02/18/09

Too close for my comfort

by lincix

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!!!

• Pros: Interesting Menu
• Cons: Seating

01/05/09

My favorite place!!!

by happy2009

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

05/28/08

I love this place!

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!

03/29/08

Didn't Live Up to the Hype.....

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

02/03/08

Good Mix of People, Fresh Take on Traditional Dishes

by nolachitown

I've only been here once, and I went as I saw it received rave reviews on Chicago Metromix. Earlier reviews are dead on when they say that you have to come prepared to wait, or, arrive relatively early. I came to dinner on a Sunday night at 7, was seated immediately, but I can tell you that not even ten minutes after we arrived, there was a mass of people waiting to be seated. The atmosphere is high energy, boisterous but contrary to what City Search says, it doesn't allow for "first date conversation". Well, unless you guys are seated next to each other. As for the service, I can assure you that whatever kinks they had in the very beginning, they've been worked out since. The service is impeccable, and as a first timer, don't be ashamed to ask questions on how to order and what they recommend - the wait staff is more than helpful and generous with their time. The chorizo stuffed dates are amazing as was the pork loin. I will definitely come back.

• Pros: great wine list, great service, cute chefs in the kitchen, great ambience
• Cons: loud, young professionals who want to be heard sitting next to my party

10/31/07

Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Chicago

by chance071905

Sadly, I just moved away from Chicago, but when I do go back, the one restaurant that I really crave is avec. Bustling with groups and couples sitting at the bar, the atmosphere is loud and boisterous--it's not the kind of place one goes for conversation. And reservations are not taken, so be prepared to stand when the tiny restaurant is elbow-to-elbow. The broad wine list complements the menu of small plates, which takes advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. I can't wait to go back.

• Pros: Convivial atmosphere; comprehensive wine list; delicious food
• Cons: Can be noisy

10/21/07

excellent food, good wine choices, fresh cheeses

by katherinedonald

The food & wine are something to rave about, but I don't really like the sharing tables biz and I prefer to sit up at the bar since it actually feels private. I give the food and waitstaff 100% but be prepared for some overbearing loud-talking scenesters who want to be seen and heard. The cheeses and olives excellent and never had a bad glass of wine here. Blackbird is a lovely restaurant by same owner if you need some privacy and romance.

• Pros: quality of food and wine and waitstaff
• Cons: scenesters and lack of privacy (for me) at tables--too squashed

08/27/07

What life should be all about...

by cathyrio

This restaurant is so amazing. The food is to die for! Everything I've eaten there, and I've been 7 times, I love! I won't recommend anything because simply if you close your eyes and point at something on the menu you can't go wrong. My friends and I go often now. The wine list is extensive and interesting and they do have the service down to an artform. Hip music, chic clientele and a decor that is modern and fresh makes this place quite a scene. You have to like meeting new people because of the European-South American shared tables. I have met some amazing people this way and if you haven't dined this way it simply is the best. Avec really is what life should be all about: good food, good wine, good music, and people coming together. Bring a couple of friends and join in the mix!

06/13/07

Interesting menu

by borah

This restaurant was packed! Communal seating, so don't expect privacy. There was a wait where we took a bottle of wine to the sidewalk, which was quieter for our wait.

The olive oil for the bread was the most flavorful I have ever had. I took the recommendation of previous reviewers and got the dates - they were excellent - spicy! My absolute favorite was the roasted beet bruschetta. I never would've dreamt how well that would go with mint and goat cheese. Wonderful.

05/27/07

Best food in town - creative, unbelievable taste, chic

by bldoolit

Avec has the most innovative, tasty food in Chicago. It?s a great place to go with friends or on a date. The decor is incredibly understated, but trendy? much like the food.

The wait for seats is well worth it, and with 2 other restaurants next door, it?s good to grab a drink while you wait. Once you?re seated, the down to earth servers come willing to help and recommend. Bread is served, which is some of the best restaurant bread I?ve ever had anywhere. It?s made in the wood burning oven that gives it significant flavor.

We began with a cheese plate with a number of great options that all were perfect. The wine that was ordered also made for a great experience. The wine glasses are the stemless variety that seems a lot cooler while being used at Avec.

When the 4 small courses that were ordered arrived throughout the evening, we were amazed that they just kept getting better. The bacon wrapped figs highlighted the evening.

In the end, Avec has become our favorite trendy restaurant in Chicago and will probably stay that way for awhile, given they don?t change their approach.

• Pros: Great food without genre, wine, price.
• Cons: No reservations/wait