Avec Restaurant
(312) 258-8331
615 W Randolph St
Chicago,
IL
60661
41.8843
-87.6432
Neighborhoods: West Side, Near West Side
What People Are Saying About Avec Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Communal tables bring strangers closer together at this foodie institution, which looks more like a sauna than a restaurant. The gunshot space is all about clean lines, cedar walls and floors and a boxy stainless steel bar. Bright lights show off small and large plates of Mediterranean foods that ooze with rustic goodness. Chorizo-stuffed dates, roasted beets and duck rillettes with herbs de Provence and mustard please the palate. A daily selection of salumi, exotic cheeses and large dishes like curry-braised pork shoulder round out the offerings. Wine, and lots of it, fuels appetites late into the night.
User Reviews
lincix
February 18, 2009
The only thing that's good about this place is that it has an interesting menu. But it stops at that. Their version of communal dinning is outrageous. The table we were sat at would normally fit 6 people. However there was 10 of us and a child in a high-chair squished in there together. I have no problem sharing a table with others, however I would at least like enough room to move my arms around so I could cut up my food. During most of my dinner, I was actually touching elbows with a complete stranger. Also, the waiter suggested that we order several small plates to try out different things. But there was no room where to put the food, so they just brought out one plate at a time. Even though I was hoping to get out of there as soon as possible, it took over 2 hours just to get 4 small appetizer plates and one glass of wine. Don't go there!!!
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Anonymous
January 06, 2009
I did a fair amount of online research prior to our visit to Chicago and was so happy I decided to give Avec a try. I wanted to eat somewhere hip, but not over the top serious with the food (I'm not into foams and gelees). I also wanted somewhere that offered small plates so my husband and I could share a few. The food was really nice...especially the cheese our server selected to pair with our wine. We also got a duck dish that was so so...it had a cold salad on top of it that just didn't seem to mesh well. All in all, I would recommend Avec to anyone wanting to sample several small dishes and have fabulous wine pairings. The atmosphere is somewhat raucous (read: noisy), so if you're hoping for a quiet, romantic evening try somewhere else. Avec is ideal for a group of friends...but get there early as tables can be hard to get in this small eatery.
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happy2009
January 05, 2009
I totally love this place!! the atmosphere + food combined = mmmmm..... best place to get together with your girlfriends, or boyfriends )))) single? might be a nice idea to stop by.... you might be sitted next to a single girl/guy )))) Bon Appetit
read full reviewThe Details on Avec Restaurant
What to Drink:
The 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 Go:
Avec doesn't take reservations, so it's a good idea to get there early in the evening.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
