Share
(312) 328-1198
2110 S Wabash Ave
(21st Street)
Chicago,
IL
60616
41.854116
-87.625496
Neighborhoods: Central, Near South Side
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Sun 4pm-9pm
Price:
$$$$
Room 21
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Via Ventuno -- CLOSED
The Owner
Via Ventuno -- CLOSED
Owner
Chicago's ROOM21, an American Bistro, is Kleiner's interpretation of a parlor-bordello, mixing modern materials with European accoutrements. Through an eclectic array of antiques and hand-made pieces, he puts a sexy spin on the building's checkered past. ROOM21's 6,000 square foot interior welcomes 180 guests for dinner and cocktails, while the 6,000 square foot luxurious European garden patio seats 120. The garden is enhanced by oversized ceramic pottery, 40 foot evergreen trees, brickwork, rolled canopies, metal entrance gates and cream stone fireplace. Executive Chef Fred Ramos (Pili…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
-- CLOSED FOR RECONCEPTING -- – – Jerry Kleiner transformed a former Al Capone brewery in his signature fashionista-fantasia style: Gonzo damask patterns on the walls, French fabric chairs, a jumbo zebra-framed bar mirror and bordello-on-Venus drum lighting in fuchsia and chartreuse. French doors open onto a lovingly landscaped garden oasis. Light-handed New American updates tweak straightforward steakhouse fare. Pricey prime steaks pair with sauce choices, notably a light, tart balsamic jus. Crisp arancini-style crab risotto cakes swell with succulent crabmeat, sauteed corn and…
01/18/09
Excellent food and decor
by Dundies at Citysearch
Very typical for a Kleiner restaurant, great food, service, and the decor was awesome. We have been to Room 21 twice, both times sitting in the outdoor patio in the summer, it makes you feel like you are on a mini-vacation away from the city. Both times the service has been great and the food outstanding! The server has explained each dish with great detail, and I mean all dishes. Went there for a romantic dinner with my wife the first time and with a large group the second, which included a two year old, the servers were very willing to accomodate for the little guy which was appreciated! The manager was great and even took us on a private tour of the Capone vault. I will have to say that I was disappointed the second time around with the dessert selection after the departure of their pastry chef, I MISS THE RED VELVET CAKE!! That is the only complaint that I would have, everything else is great!
- Pros: Adapts to the clients; good for large groups with kids or a romantic night, service, food, ambience
- Cons: Loss of great dessert menu with departure of pastry chef
06/03/08
Terrible Service!!!!!!!
by Lynnchicago at Citysearch
I went here with a group of 12 people on a Tuesday night and the service was AWFUL (although there were probably only 4 other parties there) !!!! The waiter did not come by to refill our water... got our orders wrong... The food was ok.. nothing really spectacular - I definately will not be going here again.
- Pros: Decor
- Cons: Service, neighborhood, food
10/17/07
The worst service. Ever.
by clshafchi at Citysearch
Don't sit in the courtyard if you actually want to have food. Mid August was our first time to this restraunt, I think the decor reminds one of "Bozo's Big Top", bring your peanuts and popcorn, because you will need it.
We were seated in the outdoor courtyard, which I have to say was tastefully decorated and elegant. We were approached by a waiter and offered some water. We ordered a Pellegrino and 2 glasses of wine. Our waiter returned and we placed our appetizer, salad and entree order. We waited for our appetizer....about 20-30 minutes went by, no sign of food, waiter, water guy....nothing. We waited about 10 more minutes to find any employee to enquire about our order, as we were starving. No one in sight after 40 minutes. So we actually went to host stand to request our tab, paid for our bottled water , wine, and left. Any experienced waiter should have come to our table to let us know the kitchen was running behind, etc. Bad, bad, bad service, limited menu.
We wound up going to Cuartro next door and had a wonderful meal. Good Luck room 21 because with all of the competition coming your way in the South Loop you will need it!
- Pros: Nice courtyard
- Cons: Bad service, limited menu, bad service!
The Details on Via Ventuno -- CLOSED
Fun Fact:
This building was raided by Eliot Ness ("The Untouchables") on June 13, 1930, supposedly capturing 200,000 gallons of booze.
The Extras:
Ask for a visit to Capone's claustrophobic escape passage, unearthed during construction, that led onto 21st St. (the door was marked Room21).
Where to Sit:
For intimacy, request the small, cozy back dining room.
What to Drink:
Numerous premium champagnes by the glass are a highlight of the broad, moderately-priced wine list.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Special Occasion Dining, Celeb Hangout, Fine Dining, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Fireplace, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Via Ventuno -- CLOSED
- Contemporary Cuisine
- Former Capone Brewery
- European Garden Patio
Chicago's ROOM21, an American Bistro, is Kleiner's interpretation of a parlor-bordello, mixing modern materials with European accoutrements. Through an eclectic array of antiques and hand-made pieces, he puts a sexy spin on the building's checkered past.
ROOM21's 6,000 square foot interior welcomes 180 guests for dinner and cocktails, while the 6,000 square foot luxurious European garden patio seats 120. The garden is enhanced by oversized ceramic pottery, 40 foot evergreen trees, brickwork, rolled canopies, metal entrance gates and cream stone fireplace.
Executive Chef Fred Ramos (Pili Pili, Printer's Row, Gioco) presents American Contemporary cuisine for dinner. Stop in for a delectable meal and enjoy the historic ambiance.
