Sepia: User Reviews
This is a consistent restaurant. I have liked the place from the start and gave it some time to return with the new chef. Liked the braised short ribs and my guests liked the cocktails and fish dishes. This thing is, the food and service are good. The pork chop used to be an experience rather than good food. So the edge has come off a bit of being a special place where the food can transcend the moment to take you somewhere else. It has become the place where the Obama group like to hang out and Maria Pinto association. Nothing wrong with that, but I do not go there because they do. So if that is your things following the "in crowd", then this is a place to go. It feels more business focused than couples at this point as well so the vibe has changed to the expense account crowd.
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Great place, great selection of wines. the kitchen is open late. I love looking out into this real city scape feels like New York at times.
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Located in an unobtrusive building in the warehouse district in the very near West Loop, the scene from the street gives only a glimpse of the atmosphere within. Set apart from the dining room by a large wall, the bar/lounge provides satisfactory seating at an above-average bar setting with very good drinks (try the French 75). Our table of four tried all three flatbread, the pear/blue cheese/bacon being thecrowd favorite. The starters consisted of sweet bread, charred baby octopus, market squash and steak tartar. The octopus was PHENOMENAL. Our meals consisted of Veal, Cod, Chicken and Pork Chops, all of which were delicious. The meal was topped off with impeccable service from Alice, a most attentive server with a keen knowledge of obscure Italian varietals. This restaurant gets a 4.5/5.0 in my book. Prepare to spend $50-$60/person without drinks. Enjoy Sepia at a leisurely pace as there is no need to be rushed. This place is well worth the money.
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I went here on a date and it was remarkable. The atmoshpere was romantic and classy. The service was great and the food was delicious. I would go back in a heart beat. You have to check out this jem. Definitely will be frequenting this spot.
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Went back to Sepia with some friends visiting us from LA and NYC, and we all had a terrific time! We loved everything about Sepia, especially the service and the decor (we love the "new" old photos in the back). The staff was very professional, yet they made us feel at home. The cocktails are so interesting (miss g.g.’s east-egg cocktail, are you kidding me, who's coming up with these names?), and so was the veal shortribs (my favorite). My guests left so impressed with the place. We'll be back for sure!
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Third time at Sepia. First time for full dinner. Love the cocktails (though no match vs. The Violet Hour), the interior is gorgeous, but at the price point, food was average at best. Quite frankly, there was nothing that we ate that I could not make myself at home. We left perplexed as to why the place was so packed. Perhaps everyone is hoping to see the Obama's. For the money, I would suggest a far better, head and shoulder’s above, restaurant around the corner - Blackbird.
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Go for the food but don't expect great service
By goodfoodcritic from West Loop, August 18, 2008
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The decorations, style and ambiance are very classy, cozy and interesting. The food was seasoned and cooked beautifully. I've tried two fish dishes and the veal chops and will return just to have those again.
Now the negatives: Both visits we had to go up to the bar and ask for a server after waiting 10 minutes with no drinks or anything. For some reason you can't make reservations between 6 and 9 as someone else pointed out although we saw plenty of tables open from 6:30-7:30.
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Chic decor, fun crowd, amazing food. Enough has been written about this place. Just go!
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The most pleasent and knowledgeable service. Our waiter (Ryan) knew the menu inside and out and was able to make great recommendations on wine and food. The five of us started off with ordering each of the flatbreads for the table to share--all were crisp, light, and bursting with the flavors of the fresh ingrediants. We each ordered different appetizers and main courses so each of us could taste. The grilled octopus appetizer was phenominal. The pike walleye was mouthwatering and the Amish chicken couldn't have been more moist and flavorful. I normally wouldn't order chicken in a restaurant with the variety of meats they have on the menu, but this dish took chicken to a new level. The cherry-peach crisp with cinnamon ice cream and chocolate caramel bread pudding were our favorite desserts. The ice wine the waiter recommended was supurb with our desserts. We decor with the wall of wine and the large chandeliers made the dining room contemporary and elegant but not stuffy. A truely great dining experience, we will be back!
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Great food, great ambience and vibe, average service
By Chicagoborn from Chicago, June 1, 2008
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The minute I walked into Sepia I loved the decor. Warm, unique, inviting, definitely Chicago. Great looking people too! No really, I'm talking smoking hot! Easy place to get to without fighting that gold coast, river north traffick. 10 people- Frid. night, room in the back with the large round table. Great room. Drinks were really fantastic. Sepia Mule a must if you like a twist on traditional mojito. We all loved the food. The walleye pike was delicious. I also particularly loved the charred octopus for a starter. apple dumpling with rum raisin & ice cream was great for dessert. Service was nice and helpful but seemed to be longer than normal time stopping by the table. However this could have been because we were tucked away in the back. The dining room was so unique. I reccomend trying. Especially if you have someone in from out of town and want to give them a good Chicago "feel" experience.
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Review Summary
The following scores represent the average rating submitted by 135 users:
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