Chicago >
El Ideas
Recommend this business?
Write a Tip for
El Ideas
What Our Expert Scouts Are Saying
Dining at El Ideas, which hides on an industrial block of the southwest side, feels like being let in on a secret. The dichotomy of the beautiful food in an alleyway next to some train tracks feels like having a covert affair - except you can tell your friends. Don't tell all of them, though; with only 12 seats and only two seatings a night, you'll definitely need reservations. Make sure to invite a double diamond foodie as your date though, last time we went in, they grated a petrified fish on top of one of our dishes.
By Anthony Todd
What Our Expert Scouts Say
January 08, 2013
Reminiscent of Schwa with its super upscale, creative, inventive, artistic food, jammin' beats and - hey - it's BYOB.
0
Heart
September 28, 2012
El was the best meal I had in 2011. They only take a very few reservations every night, but that means the atmosphere (and the interactions with the chefs) can't be beat.
0
Heart
Tips for El Ideas
June 13, 2012
El Ideas is the brainchild of Chef
Phillip Foss and like no other dining experience in Chicago. First, get reservations ahead of time as the "off-the-beaten-path" location only seats up to 16 people for one seating a night. It's BYOB and the staff recommends what to bring so it pairs well with their innovative menu.
The tasting menu is anywhere from 12-14 courses and costs $135 per person. Each course playfully pairs unexpected ingredients on a perfectly composed plate. The kitchen invites guests to interact, not only while seated, but to head into the open kitchen to ask questions, help plate, or take photos. It feels like an elevated dinner party hosted by a cutting edge chef. It's a fantastic place to bring a group of friends to enjoy a unique dining experience.
0
Heart
People also viewed
Related Guides
Your Friends
Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Facebook to see what your friends are up to!
Citysearch Mobile
Get the Citysearch Mobile app so you can spend less time searching for great places, and more time enjoying them.