Open List Home >> Chicago, IL >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Blackbird Restaurant
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Blackbird is a three star restaurant in Chicago. Located in the River North neighborhood, this restaurant is mildly expensive. It's known for its contemporary offerings. It's been awarded the Fodors Choice award. This place features live music. This place features a full bar and valet parking. People who have eaten here found the food creatively thought out.
3.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird, your food rocked my world. Amazing, delicious, everything we'd hoped. Your service, on the other hand, left much to be desired.First, when I called, your hostess inquired as to if we were...
yelp.com - user review - 05/13/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Liked it, but probably won't go back. Perhaps on a less-crowded weeknight we could have been delighted? For a Saturday night, was expecting everything to be "on."Outstanding: appetizers (quail,...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I liked Blackbird. It's a little hole in the wall in the West Loop but I enjoyed it. I went there once for dinner a while back and more recently for lunch. I had the bouillebaise and got a sample...
yelp.com - user review - 05/09/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Very tasty, but not a 5 star event. The boyfriend and I checked this place out on a Friday night.Things I/we liked:1. Endive salad & poached egg; grilled baby octopus to start. 2 separate dishes, both...
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Fantastic restaurant and fresh ingredients/unique products. We had lunch here and loved everything we had. We did the lunch special for $15 and it came with a salad, entree and macaroon cookies....
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We went for a birthday dinner and everyone had a FANTASTIC experience. I had the champagne opportunity cocktail, and an other tried the hibiscus kiss, both cocktails were tasty. We were given an...
yelp.com - user review - 04/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So good! I had the bouillabaisse and it was amazing. The ingredients were so fresh and the broth was light but layered with flavors. The staff was friendly and unpretenious which makes the dining...
yelp.com - user review - 04/20/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
service was great. food was outstanding. some of the items will freak you out (ie sweet breads), but everything we tried was simply sublime.
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of the best restaurants in Chicago without a doubt....I still remember the pork belly I had there two years ago and I have never found a place able to match this dish. While Blackbird isn't cheap,...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Oh how I love blackbird! I have never had a bad meal here...ever! My favorite menu staple is the endive salad with the poached egg. The entire staff is pleasant and wants you to have the full dining...
yelp.com - user review - 04/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird did eventually get back to my boyfriend about our substandard Valentine's dining experience and asked us to give it another try. I'm glad we did as our second experience was 100% better and...
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have never partaken in any illegal drugs in my life, yes even a doobie reefer (whatever you kids call it these days). That's if you don't count breathing in the fresh Jamaican air or taking a...
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
my boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner.... it's taking me this long to write a review. anyway, i thought by far the service was impeccable. i loved how a table was waiting for us when we got...
yelp.com - user review - 03/30/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I heard a lot of great things about this restaurant, so I decided to check it out. I was not blown away at all. I was a little turned off when we were seated because they seemed short staffed....
yelp.com - user review - 03/25/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I was told that this was going to be the best dining experience ever and, although it was good, I've definitely had better. I know they were going for a chic trendy look with the decor, but it was...
yelp.com - user review - 03/18/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I don't know why it took me so long to dine here! I had a lovely dinner at Blackbird last night and look forward to returning many times again.We had 8pm reservations and were seated promptly. The...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Went for lunch last week and enjoyed the 3-course lunch for $22. Some of the most beautiful presentations I have seen on a plate. Great flavor combinations.My friend and I shared our courses:1)...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I thought Blackbird was incredible. My husband took me there for my birthday and we had a wonderful experience. The hostess was friendly, greeted us immediately, and took our coats. Our server was...
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
we ate here back in november, when we were visiting chicago. WOW about sums it up. we do quite a bit of eating out here in the san francisco bay area, and we've have yet to be impressed with the food...
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe I live on Mars... quite honestly, sometimes I feel as if I do. Such is true after reading some of the recent reviews for Blackbird. To my astonishment (and pleasure) and to the contrary of other...
yelp.com - user review - 03/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
WOW. The food here was some of the best I've ever had. I anxiously scraped the plate with the side of my fork to ensure that I didn't miss a single drop of the sauce. It was all I could do to keep...
yelp.com - user review - 03/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My girlfriend and I went here a few weeks ago after Avec was too packed to get in, and I'm glad that we did.It may be the best meal I've ever had, and I've seen my share of fancy pants dinners. All...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I might be biased about my experience because I was proposed to a few hours after eating here...but I really liked my meal. The food and the service were great. I should also say that I was here on...
yelp.com - user review - 02/26/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Extremely disappointing. Not even capable of a simple wine pairing with lamb. Questionable as to whether they could crack the top 10 in Milwaukee.
yelp.com - user review - 02/25/2009
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I have been going here since they opened and liked it better then. Now, it seems like the servers have bad attitudes. The tables are so close together that it is hard talk privately. The wine list is way...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/20/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Blackbird today with three coworkers for the prix fixe lunch. When we walked in, an employee asked to take our coats. When I declined, he told me that it was quite warm in the dining room,...
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Each of us got the prixe fixe which included a salad, sandwich with pomme frites, and doughnuts for $15. As you can see in the photo, we got some kind of fancy chips instead of frites.. and there was...
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My boyfriend and I walked in for drinks and an appetizer because the wait at avec was so long. We were treated very well by the hostess and had a table within minutes! I We shared the octupus and...
yelp.com - user review - 02/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
What can be said about Blackbird that hasn't been said already? Not much, but I'll give it a try. First and foremost, if you are worth your salt, you cannot have a bad experience here. I only gave it...
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This was a very nice dining experience. I am not a big fan of the shi shi type places, and this is clearly a fine dining experience. Food was high quality and very tasty. I had the lamb which was...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2009
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Some of my friends recommended this restaurant but is was not a good experience. The service was poor and the food was terrible with the exception of the endive salad. As a main course I tried the "Black Bird"...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/03/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Avec was way too crowded so.... we scooted over to Blackbird (hey my favorite beatles song!)Nah, the food was OKAY. For chinese food, I have tried more flavorful ones at lower price. One major...
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i finally had my first 'blackbird/avec/publican/whatever else those restaurateurs own' experience. and i loved it. the food was just the right balance of flavor and presentation... nothing too crazy...
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
THE REVIEWDefine bad idea: Attempting to go to Avec, a no reservation restaurant, on a Saturday night at 7pm. There was a hour-and-a-half wait. People were packed in like sardines in a can. There were...
yelp.com - user review - 01/25/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
No way can you beat a $15 lunch prix fixe at Blackbird. I mean, seriously? I've spent $15 at, like, Pizza Capri for a takeout salad. Here, you get a three course, haute cuisine meal. Ridiculous. Since...
yelp.com - user review - 01/23/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I came here with a friend for a birthday dinner. There was a complimentary coat check, which I thought was pretty darn cool. The hostess was friendly, and our server, even more friendlier. The...
yelp.com - user review - 01/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of the best lunches I have had. We opted for the $15 prix fixe lunch. It starts with a mixed green salad, I liked the dressing. I chose a whitefish sandwich which was perfectly cooked, and...
yelp.com - user review - 01/20/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
High dining experiences tend to be rarities for me. It's not very often that I go out to lunch to a fancy, minimalist restaurant. However today, I just had the most amazing lunch!! Whoever dreamed up...
yelp.com - user review - 01/20/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Today was my first visit to Blackbird and I have to say I was very happy with my experience. The hostess was friendly and offered to take our coats (complimentary coat check). The server explained...
yelp.com - user review - 01/19/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Disappointed, for sure. I ate dinner here a few months ago and didn't feel compelled to write a review because it would have been on par with all the other stellar reviews. But today's prix fixe...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
After reading the reviews and hearing the hype Blackbird made my list of places to try. Since they started their new prix fixe (or shall we say recession) lunch special I was sold. The three courses...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I had to give this place a five because it was the first time I had good monkfish. (I have had a long-time obsession with finding good monkfish and I'm so glad my obsession led me to Blackbird; I...
yelp.com - user review - 01/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Excellent appetizers and mains. Especially enjoyed the sweetbreads and pork belly. Desserts were misses though. Wish the bacon ice cream was still available. Minus points for our snide waiter.
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird is a gem in Chicago. Great food, reasonable prices. My friends and I were so impressed, we asked to pay our compliments to the chef...YES! He came out, and I was star struck by how nice he...
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My friends and I celebrated NYE at Blackbird. While I admit I do not remember all parts of the evening, I only have nothing but good things about the parts that I do recall.FOOD: Absolutely amazing....
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great place to have a business lunch, I've been there many times and I'm always pleased with the food and service.
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
GLAD TO SEE THAT BLACKBIRD IS STILL AROUND!! AND STILL DOING WELL!! I was here MANY years back (back in my prime ;p) actually invited by a business friend who was nice enough to have me crash her...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is how I want to eat, ALL THE TIME. Unfortunately financially I am not at that stage yet, but it is restaurants like this that inspire me to save my shekels and quarters up to splurge once in a...
yelp.com - user review - 12/23/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sport dining. I've been here a few times over the years, and this is a world-class restaurant. With world-class prices. When I was dating that NYC investment banker, wayyy back in what - 1998? - and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city.Consistently incredibly delicious.
yelp.com - user review - 12/20/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'd come back just for the milk chocolate cremeaux and curry ice cream. YUM! 1st floor seating offers elbow-to-elbow seating, but the hostess was really friendly and offered us a spot on the 2nd...
yelp.com - user review - 12/15/2008
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This is probably one of the best restaurant I went to in Chicago! Ambiance was amazing and the food was so delicious! My favorite is the scallops dressed with cornmeal! I will definitely come back next time I...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Chef was a judge on Top Chef Chicago. To be featured on Iron Chef.Food is very tasty.
yelp.com - user review - 12/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
LOVED the roquetford cheese salad, had the sturgeon which was very unique...but my aunt's pork belly was the star of all the dishes of then night...and i don't even like pork. ;)top it off with the...
yelp.com - user review - 11/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Our daughter was visiting from Australia, so I took her to Blackbird for lunch. Good decision!We've been back for dinner, another good decision. Blackbird is both classy and contemporary, a nice...
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Everything here is great, and especially pork dishes.
yelp.com - user review - 11/12/2008
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Wow. And no, not in a good way. The food was not cooked poorly but prepared poorly; under-seasoned,bland, tasteless. The crowd; as bland as the food. The space; excellent if you are a minimalist. The service...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/09/2008
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The food is absolutely wonderful, the decor is very sleek. Not really a...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 11/08/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I can't believe given how often I eat out that I had never been to Blackbird before last night. What an oversight on my part!While the style of Blackbird is a bit modern and minimal for my taste- it...
yelp.com - user review - 10/31/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sweetbreads, pork belly, beer.This place is awesome.Wish teachers were paid more...I'd be a regular.
yelp.com - user review - 10/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i have only had lunch here, but i have to say i fell in love with the place. there is a lot of whimsy in the food and decor at blackbird, which is always a plus in my book. the stark, white interior...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I moved to Chicago for grad school so "dining" is not something I really do anymore. But, my parents were in town last weekend and I was in the mood for something more than just a meal. Blackbird...
yelp.com - user review - 10/21/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe it was all the glowing reviews, or maybe it was the overworked food, but I just couldn't get into this place. My friend and I had reservations this Monday and were hoping to have one of the...
yelp.com - user review - 10/14/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
A friend recommended this place on our trip to Chicago. We normally like to try new things and aren't afraid to spend some cash for a memorable meal. We had some high expectations going in because of...
yelp.com - user review - 10/09/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I liked this place quite a bit, but I probably won't go back very soon simply because it is not very affordable. Don't get me wrong--the food and service kick ass. And the atmosphere is much hipper...
yelp.com - user review - 09/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My friend and I went to blackbird last night and i must say that we were both pleased with the food and especially the service.We had an 830 reservation. We arrived a few minutes early and there was...
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I'm gonna preface this review with the fact that my husband and I don't spend a lot of money going out to eat. Usually $50 a week for one dinner out and then on special occaisions or every 2-3 months...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Culinary perfection with beautiful presentation. I had the cheese salad for an appetizer. The greens were fresh, the cheese delicious, and the watermelon contif completed the combination. For my...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Creative, gutsy use of ingredients. Fresh, cooked to perfection. Excellent service. Comprehensive wine list with interesting wines with reasonable mark-ups. Great outdoor area. Unpretentious,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My girlfriend received a gift certificate for $150 to Blackbird and I a lucky beneficiary! Being more of a steak lover I was a bit skeptical but left happy and fulfilled. I had the cheese salad for an...
yelp.com - user review - 08/17/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I ate here one time (about 8) years ago and the only thing I clearly remember was the amazing amazing Toasted Almond Ice Cream. I still fantasize about it and have vague hopes that at some point...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I ate there yesterday and I haven't eaten there in a while.. I must say I forgot how noisy that place gets and the eating like some people have pointed out is a little difficult to maneuver at moments...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
For some reason, I am not able to give Blackbird five stars. Perhaps it is because I was expecting to be completely blown away by Blackbird, as I have been with the owners' other fantastic ventures....
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'd been meaning to go to Blackbird for a while and finally got the chance. The experience did not dissapoint. Our amuse bouche of crispy tempura squid leg was just ok. I was dissapointed that the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
We ate here last night to celebrate with some friends and it was great. We had four of the appetizers: cuttlefish, suckling pig, foie gras and the seared scallop. Highlights were the pig and scallop....
yelp.com - user review - 08/12/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I finally made it to Blackbird this past weekend after having meant to go there for years while living in Chicago. It was definitely worth the wait. The interior is very clean looking - white and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i think this is one of the few places that truly gets better with age. .. .every aspect of the place is just .. .. . perfect. . ..
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My friend and I went here on a last minute decision to splurge on a meal. We do that every few months and we always try a new restaurant. We called at 8:30 on a Friday night and asked if we could...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Food was good and perfectly cooked. I ordered foie gras for appetizer and halibut as my entree. I also tried my friend's endive salad and soft shell crab. Everything was good but not memorable. The...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Uh, so good!Came here with some coworkers for lunch on the company dime to celebrate making our sales goals for the quarter, and I had such a great meal, and that's saying a lot because that day, I...
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sure did love this place. Went there for our 1 yr aniversary(on a monday) and everything was top notch. My wife and I are foodies, and we have high standards. Go with the Fried sweetbreads, and the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2008
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My date and I had originally planned to dine at the wonderful Avec next door and were dressed appropriately for the scene there (very casual, nice jeans and a jacket). Unfortunately, we arrived too late and...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/22/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I thought it was awesome, pretty much everything about it, except when we accidentally went in the wrong door that led us upstairs to their private dining room or something.If you're in Chicago,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2008
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On a recent trip to Chicago I had the opportunity to dine at Blackbird for...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 07/19/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The food here was simply just plain good. It wasn't so much of an experience like Moto (we went here for lunch) but it just tasted great. Service was excellent and they have an extensive beer list.
yelp.com - user review - 07/19/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Kahan knows what he is doing. Blackbird is his step up from Avec (which is hard to do) and is no letdown. I have only been for lunch on the company dime, but it was well worth it. The man knows what...
yelp.com - user review - 07/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great place. Food was spectacular. Just the right balance of taste, creativity, presentation - all complexity served its purpose and made for a truly great meal. All ingredients were present and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I want to love Blackbird. I want to be able to rant and rave and tell you how I've had several flawless meals there - but I can't.The food.....the food is the reason why I have returned in the past...
yelp.com - user review - 06/27/2008
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Came here for my b-day and was surprised that it's been rated so well. The food was ok...very small portions as expected, but high-priced for 'just ok.' The scene was nothing to write home about either. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/19/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
love the minimalist decor and the fact that you can sneak peeks at the action in the kitchen from your seatstaff was surprisingly friendly, in a setting we often expect pretentious snobberythe food?...
yelp.com - user review - 06/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Blackbird for a late, long indulgent dinner and the meal I had is in the running for best meal of my life.The place looks so pretentious because it's tiny with very minimalist decor, but...
yelp.com - user review - 06/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i love the innovation that is put into everything that comes into this restauarant, from the decor to the food to the presentation. Blackbird gives dining out a meaning.
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I am giving 3 for now... I have only had dessert here. I will definitely go back with my significant other to taste what is on their menu.
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is a Chicago must. I dined here with three friends a week ago. First off love the atmosphere. The clean all white decor and open kitchen where great. Adding to it was the great music. If I...
yelp.com - user review - 05/27/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is pretty nice for lunch, I would definitely come back. The all white decor and the lighting make this place very well lit which sucks for me, since my face gets incredibly red after just a...
yelp.com - user review - 05/27/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird is a small 60 seat restaurant with, full bar (10 stools), unique beers, good wine list, outdoor cafe, open kitchen in a modern decor made of shades of white and brown accents (wood) and...
yelp.com - user review - 05/22/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
What a nice little place in the west loop. Just came here with my family for a very late Tuesday night dinner. Many couples and groups of people were to eat to eat, drink, and relax. Food:I was...
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Eric took me here for my 27th birthday. He really wanted to try it and I heard it is Anthony Bourdain's favorite restaurant in Chicago. Sadly, I was a little disappointed. Amuse bouche was a...
yelp.com - user review - 05/08/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I recently went to Blackbird for lunch with the girls - the three of us have been friends since diapers. It was a rainy Wednesday and our reservations were for 11:30. I was the first one in the...
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
loved it!!! love love love it! i went like- f*** 5 months ago? yeah. and im still thinking about the venison i had. omg it was sooooo good. and it had beets- i hate beets! but i loved beets this...
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I was so looking forward to going to this restaurant after reading about how great it is. Unfortunately it does not live up to the hype. The food was good for the most part but short of outstanding....
yelp.com - user review - 04/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Dear Blackbird- Oh how I wanted to hate you! You pretentious little restaurant with your stuffy service and out of this world food! And your stupid bathroom joke that is not funny. So my...
yelp.com - user review - 04/12/2008
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after reading some of the earlier reviews i was a little worried our anniversary dinner wouldn't be so great. BUT we were surprised. Our server, I think his name was David, was very attentive yet did was not...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ranked one of the 50 best restaurants in America by Gourmet magazine, and with good reason. A long and narrow restaurant with a pure glass front, it looks as modern as the menu. The decor here is...
yelp.com - user review - 04/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A slick, chic, delicious eatery by Donnie Madia. Go here on a date, order a nice bottle, and enjoy some 'surious' Chicago cuisine.NB: Not recommended for those who aren't intrinsically adventurous at...
yelp.com - user review - 04/08/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I remember this place being WAY better a few years back, but overall still a great place to grab a bite and makes me feel like I'm back home in SF. Great place to grab a bite if you're use to SF...
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My new favorite restaurant in the city, Blackbird was a delight from start to finish. My boy brought me here as a birthday treat and I'm still dreaming about the food two weeks later. First and...
yelp.com - user review - 04/03/2008
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I was very excited to try this restaurant out, as I heard it was one of the best in the city. When I walked in, it was nothing like I though it was going to be. The restaurant was super small and the lights...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/27/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
AMAZING! Delicious plates that are thoughtfully paired and prepared, and great service. Although it can get a little loud, it's one of my favorite restaurants.
yelp.com - user review - 03/11/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird embraces De Stijl stark, white decor as if it were Piet Mondrian. The simplicity is very apparent in the decor, so as not to take focus off the food. The service was efficient, though...
yelp.com - user review - 03/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird is a modern, trendy restaurant - without being pretentious. The service here is the best! Our waiter wasn't snobby at all; in fact, he was VERY friendly and attentive. He made us feel...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Great Service! We were greeted upon entry and immediately took our jackets and showed us our seats. We immediately noticed the clean modern decor. We really enjoy this type of small venue, the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
in my top 5 of all time. the kindof menu that makes you want to return until you have tried everyting on it (though it does change around). the space is minimal with clean lines so it really...
yelp.com - user review - 03/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
As I mentioned with Avec, this is not the place you would want to bring a first date. Very brightly lit! I think I could see the pores on my dates face! I had the altantic cod which was very good....
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe the most enjoyable lunch I have ever had in the city. Great beer list. James Beard Award winning Chef Paul Kahan is the mastermind behind this gem. The ambiance and decor is very NYCish. A...
yelp.com - user review - 02/11/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Still one of my favorites after all these years. I have eaten at Blackbird countless times and spent many NYE's with them and I agree with almost every review on here....they are simply the best!...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
from the execution to the presentation and most importantly to MY palate, everything is done superbly and professionally without a stuffy air of arrogance.where do they get the ingredients for their...
yelp.com - user review - 01/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been here for both lunch and dinner and can say that the experience was incredible both times. The staff is friendly and knowledgable about the menu and wines, and the scallops were amazing! The...
yelp.com - user review - 01/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is going to be a weird review. There were things about Blackbird that I adored - the food and the service. But there were things that would keep me from coming back - the tables are too close...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have had an unusually circuitous route to Blackbird. It seems unusual to me anyway. I first came heard of it whilst at a "Taste of Lincoln Park" summer fair. On this particular afternoon and after...
yelp.com - user review - 12/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'd been wanting to try Blackbird for awhile and was excited to finally come here. The menu is really creative and has some interesting food pairings. We had the scallops for an appetizer (yum) and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/22/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Executive Chef Paul Kahan creates pretty amazing dishes. I never thought I'd enjoy crispy sweetbreads as much as I did. And the venison I had for my main was perfectly cooked and served with a...
yelp.com - user review - 11/18/2007
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I have heard mixed reviews about Blackbird for some time now. I figured it had to be pretty good since it has been around for a while. I have been to many restaurants in Chicago, it is very rare for me to want...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This restaurant once offered a dessert that featured bacon. And it was insanely delicious. If that doesnt warrant 5 stars I dont know what would. 'Nuf said.
yelp.com - user review - 11/08/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Update:I finally visited for the real deal with an out of town friend from California. I'm glad I made it out alive. See Susan Y.'s review for a narrative. As far as the food, it's just perfectly...
yelp.com - user review - 11/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We dined here for lunch last week while visiting Chicago. I am blown away by this restaurant. I had the blackbird bouillabaisse- which was fresh fish, mussels, calamari with fennel, potato, saffron,...
yelp.com - user review - 10/27/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Key Yelp: A fashion forward, sophisticated new American, French inspired dining experience. An occasion place for most. The food was surprisingly good, and better then the menu reads. A tad of...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So this is where I went for lunch today with hubby for my bday. Perfect. I love to eat at places where I cannot replicate the food at home. Here are just two examples of what we ate: crispy confit of...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This was my third visit to Blackbird and I have to say this is one of the best restaurants in Chicago if not one of the top 20 I've ever eaten at. I went with a group and we had the scallops,...
yelp.com - user review - 09/09/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
More like 3 1/2 stars . . . It was interesting. While the food was delicious it was all just a little too rich. I started out with the pinenut gazpacho and I finished about 3/4 of it and my tastebuds...
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Our meal at Blackbird was easily one of the top three meals I've ever enjoyed in Chicago. I've not been gone from the place for even 12 hours, yet here I sit, longing for another amazing endive,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Oh yes it IS knock-your-socks-off-good! Awesome food, service, ambience. Easily one of my best meals in Chicago in 5 years. The best on the menu - braised octopus and suckling pig appetizers,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is the best meal I've had in Chicago. I had a pork belly dish that I still think about sometimes. It's been about 8 months and I need to give it another go. I understand the complaints about the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Good, but not knock your socks off. Really just three and a half stars. The food is decent and tries to be inventive, but it really just didn't execute as well as I hoped. The highlight for us was...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
frigging phenomenal. delux with seven or eight x's. bartender thought my girlfriend and i were chicago "industry", which i always take as a compliment. order anything. go anytime. thank me later.
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Three and a half stars, though if I had ordered my friend's entree and stuck with my dessert, I'd give it four.I am quickly ramping up on the Chicago restaurant scene with a lesson in names and faces...
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ever take a bite of something and nearly have your eyes water because it was so delicious? Want to? Try the pork belly.
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Recently celebrated with my boyfriend at this fine Chicago restaurant. Everything was superb, which considering how much our meal was, it should have been. Excellent wine list, even if they were a bit...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I thought my 100th review should be of a place that really blew me away and this is Blackbird. I came here about a month ago on a Friday for lunch. I was seated immediately without a reservation and...
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2007
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Today Team Splashi experienced true casual/classic dinning at Blackbird located on: 619 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 715-0708 . This place is so fare the closest you will get to the European dining...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/19/2007
Full Review »
3.0 of 5 stars.
Despite the Zagat rating, I just am not getting on the Blackbird train. Don't get me wrong, it's not BAD per se - I get the techno minimalist decor and the posh location. I'll even give you that the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I had been to Blackbird once before and was not terribly impressed, but I have to admit that my last turn in the 'Bird was exceptional. The front of the house was excellent. Low pressure, but full of...
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Wow! We were in Chicago for a wedding, but the ulterior motive was food. Being from San Francisco, we did not take this lightly. We did a fair amount of chowhound research and as well as talking...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2007
Full Review »
3.0 of 5 stars.
I agree with some of the other Yelpers, this place is overrated. Everytime I come here, I keep expecting greatness, but end up getting "just ok." I may not have the foodie gene (ok, I know I don't...
yelp.com - user review - 05/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
For being so laid back, Paul's skills are intense. Award winning chef has sophisticated palate; bring yours. The level of cuisine is excellent and adventurous. Well executed.
yelp.com - user review - 05/25/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I don't know what's so great about this place. One word: OVERRATED.I've been there twice for business lunches - once when it first opened and once a couple months ago - and I have yet to experience...
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Donnie, Donnie, Donnie... one of the coolest cats in Chicago.This man has reaked of style long before Chicago knew what it was or had to boast about having it. Anyway, Blackbird is a tough nut to...
yelp.com - user review - 05/05/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird is one of my favorite restaurants but I have had mediocre service from them from time to time and it gets REALLY LOUD when the place fills up. Still, the food is amazing and although its...
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
love love love blackbird. one of my top choices in the city. The decor is ridiculously minimalist...almost as if to say, focus on our quality food. Its the same layout as its brother, Avec which is...
yelp.com - user review - 04/17/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Way overpriced. Dishes were nicely presented but don't go here if you want a hearty meal. Entrees are appetizer portions. Eating here is like eating at the contemporary art museum.
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I sort of work in the culinary industry, and it's my job to sort of know what the trends are in food, and etc. I'd been advised to go to blackbird, for an affordable but contemporary "art food " meal-...
yelp.com - user review - 03/27/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
yumIEEEI thought I didn't like mushrooms and squash until I went to Blackbird and it made me question all of my food dislikes. I feel like a five-year old who only liked chicken nuggets who suddenly...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I forget how innovative and exciting Blackbird is.The flavors here are well-balanced, but not at all delicate--they're smoky, savory, and bolder than many other comparable restaurants. You can try...
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2007
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There is nothing worse than mediocrity that considers itself excellence. I went there after hearing that the food was great. It was so loud even for a sat night. I could barley hear my date. Not to mention...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/28/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This has the best sandwich that I have ever had in my life. I am surprised that I only had to pay $10 as it is worth so much more...seared whitefish sandwich with lemon and herb aioli, gribiche,...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I ate here on 1/11/07. The food was spectacular. I love the use of fresh, local, in season ingredients. I had the sturgeon and oxtail. The presentation was flawless, food was fresh and very tasty....
yelp.com - user review - 01/21/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
special food with treats from the chef. yes the tables are so close together you feel like you may be in manhattan but get over it. unless you are in the cia, what could you possibly have to say...
yelp.com - user review - 01/07/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Great tasting food, but it's very fatty. I went for lunch when the prices aren't as outrageous and got a very large serving of whitefish sandwich, chips, homemade potato salad, and olives for $10. The...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
It's loud, pretentious and too plastic-mod-ish for my taste. I'm willing to forgive these traits for stellar food and service, but the service was slow and lacking, and the dishes are really hit of...
yelp.com - user review - 12/21/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place rocks. Know what you're getting into before making your reservations though. The tables are extremely close together and the vibe and acoustics are such that the room is very loud. But...
yelp.com - user review - 11/19/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Clean modern look on the inside (all white). They match their black/white napkins to your clothing (I was told by who I was dining with that that is a sign of a good restaurant). If you're a...
yelp.com - user review - 11/12/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Here's my "keepin' it real review". I would classify Blackbird as fine dining establishment for special occasions or when one wants to make a good impression (e.g. date). Our meal started off with...
yelp.com - user review - 11/09/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The food was creative and very well prepared. Presentation was outstanding. The scallops appetizer was especially good, perfectly seared and deliciously seasoned. The venison was farm-raised, so it...
yelp.com - user review - 09/16/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
stark, pretentious, and overpriced. Other than that nothing about this place jumped out at me, including the food. The food was good, but I don't think it was worth the raves it has gotten. It might...
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
The food here is excellent, and the service is professional and on par with some of the best restaurants in the city. We had 9:00 PM reservations and the place was full enough that we had to wait for...
yelp.com - user review - 09/12/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
We had our first Blackbird visit this past Saturday and it was excellent overall. Minimalist dining room - white walls and white artwork with yellow daisies juxtaposed on every table. The view of...
yelp.com - user review - 09/12/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We were visiting and some of our local friends decided to take us here for dinner. The food was amazing. One ordered the rabbit (rabbit breast and fried rabbit leg). He couldn't stop raving all...
yelp.com - user review - 09/05/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Perfect preperation, delicious and unbeatable.
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2006
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We waited 20 minutes while looking at open tables, then neglected the whole meal. If we were inside, maybe the service would have been better, but we didn't have a reservation. The food wasn't worth the money...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/23/2006
Full Review »
5.0 of 5 stars.
This is probably one of my personal favorite restaurants in the city. Paul Kahan is a genius. The flavors are delicate, yet exquisitely balanced. Sadly (and gladly), the menu changes quite frequently,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
can something be too refined? every time i have been there i really just want one of the waiters to drop a glass or swear or something so that i can see yes, they are human. i don't like that my...
yelp.com - user review - 07/07/2006
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Almost the perfect restaurant. Top notch food and a pretty crowd but no pretense. And despite being in a slick space, it feels almost homey.
menupages.com - user review - 06/27/2006
Full Review »
i was on a long layover and popped in to blackbird for a lunch much much better than one in the airport. the decor is ...
gusto.com - user review - 06/15/2006
Full Review »
This spare, cool vibe of a restaurant is deserving of every star and accolade thrown at it, and ther...
judysbook.com - user review - 06/02/2006
Full Review »
4.0 of 5 stars.
You know a place is fancy when on the menu it reads "Server attire designed by....".I really love the food at Blackbird. It's fancy, strange, creative, and delicious. I have never had better...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The first time I went to Blackbird was one of the best restaurant experiences of my life. My mom, brother, and I all ordered our different starters, entrees, and desserts so we could try a little of...
yelp.com - user review - 05/13/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Dined here last night and this was my second time.. It just keeps getting better. Great service, probably the best in Chicago...Food was excellent as this is truly a must stop in the west loop.
yelp.com - user review - 04/30/2006
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was running 10 min late for a 8PM reservation. Tried calling the restaurant for 45 minutes and no one bothered to pick up the phone. Got there, they were running 45 minutes behind on their 7:30PM reservations...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/30/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I mean, blackbird is blackbird so I'm not going to give it a single star or anything like that. That being said, it ain't what it used to be, though you'd never tell it from the attitude of the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/01/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The seasonal dishes are always amazing - sometimes, I wish that they'd just keep them on their menu. My first time here, I had this combination of quail breast and oyster mushrooms topped off with a...
yelp.com - user review - 12/03/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Blackbird was hot stuff when it started up, and it's certainly good enough quality to stay around. However, for the price, there's other places that have more interesting food and better ambience.
yelp.com - user review - 10/30/2005
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I came to Blackbird with several friends and family for my birthday and thought it was AMAZING! The food was great, the wine was great, and the atmosphere was great! The only thing that was not great was our...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/31/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This is a great place to go if you want to impress out of town friends or spend a ton of money on a small amount of food. I can appreciate that it is a fancy place, but it didn't stick out to me,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A certain former Smashing Pumpkin and I share the same birthday. One year it seems we both decided to celebrate at Blackbird. He was up in the private dining room, and I was down with the proles, but...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2005
Full Review »
I have only been here once for my birthday. This restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine wit...
judysbook.com - user review - 07/18/2005
Full Review »
I have only been here once for my birthday. This restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with very clean and simple, presenations. I went here for my b-day and had a wonderful experience. The portions...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/23/2005
Full Review »
the food here is sophisticated and the service very good. As with most good restaurants they start with the absolute best in ingrediants. Food is ...
gusto.com - user review - 05/20/2005
Full Review »
I have to say I was a bit skeptical after reading reviews online. I didn't know if we were in for a great meal, or a noisy night of pretension. After reading the menu I was really worried - some of the...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/12/2004
Full Review »
The hype is sorely misplaced. Despite its clean and minimalist interior, you are assaulted when you walk in by the pungent aromas from the kitchen. Which is probably not a bad idea because you wouldn't want to...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/29/2004
Full Review »
The naysayers can stay home! This place takes care of the customer, serves original, fresh and tasty food, and has never disappointed me. If my 65 year old mother-in-law can see past the noise to the great...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/21/2003
Full Review »
The concierge at our hotel made reservations at Blackbird for us for our anniversary. What a complete dolt he was. The place is stark and ugly. The noise level is deafening. The tables ares so close together...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/25/2003
Full Review »
Excellent! One of very few 5 stars I've given. Only weak point was mixed drinks were a little lacking. But 5 of us came to eat. Come late, then noise level wasn't too bad. Seared Maine diver scallops salad,...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/30/2003
Full Review »
Blackbird is fantastic - it's good for a date (if you're into each other), with friends, etc. etc. Service is THE BEST IN THE CITY, food is FANTASTIC - fresh, presentation is unique, and taste...well just go...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/11/2003
Full Review »
Stylishly spare, Blackbird exudes a smart urban chic that could blend into the dining scene of any major city. The white, narrow room is dense with close-packed tables, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in...
frommers.com - user review
Full Review »
the epitome of simplicity is characterized by this neighborhood glass-front eatery. it looks as if miles van de rohe designed the interior. thus, the dining room can come off stark and barren in the name of...
wcities.com - user review
Full Review »
blackbird is a great little restaurant with a clean and crisp decor of black and white. the food is creatively thought out and well prepared and presented. sometimes you may wish for a simpler concoction and...
amazon.com - user review
Full Review »
paul kahan continues to dazzle patrons with his french-influenced contemporary american fare. the endive salad comes with crispy potatoes, dijon mustard, pancetta, and a poached egg. another starter, the...
chicagoreader.com - user review
Full Review »
Find valuable restaurant information including descriptions, photos, reviews and interactive maps for Blackbird in Chicago, Illinois. Locate additional information on sights, attractions and hotels.
travel.yahoo.com - user review
Full Review »
the food here is special, and i will continue to take visitors to blackbird. the service was perfect, not overbearing, very unassuming, and helpful...
chicagoreader.com - user review
Full Review »
they need to start with a little humble pie. there is a little arrogance about the food, which is average and comes in small portions...
fodors.com - user review
Full Review »
you won't be saying bye-bye to this blackbird anytime soon. the chic-chic crowd has been clucking about this restaurant since day one, which was about two months ago. this is one haute spot, and it deserves to...
searchchicago.com - user review
Full Review »
this high-flyer on the west sideis hot restaurant row draws patrons as chic as the austerely architectural storefront. they crowd the sleek bar, waiting to settle down on high-tech chairs or the high-backed...
gayot.com - user review
Full Review »
avec- kahan's bar next door...
epinions.com - user review
Full Review »
i love the seafood and the desserts...
metromix.com - user review
Full Review »
exceptional food and service in a stark and noisy setting...
restaurantrow.com - user review
Full Review »
sleek, small and serious about how it fashions its contemporary american food, this place is flying high, laying out creative dishes at attractive prices...
searchchicago.com - user review
Full Review »
cramped but convivial, this west loop hot spot draws a trendy clientele in for artfully presented renditions of contemporary american food, such as wild bass with roast fennel and baby clams and quail with...
nytimes.com - user review
Full Review »
blackbird created quite a stir in its first year and has maintained its appeal in the time since. reservations, expectedly, can be difficult to obtain. once you do secure them, you'll revel in simply-prepared...
10best.com - user review
Full Review »
everyone's singing this bird's praises...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
Full Review »
located along the booming randolph street restaurant corridor, gourmet magazine named blackbird one of the 50 best restaurants in the country in 2001, and kahan also won the james beard foundation's award for...
metromix.com - user review
Full Review »
Critically acclaimed Blackbird is home base for Executive Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004 and nominee for Outstanding Chef in 2007. Blackbird's principal...
opentable.com - user review
Full Review »
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