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Avec

New American Restaurant and Wine Bar$$$$

West Loop, Chicago

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Avec

9.2^/10

754

ratings

Ranked #6 for wine bars in Chicago
The experts at Bon Appetit Magazine and Epicurious recommend this place
"Get the chorizo stuffed dates, Avec burger, and salmon tartine!"(16 Tips)
"Pork shoulder is great, but great everything in general"(24 Tips)
"chorizo-stuffed medjool dates and “deluxe” focaccia with wine."(9 Tips)
"And the chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates were delicious..."(15 Tips)

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208 Tips and reviews

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pork shoulder
bacon wrapped dates
medjool dates
brandade
good for dates
trendy
meats
communal seating
bar
casual
restaurants
brunch food
French toast
salads
tartines
focaccia bread
poached eggs
chicken
great value
spicy food
(15 more)

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Tasting TableMay 11, 2016
This lively new American restaurant mixes up their menu seasonally - often interspersed with Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean influences - but always offers an extensive list of choice wines. Read more
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Emily JurlinaOctober 24, 2014
The dates, pork shoulder and especially those sausages on top of the paella are fantastic. The sangria is a great deal for a group-- $19 for a carafe.
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ben mOctober 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Believe the hype on the bacon wrapped, chorizo stuffed dates. The focaccia and the shawarma sausage were also standouts. I prefer the seats at the bar to the tables but that is your call.
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Noah DavisMay 15, 2017
Great spot for sharing - tight small space but cozy and intimate with a cool vibe, good music, great food!
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EaterMay 7, 2016
Even though chef Koren Grieveson left and Erling Wu-Bower moved to Nico Osteria, avec and chef Perry Hendrix remains one of the most consistent—and packed—spots in town. Read more
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Phil WatsonSeptember 9, 2018
The space itself is uncomfortably cramped. Take comfort in the massive, well-curated wine selection. Go for the stuffed dates, focaccia, and pork shoulder; they are delicious and worth it.
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June ParkAugust 18, 2019
Summer salad and bacon wrapped dates ummmmm sooo good! Loved lavender almond in the salad. Hummus was also super good. Pickled cherry was the kick.
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Linds EllisSeptember 12, 2014
So much flavour at this spot! The pasta was so tasty. Pork shoulder, incredible. And those bacon wrapped dates are a MUST eat! The menu is full of great dishes.
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Cole ToneJuly 9, 2019
Everything was excellent: decor, music, service, and of course the food and drink. My late night light dinner: Werp Farm Greens, and Medjool Dates; all washed down with a LaGrow.
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ElisaSeptember 3, 2018
We got the dates, the salmon, and the foccacia (w side of honey) which were all very solid dishes. Casual vibes as they have communal tables. Solid service. Would come back again.
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Tracy Tabery-WellerOctober 19, 2014
Everything here is amazing. Eggs, avec coffee, bloody mary's, pancakes w/chicken wings, poached eggs, baked french toast, and the list goes on :)
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Steven YApril 27, 2016
You must order the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates - it's a really interesting taste of spicy, salty and sweet all in sequence; the braised pork shoulder is also really good
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BiancaAugust 27, 2020
They say Mediterranean,I say Middle Eastern cuisine;who cares, it was delicious!Their hummus and the tabbouleh salad are the best in town.Unfortunately paella was really bad!Go for the natural wines.
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Cristina EJanuary 9, 2018
Chorizo dates, pork shoulder, cod brandade. Recommended for dinner ! This place has been open for I think 15 years and they still have the same great service and food ! Cheers!
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Stacy Bo BacyAugust 28, 2020
The best meal I’ve had all year. I highly recommend the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates and “deluxe” focaccia with wine.
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Jen MartinNovember 8, 2018
People talk about cozy, which it is, but if you’re an introvert and don’t like tight spaces, this communal table set up may be a bit daunting. The food is delicious but it comes with special issues.
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Brian DammeirFebruary 21, 2017
Chorizo stuffed dates are a must. Looking back I would suggest just going for a few drinks and a couple dishes, as apposed to going all out. Kind but inconsistent service.
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Kenneth TiongMay 23, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Wood-fired squid amatriciana is delicious. Crispy fish is done especially well by the crew, and seafood a specialty. Dessert highlights: spring spumoni (mixed ice cream), chocolate bergamot sorbet.
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Kate SchafferDecember 2, 2014
Even more amazing than I expected. Went for brunch and had the bacon wrapped dates (of course) and the pork shoulder. Oh and the chocolate mousse.
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Brad BensonSeptember 7, 2013
Definitely go for the dates. The focaccia was excellent too: light, flavorful, yet filling. Loved the Ballade red wine. I got 1 large and 2 small plates was stuffed (with leftovers)!
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EpicuriousJanuary 13, 2015
The long, sleek dining room wrapped up in glowing cedar looks like the world's chicest cabin. The buttery and feathery focaccia roused by Taleggio cheese, ricotta, and truffle oil—remains on the menu. Read more
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CliftonApril 21, 2014
Get the baby squid and tripe braised in a spicy tomato sauce with a squid ink aioli!
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Syed AMarch 7, 2013
focaccia, octopus and lamb bolognese were great! cool refreshing lemonade and my friend had their cafe with brandy. the nutter butter....can be done differently. overall a great experience!
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Pocket SunAugust 11, 2014
Bacon wrapped dates at its best - multiple layers of flavors, sweet with a kick, perfection. Doesn't take reservation, and there's always a waiting line. Crowded seating and loud.
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Rick HApril 25, 2015
The pork shoulder is a fantastic standby. Food has never disappointed. Great place to go when you want to spend some money and feel trendy without being obscene about it.
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Garrett JeffsAugust 18, 2021
Very nice. Had several small plates with the flatbread & pork shoulder. Enjoyed the meat & seafood but the vegetables were the stars. Carrots & cabbage were incredible
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Laura KaraleviciusDecember 30, 2015
The chorizo stuffed dates and chicken liver were absolutely delicious. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty...this meal hit on all notes. Coupled with a French pinot noir? Perfection.
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Certainly StrangeSeptember 26, 2017
Creamy hummus and fresh baked pita. The avocado salad was a treat! And the chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates were delicious...
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Kaoru K.April 8, 2013
Get the whipped brandade, marinated chicken thighs, and roasted swordfish. The flavors are so unique and delicious. Didn't love the dates (gasp!) nor the lamb pasta. Not bad, just not my favorites.
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Time Out ChicagoMay 28, 2012
Koren Grieveson puts out now-famous dishes such as her fiery chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates and taleggio-filled foccacia, both of which are best washed down with a carafe from the wine list. -BC Read more
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SerenaJuly 6, 2013
best value dinner wise i've encountered in the past few months. try to not miss the chicken liver, squid, mushrooms, squid ink pasta and really pretty much everything.
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AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
Please get the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo. They are incredible and it's hard not to sop your bread up with that sauce. Read more
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Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 10, 2012
The staff is very accommodating to foodies with kids in tow. Our suggestion: Go early and order the "deluxe" focaccia with taleggio cheese. That'll keep just about anyone's mouth full (and quiet). Read more
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Pedro ZamoraNovember 13, 2023
Great pork shoulder, very tender juicy meat with different flavors and textures that blend perfectly
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Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
Koren Grieveson puts out now-famous dishes such as her fiery chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates and taleggio-filled foccacia, both of which are best washed down with a carafe from the wine list.
Upvote1Downvote
Vinny LuongoMay 29, 2014
Amazing dinner and wine. The dates are a must and ask the waiter to pick out the best wine.
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Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 11, 2012
Order the bucatini carbonara, where thick, slurpable bucatini is tossed with a perfect mix of egg, Parmesan and guanciale (just a fancy word for unsmoked, delicious bacon bits, if your kids ask). Read more
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GenieJuly 29, 2016
Chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates and whatever pork shoulder dish they have. Everything is good. Been eating here for over a decade
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Manoj AmbalavananAugust 1, 2021
The pasta and bread with every meal is fantastic. cool ambiance with great wine. wrapped dates are good but meat may have been a tad dry
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Tayson HoangMay 13, 2013
Great place for drinks and snacks like the dates, the oyster mushrooms, and the cheese plate. Surprised they didn't have oysters though. Good wine selection too!
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Cheryl MJuly 16, 2014
Perhaps the best sugar snap peas I've had in my life. Also a succulent steak and amazing Pinot noir. A Chicago must!
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Redeye ChicagoJune 5, 2015
For a lighter lunch, opt for the roasted salmon tartine with a sauce made from walnuts, roasted beets, and pomegranate molasses. Read more
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Simple FoodieJuly 29, 2023
Hummus with Carrots- get extra pita (must), Roasted Pork, Grilled Steak - small plate, Heirloom Tomato Salad
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Rem KoningDecember 2, 2015
I am ultra biased but this is the best spot in Chicago for some wine and great food. Started a revolution. And changed my life!
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Fernando CovasSeptember 2, 2014
You just can't find a bad dish on the menu. Great service, particularly Giulietta. This is one of the most consistently delicious places in the city.
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Joseph B.April 30, 2015
I highly recommend going at an off-peak time so you can enjoy your wine at your leisure. I guarantee the place will still be lively.
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TanOctober 26, 2018
What a good surprise!! Cozy, nice staff, and the cabbage was outstanding!
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Luigi LudertinoJuly 25, 2019
The food is amazing. I recomend the chicken, the halloumi and the eggplant dish. The service is excellent.
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AskMenNovember 4, 2010
Avec reopened and is once again crafting simple meals that boast famously mind-blowing flavor. Drop by to check it out & taste what the accomplished staff has been up to for the past three months. Read more
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OliviaFebruary 23, 2017
No matter what you choose, you'll love it! Dates are a must!
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