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Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar Chicago Yelp Reviews
Latest Reviews On Yelp
40 Reviews
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Our server, Rad, was attentive and anticipated our needs.
We enjoyed the rolled noodles, dry chili chicken, dry fried green beans, lemongrass gimlet and an old-fashioned. The rolled noodles are close-your-eyes-and-savor AMAZING. It's a far drive for us, but we will be back. Worth it!
Be the first to ReplyAmazing food, drinks were spectacular- and the service was
Amazing food, drinks were spectacular- and the service was great! It's super popular right now so make sure you make a reservation or might be waiting a while.
Be the first to ReplyWent with a group and shared about 7 dishes between us.
Every single thing tasted delicious but unfortunately it was so salty that several of us felt a bit sick afterwards. The salt taste lingers in your mouth after every bite. If it weren't for that we would definitely come back again. Highlights were the green beans, the spring rolls and the Dan Dan noodles.
Be the first to ReplyGreat spot for drinks and food! We sat outside on the patio.
Great shareable dishes. Can't wait to go back to try more!
Be the first to ReplyGreat staff, unique spin on favorites and everything
Great staff, unique spin on favorites and everything delicious and hot. Atmosphere is energetic without being excessively noisy.
Be the first to ReplyChef's Special is run by the same team behind the
Chef's Special is run by the same team behind the critically acclaimed New American restaurant Giant. Since Giant is my absolute favorite, I just had to stop by this spot to sample the food. The menu consist of a variety of Chinese dishes and top notch cocktails. They even have, in my opinion, one of the best happy hours in Chicago. Everyday from 5-6 you can get 2 spring rolls or egg rolls (both $6), crab rangoon ($7) and dan dan noodles ($11). You can also order a few drinks for $10 or less. It's a hell of a deal that should be taken advantage of! I really dig the overall ambiance and decor of this place. They also have some killer music playing at all times. The kind of tunes that are personally right up my alley. That alone is a huge plus! Well, for me at least. I ordered the spring rolls and crab rangoon to start. Both were hot, fresh, crispy, and delicious. I also ordered the rolled rice noodles with rock shrimp as my entree. Shrimp rice noodles have been one of my favorite dishes for as long as I can remember, so I was thrilled to see this on the menu. And I loved it! This dish is only available for dining in and cannot be ordered through takeout and delivery. So I implore to you to eat here and try it out for yourself. The food wasn't super oily or greasy. Yeah, a lot of dishes contain a bit of chili oil, but it's not overpowering or unpleasant. I finished off my meal with the cloud cake, which is a dish that is also not available for takeout and delivery. It was fantastic and the perfect way to cap off a satisfying meal. Now, I must add that the portion sizes aren't that big. I know this can irk diners who feel like their hard earned money should be spent on food that leaves them stuffed. I'm personally a firm believer in quality over quantity, and that's what you get at Chef's Special. I have had food from other Chinese restaurants that offer large portions at a cheaper price, but it tends to be super greasy and consist of low quality ingredients. To get the most out of dining here, I suggest you order egg rolls, crab rangoon, a vegetable dish, a noodle dish, a dish with protein, maybe some fried rice, and a dessert or two. This is the move. I truly did enjoy this meal and my only regret is not ordering more food. This is now my go to Chinese food spot and I hope to return sooner than later.
Be the first to ReplyLoved this! Chinese food heaven for those with food
Loved this! Chinese food heaven for those with food allergies. My boyfriend and I visited for the first time and tried several dishes, we were able to share despite my gluten allergy. Great atmosphere, great service and great food. Our waiter was very knowledgeable, nice to chat with. Service was prompt. We had kung pao beef, chili chicken and fried rice. So good! Can't wait to come back.
Be the first to ReplyI love that this place is here in the neighborhood because
I love that this place is here in the neighborhood because there wasn't many Asian restaurants or any at all when I lived here. It has a fun and cozy atmosphere, but it is loud and hard to have a conversation at times. We started out with the crab Rangoons and the beef dumplings, which were very delicious. This was followed up by the rolled noodles, dried chicken chili and twice cooked pork. All were very flavorful with the right amount of spicyness. We were way stuffed to get any dessert. Service was great and the drinks were amazing too!
Be the first to ReplyI've been here twice and really love this place .
Great noodle dishes especially. You must get the Dan Dan noodles , rolled noodle, crab Rangoon , beef dumplings, and dry chicken chili. The walnut shrimp and sweet potatoes both packed a lot of flavor but weren't table favorites. There is a line out the door at 5 when they open. Mostly people trying to snag a seat at the bar without a reservation. If you can't get a reservation, this is the time to come . Happy hour specials are great and everyone loved the cocktails! I'm ready to go back
Be the first to ReplyI did takeout from here.
Was able to place the order online with no issues. This place was packed when I arrived. Unfortunately for me, my food wasn't ready before the promised time. They still met the promised time, but I'm usually in and out when I do takeout. The staff here was very welcoming though. They invited me to sit down for a drink at their bar while I waited. We ordered their Potstickers, Dry Chili Chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles w/ ground pork. The potstickers were pan fried and stuffed with pork and cabbage. These were really good, especially with the dipping sauce that it came with. The Dry Chili chicken was also just as delicious. The chicken had a nice crispy bite and very tender on the inside. The chicken had the perfect amount of heat to it, definitely tolerable. The Dan Dan Noodles came with thick egg noodles ground pork, sesame paste, peanuts and Sichuan peppercorn. This is the first time I've had Dan Dan noodles with peanuts, unless they all do, but the peanuts were definitely noticeable on this plate. It added a nice touch to a classic dish. The thick noodles was also a nice touch and overall a delicious dish with a little bit of heat. I would definitely order all three of these dishes again. Not sure if I would do takeout again from here, but I can definitely see myself returning in person for some drinks as well.
Be the first to ReplyI've been wanting to come here for a long, long time.
I'm glad we finally made it because it was fantastic. Ambiance - Love it. Sure, it's a little loud but it's a fun atmosphere and I was digging the 1980s playlist. Service- Spectacular. We've had a few experiences recently with lackluster service and this restored my faith. They worked as a team, bring food and clearing dishes. Our server was friendly, always stopped by to check in on us when a dish was dropped. She also gave great recommendations- we enjoyed our first congee. Food - yum. We really liked everything we tried. One last note, my husband really likes spicy and the mustard knocked his socks off. He actually started to tear up but kept going back for more.
Be the first to ReplyI visited chefs special last night for the first time.
My date and I were lucky to get a spot at the bar. The service was incredible and she took time to give brief but detailed recommendations. Bartenders were attentive during a busy evening. The food was dynamic. I will be dreaming of the egg rolls and the chili oil is delicious. I will be coming back!
Be the first to ReplyAs a former NYer I'm always craving that nostalgic American
As a former NYer I'm always craving that nostalgic American Chinese food from my youth, Chef's Special checks hits that craving. The servers are very nice and accommodating. Music is good and drinks are strong, just be aware that this place gets packed.
Be the first to ReplySome of the best Dry chili chicken I've had in Chicago
Some of the best Dry chili chicken I've had in Chicago (&yes I have ordered this dish in multiple restaurants in china town). It is the perfect amount of crunch and Szechuan spice, writing about it makes my mouth water. We ordered the wonton, beef cheek congee green beans & twice cooked pork. The beef cheek is a must have here! Most congees I've tried lack dynamic flavor, but this dish was savory, salty and finger licking GOOD. The staff here is so nice and attentive. We never had a dirty dish on our table for longer than 2 minutes. The ambiance is date worthy; low lights , candles and cozy vibes.
Be the first to ReplyWe waited about forty minutes for a table and it was
We waited about forty minutes for a table and it was definitely worth it. Food is great, king pao chicken is a must have, they are very proud they use msg so it is authentic. Cocktails and service were equally as good.
Be the first to ReplyI went here with a group of friends.
It's a strange spot! I'm still feeling mixed about it but overall I think it's a solid, quirky experience with pretty good food. I had the chili chicken and it was outstanding. Best thing we ordered by far. The green beans were also excellent. Some of the other items, like orange chicken, Kung Pao shrimp, were only ok, nothing special. The group said the crab Rangoon were really excellent although I didn't try those. The cocktails were only ok despite that seeming like a big focus for them. We each tried 2-3 and nothing really stood out as extraordinary. I'll be back to give them another go, and I'm definitely glad we went. Cute option in the neighborhood.
Be the first to ReplyNice dive bar-y atmosphere, but actually very nice
Nice dive bar-y atmosphere, but actually very nice restaurant. Service is super friendly and fast. We ordered about half the menu and everything was good to great. Standouts were the egg rolls, crab Rangoon, Dan Dan noodles and dry fried chicken. The egg rolls and Rangoon were super crispy. The dry fried chicken was my favorite overall - lots of flavor, crispy, juicy and actually not that spicy.
Be the first to ReplyOrdered food to go and everything was great! They have a
Ordered food to go and everything was great! They have a pick up window on Palmer for to-go orders. Wear your mask (much appreciated) for pick up. We ordered two appetizers and two main dishes and the food was perfect. Can't wait for outside dining. Thanks
Be the first to ReplyI came here on a Thursday night (6:30pm) w my boyfriend &
I came here on a Thursday night (6:30pm) w my boyfriend & we sat at the bar. I liked the ambiance & the music they played. Chef's special seems to always be busy but it's totally worth the wait. We ordered egg rolls, crab rangoon, Dan Dan noodles, and walnut shrimp. The egg rolls were the best we ever had. Everything was tasty, you really can't go wrong with anything.
Be the first to ReplyChef's Special gave me my favorite dining experience during
Chef's Special gave me my favorite dining experience during my entire Chicago trip. We dined at a lot of reputable places too!It felt as if we were transported into a different world. That evening, we were freezing our faces off, walking to the restaurant. As we approached, we noticed that from the outside, it seemed like an inconspicuous bar. But then you enter, and it's another world. It was filled with so much vibe, ambiance, liveliness, and fun, eccentric decor. Divey yet classy. A+ for the atmosphere.Our server was next level. She was knowledgeable, cool, attentive, and personable. Our food experience was absolutely enhanced because of her recommendations and friendliness.Also heard great words about ownership. Giant is the other restaurant they own--an Italian eatery. If it offers the same enjoyment as Chef's Special, then we absolutely need to visit it next time we're in Chicago.Also learned the owners aren't Asian chefs, but they visited China and did a great job understanding and then elevating the cuisine. This is not always successful -- but they managed to do it. In my opinion, this was one of the best elevated/fusion Asian cuisines I've eaten (and I'm from the Bay Area).Specifics:Wonton was amazing. Al dente. Perfection.String beans with garlic. Delicious. Highly enjoyed the crunchiness from the garlic crisps. Great veggie dish.White sesame ice cream with meringue was decadent, interesting, and tasty. Quite sweet, which I personally loved. My partner wasn't super into it because she wasn't used to white sesame; but I see why they used it.Drinks were amazing. Every one. Wanted to try 'em all. My favorite was Bunny Hutch, which had fresh, grated carrot in it. Also enjoyed Whiskey Bird, which supports the LGBTQ+ community with proceeds, and Almost Heaven, a sweet, tasty bourbon, rum, and absinthe drink. My partner just got every other drink I didn't get, and hers were all awesome. Server did an amazing job with recommendations and talking about them. She knew her stuff.Dan Dan noodles were fantastic. Not overwhelming with the sauce and perfectly balanced.Honey walnut shrimp was different and interesting; it wasn't slathered with mayo and instead offered a unique experience, with some interesting freshness, acidity, and textures. Once again, it felt wonderfully balanced. Big fan.Def returning every time I'm in Chicago. Highly recommended. If you're stuck on what to order, just order everything we did above.
Be the first to ReplyYum! This place is a must if you love true Chinese food.
They have so many amazing dishes, I recommend getting several and sharing with friends. The staff is attentive and helpful and the outdoor dining area is perfect during the summer. 10/10 and we'll be back!
Be the first to ReplyIf you want upscale Chinese food at reasonable prices in a
If you want upscale Chinese food at reasonable prices in a causal neighborhood setting, Chef's Special is your place. I don't agree with other reviewers that it is on par with Shanghai Terrace or Duck, Duck Goat but 1) I don't think it is trying to be (it's more like it's hipster distant cousin) and 2) that isn't a dig...I thoroughly enjoy all three restaurants for different reasons (especially vibe). I highly recommend ordering the dry chili chicken (the chef's kiss of Chef's Special) and suggest avoiding the walnut shrimp (the sauce is good but it overpowers the shrimp and is much heavier of a dish than it should be). They just started taking reservations which makes dining there a lot easier but I'd argue that it's the kind of spot meant for stumbling into when looking for a place after a long walk or day of running errands where you can sit at the bar in your workout wear or vintage concert tee, have a refreshing cocktail and an appetizer and feel like one of the cool kids again.
Be the first to ReplySuper fun atmosphere and great value Chinese American food.
If you go during the summer there is also outdoor seating. Happy hour daily! We tried:*Neutral expectations: amazing lime and pineapple nonalcoholic cocktail *Old fashioned: super stiff *Crab Rangoon: perfectly fried and seasoned with a trio of sauces (horseradish mustard was my favorite) I wish there was more crab but that is nit picking *Dan Dan noodles: these were great but not at all like traditional Dan Dan they had a creamy sauce with peanut (still good just don't expect traditional presentation)*Beef & broccoli: my favorite of the entrees *Kung Pao Chicken: lots of heat and not fried so it felt healthier;)*Dry Chilli chicken: my husband's favorite- as good if not better than the best in Chinatown!We will be back for sure
Be the first to ReplyIt's like a bar/scene that serves pretty good Chinese food.
It's definitely not the best Chinese food in Chicago, but it's entertaining. It has good drinks, good food and a nice vibe to it. I enjoyed it. It's where I would bring a friend that is looking for a good time and good food as opposed to the very best Chinese food without the scene/drinks. I'm not sure where everyone is getting the elevate from... they kind of do their own thing here it's just kind of different and some dishes aren't that much different and just don't taste as good but some are as good or better ....It's like a 3 or 4 on food and a 4 on drinks so I'll give it a 4. I'll be back at some point so that sums it up
Be the first to ReplyLove love love the vibe.
Every single dish has a unique and different flavor. Drinks are delicious. Great for intimate dinner or drinks.
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