)Benjamin G.
Best brunch I've had in Chicago! I walked in one day for brunch without really knowing what I had coming. I was quickly greeted by one of the friendly staff and given a table close to the window. Everything in the menu sounded good and I was glad to learn that they serve freshly squeezed orange juice, which I ordered. Then, after some hesitation I made up my mind to try the steak benedicts.....simply amazing! My girlfriend had the truffled scrambled eggs and they were also really good. We have gone back several times after that, always trying one new dish and sharing the steak benedicts, and not a single dish has failed to meet our expectations. I recommend it 100%!
(5)Christoph B.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place as our first choice for brunch apparently did not want our business. (note to self Daily Bar & Grill you suck for completely ignoring patrons) Long story short we ended up at Fiddlehead Cafe and I'm glad we did! The difference in service was 180. And the food, simply delicious. I had the ham and cheese scramble. They use 3 yr Hooks cheddar which has a great sharp taste and goes just perfect with eggs. Good job Fiddlehead, you saved our day!
(5)Mike F.
I was tempted to give it five stars. Maybe the fifth star will arrive after I eat there a few more times. But my first two visits were great. It's not that it's a "five star" restaurant. But it's very good in the niche its carved itself as a casual place, yet more upscale than other bar/restaurants in Lincoln Square. It's vibe is more similar to 42 Degrees Latitude than Bad Dog, Daily Bar, etc. (not knocking those places, I like them too). I've had three dishes there that were top-notch: watermelon gazpacho, and both the duck club and beef brisket sandwiches. All of them had outstanding flavors and fresh ingredients that elevated them above similar sandwiches at other places. They're known for their cheese plates, and although I'm not a cheese gourmand, tried one of the cheese flights. The various cheeses were very good, and since it was Thursday night, we got to bring home an equal amount of cheese for free. They have a very extensive wine and beer list. I've never discussed beer pairings with the wait staff, so I can't comment on their knowledge, but the tap and bottle range is very broad. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to try the place, but I'm definitely a fan. It's on the list.
(4)Anne C.
Went to dinner here on a Saturday night with another couple and found that, overall, Fork is a great option for the neighborhood. A couple things that needed work: The online menu sold me on a dish (Moroccan spiced lamb) that unfortunately wasn't on their menu. I was told that the online menu is a "sample menu" but ironically everything else was nearly identical...hmmm...(as of this post, it has been removed). The Cheese Plate - for $12 we expected there would be a little more to it than an apple slice cut in slivers, 4 almonds, and 3 pieces of cheese - each half the size of a slice of American cheese and just as thin. Certainly not enough to share - maybe enough for someone just wanting a 'taste'. Other places are far more generous by comparison. The things that will likely keep me coming back: - Menu variety. The Chicken Burger was surprisingly good that I'd definitely order it again. The French style mussels, Steak Frites and Bread Pudding are also worth a second trip. - Friendly, welcoming staff - The atmosphere was great - warm, lively, and good music was on but not so loud that you couldn't hold a conversation.
(4)Javier B.
Must update my review to keep up with the fact that the restaurant updated itself and changed names. I have been to Fork once for dinner and once for brunch and the food quality, service and atmosphere continue to be very good. Tried fried chicken and waffles for the first time and they were very enjoyable. The chilaquiles are as good as we remember them. As for the dinner menu, we tried several of the items tapas style. Some were hits and some were so so, but overall the food was good and the service was friendly. Still a great neighborhood spot, only with a different name.
(4)natalie v.
Wine flights - the complex reds are my favorite Beer flights - my husband likes these Cheese flights - I prefer the Spanish flight $5 - 1/2 pound burgers (or $8 specialty burgers) on Wednesdays If the above doesn't make you go there, you're lame. I love going here for dinner, for brunch and just for a drink. Their windows open so it's like you're sitting outside while you're inside. Or...you can sit outside if you prefer. The servers are always really cool. The food is always really good. The price is very reasonable.
(4)Jean C.
Maybe it's just that I'm kind of losing patience with the trendy and upscale sort of places that seem to spring up in, well, trendy and upscale neighborhoods like Lincoln Square and Andersonville, but I have to say that Fiddlehead Cafe underwhelmed me at brunch today. We walked into a restaurant with a lot of open tables, but it took close to half an hour for our party of eight to get seated. And for the life of me I don't know why since if anyone had actually bothered to clean off the empty tables in the front and push them together we could have been seated in ten minutes or less. Once we did get seated, we couldn't get enough menus for everyone. Again, in a restaurant where there are a number of empty tables, and many people already have their meals, why on earth was there some kind of menu shortage? They haven't just opened or started with brunches, it's not like they didn't know they might need a bunch of them. Ditto the cups for coffee or tea. It's not like they didn't know that people might want one or the other with their brunch, but while they seemed to have a nearly limitless supply of glasses for mimosas and champagne, people at our table had to wait for cups. Not long, but there was a lag. Once we ordered, the food came pretty quickly, but there were immediate problems. One of the folks at the table ordered smoked salmon and asked for it without onions, emphasizing that she was very, very allergic to onions. And yeah, it arrived with onions. When she sent it back she asked them to please make sure that they remade the plate because if they just picked the onions off she'd become quite sick. I think that finally got through because she seemed okay through the rest of the meal. And to the credit of the server, it really was handled quickly and politely. Another of our number got the wrong kind of sausage, a mistake less potentially disastrous, but bespeaking a sloppiness which might have been marginally acceptable had the place been jammed, but was absolutely not this morning. And I noticed that the watercress on several of the dishes was wilted, and looked sort of funky. There's just no excuse for that. Leave it off if it doesn't look right. I'd ordered chilaquiles, and what I got tasted okay except that I got lumps of scrambled egg, and tortilla chips that were not only still very crisp but had bonded to each other in difficult-to-cut hunks. And it was cold. I know eggs don't hold heat for very long, but I don't expect the entire dish to be cold. It was topped with some scallions, but very little crema and I didn't see any of the queso mentioned on the menu. Yet another member of our party ordered the banana pancakes and while I didn't ask, I sure didn't see any of the Nutella that was promised. She was also the only person to order pancakes, and yet we got two plates of butter and syrup. I don't know if they expected us to put it on the tortilla chips or something. The bottom line is this: As pleasant as the service was -- and everyone was refreshingly free of the upscale 'tude you get from a lot of servers in these places -- it failed to make up for the fact that there was a lot of sloppiness about the meal. Lack of basics, wrong orders, missing ingredients, ingredients not the freshest and dishes not really well thought out or executed. I don't feel I got my money's worth, frankly. Three stars because there was nothing seriously wrong with either the food or the service, and because I'm feeling more generous now than when I left the place.
(3)Kerry S.
Not sure why I haven't reviewed Fiddlehead yet. Hmmm. I only ate dinner here once years ago when it was a different chef. We go in a lot for drinks and beers because their beer list is spectacular. No gettin' around it. A great bottle selection at a reasonable price, and their draft selection is expanding. I also like their little selection of noshes (blue cheese dip and homemade chips, olives, cheese platters.) We went in a few weeks back for a cocktail, and the bartender (whose name I can't remember now...Chris? Dan? Too much gin?) just got in a new bottle of Aquavit and had a little concoction in his mind he wanted to try out. We lucked out and volunteered to be his guinea pigs. Yum. Aquavit, gin, ginger syrup, bitters, orange zest. So pretty and yummy and potent. Again, this explains why I can't remember this nice gentleman's name. Anyway, I also like the brunch a whole bunch. Great spicy bloody. Perfect poached eggs. The staff can be a little goofy I suppose, but I kinda like that. There's plenty of stale, boring stuff in Lincoln Square, so I like the relaxed feeling of Fiddlehead.
(4)Matthew S.
Been here many times and always a good experience. The food is great - the place is nice and the staff is friendly. We generally sit a the bar and it makes for a nice simple date-night. Enjoy!
(5)Jez E.
Delicious, fresh food with gluten-friendly options in a great atmosphere! Our waitress was incredibly helpful and made us want to come back again and again. Have gluten intolerance? Eat here. Don't have gluten intolerance? Eat here. And drink - the wine flights are nice and come with labels you can take home; the beer menu is also good. The extensive cheese list made for a tasty ending to our meal. Overall, an excellent and refreshing addition to Lincoln Square.
(4)Veronica M.
What where am I ??? I was confused by the name the food and the decor. Ordered a couple of the meat and cheese platters $$$$ I wasn't expecting this type of food from this restaurant I thought it was American cuisine. I guess the food was good you cant really go wrong with the placing of expensive meats and cheeses on platters.
(3)Jennifer Q.
Another great find for a casual and quiet breakfast. I went on a Sunday morning, around 10am -right when they opened. It was not too crowded yet so we had our choice of seating and great service. I really enjoyed my food -the House Smoked Salmon Benedict. An hour or two later, it started to get more crowded but it wasn't crazy like some of those "line halfway around the block" places -and that's a good thing. It's just a nice, cozy and friendly place to have a nice meal. I can't handle chaos before my morning coffee you know? Which reminds me, good coffee too!
(4)Ali H.
I was excited to venture to a new brunch spot, but I was underwhelmed by my experience at Fork. What really turned me off was the not thoroughly washed silverware. There was at least one crusted over piece of silverware at each diner's seat. When my partner ordered a chai tea, they brought an iced chai, not the drink she ordered. Food-wise, my egg scramble was lukewarm and the eggs were runny--i like my eggs warm and firm. The toast was cold so using butter wasn't an option. The service was mediocre. Our server was clearly not the brightest and did not check in on us.as frequently as one would expect since it wasn't busy. Overall, I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)Maria D.
Went for Sunday brunch with a friend this past weekend, my first time since the switch from Fiddlehead to Fork. Sunday was a hot, gorgeous preview of the summer-to-come and I enjoyed two delicious tequila-based cocktails made with agave syrup and grapefruit juice; a perfect choice for breakfast-y food and the highlight of my meal. I was impressed with the beer and wine lists but disappointed in my entree; I chose the breakfast melt sandwich which includes bacon, ham, cheddar, fontina, arugula and carmelized onions. I ordered without the bacon and ham but was still charged full price; in situations like this I can never understand why there isn't a base price if you order it vegetarian and an add-on price for the meaty version, especially when you have three breakfast sandwich options and none are vegetarian. I might not have minded so much had the sandwich as I ordered it not been a soggy mess; the bread was not thick enough to stand up to the toppings and I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Not to mention the irritating fact that I forgot to specify which bread I wanted, the waitress never asked and it was brought out to me on white, which I never eat if I can possibly help it. My waitress was friendly and seemed to know the menu but she was training another waitress and I think it distracted her on some level; I ordered a side of potatoes, she forgot to bring them out, I said it was fine and to forget about it but still had to ask to have them removed from the bill 20 minutes later. But it was a busy Sunday and the service wouldn't stop me from giving Fork another try. I just won't be ordering that sandwich again, which is disappointing; whatever this place was called before it was Fiddlehead had the best damn breakfast sandwich I've ever had and every time I try one I hope to equal that past glory.
(3)Sandra S.
Having only gone here twice, I can report I've thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The staff is friendly and effective. The chicken burger is DELICIOUS. I wouldn't have thought a chicken burger could be anything special but Fork proved me wrong. The grilled chicken salad with beets, bleu cheese and champagne vinaigrette was also lovely. I appreciate the fact that it was clear the chicken breast was actually cooked at the restaurant. I hate the fake grilled chicken that comes out of a bag so many places use. The drink menu is expansive -- wine and beer included. Many great options to choose from. The music in Fork is terrible. But it's laughably terrible rather than detrimental. I will definitely be back here.
(4)Nona Gayle D.
De-Licious..... I had their bbq brisket sandwich and it was exactly what I stated above. At dinner time this cafe sets an ambiance that is personal and warm. They have a huge cheese and wine selection and their prices aren't too bad. My sandwich ran about 12 bucks, and it came with fries! The portions were filling and worth the price! I want to go back here and eat again.... I also noticed they have a 3 cheese mac and cheese... and I need to try it.... it's on my bucket list... I totally suggest it!
(4)Sarah K.
Our Lincoln Square go to. A great place to go to after a movie down the street. Friendly staff and comfy food.
(4)Kelly S.
Four stars for my four visits to Fiddlehead. I love feeling like a local of the neighborhood when I sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of something sparkly. The staff here is the best and truly make the experience memorable. Diverse beer selection, reasonably priced bubbly, and a terrific wine list to compliment any mood. I tried the food for the first time this weekend. Those new garlic cilantro fries??? WORTH the trip from Oak Park. They come with a side of aioli and homemade ketchup. The lobster bisque... I had a small sampling and quickly wanted an entire cup. I had to refrain in order to save room for the mac n cheese that I had ordered. The mac n cheese fell a little flat for me. Too many crunchy bread crumbs on top, and I really wasn't getting enough 'WOW! cheeessseee'. Maybe too much flour and salt in the roux? There are definitely a few other things on the menu that I will be back to try! Ya know.... when I come in to pretend like I'm a Lincoln Square native.
(4)Karen A.
Service (or lack of) can affect the dining experience- no matter how good the food or wine is. I think this place has been on 'auto-management-pilot' for a while now, and is in need of some attention. Hostess: A- gave us a 15 minute wait time (accurate) and sat us down promptly at a bar where the bartender ignored us for 15 minutes. Bartender: F- sorry fella- I've seen you do this multiple times- at least ACKNOWLEDGE that you have a customer sitting there, even if you can serve us right way. Eye contact- GOOD, rudeness- BAD. Wine Flights: C- Same stuff on the menu that was there 6 months ago. Yawn. Can we get some seasonal variety at least? Server-B: When you have a bar server and food server and server bus people all not serving your table or communicating with each other, ain't nobody happy. Food:B+- good menu, consistent good food but it would be nice to see some new stuff on there too.... Overall- an OK experience but it seems as though it is a business in need of some tweaks.
(2)Renee F.
Yum Yum Yum. I'm pretty much a fan of any place that has wine and cheese flights, so no big win for Fiddlehead Cafe there. However, they do have quite a nice selection and it's reasonably priced. The menu is pretty short and sweet and the dishes are always made with fresh ingredients. The service is great...they check on you but don't bother you and are always so nice, but not fake. I don't know, I just really like this place. It's comfy and I always leave with a happy belly.
(5)Heather R.
Fork is a sweet little brunch spot for family, a date, or girlfriends catching up. It's comparably priced and friendly service. I loved their mimosa flight for $12----the Pomosa was my favorite, and their potatoes were delicious. I got an omlette which I really enjoyed, but by looking at the table next to me, I wish I had chosen the Chicken-n-Waffes. Thankfully, there's always a next time.
(3)Nancy M.
Good service, nice environment but LOUSY FOOD. One time was enough for me.
(1)Suzanne P.
FANTASTIC. I've been wanting to go here for...months. I finally went last night and I am SO glad that I did. First of all, it's a great date spot. It's got a nice modern yet cozy deco to it...very open and just felt very fun. Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I'm a mess with pairing wines with entrees, and she made excellent suggestions to both me and my date. She was also really attentive without being annoying. I had the vegetable strudel...and WOW. I paired it with their Zinfandel and it was just delightful. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the delicious goat cheese just wrapped it all together. My date had the ratatouille stuffed chicken breast. He was really really happy with his choice too. I would come back here in a second. Great food, wonderful service. Definitely a Lincoln Square staple.
(5)Bridget H.
Stopped in Fork after a movie at the Davis. The atmosphere is causal and comfortable but super nice and stylish. The prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of food and drink. I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup...both delicious - gourmet comfort food. The service was prompt, attentive, an friendly. Best of all, it's steps away from the brown line and other great Lincoln Square faves. I'll be back and look forward to trying their brunch or dinner menu.
(4)Jamie H.
This place was quite good. I tried the Winter Wine Flight and it was pretty good. I then ordered the Salmon. It was great- cooked perfectly and all the veggies that came with it were good too. My friend got the polenta, which was also excellent. We then got the creme brule for dessert. Also very good. The service was good and the food was good, all around a pretty enjoyable Friday evening. Also, got there about 8pm and there was no wait...so that was a plus!
(4)Eric X.
Went for brunch with the family. First off, not one, not two, but THREE dirty place settings. Two had food, not just stains, on the silverware. The third had yellow stains on the cloth napkin. Who knows the state of the kitchen when they lack the basic quality control in the dining room. It's too bad, because the eggs benedict was pretty decent. The salmon plate used farm raised salmon and for the cost of the dish, only came with enough lox to fill one half bagel. That's weak. The waffle was your standard belgian variety with a blackberry sauce and cinnamon infused butter. The sauce was not enough to cover the waffle, and maple syrup was conspicuously absent from the table. I'd have considered going back, but the sanitation issues kill it for me. Oh and the coffee sucked -- horribly sour.
(2)Bill M.
This semi-upscale spot in Lincoln Square sits at the old Square Kitchen location. I did not have a complete meal here, but what I ate was delicious. The squash soup was delectable, and you know it has to be good when the server ladles it into a bowl in front of your very eyes at the table. The creme brulee was creamy with just the right crackle on top, topped with a superb sprinkling of berries. The walls display so many wine selections, as supposedly there are over 350 bottle choices.
(4)Kristen W.
As I was seated at this restaurant, I realized how very easy I am to please. Such a nice ambience, nice music, and lovely service really gets my attention right off the bat. Little details count: a waiter who takes your drink order right away, a nice long beer list, a well-rounded wine list with flights available. All of these things within the first five minutes of my visit to Fiddlehead. I looked at the dessert menu first, which is very unlike me, I'm not a sweets person- but they had banana cream pie. When's the last time you saw that? Then to the cheese list, wow. You can not only order any cheese 'flight' but you can create your own in addition to being able to take home any cheese(s) on the list. My date had a question about one of the beers on tap and before we knew it a sample had appeared. Just recently the beer list has been expanded. Great food, nice ambiance, great drinks. Lovely.
(4)Virginia T.
I stopped in for brunch (ok, my friend and I tried to, but missed it by 25min, but had a GREAT host, who actually spoke with the kitchen and put in our order off the brunch menu anyway!!!) Thanks to him, we were able to get the yummy chicken & waffles (really the reason we came in the first place) as well as great tomato soup & grilled cheese. The waffles were crisp, yet tender and so was the chicken. The grilled cheese was crisp, with gooey cheese, bacon, and spiced pecans. The tomato soup was simple, but good. I was very impressed for a special order! We sat at an open window, and it was lovely- they have a nice patio area as well. I'm excited to go back for dinner sometime, especially because of their great beer list.
(4)Emily C.
Wasn't impressed. Not with the food and certainly not with the service. Our meal took close to 50 minutes to arrive to the bar where we decided to eat. The bar tender was at first knowledgeable about wines and attentive but when a group of "young ladies" plopped down near us, the rest of us sitting at the bar were left watching him work his (lack there of) game on the said ladies. Oh and it was about 83 degrees in that place. We were there in February and the heat was blasting...it was like I was at a bikram class. The menu is pretty boring, trying to be rustic but end up rusty. I had the salmon which had a rank fishy taste and filled with bones. The side of vegetables were also overcooked. It appeared that it sat under a heat lamp for a good half hour. Plus the prices are high for what you actually get. Sorry, won't be back.
(1)Tory w.
I went on cheap burger night, which happened to be the night the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. It was perfect because I was looking for a non-sports bar kind of place and Fiddlehead fit the bill. Great Malbec, great seats in the big open windows, and very tasty burgers. The chocolate ganache tart with pecan crust is homemade and is to DIE for. I definitely would go back.
(4)Sarah L.
I want Fiddlehead back!!!!!!!! My husband suggested we check out Fork and I agreed. The new Fork menu is a lot smaller and so are their portions! It reminds me of American Tapas. We both had specials hubs had wild boar burger (was amazing) and I had the scallops. The way the waiter described it, it sounded like it was a dinner portion. When our food arrived, I had 3 TINY scallops, 5 green beans and 2 miniature bites of potatoes. WTH!? I thought I was getting big meaty scallops for dinner along with a side of veggies? How can they advertise that as a dinner special? The price is what killed me, $17 for a 3 bite appetizer. I was sadly disappointed! Luckily I was able to have a few bites of the wild boar burger and some of his fries. Our server was nice and attentive and he was pretty busy. Sadly, I will not be back at Fork. Their menu isn't the same and food prices are higher.
(2)Katie H.
At first I thought this was just a convenient neighborhood place to stop into for a half-price wine flight on Tuesdays - until I had more wine than planned, decided to stay for dinner, and realized that the food is way more amazing than I expected. The cheese flights are great and the servers are skilled in recommending cheeses to sample together. I especially recommend their selection of blue cheeses. I also had the duck & watercress sandwich and was quite impressed with the complexity of flavors. My only complaint was that it tasted a bit salty for me, but not enough to change my good opinion. I also sampled a bit of the macaroni & cheese and was impressed. The fries accompanying the sandwich were seasoned well. I'm looking forward to sampling more from the menu soon.
(4)Mikki K.
Went for brunch today. I had the duck confit hash (so yummy, so rich, so filling) & my husband had the lemon curd brioche French toast (totally delicious & worth having too), and the service was flawless just like the food. We made reservations, but I also saw some walk ins get seated fairly quickly. We will be going back & taking all of our friends.
(5)Leann W.
We went here for brunch a couple months back after church. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. No big deal as we have been wanting to try this place for a while. We ordered some breakfast food and it was just okay. My omlet was mushy and watery. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing but my husbands meal wasnt very impressive either. Needless to say we could have made a better breakfast at home. Kinda disappointed but they are always packed so business must be good!
(2)Meredith B.
I am writing this review based on my first and so far only experience to Fiddlehead, but man was it a good one. I had the grilled cheese. Now before you start throwing things at my head demanding that I'm silly for "wasting" money on something I can make at home, hear me out. This was the grilled cheese of my dreams. This grilled cheese was filled with bacon, candied pecans, perfectly melty-creamy-cheesy goodness....all on delightfully grilled and slightly sweet bread, and served with the light and uplifting tomato basil soup. I tried the dishes everyone else had around the table and they weren't nearly as memorable....but my goodness. I'll be back for sure. I'm pretty much excited to have that grilled cheese in my mouth once more.
(4)Colleen F.
I'm surprised by the great reviews of this place. Don't get me wrong it's fine, but in Chicago fine does not cut it. FYI: We sat for probably 2 hours drinking multiple glasses of wine and a bunch of appetizers. Please do not think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that every single glass that came out to the table was dirty and I don't mean spotty, I don't even mean a little leftover lipstick...I mean it looked like it just came out of the hands of a toddler eating spaghetti. After bringing it to the attention of the server who I believe was also the bartender because it was Sunday (maybe Monday) the glasses continued to come out dirty, just smeared as if someone half-heartedly wiped them off.
(2)Steve B.
The wine flights, from what my family said, were great. The smooth operator and the french and italian wines provided a good variety of both dry, as well as semi-sweet wines. I, on the other hand, tried out the beer flight. It consisted of a light, belgian white, a hoppy pale ale, and a smooth, easy drinking stout. Needless to say, the selection of beverages was fantastic. As for the food, we were all more than satisfied. I had the bison flank steak. The fries that accompanied this were tasty too! Highly recommended!
(5)Emily S.
Every time I come here I feel like I've been forked over. *Zing!* Overpriced. Kind of blah. Weird vibe. We had, what felt like, eleven or twelve waiters who each had absolutely no idea what was going on and were placed under some sort of secret threat from management to clear a table as fast as humanly possible. I actually had to chase down someone who walked off with half my beer. It's as if you are eating at a restaurant put under a spell by an evil witch. The people that work there seem pleasant enough but there is a deep & terrifying sadness behind their eyes. Maybe they're all forest creatures turned into waiters and cooks for the night. This would explain their lack of knowledge over even the most basic of menu items and why they put pecans on a grilled cheese sandwich. Crazy forest animals! Someone save the creatures who work at fork!
(2)Katie C.
Bahhhhhhhhh. I'd been here once before, and hoping to be wooed by Fiddlehead during the second visit, the man and I gave it a try for a weekend brunch/lunch. The first three strikes happened within approximately seven minutes of us sitting down: Steeeeeeerike 1: The busboy managed to not actually pour water in the water glass, but in fact poured it ALL OVER the table. And he didn't notice. Steeeeeeerike 2: Our server walks by as we're attempting to mop up the mess with our overly starched napkins and says, "Causing trouble already?" No, smart ass, your busboy is blind. Steeeeeeerike 3: The server then proceeded to LAUGH at our order...um, since when is it professional to mock customers when they ask you for a side of fries? Too bad the fries were good (hence the two stars as opposed to 1) but then again, I am not willing to patronize any restaurant that doesn't have basic restaurant etiquette down. If you want to be considered a higher-class establishment, hire some classy employees. Not to mention the server charged us more for our entrees AND our side o' fries than was the posted price on the menu. That's just sneaky AND lazy. Never again, unless drugged against my will.
(2)Abbey F.
Looks like the "before" segment of a restaurant make-over show. Half-empty on a Saturday night. Weird, small menu focusing on cheese. Hyped-up entree special came out way salty. boring.
(2)carolyn h.
3.5, Pro's: Brisket Sandwhich is close to perfect, or at least the way I like it. full of deep flavors, a little bit of fat but not to much. It's served on thick Texas toast. I had it with the mixed greens which balanced the meal ot. I think it would have been to heavy for me if I had ordered the french fries instead. Wine and beer list: My boyfriend loved obscure beers (cause most the time he's to cool for school to actually order a beer with a familiar name) and I'm into red wine and their list is well thought out and also explained to customers. Cons: I've been in there when the server was just out of it. It was like he was on another planet or something. Everything just took a long time and he was slow, didn't really ad anything to our experience.
(3)Emily L.
As we were looking at the menu trying to decide if we wanted to eat at Fork, some people walked out and said it was great, so we decided to try it out for breakfast. Unfortunately, both of our meals were really bad. I ordered an egg and mushroom dish that was terrible. I couldn't even eat it. I thought maybe it was just my pallet, but when I had my husband try it, he thought it was even worse than I did. He ordered chicken and waffles. The waffles weren't bad, but the chicken was extremely salty and just made the dish taste over-salted. Not sure how you can make chicken salty, but it was way too much salt. The service was good, and the ambiance is nice, but two out of two dishes were bad. Two stars. As much as I wanted to give the place a chance, I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)Tedd M.
Fiddlehead has become my favorite restaurant in Chicago. If you're looking for great food, a great staff and an enjoyable atmosphere then Fiddlehead is your place. I've dined here on numerous occasions and every time has been fantastic. We some how manage to get the same server (Nick) nearly every time we go in, and he's always taken phenomenal care of us. The wine list is extensive, and their specials are always good if you decide to venture off the regular menu. Fiddlehead is a gem in Lincoln Square!
(5)Michael J.
The food was pretty good, but nothing to brag about. As far as breakfast places go, this doesn't have the same sunny feeling I like when I go to places like Yolk or Wishbone.
(3)David P.
Honestly, I was sad to see Square Kitchen leave this space (I miss you, lobster club sandwich and pear and red oak salad!), but when I finally approached Fiddlehead with an open mind, I loved it. The menu is a bit more high-end. If you're looking for just a bite, you'll likely be taking home leftovers. My favorites include the duck and fig jam crostini from the small plates menu, the half-pound burger, and the cheese plate. They have Hook's 10-Year Aged Cheddar, my favorite. The wine flights at this place are difficult not to convert into a round-trip. Nice selection. The ambience has a very interesting organic/rainforest feel to it (don't worry, they have a/c). They definitely know how to craft a mood. When we last were there, they were excited about rennovations to the back dining area, so I'm excited to see what it looks like. Even if you're not a "foodie," (and I really don't consider myself one) I think that, like me, you'll find this to be a bit different from the rest of Lincoln Square, yet not too exotic in their offerings that they are inaccessible. A great place with friendly waitstaff. And how could I forget to mention the martinis...?!
(4)Daniel B.
I attended a rather large engagement party on Saturday and I found that this place handled it superbly. The 30+ guests were seated at exactly 6:00 and the service could have been better. We showed a little early and grabbed a drink at the bar. The wine list is pretty extensive and they have some pretty sweet beers on tap. This is a really nice looking cafe. They started us off with their cheese appetizers, a mixed vegetable plate, and House Smoked Salmon with some kind of bread. (Sorry I suffer from CRS syndrome- can't remember shit) The standout was the different cheeses, with my favorite being the Valdeon Blue Cheese, the 3yr Cheddar and some kind of feta. I took down one of the plate myself and was wanted to take the left over Blue cheese to go, but I was denied! I was told no one wanted to smell stinky feet the rest of the night. My favorite thing of the night was for sure the salad. Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad, Field Greens, Candied Pecans, Shaved Fennel, Blue Cheese Crouton, Champagne Vinaigrette. Holy Balls! I love me some beets and as soon as I saw this on the menu my eyes lit up. The salad did not disappoint and I will be coming back here just for this salad. The main dish I picked was the beef tenderloin and some sort of potato that I also cannot recall. I'm sorry by the time dinner was served I was 3 glasses of wine and 3 gin and tonics deep. I remember the meat being cooked perfectly and the potatoes were tasty. I also tried the woman's salmon and it was excellent. The dessert was your basic Crème Brulee and served its purpose. The service was excellent, as two very attentive waiters were assigned to our table. My wine glass was never empty and I was always rushed a fresh cocktail. The manager made his presence known and was always available for questions. The back party room is spacious and I really like the exposed brick look of the place. There was one little incident where a glass of wine was spilled on the woman's step dad and a punch was almost thrown, but all in all the night went on without a hitch. I look forward to coming back and trying the rest this place has to offer.
(4)Nicollette W.
A nice hungover food induced coma could be obtained by coming here on a beautiful Sunday morning for brunch. I had the Eggs Benedict Florentine - delicious....spinach and artichoke hearts....nice and salty. She had the chilaquiles - looked good - said it was good - but I didn't try it. We had a weird experience with the server though - she was nice - but we never got a coffee refill and were brought extra stuff we didn't order....at least we didn't have to pay for it.
(4)Rick C.
Strolling down Lincoln on a Wednesday night when we saw a sign for a five dollar burgers with options for adding duck confit, bbq brisket, a fried egg. etc. How could we refuse? It seemed like others had the same idea, so it took a while for us to get seated. Once we finally got a table, our server was very cool and didn't even blink when we asked to move to a larger table to accommodate our friends. I went with the duck confit burger. Not sure if the duck complimented it well, but I enjoyed it. Upgraded to the garlic fries and thought it they were tasty. My wife went for the salmon burger and I thought was surprisingly juicy. Our friends had joined us for dinner and from seeing his review in the column to my right as a write this, it appears that he enjoyed his burger as well. We went on one of the first nice nights of spring, so the windows were open and while we ate inside they offered outdoor seating. It was nice to sit and watch people out and about in Chicago.
(4)Erika E.
We live in the neighborhood, have passed this place often, and decided to stop in last night for $5 burger night / $8 specialty burger night. Our friends really like the place and have recommended it. The beverage list was long and had quite a bit of variety in type as well as price, which was nice. Our server was very prompt and polite. The decor is nice. I ordered the French Burger with fries. My husband also ordered a specialty burger with fries. I really liked that they knew how to cook a medium and a medium well. Both burgers were flavorful. The baguette was fresh, the brie was melted nicely, and the onion marmalade was delicious. My husband's burger has a nice amount of BBQ sauce on it; he liked that it wasn't drenched in sauce, and he could still taste the meat. Both the baguette and his hamburger bun held up well to the weight of the patty. There was a heaping portion of french fries on each of our plates, as well as a side of ketchup. The food was good, and the bill was reasonable. The only criticism I have is that the food was very salty. Perhaps I am a bit sensitive to salt, as I am cutting back on my sodium intake. There were salt and pepper shakers on the table; if one wanted to add more salt they can, but it is hard to make something less salty. To keep in the French style of the plate, it would have been nice if they had mayo instead of ketchup as a condiment, but I am being a bit picky. I am sure I could have requested it. I'm a mac and cheese girl, so I am looking forward to trying it next time. The watermelon gazpacho sounded good, too. We did have a good giggle when a young woman walked in with super-short shorts, shirt off the shoulders and obviously without a bra. It was tacky, but it had nothing to do with the restaurant. :)
(3)Amy K.
Went there for the first time last Saturday night. Our waiter Nikkos was very good, friendly and attentive. We really like Hopleaf, but it can be so crazy/busy in there. We found this place on Open Table looking for a last minute reservation. We were very pleased. Everything was good-the french onion soup and the macaroni and cheese, to very good-the duck sandwich and the banana cream pie. Large beer selection that makes my husband happy. Nikkos says to try their mussels. We always seem to compare them to Hopleaf's, but since their duck sandwich was better we said we'll try them on our next visit.
(4)Aquarius E.
Recently went there for a birthday dinner, my mom is friendly with the Chef and he really made the experience a great one. The whole table enjoyed every last bike of their food and our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ate here I had a bad experience with my waiter, this time around totally changed everything. I loved my cheese plate with berries, and the beer menu. my one and only issue.. not enough veggie options for true vegetarians .
(4)Cheri V.
Friday Night: Nico sets us up with our wine flights. Lets my husband sniff Scotch to get the right one. We close the joint. Stumble half block home. Saturday night: Favorite wine from previous nights flight and Crowd Pleaser cheese flight. Delicious and savory. Banana cream pie tastes homemade and good. Sunday morning: Ham and cheese scramble is the tastiest breakfast ever. Husband's grilled cheese has candied pecans in it. Yum. I have two Pomosas and he has Sangria. Advertised as best Sangria in town. A bold statement and right now true as far as I'm concerned.
(5)Emily C.
Okay, I forgive you. It's been a few years plus a name change and a facelift (for you), and now I can officially and definitively offer this restaurant my forgiveness for getting rid of the banana-chocolate french toast. I wish I could say something noble like "my forgiveness cannot be bought", but it totally can. So I'd credit whomever added the banana white chocolate bread pudding to the menu with buying my forgiveness and my love. Good job dude or dudette - thanks to that addition, I'm back and I'm ALL IN. I'd never had wine flights here before, but my dude and I had both the "crisp" and "interesting" ones, respectively, and both found things we adored and wanted to purchase (ironically in the flight the other one had, but that's good). Quick suggestion, Fork - encourage people to keep their little wine flight papers that say what's what. I was too lightheadedly giddy to grab mine, but I wish I had now. For food, we split the iceberg & blue salad (delicious and a larger portion than we'd have guessed or hoped for), the French charcuterie (awesome, especially the saucisson sec - salami of some sort rolled in herbs de province? Um yeah!),and the mac & cheese small plate (pretty tasty but the only thing that didn't really set off fireworks for me). For dessert, we split a pricey but delicious flight of madieras, the middle of which went perfectly with the aforementioned love-buying bread pudding. My guy had the chocolate cake which was gorgeously rich & bittersweet, but I still think I had the winner for desserts, especially with the booze pairing. A little expensive, especially with the 3 flights we ordered, but worth it. It's difficult for me to think of this place and not be hungry. The next time I visit won't be so long this time and can't come soon enough.
(5)Sara J.
Fork is a great neighborhood spot. Great drink selection and I love the wine flight options. I've been here for both brunch and for dinner and have never been disappointed. In particular, the beet salad is delish and the pork belly sliders are amazing. Service could be a little friendlier all around. Weekends are busy but we've never had a problem walking in on a weekday.
(4)Tim B.
The wife and I were in Lincoln Square this weekend to explore and have some lunch/brunch. Our wandering brought us to Fiddlehead. On first inspection this place is open and inviting and we scored a seat right by the wide open front windows - great for people watching and enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A look at their fantastic beer menu and one bloody mary later and we were settled in for a nice lunch/brunch. Fiddlehead has a nice menu with a mix of brunch and lunch options. The usual faire with sweet and savory options, salads and sandwiches. I went with a very nice duck hash and the wife had a solid grilled chicken salad with peaches. We gave them big points for creativity and originality but they just missed the mark on execution. The salad was flavorful but slightly overdressed. The duck hash was solid and really tasty but my toast came out cold as ice and almost tasted stale - and as any hash lover knows the best part of an egg over-easy on top of hash is dipping the toast in the runny yolk. So the bad toast hurt my dish more than you would think. Would we go there again: yes. But will we give a few other places in the hood a shot before cycling back though: yes.
(3)Rob L.
We had our rehearsal dinner here (when it was still Fiddlehead). We were treated to wonderful personal service, amazing food, and a very welcoming ambience. We've eaten dinner here a few times as well, and have always had a good experience (which is why we engaged them for the rehearsal dinner!). This is a top-notch locally-owned restaurant that's the perfect match for the neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)Liz B.
When we showed up for brunch (10 minutes after it was "open") they were still vacuuming the floor and there was no one to even give us the menus. This was our third attempt to brunch there (convenient location) and was the worst service so far but the first two times were not particularly impressive (forgotten bacon and delayed coffee refills jaded my previous 2 experiences). The first two times I stuck around long enough to get food and found it mediocre. The eggs were standard and the french toast was so sweet there were no unique flavors to be enjoyed. I have enjoyed their wine flights on occasion but have been so put off by the bad service I've given up on the place.
(2)Amanda D.
I heard this place has nice wine and beer selection. The list was actually overwhelming, but I picked a nice flight of reds. I tried the mussels as an appetizer with the blue cheese burger for the entree. I couldn't pass up on their chocolate ganache cake. It was all very delicious and the restaurant itself was very nice. The entire dinner was perfect harmony. The best part was that our waiter and the entire staff was very attentive and polite. I love when everything comes together!
(4)Cat L.
Stopped in to Fiddlehead for a late brunch today...and I was not wowed. Not that I had super high hopes for this place, but I was just hoping for a little something more. I tried the grilled cheese on Texas toast with a bowl of (what else) tomato soup. The sammich was just fine - the spiced pecans added a nice surprising touch. But the cheese wasn't as melty as I would have liked for a grilled cheese. The soup had a nice tomato flavor, but I couldn't figure out what herbs were used in the oil. Didn't taste like basil, though the menu said it was. Hmmm. My friend tried the waffles - not sure about the taste, but they sure smelled good! Service could have been better. Our waitress seemed like she wanted to be somewhere else. Good thing we didn't let it get to us. If I'm looking for a brunch spot in the Square again, I'll probably hit up another place . But if you're in a pinch, this place should do.
(3)Maya G.
I love this place, the food is wonderful and unique, yet it's possible to always find something if you aren't feeling adventurous. The wine menu is great as is the beer menu, though both can be a bit overwhelming at times. I've had repeatedly great in actions with the staff too. I do have to admit that depending on who is in the kitchen the food will vary between merely good and fantastic. We used to live 5 minutes away and now we are 45 minutes, but I hope to still make I back.
(4)Steve G.
Strong beer list, very good food (Farmhouse Burger, yay) in generous portions, friendly service, good location.
(4)Amy S.
There a few things I like more than wine. In fact, I think I can count them on one hand and that short list includes cheese and bacon. Without question. Fiddlehead has this trifecta of deliciousness down pat. Service/Atmosphere: We arrived on time for our 8:30 dinner reservation, were seated immediately at a booth (yay) with a street view (double yay for people watching Lincoln Square style). Our server greeted us quickly, she was attentive without being obnoxious for the duration of our stay, and we were greeted by the manager, as well. Overall, service was well above average. There are only maybe 17 tables in the place, but the atmosphere is lovely. I'd request a private table when making a reservation. There's a whole row of cafeteria style tables. I, for one, and not a fan of sitting that close anyone I don't know. I just don't like people all that much, and there's that forced awkwardness of feeling like you have to acknowledge them. Food/Drink: I love wine flights and was therefore compelled to order more than one (I went with the Crisp Whites and Interesting Whites), and ended up finding a new wine to love. We started off with a French Cheese flight (great little nibble of 3 cheeses from their extensive cheese menu), then progressed to our meal. I started with the MIxed Green Salad (featuring bacon), but it was pretty unremarkable. Dinner for me was the Pancetta Mac and Cheese appetizer. It was so cheesy, buttery, and delicious- I could have eaten more and might consider the larger size next time I want to indulge. My husband had the Duck Club. YUM! Duck confit,, smoked duck breast, pecans, goat cheese, arugula, and cherry jam. I'm surprised the reviews here were so mixed- I thought it was a pretty solid dining experience, and we'll definitely go back. For our cheese flight, two wine flights, two glasses of red wine, and two dinners, we came away spending $100 with tip.
(4)john p.
Been there a couple of times and neither one turned out great. First we went for brunch and the food was dry and underwhelming. The second time we went we waited an hour and a half to get our burgers; this was after we waited 30 mins for a table. They told us they lost our order but we heard them say the same thing to another table. When the manager came he was rude and obnoxious. They did pay for my drink and burgers which is why they got the second star. Overall there are just too many good places to eat in Lincoln Square to waste a meal at this place.
(2)Eric M.
I've eaten here twice. Once for my brother's birthday party - a table of about a dozen of us, and once for my birthday, just my brother, my mother and I. Both times the service was good, both times the food was great. I went back for my birthday because I enjoyed the meal during my brother's birthday so much. I also have to really give them strong props for doing the right thing when it would have been easy to try to cop out. I and four other people ordered the duck breast at my brother's birthday dinner, and we ALL ordered them rare. And they all came out medium-well. Duck-lovers out there know that the difference between rare and medium-well in a duck breast is like the difference between tenderloin and liver in beef. So we all complained and sent them back, and they comped us all. I was really surprised. I mean, it's the right thing to do, but with five meals out of a dozen, it's got to be tempting to try to cut some corners there. They didn't. They admitted the obvious and sucked it up. We left a good tip, and that was part of the reason I went back. If I lived closer to Lincoln Square, I'd probably be back a lot more often. P.S. I love their cheeses.
(5)Sara W.
I live near Lincoln Square and have been to Fork at least 5 times and I will say that it is overall mediocre at best. Last night is a prime example of it being bad. We came in around 10:45 on New Year's Eve looking to have some great drinks and possibly an appetizer. There were empty tables and no wait and we saddled up to the bar. There were 3 hosts who didn't really give us much guidance, but again being here before, no big deal. Then we waited for at least 10 minutes without menus or a glance hello from the bartender. However, one of the 3 hosts hanging out, did occasionally smile in our direction but never made a move. It took me saying something to be served. Our bartender slammed glasses, threw garbage across the back of the bar, while she swore and conversed with the host as he explained what he was going to eat for dinner. Then a guy came in for a beer and he just wanted one and pay in cash. When he finished, she told him "6.50" and then put the ten he gave her in her tip jar. A server yelled at a busboy to bus tables right in front of us. Like uncomfortably loud. When I go out, I don't want to know your problems or whether you like working on New Year's or not. I don't want to see your dysfunction. They do have a great menu, but the food is mediocre and the wine can be disappointing. The only reason why I think this place stays in business is because it's the only thing around of its kind. If Hopleaf or Webster wine bar were down the street, I think this place would be out. Please investors put a better place in Lincoln Square, because despite the low review, I'll probably be back because again I feel I have little choice in the area.
(2)Jen G.
Hmmm...it's not often that a group of diners wanders into a great experience during the intermission period at a restaurant, but that's exactly what happened at Fiddehead Café recently. Not familiar with that term? Depending on the establishment, "intermission" can either be the menu that bridges the time between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, or in our case, brunch and dinner (this was a Saturday.) Usually there are four or five main courses, a few apps and a soup to choose from. It almost always includes a burger, salad, sandwich, etc. Oh and most important--this meal usually occurs between the dreaded shift change when either your waiter is dying to go home or too consumed with sidework to pay attention to you (Not so at Fiddlehead, yay!) So I had some friends in town and we were starved. Trouble was, we spent the early part of the day shopping for boots (Oops, out-of-towners got hit by the snow) and had missed lunch. Not in the mood for the college football crowds (love the game, hate the noise) we really wanted a place to chill, drink some wine or beer, rest our weary tourist legs, etc. We also weren't sure if there would be 3 or 6 of us...anyway, the point of all these details is that the staff accommodated all of our high maintenance needs. They were even friendly about it! Also, the cheese flights are included on the intermission menu! And they have Persian feta! And my friends were delighted! Thank you, Fiddlehead...minus .5 stars though because we didn't get our aioli with our bbq sandwich but it tasted good anyway... So there you have it, every once in a while you stumble onto the perfect dining experience that you didn't quite know you were seeking but were oh so happy to receive. I will definitely be back! Also, special props to our server, John, who patiently put up with all of our demands including taking pictures of us by the restaurant's lovely Christmas tree (posted with pics here on Yelp.)
(5)Stacey A.
Emily B and I went here for brunch one day - on her reccomendation. She had been before and had had what amounted to being the best breakfast food of her life - so she drove in from the suburbs and we walked up to Lincoln Square. I ended up with these pancakes with hazelnut butter and bananas and chocolate ganache and they were sinfully good. What I SHOULD have gotten was a Belgium waffle with the same hazelnut butter and blackberry compote - but sometimes I forget to think. I had just put in my order for pancakes and saw a waiter walk by with the waffle and immediately kicked myself. Next time... Emily got the Lox & Bagel platter, which came with a really nice spread including capers and onions and the smoked lox smelled SO GOOD. The space itself is adorable, with comfortable chairs and a really pretty bar and exposed brick and cute lighting. I'm writing this review like, months after I actually went, so I'll just have to go back and re-review it.
(4)Q M.
I've been to brunch here many, many times and I leave very satisfied every time. This time I branched out from my usual flight of mimosas and truffled eggs (which are so so good by the way) to a flight of mimosas and the breakfast melt. Mmmm. Bacon, ham, melty cheese and some runny eggs? Count. Me. In. It was messy, but totally worth it.
(4)Janice W.
I've been 4 times and each time I go I think the same thing: overpriced and underwhelmed. The food is a notch above average and it's priced like it thinks it a lot better than it is. On my last visit for example: roasted beet appetizer ($8) - so salty it was barely edible and the little chopped up bits of it amounted to about 1.5 beets. An anemic cheese flight ($12) should have been more like for the teeny tiny slices of 3 cheeses plus 3 almonds, 2 pecans and 4 thin slices if bread and apple. (I was at the John Hancock 96th floor Signature room the other day, where you pay for the views, and had a cheese plate for $11). And the worst offender - one of their seranno ham plates - 2 or 3 slices plus a dolop of mustard ($12 ish - my friend ordered it and I am not sure of the exact price.) But more than anything, the prices wouldn't even be so insulting if the food was worth it. It's not.
(2)Susie L.
I came here recently for brunch and was amazed by the food. First of all, their Bloody Mary was divine, nice and spicy. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, and let me tell you. The chicken (which they brine overnight) was super tender and flavorful on the inside, and crunchy crispy on the outside, the waffles were also a bit crispy and fluffy (not doughy and heavy like some places), and it came with what I believe was vanilla flavored butter. It honestly did not need any butter or syrup. Just when you think that's all the meal consists of... a HUGE slice of maple flavored crispy carmelized nut-coated bacon was atop the chicken, never experience that before. My friend ordered the Truffled Eggs which was equally divine, fluffy eggs with a delicious truffle oil flavor and seasonings, a bed of tasty arugula, all on top a savory croissant-like biscuit flatbread. The use of ingredients are simple but mind-blowing. I can't wait to go back and try dinner!
(5)Sean F.
We went here on Saturday night for dinner, and it was a bit of an odd sort of meal. There were some excellent parts, but some other things that kind of took things down a notch. The good parts were: - Grilled Cheese. This was wonderful. Aged cheddar, fontina, bacon, and spiced pecans on brioche bread. The nuts were an excellent touch I had never had before. This may be the best grilled cheese I've ever had. - Potato chips and bleu cheese fondue. This was what chips and dip should be at all times. The chips were crispy with just the right amount of salt. The bleu cheese sauce had a little bit without being overwhelming. - Maple ice cream. Just excellent. It was like eating Vermont. - The service. We had two servers as our waiter was training a new waiter. They both did an excellent job. Friendly, gregarious, and knowledgeable about the food. Service was top-notch. There were some other good things that weren't outstanding. My wife had a very good chateaubriand. The cheese selection is nice, esp. the buttermilk bleu. And the garlic-cilantro fries are a nice side dish. Then there's the not-so-good: - Odor. Upon being seated I noticed a weird odor. It was kind of like sewer smell. I was going to say something when the smell went away. A few times during the meal I caught it again, but it always abated before it was enough to make me move. - Tomato-basil soup. I had high hopes, as the grilled cheese came with tomato basil soup. This was a flop. You can get better at Noodles & Company. It was kind of thin, very bland, and uninspired. As it comes with the grilled cheese see if there's any way to get something subbed in for it. - Champagne grapefruit sorbet. This was just way too strongly flavored to where it was almost impossible to eat. Also, the texture was oddly grainy. Not recommended at all. In general this was a nice place. I would like to try the brunch there one day. I give it three stars, but I think with proper selections it could be four.
(3)Darin E.
In from out-of-town, we went for Saturday morning brunch. We were the first ones to sit down. Service was overall very good, if a little slow from kitchen to table (25+ min). In contrast to other reviews, our water glasses were clean and kept full -- Just sayin'. My co-diners all got Chilaquiles, which they all enjoyed. I tried theirs and while I agree it was a nice dish, I am very glad that I departed from the trend and indulged in the Cap'n Crunch French Toast (made with brioche) & house-made chicken sausage instead. I was a little bit skeptical of the chicken sausage since I have found it kind of gamey in my experience. Undeterred by bad memories, and determined to dine out of my comfort zone in this wonderful city, I was delighted to find that in this case, the sausage was well seasoned and tasty -- Moist but not too greasy. It was definitely not pork breakfast sausage, or even a self-deceptively 'healthy' alternative, but good in its own right. I accompanied my meal with a fresh Carrot/Orange juice from the raw bar. Overall, the meal was excellent. The vibe was cool and mellow. Nice music and comfy chairs invited us to sit and chat by the open street-side window-wall enjoying the street traffic of people walking down to the music school with guitars strapped to their backs or riding off to the courts with their tennis rackets. It was a nice casual morning in a great neighborhood. I highly recommend Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)Linda G.
This was the classiest place on the Belgian-American Club of Chicago Pub Crawl. Fully staffed with bartenders waiters and busboys. We were all served quickly. As this was our 4th or 5th stop I can't remember what we drank but they have a BIG beer list and I remember some really good Garlic fries. We'll have to go back.
(4)Lahrin K.
Fork has fantastic food and a superb bar line-up (lengthy beer list, beautiful wines, and talented bartenders to mix delicious cocktails). After a bad Fiddlehead experience, I was nervous to make my way over, but I'm glad I did - Now I'm over there at least once a month. As a pescatarian, I can promise lots of tasty food options (I've only eaten from their dinner menu). This Summer, be sure to try the Salmon with Fava Beans. Other favorites: gnocci, scallops, beet salad, veggie flatbread, and pickled veggies. My meat-eater friends rave about the Chicken Burger and Pork Belly. Portions are perfect (though, as a warning, I enjoy smaller plates versus the 4-serving portions often found around the city - don't count on getting a piece of meat as big as your head at Fork) and everything is easy to share. Service is always wonderful. Staff members are attentive, fun, and knowledgeable (worst case, we've had to chase away a busser while our waitress brought more bread for our scallop-sauce). The restaurant is nicely appointed and is always clean.
(4)Albert L.
I like the different selections in comfort foods and its complimentary craft beer selection. However, I think the food is too salty and it left me parching for water hours after.
(3)A P.
Really loved fork - great food, small plates at an affordable price (I say this coming from DC - Chicagoans might be used to lower prices). Also good portion sizes - we had five people and were able to share a number of small plates with no problem. The service was great, and they have a fantastic beer selection - I really wish more restaurants would offer half pours and diy flights. I highly recommend you stop by when you have a chance! My favorites, of all the things we tried: duck charcuterie, herbed gouda, rosemary manchego, and the eggplant and goat cheese smear.
(5)Brett M.
I base my reviews of restaurants on the following components: customer service (includes the time it takes to reach me, attentiveness of server), quality of food, value (is it priced fairly), and ambiance. I'm not impossible to please, but I have standards. Fiddlehead Cafe exceeded all of them! My fiance wanted a cheeseburger, and I wanted excellent wine, so as we strolled Lincoln looking for a pre-movie dinner place, we passed our usual favorite Jack Rabbit and checked out the menu of Fiddlehead Cafe. Cheeseburger? Check. Ridiculously awesome wine list? Check. The restaurant was not crowded, which was another plus, and we got a cozy table with the friendliest, most knowledgeable server, who was happy to sub an Argentinian Malbec into my Spanish wine flight because I wasn't thrilled about one of the included reds. Our cheeseburgers were amazing, and the french fries were addictive. My fiance enjoyed a Guiness Ice Cream Pudding (very British dessert) and ate every bite. I ended up leaving with a bottle of the Rioja I had best enjoyed in my wine flight... and it was only $16! Yes, they sell most of the wines AND cheeses on the menu, so you can take your faves with you when you leave. We will definitely be back!
(5)Kerry W.
I'm not precisely sure when Fork became Fork (nor am I certain what it was before it became so) but I hope it was recent. I hope it was a recent transition because then they have an excuse for some of the hiccups I experienced on my recent visit. I met some girlfriends there for brunch/lunch at noon on Sunday. When I got to the restaurant (around 11:45) I put my name in and asked how long it might be. The host indicated 15-20 minutes. No problem, I said. After all I had gotten there early for this exact reason. The problem is that we weren't seated until nearly 12:30. That wouldn't have bothered me except there were at least three tables that could have accommodated my party that sat open for at least 15 minutes before we were actually seated. Frustrating! When we were finally seated I found that the prices on their menu differed slightly from those posted on their website (not by a ton, but that's still irritating) and our waiter was someone who feels that being contrary with a smile on his face constitutes comedy. After taking our drink orders tersely and then practically throwing the glasses down on the table (my girlfriend's spilled a bit... he really did just toss them down) he disappeared for another ten minutes before taking our food orders. Admittedly when he returned he was apologetic and did seem to get our food orders expedited to make up for it, but still. I agree with the previous poster who said that the garlic cilantro fries were a disappointment. I had high hopes, but they were just ho-hum. The turkey pannini was perfectly tasty, if nothing terribly special. Though the tomato jam was quite a nice addition to the crisp, buttery bread and thick, melty cheese. I was a little put-off by the appearance of my friends' tomato soup (the washed-out color of tomatoes in January. I know it's January and it's tomato soup but if it looks that unappetizing, maybe come up with a seasonal alternative... squash anyone?) but I didn't taste it so I don't know if it was any good. They seemed to enjoy it (both finished it) but I still didn't think it looked very appetizing - particularly with a pool of what looked like finely chopped basil floating in olive oil on the top. Overall, our lunch was pleasant, but not without frustration. If the restaurant is new, I'd probably go back for a brunch in the summer to see if things improve, but if it's been there a while, I won't be back.
(3)Meghan C.
The wine flights are great...I thought the menu was a little heavy for summer. The food was good, but on a warm summer day, the menu just wasn't seasonally appropriate. The staff is very friendly, though our server was difficult to find later in the meal, and we ended up waiting a very long time for our check, and never got a dessert we ordered. I plan to go back, as it's a nice place and the wine flights make it worth the trip, but may just stick to the bar
(3)Holly T.
Went for a friends birthday last night just to have drinks and had FABULOUS service! The bar tenders were great and even helped us split up the bill for a party of more than 4. The beer selection was amazing for anyone who loves trying new beers. Overall a great experience and we will be going back to try the food for sure!
(5)Rachel Y.
I come here so often, I'm amazed I haven't written a review yet! Fiddlehead is one of my favorite wine bars. How they stand out? They don't give you the Bible of wine lists but rather a simple wine list with pictures to describe the wine for you. A man flexing his bicep conveys 'strong'. A chocolate bar means 'cocoa'. A pepper mill means 'spicy'. Simple, straight-forward, very accurate, and combined with a knowledgeable wait-staff, very rewarding!
(5)Kathy P.
Fiddle dee dee! I met my friend Jen G. here, along with some soon-to-be friends. We were the only peeps in the place on a blustery winter day, looking to warm ourselves with copious beverages from Fiddlehead's extensive selection of wines and beers. The cheese platter and humus were AMAZING (the Persian feta will make you forget all about that pesky Greek feta) and all the cheese is available for sale at the restaurant. Our server, John, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the menu. In addition to his on-target drink and food recommendations, he was pleasant and even took some pics with us by the Christmas tree. I had the pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese aoili and although the aioli was inadvertently forgotten, it was still delicious. Maybe when I go back to try the sandwich with the aoili, they'll earn back the extra star. Everyone else seemed very happy with their selections and a delightful time was had by all. Thanks to John and Fiddlehead for providing the excellent food and the warm holiday glow!
(4)April W.
I am confused by all of these rave reviews about this place. First of all, we were seated and no one came over to see if we wanted a drink or to order for 15 minutes. I finally had to get up and go and ask the host if we had a server. Then it was stil another 5 minutes before she came over. When she finally came over she was very nice and apologetic....But still...the place was empty so I didn't understand the delay. We ordered a little bit of everything. We had the dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon, these were the only good things we ate. THe mac and cheese was gummy and some of the noodles were hard. We had the pork belly and it was gross because it was luke warm so we were eating slimy pork belly fat. We ordered the elotes, ice cold, and I dont understand how you call a dish elotes and there was no cheese or chili spice. Plus they attempted to slice the corn off the cob and left the hard core so it was difficult to eat. The poutine was awful, the fries were overcooked and cold, the gravy was lumpy and the duck was WAYYYY overcooked. The whole dish was also lukewarm, not good. The flatbread was soggy, no crisp to the crust. We had several desserts that were not too bad, but nothing memorable. To top it off, they never offered us clean plates, the plates that were on the table were dirty, we wiped them off with our napkins. The less than mediocre food and poor service makes this place bad, I won't be back. I was interested in the cheese and charcuterie but I wont waste my time trying it and going back here. Very disappointed in the whole meal. The only reason I didn't give this palce one star is that the waitress was very sweet and tried really hard to make up for leaving us sit for 20 minutes.
(2)Sara M.
I like Fiddlehead for an above average, sort of fancy experience in my neighborhood. I love the wine and cheese flights (and Mimosa flights at brunch!) and the customer service is excellent. It is a little pricy ($48 with tip for a mimosa brunch) so we save it for special occasions, but I've always had a good experience there.
(4)Cam M.
I've been to Fork four times so far, three times for dinner, and once for brunch. I'm a def a fan. Make a reservation though for the peak hours or else there can be a bit of a wait. I think they quoted a 45min wait for brunch one time, so we went somewhere else. However, given the area-wait times aren't uncommon during peak hours. They have a nice variety of drinks. I'm a beer fan, and they have flights!! My girlfriend isn't as big of a beer fan, but loves wine...and they do wine flights!! They also have cocktails, sangria, and other drinks as well as non-alcoholic options. So, booze for all! The beer list covers a lot of ground from brews from down the street (literally, they have Half Acre which is a few blocks down on Lincoln) to imports to the familiar domestics. When you go here, come thirsty. The only catch-they take the drink menu when you order your food....so, either ask to keep it or pull it up via your phone. It makes sense since at least the tables for 2 are on the smaller side, but hey-that is the biggest negative I can think of about this place. Try the Beermosa for brunch! The food!! I've had their 23 flavors brisket, prime farm house burger, and then the Hangover Helper for brunch. The brisket has a great sauce, was very tender, and the texas toast was just toasty enough to not get soggy with the mound of delicious beef. The burger was good-nice flavorful meat with nice toppings. The Hang Over Helper is their version of a breakfast bowl (biscuit, meat, eggs, bacon, cheese, and gravy). If that was on the menu all day, I'd get it at least 50% of the time I go there. The food is priced quite well, you can spend a lot if you want, but most entrees are around $15 with the other courses being in the $5-10 range. We typically spend more on booze than food here. The service has been good. All of our waiters/waitresses have been good with timely drink refills, checking in on us, and clearing plates. It seems like they employ a bit of a team here as opposed to solely one server-there have been times where when they see an empty beer glass, they'll offer another even if they aren't our main waiter. My favorite time so far, was when we sat at the bar during the week. The bartender was nice, funny, and extremely helpful. She knew a ton about wine, and answered and educated my girlfriend about them while ensuring that my beer glass wasn't ever empty until I said when. The decor/seating is pretty good/cozy overall. The vibe is entirely different for brunch than for dinner. They have two rooms plus outdoor seating. We went once when it was snowing and got seated by the front windows...that was a drafty meal, to the point we put our sweatshirts on. We've sat at the bar (read about for my views of that), in the middle of the main room, and once in the second room. My preference, in order, is: Bar, 2nd room, middle of main, by the windows. The second room has a fireplace, and was a bit quieter than the main room with a bit more shoulder space. I'm not a small guy (about 6ft 2, 230....I'm a power lifter), so shoulder/belly space can be an issue for me when the tables are jammed together or when sitting at a bar. I've yet to have that issue at Fork. The place is mostly darker wood and brick colors inside with the same color wooden chairs. It feels like it has been there forever, well maintained, and upgraded over time. Not a dive feel at all, but not so incredibly fancy/upscale that you would feel out of place wearing jeans. Maybe not a band t-shirt, but not much more than that. Overall, I'll def be going back, probably within 3 weeks. We went twice last weekend, once for date night, and once for brunch. They have a great menu that I plan on trying at least half of, great service, and awesome drinks. The price range I put, includes 2-3 drinks each.
(4)Kathleen C.
I never reviewed this as Fiddlehead, though I had visited quite a few times. I think that the restaurant is very similar now - but the menu is a bit different. I have to say - I thought service was fantastic. Everyone that we interacted with was super nice and accommodating. We didn't have to wait for our reservation and the menu 'tweaks' some of us requested were accommodated as well. The food is good, but nothing special. I had the farm burger with a fried egg. It was good and the burger was done as requested, but it was just ok - I wouldn't seek it out as a fantastic burger. I was inadvertently given the garlic fries. These were good, but quite greasy. I ate a few since the taste was delicious, but I couldn't make it through many of them due to the grease factor. Fork does have a great wine and beer list. I think the flights of wine are set up a bit oddly - but you can find some good and interesting wines on the list and they are all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is nice. I actually prefer sitting at a table in the bar area, but the regular dining room spot is nice and cozy as well (but people watching in the bar is fun!). The restaurant is appropriately dark and cozy - so this makes for a good spot for a nice out with friends or a date. Value-wise, this is a great spot. I think the 5 of us paid something like $30pp for dinner and drinks (I will say we didn't have appetizers or dessert), but this is a pretty good deal. Overall, it's cute for the area. I think it's a better spot for drinks or snacks - I wasn't that impressed with the food.
(3)Anthony J.
Went for their Tyranena event as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Kinda a chintzy "event," as they had all of 3 Tyranena beers on tap, but they were tasty nonetheless. Quality over quantity I suppose. Ordered the mussels, and they were well-prepared. My wife had the poutine, which was yummy if frighteningly unhealthy. As it should be. My biggest complaint is the fact that they seemed to think having all the windows open would do to cool the place off. Mind you it was in the mid-80s. A little AC would've been nice.
(4)Rachel F.
We went for brunch. The food was a solid 4 stars. Our server was extremely helpful and friendly. Even when it became packed and she was running around, she still checked on us frequently. Bloody Marys were...well I've had better. I've had worse too on that same note. I would go back again.
(3)Craig Y.
You have to get there early to get the donut holes - I have been twice but both time they were already out. I had the regular Bloody Mary it was good not too spicy but lots of zest. We started with the bacon wrapped dated they are delicious, I highly recommend them. I had the ham and cheese hash - it was really good the ham had good flavor and the cheese was definitely not American but real cheddar. I would go again.
(4)Meag H.
Dined here Friday night with friends! Every bite and sip was fantastic! Great service too! Would definitely recommend Fork to anyone and will be back soon!
(5)Joonho Y.
Great Location. Service was Friendly, but Very Slow. The Eggs Benedict had Ham that was So Overly Seared that it was Crunchy/Chewy, and the Potatoes were Bland, but the Biscuit was OK. The "Show Stopper" was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING: the Meat was So Overcooked that it was Literally Inedible, and the Cheese Slices seemed to be an Afterthought, but the Waffle was OK (the Entire Dish seemed to be a Horribly Misguided Attempt to get Media Attention based on Sheer Size). We might try it again (solely because of the Location), but we will stick to Simple Dishes, as they were Unable To Properly Execute their Signature Dish. Clearly, the Menu tries too hard to be inventive, and the Kitchen Can't Handle It.
(1)Bert T.
Service: very good. Almost excellent -- efficient & friendly in every way, EXCEPT the server did not check back to see if the food was OK. (Which it wasn't.) Atmosphere: fine (sidewalk table for Sunday brunch). Food (vegetable hash with eggs over easy and toast, side of bacon, coffee): Bacon was outstanding, cooked to that point in between raw and tough that you want for texture and flavor. Coffee in a large mug, too large to stay fresh or hot. Hash had a nice blend of ingredients (red potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, a few fava beans, hollandaise, topped off with fresh arugula). Problem: it was UNDERDONE. Skillet cooked potatoes are NOT supposed to be raw; they actually CRUNCHED. Also, the hollandaise sauce was also runny; when combined with two barely cooked eggs (yolk entirely raw), this resulted in a plate full of soup. Even with lots of veggies and lettuce to stir into the mess, I was unable to eat most of the yellow of the eggs, which is the only source of protein in this dish! With a creamy hollandaise, eggs cooked at least medium, and properly cooked vegetables, this could have been a fine dish. As it was, it was a big disappointment. And no one came to check on me until, driven by hunger, I'd almost finished eating. Note also that the menu has several changes from what is posted on their website.
(2)Lindsey D.
Get this guys- Contemporary American cuisine with an extensive beer list and charcuterie and cheeses that even serves PORK BELLY. SO UNIQUE WHERE DID THEY THINK THIS UP? No but really, there are a million and a half of these popping up around the city, but this one is quality and delicious. Burgers were great, loved the duck club, and received amazing service. The wine list left is wanting, but the server was super helpful trying to get us nearer to what we were looking for. Solid food, good variety, nice people, great service. Way to go Fork, you're doing it right.
(4)Tim K.
While visiting some friends in Chicago last month we were highly recommended to try Fork and it did not disappoint. It was so good that not only did we go there for dinner one of the nights we were there, we also went back for their Sunday brunch. Service was great and it turns out that the GM was also from the Metro Detroit area which was pretty cool. They offer a lot of small plates which worked perfectly the night we had dinner there as we had a fairly large and late lunch that day. The GM took his time to give us suggestions and ask us what we like and didn't like food wise and we even trusted him to surprise us with a few items that he thought we'd like. Never would I have ever ordered beef tongue prosciutto on my own, which is one of the things he surprised us with, but it actually was really good. When we came back for brunch I was egged on (no pun intended) to try and conquer the Showstopper challenge which is two Belgian waffles, a one pound prime beef patty, cheddar and swiss cheese, tomato, arugula, dijonnaise, maple braised short ribs, house cured bacon and ham. I was told many have attempted it and very few have actually succeeded. Holy crapsticks was it good and yes, this fat kid conquered the beast in just under 30 minutes. The chef personally hand delivered it to me and praised me with a "not worthy" bow upon completion. I was stuffed to the gills, but it was worth it. Stick a FORK in me, because I was done (pun intended this time)! Overall it was a great experience all around and we will definitely go back there the next time we are in the Chicagoland area.
(5)Lauren M.
Service was great ( today) the food was eh. We have been here before for dinner and the service was slow and he forgot many things. When I ordered a beer it came after I had finished my meal... Today's brunch lacked flavor and my Bloody Mary was not strong at all and the mix was watered down. My man' bagel was not toasted and the cream cheese did not look or taste like cream cheese. We will be back because we live close and their beer choices are stellar. Perhaps we shall just sit at the bar next time. Sorry Fork, I really want to love you!
(3)Joseph D.
Ambiance = 4 stars, Service = 4 stars, Food 3.5 stars Went with the wife and another couple on a Saturday night for the first time and had an enjoyable time. The decor is warm with exposed brick walls and dimly lit dining room. A few TV's are above the main bar but I wouldn't call this a sports bar or a place to watch the game. More of a "if the game is on and you're out dining with some boring coworkers and want to catch the score, you can." The front windows open up to the sidewalk on Lincoln so what's nice is you can sit inside yet feel like you're outside. We did just that as the rain was coming down pretty good but we were able to enjoy the fresh air and be protected by the awnings outside. Service was cordial. Andy our server was nice. Not too friendly, not unfriendly, just professional. The ancillary staff was excellent as not a water glass went empty nor did a plate sit on the table for more than 2 minutes once completed. Kudos to the busing team. The unsung heroes of our dining experience... We started with a Chef's Selection of Charcuterie which consisted of pretty much a little of everything. Meats, cheeses, olives, dried cranberries, etc. It was a nice way to start off for 4 and just the right size and variety. For dinner we had amongst us a steak with fries, a soft shell crab sandwich and two orders of mussels. One French style (mine) and one a nightly special with fresh herbs and a broth. Steak was reportedly good and so were the special mussels. My wife very much enjoyed her crab sandwich and it was large enough that she took half home. My french style mussels were also good although they lacked a bit of the creamy richness that other places I've had this style of mussel (think Le Bouchon in Bucktown) but still decent. Beer list is very interesting with some nice quirky choices on there including a lite cranberry beer and a bitter lemon. Other more traditional choices may be found as well along with a nice cocktail list and wine list. What's nice about Fork is you can go for small plates, big plates or just share a whole lotta stuff. The menu I must admit was a bit all over the place but that may serve you well if you have a diverse group who all like different things. A kinda of "something for everyone" place. For desert we shared (meaning I ate most of it) a bread pudding made with pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate topped with chocolate ice cream and drizzle. It was decadent and so rich I nearly passed out. Worth saving room for... Overall a nice place with good service, nice atmosphere and decent food. Fork won't blow you away but it won't embarrass you if you take some out of town friends there.
(4)Dan D.
So, after my last review, Fork offered a gift certificate to try them one more time, stating that they have worked hard on improving their customer service. I took them up on the offer, and they definitely succeeded in changing my opinion. My wife and I returned for my birthday on a busy night. The server was running around between all the tables efficiently taking orders, serving food, and handing out drinks. Not once did I feel unattended to. The ambiance continued to be classy, yet casual. Great for date night or to grab a good meal and a couple of drinks with friends. Most of the food continued to be delicious (mussels, salad, bacon wrapped date chorizo, burger, and a salmon dish). My burger was mediocre compared to burgers you can get nearby but the rest was very good. As long as the service continues to be exemplary, I would now recommend trying this place out.
(4)Tricia D.
And the award goes to... Dish most likely to bring you back: the fork poutine! Fatty, flavorful, and full of plump duck meat! Drool. Great ratios of gravy and cheese too, and I liked the touch of rosemary. Best quality of my duck confit hash: how perfectly diced the potatoes were under those 2 eggs! (Not the pile of arugula on top of the dish, and NOT the 2 pieces of toast that weren't served with any jam or butter.) Biggest nit pick: the dining area gets drafty if the window(s) is open and/or if you're seated at a table by the door (which is constantly opening and closing with customers coming in and out)! Most memorable thing about the bathroom: the hook for your purse on the back of the door is WAY up high, like pretty much at the top edge of the door. What? Not suitable for the vertically challenged (me). Coolest bean: that Metropolis coffee! Best looking crust: that quiche! Most unexpected perk: +100 on OpenTable!
(3)Linda T.
Service quick and kind. Chicken and waffles OUTSTANDING ! Chilaquiles with home made Chorisa is spice nice. Good select of brunch brews and bloodys. I will be back.
(5)Lisa P.
My husband & I have been here once before and had a nice lunch experience. We decided to go to Fork for dinner tonight and left rather disappointed. Ordered the Poutine special, which was pretty good.. Your average Poutine with pulled pork & home made giardiniera-- which was the highlight of the dish. My husband ordered the steak frites, ordered medium rare. When it came out it was a rather raw flank steak. The waiter was GREAT about seeing that it was undercooked & took it back to get it fixed. However, when the steak was returned, it was half the portion he previously had and completely well done. I had the burger, which was also a major let down. It was as if they had pre-made burgers patties that they put on their grill and tried to pass for a hand-shaped burger. Their garlic cilantro fries are fantastic. I'd recommend those to anyone. But the end of our meal was a let down... We seemed to be forgotten after we had gotten our main course. The restaurant has so much potential. Their beer and wine list is great!! The service is almost there. Maybe more of a place for drinks rather than a full-on meal??
(2)Blake H.
There is no shortage of great restaurants within a couple of miles of Lincoln Square. Fork is unquestionably one of them. It has a full bar and two separate dining rooms which provide a comfortable atmosphere that is good for families and young professionals alike. We went for brunch but ended up ordering the turkey and pesto panini. Sandwich was delicious. The fries were hand cut and fried properly, with the parmesan fries being particularly tasty. Great service made our meal a 4* experience. This is a solid option but is not the type of place that we would travel out of our way to visit.
(4)Lizette Y.
This joint was selected as a girl's night out venue, and it did not disappoint! They have a lovely outdoor patio, so get there early and park your butt at one of those tables to enjoy the food, vino, and people watching. A friend ordered the sangria, and we were so enamored with its unique cinnamon-y, clove-y flavor, it was wonderfully unique and delicious. Then, we had the wine flights. Oh, the wine flights. At one point there were so many glasses of wine at our table that there was hardly room for food. I'm OK with that! The server was really attentive and very knowledgeable about the wine, which I truly appreciate. For food my friend ordered the bacon-wrapped dates which she reported to be amazing. I also had the asparagus flatbread (very tasty) and the mushroom grits. The grits were outstanding and included a poached egg. There's nothing more delicious than creamy grits with a heavenly, perfectly-poached egg sitting at the very top. Like I said, the service was very attentive and helpful and I will absolutely be back!
(5)Irina H.
Upon returning to Fork five years later, for a midafternoon lunch, my dining companions and I were quite disappointed. Two of us ordered the crab roll, which was simple and watery - so much so that you had to make sure you were leaning over for a bite, because watery liquid was pouring out the other side of the sandwich with every bite. I lost my appetite after half a sandwich. And how can you go wrong with tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, a classic combo of comfort food? Well, Fork can do it so wrong that you don't recognize it. The soup was labeled as a tomato bisque on the menu, but looked more like a bowl of orange half-and-half with green oil floating on top. There was nothing remotely tomato-y about it, and nothing remotely appetizing about it, either. The grilled cheese sandwich was made with a slab of very sharp cheddar, which is not a delicious cheese when you have to eat it in a big gob, and the purported bacon in it was really just big hunks of pork fat which even my son, a die-hard bacon lover, could not eat. Fork probably still does a good cheese flight and booze menu, but that's not why we were there today, and we certainly won't be going back, ever.
(1)Kerrie G.
Excuse me deliciousness move over fancy schmaltzy. Fork treats it's patrons to an elevated menu and top notch wine selection, with a very neighborhood feel. Our table of six enjoyed the poutine, let me rephrase, we nearly "forked" the bus boy who asked if we were done with the dish, when clearly we were still prepared to lick the platter. Service was top notch with recommendations and frequent check ins with out too many, if you know what I mean. All of our entrees were met with mmmm's and ahhh's. All around a wonderful environment to enjoy a winner of a meal.
(5)Douglas B.
So wifey and I have been coming here for a few years now. We are here almost every weekend for brunch or lunch. Overall we love this place. We have never had a bad experience here and always always get great service. The food is always on point, there is always something tasty to choose from and their beer and wine selection is always great. We typically make reservations on the weekend because it is always busy, especially when it is nice out. The outdoor seating is great, right a long the side of the restaurant. The hosts are super friendly and very accommodating when possible. Julio is usually our server and he always makes it a great experience for us at Fork. He is very knowledgeable on the food, the beer and the wine. He makes great recommendations for drinks, I can honestly say the staff is very well trained on the product. The menu is very consistent, we usually go for brunch or lunch. We have on occasion been there for dinner. I typically order a nice crisp beer and we almost always start off with the duck crostini's. They nice thin cuts of duck breast with this delicious jam, cheese, an arugula leaf and truffle oil all sitting on a nice piece of small crusty bread. Perfect bite to get things started. You get two in the order. Then we move on to bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and covered in a tasty blue cheese sauce that works so well with the sweetness of the date. Since its the weekend, I have to order eggs. I usually get the duck confit hash! If you like duck confit, you will love this dish. Its a nice combination of potato hash with duck confit and arugula. It is just a heavenly mixture. Sitting on top of all that is a couple of sunny side up eggs. Paired with a couple slices of wheat toast, its the perfect breakfast. Wifey usually gets the Florentine Benedict, its your typical eggs Benedict but with spinach. The other day they had a special braised short rib Benedict, i was jealous of wifey for ordering it. I love coming here and I highly recommend it to everyone to try it. It has a great variety of dishes. I've tried something from each category and I can say I have not been disappointed. The staff is wonderful, management is helpful, the food and drink selections are great. Give it a go... do it!
(5)Leslie B.
Had a really wonderful dinner here on a Saturday night. Our group of 7 was greeted right away by our waitress who got us started with some cocktails. Fork has a great beer list and great cocktail menu, I had a very refreshing gin drink. The food menu is incredibly unique in that you can order traditionally, with appetizers and entrees, or sharing. Our group opted to share everything so we could try more of Fork's offerings. Highly recommend this approach! To start with, we had the bacon wrapped dates, garlic fries, mushroom flatbread, root veggie hash, lamb flatbread, and charcuterie plate. The charcuterie offerings at Fork are so impressive. They have a huge selection of both cheeses and meats and you can mix and match, everything we tried was delicious. The lamb flatbread and bacon wrapped dates were also standouts. For entrees, we had the mussels, which were fantastic. They came in a very rich and flavorful broth, highly recommend this. Other noteworthy entrees were the sweet potato gnocchi, very unique, and the shortrib, which was so tender and tasty. We shared a couple desserts that were on special, but sharing one or two between a group is more than enough after sharing multiple dishes at Fork! Portions are large and the savory dishes are very filling. Overall, Fork is definitely one of the best Lincoln Square spots. Warm and inviting interior, come in with a few friends and share some items. While it may be pretty pricey, the quality and uniqueness of the menu make this is a great special occasion dinner.
(4)Cynthia R.
I wanted to give Fork a higher rating, but when I thought about it, my experience really was just ok. I will definitely return though. I'm hoping for better....I truly think they have it in them! I went here with my team from work. We are a fun bunch, so we definitely had a good time. A few wine flights later, we were feeling pretty good. Service was a tad weird...difficult to explain. Our server was nice and all, just a tad...well....awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strange bird myself, so I really dig strange people. But this woman just didn't seem comfortable in her own skin, and she was kind of spacey. She didn't really smile either, which is takes from the experience. We started with some apps....bacon wrapped dates (A-mazing), Cliantro Garlic Fries (DEE-lish), Baked Pretzels w/ amazing beer cheese (YUM!). Most of the crew got burgers, which they thought were ok. One guy got the bbq brisket. It was a little dry, but had great flavor and was quite tender. I kept eating his food because my fresh caught salmon was....meh. I was super disappointed. I really wanted to love it. The grain served with it tasted freezer burnt and the whole meal was luke warm vs pleasingly hot. Lackluster. One girl got the mussels. She didn't rave, but no complaints either. Dessert made up for some of the dinner disappointment. We had the creme brulee, which was fantastic. The apple crisp and bread pudding were no slackers either! All in all, decent place. Great vibe. Good neighborhood joint.
(3)Chris B.
I want to give this place 5 stars but we only had brunch today for the 1st time. We had the chicken and waffles. Amazing! Cant wait to come here for dinner.
(4)Meredith B.
I love a brunch place that takes reservations! I knew almost nothing about Fork, and was pleasantly surprised to find it bustling and cozy on a Sunday morning in autumn. Definitely make a reservation - most/all tables were full, though it didn't look like there was a huge wait. Great neighborhood restaurant vibe, with a long bar where people were watching the Bears game. I had some tea (which was in a bag, not loose, bummer) and the roasted vegetable hash - veggies like beets, butternut squash, and more. It's a seasonal dish, the veggies in the hash apparently change throughout the year, but are always served with arugula and eggs over easy. The dish was really filling but was a great healthy option. I loved the colorful veggies, and they tasted great especially after I broke the yolk and it poured out all over them. This dish comes with toast, and even though it's vegetarian I know it will fill you up. It's a touch pricey, but not too bad. I think my brunch was $13. Lots of unique breakfast options - a bunch of different benedicts, chicken and waffles, duck confit hash - something for everyone! I've heard that their dinner is great too. I'd definitely come back if I was in Lincoln Square, it has such a relaxed vibe and some cool brunch offerings for sure!
(4)Esther G.
It was SUCH a long wait on a Saturday night but the hostesses actually made it less painful by chatting/joking with us. The front area is big enough that we didn't feel like we were in the way of people coming and going. The inside is nicer than I was expecting, but it's not like we felt out of place in casual clothes. Looking for something small, I had the duck liver mousse (foie gras for the fancypants). Never had it before and had no idea what to expect, but with the grape jam, white port gelee and the small, perfectly toasted pieces of bread, it was so, so good. Very rich, smooth like butter and delicate. Garlic cilantro fries -- a bit passable. Could use more garlic. There's also an extensive beer/wine menu, which you can all get as flights. They're divided by cost so if you want to mix and match, you pay per sample, otherwise you pick 3-4 for one set price. It's a 3 oz pour so it was pretty generous.
(4)Tad D.
We went back today for brunch and it was just fantastic. The service was quite good and the food was amazing. I don't even get in to Chicken and Waffles usually, but it was unreal. It will change your perspective on stuff. Chef Tim came out and greeted us. The attention to detail here is quite good. I can't recommend this place enough and I wish the entire ownership and staff the best.
(5)Brian M.
Great spot for dinner and a date. We ordered quite a bit of food as our group was uber hungry. We started with the house pretzels which were very good and garlic-cilantro fries. The fries were simply out of this world good. Not a date friendly order, but seriously its worth it. I had the farm house burger. This was one hell of a solid burger. Its grass-fed beef, fried egg, white cheddar cheese, friend onions and bacon. What could ever be wrong with a burger like that? It was a messy burger that I would gladly eat many times over. What really made the place awesome was the server [Michael?]. Dude was funny, quick, really good at recommendations and didn't mess around when it came to making sure we were good. Had solid appetizer recommendations and we got a great bottle of wine that he recommended as well! Again, if you are looking for a good burger try here. Also if you want to have a solid date, this is also that spot.
(4)Max F.
They have 20-75 different cheese I think. I haven't tried them all but I'm pretty sure they're all good. Please note that both the grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni and cheese pasta dishes only contain a select few, but are both stellar entrees. One of the cheeses is from Burgundy.
(5)Kristin I.
I went in for their Vivant Brewery dinner and it was amazing! The dinner was held in the back room, which was perfect because we were able to hear the chef and the guy from the brewery describe each course. The food was amazing! My favorite was definitely the house-made sausage wrapped in house-made brioche! It was so tasty and perfectly paired with the beer. I was just so impressed that they made both the sausage and the bread! And the service was excellent. We had clean silverware, plates and the next beer pairing before each new dish arrived. Which seems to be something that is missing at most beer dinners. I left stuffed and happy!
(5)Patrick B.
I came to Fork a couple years ago for brunch because I saw online that they had Chicken and Waffles, which I had been craving. We showed up to find out they had an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. We decided to check it out, but unfortunately it was one of the worst brunch buffets I've ever had. They didn't offer their normal breakfast menu either. It was so bad, I never wanted to give Fork a second try. Well, we've since moved out of Chicago and we were in town for the weekend and decided to give Fork a second chance, mainly because our first choice was closed for the day. Now I'm a little sad I didn't give them a second chance sooner, because the Hangover Helper with biscuit, egg, sausage gravy and bacon on it was amazing. We also got the eggs benedict which hit the spot as well. The beer mimosa was pretty good too, I'm glad there wasn't too much orange juice in it. Anyway, I now recommend going to Fork for brunch. However, if you see an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet when you walk in the door, I would turn back around.
(4)Rafia J.
Went there for a paintnite event and I am extremely sad to say that besides the paintnite experience, I was greatly disappointed in this place. The only reason we came across this place was because of paintnite while we were there for so late we decided to stay here for dinner. I ordered steak and frites and my friends ordered chicken burger with garlic and cilantro fries. The only thing worth eating in that order were garlic and cilantro fries. My steak was tasteless/ saltless and just was not edible after a couple of bites. I left the whole thing there. My friend's chicken burger was drenched in cheese and was extremely tasteless as well. And we spent quite a lot of money too. Other than that the atmosphere and service were nice but definitely not one of the great places in Chicago to come and dine at.
(1)T K.
I have to update my review as this place has *drastically* gone downhill from the previous ownership... I went in Sunday with a friend who was visiting from out of town. We had, what we both believed, to be the worst service of our life there. We were seated quickly, however, everything else went downhill... Our food took over 45m to come out, the longest I've ever had to wait there. The waiter was less than attentive, our drinks ran empty during our wait and he never even checked on us without my having to pull him aside (twice) to find out what was taking so long. Offering a shallow "sorry, we're very busy" to attempt to compensate. (hint: they were not that busy, by the time we got our food most of the section was empty and some had already received and eaten their entire meal) Even my friend who is from the south and epitomizes southern charm was fuming. The manager eventually came over to check on us (and the table next to us that was also complaining about the horrible service) and she offered a short apology and nothing else... no offer to compensate for the poor service, nothing, just a "sorry" and off to do whatever else it was she was doing. (it definitely wasn't getting her ass involved in fixing the situation by any means) The final kicker came when we asked for our check... you would think after all this they would promptly grab the ticket and get it to us. NOPE. It took ANOTHER 15-20 mins *JUST TO GET OUR CHECK* I will never go back here and my friend, who didn't complain about anything else the entire weekend, even asked me "can we promise never to eat here again." If it wasn't the fact that we were both hungry to the point of shaky when we realized the situation I would have gotten up and walked out...
(1)Mark Tuna T.
Had a fantastic dinner here last night. The food is incredible. A great selection of comfort food and artisan cheese/charcuterie. The wine and beer selection is also very easy to get lost in. Everything we ate and drank were spectacular. But the service really stood out. Jen took EXCELLENT care of us keeping our meal moving at the perfect pace and providing the best suggestions. Kudos to the entire staff, kitchen and service! We will def be back again!
(5)Rita M.
Nice hostess. I called saying we may be late 5 or 10 mins for my party of 4 at 13:15. He said no problem and thanks for calling. Nice layout. Outdoor seating. But we sat inside. HUGE beer selection. Tasty food. One star deducted because I got the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I must have ordered off the children's menu because my grilled cheese literally was cut into 4 pieces, each being about an inch wide and 2 inches long. Although tasty, crazy cheap amount given for $11!!!!!! I had to order a side because I was still starving. Another star deducted, because our server, although VERY nice and sweet, was MIA and rarely came around. Would I be back? MAYBE
(3)Tommy K.
I went to Fork for the first time this past weekend. The atmosphere was great. Sat at a table right up front by the window, and luckily the weather was purely amazing. Warm breeze, 70 degrees. On a Saturday night, there weren't any disturbances from the people walking passed the restaurant. Our waiter was as equally amazing. Very personable, knowledgeable on the menu. I actually ordered based on his suggestions, which I rarely do. For an appetizer we ordered from the cheese and charcuterie menu, and the servings were a little small for 4 adults, but held us over until we received our entrees. I ordered the salmon, with pees. I have never been asked how I would prefer my salmon cooked, and based on my friend's choice, I opted for medium rare. It actually tasted really good! The only annoyance I found with this establishment, is when you are a frequent visiter to the restroom, especially after 3 cosmos, the urinals in the men's restroom are right next to each other, and have no dividers. They are also right in view of the door to the restroom, so when the door opens, you are literally on FULL DISPLAY. I am pee shy, so this kind of a situation is a pure nightmare for me. There is a stall, but with it being on a Saturday night, it was always in use. Next time I visit, i will make sure I don't consume that much liquor, as to avoid the frequent visits to the urinal display! Bottom line, the atmosphere, food and service is top notch. I will be visiting again soon. On an empty bladder for that matter :)
(5)David B.
I did have some issues on a Saturday brunch there, like the chair broke i was sitting in, the food came pretty slow too. I after we had food the waiter didn't come back so i started to order with the bus-boy. After giving my card it took awhile to have the waiter come back and he didn't leave a pen. I signed it with a crayon, since I wasn't going to wait another 10 minutes to locate a pen for me. The bloody mary was uninspired and chunky but not particularly good. Just throwing stuff into a bloody doesn't make it better. It needs to crafted, carefully, and never forgetting that I want a buzz off of it too not just 16 flavors of cheese cubes! The food was okay, not great. It felt copy-cat and not a perfect copy either. i will go back, but not out of my way.
(3)Shaunna B.
People aren't lying. The cilantro-garlic fries are amazing! Must try. The burger is also splendid. The service was a little slow, but not terrible.
(4)Barrye J.
I've dined here quite a few times, mostly dinner but also tried their brunch a few times. Let me start off by saying the food is magnificent - chicken burger is amazing, also very fond of both versions of their mussels. I brought my vegetarian foodie friend here for her birthday and she's pretty picky, but she loved everything she ordered. They have a wonderful selection of beers and wines too, with flights available for each if that's your thing. Now on to the not-so-great: Fork is marketed as a classier place in a classier neighborhood. It's not a divey bar that serves block 'o cheese with tall boys, it's a neat ambient gastropub with charcuteries and craft beer. Why, then, does the service not particularly match up to the image they are portraying? Is it busier than they can handle? I've served, bartended, etc, I forgive a LOT in restaurants. But when I'm on a date night dropping at least $40 a person (2 drinks a person + entree, at the least), why do I get the feeling that I'm being rushed out? Every. Single. Time. Busy or not. If it wasn't for the bussers being great at clearing/noticing when my drink is empty, I don't think I'd get asked how my food is or if I want another drink. Case in point: Any time I've had to make a substitution or extra request for my meal (like... extra ketchup, nothing fancy), it's always forgotten (totally understandable, shit gets hectic) BUT I never get it because I never get checked on. C'mon now. I don't want to sit there for 5 hours but if I wanted to dine in under 30 minutes, I'd go to McD's or something. I keep wanting to do a cheese board for dessert but by the time the server drops the check unceremoniously to me, I really just want to leave. I will give this place yet another try soon because they really do have an extensive drinks selection, great food, and everyone I know constantly raves about this place. Maybe I've just been unlucky.
(3)Roberta B.
My husband and friends of ours had dinner at Fork. My immediate statement is "make a reservation and go." The food was delicious! We ordered the staff favorite cheese plate which we devoured. It was so good we order a second one. The garlic-cilantro fries - I assumed - would just be 'fries'. They are...with great FLAVOR! They disappeared in no time. The beer list is fabulous and full. We love Belgium beer and their list did not disappoint. I had the chicken burger. They say in public you shouldn't lick your fingers. I didn't! But I soooo wanted to. The juice dripped and was so tasty I wanted to bottle it. Will I return to Fork...no question. Would I recommend Fork...absolutely!!! So when are we going again, is all that was talked about as we left. Excellent service AND FOOD!!!
(5)Siobhan F.
My sister and I went here for brunch yesterday and loved it. Food was excellent, I had the eggs Benedict. We also had a flight of mimosas that were all very good. Good service and atmosphere, too. Glad we went in even though it was hard to find parking.
(5)Toni R.
This gets 5 stars because the hangover helper is the best thing I've ever eaten. Herbed biscuit, chicken sausage gravy, eggs over easy...mmmmm!
(5)Kelly R.
Stopped by for a Saturday brunch, and while it didn't totally disappoint, the boyfriend and I were not impressed. I will throw the good stuff into the ring first: awesome ambiance and a really friendly staff and terrific! A cozy and trend restaurant with attentive staff. There was a bit of a wait, but we were able to sit up at the bar immediately. The brunchy drink list has a good-looking selection. And their beermosas are made with Daisy Cutter. Hard. to. beat. The brunch and lunch menu offer a lot of great looking choices--including a handful of vegetarian friendly dishes. The not-as-good: The food was only OK. We started with house-made doughnut holes. The were very basic! Uninspired fried dough and powdered sugar. "But that IS a doughnut!" you cry, well maybe. But if I'm ordering them at a restaurant and I'm prompted to "ask my server for details," I just expecting something special. The eggs florentine was calling my name, and I was not disappointed in the great hollandaise sauce and awesomely poached eggs. However, the side of potatoes was very dry and likely microwaved. The english muffin was a little softer than I'm used to in a bennie. The boyfriend got the chilaquiles which were reported to be average and a little overwhelming. (But we have both been spoiled by the chilaquiles at Marmalade). All in all: Seems like this might not be the best place for brunch! Could be worth it to stop in for a cocktail and appetizer late at night, but best to avoid in the daylight.
(3)Melissa P.
I keep a list of restaurants that I want to dine at and Fork was one of these. And though I wish I could give them more than 3 stars, I unfortunately cannot. The evening started with fireworks and ended in a dreadful sizzle. Bacon wrapped dates, delicious, beet salad lacking and Duck club (giant pieces of Texas toast) not what I was expecting. To top that off my 2nd glass of wine was uber chilled to the point of non resemblance of the sauv I first ordered. I am not a wine snob however I can generally tell a grigio from a blanc. When questioned our very good looking waiter seemed to disappear. Would I go back, yes but would sit in different section facing the bar and ask more about the dishes.
(3)James R.
We love this place! This is my third update for Fork, as they continue to impress each time we visit. Once again, we were celebrating a special occasion (our wedding anniversary) and they were kind enough to bring out complimentary champagne and a dessert! Both were excellent! I cannot recommend this place highly enough! ten stars! haha!
(5)Luisana R.
Went here last night on a whim with a couple of friends. No wait at 6:15 on a Friday night, great! Service was good. Food was delicious. The grilled watermelon salad was amazing! Definitely my favorite. The Mac and cheese with crab meat was yummy, the cheese board was good and so were the shrimp and grits. Overall good experience and I would come back.
(4)Andre M.
Food and environment were nice and good, but my waiter Niko had the driest attitude. I guess the rain made him feel sad or something. But he kinda sucked personality wise. He could at least try to smile. I was sad eating the delicious burger and fries.
(3)Rick P.
This place would've gotten a far better rating had the service not sucked. The duck was actually delicious. Not sure I would step foot back into this establishment based on the service. Unfortunately, the friendliest & most helpful staff member was the busboy. From the moment we walked in to a nearly empty restaurant, even the hostess tried to refuse to seat us at a booth because she said they were all reserved for dinner later in the evening. Whaaaat??? We got our booth & then got the cold shoulder. The disappointing service continued when after ordering, we got our main entree before our appetizers. No one ever came back to check on us during our entire meal. We, ( meaning I ) had to get up & ask for clean dishes for our mussels. Our waitress never even came back to see how we were doing. We would've ordered after dinner cocktails had someone paid the slightest bit of attention to us. The chef even came out & checked on 3 tables and didn't even look in our direction. Almost no one had a smile on their face & when I asked who was the manager, I was advised they were not even in the building. The waiter on the table to our left, must've checked in on the guests at least 5 times. The only time we felt they even glanced our way was to free up the table as more dinner guests began to arrive. Sadly, this is the poorest example of customer service I've ever received in a restaurant. I expected more. Born & raised in this neighborhood, the transition has been exciting to witness. Sadly, I suspect that being of Latin American descent might have played a role in the inferior service we received. This is not what customer service should ever look like in any establishment. THUMBS DOWN! THUMBS DOWN!!! If your looking for a place to flag people down just for a glass of water, then this place is for you. If not, then stay clear!
(1)Tom B.
Rude hostess. Clearly had 15 empty tables and yet 25-40 minute wait!!! Stopped yesterday for breakfast and was blown away by give me a minute(10) to come back and say... Oh it will be about 25-40 minute wait! I said what about the us bussed 10 tables and no one waiting for them... Oh we have reservations for them... No one was there stood outside for ten minutes and saw no one enter.
(1)Justin N.
Honestly, what's not to love about FORK, they have a prime location and we went on a perfect alfresco day in Chicago. Unfortunately, we experienced a bad management and food service experience. When we got there, the host was kind enough to sit us inside next to an open window. Our server took our order, and didn't serve our drinks until 20 minutes later. Food came significantly after that. This is our second time visit, and our experience has been missing. FORK has the ability to be great, but poor service will not get them there.
(2)Brian M.
Came here for brunch. The food was de...wait for it...licous. The service was nice and friendly. My chicken and waffles were so good the bees were trying to help themselves to my plate the entire time.
(5)James W.
My wife and I go there for brunch and it's actually become a game of ours to guess which side / item will not come with our food. Sometimes it's silverware, sometimes it's the side of toast that comes with and sometimes it's the side that you ordered. Always an adventure! And we get lots of time to play this game because it takes them forever to take your order.
(3)Natalia M.
Came here for date night, which ended up being perfect. The ambiance was great for exactly that. We came about an hour before closing on a Wednesday night, and there were still plenty of people there. I usually take that as a good sign, and I was not wrong. I'd been wanting to try Fork for months because I drive past it on my way to work and it's always busy, so I'm very glad that my expectations were well met. We started off with some of the cheese and house-made charcuterie. I can't remember which two cheeses we got, but they were both soft, like brie. I believe one was Camembert though. They were both fantastic. We also got the duck prosciutto, chorizo, and country pork paté. All three were VERY good. I would definitely go back just to try some more of the house-made selections. I loved the cornichons (or tiny pickles, as I like to call them), pickled onions, and olives that came on the side as well. They were perfect accompaniments. The dish that I know I will be craving in the near future though... The Fork poutine. Oh. My. God. The amount of duck they put on it... I felt like we were ripping them off by only paying $11 for the dish! It was a tad salty, but for that kind of a dish, I like salty. The saltiness came from the duck confit, which went so well with the fries instead of the traditional gravy. Definitely will be returning for that dish soon. We finished with a small order of the mac and cheese. They use three cheeses, and oh my, was it good. Not salty, like a lot of mac and cheeses can be, just perfectly cheesy and noodley (I know that's not a word, but I don't care.) We couldn't finish it though because we were so stuffed from everything else, and it actually reheated pretty well the next day. Overall a great experience at Fork. I will be back!
(5)Bradford M.
I've been here several times and the food and service has consistently been excellent. I am a huge fan of the thoughtfully put together beer flights and cheese plates
(5)Rachel V.
I don't know why it took me so long to get to Fork, but I finally did, and I loved it! I went for brunch and left a very happy girl. I ordered the ham and cheese skillet which was outstanding. They make the scrambled eggs just the way I like them - soft and moist - and it was clear the ham was of high quality. My cousin ordered the duck confit hash and said the duck was amazing, but I was too chicken to try it! Our waiter was friendly, but service was a bit slow. They also have great outdoor seating.
(4)Leon B.
I was impressed with the experience! Interior decor was nice. A great date spot. Prices were reasonable ($10-16 or so) Drinks were alway full and service was attentive, prompt, patient, and with a smile. We had a group of seven ladies who were primarily there to socialize. While I'm not a huge fan of brunch menu items, my Florentine Benedict ($10) with a side of breakfast potatoes was tasty. The mimosas ($6.50) were strong. We shared French toast of sorts as well as donuts holes- both delicious! The group's bill was on one ticket, but things worked out smoothly. All around, a great experience!
(5)Rachel P.
I went to Fork on a Saturday night without making a reservation. It was about 8:30 and the restaurant was filled, but found a place for two quickly. They offer a selection of wine flights, which I chose the Smells Like Fruit Spirit, a collection of 3 white wines. My friend chose the Pinot Wizard, 3 red wines. Each flight cost around $15 and were decent pours. They set you up with three glasses immediately and give you a paper that describes each wine in order. They also have cheese and charcuterie flights with a la carte options. We ordered the french cheese flight and the smoked duck breast. Delicious, even though we only ended up with a small portion of duck. I'm not a huge fan of intensely flavored cheese, so this was the perfect choice for me. The cheese plate came with great variety of crispy bread, olives, pickles, candied pecans, fruit, etc. More extras than I thought we were going to get. They also give you a paper describing each cheese, which I love because I want to find my favorites later. We later ordered the House-Made Sausages and the House Pretzels. The pretzels were soft with a little bit of crunch. The beer cheese sauce, made with Half Acre, was tasty. A small portion again, but you can ask for more. The sausage was juicy and a great portion for two. It came with creamy potato salad. You could taste the mustard, but it wasn't too overpowering. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable. We never felt like we were waiting for service. The ambience was nice, dim lighting and big open windows. I love places where you can get various plates to share. I really liked the mix and match cheese and charcuterie. I would definitely go back.
(4)Charles S.
Have some great things on the menu that you don't find at a lot of places. Nice patio as well as indoor seating next to open air as well during summer time.
(5)Syd T.
Definitely try the garlic fries with the Sriracha aioli sauce..it's so delicious! Okay, so I ordered the 1/2 lbs. prime burger, it was alright. I thought the special ketchup that came with it was okay too. I had to ask twice for Sriracha aioli for my burger to give it some flavor. The first time I asked, the busser repeated my request and nodded his head, but he never came back. Also, my friend got a brunch meal that came with eggs which she asked for scrambled, but it came out over easy. So, I think this place needs to work on getting the customers' orders right. Because of the garlic fries w/ Sriracha aioli sauce, I might consider coming back to Fork.
(3)Angela L.
Ive had nothing but pleasant experiences over the last few years. Their $5 appetizers are delicious and filling. I could have the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates for dinner. I could eat the soft pretzels bites with beer cheese all day. The smell alone of the garlic-cilantro fries will remind you why fries exist. Beer list is vast and the servers/bartenders are helpful. The environment is adult-casual. There may be kids around (it IS Lincoln Square after all) but that doesn't mean it's not a great option for a date night. Quiet enough for a conversation, at least.
(5)Hans A.
I must say the food is fabulous, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves eating at Fork restaurant. The Executive Chef dropped off the food himself and touched our table. He later stopped by asking how are food was and gave us two glasses of Sweet Ice Wine for the end of our meal. We started with the mushroom grits as an appetizer that was fantastic with truffle and perfectly sautéd mushrooms, and a perfectly poached egg on top. My lovely wife had the sliders special with cilantro Fries and enjoyed them with a glass of house red wine. I had the Duck confit club sandwich, it was ample and was ever so addictive with a cocktail called the bliss. We are definitely going to Fork restaurant again, the cocktails were tasty and the food was great. As for the service we where two people so I can not really comment on large parties. We did enjoy our server and she was funny and charming.
(4)Lex B.
With last minute changes to my Saturday night plans (some people are SO terrible at communicating ugh), I went with my roommate (who is great a communicating btw!) to Fork. They were able to seat us when we arrived around 9:30PM without any wait. They still had plenty of patrons, which is always a good sign. I had been thinking about giving up red meat for March (for the environment - duh), but I was captured by the aroma of the bacon wrapped dates. I gave in and shared them with my roommate. Amaze-balls! We split the mussels, and they were good but nothing amazing. Then we had the duck club. When it first arrived at the table, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it was actually really delicious! Think jam can't work with meat? It sure does. All the different components came together beautifully. The ambiance is pretty cute and laid back. So all in all, a great Saturday night (even with a change of plans :) !
(4)Matthew S.
Utterly disappointing brunch - two of us had quiche, the other two chicken and waffles. Every dish was lukewarm-- inviting us to surmise the food had been cooked previous to our ordering it. Lovely. Waffles should be piping hot-- enough to melt the butter, right? Didn't happen. Our spouses who had the quiche questioned if it had even been made on premise. Service was friendly and capable. Would not return.
(2)Amanda W.
Seriously killer brunch. I don't "brunch" much, I prefer to just eat breakfast at home in pajamas. But we gave Fork a try around noon. Got seated quickly outside and had great service. I ordered the breakfast melt; basically was a glorified grilled cheese (amazing) and my fiancé ordered chilaquiles that were out of this world. I thought they were awesome for dinner, but they might be even better for brunch!
(5)Vicki Z.
Never disappointed!! The flavors and presentation never falls short. It's actually personally one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln Square. All the servers give great recommendations and they're always fast and friendly! I'm always taking out of town guest here! The wine and menu is on point, too! :)
(5)Claire W.
My husband and I used to come here all the time. It was our go-to spot for a delicious meal in a neighborhood full of options. We've taken our parents & other out-of-towners here many times as we consider it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. That being said, we went there this past Friday and our service was so bad that I am not sure we will ever come back. Our middle-aged male waiter was incredibly patronizing, to the point where I felt he was actually taking liberties with his attitude towards me. He repeatedly interrupted me mid-sentence, called me pet names like hon, sweetie in a grating tone and kept touching my shoulder when he wanted to assert his opinion. I'm a conversational person and I enjoy the waitstaff-client interaction but this felt so out of touch with today's culture. It got to the point where I cringed each time he came around. Looking back, I should have been more direct about my wishes, but looking forward - should we ever return - we will request to be seated in a different section. That being said, if you find yourself there - get the eggplant caviar & go ahead and order extra toasted bread with goat cheese.
(2)Jessie J.
Got right in with our reservation. Waited a while for water and even longer for a waiter. It was very loud as there were quite a few standing patrons at the bar (7:45pm). The waiter seemed like he was having a bad night, but was never mean or rude, just a bit short. He told us to wait to order food because the kitchen was backed up. Once we ordered, we ended up getting our food quickly and it was really good. Wasn't impressed with the garlic cilantro fries. However my flatbread was really good and filling. Martini was good and not overly priced, beer was warm. Food would get a 3.5/4, service a 3.
(3)Jay I.
3.5 stars I tried this place for a saturday brunch. Since I tried by myself I sat on the bar stool and was served by a very nice bartender. I ordered a chicken and waffle (my current hot item). I thought chicken was good and waffle was pretty good too, but it wasn't really something that would blow my mind. It is a nice place with TV, and the server seem to be pretty nice and intact, too (taking care of water and refills). Not a bad option around the lincoln square.
(3)Andy W.
Food is good, service is decent. I have tried many of the things on the lunch and dinner menu and haven't had anything I didn't really enjoy. The brunch is okay, nothing special but quality food. What I like most about Fork is that it has a quality product. The food you are served will always be fresh and appealing to all senses. It may not be the most unique menu but its a tasty one. I like that Fork is good for a date, but also can accomodate small groups for a night out with friends. They also have a pretty decent liquor and beer selection. Overall, a good place in Lincoln Square.
(4)Jack M.
This review is written after several attempts to allow Fork to prove us wrong / get off our s***-list. My girlfriend and I live a few buildings down from Fork and have been to Fork several times: for brunch, dinner, and drinks. In more than one occurrence, the service was poor to the point of being offensive. Allow me to explain: Instance #1: Breakfast. We arrived at Fork 20 minutes before opening on a Saturday, which was no big deal, we simply walked down the street to get a coffee from Grind. Coming back at 10:05, five minutes after opening, we see that several groups of people had been seated, yet the restaurant could not have been more than 15-20% full at this point, and there was no one waiting to be seated besides us. The hostess informed us it would be 15-20 minutes prior to being seated and that we could sit at the bar while we waited. You could imagine our reaction at this point. However, we sat at the bar, had a Bloody Mary (which was delicious) and waited patiently. 20 minutes go by and still we have not been seated. My girlfriend went up the hostess, who was not more than 15 feet from us, to ask the status. With much attitude, she dismissively told her that she was aware of us waiting and that'd it be another 10 minutes. It's one thing to have to wait when a restaurant is obviously full, but all they had to do was seat us at a table and get us going with some coffee and we'd have had no issue. The attitude towards us from the front of house staff was rude, curt, and dismissive, and not what you'd expect from any decent restaurant. Instance #2: Brunch - Sunday, 4/26/15 The Ravenswood 5K was being held in the area, which brought a lot of traffic to the local eateries, including Fork. We arrived at 10:30 or so, and I put my name in on the waiting list. They told me 20 minutes, and that they would text me. Great, we'll wait and get a coffee, no big deal. I checked in after 20 minutes, no update, told it would be longer. After an hour, my girlfriend goes to check, and she is very rudely told by whoever the male host was that there's nothing he can do, people are eating their breakfast and you just have to wait. Look, Fork. You're busy, we get that. But perhaps you could be honest with us form the get go and not quote an overly optimistic 20 minutes? And when your estimate is off by over 40 minutes, perhaps instead of being rude and annoyed towards us, you could try being decent and apologetic? We moved to wait inside, and were finally seated, perhaps due to the close proximity of our group (four people) to the host station. Food took over an hour to get out and our waitress continued the trend of curtness and poor service. Conclusion: Fork's food is great, and their menu is fantastic. If they're not busy, or you have a reservation, it's likely a good bet your service experience will be fine. I would recommend to Fork that they work to improve their front of house experience on all levels. You had tables sitting empty the entire time we were eating, all while people were waiting outside and inside the restaurant.
(1)Karen H.
Our meal was so decadent....THE poutine. Before you die, you need to have this poutine. Rich savory gravy, white cheddar sauce, plus duck confit. This could bring peace to the middle east! We had a 16oz veal chop. It was big enough to share and be quite satisfied. All in all, a wonderful experience. Don't miss out on the inventive cocktails. The songbird and bliss, in particular, make this worth the trip. Big plus is being able to have a conversation without having to shout!
(4)Laura W.
I recently went to Fork for the first time with my parents who were visiting my neighborhood. I was a little hesitant taking them because they normally think my tastes are too "foodie" but Fork did not dissappoint. Stellar service, amazing food and wonderful ambience. The restaurant has such a home-y feel, it's just plain comfortable. The food is by far the best I've had in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area. I had the Duck Club sandwich (as did my very happy 60-year-old mother) and it was on point. Also highly recommend the butternut squash soup which was a special for the evening. The bottom of the bowl is drizzled with chili oil and toasted pumpkin seeds so the range of flavor you get in one spoonful is crazy. Also make sure you go with the garlic cilantro fries instead of the regular fries. Fork is a definite winner in the neighborhood. Though it's a little pricey for some, I'm willing to shell out some extra cash for great food like that. I'll be back for sure.
(5)Michelle Z.
5 of us came in to Fork on Sunday after waiting in line for 3 hours to vote. We were due for some much needed bloody marys and Fork did not disappoint! Everything about our experience was on point. We were quoted 30-45 minutes for a wait, but got seated in 15! The hostess was super accommodating and friendly. The bloodys were fantastic. We then proceeded to order (nearly) everything off the menu and eat tapas style. The bacon wrapped dates were amazing! As was the "hangover helper." My absolute favorite was the "eggplant caviar". There were a couple items on the menu that they ran out of (and I can totally understand why- all of the food is so good). Our server was such a good sport about it- he even had us pause our ordering as he ran to reserve the last "hangover helper" for us before it ran out. We were eternally grateful. Basically I cannot say enough good things about this place. We will absolutely be back to try it out for dinner.
(5)Jeff A.
I feel the decor is dated and the food is a step or two above bar food. Not bad (I had to add salt to everything) but not worth a second visit. Service was great. With all of the great options in this neighborhood, they need to step up their game. Note to Fork: turn off the TVs during peak dinner hours. Really cheapens the atmosphere.
(2)Asma M.
Gave this place another shot yesterday. We ordered the same thing, duck confit hash and banana fosters french toast. Two entrees and two drinks was about $50 with tax ($60 with tip). Once again, amazing!! The customer service was better, but it was so bad last time it could only get better. We had the same server which was kinda funny and this time he actually acknowledged us but we still had to flag him down and the interaction was awkward. Oh well the food is worth dealing with a less than ideal waiter, we just wont be back as frequently as we would otherwise.
(4)Hannah H.
Fork offers a brunch, lunch, and a dinner menu, a cheese & charcuterie option, as well as beer and wine flights. My friend and I came here for an early dinner, and even though we did not make any reservations, we were able to score a table! We tried the duck breast crostini which was actually pretty tasty, with the crunchy crostini bottom and a juicy, perfectly-seasoned duck on top. I also tried the grilled cheese, which was nicely grilled and had a generous amount of melty cheese in between; I just wished they used a better bread that would complement it more, as it was a little too thick. This came with a cup of tomato soup, which was pretty okay, but more on the thicker consistency (I didn't mind this, and definitely do the grilled cheese dipping action!). My friend had a burger, which was pretty okay, with a freshly-ground patty and toppings. The strawberry rhubarb cobbler was a tad too overly sweet and more strawberry jam than the rhubarb. The ginger ice cream, while interesting, was more on the forgettable side. The restaurant also has a patio seating, so you can dine al fresco. Parking is semi-difficult, but can be found in the residential off streets. +duck breast crostini +grilled cheese (request a substitute bread!) +limited residential parking
(3)Darren B.
While paying a visit to my old stomping grounds last night, I knew I would find a great place to eat and my instincts were right on. I used to live 3 blocks from here and would come to this particular spot often when it was Square Kitchen. After Square Kitchen, I'm pretty sure there was another restaurant here before Fork took residence about 4 years ago. I had an absolutely fantastic experience. I sat at the bar and Mike, simply put, was awesome and made some great recommendations. The service was spectacular. I felt like I received everything I ordered within 1 minute of having ordered it. I don't know how they do what they do, but they do it so very well. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi (with shitake mushrooms, beer braised fennel, scallions, brussel kraut sauce, truffle oil & pecorino cheese) was unreal!!! The truffle oil was legit; you could taste the truffle. I also had a half order of the Belgian style mussels (as opposed to the French style Mussels offered) which were good. I've had better (Hopleaf), but these were not bad at all and were very serviceable. I recommend dipping the accompanying bread in the belgian ale broth. I finished off with an order of the bacon dates which are bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and drizzled with a delectable blue cheese sauce. These were bombs of sweet, salty and smoky flavor. They came with four and when I saved one for my brother and he realized how amazing they are, he also realized how much I must love him for having not finished them all off myself and for saving one for him. I had a beer that was great. In addition to also having a number of wine options, you can do a sampling by getting a wine flight. The atmosphere is perfect too. I love the natural exposed brick/wood combination and chic overall vibe. I would, without question, love to come back here before I leave and will definitely try to. The only sad part of this experience is knowing how great this place is coupled with the fact that I no longer live around the corner any longer. I will definitely be back, possibly again this week before I leave.
(5)Michael B.
Love this place. Nice vibe,, great people, good sized selection tasty on trend farm to fork small plate and share plate food choices as well as mains, expansive wine menu combine for a great night. There might have been background music but if there was it was not blaring to the point where we had to scream at each other all night long so we could enjoy each others company and conversation. Big comfortable space with large windows that bring the outside in. In our case, a warm rainy night, which made the place feel more cozy and comfortable. This giant guy came over from behind the bar to take our order. At first we were a little intimidated as he kind of looked like someone you'd see on Ice Road Truckers or Ax Men, but he was a gentle giant, couldn't have been nicer and was spot on in his food recommendations. We shared a bunch of small/share plates and washed it down with a nice Prosecco. Some of our favorites were: Merguez Flatbread - spiced lamb sausage, fava bean puree, feta, arugula, Buriata Root Vegetable Hash - carrots, parsnips, fennel, gold beets, onion, sweet potatoes, butternut squash fried egg & arugula Eggplant "Caviar" Smear- roasted eggplant puree, goat cheese bread, caramelized onions, mint (THIS WAS GREAT) "Amazing Shrimp" & Grits - locally farmed gulf shrimp, scallions, chorizo spiced shrimp gravy Wish it was in my hood, but its worth the trip. Easy street parking during the week.
(4)Bernard L.
I've been here a couple of times mostly for drinks, but I continue to come back. The location couldn't be any more perfect and a lot of times I have been there after seeing a movie. The place mostly has tables, but there are a couple of booths. The wine list is extensive and I love getting the wine flights, which you can never go wrong. The staff is always gracious and service is really good. The only food item I have ever gotten was the garlic fries, which are sinfully delicious. We almost always end up getting two orders. In a location with so much competition, Fork definitely stands out.
(5)Bri A.
You know a place will be good when they serve Metropolis coffee! Our group of four was starving after a hot yoga class....we were also probably pretty stinky, but they still let us in. Anyway, we had no problem getting a table around noon on a Saturday. Everything on the menu had me drooling, but the Wild Mushroom Omelet was calling my name. I had that with a side of bacon and it was divine. The berry jam that came with my toast was amazing. I wanted a huge jar of that! The only drawback was the black hair floating in the coffee creamer. GROSS! Our server brought us another, but she never apologized or acknowledged how freaking gross it is to have hair in something consumable. =/
(3)Natalie T.
The roommate and I just moved into the neighborhood and we decided to try out a new restaurant nearby. We stumbled on Fork after Café Selanie had a 45 minute wait. We decided to sit at the bar and were promptly greeted by 2 really nice bartenders. We both ordered the mimosas, decent amount of champagne which is always a plus for me. I had the 2 eggs breakfast with the potatoes, the breakfast potatoes were absolutely delish. Looking through the menu they offer wine and beer flights as well as decently priced cheese and meat boards. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)N L.
Disappointing. Yes, I'm giving them four stars, which is unusual for a disappointing meal, but usually the food and service at Fork is so amazing that they still rate a four. We had an opener of pickles, which are made in-house and fairly fabulous. They had pickled watermelon rind, gooseberries, a type of Italian squash that I'm not familiar with, and something else that I can't recall. They were all very, very tasty, with the squash being very hot. We ordered two 'small plates:' a beet salad and the chicken and dumplings. Then the sad happened. The beet salad should have cheese, and there were a few bits, but not as much as usual. You really need the cheese to offset the taste of the beets. The 'dumplings' are not dumplings, they are gnocchi. That's not the problem -- gnocchi is good. I love gnocchi. The problem is that the gnocchi had been in the broth so long that they were falling apart. The broth had an unusually large amount of onion, as well, which really detracted from the other flavors. And although the gnocchi were falling apart, the carrots were almost crunchy. The peas that were part of this dish earlier in the season were absent. Maybe that's better. They *were* the best damn peas I've ever had -- they're probably not available any longer. Our waiter did not appear for quite a while after our food was served. Usually, after the food hits the table, the waiter comes around to check. Not tonight. We waited and waited, with our water glasses and drinks empty. We finally got his attention and called him over to get another glass of wine and I ordered a starter to round out the meal: the 50/50 bacon burger. (Wonderful! Crispy and flavorful, with aioli and pickles) We also had to wait too long to get our dessert order in. Pot de creme and blueberry crisp. There wasn't a lot of crisp with the blueberries, but otherwise the desserts were good. Then the waiter did something that really ticks me off: He brought the check without being asked. We were not lingering -- we hadn't even finished our coffee. People were not waiting to be seated. We felt that after somewhat lazy service, he was in a big freakin' hurry to get rid of us.
(4)Scott H.
I've been to Fork a few times for brunch, and I'm sure that I'll be back for more. Each time I go, I've gotten their seasonal/monthly/daily 'Special.' I usually don't bother with the specials at restaurants, but at Fork I just can't pass them up. Last fall they had a Root Vegetable Hash with beets and squash that I still dream about to this day! At my latest visit, I had the quiche of the day, and thought it to be just wonderful. I also had the mimosa flight. This should be a requirement at any restaurant that claims to have a 'brunch' menu. P.S. Don't you dare pass on the freshly made donuts holes!
(4)Makenzie B.
I went here in early July when in town for a conference. LOVED IT. If I could have, I would have eaten here every night. Wonderful staff, great service, and the food? Oh my. They even had a gluten-free menu (I have Cealiac's) I tried the mushroom and grits. The grits were creamy and cheesy, mushrooms were perfectly sautéed, and it came in a cute little skillet. My friend and I split the poutine as an appetizer. It's basically the ultimate guilty pleasure: French fries fried in duck fat topped with cheese and gravy. Fork put their own twist on this by adding braised duck. It was a huge serving and I was almost too full to eat the grits. When they came, there was no issue eating it, it was so good. Go to fork for a decadent delicious experience. The cocktails are also fantastic! You really can't go wrong. Now if they could just decide to move to North Carolina...
(5)Christina G.
We ended up here randomly one night and had a great time. First, the negative: Parking nearby is to be avoided at all costs. Bus, bike, do whatever you have to do to not drive. Once we did find parking and got into the restaurant, everything was great. We started off with drink flights. I had crisp white wines, my husband had some sort of bourbon barrel brewed flight, I think. We both enjoyed every pick - wine and beer, which was quite unusual for us. The takeaway: Fork has great beer and wine. We started with 2 small plates - the poutine and the chicken and dumplings. The dumplings were butternut squash gnocchi and the chicken was cooked to perfection. The real scene stealer for me though was the poutine. Oh my goodness. I don't know if it was the cheese, the gravy, the duck confit, or just the mixture of them all together but this was one of my favorite dishes I've had in a long time. We rounded out our impromptu meal with a cheese and charcuterie plate. We had a couple cheeses (can't remember the names) that were delicious. We added the house-cured duck prosciutto and we very pleased. You really can't go wrong with any of the meats and cheeses, in my opinion. Finally, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was able to make both food and drink recommendations by asking us just a few questions. He never steered us wrong. Overall, a great night, I can't wait to be back for more poutine, more cheese and meat, and more delicious drinks!
(4)Kirstin E.
Finally tried brunch at Fork and I really don't know why I waited so long. Just as their dinner menu, everything I had from the breakfast and brunch menu was amazing!! I went with a good friend of mine and we wanted to try a little of everything. We started by ordering the peach glazed donut holes (peach glaze was a special that day) and the homemade pretzel bites with beer cheese. Both were phenomenal! The pretzel bites had the right amount of crunch on the outside with a fluffy inside/middle. We also both had the flight of mimosas. This is a great idea as most places don't offer you the chance to try different varieties. We decided we wanted to go with regular mimosas for the rest of the meal. Niko gladly followed our request for a bottle of champagne and a carafe of OJ. I ordered the chilaquiles and my friend ordered the eggs Benedict with short ribs. Both were again, phenomenal!! Fork is one of the few places that seems to get the concept of brunch while making their guests feel welcomed. If you haven't been to Fork I must ask, what are you waiting for?!?
(5)Daniel S.
Enjoyed the visit and always like the neighborhood. Good food and beverage choices. A spot id visit again--- certainly seems consistent and solid.
(3)Yanyao N.
Let's talk brunch. Fork does it, and Fork does it very well. My recent Sunday excursion for sustenance involved: - candied bacon - doughnut holes - beer flights (because who doesn't want a beer flight at 11am?) - a house-smoked salmon Benedict with blood orange hollandaise - chilaquiles with chorizo - a painful walk home (SO FULL) - a nice couch nap thanks to brunch baby For some reason, Fork is never really first on my radar when it comes to food, even though it is so close, and consistently good for dinner. Now I want to have brunch there every single weekend. The service was great. They have a lovely selection of beers of taps and in bottles. Plus, CANDIED BACON for $2 a pop. Be warned though, lots of kids for brunch, if you're not into that thing or avoiding loud screeching sounds.
(4)Pat G.
Had a brunch date here, was excellent except for one thing. I ordered a dunkelweiss (for those of you who don't know beer, its a dark weiss) and was given a different beer, some light, crisp, fruity beer; it was almost a cider I think. Perhaps an order mix up? Not to sound like a snob, but I know my beers, and that wasn't what I ordered. It was a good beer though, so it didn't ruin the meal. Otherwise it was great. Food was excellent and the portions were worth the price, hostess and waitress were top notch and friendly for a busy Saturday late morning/early afternoon. No wait to be seated, and it wasn't sardines on the inside like some local Lincoln Square restaurants. Would recommend for brunch fans, and I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.
(4)Leah C.
fork...er fiddlehead...it over! funny, i didn't know this used to be fiddlehead until i read the reviews below. really love the small plate scene and especially when paired with a good drink list. fork is a great gathering spot, early din, late-night munchie, catch-up type of place. they also have entrees but i don't think i'd return for that because the ambiance is more "cafe-like" IMO. the flatbreads are nothing special but go with their zucchini "spaghetti" - it'll make you eat your veggies, i swear! the charcuterie was nicely presented with generous servings. the dishes came out a bit slow so i'm knocking off a star. i wish i could remember her name but our server was just a doll (and i don't say that...ever...but it's a fitting description). so in love with the restaurant and her work, it really added to our dining experience - thank you!
(4)Yessie S.
This place is totally over rated. I don't think I will want to come back ever again. The service was horrible. My boyfriend and I went there on summer night to have a good time. They sat us below this dripping water pipe. We asked the waitress/hostess to move us, they said there was no other place, but when I walked to the bathroom, after 3 mins being sat down there, there was other place on the other side. The dripping and splashing water made the entire dinner horrible. The food was not even good, the service was horrible. Thanks for the "great" night.
(1)Lola G.
I am back in Chicago to visit friends and family. I was a little early, so I walked to Fork to grab an app and a glass of wine. Waste of time and money! I can't believe this got four stars on yelp! My wine was served in a dirty glass (not spots, but full on food stuck on the inside!)...I dared order pretzels, which were bland and the cheese sauce was barely edible. And if that wasn't all fun enough, the preggos bartender acted as though every request really put her out. Won't ever be back.
(1)Kori E.
We made our way to Lincoln Square for brunch on Sunday morning and stumbled upon Fork. The menu had tons of options so we decided to give it a try. First off, they serve their delicious coffee in huge mugs, which we both appreciated. For our meals, I had the chilaquiles (shocker) and he had the sausage scramble, which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were really good! My chilaquiles were good, but I should have added the chorizo on as it was lacking a little something... The service was a little lack luster, but we were in no hurry so whatevs. Cute spot in Lincoln Square and there was no wait to eat at around noonish - always a plus.
(4)Not Just Brunch B.
A huge group of us came here for brunch on a recent Sunday. Nine of us to be exact. Even though we rolled up without reservations and the place was busy, the hostess was so nice and accommodating and tried really hard to get us a spot. We ended up only having to wait 15 minutes. That must be some sort of brunch record. Our waitress, Kathryn K, was also extremely nice and helpful, and not in that overly peppy annoying way some waiters/waitresses wanting tips can be (especially when you're hungover). She even let us split the check individually between the 9 of us. This is unheard of, people. We would give Fork 5 stars for service alone, but the food and drink also deserve praise. The brunch menu is extensive and you can also choose from the lunch menu, which includes their poutine, which is out of this world, which means it is really good, which means you should try it. The mimosa flight comes with 3 mimosa variations and is a good deal considering they come in regular sized champagne glasses, not the small ones you would expect from it being a flight. To continue the review and the lolz you can read our blog post here: notjustbrunch.wordpress.…
(5)M P.
Service was very good, but wasn't impressed with the food for the price. The location is good and patio looks nice. I'd like to come back and try one of the charcuterie plates, but the large plates we tried were just okay.
(3)Pat T.
OMG!!! This place is dynamic!!!! Cool atmosphere !!! Great food!!! Extensive wine and beer list!!! The manager Ashley was so helpful explaining the menu and making suggestions that were right on!!! I will be back, we loved it!!!
(5)Heather J.
I don't get many Saturdays off, so when I do, I like to get some brunch with the hubby. This past weekend, we ventured out to Fork based on a recommendation from a friend. When we arrived, we found parking right away and there was no wait at all which was fantastic! Plus, the ambience was nice, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive. The prices were fair. No complaints about the restaurant whatsoever! Okay, now for the food... I ordered the Florentine Benedict. The benedict was huge, made with a whole english muffin, two poached eggs (cooked perfectly), tomatoes, spinach, and basil hollandaise. The basil hollandaise was supposed to be what tied the entree together, but it was a little too bland for me. Overall, it wasn't bad, though I think I would try something else next time. It also came with some potatoes on the side, which were alright (but I honestly prefer The Bongo Room's potatoes... Sorry!). My husband ordered their Chilaquiles and LOVED them. I tried them and kind of wish I ordered them, too! Overall, I would go back to Fork, I would just try to order something a little more flavorful!
(3)Keryn C.
I just moved to Lincoln Square, and I am right next to Fork. All I need to say is, I chose the right location. Fork is so good. Two friends and I went on a Saturday for brunch and it was less than a 15 minute wait. The iced coffee was perfect on a 90 degree day, and everything on the menu looked fabulous. We split the homemade donut holes as a starter, because who doesn't love donut holes? They were so fresh, I wish we ordered more. I ordered the eggs benedict which is indescribable. First off, the English muffins are HUGE. Nestled on top was a delicious piece of grilled ham, topped with poached eggs. I was silent the entire time eating because it was just so good. Their breakfast potatoes were crispy and complimented everything on my plate. One friend got the Hangover Helper, which was smothered in gravy and overall an amazing choice. The second friend got something in a skillet, but I didn't try it because I was too invested in my benedict. Needless to say, I am returning to Fork to try their other items, and for more donut holes.
(4)Ack M.
There's always a place that you run into and find yourself with good food and great people. I have to say that this place delivers it all. From the minute we walked in we were treated by the manager Ashley. She made us feel right at home. She was on top of everything made sure our drinks was out on time. We have never been here before but Ashley made us feel right at home. She recommended a few dishes that was very delightful. A very neighborhood friendly place. Food was great people were amazing. Price very reasonable.
(5)Nick W.
After having come to Chicago for an exciting weekend of visiting with friends, we were debating on where to get high-quality brunch. Fork came highly recommended, and it met if not exceeded my standards. The chicken and waffles were transcendent. I tried a friends biscuits and gravy and it took me back to my childhood! The tastes were more complex, of course, but after the meal I wouldn't have been surprised if someone's grandmother came out of the kitchen to wrap a blanket around us. The service was exemplary and left us wanting for nothing more than larger stomachs to comfortably continue eating! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that can really appreciate food made with such attention to detail and care.
(5)Elma B.
Their brunch is my favorite in the city. My favorite dishes are the smoked salmon benedict, broccoli quiche, and chilaquiles. Our group has also tried the chicken and waffles, various other quiches, and hangover helper. All have been amazing and the portions are great. Service during brunch is great. The food comes out fast and the staff is attentive.
(5)Meg J.
I was here last Saturday with a group of 7 women for a girls night out. EVERYTHING was delicious. Our server was great, very on top of things. The chef made his way around the dining room, interacting with customers and seeing how they liked the food. I love that, it makes for a more personal dining experience. With such a big group, we got to try a lot of different dishes. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think it'd a toss up between the poutine and the shrimp and grits. I can't wait to go back and try it for brunch!
(5)DJ F.
Meh - at best. Host staff is always rude. ALWAYS. Beyond that - we've had decent service a couple times, but last night was an epic fail. We asked our waitress about the bottle wine list, if she could suggest a good full body/spicy red. Her response? "Well, I'll let you look some more" and walked away. She returned a good FIFTEEN minutes later to ask if we made a decision. I said We are thinking about this malbec/cab blend, can you please ask the bartender if it's a good choice for spicy/full body. Her response? It's from Argentina - it should be spicy. WHAAAT??? We figured she was new and didn't know the wine list - but it later came up that she has been there for 2 years... You don't have to be a sommelier, but when somebody tells you what they look for in a red you should be able to recommend a few options from your wine list. OR ASK. Never guess when somebody is buying a bottle! The service was as average as the food. $100 for a dry brisket sandwich, average chicken burger and a sweet (NOT spicy as requested) bottle of red. And the smores dessert? Chocolate chip cookies with fluff. It was gross. We barely touched it - but our server didn't say a word. Just took it away! I don't know what it is about this place. Reviews seem positive but we've never been knocked out by the food or the service, and definitely will not be back after that frustrating, overpriced experience.
(2)Richard C.
When you pay $13 for a chicken burger, you expect a whole (or at the least half) a fresh chicken breast. You don't expect the mashed up, reassembled, stale, chicken patty you buy on sale that sits in the back of your freezer. That's what you get at Fork. When you ask for the regular fries with your chicken patty frankenstein burger to be swapped for the garlic cilantro fries (and pay the upgrade charge), you expect to get garlic cilantro fries. Not the normal, burnt, tasteless fries. That's what you get at Fork. This is why they invented tips. And the ability to not give them. So, don't bother. Don't be sucked in by the vapid atmosphere and terrible food. Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Bad Apple, and Monty Gaels are all cheaper, better, friendlier, and in the same walking distance. Just go there instead.
(1)Amanda W.
Still really appreciate the gluten-free menu, though it was outdated (had items no longer offered), and the food was delicious again. Especially recommend the French mussels and the duck salad! Nom! Also, sitting outside was really nice. Minus a star this time for weird service. There were empty tables when we arrived, yet we were quoted 15-30 minutes' wait, an unusually large range. Then, they called us about 5 minutes later and gave us one of the empty tables. The wait staff was okay, but no smiles or warmth there at all. It's such a let-down for a place that clearly prides itself on the food and flights side.
(4)Raul F.
The good is very good. I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very juicy. The customer service was good, they were a bit sassy; however once we got our table it was smooth sailing. Definitely would recommend!
(4)Lauren H.
So glad they were open for New Year's Day brunch. Bacon wrapped dates held me over until the rest of my table arrived. I rarely dislike a bacon wrapped dates so I didn't really need the bleu cheese sauce on it. The hangover helper was great. It's a giant herb biscuit (good texture) with cheddar, bacon, and chicken sausage gravy. It's served with arugula so all the fat is cancelled out, right? My only tip is to have them skip on the cheese. It s didn't do anything for me flavor wise and it only made the dish too heavy to eat. My table loved the quiche of the day, tomato soup, and breakfast sandwich. You do NOT need a side with the sandwich! My Army Vet husband had a little trouble finishing the generous sammy. Service was fine. The bus boys kept water filled and our server checked in without being annoying. I'd come back for dinner.
(4)Justine M.
Great ambience, interior, and service. Dark, kind of romantic. We had a party of 12 and had great service. I highly suggest the poutine with duck confit. The bacon wrapped dates with chorizo was very good as well. The pretzel bites were very fluffy. not bad. I had the duck club and it was alright. I was expecting more of a duck taste. A VERY large meal. I suggest you upgrade to the cilantro garlic fries. Depths of flavor. The waitress was able to split all of our bills so super convenient. Overall good experience.
(4)Joe W.
Fork is a very good restaurant - everything I've had on the menu is good. We've gone there for lunch a few times with kids, which can be challenging, but they were friendly and receptive. A good option in Lincoln Square.
(4)Josh S.
I went here on Friday with a table for five. It was a great experience all around. We had initially made a reservation for four, but later changed it to five and the hostess was able to accommodate us without moving the reservation time or having us wait. The service was impeccable and the food was stellar. I highly recommend the Farmhouse Burger, Poutine, Asparagus Flatbread, and Charcuterie spreads.
(5)Tamara S.
I've been here for dinner. I've been here for drinks. Always a great time. The staff is wonderful. The food is yummy. And they do an amazing job of creating interesting desserts.
(5)Brandon B.
I was a little miffed that their hangover helper was sold out by the time I got there on Sunday. I switched to their mushroom omelet, which was surprisingly good. The food was a little better than average, but what really blew me away was their service. Everyone was extremely attentive. My friend and I heard who we thought was the manager chastise the hostess for not noticing that people were waiting up front for a few seconds to be seated. Loved it! They are on the ball, and given the food isn't that bad, I'd go back.
(4)Angelica V.
The last time I was at Fork (about 2 years ago), I didn't have quite a pleasant experience. Luckily, I spoke to the new owner/chef and he asked that I give it another shot. I chose to go in today for brunch and let me say that this experience was a complete 180°. The hostess sat us immediately and the server came to provide us with specials and drinks right away. Coffee and mimosas were fantastic choices. It took us a few minutes to choose because everything looked so yummy. We finally agreed on the "hangover helper" and pork belly panini. The gravy on the hangover helper was to die for...we are it so quickly. The pork belly was one of my favorite sandwiches. Right amount of belly and slaw. I chose the garlic fries with their sriracha aioli. If you like sriracha, do yourself a favor and ask for another serving. It was delicious! We finalized our meal with their mini donut holes which came out as if you were in a fancy cafe, along with a glazed dipping sauce. From start to finish, the service, food, and ambiance was outstanding. Even something as simple as sitting by their open windows made such a differenece. We have already recommended this place to family and friends. A huge thank you to Chef Tim for allowing me to reexperience a brand new Fork...which you should ALL try sooner than later.
(5)Rachel T.
I've been to Fork on multiple occasions and have never had an experience I wouldn't rave about. Their beer and wine selection is amazing, and they even have a cranberry cider on tap which is delicious. Both their brunch and dinner menus offer so much variety. I can't make a visit without ordering the house pretzels and the bacon wrapped dates. Recently the poutine has made it into my "must have" list... I mean duck confit and gravy, YUM! I've tried everything on their large plates list from the flatbreads to the brisket to the chicken burger and every time I'm left wanting more. Their specials change almost nightly based on what's new and local and that's fantastic. They just added homemade giardiniera to some of their items and as a girl who likes a little extra flavor, this really meets the bill. And that's just the food! The staff is friendly, from the bartender to the hostesses to the servers. It's all around an amazing dining experience. During the warmer weather, they have a great patio and open window seating. Meets everything on an amazing Chicago dining experience checklist - HIGHLY recommend!
(5)Erin K.
I recently went to Fork for dinner with my boyfriend, and we had an exceptional experience! Their dinner menu is fun and a bit adventurous, while still reasonably priced. They were also very knowledgeable when it came to their gluten-free options, meaning automatic bonus points from me. Great customer service and a cool ambiance complete the restaurant. Oh, and I can't forget the amazing wine and beer flights! :)
(5)Joe G.
I've been here several times and really wanted to like it, but 3 strikes and done. The concept is great, the execution falls short. My last try was to order their special bouillabaisse, and it came cold and in a tomato soup base instead of a broath. When drinks run empty before someone comes by to check in on you that is a fail. And it had nothing to do with the place being busy. Put a fork in this one.
(1)Joanna T.
My sister hosted my baby shower here in February. It was fantastic. The menu was great. We had shared cold appetizers while guests got drinks and mingled. Then we had hot appetizers when seated. Guests were able to choose their entree, which were options of both breakfast sweets and savory lunch sandwiches because you never know which way people lean for brunch. My sister is a foodie and carefully reviewed the menu in detail with the manager, which she had to do from afar in LA. We didn't bring a cake, but rather chose dessert items from their standard menu. The space was ideal for our party size of roughly 35 people. The private room had space for a gift table and a space for the 'crafts' that we set up: a decorating station for onesies and bibs. The room was intimate enough to play a few shower games but was still large enough to stand and mingle. We brought minimal decor. The space is homey and comfortable. We provided centerpieces and candles and hung one banner. I would consider Fork again for a private party. In the meantime we will be back for brunch.
(5)Natalie B.
Went here for my birthday. The food and service was great. We had the pretzels, cheese plate, shortribs and applepie, I highly recommend all.
(5)Joanne W.
On Wednesday, I saw The Knife. On Friday, I went to Fork. True story. Seriously though, I really like Fork. It is one of my go-to places. I've dined here with friends on numerous occasions. I've taken my parents here, my sisters and my man. It never disappoints. The service is always good and they have a nice varied menu with something for everyone. They also have a nice cocktail list, wine menu and really great beer options. You can get a flight of wine or beer aaaaand ya gotta love a place that has Revolution Rosa on draft! When it's in season, of course. I've eaten just about everything here. They do nice charcuterie boards, flat breads, mussels, small plates and some interesting large plates. I've also done a Revolution dinner/tasting at Fork and it was GREAT. The stand out items for me are the garlic cilantro fries, the flat breads and the short rib dish but I've never had something and not enjoyed it. The only thing that is left for me to try is brunch... One of my favorite features of Fork is the outside seating and even if that is not available to you...no worries! Fork has large window fronts that open up to Lincoln Square so you can take in some fresh air from the comforts of a cozy booth. Fork has served me many a fine meal...and drink. *burp*
(4)Ruben M.
Kinda expensive when you account for a larger group, but nice place. Not really my scene, kinda loud, but food is great and so is the service.
(5)Dennis A.
4 of us had dinner there and had a really nice meal. Service was just right, attentive but not annoying. We shared a half dozen items from the menu: each was really great, but 3 of them were so terrific that you could keep eating them til you [fill in your most audacious wonderful outcome here]... those were the house made pretzels with really tasty cheese sauce, the French style Mussels and the Sweet Potato Gnocci. The three that were really great, but overshadowed by the competition were the Merguez Flatbread, the "Amazing" Shrimp Grits and the Diver Sea Scallops. This was our first time here. We'll definitely return. Our thanks to the chef for a great meal experience.
(5)Melissa N.
This is a great place to unwind with friends and enjoy some good food and wine. The ambiance is casual and friendly: nothing super fancy. If you go there during the warmer months, scope out a patio spot instead of an indoor table. The wine list is where this place truly shines. I had a glass of red sangria, which was outstanding: very rich, with notes of clove and cinnamon. So, so good! Fork also offers a large selection of wine flights. My friends and I all enjoyed the Spicy Reds. Great wine! For food, the best thing on the menu is the bacon date chorizo appetizer: oh my GOD! I have never seen bacon date apps this big...each piece is four times the size of the typical version, and so, so good. I could eat a bunch of these for dinner and be fully satisfied (and fat...but happy fat). The asparagus flatbread pizza was good, but perhaps had a tad bit much asparagus, at least for my taste. Next time I will sample something else. I also tried the grits, which are very good as far as grits go. Service was prompt and friendly, and prices are very reasonable. I definitely encourage others to check this place out.
(4)Lindsey A.
I've been to Fork for brunch, lunch and dinner and all occasions have been lovely. From the beer and wine flights to the morning hash, the food is as solid as the beer list - and service is great, too. This is an affordable, upscale, neighborhood joint that's worth the visit even if you're not a Lincoln Squarer.
(4)Robert Y.
What a great place!! Our friends turned us on to Fork - we all enjoyed a Saturday dinner next to a huge wide open window looking out onto Lincoln Ave. on a mild late October evening. The best of the evening... 5 star service - our server was a very gracious and unassuming guy who took great care of us -- really good food -- my favs were the Cheese and Charcuterie selections, the beef skewers with amazing hummus, the pulled pork sliders, and the beet salad. Tastes of each were enough to call it a meal. The wines selection was top notch...a really interesting mix... I tried a French Syrah that was delicious (and not something I usually drink). The noise level was perfect (i.e. not that noisy at all, given the crowd). The overall experience was wonderful. We'll be back soon. So many more food and wine options to try next time.
(5)Megan G.
This review is for the bar only. Cute place! While we only grabbed drinks at the bar, the overall ambiance was nice with the couches and exposed brick. I really liked the wine flight options- I'm quite used to beer flights around the city, but less so wine! The options offered were wines from locations I don't always see. It's about 2.5 glasses of wine for the price, so it's a reasonable deal when compared to other bars in the city. I'll have to return for the food- it looked great based on what I saw!
(4)Lily F.
I made a reservation for 1 pm on a sunday and arrived at 12 just to see if i could get seated earlier because my friend and i were in a rush. We were sat down at a table immediately and the server prompty came to our table to take our drink orders and inform us on the menu. Thrillist ranked Fork as having the best chicken and waffles in the city so i obviously had to try them. The server informed us that they only had dark meat left, and I was completely fine with that, in fact i prefer dark meat in fried chicken anyways. We also decided to try the smoked salmon Benedict. The fried chicken and waffles was paired with a crispy piece of candied bacon. After i created my perfect bite of bacon, waffle, syrup, and chicken... my mouth was filled with happiness. The combination of the fluffy waffle, brined juicy chicken, crispy skin, and candied bacon was the perfect balance of flavors to complement the existing textures and salty and sweet flavor. Hands down best fried chicken and waffles I've ever had. The fried chicken itself is probably one of the better pieces of fried chicken I've had in a while, and the waffle was absolutely perfect. The smoked salmon benedict was equally as satisfactory. The salmon was smoked in house and (coming from someone from seattle) was amazingly delicious. The smoky flavor paired beautifully with the bloodorange hollandaise sauce and runny egg. I had to think for a while what i wanted my "last bite" of food to be. i ended up choosing the fried chicken and waffle bite, and i left fork in pure happiness. To sum up my experience in one sentence: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME OH MY GOSH IM DYING AND HAVE GONE TO FOOD HEAVEN. PLZ CAN I EAT THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
(5)Nichole F.
We went here for brunch today and it was delicious! Made our reservation on OpenTable. It is a kid friendly restaurant with crayons and coloring and boostwr seats which are all helpful. There was plenty of parking on the street on front. Our server was super nice and friendly. We started with bacon wrapped dates and chorizo with blue cheese dipping sauce. PARTY IN MY MOUTH!! You must order these and then thank me. You are welcome! I had the chicken cobb salad which was beautiful to look at and yummy to eat. My son had the grilled cheese and fries, boring. My hubby had "the hangover cure" which is biscuits and sausage gravy and overeasy eggs..yum yum! It was definitely comfort food. The gripe that I had with our server is that we told her that it was our first time there and asked for recommendations. She told us about the bacon wrapped dates but what she didn't mention is that they were voted #1 in the city for chicken and waffles. She told us that after we saw them walk by on a tray and inquired (we were already done eating). Even though I loved our food, the chicken and waffles looked WAY better!! We are 100% coming back here because I need the chicken waffles in my mouth! Or the "showstopper".
(4)Mark D.
Fork was fantastic. We were seated by the front window with a nice view of the street and the Saturday night pedestrian traffic. Their sangria was very good, I had a glass but could have easily enjoyed a pitcher. For starters, we ordered the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo (OMG very good) and the duck crostini (very good). For dinner my friend and I both ordered the duck club. I absolutely LOVE duck, but I had never had it in a club sandwich until I visited Fork. It was superb. This sandwich consisted of duck confit, smoked duck breast, goat cheese, pickled shallots, red wine jam, and candied pecans. I enjoyed every last bite. If you visit Fork, you *must* try the duck club. You're welcome.
(4)Len L.
We walked in with a few friends and their kids in a stroller, the hostess said "how many?" I said "three and two children" and the hostess replied "And what are you going to do with that?", pointing at the baby stroller. It was something I was not expecting to hear but I did not react to his attitude other than tell him that I will fold it up and put it behind the door. He paused for a moment and said that it should be fine behind the door. Now I'm wondering if this place is "kid-friendly", I looked around and I guess I was the only group with children. We looked at the menu and their prices was decent to the type of food they offered - We ordered the bacon-wrapped dates - Which in my mind was the best thing you could have ordered for an appetizer. In fact, that tasted better than the entree that we had. most of the dishes were some kind of "duck" dishes. we ordered the duck hash, it was super salty and greasy with eggs. At the end of the meal, I think I gain 10 pounds and think my cholesterol levels jumped off the charts. Overall, I would come back only for the bacon wrapped dates and nothing else.
(3)Alli Q.
3.5 if I could. We came for brunch based on a friend's recommendation. I thought this place was just okay - nothing too special. It was bit out of the way for us but I'm still glad we tried it. We had the breakfast melt and the sausage scramble. Both portions were pretty large. Our favorite was the mimosa flight - fun and yummy! Also, the coffee here is actually pretty solid. Honestly, service was just okay. We weren't that impressed by our waitress. We had to flag her down for most things and that was a little disappointing. We made a reservation but it didn't seem to be that necessary.
(3)John G.
This is an update to my last review - both the owner and the chef reached out to ask us to come in and give them the chance to make things right. We did that this evening - it was really good. We started with the pretzels (Chef sent them out as soon as we arrived) followed by English Peas and a cheese selection. If you've never had Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese...go find some - it's truly amazing. Our entrees were the Wild King Salmon and the muscles in a dill broth. I'm not doing those descriptions justice - they were both specials for the evening and both were tremendous. Only complaint was the salmon was a bit overcooked. We were full after that, but chef brought out a good carrot cake w carrot sorbet. Then he brought out probably our favorite bite of the night. The Chef called it a love child of a snickers and a twix, it was FAR better than both. We could have polished off 2 plates of the stuff. In sum, the food was really good and we'll be back.
(4)Steve S.
Food is excellent, and the service is excellent. The sweet potato gnocchi is a true work of culinary artistry.
(5)Haley B.
Super disappointed, Me and my boyfriend were really excited to try fork. I think our expectations were too high. the food was good and normally would have gotten 3 or 4 stars but the service was terrible. Although we visited on a friday night which i understand is busy and stressful we were in the early crowd around 6. We arrived at 6 and we had a reservation for 2 at 615. When we checked in with the hostess she said great well seat you at 615. 605 rolls around and a couple without a reservation walks in and are told the wait would be probably less than 10 min. they sat 2 parties of 4 who arrived after us first. When we were eventually seated they took us to the other side of the restaurant which we couldn't see from the front room and there were at least 7 empty tables. When our server came by she just asked if we wanted anything to drink without welcoming us or explaining the menu or any recommendations. the drink menu is super long with a huge selection of beers and wine and flights but nothing was explained or suggested. after receiving our wine flights they were delivered by what seemed to be a manager the server came around to ask if we were ready to order. We ordered a charcuterie board and some small plates and all of the food came out all at once and they just kept filling the table. As we ate our server never checked in except to ask if we wanted more food or dessert. the food was fine but i don't think ill be back, this is not the kind of dining experience i would expect from a seemingly nice place. I thought fork was going to be a new go-to place for dinner for us but i doubt well be back again which is really a bummer. we love wine and cheese and small plates but will have to keep going back to our old neighborhood when were looking for that type of dinner.
(2)Steph C.
I love it when a brunch spot takes reservations! It is always a good problem to have when there are so many yummy sounding dishes on a menu that it makes ordering a difficult task. I ended up selecting the grilled cheese and porcini soup. Both were very tasty, although I was drooling over my husband's chicken and waffles, which tasted even better than it looked. The only suggestion would be to use a mix like zing zang for the bloody mary... it tasted like straight tomato juice.
(4)Susan A.
Great beer selection! The best garlic fries and aioli! Love the atmosphere.
(4)Christopher T.
Great bartenders - knowledgeable and sassy. Staff is very good at making a crazy Friday night fun and stress free Food is very good and highly recommend this place before a concert at old town school of fol music. Very reliable, fairly priced, and terrific food. What else matters?
(4)Suzanne W.
The food is great, the service good, and the soundtrack spectacular. Hearing something other than Christmas music in December is great, but hearing David Bowie, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, etcetera, is better. The food--I will definitely go back for delicious charcuterie and cheese, heritage pork, decadent desserts. The leftover pork made for a great ingredient in Cubanos and ramen.
(4)Jim S.
We (Me and my better half) have been to Fork many times and while the food is always awesome. We particularly like the back wrapped dates. While you might expect a standard preparation common in tapas restaurants (sweet sauce) Fork's rendition has chorizo stuffed int he date (which is huge) with a blue cheese sauce. Absolutely wonderful! Usually, the service matches the food as being exceptional. Unfortunately, the service was less than stellar on Sunday. They were to be packed to the gills with people and was hosting a private party in the 2nd dining room. Unlike all of our other visits, they seated us and then forgot us. My other half ordered florentine benedict which was wonderful. I ordered a BLT with mayo which ended up without mayo. When it arrived, fries were ice cold. I was half done with my sandwich by the time hot fries arrived. Kind of expected a table side visit from the manager or some sort of credit. All of this for $42 for 2 people for brunch. I will continue to go here, but just realized that they are just humans and not food service Gods.
(3)Susan L.
Delicious! We tried the burntendwich with the garlic cilantro fries. Both were very good. We also had the breakfast melt sandwich that has caramelized onions, ham, over easy egg and lots of cheese; amazing!! Also, the beer/wine list is extensive with lots to choose from. Totally recommend eating here if you are in Lincoln park and looking for brunch/lunch.
(5)Jane R.
This is a great place to grab a drink and a few snacks when you are in Lincoln Square. I always come here with the intention of going on a Lincoln square bar crawl and never make it to any other bars! The wine flights are delightful, the food is delicious, and the staff is very friendly. I thought the service was fast but it can be hard to get a table or spot at the bar because it's so popular. Cheers!
(5)Rashid J.
We ate brunch with my best friend and his wife here. The service was incredible, the ambiance of this restaurant is hipster-vintage comfortable, and the food was amazing: my french toast was super-good, accompanied by some tender chicken sausage and freshly brewed coffee that kept coming.
(5)Scott D.
Hey Tim. It did taste like Chinese five spice. Maybe your chef used allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mace or something similar. Flavour was not the problem. A big mouthful of soft chewy fat was. Render it down, crisp it up and I'll indulge in another tomorrow!
(4)Joshua D.
I rarely give bad reviews because I am definitely one of those people who try to find the good in everything.....after reading the amazing reviews Fork got, my 2 friends and I decided to spend NYE dinner there. It was a prix fixe menu which was cool...normally those type of menus I enjoy! Unfortunately this one was below average....the only positive things were the drinks and the service. The food was not good...even with a couple drinks. Some of the dishes were poorly executed like the tempura fried oysters and some of the pairings just didn't taste well together beet with that gelee. I was underwhelmed with the entire menu and kind of embarrassed because I chose the restaurant and my friends had a horrible food experience. Not a great way to bring in the New Years. I would go back to try the brunch and normal menu but will stay away from prix fixe menus for a while.
(1)Meredith K.
The food is great. The service is friendly but really slow. We were there on a Tuesday and it was not full. I could see the waitress was not sitting around doing nothing but it still took her a very long time to even greet us. Everything took a long time. I was there for nearly 3 hrs and was there with 1 other person. We had cheese, a chicken burger and dessert. But back to the food. We started with a pick 3 cheese plate. The cheeses are fantastic. My friend got the Brussels sprouts which were awesome and the poutine. She loved it! I had the chicken burger with the garlic cilantro fries. It should be renamed garlic fries. I couldn't taste any cilantro but I could see that it was there. The garlic was so heavy but I'm a garlic fan. The sriracha aioli was fantastic. I didn't want to eat all of the burger but I did. The combo of mustard, cheese and apples made it so flavorful. When it came out it looked like it had been sitting for awhile but it wasn't cold. I wonder if the waitress was backed up. For dessert we liked all of the ingredients of the bread pudding. But it was just bread pudding. A little disappointing until you finally hit the peanut butter in the middle. The outside is just soggy bread to me. I would def meet my friend here again for a casual relaxing night. I wouldn't come here if we had a show to go to.
(4)Edgar W.
We came to Fork for brunch on New Years Day. It was wonderful! Our waiter, Terrance, was attentive, informative, fast, and funny. He recommended the Duck Confit Hash and I loved it! My wife had the Chilequilles and she loved it as well. He took us through the beer menu (with an enormous selection!) and we ended up enjoying two Bronze Lion drafts. We will definitely be comin' back!
(5)Amy Q.
Pretty bad NYE prix fixe dinner. Worse decision to go out ever. I only gave a star because I had to. Service was good with the waiter but everything else was pure chaos. No one knew what the heck was what... what a nightmare! Taste was average at best. I wish I could do a re-do.
(1)Elly K.
We came in for brunch a couple of Saturday's ago and it was really great. The service was good-when we walked in, they were packed but we got a two top right away. The Bloody Mary was really good except I might ask next time if there is horseradish in it and if so, pass on that. I know lots of people are totally into that these days but I hate horseradish. Our server was super knowledgeable and offered her favorites right off the bat, which I love. We had the chicken and waffles and the farmhouse burger. Both were really good, although I don't think I would order the chicken and waffles again-only because it's a bit too decadent. I got the candied bacon on the side b/c I don't eat pork and my boyfriend said it was way too much. Might work well all together, though so not sure if that is really a negative. And the burger was amazing, albeit messy! Also had the cilantro and garlic fries-good stuff. The only slightly negative I might add, though it's no fault of the restaurant so I won't deduct stars, is that there were a ton of children and strollers. Maybe it's just b/c it was Saturday brunch but the table next to us had a child (not a baby) who was screaming from the moment they walked in so it kind of ruined the ambience. Again-not the fault of the restaurant but ugh. Anyway, we are definitely looking forward to coming back.
(5)Kate N.
Good for brunch and somehow not too loud, unlike most brunch places in Chicago. The home-made donut holes are pretty dense, so I wouldn't recommend those, but the florentine benedict was excellent, with a really tasty basil hollandaise and some incredibly ripe and flavorful tomatoes. And their potatoes on the side were excellent - I usually try to avoid eating those, but these were too good to skip.
(4)Joelen T.
Went here with girlfriends for a Sunday brunch to celebrate my engagement. It was a fabulous brunch where we started with the mimosa flight. I ordered the Short Rib Benedict which had a good ratio of short rib, egg and sauce. The Chicken & Waffles my friend ordered looks fantastic, especially with the candied bacon garnish. And the Bananas Foster French Toast another friend ordered looked divine. I look forward to coming back for lunch/dinner. Very cute spot, wonderful brunch and definitely make reservations as this place fills up quickly!
(5)Philly G.
Great food and service. Afternoon wine flight was great. Homemade pretzels and beer cheese sauce was delicious. I had the french mussles for entree and the sauce was amazing as well as the mussels. I had bread and garlic cilantro fries with it. The bread was great to soak up all of that sauce and the sauce that came with the fries was yummy. The bread pudding was good but the bourbon ice cream on top of it stole the show. So glad I found this place. Will definitely go back.
(5)Lindsay K.
Every time I go there I really want to like this place, but I always leave feeling, "eh." Bought a Groupon and because of the weird days it can be used and the expiration date, we have gone twice without being able to use it. I think I give up. The wait staff is fine. The menu just isn't that appealing. It's over priced and the main dishes sound good and then there are a few ingredients that just ruin the whole thing. The appetizers are the only thing I'll order. Sometimes they have good specials, but it's a crap shoot. A must say too that everything always seems to be way too salty. It's not that I'll never go back if I had no other place to go.
(3)Romana Y.
I come here for drinks with one particular buddy every month. It never fails us. The space is great. We love the layout, furnishings, lighting, and crowd! We have had great Belgium beers, to smooth red wines. The food has always been a hit here... from the burgers, fries, eggplant spread, to the salads, vegetable sides, and beyond. The food was unexpectedly scrumptious. Fork is always a hit with friends whom are Fork-virgins!
(5)Peter M.
We just moved to Lincoln Square and had to see a movie at 740pm. We walked into the square and decided on Fork for a quick dinner. We quickly realized that we were going to be short on time and might not make the movie. Fork was very busy with diners inside and out. I asked our server Mark if he though we would have enough time. He said he would make it happen but I was skeptical. Our food came out very quickly and was delicious. We made our movie with time to spare! Mark really knocked it out the park with our dinner. I would definitely go back again!
(5)Brynn M.
Fork is great! I've been there for both lunch and brunch and both were delicious. Plus, they can accommodate a large group (and take reservations!) for brunch, so that's a huge plus in my book. And outdoor seating to boot. The bananas foster pancakes are delicious - as are their Parmesan breakfast potatoes. And the staff is always friendly and efficient. I give them 4/5 stars only because of the bloody marys - they are pretty meh. And to me, the definition of a good brunch place is an excellent blood mary :-)
(4)Phil S.
Great neighborhood spot with an excellent menu of tapas style dishes along with an impressive beer selection. The burgers are phenomenal especially with the garlic cilantro fries! Prices are very reasonable and they are also kid friendly - our new favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square!
(5)Nicklaus R.
Went for desert. Had a wonderfully spacious table for 5. Nice, dressed up causal environment. Service was great. Food was amazing. Crème brûlée was one of the best I have ever had. Well balance of sweet and cream.
(5)Melody L.
This is my favorite spot in Lincoln Square. I've been to Fork multiple times over the past few years, and have never (never) had a bad experience. Only good or great or awesome. I even had my birthday brunch there this summer, and my friends and I had a terrific time. Their chicken and waffles are life-changing. Their flights are incredibly generous. Their staff is great, always helpful.
(5)Dean L.
Bartender was very nice and provided good service. Mushroom panini too salty and very sparring on the article. Fries very overcooked. Sad.
(2)Theresa F.
Food was GREAT! Burgers are share-able (and very rich so choose wisely). Service was a little pushy but overall, we were attended to. Came in on a Friday night (with reservations) and it was pretty busy, but still quiet enough where I could hear my drinking buddy.
(4)PK S.
Love Fork! We came here with a large group before catching a movie at the Davis. It was very good, and everyone was very pleased. Living only 2 blocks away my girlfriend and I wanted to go back so we could explore the menu a little more and try more things. This is now our new favorite Splurge restaurant! We had a great two hour dinner with what we thought was the manager checking in on us very often, giving his personal recommendations on how to try certain dishes. The beer list is great with tons of smaller craft breweries, and the best part is their beer flights! They are very well put together, and the pour size is very generous for each! They also do great events, my girlfriend and I are very excited to attend a special dinner with pairings from Revolution Brewery, which was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather (Polar vortex part 2). However, the chef personally called me to apologize and find a time to reschedule, which was a great touch. LOVE FORK! and will be coming back even when we move from the area.
(4)Benita T.
It's always such a pleasure to have a meal at Fork. From the first foot in the door you're welcomed by the entire staff who goes to every length to help you enjoy your visit. As a starter the cheeses and meats are an eye-opener; many unique and flavorful varieties - not just the regular mundane cheeses you normally find. The nice part is they're never out of any of the offerings! Brunch entrees were fantastic - all ingredients are locally-sourced and fresh as can be. Bagel and house-smoked lox was fresh and had a full variety of accompaniments; breakfast melt was hot and cheesy; hangover special (house-made biscuit, cheddar cheese and bacon) was rich and creamy and side of eggs was cooked exactly as ordered. One of the highlights of Fork's menu is the variety of fresh, house-made and house-smoked meats - - the sausage is the best I've had and the ham is also excellent - tender and full of smoky flavor. Cocktails are always unique and strong - - a specialty being their extensive beer list. The red Sangria was also flavorful and not too sweet (as sangria often is). Our server was friendly, helpful and bent over backwards to help us out - - drinks stayed full, recommendations were made and we had a tremendous time! As always - A++
(5)Brett A.
Popped in for a quick beer and sat at the bar. I really want to like this place, but there's always something wrong. Today, I swear to God, it looked like the bar hadn't been wiped down all day. It was disgusting. The beer menu cover had little pieces of food stuck to it. There were spilled beer stains all over. Crumbs everywhere. The floor hadn't been mopped or vacuumed all day it looked like. French fries under empty tables, leaves blown in from outside. Come on people. Simple tasks go a long way. Gross. Updated: I must say, Fork has gone above and beyond to make things right. With the restaurant and me. The owner has reached out to me numerous times to apologize and invite me back. I accepted and had a wonderful afternoon a month or so ago. Thanks for caring, guys. It's appreciated.
(4)Alicia P.
Not sure why this place has such good reviews. I'm giving two stars because they have a huge craft beer selection and their eggplant caviar was good. Atmosphere is nice. Overall the food is overpriced for what you get. I had the duck club and it was $20 for a meal that was mostly white bread and not much inside. The small amount of meat that was inside was too salty in my opinion and mostly fat. Very disappointed.
(2)Greg L.
Fork is a comfortable wine bar for an intimate evening. I have not tried the food, so you'll have to read on for that experience. The service is quite friendly and the beer and wine selection will keep you occupied for a long time (or lots of visits, like I plan to make). In the summer months there are outdoor seating options where you can watch the world go by. It's quite pleasant.
(4)Gary S.
I made a reservation for a group of more than 10, which is no easy task considering there were 5 kids, and Fork did a great job of accommodating us. The food was great and my big takeaway is that my wife and I really want to go back...just the two of us.
(4)John C.
The food is excellent, which is a shame because the service is terrible. The bartender and wait staff seemed like they were on Valium. The food came out in good time, but after our order came we were invisible to our waitress. We tried to get another drink, asked two busboys to get our server. And she was no where to be seen for 15 minutes. When finally she came over she seemed grumpy and annoyed. I've been there several times in the past and had good experiences, but no more. When I arrived my friend was at the bar having a drink. The guy next to him got into a conversation about the horrible service... so I'm assuming it just wasn't a one time thing.
(2)Jennifer B.
UPDATED! After our first trip I was messaged by both the owner and chef who apologized profusely for our first visit and invited us back for a second try. We came back (Same group plus two of our friends) and got a great giant cozy booth! Our server (I forgot his name darn it!) Was FANTASTIC! Oh my goodness he made great recommendations, treated us like royalty, and was just a delight to be around! The food was D E L I C I O U S!!!!! Everything was hot, flavorful and filling! We left stuffed full and post-brunch pleased as one loves to feel (: The chef even came out to present some of our dishes. We felt so valued as customers and people, an individualization that many restaurants lack nowadays. The food, the service, the ambiance - all 5 stars! The staff here is wonderful, we thank you so much for all of your kindness, we will definitely be back soon!!! ----- We were really excited to try brunch here, but unfortunately we left less than warm and post-brunch pleased. Hostess was very nice, seated immediately (reserved through OpenTable) Service however took about 10 minutes before someone (found out later it was the owner) took our drink order. We waited about 15 more minutes and still no drinks. (This was the end of brunch, staff were hanging around as you would when things are slowing down) Another server came up to our table (Everyone was very friendly!) And took our orders and assured us our drinks would be up shortly. Another 10 minutes passes, we look over to see our three drinks sitting at the bar. After about 5 more minutes we FINALLY get our drinks. Standard Mimosa & Bloody Mary - not spectacular but not terrible! We get our food, I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and it was unfortunately luke warm airing on the cold side. I would have asked it be heated up a little more but our server didn't come and ask us how anything was until about 20 minutes later. My friends got the Brioche French Toast & the Duck Confit Hash. The Duck was wonderful and the French Toast was yummy but again luke-warm like my dish. We also got the home-made donut holes. They were yummy but would have tasted better warm, they were pretty cold when we got them. We wanted to order coffee and another round of mimosas which took another 15 minutes (we actually had to go up to the bar and ask because our server was just hanging out chatting in the corner, she actually looked a little offended at our request...) Overall it was a disappointment. The food was yummy and I'm sure would have been even better if it was at a more fresh temperature. Service was friendly but extremely slow! We probably will not return.
(5)zachary a.
My wife, our kid and I went to Fork to meet old friends a few months back, grabbing Brunch on a Sunday. Now, we're not an easy bunch to deal with: two toddlers and my wife is gluten-free (Has been for a year)... They knocked it out of the park. They brought out these amazing bacon donuts as... An amuse bouche? Whatever, they were great and kept the kids sane (too bad for the wife, but that was the end of her being left out). The wait staff was knowledgable about gluten needs, and there were a variety if GF options. She ended up getting a veggie hash that she still holds up as the best brunch she's ever had (even when compared to her glutinous days). I got an amazing concoction of eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, bacon and egg -- it was freaking perfect, and I'm talking about changing the way I think about those foods. Everyone at the table felt this way (except one of the more fractious toddlers -- he liked the food, but did not like the sitting). Since going, I've recommended this place to my friends and family... It finally occurred to me to recommend it to you; sorry I took so long.
(5)Key K.
We visited Chicago for a day and were pleased with this great find for Sunday Brunch. The chicken and waffles are among the best that we've had outside of our home. My husband enjoyed the Spicy Bloody Mary with a beer chaser. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and very inviting. Each staff member greeted us with a smile as we were coming and going. We will definitely dine at Fork again.
(4)Eric S.
My wife and I asked Fork to host a "stand-up" reception for about 60-70 guests. We included drinks and a selection of appetizers and finger foods. In the end, we couldn't have been happier. The event went off perfectly and we had an absolutely idyllic evening with our friends and family. We go to Fork about once a week for dinner and drinks, and every time we arrive the staff makes us feel welcome. We don't even bother with a table, but would rather sit at the bar and chat with whoever is tending bar that evening. We've made some great friends and have explored some mind-blowing cocktails. The food is probably in the top two or three in all of the Lincoln Square area of Chicago, and if you couple this with the professional bar you have a guaranteed awesome experience. I can't say enough about Fork. -eric Chicago, IL
(5)Mike L.
Good food. Kind of a limited menu. We shared a few things and left full. Very expansive beer menu which is nice. We had a late reservation and they close at 11 but they did not rush us out and were very nice the entire time. Good experience here
(4)Elisabeth B.
The ambiance of this restaurant is nice and from looking at their menu they have an excellent selection of cheese. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and would not order this dish again from Fork. The waffle was too airy and bland...the chicken was soggy and overcooked. Based on what my boyfriend and I ordered here for brunch, we both agreed the food was not restaurant quality at all. If I ever come back here again it will not be for brunch...it will be for a wine and cheese tasting with friends perhaps.
(2)Ron C.
Four of us had a very enjoyable dinner. Relaxed, eclectic atmosphere in Lincoln Square neighborhood. We sat at the open windows on a beautiful evening. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and patient, made some good suggestions. They have a nice variety of small plate items. Started with cilantro fries while we absorbed the other offerings on the menu - good but not great. We ordered charcuterie and cheeses, all of which were very good - a standout was the house made pistachio mortadella. Each of us ordered are own wine flight and we had a good time sharing and comparing. Twelve different wines between us and nothing disappointing. We then enjoyed a glass of our favorites. They also have a good selection of craft beer. Also enjoyed bruschetta flatbread, pork prime rib and another standout - mushroom and grits, served with a poached egg. Good desserts as well.
(4)AM L.
Terrible customer service. The hostess told my party we had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table. Another party of young girls came in 10 minutes after us and she told them it would be a 15-20 minute wait. Surprisingly, the party of young girls were given a table before us (an empty table which we were standing next to the whole time). We were given four different responses by the hostess and management as to why we were not seated first and none of them added up. The first response being, "oh, I didn't know you wanted that table". And it just got worse from there. To keep a long story short, management was not helpful and brushed us off, so we left. I do not recommend this place. Completely unprofessional.
(1)Katarina X.
Um, runners who want brunch are a tough crowd. "I think my toenail fell off" is one fine example we started conversation with. And the fact that the entire menu still looked craveably appetizing is saying something! The servers were totally not fazed by the sweaty, achy, still-in running gear crowd fresh from the Soldier Field 10 mile. It was cold and the entire large party were seated comfortably by the fireplace with no wait. And we ordered everything on the menu- pretzels and cheese, chilequiles, Chicken and waffles, Farmhouse Burger, Eggs Benedict, Beer, Mimosas, coffee... it was plentifully shared and in spite of the conversation- really delicious. They kept the drinks coming (I had the coffee- excellent) water plentiful and made sure we had everything to make it a special finish to a big day. The server was wonderful too, able to break the bill without a sweat or complaint. highly recommended.
(4)Stephanie C.
I've been back to Fork multiple times since my last review and I think it's becoming my go-to place. Every time time I go, whether for dinner or brunch, it is a great experience. The staff is helpful, the food is always excellent, and the specials are always changing so you can get some variety. There is only one thing I've eaten there that I didn't like, and that was the bread pudding (the peanut butter was weird, yo). But the carrot cake or apple pie were amazing. Also, try the pretzel bites with cheese. And bacon wrapped dates. And beet salad. And for brunch, the eggs benedict with salmon. Mmmmm :) One time I asked the bartender (who was super helpful and generally awesome all evening, as Fork staff usually is!) for a recommendation for a dessert wine, and she brought me a black moscato that was so good I have ordered it twice since then--it tastes like blackberry pie in a glass, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Carly S.
Amazing food. Brunch was fantastic with many options and sweet treats to start off the meal. Desserts phenomenal for those with a killer sweet tooth. Great beer selection and overall just a warm and comfortable environment. Staff excellent as well!!!
(5)Raymond S.
Fork is not without it's issues. Aside from the small problems, the good outweighs the bad and the meal at Fork was very pleasurable. Getting a seat for brunch was a long process. Rather than the waitress taking the patrons to their seat, the middle aged host would do all of the work along with answering the phones and takings reservations God bless her soul. So we waited for a while since she was taking her sweet little time running back and forth inside the restaurant. While waiting to be seated, I rarely saw waitresses servicing the customers in the main area. And when I did see them, if free fucks were raining from the sky these people wouldn't pick one up and give it. If you tried to tape a fuck on the back of the guy refilling water, I'm sure it would slide off like his uniform like they were created with teflon fibers. I literally tried to sneak some fucks into his pitcher, but he stopped pouring water into glasses because it would have caused him to have to give one of those fucks. The wait staff made the middle age host look like Usain Bolt. Very few fucks were given about servicing customers quickly. But on to the food. We order the duck poutine and candied bacons, both of which were solid. I ordered the bananas foster french toast. It was so damn good, out of the numerous brunch places I've hit within the last few months this was the best thing I've been served. It was topped with caramel(everyone who knows me knows I have a dangerous addiction), bananas, and granola which really set it apart. The other orders at the table were a florentine eggs benedict which was loved, and a biscuit and gravy dish with bacon and greens. The biscuit was one of the best I've ever had. Aside from it's service Forks is a winner. A great place to go if you don't want a large hippy crowd.
(4)Marta K.
Was here last night.. great waiter, great atmosphere, great food!!! Loved it and hope to come back soon!
(5)KC F.
Brunch=YUM. Make sure to make a reservation online first!
(4)Melissa F.
SOOOO yummy!!!! We can't wait to go back and try other dishes!!! Great local place to go and eat!
(5)Jason D.
An unexpected surprise. The wine & craft beer list was huge and the server was very knowledgeable. We had the bacon wrapped dates (amazing) & the duck sandwich which was more than enough for two people and the best sandwich I've had in some time. Even though it's a bit of a hike for me I will definitely be back.
(5)Tot L.
Ridiculousness. My friend and I just spent 20 mins waiting for someone to wait on us at an outside table. Mind you, we were flanked by two other tables the waiter was waiting on. He passed us twice with no acknowledgement. A busser finally came by and gave us water and a menu and we continued to wait for another 5 mins before leaving. Won't be back there again!
(1)Cam M.
I've been to Fork four times so far, three times for dinner, and once for brunch. I'm a def a fan. Make a reservation though for the peak hours or else there can be a bit of a wait. I think they quoted a 45min wait for brunch one time, so we went somewhere else. However, given the area-wait times aren't uncommon during peak hours. They have a nice variety of drinks. I'm a beer fan, and they have flights!! My girlfriend isn't as big of a beer fan, but loves wine...and they do wine flights!! They also have cocktails, sangria, and other drinks as well as non-alcoholic options. So, booze for all! The beer list covers a lot of ground from brews from down the street (literally, they have Half Acre which is a few blocks down on Lincoln) to imports to the familiar domestics. When you go here, come thirsty. The only catch-they take the drink menu when you order your food....so, either ask to keep it or pull it up via your phone. It makes sense since at least the tables for 2 are on the smaller side, but hey-that is the biggest negative I can think of about this place. Try the Beermosa for brunch! The food!! I've had their 23 flavors brisket, prime farm house burger, and then the Hangover Helper for brunch. The brisket has a great sauce, was very tender, and the texas toast was just toasty enough to not get soggy with the mound of delicious beef. The burger was good-nice flavorful meat with nice toppings. The Hang Over Helper is their version of a breakfast bowl (biscuit, meat, eggs, bacon, cheese, and gravy). If that was on the menu all day, I'd get it at least 50% of the time I go there. The food is priced quite well, you can spend a lot if you want, but most entrees are around $15 with the other courses being in the $5-10 range. We typically spend more on booze than food here. The service has been good. All of our waiters/waitresses have been good with timely drink refills, checking in on us, and clearing plates. It seems like they employ a bit of a team here as opposed to solely one server-there have been times where when they see an empty beer glass, they'll offer another even if they aren't our main waiter. My favorite time so far, was when we sat at the bar during the week. The bartender was nice, funny, and extremely helpful. She knew a ton about wine, and answered and educated my girlfriend about them while ensuring that my beer glass wasn't ever empty until I said when. The decor/seating is pretty good/cozy overall. The vibe is entirely different for brunch than for dinner. They have two rooms plus outdoor seating. We went once when it was snowing and got seated by the front windows...that was a drafty meal, to the point we put our sweatshirts on. We've sat at the bar (read about for my views of that), in the middle of the main room, and once in the second room. My preference, in order, is: Bar, 2nd room, middle of main, by the windows. The second room has a fireplace, and was a bit quieter than the main room with a bit more shoulder space. I'm not a small guy (about 6ft 2, 230....I'm a power lifter), so shoulder/belly space can be an issue for me when the tables are jammed together or when sitting at a bar. I've yet to have that issue at Fork. The place is mostly darker wood and brick colors inside with the same color wooden chairs. It feels like it has been there forever, well maintained, and upgraded over time. Not a dive feel at all, but not so incredibly fancy/upscale that you would feel out of place wearing jeans. Maybe not a band t-shirt, but not much more than that. Overall, I'll def be going back, probably within 3 weeks. We went twice last weekend, once for date night, and once for brunch. They have a great menu that I plan on trying at least half of, great service, and awesome drinks. The price range I put, includes 2-3 drinks each.
(4)Mat M.
Incredible would be the one word I'd use to describe my experience at Fork.... now folks, I'm trying for a ROTD (review of the day) on this one, because everybody needs to know what a great place Fork is. so here it goes... My friend Danielle and I get together about once a month and try out new restaurants, so this time we ended up at Fork. We had some difficult decisions to make... do we go to Fork, Gilt Bar & Grill, Tavernita, Bristol or Leopold. We picked Fork and didn't regret it for a second. We made a reservation for 6:45 and I was of course late, because who knew, parking in Lincoln Square is pretty much a bitch. Now to the fun part... The service was top-notch from the moment I walked in. We were waited on by Jamie with the assistance of Sean ... who I recognized from another of my favorite hangouts ... Rocks Lakeview. The hardest part was figuring out what libations were in order..... well of course, being presented with a menu including wine flights, the decision became all that much easier. I had the three white wine flights....Danielle had two of the red flights, and then another glass of red .... and to say we were feeling pretty and being social is and understatement. the appetizer.... Oohhhhh soooo good. Chroizo, check. Dates, check. Bacon, check. Chorizo Bacon Wrapped Dates ... pretty much an orgasm in your mouth, and that is no joke my friends. the entree... Looking at their lovely menu, one just doesn't know what to get, faced with many great options. Danielle had settled on the Pork Chop and Sean asks what I'm getting...and tells me I should get the pork chop too...and who am I to argue- he's the expert right? The pork chop made you wanna scarf it down in about 30 seconds it was that good. The chop was cooked perfectly, was super juicy and was on a bed of spaghetti squash, bourbon glaze and some candied pecans. It was amazing. We were e-mailing this morning about how good it was. If you want a Chop....go to Fork...you'll leave wanting to lick the place. If you want a finger licking, awesome feeling, super served meal at a great local Chicago restaurant.... eat at Fork. Don't think about it, you'll be super satisfied!
(5)Matthew M.
Can't find their weakness yet. Nice staff. Attentive. The place is busy most of the times I've been in. Brunch, lunch, dinner have always left me happy. They have unique takes on dishes without seeming to try to hard to change the world. Bar & wait staff have been great the times I have been in. Always part of my rotation when in the neighborhood.
(5)Jacob J.
I remember checking them out right about the time they changed their name in the hopes of facilitating a new identity. Unfortunately they stuck with some of the same menu items and offerings and well, people in the hood still look at them the same way. Fiddlehead café reformed, word of mouth had often pegged them as a pricey meal and an expensive tab. Though it had always been an often companion for my Sunday brunch or occasional Thursday night outing. Pluses - Same great beer and wine menu's. Flights offered. Brunch offerings and a pretty damn good beef pot pie, when it's available.
(4)Stephanie H.
This place was ok for me. We went on a beautiful night and there were options for us to sit outside or inside- the streetfront windows are huge and open up almost completely to the street. The restaurant was much larger than I expected and I liked the vintage look of the large booths scattered about the place. The food was just ok for me. We shared the fries that everyone raved about but I just thought they were alright. I was trying to decide between a chicken dish and the duck sandwich and the waiter said the duck sandwich was bigger and well, size matters. Unfortunately I wasn't a big fan. The sandwich was massive, but all the bread and everything else made the duck kind of lost and it was served cold which I wasn't expecting. I was a little disappointed to see some children literally running around the restaurant, but that isn't a knock against Fork. The food and service was fine, but it wasn't anything special.
(3)Nancy P.
We showed up before a concert at the Old Town without a reservation, and even though they were really busy and were booked, they managed to accommodate us. All the staff couldn't have been nicer. The food and beer menu was nice, and our meals were great. So happy with experience and will definitely be back to try other times on the menu!
(5)Rex H.
This place is wonderful! Great food, brilliant service, gorgeous outdoor seating! I will for sure be back!
(5)Susie C.
My friend had her bridal shower here yesterday. They are a very popular place on a Sunday, but the area is pretty popular. We got the back room which was somewhat secluded for us. The atmosphere is nice....more of a bar/tasting room environment to me. The food was good. We had some kind of breakfast sandwich since the bride-to-be loves brunch. I think we had the egg and portabello melt and the short rib tartine. It was good - both had runny egg yolk in the sandwich. We also had a banana french toast which was the best dish I had. Some people said it was a bit too sweet, but I enjoyed the caramalized nuts and bananas over the toast. This girl at my table literally ate two plateful of it. She really liked it that she didn't have any more room in her stomach for the shower cake. Food was good, location is okay. It is a bit hard to find parking but it is near the brown line so public trans is not bad. Service was decent. Overall had a good time. Good brunch place.
(3)William R.
SO GOOD! The food was great, and the service was great! Chef Tim came out and asked us how our meal was (SO GOOD!!!!) The caramelized bacon donuts were very good! Great staff, friendly cool chefs ! Thanks guys!
(5)SC C.
I love Fork - it's one of my go-to standards for great food and cozy atmosphere. However, I really wish they would streamline their drink service and add additional bartenders, especially for busy weekend nights and brunches. On a recent Saturday, we waited nearly 20 minutes for our two glasses of wine. It isn't the server's fault - with one bartender to serve the entire restaurant, plus wait on all the patrons at the bar, it's completely understandable. The back-up then spills over and customers wait longer in general. I still love Fork, but I'll continue to go less frequently as long as the management forces their drinks service to be so inefficient.
(3)Erin E.
this place was packed on sunday night and i gotta say i'm really scratching my head on that one. i could only conclude that it must have been everyone's first time there. cuz i can't imagine a reason to come back, even though i live only blocks away. overpriced, overpriced, overpriced. there were hardly any entrees less than 14 bucks, many were around 20. i had such a hard time even deciding what to get because i had a feeling going into it that i would be disappointed. and then extra sick to my stomach due to dropping so much money on a mediocre meal. sometimes i hate it when i'm right. nothing was horrible but nothing was good either. and while we each ate our fill, we have done the same at other restaurants with much better food and had leftovers, while here we had none. (not that i would have eaten them anyway.) and did i mention we were starving? this should have been the best meal ever! the only redeeming qualities were the ambiance and the service, neither of which blew me away, but they were nice enough. just not enough to make me a repeat customer.
(2)Rach H.
Stopped here for drinks and appetizers late afternoon this Saturday. The inside looked really nice but we decided to sit on the patio. We were greeted promptly and the waiter was very helpful/knowledgable about the wine questions I had. I really enjoyed the Pinot noir I had and the cocktail my boyfriend got (peach fizz). We also had the bacon wrapped dates with chorizo and they were amazing! Definitely plan on heading back for more drinks and hopefully dinner. Since we came late lunch early dinner I had the chance to see both menus and was impressed by both, can't wait to try them!
(4)Oliver B.
Can only vote on brisket. And one star is being generous. Loved the atmosphere. Our server was wonderful. My wife and I both ordered the smoked brisket. We were served two plates of barbecue "organic" grizzle. Maybe 75% fat and the rest brisket, hardly cooked. The brisket was the worst either of us had ever had. After a wonderful brisket sandwich last week at Smoque, this was such a downer. No comparison. Had we not been with friends who love the place, we would have sent our plates back. Not to embarrass our hosts, we both shoved the grizzle aside and ate the fries and the soggy Texas toast.
(1)JESS G.
If my review were just on the food, I would have given them a 4. But since my review is on the food and service, they are getting a 3. Our waiter was nice, but seemed like he was trying to rush things along for us. Even though there were plenty of tables open and no one was waiting for a seat. After we were done with our meal, he brought us the check and then never came back to see if we wanted anything else. Though we could see that he kept looking over so see if we had paid the bill. My group ordered coffee, drinks, and food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes a lot. I had the chicken and waffles and it was fantastic. The portion size was too big for me to eat in one sitting, but I'm not going to complain about leftovers on a good meal. The food came really quickly, which is always nice, in my opinion. I really wish the service had been better. Like I said, our waiter was nice, but I don't like feeling as though someone is trying to move me along. If I wanted to feel that way, I would have gone to a fast food place. And we weren't there long, so I'm thinking perhaps this was just our waiter's personality or hospitality style. I would definitely give them a second chance based on the food alone. And would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(3)Danielle C.
I have eaten at Fork a few times and have always found it to be impressive. Breakfast is hearty, delicious and worth the wait. The coffee will kick start your heart and your day and get you into gear. I wish I had someone brewing it for me daily. Dinner and the small plates are both superb! Duck liver pate, brussel sprouts, root veggie hash mixed with tasty drinks, and a variety of other dishes recently kicked off our evening. Service was wonderful!
(4)Lisa H.
Is it bad that I thought the best part of my meal was the conversation? My friend and I arrived at Fork for dinner on a Thursday night and we were promptly seated. First thing I noticed were chunks of things stuck to the inside of my water glass. Disgusting. I looked around at other (empty) tables to see if I could grab a clean glass, and the glasses within reach were dirty as well. Ick. We waited and waited for a server to take our order. Finally a guy who I think was the manager came over and said "Your waitress will be right over, she's in the middle of a conversation with someone." Really? Uh, OK. He began to fill our water glasses and I quickly asked for a clean one. He said "You're right, let me find you a clean one." OK, water glasses filled now. Waiting, waiting...Finally our waitress came over and took our drink & food order. It took a while to get our beer and then our food arrived quickly after that - brought to us by someone else. My friend had the small order of mussels, and I had the house-smoked brisket. I was a bit disappointed. It arrived as an open-faced sandwhich, which was fine, but the brisket was dry and needed more BBQ sauce because of it. The greens on the side were just that, greens, nothing else but the dressing in a little cup. The dressing was good, but the greens could have had an additional topping like tomatoes or cucumbers. I asked my friend how she liked the mussels. She said they were good. At one point I heard some crunching coming from across the table. I looked up and asked "Is that sand?" and she said "Yes." Now, I know mussels can have sand in them, but to be able to hear it from across the table kind of wigged me out. My friend doesn't chew with her mouth open. We finished our meals and sat for quite a while before our plates were taken away. I can understand if your tables are full and you're short-staffed that it can take a while, but the place was practically empty. Once the plates were removed by our waitress, we sat and waited again. And the hostess came over with the dessert menu. We took a pass, waited for our bill, then paid it and left. It might have been an 'off' night for Fork, but I'm in no hurry to go back.
(2)Rosemary Z.
Super brunch for a group of friends! Thumbs up for yummy fresh food, a creative menu, service with a smile, and a comfortable setting. I really liked my vegetable hash with eggs over easy. It was a little on the sweet side for me, but the arugula and eggs helped balance the flavors. Kudos for getting our food out at the same time. This officially gets 4.5 stars because I didn't like the coffee. I thought it was bitter. :(
(5)Zach J.
I'm pretty surprised Fork doesn't have a solid 4-star rating on here, but to each their own I suppose. I for one am definitely a fan, particularly of their Sunday brunch. They just so happen to have my favorite brunch entree in all of Chicago, so get ready: Fried chicken and waffles. That's right. If I could have any brunch entree at any restaurant in all of Chicago, I would pick Fork's fried chicken and waffles. Personally, it's the best fried chicken I've had in Chicago. And yes, I've had Longman & Eagle's fried chicken and waffles and it is simply not as good. Fork's fried-chicken is incredibly juicy and the crust is nice and thick and moist, probably due to their buttermilk batter. I love it, it's great. The waffles are fine (hard to get excited about waffles personally) but the fried chicken is the show stopper. Absolutely fantastic. As for dinner, Fork is also a quality choice. They have a nice eclectic variety of options, which kind of have the whole farm-to-table thing going on, which is cute, but also typically delicious. Can't go wrong with good old-fashioned burger either, and Fork's burgers, while nothing amazing, will almost always hit the spot. Lastly, they've got a more than solid craft brew selection, and they offer beer flights which I always enjoy. Service is fine. So while Fork may not be a super-amazing restaurant, it is certainly a good, solid option. I would say that their brunch is great, largely due to their delectable fried-chicken, so you really can't go wrong at Fork for brunch. One of the best brunch options in the city in my book, and a very good restaurant overall.
(4)Sarah P.
Just moved into the neighborhood and was so excited to try the place. Sadly, it was underwhelming. Really loved the wine flights, but food was disappointing. Tried the bacon dates with chorizo, delicious!! But every thing after that lack luster. Brussels sprouts, meh, French onion soup, almost inedible. Gnocchi was hard and crunchy, almost inedible. Service and atmosphere was welcoming, I'll give it another try in the future.
(2)Rikki J.
Thank you Fork! We love having a neighborhood spot that is a cut above the competition. The food is always absolutely delicious, and what a great beer selection -- so much depth and variety. My husband still says the chicken in the chicken and waffle from the brunch menu is the best fried chicken he's had since we moved to Chicago from the south 4 years ago. And please don't ever take the chicken burger off the menu! Service -- especially Nico (a/ka/ Bradley Cooper) -- is polished, seamless and super friendly. We were there again the other night -- Nico knew we were probably there for a concert at Old Town School and asked us about it when we were still eating and yapping away when other concert go-ers had paid up and left. Good thing, because I had gotten the early start time of the concert wrong. You guys take good care of us and always make us feel at home here. Thanks again!!
(5)Zach R.
Great beer selection, awesome burgers (and cilantro, garlic fries), and a great vibe.
(5)Melissa P.
I love this restaurant! Wonderful menu, great cocktail, beer, and wine selection. I can't get enough!
(5)Peter C.
We are regulars at Fork. It is our first choice for a great dinner in Lincoln Square prior to a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The poutine is the best that we have had, even compared to the poutine in Quebec. The mushroom and grits is out of this world. The specials are always fresh and well done. Service is exceptional and the noise level is low, allowing for great conversation. A special shout out for Niko, who is the go-to wait person. He's always tested the specials and will guide you through the extensive beer and wine list. We routinely recommend Fork to friends and family.
(5)Faye B.
Liked that we were able to make reservations on open table for our party of 7. Had a nice gathering of family for brunch on an early Saturday before noon. The restaurant was busy, but not yet full. It did start to pick up shortly after we had all come together. The food was pretty good. I was starting to get sick so my appetite wasn't all together there. I did however order poutine for the whole table and I got the soup and grilled cheese option. The poutine was delicious! My grilled cheese was a little salty, but I appreciate the two types of cheese and bacon. I also liked that I had an option of tomato or mushroom soup. Went with the mushroom and it was yummy. My husband exclaimed that he had the best french toast ever. It was a bananas foster inspired brioche french toast with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Overall I think we all were happy with the overall meal although my brother and wife were served sour milk, but our waitress managed to get rid of it. That was probably the only thing that kept our experience from being 5 stars. Can't wait to go back to try that french toast....when I have more of an appetite.
(4)Caitlin B.
After one bite of their mushroom soup, I fell in love and don't even remember the rest of the night. The ambiance is great, can be slightly more casual for lunch, but definitely trendy and upscale by night. The staff is great and attentive. The menu is SUPERB. They recommend a small-plate approach--ordering multiples and sharing. Additionally, they have wine, beer, and cheese flights which is always fun for those of us who can't make up their minds (ahem ahem). It's pretty pricey, so I won't be going here all the time, but it's perfect for special occasions and entertaining out-of-town guests.
(5)Carol J.
The sausage plate is amazing - the chicken foie gras sausage might be the best sausage I have ever eaten. The "amazing shrimp" lived up to it's name. Every time I come here, it is better than the time before. Keep it up!!!
(5)Reg T.
Been there twice now and can't wait to get back. From fantastic craft beers, an extensive wine list and scrumptious dishes, Fork is definitely on my "must return" list.
(5)Guit B.
Fork is a superb restaurant, easily beating out the other neighborhood restaurants. Nearly everything I have had there is special in some way, a standout. My friends and I used to frequent a number of places in Lincoln Square, becoming regulars. As much as we wanted to continue to go to the other places, we just couldn't deny that the food at Fork is better. Worlds better really. I go for brunch and for dinner, usually on the weekend. As for the brunch they have a number of creative entrees (I like the salmon eggs benedict and brioche French toast for a change-up); everyone has their favorite and even simple items are excellent. Dinner is likewise varied in terms of the choices but always excellent and a gourmet experience. Appetizers, extras, coffee, and ciders are delicious as well. Service is superb, I will particularly mention Lauren, Katie, Stephanie, Cesar, & Kelly (and Bailey too) but no matter what you feel taken care of and appreciated as a customer. Even the chef will take care of you if he notices something. The atmosphere is comfortable and unhurried. It manages to be a good environment both for dates and for groups, and families fit in as well during the Saturday and Sunday brunches. You have to ignore the earlier reviews for Fiddlehead which was always a mediocre place. Since Fork came in it is very difficult to go anywhere else nearby-- for food it is head and shoulders above places like Bad Dog, Daily Grill, Grafton or Latitude.
(5)Laurel N.
We've eaten here for lunch and for dinner, and nearly everything was great, especially the pork slider and grits. The half roast chicken had a nice smokiness to it, but the breast part was so dry it was challenging to eat. Service is friendly and fast and they have a great beer list. The decor could use some updating but on the whole we've enjoyed our experiences here.
(4)Kylie S.
Made a random and wonderful stop one weekday evening this past summer for a charcuterie board and a few beers with my husband. The patio was a great place to watch the world go by and catch up after a long couple of weeks. Such a great beer and wine list that I had trouble choosing and selected a flight (good idea). The cheese was simple and excellent. Our service was super great and I loved everything about our stop in here. Will return for sure.
(5)Kristi K.
Fork is an amazing neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Square! From seasonal varieties to classic stand-by's, anything you order at Fork is sure to please! Go for the homemade pretzels, asparagus flat bread, homemade gnocchi, and any kind of dessert! Don't forgot the delicious wine flights!!
(5)Dhara S.
We went to fork for brunch. The menu had something for everyone. The food was delicious. It is evident that the Chef Tim puts a lot thought and care into his dishes. The staff was also wonderful from the hostess to our bartender. We can't wait to try it again.
(5)Mariana B.
Fantastic staff. Inventive slightly French menu. Saddle up a seat the bar while Kelly is working and you'll be treated to expertly mixed drinks and good conversation. My favorite items are the duck prosciutto made in-house and the creamy eggplant "caviar" spread with chevre. Can't wait to back and try more of the menu.
(5)Jiwon M.
Ok. So the service eh. The atmosphere eh. but my food - Fabulous! And know what, I crave their garlic french fries like all the time! Yeah this is comfort nosh food joint with a flare.
(4)Minna A.
DUCK CONFIT POUTINE. don't question me. your stomach/taste buds will thank me later. Crispy french fries, topped with juicy pulled duck, drizzled with melted cheese. AND IT'S NOT DONE YET. Because then comes the hearty pour of sweet and salty duck gravy. media.comicvine.com/uplo…
(5)Janet V.
My husband and I were starving after a long work day and just happened to walk by this place, so we decided to give it a try. I loved the ambiance, it was perfectly lit and had a warm vibe. We ordered several small plates, including the corn, pulled pork, mussels, and the duck. We also ordered a 3 cheese plate. I didn't like a lot of what we ordered. I normally love pulled pork but I couldn't even finish one bite of the one we ordered, it was way too sweet and it just didn't taste good, my husband didn't like it either. The mussels were cold and the sauce had no flavor. The roasted corn was AMAZING. It had sweet bacon bits and onions mixed in and it was so flavorful. The cheese platter was also very delicious. We ordered the special pumpkin cheesecake desert which was TO DIE FOR! It was freshly made and it was very unique. I might go back just to have that. The service was great, our waiter was very nice and he was timely. Overall, the food was just okay. I would like to go back and try other things on the menu. I liked the vibe and feel of the restaurant it was very cozy and comfortable. And the service was good. It was just a little bit on the expensive side, but nothing too bad.
(3)Katie M.
A perfect dinner experience, starting with the friendly host/hostesses (who graciously handled an abrasive and inappropriate guest's rude behavior), our AWESOME waiter TERENCE who was super nice, attentive, and funny (and cute ;) ), to the amazing food. THE FOOD! SOOOO tasty. My friend and I started with flights of wine each, yum! Then split the beef medallions (salty, crunchy, savory perfect outside with red, juicy, tender inside) and a little lettuce with a sweetish sweet potato sauce/not-quite-paste concoction. The scallops were good (not a huge scallops fan, but tasted good) and ended with the braised short ribs with root hash- sooooooo tender, sooooo tasty. The pot-de-crema was the perfect icing on this delicious dinner and the chef honored a special request of ours with the dessert- THANK YOU! The Chef was approachable, friendly and a humble man. A wonderful experience! Recommend reservations, this place was rather popular and hoppin' on a Friday night! (Reasonable priced... we spent more b/c we got A LOT of food, but for the quality, experience and service, this place is reasonably priced) ?? TV's- I don't remember seeing any, GREAT! TV shouldn't be in a restaurant, pay attention to your dining experience!
(5)Lizzie C.
I love Fork for brunch, and visit frequently. The food is great and the service is generally prompt. It has never been too hard for us to get a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I like to order the chilaquiles, traditional eggs benedict or the poutine. My boyfriend and the rest of my family love the locally sourced root vegetable hash. In fact, he has ordered it the last three times we've visited. Don't skip the Garlic Cilantro Fries with Sriracha Aioli. They are sent straight from heaven (I think.) The coffee is good and the bloody marys are large. Fork is very kid-friendly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it does get a little loud sometimes. On my last visit, there were a pair of twins who were about one year old and decided to shriek at each other for a few minutes. They did quiet down pretty quickly, though. I live about half a mile from Fork, and I like to go for brunch there when I have house guests. I'm sure I will be back soon.
(5)Joan A.
Definitely a fan of this place! To start, there is parking available, which is always nice, but it's also not a terribly far walk from the metra station. Went here for a late dinner/drinks with some friends. The ambiance of this place was cool without trying too hard, and we had a sweet waiter. Prices weren't bad either. This place has a wide variety both large and small plates, so there's something for everyone. I personally went for the eggplant "caviar" - an eggplant spread with caramelized onions that came with bread with goat cheese on top. It was definitely different than the normal bar food fare. When I ran out of bread, the waiter asked me if I wanted more to finish the spread. Nice! Friends got the fries with sriracha aioli, the mussles, the brisket sandwich, the beet salad, and a cheese/pate plate. Everyone enjoyed their food. Watch out for the sriracha aioli though, the spice apparently gets you after a few bites! Good selection of beers (41 on tap!). You can also do beer flights here.
(4)Lenore C.
We had just been walking down Lincoln and saw the restaurant windows wide open, so inviting, so we walked in. The hostess sat us at a window booth, just as we had requested. Looking over the menu we saw so many things that sounded delicious but it had been a long time since I had duck confit hash -- in fact, since I can't get it in the town we moved to, I only have it when I make it myself. We ordered that and the grape tomato goat cheese omelet, as an egg white omelet. The hash was exactly what I hoped for. But the omelet surpassed expectations - I had thought it would be a very familiar treatment. Instead, the tomatoes were quite a surprise. Yes, there were the grape tomatoes as described in the menu, but they shared the spotlight with a kind of tomato confit- a sauce that had a thick rich taste, very fresh, not too sweet, highlighted with basil. I've heard that the test of a great chef is in their ability to make the ordinary extraordinary - it was just perfect
(5)Mike V.
brunch - lots of good stuff here. sweet, savory, good portions. dinner - no good. a bit over the top and overpriced for what it actually is.
(3)Toni T.
We set a reservation for 10 people, and they had our table ready for us in the back when we got there. We had a bunch of appetizers like cilantro fries, donuts, some pork creation, and bacon wrapped dates. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite! Everyone had either bloody Mary's, mimosas, craft beer, homemade juices, some of us had shots at the end of the meal too. A couple people got the hangover helper and some got items from the Benedict menu. I got 2 poached eggs, English muffin, bacon and their breakfast potatoes. Everything was amazing! Service was a little slow, but once we left the back area we saw that it was packed so that was why. I would go back again. There are a lot of items in various price ranges. My bill was only $15.
(5)Riina H.
Awesome meal and great experience!
(5)Lizz M.
3.5 for sure. Came here today with a couple of friends after searching for a good brunch spot. I made my feelings known for Fork as they have chicken and waffles on their menu. The verdict? I think I've been ruined by Gladys Knight's chicken and waffles in Atlanta because I wasn't too crazy about these. The waffle was the highlight of the dish as it was nice and fluffy. I wasn't that impressed with the chicken, though. While it was seasoned pretty well, the coating of the chicken wasn't crispy and the actual meat was a little dry. I also had a side of ham which was overly salty. It's a chance you have to take with ham sometimes, I guess. I had a try of my friend's potatoes which were tasty. Service was good and I'd go back to give their lunch/dinner menu a shot. If I had to do brunch again I'd probably go for an egg dish.
(3)Scott T.
I don't quite understand the 2- and 3-star reviews. This is a moderately-priced restaurant. I think it unfair to not give it the 4 or 5 stars it deserves. The bar is great. They have an incredibly-wide selection. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, even when it's busy. The table wait staff do a great job, as does the host, and the food is really pretty good. I also like that they have Open Table enabled on yelp so that you can make a reservation in a few seconds, without the old-fashioned voice mail back and forth that some restaurants still use. I guess some unhappy people use yelp place to be unhappy. If I get good service, food, and drinks at a restaurant, and the prices are fair, that's a good restaurant, and they deserve a good review. There are so many restaurants in Chicago, and I don't live in Lincoln Square, so I can't say I'll be here every week, but it's certainly worth going back.
(5)Michael M.
They have pretty good food, but it is over priced. They think their food is better than it is.
(2)Abbie F.
Great selection of super delicious entrees! Hangover was super yummy as well as the veggie scrambled. Donuts were pretty delicious as well! Chilliques were ok. Service was pretty good as well! Only downside is it smelled like mildew...:(
(4)Rose B.
Atmosphere - great Service - great food - okay Wine selections were really nice and I liked the "flights". However, the food was average to just above average. Service was really great. Would have loved to give this a 4 star but maybe next time. Price was way out of line with what was posted on Yelp. party of 5 was $350 with tip
(3)Kyle B.
How could I not enjoy a restaurant named after my favorite utensil? Just for reference, it's fork, spoon, knife in that order. I feel like a knife is generally unnecessary for the types of foods I normally ingest, however the spoon is relatively ineffective for self-defense. The fork basically takes care of both. The more you know. This Lincoln Square local bar is a nice, relaxing place to grab some food and drinks. I have a few friends in the area that frequent the establishment and have come to know the staff on a more intimate level. The waitresses are always friendly and the owner is very in tune with the latest trends in beers, consistently rotating the taps for some fresh new flavors and rare finds. With a beer list like theirs, you could honestly visit every night of the week drinking a different beer each time, and you wouldn't be able to make it through the whole list without a new one being added. Trust me, Dave Z. tried. He couldn't do it. The food is pretty good, and they even hold special event nights with sponsored beer and grub pairings. If wine is your thing, they have a pretty extensive list too. I'm not really a wine guy, but they have reds and whites. More specifically, dark reds, light reds and whites. That's about as descriptive as I get with those. Sorry wine lovers. All in all, this is a very solid place to grab dinner with friends if you're headed out for a night on the town in Lincoln Square. Get a solid meal and head up the street to drink hefty amounts of German beers. What else could you want?
(4)Sean T.
Went here for a date, it was overall a great experience! The food was delicious and the staff was very informative. My date had a gluten allergy and chef was able to accommodate her. Overall a great experience!!
(5)Araceli A.
The food was hearty and the beer selection was good. I thought the service could have been a little better.
(2)Josh G.
We went for brunch. We sat outside. It was beautiful! Food- My date had the Egg/Ham/Cheese Skillet thingy and a side of the potatoes. The skillet was OK, but the potatoes were full of flavor. I had this egg/goat cheese/Arugula thing on a pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed that and my date's potatoes. Service- I forgot our servers name...Shame on me...She was a blond bubbly server, and was super gregarious and awesome! She was training a new guy the day we were there. If he does what she does, he will go places. :) Parking- Street parking/meters and a metered lot about half a block south. GF Friends- My date is GF and they ordered the Ham/Egg/Cheese skillet thingy and potatoes. I'm sure there are other options, but I know you have at least one option.
(4)Lolo S.
Visiting for a family occasion in Chicago, my parents, husband and I were driving around looking for a drink/break from all the kiddies. This was the PERFECT find, for a few reasons: -We are beer snobs, my parents a beer newbs. We ordered 3 different flights and had a BLAST (nothing like getting drunk with the fam). Each flight comes with a strip of paper with the name, type, and a blurb about the beer which was great because a-who remembers what servers say when they name the 9 beers that hit the table and b-we were able to remember what we liked and can order them again! My parents had the pretzels and some sort of eggplant dip app that looked amazing and they loved. The servers were pleasant, the atmosphere was perfect, and we had a great evening. Would definitely return on my next visit to Chicago, parents in tow or not.
(4)Julia R.
Great service and I loved being able to sit outside! I started with the summer whites wine flight and also a cheese flight. Both were great! I got a combination of blues, which my waitress helped me choose. My boyfriend got the pretzels to start with and those weren't very good. Expected them to be soft, warm and doughy, but they were hard. He also got the mushroom flatbread, which he loved, but I was underwhelmed by. I got a small plate of mac n cheese and mussels. What a combination, right? Both were delicious.
(4)Sarah P.
I just discovered Fork about two months ago, but since then have been back several times already! I am a big fan of the french-style mussels. The sauce is delicious, especially when soaked up with the toasted bread provided with the dish. The garlic cilantro fries are good, not sure if they are worth the extra money though since the regular fries are good as well! The bacon-wrapped dates appetizer is amazing. Then again, I think bacon-wrapped dates anywhere are good, but theirs have a blue cheese dipping sauce that is perfect with the dates. Now on to my favorite part... wine flights and cheese plates. I would come just for this alone, since in life I would prefer to just live off of cheese and wine. What's nice about both of these is that you can order their planned selections or you can order your own mix. Wine flights are grouped in threes but you can also order wines in the 6oz or 2.5oz size on their own. The cheese plates also have pre-set options, OR you can mix your own selections together for a plate. Perfection. Don't forget about dessert. Delicious options, and if you get the ice cream (which I would normally never order for dessert at a restaurant because I'd rather just go to an ice cream place), you can pick three different flavors for the little scoops they give you, and can choose from unique flavors like blood orange or pear moscato sorbet, banana, pumpkin, porter, something or other chocolate with bacon, etc. YUM.
(5)Vanitha S.
Fork makes for a great brunch place with friends. The menu has all kinds of creative dishes to indulge in. When I went last fall they had a delicious mimosa flight which was fun, colorful, and tasty. I had gotten the tomato basil omelet which was just ok, nothing super fabulous. The next time I got the chilaquiles which were amazing...crispy chips and fluffy eggs and a good homemade sour cream sauce on top. The one thing that was missing big time though was some spicy salsa on top. Their iced chais are good, though really small for $4, and you can ask for them to make it with skim milk. The decor is one of my favorite things about the restaurant--feels like you're in a big family room. Service is consistently great.
(4)Emily H.
What manner of cheese frippery hath touched my mouth? Only the best! The beer flights and cheese flights make for a scintillating face sensation, and are perfect for lazy afternoons with library books from the Sulzer library. Persian feta on rye and spring beer flight for the win. I went home with prizes from their to-go menu. When you're craving a little more substance but the coffee houses are full and your dining partner requires frequent feedings of meat, the duck confit poutine is there to sweep you away with flavors of Thanksgiving mated with savory duckyness. Seriously. The poutine tastes like Thanksgiving.
(4)Julie Z.
I have been here 4 x in the last month. PROBLEMS. Here's why I like it and why I think you will too: 1. Extensive menu. Allow me to elaborate. They have snacks, salads, soups, pates, HUGE cheese selection (almost overwhelming), charcuterie, small plates and large plates. You can try a lot of food here, which is what we did. Let's not forget about the wine options. They have several flights to choose from and an excellent "key" that describes each wine (E.g., bold, buttery, jammy, spicy, etc) It was very helpful. They also have a Port flight. Score! On the menu: -Bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese dressing: GENIUS to add blue cheese dressing. It gives it more moisture which sometimes the dates need. - French onion soup - definitely on the sweeter side, which I don't love but I ate the entire crock and ordered it a second time. I cannot resist melted cheese - Beet Salad - Mmmm. It has pears mixed in which I loved - Mixed Greens - standard. no complaints - Duck Poutine - DING DING DING. We have a winner!!!! Pls get this. You will love it. They pour a cheese sauce and then gravy at your table. mmmmmm. more please - mac n cheese - order the small plate. it's big, rich and delicious. - Dessert = volcano type toffee cake goodness. We ordered it after spying it at another table. you will not be disappointed. We also ordered their cookies with ice cream. They have banana ice cream! I loved it and it's a great compliment with chocolate. 2. SERVICE I should preface this. The first time I went the service was outstanding. Our server was patient and actually thought it was cool that we would only order one course at a time. On my second visit, my server was a bit flighty and I had to remind her twice about things she forgot. No biggie but wanted to point it out. 3. VALUE The food and wine is reasonably priced. 4. Ambiance It is cozy and comfortable here. Great to come with friends or with a date.
(4)Audrey S.
This has been one of my favorite neighborhood places for years. Toniight I had the beef brisket and it was out of this world tender. The bbq sauce had some sweetness, but definitely had a spicey kick. It's served open-faced which is fine by me because I want to conserve room for the meat, not the bread. But the meat is served on a kind of Texas Toast which tasted quite good. As someone that has had a lot of "tough" experiences with brisket, I was incredibly pleased by Fork's tender beef. :) PS - I noticed that in my last review of Fork, I also had the brisket and raved about it just as much as I am doing now. That goes to show their quality is consistent!
(5)Jennifer E.
There's good and bad news about this place... The goods...the food and the beer...compliments to the chef...the garlic cilantro fries are to die for! and the guys especially my husband loved the extensive beer choices... The bad...the service. Our server who shall not be named but rather be called "the Greek" was awful. He was pompous and rude. He was so lucky that we had a big group and gratuity was added because he sucked. There was another server "the Eastern European" who was nice but unfortunately was not assigned to us but he still made sure our water was always full. Word to the management: you don't have to fire "the Greek" but maybe you can make him into a barback or something that doesn't deal with clients because he had no skills in customer service at all.
(2)scott B.
Lincoln Square is such a great place to meander about to and fro. Last Friday night was one of those nights. We had relatives in town and we wanted to show them the neighborhood. We had never been to Fork, although we had been to several other restaurants that were in its location previously. Our relatives like beer and the beer list was impressive. Making a same day reservation through Yelp and Open Table was easy and seamless. The dinner menu seemed limited. The food was good, not great. I ordered and liked the gnocchi, but wished the portion size was larger for the price they were charging. My son had chicken fingers and they were probably the worst chicken fingers he has ordered in a long time. Mushy breading that kept falling off the meat. He was not a happy camper. I didn't like the $3.95 they charged us for his milk. Half of the Mussels that we ordered had fallen out of their shells. The saving grace was that the fries were excellent. I would go back for drinks and lite bites anytime. Be sure to get fries. Definitely will not be eating here with our son again.
(3)Shannon S.
BRUNCH: Great menu options. Love the chilaquiles! DRINKS: Amazing wine flights and wine by the glass options. Very nice atmosphere. DINNER: The quality of the food can be tasted in everything, the plating is beautiful and the service is attentive and professional. DESSERT: Hands down the best dessert menu in Lincoln Square. Fork also has just about the nicest restaurant owner out there.
(5)Gina F.
I've tried this latest incarnation of restaurant at 4600 N. Lincoln a couple times now, and it's pretty good. I preferred the Fiddlehead menu, but this still makes for a nice, upscale bar in the area. It has a great beer & wine menu, and a wonderful cheese selection, but I wouldn't choose it for dinner. The food selection is a little limited (especially if you're a vegetarian). My flat bread was very tasty, though, and my other dining companions enjoyed their food as well. My husband has since declared that he doesn't see the point of a burger without duck confit on it! Overall it was pretty good, with good service, and I'd definitely stop by for some wine & cheese again. On a side note, a friend of mine had her bridal shower here, and they did a FANTASTIC job on brunch. The food was amazing. The air conditioner was broken & it was 85 degrees in there, but the food was great & they made it up to us in mimosas.
(4)Eryn G.
I had my graduation dinner here for a few friends and family, the staff was awesome! I have food allergies and they were completely accommodating and understanding to my needs! They let us stay as long as we wished in a private area, and most really enjoyed their food. I'm happy I made the choice to have my party their and I will definitely be back!
(4)Kristen S.
Dinner at Fork was excellent. They have a phenomenal wine and beer list that even includes my favorite imported gluten free beer - Green's! We had.... a lot of things... Wine Candied Bacon Garlic Cilantro Fries with sriracha aioli Green Goddess Crab Shooter Husband had pork chop, and I had hamachi. Both were excellent. Service was fantastic, and we loved the ambiance.
(5)Nicole C.
I cant even believe this place has less than 4 stars. I am probably between a 4 and a 5, but still. Literally - comfort food tapas with a great wine & beer list. I love that you can do wine flights as well. Great for a double date or with a group. We ordered a TON of food - try the following: - BURRATA - must have - MUSSELS - Mac & Cheese - Mushroom flatbread - Garlic friens - Pork Belly I left happy. PS - whatever that weird decor is over the entrance is lame. Get rid of it.
(5)Kelly C.
Birthday dinner! I went with a group of six (plus baby!), and we were well taken care of. I had the interesting white wine flight, which was a solid choice, if a little sweeter than I like. I tried the truffle goat cheese-damn fine cheese. We moved on to the small plates and had the pork belly which I recommend possibly over anything else I've eaten in the past few months. Crispy yet melt in your mouth-just great. So great. Followed it with the special, which was mahi mahi with fingerling potatoes, spinach, and bacon...once again, delicious. We had the creme brulee for dessert-this was the only part that was kind of 'meh' about the meal. I mean, it was good-it's creamy sugar-but didn't blow me away like the rest of the meal. Regardless, I recommend this place, but be forewarned-it IS pricey. I know it says $$ in the heading, but I would definitely bump it up to $$$-the menu items certainly add up, being that it's a lot of cheese flights and small plates.
(5)Jo P.
The food was good. Ambience was nice. The flights were awesome. But the crème brûlée was freakin amazing!
(4)Joel O.
Update: Finally got a burger there. Awesome. Best burger I have ever had, hands down. I bit into the burger and juice literally gushed out for about 15 seconds straight. The beef was seasoned perfectly. I loved everything about this burger. The garlic fries were amazing as always. Just be sure you like a lot of garlic! There are many bottled beers to try and a good selection of draft as well. Next time I will be sure to get a flight. Other people in my party enjoyed the mac and cheese, but the chicken and dumplings were lack luster (although that specific person if very picky). The place is very popular, so don't go on a Saturday night with no reservations or you will be waiting a good hour plus. Many of the people around me were having wine and various cheeses, so I will have to try that some time as well, although it will be hard to not just get a burger every time I go here.
(5)Matthew A.
3/18/12 Update Now that I have been here 3 times, once for small plates, once fore entrees and once for brunch I can say that this is my new favorite restaurant. I would also like to increase my rating to 5 stars. I like everything about this place. The farm house burger is one of the better burgers I have had in some time and the chicken in waffles is just awesome. Metropolitan coffee was also a nice surprise.Can't wait to go back already! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â------------- I finally made it over to Fork, and am very glad that I did. First off, Fork has a very solid beer and wine list, which they break up into flights if you are interested (Hoppy beers, session beers, Belgian Beers etc.) As a beer snob I really enjoyed this. The flights are reasonably priced and a great way to try multiple strong beers without going overboard. The food was equally fantastic. They do a "small plate" thing, however, we later realized that the "small plates" were not that small. We ordered five, and by the end wished we had gone with three so we could have tried desert. The burrata smear was amazing, the duck poutine is still in my dreams, the smoked salmon flat bread was surprisingly good, I've had better mussels and the veal sliders were solid but a little greasy. Everyone at the restaurant was very nice and accommodating, but service got a little slow when it got busy. Nonetheless, I prefer when the meal is on the longer side and they did a good job of spacing out our different courses. Cheers!
(5)Kurt K.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars. Food was good, menu was diverse. Don't know if I'd go so far as to say "Yay! I'm a fan." But it was good.
(4)Karrie F.
My new favorite eatery. 3 simple words that changed my life. PORK. BELLY. RUBEN. It was a plus that I wasn't looked at like a complete D-bag when my friends and I brought our kids to brunch either...as if parents aren't allowed to eat good food (you know who you are , lookin at you wicker park)
(4)Megan K.
Great food, great beer. What more can be said? I have a great time at this place every time I go. Their atmosphere is cozy, and they have a great drink menu.
(5)Andrea N.
I wast sure how I would like this spot. But they pull off the winebar vibe very well. The flights are well explained and decent pours. They have some interesting wines on their menu by the bottle as well. The food was surprisingly good. We shared the chorizo stuffed dates, for me the least impressive item. Pretty much like any tapas style place. solid in flavor. They have mussels a few ways in the menu and a special preparation. I went with a small of the special and wasn't disappointed. tomato saffron broth with dried Spanish chorizo was flavorful and well balanced went fantastic with the SA red flight. The garlic-cilantro fries with sirrachi aioli were excellent and addictive. We then ordered some cheeses and cured meats and not only were they presented beautifully but the selection of cheeses was very good. They have flights for those who cannot decide or you can choose your own. The wow factor was dessert the sticky toffee pudding with buttered popcorn ice cream was pleasantly light and full of rich decadent yumminess. I would go back either on a date or with a group. They have some really cool plush booths that you can reserve for parties that looked like a lot of fun.
(4)Laura F.
It's rare that I go to a restaurant and feel absolutely satisfied with the vegan/vegetarian dinner options, but this was a definite exception. My friend and I split the pretzels and cheese to start out, then I had a perfectly cooked and seasoned summer squash small plate. And get the shortcake for dessert. Really. You can thank me later. Being ladies like we are, we did imbibe in some flights. Because why have one drink when you could have three? The jammy red flight was superb, and we finished with dark delight stout/porter flight (dessert for our dessert).
(5)Natalie R.
Was looking for a casual but trendy place for dinner with my boyfriend, and Fork was recommended. We weren't disappointed! The service was very good, the waitress made sure our questions were answered and checked on us just enough. Another review said that the non-English speaking staff just put the food down without explanation of what it was, but we did not have that experience. The bus boy (?) who brought us our charcuterie explained each meat which we appreciated. We started with two beers, I had the Christmas Ale which I loved. For our app, we got the Italian charcuterie. It came with grilled bread, olives, marinaded onions, whole-grain mustard, and cornichons. It was beautiful and so, so good. For dinner we decided on the pork belly sliders and the garlic cilantro fries. I was tempted to get the brussel sprouts with bacon but I'm glad I didn't because I was stuffed. The sliders were slightly greasy (obv with pork belly) but good nonetheless. I'm so glad we picked this place and definitely recommend it!
(4)Dan G.
I have been to Fork on a few different occasions. And every time it has been up to par. The cheese, charcuterie and the wine flights are the real star here. They always have a great choice of meats and cheeses from all over the world. And they have something for everyone from sharp to mild, stinky to sweet; If you like cheese, and we know you do, then it is a must. The meats are just as good and pair well. The booze here is great as well. The a fore mentioned wine flights are a steal price-wise and there is something fun about having four large glasses of wine sitting in front of you. The draft list is comparable to most craft beer restaurants, you can occasionally find that hidden gem keg. As for the food, dinner and brunch are always tasty. Good burgers, good mussels, and dank breakfast sandwiches. The service is friendly and they don't mind talking shop. Another nice edition to the wonderful eats in Lincoln Square.
(4)Chris K.
Wow! Great wine flights (South American was excellent), charcuterie (try the Spanish meat and the aged cheddar cheese), and so on. Everything was delicious, and we got very good service. The little explanatory slips of paper that come with the flights add a fun touch. I notice that a lot of reviewers just "stopped in" on a weekend. Uh, you might want to make a reservation at this place, especially for a Saturday! We went here about 2 years ago when it was "Fiddlehead", and it hasn't changed that much, although we managed to spend a lot less this time and still get a tremendous dinner. Previously, they were a little more aggressive with the upselling.
(5)Matt G.
Two things that I really like about this restaurant are that the food and service are always darned good and that they cater to people that have kids and don't make you feel that you're an inconvenience. So, the result is that I am happy to spend $100+ on a meal that might have been a little more "over the top" than I might have planned when I left the house. Love, love, love the duck mousse. Can I have some more? Couple that with the special "Poutine" that they made with cheddar cheese, homemade fries and shredded duck and I'm singing praises and haven't made it to the main course. So why would you spend $15 on a burger???? Well, when it's the Farmhouse burger, you're happy to do so. It was great, but I would ease up on the Dijonnaise and cheese. It was too much, really. Only other slight gripe is that $6 for plain shells with butter and no cheese on them on the kids menu was a little insulting. However.... on the whole....Good dinner, nice wines by the glass and good service. We'll be back again soon.
(4)Kristin M.
I'm updating my review to reflect my rating for lunch - I'm knocking it down to 3.5 because my dining companions didn't enjoy their lunch as much as I did. We went at noon on a Saturday and the restaurant was only half full, so we got a nice sunny table right away. I loved, loved, loved my duck club sandwich. I had gone in expecting to order the duck hash (can you sense a pattern?), but was drawn by the description of the sandwich, and promise of garlic cilantro fries. Start with duck confit, throw on a little goat cheese, cherry-red wine jam, pickled shallots and candied pecans, and you can't go wrong. I took off a layer of toast on each so I didn't waste any of the ducky goodness inside. They weren't kidding about garlic fries, they literally top them with chopped garlic, so bring some gum. The sriraccha aioli was kind of a joke. It was basically colored mayo, didn't taste like anything special. My friend ordered the PBLT. The P(ork) B(elly) was sliced thin and was basically just thick bacon. She asked for her egg to be cooked medium-well. They either didn't listen or don't know what that means because it came out really runny. Overall, it was just ok. She said the mixed greens were really bland and could have used some more dressing. Our table also ordered the farmhouse burger. I didn't hear anything good or bad about it. Of note: I uncharacteristically ordered coffee (hangover...) and it arrived in a really dirty mug. I requested a new cup and he apologized, but I can't believe it ever made it out of the kitchen! Also, Fork has notoriously slow service. I knew this ahead of time so it didn't bother me, but just keep that in mind if you're in a hurry.
(4)Kirsten G.
As a much needed update, I got a message from David, the manager, not long after I submitted my review (over a year ago!) asking us to come back in for a drink on the house. Unfortunately we moved out of the neighborhood and didn't have an opportunity to take him up on his offer, but I appreciate the explanation of what happened and why there was a mix-up. Since my original review was based solely on service, it's only fair that I provide an update that their management is on their game and our experience was a fluke. If we were still in Chicago, I would gladly go back for more wine, which was fantastic. Thanks, Fork (and David).
(4)Steve S.
Great beer and wine selection Staff very clued in and helpful and explained wine and beer flights well. Food is fantastic! Don't miss desert.
(5)Tera D.
This review easily could have been 4 stars if things had panned out better, so I almost hate writing it. We went in for dinner with three people and decided to just share small plates. At small plate places my husband and I love to ask the waiter to just bring out his or her favorite dishes because it usually gets you the more unique stuff that you might never have ordered but is actually the best stuff on the menu. Sadly our tactic failed us this time. This waiter clearly went for the obvious, most popular items on the menu, which is precisely what we're trying to avoid by doing it that way. And it wasn't even well thought out. First came the bacon wrapped dates. Congratulations for being the 1 millionth restaurant to serve bacon wrapped dates. And with a lame, watery blue cheese sauce no less. Then came pretzel roles and poutine. The poutine was fine, and the duck on top of it was more than fine, crisp and super flavorful. The pretzel rolls were not good at all, damp and not salty, almost like they had been sitting in a plastic bag. Then came...an order of fries???? We were just served poutine. A dish based in fries. With that was lamb sliders, which to be fair were outstanding. Finally he brought out two different kinds of mussels which was overkill even if they were good, but frankly they were not. And the fact that they came out after the fries instead of with them was even more bizarre than serving us two fry based dishes in the first place. The beer is good, especially the option to do flights with some very generous pours. We'll go back, but we certainly won't bank on the waitstaff next time around.
(3)Erica W.
I visited Fork with my supper club, and it was just above average - I'd say about 3.5 stars. (Yelp, if you are reading this, please give us the ability to give half stars one day). The dish that I enjoyed the most was the poutine, which is a Canadian dish (I believe French Canadian, because I've only had it in Montreal). Essentially, its french fries w/gravy and cheese on top. Can't go wrong w/that!
(3)Kate C.
The duck poutine here is incredible! ... so is everything else really, but its the poutine that really stands out in my memory. The service is also very good and the staff are friendly and helpful. They are pretty accommodating for people with disabilities too, which is great and makes it a welcoming atmosphere. EDIT: I had to change my rating from a 5 to a 3 after trying to make a reservation for a larger party here. This is NOT a good location for groups. They completely tried to take advantage of us and were asking that we commit to paying a minimum of $2,000 before they would even take our reservation. Needless to say, we went elsewhere. It was such a disappointment. I can only assume the person who handles larger reservations is different from the main dining room and that they are somehow specially trained in how to be a douchebag.
(3)Rob K.
Excellent food and drink. I was not a fan of the home made breakfast sausage but nothing else has ever let me down.
(4)Sarah M.
(let's pretend this is a 3.5 review, ok?) So I hesitated even reviewing this since all we did was drink, but hey, sometimes drinking is all one wants to do at a place, right? Atmosphere is nice. The bar is super long, and wide, with comfy chairs. I hate being shoved in a small bar up on strangers in non-comfortable seats. My friend and I met up for some wine and gossip. They have wine flights (and beer flights as well, if that meets your fancy). I did like that they coded each of the wines with a nifty little graphics, so you knew what to expect from the wines you were getting. Bartender was super friendly and did check up on us although it was somewhat busy. We also ended up getting a few cocktails, which were delicious as well. Also had TVs at the bar, so I could keep up with baseball, football, all while listening to my friend (I'm queen of multitasking, I know). Price was decent enough. I'd probably return to check out the food. Nice little place in LS.
(3)Elizabeth H.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about checking out Fork after reading some of the less than stellar reviews (especially about service). I'm glad to say that I didn't have the same experience as those Yelpers! As soon as the hostess seated us at a booth, I knew that we would have a nice dinner (this girl loves booth seating). We had prime views of both TVs in the bar area, key for the BF since the Bears were playing the Packers. Now to the good stuff. I grabbed the fresca cocktail and he had the pear beer, both were really good drink choices. We then started our meal with the crowd pleasers cheese flight. He didn't love any of the cheese while I thought 2 of the 3 were really good. I didn't like the bread that was served with the cheese as all of the herbs overpowered the cheeses so I ate mine with the apple & peach slices (wish they gave more than 3 thin slices of fruit as there isn't much to go around between 2 people). He got the pork medallions and I got the veggie ragout and corn elotes. He said his meal was better than average but that he wished it had been a bit better. I liked both my items and thought they were a good amount of food. We ended the meal with the ganache cake (super rich chocolatey goodness), which was perfect for sharing. All in all, a good date spot or small group restaurant.
(4)Christine N.
I live in the neighborhood and love this place. It's reasonably priced.... service and food are always great. Went again this past Friday and had such a great time. Ask for Cesar to wait on you! He was friendly, attentive and let us camp out in his section for way too long! Thank you Cesar!!!!
(5)Christopher K.
We ordered the crab cake and ribs off of the special menu and they were fine. Moving on. One thing that the two of us really enjoy is the discovery of new cheeses. That is the big draw for us here and what earned this diner its fourth star. There are a lot of times that we could just as well skip a meal and just try cheeses, and this would definitely be a place to try that approach. There was a broad selection and several cheeses that we had not tried before. They were spot on with the suggested beer and wine pairings as well. $70 for two. Definitely a place that we will come back to when the cheese urge strikes.
(4)Downtown B.
This was my first time at Fork. I had heard good things and wanted to love it. My first observation was that the beer list was good. They have 20 drafts at any one time and that is very good. They have tons of bottles as well. The ambiance/vibe is very nice and the outside areas are more than adequate. Fork promotes itself as a gastropub but is really much more of casual bar that has gastroish items on the menu with a big beer list. Service was slow but friendly and overall it was adequate. Regarding food we wanted the pretzels and beer cheese but they were out, bummer of a start. Grilled corn elotes were not anything to get excited about. Very small amount of corn with minimal seasoning, though the aioli was amazing. And the corn was probably a touch undercooked. Watermelon gazpacho was a-okay but not a lot of flavor. I am not a watermelon lover so take that with a grain of salt. Next up was the mushroom flatbread. Crispy crust but a little flimsy in the center. Ingredients were good. Overall a pretyy good item. I ordered the chicken burger. It was well cooked and seasoned with a nice roll and decadent cheese, they advertise it has peaches on it but there were almost no peaches on there and the ones that were on the burger were razor thin with NO TASTE. Lose the peaches or add more. In any event, this one was okay but not great. Shrimp and grits were runny. Also, they could use more shrimp. I would not order this one. Mac and cheese was very good but probably too rich. The first few bites are amazing but once you get about 5 bites in the jarlsberg and fontina can overwhelm you. So I am torn. Nothing was great and they do try to be creative so I give them credit. I'd say it is a-okay.
(3)Tracy Y.
First time here and it did not disappoint. Our server Nicole was pleasant and accommodating. Even when we asked for substitutions. The meats and cheeses were stellar. The gnocchi and scallops to die for. And love love love a place that offers wine AND beer flights. Will be going back.
(4)Nikki K.
If I could split up my review by food and drink, I'd give the drinks a 5 start and the food a 3 star. I ordered the duck sandwich and it sounded so good, but was just ok. The duck sandwich was kind of expensive, so I was disappointed I didn't like it. I loved the summer beer flight I had though. Super tasty and beers I hadn't tried before. My boyfriend had the mac and cheese and I really liked that. We got to sit outside which was a plus. The service was great too. I think I'd come back here again for drinks and apps, but not necessarily for dinner.
(4)Rebecca M.
Awesome food, used to be one of my favorites in my neighborhood; however, service seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Will not make it a point to come back anytime soon---there are too many new spots in the area to explore!
(2)Colleen C.
Fiddle me this, Batman... A seriously healthy pour of cava brut rose...(pink, love) A kickin' batch of garlic hummus with warm, chewy chunks o' carb... A semi-sweet August evening... [makes for] A seriously perfect happy hour in Lincoln Square. [extra points for impressive beer and wine lists AND a patio!]
(4)Sally J.
Since moving to the neighborhood I've been to Fork 4 times--twice for dinner and twice for brunch. I would say that although 3/4 of those times was great, the latest 1/4 was bad enough that I would reconsider going there again for brunch. I'll start with what I've liked and move on to the most recent debacle in service. (yes, service, not food). The good: Dinner food has always been great. Dinner service always great. In fact, I'd count it among my options I present to out-of-town visitors when we're considering dinner options in Lincoln Square. The atmosphere is interesting but not pretentious and I've never enountered any difficulties with wait or service at dinner. Plus, they have interesting flights whether it's cheese, charcuterie, or the hands down favorite--the beer flights. It lets you try out a variety and if you like one enough that you want more, you can always order it. It's a nice option though. Brunch first time around was fine. Our party of 5 arrived right about opening time, great service, food was good, no compaints. Brunch second time was bad enough to make me re-think this as a future brunch option. We arrived about 5 minutes after the restaurant opened, on a day when there was a local run even in the neighborhood. That makes me think: management should prepare for more customers than usual. What we arrived to however, was a few scattered tables that were full, but many many empty tables. Great news, right? Not so....even though we were just a party of 3, we were gruffly informed by the host that they the number of people they had seated had exceeded their number of menus and they would not seat any additional parties until the seated parties had ordered, freeing up menus. Ok.....seems odd that you have less than half the menus available for the seating you have, on a morning you could expect extra volume...but we found it even stranger that you couldn't at least seat us and just let us wait for a menu to become available. Instead, a crowd of waiting customers accumulated at the host station and out the door. With a restaurant half full of empty tables. Not only that, but it was within 10 minutes of opening. so we waited...and as soon as a few spare menus opened up, the party of two who arrived behind us was seated...after that another party of four, until we asked why we weren't being seated. By the way, there were never any apologies, never any assurances--the communication from the host stand was that it was reasonable that we should wait for a free menu in order to be seated. After some negotiating, we finally were, but after waiting a good 20 minutes (keep in mind, multiple multiple tables were available just to sit and have coffee while we waited for menus). After being seated the service and food were fine. But the front end experience was enough that I don't think I'll go back, especially with the many other brunch options in the neighborhood that treat customers more respectfully...and I actually think based on this experience, I would not risk going for dinner for fear of the "menu deficit." I suspect this is poor management and feel bad as the food and waitservice has always been good but it's bad business to make multiple parties wait to be seated until menus are available when half the seats in the restaurant are open. News flash: you should have enough menus to cover all the seats, especially on a weekend with an event that will bring more business to you. Thumbs down, sorry.
(2)Ryan G.
Now I have been in Fork all of once when it was previously Fiddlehead and I can gladly say I will not miss it. I walked in one random Saturday morning when I did not need to catch up on sleep from the week when I saw they had breakfast. I was pleasantly surprised by the menu offerings and juice selection; I am a sucker when it comes to fresh juice and it doesn't matter how expensive it is when it tastes THAT GOOD... The Chicken and Waffles is a thing of beauty and and the single piece of Candied Bacon is a damn tease. The Breakfast Potatoes are a little off-putting, though, because they are really garlic-y. Normally, I would go for that but not as a breakfast side but that is probably a personal preference. Since then I have been back multiple times during breakfast and even my father has been won over with their Eggs Benedict (a dish which he is almost a Michelin inspector of solely). I have returned once during dinner; their fare not quite as alluring to me as their breakfast. The Tomato Soup had a very strong acidic taste to it. The Duck Confit Club was well made but the greens, dressing and bread overpowered the confit which I felt was lost within the sandwich. The Crème Brûlée was very nice; tradtional and garnished with some berries. The restaurant is very popular over the weekend and unless you are coming in by yourself to eat at the bar I would suggest calling ahead. Dinner during the week was quite vacant but it was the middle of the week so your millage may vary. The dinner menu has offerings that don't particularly appeal to me but the brunch selections of well-made classic dishes are amazing and have yet to disappoint. The staff is attentive, eager and friendly. While a bit pricy, I would recommend the restaurant, especially their breakfast fare, without hesitation.
(3)Dave S.
We've only lived in Chicago two months. We'd like to think we are adventurous eaters. We do not like to eat at the same place multiple times; however, we've eaten here at least four times. This place is fantastic. As others have mentioned, the beer and wine selection is great. Their flights of beer and wine are VERY well priced and poured. The food is outstanding. We've had the burgers, daily specials, cheeses, appetizers, you name it. Some highlights for me include the house ricotta and honey smear, farmhouse burger, and bbq pork sandwich. I'm not a seafood guy, but my wife has had the fish and enjoyed it. Besides the food (again, very good), the service is excellent. We have had the same waitress all four times that we have been to Fork. She is attentive, but not pushy or too talkative. Our food always promptly, but we've never been rushed. One of the more interesting things about Fork is that have a very large ancillary staff. There is always someone walking around filling water glasses, clearing tables, etc. I think this is a main reason why service runs so smoothly. I can't rec. this place enough. Easily one of my favorites.
(5)Javier O.
Fork is a place that has kept us coming back for years. We love the mood and selection. The drinks are always great and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish. The cheeses are wonderful, as well. It is higher priced, so don't be surprised by that coming in. There are certain days of the week where they have deals, however, so study the menu or call in to get moe info. If you're looking to have a relaxing evening, give Fork a shot.
(4)Vince W.
What on earth makes a burger worth over $10??? I don't know, but every burger I've had here was worth every cent I paid. From duck confeit fries to their wonderful brunch buffet to over a hundred different beers available for selection, "Fork" (formerly "Fiddlehead Cafe") has yet to disappoint me. ...and they have had many opportunities to do just that. I have attended wine tastings, been there on dates, and held business meetings at "Fork". Not to mention, my family has brunch there at least twice a month. Even my seven-year-old son, Alan likes their food (...and we all know how picky kids can be). The last thing I want to mention is the atmosphere. Along with the name change, "Fork" underwent an image change. The seating is more cozy, the carpeting looks cooler, the waitstaff is more up-beat, and their music playlist is the best! The only suggestion I have is WiFi. EVERY restaurant and bar should have it in this day and age.
(5)J A.
Went on Sunday morning. Eggs were creamy deliciousness. The Bloody Mary's were super fresh and yummy...it was not a mix.
(4)Alma V.
Great for Brunch and Beer! Gastro pub! Love this place,,,But, I must make a complaint in hopes that they will listen to me and make changes.... As usual Chicago doesn't know a thing about the Bloody Mary. Noone in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes,etc! I suggest checking out Hollander, Benelux, or Comet cafe for examples!
(4)Laura R.
This place was already on our "to try" list, but once we read the article in Grubstreet - chicago.grubstreet.com/2… , we knew we had to get there soon, and it did not disappoint. First, the wine and beer selections were both carefully chosen and reasonably priced (my favorite combo). I'm a big fan of the wine flights. The food itself was fabulous - a nice blend of old time favorites and completely new flavorful twists. The kale salad was out of this world. The mussels (which I order pretty much everywhere I go) were among my favorite - both flavorful and extremely meaty and tender. Everything we had was great. I am not ordinarily a huge fan of the growing trend to include grits with dinner meals in Chicago, because most Chicago chefs do not get it right, but the grits here were the best I have had outside of the South and complimented the BBQ sauce well - we scraped the plate clean. The chef is big on farm to table, which is important to us when we're looking for a nice meal on the town - it was evident during every course that each ingredient was meticulously chosen and gingerly prepared. I would highly recommend for both a fun date night or a big group (they have great booth spots).
(5)Brea K.
We were off to a seriously rocky start, but they redeemed themselves I suppose. Five girlfriends and I walk in, no reservation, at 8pm on a Saturday night. We were told :30, and ended up waiting a rediculous 1.5 hours. The host was begging us to stay but honestly I wish we had left earlier. I missed my train to the burbs and spent $60 getting home. UGH. That being said, niko ("the Greek"???) made sure we had a good time and the food was really, really good. Pricey, but good. I'm pretty sure we ate half the menu, and everything was roughly an A- which is pretty good in my book. Oh, that stupid MacNCheese was an A+. I'm embarrassed that I'm saying that, because we ate several more sophisticated dishes, but seriously, it was amazing. Skip the bacon however. I don't know how they managed to ruin bacon but they over salted it, and it was inedible.... Ok, we ate it anyway.
(4)Xl G.
I don't why, but the handful of times I've come to this place I've had terrible service. The bartenders aren't attentive and most of the staff's attitude comes off as snooty. Being as someone who works in the service industry, I found it very unprofessional. I won't be coming back here.
(1)Phil H.
Second time there visiting from outta town and its like I remember very good food. Well I got the same thing last time lol. Burger baby with the egg, fries r good but the kicker for me the Mac & cheese! Bomb!!! ;-) friendly service and nice faces! Nice place to hit b4 u start a long night...
(4)Chad I.
Don't be thrown by the atmosphere and menu design - food is great. Chicken burger was tasty, bacon wrapped dates delicious and warm olives surprisingly good. Good beer list.
(4)Ross K.
Good charcuterie selection. I got the mussels, which were not fresh. I take the blame for that, though, as summer is not a good time of year for mussels. My visiting mother got the pork tenderloin, which was amazing. They have a great beer selection and a nice atmosphere. I almost didn't want to tip the server, however. He was very inattentive and the restaurant wasn't very busy. Meanwhile, his bus boy was busting his ass, making sure we were ok. The server dropped a dessert menu off at the table and just walked away. When we finally got his attention to pay the check, he grabbed the dessert menu from my hand, turned around without saying a word, handed the menu off to the bus boy, and disappeared.
(3)Alex F.
Let me start by saying Fork is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only has my service but nothing short of wonderful, but the quality of food, wine and other beverages is amazing. You get what you pay for. It's not a place I can dine at frequently, but if I'm looking to splurge for a night, this is the place.
(5)Josh M.
Think bacon, great draft and wine flights, solid burgers. Won't go home hungry or broke.
(4)Britt W.
My husband and I were in Chicago visiting from California. We love Farm to table restaurants so we decided to check out Fork. The atmosphere was great! We loved being able to sit by the open window. The service was excellent! We never had to ask for a refill for water ( I love that!! ) The food was outstanding!! I love that you can order flights of wine. I started with a spicy red flight and my husband had the European flight. Both were delicious! We started with one of the appetizer specials : Watermelon with aged balsamic, prosciutto, and parm (I believe) It was AMAZING!! We loved it and could not stop eating it. We next had the house pretzels with half acre beer cheese sauce. These were the best pretzels and cheese sauce we have had! Again we couldn't stop eating, but we had to because we knew we were going to be too full :) Next we had a small order of mussels. WE LOVE MUSSELS! These mussels were in the most unique sauce. The server said to save bread for the sauce and I am so glad we did, it was a blend of melted goat cheese, white wine and spices that was so delicious! I could have licked the bowl. We next had The mushroom crostini. It was very flavorful and again we couldn't stop eating it! For our main plate we ordered pulled pork with root beer bbq sauce. The pork fell apart, so moist, very unique and tasty! I loved the root beer. We ended our tasting journey with a variety of cheeses and the most amazing chocolate mousse. The mousse had the perfect texture and the toffee bacon was incredible. There was not an overwhelming bacon taste and it complimented the mousse perfectly. We had such an incredible experience. The price point for this caliber of food was spot on. What a great night! We can't wait to come back and try some new specials and have some menu staples. Thank you for a delicious meal Chef Tim! We were so impressed!!
(5)Karen S.
Great neighborhood spot with an extensive beer and wine menu. The menu is varied - lots of small plates / app's, as well as huge entrees. Favorites at our table included chicken/dumplings, poutine, mac & cheese, and a cheese plate. I had a bowl of french onion soup (not normally on the menu) and it was really good - not overly salty, and with a proper coating of melted Gruyere. It could have been a little hotter (temperature wise), but otherwise very good. Shared the vanilla bean creme brule for dessert and it was awesome. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive - and was very tolerant of my 18-month old nephew who was behaving wonderfully, but enjoyed throwing his fork on the floor . Great place!
(4)Chelsea M.
Fork is one of my favorite Friday night restaurants. I say Friday night, because the vibe is a little more relaxed and informal; which is exactly what a Friday night calls for. The food is trendy but accessible, and most important very good. We ordered the special sausage (I giggled while ordering, okay I'm not very mature), the Belgian mussels, the cured salmon and a side of brussels sprouts. For two people it was a lot of food. The sausage was beyond amazing. The drinks are what make Fork above average. The wine flights are perfectly paired, and are decent pours. The Bubbles flight was my favorite and featured a brut and a rose (the prosecco wasn't my favorite). I highly recommend Fork.
(4)Katie S.
Delightful find in Lincoln Square! I never went to this place in its previous incarnation as Fiddlehead Cafe, but I very much enjoyed going to Fork. I've had both dinner and brunch there, and both were absolutely excellent. For dinner, the butternut squash soup is wonderful - I also had a flatbread that was quite good. For brunch, you can't go wrong with a mimosa flight and the soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil. Mmmm... I need to go back here soon.
(4)Kelly D.
This place seemed inviting from the outside, but we were disappointed by the food that we ordered -- the rib special and fish special -- which seemed overpriced and somewhat bland considering the price. Only real positive about the experience was that the waitress was very cheerful, even though we were probably the last customers in the place before they closed. It's possible we ordered poorly this time, but I doubt we'll be back to try anything else on the menu.
(2)Jonathan H.
I would have liked a little more bang for our buck. The flavors were good so I'll probably be back for a drink and snack.
(3)Liz B.
When we showed up for brunch (10 minutes after it was "open") they were still vacuuming the floor and there was no one to even give us the menus. This was our third attempt to brunch there (convenient location) and was the worst service so far but the first two times were not particularly impressive (forgotten bacon and delayed coffee refills jaded my previous 2 experiences). The first two times I stuck around long enough to get food and found it mediocre. The eggs were standard and the french toast was so sweet there were no unique flavors to be enjoyed. I have enjoyed their wine flights on occasion but have been so put off by the bad service I've given up on the place.
(2)Mitchell A.
Good experience. 3.5 stars Wait staff was nice. Nothing above average nothing bellow average. Decor and ambiance was above average. Love the exposed brick. Simple and standard art but effective. Not to sure about the carpet...something about carpet in a restaurant just turns me off. Music was well mixed with the time of day and mood of the place. Margarita was small but had a nice tart and sweet taste to it. Surprised me, to be honest. Like that they do wine samples aka flights...good deal for those as well. Huge wine and drink menu and broken down very well. Cobb salad was great. Buttermilk dressing tasted home made. Portions were perfect for a Cobb....a must have for Cobb salad eaters. Very very good Cobb salad! Duck club was $17. I expected to be blown away. I was half blown hahaha but still a Very good sandwich. Meat was tasty, goat cheese was a great touch, jam and walnuts added sweatiness and texture. Everything was well portioned and the sandwich had very good taste. What was wrong then?! The damn bread! It was dry, crumbly, and just not good. I think it was brioche. Which is a good idea....not sure if it was a bad batch or what. But if you are charging $17 for a club (I don't care if lobster and truffle is on it) you better have the most important part PERFECT. Garlic fries were the second best I ever had (AT&T ballpark in San Francisco is #1) Overall, prices are decent for the ambience, style of restaurant and type of food on the menu. Its a good meal. I would go back for sure. They have enough variety and style to bring me back.
(4)Susan F.
Fork is known for their flights of wine, beer, cheese and meat. Cue to the 'Sound of Music' song, "these are a few of my favorite thingssss..." and you'll find me whistling up Lincoln Ave til I get a seat in their plush back room by the fireside. My first visit to Fork was a little sterile. Nothing fell short, but I was expected to be wowed for some reason. Nevertheless, their cheese plate was awesome and decently priced. They don't just give you cheese, but nuts and figs, too! Ok, so maybe everyone does that, but they were extra tasty at Fork. The meat was good too, but how can you go wrong? We had sopressetta and chorizo if I remember correctly. Their beer list is impressive, but not the biggest I've seen (har har). It took us awhile to find out what we hadn't tried before, but it seemed to be pretty local. No shame in that, Chicago has some fab beahs. Like I said, we had some cheese (goat and cheddar varieties) and meat and moved onto some small plates of Mussels (Belgian, oh SO GOOD) and the braised porkbelly. The atmosphere was dark and romantic in the back room, and energetic in the front with more smaller tables. We actually came back for a night cap another time and got seated right by the fireplace. We had the ganache cake and a wine flight. The cake was SO RICH, it hit the spot. It was exactly what I needed and I was so happy we stopped in. They must have heard my 3rd stomach grumbling to know I'd be pleased with chocolate and wine, a girl's close-to-next best friend after diamonds. Actually, I think I like chocolate more than diamonds, but I digress... This place is great to bring friends and family. Definitely go for a wine or cheese flight, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Heather H.
Pork and Beer? I'm not really the clientele of Fork, as I'm more veggie and wine. I loved this place as Fiddlehead, but I'll tell you this; Fork is always packed now, so they're doing something right. For staff alone, they get 5 stars. From the hostess, servers, and even the owner, the service is stellar and it's appreciated. The wine list has shrunk, but don't get me wrong - it's still huge in comparison to other restaurants. The main event here is the beer, and if you're into that you'll love it. I have to be in a beer mood and with the wine available here I just never am. They carried over the cheese menu from Fiddlehead so it remains outstanding. They have the best selections here, and as a bonus, they have a special menu for carryout cheeses! Inquire about it - they even beat Whole Paycheck's prices! I'm not the best person to review the food menu as it's porky and meaty, and I'm neither. So, all I can say is I've had their eggplant smear on the goat cheese baguette and it's excellent. The mushroom gnocchi can be hit or miss. I've had it twice, once it was to die for, the next time it just wasn't that great. And the artichoke appetizer while tasty, is a bit of a mess. Definitely not a first date choice. The brunch is still a hit for me. The menu still has some of my favorites like the truffled eggs, but they added an amazing tomato basil omelet. Don't get rid of this! It's my new favorite. So I'll still come here for the wine, cheese, and brunch. If you're into the latest pork trend, or looking for that great bottle of beer that no one else carries, this would be the place for you.
(4)Andrea R.
About once a week I get an email from someone asking if I know of any good restaurants in the city with nice private room for a bridal shower. In fact, I got such an email from one of my friends this morning. Yes, my life this summer so resembles the movie "27 Dresses." And thanks to a bridal shower I attended at Fiddlehead Cafe last weekend I now have another restaurant to add to my "good private room for bridal shower" list. Oooh, I'm so going to make one of those lists on Yelp as soon as this review is written. Anyway, so yeah...Fiddlehead has a beautiful private room that seats 55 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail reception. It was especially nice last weekend because we were blessed with nice spring weather for a day...and were able to keep the windows open. Fiddlehead also happens to have pretty good food. We were given a choice of a few different things and I went with their truffled eggs. YUM! And even better...the banana pancakes the bride-to-be ordered. Double Yum! I highly recommend for any of your private party needs and I look forward to going back myself for a regular brunch/dinner experience. And now, I'm off to make that Yelp list...
(4)James L.
Definitely a place to go with a group of people. The dishes we had were outstanding. They havea great cheese and meat selection as well as a good wine list/flights. I would definitely come back here to try some other dishes. Only thing I didn't like was finding parking.
(4)Francis K.
Fork is full of awesome. My introduction to the restaurant was one of those beer/dinner pairings. On a night like this it is easy to get caught up in what is usually I am guessing a show to get you to return. As far as I'm concerned any place that cares enough to bring a brewer (any brewer) to talk about how to pair their drinks with the food is already a winner. Funny thing though is I can't even recall what brewery it was because the food stood out. The beer was well paired but the food stayed with me. You are interested in learning about the place you say? Oh yeah, fantastic setting I will say. Other's have mentioned it isn't a good place for kids. I respectfully disagree. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting bring the wee one at 7PM on a Friday. For starters, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? :-), OK, I got nothing else. Both time's we've been there we've had the same server. Caveat Emptor I guess. Our service has been stellar. The server knows his food, knows his beer and wine pairings. The rest of the staff and anonymous but magically appear unprompted to attend to us. In addition to this and perhaps because we eat early in the evening (see bairn reference) the sense of the place is make our visit and the wee one's fun. The food again, is magnificent and a reason you should return. For this patron the beer list is not exhaustive but clearly someone thinks about what bottles and drafts they will have on their menu. So why 5 stars? Like they say it is always the little things. That the pay attention to their beer means they are likely just as attentive to their food. It is perhaps a leap of logic but allow me that.
(5)Katie R.
Brunch review. Two friends and I were doing a Sunday lunch - the original idea was Overeasy..but the line scared us off. So we ended up at Fork. And all three of us were super impressed and loved our meal. We all gushed, it was seriously amazing that we were all equally satisfied with our variety of meals. Food: I loved the Ham & Cheese scramble - especially since I asked for Bacon instead of Ham and no one even batted an eyelash. And the breakfast potatoes were delicious, crisp and herby. The breakfast sandwich melt was thoroughly enjoyed by my friend, she made a concerted effort to finish the thing and almost managed. The last meal was a burger, with blue cheese and bacon, with the cilantro garlic fries. My friend loved her burger tons and we all loved the garlic cilantro fries (so garlicky they are spicy!) I will be back. One thing - the pomosa and bellini - basically just champagne with a splash of juice. So if you like champagne, you will like this. Otherwise, the drinks were the only things we didn't love.
(5)Lydia B.
I love the wine flights! The food was good too.
(4)Charles J.
Pretension masking average food. Over-priced.
(1)Javier B.
Must update my review to keep up with the fact that the restaurant updated itself and changed names. I have been to Fork once for dinner and once for brunch and the food quality, service and atmosphere continue to be very good. Tried fried chicken and waffles for the first time and they were very enjoyable. The chilaquiles are as good as we remember them. As for the dinner menu, we tried several of the items tapas style. Some were hits and some were so so, but overall the food was good and the service was friendly. Still a great neighborhood spot, only with a different name.
(4)Jay S.
Visited Fork this past Friday with my wife. Ordered the mahi mahi special and french onion soup. My wife ordered the duck club and small muscle bowl. The food was absolutely amazing. My mahi mahi tested fresh out of the sea. The duck club topped with an apple mixture was amazing as well. Everything we ate and drank here was simply delicious. Any place with such a full beer and wine list also gets my vote. What gives the place 4 stars is the service. If the manager of this restaurant is reading, the waitress working Friday nights b/w 9 and 11pm is simply amazing. Pleasant lady not afraid to give an honest recommendation. Felt like she was always available when we needed service, despite the place being packed. We also made a reservation and our table was sitting patiently waiting for us with a "reserved" sign when we arrived. Very organized and customer friendly environment. I will definitely be back here many times again. Thanks Fork.
(4)Lawrence F.
I stumble upon this place while walking with my boyfriend looking for a place to have a drink. It was a very snowy Tuesday and not many people were in there. There is a long bar, booths and tables to sit. Also around the corner in the back is a nice lounging area with sofas. We Had flights of beer and cider that were just fabulous. We also ordered the Duck crostini...it was alright. Definitely going back great service and great selection of beer and wine.
(4)Brock W.
This was our first time visiting Fork and like many other reviews, I REALLY wanted to love this place after reviewing their food and drink menus. Unfortunately, the food cost them a couple stars, but first let me note a few of the things I really liked about the place. I would HIGHLY recommended the beer flights, generous pours and the price was about right. The ambiance/vibe is very chill, relaxed and really makes for a nice dining environment. The place is self-described as a gastropub type restaurant, but it's really much more casual and less pretentious than some of the other gastropubs (Hopleaf, anyone?) around town. Our waitress was really friendly and overall, pretty attentive. It was a nice evening too, so the windows were open to the sidewalk street, which made for a nice urban dining setting. Now, let's get to food. We ordered the garlic-cilantro french fries as a starter. Below-average. I love garlic and cilantro and french fries, so I thought this combo would be fantastic. Instead, the garlic was really over powering and the fries themselves were underwhelming. They almost tasted microwaved, as the texture was a little moist and soft. Not good. My fiancee and her Mom ordered the mushroom gnocchi to share. It was good, not great though the variety of mushrooms was a nice touch. I've had better gnocchi at many other restaurants around Chicago. I ordered the Farmhouse Burger MEDIUM-WELL and it arrived cooked medium-rare, almost raw. I was starving, so I decided instead of complaining and having to wait for another burger, to just dig in. I ate maybe 1/4 of the burger and had to stop. Interestingly, our waitress noticed the preparedness of the burger, apologized, and took it back to the kitchen to show the cooks. At this point, I'm expecting the burger to be taken off our bill, but instead we received a couple scoops of ice cream as an apology. Gee, thanks. This is a place we'll probably hit-up again, but probably just for drinks. As I said, the beer list is great and the beers flights are even better, but NONE of the food (including our dessert, a bread pudding dish which was maybe above average) we ordered met expectations.
(3)Emily W.
I highly recommend Fork. Their brunch was delicious! I had the brioche french toast with almonds, strawberries, and a delectable creme anglaise and a side order of applewood smoked bacon. Although the prices might seem high for brunch, the servings are generous and the meals are unique, so I felt the price I paid was justified. The brunch menu itself is diverse; my boyfriend had the spinach and goat cheese omelet, which was also great. We both had a difficult time narrowing our selections down to just one. Just to get a taste of what was on the "regular" menu, we also shared the garlic and cilantro fries as an appetizer; they did not disappoint. We'll definitely go back to try some other entrees. Fork has a really friendly staff and a cute outdoor environment (a must for any Lincoln Sq. joint). Giving it a 5 because I have zero complaints! I hope it sticks around!
(5)Filip F.
Great food. Beer selection is ridiculous. Soooo many craft beers. Puts place like map room to shame. I had farm burger - excellent. Everyone at my table had something different - chicken burger, pork dish, pasta dish, french onion soup - nothing but great reviews. Creme Brule was awesome. Ambiance was also great. Not to loud, not too quiet. In summary, Fork was on like Donkey Kong. I went to this place when it was Fiddlehead. It was crap. This is obviously a totally different joint. Go there
(5)Susan C.
It's been many a moon since I've had brunch and my Best Brunch Date Ever and I opted for Lincoln Square as a central location. Fork's menu looked good and if we could snag outdoor seating.... We did! What followed was a perfectly charming meal with my adorably utensil-challenged partner (ummm...why are you using your spoon to try and cut your chicken and waffles? ...turn your knife the other way, it's upside down) when the slow-ish service (due to the suddenly full restaurant) was actually a plus. We had all the time in the world to enjoy our fresh squeezed orange juice, his aforementioned chicken and waffles and my AMAZING salmon benedict. I loved my dish so much I didn't even bother trying his...and I kinda forgot to save the bite of mine that I offered him. sorrynotsorry! The salmon was house smoked, the muffin was so fresh it winked at me and blood orange hollandaise!?
(4)Gabby R.
Went here 2 months ago and I'm still dreaming about my pork belly sandwich (PBLT). and the garlic-cilantro fries. i'm forgiving the fact that the service was meh just because my sandwich was That. Good.
(5)Becca S.
Went here tonight for the first time in a few years as I have moved back to the east coast. Unbelievable food and experience. From cheese plate to dessert--a delicious experience!!!
(5)Brian R.
So I live about a block away from this place, and my wife and I have been there a number of times. Today, we went for brunch, sat down, waited about 15-20 minutes and weren't served. We decided we were going to leave and try someplace else. The manager chased us down in the street, explained that it was the waitress' first day and she didn't realize we were in her section, and that brunch was on him. First time we have ever experienced bad service here, and that completed redeemed it. Go here, the food is good and they have good beers. THAT, my friends, is how you turn a bad Yelp review into a good one.
(4)Helena B.
Fork! Formerly Fiddlehead! Formerly... something before Fiddlehead! This time (Fiddlehead to Fork transition), little changed. Our server informed us that they were now "less casual" but the management, chefs, and service staff are the same. The beer list was awesome. I believe they have about 75 varieties of craft brews. Enough said. The food was awesome. Olive Oil Roasted Beets - The combination of beet and blue cheese is somewhat expected, but the addition of pistachios was an appreciated new texture and taste. Pork Belly - The pork belly itself was a perfect combination of crunchy and smooth. It sat atop a bed of white cheddar grits which we scraped from the plate so as not to miss a drop. Mussels - We had our choice of Belgian (brothy) or French (creamy) style. We went with Belgian and dug in. This, however, is where the wheels fell off the wagon. The dish was supposed to be served with fries. It arrived, however, sans frites. Let's be honest, I don't need a basket of fries. But would I eat them? Sure. However, just as we were reaching to pull the last mussels from the broth, the fries arrived. Yeah... I don't really want them anymore. They seem like an afterthought at this point. Next - coffee and desserts. We each ordered coffee with a shot (Godiva Dark for him, Godiva White for me) and decided to split the white chocolate banana bread pudding. We wait. And wait. Our server brings us another coffee each (free - to compensate the wait, we assume). I believe I visited the restroom twice at this point due to the large volumes of coffee consumed. Still waiting. The check arrives. OK... you want us to pay before we have our dessert? A look at the check shows that dessert isn't listed. We mention this to our server, and after an awkward attempt at humor (The kitchen is closed! No it' not!) he admits he forgot and goes to grab our wayward dessert. It's excellent (of course) and complimentary (of course).
(3)Sean F.
Can we take a moment and consider cheese? Please? Cheese, like crazy good cheese, not processed cheese. And let's also consider, along with crazy good cheese, just how a positive experience at a restaurant can alter an entire day? After meeting up with friends, we decided to pop over to Fork for some wine and drinks. The place was busy as it should be on a Friday night and we were seated on some couches around a low table, which was perfect for the type of evening we were having. Once seated we pondered the wine menu. My friends picked their favorite reds and I opted for a Saison style Belgian farmhouse that was stellar, in my opinion. Of course, once you are drinking and chatting, you need some nosh as well. The cheese selection at Fork is amazing. Now, don't expect me to remember all the different types of cheese we had because, well, we had a lot of different cheese and cheese names don't roll of my tongue so easily. There was a creamy gorgeous soft cheese that tasted like a combination of butter and love. On top of this, our server, Chris, attended to us in a brilliant fashion. He was very courteous, very friendly, but not 'hovering' which can be really annoying when trying to chat with friends. I've enjoyed every visit to Fork I've made and will continue to return for the selection of wines, beers, cheese, and of course the magnificent food.
(5)Tim G.
Won't be returning to Fork. We were the first seating of the day for brunch, we were the second table seated. Following our order, it took over an hour for our food to arrive. This was breakfast. Over an hour, and I am not exaggerating... PROS: Coffee was terrific. That's it... CONS: Poorly managed, no coordination between service and kitchen. Food took forever, and ever, and ever.... After almost an hour, brunch manager offered us a "snack" to tide us over which was delivered after our food finally came. Thanks for nothing. Food. It wasn't very good. The Belgian waffle was OK. Adults at the table didn't like eggs benedict, steak n eggs, or chilaquiles. 0 for 3... Menu was slim, and variety was poor. Bloody Mary. Just not good.
(1)Jonathan A.
Fantastic spot, food and service. Great in the spring/summer for outside seating and soaking Up some rays while enjoying a great brunch.
(4)Ziggy I.
This was a first: Never have I been chased down the block by a restaurant owner. It's not nearly as crazy as it sounds. In fact, it was quite touching. My party and I had shown up at prime dinner hour on a weekend, no reservation--of course there was going to be a wait. We waited a bit, but then our hunger got the better of us and we headed down the street to look for somewhere less busy. Then we heard quick footsteps behind us on the sidewalk. It was the owner! He apologized for the wait and implored us to return. He probably had a million other things to do, and not to mention the promise of other willing customers, but he felt bad that we'd waited 20 minutes instead of the promised 10-15. It was such a genuine gesture on his part, and a true reflection of Fork's service in general. Usually you only notice service when it's bad, but Fork's staff are skilled at somehow letting you know that they're taking good care of you without being fussy or pretentious. This was maybe my third or fourth time at the restaurant, and the staff have always been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I really can't praise them enough and am truly surprised to see that this place isn't rated more highly here. As for the food: I've tried a good portion of the menu and have been impressed all around. Some favorites include the summer squash "spaghetti" and the eggplant "caviar," both delicious. Have also really enjoyed the charcuterie, cheeses, poutine (a little on the salty side, but still great), and mac n' cheese. The presentation is attractive without trying too hard. And to say that the wine and beer list is extensive would be a grave understatement. I'm a big fan of this place.
(5)Eric D.
Four was the first restaurant I ate at when I moved to Lincoln Square. I live right upstairs from it and thought it would be super cool and convenient if the food was as good as it looked on the menu. While I was enjoying my brunch in my over hard poached egg(Why are you cooking if you can't even poach an egg properly?) While the manager and one of their servers were discussing something of a financial nature that I should not of heard to begin with. The manager, I short stocky guy with a blond buzz cut, was being extremely rude to the server and a few tables that can hear him. I'm starting to understand why this place is been three or four different places over the years. I go back but only if somebody else paid.
(3)Becky S.
This place is a solid 3.5 stars for me but I am bumping them up to 4 for their wine, beer, and cheese flights. I have been here for brunch twice and dinner once. The brunch is good but nothing spectacular, mostly standard fare. I do like the tables that are seated right in the window -- nice for people watching and fresh air. Both times at brunch I had the smoked salmon platter which was good, but nothing novel. My husband and I had dinner here for the first time last weekend despite living in the neighborhood for almost two years. Overall it was a nice experience, and the food was very good. The dinner started off a little rocky in that we were sat outside on the sidewalk by the host (yay for nice weather!) but our server did not appear for about 15 mins. Eventually the host came out and realized we were sitting there not being served and apologized for forgetting to tell the server. No big thing....we were enjoying the nice weather and each other's company, but I think as a restaurant host, I would have offered a free drink at that point to make up for the mistake. Our server was lovely and very friendly, and from there on out the service was perfect. I had the Unibroue beer flight which was great. It's rare you see a beer flight, so I was stoked. My husband had a mixed greens salad to start which was good. But the star was his entree -- the house smoked beef brisket sandwich! YUMMMMM The smokiness of the meat was delicious. And my husband won major brownie points for telling the waitress it was the second best brisket he ever ate. "Second to what?" you may ask, and in fact the waitress did ask. "Second to my mother-in-law's brisket" he answered. Awwww So sweet.... But really, nobody beats a Jewish mom at brisket. My duck confit club sandwich was also very tasty, although I would have liked it better if it was just two slices of bread rather than three. Overall, a very nice dinner.
(4)Alice H.
I've wanted to eat here for a long time...even before they changed the name...but something always got in the way...you know how that goes. Last night I finally got there and it goes on "the list"...you know, the list of places you'll keep going back to. We had the duck club...scrumptious...the garlic fries with it...great...mac'n'cheese...probably the best around...brussel sprouts with bacon...mmm...bread pudding so good it should be illegal...and great coffee. They have great beers and a good wine list... The menu is marvellous...can't wait to try the pork belly sandwich... The service superb...thanks Hannah! I didn't get the hostess' name or the busboy's, but they were wonderful also. Go! Relax...Enjoy...I know I'll be back soon.
(5)Erika G.
Neither outrageously good, nor bad. Pleasant, not unpleasant. Didn't sample the food, but by proximity alone, it's a great place to have a drink before a movie at the Davis. The red wine was good. The martinis (after a Bond movie) were not made to the immaculate, ritualistic chilly perfection I enjoy in a martini, I'll stick to Bandera for that. The sorbet was weird. Concord Grape with Thyme. An interesting pairing, but I would have been happy with simply the yummy Concord Grape - I kept thinking "Why Thyme?". It seemed like an experiment just to be different. Still a few ghosts of Square Kitchen lingering. It was surprisingly uncrowded for a late Saturday night, and the staff seemed anxious to close up and get outta there. I'll go back before or after a movie at the Davis, but probably would not go out of my way for this one.
(3)Jeana P.
Fork is our new neighborhood go to restaurant! My husband and I have lived in LS for 6 years. Having been to previously named Square Kitchen and Fiddlehead, we were never raving fans. But Fork is another story! We love the beer selection and wine flights. Windows open onto Lincoln Ave. in warmer weather months, cozy and inviting in cold weather. Food is AMAZING! Hands down favorite is the Duck Liver Mouse. Also enjoy Pork Belly Reuben, Chix Burger, fish specials. Don't let the Charcuterie name scare you, it's just a yummy assortment of cheese, meats, little pickles, gourmet olives, stone ground mustard, etc. Ask for Niko the waiter, you're guaranteed superb service with a friendly face! Finally a gastropub in LS. Well done Fork, great addition to neighborhood that we highly recommend!
(5)Kelly A.
I love Fork. While the fare may not be quite as adventurous as Bongo Room or Orange they still have a menu that is pretty creative and very satisfying. I've enjoyed everything I've had on the menu so far, with the chilaquiles being my favorite. I find the texture is hard to get right and they handle it with mastery. It was among the best I've had in the city and very satisfing. I also appreciate that both time I have dined here they have been more than willing to make substitutions based on my preferences and have either done it for free or charged me marginally based on what I switched. As for the atmosphere, it's good. It can get a bit loud during the prime of brunch, but not so much that you cannot hear your companion. And even though this seems to be a mecca for the stroller-toting set, my experience was always that the kind of parents that go to Fork are respectful of other diners and you don't encounter some of the same problems you get at other kid-friendly places. (i.e.kids running around or yelling/crying loudly.)
(4)V V.
Finally tried this place for the first time. Met two other couples here for dinner on a Friday night and my wife and I will definetely be returning. It was full for a Friday night but not packed in there...each table and patron gets an adequate amount of space. Ambience was nice, wait staff was great. Menu is great with a wide range of appetizers, small plates, and entrees. Our table started with the Duck Poutine (amazing) and the Brussel Sprouts (surprisingly great!). I went with the BBQ Brisket Sandwich on Texas toast. Brisket was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and with just the right amount of leanness to it...it was so good. Wife got the gnocci and she enjoyed it! Wife got a couple glasses of sweet white wine that she loves, and the dirty martinis were made perfectly as well. I hope this place stays around for a while as there are plenty of things on the menu that look unique and tasty. Apparently, their brunch is a must-try as well. Highly recommend!
(4)Zoe G.
I went to Fork last night for night for dinner and it was amazing. Jamie, our server, was extremely knowlegable, attentive and made outstanding recommendations. My friends and I split the gnocchi, pork belly and cheese plate. The gnoochi was rich and delicious with truffle essence. The pork belly with it's cheesy grits was outstanding. The chef sent out complimentary champagne and sorbet at the end of meal. I will definataly be back!
(5)Matt T.
You know, not too shabby Fork. When Fork opened up I was pretty meh about going and the menu looked like every other new spot coming to the city. I read the reviews and they were pretty mixed so it seemed Fork would be fairly mediocre. After my wife and I decided not to drive to Berwyn to try a restaurant out there due to ridiculous Friday night traffic we walked through Lincoln Square just to look for a drink and an app to start out our night. We happened upon Fork and thought what could be so bad about a drink and a small starter. Well, to my surprise, Fork had 3 Floyd's Zombie Dust on tap! The only other place I've had this so far is Maria's in Bridgeport. My wife found a good glass of wine (great selection of beer and wine, I must say) and we were off. After perusing the menu we opted for the warm marinated olives and the chicken liver pate. The olives were fine but a little too warm. They were tasted but a hot olive just doesn't do it for me. However, the pate was phenomenal and came in a nice sized glass mason jar. The only downside is you are given 3 small pieces of toasted crostinis but we were able to request more for no charge. The pate was really smooth and delicious and had a really nice rich flavor. After finishing our pate we decided to stay rather than venture out to somewhere else we had no idea where to go. We split a burger with cheddar and it was really great. We both are burger fans and like to try burgers all over the city. Fork's did not disappoint and was cooked to medium-rare perfection and was really really moist and juicy. House-made chipotle ketchup was already on the very nice bun and we opted for the garlic-cilantro fries for a buck extra. A fine choice but beware as the fries are pretty garlicky. We also appreciated the burger and fries split on two separate plates for us. We find this is a nice bonus when kitchens and servers recognize we are splitting something and do it for us. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fairly attentive and pleasant. They got bogged down a few times and it took a while for us to get their attention on two occasions but it was fine as orders were picking up. There are several other items on the menu that we were looking at and are eager to try next time we go to Fork. We'll definitely be back soon.
(4)Barry B.
My wife and I visited Fork after receiving abysmal service (and no food) at Vermillion. We couldn't have been happier with service and the food. We had an excellent sparkling rose wine and the best mac and cheese I've ever had. Did I mention that our waitress was fantastic? We will definitely be returning to sample the wine flights and cheeses.
(5)James B.
Service was prompt and friendly. 4 course beer pairing menu was good, but heavy on the red meat. The maple, bacon donut was great but that's kind of like dunking on a fisher price basket ball hoop.
(4)Megan K.
Fork is definitely more than three stars, but isn't quite deserving of a true four star ranking. That aside, here's how my recent trip breaks down: I made a reservation for 7pm on a Thursday night, and the restaurant was about half full when I arrived. Not quite necessary, but it's nice to accrue those opentable points! The drinks: My friend and I both decided to try one of their wine flight offerings. I opted for the Pinot Noir flight, and I was satisfied with it. The wines obviously weren't outstanding, but they weren't the cheapest swill from the bottom of the barrel of wine selections. We asked the waiter for his suggestion of a nicer hard cheese that would pair well with our wine, and he recommended the Three Year Cheddar which was wonderfully tangy and had a nice subtle undertone of herbs. I was a fan of this and it was served with a few pieces of bread, apple, and candied pecans. The food: We decided to share a few small plates and settled on the root vegetable hash and one of their specials. The vegetable hash was amazing--I adore fall vegetables and I liked their unique spin on the vegetables. They lightly sauteed celery root, carrots, parsnips, fennel, sweet potatoes and onions and topped it with fresh arugula and a fried egg. The vegetables were well seasoned and weren't doused in butter or an oil, and the fried egg on top made the dish very savory and slightly rich. I could have eaten this alone and been satisfied. But... I'm glad I didn't! The special of the evening was a pheasant sausage with squash, green beans, and light beans. The pheasant was lightly spiced and sliced thin among the vegetables. It had a similar overall seasoning on the dish as the vegetable hash, and the only "alarming" fact of this is my concern that all their dishes may be seasoned similarly. That aside, it all was very tasty and my friend and I enjoyed every bite. The service: They were prompt, but certainly not friendly. The waiter seemed a bit put out when we asked for a recommendation on the cheese. The atmosphere: Not too loud, not too quiet. I loved how we weren't sandwiched in to the point of hearing what the tables around us were saying. Major points there. I'll definitely be back to try their beer list and their brunch. Hopefully my next experiences will boost up the rating to the four stars that it has almost achieved in my eyes.
(3)Bobby G.
Everything here seems to look and sound way better than it tastes. I'm talking especially to you garlic-cilantro fries. Seriously this might be one of the most aestetically pleasing letdowns in the north side. Even their fine cheese and meat selection is overpriced for the tiny portion you get. The beer selection is a ok though. The only thing that was really great was the pork belly. Beware,it's heavy so if you eat the entire thing you'll feel the way that I imagine pregnant women feel. Which is, like you have a baby in your stomach.
(3)Risa B.
I have been a fan of this place since they were Fiddlehead. Fork does everything well! Favorites include: Their candied bacon snacks, PBLT (Pork Belly sandwich), the mussels, duck club sandwich ~ And - I am a huge fan of the cheese plate and wine flight - this place does it right! Beyond all the fantastic food on the regular menu - on of their best dishes is on the dessert menu! They have a Sticky toffee dessert that will make your life! Go - Enjoy!
(5)Catherine L.
My experience at Fork proved that good service really does make a difference. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, was very enthusiastic about the food, and even gave suggestions as to different beers to order based on our initial orders. I really wish I could remember her name. Anyway, we started off with the French charcuterie flight, which is comprised of saucisson sec (salami), pate de champagne and magret fume (smoked duck breast). I was not a huge fan of magret fume, but I would eat the pate everyday if I could. The saucisson sec was also delicious, but the pate was simply amazing. We also shared the spring vegetable ragout, the braised pork belly, and the seared diver scallops. My only real complaint is about the order in which the food came out. The braised pork belly came out at the same time as the charcuterie, which we ate first, so it was no longer hot by the time we ate it. Regardless, it was cooked very well and the cheese grits had a wonderfully smooth texture. The seared scallops came out second and were equally as delicious. They may have been ever so slightly overcooked, but I didn't notice. The vegetable ragout came out last, although I think it should have come out first. It also wasn't the best note on which to end the night. This is not to say that it was not good, but it definitely was not amazing. Overall, it was a great experience. I would be happy to eat there again.
(4)Jenny K.
A nice brunch spot that was buzzing with activity even on a day so cold you'd think everyone would be anchored to the couch, ensconced in a snuggie or slanket of choice. Extremely attentive service - water guy, server, and manager each checked on us multiple times. Fresh, delicious food. Only drawbacks: portion size a little small for the price and limited vegetarian-friendly options.
(4)Bobby H.
I've been to Fork .. I'm almost embarrassed to admit this .. three times in the past 10 days. But, no, I'm not embarrassed by that. This place is amazing. I've been here on a date, for an impromptu late dinner with friends, and a planned birthday celebration. Every experience was very impressive, from the food and drinks to the quality and timeliness of service. Each of our three different servers were very friendly without being overbearing, and all were very knowledgeable about both the food choices as well as the extensive and impressive list of beers and wines. Food was always brought promptly, even when the place was packed, and everything is very fresh and of high quality. Menu items tried (and enjoyed): House-smoked Brisket Sauteed Brussel Sprouts Braised Pork Belly (I would get this again just for the cheddar grits. Wow.) Duck Confit Poutine Belgian/French Mussels Various Cheese / Charcuterie Plates I thought after being there a third time that we would be burned out by this place, but each time it leaves a better impression. Next up: Need to try the Chicken and Waffles.
(5)David G.
I recently went with my girlfriend to eat at "Fork" for Sunday brunch. We made a reservation and actually got real good parking which I hear can be a problem. As we walked in we were promptly escorted to our table with no wait. The waitress was almost instantly there to wait on us and ask us if we wanted drinks which was nice. I ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. Now.. its very hard to mess up Fried Chicken and Waffles.... but with that said the meal was excellent. My girlfriend ordered a couple egg dishes that she thoroughly enjoyed. I left the place extremely full, to the point where it was hard to breath haha. Only reason that I give it 4 stars was the price. My orange juice cost $3.50... everything else was steep as well. All in all... I would recommend it and go back.
(4)Pamela P.
Stay away from the brunch here. It's terrible. Awful. Uncoordinated. Un-tasty (yes, I did just make that word up). Sub-par. Disappointing. First of all, as far as their vegetarian-friendly options, it's a proverbial desert. There's not much for the non-meaters. In somewhat of a tree-huggery area, this isn't very acceptable. We started off with coffee, served in a mug, and we should have nursed that java because to get a refill was equivalent of trying to get blood out of a turnip. Not seeing many options on the menu that suited my tastes, I ordered two eggs with no potatoes and with a bagel and cream cheese. I was told that they can't do "no potatoes" and that the bagel and cream cheese was $2.50. And "what about your toast? You know we still charge you for it." Never mind, I thought, just give me the bagel and cream cheese. I then pressed if I could get a side of the eggs. The waitress looked at me perplexed, walked away without warning and returned saying they could. Very well then, that was my order. The other half ordered some scramble with sausage and toast and potatoes. Two minutes after ordering, my side of over easy eggs arrives. I looked at the server perplexed. I tell him, that's part of my order and questioned if the other food was coming because 1) I didn't want to eat alone and 2) how could I even eat runny eggs with just a fork.... The server ignored me and off he went. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the food comes and the waitress just casually says "Sorry 'bout the eggs." The bagel was old. The cream cheese was lowfat Philadelphia cheese. $2.50 for that? What a rip off. My other half thought his food was terrible. Dry, old eggs with terrible tasting sausage. Dry and old toast without so much as even jam or jelly (on the side, as advertised). Then minutes later, the waitress brings us our bill. What a terrible place. No apologizes for the mix-ups, no refills on the coffee and really bad food. For that price, you'd be better off going somewhere fancy and being served with more respect and better food. Period.
(1)Moyah M.
I would eat here everyday of I could brunch, lunch and dinner. The mac n cheese is awesome, the little bacon bits are a nice touch. The filet mignon sliders are crazy amazing. Get the fries. Yum. They are known for a huge and vast wine selection. They have a great wait staff attentive but not overbearing. I love you Fiddleheads. PS. The best Sangria in Chicago. Truly. I'm so serious.
(5)Brian S.
Went on Father's Day for brunch with a group of 4. Called at 11am and was told we'd have no wait as long as we were there before noon (after that, a 5 - 10 min wait). They were really friendly and helpful on the phone. When we arrived (just around noon), they sat us right away outside. Ordered a bloody mary to start. Asked for it medium spice to be safe. When it wasn't quite spicy enough, the waitress was really great about taking it into the bar for a bit more Sriracha. I ordered the chicken & waffles. The food came out within a very acceptable amount of time. There was a light drizzle of butter on the waffles which was not too over powering. There was a great crust and crunch on the fried chicken and the candied bacon made it really special. One piece of the chicken ended up being a bit too red for me (I'm sure it's unusual). I asked another waitress to find our server so I could explain. Instead, the other waitress offered to help me right there on the spot (before knowing my issue -- stellar). She immediately offered to take the chicken and half-eaten waffle away and bring me an entire new order--that's service you don't often get these days. And she did it with a smile. When the new plate arrived, our serve came by to make sure it was alright. The other dishes at the table were also top notch. Great teamwork! You really should try this place.
(4)Andy K.
Looks like "Fiddlehead" has now become "Fork". My prior review no longer applies, but I'm leaving it up in hopes that the old Manager from Fiddlehead reads it again and decides to actually jump off that bridge he's been thinking about.
(4)Andrea D.
I've only been here for brunch, so I can't comment on dinner or lunch foods but the brunch.. it is very yummy. I had a waffle with the apple compote and cinnamon butter. Man that cinnamon butter is the yummiest thing. I think I could have that waffle every day. I also had a drink called.. what was it called? Brunch punch?? It was boozy without being overly boozy and citrusy and refreshing on a Sunday morning. My friend Sara had the hangover helper and she thought it was delish as well. It's a pretty good place to go and located near the Davis theater, so I imagine it makes a convenient place to get a bit before or after a movie.
(4)Bradley S.
Partner and I stopped here for brunch after checking out two applefests Saturday. We chose the place because of their eclectic menu and sidewalk seating. I started off with a bellini; Partner with coffee. I pretty much knew what I wanted by the time we were seated (duck confit hash); Partner took his time. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and didn't seem the least annoyed with our liesurely pace. Partner finally ordered the Farmhouse Burger (bacon, egg and burger). He thouroughly enjoyed his burger: I was very happy with the hash. I wasn't thrilled with his fries. While the price point is a tad above our normal weekly brunch rotation, we'll not hesitate to return.
(4)Melissa S.
I recently had dinner here with a friend. My intention was to eat, drink and spend too much, and I was successful. The food was all very tasty. The lamb small plate was the clear winner of the evening, I found myself embarrassingly sucking on the bones when all the meat was gone. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the artichoke; I found it too difficult to eat. I feel that when you're paying that much for a vegetable, a kitchen should at least bother to remove the inedible parts. I enjoyed how their menu was arranged to make sharing very easy, and the pre-arranged flights and pairings made ordering easy. Next time I'll be ordering the ganache cake paired with the raspberry lambic, that is just genius. The booze was good. We enjoyed our cocktails and wine flight. The only complaint here was that all of the cocktails seemed very summery. Something to match the Autumn outside would have been great. The atmosphere, however, was in line with the colder weather, and the fireplace helped me settle in and relax. Service was excellent and the opposite of pushy. I think they were trying to let us sit back and enjoy, which was just fine. Our server was really great with my friend's gluten intolerance and went out of his way to make her feel at ease. I must say I love a restaurant that cares about catering to restricted diets. I'll be back!
(4)Megan B.
As Scarlett used to say, "fiddle-dee-dee!" Roughly translating to, "I don't care what everyone thinks, I will do as I please!" To channel this woman of great personal strength, I say, "Fiddlehead, you are a fine establishment. While I appreciate you introducing me to the smokey joy of duck confit, I don't believe you are anything special. And even though everyone else seems to think you are God's gift to brunch, I don't buy it." Cute decor/ambiance. Standard "fancy" new American fare, with a price tag to match. Solid bloody mary's. Waitresses with 'tude. Nice but relatively cramped outdoor seating. Basically, overpriced and undwerwhelming. 'Nuf said.
(2)Garrett G.
I have been here for brunch a few times. The food never disappoints. Today I went with the pork belly sandwich with garlic fries and everything was fantastic. It is a big place so waiting hasn't been an issue. The juices are a bit expensive for the size but that is my only complaint.
(4)Ron P.
First time to Fork this past Sunday evening. Being new to Chicago this place blew us away but so is most of Chicago's best spots that we are getting to know. Fork is a culinary treat. Big flavors in everything we tried and a huge wine and beer selection to match. Their cheese selection is vast so we tried 5 different ones...hard, goat, sheep...they were all excellent. Our server Jamie was a perfect blend of informative, attentive and patient for being first timers...explained the menu concept well and her suggestions gave us a good sampling of the fare. Beet salad was full of complex flavors and delicious. Fork "poutine" and brisket were excellent. We are definitely going back to explore further.
(4)Kendrah R.
Good place to grab a beer, would not go back for dinner. Four of us went to dinner. The food was edible, for the most part, but unimpressive. The service was really substandard. Our waitress knew nothing about the menu. She had to come back four times before taking our order because each time she forgot to ask the one question of the kitchen. She never once came to check on us after we got our food. My husband had mussels that were super unimpressive, the sauce was nothing and the mussels just didn't taste fresh. His thinking "If you want to eat mussels why would you ever eat here if you could go to the Hopleaf instead?" I had a burger. It was tasty and the pickles that came with it were great. And it came with tons of fries. It was supposedly local meat but I have my doubts - it just didn't taste that fresh or lean. I also thought, 'If I want a good, local meat burger and am in Lincoln Square, I'd rather have one at Bistro Campagne'. A friend had a pork belly sandwich that was pure fat. Now of course this is pork belly, but still, it was inedible for her. Another friend ate a pork belly sandwich and devoured it. When I asked if they could make the roasted beets without goat cheese (sometimes it is just too heavy and I want my veggies just veggies) they said 'No.' This leads me to believe that much of their food is not made to order. In a restaurant with these prices it should be. I was unimpressed with this place when it was Fiddlehead and am equally unimpressed now. I would not bother going back for dinner. They do have a really good beer list though.
(3)Christa V.
Really yummy food, friendly eager-to-please service on a busy summer night. We sat outdoors but the cozy vibe of the interior dining rooms washed over us. We started with small plates (those pretzel bites are delish!), went on to small entrees (mussel special, one of three mussel choices, nice and fresh and well-sauced) and sandwiches (duck club! hooray!), and ended with seasonal/local berry dessert specials that were gorgeous. Great selection of cheese and charcuterie -- very Euro! Any adult beverage you want, they've got it and it's good. :-) Definitely coming here again soon, and to enjoy the fireplace in the winter.
(4)Jeryl C.
We were seated promptly by the open air windows, which was delightful. Our server, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable, answered all our questions patiently, and made suggestions when requested. The garlic/cilantro fries were mouthwatering, accompanied by a delicious aolli (sp). The gnocchi was the sweetest, most melt-in-your-mouth delicioiusness I've ever tasted. I felt cheated because I desperately wanted to try more small plates but I was simply too stuffed! IMHO prices were modest. I will definitely return to Fork as I enjoyed one of my favorite meals ever!!
(5)Stefanie U.
Great place to hang out at the bar for a cocktail or two and small bite to eat.
(4)Aimee D.
I just went here tonight with my family (which included our 10 month old) and we had a great time. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and even though this is a wine bar (I tasted one of their wine flights) it's also very kid friendly (granted, we arrived at 6pm). Everything on the menu looked delicious. I ordered the beet salad which was great and then the pork belly main course which was wonderful. I didn't partake in dessert like the rest of my family did, thanks to my Lenten sacrifice, but it looked like I missed out - a sacrifice indeed. This is a place where I can take my child to eat, but also feel as though I'm going "out to dinner" with other grownups. We will be back for sure.
(5)Omar K.
Solid place for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and overall good menu with a nice variety. I would say they can definitely skimp on the portions at times and also when they are busy they seem to run out of quite a few things. Wait staff is for the most part extremely friendly, except for a few newcomers. Give this place a try, chances are you'll like it.
(4)Amanda M.
I've been here twice, both times on a Sunday. They have great meals, good bloody Marys and decent service. Typically find it gets crowded with the church crowed around 11.
(4)Claire S.
I'm writing this review based off of a brunch experience I had at Fork. First of all, based on the decor and menu items, it didn't seem to me like this place knows exactly what it wants to be. I understand they offer a little bit of everything, but it seems like they're trying to be too many things--a brunch/lunch spot, dinner place, and wine bar with a large beer selection. Maybe they do a good job at one of these things, but it wasn't the brunch. My gripes: -$5 for a small plate of "seasonal fruit" which equaled pineapple, blueberries, and cantelope. Not exactly what I would deem seasonal and probably just purchased in bulk. -Multiple pieces of silverware with gunk and crust on them -Lame brioche French toast that I could have done up better -Cold rye toast--I know it's difficult to keep toast hot, but this was so cold that no butter would even melt on it. What was OK: -Service -Florentine benedict--this was pretty tasty. Although this place is conveniently located to my apartment, I probably won't be back and can't really recommend it, especially not for brunch.
(2)Paul E.
We had very little time before a concert, but we were graciously and promptly seated, had the Mushroom Soup and Crowd Pleaser Cheese Flight, and left happy all around. We even got a takeaway tin of the Persian Feta for Christmas. Our waitress was most accommodating and pleasant without being overbearing or intrusive. All the pressure of the hurry melted away. Bravo! And the concert was great too. (Our last visit was when this spot was Fiddlehead, so were delighted to see the tradition continuing in this new form.)
(4)Heather E.
I love the atmosphere and I maintain that this is a great place to go for a drink with a friend- relatively quiet, great lighting, bar with seats usually available, and an extensive beer and wine list. As for the restaurant part of fork, it is good, but a bit unmemorable. During our recent trip we started off dinner with their ricotta honeycomb appetizer. It was really very good, but the problem was they only gave us 4 small pieces of toast for a rather large jar of ricotta. Our waitress later noticed that we had a lot of ricotta left and not a lot of bread, so she kindly brought more. As a tip though, bread is cheap, so I would overestimate and make people happy right off the bat. For dinner, I had the brisket sandwich, which was very tasty- I even enjoyed the sauce, which is not always the case. My husband was a little less impressed with his entree. He ordered the house gnocchi, which in his usual poetry he described as "tasting pretty much like it sounds on the menu". He got the larger portion, which I think still left him hungry, and he spent most of dinner gazing longingly at the grilled cheese and tomato soup one table over...
(4)Saira C.
Came here on Halloween before a party for dinner. The crowd there is really weird. I was in a non revealing costume, yet all the tables nearby seemed really bothered by our presence. It was super weird. The waitress was kinda grumpy to us too. The ambiance is like some kind of mu-zack contemporary jazz and dark lighting. Like 50+ age bracket, and stuffy young people. I'm into the older crowd, but the stuffiness... hrm. It was okay. I didn't particularly care for the feeling or air in there if that makes sense. Just not for me. The food was pretty good though, and I would do take out if they offer it!!
(3)erika s.
i hate that this is an "update" to my previous review. the owners of this place changed the name, branding, decor and menu and they deserve to be disassociated with fiddlehead. as much as i don't mean that to sound like a backhanded compliment, it prolly does. this place is so great! i'm so excited. apparently the owners have been working with a new chef over the past year and have some of the same menu items, but overall the thing is 100% different. they have done their homework and i can't compliment them enough. in fact, i almost tracked them down today to say how much i enjoyed my experience here this time. the only real indicator for me that it was the same people before i asked the waitress was the wine list--same hilarious icons. i would be willing to design new ones for there is interest. house cured citrus salmon was superb. can't wait to have again. yes. the beer list: extensive. i tasted one of the brown beers--the rocky revenge brown--super yummy. cheese/charcuterie: tasted-- Smoked duck breast--too gamey for me, but my dining partner loved Serrano ham St andre cows milk Kunik triple cream goat milk--sooo good. wow. Persian feta--not bad i loved that they didn't skimp on the pairings--we got apples, pickles, candied walnuts, taosted bread and bread w raisins i got the Metropolis coffee--they didn't have soy which i would have liked--the coffee was way too strong. i drink strong coffee at home and i didn't finish my cup here. this was literally the only thing i wasn't 100% pleased with so in the scheme of things not such a big deal. Good service and hostess--totally important as you can have great food and bad service and you're totally ruined. so excited to have a new fave place for brunch and charcuterie/drinks.
(5)Lauren B.
It's so strange to me that two people can have two completely different reviews of a restaurant when they dined there on the same night and ordered the same thing on the menu (I'm referring to the post from 10/14/2010 with two stars)... I visited Fiddlehead last night for the second time and once again, had a great meal with great service. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chef at the end of the meal. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi was outstanding. I think some people have and idea in their mind about what traditional gnocchi should be as far as texture and shape go. Even though the gnocchi at Fiddlehead is a departure from the norm, it is fantastic and must be experienced. The beer selection here is also great and very moderately priced for what it is. We wanted to try something new and our server recommended a couple of beers to us that were exactly what we were looking for. She was very knowledgable. We booked our rehersal dinner there last night and will be returning many more times before the event!
(5)Lakshmi R.
My first visit here was B.Y.E. (Before Yelp Era--that is, my pre-Yelping days) and some time ago, so sadly the details have been lost. But the memory was strong: a delicious flight of cheeses shared with a good friend and paired with a delicious sparkling wine. A memory strong and good enough for me to suggest to my boyfriend that we head there on a little date. And what a yummy date it was! We selected a Parmesan from Wisconsin (lightly fruity) the Ossau Iraty and Valdeon (rich sheep's milk cheese), the O'Banon (wrapped in chestnut leaves!) and best of all, the Green Peppercorn, a spicy goat's milk cheese. Paired with fruit and bread, we were knocked over with pleasure. As for alcohol, I stuck with bubbly wine. The bf picked out an intriguing, citrusy beer after much hemming and hawing: the beer list is massive! Yeah, I think a third visit is in order.
(4)Peter S.
we soured on Fork after the shift from Fiddle Head awhile back but urging from our friends convinced us to give it another chance. we sat at the bar and had a flight of Spicy Reds (Mellody's drink of choice) and i had a very well made Manhattan with Bakers 7 y.o. bourbon. we decided to just eat some small plates, i started with the kale salad, a special that was out of this world! homemade gingerbread croutons, candied walnuts and squash. If its on the menu when you get there you must try it. we also had Mac and Cheese, pork belly slider and a gnocci with scallops. All excellent and well worth the price. so after a little hiatus, we'll now put Fork back into the rotation.
(4)Cynthia F.
The service is usually pretty good, and the food is always delicious. Things to try: the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup combo, the burger with sriracha aioli for the fries, and my favorite, the chilaquiles. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Russell K.
Finally, the gastropub concept has come to Lincoln Square. The food was great. I loved being able to order a cheese flight for an appetizer. The atmosphere is classy and nice. The only failing the place had was that the temperature was way too high because of the fireplace (I think). I hope they can fix that.
(4)Mindy S.
My review will provide a fresh look at Fork (as I had never visited Fiddlehead)... wow!! I loved it and my tablemates did too. Let me just say that the hostess, host, waitresses, and everybody else who helped us out were so kind and friendly. We were able to sit outside with no wait, and were attended to throughout the meal. The food - yum! Seriously, the fried chicken and waffles were a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and a little salty to make you want to order a second plate. The duct confit hash with 2 eggs over easy was a great alternative to the traditional brunch hash, with a nice amount of duck. The potatoes in the hash could have been just a little more cooked for my liking, but the dish was spot on. The bloody marys were good - be sure to ask for yours spicy, as the "medium" we asked for was considered too mild for the table. If the brunch at Fork is any indication of the lunch/dinner quality, be sure to give it a try for any meal.
(4)Susana D.
Hilariously effete poutine features tableside pours of cheese sauce and gravy (okay, it's true; when classic poutine arrives, it does rather look like a dog's breakfast), but the shredded duck was tender without that metalic taste duck too often has. Imaginative venison flatbread special. Fine list of brews including ciders. Nice groove.
(3)P M.
Cute yes, cozy for sure! Have an event for friends and family no way! Guests should never have to ask for a portion because plates are served with not enough quantity for each! The food was good if you could get any! When you serve family style there should be enough for everyone in the party? I mean LESS than a half a slice of french toast per person? Really seems they might be taking advantage of the party atmosphere or maybe just not very experienced accommodating parties! Not very good impression if you want returns!
(2)Kathy S.
Brunch = GREAT Dinner - Meh. Food was disappointing for everyone in my group, but we LOVED the beer sampler.
(3)Sonata B.
Went to Fork today foor Father's Day and the food was so good!! (garlic cilantro fries and the egg scramble) I would've given them five stars but the wait was not the best. We waited 25 minutes for our drinks and additional 30 minutes for our food. I really didn't mind because of the atmosphere of the place: nice artwork on the wall and people watching on Lincoln Ave. I do want to return soon to see what's on there dinner menu :)
(4)Alex A.
I can't comment on the food because my husband and I went for drinks. They have a huge, very diverse beer menu. The bartender was extremely knowledgable about beer. This is a new fave spot and I look forward to trying more "strange" beers, including some of the beer flights.
(4)Caroline M.
I've been meaning to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a long time and finally tried it out last night. The weather yesterday was so nice and they had their outdoor seating up and going and their big front windows wide open. My friend and I were seated in the back room which was really cute. Exposed brick walls and interesting photography made for a cozy dining experience. We are both big fans of wine flights, so we started the evening off with a flight, which were reasonably priced between $11-14. We also couldn't pass up on the cheeses which included some great raisin bread (I don't even like raisins!) and some awesome little spiced pecans. And since the soup of the day was asparagus (my favorite veggie) I had to give it a try. It was the only downfall of the night. Slightly under seasoned and not at all thickened. However, the duck confit in phyllo made up for it. I have never met duck confit that I haven't liked. My friend and I shared the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream, which was really rich and a great way to finish the meal. Our server was very friendly and made some great suggestions for us. I would definitely come back to Fiddlehead for some wine flights and cheese. It's a cute place to relax and have some good conversations over food and wine.
(4)Grace C.
I want to give 3 stars for the food menu, and 5 for the booze menu, so I will just have to settle on 4 overall. I did not realize they had changed, sort of, from Fiddlehead until I showed up the other night. Mostly the same, although now they are focusing more on tastings; wine, beer, cheeses, small plates of all sorts. Their beer list is now awesome. I am not a huge wino so I can't comment on the wine selection other than that it is large. They have some really good flights put together for both beer and wine; I love themed beer flights! Get one. The food is tasty, well presented, seemingly made with fresh ingredients, but lacking in variety. There is not much available for a vegetarian, which is fine, of course, just don't plan on much variety in the full entree department if you are not a carnivore. Would be perfect for a light lunch for the purpose of cheese tasting. Friendly and attentive hostess and waitstaff! I really appreciate staff that is knowledgable but not pretentious at these types of establishments. Way to go.
(4)Georgio M.
I have to say, I've found myself frequenting this very intimate restaurant more and more, simply because the food is great. On my last visit, I ordered roasted chicken with veggies. It took a while to get served, but that was probably because I went on a Friday night. My dish was well worth the wait. I've had a lot of chicken at many places, but never as good as Fiddle head's roasted selection. It was fresh, juicy and yes, yummy. My date ordered her usual Mac and Cheese, with pink salmon. Their cooks must really use some secret ingredients because I their fish taste very good. I might also add they have an excellent selection of wine from around the world. The Atmosphere Fiddlehead has a quiet, romantic, laid back front room with open windows during warmer months. If you are able to call ahead, or even request a window seat, then you will really have a wonderful time. They keep the room very dimly lit, which is nice because you can focus on your date. They usually play soft, ambient music in the back which does not disturb the meal. If you are in the Lincoln Square area & and looking for a good restaurant, this is the perfect place.
(4)Lulu R.
Fiddlehead=Fork? That's OK that you changed names. The food is fantastic so you can do whatever you want. These people can call this place "don't come here" and heards of people will still come. Fork is nestled in the B-E-A-utiful Lincoln Square Village. Obviously there was no parking but it was a nice day for a walk because he ended parking far. Me and my friend had drank the night before so we were a bit hungover. We managed to crawl out of bed and get our asses there for this food...so my expectations were set high. It was brunch time and the place was packed. Its OK, never fret, they have this waiting area with couches and they brought my hungover self some water. I was so comfy talking with my friend over a cup of water on comfy couches. The hostess came over and asked if we needed anything while we waited (how sweet) and that the server was cleaning off our table and would be back to get us shortly. There are two rooms decorated very "homely" and modernly. They have a bar you can also sit at but can be very dangerous while at brunch. We were seated at a table with the perfect amount of sunshine to top off my day. I laid eyes upon the menu and fell in love. I looked around and saw what everyone was getting. Chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. My friend said he was def getting chicken and waffles so I know I could mooch off of his. I ended up deciding of soft scrambled eggs with truffle oil and shitake mushrooms with a triangle of puff pastry. BEST DECISION EVER!!! As a guilty starter, we ordered the garlic cilantro fries served with a siracha...yes i said siracha.... aioli. AMAZING. I know you might be worried about the breath factor but as they as, 2 garlics cancel out each other. Trust me, WORTH IT. They also serve mimosas, Bellini's, and champagne. (BRUNCH EXTRAVAGANZA). The chicken and waffles can out with some candied bacon on top with a warm fluffy waffle. The candied bacon was a perfect addition to it. The chicken was fried golden and was so juicy. I never knew how much they complimented each other with maple syrup all over them. The truffled soft scrambled eggs with shitakke mushrooms and a puff pastry triangle was simply described best as a life changing experience. The flavors in the truffle eggs with shitakke mushrooms was so developed and subtle at the same time. The eggs were cooked perfectly soft but not runny or disgusting. The puff pastry was an added touch that complimented it perfectly. Our server was amazing and the whole team looked really laid back and loved what they do. I know there is no dress code but it seemed a bit more than your regular Sunday sweatpants so bust out your good jeans and sport coat. If i could make up my own dress code, I would say, trendy casual. The pricing is pretty reasonable for the Lincoln Square area. I enjoyed my visit there from beginning to end. I plan to return in the future to try those Eggs Florentine. Who is coming with me?
(4)brittany s.
Fiddlehead is the best place in the neighborhood for drinks, in my opinion. The wine list is amazing, they have a great selection of flights and the beer selection is great too. I had a great cocktail last night (I think it's called an "Elderflower Royale" and it was AMAZING. It is a pretty pricey, though, so we usually only have a couple of drinks there before moving on. I've never actually eaten there, besides trying the hummus appetizer (which was great!) but the food looks delicious and I'd love to go back for brunch.
(5)Paige W.
Wow, I wrote my first review for Fiddlehead even BEFORE I spent almost an entire summer drinking there at the bar. You think I exaggerate, but let's ponder how else everyone who works there knows my name... Congratulations, Fiddlehead. You just earned your fifth star. I've always adored this place: Amazing wine selection, friendly servers and bartenders, chill soundtrack, great patio. Up the street from my apartment (yeah, I'm biased). Oh, and cheese. Sweet Jesus, the cheese. But the food never really got me. Brunch was too sticky-sweet; dinner was too salty. And everything was too expensive. Though, for that, I blame the neighborhood. And the nearby Old Town School for bringing all those ritzy North Shore people down for guitar lessons. And then...!!!! Fiddlehead got a new chef. Which I found out about when one of the kitchen staff walked by with a plate full of French fries, a potent punch of roasted garlic floating behind it. Those, friends, were the new garlic cilantro fries. I got an order for myself and was in seventh heaven -- though my breath went straight to the seventh circle of hell, I'd imagine. The chef came from a French restaurant and has incorporated a lot of those flavors and techniques into Fiddlehead's revamped menu. I haven't tried a lot of it, though, because I still can't really afford to dine at Fiddlehead as much as I'd like. Ah, but wait. Enter the new weekday specials. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fiddlehead becomes affordable for broke kids like me. Tuesdays: $8 wine flights. Wednesdays: $5 burgers, $8 specialty burgers and $1 off any draft beer. Thursday: FREE CHEESE NIGHT. Sweet Jesus. Order a cheese plate to eat there; take home the same amount for free to enjoy later. Um. Let me back up and discuss Wednesday. I ordered a burger with cheddar, fried onion straws, bourbon barbecue sauce and an impossibly soft, toasted brioche bun for $8. Is there anything higher than seventh heaven? Because I was there. As a Kansas City girl, I'm mighty picky about my barbecue sauces, and ohgoodlord. So, try that. Plus, Ephemere on tap? (And a buck off on Wednesdays?) The newly pumped-up beer selection at Fiddlehead has put them toe to toe with Hopleaf, as far as I'm concerned, minus the snobbery, bad lighting and thunderous din. Actually, the lighting's still bad, but it's much more pleasant at Fiddlehead. If you tried Fiddlehead before and weren't too impressed, give them another try. You won't be sorry.
(5)Jen S.
I decided to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews, and wasn't disappointed. I had a cheese tasting, which was very good. And tried the candied bacon (bacon as a side dish? yes, please!) but we weren't huge fans of it. I had a salmon dish that was on their specials menu, and my boyfriend had the brisket sandwich both of which were very good. Service was on point and I loved all the flights, wine and beer.
(4)Marta P.
Went here for brunch today. It was pretty good. Ordered the Bellini, which I would get again. Also tried the truffle eggs and chorizo scramble. Both were great. The chorizo scramble was served with the most amazing garlic potatoes. The crowd was not too bad and we got there at about 10:30 on a Saturday and left just in time because we heard some screaming kids on our way out. Fork seemed pretty low key and it catered to both families and just your average brunch crowd.
(4)Michele K.
I had high hopes for Fork, a newer addition to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. With visions of tasty wine flights and a few apps, a friend and I headed there and were definitely disappointed several times throughout our experience. First, our wine flights were served in extremely spotted/dirty wine glasses. Most likely these were water spots but it was quite unappealing. We sheepishly asked for new glasses and definitely were made to feel funny about this (I don't know that I've ever asked for a new glass before). We ordered three appetizers to share. The first was the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread which was tasty but had a bit too much oil and salt. The second was the Eggplant Caviar which was okay. We waited for over 40 minutes for our third appetizer to be served. Finally we asked for our check and said we'd like to cancel our third appetizer. The waiter said that it was on it's way and it would be on him since we had waited so long. At least 10 minutes later, it was finally served. Sadly, Fork is not a place I would return to based upon poor timing of service, dirty glasses and lackluster food. I hope that Brunch is better and that other customers have had better experiences...
(1)Jaime G.
Another great place in Lincoln Square. This area is has so many great little bars and new restaurants that makes me jealous that i don't live here. The fiddlehead is a great little spot with a monster beer and wine list and fun and inventive menu. it's a bit small but perfect to get some good attention that from the staff - which is good already. Haven't had their full menu but i did have a great experience at brunch. Had the truffled eggs with shitake mushrooms, truffled goat cheese, arugula, and puff pastry. Really good and seemingly unique. The rest of their menu looked good and would love to go back.
(4)Tita P.
Updated because 4 stars were just not a enough!! Cozy Environment.....check Great Service....check Yummy food....check Nuff said!!
(5)jenny m.
There are two things that I love about Fiddlehead that keep me coming back time and time again. The first (and most obvious), it's a wine bar and I love me some wine. The second (and I should preface by saying that all but one time I have sat at the bar), the consistent and always spectacular service. I've been there at least a dozen times and the service never fails to impress me. There are 4 or 5 different bartenders I've encountered and they are always friendly, attentive & helpful, but without ever being too in your face. I really think the owner puts a huge emphasis on hiring a certain type of server and it pays off. There are other places in the neighborhood I could go for a good glass of wine, but I generally just default to Fiddlehead because I trust that I will always be treated good there (especially if you are by yourself, they take really good care of you). And beer lovers don't despair, the beer list has gotten pretty extensive, I would say close to 100 beers on the menu now. So you can go with your wine loving friends and enjoy a cold one (or many, no ones judging). As far as the food goes, it's not been my focus there. I tend to just get an app or two and nibble while I make my way through a wine flight. But what I've had is good and I did hear they recently changed chef's and are changing up the menu a bit and they do have a few things I will be trying soon enough.
(5)Jo W.
So, I came back for brunch here a few weeks ago, and... well, it was different than I remembered. The menu had completely changed since the previous time I'd been here, which I guess is normal for a restaurant. But it seemed a lot smaller, and nothing really stood out to me. I had been so excited to come back and eat at the restaurant that made me like gravy for the first time in 29 years (see previous review), but it's not even on the menu anymore. Sadness. I eventually went with french toast and it was not great. At all. It was very soggy, and didn't have a lot of flavor. In fact, the only thing I could taste were the flavors from the apples that topped my food. So basically I was eating flavorless soggy bread and... well, that's no fun. I ordered a side of bacon (because I can't brunch without bacon), and it also was not good. It tasted like someone had popped some Oscar Meyer bacon in the microwave. Sigh, really? I can do that myself at home. I just remembered this place being good, and my brunch just wasn't. And maybe it's the new menu, maybe it was an off day... who knows. For what it's worth, my friend really enjoyed her egg dish - I think she got the truffled eggs. Her daughter got the kid's PB&J, which comes toasted, which the menu doesn't note. Luckily her 3 year old was having a non-picky day (you know how kids are), and ate it. The PB&J came with really greasy fries which she also gobbled right up. The mimosas were just as weak as I remembered them, but bonus - and the only reason I gave 3 stars and not 2 - they didn't charge us for any of our mimosas, and we had 4 between the two of us. When I first looked at the check I couldn't figure out why it was only $30, and then it dawned on me why. Not sure why we weren't charged, but we appreciated it and our server (who was lovely) got a nice tip for her "error."
(3)Ed M.
This place has a great waitstaff. They were attentive polite and very accommodating. We went on a Sat. for brunch, and there were plenty of tables. Their food is inventive, and they have great drinks. Their bloody mary's have three levels of spice taste amazing. As for those who like beer, they have a pretty extensive list.
(5)Benjamin G.
Best brunch I've had in Chicago! I walked in one day for brunch without really knowing what I had coming. I was quickly greeted by one of the friendly staff and given a table close to the window. Everything in the menu sounded good and I was glad to learn that they serve freshly squeezed orange juice, which I ordered. Then, after some hesitation I made up my mind to try the steak benedicts.....simply amazing! My girlfriend had the truffled scrambled eggs and they were also really good. We have gone back several times after that, always trying one new dish and sharing the steak benedicts, and not a single dish has failed to meet our expectations. I recommend it 100%!
(5)Mike F.
I was tempted to give it five stars. Maybe the fifth star will arrive after I eat there a few more times. But my first two visits were great. It's not that it's a "five star" restaurant. But it's very good in the niche its carved itself as a casual place, yet more upscale than other bar/restaurants in Lincoln Square. It's vibe is more similar to 42 Degrees Latitude than Bad Dog, Daily Bar, etc. (not knocking those places, I like them too). I've had three dishes there that were top-notch: watermelon gazpacho, and both the duck club and beef brisket sandwiches. All of them had outstanding flavors and fresh ingredients that elevated them above similar sandwiches at other places. They're known for their cheese plates, and although I'm not a cheese gourmand, tried one of the cheese flights. The various cheeses were very good, and since it was Thursday night, we got to bring home an equal amount of cheese for free. They have a very extensive wine and beer list. I've never discussed beer pairings with the wait staff, so I can't comment on their knowledge, but the tap and bottle range is very broad. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to try the place, but I'm definitely a fan. It's on the list.
(4)Anne C.
Went to dinner here on a Saturday night with another couple and found that, overall, Fork is a great option for the neighborhood. A couple things that needed work: The online menu sold me on a dish (Moroccan spiced lamb) that unfortunately wasn't on their menu. I was told that the online menu is a "sample menu" but ironically everything else was nearly identical...hmmm...(as of this post, it has been removed). The Cheese Plate - for $12 we expected there would be a little more to it than an apple slice cut in slivers, 4 almonds, and 3 pieces of cheese - each half the size of a slice of American cheese and just as thin. Certainly not enough to share - maybe enough for someone just wanting a 'taste'. Other places are far more generous by comparison. The things that will likely keep me coming back: - Menu variety. The Chicken Burger was surprisingly good that I'd definitely order it again. The French style mussels, Steak Frites and Bread Pudding are also worth a second trip. - Friendly, welcoming staff - The atmosphere was great - warm, lively, and good music was on but not so loud that you couldn't hold a conversation.
(4)natalie v.
Wine flights - the complex reds are my favorite Beer flights - my husband likes these Cheese flights - I prefer the Spanish flight $5 - 1/2 pound burgers (or $8 specialty burgers) on Wednesdays If the above doesn't make you go there, you're lame. I love going here for dinner, for brunch and just for a drink. Their windows open so it's like you're sitting outside while you're inside. Or...you can sit outside if you prefer. The servers are always really cool. The food is always really good. The price is very reasonable.
(4)Preston L.
Great option in in the hood. Very friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, have a flight. Food is always good and the flavours change with the seasons.
(5)Jean C.
Maybe it's just that I'm kind of losing patience with the trendy and upscale sort of places that seem to spring up in, well, trendy and upscale neighborhoods like Lincoln Square and Andersonville, but I have to say that Fiddlehead Cafe underwhelmed me at brunch today. We walked into a restaurant with a lot of open tables, but it took close to half an hour for our party of eight to get seated. And for the life of me I don't know why since if anyone had actually bothered to clean off the empty tables in the front and push them together we could have been seated in ten minutes or less. Once we did get seated, we couldn't get enough menus for everyone. Again, in a restaurant where there are a number of empty tables, and many people already have their meals, why on earth was there some kind of menu shortage? They haven't just opened or started with brunches, it's not like they didn't know they might need a bunch of them. Ditto the cups for coffee or tea. It's not like they didn't know that people might want one or the other with their brunch, but while they seemed to have a nearly limitless supply of glasses for mimosas and champagne, people at our table had to wait for cups. Not long, but there was a lag. Once we ordered, the food came pretty quickly, but there were immediate problems. One of the folks at the table ordered smoked salmon and asked for it without onions, emphasizing that she was very, very allergic to onions. And yeah, it arrived with onions. When she sent it back she asked them to please make sure that they remade the plate because if they just picked the onions off she'd become quite sick. I think that finally got through because she seemed okay through the rest of the meal. And to the credit of the server, it really was handled quickly and politely. Another of our number got the wrong kind of sausage, a mistake less potentially disastrous, but bespeaking a sloppiness which might have been marginally acceptable had the place been jammed, but was absolutely not this morning. And I noticed that the watercress on several of the dishes was wilted, and looked sort of funky. There's just no excuse for that. Leave it off if it doesn't look right. I'd ordered chilaquiles, and what I got tasted okay except that I got lumps of scrambled egg, and tortilla chips that were not only still very crisp but had bonded to each other in difficult-to-cut hunks. And it was cold. I know eggs don't hold heat for very long, but I don't expect the entire dish to be cold. It was topped with some scallions, but very little crema and I didn't see any of the queso mentioned on the menu. Yet another member of our party ordered the banana pancakes and while I didn't ask, I sure didn't see any of the Nutella that was promised. She was also the only person to order pancakes, and yet we got two plates of butter and syrup. I don't know if they expected us to put it on the tortilla chips or something. The bottom line is this: As pleasant as the service was -- and everyone was refreshingly free of the upscale 'tude you get from a lot of servers in these places -- it failed to make up for the fact that there was a lot of sloppiness about the meal. Lack of basics, wrong orders, missing ingredients, ingredients not the freshest and dishes not really well thought out or executed. I don't feel I got my money's worth, frankly. Three stars because there was nothing seriously wrong with either the food or the service, and because I'm feeling more generous now than when I left the place.
(3)Kerry S.
Not sure why I haven't reviewed Fiddlehead yet. Hmmm. I only ate dinner here once years ago when it was a different chef. We go in a lot for drinks and beers because their beer list is spectacular. No gettin' around it. A great bottle selection at a reasonable price, and their draft selection is expanding. I also like their little selection of noshes (blue cheese dip and homemade chips, olives, cheese platters.) We went in a few weeks back for a cocktail, and the bartender (whose name I can't remember now...Chris? Dan? Too much gin?) just got in a new bottle of Aquavit and had a little concoction in his mind he wanted to try out. We lucked out and volunteered to be his guinea pigs. Yum. Aquavit, gin, ginger syrup, bitters, orange zest. So pretty and yummy and potent. Again, this explains why I can't remember this nice gentleman's name. Anyway, I also like the brunch a whole bunch. Great spicy bloody. Perfect poached eggs. The staff can be a little goofy I suppose, but I kinda like that. There's plenty of stale, boring stuff in Lincoln Square, so I like the relaxed feeling of Fiddlehead.
(4)Matthew S.
Been here many times and always a good experience. The food is great - the place is nice and the staff is friendly. We generally sit a the bar and it makes for a nice simple date-night. Enjoy!
(5)Jez E.
Delicious, fresh food with gluten-friendly options in a great atmosphere! Our waitress was incredibly helpful and made us want to come back again and again. Have gluten intolerance? Eat here. Don't have gluten intolerance? Eat here. And drink - the wine flights are nice and come with labels you can take home; the beer menu is also good. The extensive cheese list made for a tasty ending to our meal. Overall, an excellent and refreshing addition to Lincoln Square.
(4)Veronica M.
What where am I ??? I was confused by the name the food and the decor. Ordered a couple of the meat and cheese platters $$$$ I wasn't expecting this type of food from this restaurant I thought it was American cuisine. I guess the food was good you cant really go wrong with the placing of expensive meats and cheeses on platters.
(3)Jennifer Q.
Another great find for a casual and quiet breakfast. I went on a Sunday morning, around 10am -right when they opened. It was not too crowded yet so we had our choice of seating and great service. I really enjoyed my food -the House Smoked Salmon Benedict. An hour or two later, it started to get more crowded but it wasn't crazy like some of those "line halfway around the block" places -and that's a good thing. It's just a nice, cozy and friendly place to have a nice meal. I can't handle chaos before my morning coffee you know? Which reminds me, good coffee too!
(4)Ali H.
I was excited to venture to a new brunch spot, but I was underwhelmed by my experience at Fork. What really turned me off was the not thoroughly washed silverware. There was at least one crusted over piece of silverware at each diner's seat. When my partner ordered a chai tea, they brought an iced chai, not the drink she ordered. Food-wise, my egg scramble was lukewarm and the eggs were runny--i like my eggs warm and firm. The toast was cold so using butter wasn't an option. The service was mediocre. Our server was clearly not the brightest and did not check in on us.as frequently as one would expect since it wasn't busy. Overall, I won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)Maria D.
Went for Sunday brunch with a friend this past weekend, my first time since the switch from Fiddlehead to Fork. Sunday was a hot, gorgeous preview of the summer-to-come and I enjoyed two delicious tequila-based cocktails made with agave syrup and grapefruit juice; a perfect choice for breakfast-y food and the highlight of my meal. I was impressed with the beer and wine lists but disappointed in my entree; I chose the breakfast melt sandwich which includes bacon, ham, cheddar, fontina, arugula and carmelized onions. I ordered without the bacon and ham but was still charged full price; in situations like this I can never understand why there isn't a base price if you order it vegetarian and an add-on price for the meaty version, especially when you have three breakfast sandwich options and none are vegetarian. I might not have minded so much had the sandwich as I ordered it not been a soggy mess; the bread was not thick enough to stand up to the toppings and I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Not to mention the irritating fact that I forgot to specify which bread I wanted, the waitress never asked and it was brought out to me on white, which I never eat if I can possibly help it. My waitress was friendly and seemed to know the menu but she was training another waitress and I think it distracted her on some level; I ordered a side of potatoes, she forgot to bring them out, I said it was fine and to forget about it but still had to ask to have them removed from the bill 20 minutes later. But it was a busy Sunday and the service wouldn't stop me from giving Fork another try. I just won't be ordering that sandwich again, which is disappointing; whatever this place was called before it was Fiddlehead had the best damn breakfast sandwich I've ever had and every time I try one I hope to equal that past glory.
(3)Sandra S.
Having only gone here twice, I can report I've thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The staff is friendly and effective. The chicken burger is DELICIOUS. I wouldn't have thought a chicken burger could be anything special but Fork proved me wrong. The grilled chicken salad with beets, bleu cheese and champagne vinaigrette was also lovely. I appreciate the fact that it was clear the chicken breast was actually cooked at the restaurant. I hate the fake grilled chicken that comes out of a bag so many places use. The drink menu is expansive -- wine and beer included. Many great options to choose from. The music in Fork is terrible. But it's laughably terrible rather than detrimental. I will definitely be back here.
(4)Nona Gayle D.
De-Licious..... I had their bbq brisket sandwich and it was exactly what I stated above. At dinner time this cafe sets an ambiance that is personal and warm. They have a huge cheese and wine selection and their prices aren't too bad. My sandwich ran about 12 bucks, and it came with fries! The portions were filling and worth the price! I want to go back here and eat again.... I also noticed they have a 3 cheese mac and cheese... and I need to try it.... it's on my bucket list... I totally suggest it!
(4)Sarah K.
Our Lincoln Square go to. A great place to go to after a movie down the street. Friendly staff and comfy food.
(4)Kelly S.
Four stars for my four visits to Fiddlehead. I love feeling like a local of the neighborhood when I sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of something sparkly. The staff here is the best and truly make the experience memorable. Diverse beer selection, reasonably priced bubbly, and a terrific wine list to compliment any mood. I tried the food for the first time this weekend. Those new garlic cilantro fries??? WORTH the trip from Oak Park. They come with a side of aioli and homemade ketchup. The lobster bisque... I had a small sampling and quickly wanted an entire cup. I had to refrain in order to save room for the mac n cheese that I had ordered. The mac n cheese fell a little flat for me. Too many crunchy bread crumbs on top, and I really wasn't getting enough 'WOW! cheeessseee'. Maybe too much flour and salt in the roux? There are definitely a few other things on the menu that I will be back to try! Ya know.... when I come in to pretend like I'm a Lincoln Square native.
(4)Karen A.
Service (or lack of) can affect the dining experience- no matter how good the food or wine is. I think this place has been on 'auto-management-pilot' for a while now, and is in need of some attention. Hostess: A- gave us a 15 minute wait time (accurate) and sat us down promptly at a bar where the bartender ignored us for 15 minutes. Bartender: F- sorry fella- I've seen you do this multiple times- at least ACKNOWLEDGE that you have a customer sitting there, even if you can serve us right way. Eye contact- GOOD, rudeness- BAD. Wine Flights: C- Same stuff on the menu that was there 6 months ago. Yawn. Can we get some seasonal variety at least? Server-B: When you have a bar server and food server and server bus people all not serving your table or communicating with each other, ain't nobody happy. Food:B+- good menu, consistent good food but it would be nice to see some new stuff on there too.... Overall- an OK experience but it seems as though it is a business in need of some tweaks.
(2)Renee F.
Yum Yum Yum. I'm pretty much a fan of any place that has wine and cheese flights, so no big win for Fiddlehead Cafe there. However, they do have quite a nice selection and it's reasonably priced. The menu is pretty short and sweet and the dishes are always made with fresh ingredients. The service is great...they check on you but don't bother you and are always so nice, but not fake. I don't know, I just really like this place. It's comfy and I always leave with a happy belly.
(5)Heather R.
Fork is a sweet little brunch spot for family, a date, or girlfriends catching up. It's comparably priced and friendly service. I loved their mimosa flight for $12----the Pomosa was my favorite, and their potatoes were delicious. I got an omlette which I really enjoyed, but by looking at the table next to me, I wish I had chosen the Chicken-n-Waffes. Thankfully, there's always a next time.
(3)Suzanne P.
FANTASTIC. I've been wanting to go here for...months. I finally went last night and I am SO glad that I did. First of all, it's a great date spot. It's got a nice modern yet cozy deco to it...very open and just felt very fun. Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I'm a mess with pairing wines with entrees, and she made excellent suggestions to both me and my date. She was also really attentive without being annoying. I had the vegetable strudel...and WOW. I paired it with their Zinfandel and it was just delightful. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the delicious goat cheese just wrapped it all together. My date had the ratatouille stuffed chicken breast. He was really really happy with his choice too. I would come back here in a second. Great food, wonderful service. Definitely a Lincoln Square staple.
(5)Bridget H.
Stopped in Fork after a movie at the Davis. The atmosphere is causal and comfortable but super nice and stylish. The prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of food and drink. I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup...both delicious - gourmet comfort food. The service was prompt, attentive, an friendly. Best of all, it's steps away from the brown line and other great Lincoln Square faves. I'll be back and look forward to trying their brunch or dinner menu.
(4)Jamie H.
This place was quite good. I tried the Winter Wine Flight and it was pretty good. I then ordered the Salmon. It was great- cooked perfectly and all the veggies that came with it were good too. My friend got the polenta, which was also excellent. We then got the creme brule for dessert. Also very good. The service was good and the food was good, all around a pretty enjoyable Friday evening. Also, got there about 8pm and there was no wait...so that was a plus!
(4)Eric X.
Went for brunch with the family. First off, not one, not two, but THREE dirty place settings. Two had food, not just stains, on the silverware. The third had yellow stains on the cloth napkin. Who knows the state of the kitchen when they lack the basic quality control in the dining room. It's too bad, because the eggs benedict was pretty decent. The salmon plate used farm raised salmon and for the cost of the dish, only came with enough lox to fill one half bagel. That's weak. The waffle was your standard belgian variety with a blackberry sauce and cinnamon infused butter. The sauce was not enough to cover the waffle, and maple syrup was conspicuously absent from the table. I'd have considered going back, but the sanitation issues kill it for me. Oh and the coffee sucked -- horribly sour.
(2)Bill M.
This semi-upscale spot in Lincoln Square sits at the old Square Kitchen location. I did not have a complete meal here, but what I ate was delicious. The squash soup was delectable, and you know it has to be good when the server ladles it into a bowl in front of your very eyes at the table. The creme brulee was creamy with just the right crackle on top, topped with a superb sprinkling of berries. The walls display so many wine selections, as supposedly there are over 350 bottle choices.
(4)Nancy M.
Good service, nice environment but LOUSY FOOD. One time was enough for me.
(1)Kristen W.
As I was seated at this restaurant, I realized how very easy I am to please. Such a nice ambience, nice music, and lovely service really gets my attention right off the bat. Little details count: a waiter who takes your drink order right away, a nice long beer list, a well-rounded wine list with flights available. All of these things within the first five minutes of my visit to Fiddlehead. I looked at the dessert menu first, which is very unlike me, I'm not a sweets person- but they had banana cream pie. When's the last time you saw that? Then to the cheese list, wow. You can not only order any cheese 'flight' but you can create your own in addition to being able to take home any cheese(s) on the list. My date had a question about one of the beers on tap and before we knew it a sample had appeared. Just recently the beer list has been expanded. Great food, nice ambiance, great drinks. Lovely.
(4)Virginia T.
I stopped in for brunch (ok, my friend and I tried to, but missed it by 25min, but had a GREAT host, who actually spoke with the kitchen and put in our order off the brunch menu anyway!!!) Thanks to him, we were able to get the yummy chicken & waffles (really the reason we came in the first place) as well as great tomato soup & grilled cheese. The waffles were crisp, yet tender and so was the chicken. The grilled cheese was crisp, with gooey cheese, bacon, and spiced pecans. The tomato soup was simple, but good. I was very impressed for a special order! We sat at an open window, and it was lovely- they have a nice patio area as well. I'm excited to go back for dinner sometime, especially because of their great beer list.
(4)Emily C.
Wasn't impressed. Not with the food and certainly not with the service. Our meal took close to 50 minutes to arrive to the bar where we decided to eat. The bar tender was at first knowledgeable about wines and attentive but when a group of "young ladies" plopped down near us, the rest of us sitting at the bar were left watching him work his (lack there of) game on the said ladies. Oh and it was about 83 degrees in that place. We were there in February and the heat was blasting...it was like I was at a bikram class. The menu is pretty boring, trying to be rustic but end up rusty. I had the salmon which had a rank fishy taste and filled with bones. The side of vegetables were also overcooked. It appeared that it sat under a heat lamp for a good half hour. Plus the prices are high for what you actually get. Sorry, won't be back.
(1)Tory w.
I went on cheap burger night, which happened to be the night the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. It was perfect because I was looking for a non-sports bar kind of place and Fiddlehead fit the bill. Great Malbec, great seats in the big open windows, and very tasty burgers. The chocolate ganache tart with pecan crust is homemade and is to DIE for. I definitely would go back.
(4)Sarah L.
I want Fiddlehead back!!!!!!!! My husband suggested we check out Fork and I agreed. The new Fork menu is a lot smaller and so are their portions! It reminds me of American Tapas. We both had specials hubs had wild boar burger (was amazing) and I had the scallops. The way the waiter described it, it sounded like it was a dinner portion. When our food arrived, I had 3 TINY scallops, 5 green beans and 2 miniature bites of potatoes. WTH!? I thought I was getting big meaty scallops for dinner along with a side of veggies? How can they advertise that as a dinner special? The price is what killed me, $17 for a 3 bite appetizer. I was sadly disappointed! Luckily I was able to have a few bites of the wild boar burger and some of his fries. Our server was nice and attentive and he was pretty busy. Sadly, I will not be back at Fork. Their menu isn't the same and food prices are higher.
(2)Katie H.
At first I thought this was just a convenient neighborhood place to stop into for a half-price wine flight on Tuesdays - until I had more wine than planned, decided to stay for dinner, and realized that the food is way more amazing than I expected. The cheese flights are great and the servers are skilled in recommending cheeses to sample together. I especially recommend their selection of blue cheeses. I also had the duck & watercress sandwich and was quite impressed with the complexity of flavors. My only complaint was that it tasted a bit salty for me, but not enough to change my good opinion. I also sampled a bit of the macaroni & cheese and was impressed. The fries accompanying the sandwich were seasoned well. I'm looking forward to sampling more from the menu soon.
(4)Mikki K.
Went for brunch today. I had the duck confit hash (so yummy, so rich, so filling) & my husband had the lemon curd brioche French toast (totally delicious & worth having too), and the service was flawless just like the food. We made reservations, but I also saw some walk ins get seated fairly quickly. We will be going back & taking all of our friends.
(5)Leann W.
We went here for brunch a couple months back after church. It was packed and we had to wait for a table. No big deal as we have been wanting to try this place for a while. We ordered some breakfast food and it was just okay. My omlet was mushy and watery. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing but my husbands meal wasnt very impressive either. Needless to say we could have made a better breakfast at home. Kinda disappointed but they are always packed so business must be good!
(2)Meredith B.
I am writing this review based on my first and so far only experience to Fiddlehead, but man was it a good one. I had the grilled cheese. Now before you start throwing things at my head demanding that I'm silly for "wasting" money on something I can make at home, hear me out. This was the grilled cheese of my dreams. This grilled cheese was filled with bacon, candied pecans, perfectly melty-creamy-cheesy goodness....all on delightfully grilled and slightly sweet bread, and served with the light and uplifting tomato basil soup. I tried the dishes everyone else had around the table and they weren't nearly as memorable....but my goodness. I'll be back for sure. I'm pretty much excited to have that grilled cheese in my mouth once more.
(4)Colleen F.
I'm surprised by the great reviews of this place. Don't get me wrong it's fine, but in Chicago fine does not cut it. FYI: We sat for probably 2 hours drinking multiple glasses of wine and a bunch of appetizers. Please do not think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that every single glass that came out to the table was dirty and I don't mean spotty, I don't even mean a little leftover lipstick...I mean it looked like it just came out of the hands of a toddler eating spaghetti. After bringing it to the attention of the server who I believe was also the bartender because it was Sunday (maybe Monday) the glasses continued to come out dirty, just smeared as if someone half-heartedly wiped them off.
(2)Steve B.
The wine flights, from what my family said, were great. The smooth operator and the french and italian wines provided a good variety of both dry, as well as semi-sweet wines. I, on the other hand, tried out the beer flight. It consisted of a light, belgian white, a hoppy pale ale, and a smooth, easy drinking stout. Needless to say, the selection of beverages was fantastic. As for the food, we were all more than satisfied. I had the bison flank steak. The fries that accompanied this were tasty too! Highly recommended!
(5)Emily S.
Every time I come here I feel like I've been forked over. *Zing!* Overpriced. Kind of blah. Weird vibe. We had, what felt like, eleven or twelve waiters who each had absolutely no idea what was going on and were placed under some sort of secret threat from management to clear a table as fast as humanly possible. I actually had to chase down someone who walked off with half my beer. It's as if you are eating at a restaurant put under a spell by an evil witch. The people that work there seem pleasant enough but there is a deep & terrifying sadness behind their eyes. Maybe they're all forest creatures turned into waiters and cooks for the night. This would explain their lack of knowledge over even the most basic of menu items and why they put pecans on a grilled cheese sandwich. Crazy forest animals! Someone save the creatures who work at fork!
(2)Katie C.
Bahhhhhhhhh. I'd been here once before, and hoping to be wooed by Fiddlehead during the second visit, the man and I gave it a try for a weekend brunch/lunch. The first three strikes happened within approximately seven minutes of us sitting down: Steeeeeeerike 1: The busboy managed to not actually pour water in the water glass, but in fact poured it ALL OVER the table. And he didn't notice. Steeeeeeerike 2: Our server walks by as we're attempting to mop up the mess with our overly starched napkins and says, "Causing trouble already?" No, smart ass, your busboy is blind. Steeeeeeerike 3: The server then proceeded to LAUGH at our order...um, since when is it professional to mock customers when they ask you for a side of fries? Too bad the fries were good (hence the two stars as opposed to 1) but then again, I am not willing to patronize any restaurant that doesn't have basic restaurant etiquette down. If you want to be considered a higher-class establishment, hire some classy employees. Not to mention the server charged us more for our entrees AND our side o' fries than was the posted price on the menu. That's just sneaky AND lazy. Never again, unless drugged against my will.
(2)Abbey F.
Looks like the "before" segment of a restaurant make-over show. Half-empty on a Saturday night. Weird, small menu focusing on cheese. Hyped-up entree special came out way salty. boring.
(2)carolyn h.
3.5, Pro's: Brisket Sandwhich is close to perfect, or at least the way I like it. full of deep flavors, a little bit of fat but not to much. It's served on thick Texas toast. I had it with the mixed greens which balanced the meal ot. I think it would have been to heavy for me if I had ordered the french fries instead. Wine and beer list: My boyfriend loved obscure beers (cause most the time he's to cool for school to actually order a beer with a familiar name) and I'm into red wine and their list is well thought out and also explained to customers. Cons: I've been in there when the server was just out of it. It was like he was on another planet or something. Everything just took a long time and he was slow, didn't really ad anything to our experience.
(3)Emily L.
As we were looking at the menu trying to decide if we wanted to eat at Fork, some people walked out and said it was great, so we decided to try it out for breakfast. Unfortunately, both of our meals were really bad. I ordered an egg and mushroom dish that was terrible. I couldn't even eat it. I thought maybe it was just my pallet, but when I had my husband try it, he thought it was even worse than I did. He ordered chicken and waffles. The waffles weren't bad, but the chicken was extremely salty and just made the dish taste over-salted. Not sure how you can make chicken salty, but it was way too much salt. The service was good, and the ambiance is nice, but two out of two dishes were bad. Two stars. As much as I wanted to give the place a chance, I probably wouldn't go back.
(2)Tedd M.
Fiddlehead has become my favorite restaurant in Chicago. If you're looking for great food, a great staff and an enjoyable atmosphere then Fiddlehead is your place. I've dined here on numerous occasions and every time has been fantastic. We some how manage to get the same server (Nick) nearly every time we go in, and he's always taken phenomenal care of us. The wine list is extensive, and their specials are always good if you decide to venture off the regular menu. Fiddlehead is a gem in Lincoln Square!
(5)Michael J.
The food was pretty good, but nothing to brag about. As far as breakfast places go, this doesn't have the same sunny feeling I like when I go to places like Yolk or Wishbone.
(3)Cheri V.
Friday Night: Nico sets us up with our wine flights. Lets my husband sniff Scotch to get the right one. We close the joint. Stumble half block home. Saturday night: Favorite wine from previous nights flight and Crowd Pleaser cheese flight. Delicious and savory. Banana cream pie tastes homemade and good. Sunday morning: Ham and cheese scramble is the tastiest breakfast ever. Husband's grilled cheese has candied pecans in it. Yum. I have two Pomosas and he has Sangria. Advertised as best Sangria in town. A bold statement and right now true as far as I'm concerned.
(5)Rob L.
We had our rehearsal dinner here (when it was still Fiddlehead). We were treated to wonderful personal service, amazing food, and a very welcoming ambience. We've eaten dinner here a few times as well, and have always had a good experience (which is why we engaged them for the rehearsal dinner!). This is a top-notch locally-owned restaurant that's the perfect match for the neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)Emily C.
Okay, I forgive you. It's been a few years plus a name change and a facelift (for you), and now I can officially and definitively offer this restaurant my forgiveness for getting rid of the banana-chocolate french toast. I wish I could say something noble like "my forgiveness cannot be bought", but it totally can. So I'd credit whomever added the banana white chocolate bread pudding to the menu with buying my forgiveness and my love. Good job dude or dudette - thanks to that addition, I'm back and I'm ALL IN. I'd never had wine flights here before, but my dude and I had both the "crisp" and "interesting" ones, respectively, and both found things we adored and wanted to purchase (ironically in the flight the other one had, but that's good). Quick suggestion, Fork - encourage people to keep their little wine flight papers that say what's what. I was too lightheadedly giddy to grab mine, but I wish I had now. For food, we split the iceberg & blue salad (delicious and a larger portion than we'd have guessed or hoped for), the French charcuterie (awesome, especially the saucisson sec - salami of some sort rolled in herbs de province? Um yeah!),and the mac & cheese small plate (pretty tasty but the only thing that didn't really set off fireworks for me). For dessert, we split a pricey but delicious flight of madieras, the middle of which went perfectly with the aforementioned love-buying bread pudding. My guy had the chocolate cake which was gorgeously rich & bittersweet, but I still think I had the winner for desserts, especially with the booze pairing. A little expensive, especially with the 3 flights we ordered, but worth it. It's difficult for me to think of this place and not be hungry. The next time I visit won't be so long this time and can't come soon enough.
(5)Sara J.
Fork is a great neighborhood spot. Great drink selection and I love the wine flight options. I've been here for both brunch and for dinner and have never been disappointed. In particular, the beet salad is delish and the pork belly sliders are amazing. Service could be a little friendlier all around. Weekends are busy but we've never had a problem walking in on a weekday.
(4)Tim B.
The wife and I were in Lincoln Square this weekend to explore and have some lunch/brunch. Our wandering brought us to Fiddlehead. On first inspection this place is open and inviting and we scored a seat right by the wide open front windows - great for people watching and enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A look at their fantastic beer menu and one bloody mary later and we were settled in for a nice lunch/brunch. Fiddlehead has a nice menu with a mix of brunch and lunch options. The usual faire with sweet and savory options, salads and sandwiches. I went with a very nice duck hash and the wife had a solid grilled chicken salad with peaches. We gave them big points for creativity and originality but they just missed the mark on execution. The salad was flavorful but slightly overdressed. The duck hash was solid and really tasty but my toast came out cold as ice and almost tasted stale - and as any hash lover knows the best part of an egg over-easy on top of hash is dipping the toast in the runny yolk. So the bad toast hurt my dish more than you would think. Would we go there again: yes. But will we give a few other places in the hood a shot before cycling back though: yes.
(3)Amanda D.
I heard this place has nice wine and beer selection. The list was actually overwhelming, but I picked a nice flight of reds. I tried the mussels as an appetizer with the blue cheese burger for the entree. I couldn't pass up on their chocolate ganache cake. It was all very delicious and the restaurant itself was very nice. The entire dinner was perfect harmony. The best part was that our waiter and the entire staff was very attentive and polite. I love when everything comes together!
(4)Cat L.
Stopped in to Fiddlehead for a late brunch today...and I was not wowed. Not that I had super high hopes for this place, but I was just hoping for a little something more. I tried the grilled cheese on Texas toast with a bowl of (what else) tomato soup. The sammich was just fine - the spiced pecans added a nice surprising touch. But the cheese wasn't as melty as I would have liked for a grilled cheese. The soup had a nice tomato flavor, but I couldn't figure out what herbs were used in the oil. Didn't taste like basil, though the menu said it was. Hmmm. My friend tried the waffles - not sure about the taste, but they sure smelled good! Service could have been better. Our waitress seemed like she wanted to be somewhere else. Good thing we didn't let it get to us. If I'm looking for a brunch spot in the Square again, I'll probably hit up another place . But if you're in a pinch, this place should do.
(3)Amy S.
There a few things I like more than wine. In fact, I think I can count them on one hand and that short list includes cheese and bacon. Without question. Fiddlehead has this trifecta of deliciousness down pat. Service/Atmosphere: We arrived on time for our 8:30 dinner reservation, were seated immediately at a booth (yay) with a street view (double yay for people watching Lincoln Square style). Our server greeted us quickly, she was attentive without being obnoxious for the duration of our stay, and we were greeted by the manager, as well. Overall, service was well above average. There are only maybe 17 tables in the place, but the atmosphere is lovely. I'd request a private table when making a reservation. There's a whole row of cafeteria style tables. I, for one, and not a fan of sitting that close anyone I don't know. I just don't like people all that much, and there's that forced awkwardness of feeling like you have to acknowledge them. Food/Drink: I love wine flights and was therefore compelled to order more than one (I went with the Crisp Whites and Interesting Whites), and ended up finding a new wine to love. We started off with a French Cheese flight (great little nibble of 3 cheeses from their extensive cheese menu), then progressed to our meal. I started with the MIxed Green Salad (featuring bacon), but it was pretty unremarkable. Dinner for me was the Pancetta Mac and Cheese appetizer. It was so cheesy, buttery, and delicious- I could have eaten more and might consider the larger size next time I want to indulge. My husband had the Duck Club. YUM! Duck confit,, smoked duck breast, pecans, goat cheese, arugula, and cherry jam. I'm surprised the reviews here were so mixed- I thought it was a pretty solid dining experience, and we'll definitely go back. For our cheese flight, two wine flights, two glasses of red wine, and two dinners, we came away spending $100 with tip.
(4)john p.
Been there a couple of times and neither one turned out great. First we went for brunch and the food was dry and underwhelming. The second time we went we waited an hour and a half to get our burgers; this was after we waited 30 mins for a table. They told us they lost our order but we heard them say the same thing to another table. When the manager came he was rude and obnoxious. They did pay for my drink and burgers which is why they got the second star. Overall there are just too many good places to eat in Lincoln Square to waste a meal at this place.
(2)Eric M.
I've eaten here twice. Once for my brother's birthday party - a table of about a dozen of us, and once for my birthday, just my brother, my mother and I. Both times the service was good, both times the food was great. I went back for my birthday because I enjoyed the meal during my brother's birthday so much. I also have to really give them strong props for doing the right thing when it would have been easy to try to cop out. I and four other people ordered the duck breast at my brother's birthday dinner, and we ALL ordered them rare. And they all came out medium-well. Duck-lovers out there know that the difference between rare and medium-well in a duck breast is like the difference between tenderloin and liver in beef. So we all complained and sent them back, and they comped us all. I was really surprised. I mean, it's the right thing to do, but with five meals out of a dozen, it's got to be tempting to try to cut some corners there. They didn't. They admitted the obvious and sucked it up. We left a good tip, and that was part of the reason I went back. If I lived closer to Lincoln Square, I'd probably be back a lot more often. P.S. I love their cheeses.
(5)Sara W.
I live near Lincoln Square and have been to Fork at least 5 times and I will say that it is overall mediocre at best. Last night is a prime example of it being bad. We came in around 10:45 on New Year's Eve looking to have some great drinks and possibly an appetizer. There were empty tables and no wait and we saddled up to the bar. There were 3 hosts who didn't really give us much guidance, but again being here before, no big deal. Then we waited for at least 10 minutes without menus or a glance hello from the bartender. However, one of the 3 hosts hanging out, did occasionally smile in our direction but never made a move. It took me saying something to be served. Our bartender slammed glasses, threw garbage across the back of the bar, while she swore and conversed with the host as he explained what he was going to eat for dinner. Then a guy came in for a beer and he just wanted one and pay in cash. When he finished, she told him "6.50" and then put the ten he gave her in her tip jar. A server yelled at a busboy to bus tables right in front of us. Like uncomfortably loud. When I go out, I don't want to know your problems or whether you like working on New Year's or not. I don't want to see your dysfunction. They do have a great menu, but the food is mediocre and the wine can be disappointing. The only reason why I think this place stays in business is because it's the only thing around of its kind. If Hopleaf or Webster wine bar were down the street, I think this place would be out. Please investors put a better place in Lincoln Square, because despite the low review, I'll probably be back because again I feel I have little choice in the area.
(2)Jen G.
Hmmm...it's not often that a group of diners wanders into a great experience during the intermission period at a restaurant, but that's exactly what happened at Fiddehead Café recently. Not familiar with that term? Depending on the establishment, "intermission" can either be the menu that bridges the time between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, or in our case, brunch and dinner (this was a Saturday.) Usually there are four or five main courses, a few apps and a soup to choose from. It almost always includes a burger, salad, sandwich, etc. Oh and most important--this meal usually occurs between the dreaded shift change when either your waiter is dying to go home or too consumed with sidework to pay attention to you (Not so at Fiddlehead, yay!) So I had some friends in town and we were starved. Trouble was, we spent the early part of the day shopping for boots (Oops, out-of-towners got hit by the snow) and had missed lunch. Not in the mood for the college football crowds (love the game, hate the noise) we really wanted a place to chill, drink some wine or beer, rest our weary tourist legs, etc. We also weren't sure if there would be 3 or 6 of us...anyway, the point of all these details is that the staff accommodated all of our high maintenance needs. They were even friendly about it! Also, the cheese flights are included on the intermission menu! And they have Persian feta! And my friends were delighted! Thank you, Fiddlehead...minus .5 stars though because we didn't get our aioli with our bbq sandwich but it tasted good anyway... So there you have it, every once in a while you stumble onto the perfect dining experience that you didn't quite know you were seeking but were oh so happy to receive. I will definitely be back! Also, special props to our server, John, who patiently put up with all of our demands including taking pictures of us by the restaurant's lovely Christmas tree (posted with pics here on Yelp.)
(5)Stacey A.
Emily B and I went here for brunch one day - on her reccomendation. She had been before and had had what amounted to being the best breakfast food of her life - so she drove in from the suburbs and we walked up to Lincoln Square. I ended up with these pancakes with hazelnut butter and bananas and chocolate ganache and they were sinfully good. What I SHOULD have gotten was a Belgium waffle with the same hazelnut butter and blackberry compote - but sometimes I forget to think. I had just put in my order for pancakes and saw a waiter walk by with the waffle and immediately kicked myself. Next time... Emily got the Lox & Bagel platter, which came with a really nice spread including capers and onions and the smoked lox smelled SO GOOD. The space itself is adorable, with comfortable chairs and a really pretty bar and exposed brick and cute lighting. I'm writing this review like, months after I actually went, so I'll just have to go back and re-review it.
(4)Q M.
I've been to brunch here many, many times and I leave very satisfied every time. This time I branched out from my usual flight of mimosas and truffled eggs (which are so so good by the way) to a flight of mimosas and the breakfast melt. Mmmm. Bacon, ham, melty cheese and some runny eggs? Count. Me. In. It was messy, but totally worth it.
(4)Janice W.
I've been 4 times and each time I go I think the same thing: overpriced and underwhelmed. The food is a notch above average and it's priced like it thinks it a lot better than it is. On my last visit for example: roasted beet appetizer ($8) - so salty it was barely edible and the little chopped up bits of it amounted to about 1.5 beets. An anemic cheese flight ($12) should have been more like for the teeny tiny slices of 3 cheeses plus 3 almonds, 2 pecans and 4 thin slices if bread and apple. (I was at the John Hancock 96th floor Signature room the other day, where you pay for the views, and had a cheese plate for $11). And the worst offender - one of their seranno ham plates - 2 or 3 slices plus a dolop of mustard ($12 ish - my friend ordered it and I am not sure of the exact price.) But more than anything, the prices wouldn't even be so insulting if the food was worth it. It's not.
(2)Susie L.
I came here recently for brunch and was amazed by the food. First of all, their Bloody Mary was divine, nice and spicy. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, and let me tell you. The chicken (which they brine overnight) was super tender and flavorful on the inside, and crunchy crispy on the outside, the waffles were also a bit crispy and fluffy (not doughy and heavy like some places), and it came with what I believe was vanilla flavored butter. It honestly did not need any butter or syrup. Just when you think that's all the meal consists of... a HUGE slice of maple flavored crispy carmelized nut-coated bacon was atop the chicken, never experience that before. My friend ordered the Truffled Eggs which was equally divine, fluffy eggs with a delicious truffle oil flavor and seasonings, a bed of tasty arugula, all on top a savory croissant-like biscuit flatbread. The use of ingredients are simple but mind-blowing. I can't wait to go back and try dinner!
(5)Maya G.
I love this place, the food is wonderful and unique, yet it's possible to always find something if you aren't feeling adventurous. The wine menu is great as is the beer menu, though both can be a bit overwhelming at times. I've had repeatedly great in actions with the staff too. I do have to admit that depending on who is in the kitchen the food will vary between merely good and fantastic. We used to live 5 minutes away and now we are 45 minutes, but I hope to still make I back.
(4)Steve G.
Strong beer list, very good food (Farmhouse Burger, yay) in generous portions, friendly service, good location.
(4)Linda G.
This was the classiest place on the Belgian-American Club of Chicago Pub Crawl. Fully staffed with bartenders waiters and busboys. We were all served quickly. As this was our 4th or 5th stop I can't remember what we drank but they have a BIG beer list and I remember some really good Garlic fries. We'll have to go back.
(4)Sean F.
We went here on Saturday night for dinner, and it was a bit of an odd sort of meal. There were some excellent parts, but some other things that kind of took things down a notch. The good parts were: - Grilled Cheese. This was wonderful. Aged cheddar, fontina, bacon, and spiced pecans on brioche bread. The nuts were an excellent touch I had never had before. This may be the best grilled cheese I've ever had. - Potato chips and bleu cheese fondue. This was what chips and dip should be at all times. The chips were crispy with just the right amount of salt. The bleu cheese sauce had a little bit without being overwhelming. - Maple ice cream. Just excellent. It was like eating Vermont. - The service. We had two servers as our waiter was training a new waiter. They both did an excellent job. Friendly, gregarious, and knowledgeable about the food. Service was top-notch. There were some other good things that weren't outstanding. My wife had a very good chateaubriand. The cheese selection is nice, esp. the buttermilk bleu. And the garlic-cilantro fries are a nice side dish. Then there's the not-so-good: - Odor. Upon being seated I noticed a weird odor. It was kind of like sewer smell. I was going to say something when the smell went away. A few times during the meal I caught it again, but it always abated before it was enough to make me move. - Tomato-basil soup. I had high hopes, as the grilled cheese came with tomato basil soup. This was a flop. You can get better at Noodles & Company. It was kind of thin, very bland, and uninspired. As it comes with the grilled cheese see if there's any way to get something subbed in for it. - Champagne grapefruit sorbet. This was just way too strongly flavored to where it was almost impossible to eat. Also, the texture was oddly grainy. Not recommended at all. In general this was a nice place. I would like to try the brunch there one day. I give it three stars, but I think with proper selections it could be four.
(3)Darin E.
In from out-of-town, we went for Saturday morning brunch. We were the first ones to sit down. Service was overall very good, if a little slow from kitchen to table (25+ min). In contrast to other reviews, our water glasses were clean and kept full -- Just sayin'. My co-diners all got Chilaquiles, which they all enjoyed. I tried theirs and while I agree it was a nice dish, I am very glad that I departed from the trend and indulged in the Cap'n Crunch French Toast (made with brioche) & house-made chicken sausage instead. I was a little bit skeptical of the chicken sausage since I have found it kind of gamey in my experience. Undeterred by bad memories, and determined to dine out of my comfort zone in this wonderful city, I was delighted to find that in this case, the sausage was well seasoned and tasty -- Moist but not too greasy. It was definitely not pork breakfast sausage, or even a self-deceptively 'healthy' alternative, but good in its own right. I accompanied my meal with a fresh Carrot/Orange juice from the raw bar. Overall, the meal was excellent. The vibe was cool and mellow. Nice music and comfy chairs invited us to sit and chat by the open street-side window-wall enjoying the street traffic of people walking down to the music school with guitars strapped to their backs or riding off to the courts with their tennis rackets. It was a nice casual morning in a great neighborhood. I highly recommend Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)Lahrin K.
Fork has fantastic food and a superb bar line-up (lengthy beer list, beautiful wines, and talented bartenders to mix delicious cocktails). After a bad Fiddlehead experience, I was nervous to make my way over, but I'm glad I did - Now I'm over there at least once a month. As a pescatarian, I can promise lots of tasty food options (I've only eaten from their dinner menu). This Summer, be sure to try the Salmon with Fava Beans. Other favorites: gnocci, scallops, beet salad, veggie flatbread, and pickled veggies. My meat-eater friends rave about the Chicken Burger and Pork Belly. Portions are perfect (though, as a warning, I enjoy smaller plates versus the 4-serving portions often found around the city - don't count on getting a piece of meat as big as your head at Fork) and everything is easy to share. Service is always wonderful. Staff members are attentive, fun, and knowledgeable (worst case, we've had to chase away a busser while our waitress brought more bread for our scallop-sauce). The restaurant is nicely appointed and is always clean.
(4)Albert L.
I like the different selections in comfort foods and its complimentary craft beer selection. However, I think the food is too salty and it left me parching for water hours after.
(3)Kerry W.
I'm not precisely sure when Fork became Fork (nor am I certain what it was before it became so) but I hope it was recent. I hope it was a recent transition because then they have an excuse for some of the hiccups I experienced on my recent visit. I met some girlfriends there for brunch/lunch at noon on Sunday. When I got to the restaurant (around 11:45) I put my name in and asked how long it might be. The host indicated 15-20 minutes. No problem, I said. After all I had gotten there early for this exact reason. The problem is that we weren't seated until nearly 12:30. That wouldn't have bothered me except there were at least three tables that could have accommodated my party that sat open for at least 15 minutes before we were actually seated. Frustrating! When we were finally seated I found that the prices on their menu differed slightly from those posted on their website (not by a ton, but that's still irritating) and our waiter was someone who feels that being contrary with a smile on his face constitutes comedy. After taking our drink orders tersely and then practically throwing the glasses down on the table (my girlfriend's spilled a bit... he really did just toss them down) he disappeared for another ten minutes before taking our food orders. Admittedly when he returned he was apologetic and did seem to get our food orders expedited to make up for it, but still. I agree with the previous poster who said that the garlic cilantro fries were a disappointment. I had high hopes, but they were just ho-hum. The turkey pannini was perfectly tasty, if nothing terribly special. Though the tomato jam was quite a nice addition to the crisp, buttery bread and thick, melty cheese. I was a little put-off by the appearance of my friends' tomato soup (the washed-out color of tomatoes in January. I know it's January and it's tomato soup but if it looks that unappetizing, maybe come up with a seasonal alternative... squash anyone?) but I didn't taste it so I don't know if it was any good. They seemed to enjoy it (both finished it) but I still didn't think it looked very appetizing - particularly with a pool of what looked like finely chopped basil floating in olive oil on the top. Overall, our lunch was pleasant, but not without frustration. If the restaurant is new, I'd probably go back for a brunch in the summer to see if things improve, but if it's been there a while, I won't be back.
(3)Meghan C.
The wine flights are great...I thought the menu was a little heavy for summer. The food was good, but on a warm summer day, the menu just wasn't seasonally appropriate. The staff is very friendly, though our server was difficult to find later in the meal, and we ended up waiting a very long time for our check, and never got a dessert we ordered. I plan to go back, as it's a nice place and the wine flights make it worth the trip, but may just stick to the bar
(3)Holly T.
Went for a friends birthday last night just to have drinks and had FABULOUS service! The bar tenders were great and even helped us split up the bill for a party of more than 4. The beer selection was amazing for anyone who loves trying new beers. Overall a great experience and we will be going back to try the food for sure!
(5)A P.
Really loved fork - great food, small plates at an affordable price (I say this coming from DC - Chicagoans might be used to lower prices). Also good portion sizes - we had five people and were able to share a number of small plates with no problem. The service was great, and they have a fantastic beer selection - I really wish more restaurants would offer half pours and diy flights. I highly recommend you stop by when you have a chance! My favorites, of all the things we tried: duck charcuterie, herbed gouda, rosemary manchego, and the eggplant and goat cheese smear.
(5)Brett M.
I base my reviews of restaurants on the following components: customer service (includes the time it takes to reach me, attentiveness of server), quality of food, value (is it priced fairly), and ambiance. I'm not impossible to please, but I have standards. Fiddlehead Cafe exceeded all of them! My fiance wanted a cheeseburger, and I wanted excellent wine, so as we strolled Lincoln looking for a pre-movie dinner place, we passed our usual favorite Jack Rabbit and checked out the menu of Fiddlehead Cafe. Cheeseburger? Check. Ridiculously awesome wine list? Check. The restaurant was not crowded, which was another plus, and we got a cozy table with the friendliest, most knowledgeable server, who was happy to sub an Argentinian Malbec into my Spanish wine flight because I wasn't thrilled about one of the included reds. Our cheeseburgers were amazing, and the french fries were addictive. My fiance enjoyed a Guiness Ice Cream Pudding (very British dessert) and ate every bite. I ended up leaving with a bottle of the Rioja I had best enjoyed in my wine flight... and it was only $16! Yes, they sell most of the wines AND cheeses on the menu, so you can take your faves with you when you leave. We will definitely be back!
(5)Rachel Y.
I come here so often, I'm amazed I haven't written a review yet! Fiddlehead is one of my favorite wine bars. How they stand out? They don't give you the Bible of wine lists but rather a simple wine list with pictures to describe the wine for you. A man flexing his bicep conveys 'strong'. A chocolate bar means 'cocoa'. A pepper mill means 'spicy'. Simple, straight-forward, very accurate, and combined with a knowledgeable wait-staff, very rewarding!
(5)Kathy P.
Fiddle dee dee! I met my friend Jen G. here, along with some soon-to-be friends. We were the only peeps in the place on a blustery winter day, looking to warm ourselves with copious beverages from Fiddlehead's extensive selection of wines and beers. The cheese platter and humus were AMAZING (the Persian feta will make you forget all about that pesky Greek feta) and all the cheese is available for sale at the restaurant. Our server, John, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the menu. In addition to his on-target drink and food recommendations, he was pleasant and even took some pics with us by the Christmas tree. I had the pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese aoili and although the aioli was inadvertently forgotten, it was still delicious. Maybe when I go back to try the sandwich with the aoili, they'll earn back the extra star. Everyone else seemed very happy with their selections and a delightful time was had by all. Thanks to John and Fiddlehead for providing the excellent food and the warm holiday glow!
(4)April W.
I am confused by all of these rave reviews about this place. First of all, we were seated and no one came over to see if we wanted a drink or to order for 15 minutes. I finally had to get up and go and ask the host if we had a server. Then it was stil another 5 minutes before she came over. When she finally came over she was very nice and apologetic....But still...the place was empty so I didn't understand the delay. We ordered a little bit of everything. We had the dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon, these were the only good things we ate. THe mac and cheese was gummy and some of the noodles were hard. We had the pork belly and it was gross because it was luke warm so we were eating slimy pork belly fat. We ordered the elotes, ice cold, and I dont understand how you call a dish elotes and there was no cheese or chili spice. Plus they attempted to slice the corn off the cob and left the hard core so it was difficult to eat. The poutine was awful, the fries were overcooked and cold, the gravy was lumpy and the duck was WAYYYY overcooked. The whole dish was also lukewarm, not good. The flatbread was soggy, no crisp to the crust. We had several desserts that were not too bad, but nothing memorable. To top it off, they never offered us clean plates, the plates that were on the table were dirty, we wiped them off with our napkins. The less than mediocre food and poor service makes this place bad, I won't be back. I was interested in the cheese and charcuterie but I wont waste my time trying it and going back here. Very disappointed in the whole meal. The only reason I didn't give this palce one star is that the waitress was very sweet and tried really hard to make up for leaving us sit for 20 minutes.
(2)Sara M.
I like Fiddlehead for an above average, sort of fancy experience in my neighborhood. I love the wine and cheese flights (and Mimosa flights at brunch!) and the customer service is excellent. It is a little pricy ($48 with tip for a mimosa brunch) so we save it for special occasions, but I've always had a good experience there.
(4)Kate K.
I've been walking past Fiddlehead once a week for the last year, and my fiance and I decided to try it out for dinner tonight. And we are very glad we did! The decor and ambiance are nice. The brickwork and warm green and brown earth tones make it feel very cozy yet modern. There were many things on the menu we wanted to try. For appetizers we ordered the Roasted Beet & Fig salad and the Sauteed Scallops. I ordered the Vegetable Strudel as my entree and my fiance had the Bison Hanger Steak. For dessert, we split the Tres Leches Cake. All of the food was excellent! The wait staff were friendly and attentive. We have no complaints about the service. We are already looking forward to going back and trying some of the things we didn't choose this round, including the cheese and wine flights and some of the other entrees and sandwiches on the menu. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)Kaycee M.
I was surprised to see only 3.5 stars for this place. My husband and I are complete nerds and check the Yelp status of places while we're eating in them- maybe not always a great idea. This place has good food- their potatoes were very flavorful and the portions were good. We had mimosas, and I'll agree with other Yelpers that they're only meh. We have an 11 month old daughter, and the service was good- good service is important when one is dining with a toddler. (Who generally behaves so long as her food comes first and there are cute things to look at somewhere- decorative pigs will do, apparently.) For a slightly pricey brunch with some fancy options you can't get at a greasy spoon, try Fiddlehead. The decor is easy to take, our table was quite comfortable, and the menu was unique. Not bad.
(4)Jeff G.
for the record, I am really at a 4.5, it must be the Christmas spirit in me. Ended up here after our first brunch place had a 45 minute wait. Was able to get a table quickly, and the food was awesome (had the french toast) and topped it off with a Guinness (it's my coffee). They have a crazy long beer list and the service was excellent. Cozy atmosphere, great find. I will elevate it from a "Plan B" to being my "Plan A" next time.
(5)Sheila H.
We visited Fork on Saturday right when they opened. I'm not sure why our entrees took over a half hour to receive them. Service was great but due to the wait time you might have thought of even serving us some doughnut holes on the house. I was with my husband and our 4 year old son. The chicken and waffles were absolutely wonderful ( a little pricey for white meat only $14). It was worth the wait. My husband had a juice from the juice bar blueberry pomegranate and enjoyed that. The coffee was good. His entree was also tasty and had a side of hash towns that were very good. We will return for sure but hope to eat a little sooner!
(4)Amy K.
Went there for the first time last Saturday night. Our waiter Nikkos was very good, friendly and attentive. We really like Hopleaf, but it can be so crazy/busy in there. We found this place on Open Table looking for a last minute reservation. We were very pleased. Everything was good-the french onion soup and the macaroni and cheese, to very good-the duck sandwich and the banana cream pie. Large beer selection that makes my husband happy. Nikkos says to try their mussels. We always seem to compare them to Hopleaf's, but since their duck sandwich was better we said we'll try them on our next visit.
(4)Ariel B.
Easter Sunday is a hard time to find a decent place to eat around 3pm. After an awesome game of bowling, we walked around Lincoln Square for some place to eat. Fiddlehead's was open for Brunch so we checked it out. $19 for Easter Brunch (not bad price, IMO). Eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, salad, mac n' cheese, homemade waffles, etc. Overall, it was good. The waffles were by far the best item of the brunch offerings. The regular menu looked interesting, but they were only serving Easter Brunch. The Host didn't really make this clear when we sat down, so we tried to ask for regular menus. He got a little snitty with us. The brunch was about to close down, so we rushed to get food and the servers didn't seem happy to see us. C'est la vie. We decided to just do the brunch because we were too hungry to head back out in the cold to look for another place to eat. I'd like to try this place again during regular business hours. Hopefully the service will be better.
(3)Jamie M.
Stopped in here with a friend before a movie at the Davis( not in a hurry but had a time to meet). They had one other table and a few people at the bar. The woman who sat us didn't give us a menu, so we had to ask the other woman who came to bring water, and take drink order. She returned with our drinks never to be seen again. Then a man was walking around looking at us so I flagged him over to ask a question about a menu item. He knew the answer that was good. he then quickly walked away, as we were ready to order. He came back about 10 min later after chatting to a person at the bar. We Ordered a Crab salad and a burger with Fries.I noticed the cook in the dining room just as I was about to get up and ask if they forgot about us, so i figured that was him telling our server that the food has been sitting in the window. Surely then the server walked away then came out with our food. The salad was very pretty when it came out but It took me about 10 minutes to cut everything up and mix it to even start to eat it. I didn't know I was ordering a master piece or I would have got something else. My friend said her burger was average and fries were cold nothing special! So we finished and had to ask for the check so we could make the movie since we were there for almost 1.5 hr just to grab lunch! I would not go here again nor would I recommend it to anyone. Oh the reason I say man & woman is because they never introduced them selves nor did they have name tags.
(1)Courtney H.
We went here for brunch/lunch on a sunday afternoon. Loved the atmostphere (sitting by the fireplace didn't hurt!) I love their flight of mimosa's and their mac and cheese is heaven. If you get only one thing from here, you MUST get the garlic fries. Positively life changing!
(5)Nicollette W.
A nice hungover food induced coma could be obtained by coming here on a beautiful Sunday morning for brunch. I had the Eggs Benedict Florentine - delicious....spinach and artichoke hearts....nice and salty. She had the chilaquiles - looked good - said it was good - but I didn't try it. We had a weird experience with the server though - she was nice - but we never got a coffee refill and were brought extra stuff we didn't order....at least we didn't have to pay for it.
(4)David P.
Honestly, I was sad to see Square Kitchen leave this space (I miss you, lobster club sandwich and pear and red oak salad!), but when I finally approached Fiddlehead with an open mind, I loved it. The menu is a bit more high-end. If you're looking for just a bite, you'll likely be taking home leftovers. My favorites include the duck and fig jam crostini from the small plates menu, the half-pound burger, and the cheese plate. They have Hook's 10-Year Aged Cheddar, my favorite. The wine flights at this place are difficult not to convert into a round-trip. Nice selection. The ambience has a very interesting organic/rainforest feel to it (don't worry, they have a/c). They definitely know how to craft a mood. When we last were there, they were excited about rennovations to the back dining area, so I'm excited to see what it looks like. Even if you're not a "foodie," (and I really don't consider myself one) I think that, like me, you'll find this to be a bit different from the rest of Lincoln Square, yet not too exotic in their offerings that they are inaccessible. A great place with friendly waitstaff. And how could I forget to mention the martinis...?!
(4)Daniel B.
I attended a rather large engagement party on Saturday and I found that this place handled it superbly. The 30+ guests were seated at exactly 6:00 and the service could have been better. We showed a little early and grabbed a drink at the bar. The wine list is pretty extensive and they have some pretty sweet beers on tap. This is a really nice looking cafe. They started us off with their cheese appetizers, a mixed vegetable plate, and House Smoked Salmon with some kind of bread. (Sorry I suffer from CRS syndrome- can't remember shit) The standout was the different cheeses, with my favorite being the Valdeon Blue Cheese, the 3yr Cheddar and some kind of feta. I took down one of the plate myself and was wanted to take the left over Blue cheese to go, but I was denied! I was told no one wanted to smell stinky feet the rest of the night. My favorite thing of the night was for sure the salad. Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad, Field Greens, Candied Pecans, Shaved Fennel, Blue Cheese Crouton, Champagne Vinaigrette. Holy Balls! I love me some beets and as soon as I saw this on the menu my eyes lit up. The salad did not disappoint and I will be coming back here just for this salad. The main dish I picked was the beef tenderloin and some sort of potato that I also cannot recall. I'm sorry by the time dinner was served I was 3 glasses of wine and 3 gin and tonics deep. I remember the meat being cooked perfectly and the potatoes were tasty. I also tried the woman's salmon and it was excellent. The dessert was your basic Crème Brulee and served its purpose. The service was excellent, as two very attentive waiters were assigned to our table. My wine glass was never empty and I was always rushed a fresh cocktail. The manager made his presence known and was always available for questions. The back party room is spacious and I really like the exposed brick look of the place. There was one little incident where a glass of wine was spilled on the woman's step dad and a punch was almost thrown, but all in all the night went on without a hitch. I look forward to coming back and trying the rest this place has to offer.
(4)Rick C.
Strolling down Lincoln on a Wednesday night when we saw a sign for a five dollar burgers with options for adding duck confit, bbq brisket, a fried egg. etc. How could we refuse? It seemed like others had the same idea, so it took a while for us to get seated. Once we finally got a table, our server was very cool and didn't even blink when we asked to move to a larger table to accommodate our friends. I went with the duck confit burger. Not sure if the duck complimented it well, but I enjoyed it. Upgraded to the garlic fries and thought it they were tasty. My wife went for the salmon burger and I thought was surprisingly juicy. Our friends had joined us for dinner and from seeing his review in the column to my right as a write this, it appears that he enjoyed his burger as well. We went on one of the first nice nights of spring, so the windows were open and while we ate inside they offered outdoor seating. It was nice to sit and watch people out and about in Chicago.
(4)Christoph B.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place as our first choice for brunch apparently did not want our business. (note to self Daily Bar & Grill you suck for completely ignoring patrons) Long story short we ended up at Fiddlehead Cafe and I'm glad we did! The difference in service was 180. And the food, simply delicious. I had the ham and cheese scramble. They use 3 yr Hooks cheddar which has a great sharp taste and goes just perfect with eggs. Good job Fiddlehead, you saved our day!
(5)Erika E.
We live in the neighborhood, have passed this place often, and decided to stop in last night for $5 burger night / $8 specialty burger night. Our friends really like the place and have recommended it. The beverage list was long and had quite a bit of variety in type as well as price, which was nice. Our server was very prompt and polite. The decor is nice. I ordered the French Burger with fries. My husband also ordered a specialty burger with fries. I really liked that they knew how to cook a medium and a medium well. Both burgers were flavorful. The baguette was fresh, the brie was melted nicely, and the onion marmalade was delicious. My husband's burger has a nice amount of BBQ sauce on it; he liked that it wasn't drenched in sauce, and he could still taste the meat. Both the baguette and his hamburger bun held up well to the weight of the patty. There was a heaping portion of french fries on each of our plates, as well as a side of ketchup. The food was good, and the bill was reasonable. The only criticism I have is that the food was very salty. Perhaps I am a bit sensitive to salt, as I am cutting back on my sodium intake. There were salt and pepper shakers on the table; if one wanted to add more salt they can, but it is hard to make something less salty. To keep in the French style of the plate, it would have been nice if they had mayo instead of ketchup as a condiment, but I am being a bit picky. I am sure I could have requested it. I'm a mac and cheese girl, so I am looking forward to trying it next time. The watermelon gazpacho sounded good, too. We did have a good giggle when a young woman walked in with super-short shorts, shirt off the shoulders and obviously without a bra. It was tacky, but it had nothing to do with the restaurant. :)
(3)Aquarius E.
Recently went there for a birthday dinner, my mom is friendly with the Chef and he really made the experience a great one. The whole table enjoyed every last bike of their food and our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ate here I had a bad experience with my waiter, this time around totally changed everything. I loved my cheese plate with berries, and the beer menu. my one and only issue.. not enough veggie options for true vegetarians .
(4)Unicorn L.
Love this place! Luckily it's close to our apartment, so it's become our go to 'nice' dinner place. The beer menu is extensive, brunch is superb, and everything I've ordered has been delicious. The garlic cilantro fries are SO good, and even worth the bad breath you'll inevitably have the rest of the day.
(4)Rob L.
I came here with fellow yelper Vamsi V before he went and saw a performance by Lisa Simone, the daughter of his favorite artist Nina. I came because, darn it... I wanted some wine flights. We both were excited about this place. I had been looking over the menu and pondering what to have... I think I had it down... at least I thought I did. First thing to change was the salad with the duck confit in phyllo, they had a potato and fennel soup... sorry I love potato soup and the fennel made it an easy call... they served it table side... I love that and it was really good too. VV had the mussels with chorizo and Israeli cous cous, the mussels were excellently prepared. Then I had the salmon with the potato bacon gratin, darn tasty. The salmon was tender and flavorful and the potato... well it had bacon, hard to get better than that! Vamsi had the red snapper special with lentils, I thought it was really good too, but I was too busy cleaning my plate. Then we had dessert. He went with the chocolate fudge ganache cake, chocolate heaven. I went a little healthy with the sticky toffee pudding with the Guinness ice cream, Guinness has vitamins and minerals.... at least in my head it does. I definitely want to come back and try some more wine flights and have some of their lovely cheese plates. The nice thing is a bunch of their wines and cheese you can buy at the cafe! Very nice, clean, casual atmosphere, (though if you go early you will probably be dining with kids, just an FYI), but a nice little treat that I will be enjoying again, hopefully sooner than later.
(4)Jessica K.
Good food and friendly service. We sat outside on the Lincoln side, and it wasn't too loud or noisy. Food was good and well portioned. The waitress gave us recommendations, some of which we took and some we didn't, but the ones we took were good.
(4)Moe f.
We strolled in on a busy Sat night and managed to snag an awkward spot at the bar. The Duck club sandwich was fantastic. The wife dug her cheese and chartreuse plate. Had an excellent bottle of Zin.
(4)Sabrina S.
I went to Fiddlehead Cafe last night with a friend. We made our reservation on OpenTable and arrived a bit late. The host sat us and was actually our server as well. She was very kind and did a great job describing the specials. I had a hard time finding something I wanted to eat on the menu. However, one of the specials sounded just amazing. It was a tempura fried prawn on a bed of zucchini and squash served with gnocchi with marinara sauce. My co-diner and I both thought that sounded awesome and decided to split it along with the vegetable strudel. The kitchen was kind enough to split the dishes for us! Each dish was brought out on separate plates which made me feel like I had 2 dinners. The prawn was just as expected -- wonderful! It was definitely one of those times that I was very happy I made the decision that I did. The vegetable strudel was good too but too much after I finished my first plate. We also ordered the chocolate trio. It was not what I expected but it hit the spot. Next time I hope to have the opportunity to have a salad/entree with fiddlehead ferns but I did not see this on the menu. I was surprised that at 8pm the restaurant was not filled on a Friday night. However, at around 9:30pm, the bar began to fill up. This is a great place to visit in Lincoln Square!
(4)April L.
Back when it was Fiddlehead, and even in the early stages of being Fork, the service was my chief complaint. Not the food, which was divine, and not the prices (which are a tiny bit elevated but for good reason--the quality). Well, the service gets better and better at Fork. Today I found myself unwilling to head down to Ribfest but seriously jonesing for some BBQ. I placed a phone order to Fork for their brisket (which I know to be delicious) and garlic-cilantro fries. The hostess and bartender were welcoming on the phone, and upon my arrival, offered me a seat at the bar while the back-of-house finished packaging my carryout. The bartender knew exactly what I had ordered and offered me a glass of icewater while I waited. Given the fact that it was about 90 degrees outside, and I had walked from my apartment, I was thrilled. He also commented that the brisket was a great batch; he'd had it for lunch. I asked how long they smoke it and got a different answer than the wait staff has told me, so I guess I'll never know. :) Less than 3 minutes later, my food arrived, and the bartender wished me a nice and cool evening. I added a tip onto my bill, which I don't always do for carryout. Even though it was a good 15 to 20 minutes until I consumed my garlic-cilantro fries, they were wonderful and still crispy. If you have not yet had these fries but have been to Fork, what is WRONG with you? :) All kidding aside, the brisket is as good as I remember it (definitely more tender with tastier BBQ sauce than some of the city's BBQ-only joints), and the texas toast underneath soaks up all the great juices. Topped with fried onion straws, it's a perfect summer dish, albeit a bit of a heavy comfort food. I have yet to bring someone to Fork who has had the garlic-cilantro fries and not declared something to the effect of, "I never want to eat any other kind of fries again." DELICIOUS. Just bring some mints.
(4)Mill V.
This place delights me. It reminds me of a distant sister to Bin Wine Cafe Wine Flights? Check Cheese Flights? Check Cute everything? Check Great food? Hell yeahs My and friend I hit up some wine flights and cheese. I frickin love their cheeses. They had an awesome French triple cream that blew my mind. And the bread with it was crazy good. It was cornmealish with golden raisins and fennel. Could of made a meal on just that. I got the lamb shank, and it was cooked til falling off. Could of used a heaping of salt. The risotto with it was missing the pecorino, and needed salt, too. But all around good. The sticky toffee pudding was a moist bite of delishness. It was great going on a Saturday night. Totally fun place to get alittle buzzed of wine.
(4)David G.
I had heard good things about this place and I have to say it lived up to all of them. They have a great beer and wine selection. they offer beer and wine flight and you can even make your own flight. However, the best part of the evening was the food! My wife and I were with another couple so I got to try a few different things (the brisket, the pot pie, and one of the burgers) they were all excellent. We will be back.
(5)Gloria R.
The food was terrible. I had a lemonade and a sprite, they both had a moldy taste. I'm never going back there again!!!
(1)Megan G.
Went for a light lunch of cheese and olives, and left very pleased. Generous portion of delicious olives. Nice Cheese Selection. Our waiter was informative and helped pick one of the cheeses that we ended up loving. It was the perfect lunch for walking around the neighborhood shopping.
(4)Chris S.
After seeing the menu on line, I ventured to Fiddlehead for brunch, and I will definitely be back. The menu is inventive and the food is really good. I had the soft-scrambled eggs with truffled goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and arugula. Other items included Nutella-stuffed brioche French toast, and a couple of quiches, among others. They also have flights of mimosas and good bloody Marys. Service was good. We were on the patio, but our server or busser was at our table numerous times to make sure all was well. The dinner menu looked equally great, so between brunch and dinner, this won't be the last they see of me.
(4)Debra R.
delicious brunch! we stumbled in here after leaving bad dog's brunch buffet that we gave the thumbs down. (who wants to eat food that has been sitting out all morning?! ICK!) the ambiance is very cute and cozy in this corner space. the place wasn't crowded so we were seated right away. ordered a much needed bloody mary and began to peruse the menu. btw - the bloody was a bit weak which is why they don't get 5 stars. i had real trouble deciding what to order. truffled eggs? breakfest melt? fried chicken and waffles? everything looked amazing so i asked the waiter what he gets and he said if not the fried chicken and waffles that the truffled eggs are their best seller. i was sold. they were delicious but i was craving the breakfest melt my dining partner had ordered. i had a bite and it was mouth-watering AMAZING. fiddlehead provided a terrific dining experience and i can't wait to go back and try more items from their brunch menu. a new favorite in lincoln square!
(4)hillary a.
i'm not quite sure if they're ready for company--at least, not parties of 30. my girlfriends had planned a family-style dinner party. and from the start of the evening, it was a discombobulated effort to get the right amount of tables and chairs together. once that was sorta figured out, and drinks and soggy fries had been served, half of our party got their dinner. you figure--maybe right after their food comes out, ours will too, right? but it doesn't. while it wasn't explicitly explained, there was some sort of snafu, resulting in a breakdown in communication, which lead to our dinner arriving more than an hour after everyone else's! chicken burgers look good. we're excited to eat, at last. so, we each cut our burgers in half, only to see pretty pink chicken meat. which scares all of us. in their rush to get the hour-late food served, they'd completely undercooked it and so another half hour goes by. may i just say that the party started at 7.30, and we FINISHED dinner at midnight, because that's how crazy the tangled kitchen/cooking confusion became. +our waitress was great and very attentive and so apologetic about the evening. we reassured her that we weren't at all upset with her, just very curious about how disjointed everything became. management was able to figure out a fair deal for the not-so-smooth-sailing affair. +what saved the night? good company always makes things better. that, coupled with the cozy fire place, made dining here "a-ok." plus, their diet coke was so crisp!
(3)Tammy Q.
Loved this place! It was quite intimidating when I saw the menu outside, but the fiance walked in and wanted to try it out. The place is small but very quaint. I had the organic chicken with soy glaze with a mixture of mushrooms, grains and bacon! Yes, bacon! Anything with bacon is an A+ in my book. The fiance got the special of the evening -- grilled salmon atop a bed of wild rice. He loved it. The consensus was that the portions were just right -- and everything seemed healthily prepared. For dessert, we got the chocolate ganache cake -- and that was also great. We are totally going to come back to this place.
(4)Comensal A.
I've dined at the past two restaurant incarnations at this address (Square Kitchen, Fiddlehead Cafe), and enjoyed both for their warm ambiance, thoughtful food/drink concepts and cordial service. This latest venture, Fork, is an evolution of Fiddlehead (apparently with the same owners & staff), and it continues the favorable trend. The new concept is oriented toward small plates, cheeses & charcuterie and an expanded craft beer presence. The menu is very nice, offering a variety of taste/portion choices, with some new flavors as well as a few echoes of Fiddlehead. This evening, we liked toasted goat cheese & beets, mac'n'cheese, pork belly & grits (ahhhh...) and roasted Brussels sprouts. Sticky toffee pudding cake is a knockout dessert. Nice wine choices, cordial service -- they really know who their customers are and how to appeal to them!
(4)PJ J.
I had friends in from out of town, and wanted to take them to a great place in my 'hood, and I've had a good experience w/ Fork before, so that's where we went. It was even BETTER than my previous visit. We were seated near the windows at first, and it was chilly there, and they moved us promptly and with no 'tude. The place is SO clean, so well-lit, aahhh....utter ambiance without pretentiousness....what's not to love? Our server was Jamie, and she was extremely knowledgeable regarding the menu from wine to appetizers to entrees. A few thoughtful questions on her part helped us make excellent choices. We started out with the fresh hot pretzels with a beer sauce...mmmmm salty, cheese-sauce dipped pillows of goodness. We also ordered one of the cheese flights....I HIGHLY recommend trying those. One friend ordered a nice Chardonnay that complimented not only the cheese flight, but his dinner of mussels....another friend ordered the brisket, garlic/cilantro fries and brussels sprouts....we all kept tasting each others food....divine!! I ordered pork belly sliders, which also came with the addictive garlic/cilantro fries. The sliders were amazing....rich, satisfying....two was almost too much, but glad I ordered two. We finished the evening with a couple of desserts...the vanilla creme brulee had a perfect burnt sugar top and was dreamy...the apple crisp with ice cream was incredible....comfort food. I want to go back soon for the duck confit....I'm a sucker for duck. ALSO, if you've never tried it before, I HIGHLY recommend the Kentucky Bourbon Ale.....seductive, satisfying, complex....not a beer you're gonna slam down....this is an ale that commands your respect, and gives you a quality beverage that goes good with burgers and more. I hope Fork is around for decades, and that it doesn't change TOO MUCH....the menu is practically PERFECT, the staff is kind, professional, warm and well-informed.
(5)Val B.
The selection is great -- lots of cheeses and wines to choose from, and great already-created or do-it-yourself wine and cheese flights on the menu. I tried the "Crisp White Wines" flight ($11) and liked two of the three. But I will say the menu's descriptions of each wine was spot on. I also had the "Crowd Pleaser" cheese flight ($10) with 3-year cheddar, Bucherolle (fav by far), and Persian Fetta. It was served with a fruity bread, candied pecans and apple slices. It was great! This would be a good place to talk with girlfriends over wine and cheese, but I wasn't so impressed with my dinner itself. I will give it another try. I give this place 3 stars because the service was pretty slow at the end, and the dinner prices were a tad too high for what I got, but I'm adding one extra star because the bathroom was really nice. Ladies, I know you know what I'm sayin'.
(4)B C.
Can't speak for dinner or lunch, but brunch was the bomb. Came here with friends and family on a whim. Ordered the steak benedict, truffled eggs, and a steak and egg special. I thought I was in for a standard brunch. I was impressed and surprised to have such a well presented and delicious meal. I had the truffled eggs and it was amazing. The restaurant is stylishly appointed with a loungy feel. Full bar along one length and a whole back room I didn't even know existed. The booths in front have large windows that open to the sidewalk. Works for families, but is a great atmosphere for a friendly get together.
(5)Stacy F.
Delicious! I really liked this place, the service, and the food. It was hard to decide what to get for brunch, but thankfully my dining partner and I game-planned it to get sweet and savory dishes!
(4)Tony M.
eh,.. Not impressed! The build up the hostess made for the "special" pot pie was amazing! why didn't you just tell me it was a 12 dollar cup of thick soup! Stick to the wine and beer.
(1)Christine P.
It's too bad I can only give this place 2 stars, but too many things were wrong. I will say that the ambiance was quite nice. First off, when we walked in for Sunday brunch, there was no host and it took about ten minutes to grab someone's attention. The waiter told us there were "no tables, but if we wanted to wait five minutes for one then they may be able to seat us". So we waited at bar. The bar was filthy - it looked like they forgot to clean it off the night before. We sat there for five minutes before someone got our drink orders; my coffee was brought to me in a dirty cup. 15 minutes later, we were seated, where our water glasses were not clean either. We watched other tables get water glasses that had lipstick stains be served to other customers. The table wasn't in good shape either. Luckily, the service was okay, but sub-par. I expected a little better. Our food took longer than expected to get to us, but it was tasty. I may give this place another chance for dinner, but seeing us and other people served clearly dirty utensils was a real turn-off.
(2)Teri P.
My favorite place to grab a bite in Lincoln Square! I love that the menu is ever-changing with several tried and true items that remain year-round. Every friend I introduce to Fiddlehead ends up loving it. I especially love it in the warmer months when the outdoor seating is available. The food is wonderful and the service is usually terrific. The wine flights are always spot-on, and the selection of beer and wine is great. What more could you ask for??
(5)Kristen M.
Delicious appetizers and a wonderful drink selection. Fiddlehead is a great place to sit outside have a light bite and enjoy a refreshing drink. They have a wide variety of cheeses and wines/beers to pair. Perfect summer stop!
(5)sarah s.
I liked Fiddlehead better. Brunch: Green beans in watered down bloody marys. Tiny little mimosas. Terribly long wait for food. Mac and cheese with no flavor. Disappearing waitress. No more truffle fries. Duck club sandwich with imbalanced flavors, served cold. Really common "antique" decor. Busboys hauling orange juice concentrate and kitchen staff traipsing through the dining room in prime brunch time.
(2)Ingrid G.
Worst. Service. Possibly. Ever. Never Again. Never. One additional star to thank the manager for the comped wine at the end. We appreciated it. But we won't be returning. UPDATE: OK, well I said never--but I guess never say never. Thank you to the manager who did email me thanks to Yelp and apologized for the service! I am raising one star for this reason and because of him will probably try them again if I'm in the area.
(3)Nathan H.
I was at fork a couple of weeks ago with my uncle and aunt. we went around 630 on a Saturday and after a short wait were seated. I loved the atmosphere! Cumfy and Cozy and just the right size. The waitstaff was professional and informative and we had a great time. I had the pork-bellied lettuce tomato sandwich which was incredible (albeit a little messy!). also if you enjoy a nice glass of wine and some great selection of cheeses this is the spot for you. If you find yourself around Lincoln square stop by, you will thank yourself!
(4)N. S.
I think the name is lame. I liked the name Fiddlehead better. But, I really like the direction they've taken with their lunch/dinner menus. Everything I've had so far on my several visits (flatbread, soups, grilled cheese, salt and vinegar chips, cheese plates, brussels sprouts) has been great. The duck poutine is out of this world. It's too rich for me to order on my own, but if I go there with a dude, inevitably it gets ordered, and I end up getting to share it. The service is nice. Wine, beer selections are good. Cocktails are not as interesting. Now for the negative part of the review. This is about brunch, so stop reading now if you only want to know about dinner. Aside from the name, which would be better on a barbecue or fried chicken joint, the only issue is brunch. I went to a wedding shower there, and the family style brunch served for that was great. But, just regular brunch? That doesn't seem to have changed much from the Fiddlehead days, and is a little boring and overpriced. Don't get fooled into one of the overpriced champagne cocktails. I watched the bartender make several of the "pomosas" which is supposed to contain pomegranate juice. Instead, it was a splash of a pomegranate-blueberry juice blend - which would explain the lack of pomegranate tang in the finished product.
(3)Becky R.
I heart Fiddlehead Cafe. The wine flights are fun for a night out with the girls. They even have little icons on the menu to help you decode the wine. A little bit like wine for dummies. Fiddlehead also has amazing cheese flights, which -- not surprisingly -- pair nicely with the wine flights. The mussels are also top-notch. And the banana cream pie will change your life.
(5)Chris S.
I've been to Fork for lunch and for a friend's birthday dinner. Overall, the service is attentive, the seats are comfy, and the food is tasty. The drinks list is really impressive and I loved their selection of French and Belgian beers. My main complaint with Fork is that they've hopped on the trendy bandwagon of putting bacon/pork belly/other pork products in everything. I'm a veggiesaurus, so it was irritating to find that basically everything that I initially thought was veggie was slathered in pork. Nevertheless, Fork is a warm, classy place to dine.
(4)Liane G.
Fork is great. They are super friendly (even to 3.5 year olds) and the food was great. The cilantro fries are home run and the special flatbread (not a regular item) was out of this world. Big fan!
(4)Carey L.
Nice place, we had a perfect table, half banquette, half chairs, no one too close by. Love that. The food is very tasty. The French mussels are worth coming back for. The duck was weird, tasty, but almost like cheese fries in their presentation, if that's what you seek for a Sat night dinner. The cilantro fries are fantastic.
(4)Anne J.
What a fun little neighborhood place! We got there early and had wonderful and attentive service. Started with the white wine flight, followed by a cheese plate (Truffle Tremor).....YUM! I had the mussels which were outstanding. There were so many I couldn't finish them all. With so many good choices on the menu I can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)Rehana M.
We came here for Saturday brunch. I'd walked past it several times and been impressed with the menu, so I decided to give it a shot. And overall? It was pretty good, although a bit overpriced. I ordered a mimosa, which was fine, nothing special, and the Truffled Eggs. In concept, the idea was lovely: eggs scrambled with truffled goat cheese, shiitakes, and arugula, and served sandwiched between two wedges of puff pastry. However, I am disappointed again and again by restaurants that overcook their eggs. It's such a no-brainer! Any kid can do scrambled eggs right - it just takes a little attention. But these were quite rubbery. My boyfriend had the Eggs Florentine, which looked a lot better than mine. We were both impressed by the fresh ingredients used at Fiddlehead, and the menu items were well-thought out. They just need to work on their execution a little. One really apparent deficiency was in the service. The only staff we could discern were a hostess and a waiter, who seemed to be doubling as a bartender. For a weekend brunch crowd on a nice summer day, this place was waaaaay understaffed. All things considered, I'd like to come back here and try dinner sometime, but for $40, that brunch left something to be desired.
(3)Michael C.
If I could give my experience with the restaurant 0 stars I would. I can't remember the last time an evening out was such a failure in ALL aspects. From the two word greeting of "Hi. Drinks?" To the fact that our server couldn't just take the name of our wine he needed us to find the page that the wine was on (in a huge book without page numbers) and tell him which number the wine was, to the 1 hour and 10 minutes it took to order our entrees, to the fact that our server didn't know or understand how to describe the menu or food, to the fact that some of the bread that was given with the entree was burnt and that side was face down (as to hide it. If my server was ever visable on the floor or came over to our table I would have asked for not burnt bread.... but he never did), to the fact that when I spoke to the manager about the problems all through the meal (and there were many others that i haven't mentioned like our server ignored our finished dirty plates and left them on the table for us to clear and stack), he looked blankly at me and said "sorry".... and that was it. When I prompted him for more of a conversation about the awful experience I just had at his restaurant, he proceeded to tell me how tired he was from working so much and that our server was sick and tried to call out for the evening. NOT MY PROBLEM!!! Your guest just had a horrible experience on all accounts, wake up and and try and win this guest back. But no, you were too tired to be a manager and your server was too sick to know how to take care of his guests. THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER GO BACK TO THIS PLACE. If their servers and managers can't succeed in some of the most basic elements of the restaurant business then I can't imagine that they'll ever understand how to take care of their guests. Especially in Lincoln Square which is full of wonderful, kind, businesses that want to have their guests come back. Actually I take the first sentence of this review back. I do remember the last time I had such an awful experience at a restaurant. It was a place called Fiddlehead. huh....
(1)Rob D.
This past Saturday, we made reservations to try Fork for the first time. Our reservation was for 6:30 but we were more than an hour late because of an expressway closure. We called from the closed expressway and the Fork staff couldn't have been more accommodating! We were told not to worry, relax and call when we were close. Despite it being a crowded Saturday, and the restaurant being very intimate, They found us a great table and told us how glad they were that we made it. This was only the start of a great dinner however. The Wait Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, without being obnoxious, and had some great suggestions for wines. Because of the small plates, my wife and I were able to sample several of the dishes. The Duck Crostini, had a wonderful smoky sweet combination. The Gnocchi, was outstanding with its woodsy foraged mushrooms and truffle infused cream sauce. (Next time I go I may just have a large plate of this.) The Braised Pork Belly reminded me of a similar dish we had in Napa. It was tender and succulent paired perfectly with the cheesy grits and arugula that it sits on. My wife enjoyed the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I have to admit that the latter has always been on my list of least favorite vegetables but my taste of Fork's version, with its bacon and onions was delicious. We ended the evening with a shared White Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding that was fabulous. Having ordered with reckless abandon, I was pleased when the bill came and was only $50.00, not including our drinks. Considering we both walked out full, this was a great value for a Saturday night in Chicago. We can't wait to return and explore the menu further.
(5)Colleen D.
Not bad but the only thing really worth going back for is the incredible beer selection. Food was fine but my soup was served medium warm. Same goes for the poutine. Had a bite of the PBLT (pork belly, lettuce and tomato). It would have been much better if they toasted the bread.
(3)Alaina N.
Soggy chicken and waffles and not-so-fantastic beer choices made for a soggy not-so-fantastic brunch outing.
(2)Elizabeth H.
I had dinner here this evening with a friend of mine and had a really nice time. I let the waiter surprise me with a glass of wine that was very good ... and given that it is mostly a wine/cheese bar, I would expect nothing less. My friend ordered a chicken dish that she seemed to enjoy (large portions too, she took half home). I had the grilled sturgeon salad and it was delicious. Everything was fresh and we both really enjoyed the meal. I plan on going back for a wine and cheese night very soon. UPDATE: Went back for the cheese/wine flights and am increasing the stars! The service was above and beyond and the suggestions were perfect for our party. I also went back another evening for a dinner date. We closed down the restaurant but never felt rushed and the food was wonderful even the second time around (I ordered a fish dish off the Specials menu, so I'm not sure if it's offered often)
(5)Michael S.
We were in the neighborhood. We saw a parking place right in front; grabbed it and went in. I remember the lobster club sandwich when this was Square Kitchen, and wondered how this new incarnation would stack up. Three stars for above average brunch food, including a cheap kids' menu and one star for the great service. I always appreciate when the hostess greets the kids like a human, instead of like an annoyance, and when the waitstaff pays attention to the kid and brings their stuff quickly. Friendly, friendy, friendly from the moment we arrived until we left. My Carnivore omelette was a nice variety of breakfast meats glued together with fresh melted cheddar. The Macaroni and Cheese from the kid's menu was good enough to be a regular menu item. It wasn't very busy for a late Saturday morning. Sort of made me wonder about the overall prospects for the place and whether it's a jinxed locale as it was for Square Kitchen. Worth a try while it's still there. I can't imagine the place does all that well with as dead as it was on Saturday just before noon. But, what do I know? Maybe they're doing just fine. If it had parking, I'd likely return. But, it doesn't, and this neighborhood is a bitch to park in. So, I wouldn't go out of my way to return, because there are just too many other places to try, but I can't say anything bad about the place. Overall, it was very pleasant.
(4)P R.
I've only been here twice, but both times the food was fantastic...even their normal burger is outstanding and only $5 on Wed! My brother had the French burger and was blown away. The place has a cool ambiance as well...in between fancy and casual.
(4)Neesha O.
I have been here twice now. The first time was mid-summer and I wanted to give this place a chance, even though I had walked past it on a Saturday night, practically empty and wondered why a nice dinner place would be so vacant on a weekend. The cheese plate was good, and the impressive beer list sat well with my husband but the entree was a total disaster. I ordered the gnocchi with morel mushrooms in a bechamel sauce with a balsamic reduction drizzled over it. The gnocchi were fat slabs of semi-cooked dough, there were a few on top distinguishable from the clumpy bed of paste-like pastamush beneath them. The balsamic was too sweet and syrupy and the bechamel was slightly cold and gummy. This was when I realized why the place had been empty that Saturday. I also realized why the place needed to advertise their beer list on a giant banner outside the building. Folks, the impressive beer list is a ruse, a red herring, a distraction, something to keep your mind off the fact that the food is terribly overpriced slop masquerading as gourmet cuisine. These thoughts were solidified with me when I came in for my second dinner here. The service wasn't bad, the decor was nice, but the food was simply disappointing. The beer list is impressive but I find it somewhat obnoxious. This place is trying too hard and not doing a very good job. You certainly won't get what you pay for here.
(2)Bess R.
Yes, fiddleheads are mysterious, but I still like this place. Had a great dinner here last Friday with my ladyfriends. Started with some delicious Zinfandel with cheese plate and olives. All tasty, but could have used some more fruit/nuts/bread/something with the cheese. We split the Salmon, Bison and another fish special. Of course I can't remember the name of it now, but it was the BEST. Very tasty. Salmon and Bison were good, but nothing too special. Enjoyed the laid back ambiance - sat in a nice booth next to the window. Service was attentive and helpful - our server and the manager. Will be back, maybe for brunch next time. Cannot resist the fiddlehead!
(4)Cece C.
The Brunch was awful. I love brunch and it was so disappointing. My cousin and I are both Chefs and we went with our families after going to the Green City Market. No Bueno... I had the Bison Burrito. It was so unseasoned. I never put salt on my food and I had to this time. The flavors tasted so muted and mushed together. There was no texture ot contrast in ingredients at all. My cousin had the Goat cheese truffled eggs. She sent it back because we all couldn't taste goat cheese and still couldn't taste it the second time. Then someone brought us out a rammie of goat cheese and it didn't even taste like Goat Cheese! It was like a goat's milk Ricotta? Anyway The service was great and so was the coffee. I just feel like you should be proud of every dish going out of the kitchen. We won't be back...
(2)Foodie H.
We went here on Mother's Day Sunday and while the food was ok, the service I felt was a bit underwhelming for the price of the bill. I felt like the server felt he was way too cool for that place. Couldn't get much out of him as far as recommendations. I hate it when you ask them something and their answers are about as vague as a politician. My girlfriend thought her food was good but I would have to give mine 2-stars. I had the whole grilled trout and while the fish was fresh (i.e. no stinky fish smell), whoever cooked the thing seemed to be enamored with rosemary since it was everywhere (on the outside, stuffed in the center of the fish)! I couldn't get a bite without eating some rosemary. That I feel is something the waiter should warn you about since if I knew that, I would have ordered something else. Or maybe he didn't warn us about it since it was one of the pricier item on the menu. When it was time for the bill, they overcharged us for the bottle of wine that we ordered. The waiter caught it as I was re-checking the price again so I'll give them that. Overall, the experience wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Definitely not worth the money.
(2)K W.
As Fiddlehead, this used to be one of my favorites. No more. Menu is very average, although service is still good. Bring back Fiddlehead.
(2)Jolie R.
We stopped in on Easter Sunday at around 3pm, looking for a decent place to eat after the bowl-a-rama. The birthday girl couldn't make up her mind....yes, that's YOU, so the general menu seemed to appeal to everyone. HOWEVER.....it was Easter Sunday and they had a buffet for the day until 3pm.....so we thought we'd give it a try. Out of everything, the waffles were the best bet - fresh made. That's it. Place seemed kind of dirty. The waitstaff was excellent, so the stars are for them. Maybe give it a try some other time.
(3)Chiara H.
At first, I felt kind of uneasy because I was certain that my outfit (which consisted of a tank top, jeans, and sandals) wasn't up to par with the restaurant's dress code. The staff was probably too polite to kick me out or I was just being too self-conscious, but either way I made it into the restaurant. Try their cheese flights, especially their feta cheese spread. Oh, yum! No wine for us, though. I got the Grouper (some kind of light white fish) and the boyfriend ordered the feta cheese/asparagus casserole-like dish. Both were phenomenal. For dessert, we got a piece of their banana creme pie. As expected, it was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was awesome. He had this fun party guy vibe going on, but he was still professional. I'm just glad the restaurant wasn't as uptight and anal as I thought. Everyone was actually really nice and laid back. I had no idea they served breakfast food! When I get sick of Cafe Salmarie, I'll start going here to try their yummy breakfast dishes. Thanks Yelpers for giving me the heads up!
(5)Molly C.
Two friends and I went to fork on sunday night. I got the spring flight which was blanche de bruxelles, another belgian white beer and daisy picker. It was tasty and had very generous pours but a) it's a couple days from july making a spring sampler seem a little inappropriate and b) the daisy picker was so hoppy it totally wiped out the other two beers. Not my best choice. My friends raved about the grilled cheese with candied pecans and bacon but alas the sandwich had no pecans on it and when I mentioned this fact to the waiter he said he could bring out pecans on the side. It wasn't the worst reaction he could've had but not the best either; he could've had the sandwich re-fired with my nuts! Both of my friends really enjoyed their meals and beers. I would go back and try this place again. The patio was great and overall the service was above average.
(3)Megan H.
Came here with some girlfriends for brunch and was so happy with my meal. I got the breakfast melt. I mean this sandwich is more than perfect. Really crispy country bread layered with ham, bacon, two cheeses, fried egg, caramelized onion and arugula. There is nothing wrong with that and all the flavors melded together perfectly. It was definitely a knife and fork sandwich. There was lots of order envy going around the table. I shared a lot of it and still had so much leftover. It seemed like everyone was a fan of their dishes too. Service was attentive but not overbearing. I would definitely come back!
(5)Karen L.
3.5 stars. I really like the new menu for this place. Went there for brunch and thought the options were decent. Decided to split some food with my friend, and since we couldn't decide if we wanted to be healthy or not... we did both. (So it really doesn't count!) Got the Mac n cheese, which was underwhelming... and the blue cheese salad (yummy), and the side of fries. (The fries seemed intriguing being garlic cilantro, but we didn't really taste either.) But I did love the sauce it came with. I will be back since it is pretty convenient, inexpensive, and had a nice menu. Also, I like the fact that it is a larger restaurant so if you had to wait, it most likely isn't that long.
(3)Laura N.
Fork used to be called Fiddlehead Cafe. While it was Fiddlehead, I went there about 3-5 times and the quality was consistently good. The food was always tasty. The service was always good in that I do not remember a bad experience. Now that it is Fork not much has changed. The interior is a bit different but is still very nice. Dark decor, candles, it's romantic. Or you could bring a group of friends, a fellow girlfriend, your family, etc. The service is still good. My date and I went there Valentine's weekend. It was my first time there as Fork and his first time there at all. Valentine's weekend is potentially a disaster at restaurants, like other holiday weekends. Our waiter was fantastic. He did not rush us. He answered questions, he gave us suggestions that were all very good. The food was great. Try any kind of cheese that your server recommends and you should do well. Same goes for the wines. He brought us out some extras on the house. My date had a beer flight; I had the Spicy Reds wine flight. We were both very happy. The mood was intimate and romantic. I suggest that you start with the warm marinated olives. Try the house gnocchi as an entree or split it with your date. You won't be sorry you tried it. The mussels are incredibly yummy and are served one of two ways: Belgian or French. If you haven't had mussels before or you are not a huge fan of seafood, opt for the mussels to be served French style. The sauce, the preparation, and the bacon will help to counter the mussels taste and texture. They're great. We walked out of there satisfied but with room for dessert elsewhere. Parking was surprisingly easy - we parked in the square about 1-2 blocks south of the restaurant. It might have been luck though. We called ahead for reservations at 8pm and it was neither empty nor packed. One thing: if it's not warm outside ask for a table away from the windows. Or wear your coat like I did. The wine and company will warm you up. Wink implied.
(4)Alison M.
I love this place-- it's perfect for a girls night out when I'm looking for a night of appetizers, drinks and desserts. (Not that the entrees aren't good-- I've just always filled up before getting to try them). The crowdpleaser cheese sampler is good-- nice variety, and the feta spread is fantastic. The homemade chips and blue cheese aioli are amazingly decadent (a must share). The mussels are really creative-- served in an IPA broth that you add giardiniera to after finishing the mussels-- I sopped up every bit of that broth, it was so good! Finally, while the chocolate ganache cake is wonderfully rich (perfect for a chocolate lover like myself) I have to admit, I liked the banana cream pie even more-- perfect proportions of delicious filling, topping, and graham cracker crust-- the best banana cream pie I've ever had! UPDATE: The banana cream pie is gone! Apparently the chef (who held the secret recipe for the amazing pie) has gone on to another restaurant. They now serve a different banana cream pie, which while good, is not life changing. PM me if you know where the chef (and his pie) went.
(4)Theresa K.
I'm updating this review to say that after I posted this, David B reached out to me here on Yelp and offered to allow me to use the gift certificate. I only just received the message now, but at least he tried to make things right. I'm upping my stars based on this, We still haven't eaten here.
(3)Peter S.
food is decent but price is kind of high for what you pay for. still debating if I want to go back.
(3)Scott H.
Always have a nice experience here as wine and cheese flights are fun with friends and the beer list is formidable and always seems to be growing. We enjoyed Earth Hour here recently and it was fun dining by nothing but candlelight. Our attentive waiter was a dead ringer for Richard Marx too, so that was fun. Whenever we needed something, he was right there waiting for us.
(4)Krys J.
Well...it was simply okay. I came here for dinner mid-week since my original destination was closed for a private party. Upon entering you are enveloped into the warm, welcoming interior. However, the food just did not excite me. The selections on the menu seem to be a bit too culinary for this corner bistro to pull off and unfortunately my entree was quite bland. The service was good & the wine selection was pleasing though. I would give it another try possibly for brunch or stop in for wine & cheese, but it is highly unlikely that I would go back for dinner.
(2)Nicholas C.
It seems like a small thing but I always enjoy when my very first reaction is, "Wow, that's good coffee." That was my first reaction here and Fiddlehead continued to deliver with several more, "Oh wow" moments. The next came when my chilaquiles arrived a very short while after ordering them looking a fantastic shade of orange and yellow. They tasted good, not outstanding but good. They where not very complex in taste and could have been spicier or something, but the rest of the experience was a remarkable combination of the small things I really appreciate getting right at a restaurant. Again, like the coffee, it would seem a small thing but I really appreciate when my wheat toast arrives warm and just toasted enough instead of cold and burnt, another minor factor leading to an excellent experience. The last, "Wow" came out more like "Wmphw!" as I began to chew the potatoes and instantly withdrew my left hand which was in the process of a programmed grab for the ketchup bottle. These taters where a balance of creamy, crunchy and sweet and would be going down naked. All in all I found it a comfortable and pleasant experience and can't wait to go back and try something else. I'll also be trying the wine and cheese offerings the next time I'm in the mood for that.
(4)Leigh O.
As a long-time neighbor in Lincoln Square, it is hard to try something 'new' when the list of existing favorites is so long. In good news, Fork is basically a retread of previous concepts, so pretty easy to 'make the switch'. Fork solidly delivers on hearty Friday night fare - upscale gastropub. We liked the mussels (small serving was a little small and needs more bread) and the dinner we split was a LOT of yumminess. Go for the garlic cilantro fries - they are a life-changer. However, be prepared to be garlicky for a LONG time afterward. Great wine and beer options and well explained from our server. Our server was kind and engaging - offering nice wine coaching and great validation on her food 'favorites' as well. She was in the weeds almost all night, servicing the entire back room. There was lots of confusion between the server and the expediter about what had been delivered, e.g., 'the mussels will be here soon!' when they had already come and gone. So, I agree with previous reviewers - they have service problems but I think it's a process problem: everybody who came to us directly was extremely good at what they were doing. We liked it and will be back for wine flights and cheese after the movies!
(4)nancy b.
i was surprised by this place. the first time i went in there for brunch, my mom and i looked at the menu and decided to go elsewhere, as their options were very limited. i went back for my first meal for dinner with three girlfriends, and it was surprisingly much better than i expected. we shared a plate of five cheeses (GET THE HERBED FETA! it will change your life.) and each ordered our own wine. our server was very knowledgeable about the cheese and wine pairings. i ordered the brisket sandwich, which i'm not sure was supposed to be served open-face style, but i was glad it was - no more bread necessary. the brisket was very tender and not over-sauced. it was simple sandwich that let the meat shine. upon insistence from my friends, i ordered the cilantro fries, and they were the hit of the table. "wait, i'll finish those fries for you...." said a friend as they were clearing my plate. overall: good value, good service and decent food. i'll definitely go back! it's also got a warm and fuzzy feel with the exposed brick, large bar and nice decor.
(3)A S.
Randomly came across this place and must say, WOW! Cozy, classy, excellent food, presentation! Gorgeous staff (always a plus!) Will definitely come back again and recommend to friends.
(5)Jim B.
My 4 yr old and I had an early dinner here with some friends and their kid. The table service was pleasant and helpful and the kids menu was a nice revelation--I was prepared to have to coddle something together from the appetizer selections for my daughter. The hamburger she got was delicious (hell yeah I had some of it!) I myself had a wonderful braised lamb risotto that was about perfect. It had a nice blend of flavors and textures (the rice was truly a ldente.) I love to see restaurant that cater mostly to adults offer kid friendly options. It only makes me want to come back again with my "grown-up" friends. The nice wine and beer selection doesn't hurt either. It would be nice to see a valet service added for later on the weekends. It's becoming harder and harder to find parking close to the square.
(5)Danielle F.
We had a hamburger and some appetizers. For 3 of us with wine it was 100 bones. I thought that was a little pricey. The food was good though, not spectacular. The menu was limited. The service was very good.
(3)Allison A.
Ack. Just boring and plain. Good if your country honky relatives are visiting and afraid of "city food." The blandness of the dishes will make them feel right at home. Service is hit or miss, coffee is a total bust. If you need a brunch place, head over to Glen's or Selmarie...worth the wait. Comparable prices.
(2)Sierra N.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher overall rating! The atmosphere is great - fancy but welcoming with friendly staff and amazing food. The cheese plates are incredible and any entree is delicious. We tried dinner here once and were so excited to share it with friends that just moved to Chicago and they loved it too. A wonderful dining experience.
(5)Chris B.
Wow -- mixed reviews from the Yelp crowd...and some love brunch, some hate it, some loved their dinner, some hated it... Count us in the 'love' column. We've gone twice, and both times were a big success. Our first time was last last year -- perhaps weeks after opening, according to the owners who were there, and we got the VIP treatment. a.) it was a slow SNOWY night, b.) I had just returned from a long business trip, so was excited to have a good date night with dear Jacky and was definitely in a good-to-be-home mood. We started off with some flights, and given that we are big BIN36 fans, we chatted up the owners about their hopes and dreams for this place, and got some good insight on how excited they were to be in Lincoln Square, etc. The wine was predictably good, enough so that we jotted a couple down from each of our flights to buy from a store later (which we did). We did a couple small apps -- the chips with the blue cheese aioli was my fave, and Jacky loved the olives, and both of us loved the seared tuna (that was really good -- a tomato-pancetta jam gave it a little salty/rich bite, as did the olive tapenade and grapefruit). For dinner -- I was definitely smitten by their 'signature dish,' a slow roasted pork shank with lentils and pears that was just amazing. Really really good -- last weekend, our second visit -- I stuck with the pork thing (coincidentally) because it was the special, but it was better than the shank -- a stuffed shoulder equally braised with a mixed greens/arugula salad with fiddlehead ferns and cannellini bean puree. Absolutely phenomenal. Now Jacky -- she is a chicken and fish kind of girl, and not very adventurous -- this IS an adventurous menu by those standards. While this all thematically falls into what I dub 'forest comfort food' - there are a lot of unique choices that I find to be intriguing. Jacky had a fish dish the first visit that she really enjoyed, and this time, she tried the pasta special which I thought rocked (my bite), but she deemed too spicy (a clam pasta with garlic and other goodies). The server was very competent and attentive, and she subbed in the chicken breast and truffled sunchokes which Jacky was in love with. So dinner was saved. The desserts were very fun; this time we had the trio of cheesecakes (peanut butter, dark chocolate and banana), and a couple cups of coffee. All in all -- a great dining experience -- I'm curious about brunch, esp. after reading your reviews, so will check it out. But for dinner -- I think the bottom line is this place is worth trying to get your own hit/miss opinion. I find it to be warm, inviting, attentive and interesting and will definitely be back soon.
(5)Eric V.
Our friends were in Lincoln Square last Wednesday so we decided to meet up for dinner. Temps had finally hit the 80's in Chicago so what better way to celebrate than Burger Night at Fiddlehead Cafe. Specials included a $5 Half Pound Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion on a Brioche Bun, but I upgraded to the $8 Farm-House Burger which added a Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheddar, Melted Onions, and Dijonaisse. The burger was moist and properly cooked to medium, the bacon was crisp, and the egg was a perfect sunny side up. Overall, it was a solid burger and pretty darn tasty. Service was a touch on the slow side, but still very friendly.
(4)Amanda Z.
My experience is based on a dessert, cocktail trip here the night of my birthday... We got there late, after a lovely evening of birthday fun (Second City and Twin Anchors--YUM!)...craving something a little sweet. I had an expresso creme brule, which was divine (the perfect amount of sweetness) and my date had the chocolate ganache cake which was rich, super-sweet and super-delicious. I also had a glass of moscato, upon the recommendation of our server, which tasted exactly like apple juice. Furthermore, although the server had pointed to a $4 glass of wine when she recommended it to accompany my dessert, the one I had was $8. Whatever, it was my birthday, I was gonna have whatever sounded good, but I thought that was a little shady. It was a nice experience, I'd like to go back and try their cheese flights (I am a cheese nut!) but overall a little expensive.
(3)Sarah K.
Fiddlehead is alright. It used to be my favorite brunch place with the best eggs benedict. Eggs benedict is my thing. However, the last time my bf and I went there the benedict was awful. The eggs were horribly over cooked and the potatoes were basically raw. In addition, my coke (yes coke at brunch, sometimes I need it after a long night) was super watery. We queried casually about whether there was a new chef and the waitress told us yes. This was back in fall 2009. We haven't been back since. Maybe they are okay for dinner. They always seem to be crowded.
(2)Kathryn G.
Great for brunch. Their chilaquiles are the best. Servers are attentive and friendly. On one visit the kitchen got way behind with orders but the waiter kept bringing us free drinks and could not have been more apologetic.
(4)M L.
Way overpriced for the quality of food. Service could be more friendly too. Felt rushed by impatient staff. Love garlic and fries, but Fork's garlic fries are too strong on the garlic and the fries tasted like they were microwaved. Mac and cheese for $14.00? Buyer beware. Want great food at reasonable prices just a few feet away? Looking for a restaurant that gives back to the community not exploit it? Take a walk down Lincoln Ave. and find much better restaurants with more pleasing atmosphere, greater service, plus less expensive and fresher food.
(2)John C.
I've only been here for brunch, but have been quite happy each of the three times. The eggs florentine and eggs benedict are superb, and come with delicious hash brown potatoes on the side. Very good waffles as well. The coffee is strong and delicious, and the bloody marys are quite good (especially with whatever it is they put on the rim of the glass). Dinner looks a bit pricey, but the brunch is top-notch.
(4)Joseph O.
Fork is nice in concept but not in execution. Yes, a cheese plate is excellent, especially when it can be eaten outside on a sunny day with a pint of craft beer. But, no, not when the portions of cheese are almost microscopic and its accouterments nearly non-existent. In my mind, it's not a good value, and to me that's a big deal.
(2)Jami K.
I'm not really sure what happened here. Last fall, right after it changed from Square kitchen to Fiddlehead Cafe, a friend and I went here and had a really great breakfast. We shared an omelet and the chocolate french toast, which was one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. OMG it was so incredibly good. It's been months and I can still remember the chocolate bread, nutella, cherries and even more chocolate-y goodness. I had an omelet, which was well done which was served with really tasty homefry potatoes, which were well seasoned and plentiful....it was a very nice experience. So, today, we had a friend visiting and we wanted to show her a good place to have breakfast before she had to fly off, so we decided to revisit our old delicious breakfasts place. The wait really wasn't bad for our table, it's really to be expected on a Sunday morning, however, it did take kind of a while for us to get our food after we ordered. I was really disappointed with our food in comparison to our last visit. I don't know if it was because I had too high of expectations, but the food really wasn't anything special. I ordered the black truffle omelet and it wasn't that it was bad, it just wasn't anything special. I could barely taste the truffle...and I don't think that I enjoy ricotta cheese in an omelet. Also, the plate just didn't seem very generous in comparison to the last visit. The fiddlehead potatoes were almost laughable. The are kind of like tater-tots and reminded me of the hashbrown potatoes served at McDonalds, but worse. Mine were overcooked and didn't have much flavor. Also, I was pretty sure that the toast I had last time was way better than this visit. The bread for my toast reminded me of the stuff you can get for $.69 a loaf at Jewel, really nothing special. One of my friends got the Captain Cruch french toast and it was okay, but not really anything special. I always put peanut butter on my french toast and pancakes anyway, so it really wasn't that much of an addition to put some cereal on top of that. So, all in all, except for the black truffles, (which I couldn't even taste) I probably could have gotten a better breakfast at the Golden nugget. However, the food doesn't seem to be that expensive, but the brunch drinks will really bite you in the butt. I probably won't be going back here any time soon since there are so many better places to eat breakfast in the area. It's really a shame that this place really went downhill, I miss that chocolate french toast!
(2)Rebecca C.
I love the fiddlehead. When I was apartment hunting before I moved to Chicago, I stopped in with my mom for an evening drink. The bartender and owner chatted with me and gave me tips on the neighborhood and the city. When I moved in, we went back, and they remembered me and even gave me some good advice on restaurants and takeout in the neighborhood. The next time I went back with a friend (a few months later) the owner remembered me again and gave us some great wine and cheese pairings. The ambiance is very classy without being stuffy or uptight. I've always sat at the bar and have never had a meal here, but the appetizers and wines are great!
(5)Morgan C.
Very nice brunch... much cooler inside than I thought it might have been. I'm not really sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised, not too fancy/pretentious, not too overly-casual (read: no one in sweats or backward baseball caps). The brunch menu is pretty limited, but has some variations on solid brunch items. Some griddle, some eggs, some sandwiches... The gf got the Mediterranean egg plate, I got the, oh yes, Cap'n Crunch French Toast. And that is with peanut butter, in case you were wondering. Hers was a nice egg dish, basically over easy eggs over some chunky tomato sauce, but it's got some cucumbers. Tasty. Hash browns appear to be deep fried; how can that be a bad thing? (She did ask for crispy, too, and I wouldn't have wanted them less done than they were.) Mine was pretty much as amazing as you would think Cap'n Crunch French toast could be. With peanut butter. Nice cereal crunch, but not like overwhelming, gimmicky crunch. Topped with some (slightly not-so-fresh) Crunchberries. Service was decently polite attentive, if not a little slipshod. Coffee was quick and refelled pretty often. Tasty, too. As we waited for food though, I was presented with a side of bacon. No, that's not mine. And we did have to wait for and flag down the waiter for her accompanying toast. A little part of me feels it was a bit pricier than it could have been, but I'd definitely go back again.
(4)Devon W.
Very good brunch - great selection of dishes and everything was good. Between our group of 6 we had Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup, Belgian Waffles, Pancakes, an Omelet, and French Toast. It was all very good, and they seated our group of 6 + baby very quickly. They seem to stick all the people with kids into the side room, which is great in my opinion. We can all enjoy ourselves and not worry about bothering others if our kids cry.
(4)Heather B.
I'm a huge fan of their wine and cheese (and beer) selections. Brunch has always underwhelmed me there, but dinner and/or flights are always fantastic. They often use fresh, local and/or organic ingredients when they can (just ask the server) The Amish chicken was to DIE for!
(5)MELEK L.
I am so surprised by the low rating of Fiddlehead Cafe. I have been there for brunch and was uber impressed. I love the decor. It was warm and inviting. Many of the hangings and patterns I could see in my own place. The atmosphere was comfy, friendly, and unpretenious. The menu was quite impressive as well. I found so many items that I wanted, it was hard to choose. My friend and I were both extremely satisfied with our meals. I also found it impressive that they have such a wide selection of fresh squeezed juices! A perfect morning treat. I am looking forward to my next visit at the Fiddlehead Cafe! Maybe next time I'll try it for dinner.
(4)Tina B.
A friend who worked at BIN 36 recommended this spot to us. Mike & I went for dinner on Friday at 8pm and were seated near the window right away. The decor has a comfy modern, earthy vibe. Dinner was delicious and relaxed. Tasty eats: *cream of cauliflower soup *lamb risotto w/fontina & chestnuts *halibut *nutella creme brulee : ) The wine flights hit the spot. I enjoyed the icons used to describe each wine! While our server was very nice and helpful, she was a little spotty. No big deal though b/c we were just chillin anyway.
(4)k b.
Four of us went to Fork before our Old Town School of Folk Music concert. None of us can think of anything that can be improved. We were seated promptly and served our beverages without delay. Our server had every answer to every question and was helpful with suggestions. We all shared a cheese board (the Cheddar - delicious selection) and the roasted beet and goat cheese was passed and enjoyed. Our entries included a Farmland Burger, Flat bread, Gnocchi, and Short Rib Pot Pie. Not one thing about the food could be improved. We had several different glasses of wine and sampled a few beers. This is a wonderful place; a warm, welcoming, and spot-on destination that I will be happy to see again. All four of us recommend this location. Enjoy.
(5)Lindsey R.
I held a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend here on Saturday night and had a great time! I worked closely with their staff to set up a special dinner for 8 where each of the 3 courses were paired with a beer or two. The food was excellent, I'm still dreaming about the garlic cilantro fries and beef brisket sliders. And the beer was great too. David did a wonderful job selecting the beer choices, he really knows his stuff. Fork went above and beyond to accommodate my vision for this night and to treat us like we were the only party at the restaurant. We had a great time and we'll definitely be back!
(5)Erin T.
I'm only giving four stars because we've had inconsistent experiences with servers. The food has been amazing each time. The wine flights are amazing. The cheese flights are EFFING amazing. And the entrees have no right to be as delicious as they are when you you consider how good the cheeses and wines are. I had a cheese flight as an appetizer and then a cheese for DESSERT. First server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and unsnobbish about our cheese ignorant ways. The second visit, our server wasn't rude or anything, but he was distant and distracted, and unhelpful re: the menu. The owner/greeter, however, is always a charmer. On my way out the second visit, he made me come back in the restaurant so he could give me a rose. Nice!
(4)Gfiddy F.
Great beer menu, cheeses, mac & cheese, deserts, etc.
(5)Lizard F.
I've been here two or three times over the course of the last two years, always for brunch, and it's TASTY. A little on the higher end of the price scale, but in my opinion, well worth it for the portion size and the quality of food that you get. On my last visit I brought a friend from out of town who is by far the pickiest eater alive, and she thought it was delicious! As did I. :o)
(5)Cate R.
I really enjoyed my food when we came here for brunch - a ham and cheese egg scramble accompanied by some delicious potatos. Will be back here, let's say that. One problem though, was the service. At first, it was very confusing. One waitress came over with a trainee, took our drink orders, and disappeared for almost 15 minutes. Then another waitress came by and took our drink orders again. Then it took us over 15-20 minutes just to get our check. The service was bad enough it almost loses 2 stars, but I'll be nice.
(4)Elizabeth P.
I went here with two of my oldest friends for a night of good food and catch-up conversation and it did not disappoint on either count. This place has a light, airy and modern feel, but is still comfortable and cozy. The bartender was a doll and our waiter was friendly and funny. Now onto the food - yummy! I was worried about ordering the steak frites, in case it didn't compare to my all time favorite at Home in San Francisco, but I was not let down. The steak was perfectly done and very tasty. I could have done without the mix of fries: they had the normal kind, a wider cut and sweet potato, and I only liked the normal kind, but boy were they good (sorry, foodies, I don't know what you call different types of fries!). We also ordered steamed mussels which were excellent, and the salad was pretty good, although not at the level of the other dishes. All in all a terrific dining experience.
(5)Rlvb V.
The ambiance of this place is adorable, and the wine and cheese menu is so great! We stumbled upon Fiddlehead and are so glad we did. The food was excellent and the dessert menu had really interesting options (Bread Pudding with Guinness beer ice cream - yum!) We're going there again soon and we don't think it'll disappoint!
(5)Leah P.
I love going to Fiddlehead Cafe when I am looking for a really a great local / seasonal, thoughtfully presented dinner experience. I LOVE that they do not have TVs here. I hope they do not bring them in - ever. It would really disturb the lighting, ambience and flow of conversation. The brick walls, oopen windows and bar are so nice to look at - TVs would take that away. Last night I chose Fiddlehead, specifically bec. they do not have TVs. They also have a great selection of wine and staff are always ready to make a recommendation. Their cheese platters are also very good. Everyone thinks about this place for brunch (which I think is just okay) - - Dinner and / or drinks is what this place excels at. I just wish they did more marketing. I feel like their menu is totally under-rated / unknown in this tightknit commmunity. Get the word out!
(4)Channyn W.
A lack of willingness to drive a great distance coupled with a general disdain for lines led us to Fiddlehead Cafe last Sunday morning. The overall atmosphere is nice enough, but I HATE the cafeteria style seating where you're seated close enough to the people beside you that you feel almost obligated to be inclusive of them in your conversation. Trust me, they're listening anyway. I'm a huge fan of brunch and there were some nice options, but nothing special that can't be found at the myriad of other restaurants dotting Lincoln Ave. My french toast was stuffed with Nutella (YUM!) and a few small pieces of banana. It was super sweet, but pretty darn tasty. Throw in some more bananas and i'd be a bigger fan. My friend had the truffled eggs. Eh - they were ok. Nothing spectacular, a little runny on the eggs (they're supposed to be soft not runny), and very little seasoning. The concept is great, but the execution was a little lacking. I'd go back to try there lunch or dinner menu, but for brunch, there are much better options.
(3)Jim S.
My family and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead when walking through Lincoln Square on a sunny Saturday. We needed someplace outdoors to accomodate our dog (because, one cannot have brunch w/o a fluffy white dog in tow). We didn't have to wait long for an outdoor table. The brunch menu has terrific variety--lots of egg concoctions, salads, sandwiches. I ordered a chicken sandwich with some kind of olive oil tapenade and vegetables on ciabatta--it was one of the best sandwiches I've EVER had. My parents were thrilled with their hamburgers. Also, the prices are reasonable so you don't have to break the bank to go here... ...on the other hand, the service leaves a lot to be desired. Our waitress had the best intentions, but she seems to not understand the difference between "salad" and "sandwich" and gave my father the wrong dish....twice. Also, we had to ask 4 or 5 times just for water when we sat down. It took forever to get our food, but when it arrived, it was worth it. The manager told us at the end of the meal that dogs are forbidden from the restaurant, even though the hostess had said it was fine. SO, the long and short of it, is if you're in Lincoln Square, it's nice outside, and you're not in a hurry, and you don't have a pet with you, then go to Fiddlehead.
(3)caroline e.
After a couple of big beers, we headed out of Maifest and, stumbling down the street, started looking for food. Fiddlehead Cafe sounded like a great place to stop in and grab something to soak up the alcohol. As soon as we walked in though, we realized it might have been a slightly more upscale establishment than the name suggested. So we weren't too surprised when the hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant...away from the other customers. Oops. The food was really good. My mac and cheese was tasty, but I have to say, my stomach hurt for hours afterwards. Maybe it was just too cheesy for me. Our waitress Jamie was really great. She had a sense of humor about our....state of mind...and took great care of us anyway. Thanks for being there when I needed you Fiddlehead!
(3)Dustin S.
This place was really great. The food was tasty, the beerlist was expansive, lots of cheese and wine, and a really friendly server/host/bartender. I expressed interest in some of the Unibroue beers and he gave me free sample beer!
(5)Kelly S.
I like wine and I like cheese.
(4)Marian H.
Everyone was sooo nice, the food was excellent (especially the scallop appetizer and NY strip!! Oh, and that apple dumpling dessert!)...all in all a great experience. They carry the most vast selection of port I have ever seen in a Chicago restaurant. Such an upgrade over the former Square Kitchen (good riddance!) and a great addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back!! I should also mention, we spent way too much time at the bar after dinner, but the bartender and eventually one of the owners humored us through the rest of the evening. We really had a great time there, and look forward to going again (though will try to control ourselves with the booze next time....)
(4)Sara B.
Even though our adventerous dinner on Friday was a disaster, we decided to be totally crazy and try something new Saturday morning, too. This time wasn't so painful. First off, I really like the inside of this place. Very warm and cozy. However, the warm and coziness was sort of off-set by the crazy techno music they had going. I felt like I should bop my head the entire time I was there. But I didn't because it hurt. Their coffee is outstanding, and it's served in gigantic mugs like I have at home. Major ups to large mugs--that way i don't have to track down the waiter every minute or so for more joe. Aside from a few service issues, I enjoyed myself. I had a Mediterranean egg dish that, strangely, was sans feta cheese. But, it didn't really need it--very packed with flavor. It was sort of like eggs on top of a great tomato sauce. Yum! Half a star off for putting grape jelly in a pretty serving dish--like I'm not going to know it's nasty grape jelly. I paid $9 for eggs. The least you could do is throw some blackberry preserves on the table. Oh well. The bf had captain crunch french toast. It was good but super sweet. There's no way I could eat a plate of it. The pancakes looked pretty delicious, too. Yep, I think I'll be back. If not for the food, for the fact that it was 10:30 on a Saturday and I didn't have to wait for a table.
(3)Laura H.
We took some friends out last night and boy were we surprised to get the Bill. It was super super pricey for what you get!! So if you go, stay away from the cheese or meat flights and just get entrees individually you will save a ton of money and alot of headache. The cheese/meat flights are tasty but very very minimal for what you pay for and not enough bread to go with the cheese/meat. When they arrived we were very surprised to see how little was served it was almost laughable!!! We did however try the BBQ brisket which was excellent and the Duck Poutine was awesome!!!! Besides that everything else is really overpriced. My friends had a martini and a glass of wine for $28 dollars--eeeks!!!
(2)Phil F.
We went here because I had read the Red Eye article about the Capital of Brunch being Lincoln Square. And it was okay. We got some brunch cocktails which were not stellar, but just run of the mill. The pomosa, a pomegranate mimosa was a brownish hue, so kind of off putting. And the sparking wine was flat, even after returning it once. The food was okay. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy sounded great, but instead of sausage they used ham. And the biscuits were not my style, they were short and not fluffy. We also got the chilaciles(sp?), which were kinda gross, the sauce was canned or something. Overall, I would go here if I lived nearby.
(3)Mara S.
A friend and I stumbled upon Fiddlehead yesterday for brunch. We had passed a bunch of other brunch places b/c nothing sounded all that appealing - we were very pleased with our selection. Fiddlehead had a small brunch menu, but it was delicious. I had the chilequiles (yum), which I didn't expect to be as good as I've had other places, but I was wrong (that happens occasionally)! The potatoes were good too, as was the service. We got there around 9:30 and had a great seat by the big windows in the front. It got fairly crowded by the time we left, seemed like the local crowd was rolling in. I'd definitely go back and would be interested in trying something other than brunch next time.
(5)Ade Z.
I live in Lincon Square and I have grown to love this place. I live right around the block from it and this past weekend i just realized why this place is so fabulous. Some friends, my boyfriend and I went to Lula Cafe in Logan Square and than came back here for some extra wine and chatter. Right away we were greated like we were family. We told the waiter that we would be 6 people and he didn't get scared :) points for him As i sat at the bar and looked at the menu, the owner came up to me and made some suggsetions based on my love for whte wine. He was very nice and let me taste a couple different ones till i made my final choice. My boyfriend opted for the Sangria! WOW i was so jealous it was delicious!!! A MUST TRY! Than him and i decided to order some lemon chessecake- it was delicious but a little toooo lemony. Than the rest of our grouped ordered. One my friends was very excited to have found some old french apple beer that she drank while on vacation with friends... so she ordered it and was very very happy In other words i love this place and i hope it sticks around.
(4)Laura R.
We have only come here after 9pm so I can't rate based on brunch (though I'll have to try it one of these days), only drinks and the food we've tried. First off, my boyfriend goes crazy for the beer selection. I have never seen so many different types of beer in one place. Personally I'm not a beer fan, but I will say the wine selection is good too and I usually wind up getting a strawberry mojito, which is quite good. All the food we've tried is great - everyone we've come with raves about the garlic cilantro fries. Burgers are good, we had a veggie flatbread pizza that was delicious, and the creme brulee was decent. Service has always been great in our experience - they recognize us and always say hello and welcome us back. Chris the bartender gave great beer suggestions and he will be missed - I hope his replacement is as good as him!
(4)Kimberly M.
I went here with two friends for brunch, and our first reaction was that it had semi-modern design inside. There's a bar as you walk in and a seating area you can step up into. As we were led to the back room (which was pretty cozy and attempting a hipster cafe vibe), a huddled group of waiters stared at us as if to say, "You don't meet our hip-standard." Whatev. My Cap'N Crunch French Toast with peanut butter was pretty tasty, but got tired of it after awhile. Pomegranate Mimosa -- want some pomegranate with that champagne? Our waitress seemed to have a *slight* chip on her shoulder, but warmed up to us as we were about to leave. Tip, much? I would try this place again, but maybe for dinner and drinks. Maybe brunch just isn't their thing.
(3)Deb C.
I am a big fan of Fork after a couple of visits. The food has always been good and the wine selection is great. My only suggestion is that they need to change the wine flight combinations regularly, but the small plates, PBLT, cheeses, and meats make up for it.
(5)Dina D.
Fiddlehead. What does that even mean? What does it have to do with food or wine? (UPDATE: I have since learned that a fiddlehead is some kind of something used for food consumption: still, who knows that..?) Ok, so I think the name of the place is silly and doesn't give me any idea as to what it's about but I went anyway... I was looking for a small bite. I ordered 3 cheeses and a glass of wine. Wine: Good. Cheese: Good. Portions: Teeny tiny. The bread served with the cheese was hard. It was "supposed to be" but it just tasted like stale bread to me. The perfectly nice server brought me non-crunchy bread when I asked, so that was nice... Kind of expensive... And nice outdoor seating... I guess, maybe I'll try it again sometime...maybe.
(3)Jon J.
We came in for breakfast after hearing from friends that it was a good spot - and were weirded out to see the place having only 3 tables dining, and a couple at the bar. At 10:30am on a Saturday! This is a strange sight in a town that loves weekend breakfast as much as Chicago, and especially in a restaurant as large as Fiddlehead. Oh well, the food was alright. Nothing incredibly remarkable, but pretty solid. Prices were a little on the high side, especially since they didn't have much standout going on, but that's the neighborhood, I guess. We did overhear the waiters discussing job opportunities at other restaurants, which was kind of amusing. For brunch? Eh. I can make myself the same meal for a fraction of the cost, and they didn't have anything special enough on the menu to draw me there. The dinner menu, on the other hand, looks promising, and we may stop by and check it out sometime.
(3)Susan L.
What is the deal with Fiddlehead Cafe? What is it about? WHAT IS A FIDDLEHEAD?!?!?! I'm asking because this place makes no sense to me. What are they trying to be? A wine bar? A restaurant? Their list of cheeses and desserts was longer than their food menu. The place was pretty empty when I arrived (around 7:30) and 60% full when I left. I had the burger which was ok at best, the boytoy had some chicken breast plate that he enjoyed. I just don't get it though. The food is very average, and the waiter didn't offer any special insights about the wine...I'm left confused. I just can't figure out Fiddlehead.
(3)Ashley B.
went for brunch with a friend. it was amazingly delicious. our waiter was a little rattled, but the food was outstanding. its in a great location which surprised me that it wasn't as busy as some of the other local restaurants serving brunch. i ordered the truffled eggs because i am a sucker for anything with goat cheese. the portions were generous, but not overwhelming and all the components complimented each other nicely. it was obvious that the ingredients were fresh. the pomosa had great flavor but the champagne was a touch flat. i will return next time i am in the area
(4)Lisa P.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dinner at Fork. I did not expect it to be as good as it was! We started with some cured meats and cheese which are always appreciated. However, in retrospect, I would have preferred to skip that course and try out more of the entrees instead. The veal meatballs and the poutine are MUST HAVES! They're both delicious and very indulgent! The poutine is made with duck confit and gravy and it's excellent! We also had the gnocchi and butternut squash/chorizo flatbread and they were very tasty as well! The dessert options aren't bad either! I will definitely return.
(4)Liz T.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to get out and see more of Chicago's wonderful, diverse neighborhoods, which is why I found myself in Lincoln Square on a Sunday morning. I have actually wanted to try Fiddlehead Cafe for a while, so when we walked past, I made a quick decision to have brunch. There was no wait, and this being the the first nice weekend, we opted to sit outside. As soon as I sat down I realized that my chair was partially off the sidewalk. It was too late, my chair tipped back, a leg snapped off, and I was crushed under the plastic carnage. It was terribly embarrassing and not my favorite start to a meal. Shortly after I had been given a new chair, the waitress came over to give us our water. She had put ice and cold water in glasses straight from the dishwasher. By the time the glasses reached our table, they were cracked around the entire circumference. We weren't off to a great start. I was torn between the chilaquiles (a favorite of mine) and the truffled eggs. I took my server's recommendation and had the truffled eggs. B ordered the eggs with cheddar and ham. Now, I'm all for full-disclosure so I will say that I LOVE salt. I can't live without it. And, I probably over-salt...just a little. When dining in restaurants, though, I really try to enjoy dishes as they have been prepared. But take my word when I say that there wasn't a grain of salt in my entree. It hadn't been seasoned at all. I tried to eat it, but finally gave up and asked the server to please bring salt and pepper. The mini salt shaker did it's job and I was back in business, but I was still wishing I had gotten the chilaquiles. The cheddar, ham, and eggs were decent. Nice, sharp cheddar. If I ever find myself in Lincoln Square in time for brunch, I wlll give Fiddlehead Cafe another try, but I certainly would go out of my way for it.
(3)Tom V.
This is a nice restaurant with a wonderful electic atmosphere. The exposed brick is truly a plus. We went there for Easter Brunch after finding out about this place on metromix.com . The only thing negative I have to say is they didn't have any ham for easter nor was the buffet being monitored closely for refills. Several of us were standing in line waiting for food because the trays were empty and the bartender completely ignored us even though the serving trays were right on the bar. I must admit it was Easter but the restaurant really wasn't that busy. Would I go there again? Absolutely, for made to order but not for a buffet. The wait staff was great and the atmosphere really is exceptional. I would tend to believe their made to order food is probably exceptional.
(3)Jenny B.
I live right by this restaurant and I'm really bummed that almost every time I've been there I leave unimpressed. I had one of the worst brunches there about 6 months ago so decided that I would just go there for wine and dinner but since then I've decided it's not worth my time or money. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Bee B.
They have wine flights!!! i love being the one at the table with three glasses of wine when everyone else has none (or one). They have a nice selection of wines and their menu has cute little cartoons describing the character of the wine (dry, strong bodied, fruity, etc. -- there is a joke in here somewhere!). The flights are only a few bucks more than a plain glass of wine and I would definitely recommend trying the bold reds or the fun red mixes. This may lead you to believe I had two flights. I did not. Not enough room on the table. And now, on to the food. Mixed reviews. For some of the items I thought the were suffering from a case of, "trying-too-hard-itis." One of my dining companions had a sandwich with (dry!) duck confit, and goat cheese, and duck liver, and some type of jam, and cinnamon-sugar, and i was kidding about the last one but you get the idea. The soup of the day, which was an onion bisque type thing was delicious, and my husband enjoyed the lamb risotto, but was miffed that it came as sortof a porridge in a bowl with no veggies on the side. which brings me to: I was a bit annoyed when I wanted to change out the polenta on my trout entree for some veggies instead and was told that they can only remove items, not substitute them. So, not too friendly on the accommodating people with food needs. Flexibility is always a nice quality in a restaurant, and was lacking at Fiddlehead. Veggies are cheaper than polenta too last time I checked! Okay, now onto the odd. odd. odd. odd. (1) made us wait 20 minutes when we had a reservation and there were obviously tables open. (2) two (2) people came up to say "hi" to us after we had been seated. They weren't there to bring us water, or tell us the specials, just to say hi. Which was nice, I guess, but...odd. (3) As we were finishing our meal two (2) men were carrying three (3) umbrellas from the outside dining area through the main dining room into a storage closet. They knocked down at least one (1) glass and made much noise and commotion. It sorta killed the post dinner buzz, and made me believe that the place was not run by professionals (sorry). The place not being packed to the gills like every other lincoln square eatery should have been a clue. In honest, I probably won't be back...unless its just for some onion soup and a wine flight (or two.)
(2)Christian F.
Good food and good service. The cheese flights are a must. We didn't try the wine flights because we were having dinner and felt that a bottle was more appropriate than sampling several different wines. But the cheese was fantastic. The rosemary manchego was disappointing because it was too savory but the rest were very good. We had the Blue d' Auvergne (very good blue bursting with flavor if you like blue) and the best of the 5 we had was the Regal de Bourgogne Raisin, highly recommended. Our meals were good as well. They were trying a new dick confit sandwich with an orange marmolaide which was perfect. And my friend was very happy with the monkfish wrapped in bacon. Avoid the mussels though as they are too fishy and not quite right. They could have at least used lemon on the side. The service was very good. Our waiter was quite attentive and suggested a fine wine and even made sure our meals accompanied the wine we were drinking. Fits in nicely in Lincoln Square.
(3)Jon M.
I feel like I should leave a bad review so I get in quickly next time. Fork is my favorite restaurant on the north side of Chicago. I consider myself a steak connoisseur and the hanger steak was perfect. It wasn't huge, but it was cooked perfectly and had a great smothered sauce. My wife had the grilled flat-bread and loved it.
(5)Patrick R.
I was a bit weary going here as it has 3 1/2 stars - there's so many places in the city that have 4 stars that I haven't tried yet. Should have read more about it though as this is my type of restaurant. Started off with a beer flight, which I'm so glad that they offer. Our waitress was VERY knowledgeable about the beer selection as well. I ordered the candied bacon because how could I resist? ! It was very good, but not sure if I would order it again - can probably give myself a heart attack if I make it at home. Tasted mostly like bacon and maple syrup which and was only 2 strips. It was a good first course though. For my meal I had the PBLT - a pork belly, lettuce, tomato sandwhich with fried egg and dijonnaise. It was very good and rich. Probably not for those who are counting calories, but for those that are looking to indulge. Also had the garlic fries which were very good but a bit too much garlic. Overall a very cool place in a cool location. Very interesting menu for all courses and even their cheese and charcuterie selection. If you're on the fence about the place, I'd say look at their menu and see if there's anything that catches your eye. If so, I'm sure it will be prepared well.
(4)Erik J.
The food has improved since this restaurant was reconcepted from Fiddlehead to Fork, and the pricing is more weeknight-dinner friendly, but the staff has maintained its "we're better than you" attitude. We left Fiddlehead feeling unwelcome, and left Fork feeling the same way. Avoid.
(2)Heather L.
Very friendly locale for a small group of women to get a nice glass of wine night cap. Nico was especially friendly and did not rush us out as the last patrons at 11:45pm on a Tuesday night. Especially enjoyed the Zinfandel that night-not even sure of the make or model. It's just nice to be able to get a little taste of a few before committing to "the one". Very pleasant sophisticated but laid back atmosphere. Why don't they have a place like this in my neck of the woods?
(4)Randal B.
My wife and I decided to try Fiddlehead Cafe when we wandered upon it this weekend. It was late afternoon, so the place wasn't crowded and the waitstaff was very attentive. We tried a red and white wine flight and a cheese flight. All were great choices. We then shared the Smoky Chicken Salad Sandwich with fries and the food was terrific. With the comfortable decor (and no distracting TV), the good music choices, the open windows, and great food and wine, my wife summed it up best: "This is the kind of place we'd want to find if we went on vacation somewhere." We had a great experience at Fiddlehead and will definitely return with friends.
(4)Stephen J.
This has become a favorite of my wife on our date nights. The drink recommendations are the best and the food is wonderful. We have a great time every time we go.
(4)Sarah C.
beer flights are awesome, mushroom flatbread is delicious!
(5)Alice S.
what a horrible dining experience. the one star is for their garlic cilantro fries. there are no other stars, because there is nothing else that stood out here. I took my younger cousins out for brunch today and i left the restaurant with my blood boiling. The hostess was super sweet and got us seated in a booth pretty quickly. We had two servers, one male server that seemed like he was in training and a female server, who based on our receipt looks like her name was Jamie. The guy was really nice and friendly to begin with. They took our orders and the food came out fine. The fries, like i said, were great. For brunch we ordered, the sausage scramble, ham benedict, truffled eggs, and soup & grilled cheese. Nothing really stood out. When the bill arrived, our female server came over and my cousin handed her his credit card. I told her to stop and take my card, these are my younger cousins that I'm taking out. She shook her head at me and as she's booking it to the POS system, tells me she only takes the first credit card. I was just thinking, "are you f***ing kidding me?!" So I got up from our booth, and had to run after her as shes looking at me and punching away on the POS system like this was some game and she was trying to run our bill as fast as she could before I could get to her. I ran up to her and again explained that I am taking my younger cousins out and to take my card, and that I am the oldest one at that table and that none of them are even working. I don't even understand why I had to explain all this crap to her. Instead of taking my card, she proceeds to argue with me telling me "her rule" is that she only takes the first credit card. Well lady, I don't care about your rule. Cause its stupid. She then tells me that she is willing to split the bill between the two cards. Seriously? Are you kidding me? I don't think a server should ever force one of their customers to chase after them and argue over something like this and make me provide reasons for why she should give me back my baby cousin's credit card. Talk about ruining what was supposed to be a nice outing with my family. She finally took my card and gave me back my cousin's, but that was just ridiculous. I will definitely not be returning. Go here if you think you can get full off of a meal of just fries and you want bad service and to leave with a completely bad taste in your mouth. I spoke to the hostess on our way out, and she was super sweet and apologetic. The restaurant should have the hostess help train the server we had on how to provide good customer service.
(1)Sarah B.
Once again, I am keeping my review at four stars even though I maybe shouldn't. I stopped in a week or two ago on a Tuesday night by myself. I noticed a wine flight special and who am I to turn THAT down? So, to get right to the point, I think I was overcharged for my flight--I didn't get the special price or was charged for the wrong flight--whatever. It didn't matter because I couldn't stop drooling over the uber-cute bartender/server (oh no, I'm pulling a David R. here!). I was too distracted by his hotness to really give a shit about my bill. Which, my friends, is why I am keeping 4 stars!
(4)Cliff E.
This place is a tough one for me to review. I so want to like Fiddlehead Cafe. It's in one of my favorite parts of town (Lincoln Square), and there's tons of fun stuff to do all around it. Like the Davis Theater for a cheap first run movie. Or Old Town School of Folk Music for a cool concert or nifty-shifty music lesson. Or Fine Wine Brokers for a really great bottle of wine from friendly and helpful staff. Or Quake for childhood toy nostalgia. Or Laurie's Planet of Sound for awesome music and videos. Or Merz Apothecary for a little bit of pampering. I've been to Fiddlehead a couple of times now and the reason I really want to like it is that the service is really good, everyone is friendly, and the food is pretty tasty. The servers here are all really friendly. I've never really "wanted" for anything (It's like they have spies in my coffee cup. It gets empty, yet before I go to drink more they refill it. Happiness! I don't have to constantly readjust the cream and sugar from an overzealous coffee dilution incident!) The first few times I got the Spicy Bloody Maria (w/ Tequila instead of Vodka) and the Chilequiles. You can have chorizo added to the Chilequiles (yes, please!) and it's fairly tasty chorizo, but each time I've ordered it, the bed of nachos is soggy and the scrambled eggs have been a bit rubbery. I understand that you want the food to arrive together, but perhaps they could deliver the chiliquiles to the table in two dishes (the nachos in a bowl and the eggs, sour cream, and salsa on a separate plate). It also would allow the servers to slide the eggs/etc. off onto the nachos with a bit of panache while preserving the desirable crispiness of the chips... I recently got the Eggs Florentine Benedict. And my experience was a bit better. The English muffins were nicely toasted and the eggs were poached to perfection. I would've liked a bit more hollandaise sauce ( I had more egg yolk than sauce) and I honestly felt that it was poorly flavored as well. Fewer things in this world are as sad as weak sauce. I've heard great things about the burger's but I've yet to try one. Maybe next time... And I guess that's why I'm giving Fiddlehead only three stars. It's close, so close (in my opinion) to being a solid recommedation that it's minor things that stick out and keep it from being four stars.
(3)Kim M.
I went here for dinner a few weeks back and was really impressed. The service was great. We were lucky because it was not a busy night, but the waitstaff seemed like real pros that could handle a rush. The wine selection was good and reasonably priced (and generously poured) flights are available. I did the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay flight for $11 and all three wines were great. The flight also got me through my whole meal (although heavier drinkers would need a second). The food was just great. We started with a really tasty meat and cheese board. I had gnocchi and my fiance had steak. Both were delicious. I love a place that can please anyone from vegetarian to hardcore meat eaters. My fiance is a creme brulee connoisseur, and was displeased with his dessert, but that didn't stop him from saying he'd defnitely be back.
(5)Julie N.
I've only visited for wine and cheese, but based on that alone I had to give 5 stars. Their flights of wine, paired with flights of cheese, are really delicious and well thought-out. The pairings go very well together. If you like one of the wines you taste, you can purchase a bottle from the restaurant to take home with you! The decor and ambience is really nice and I hope to try their dinner entrees very soon. A great place for a little something before or after a movie at the Davis, or anytime!
(5)Lisa W.
Why anyone would give this place a good rating is beyond me. My experience there started off ... OK. Our waitress greeted us not at the table but from the other side of the railing (the dining area is on a 1 ft elevated area), which was a little rude. I let that slide because I know what it's like to wait on several tables at once, and in a rush things can get hectic. The ambience of this place was a little confusing. The name is fiddlehead.. so you think.. celtic? But they were playing latin music.. ok.... Then while waiting for my coffee I noticed dangling wires hanging from the ceiling in the corner and shards of wood and plaster where the ceiling meets the wall.... ok... I have to say, I love that they serve their coffee in huge mugs. There's nothing I hate more than having my coffee refilled several times throughout my meal throwing off my ration of cream to sugar. I ordered the eggs florentine, which is what I will usually order at a new place as a basis for comparison, with a pancake on the side. You figure, a pancake is the most basis of breakfast foods. If that gets messed up well... there's a big problem. I also noticed they had a few stolen items from the Bongo Room. Tsk... Tsk... Our food arrived in decent time, I poured a little syrup on my pancake. The syrup had an orange essence which I liked. The pancake was a little dry and crumbled when cut into it. My food was poorly presented, sort looked slopped on the plate and the hash potatoes were sparse, not to mention the onions and red peppers in them were barely existent. They were also unseasoned. My eggs were poached fine, but the spinach was not cooked, at all. I understand some people make choices out of artistic expression, but this was not that. This was blatant laziness or lack of knowledge that spinach should be sauteed or steamed in florentine. The hollandaise was barely there. There was no seasoning. The bussers never came to fill our waters which left us thirsty and disgruntled. They also didn't offer butter for our pancakes.... WTF. Our waitress took forever to bring the check and the bussers never cleared the table. This experience slowly declined from average to horrible. I felt entirely ripped off. My advice to them would be to reassess what you are doing. Decide if you want to go w/ the celtic theme or latin theme and restructure your menu from there. Your lack of focus shows in your decor, your service and your food. Retrain your chefs. Explain to them what seasoning is as well as technique in preparation. Regroup and come back to Chicago. In the meantime, please leave my neighborhood. Thanks.
(1)Carolyn B.
Painful service. REALLY painful service. Very inconsistent food - one weekend the fries were amazing; the next they were soggy and tepid. Go for the great beer menu, not for the food or service
(2)Jill S.
Overpriced, bad service, mediocre food. My boyfriend and I live in Lincoln Square and are all about new restaurants in the neighborhood, but we have an inside joke of just simply remind eachother about how much we dislike this place every time we walk by.
(2)Babs H.
First of all, I want to point out how expensive it is for what it is. Mind you, they have an AMAZING beer list, the food is pretty good, the service was just above ok, the atmosphere is pretty nice, but the music is God awful. But that's just a nutshell. So, I ordered a glass of wine and the summer vegetable pasta entree (I know, I mention the extensive beer list and then order wine. Shut up). The server specifically said there was asparagus in it, which I was happy about and was one of the selling points. I was a little :( to see there was no asparagus in the dish. It was a little bit bland but with a couple dashes of salt it was good. I was ready to order a second glass off wine but then the server didn't come back for another 22 minutes (I counted)! When he did return I ordered the second glass and after it was delivered he disappeared again. I always always always order dessert, but he didn't even ask, just brought us the bill after he had disappeared for another 20 minutes. At that point I decided to just get a ice cream from the 7/11 by my apartment because this server wasn't rubbing me the right way. He could have sold me at least 3 glasses of wine and a dessert in addition to my entree but he was too scarce. I will give it another shot but hopefully with a different server.
(3)Greer C.
First, after reading some of the terrible service reviews, I was bracing myself. However, the only thing that was a little slow was the bar. The food came at a good pace, in a random order, which it what we requested. I was a little bummed that the poutine came last, because I was most excited for that, but I should have thought of that when placing my order. I went with 2 girlfriends and we split a couple of dishes. Spanish cheese flight (Manchego has been playing an interesting role in my life lately, so figured I should go with it), pickles (I can never say no), brussel sprouts (the onions were a touch overdone, therefore a little bitter, but overall really good), roasted beet and goat cheese salad (A-OK) and my favorite duck confit poutine. My friend thought the duck tasted too much like duck, so I got her helping too (just of the duck, I couldn't wrestle the fries from her). Call it poutine or disco fries, I'm totally down with it. All in all, a happy experience. Our server was really friendly and stopped back often, the bus boys/food runners were great and quick and made sure our waters were full at all times. It's one of my many quirks, but that's really important to me.
(4)Theresa K.
Meet up with some friends for an early weekend brunch at Fork in the heart of Lincoln Square. The service started off terrible and ended on the right note. Our server pretty much ignored our table for over 20 minutes upon arriving. We couldn't get a coffee order in. She later apologized and we had some of the managers check up on us afterward. Apparently, this is the place for chorizo breakfast items and since wanting a veggie item, I might not have ordered the right dish. My friends all ordered chorizo items: the omelet and scramble, etc. I ordered the chilaquiles. I thought they were delicious, but they did not taste like your typical chilaquiles; for one, they had no salsa. I was still satisfied. My companions did not overindulge in their dishes nor did they comment. Not the reaction you want for a group of Chicago foodies. When the bill came, I was surprised that the coffee cost $3 a cup. Seems a bit too steep. The ambiance was a bit outdated and nothing spectacular. Though the place was spacious and quite filled with people. I wasn't crazy about this place and probably won't be heading back.
(2)leanne S.
Two words - skip it. There are a ton of restaurants in this city that actually have good food and good service. At Fiddlehead, they have OK food and horrendous service. We went there for New Years Eve. Our party of six had reservations at 8:30 and was not even seated until almost 9:45. After finally being seated our waiter ignored us for another 30 minutes before he actually took our order. As if that's not bad enough they had actually run out of some of the items on the menu. The waiter seemed annoyed and was sweating so profusely I actually started to feel bad for him. That was short lived. By the time I had refilled our water glasses (I actually had to go get the pitcher before the waiter came and refilled our water) and he had someone else serve me my first course of lukewarm bisque while he was on break all thoughts of compassion had vanished. The food was just OK. Much of it was served at room temperature and some of it was over or under cooked. I felt like I was dining on the show Hell's Kitchen except I never signed a consent form (FYI - Gordon Ramsey would have never let that under seasoned risotto leave the kitchen). I would say that the worst part of the entire experience was the owner. At our request, he came to our table towards the end of our meal. He was so incredibly rude. He continuously told us that he had tables that had had great food and service. I ask you, what good does that do me? I had neither. By this point it was close to 1:00 am. Our plans for New Years had been ruined. He finally conceded to comp part of our bill after a long and drawn out argument. His overall treatment of us and his inability to fully acknowledge the extent of his shortcomings was enough to ensure that I will NEVER patronize his establishment again.
(1)Cassy M.
I think we have found a spot to become regulars! We went to Fork a couple weeks ago with another couple. We were very impressed with the food, service and alcohol selection. While we were there I saw that they were having a special Valentine's Day menu complete with wine pairings so I made a reservation. We went there last night after a long day of work and kids so needless to say I was a little stressed. However after 2 hours of drinking and eating, everything was right in the world again. I attribute my shift to the attentive staff who didn't make me feel like the high maintenance guest that I initially was when I first arrived. I was a little thrown off by a couple additional tables and moved tables three times before finding the "right" spot. Yah, I'm wierd about where I sit, but usually that's where my high maintenance ends. Our server was very friendly and seemed to time everything perfectly. The wine pairings were right on the mark and the food was so good we ended up eating more than we normally do. So by the time we were done we felt like we could've curled up right there on the floor in front of the fireplace and gone to sleep. Alas, we had to walk home. We feel incredibly lucky to have such a great restaurant within walking distance of our home. Thanks Fork!
(4)Robin C.
The manager contacted me and apologized for the terrible waiter. I can appreciate that. So my friend and I went back for brunch (eggs this time, no rare burgers and soggy bread for me, thanks) and mimosas. Before the waitress knew the manager had invited us back, she was nowhere to be found and not too friendly. The manager was great, the food was much better, (i.e. cooked properly) and we got free dessert on top of it. Still nothing I'd wake up craving but decent eggs, good drinks and I always like sitting by the big open air windows.
(3)Douglas G.
My wife and I ran across the Fiddlehead Saturday night. We went in because it had a great vibe. The vibe was even better once inside. It is a beautiful restaurant. The staff is wonderful, helpful and attentive. But the glory of this place is its menu. Fiddlehead is both a wine bar and a first class bistro. It has an excellent wine list the rival of any place in Chicago. They offer about three dozen wines by the glass, far more than other restaurants, plus they have a wonderful selection of ports and madeiras by the glass. The menu does an excellent job of describing the wines and suggesting pairings. The sommelier is also very helpful. Fiddlehead is an excellent restaurant to learn about wines whether you are a complete beginner or more knowledgeable. Another great part of the menu is the cheese selection. There are about two dozen cheeses that you can mix and match. Like with the wines, the menu describes them well. Choosing a "flight" of three to five cheeses and a "flight" of three glasses of wine is a ton of fun. Of course, Fiddlehead has entrees also. A little surprisingly, the variety of entrees and appetizers are not as vast as the variety of wines and cheeses. Still, the entrees and appetizers are excellent quality. Everything we had was excellent, meats, greens, and breads. We plan on making the Fiddlehead Cafe a part of our regular visits to Old Town School concerts.
(5)Justine N.
Went here for dessert with after a great dinner at nearby Tank Sushi. The atmosphere is great and is perfect for date night or drinks and dessert with the girls. Despite the inattentive service from our clueless waiter, my experience was pretty positive. They had several wine flights to choose from and tasty desserts (try the sticky toffee pudding with Guinness ice cream) and cheeses that were a great way to end the night.
(3)Flora C.
We are always impressed with the wine, service and food at this restaurant. It is also wonderful on summer nights when they open all the front windows to let in cool breezes. My husband had a grouper on sauteed leeks and lemon butter that was the best he has ever had, and they will be adding it to their main menu. I also love the wine art icons they use to describe thier wines. It makes it easier to choose a perfect wine with your dinner. The neighborhhod is cozy and quaint and when they open the windows, it lets in the quiet bustle of the sidewalk traffic in. It feels European. We just love it. VERY romantic.
(5)Jennifer L.
I thought I wrote a review for Fiddlehead, but apparently not. Too bad, because it's been several months since I've been here and can't remember everything. I DO remember that our server was friendly, they have a nice selection of cheese, and since I wasn't in the mood for a heavy dessert, the kitchen accommodated my request for a bowl of strawberries. Let me tell you, they were tiny but POWERFUL! These were like wild strawberries we used to grow in our yard, not the behemoths you see in the store. Obviously you can't get them if they're not in season, but the fact that they let me do that AND the fact that they were so good is reason alone to patronize this place.
(4)William B.
Just got back from brunch. The food was good but a little pricey. Nice exposed brick and wood decor. Service was great. It looks like they have a great beer and wine selection with some interesting cocktails too. Will probably go back for some drinks and home made charcuterie.
(3)Jennifer H.
Love the wine flights (a tad pricey, but fun), and the small plates (the homemad potato chips with blue cheese and the fresh figs with goat cheese and flatbread are particularly good) are interesting and tasty. The handmade pasta was delicious and the bass was perfectly cooked. The sangria is very yummy -- lots of fresh fruit bobbing around. Great place to sit with some friends, sip some wine, nibble on food, and enjoy the beautiful evening. We've never needed reservations, and the service has been excellent each of the several times we've been.
(4)Tara C.
Seriously LOVE THIS PLACE!! Flights of wine, beer AND champagne?! Heck yeah! Flights of cheese? You bet! I had the bison and it was fantastic as was everything else ordered at our table. We WILL DEFINITELY be back! After reading the other reviews it seems we have some snooties in the neighborhood, but I was more that happy with all of it!
(5)Erin T.
We went to Fiddlehead for New Year's Eve 2009. The food was good, but not warm. They were out of many choices on the menu. Our server was at his breaking point and basically wanted us just to leave. The manager was an ass and not helping the situation at all. We arrived at 8:30p.m. for our reservation and we didn't get our first course until 10:30pm. Needless to say, we celebrated the New Year @ Fiddlehead. I would never go there again!!!!!!!
(1)Cherie E.
Fiddlehead is a solid brunch option - their menu is rotated seasonally but always has the standards with a little twist. It's so super close to our apartment that we stumble over for brunch at least once a month. Dinner, however, is less impressive. Limited menu and blah tasting. Stick to brunch.
(3)Don S.
Stopped by last night for dinner. Sat outside on a beautiful night. Casual ambiance. Great food. Our party had the duck club sandwich, gnocchi, salmon, and chicken breast salad. My wife thought the salmon, which had a crispy crust, was the best she ever had. We had a red wine flight and a white wine flight; both excellent. The host was knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. Plenty of seating outside, and inside was large. They also had cheeses and an extensive beer menu. Definitely recommend.
(4)Jon S.
I like the location and the atmosphere; the wait staff tend to be flighty ... you see them playing near the bar a lot rather then taking care of their clients. The wine is good, the cheese selection is good but it seems like they run out of the good ones all the time ... and I wish they'd have more vegetarian options; salads and pastas are not the only vegetarian dishes available. Overall not a bad place, but for the location and amount of clientele they can afford to do better. Oh and work on improving the coffee; sometimes good sometimes tastes burnt. Yuck!
(3)Lindsey S.
I came here with some friends for Easter brunch and was pleasantly surprised. We were seated promptly, the food was great and the service was friendly. Portions were a little on the small size, but at least I didn't come away feeling overly full. I would definitely come back for dinner.
(4)Brandon H.
A decent improvement over Square Kitchen's mediocre food at pretty high prices. It's still an upscale American place but it does have some interesting flare to it. The layout and bar are updated cosmetically, but everything else pretty much remains the same. The NY Strip I had was cooked perfectly with a good flavor, but I think for the price they could've offered a more interesting dish rather than just add a few onion rings on top of it. My fiancee's sturgeon was outstanding, and not too pricey either. The wine flights are a nice addition. Overall a decent place in an area that is really up and coming.
(4)Timothy W.
This is a great brunch restaurant with pomegranate/champagne mimosas or Pomosas ($7, delicious). Prices for the dishes are on average $12. I've been here twice and will continue to come for brunch! Staff isn't overly friendly but they get the job done.
(3)Billy N.
Horrible service. Seedy feeling with how its managed. No vegetarian options. Avoid at all cost!
(1)Jeremy D.
If you are looking for a nice place to sample wine and cheese, this place is for you! I've been here a couple of times and the service has always been fantastic. It's a great place to stop for a bite to eat before heading over to the Old Town School for a concert. I have ordered the Hanger steak and that was excellent. It's a nice little neighborhood spot.
(4)Heidi T.
My husband and I come all the time, probably twice a month for the last eight months or so, sometimes brunch sometimes dinner. He prefers to come for dinner (wine and cheese flights) I prefer brunch (truffle eggs!!) The vegetarian entree is never quite right, and I really wish they would change it more often (or have two options instead of one). However, this is probably not an issue if you don't come so often. It's definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood and never crowded (in fact, it's generally pretty empty). We've never had bad service. The servers can be a little chatty, but they are professional and can answer any questions and are generally happy to make wine recommendations. Did I mention the mimosa flight? and truffle eggs? I'm never waiting 50 minutes for brunch at Lula again when I can come here for food that's 90% as good with 20x better service, much more privacy and no wait.
(4)Alyse M.
This is a great place for you to get together with your friends for some good drinks and good cheese. It's got a very laid-back atmosphere, while still keeping it more classy than sports-bar-esque. The service is great, my water was always full and my waiters have always been well-mannered and upbeat. Their wine and beer list is pretty lengthy, and they also suggest good cheeses that compliment your drink. The soup has always been a good "usual" for me, but the mac & cheese is sinfully delicious.
(4)aileen b.
i really enjoyed my experience here the other night. we sat outside in their sidewalk seating along that runs along wilson. good people and i imagine the tables that run along the huge windows in the front would have even better people watching, i may have to try and sit there next time. we were just looking for something light so we split a bottle of wine and some apps, and it was perfect. i really like the olive sampler from the small bites menu, although there was a but too much oil on the olives by the time you get to the bottom of the bowl. we also really enjoyed the seafood medley which included shrimp and grilled calamari in a light pesto type sauce. service was fine, not great, and next time i am in lincoln square i might have to try and snag one of those front tables in the window.
(4)larry w.
Not bad..not amazing... prices are not in line with the average food...
(3)Nick W.
I can honestly say that this was the worst dining experience I have ever been apart of. Part of it was our fault because we should have walked out, but we stayed until the bitter end. For starter's, we waited over an hour after the reservation to be seated. Once seated, although our group was able to have a decent conversation, it took an additional hour to get our first course (soup at that). By this time the manager had already heard from us several times and we were not done with him yet. By the time we received the 2nd course he had agreed to comp 20% of the bill. This did not translate to better service. At some point we were told that the manager had left for the night. Maybe he had plans for New Years and had to get out of there. All I know is that we were not leaving anytime soon. They ran out of entree's, gave everybody a random selection of cheese, told us they were out of the desserts that we had ordered (and yes a table seated after us received the desserts that we had ordered) and acted like they did us a favor by giving us champagne at midnight (worst champagne ever tasted and it would have been more of a favor if we would have been at our planned destination). The so called "owner" was a joke that should go back to working at Applebee's (not that there's anything wrong with that). NEVER, EVER, go there. Although I have not never dined and dashed it was seriously discussed. With all the great choices to eat in Chicago I can't imagine this sad excuse for a restaurant will be open long.
(1)Kitty L.
Wow. They really dropped the ball on New Years Eve. Our group of seven, along with several other parties, waited over an hour past the reservation time just to be seated. Some groups never even saw their food and left in anger. We got lucky and were fed in a slow and painful piecemeal fashion. To be honest, the food was quite good, but it would certainly have tasted better had it been served on time and not by a wait staff whose attitudes hovered around contempt and stoic resignation. The blame for this disastrous evening falls squarely on the manager. His flaccid attempts to placate the discontented tables were inconsistent and unfair. One table got two free bottles of wine and their bar tab comped while we got a $10 discount for a $400+ tab. Not once did I see him running food, seating tables or doing anything useful that managers are expected to do on a busy night. If you really want to try this place, go at a time where you won't be a burden to the staff. Or better yet, go somewhere that actually wants to stay in business.
(1)Nikkie H.
Decent breakfast without the wait. My boyfriend and I ate here after running the Shamrock Shuffle early this year. We were DYING for breakfast and after driving by our usual spot (Kitsch'n), we realized that we could not wait in the line - especially since I was so sore from the race! We headed to Lincoln Square and decided to check this place out. I had the chiliquiles, which is what I usually get at Kitsch'n. The meal was not as good as I had hoped, but it was still tasty. The price wasn't too extravagant, and since we were seated immediately it made my day. There are still several other brunch spots I'd like to try before I head back here.
(4)rochelle c.
It's so nice not to have to go all the way downtown for great food, drink, and atmosphere. Fork is a great place for a relaxed dinner with friends. Our server was outstanding--a young guy who showed us a great time and gave us some fantastic suggestions for beer and wine pairings with our food. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Jessica M.
Went here for brunch. I didn't really see anything on the menu that appealed to me. It all seemed kind of heavy or something. I settled on the Captain Crunch French toast. It wasn't awful but it was really heavy and made me really thirsty. I don't know...I don't want a bunch of weird vegetables and exotic spices with my eggs and caramel and crap on my pancakes and waffles. I like to have fruity options for breakfast and there wasn't anything with fruit (other than juice) on the menu. I suppose some people would like the selection here but this will never be my brunch choice. Oh and we had made a reservation for brunch the night before and they seemed surprised when we came in. They scrambled a couple tables together for our party of five but it was missing silverware, mugs and water for everyone and nobody really seemed to be on top remedying that. Liked it better when it was Square Kitchen and they had those glorious mousse crepes.
(2)Mara Y.
Pretty good. Great beer and wine list. Good recipes on the menu, however I question quality of product. Pretty good for a convenient neighborhood spot.
(3)Cristin M.
I finally made my way to Fiddlehead. We had brunch on a Sunday afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the quiche Lorraine and Fiddlehead potatoes and both were excellent. I ate half (really large portions) and brought the rest home. The quiche was a really good match of creamy eggs/cheese and salty bacon. The crust was pretty good too. The potatoes were like mini fries sauteed with red pepper, onion, and other goodies. I'd definitely come back with friends or family, or even on my own if I was really craving some quiche on a weekend.
(4)Lakeview G.
I've only been there once for brunch so factor that while reading this review. I was torn on what to order (sweet vs. savory) so I asked the waitress if the duck confit hash was greasy, she said no so I went for it. It came out greasy but here's the impressive part, she apologized, offered to take it back and get me something difference but I declined because we were on a time crunch so she discounted our meal. Now every restaurant is going to have an off plate from time to time, it's how they handle it that makes a difference and I was impressed with our waitress. Plus, even greasy, the hash was pretty darn good! I will go back there and give it another shot in a few weeks and update my post :)
(3)Miss L.
Pricey for my tiny budget and considering the quantity of food, but the quality is top-notch. Yuppie-friendly.
(4)Amanda A.
Some friends and I stopped in for brunch after a run at fleet feet across the street Sunday early afternoon. I would say that this restaurant could be classified as one of those places that puts on a good front, but has nothing to hold up it's claim. We were seated promptly at this cute little place - starving and thirsty - but that's where the good stuff ends. Our server was hardly eager to get to our table or ever return once she had stopped by. The menu looks incredibly appetizing - with fancy substitutions for your typical breakfast fare. Everything we had was bland though - again decent presentation with a flop of a finish. I'll keep running by next time...
(1)Keidra C.
Went here for brunch, not ata ll impressed with the service. we waited 15 minutes to get seated, even though there were plenty of empty seats, When we were finally served, the food was lukewarm. The meal itself (I had an omelette) was very bland, the eggs didn't seem seasoned at all. I was not a huge fan of its predecessor, Square Kitchen, but at least for brunch, I would welcome it back in a heartbeat.
(1)carrie o.
I have gone to Fork (and it's former name Fiddlehead) many times over the past couple years. The experience was good and menu was as well. I ususally frequent the restaurant with friends from my triathlon and swimming group. We are usually between 4-10 deep and pretty regular. This past week I asked to make a reservation for 10 because we were going to be celebrating one of the ladies birthdays after swimming. I was having a special cake made and asked if I could bring it. Of course we would be ordering full meals and just serve the cake ourselves after. I was told there was a $2 per person cake cutting fee! When I later spoke with the manager so see if this was negotiable for loyal customers he told me, "we are not a picnic area". I canceled my reservation for the 10 people tonight. When I called a restaurant down the street where we had never been, they welcomed my group and our cake! All they asked was they get a piece! I guess our business wasn't important.
(2)Michele K.
My husband and I have just returned from a great meal at Fork!! We ordered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a meat and cheese platter delicious! Mussles, Belgium style, we could have drank the broth! When the garlic, cilantro fries came I thought there were way too many but we were fighting for the last one. We also had the Mac & Cheese which was yummy too, I dont HAVE to have it again but it was tasty. My husband looved the toffee pudding cake, I LOVED the guiness ice cream that sat on top. The beers were fantastic! Overall it was a really great experience and since its within walking distance from us we are already deciding what we will get next time. The only reason we didnt give it 5 stars is we almost melted (we were seated in the second room) during dinner. It was soooo warm in there i think they just need to turn off the fire place. Also the hostest was a bit over the top, she actually bowed and waved her hands when greeting us, twice. ??? weird. and presented the table to us as if she was doing a magic trick. haha. Our server was great very sweet and helpful. but we definitely are excited to go back. :-)
(4)John O.
Fiddlehead has been remade into Fork, which I have not tried. Next time I'm in Lincoln Square I will give it a try.
(3)Erin H.
The brunch is always really good but that is all I have ever had. Great brunch cocktails also. Be prepared for a lot a strollers and little kids on the weekends.
(4)Lulu Y.
My two friends and I came here for brunch on Sunday. It was only a 15 minute wait, but it took a while to actually get our food after we ordered. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was good. The Captain Crunch french toast had yummy peanut butter on it. The black truffle omelet was so-so.. not enough truffle taste though. I had the veggie fritata and it tasted pretty healthy, not greasy at all. I'm not sure if I would go back for brunch, but the mac 'n cheese looked good.
(3)Brian C.
This place has its ups and downs, I'd say. I really liked the wine list. I was impressed with the selection of ports after dinner. I thought the waiter was very patient with us as as we went over the wines, and let us try whatever we wanted before we decided on it. I'd say the salad and the entree were both above average. The food part, which the waiter didn't have control over, took a bit too long to get to the table. Luckily we weren't pressed for time. The dessert was decent, not omg wow. The waiter was kind enough to throw in the glass of port for the price of half a pour, and it was a very good glass of port. But damn, did that meal really cost what it did? Something is missing at this place. It could be a solid four star restaurant. But I tell you what, I imagine this is a good place to just do wine and cheese, though I haven't tried that out. And I imagine I'll drop in on occasion for a glass of tawny port. The 1986 Delaforce colheita was pretty damn nice, and that's not one I would expect to see on a dessert wine menu. For dinner, something is missing, though. I can't say my experience was as bad as those of the one and two star raters, but I can't say it was on a par with my four star dining experiences, either.
(3)Matt W.
I wish I could comment about the food here BUT WE NEVER GOT SEATED. We were told it would be a 20-minute wait. So we sat at the bar, where the bartender made a point of calling my wife sweetie every time he addressed her. Weird. Twenty minutes pass and we ask the hostess with the Coke bottle bottom glasses how things were looking. Just a few more minutes, she tells us. So we wait. And wait. Then she says, "They just paid their check." So we wait some more. Finally, we ask the hostess one more time: what gives? She drops the menus she's carrying, she's so nervous. Then she mumbles something like, "My co-workers were misinformed." Wha?! What does that even mean? I guess it meant she was stringing us along for almost an hour. What a waste of time. We asked for the manager, and Coke bottom glasses hostess said he wasn't there. We asked a different employee for the manager and he said the manager was "out back." Seems to me he should be IN FRONT making sure people get seated.
(1)Laura P.
Love it! Love it! 2 of my freinds and I went there last night on a girl date after it was determined that one was going through -SOMETHING-. You know what that means? Bring me the bottle not the glass...Our waiter was so warm that he almost made me forget how bitter cold it was outside and that my commute home was 2 hours (damn 290). Great recommendation on a Riesling for my freind! She loved it...I had my standard scotch. Phosphates and me do not agree can't drink wine. I decided to load up on the soup of the day...potato leek with parmesan crutons. Sounds wierd, huh...It was beautifully executed. So great on a cold night...another great recommendation from our waiter. I decided to have an appetizer as well. (Hey I was in traffic for 2 hours give me a break) Had the quail and chorizo something. Can't remember the exact name. IT melted like butter in my mouth. WOW WOW...It was sooo rich and so right. Could not eat it every day but....Highly recommend this place the decor is serene and the service is just right. The food is VAVA VOOOOOOOM! P.S. My freind had the chocolate mousse dessert and it also was divine (had like a triangular chocolate grahm cracker at the top that made it look very Jetsons). Do not skip the dessert menu....
(5)Lynn C.
I went here for the first time today for brunch. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back and try dinner at Fiddlehead Cafe.
(4)Emma C.
(THIS REVIEW IS FOR FIDDLEHEAD. Same location. Changed name or changed management?) We are often in the neighborhood for my son's music lesson at Old Town School, so we would love for this place to be good so we could have breakfast while he toots his horn. But we have tried several times and finally gave up. First of all, they have a terrible time cooking eggs to order. If you ask for the eggs cooked in your benedict to be hard, forget it. If you send anything back, it will take a half hour to correct and whoever you are with will have completely finished their meal before you ever start yours (this happened twice), and the waitstaff will pretend you are invisible in the meantime. I did notice some mild dirty dish issues as mentioned in other posts and have had the sinking feeling that if I really looked closely in the kitchen I might not be a happy camper. I think we kept going back because the potatoes were incomparably deelish and well-seasoned, but then the third time I guess they got a new cook because the potatoes were completely bland, and that ended any reason for us to go there and play breakfast roulette. When it's good, it's very very good, but the kitchen service is slow and the quality is inconsistent. Now we wait until the lesson is over and head to Pauline's on Ravenswood.
(2)dan b.
so fiddlehead cafe, what can i say, the food is expensive, but it is really good, the beer selection is large, but if you want an expansive list of dark rich brown and black ales and porters and stouts and imperial stouts, this is not your place, but if you want pale ales and india pale ales, then you will be in heaven. would i go back, sure, will i go back, not as often as i go to other places in the area, would i recommend it to someone else, well maybe, know what your in for and if your game then give it a shot. to sum it all up, the food is great, a bit on the pricey side, the beer selection is large, but not expansive, the place is clean, the waitstaff friendly, the bar tender nice and knowledgeable, over all i give it a 3 for what i see as obvious reasons.
(3)Jill M.
Just went to Fiddlehead last night. My husband and I wanted a low key night so we walked up to the movie theater next door, bought our tix and then ventured in to have some wine before the movie. What a pleasant surprise! To be totally honest and fair- we did not have dinner. so I can't speak to the menu. We each ordered a wine flight and shared a cheese flight. It was fabulous! The cheese list is pretty impressive and the wines are good- the "pictodecoders" are great conversation starters! They are provided with the cheese plate too. I highly recommend this as a date spot or a place for a group of girls...though I am planning to take my parents there next time they are in town. I know they will love it- the entire time my hubby and I were at the table we reminisced about our time spent in France when all we did most nights for several months was drink wine, eat cheese and bread and have a great time. You can definitely have that kind of night at Fiddlehead.
(4)Margaret C.
menu sounded delicious, but food was mediocre at best. waiter was rude and had NO sense of humor whatsoever. i gave it two stars because we went on a sunday at 12:30 and had no wait. they also have some interesting twists on mimosa. but that's about it.
(2)David B.
In search for another kickass burger, I found myself at Fiddlehead for their Weds burger nights. On Burger nights, they have a menu that change ever so often, with choices ranging from $5-$9. They have interesting selections like a burger with prawns or duck confit. Many of their burgers are served on brioche. And all burgers have the options for additional add-ons. I ended up with the farmhouse burger which was extremely good. Paired it with a couple great beers off their extensive beer/wine list. Service was great and atmosphere nice. They have a nice little outdoor seating area in the warmer months. Fiddlehead is certainly worth a look-see. I now need to check out their Thursday cheese nights.
(4)Drew S.
3 years in the neighborhood and I finally made it out to Fiddlehead...for $5 burger night. Twice in a month. While the burgers don't have quite the panache of Bad Apple a few blocks south they are extremely tasty. And $5 and $8 on Wednesdays. Bonus points for the options to add a fried egg. I feel like I'd like this to be an option pretty much anywhere I go. And being able to walk up and grab a seat by the window. Great beer selection too, categorized by style. Don't they know the Dewey Decimal System?
(4)Erin G.
I went to Fork this past weekend for brunch! It was a great location for her to meet my new boyfriend..as we all know how nerve recking that meeting can be! Anywho, the atmosphere was great and the service was pretty good. The place was definitely packed, but I made a reservation and we were seated immediately! The brunch menu had a really nice mix of breakfast and lunch items and everyone was happy with their selection. I am looking forward to going back for the wine/beer flights with cheese plates! Huge selection of cheeses and meats that all looked quite tasty. Overall, great brunch spot. Moderately priced and the food was really good!
(4)Eric L.
Check it out if you have the time. But it's not necessary. The food is good and unique but on the pricey side. We tend to sit outside when we can, but we did sit inside once and they had the windows open, which made the heat/humidity unbearable. We actually left early because of this (we requested they shut the windows several times and the waiter was nice and tried to relate, but they never shut nor did they turn up the fans). Great beer selection (this is typically why we go) with different flights that are delicious. They also have wine flights, equally good. We love to go and grab a beer flight and a cheese tray. Careful though, the more you drink the more food you will order (this has a caused a slightly shocking bill on more than one occasion). Go if you can and you're in the area.
(3)Mark V.
This place is a go-to date night spot for my wife and I. A little pricey, so be prepared, but both the food and drink menus are great and keep us coming back. The service is typically very good. We had a minor mix-up with our server on a recent visit which was really no one's fault, but our server went WAY above and beyond the call of duty and sent us home with a bottle of wine! (Fork sells carry-out wine and cheese that can be purchased whether you're dining there or not.) My wife and I were both shocked but very impressed at how much they clearly care about their customers (or at least this particular server), and the lengths she went to to make sure we had a pleasant evening and would come back again. My only complaint is that the weird trip-hoppy/electronic/world music they play is pretty awful, but we've spent so much time making fun of it that now it's just a running joke that provides a few laughs with each visit. Other perks: there are two TVs at the bar if you want to check in on a baseball game or something, but if you're not interested you'd hardly notice them. The back room is a little more private and cozy than the main dining area. Seating outside is always a nice option, but there are also tables inside next to some giant windows that are open on nice days. Try the chicken burger, the grilled cheese/soup combo, and a wine or beer flight.
(4)Asa K.
A few things: Waitstaff was very attentive and courteous. Top marks. The menu was probably the most poorly organized and least helpful that I have seen at any restaurant. ANY. In my life. Our charcuteries platter was never served to us, so after our other courses, the waitstaff would stop by to see how we were doing (ostensibly if we were ready to get the bill), and we would say fine (waiting to get the rest of our food), until finally we broke the stalemate. The chef got it right to us and took it off our bill, which we appreciated, but it was an odd thing to have happen at a place so focused on getting things right at the table. The food was extraordinary in terms of taste, freshness, presentation, temperature, etc. -- more than making up for any other deficiencies we experienced. Despite full stomachs, a doggie bag, and having loved everything set on the table, we still got out under $25 a person. Impressive.
(4)Zoe G.
The best chilaquiles that this Mexican has ever tasted. This brunch dish maintains a nice crisp to the tortillas with just the right amount of Fork's house-made red salsa (not smothered in some kind of cover-up salsa) and a heap of fluffy egg scramble with a a drizzle of sour cream, diced red onions and just the right amount of cilantro and sprinkles of queso fresco crumble. I paired my dish with a mixture of freshly made carrot and orange juice. Generous portions, tasteful coffee and cozy service. I left with a belly-full of gratitude as I do every New Year's day brunch at Fork.
(5)Melanie K.
I want to go to flight school. Let me clarify - flying would be fabulous, but I'd rather perfect a trio of reds, whites, or brews like Fiddlehead does every night of the week. While I can't fully remember my daddy-daughter date with my father at Fiddlehead back in May (something with apple tarts and fancy beers that left me content - a solid four), I will not forget my near perfect catch-up date with a friend this Monday. Ever. Too lovely. A five. Claire had been in France far too long - and we were also quite famished. Muse over the menu or amuse with travel tales? Time was of the essence - so we got down to business and our server (presumably the manager?) played the best sommelier assist I have seen in a long time. Split perfectly down the middle, we opted for the French cheese plate (my favorite - St. Andre, Villefranche de Rouergue - cow's milk), grilled cheese (with bacon and candied pecans on brioche - yum), soup, and bread pudding with dried cherries and pumpkin. Our server (whose name I wish I knew), helped us put together our own trio with a red from their three primary red flights. Taking our coats, checking on us often, pairing with care - he even brought us two glasses of sparkling Moscatel to finish our meal with. The crisp, floral taste countered the warm pudding beautifully. And this doesn't even make mention of the inviting atmosphere! Carefully chosen lighting lightly illuminates the warm, organic space perfectly. Great for a cheese plate and glass of wine with a group or an intimate date with a love. Depending on where you sit - the busy bar, a cozy booth, a window-side table (with open windows in the summer!) - you can achieve a variety of feelings seamlessly. A truly lovely dining experience. I look forward to visiting again.
(5)Cathleen M.
Brunched here last weekend with three friends. Great location, good vibe inside. Walked out feeling high from the strongest coffee I've had in a long time! Food was good, but not as tasty as I was expecting. I ordered the truffle eggs. They are served on a pastry and it was difficult to cut into. I also shared some of my friend's french toast. It tasted fine, but needed something to make it sing. Maybe a berry and liquor reduction? I wasn't disappointed with the food, just not wowed either. Our server was a gem! She was so friendly, gave us time to mull over the menu, offered suggestions and wasn't pushing us to leave right after the meal was done. At one point, I had mentioned my sweet tooth and she brought over a dessert menu pronto. When I decided against choosing something, she appeared with a small plate. On it was one candied pecan. She said, "This is to satisfy your sweet tooth. I could only get away with taking one. Enjoy!" I loved it! How creative and thoughtful! I wish I could remember her name to give her public props. I'd definitely visit again with friends and try out other items on the menu.
(3)V H.
Great Service! Can't say enough good things about this place. My friend and I were strolling by on a beautiful, unusually warm Sunday late in the evening and decided to stop in for a quick drink. Staff was very friendly, kind and patient to keep the windows open for us even though it was closing time. Great drink menu as well. Went back to Fork later in the week and made a mistake of ordering a flat bread with meat, and once again the staff was very kind and offered to of take it back without any hesitation. They made us a new one w/o meat (never in my life I have sent the food back, so I felt badly). The flat bread was delicious. I love small neighborhood places with great service and this place is definitely one of them. Will definitely go back!
(5)Ronni G.
Great bistro food at reasonable prices in Lincoln Square. Loved the mussels, fries and Fall beer flight. Creme brulee is excellent. Good service. The only shortcoming is the coffee. An expresso or cappuccino would be a welcome addition to the menu.
(4)Jennifer L.
I stopped by here for a late lunch Saturday with my boyfriend while on a weekend trip to Lincoln Square. We were a bit intimidated by the charcuterie options so we chose to go with what we knew and had sandwiches. Unlike other reviews, I got the grilled cheese and tomato basil soup and enjoyed it. I liked the toast on the bread and the house bacon. My boyfriend got a burger with bleu cheese and he enjoyed it am thought it was worth the $12 price tag. The garlic fries are a must have if you come here. The decor is nice - somewhat small but warm and inviting. Also, they have wine flights and an extensive beer and wine list. We would definitely come back and try it again.
(4)Minh D.
The farm burger was very greasy. The egg was over cook...like the one that you get at the Chinese carry out. Beats goat cheese salad, the strawberry looks old and darken red. We ask for a slice of lemon with the salad but never arrive. The warm olives has no flavor and mushy. All you can taste is the olive oil. The water taste like sanitizer water. We MIGHT go back and try their brunch menu.
(2)Heather P.
I've been Forked! I'd heard mixed reviews before I went and I understand why. Two people told me they didn't care for it (prior to explaining that they both ordered the grilled cheese - not to hate on anyone, but who goes to a charcurria (sp?) and only orders grilled cheese?!) At first glance, I was completely overwhelmed by the menu. Drinks alone took me 20 minutes to figure out since there is so much and everything sounds so great. I love the fact that you have the option to create your own flights. Really appreciated the amount of information about each beverage down to a distinct flavor profile description. It's important to note that our server was extremely patient and well educated on the ways of the beers, wines and more. Sadly, my friend wanted to try the sangria; which is advertised as the best in town and they were out. Wow, must be real good then....turns out the owner is in Vegas and won't share his recipe. Interesting little tidbit. On to the food, almost as overwhelming as the beverages. I must say that I am not one who is prone to make decisions especially when it comes to something as important as what I will order at a restaurant so this truly is a dilemma for me. Luckily I was there with a friend who is the take charge type and he just asked questions and ordered. I happily just said, I'll split anything you want on the menu and that we did. It was a great plan - we tried the pork and duck smear....sounds gross, looked gross, tasted incredible! Next up, we had the Italian meat flight. Good, but not a very good value in my opinion. Also, I'll add that they give us 3 tiny little pieces of bread and I'm sorry, but these prices weren't what I'd consider nominal so throw in a few more slices of bread at least. This just didn't have any wow factor for me. Round 3, the poutine. YUMMY!!! My body hates me for this, but I could eat this several times a week. It was loaded with succulent duck with a gravy and cheese sauce. It was heavenly and absolutely horrible for me, but I relished every biteful. I also got to try the farm burger. Unfortunately, the egg was overcooked for my taste but the brioche bun was delectable smothered in a dijon mayo. Was also able to taste a bit of the brisket in root beer sauce. SO GOOD! I was thoroughly impressed with the entire meal. I certainly wouldn't come here regularly, but it's a fun place to check out every so often. I don't know about the value for what you get but I do think the small plates and smears with a few drinks is fun and there's a movie theater nearby so you can make a whole fun date out of it for sure! I'm certain I'll be back ,but this time I'm definitely going for the cheese flights!
(4)Ann M.
Great little place. Super cozy on the inside and solid food choices. Better yet, short walk from my apartment.
(4)Geoff S.
I went to Fork on a Saturday morning, hungover as all get out, looking to get some grub. The hostess looked like Madeline (from the books) and tried to seat us at a two-top table. No thanks, we'll sit at the bar. The bartender was nice and friendly. Upon asking for recommendations he suggested something that sounded okay but didn't grab me. Then i saw it, the best item ever, The ShowStopper. It's $27 for a belgium waffle sandwich stuffed with three pounds of meat. Part hamburger, part bacon, part short-rib the ShowStopper was a hilarious way to start my hungover Saturday. The staff was very excited that we ordered it (they had just added it to the menu). The chef even came out and asked for our feedback on the item because we were the first people to try it. Well, it was awesome. Anyhow, what i'm trying to say is Fork is a good brunch spot and if you want to try something ridiculous, order the showstopper. Also, props to our bartender.
(5)Fia T.
Every Saturday, after lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music, a group of us head over to Fork for lunch. Always happily greeted by Lauren :), we are escorted to our table. You will be delighted with any of the servers! We typically get Katie, Stephanie, Kelly, or Cesar (rumor has it they fight over who will serve us! True story every time!). Food is consistently great and the service is just tops. We luv to get Forked!
(5)David Z.
Things started off on a sour note between myself and Fork (formerly Fiddlehead - see my old reviews), but now I am possibly their biggest fan. Things have really changed at Fork. The owner has hired a diligent, hard-working staff that really seems to know their stuff. They are friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The bottled beer list is the best in the city (the draft list is pretty darn good too), and the wine list is tremendous. And perhaps best of all, the new chef is great as well. I am now 100% comfortable recommending Fork for both dinner AND brunch. The food for brunch used to be lacking, but the new menu more than exceeds my expectations. If I was looking to nitpick, I COULD say that the removal of the daily food specials means I'll be paying more than I used to. But I'd say it's still totally worth it. Fork is probably my favorite place in the city. The only major downside of Fork's new popularity? Waiting. It used to be that I could go down there at any time, any day, and not have to worry about waiting. Now, depending on the day/time, you may be better off making a reservation. But again, it's worth it!
(5)Mila G.
really lovely experience here. The ambiance was wonderful and felt like an evening in a warm friendly living room. So, I really really wanted the food to be good too. It did not disappoint! The mushroom panini was rich and delicious, though a tad too heavy on the caramelized onions. The duck club was unbelievably delicious, and i'm not even a huge fan of duck. Also had the poutine, whose cheese sauce i was scraping off the plate until it got awkward. Service was great - our server checked in on us often and was very friendly. Topper of the night was when the kitchen noticed that my fiancee was wearing his chef pants (he's a chef by trade) and sent us out a free dessert, basically for being in the industry! So sweet!
(5)Brittany M.
I don't normally write reviews, but I greatly benefited from reading a review by Mat M. before I went to this restaurant so I felt like I should pay it forward and do the same for others. Plus I wanted to validate that "Chorizo check. Dates check. Bacon check. Is pretty much an orgasm in your mouth," as he said, especially when it's drizzled in blue cheese. Honestly, if you go to Fork and don't get this dish, you are seriously missing out! To give you a full sense of the experience though, I feel like I should take a step back. From the moment I walked in, I had a good vibe about this place as the hostess warmly greeted us with some sarcastic comment like, "oh no, god forbid your fifteen minutes late," which quickly put us at ease and affirmed it was not a pretentious place. Taking in the surroundings as she escorted us to our table, I couldn't help feeling warm and cozy in the rustic setting with funky-patterned couches, distressed wooden tables and a brick wall decorated with country-inspired art. Admittedly, I had a couple of tasty bourbon cocktails before we went to dinner though and I was in good company, so that could have contributed to it. We decided to go the wine flight route as it had been recommended on a previous review and we both really enjoy the whole wine tasting experience. I got the European Red flight and he got the Pinot Noir flight, both of which enveloped us in luscious berry flavors, spice and vanilla, with a smooth finish. Although I have to say, I wasn't a fan of my last glass as there was a little too much licorice flavor in it for me, but to each his own. I would definitely recommend doing the wine flight though, as it not only complemented the food, but it made for a good conversation starter too. Now onto the food. We had the bacon dates stuffed with chorizo, as I mentioned earlier, and the burrata smear to start, which came with pistachio pesto, fleur de sel and tomato jam that we spread onto toasted bread. It was soooo good! And it came in a cute little mason jar on a personalized cutting board, which was adorable. Then we had gnocchi with foraged and tame mushrooms, fennel, parmesan cream and truffle oil. Need I say more?! It honestly melt it your mouth it was so good. We finished with the rack of lamb, which was presented well, but was a bit dry and bland for both of our liking. All in all, the experience was amazing, with nice service, good wine, delicious food and great company. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you haven't already. Cheers!
(4)Kristen J.
I had a fantastic brunch the first time I was at Fork--a beautiful non-traditional egg sandwich and garlic cilantro fries while my boyfriend had tomato soup and grilled cheese that contained candied pecans and bacon. That was the only good meal I had there. I returned a handful of times as it was within walking distance of our apartment and I left always wanted more from the meals. I kept wanting to give Fork another chance because that first time was so fantastic, but the restaurant continued to disappoint. The bar is decent and the bartenders are knowledgeable. I would recommend going to drink and to eat only the garlic cilantro fries or a cheese plate.
(2)Rhonda G.
ah Fork, I like you. Let's spoon. Ha! ok...lame joke over. Your coffee is strong but it's almost a bit too strong and bordering on bitter (contrary to popular belief strong is not equal to bitter). Food was good (tomato basil omelet was pretty awesome), service was scary. Not "what's your favorite scary movie" scary but let's all get Nike's and jumpsuits scary. Our server kept calling us 'friends'. "Hello friends", "what can I get you friends", "how is everything friends", "more coffee friends". I guess she was just being nice. It's interesting how being too nice is creepy. I would come back for brunch because the menu seems pretty interesting. I guess they have a following of fiddle-headers who are distraught over the name change because we had a few people during our brunch who were getting a little feisty.
(4)Frank I.
Went here with my family for Easter Brunch. We had reservations and were seated right away even though a couple of our party were running late. I like that. The Brunch buffet was definitely a winner. Not being a fan of grits, I was intrigued by their mix of cheeses with the grits. After 1 bite I was sold. The mac and cheese was a winner as well as their brisket and the other offerings. The omelets were knocked out in their kitchen and were brought almost as fast as we returned from the buffet line. Their coffee was great too. Definitely a winner.
(4)Jeffrey K.
We went here with a friend and the wine, cheese and food were good but it's a bit pricey and the service was less than spectacular. They really need more wait staff and fewer busboys and gals; they were a little too eager to pull plates away. And I'd stick with the cheese and the vino... the entrees were okay.
(3)Cycette H.
Have you been to the Fiddlehead Cafe?!?!? If not then you missed out, but you still have a chance to try out their great food and enjoy a wonderful venue at Fork. FORK is a new take on one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Try their duck sandwich- It's DELICIOUS and they have a bubbles flight that I really enjoy. As an added bonus, they have a huge selection of beer- so many that it will probably take me a year or two to try them all and I can't wait.
(5)Anthony Z.
The room is very warm and comfortable. This place definitely has a good vibe. The service was very good. The food was all over the map, and pricey for what you paid. The poutine with duck was the highlight; hearty portion for two that tasted great. Also, the flatbread with sausage was excellent. We ordered both a meat and cheese board, each with three items. This was just okay, and was most notable for the meager portions; I would not order either again. We both agreed that the wrapped dates contained a homemade sausage that had such a gamey, almost fetid flavor they were difficult to eat. I would not recommend arriving hungry, as was mentioned in the Reader review. We both had skipped lunch, and with a couple of drinks and wine flights, it quickly got up to 160 bucks for two, no dessert. With selective ordering, I would return, but not enthusiastically.
(2)Erin E.
I happened to be there on the night that Oksar Blue's was premiering it's national brews. That was awesome. If you're ever in the Denver area, definitely check out Oskar Blues. For now, settle for the select beers of theirs Fork has on tap. I couldn't bring myself to eat anything healthy, so I had the house pretzels and the summer squash flatbread. The pretzels come with this mind-blowing beer-cheese dip. Loved them. The summer squash flatbread was equally as delicious. I did not hold back. It's nice and quiet. Romantic. I've bookmarked this place as somewhere to bring a date. They've got a cheese menu I'll definitely try next time.
(5)Vicki P.
My Husband and I went here last weekend, the main reason being they have just employed a new chef, Chef Tim who formally worked at our favorite restaurant. Tim is the kind of Chef worth following to any new restaurant and we were happy to find that again, he has created dishes to die for. He has only been here a few weeks so i am excited to see what other new things he brings to this place. The small plates were so fun to share but they also had special sliders and other great small bites. I don't even like lamb but I liked it here! The space is beautiful yet casual, amazing beer on tap, great drink pairing with the food. Also, great area!! We walked around after dinner down Lincoln and did a little bar hopping. You can really make a night of it. I think anyone who comes here would have a great time and a great dinner. Vicki
(5)Kevin A.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE SCARRED FOR A LIFE BY A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH? Yes. Yes it is. It pains me to write this because I really wanted to like this place, but my grilled cheese sandwich here was pretty foul. I ordered the soup and grilled cheese combo which comes with tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, fontina, bacon, and pecans. It sounded delicious, but what arrived was like a cheesy Deepwater Horizon disaster. Their was a pool of oil oozing and coagulating on my plate from all the cheese and bacon. The bread was so greasy there was no way I could pick it up without looking like I had high-fived a pizza. I'd like to give this place another shot because they have some interesting stuff on the menu like duck hash, chicken and waffles, etc, but I'll definitely be avoiding that grilled cheese sandwich.
(2)julie p.
i have been back to Fork twice since my negative review: once was for a baby shower in their private room and the other was FOR MY BABY SHOWER in their private room. needless to say, they've turned things around and their service is much better. the food that we had for the shower (well, for both) was delicious. they went above and beyond what one could want for a private party. the service was excellent, the ambiance is lovely, and we all had an awesome time. i am glad that i have an opportunity to give this place more stars and a better review - it's a cool restaurant in a great location!!
(5)Melissa H.
Went to Fork Tuesday night, 1/20/15. Love, Love,Love!!!! Great room! Great Service! Everything we ordered as good if not better than the dish before!!!! Salmon Salad? To die for!!! Duck liver pate? Unbelievably delicious!!! Wild mushrooms & grits? Superb!! I think the poached egg puts that over the top! Apple crisp? Made with honey crisp apples, wonderful!!! Parking is a little iffy, but well worth the search. Most definitely will return! Won't wait too long with this one!!
(5)Brian H.
Their Chilaquiles for brunch are some of the best around and overall their brunch is great. Pretty standard dinner fare, but the bar is their strong suit. They have an excellent beer menu with a lot of uncommon bottles and drafts and even do rotating beer and wine flights.
(4)Rebecca B.
I go to Fork specifically for the garlic cilantro fries. Holy moley, guys, it's insane. Best fries in Chicago. I think everything else is a little overpriced - too little food for the money - but the beer list goes on forever and it's worth walking in if only for the fries. Seriously, you have to try them.
(4)Adam R.
Fantastic brunch. Very friendly staff. Attentive. Our server even brought out our daughter's food first, and we didn't even ask.
(4)Harat H.
Had a fantastic dining experience here! Stopped in with some friends and brought our two year old. Right away we were greeted with a smile and the host was sweet to our daughter got her crayons and coloring things right away. We ordered cocktails and beers and all were perfect! For an appetizer we tried their housemade doughnuts that were topped with their special topping of the day was butterscotch! They were to die for! Tasty, light, fluffy. For food two of my friends had their paninis and both were great. My husband and his friend both had their farmhouse burger with a fried egg on top and they were tasty to the last morsel, I had their house burger with caramelized onions and bacon it was fantastic. Their fries and garlic cilantro fries were all wonderful. My daughter had their mac and cheese and it was delicious. Our server Kelly, was incredible and extremely attentive. We had a wonderful time.
(5)Katie K.
I wanted to write a quick update - in respond to my review I did hear from management, with an offer to come back in for a better experience. This is greatly appreciated. I will post another update once we return.
(3)Gregory C.
Had dinner with my wife and 17 yo son this past Friday [8/15/14]. The service was outstanding from the host at the door to our server, Kathryn K. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the large draft beer selections. The menu challenges the taste buds and the portions, the small plates, were very generous. When I asked Kathryn about an ingredient she came back with the Chef who spent several valuable Friday night minutes talking about the menu and answering questions about his cooking philosophy.
(5)Kelly H.
We went for my dad's birthday on a Saturday night and everything was great! We have a 14 month old and they are very family friendly. We had the dates and pretzels to start and I had the duck club for my entree. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee and s'mores. Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful! I would definitely recommend!
(4)skip l.
We've been to Fork several times -- returning for brunch now and then -- and like the location, which is near the Old Town School of Folk Music, where I teach. We've enjoyed the food, but it's never been a favorite. Tonight's visit was spontaneous, almost accidental, and for dinner -- but well-rewarded. We wanted to go "light." So I had their French chacuterie -- good, but not memorable. What made up for this was a spectacular crabmeat "Slider." The diminuative title did not prepare me for the substantial sandwich that arrived on the table:: the so-called Slider was an almost 2 inch high production of crab, slaw, sauce, and roll, with a half-moon slice of apple toothpicked on top. This delightful creation rang several changes at once: a hot, crispy fried patty of sweet crabmeat, contrasting with the coldness and mild vinegar taste of the slaw and the soft bun, all happily married in the middle, with Mornay sauce presiding. It was delicious and so well constructed that it held together to the last bite. Fran had a beautiful light beet and goat cheese salad, followed by a wonderful mushroom dish with egg, presented in a small frying pan -- just the right touch in presenttion, combined with a fine combination of flavors. Our vanilla bean creme brule was topped with a welcome extra-thick layer of carmelized sugar, and big enough for two. (Even though I was forced to undertake the lonely task by myself). My only quibble is what I remembered only when my cocktail arrived --I thought, yipes, I made the mistake again! I simply don't like their drinks. They incline to overly sour or bitter,. On an earlier visit I sent back a margarita and even the re-make was undrinkable. (The original turned out to be their signature drink). Tonight it was a Sidecar, the drink famed as the ideal combination of strong, sweet, and sour, normally served with sugar around the rim. It came with no sugar and no detectable orange flavor from the sweet liqueur ingredient. I assume their nod to sweet is the sangria, but I would have hoped they could do better with at least one of their actual cocktails. That aside, a fine meal! But how about it, Fork? Come up with a sweet one and you can the Skip Landt.
(4)George A.
The food was good. The waiter that night was incredibly slow and inattentive. This can make a huge difference when trying to enjoy a meal. Will try Fork again, hopefully that service was uncommon.
(3)Suzanne D.
We chose Fork on recommendation of some friends, for a family dinner meeting. So we wanted to have something tasty, not too $$ a menu, not loud so we could hear each other in some important conversation. The hostess was quite patient with us as we chose where we wanted to sit (outside, at the end of table row). We were happy with the meal selections, a mix of comfy food with some sophistication. We were less impressed with the service. We weren't necessarily in a rush for dinner, but the attention to us ... could have been far better. Long waits for beverages, for follow up on our meal (we had one person join us a half hour after the others). Our particular wait person had an emotionless going through (barely) through the motions presence ... could some engagement with eyes and a smile be too much to ask? Dampened some my impression of the restaurant as a future visit option (since wait staff is a component to ambiance).
(4)