Late Bloomer - Chicago

As someone who has opened and managed restaurants, i don’t expect this location to be open very long. we walked in to immediately be hit with a rancid fish smell (should have turned around and left). restaurant was close to empty, with staff just wandering about and chatting. we sat in the bar area, with a view into the kitchen. we had a minute or two with the menu and ordered drinks. the cocktails were fine a bit too sweet and very basic in flavor, but still drinkable. with how empty the restaurant was, the drinks took too long to make and arrive at our table. we ordered food short rib meatloaf for myself and the burger for my husband. his burger was fine. the whole plate looked like something from steak ‘n shake thin patty burger, barely melted american cheese, generic bun, pickle spear, and shoe string fries. it was not a $13 burger plate. my meatloaf arrived cold, with scalding hot sides. despite there having been 5 staff members milling about the bar area, it took longer than average for anyone to notice that i had moved my plate to the end of the table and was not eating. once our server noticed, he removed the plate to bring out a fresh serving. the second plate had scalding meatloaf and under seasoned sides (roasted potatoes, peas&carrots) what really got me, was the kitchen line seemed to not understand that they are visible to the bar section of the restaurant. one of the guys was eating ON THE LINE the entire time we were seated. and it was beyond just tasting food at one point, i saw him get a fork serve himself a mouthful of the cold meatloaf i had sent back WHILE THE PLATE WAS STILL AT THE PASS. you want to eat returned food? cool. i don’t mind that. just don’t eat it at the spot where other plates are being prepared and where CUSTOMERS CAN SEE YOU. overall, the staff seems barely trained with no management present to keep the operation tight in the kitchen or FOH. i will not be back, and i encourage others to avoid this location.

The food was very tasty and the service was good. the music was amazing and good value for money.

A casual, relatively inexpensive place with nicer-than-expected décor. We stopped in for an early light dinner and enjoyed the cauliflower/chickpea appetizer. Poke bowl and meatloaf were good, not the best ever but definitely worth the price. Would return.

Nice, welcoming atmosphere. Good food and above average service.

I booked this based on the brunch menu and then realized it was in New City. The food was great!! We got the monkey bread to share for the table and it was sweet and crunchy but doughy. Really good. I got the monte cristo sandwich and was not disappointed. The best part was the service. Every employee who interacted with us was personable and helpful. We will be back for sure.