The only thing that's good about this place is that it has an interesting menu. But it stops at that. Their version of communal dinning is outrageous. The table we were sat at would normally fit 6... More

The only thing that's good about this place is that it has an interesting menu. But it stops at that. Their version of communal dinning is outrageous. The table we were sat at would normally fit 6 people. However there was 10 of us and a child in a high-chair squished in there together. I have no problem sharing a table with others, however I would at least like enough room to move my arms around so I could cut up my food. During most of my dinner, I was actually touching elbows with a complete stranger. Also, the waiter suggested that we order several small plates to try out different things. But there was no room where to put the food, so they just brought out one plate at a time. Even though I was hoping to get out of there as soon as possible, it took over 2 hours just to get 4 small appetizer plates and one glass of wine. Don't go there!!! Pros: Interesting Menu Cons: Seating
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I did a fair amount of online research prior to our visit to Chicago and was so happy I decided to give Avec a try. I wanted to eat somewhere hip, but not over the top serious with the food (I'm... More

I did a fair amount of online research prior to our visit to Chicago and was so happy I decided to give Avec a try. I wanted to eat somewhere hip, but not over the top serious with the food (I'm not into foams and gelees). I also wanted somewhere that offered small plates so my husband and I could share a few. The food was really nice...especially the cheese our server selected to pair with our wine. We also got a duck dish that was so so...it had a cold salad on top of it that just didn't seem to mesh well. All in all, I would recommend Avec to anyone wanting to sample several small dishes and have fabulous wine pairings. The atmosphere is somewhat raucous (read: noisy), so if you're hoping for a quiet, romantic evening try somewhere else. Avec is ideal for a group of friends...but get there early as tables can be hard to get in this small eatery.
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I totally love this place!! the atmosphere + food combined = mmmmm..... best place to get together with your girlfriends, or boyfriends )))) single? might be a nice idea to stop by.... you might be... More

I totally love this place!! the atmosphere + food combined = mmmmm..... best place to get together with your girlfriends, or boyfriends )))) single? might be a nice idea to stop by.... you might be sitted next to a single girl/guy )))) Bon Appetit
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Best food in the city! Get the dates and the pizza. Wine selection is wonderful! The day we went we waited for about an hour for a table but it was well worth it!

Best food in the city! Get the dates and the pizza. Wine selection is wonderful! The day we went we waited for about an hour for a table but it was well worth it!
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We heard this place was unreal - especially from reading the reviews on this website. The wine, cheeses and breads were excellent, but thats where it stopped. The food was just subpar. We... More

We heard this place was unreal - especially from reading the reviews on this website. The wine, cheeses and breads were excellent, but thats where it stopped. The food was just subpar. We ordered small plates and split a salmon dish and cauliflower crustini. The Salmon was undercooked and the crostini was unedible. The lamb small plate was pretty tasty. The waitstaff was excellent and the wine and beer menues extensive. But don't expect a good meai. We left starving!!!! Pros: Great wines and beers Cons: Subpar foods
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I've only been here once, and I went as I saw it received rave reviews on Chicago Metromix. Earlier reviews are dead on when they say that you have to come prepared to wait, or, arrive relatively... More

I've only been here once, and I went as I saw it received rave reviews on Chicago Metromix. Earlier reviews are dead on when they say that you have to come prepared to wait, or, arrive relatively early. I came to dinner on a Sunday night at 7, was seated immediately, but I can tell you that not even ten minutes after we arrived, there was a mass of people waiting to be seated. The atmosphere is high energy, boisterous but contrary to what City Search says, it doesn't allow for "first date conversation". Well, unless you guys are seated next to each other. As for the service, I can assure you that whatever kinks they had in the very beginning, they've been worked out since. The service is impeccable, and as a first timer, don't be ashamed to ask questions on how to order and what they recommend - the wait staff is more than helpful and generous with their time. The chorizo stuffed dates are amazing as was the pork loin. I will definitely come back. Pros: great wine list, great service, cute chefs in the kitchen, great ambience Cons: loud, young professionals who want to be heard sitting next to my party
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Sadly, I just moved away from Chicago, but when I do go back, the one restaurant that I really crave is avec. Bustling with groups and couples sitting at the bar, the atmosphere is loud and... More

Sadly, I just moved away from Chicago, but when I do go back, the one restaurant that I really crave is avec. Bustling with groups and couples sitting at the bar, the atmosphere is loud and boisterous--it's not the kind of place one goes for conversation. And reservations are not taken, so be prepared to stand when the tiny restaurant is elbow-to-elbow. The broad wine list complements the menu of small plates, which takes advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. I can't wait to go back. Pros: Convivial atmosphere; comprehensive wine list; delicious food Cons: Can be noisy
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The food & wine are something to rave about, but I don't really like the sharing tables biz and I prefer to sit up at the bar since it actually feels private. I give the food and waitstaff 100% but... More

The food & wine are something to rave about, but I don't really like the sharing tables biz and I prefer to sit up at the bar since it actually feels private. I give the food and waitstaff 100% but be prepared for some overbearing loud-talking scenesters who want to be seen and heard. The cheeses and olives excellent and never had a bad glass of wine here. Blackbird is a lovely restaurant by same owner if you need some privacy and romance. Pros: quality of food and wine and waitstaff Cons: scenesters and lack of privacy (for me) at tables--too squashed
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This restaurant is so amazing. The food is to die for! Everything I've eaten there, and I've been 7 times, I love! I won't recommend anything because simply if you close your eyes and point at... More

This restaurant is so amazing. The food is to die for! Everything I've eaten there, and I've been 7 times, I love! I won't recommend anything because simply if you close your eyes and point at something on the menu you can't go wrong. My friends and I go often now. The wine list is extensive and interesting and they do have the service down to an artform. Hip music, chic clientele and a decor that is modern and fresh makes this place quite a scene. You have to like meeting new people because of the European-South American shared tables. I have met some amazing people this way and if you haven't dined this way it simply is the best. Avec really is what life should be all about: good food, good wine, good music, and people coming together. Bring a couple of friends and join in the mix!
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I would highly recommend for a night out with friends or with an adventurous date. The selection of wines are pair with the meals. Expect to spend about $50/per person.

I would highly recommend for a night out with friends or with an adventurous date. The selection of wines are pair with the meals. Expect to spend about $50/per person.
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