Magazines of every stripe spend their pages on best eats for couples and groups, but none spend any ink on the best meals for solo diners. We’re aiming to correct that with our top picks for Chicago eats that make individual dining an unadulterated joy. Eat up!
Entente {700 North Sedgwick Street; 312.285.2247}
If you want a complete dining experience but don’t have (or want) a dining companion, Entente is one of your best options in Chicago. Grab a table with views of the open kitchen and settle in for the chef’s tasting menu, complete with wine pairings. If that seems like too much of a commitment, never fear; à la carte options like the Wedge Salad, truffled Carolina Gold Rice, and Honey-Roasted Pear are always satisfying, lighter options. Perhaps the greatest joy of a solo meal at Entente, however, is enjoying the Acorn Squash Soufflé tout seul.
avec {615 West Randolph Street; 312.377.2002}
Given its cheeky French nod to pairings of food and drink (“avec” translates to “with”), avec has long focused on shared-plate dining, Mediterranean flavors, and an accessible – though extensive – wine list. That all might sound a bit overwhelming for a singleton dropping by for a bite, but the opposite is actually true. Grab a seat at the bar where Chef de Cuisine Perry Hendrix can treat you to small plate magic (the Chorizo-Stuffed Dates are a can’t-miss) alongside some open kitchen entertainment. And don’t worry about over-indulging; half portions of select dishes are available, as well as by-the-glass pours. If you’re more gregarious, you can always make a new friend at the communal dining tables, or simply settle into your seat at the stainless steel bar, savor a few plates, and cap off your meal with a single portion-friendly sweet treat like the mouthwatering Caramel Cashew Squares.
Cochon Volant Brasserie {100 West Monroe Street; 312.754.6560}
A delicious blend of the best of French classics and American brasserie fare, Cochon Volant Brasserie is a dining standout in the Loop. The ambience is casual but elevated, making it a delightful (and approachable) stop for diners flying solo. The bar always welcomes individual patrons who want a few nibbles and sips, as does the restaurant’s light-soaked bakery and high-top tables. When you visit, go simple with a Shaved Wagyu Beef Dip sandwich — a brilliant showcase of that “casual meets elevated” — or commit to a more lingering meal with a small Kale Lyonnaise Salad followed by Orecchiette Pasta. Our perennial pick, though: the quick-hit Croque Madame Eggrolls. Equally as enticing as its eats — and minimalist, Art Deco-esque flair — is the restaurant’s convenience, centrally located in the Loop, perfect for an after-work drop-in for bar bites (3-5pm) and a classic French 75.
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue; 312.222.9700}
For seven delicious years, Chef Gaston Acurio’s Tanta has been serving up authentic Peruvian cuisine to countless Chicago diners, even sourcing ingredients from the South American culinary capital. If you’re a lover of all things Peru – or simply want to try something different – sidle up to the Cebiche Bar and prepare yourself for a solo feast. Each cebiche features a different type of seafood – including tuna, scallops, squid, and shrimp – mixed with the classic “leche de tigre” (otherwise known as a marinade of lime juice, onions, chile peppers, and salt). You can even do a cebiche tasting if you want a thorough education. For those who prefer something meatier, the full menu is also available at the Cebiche Bar with plenty of appetizer-sized dishes to sate the appetites of one-tops. While you’re there, go 100% authentic and order a frothy pisco sour.
Beatrix {multiple locations}
Some of us love the idea of lounging on a plush couch with a plate of fresh, gourmet fare and a glass of wine. Heck, we’d even do it solo. Lucky for us, Beatrix is just the spot for such indulgence, offering up the usual bar and tabletop service, but also full-menu dining on the restaurant’s cozy couches and lounge seats. In fact, you’ll find dedicated spots for solo diners here, perfect for enjoying a quick juice, savoring a pastry, or digging into something a little more substantial—like the Red Quinoa Chili Bowl or, for gluten-freers, the eminently satisfying Sweet Potato & Greens Neatloaf. If you drop by in the morning, be sure to snag a Pepper & Egg White Sandwich to start your day right — it gets high marks from us.
Politan Row {111 North Aberdeen Street; 312.278.3040}
On trend these days is the culinary phenomenon of food halls — and after experiencing Politan Row, we know why. The sheer selection of eats from up-and-coming culinary talent make this an idyllic spot to pick your pleasure and enjoy it anywhere in the open market (we call the plush the armchairs). Ten restaurants currently call Politan Row home, including the Cajun-Indonesian mashup Bumbu Roux (get the crispy fried Chicken Goreng Manis) and the Israeli-inspired kitchen of LaShuk Street Food (we are partial to their creamy hummus bowls with custom toppings). What makes it truly special for singletons is the market-wide events that capture the enthusiasm of divergent diners; everything from game nights to Oktoberfest brings strangers together for fun, laughs, and of course, good food and drink.
The Berghoff {17 West Adams Street; 312.427.3170}
The Berghoff is a Chicago favorite for many reasons, but few think of it as a spot for individual dining — and that’s a shame. As Owner Pete Berghoff tells it, “Our restaurant is more than just a place for a great meal — it’s a whole experience.” Indeed, anyone dining in the century-old dining room or docked at the worn mahogany bar will be mesmerized by the building’s history — while also relishing the family recipes that make the restaurant’s menu such a draw. Our recommendation: Grab a seat at the bar and ask the bartender about how the Berghoff came to be. Then, order a melt-in-your-mouth Reuben and a vivacious house-brewed pint from Adams Street Brewery. If you’re pressed for time, the lower-level café is a must, where you can get anything from a Wienerschnitzel to a Waldorf Salad in five minutes or less.
PROSECCO {710 North Wells Street; 312.951.9500}
At PROSECCO, you never dine alone. Sit at the bar and the knowledgeable, friendly bartender will strike up a conversation. Grab a two-top and Chef/Owner Mark Sparacino will drop by to chat about the latest menu features and what he loves about being in River North. He’ll even offer a few menu recs, though we know you can’t go wrong with anything from the sea (hint: the Capesante, or sea scallops with braised artichoke hearts and pea purée, is a game-changer). What’s more, appetizer-sized portions of pasta — a course never to be missed — allow diners to leave room for multiple courses. The best part of it is, whatever you order, it feels like you’re dining at home.
Club Lucky {1824 West Wabansia Avenue; 773.227.2300}
Can you walk into Club Lucky on a Wednesday night and find a one-top with your name on it? Absolutely. But the bigger draw here is the vibe — a restaurant that feels like nonna will be right over with a plate of Calamari or Sausage and Peppers. As with many restaurants, solo patrons can grab a seat at the bar, or opt for a booth for a little more seclusion. If you’re feeling like you’ve earned a little something special, drop by for lunch and order a perfect-for-one Meatball Salad (alongside a glass of vino, ovviamente). If dinner is more your aim, then you have to try one of their famous martinis and a pasta — and no one has ever gone wrong with the Homemade Tortellini or Ravioli.
By Jeffrey Steen
The post Table for One: How Chicago Restaurants are Catering to Solo Diners appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.