Alinea
- Neighborhood: Sheffield/De Paul
- 1723 N. Halsted St.
- Chicago, IL 60614
- 312-867-0110
- Price range: $$$$$ ($31 & up)
Alinea's reputation as one of the world's top restaurants is well-deserved. Celebrity chef Grant Achatz, whose kitchen is filled with the country's most-prestigious culinary awards, elevates what some would call sci-fi food by offering elegance, depth and, most important, flavor. There are two degustation menus: The 13-course Tasting menu ($145) and a menu known as "The Tour," a marathon of 20-plus courses ($225), which could take anywhere from three to five hours to finish. The wine list is lengthy; we suggest turning yourself over to wine director/general manager Joe Catterson, who always has a surprise up his sleeve. The ambience is suitably sophisticated, with muted grays and earth tones dominating, and an upper-level dining room, which on some evenings fills with soft shades of pink from the setting sun. Servers have garnered a rep for severity as these well-trained acrobats try to manage the perfect timing and pacing for these made-to-order culinary works of art.
Be aware: There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for reservations.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Willow St. and Halsted St.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 8 Halsted, 72 North.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. For first floor seating only; best to note your needs when making reservation.
The Basics
- Hours:
- 5:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday; 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary
- Meals Served:
- Dinner
- Price Range:
- $$$$$ ($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
"Not worth it (from both a value and hype perspective). "
By Bizzilly from Wrigleyville, September 27, 2009
Dropped almost $700 on the tasting menu (plus wine pairings) for two...and then stopped for pizza and wine on the way home. Go once, take it o...
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"I really wanted to have the best meal of my life..."
By RickyM from Lincoln Park, July 21, 2009
...but I really cant say that I did. Dont get me wrong, it was very good, and there were some of the courses that were unbelievable, but I guess I...
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"Worth the visit for the 12 course."
By micheyb from Lakeview, May 29, 2009
We opted for the 24 course "tour" menu after consistently hearing that the 12 course wasn't satisfying enough. Needless to say, after about 16 cour...
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