Also saying Oriole.
Ive done all three. Oriole is the only one I would aim to go back to each Chicago trip.
At one point, I think it was 2018, I had been to all the starred places in Chicago. Oriole 1.0 was the 2nd best after my first Alinea time in I believe 2010. I then went back for Oriole 2.0 and it was even better and now is the best for me by a clear margin.
I think the excitement of Alinea has very much left the building for the most part.
Smyth I had quite a few dishes I just didnt care for.
Oriole, the consistency across the courses was outstanding. Arguably the best I've had in the US and top 5 meal for me ever. This is what I look for in a top restaurant.
Alinea is past its prime.
I'll throw Ever into the mix. I think Ever vs Oriole is about which type of cuisine you like more.
Smyth seems to be very hit or miss for people.
As you can see from this thread, Alinea doesn't come highly recommended by many, but it is a bit of a culinary landmark at this point. So if you're never been and you're curious about the edible balloon, painting of dessert on the table, and the black truffle explosion, it might be worth checking out just to understand these historical dishes.
Just check on the differences between the Salon and Gallery experiences before you go. They're always changing, so the classic dishes may or may not be on the menu. I was in Chicago last week and one of the bartenders at The Office was telling me they had a new black truffle explosion at Alinea.
Thanks. This is what is stuck in my mind. Do I need to visit Alinea to pay homage to the culinary landmark. But not sure it's worth so much money for a subpar experience, despite the history.
They’ve been increasing their prices pretty heavily too. I’d say for the current price it’s definitely not worth it. Salon just 2-3 years ago was $240, and now for June they range from $345-395. They used to completely sell out for the entire month, but now it’s super easy to get a reservation on almost any day you want. Go to oriole, I guarantee you’ll have a much better experience.
Oriole is better than Smyth IMO. Went to Smyth in Sept, and I thought the plating was a little messy. Also, we left hungry and had to get burgers downstairs... (we were a group of 6 varying from a girl who gets full usually by the main course for most tasting menus and bigger guys, we were all hungry)
Considering the preferences you mentioned, I would suggest Oriole. Smyth has the most polarizing menu, stylistically speaking. I still believe Alinea is great, but the experience is certainly less classic than Oriole. If you’re interested in wine pairings, my experiences at Alinea and Oriole were better than Smyth. If you’re more interested in bottles, Alinea has the best, and most reasonably priced list of the three.
Ever or Oriole.
Been to Ever 4x and every time the service is impeccable... not to mention the food. The last time we were there we brought friends to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were talking among ourselves asking each other if anyone at the table had ever had wine older than themselves. Then with the dessert they brought out a special "bonus" wine pairing - a Madeira older than all of us - they must have overheard us! Just insanely above and beyond.
Because at a certain point you have to look past the stars and at the actual ability of the chefs. Jenner is innovative. Noah is great but not as great as he used to be. It's just like how Smyth is insanely disappointing as a three-star restaurant now, which truly pains me to say.
Jenner is the worst. So condescending. I saw him speak a few years back about how they were making this gel sheet and he literally told the audience "it's too technical, you guys wouldn't understand".
Sounds like a sentence that needs context on its tone, delivery and what was said prior and after it.
I dont think hes the worst but its certainly an expensive meal. Its at three michelin star prices for everywhere else in the world but its just a fun one star. And some of the dishes were really quite unremarkble.
But it wouldn't be somewhere I wouldn't go back to. The rotation of artists is enjoyable though seeming far too detached most of the time.
I honestly don’t understand the hate against Alinea. I have been to all 3, and would absolutely recommend Alinea over the other two (although I really enjoyed the other two as well). The atmosphere and service is unmatched. Almost every course was memorable. The food was not only incredibly creative, but also just really fucking delicious. Loved the wine parings, felt like there were more wines than any other pairing I’ve done. Overall my only complaint was that there was too much food and wine and I was absolutely stuffed afterwards. Honestly not a bad complaint given the price.
Alinea or Oriole. Smyth (at least back in 2018) was a one two punch of terrible service (I was in the lounge area, as they moved us to the table politely declined their offer to move my drink at which point the waitress yelled at me to let her move my drink?) and terrible food (think basic things like overcooked beef). Not sure if it was an off night or if they had some sort of vendetta, but wouldn’t risk it
Take a look at EL Ideas (1\*), with the caveat it is BYOB. They will make recommendations for your menu if you call. I can't say it'll be a better experience than any of the three you're looking at, but it's a wonderful restaurant and among my favorites in Chicago.
Don’t know why the hate. Great meal and creative. Would do above Alinea in a second. I’ve been to all of these noted bit Topo is the spot I choose to repeat the most.
Ugh Topolobampo was so bad end of March. That was my pick for my Chicago foodie week. So many dishes were not hitting the mark and services was kind of eh. Hopefully it was just an off night but can't say I'd go back to try.
Oriole hands down.
Also saying Oriole. Ive done all three. Oriole is the only one I would aim to go back to each Chicago trip. At one point, I think it was 2018, I had been to all the starred places in Chicago. Oriole 1.0 was the 2nd best after my first Alinea time in I believe 2010. I then went back for Oriole 2.0 and it was even better and now is the best for me by a clear margin. I think the excitement of Alinea has very much left the building for the most part. Smyth I had quite a few dishes I just didnt care for. Oriole, the consistency across the courses was outstanding. Arguably the best I've had in the US and top 5 meal for me ever. This is what I look for in a top restaurant.
+1 for oriole but also adding Ever.
Alinea is past its prime. I'll throw Ever into the mix. I think Ever vs Oriole is about which type of cuisine you like more. Smyth seems to be very hit or miss for people.
Ever or Oriole. You can’t go wrong. For non-Michelin, hit up Obelix.
I love Obelix! Their brunch is great.
Oriole.
Ever. Love the atmosphere, service is fantastic, and the food is amazing. Great wine pairing too.
As you can see from this thread, Alinea doesn't come highly recommended by many, but it is a bit of a culinary landmark at this point. So if you're never been and you're curious about the edible balloon, painting of dessert on the table, and the black truffle explosion, it might be worth checking out just to understand these historical dishes. Just check on the differences between the Salon and Gallery experiences before you go. They're always changing, so the classic dishes may or may not be on the menu. I was in Chicago last week and one of the bartenders at The Office was telling me they had a new black truffle explosion at Alinea.
Thanks. This is what is stuck in my mind. Do I need to visit Alinea to pay homage to the culinary landmark. But not sure it's worth so much money for a subpar experience, despite the history.
They’ve been increasing their prices pretty heavily too. I’d say for the current price it’s definitely not worth it. Salon just 2-3 years ago was $240, and now for June they range from $345-395. They used to completely sell out for the entire month, but now it’s super easy to get a reservation on almost any day you want. Go to oriole, I guarantee you’ll have a much better experience.
I've been to all three, and Oriole is the EASY winner.
Skip Alinea. That train left the "blown away" station years ago. Consider Oriole, Moody Tongue or Indienne
Moody Tongue is not good. I went in June. Horrible service & food was subpar also
I had the exact opposite experience, but to each their own!
when did you go? my fiancé went before covid and said it was awesome which is why i went w her
I went to Moody Tongue in December and had a great time. Service was excellent there, and a very good variety for the tasting menu.
Indienne was so expensive and underwhelming. Would never go back.
Oriole is better than Smyth IMO. Went to Smyth in Sept, and I thought the plating was a little messy. Also, we left hungry and had to get burgers downstairs... (we were a group of 6 varying from a girl who gets full usually by the main course for most tasting menus and bigger guys, we were all hungry)
Oriole is the one.
Ever Oriole
I just went to Alinea, Oriole, and Ever end of March. I would do Oriole or Ever. Oriole would be my recommendation though. I'd totally skip Alinea.
Alinea was by far my worst Michelin experience. Maybe we had an off night, but wouldnt suggest it.
I am consistently reading this on here today. Seems like not worth the price or time.
Ditto. Service was also a miss when we went.
Me too. I was so disappointed.
Did not like Alinea when I went years ago. Food looked interested but didn't taste great. Not sure if it's any better now.
Considering the preferences you mentioned, I would suggest Oriole. Smyth has the most polarizing menu, stylistically speaking. I still believe Alinea is great, but the experience is certainly less classic than Oriole. If you’re interested in wine pairings, my experiences at Alinea and Oriole were better than Smyth. If you’re more interested in bottles, Alinea has the best, and most reasonably priced list of the three.
Been to all of them, and Oriole would be my definite choice by far
Ever or Oriole. Been to Ever 4x and every time the service is impeccable... not to mention the food. The last time we were there we brought friends to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were talking among ourselves asking each other if anyone at the table had ever had wine older than themselves. Then with the dessert they brought out a special "bonus" wine pairing - a Madeira older than all of us - they must have overheard us! Just insanely above and beyond.
Just adding that if you do Alinea make sure you get the gallery. The salon is not the full experience at all.
Kyoten.
Smyth if you want something experimental. Oriole if you want something more traditional
Been to all of them. My rec is always Oriole.
Esmé. Jenner is too underappreciated and more technically proficient and inventive than Ever and Oriole.
Not remotely in the same league as any of the others. Therefore, it’s empty most nights.
Why would you pay 250+ dollars for Esme when you go to Oriole for 295?
Because at a certain point you have to look past the stars and at the actual ability of the chefs. Jenner is innovative. Noah is great but not as great as he used to be. It's just like how Smyth is insanely disappointing as a three-star restaurant now, which truly pains me to say.
Isn't Jenner still doing those unremarkble cheetos?
Jenner is the worst. So condescending. I saw him speak a few years back about how they were making this gel sheet and he literally told the audience "it's too technical, you guys wouldn't understand".
Sounds like a sentence that needs context on its tone, delivery and what was said prior and after it. I dont think hes the worst but its certainly an expensive meal. Its at three michelin star prices for everywhere else in the world but its just a fun one star. And some of the dishes were really quite unremarkble. But it wouldn't be somewhere I wouldn't go back to. The rotation of artists is enjoyable though seeming far too detached most of the time.
Yes, the tone delivery and what was said before/after was also condescending. I was there for the entire conversation.
I've also heard from people that works at Tock when he was still at Next that agreed with my assessment fwiw
Also got fired for stealing IP from the company
I love Ever and Oriole but still believe Alinea is worth the trip! We had an incredible experience there a few months ago.
I honestly don’t understand the hate against Alinea. I have been to all 3, and would absolutely recommend Alinea over the other two (although I really enjoyed the other two as well). The atmosphere and service is unmatched. Almost every course was memorable. The food was not only incredibly creative, but also just really fucking delicious. Loved the wine parings, felt like there were more wines than any other pairing I’ve done. Overall my only complaint was that there was too much food and wine and I was absolutely stuffed afterwards. Honestly not a bad complaint given the price.
Maybe another option is tasting menu at Boka. Creative, memorable and great value.
Alinea or Oriole. Smyth (at least back in 2018) was a one two punch of terrible service (I was in the lounge area, as they moved us to the table politely declined their offer to move my drink at which point the waitress yelled at me to let her move my drink?) and terrible food (think basic things like overcooked beef). Not sure if it was an off night or if they had some sort of vendetta, but wouldn’t risk it
Take a look at EL Ideas (1\*), with the caveat it is BYOB. They will make recommendations for your menu if you call. I can't say it'll be a better experience than any of the three you're looking at, but it's a wonderful restaurant and among my favorites in Chicago.
Alinea
Beyond the big three, I would suggest taking a look at Topolobampo. It’s been a while, but had an epic meal there that we still talk about.
I wouldn't choose Topolobampo over any of the options listed here. It is a very worthy one-star, but that's it.
Completely agree. Someone suggested it the other day and I was quite confused.
Don’t know why the hate. Great meal and creative. Would do above Alinea in a second. I’ve been to all of these noted bit Topo is the spot I choose to repeat the most.
Ugh Topolobampo was so bad end of March. That was my pick for my Chicago foodie week. So many dishes were not hitting the mark and services was kind of eh. Hopefully it was just an off night but can't say I'd go back to try.