Alinea
4.1
- Neighborhood: Sheffield/De Paul
- 1723 N. Halsted St.
- Chicago, IL 60614
- 312-867-0110
Alinea's reputation as one of the world's top restaurants is well-deserved. Celebrity chef Grant Achatz, whose kitchen is filled with the country's most-prestigious culinary awards, elevates what some would call sci-fi food by offering elegance, depth and, most important, flavor. There are two degustation menus: The 13-course Tasting menu ($145) and a menu known as "The Tour," a marathon of 20-plus courses ($225), which could take anywhere from three to five hours to finish. The wine list is lengthy; we suggest turning yourself over to wine director/general manager Joe Catterson, who always has a surprise up his sleeve. The ambience is suitably sophisticated, with muted grays and earth tones dominating, and an upper-level dining room, which on some evenings fills with soft shades of pink from the setting sun. Servers have garnered a rep for severity as these well-trained acrobats try to manage the perfect timing and pacing for these made-to-order culinary works of art.
Be aware: There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for reservations.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Willow St. and Halsted St.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 8 Halsted, 72 North.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. For first floor seating only; best to note your needs when making reservation.
The Basics
- Hours:
- 5:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday; 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary
- Meals Served:
- Dinner
- Price Range:
- $$$$$ ($31 & up)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Required (though will seat appropriately dressed walk-ins if there is a cancellation or unreserved table); 48-hour cancellation policy.
- Dress Code:
- Jackets recommended for gentleman, jeans not allowed.
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar. Wine pairing options available; limited spirits only.
- Smoking:
- No
- Audience:
- Adults / 18+
Features
- Carryout:
- No
- ATM:
- Yes. At the intersection of North Ave. and Halsted St.
- Private and VIP Rooms:
- One room available that will accommodate 12.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- No catering. No dancing. No children's menu.
- Facilities:
- No on-site store.
- Specialties:
- Menu changes daily; chef's spontaneity and creativity are prized.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- For about 60.
Write a review
Rate Alinea
"ya gotta be into it to love it"
By gastronaut from bucktown, April 16, 2008
I LOVED me experience. not for everyone. food was great. there was ALOT of it too. it was my birfday and they brought me a 25th course. hahahahha. ...
Report This Review"Silly"
By FoodieGirl from River West, March 23, 2008
The beat way I heard it described was by one of my fellow diners: "I left full, but not satisfied." We did the "Tour" 24 courses. 24 courses o...
Report This Review"A new type of dining"
By KL from Chicago, March 22, 2008
My wife and I went to Alinea last night for the first time. Usually when we go to dinner we choose a cuisine (Asian, Greek, French) or focus on a f...
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