South Water Kitchen

07/26/09

New Chef... Better Food... I'll Be Back

by sarahmill at Citysearch

We had a FANTASTIC meal before going to theatre. I wanted to stay for dessert, but it was getting late, so we''l be back and try some sweets next time. I also appreciated the large selection of wines by the glass and not named Mondavi. Great place to stop when in the Loop.

• Pros: Very Affordable Loop Restaurant
• Cons: Dining Room Closes at 10PM

08/08/08

An accomplished comfort-food menu makes this Hotel Monaco eatery worth checking into.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
This bi-level restaurant boasts a classy, comfortable bistro feel, with roomy booths, rich wood accents and a buzzing open kitchen. Corporate types power-lunch alongside a pre-theater and post-shopping crowd on two levels. Considering the hip location, the menu is surprisingly budget-friendly. The upper-level wine bar attracts a relaxed after-work crowd, enjoying daily drink specials and light bar menu.

The Food
The smart, sophisticated comfort-food menu offers starters like mussels steamed in chowder-style broth with bacon, leeks, potatoes and celery, and seafood scampi redolent of garlic butter, parsley and lemon. Popular entrees include braised lamb shank with creamy goat cheese grits and sauteed spinach, and tilapia served with mashed potatoes and caper butter sauce. Budget diners will appreciate the daily blue-plate specials, which feature tempting plates like sauteed sweet shrimp with spicy sausage and grits on Tuesdays, and a fish fry on Fridays.

• Pros: good comfort foodcozy spacereasonable prices
• Cons: shaky service

08/19/07

Great location, not so great food or service

by topchef_aj at Citysearch

We sat in a great table outside on a Saturday night, however, overall, our party of three was disappointed with the quality of the food, as well as the service. The filet was overcooked and had to be sent back, and upon return, it was overcooked yet again and the quality of the filet was far less than you would receive at a wedding reception ("bad"). The pork chop was oversalted, but mac and cheese side was pretty tasty. Our waitress was disinterested and unfriendly, even though we were one of her only tables that evening. The after dinner coffee was cold. The dessert was probably the best part of the evening. We would not return, as there are definitely many higher quality restaurants in the area for similar prices.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Food, service

03/24/07

"watered down" on flavor and service

by joankiser at Citysearch

disappointing...food is fair, at best; service slow; not crowded on a saturday evening and we know why! spinach artichoke dip was bland, dinner salad soaked in dressing-unedible, potato leek soup, again, bland ....even the iced tea and coffee were weak. the only saving grace was the dessert. avoid it, too many other great places to eat in the same vacinity!

06/03/06

Good food, but restaurant is too smoky

by raedward at Citysearch

Upscale American comfort food - we had excellent prime rib and a fork-tender braised lamb shank. The berry cobbler for dessert was delicious.

This restaurant has a very large bar area up front that permits smoking. All the non-smoking seats are downstairs from the bar, and the cigarette smoke descends and is quite noticeable.

• Pros: well-prepared food, large portions, great desserts
• Cons: smoky, erratic service

11/27/05

So charming!

by rvandoren at Citysearch

We were very pleased with our visit to South Water Chicken. Nice atmosphere and ambience and the servixe was excellent!! Price/Quality of the food was excellent as well. We will definetely return on our next visit to Chicago. An absolute must for people that like this bistro atmosphere

05/13/05

Well Kept Secret!!!!!!!

by robertbracklin at Citysearch

Loved this location, the room was so much fun. The service was extremely attentive and the food was moderately priced for the quality and quantity. I'll be back soon.

• Pros: food, service, value