Avec

Avec Reviews

Add your review for Avec.

• Higher-End Lunch Spot

  by Chris I

  
  

• Great spot for sharing - tight small space but cozy and intimate with a cool vibe, good music, great food!

  by Noah T

  
  

• No matter what you choose, you'll love it! Dates are a must!

  by Ja_Moi_I

  
  

• 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.

  by Brian A

  
  

• Everything we had was delicious. The wine the waitress suggested was incredible.

  by Samuel J

  
  

• PORK SHOULDER!! I wish I could swim in that broth. Meat is so tender.

  by Aditi K

  
  

• Get the chorizo stuffed dates, Avec burger, and salmon tartine!

  by Natalie S

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates and whatever pork shoulder dish they have. Everything is good. Been eating here for over a decade

  by Genie S

  
  

• This was my first time trying dates! You've got to try them. Simply amazing!

  by Patrick L

  
  

• The hits land one after the next: lush brandade with garlic bread, bacon-wrapped dates (you have to), and the always perfectly cooked whole-roasted fish.

  by Bon Appetit Magazine

  
  

• Paella at lunch! So good!

  by Rodrigo N.

  
  

• 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.

  by Tasting Table

  
  

• 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.

  by Eater

  
  

• 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

  by Steven Y.

  
  

• Brunch is cozy and trendy

  by Fan Loretta J

  
  

• Very easy to get lunch here--the burger is excellent

  by Shinji K.

  
  

• Tout est excellent ! Le poisson entier a l'air délicieux !

  by Jean-Charles

  
  

• Perfect place for an outstanding lunch or meal.

  by Filippa J

  
  

• Unique euro-Mediterranean menu. Fave was the unassuming mackerel. This was the first time I loved port.

  by Christine D

  
  

• Brandade is bomb.com

  by John D

  
  

• Chorizo-Stuffed Medjool Dates are to die for!

  by Ed D

  
  

• 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.

  by Laura P

  
  

• The bacon wrapped dates were a bit spicy, but super delicious!

  by Toland H.

  
  

• No reservations, no kidding. Potent in a way that suggests the menu was conceived by people who love to eat, not mad scientists, making Avec the Fubu of Chicago dining. It's For Us, By Us.

  by Philip C

  
  

• This place is absolutely amazing.

  by Tim C.

  
  

• 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!

  by Rem Koning

  
  

• Great food. Get the chicken liver pate.

  by Jennifer C

  
  

• The popular choice is the bacon wrapped dates. The better choice is anything on the menu that is seasonal. It won't be there long.

  by Ken S.

  
  

• Make sure to get the chorizo stuffed dates. They are ridiculously amazing

  by Marla Mullowney

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon

  by Eli R

  
  

• Get the focaccia. It's like nothing you've ever had before.

  by J

  
  

• Superb service. The simple decor topped off by the unique ambiance was the highlight of our trip!

  by Alyssa M.

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed, bacon wrapped medjool dates? Chorizo stuffed, bacon wrapped medjool dates. Do it.

  by Brendan L.

  
  

• For a lighter lunch, opt for the roasted salmon tartine with a sauce made from walnuts, roasted beets, and pomegranate molasses.

  by Redeye Chicago

  
  

• Didn't have to wait for Sunday brunch. Chorizo stuffed dates & ricotta flatbread were perfect 👌🏻

  by Aprile S

  
  

• 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.

  by Joseph Blewitt

  
  

• 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.

  by Rick H.

  
  

• Great atmosphere and food. Tasty sausage Shakshuka dish. The only neg. was the watery coffee .

  by Andreas Kleiner

  
  

• The pizza with kale and burrata was the best. And definitely order the meatballs!!!

  by Jackie N

  
  

• Love the minimal design. Must have bacon-wrapped dates! Open late - great date spot.

  by Ashley C

  
  

• No matter what, get the cauliflower tabbouleh if it's on the menu. I wish I had it right now.

  by Grace A.

  
  

• 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.

  by Epicurious

  
  

• Dates stuffed with chorizo, pork shoulder

  by Victor P

  
  

• One of the best tapas places. Bacon wrapped dates to die for

  by Marin Hoag

  
  

• Brandade, bacon wrapped stuffed dates, duck tagine

  by David Z.

  
  

• SO DELICIOUS. The dates & chicken liver mousse are my must-haves every time.

  by Teresa

  
  

• 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.

  by Katie P.

  
  

• For something healthy: the salmon was a fine, succulent piece of fish. Also must try enjoyed the kale Bleu cheese panzanella salad!

  by Isameow

  
  

• Dates. Brandade. Mussels. Paella. Tagine. Sleep.

  by Mike D.

  
  

• 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.

  by Emily Jurlina

  
  

• Everything here is amazing. Eggs, avec coffee, bloody mary's, pancakes w/chicken wings, poached eggs, baked french toast, and the list goes on :)

  by Tracy T.

  
  

• 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.

  by ben m.

  
  

• Weeps farm greens tuna salad and the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice!!! The salad melts in your mouth yum!!!

  by Lindsey S.

  
  

• My favorite place in earth

  by Jes C.

  
  

• 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.

  by Linds Ellis

  
  

• 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.

  by Fernando Covas

  
  

• Their whole roasted fish is so well-seasoned and delicious, that most other fish will seem bland to you after this.

  by Fernando Covas

  
  

• Check out Avec as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate , No Reservations

  by TV Food Maps

  
  

• Truffled pizza

  by Ashley P.

  
  

• 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.

  by Pocket Sun

  
  

• Great food for lunch or dinner.

  by Iouri K

  
  

• Try the shaved Brussels sprout salad.

  by Lala L.

  
  

• Best shared food place I've ever been to

  by Ju Hae L.

  
  

• 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.

  by AFAR Media

  
  

• Perhaps the best sugar snap peas I've had in my life. Also a succulent steak and amazing Pinot noir. A Chicago must!

  by Cheryl M.

  
  

• Pork shoulder is so tender!

  by Paul V.

  
  

• The bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates are, of course, a rule of avec.

  by Time Out Chicago

  
  

• The salmon is amazing

  by Diddo S

  
  

• Amazing dinner and wine. The dates are a must and ask the waiter to pick out the best wine.

  by Vinny S

  
  

• Chorizo and dates are amazing. As is the pork shoulder. The squid and tripe was too heavy on the squid ink.

  by Vasanti W.

  
  

• Focaccia and the chorizo dates are a must!

  by Edward E.

  
  

• The chorizo stuffed dates were great but the focaccia was a bit heavy. Too cheesy! Not sure if I'd come back.

  by Maggie T.

  
  

• Get the baby squid and tripe braised in a spicy tomato sauce with a squid ink aioli!

  by Clifton

  
  

• Great brunch spot!! Get the nutter butter's!

  by Jennifer Erfft-Brown

  
  

• Quite possibly the best food I have ever had. The dates are simply amazing!

  by Lee K.

  
  

• Simple wood panelling throughout the interior of Avec gives it a clean, modern, and warm feel. Yes, the chorizo-stuffed dates are at least as good as everyone says they are.

  by Alex R.

  
  

• Great small plates

  by CHE Tours & Charters

  
  

• I really wish you guys were on the Freebie app. Check it out at www.freebieapp.com :DD:D

  by Brian N.

  
  

• Hands down favorite restaurant ... GET HERE EARLY! No reservations and it gets packed. Amazing wine selection

  by Shannon S.

  
  

• Comida: Se ve rico...pedir platos al centro para probar de todo.

  by Jacobo G.

  
  

• Get the dates.

  by Rockwell H.

  
  

• Amazing Sunday brunch eats. Make sure to try the chorizo-stuffed dates and butcher's steak. Great coffee, too.

  by Kristin L.

  
  

• Now open for Sunday brunch so you can get all of your favorites without the long wait. All of the favorites are here, including the chorizo-stuffed dates, “deluxe” focaccia, and roasted pork shoulder.

  by Eater

  
  

• Crowdy but good food

  by Vangelis S.

  
  

• Tried both items that are always on the menu. Stuffed dates were phenomenal. Would've skipped the focaccia.

  by Jessica B.

  
  

• Get a table if you can, the bar stools are uncomfortable.

  by Alex S.

  
  

• French Toast is fab and the molasses sauce it comes with is super unique. Have this come out second and share it. GOOD STUFF.

  by L H.

  
  

• Bacon wrapped chorizo stuffed dates, obvi. Oh and the nutter butters are inexplicably good.

  by Jacquie R.

  
  

• Crispy fries are awesome!

  by Aaron R.

  
  

• If you go for sunday brunch - no wait for us at 1pm. Get the bacon wrapped dates!!

  by Chirag P.

  
  

• The chorizo dates are the item you will never regret ordering

  by Anthony M.

  
  

• 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)!

  by Brad B.

  
  

• Spectacular! Order the chorizo stuffed dates, and I dare you not to lick the plate!!

  by Roberta W.

  
  

• Try the wood-oven roasted pork shoulder (via @Foodspotting)

  by Michael

  
  

• Try the Bacon-wrapped, Chorizo-stuffed Medjool Dates (via @Foodspotting)

  by Michael

  
  

• Get the Pork Shoulder!!

  by Alfonso O.

  
  

• 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.

  by the.Salon

  
  

• Great food, great wine, great atmosphere. Get the dates.

  by Andrew M.

  
  

• Pork shoulder is pretty yummy!

  by Patrick L.

  
  

• A phenomenal meal!!!

  by Bobby C.

  
  

• Continues to live up to its reputation. Go for brunch-- it's delicious!

  by Daniel P.

  
  

• 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.

  by Kenneth T.

  
  

• 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!

  by Tayson H.

  
  

• They should make their items order-able from a smart phone by adding them to the app "appay biz". That way, I can order ahead using "appay"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  by George W.

  
  

• dates. dates. dates. dates. do it now

  by Terrence

  
  

• Seasonal menu; the pea crostini is a seasonal hit ... Cafe Avec (espresso + cognac) for $8 is a bargain

  by Agnes G.

  
  

• 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.

  by Kaoru K.

  
  

• Try the bacon wrapped dates! They are a must!

  by Annette M.

  
  

• 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!

  by Syed A.

  
  

• Order the dates. Trust me.

  by Katy P.

  
  

• Start w/ the Dates, Brandade and Taleggio Focaccia. Pair those app's with a bottle of AŃ/2. The rest is history...Enjoy!

  by Krissy

  
  

• My favorite!! Been too long.

  by Lisa N

  
  

• No reservations, no kidding. Potent in a way that suggests the menu was conceived by people who love to eat, not mad scientists, making Avec the Fubu of Chicago dining. It’s For Us, By Us.

  by Philip C.

  
  

• Still can't find anything wrong with Avec! Except maybe there is always a line?

  by ISC C.

  
  

• Dates stuffed with chorizo are amazing! Another good choice is the roasted pork shoulder, but it took an hour for ours to come out.

  by Monica H.

  
  

• Try the Harissa Sardine Flatbread - New to menu and absolutely fabulous. (via @Foodspotting)

  by Cindy K.

  
  

• Dates, focaccia and squid ink pasta = meal complete

  by Jack S.

  
  

• Pork shoulder: 4.5/5. Rainbow trout 4.75/5 nutella crisps 4.25/5

  by Kenneth T.

  
  

• Sit at the bar, let your server select a nice wine, the dates are a signature dish not to be missed.

  by Genie B.

  
  

• Sit at the bar! Order the dates and the olives. Don't miss their beer selection.

  by Theresa W.

  
  

• Go for the chorizo stuffed dates with wrapped bacon, and the squid. nuff said.

  by Theresa G.

  
  

• Try the Bacon-wrapped, Chorizo-stuffed Medjool Dates - Delightful, paired with Mas fi #Brut Rose Cava (spotted by the husband) #food #medjooldates (via @Foodspotting)

  by Lynn A.

  
  

• Not actually a sauna! Order from their "food" or "wine menu" and you'll be extremely satisfied and happier for the rest of the evening.

  by Samuel P.

  
  

• 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.

  by Time Out Chicago

  
  

• 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

  by Time Out Chicago

  
  

• It’s the seasonal menu items—braised pork shoulder with garlic sausage, summer squash and pesto-tossed pasta—that make the place what it is.

  by Time Out Chicago

  
  

• The only drawbacks are the claustrophobic communal seating and an annoying no-reservation policy.

  by Chicago magazine

  
  

• No one channels bold, potent ingredients into subtle broths and sauces better than Koren Grieveson, whether it’s chorizo-stuffed medjool dates or basil-mustard hanger steak w/escarole and grapefruit.

  by Chicago magazine

  
  

• 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).

  by Time Out Chicago Kids

  
  

• 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).

  by Time Out Chicago Kids

  
  

• There is nothing here short of scrumptious.

  by Mary Kay H.

  
  

• Try the fava-bean crostini from our 100 Best list: You realize why everyone wants to imitate Avec. And just how inimitable Avec is.

  by Time Out Chicago

  
  

• Bacon wrapped dates. duh.

  by Nick G.

  
  

• Roast pork and anything with chorizo. Flatbread also is amazing.

  by Brian H.

  
  

• Overrated.

  by Jesse S.

  
  

• Omg, chorizo stuffed dated wrapped in bacon

  by Adam B.

  
  

• chorizo stuffed dates are to die for!!!

  by Jocelyn M.

  
  

• Tempranillo was great.

  by Ashish R.

  
  

• Chef Paul Kahan of Avec will be cooking at our L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade Event on 11/6! Join us: http://bit.ly/LALovesAlexsLem

  by Alex's Lemonade

  
  

• pork shoulder was amazing!

  by Serena L.

  
  

• Today must be west coast gangsta rap night. So awesome!

  by Johann C.

  
  

• The roasted quails are divine. Best I've ever eaten.

  by Mary Kay H.

  
  

• get the dates. and the focaccia. and many glasses of wine.

  by Aimee D.

  
  

• Chef Koren Grieveson’s focaccia with Taleggio cheese, ricotta, and truffle oil is locally legendary.

  by GourmetLive

  
  

• Try the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates. They're delicious.

  by Nicholas F.

  
  

• The cool laid back sister to Blackbird, Avec made is learn to deal with (and ultimately love) communal dining.

  by The Feast

  
  

• Next time i go, I'm not eve messing around with big plates. I'm just gonna order every small plate they have. (via Scoville)

  by Phil K.

  
  

• There's communal seating here, so be ready to be shoved in with strangers, but it's worth it - especially the focaccia with Taleggio cheese, truffle oil and fresh herbs!

  by Diego R.

  
  

• meat balls were bangin and the pappardelle was sikkk!!! great wine selection. real bargains if you know how to pick em.

  by Ilir B.

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates are the ish. Never tasted anything like it. Only go if you're prepared to wait for a table, but I'd jump at a bar seat since they have communal tables.

  by Scott Silverstein

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed dates are AMAZING. Do not miss this spot! I dined solo and it was cool. Great staff and the manager grabbed me a cab.

  by Lesley H.

  
  

• If your not there for the wine, try one of their “small plates.” They may be simple, but they’re focused and about as filling as an entrée.

  by GourmetLive

  
  

• Outstanding restaurant and wine bar. The bacon-wrapped dates are well enough to be a frequent diner and the wine selection is incredible.

  by Timothy P

  
  

• Bacon wrapped figs. Do it!

  by Doug C.

  
  

• avec, a wine bar from the award-winning team behind Blackbird restaurant, opened in October 2003.

  by Mazda

  
  

• Anything Chef Paul Kahan does is incredible. He has such a knack for taking such simple ingredients and making something absolutely incredible. -Graham Elliot, Top Chef

  by Bravo

  
  

• The head chef's a girl! Rock on!

  by Lindzow G

  
  

• ahhhmazing food. the pisaladiere is the best!! and their heavy wine pours make the wait totally worth it!

  by Jessica C.

  
  

• 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.

  by AskMen

  
  

• Chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates. Enough said.

  by Aubre

  
  

• Best place to eat in Chicago. Try the focaccia made with truffle oil!!

  by Jessica

  
  

• This venue has surrendered happily to the small plate movement; only 6 items on the menu are full-size. Roasted artichoke crostini and whipped brandade with garlic bread & fresh herbs are winners.

  by Epicurious

  
  

• M U S T . Great cheese selection. And they have Estrella Damm

  by zarcq A

  
  

• Don't take a chance -- sit at the bar. You could end up sharing a table with a bunch of loud and obnoxious drunks.

  by Matt A.

  
  

• this place is amazing. the salads are big enough for two - the greens/grapefruit had wood-oven smoked fennel, for heavens sake! the whitefish with peas, artichoke and potatoes was fabulous...

  by Janet J.

  
  

• blueberry tart with f'n *sour cream* ice cream!!

  by Janet J.

  
  

• holy f'n shit!

  by Nathan G.

  
  

• The spinich flat bread is awesome and slightly healthier than the foccacia. The dates are alway great.

  by Delane H.

  
  

• Always a crowd-pleaser, the bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo hit the spot every time.

  by Crain's Chicago Business

  
  

• Tri tips were horrible.

  by Melinda W.

  
  

• Chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates with smoked bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce and Whipped brandade with garlic bread and fresh herbs are both amazing

  by Marco M.

  
  

• Chorizo stuffed dates, focaccia and a bottle of wine are all you need to order here!

  by Tan T.

  
  

• Simply amazing..

  by Evan

  
  

• Bacon-wrapped dates and small plates galore, not to mention a great selection of micro=brews.

  by Katie N.

  
  

• 250ml pours!

  by Peter

  
  

• Interesting design but I can't help feeling like I'm in the sauna/steam room at the gym...Take your hipster friends for dinner

  by Greer G.

  
  

• GET. THE. FOCACCIA.

  by Kristin R.

  
  

• The chorizo-stuffed dates and wood-oven pork shoulder are worth the wait.

  by ZAGAT

  
  

• Yum, yum, and then: yum. Avec is a Paul Kahan restaurant. Get the chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. I hope they still have them. This place gets very, very busy--but the food and prices are fant

  by Leah R.

  
  

• Small plates, done right. Try the bacon wrapped figs!-Rick Bayless, Top Chef

  by Bravo

  
  

• Foccacia Bread is fantastic

  by Andrew W.

  
  

• Order the bacon wrapped dates

  by Briana Kennedy

  
  

• Wine glasses are a third of a bottle and a number of boutique meditteranean wines are featured

  by benjamin r.

  
  

• Eat at the bar; order the salumi plate.

  by Katie W.