Avenue M
(312) 243-1133
695 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.8943
-87.6524
Neighborhoods: West Side, Goose Island
What People Are Saying About Avenue M
The Editor
Fred Schlatter
Citysearch
The Scene
Three distinct spaces help corral the eager mob. The front room features a handsomely restored bar to the left, booths lining the right and soaring ceilings with opposing balconies and elegant two-story drapery. A bi-level dining room clad entirely in burled wood is warmly lit with pendant lighting, softened by scant photos. Hipsters swarm the peninsula bar in the upstairs lounge or one of two balconies.
The Food
Chef Daniel Kelly delivers a varied and eclectic menu of New American cuisine. Appetizers include crab cakes with remoulade sauce, grilled polenta with mushrooms and sticky cippolines, and blue-fin sashimi with carrot-daikon salad. The grill section features filets, strips, and a Kansas City cut, plus lamb and pork chops. Grilled chicken breast gets stuffed with lobster meat, placed on a wild rice medley, and smothered with seafood-cream foam. House-made noodles topped with ragouts, like papperdelle with braised veal and morels, are notable pasta dishes.
User Reviews
vandyky
July 29, 2008
I went to Avenue M with a large group for a special occasion and left disappointed. I started out with the lobster bisque which had no lobster meat in it. Then the wait staff came out our entrees and they had no idea who ordered what from the table. After taking a few minutes to sort out the food, I was able to try the 12 oz. filet I ordered. It was excellent (if Ruth's Chris is a 5 then this is a 4) however I never recieved any of the $2 sauces I ordered with it. I finished my entire meal with a half glass of water because I never recieved a refill. I also had an empyt beer glass in front of me for the majority of the meal because no one came around for me to ask for another. The waiter really took away from the experience. He wasn't polite and calling him "slow" would be an understatement. To top it all off, he made us get up and walk to the register to sign the bill since we split it 10 ways and there were 10 separate checks. He thought that would be easier. Overall, the steaks were good but the service was awful. And when I say awful I mean it was bad for an Applebees. I would expect more from a place that charges $40 for a steak. Based on my experience, I can't recommend it because for a $100 a head I would want better food (steak being the exception) and better service.
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SJH333
March 28, 2008
I have heard rave reviews about Avenue M and was impressed by the decor when I arrived, but disappointed by the dining experience. The food was very salty and I am someone who likes salt. The wine list was somewhat limited and our waiter very apologetic about that. I will say that the warm chocolate chip cookie dessert was wonderfully indulgent. Perhaps we went on an off night, but for the hype and the price, I was not overwhelmed.
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James23
March 10, 2008
I walked into Avenue M with the pretension that the food will be good and my expectations were far exceeded. The Cowboy steak was cooked to perfection, and my girlfriend said she has never tasted salmon so good. Throughout our meal, our server was consistently attentive, pouring drinks before we even needed to ask. I will definitely be going back, and recommend checking out the patio when the weather warms up. I've heard it is the place to be in the summer.
read full reviewThe Details on Avenue M
Know Before You Go:
Blame the hype and the high volume; there often are long waits even when you make a reservation.
Where to Sit:
The outdoor area seats 70-plus and features fruit-bearing trees and cocktail service at Riviera-style cabanas and lounge seating.
When to Go:
Wine is half price on Tuesday. Champagne is half price on Thursdays.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Bar Scene
