avec
Chicago, IL 60661-2203
Phone: (312) 377-2002
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Jefferson Street
- Directions:
- El: Green Line to Clinton
- Best of Citysearch:
- Trendy Scene 2007, People Watching 2006, Small Plates 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 3:30pm-12am, Fri-Sat 3:30pm-1am, Sun 3:30pm-10pm, bar open Mon-Sat till 2am, Sun till 12am
Editorial Review for avec – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
If you like to keep your personal space personal, this long, tight wine bar from Blackbird guys Donnie Madia and Chef Paul Kahan may not be your thing. But if you don't mind rubbing elbows at long communal tables with your neighbors, avec is a real treat. The room is clean, modern and organic, with a naked cedar ceiling and walls, a boxy stainless-steel bar and a back display of emerald-green wine bottles.
The Food
The accomplished menu focuses on small and large sharing plates of rustic, Mediterranean "peasant foods," with many dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven and served in cast-iron pots. There are some real winners here: luscious house-marinated olives, chorizo-stuffed dates, thin-and-crispy focaccia with taleggio cheese and truffle oil. The real showstopper is simple roasted chicken thigh panzanella salad, a textural delight of crispy skin, tender meat, chewy panzanella and supple artichoke hearts, all zesty with preserved lemon.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe 125-bottle wine list focuses on small growers in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, with three-fourths of the selections priced at about $30 per bottle. There are also 32 wines by the glass, served in a quarter-liter "caraffina," ideal for sharing.
Know Before You GoAvec doesn't take reservations, so it's a good idea to get there early in the evening.
User Reviews for avec
05/28/2008 Posted by marykile
Best food in the city! Get the dates and the pizza. Wine selection is wonderful! The day we went we waited for about an hour for a table but it was well worth it!
03/29/2008 Posted by chilaw17
We heard this place was unreal - especially from reading the reviews on this website. The wine, cheeses and breads were excellent, but thats where it stopped. The food was just subpar. We ordered small plates and split a salmon dish and cauliflower crustini. The Salmon was undercooked and the crostini was unedible. The lamb small plate was pretty tasty. The waitstaff was excellent and the wine and beer menues extensive. But don't expect a good meai. We left starving!!!!
Pros: Great wines and beers
Cons: Subpar foods
