Avec

Really enjoy this space more than the river north location. The decor, setup and vibe is much more intimate and unique. Food and drink was very good as expected and lots of vegetarian options too. Even though the place was super packed the service was very good and attentive. Honestly at this price point I’m not sure there’s a place in the city doing it better.

This is a glowing review for Avec in the west loop. They’ve earned a lot of reviews like this. I had such a good meal there - delicata squash, bacon wrapped dates, hummus, and branzino fish. Everything tasted exquisite! Seriously, how do they make little bits of squash SO flavorful? Not sure how I slept on this place for 20 years. I hope they enjoy 20 more.

They change the menu often so there are some items that are still there and others that have left. The chorizo stuffed dates is a crowd pleaser so it’ll always stay on the menu. The dates are really good so that’s a 5/5. The whole roasted fish I actually preferred a past version of it vs the one they have now. I’m not a fan of kidney beans. Food quality is pretty decent depending on the dish. Service was fantastic. We actually sat outside so I never saw the inside.

My review is from the perspective of a traveller not a local. We came for lunch on a sunday and the space is small and tightly squeezed. Folks kindly had to move and let us in so we could sit at our reserved seats cause its set up family style. The food is great, its so good I'm going to try to remake the polenta cause it was unforgettable! I loved the wrapped dates, so savoury and rich in flavour. The staff were friendly, but abit overbearing in certain instances, coupled with the loud noise and lack of privacy due to the close seating arrangements, it can be unnerving. Overall I would come again next time I'm in the city, maybe during a slower time

I was lucky enough to grab a spot at the bar without a reservation. (I definitely recommend getting one though.) The staff was accommodating. But that food though. There was a bit of a wait (it was a busy brunch service), but everything came out hot and tasted great. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'll make a dinner reservation and try some of the wines on their decently varied list.

Salmon hummus unreal, very rich with a lot of olive and fish oil, came with mint. Pita seemed fresh and pillowy still with stretch (always came out puffed) and lavish had wonderful ashy smell. Swordfish mussel tagine was very good. Pistacchio chocolate baklava came with ricotta cheese, not too syrupy. Best baklava I've had (also haven't had many). Roasted carrot hummus was also good, came with peas and was very sweet. Do not recommend minced lamb flatbread, much too salty and not enough variety of flavors. Shortrib hummus was ehh, I felt the shortrib did not pair w the hummus so well.