Bluprint: User Reviews

Good food, bad ambience
By lakeviewlovely from Lakeview, February 15, 2008

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Bad management. Not bad service, just weird seating policies. I've been to Bluprint twice. The first time I was seated in the "lounge" area with the high tables, uncomfortable stools, and bad lighting even though the main dining room was empty. But since we were only having drinks and appetizers I didn't mind. The main dining room looks gorgeous, though, so I thought I'd come back and try it another time. So the second time I went, as they steered me to the lounge again, I asked if there was anything in the main dining room and was told "no" even though the place was deserted. I thought since it was early in the evening on Valentines day they might be waiting reservations, but no, as my companion and I were leaving at about 8:30pm the place was still empty. Could it be they're "saving" the main dining room tables for a bigger parties? Or what?? Keep waiting, because they ain't coming. The food was good though and the waitservice good enough, but I won't be going back there.

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Great, Unsusal Menu
By Ronb from Lincoln Park, December 16, 2007

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This is a terrific restaurant. The mod look may be a little jarring at first, but it is really comfortable, especially because the wait staff is so pleasant and competent. But the real attraction is the food, which is excellent and different from the norm, beginning with unusual salads and appetizers (e.g., beet salad with goat cheese fondue), to great meat and fish dishes (e.g., the best venison I have ever tasted) surrounded by unique sides (e.g., rye bread pudding and pomegranate onions), and fabulous deserts (e.g., cranberry upside cake). The free parking is a real bonus. And it has not been discovered yet so you can actually get a table on a Saturday night.

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I paid for that?
By Lola from Lakeview, October 28, 2007

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I was so excited to try Bluprint after all of the reviews that I've read on here, unfortunately after I received my appetizer all of that excitement turned to disappointment and regret - I should have just gone to Jamba Juice. I started with the Asparagus Salad, and I'll just say that if I wanted mush with the essence of Asparagus I would have gotten a jar of babyfood.

There was absolutely nothing spectacular or even good or delicious about my entire meal. The chicken is dry and again on top of a mound of mush that i think was leeks at one point in time.

I don't know who the chef is, but I'll tell you one thing, I'll be following his career just so I know where NOT to eat.

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Stellar Meal
By Vintage Dinner from Lakeview, October 28, 2007

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This was one of the best meals I have had in chicago in awhile. I started with the rabbit, They serve the rack which I haven't seen very often. My wife had the kampachi, the Yuzu sorbet gave the fish a nice touch of acid. We shared the roasted squash salad, the crispy maple syrup made the dish. As for the main course I enjoyed the Venison Chop. We did not have dessert, but I will be back soon. I found the wine list to need some work, as well as the bread service. The room is quit you can talk to the person next to you. Service is on note as well.

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Fabulous unexpected taste delight
By Elle Leaf from Lincoln Park, October 26, 2007

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The yellow fin tuna appetizer with celery created a delicate combination and the sorbet had just the right zing to make me relish each bite -- smaller and smaller to make it last longer. Then the cod (yes, I did opt for a two fish combo) with lentils in a honey/chamemilie sauce came so tender and perfectly prepared that the half I took home was still wonderful for lunch the next day. Do not forgo the chocolate fig desert!

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Disappointed
By Simon from Chicago, October 11, 2007

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I must have gone to a different B'print in the Merchandise Mart than others here. The appetizers were inedible and the entree was something that I would have expected from a chain restaurant. The only thing I found worthy of the 4-5 star category was the desserts (which were phenominal!). Early on, when this place opened, I did read that the service didn't match up to the food, but what I found was just the opposite. So different was my experience than what I had read, I asked the waiter why? I'm told that they had a number of senior chef's and line cooks leave recently and had to promote the dishwasher to fill in... I'm all for promoting from within, but Chef, come on! maybe it's time to roll up your sleeves and get back on game here! I wouldn't write them off just yet, but I would give them some more time to work out the kinks.

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We went for dinner last...
By Scott from Chicago, IL, August 17, 2007

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We went for dinner last night. The tomato salad was great, and it was just tomatoes which I love. Also tried the Pork Chop, the bourbon & peaches where great together. Didn't care for the space but the food made the night.....good coffee also. Will be back

The entire restaurant has a...
By Chris from Chicago, IL, August 14, 2007

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The entire restaurant has a contemporary cafeteria-style feel: some booth seating, cheap flooring. They went minimalist and tried to make two plasma screens their visual stimuli with cheesy screen savers.

I had this reaction when trying new plates "this is ok, but..." Each dish was one ingredient too heavy. It felt like they tried too hard and over did it.

Best dish: Amish Chicken or BLTB, Worst dish: Mac'n'Cheese. Ok bar.

The food is fantastic, and...
By Melissa from Chicago, IL, July 29, 2007

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The food is fantastic, and the chef even accommodated my vegan husband by creating a dish for him. Servers are courteous and the atmosphere is trendy without being pretentious. This is now a favorite lunch spot for me and my coworkers. Highly recommended!