- pork shoulder
- bacon wrapped dates
- medjool dates
- brandade
- good for dates
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- Tasting TableMay 11, 2016This lively new American restaurant mixes up their menu seasonally - often interspersed with Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean influences - but always offers an extensive list of choice wines. Read more
- Emily JurlinaOctober 24, 2014The dates, pork shoulder and especially those sausages on top of the paella are fantastic. The sangria is a great deal for a group-- $19 for a carafe.
- Believe the hype on the bacon wrapped, chorizo stuffed dates. The focaccia and the shawarma sausage were also standouts. I prefer the seats at the bar to the tables but that is your call.
- Noah DavisMay 15, 2017Great spot for sharing - tight small space but cozy and intimate with a cool vibe, good music, great food!
- June ParkAugust 18, 2019Summer salad and bacon wrapped dates ummmmm sooo good! Loved lavender almond in the salad. Hummus was also super good. Pickled cherry was the kick.
- Alex RaduMarch 23, 2014Simple wood panelling throughout the interior of Avec gives it a clean, modern, and warm feel. Yes, the chorizo-stuffed dates are at least as good as everyone says they are.
- Linds EllisSeptember 12, 2014So much flavour at this spot! The pasta was so tasty. Pork shoulder, incredible. And those bacon wrapped dates are a MUST eat! The menu is full of great dishes.
- Phil WatsonSeptember 9, 2018The space itself is uncomfortably cramped. Take comfort in the massive, well-curated wine selection. Go for the stuffed dates, focaccia, and pork shoulder; they are delicious and worth it.
- Brian DammeirFebruary 21, 2017Chorizo stuffed dates are a must. Looking back I would suggest just going for a few drinks and a couple dishes, as apposed to going all out. Kind but inconsistent service.
- EpicuriousJanuary 13, 2015The long, sleek dining room wrapped up in glowing cedar looks like the world's chicest cabin. The buttery and feathery focaccia roused by Taleggio cheese, ricotta, and truffle oil—remains on the menu. Read more
- Cole ToneJuly 9, 2019Everything was excellent: decor, music, service, and of course the food and drink. My late night light dinner: Werp Farm Greens, and Medjool Dates; all washed down with a LaGrow.
- Steven YApril 27, 2016You must order the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates - it's a really interesting taste of spicy, salty and sweet all in sequence; the braised pork shoulder is also really good
- Tracy Tabery-WellerOctober 19, 2014Everything here is amazing. Eggs, avec coffee, bloody mary's, pancakes w/chicken wings, poached eggs, baked french toast, and the list goes on :)
- ElisaSeptember 3, 2018We got the dates, the salmon, and the foccacia (w side of honey) which were all very solid dishes. Casual vibes as they have communal tables. Solid service. Would come back again.
- Kate SchafferDecember 2, 2014Even more amazing than I expected. Went for brunch and had the bacon wrapped dates (of course) and the pork shoulder. Oh and the chocolate mousse.
- BiancaAugust 27, 2020They say Mediterranean,I say Middle Eastern cuisine;who cares, it was delicious!Their hummus and the tabbouleh salad are the best in town.Unfortunately paella was really bad!Go for the natural wines.
- Cristina EJanuary 9, 2018Chorizo dates, pork shoulder, cod brandade. Recommended for dinner ! This place has been open for I think 15 years and they still have the same great service and food ! Cheers!
- Jen MartinNovember 8, 2018People talk about cozy, which it is, but if you’re an introvert and don’t like tight spaces, this communal table set up may be a bit daunting. The food is delicious but it comes with special issues.
- CliftonApril 21, 2014Get the baby squid and tripe braised in a spicy tomato sauce with a squid ink aioli!
- Brad BensonSeptember 7, 2013Definitely go for the dates. The focaccia was excellent too: light, flavorful, yet filling. Loved the Ballade red wine. I got 1 large and 2 small plates was stuffed (with leftovers)!
- Wood-fired squid amatriciana is delicious. Crispy fish is done especially well by the crew, and seafood a specialty. Dessert highlights: spring spumoni (mixed ice cream), chocolate bergamot sorbet.
- Rick HApril 25, 2015The pork shoulder is a fantastic standby. Food has never disappointed. Great place to go when you want to spend some money and feel trendy without being obscene about it.
- Kaoru K.April 8, 2013Get the whipped brandade, marinated chicken thighs, and roasted swordfish. The flavors are so unique and delicious. Didn't love the dates (gasp!) nor the lamb pasta. Not bad, just not my favorites.
- Time Out ChicagoMay 28, 2012Koren Grieveson puts out now-famous dishes such as her fiery chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates and taleggio-filled foccacia, both of which are best washed down with a carafe from the wine list. -BC Read more
- Pocket SunAugust 11, 2014Bacon wrapped dates at its best - multiple layers of flavors, sweet with a kick, perfection. Doesn't take reservation, and there's always a waiting line. Crowded seating and loud.
- AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014Please get the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo. They are incredible and it's hard not to sop your bread up with that sauce. Read more
- Garrett JeffsAugust 18, 2021Very nice. Had several small plates with the flatbread & pork shoulder. Enjoyed the meat & seafood but the vegetables were the stars. Carrots & cabbage were incredible
- SerenaJuly 6, 2013best value dinner wise i've encountered in the past few months. try to not miss the chicken liver, squid, mushrooms, squid ink pasta and really pretty much everything.
- Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012Koren Grieveson puts out now-famous dishes such as her fiery chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates and taleggio-filled foccacia, both of which are best washed down with a carafe from the wine list.
- Certainly StrangeSeptember 26, 2017Creamy hummus and fresh baked pita. The avocado salad was a treat! And the chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates were delicious...
- Redeye ChicagoJune 5, 2015For a lighter lunch, opt for the roasted salmon tartine with a sauce made from walnuts, roasted beets, and pomegranate molasses. Read more
- Syed AMarch 7, 2013focaccia, octopus and lamb bolognese were great! cool refreshing lemonade and my friend had their cafe with brandy. the nutter butter....can be done differently. overall a great experience!
- Joseph B.April 30, 2015I highly recommend going at an off-peak time so you can enjoy your wine at your leisure. I guarantee the place will still be lively.
- Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 11, 2012Order the bucatini carbonara, where thick, slurpable bucatini is tossed with a perfect mix of egg, Parmesan and guanciale (just a fancy word for unsmoked, delicious bacon bits, if your kids ask). Read more
- Pedro ZamoraNovember 13, 2023Great pork shoulder, very tender juicy meat with different flavors and textures that blend perfectly
- Manoj AmbalavananAugust 1, 2021The pasta and bread with every meal is fantastic. cool ambiance with great wine. wrapped dates are good but meat may have been a tad dry
- Tayson HoangMay 13, 2013Great place for drinks and snacks like the dates, the oyster mushrooms, and the cheese plate. Surprised they didn't have oysters though. Good wine selection too!
- GenieJuly 29, 2016Chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates and whatever pork shoulder dish they have. Everything is good. Been eating here for over a decade
- Stacy Bo BacyAugust 28, 2020The best meal I’ve had all year. I highly recommend the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates and “deluxe” focaccia with wine.
- IsameowNovember 24, 2014For something healthy: the salmon was a fine, succulent piece of fish. Also must try enjoyed the kale Bleu cheese panzanella salad!
- Fernando CovasSeptember 2, 2014You just can't find a bad dish on the menu. Great service, particularly Giulietta. This is one of the most consistently delicious places in the city.
- Simple FoodieJuly 29, 2023Hummus with Carrots- get extra pita (must), Roasted Pork, Grilled Steak - small plate, Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Cheryl MJuly 16, 2014Perhaps the best sugar snap peas I've had in my life. Also a succulent steak and amazing Pinot noir. A Chicago must!
- Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 10, 2012The staff is very accommodating to foodies with kids in tow. Our suggestion: Go early and order the "deluxe" focaccia with taleggio cheese. That'll keep just about anyone's mouth full (and quiet). Read more
- L HessOctober 6, 2013French Toast is fab and the molasses sauce it comes with is super unique. Have this come out second and share it. GOOD STUFF.
- Laura KaraleviciusDecember 30, 2015The chorizo stuffed dates and chicken liver were absolutely delicious. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty...this meal hit on all notes. Coupled with a French pinot noir? Perfection.
- Timothy MassDecember 31, 2010Outstanding restaurant and wine bar. The bacon-wrapped dates are well enough to be a frequent diner and the wine selection is incredible.