Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar

2165 N Western Ave, Chicago
(773) 666-5143

Recent Reviews

Alexander Baumann

Nora be mixing 10 drinks while elegantly eavesdropping, helping us choose drinks and food, and offering detailed knowledge on the works of Ridley Scott.My favorite restaurant in Chicago.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Valerie Ramos

One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dan Dan Noodles with Peanuts and Pork, Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork

Mary Rufo

I was very excited to visit this restaurant. We made reservations over 4 weeks prior because we were visiting from Boston for a birthday trip.We were there for a large party, family style reservation and had confirmed our menu a week in advanced. The restaurant was aware of my allergy from the moment we made the reservation. Unfortunately when I got there they told me I couldn’t eat 80% of our selected menu.I had to order a la carte because they had their allergen menu listed INCORRECTLY!! I would double, TRIPLE CHECK with your waitress because they cannot be trusted.I’m very disappointed in the inaccuracy of this seemingly “high end” restaurant.I DO NOT recommend.EDIT: THE OWNER OF THE RESTAURANT HARASSED ME ON THE WAY TO THE BATHROOM ABOUT MY REVIEW AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE UNCOMFORTABLE!!! She is CRAZY!Dietary restrictions: Do not take their allergen menu seriously. Confirm with your server.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

Chris Laughery

What an amazing place! I had heard how hard it was to get reservations at this restaurant and now I know why!!! I really thought how different or better could Sweet and Sour Chicken be than the hundreds of other times that I've had it, but now I know!!! From the appetizers to main dishes, everything was absolutely amazing. Such unique and delicious tastes. A must try and a must return!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mongolian Beef, Cloud Cake

Cynthia Loza

Perfect!!!!! Nice experience. Great service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

CJ Williams

They have buoyant straws. Good food. Good music.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Adrian

Amazing staff and food! If you're coming here for a date without a reso, come early. Get the walnut shrimp, green beans and fried rice. The food was so well executed to feel slightly elevated and authentic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shaira Riemenschneider

Food was great (ube custard was SO good), service was excellent, atmosphere was cool (awesome play list). Prices were so reasonable (we were there during happy hour - what a deal)! Parking was easy, plenty on the street within a block. Cool neighborhood. Will definitely be back!Dietary restrictions: Everything is well labeled. Partner has crustacean allergy, our server reviewed our order to make sure there were no issues.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crab Rangoon, Cloud Cake

Seth Johnson

Small footprint with a ton of people coming, so get here early and wait for them to open it check for reservations or some kind, otherwise you'll definitely be waiting!Great atmosphere, great service, and absolutely delicious food. Highly recommend the dry pot chicken as the spices and oils have that great numbing and continuing heat. Only tried one specialty cocktail, but it was top notch as well.Parking: Saturday evening, lots of space on the street for parking. That's a wildly variable thing for an n of one, though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dry Chili Chicken, Crab Rangoon

April Bell

The food is so good and the vibe is so fun but it's just so loud, it's impossible to have a real conversation. Their takeout game is impressive - the food tastes the same at home as it does in the restaurant!

Nicole K

INCREDIBLE flavors and quality ingredients. You can see the pride in every dish. I would highly recommend the combo fried rice, crab Rangoon (best I’ve ever had in my life) and the egg rolls. So happy to have found this gem!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jonathan Hill

This was my first visit and the food and drink were exceptional. I am looking forward to going back soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mike Tsoflias

One of our favorite restaurants in the city.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Colin Bracken

Been coming here since 2020 when they opened. Its fire every time, the new rolled noodle dish is a must. HH is a solid time to come and hang too. If you haven't been here you are missing out big time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beatrice Gonez

I love the vibe. The food is amazing especially the wontons and noodle. Always busy! I love sitting at the bar so I can chat with the bartenders. All of them are amazing.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

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