City Winery Chicago

SO IMPRESSED! I might go here to see performers that I otherwise would not see just because I know the experience will be fantastic! I read the other 2/3 star reviews on Yelp and was disappointed. Apparently, they have made some improvements since the other reviewers wrote.\r \r We saw Joan Osborne last night. The venue was less than 50% sold. Bad for Joan. Good for us. We were 3 seats from the stage. I guess it was just not publicized well. \r \r We arrived at 7 for dinner before the show started at 8, as recommended. We were greeted immediately when we sat down with a sample of one of their tap wines. Very soon afterward, the server took our appetizer and drink order. Unfortunately, that's where the good service stopped. The room did not fill up. As far as I could tell, he was not overextended. But, he did not take our dinner order until about 7:45. So, the entrees came during the opening act. The rest of the tables around us were already done eating, so we felt awkward eating during the performance, but we didn't want our food to get cold, so we had to be super quiet. We are vegetarians, so we ordered the mediterranean dip trio and fingerling fries, tofu steaks, and chocolate lava cake. All the food was fantastic! My wine was great, and my husband ordered bottled beer.\r \r The venue host made an announcement before the show to ask everyone to silence their phones and refrain from conversation during the show, as even the slightest whisper can be very disturbing to other patrons. That worked! Not a single disturbance during the show. That may have been a bit much for a rock and roll show, but man was it nice to just be able to listen to the performers!\r \r The acoustics were perfect. We could hear every single note clear and crisp. Joan's vocals were amazing. It was an acoustic show. Just her and a pianist, who was also phenomenal! The volume at many shows, even in small venues, is often too loud to be comfortable and my ears are ringing until the next morning. I was definitely worried about that being so close to the stage. But, the volume was perfect. Loud enough so that it is the main event, not background music, but not too loud that it distorts the sound and makes me uncomfortable.\r \r The bathrooms were clean and convenient to get to. Parking on Randolph a couple blocks down was free! \r \r Besides the service, our only suggestion is to get more comfortable seats! They are fine for dinner, but when you're sitting there for 4 hours for a show, the thin hard wood chairs are not comfortable. Especially when you have to turn yourself sideways to see the stage because you are sitting at a table, you need comfy chairs. I was fidgeting the whole time and had to get up between songs to stretch my legs. more

Went to the soft opening and loved it!\r The space is open, airy, upscale and beautiful. Amazing place for multiple types of events (corporate, bday parties, after work drinks, etc.), and seeing the wine made on-site is pretty cool too.\r 400 wines on premise, 14 wines on tap and a good food menu...this place is a great addition to the Randolph street scene.\r The waiters were friendly, service was great and I loved the feel - will definitely be back more

Space is amazing, and surprisingly not too loud.\r Wine list is extensive and good. more

It has a separate concert hall that hosts first rate shows and a large courtyard for dining alfresco. Though huge, this place feels intimate. There is a very nice ambiance, and I really enjoyed it. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I mentioned my phone was dead and my waitress offered to charge it for me. The house white was a nice light citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. I had tasty risotto balls while my husband enjoyed the veal schnitzel. Everyone commented on how delicious the food was. When I was there, it had only been open for 10 days, and I was so impressed with how smoothly things ran. It is a big operation. It was a wonderful experience. If you like wine and the idea of having a city winery, check this place out. If you are a designer interested in an efficient utilization of a large space, check this place out. If you are a newly engaged couple looking for a place to have a reception, this place made me want to get remarried! But really, if you are just looking for some good food; good wine or good music, this is a great spot. Grapes from around the world are flown in, and wine is made on site. Super cool place. more

the wine by glass selection is pretty good, service is excellent and the building is beautiful. I would go again for sure, it's great to have this new business in Chicago. more

We came here on the 4th night after they opened for a Lewis Black's show. We were seated down at 7:15pm, orders were being taken at 7:20pm, food came around 7:40pm, we finished 30 minutes later and the show started at 8:15pm. Wonderful experience. We just ordered the burgers and wine, the food is little pricey but this is a totally unique dining experience, we will definitely be back if they get good comics to perform in the future.\r \r Lewis Black was funny as usual, but the opening act Kathleen Madigan was a hoot! Now I really want to see her live again. more

Thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to the City Winery. Arrived early to sample several of the house wines, followed by dinner, and capped off by Lindsey Buckingham's unforgettable performance. Acoustics were phenomenal. Our service was outstanding. What a great way to enjoy a show. This place is something special, can't wait to return. more

I visited City Winery as a part of an Austrian wine festival that was coming through town.\r \r The building is beautiful and is clearly designed to accomodate large parties - like weddings and corporate events. The high-ceilings give it an expansiveness that's enjoyable. The main dining area is spacious with a large bar winding around the east side.\r \r I was upstairs for the event, and noticed it was getting pretty hot up there given the direct sunlight - but whatever. I'm looking forward to going back to take a look at their wine/food list. Seems like a space with a lot of potential. more

This place is going to be great.\r \r Great atmosphere and great service. People sadly are idiots and judge very harshly on yelp. This place was in opening week and as always there are going to be bugs to work out and things to perfect.. Give them some slack and don't listen to negative yelpers. Go here for yourself and give it a try. more

Great Night-Great Cause!\r \r I attended a donor appreciation event at the City Winery in the West-Loop in Chicago last week for Gilda's Club of Chicago, a cancer support organization. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. I only had wine and appetizers, but I can assure you there will be a review coming of a dining experience I intend to have there soon. The place was alive with energy--on a weeknight! The wine was outstanding, and if the meals are anything like the appetizers: ""I CAN'T WAIT!"" Stay tuned. more

*Great atmostphere. Spacious area. Lively crowd. Nice Decor\r *Some good appetziers including Duck Tacos - Probably the best tasting item on the menu. The duck meat was really flavorful. I wish I had them all to myself\r *Live music - Always a plus more

I've been keeping an eye on this place since before it opened. After missing out on seeing Mavis Staples twice this year, we jumped at the chance to see her at the winery. This is a great venue for an intimate show and I don't mind paying the extra price tag. While the seating is tight, I figure its more comfortable than other concert venues. more

Had a great per-opening meal. Cool space. Everyone was very friendly and you got feeling they were excited for things to come. Another great addition to the neighborhood. more

The wine list is diverse and they do make their own wines on site. Many of their wines are good and are healthy pours. The wait staff offered us a couple samples which led us to the zinfandel. more

I loved City Winery...great wine, strong interesting cocktails!!, great bartender, great atmosphere and music. I only had drinks here at the bar I didn't eat but I loved the vibe and atmosphere and thought the place was really fantastic. The seating and the atmosphere really give it a fun casual hang out vibe. you really just want to stay and hang out. Unlike some bars you don't feel rushed to either order more drinks or leave you really feel like you can just hang out. there was a show upstairs on the night i was there and was great to be able to watch it on the screens without having to commit to the show itself upstairs. can't wait to go back more

Venue: Attractive, good sound system. Tight and cozy as some have written, but it's not too overwhelming at all. Any spot you get gives a good view of the performer.\r \r Food: Good, but may need some work. I ordered a vegetarian dish of tofu steak, himalayan red rice, pearl onions and some other vegetables. I felt the tofu could have been seasoned better, especially for the price. It seemed to be nothing more than a seared log of tofu minus any spices. I would have personally doused it in some mirin, soy sauces and/or various Asian spices to kick things up a bit. The fact that the entire log of tofu was seared and not smaller, individual planks made the inside softer and mushier with only the outside being crisp--another negative about the dish. But it was a decent amount of protein, given the fact many restaurants serving a similar dish would have given only about half the amount of tofu. Maybe next time I will try the other vegetarian options (hummus, other Mediterranean dips).\r \r The reviews for the vegetarian/vegan dishes at the New York City Winery were better than here. Maybe the chefs should get together and share a few tips? more

So, after reading the review in the Red Eye, and being familiar with the youthful AND underdeveloped pallets of the individuals who reviewed the venue, I MUST disagree. IF you go during an opening week of a venue that large, you MUST expect hiccups... DON'T be so juvenile to judge a space within the first days of operation. After all, don't ANY of these people who give their opinions remember it took a few attempts to learn how to ride a bike?\r \r I found the chef, who I did speak with, to have a firm concept of where his menu is headed. The space is GORGEOUS! If you go visit, ask where all of the wood came from... a good anecdote. I found the staff to be eager to please... and the wine selection is amazing. I, for one, am looking forward to purchasing my own barrel of wine when the grapes arrived.\r \r The venue space is beautiful, and NOT overpriced.... Not ALL places are meant for everyone to enjoy. And I paid for my food and drink, I did not get to expense it out to the tribune...I appreciate the mature feel of city winery. more

I had read the somewhat negative reviews about the food and service, so wasn't sure what to expect for a concert. But I have to say, my experience was terrific, even after a rocky start.\r \r Arrived to find that our seats at the bar that we paid for and reserved were not available. A little cranky about that - wanted to sit at the bar to ensure we had prompt service. They ended up giving us a bar table at the very back, which ultimately I thought was a better, probably more comfortable arrangement. Service was quick, attentive and friendly. They made great wine recommendations and a couple of small plate recommendations. The btg pinot noir was delicious! The arancini were pretty good, although the sauce that comes with it was terrible. They would do better with just a quick and simple fresh tomato/garlic/basil sauce than the weird bbq-tasting stuff they served.\r \r The sound in the room was terrific! Highly impressed. As someone else pointed out conversations from others could be loud and distracting at times, but that's true with most concerts.\r \r The Park West has been my all time favorite concert venue in the city, considering sound, seating, etc. But CW is definitely posing a threat - considering the sound, ticket price ($25 for this one), bar seating, service, wine list, and food availability. Really happy to now have CW, a very good alternative for an intimate concert space, in my hood. Totally worth checking out. more

went to the pre opening tonight and was very impressed\r everyone were friendly and helpful and from what we had (a bordeaux, city winery rose, white and red), we were impressed\r this is going to be a fun place to be\r we had some munchies as well (olives, meat and cheese, arancini and crudo) and they tasted good\r \r we took a quick tour of the place and you can tell they have great big plans for the spot\r cant wait to be back! more

Just visited City Winery last night for the first time to hear Lindsey Buckingham, and had a blast. What a great venue. It was amazing to be that close to an all-time legend, all while seated at a table with a delicious bottle of wine and some great food! We will be back. more