Just the best experience! We went for Sunday Brunch for my nieces 21st Birthday. Everything was perfect and made special. The tasting menu couldn't have been better -- great choices for each of us. Service was well paced and each course was great. Only one negative: one of the worst bloody Mary's I've ever had. Thin and lacking any flavor.
(5)
Susie S.
Went here to celebrate with family. First of all, best Valet Parker in Chicago. He seemed to be working alone but was so quick and with it. It's a crowded corner on a busy summer weekend but he directs traffic, parks cars and smiles simultaneously. The setting is gorgeous on a summer evening. Despite being in the main dining room without a view, the walk up to the restaurant and the Art Nouveau decor make up for it. Great place for family photos with the pond and skyline in the background. Also, the tables are nicely spaced and the noise level was conversation friendly. We ordered the special cocktails. We asked our server which drink was not too sweet. The lemony one we chose was way overly sweet. The other flavors were not discernible. Also, drink service was really slow. 20 minutes for 3 cocktails and a soda? And forgetting the soda? Had to ask twice where it was. The food was really good. The chef must be on his middle eastern kick with the use of feta, apricots, melon, pistachios. As a former resident of Israel, I loved it. Everyone loved the food, even our picky 18 year old. My yellowtail was outstanding. The sweet spicy mix on the melon lettuce tabbouleh was delicious. Our server was meh. She answered questions perfunctorily and was rarely seen. The hostess was much more attentive and welcoming, bringing an amuse bouche and truffles and checking up on us during the meal. Back to the Valet who handled a big group with several cars and us with alacrity . My cousin said he must have his PhD. Definitely a special place and a great place to bring out of town guests. Wear comfy shoes and you can stroll through the park after dinner. Shows off the best of Chicago.
(4)
Kino S.
I love the location! It's a romantic spot being right in the middle of the park but sadly didn't care for the food AT ALL. Every dish was either blend, too rich, or some how the flavors taken out of the ingredients. There are just too many places in Chicago with better food for that price point. I will go for brunch on weekends but definitely skip it as a dinner option.
(2)
M L.
Just getting hip to this innovative and eclectic restaurant hidden in Lincoln Park with distinctive views of the city. The food is insanely good and they pride themselves on local, fresh and seasonal cuisine; so much that they give you produce seeds, instead of mints, with the bill! My only concern was the difficulty in finding the restaurant but the hostess talked to me on the phone and gave me turn by turn directions until I arrived in the correct location. 5 star restaurant, for sure!
(5)
Christy L.
I have lived in Chicago for 8years, and after dining here I am so sad It has taken me so long to make it to this fantastic enclave of a culinary experience! My husband and I went here on Fathers Day and really enjoyed our meals. The food, service, atmosphere was all excellent. If you need somewhere special to take someone who would appreciate something a bit unique in Chicago, look no further.
(5)
Livvy O.
Probably one of my best dining experiences ever. My partner took me for a special treat. The whole ambiance was very vintage romantic. The place is well designed with gorgeous wood trim all over. It's nice and dark giving it that mellow romantic mood. There's another "sun room" that gives off more of a brunch vibe. At first they sat us in that room, and we asked to be moved to the other side where it seemed more romantic with the dim lighting. They did so without any hesitation. It looks as if they re-renovated an old out house - you know the one's you see a long the drive/beach. Pretty cool, I think I overheard another waiter explaining that. Our server was nice and attentive. The menu was kind of small and I was told the portions are small sized so I decided to order a soup (shrimp, potato) which was really good. I think I might have ate a flower, but it was a bit spicy so I had to keep reaching for that delicious bread! Yum! Then I ordered a egg/lobster salad with semi-boiled egg with bacon bits. It was very delicious. All in all, everything filled me up. The portion sizes were perfect. I forgot to mention I ordered a glass of pinot grigio too. For dessert, we ordered strawberry/fennel which was a flourless chocolate cake with pecans. I don't like fennel so we asked if we could go without it. The waiter seemed hesitant at first to not disappoint the chef, but in the end they made the accommodation for us. :-) It was well worth it, at least I enjoyed every bit of it. Although, I think they snuck one piece in there! Bonus was we were served two complimentary items: one was a sample main dish (forgot what it was) and the other was a delicious chocolate dessert. The thing that made this place stand a part from other restaurants was definitely the exceptional service. What looked like the manager would come around to ask us if everything was okay and if we needed anything along with our waiter doing the same, but it wasn't overbearing either. Lastly, the view of the Lincoln Park pond was beautiful. Although, in the romantic room you couldn't see it, but we stopped by afterwards and took a romantic walk in the park. This is a little hidden gem located near a LP lagoon! Perfect especially for a special occasion. It is on the expensive side, but like I said the price is right for a special occasion.
(4)
Bridget D.
Pretty food, beautiful setting, great service. We split the cod as a starter, I enjoyed the mozzarella apricot salad and the monkfish. Loved everything I ordered. My date had the beet salad and duck and loved it as well. We finished with the chocolate mousse and Moroccan ice cream with pomegranate seeds as dessert. Amazing! Will definitely be back to see the new dishes that arrive with the next change in season. Location inside the park is lovely, I'm sure much lovelier in the summertime.
(5)
beth n.
Sunday was my first dining experience at North Pond. We went for brunch and enjoyed every minute of it from start to finish. The service was magnificent and the food was fabulous and beautifully presented. Slight problem with getting a cab with the valet but we walked a bit and found one ourselves. This is a special dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Thanks North Pond~
(5)
Anna G.
O.M.G. I want to rewind to Sunday morning and eat North Pond's brunch all over again. My husband and I went to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary and it could not have been a better experience. Among the "nicer" Sunday brunch options in Chicago, we chose North Pond due to its location and view as well as the chef's/restaurant's wonderful reputation. We were seated at a table in the very airy and bright room facing the actual pond. Definitely make a request for a table in there, if you can. Our server brought over two glasses of sparkling rose (which my husband sneakily called ahead to request) as well as custom menus printed with our names and anniversary greeting. The menu is not for your average pancake and eggs brunch. It's a 3 course ordeal (for $34) with 4 different and delicious-sounding options in each section. We had: An amuse-bouche of coffee cake Egg and asparagus--what a great starter! Flavorful, but not heavy so you don't fill up before your main. I particularly liked the pork-mushroom gallette. Shrimp and rice--I had a bite of my husband's starter and was really impressed. I'm iffy on shrimp, but this was so well cooked. Arctic char--aside from seafood restaurants on a coast, this was my favorite seafood entree to date. The fish was cooked perfectly, didn't have a "fishy" aftertaste, and the accompanying sauce really complemented it. Beef--again, only had a bite to taste, but the meat was very tender and the radish pickle a nice flavor addition. Banana pecan--mini churros and chai ice cream...need I say more? This was actually not my favorite of the 2 desserts we chose, but that's because I am not big on sweets. If you are a regular dessert eater, you will love this. Macadamia passion fruit--what I wish I had ordered for myself! Loved everything about the flavors, could have done without the toasted marshmallow, but, again, that's just personal sweetness preference. I also ordered the vodka brunch cocktail. If you don't like ginger, you'll probably hate it. I really liked it and it is deceivingly strong--the ginger and kumquat flavors really mask the vodka in there! Presentation of the dishes was nicely done, the staff were all extremely friendly, and I think the price is a bargain for the quality and amount of food you are getting. We easily found free parking on Cannon Dr at 11:30 on a Sunday (though if you go during warmer months, it could be a bit harder). Decor is a little old school, but what you might expect. The building has a neat history (it was a warming shelter for ice skaters in the early 1900s), which we learned when we were given an envelope with a copy of our personalized menu as well as a sheet all about the restaurant and space. I don't see North Pond becoming anyone's regular brunch spot, but it is a great option for special occasions or if you want to take your out of town guests somewhere nice. Looking forward to coming back and trying out their dinner menu!
(5)
L Q.
3-course brunch was delicious. Lots of fresh local fruits and vegetables, including a lot of specialty produce you don't always see on restaurant menus. Great view and location. Minus one star because one person in our party had a serious allergy, and they were not as diligent as they should have been for checking whether items contained that allergen.
(4)
Double L.
If the rest of the staff was on the same level as the kitchen there is no question this restaurant would have received a 5-star review. While our server was great, her support staff and front of the house management leaves a ton to be desired. Our experience wasn't as frustrating as others have indicated in their reviews but there is certainly a trend that can't be ignored. Having read the other reviews and wanting to take guest from out of town who would be celebrating a special occasion I booked a reservation weeks in advance. When they called to confirm the reservation, the day before, I reminded the person confirming we'd like a table with a view, as our guests were from out of town. The person from North Pond said, to paraphrase; 'not a problem at all. I'll note it in your reservation and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!' Fast forward to being seated at an oddly shaped table just behind the host stand with a clear view of the kitchen door, restroom, backroom of restaurant and food line only. The hostess did nothing to acknowledge my request to be moved to a table with a view, so we ask for the manager. Manager comes over and proceeds to tell us every table 'is on a first come, first serve basis'. What is the point of a reservation then? What is the point of taking a note in said reservation? I mean you aren't OCB. Not only did she say there is nothing they could do. She also implied that I was completely lying when I communicated what her co-worker had said to me about 24 hours previously by stating, again to paraphrase; 'We would never say that.'. You did and then you called me a liar when I expected you to provide what you committed to. Total failure on her part to a) address my valid concern and discrepancy between what her staff communicated and they provided in the way of a table and b) attempt to resolve a legitimate request even if the request couldn't actually be accommodated exactly as requested. By insinuating that I was lying when I said her co-worker had confirmed he would make sure we had a view, she put a bad taste in our mouths before we even had our first bite. If you are serving fine dining food and attempting to cultivate a fine dining experience you can't have Diner level management staff to interact with customers. Jeez, it took this long to get to the food. Not a good sign. However, the food was amazing. Everything was of extremely high caliber. They present a seasonal menu and execute perfectly. There was a tasting menu that looked great but we didn't participate. The general menu is brief but I'm certain I would have been happy with anything I ordered. Each of us ordered a different first course so we pretty much covered everything but the soup they had. My lady and I shared a second course. For entrees, again we each ordered something different or four different dishes out of the seven or eight that were available. My rabbit dish was top notch. The level of sophistication and complexity was unexpected but really appreciated. This is where I think there is an issue with the Food Runners. They don't explain the dish, how it's prepared or what is what on the plate. All of the kitchen's efforts to present unique, complex flavors and presentation are wasted by not taking a few extra seconds to highlight the main points of the dish and the preparation. My rabbit dish was so unique I honestly thought I had received the wrong plate. A tasty plate but until our actual server came by and explained the dish and how it was prepared I wasn't sure. She did an amazing job. If it was just her and the Chef this review would have been just a few words comprising of, 'Check out this little hidden gem in the heart of Lincoln Park.'. Sadly, due to the high-end fare and questionable execution by the front of the house I'm not sure I'd be too keen to suggest this place to other. Especially those who only go out to this sort of restaurant once or twice a year for special occasions. I would be worried the experience would be a disappointment. For avid diners looking for a unique experience with amazing food, who are comfortable overlooking some of the finer touches that should be by default be a part of this dining experience, you should go. For those looking to have a perfect special occasion dinner you may want to think twice about booking a reservation here.
(3)
Kelly R.
North Pond has been on my list for ages, and I'm happy to report a great experience there while celebrating our anniversary. The setting is, without a doubt, one of the best in the city... We felt secluded from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Park thanks to a serene view of the park and the pond -- with the twinkling lights of the Hancock building and greater skyline visible from above the treetops in the distance. Be sure to request a table by the window in the smaller front room (as the the back room misses out on the full view). The interior is done in an interesting and charming Arts and Crafts style - very natural and complementary of the surroundings. To top off the experience, our server, Lyne, was fantastic. The only reason this doesn't quite get 5 stars is the food. We ordered the carrot and crab bisque, egg and bacon, mustard spaetzel, and duck (all to share). And while the presentation was beautiful and the ingredients were indeed seasonal and at peak ripeness... We just weren't blown away by the flavors in any particular dish. Certainly they were good, but nothing truly memorable. That said, it was a beautiful place to spend a romantic evening, and I'd still recommend this for a special occasion.
(4)
Sach M.
I'd like to start by mentioning the fact that I've given this place an extra star just for the server and pastry chef. My husband and I went to start my birthday with a brunch at North Pond. The location is amazing undoubtedly. At the end of the experience, we were given our personalized menu and a page talking about the history of the place. We were at the restaurant 10 mins before our reservation and in spite of the restaurant being empty, we were made to wait about 20 mins. I understand the 10 min wait but not the extra 10 mins. Moving on, we weren't given a choice of where to sit. Again, we should have asked but after a 20 mins. of wait, we were fine sitting anywhere. Our server was really nice. He got us custom menus printed with "Happy Birthday" - I do wish it had my name but nevertheless, it was a much welcomed. For the food, Lamb - Better than the average! The lamb was cooked absolutely right but it was too bland. Chicken - Egg was poached perfectly. I wish the fried chicken was served somehow different. For the first course, the presentation does matter a lot. Whitefish - To me that was totally overcooked. Additionally, I think it could have been better without Broccoli. I loved the use of rice. The peanut sauce was well thought of. Pork - Under - cooked and not prepared well. Couldn't taste the bourbon. Loved the combination of jam and garlic. Tartelett - Absolutely brilliant! Pistachios had such a brilliant texture and added just the right taste to the Raspberry Sorbet. Pudding - Again, brilliant! The compote and olive oil ice cream were an amazing pair. Price - Couldn't be better. Parking - Not the best experience. We followed the open table email and found the guy in the right place. My only complain is for our host. He didn't inform the parking guy to get our car back. Ambiance - The inside room is pretty dark and definitely not a Michelin star. Also, since we were next to the kitchen, it wasn't a pleasant experience hearing what all people are ordering. Dressing - The place requests people to not wear flip flops or shorts but that certainly wasn't the case with 70% of the crowd. Looking forward to giving it another try - may be for the dinner.
(4)
Liz W.
Absolutely incredible! I went in for brunch for my boyfriend's birthday and was nervous that we would even be able to sit after getting lost and arriving at the very end of their brunch seating--due to their one flaw, it's difficult to find--but just call their very friendly host who will give you simple and easy directions! The experience was absolute perfection. I thought we would need to order right away but our wonderful server, Nicholas, went out of his way to ensure our meal was comfortably paced out. He also recommended an incredible bottle of sparkling that was a fantastic compliment to our meal. I'm writing this review a little late, so I don't remember exactly what we had to eat, but everything was wonderful and Nicholas made sure to bring a candle with dessert and even printed a specialized menu with my date's name on it! The food was spectacular but moreover our experience was made by Nicholas' attentive, friendly, professional and knowledgeable demeanor. Highly recommend going and requesting him as your server!
(5)
Mahsa T.
My 500th Review! And to celebrate my birthday and my 500th review, we went to North Pond. I've had North Pond in my bookmarks since 12/25/2009, so it took me a long time to get here, but I finally made it! What a beautiful setting for a restaurant, nestled in the middle of the lush beauty of Lincoln Park, this Prairie-inspired building blends seamlessly into its surroundings and offers beautiful pond and city views. Valet parking is off of Stockton and follow the winding road to the restaurant. Do be sure to ask for a table by the windows as the interior room is a bit dark and gloomy. Service is professional and prompt. The menu is seasonal and offers a variety of fish, duck and other meats. Not a large selection of plates, but a few thoughtfully prepared ones. I had the grilled wild striped bass with green and gold zucchini and grilled nectarine. The piece of fish was rather small for the price of the plate. The fish was cooked and flavored perfectly, the squash went well with the fish and the nectarine added a delightful sweetness to the dish, but I didn't like the overwhelming flavor of curry in the sauce, it just overpowered the dish and made everything taste bitter. Too many competing elements in the dish, I would've preferred a simpler but more harmonious pairing of flavors. Same with the beet salad, probably the worst beet salad I've had I'm sad to say, I don't know what was going on with that dish--white, red and chioggia beets (none of which tasted sweet), kampachi, smoked char, pickle slices, rye crumble, fennel foam, mizuna--just too many weird competing ingredients on that dish and none of it went well together, very disappointed with the salad. My companion had the duck with candied carrots, which was good, I'm just not a fan of things cooked rare, it just grosses me out, and the duck came medium rare. The complimentary amuse bouche (rabbit) was good. We opted out of dessert, but since it was my birthday, the waitress brought us two bites of unsweetened dark chocolate and sugar coated candy, with a birthday candle and happy birthday written on the plate in chocolate, which was really nice and thoughtful! Another thoughtful touch was the special printed menus we received that had "Happy Birthday Mahsa" printed on them! So cute and what a nice personal touch. We got to take the page home, our waitress put it in an envelope and gave to me as a keepsake. The ambiance here is warm, inviting and romantic. A lovely little escape. I would recommend North Pond for special occasions as it is definitely pricey, coffee is $8 a piece! I would just come here with lowered expectations for the food, it's not amazing, but decent.
(4)
Jialing L.
I'd heard mixed reviews about this restaurant but decided to try it anyways due to the Michelin Star. Finding the entrance to the restaurant is an adventure since there are multiple paths around it and I happened to come from the back and ended up having to walk through the grass to get to a path that led to the restaurant. The restaurant itself is right by the pond that gets a relatively nice view of the Chicago skyline. Now onto the food. My friends and I came here for their brunch that's three courses with a few options in each. I got the gulf shrimp and rice, pork and squash and the banana cheesecake with pecan. The dishes were very nicely presented and had good flavors and textures but the portion sizes were a little small. I ended up liking the dessert the most because I love cheesecake and the chai ice cream that came with it was delicious (really hope it becomes a common flavor of ice cream in the near future). However, one of my friends was vegetarian and ended up not having much of a choice in terms of dishes since they only offered one dish for the 1st and 2nd courses that they could change to being vegetarian friendly. He said he ended up really liked the dishes but it still puts a damper on the mood when one is unable to have a choice in food. Otherwise, the service was on point and the ambience and decor of the restaurant was very enjoyable. Definitely liked it and understand why it is Michelin Starred.
(4)
C. Paula D.
North Pond and the Girl and the Goat are my favorite restaurants in Chicago. We came here for a very special occasion -- to celebrate passing my boards exam back in May. I loved walking up along and through Lincoln Park passing the pond to get to this restaurant (so much pretty nature -- passed baby geese along the way!) . Food was delicious (locally-sourced), the view was amazing (it overlooks a pond and you can see the city skyline), charming ambiance, and service was friendly. They even made tasty (inexpensive) mocktails for us. To understand the character of the restaurant, the space was originally built in 1912 as a warming hut for ice-skaters on the pond, currently redesigned with a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright. Chef Bruce Sherman was born and raised in Chicago, majoring in Econ at UPenn, before following his dreams to become a chef. We will definitely be coming back for special occasions.
(5)
Natalie M.
Excellent service. It really is such a nice setting...beautiful walkway. I love Lincoln Park! The service was very good and the wine selection was great paired with the meals. I got a cocktail to start...the rye, ginger. We did the seasonal tasting with wine pairing. To start, lobster and later, interesting flavors including foie gras. Their summer seasonal tasting was very interesting and the timing was good too. We didn't feel rushed and the food was presented beautifully. There was probably one dish I didn't care for, but overall, the experience was really nice. Some flavors I didn't think would mesh so well (lobster/almond) but it actually worked. A nice dining experience.
Went here for my anniversary dinner and was not at all disappointed! North Pond made the night extra special with monogrammed menus and a special dessert. The dinner itself was delicious. We started out with the tuna appetizer, which had such an interesting mix of flavors - from cilantro to honey. I then enjoyed the arugula salad with fresh ricotta cheese, which was absolutely delicious. Then I enjoyed the Sturgeon main, which was okay. I do NOT recommend the desserts - we tried the cashew creme and the cracker jack desserts, neither of which were worth the money. I had a special pear and amaretto cocktail, and I'd drink that every day if I could. Overall a great dinner.
(4)
Kristin M.
Had a fabulous time at North Pond. Went on a week night just for fun--not a special occasion, but I can definitely see how and why people would go there to celebrate something. Here's how I would break down the experience: Ambiance: Not busy at all, but they grouped the diners in one of the same areas of the restaurant, so it still had a great social feel. Tables weren't too close together--(don't like how at certain restaurants you can basically hear everything the table next to you is saying, and it feels like you're dining with them--not the case at NP). Felt overall cozy, not too formal but definitely 'special', dim lighting, and true to the seasonal menu and location of the restaurant itself. Was concerned it might feel 'dated', which by some tastes perhaps it is, but it all seemed to really work. I think this is a place people like Ina Garten would enjoy :) Food: The food was absolutely delicious! I ordered duck and a seasonal salad. The duck was prepared 3 ways, and it exceeded my expectations. My dining partner ordered a pork dish and was pleased. We wanted to save room for dessert and thought portion sizes might allow that; however, portions were very generous, and we were too full--will have to do dessert next time. Service: I would describe the service as classy. Our server was just the right amount of attentive, and she helped us to feel comfortable. Perhaps this is standard practice--our server left us two chocolates and a couple cookies at the end of the meal along with the tab. Nice touch. Would I go back?: Yes, definitely! Great for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family get-togethers, etc. A neighborhood and city gem.
(4)
Tim O.
I had never really had a brunch quite like this. I could comment on how nutty the nuts were and in general pretend like I know how to fairly evaluate a restaurant such as this, but I really don't. It was a culinary adventure that I hope to embark on again sometime soon.
(5)
Dave S.
This was my fifth time at North Pond over the years, and the food and service were unfortunately not what I've come to expect. They were way better before the Michelin Star. The wine pairings were the highlight. The food was resoundingly forgettable, and the kitchen's timing was off. We were one of the last tables before the staff went on holiday break, and it was pretty clear everyone had one foot out the door, which is a shame when a table of two is spending close to $400 all-in.
(2)
Amit P.
If I had to pick a favorite restaurant in Chicago it would have to be North Pond. Seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients. They only serve fresh and what is in season. You can select a la carte or the 5 course tasting menu. That is the ideal "tasting" menu size because you aren't sitting there for 5 hours eating one bite at a time. Its a meal and tasting menu in one. Hands down they have the best location in all of Chicago. On the North Pond Sanctuary. Your view (from the front tables by windows) is over the pond and the Chicago skyline behind it. No streets or cars whizzing by. Its one of a kind. Been there a handful of times and make it a point to visit at least a couple times per year. This place is great for a special occasion. Or a regular dinner if you're a foodie or baller.
(5)
Heather P.
Being a total food snob on a slightly better than ramen budget, I was ecstatic to learn North Pond was participating in Chef Week. It's one of those places I pass by all the time and think if only there were the right occasion or I found a stash of cash somewhere, I would be delighted to blow it all right here. Made the reservation, no problem. I did not feel out of place as I feared I might. Service was incredibly attentive and our server although a bit stuffy, was very informative and knowledgeable, making suggestions and educating us throughout the meal. We began with the amuse bouche, a smoked trout and blood orange bite. If only it weren't in poor taste to lick the plate...my friend didn't care for it (craziness) so I snatched it right up. Wasn't soon after that someone came around and took it away to bring the first course. Literally, I was holding the plate and they fought me to take it away. Next up was the corned beef and cabbage soup. Loved the presentation, loved the caraway bread. It was smooth, but the flavors were bold and exquisite. I opted for the seafood dish as my main course, a black bass with shrimp dish in a sauce I couldn't exactly recall. The best part about it were the shrimp. My friend had the beef. It was a flatiron steak. While the sauce was incredible and the shortrib portion that accompanied it was excellent, the cut of meat itself is rather difficult to chew and even though the flavors were all there, I had a hard time with the texture. Desert was nothing I would ever go out of my way to order, it was described as a coconut and lime cake. With that being said, it was served alongside a scoop of jerk sorbet with a chocolate glass. Incredible. It was my favorite dish. I couldn't believe the flavors that were dancing in my mouth. That sorbet was out of this world! Last up after the check were the passion fruit gummies and olive oil cake bites. The gummies were like nothing I've ever tasted. Couldn't even justify them with an attempted description. I enjoyed the wine pairings along with dinner. I'm not saying that I am a wine expert by any means, but I do enjoy my wine and none of the three course pairings blew me away. Overall, service, charming ambiance, the different courses, getting to see the chef himself expediting the tickets on the floor, etc. all made up one of the most fine dining experiences I have ever encountered and while it kills me a little to spend that much on a single meal, I am glad I got to experience a Michelin star restaurant and especially one that I have passed by nearly everyday for the last five years.
(4)
Yael S.
*Perfect venue. Would love to host a dream Wedding here one day. Oh wait, I'm sans ring & man :(
(5)
Partha A.
Wonderfully charming interiors. Not over the top. Just the right amount - by the waters - with a view of the city. Service was prompt - and attentive. Foie gras - an unusual blend of fruits and spices and yes - sorbet. Delightful. The egg with pork belly in mushroom tea - it is a soft boiled egg in the middle with prok belly strewn around drizzled with mushroom tea. Another finely crafted dish. Had the beef - two medalliions - i felt they were a bit cold - but well crusted. by the side was a piece of shortrib - well braised - but a bit fatty for my taste. comes with pistachios and potatoes and spring onion. Also came with a cute bowl of mushroom pudding - who would've thought. And then came the coconut cake - sprinkled was coconut, marcona almonds, glazed around was a ancho cream and topped off with milk gelato. In all very pleased. A well deserved l'etoile michelin.
Food and service were fantastic. We had great seats at the back of the front room looking across the pond into downtown. To start we ordered: The Ginger Carrot Bisque and the Trout. Both were great, could not fault the trout everything was well liked on that plate. I didn't really enjoy the cold sliced rice paper roll in the bisque it would have been better without it. For mains we ordered: The Pheasant and the Beef. The pheasant was amazing, cooked perfectly and everything on the plate complemented it well except the bratwurst. I didn't think the flavour or texture of the sausage matched well with the rest of the components. For the beef the medallion was better than the short rib both were excellent the sweet potato dumplings had very little flavour and acted as chewy tasteless globs. No a fan, maybe would have enjoyed them if they were seasoned in some way. The cocktail was great and we had two half bottles of wine both were well matched to our meal. Overall an excellent meal with minor tastes that weren't to our liking. Would have loved to have enough room in the stomach for dessert!
(4)
AD M.
North Pond is in a great location, just close enough to downtown area. The setting is perfect- so far as you get outdoor seating. Service was well paced, even though it took 2.5 hours. All four members of my table enjoyed their courses. I had the foie gras, beet salad, rabbit, and cherry and green tea dessert; best being foie gras and rabbit being least favorite- although still excellent. The foie gras was outstanding as was the dessert. My only complaint was the pineapple dessert which was overall a touch too salty. Will return.
(4)
Abbey S.
Aside from the usual boozy suspects (bellinis, Bloody Marys etc.), North Pond also features a selection of sparklings, reds and whites by the glass, as well as freshly squeezed juices and coffees. We opted for a couple really tasty cappuccinos to follow our complementary drinks, which were very tasty indeed. Crafted by James Beard award winner Bruce Sherman (who many say have been robbed a Michelin star for many repeated years), the food is locally sourced and seasonal ingredient driven, presented with an approachable level of sophistication. It's familiar, yet inspired, exactly the kind of food I like to eat. Weekend brunch means a $33 3-course prefixe menu, with about 4 options per course to choose from. Knowing we would share, we went with: Lemon Poppyseed Cake The cake had a nice moist crumb with a tasty tart glaze on top. A lovely way to start the meal. Soft Poached Egg, Sauteed Trumpet, Pleuotte Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion-Apple Tart, Greens This was by far the best dish of the day. The egg was perfectly poached, which when broken, mixed with the umami-rich mushrooms to yield a sumptuously decadent bite. Truly mouthwatering. I think the tart may have been better with a flakier crust, but it was still very tasty, and it's sweetness balanced out the savoury component well. Gulf Shrimp, Orange-Hazelnut Crumb, Minted Green Asparagus, Pickled Spears, Citrus The shrimp were nicely poached, and I loved the contrast between the bright citrus and the herbaceous asparagus. It was definitly a safe dish, but tasty, fresh and healthy. Sauteed Arctic Char, Radish-Napa Cabbage Slaw, Apricot Semolina, Pistachios, Glazed Ramp, Herb Pesto Broth This was probably the weak part of the meal. The char had a nice crispy skin, and the semolina was cooked well, but it was a little underseasoned. I also found the slaw a bit wilty and "off" tasting- you know, like when cabbage starts to go and it gets that strong farty smell. Kind of like that. Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Glazed Spare Rib, Bing Cherries and Gelee, Cheese Grits, Cucumber, Spinach Much more successful, the tenderloin was, well, tender, but also well seasoned, pairing beautifully with the sweet tart cherries and savoury grits. The spare rib was a little tough but definitely still enjoyable. Brown Butter Financier Cake, Ginger Ice Cream, Cured Rhubarb Compote, Vanilla Gastrique, Oatmeal Loved the bright tart rhubarb compost and the fiery ginger ice cream. Again, a very safe dish, but good nonetheless. Key Lime Tartelette, Ancho Caramel, Coconut Sorbet, Salt and Pepper Streusel, Macadamia Nuts This was my favourite of the two desserts. The tarte was tangy with a delicate crust, and the sorbet was refreshing and bright. The star, however, was the ancho caramel, which while sweet had a peppery kick on the tongue. A really well balanced plate. Upon leaving we were given two packages of seed to plant- very sweet touch! So for two pre-fix courses and a couple cappuccinos, the bill came to $100 for two. Yes, a very pricey meal, and certainly nothing exciting, but I think North Pond would make for an ideal spot for a special family get together or a "safe" date choice. The view was absolutely stunning, the service was professional, and the food was all well prepared. A great last meal on a beautiful day to end our Chicago adventures.
(4)
Marc W.
Overrated. I'm sure the views are nice during the day. Service was ok. Overall I think the major problem with this place is that the chef and bartenders try too hard to mix too many ingredients to try and be eclectic. What they end up being is just bad. Simplify do it well and maybe there won't be a bunch of open tables on a Friday night. Reminds me of a restaurant chain in Chicago called uncommon ground but more expensive. Nice decor though.
(2)
Samantha H.
Since this is my first time here, I'm not sure if it's gone downhill or what but it just was not up to par with other Michelin star spots. This was number 17 I've been to so I do have a large comparison list and I'm surprised to see so many positive reviews but perhaps this is a recent decline. The decor is wonderful. The wood and fireplace remind me of an upscale lodge or something and then the carvings in the wood are more modern, art deco. It's really comfy. The wine list is not large and the markups are more then 100% so that's a knock. Our server, Jennifer, was awesome though. She certainly lived up to the Michelin standard. I felt the atmosphere was just a bit laxed other than her though. The price point is pretty solid though so bonus for that. One issue I had is that, other than when Jennifer delivered a dish for us, others did not describe what was in front of us. Sure, it's on the menu but it is typical for the server to explain what you are about to devour upon delivery. They sort of just came and left the plates, which is fine but not when your peers are Tru and Topo. The bread was standard bread you could get anywhere, pretty underwhelming. The wasn't hot and the butter was very cold. We started with the foie gras. I have to say that was very good. It is a large portion as well. The cranberries and the maple sauce that they pair with it is spot on. We got the charcuterie plate, which was very tasty. Two helpings of foie? Why not! One was straight up and this was a mousse, so it's all good! I'm a foie connoisseur and this was probably the second best I've ever had (after the Pig). The accompaniments such as frisee and mustard were just bleh but the meat itself was very good. The jowls were a bit on the bland side. Those were what I was most excited about but were probably my least favorite (although certainly not bad). The entrees themselves really fell short for both of us. My husband got the pheasant. It was better than my skate but nothing outstanding. I love skate and was really excited but this for me fell short. It had the tiny scallops with it, which were very bland to me and the skate itself just didn't have that nice, crispy exterior I love with skate (which I could not replicate at home for the life of me) and was sort of soggy. The interior was nice and the sauce was okay but not as good as I expected. Overall the ambiance is okay and the food was okay but no need to return.
One thing is VERY clear about this place: These people work EXTREMELY HARD. They are a little army of over-achievers. Everything from their phone directions to the decor to the waitstaff.. All *nearly* perfect. But it is as if they run a marathon every damn day and never finish first. This is why: their flavors are on steroids. There is no pause. There was an unequivocal triumph: the carrot soup. But then the salad came. It was a bunch of things scattered oddly on a plate. About 3 tablespoons worth of different things. Idea: add a little handful of spinach or other greens because each element of those 3 tablespoons was so intense it was nearly jarring. It needed PAUSE. Then the duck. Again: a heart attack of intensity. I washed it all down with wine and bread but in the end what I had was heartburn, lol. The dessert menu was a bizarre amalgamation of fantasy components but I was too worn down to sift through it, it was completely overwhelming. The waiter brought by a few chocolate truffles... You'll never, ever have a finer truffle. If these guys get it together you will have to make a reservation a year in advance.
(2)
Peter O.
Very likely our favourite restaurant in the world. Everything about North Pond is done well, done right, and consistently, continually delights. Delectable foods expertly prepared with mainly seasonal, local ingredients and so an ever changing menu. Excellent wine and fun specialty drink selection. Their top shelf booze is indeed that. A cozy little casual bar, too. Very attentive service by knowledgeable, well trained, often food service degreed expert professionals who seem honestly to enjoy and thoroughly, excellently perform in their roles. Friendly Chef often surprises by casually moving amongst the tables and greeting guests, inquiring as to welfare and opinions. They personalize your menu and profer special treats for private holidays like birthdays and anniversaries and are a uniquely fulfilling special occasion location. Their eye for aesthetics is admirable, both in platings and physical surroundings. Extremely well designed and executed, warmly heavy on wood and stone American Craftsman inspired interiors and exterior. Some stunning, panoramic views of the nearby north pond and the Chicago downtown skyline. It's a great area for outdoor wandering before and after one's meal, ideally with one's sweetie. Sunday brunch is a less expensive way to sample their copious wares and to whet one's appetite for the full evening experience. With sincere respect, true admiration and thanks, Peter O. and S.
(5)
Mandy K.
On our trip to Chicago, we tried this restaurant because I liked the reviews I read on Yelp...Our waiter was a bit stiff, but attentive without being obtrusive. After we placed our order we decided on appetizers and were informed "the kitchen prefers we take the full order". I understand they are "fine" dinning. Frankly, the food was nice, but it wasn't so good so the kitchen's preference was anything I really care about. Given the smaller room with the pond view was full, the main dining room completely empty on a Thursday night, my guess is the pretentiousness of the menu and service (not the staff, just the method) has turned off a lot of people. I'd give a return visit a 30% likelihood. So many other choices for the same price ($200 for two, including tip, with 3 drinks and no wine).
(3)
Jennie C.
I was quite impressed after my first visit, but after the second one, I'm happy to say North Pond is now my favorite restaurant in the city. I tried brunch this time and everything was not only elegantly presented, but also cooked to perfection. My piece of arctic char had super-crispy skin and tender, succulent flesh. The panna cotta dessert was jiggly in texture and oh-so-refreshing, felt like I bit into a perfectly ripe peach picked right off a tree! Very often restaurants mistake salt as flavor and completely bury the taste of the ingredients. Not here. You can truly appreciate the freshness of everything on the plate. Highly recommended for foodies. Service this 2nd time round was attentive but not quite as friendly as the first. Nevertheless, with the breath-taking view and amazing food, I'll always come back!
(5)
Phil Z.
This place was phenomenal. I mentioned when I made the reservation that we were celebrating my girlfriend's birthday and they printed a special menu wishing her a happy birthday at the top of it. They also brought out a special plate with some after dinner morsels and another happy birthday greeting written in chocolate. This was all their own idea, I only mentioned it was her birthday, I didn't make any special requests. This restaurant knows how to treat it's customers and it was evident in this and in the service we received throughout the night. The food was incredible- everything we ate was fantastic. We did the tasting special with the whine pairings, five courses throughout the meal each more delicious than the last. The pineapple soup was exquisite, and the venison course was incredible. The wine pairings for each course were spot on, excellently complimenting the courses. The restaurant itself is in a park, slightly off the beaten path. We had a seat by the window looking at the skyline, the park and the pond. The location, the building and the view were all excellent. This is a special restaurant with amazing food, great service and an interesting and beautiful location. I strongly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Erick N.
Had brunch for my third time this morning at North Pond. The food was as outstanding as the first two occasions, but service unfortunately was off. We had to wait for half an hour for our table (we did arrive early, but the place was far from full at the time), no recognition for a special occasion that had been noted in the reservation, no recognition for being repeat customers, and while our primary server was attentive she was not very warm. Congratulations to Chef Sherman on the recent James Beard accolades, but I do think service needs some tweaking to become Michelin star worthy (the food and ambiance are definitely already there and in fact are better than most of the one star venues I have frequented). I am retaining my five stars for now based on food quality, ambiance, and past experience but expect service to be improved. In most of my favorite upscale Chicago restaurants there is a visible general manager that makes rounds, takes great care of the customers, gets to know repeat guests and ensures that service runs smoothly. Perhaps there is such a person at dinner at North Pond (I have yet to experience NP for dinner), but this type of presence is sorely lacking at brunch. Despite some negatives this time, I still love North Pond and recommend it to locals seeking top notch seasonal cuisine and to out-of-towners to experience an upscale Chicago dining experience in a beautiful location. The brunch is one of the best values in town for fine dining. I will likely be back sometime this summer, but just was a bit disappointed today.
(5)
Kathleen C.
What a lovely, lovely spot. I'm not entirely sure how North Pond has managed to make itself a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, but it has. With each step down the path to the restaurant, it seems to get quieter and more peaceful and when you end up in front of the entrance, near the pond, it's just so pretty. The restaurant is beautiful as well - the architecture sways prairie style and is really warm and welcoming inside. I had a lovely view of outside, which was very nice, though I will say for those facing the interior, I'm sure the architecture and decor is just as pretty (ok, that's probably a stretch, but I'm trying to make it a win-win!). I visited for brunch - which is a three-course menu. The menu skews more lunch-y, though there are a few items which have some egg representation. I had the starter mushroom crepe option which also had a fried egg. Visually, it wasn't the prettiest, but it was really delicious! I also tried the shrimp with beets...really refreshing! For my entree, I had the pork. It was perfectly cooked and nicely moist and delicious. It was a large portion and considering I had basically annihilated the starter, I began to get full about half-way through. Dessert was the peach hazelnut and while really tasty, I was so full by this point that I couldn't finish it. Service was really friendly and considering we weren't being very quick on picking menu items, they didn't try to rush us and were very accommodating. Definitely a great spot for a meal!
(5)
Thomas B.
Perfect! Possibly the nicest spot in the city for dinner. Beautiful Prairie style architecture and decor with soft lighting, fireplace, and views of the pond. The atmosphere, service, and especially the food, could not be better. Had not been here in a long time and all the changes are for the better. Definitely a special place to go if you have the chance.
(5)
Xi L.
Nothing bad to say. Pretty much at the par as a one star restaurant. We went there to get the chefs week menu and they all taste very well. I especially like the steak and the dessert, which are the best so far compared with the other spots I tried. Would like to go back to try the seasonal menu.
(5)
Mike C.
For the first course, we decided on the potato crusted cod with roasted black trumpet mushrooms. The fish was fresh and the tanginess of the mushrooms complemented the fish quite nicely. For the second course, we had the chilled poached sea scallops salad. We wanted something light before the main course and that's what we got. Wasn't a huge fan of this salad. For the main course, we had the grilled smoke sturgeon and the grass fed beef. It was my first time trying sturgeon and it was meatier than i thought it would be. Our favorite was the grass fed beef. Particularly, the veal cheek was my favorite. The meat was so tender and flavorful. When making reservations, they will ask you if you're celebrating anything. Reason being, they personalize your menus to take home. Our's said "1st Anniversary." Little things like that made my experience at North Pond memorable. The service was what is expected at a nice establishment. If I could find one minor flaw, it would be that due to the location of the restaurant, first time patrons might have a difficult time finding the valet. I would recommend calling the restaurant and ask for the intersection where the valet is located.
Finally had a chance to try this place. We did the Seasonal Tasting. Fantastic. I will be back VERY soon.
(5)
Mike W.
This place is amazing! Not only is all the food great it's not one of those places were you get 2 bites of chicken in an entree that cost 40 bucks. We had the pheasant the beef and the lamb and were able to share everything. And thank god because they are all so good. I think the beef was the best though. Presentation was also excellent, very high brow but fitting for the ambience in the restaurant. The service was amazing if not a little overbearing with all the explanations. I mean yeah I wanna hear about where the food came from and what to expect flavor wise but it can be sensory overload and make it even harder to decide what to order. I think this a a place to go for an intimate special night, someone proposed while I was there so that should give you an idea of how nice it is.
A dear friend of mine and I had a nice Sunday Brunch with a reservation at 12 noon. We came pretty much on the dot, but then were told that they were getting our table 'prepared', so it would just be a couple of more minutes. We ended up waiting for about 15 minutes. We were then led to our table, and I realized that 3/4 of the restaurant was empty, tables already spread out and 'prepared.' This was a bit annoying, but our dining experience made up for it. Our server was extremely nice, efficient, and funny. We chose the prix-fixe that came with 3 courses: a mini cinnamon roll was brought out - I was a little disappointed that it wasn't warm, but it was comparable to ones you can find at Costco. I started off with the 'Egg, Rib,' which was a chunk of marinated sparerib, a sunnyside up egg, all set on top of spin rosso polenta, roasted shallots, and spiced jus. This came in a little cast iron plate, and it was absolutely delicious - the polenta, the slightly fatty sparerib, and the sunnyside up egg all meld together greatly, and the seemingly tiny dish greatly filled my stomach. Great amount of seasoning. For the entree, I had the 'Grassfed Beef, Beans,' which was skirt steak à la plancha, shell bean bacon ragout, cavolo nero, crispy shallots, and a sunnyside up egg. This came on a warm plate to keep the items warm. They were medium-rarely-cooked slices of beef on top of cavolo nero and very salty beans. This beef was good, but I would have preferred it to be cooked a bit longer. Overall, the beans were just overpoweringly salty. My friend, on the other hand, had her order confused, and ended up having the 'pancake' in a cast iron bowl, and that was caramelized sugar crust on top which tasted like a creme brulee corn muffin - perfectly sweet for a dessert dish, but not for an entree. That came with a side of sauteed spinach leaves. For dessert, I had the 'Almond, Fig', which was a toasted almond cream brioche, caramelized fig jam (that seemed like orange marmalade), creme fraiche ice cream, and orange vanilla syrup. A little bit too sweet for my taste, this reminded me of something like an almond muffin, smeared with orange marmalade. My friend had the Pineapple cake that was a little too dry. Overall, I would definitely come back here for the appetizers any day and the service that came along with it (there were 4 different waiters catering to us). Parking on Cannon was actually easy, so you really don't need to valet or take the public transportation. + 'Egg, Rib' +brunch option +friendly staff
(4)
Dean R.
Atmosphere was ok. Food was great but not really wanting to go back. Not inspired by it. Pretty good though.
(3)
Lynn A.
Another great dining experience at North Pond - just as wonderful as my first. THANK YOU for holding true to the fundamentals of great food - I love knowing the carrots are heirloom and the beef is Niman Ranch sourced. Organic and sustainably grown foods are the best there is- for taste, flavor and ethics... Which I'm not sure some of these yelpers fully appreciate. Not using pesticides and insisting on supporting local farmers means a slightly higher price point. Kudos. Loved it!
(5)
Fred F.
We visited North Pond yesterday during rainy day in Chicago after my desperate last minute search for restaurant with gorgeous surrounding. North Pond receptionist team was very sweet - they printed "Congratulations" on the menu when I told them we were celebrating my friend's life event. In addition, they were happy to seat us on the window seat albeit a non rainy day would have been ideal time to enjoy the surrounding. Food quality was pretty superb; you could taste the freshness of the ingredients such as monkfish and foie gras (you suck, California). I have to say the highlight of the dish was the horseradish flan and pork belly that accompanied the beet salad - they probably tasted better than the center of the plate: beet. It's worth noting that North Pond is probably one of the few places in Chicago that celebrates local food and that doesn't drench the food with salt. The reason why I deducted 3 stars from my review was due to our server, Nicholas. Nicholas didn't take our order although we have been seated for 20 minutes. In the end, we had to get the manager to get our champagne out and to take our order - I should have taken her name since she was a sweetheart. Throughout the food service, Nicholas was hardly present at our table and when he was present, he was giving us some attitude. At the end of the meal, we mistakenly asked Nicholas to put in our dessert order - which was a simple chocolate mousse. 20-25 minutes later, the dessert didn't show up and my dining partner was not too pleased. We ended up having to alert the manager again and she was apologetic. She comped us with two small glasses of dessert wine. For a recently crowned 1 Michelin Star restaurant, you would expect a first class server. Nicholas' attitude would have been tolerable if we were eating at TGIF or Wendy's.
(2)
Susan C.
This was the best dining experience of my life! Truly deserves their Michelin star. I am also giggling at the poor review that says they did not accommodate vegetarians. A friend at our table is vegetarian and she was given a fair amount of options for dinner. She and everyone else agreed this was our best meal ever. The attention to detail throughout the meal and the beautiful presentation of all the dishes was quite impressive. All the plates were art. To start, I had foie gras...amazing! For my main course, I had the grassfed beef. Everything about this was wonderful as well; it had such an amazing flavor. I can't remember all we had for dessert, but we had a few dishes with macarons, sorbet, etc. All this and a cocktail and I was completely stuffed. Plus, everything was very well priced, which I was surprised about. This meal was outstanding and I can't wait to visit again.
(5)
N S.
great food, svc excellent, a lot better than my first time here. Love the lagoon and all my hx on memory lane ... Brunch menu was a little confusing @ first, they changed it, the only recommendation is to purchase some fresh squeezed O. J.
(4)
Ann W.
My hubby and I went here on a double date with my sister and brother-in-law for Sunday brunch. The location is the first thing that hits you when you arrive. The restaurant sits on a stunning site tucked behind trees, down a path away from the road. If you didn't know it was there, you might never find it. The pond is a pretty site and it's fun to stop and watch the waterfowl for a few minutes before dining. The interior of the restaurant is a lesson is studied prairie style. Someone paid a lot of attention to getting all of the interior details just perfect. Brunch is a three course price-fixe affair with about four selections available for each course. Although the brunch menu doesn't include vegetarian or vegan options, if you call ahead, they'll prepare a veg or vegan meal for you. The service started out fast, but slowed down considerably as the restaurant filled up. I'd suggest getting there early for the best service. I started my brunch with the Mozzarella, Rabbit which was a tasty bit of tender rabbit swimming in a soupy sauce. I was surprised that it was so light and there was not much mozzarella flavor. Next I had the Whitefish, Fennel which was a perfectly crispy piece of fish served with a lovely fennel sauce. I rounded out my meal with the Chocolate, Peanut which was my least favorite of the three courses. I'm a chocolate fiend and while this tiny dessert was beautifully presented, it really didn't push my chocolate buttons. It was a bit too heavy on the peanut butter filling and too light on the chocolate. If I lived in Chicago, this would probably become a fairly regular haunt and I'd be really happy to work my way through all of the brunch choices.
(4)
Jennifer A.
The three-course brunch at North Pond is among the best dining experiences I've ever had. My fiance and I love Lincoln Park and walk by the restaurant often; we've been wanting to try it but are vegetarians and every dish seemed to revolve around meat, so it didn't seem worth the splurge for what we feared would be a single, probably less exciting option. For my birthday, my fiance looked into it and found that they are happy to modify the menu to accommodate vegetarians... The food and service were phenomenal! Our server was knowledgable about each dish, how it's prepared, and whether the meat was integral to the dish or how well it could be modified. He was meticulous enough to find out from the chef whether anything like meat stock had been used without us even having to ask. We were able to choose from most items on the menu and each dish blew us away (descriptions below for vegetarians to see modifications). The restaurant and decor are cozy and the view of the Chicago skyline over the pond and park are stunning. For special occasions, they also customize menus with your message and do special desserts which are lovely personal touches. I highly recommend this for an intimate couple or small group meal and can't wait to try their other seasonal menus. *** We each started with warm Uplands cheese-rutabaga soup - bosc pear, slaw and shallots (minus a smoked trout galette). For our entrees we had squash and cabbage - roasted butternut squash, brown butter, red cabbage, rye crumb and pomegranates (minus some whitefish) - and pasta - fresh beet fettuccine, charred broccolini, smoked creme fraiche and syrup (minus some chicken). They enhanced each dish with additional and different vegetables, such as braised leeks with the squash, rather than just take out the meat. For dessert, we had Pecan, Coconut - red velvet cake, coconut-pecan cream, brown butter ice cream, carmelized pecans, coconut tuile - and Coffee, Orange - coffee panna cotta, blood orange sorbet, chocolate espresso crumble, candied zest. Our mouths are watering for more.
(5)
Shradha A.
Pro: they sure know how to make an occasion special! Staff was not obnoxious at all and very helpful in helping pull off a surprise. Once seated, not only did we have menus that said "congratulations," but were also treated to a complimentary glass of champagne. The service was really good. Of course, the venue and location are unique and special too. It was a chilly Fall night, but the view of the Chicago skyline and the ducks in the pond still made it gorgeous. The only part of the experience I was unimpressed by was the actual food. As a vegetarian, there was nothing on the menu for me (yes, even in 2012 when being vegetarian is a lot more trendy and commonplace) . The chef did prepare a plate of veggies, but it was just okay. My friends didn't think their food was impressive either (fish and seafood) but ill add, food becomes such a small part of the North Pond experience that you don think too much about the taste. The only one other comment I'd like to add is that on a busy-ish night, this place gets a little cramped. For celebrating an intimate occasion, the restaurant layout ain't so private even though the location sure is. All in all, recommended if you're planning to celebrate a special occasion as they sure will make it that!
(3)
Stacy K.
Went here last Saturday and want to give our dinner experience 4.5 stars. Let's talk about the venue itself. The restaurant is nestled beautifully in a hill right on the pond in Lincoln Park with a spectacular view of the park and the skyline. Right when you step in, you get a traditional fine dining vibe which is what I expected for North Pond. Our coats were checked as soon as we stepped inside and we were immediately seated. Our table did the full Tasting Menu ($90 a plate) which covered everything from foie gois and squab to califlower puree and pomegranate to chocolate mousse and cranberry sorbet. My boyfriend is a pretty picky eater, but we both found ourselves cleaning every single plate. The beer and wine suggestions made by our server were spot on for the meal. The seasonal menu which is written daily, is based on locally sourced ingredients, and is certainly worth of that shiny Michelin star. Our server was jovial. You could tell she enjoys what she does and actually eats all the food this restaurant puts out. It took us almost 3 hours to get through the full Tasting Menu and I did not feel rushed at all. I took .5 star off because we were the youngest people (27 and 29) in the entire restaurant. By at least 10 years. Not that I'm an ageist, but made the ambience feel a little stuffier than what it really was.
(4)
Calla L.
Beautiful building design in a lovely (if a little hard to find by taxi )setting on the water with a warm and elegant atmosphere. Add wonderful service, a great seasonal menu with wine pairings for each course and you have a perfect spot for our 40th wedding anniversary celebration. I would definitely return for a special occasion.
(5)
Katie F.
I imagine that dining at North Pond in the warmer months, when you can truly enjoy the park scenery, is wonderful. Even in winter, I was very pleased with the ambiance of the restaurant and found it warm and welcoming, despite the lack of diners on the evening I visited. The food at North Pond is not simple by any means. You can tell from the menu and from the presentation of each dish that a lot of thought goes into each and every detail. I opted for a pomegranate and greens salad, which contained a delicious apple/kale blend and some rosemary madeleines that I wish I'd been able to have more of! Following that, I had the duck entree, which was good, although I did not care for some of the "side" components of the dish. Finally, the dessert earned five stars all on its own -- a trio of sorbets (orange, pear, apple/fennel) that was absolutely fabulous. The presentation of everything is a bit "frou-frou," for sure, but that doesn't detract from how delicious it is. The portion sizes are reasonable -- I left comfortably full, not still-hungry or feeling stuffed. The service was good, and everyone was very kind and helpful. The restaurant does seem to attract an older crowd, for sure, but I didn't mind that. All in all, a very enjoyable dining experience. It would be a pleasure to come here again.
(5)
Yvonne Y.
5 stars for serving very high quality ingredients, interesting wine pairing along with a breathtaking view. Food: Had the tasting menu and the quality of the ingredients was excellent. Loved the prawns over 3 types of melons. They could have served any beef but chose filet mignon. Fig jelly roll that's tasty and not too sweet. Wine/Service: Husband had the wine pairing that was so interesting they gave us the wine pairing list to take home as well. Menu had my name printed on it and provided to us without asking. Little things like they get your acknowledgment before taking your empty plates away. Was a bit chilly sitting by the window and they turned the AC down for us. Tip: Definitely ask for a table with a view.
(5)
Tammy L.
Wow. Just wow. My husband and I came here for brunch for our anniversary recently and really loved the food. The food we had that day was on par with a lot of the great places around town, like Naha, and the brunch prix fixe is a great bargain. I am a pescatarian so I ordered the crab-avocado dish for the starter and the gulf shrimp with seared gnocchi for the main dish. In those dishes, the fantastic vegetables were the stars, rather than the seafood! The crab-avocado dish was so beautiful and fresh--I would definitely return sometime to try the dinner version, which I believe has dungeness crab instead of lump. The shrimp dish only contained 2 shrimp, though they were large. But the seared beet gnocchi were so rich and delicious, and the numerous accompaniments on the plate, such as the beetiest beet I've ever tasted, were all delicious. For dessert I picked the raspberry sorbet with pistachio financier, and I wasn't disappointed. The berries were so good, and the financier was very moist and flavorful. Service was not bad and the atmosphere is laid back, which is probably why this isn't quite up to the same overall level as other similarly priced places in the city. But the food shines, so Bruce Sherman's recent James Beard recognition is well-deserved, IMO.
(5)
Nikki P.
One of our favorite restaurants. We always have a good meal with the Chef menu. Wonderful service and setting. If you let them know you are there for a special occasion, they will give give you a personalized menu and dessert plate.
(5)
Carla H.
Selected by my sister who had been there twice before, I loved the setting of this restaurant, which is nestled into a hillside and faces the pretty pond, beyond which is the dramatic city skyline. Our party of four arrived early, and were asked to sit at the bar, which we did, but before we could order drinks, we were seated at our dinner table. Our evening was hampered by the fact that our waitress could not hear us, and we could not understand her. She was pleasant, but ineffective. She got our wine orders wrong, which was not a big deal, but at these prices, you expect flawless service. She also gave us incredibly complicated instructions after dinner as to how they would summon a taxi for us, and she told us we had to walk quickly after we left the building, or their valet would release the taxi to others. There was no valet where she sent us, and we had to flag down our own taxi. Small thing, but honestly, to be told to hurry along the path, and then to be standing there on the edge of the park in the dark, wondering if a valet or taxi was ever going to appear, was sort of a strange ending. The complementary foie gras morsel was spectacular. My first course was the "Egg, Tomato", which was tasty. The "coulis" reminded me of tomato soup, but the flavor was nice. I would have preferred that my egg not be nearly raw, but I hadn't asked how it was cooked, so my bad. My entree was the "Duck, Peach" was was described as "Pan-browned duck breast, smoked duck meat, charred peaches and compote, baby leek, rainbow chard, hazelnut streusel". I received two slices of duck breast (3 inches x 1/2 inch) which were nearly impossible to slice, even with the steak knife. I had to saw at them! There was one peach half and some mushy peach stuff. The chard and the little hazelnut "birdsnest" (not a streusel) were both very tasty, but were more garnishes than side dishes. I thought the portion of duck was incredibly stingy and not at all tender, and the entree was not worth $36--not by a long shot. Others in our party had the Pork tenderloin and Red Snapper, and they both liked their dinners. My dessert was the Peach mascarpone feuilletee. It was not "feuiletee" at all--as I cut it with the side of my fork, I had to really push hard to cut through the pastry. It was not light and flaky and there were no perceptible layers; its texture was more like a biscuit than puff pastry. The nasturtium ice cream was unique, and the flowers are grown on-site, which is nice to know. I very much liked the European-trained manner of having all entrees at the table served at once by as many waiters as there are persons in your party. That's impressive. So, in a nutshell, I'd say this place is beautiful to look at, but the menu is too self-conscious, the service is uneven, and the prices are not justified by the food served. Skip it.
(3)
Jessica W.
My husband took me to North Pond last Friday for my birthday and it was a truly special treat. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Alice Waters and Chez Panisse, French Laundry, etc. So I have a particularly critical palette. I was totally impressed by each dish. My main dish was called "Goat, Squash" and paired the most amazing meat with sweet maple butternut squash cubes and golden raisins. Also on the plate was goat shank on a bed of green herbs - very Springy. The service was attentive and respectful and the atmosphere is beautiful. Bravo! This is the perfect spot for a celebration.
(5)
Eric B.
An evening at the North Pond ends as it begins, a whimper on the edge of a pond on the edge of a lake on the edge of a state on the edge of a world falling off the edge of a planet spinning irreversibly into oblivion. In other words, North Pond underwhelms. It saddens me, for the pull of localvoria in a picaresque woodland locale should be cause for celebration. Sadly, the execution is lacking as a whole. North Pond presents an odd conundrum; dine in the colder months, when game appears on the menu, but the locale discourages, or dine in the warmer months, where the menu may be blase, but the pond beckons? We gambled on game, and lost. Your meal may begin well, for foie gras can be there for you, and you will enjoy it, as you cannot but enjoy, for foie gras is one of the view divine blessings left for us; it will be good. But you'll be blinded by poor design; the walls are heavily wooded, seemly designed by an acolyte of Frank Lloyd Wright gone mad. The overdose of Prairie Style paneling douses the dining room in wooden darkness; a darkness brutally contrasted by the blindingly glaring white lights of the exposed kitchen. It makes for an uncomfortable contrast. Furthermore, the exposed kitchen is a puzzling design choice; I am paying far too much to have my meal intruded upon by the cacophony of creation. So we must suffer in twilight. Meanwhile, your second course may provide some light-hearted juiciness, such as a crisp scallop dish or something similarly exotic. it may well be delicious and lovely, but it will only belie the disappointment to come. Your third course will disappoint, because of course you were hoping for significant game, but even in the depths of winter your only option is pheasant, which will be crushingly, disappointingly dry. Spaetzle cannot save it, nor can sausage. it simply dulls you, and the dullness of the dish dulls your senses. You'll have no desire for dessert, so you'll simply leave. And so you'll leave, and you'll let your server know you are leaving, and he will acknowledge it, and so will the maitre'd, and so will other members of the staff, and they will all ask you where you are heading, and you will tell them, and they will ask you if you need a taxi, and you will tell them you do, and they will tell you a taxi will be waiting for you at the landing spot, oh yes it will be there they tell you, but it is 15 below zero and you are walking past the ice laden pond to the road and no cab is there, nor is there a cab master, and you stand there, frozen yet not at all full from your meal, and just hope that you can raise Uber, when, in the distance you see the light, the trapezoidal light on top of a vehicle - is it, could it be? it is! a vacant cab, awaiting passengers, appearing not from a call from the restaurant, but a blessing from serendipity, and it pulls up in front of you, as manna from heaven often arrives in front of hungry travelers, or as water turns into wine in front of bacchus, or grass into grass in front of anyone, or rock into meth in front of Heisenberg, or etc into etc, and so finally you are able to leave this dead lake, this dead park, and look forward to warm whiskey in warm surroundings with warm people, and you can put this blase experience behind you, never to return.... All of which is to day, dining at North Pond is a hassle. And then next day you wake, and have vague feelings of dread as you review your credit card statement, and wonder why so much can produce so little, and you reiterate your vow never, ever to return.
(2)
Dennis J.
Spectacular. The ambiance is a bit on the conservative side for me, but comfortable and intimate. And you have to walk through the beautiful North Pond part of Lincoln Park to get there. What an amazing way to prepare for a great meal! We came for our third anniversary and they had printed "Happy Third Anniversary" on the menus for us. Cute. The cocktails were excellent, not as boozy as you'd get at one of the better bars but perfectly mixed to accompany the delicious food. Oh, the food! We got: Foie Gras, fruit: a much larger portion of foie than we were expecting but it was so good, we definitely ate much more than we had expected. Mozzarella, Artichoke (Fresh Mozzarella, Oven Roasted Tomato, Marinated Baby Artichokes, Basil, Toasted Focaccia, Balsami): The mozzarella was spectacular, definitely the best I've ever had. And the basil! I felt like I was eating it off the plant in the garden and that it was only dark sorcery that made it look like it was on a plate in front of me. The freshest greens I've tasted in Chicago. Charcuterie, Nut (Pork Jowl Pastrami, Rabbit Rillettes, Tongue Terrine, Foie Mousse, Bresaola; Apricot, Hazelnuts, Jam, Pickles, Toast): Do you love charcuterie? If so, this will delight you. It was pretty large and I probably shouldn't have eaten as much as I did, but I did and I regretted nothing. Rabbit, Rhubarb (Pancetta-Wrapped Herbed Saddle; Buttermilk Braise, Rhubarb Jam, Green Garlic, Watercress, Hazelnut Rabbit "Truffle"): I'm running out of ways to say that the food was fantastic. I don't want you to get synonym fatigue. Bison: My wife agreed this was one of the best meat dishes she'd ever had. Carrot, Cream Cheese (Carrot Cake, Brown Butter Snow, Cream Cheese Espuma, Cardamom Ice Cream, Golden Raisins, Nuts): Was there room for dessert? No. But I ordered it anyway. We won't be back here for a while (purely out of budgetary concern) so why not taste across their whole range? I was expecting something sweeter, but it was actually on the savory side. Which was ended up being for the best because it cut some of the richness of the previous courses. The service was excellent. We would highly recommend North Pond. It's going on my "Worth It" list.
(5)
Michael N.
As a preamble, I've dined at most of the top restaurants in the U.S., so these comments are based upon valid, long-term comparable experiences. *The view is wonderful and Lincoln Park is bucolic. All the reviews are spot on as this being a wonderful ambiance. Grade of "A". *Food gets a "B". Nothing overly creative but well -xecuted. *Service - "C". Several miscues and lack of listening skills, hard to give a better grade. *Other - "F"...one member of our party has a shellfish allergy. The others wanted the tasting menu (which had two courses with shellfish). The chef would not (1) substitue the shellfish on the tasting menu or (2) allow us to order the tasting menu and she order something without shellfish. First time in the U.S. I have EVER had a chef with this lack of common sense. So...I won't be back. Too many intelligent chefs to spend my money with folks who don't get it and make excuses.
(2)
Cori D.
Had been here many years ago and just went for my birthday, and it's still as fantastic as ever. Food was perfect, service was perfect and decor was lovely. Great place for a romantic dinner.
(5)
Sarah L.
Wonderful experience. Staff is expert, I would go so far as to say mind readers. Beautiful interior, exquisite attention to detail, lovely setting, diverse crowd of guests and staff, great wine and drinks, AMAZING DESSERT. Food had good intentions and was imaginative and well designed but flavor was a little too intense and complex for me and almost every dish was over seasoned. However it is absolutely worth the experience and the price point is so fair for the quality, makes it an experience that is accessible. Go very early, like 5 pm, or very late, to try to get a seat overlooking the pond. Otherwise enjoy the busy and warm interior and get a great view of the kitchen working their magic! God bless the hostesses who work here who probably constantly deal with drama regarding sitting by the windows. Will return for drinks at the bar and a more casual experience I think, focusing on dessert and drinks and atmosphere! But definitely worth at least one trip to have the entire dining experience first.
(4)
Jami S.
Fantastic, romantic spot for a special occasion! Went for my bday and loved it. Having to walk under the bridge to get to North Pond was cool and different. The views of the pond and park are amazing. Food was great, service was great, dirty martinis = fantastic. They even put my name in the menu and gave us a (small) free dessert with a Happy Birthday. All nice touches. Everything we ordered tasted wonderful & I am NOT a foodie. But cannot wait to return. -1 star for not seating us in the dining room overlooking the park. They said it was booked but when we got there it was not. I guess if you make resos you need to specify that you want the scenic view, otherwise you cannot see the park or pond at all.
(4)
Diana S.
Oh my sweet baby Jesus-- so serene! I went to the North Pond on a whim- I had friends in town from Pittsburgh and we wanted a place on the water.......... What we got was WAY different than what we expected. Starting from the beginning and the little walk through the woods on a path to get from the street to the restaurant... to walking in and being seated right away (on father's day no less!) to the calm and soothing voice of our server- the atmosphere was incredibly amazing. And then came the food. I got the shrimp starter which was breath taking to look at and then came actually tasting it- after of course instagramming it! The shrimp was cooked perfectly as were the clams, it was just the perfect small portion size to whet my palate for my entree- I had the waigu beef cooked medium and I swear to you I wiped that plate clean. It was impeccable, moist, perfectly seasoned, perfectly paired with the sauce and accompaniments. One more note about the restaurant, we were all pretty full and declined desserts when the server brought us our checks, she also had mini pana cottas for us that were also out of this world! After I left the restaurant all I've been able to do is plan the next trip out there. I loved it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Shim E.
We have been very satisfied diners at North Pond for years, but feared its acquiring international status thanks to Michelin. Sadly, our fears were fulfilled. The food has turned from imaginative to silly as we thought it might. The dishes were always more elaborate than they need be, but now two actually were poorly done, as well as with far too many ingredients. The first course scallops in rapini was over spiced (with cumin I believe) so the taste of the many other ingredients were lost. No one could have identified the taste of the scallops. Of course, they were visually hard to find as well, being a negligible fraction of the mass. The lamb main course, with three kinds of lamb, was frankly a disaster: the six or so slices of roast lamb were UNseasoned. No herbs (thyme or rosemary are customary in French cooking) and also no salt at all. One of the three kinds of lab was a "lamb tongue" not more than 1 sq. inch in size. Actually, I should have sent the dish back to the kitchen, but could not break the heart of my companion who was celebrating her birthday and enjoying every minute of the ambiance and scenery.. Desserts were so ridiculously elaborate (say 6 components each) that we would not consider them. Another diner did, and left half uneaten. Service was excellent, but the detail with which dishes were described (even to customers who said they did not want to hear the detail, as we overheard) was actually amusing. Perhaps we will next be given the output of a mass spectrometer to tell us what we are having! Another restaurant has lost all common sense. How terribly sad!
We arrived at opening, about an hour before our reservation. We were not seated any earlier. Once seated we waited 10 minutes before being greeted by any service staff, which was actually the manager, whom we asked for a menu. The service was slow and food was not anything I couldn't have made a home. Average food, poor service, cold and drafty. We will not be going back but the actual setting was lovely. they did provide us with a personalized menu that was very nice.
(2)
Ron S.
The char on Father's Day was perfect, the service meticulous and attentive and the "patio" one of the great locations in Chicago. A meal that I will remember for a very long time.
(5)
Ian M.
Excellent experience. Service was great, the atmosphere was very pleasant, and the food was delightful. It's a perfect place for special occasions. Pricey, but worth the money for sure.
(5)
Miller S.
This place is great, but REALLY EXPENSIVE. Yes, all caps expensive. 5 dollar signs if possible. It's pretty much worth it in every way, though. The location is fantastic, right on the North Pond in Lincoln Park, with some really spectacular views. The food is market fresh and phenomenal. I had some of the best duck I have ever had there, as well as foie gras that almost brought tears to my eyes. They have a full bar, and some really innovative house cocktails. Overall, it is a 5 star experience. But dat price. This is a place you go to only on the most special of occasions. But having dinner there can only make that occasion that much better.
(4)
Jen R.
Bruce Sherman's Well Deserved James Beard Award is proof enough this place is a must go. He's been nominated enough times & should have got one every year. You feel as if you have left the city, the view is beautiful, in the winter the fireplace is going. Lovely wine list, seasonal menu & lovely service. In the summer they open for lunch, check it out its worth it. The only problem is trying to get to this place, sometimes the Cabbies have NO CLUE where this place is.....
(5)
Liz B.
I am so thankful to the North Pond for taking every measure to make my birthday a special one. I made the reservation ahead of time on Open Table, explained that I used to live in the neighborhood, now live in NYC, and am bringing my husband here for the first time on my 35th birthday. I requested a pond view table and they did not disappoint. We were seated immediately at a prime spot overlooking the pond and Lincoln Park. They also took the time to add a couple personalized touches throughout the evening. I don't want to spoil the surprises for other birthday-goers, but let's just say the North Pond team will make every effort to put magic into your special occasion. Thank you again for a memory made purely magical by the North Pond Team!
(5)
Kirsten F.
i'm having a bit of a fit right now about overly styled food. you know exactly what i am talking about and you know how dated it is: little piles of parts of your dinner scattered about the plate, seemingly at random (but really highly strategized and debated); great swaths of sauce careening around, but missing the food altogether; perhaps an architectural stack of something towering over the cowering piles... it's just too much. too precious, too calculated, too artsy. the 1980's called and they want their food back! north pond falls prey to this out-dated trend with their plating. unfortunately. fortunately, that is the only flaw i can find in this otherwise perfect place. the focus is on local, seasonal, organic ingredients and the combinations are often spectacular. the menu featured appropriately rich, comforting, homey foods for mid-february. gingerbread encrusted venison and fabulous steak, mashed celery root, roasted tri-color beets, slow-roasted oxtail, and on and on. this brings me back, somewhat obsessively, to my problem with frou-frou plating: this type of food looks a little silly arranged in quasi-delicate stacks and drizzled with lacy sauces. like a line backer crammed into a tutu. ok, sorry. back to all of the wonderful aspects of the dinner... the ambiance is unique and charming. set in lincoln park, accessible only by a foot path, and done in perfect arts and crafts detail, this is truly a special occasion destination. plan a birthday, anniversary or other celebration at north pond.
(5)
Sarah S.
I would like to go back to this place. I went for my birthday dinner and I just flew back from Europe on that day, so I wasn't too much into eating and staying out late. But food was great, I enjoyed it no matter the jet lag. I had the tasting menu and everything was fantastic. Service was very good too, so overall we had a great experience. Location is nice too
(5)
Barbara T.
Went to North Pond for my boyfriends birthday. Be aware that the parking valet does not start until 5:30pm ( we drove around looking for someone ). Service was good although there were several pregnant pauses between courses. We were there for over three hours and my complaint is how uncomfortable the chairs were. I couldn't really enjoy the meal due to the hard wooden chairs at the tables over looking the Pond. Food was good, I had Duck and my boyfriend had fish. I wish I sould say it was amazing for what I paid, but it just was not.
(3)
South B.
Beautiful setting but very expensive. $33 a person for breakfast! We decided it was too expensive so we left.
(3)
Deedle L.
Yes the food was amazing, yes the building is amazing......I agree with my fellow reviewers, my beef is not with the food. We had an early reservation and got a booth adjacent to the kitchen (none of the beautiful window views for us) and heard more than once some strong profanity coming from the kitchen. I felt this was not not an experience a 5 star restaurant should provide, maybe I am a prude. So be it.
(3)
Lindsay S.
North Pond is truly amazing. My boyfriend took me there recently for my birthday and the staff gave us the perfect table with an amazing view of the park/downtown, our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the food was outstanding. Best seared foie gras I've been able to find in Chicago - it is easily comparable to dishes I've had in Cape Town and Napa. I'll go back just for a bottle of wine and their foie. YUM!
(5)
Milana M.
By far one of the most disappointing dining experiences in Chicago. The restaurant came highly recommended and so it was an obvious choice for date night. The service was decent - our waiter was attentive, but the wait for each course, including the drinks was uncomfortably lengthy. There were several times throughout dinner where we found ourselves sitting at an empty table for 15+ minutes at a time. The food was not edible. I ordered the carrot, crab appetizer which came out with a beautiful presentation and looked appetizing. I cut into it in and a gray liquid came out. I proceeded to try and eat it, but it reeked of the fishy/seaweed smell. I sent the dish back in hopes of better luck with the main course. I had initially ordered the potato-crusted sea bass, but was informed that the restaurant ran out, and was instead talked into a potato-crusted mahi. When that arrived, again, beautiful presentation, but it had the most unbearable fishy smell. I tried a little piece, but it was just not something I was willing to consume. I ate the boiled baby potatoes that came with it and called it a night. The bill was hefty, the experience was sub par and the food was not edible. I walked out hungry, and will not be coming back.
My friends and I went here for chef's week. Love the restaurant atmosphere and decor. They have a great view of the city. The food were delicious and light, and fantastic presentation. I would definitely come back here. A wonderful place for date night.
(5)
A R.
Came here with a friend right when they opened and we got sat in a back corner. Which was weird because there were a lot of two tops open by the balcony windows and it was a beautiful day. We were able to move. The server really pushed the dessert, she basically told us we can't leave without dessert. So we ordered 2 apps, an entree to share, and each ordered dessert because she really wanted us to have it. She seemed very annoyed with that...but she really pushed that dessert. The apps were great, soft shelled crab and crab leg I think. We shared the lobster and baby chicken for an entree. The lobster was dry and over seasoned, but I'm from Maine so I'm picky with my lobster. I've just never had a lobster tail actually taste bad, until here. He chicken was undercooked, I was pretty creeped out so I didn't eat it. I didn't tell the server because she didn't seem to like us. I get it-I've been a server for 7 years, it's annoying that we split an entree, but the place didn't even fill up while we were there so she could have been happy that she was able to turn such a quick table. Dessert was good, bill was a little over $100. I have no problem spending money on good food but I am happy we only got one entree and didn't waste money on 2. I'll never go back, it's one of those places that you go to once for the experience and that's kind of it.
(3)
Bill E.
This was our first visit to this restaurant. It was to celebrate a birthday for a friend and it was a great decision to go here. Bar: the bar is small and located in the entrance to the restaurant. They have a limited selection of choices of alcohol but the bartender was able to mix some nice drinks that satisfied our party. There is only 7 or 8 stools but we did not have a problem in sitting our party of 4. I would think in the summer it could get crowded. Atmosphere: the restaurant is located in a small building in a small pond/lake in a small park. Our cab let us off on the street and it's then a couple of minutes walk into the park to get to the restaurant. It was a cold evening so outdoor seating was not an option but in the summer it would be beautiful. The indoors is dark wood with well spaces tables. The lighting is subdued. It was not crowded the night we were there so the noise level was low. I could see it getting noisy if the restaurant was full. Wine List: the wine selection did not contain anything we were familiar with. We chose to do the tasting menu with wine pairings so we did not have to choose. The waiter was very familiar with the wines and could help with a choice if needed. Menu: the menu is not epic but have very nice choices. We had the tasting menu which consisted of an appetizer, salad, two mains, and a dessert. The chef also gave us an extra course, a palate cleanser before dessert, and then some small cookies after the dessert. Everything we had was well presented. The portion sizes were on the small side but we did not leave hungry. Service: the bartender when we arrived was friendly and helpful. Our waiter was friendly. He knew the menu and was able to describe ingredients and preparations with us. The meal was well spaces leaving plenty of time for conversation without making us feel rushed or ignored. We had a great evening and will make this a routine stop on our future visits to Chicago.
(5)
Steve A.
An idyllic setting for a restaurant. When you can sit in the front room with all the wall opened up on a nice evening there is no more pleasant dining venue in Chicago. We had the tasting menu, and felt that it contained many interesting and delicious ingredients that didn't necessarily combine into something greater than the individual parts. But each dish had lots going on in it, for sure. The most successful were actually two courses that were added, a amuse bouche of curry and pineapple soup, and a pre-dessert with mace ice cream. The dessert itself was also a highlight. THe accompanying wine pairing is a good deal. While there are no stunners, the wines work well with the dishes, particularly considering home many disparate flavors there are in each one. Our waiter, though hurried, was obviously really passionate, and shared an anecdote about each wine. Overall I'd certainly return, not so much for the wine as for the overall experience.
(4)
Kristine M.
Delicious! Go for the tasting menu! The foie gras was my favorite course. Simply flawless! Everything was very inventive in its flavor profiles and texture combinations. I would recommend this place any day of the week.
(5)
Matt H.
I can't say enough about the dining experience last night, from the incredible atmosphere, over the top service and exquisite food. They made my mothers 70th birthday and first with out her husband of 45 years an incredible memory and she was on cloud nine and I can't rave enough about our experience. Thank you to all of you at North Pond!!!! You are dining done right!!!!
(5)
Mr K.
Had the pleasure of dining here while tackling a handful of Michelin restaurants on vacation. We happened to be here on a Sunday where our server informed us it was a little slower than usual. That was actually a blessing for us. The dining room had a nice quiet calm to it. I'm sure the service here is usually very good, but on this night it was impeccable. The food here is everything you expect from a Michelin caliber restaurant - thoughtful, well composed and visually stunning. The wife and I both had the seasonal tasting menu while my 8 year old opted for the rabbit entree and dessert. i'm not going to break down all the dishes, but I will say that when you start with foie as an amuse, you know it's going to be a good night. My daughter's rabbit dish was sublime, it had three different preparations of the protein with a delicious sauce. The tasting menu was nothing to sneeze at, but the highlight was definitely the hay steamed poussin. The bird had just the slightest hint of game and it was perfectly juicy and tender. The accompanied pearl potatoes and alfalfa espuma were a match made in heaven. Also, the bird is first brought out in its entirety for inspection. It is then taken in the back to be carved and plated. My daughter loved this dish so much that they actually made her a third plate for her to personally enjoy. Now that is above and beyond. Now, the only downer of the night was when all was said and done, we needed a cab to get back to our hotel. We were told to walk through the park to valet stand where one could be hailed. Well, it was getting rather late and the valet guy was closing up. He was unhelpful in getting a cab and we ended up walking quite a ways to get to a major street with taxi traffic.
(4)
Trina J.
Been there. Done that and I have the Tshirt. It is an adorable place with long wood windows facing the pond, dim lighting and lots of wood every where else. Cute. Real cute, with a cute story. But, no cigar. Cute does not cut it. Never did. Never will. I get the value of a Michelin star. I really do. But once you get beyond the stars, substance and overall sustainability is important. North Pond is nothing more than an average meal that you could easily get at most tasting menu places in the city minus the snobby staff person, undesirable view and typical pricing. In sum, I left North Pond disappointed about most things. It was not worth the time or money. ($135 per person price tag before gratuity.) Location The restaurant sits directly in Lincoln Park across from a pond. In the early 1900s, the building was used to warm ice skaters. Cute location. Getting There (Parking & Transportation) The Open Table email tells you valet is offered at the intersection of Lakeview and Deming. The person who called to confirm the reservation did not note anything different. After getting to the address with no hint of a sidewalk, we called the restaurant and were told valet parking is actually on Stockon and if you get dropped off at the actual address on Cannon Dr., per the restaurant, it is their service entrance. .....We were instructed to have a taxi drop us off at Lakeview and Deming and to walk over the hill. We hiked the hill in heels which quickly became covered with mud. Upon a departure, we were guided to the walking path which ends at a gazebo. We were told a taxi is waiting, only to arrive at the gazebo with no taxi in sight. We crossed the street and walked down the hill to get back to Lakeview and Deming in hopes of a passing cab. Once one approached, the valet guy magically appeared to open the door and collect his tip for a less than stellar performance. Unbelieveable. Reservations Not worth a wooden nickel. Reservations are encouraged but you do not receive any material benefit. We made reservations 8 weeks out only to be seated a short glance away from the kitchen and wait staff standing area. Do we have to watch these folks polish silverware and chat it up? We would rather a better view or none at all. What happened to a great view???? "Uh, the seats with great views of the park or pond are first come, first serve with no regard for reservation." WTH?!! Yes, there are empty tables near the water but we have a place for your party right "here". Watch our workers all night and we cannot believe you are not happy with such a view. Food & Wine Pairing The five course meal for $90 with "2" additional courses courtesy of the chef were not memorable. Cute, nicely done and larger than normal portions but it was typical restaurant creations completely incapable of competing with other Chicago Michelin star restaurants I have tried. IMO, the $45 wine pairing was the real treat. The wines were great with the dishes but great stand alone wines as well. I enjoyed 3 of the 5 pairings (Rose, Vouvray & Ice Wine) enough to order them or buy them some time. Interestingly, the pairings are not sold by the glass at North Pond. If you are curious about the pour, you receive about 2.5 ounces of wine. Service Our waiter was very personable and the most memorable part of the dining experience. She checked on us regularly and offered plenty of tidbits throughout the 2.5 hour dining experience. Our hostess was a total snob and had the audacity to become visibly annoyed when we asked about seating with a view. We decided to make the best of our cash register and waiter's stand view, but having tried the very best their menu offers, we seriously wish we had left after the initial snarl we received.
(2)
Sandra W.
North Pond Owner Chef Bruce Sherman and Mgr. Natalie Labun: Please pay attention to your reviews. The problem with some restaurants with chef owners is that they get entirely too wrapped up in their art, or their rating as a chef and forget about their customers. They disregard the feelings of their patrons and this is passed on to the manager. North Pond's greatest asset is its location, not necessarily the gourmet food. Do not deny patrons their desire to be seated where they have a view of the pond/Lincoln Park. This is a huge mistake currently being made by your restaurant. Many of the complaints have to do with initial treatment of customers and the handling of seating. Your front of the house manager/staff is the main reason for this one star rating. Why? Because the treatment of customers upon arrival is crucial and North Pond fails miserably. My complaint is not much different from others that I have read about this same issue, however I wish I had read them prior to going to this restaurant. North Pond is very expensive, and the level of service from the moment of entry by customers into the restaurant should be of a high quality. This did not happen. We made our reservation over 10 days in advance for a birthday celebration. We specifically asked to be seated with a view of the "pond," which was on a weekday early evening. The restaurant was not busy, just a few tables of 2 or 3. We arrived on time, and were told by the management that there were no tables available for our party of four in the front area of the restaurant which had the view, even though there were two empty tables for six. We were told that seating was on a first come first seated basis, even though we pointed out that we had a reservation that specifically requested a view. We also pointed out to the manager that there were two tables in the front section for six. She said that this was for "larger" parties who might come in and so that needed to be saved in case this happens. Please note: those table were not reserved. As far as I could tell, those tables were never filled for the duration of the time that we were there, which was about 2 1/2 hrs. We were led into the main dining room, and seated in a dark area with no view whatsoever except of the kitchen. The attitude of the manager is what set the tone in a negative way. Had she been nicer, and more willing to accommodate our family for this special celebration, this being on a weekday early evening around 6pm, this would have made all of the difference to us. Management needs to change this system, if indeed it is their policy to ignore reservations and reservation requests. Otherwise, this manager should really be fired, because as someone said, it is one thing to aspire to be a high end restaurant, but when the front-of-the-house treats the customers as if they looking to be seated in a diner, it is unacceptable. We were shuffled to a booth in a dark corner to the left part of the interior dining room, and behind the front-of-the-house podium, in front of the kitchen with a clear view of the comings and goings of wait staff and workers in the kitchen. As many frequent diners would agree, this is probably the worst location in a restaurant. The level of service from our server was top notch. The food was interesting and beautifully presented. However, the initial experience that we had via the manager, regarding getting the seating we desired was more than disappointing. I doubt that we will return anytime soon unless we find out that this has changed, and I certainly cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. At a cost of over $530 for four people, we expect more.
(1)
Jay I.
Our brunch experience was a 4.5 star one. We had our brunch 6 months ago and this is definitely one of my top 10 restaurants in Chicago, but somehow, I completely forgot to review this one (and of course to add to my top 10 list). Parking can be a hassle. It is either you park at the valet which is some walk away (not at the restaurant spot) or you park on the street. I had 3 rounds of driving in circle before getting a spot. Took us about 5 minutes. We had 3 course brunch which was 33 dollars per person. I thought this was not a bad deal at all considering the quality of the food. Since it's been too long I can't really remember what dishes we had (will post pictures though), but we remember they were all tasty. One thing that really stood out was the soup dish with bacon, egg and some green (I guess watercress). Lastly I really liked the location, minus parking, because you can walk out and enjoy the walk along the lake. When we were there we saw a family of ducks walking around and swimming in the lake. Like 5 ducks were following their parents (hopefully), cruising the lake. It was one of those moments when you really really wanted to have DSLR on your hand.
(4)
Jeannine T.
The location of North Pond is simply charming, overlooking a pond that directs your eyes straight at downtown Chicago and a magnificent view of Sears Tower. Not a bad backdrop to dine to. The restaurant never book reservations to a point where it's crowded. I like the fact that I'm not trying to talk to my friends over loud background noise. I enjoy that the tables are nicely spaced out and we have our personal space. This, collectively, adds to an intimate and enjoyable dining experience. I am a repeated customer at North Pond, and it wasn't until recently that I stopped in for brunch. The food here is phenomenal and it's truly a culinary gem. I won't be able to list out the food or drinks as recommendation as their menu rotates with the season. This, in turn, provides a new experience every visit. Their brunch is not cheap but it's so very delicious that it's worth every penny.
(5)
Carol S.
Put this one on your 'must do' list! From setting to food quality, service to selection, North Pond excels. Although I could have eaten less, I could not resist ordering all 4 courses. The heirloom tomato salad was the most delicious you can imagine, preceded by sweet crab and followed by succulent sea bass. The sorbet sampler was the perfect end. Wines perfectly paired and Kristi's service attentive with casual ease. I will return....is next week too soon?
(5)
erica f.
Our server was great and the vibe was AWESOME but the food was like what. Some plates were delicious and some were from outer space in a bad way.
(3)
Daniel B.
Went for a Chef Week tasting and was very happy with our meal. The wine pairings were more interesting than I was expecting, but still enjoyable. More intimate and upscale than say, Girl and the Goat or Next. Beautiful building, idyllic location, good service, and great food. Nothing bad to say.
(5)
Joel G.
Interesting as I look through my reviews and see I have never reviewed North Pond. Been here multiple times and I guess I just never put my thoughts to Yelp on this place which is crazy as I have enjoyed it every time I have gone. Sundays reason to visit North Pond....Chef week has started and I thought I would get an early start to a week of fine dining. There are few places that I can think of that are better suited for this type of food demonstration. This is one of the first places I can think of that was doing farm to table/local products before that was all the rage. Couple of key points for North Pond. First it's a great location, one of the nicest setups in the city. It's tucked away in Lincoln Park in a old warming house for ice skating. Beautiful setup on the ponds with a view of the Hancock building down the lagoons along the lake. It's almost like you are not in the city while you a dead in the middle of a busy area. The building itself is a charming Prairie design setup with basically two rooms. Ask to be seated in the front room near the fireplace for great views. I put the views from this 2nd next to Everest. 2nd always great staff that are into their food. Great service and friendly environment makes that inviting and enjoyable. 3rd food is always excellent. 4th great place for a date as you can take a nice walk after dinner. I have eaten hear several times and they have all been great. This week is chef's week so they are doing a 4 course meal for $44 plus a nice wine pairing for $20 additional. Two options on the menu, one seafood and the other beef. We basically ordered two tastings and asked that they bring opposites so we tried everything. We did add the foie gras to our dinner.... it's outstanding, one of the best we have had in several years.... we actually added it twice as we ordered it again near the end of our meal... yep twice and I'd suggest you do the same ;) Beef dish was excellent and we both thought better than the fish dish. For the app they had a soup (take on St Patty's day with corned beef) and a octopus terrine. The terrine was top notch and I would order that again and again. The soup was solid and my wife enjoyed it, I liked it as well but what we always end up doing is comparing the two items in ever course. Terrine wins this hands down but the soup was a great take on the holiday. Amuse Bouche was really a tasty little start.... would like to get that as an appetizer.... maybe 6 of the little mushroom balls of goodness. I do not recall what it all was but it was a tasty little start. The wine pairings we interesting. Whites were better than the reds however there was a Chianti that was very good. All paired well with the food. Only item that I wasn't thrilled with was the desert but it's not due to quality I'm just not a coconut fan. Top it all off there was a very nice couple that got engaged that evenning. Watched the young guy sweat it out as his soon to be fiance was delayed to major traffic issues going on. It was like a drama telivision show. Sent the poor guy a drink as he was checking the ring, checking his phone, looking very stressed. Everyone gave them a nice round of applause once he popped the question. Overall great night and fun dinner.
(5)
MATTHEW J.
My wife and I were visiting Chicago for our first anniversary and were recommended North Pond as an excellent place to celebrate. When we arrived we were greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and an anniversary welcome. I was a little disappointed at first as I had requested a seat in the "front room" where you have a view of downtown, but we were seated a table in the backroom near the kitchen. However, after our first course, our wonderful server Nicholas, told us he had a table open up right at the front window if we would like to move, which we did and had the rest of our dinner with an incredible view. Nicholas was an excellent server with a deep knowledge of the menu and an ease in which he explained the dishes and made recommendations, not to mention quite personal and very aware of our special evening. As for the special anniversary touches, our menu was personalized for us with our names and 1st anniversary congralutations printed in the title, we received a complimentary round of sparkling wine, a special appetizer/welcome "tasting" from the chef, a special dessert with our names and 1st anniversary written in chocolate around the edge of the dessert plate and a very warm treatment from the entire staff from hostess, to server to bussers, to the valet for our cab at the end of the evening. And this is all without giving recognition to the outstanding food we enjoyed. The dishes we tried were amazing. The menu descriptions were quite complex to read (meaning - how will they get all of these into this dish?). Every dish we tried somehow pulled it off, with great success. We had the Carrot, Crab and Egg. Pork for our first courses, the Bison, Grape salad (which was by far my favorite - who knew grapes would compliment carpaccio and blue cheese so well?!? Excellent!) and we both had the Grassfed Beef, Mushroom mains (Koren-style short-rib along with the rib-eye medallion and mushrooms, yum) and finished with Peanut, Caramel. Delish! Coming from another great restaurant town in San Francisco, we were quite impressed with the entire experience at North Pond. We would come back again just to experience more of your menu with Nicholas as our guide. Thank you Nicholas for helping make our first anniversary so special!
(5)
Stella W.
Food and services were as good as I remembered, if not better! The charming and cozy interior made the dining experience feel intimate and romantic, rather than stuffy and pretentious. I love off the beaten path places: places that last the test of time, that don't rely much on PR but the qualities to prove they are worthy, and I think North Pond is one of these places....Not just a Michelin-starred, but a stella starred restaurant :P The reason for 1 star off was that the service on our dining night was great but super slow. The lag time between each courses were unreasonably and extremely long. I thought it may just be that they didn't want to rush us through the evening, and it's not really a big deal to me since i don't like being rushed through meals and i wasn't starving that i would get grumpy over this, but the table next to us actually complained to the manager, and my super patient bf also mentioned it
(4)
David R.
Much is made, and rightfully so, of the view of the park from the restaurant, but how about the interior of this place? I have never seen a handsomer example of Arts and Crafts decor. This proves to be a (mostly) satisfactory compensation when one fails to score a window table despite making one's reservations six weeks in advance. (Ahem.) But it's probable that I wouldn't have been looking around much--either inside or outside--once the food began to arrive. The menu is inventive and intriguing, leading to some difficult decisions. Everything was wonderful, from cocktail and amuse bouche to dessert, but I particularly enjoyed my salad and entree. The former featured beet greens; red, gold, and chioggia beets; pastrami; sour cream panna cotta; rye crumbles; and quail egg halves. Heavenly. The main course was equally delirious: striploin steak medallions, beef short rib, beech mushrooms, onions, confit potatoes, and pistachios, with a mushroom "pudding" topped with a dab of bone marrow butter. Delicious beyond description. Dessert was a slight step down from the first two courses, but still very good. We chose the "coconut and milk" option, consisting of toasted coconut cake, milk chocolate custard, scalded milk gelato, white chocolate, almonds, and ancho cream. Mmm mmm. This would have been a hands-down five-star experience, but the service did not match the comfort and luxury of the food and setting. Our young waiter was awkward but professional and attentive. However, I frequently overheard an older female server at nearby tables giving the kind of warm, expert service which we would have appreciated. Just luck of the draw, I guess. Our interactions with the valet staff were not ideal either. When we arrived, we waited several minutes for the lone attendant to return from wherever he was. Upon leaving, we didn't mind waiting a few minutes for the car, but we could see it parked directly across the street squeezed like a sardine into a row with other valet cars. To the valet's credit, he was able to extract the vehicle without bumping the adjacent vehicles. This time. Then they were kind of aggressive about asking how much change we wanted back, i.e. "How much you wanna tip us, lady?" Not the smoothest or most gracious close to our otherwise lovely experience. I still recommend North Pond for any romantic special occasion. Inside versus outside view doesn't matter when the food is this good. Perhaps it's ideal to visit in winter and enjoy the decor but to get a window seat in fall and spring.
(4)
Maribonn T.
The food, the ambiance, the staff and the chef all deserve 5 stars. Money well spent. At first we planned to order the tasting menu but we wanted to have different entrees so we can try more food from the restaurant, so we opted not to get the tasting menu and it was a decision we did not regret. For a Michelin star rated restaurant, we think that the price is reasonable. We loved all the food we ordered but hands down to the foie gras and the lamb! Yum yum yum! Highly recommended!
(5)
Michael R.
Appalling attitude, decent food. Vegetarians not welcome. My group was lured here on a business trip by the locally sourced ethos, positive reviews, and recent Michelin star. We were very excited for the opportunity but were grimly disappointed. To make a long story short, they do not make accommodations for vegetarians, and they will bar other members of the party from having their tasting menu if a vegetarian is present. They were rigid to the point of absurdity about this. At one point, the manager actually said that the chef would be okay with serving the vegetarians at one table and doing a tasting menu for everyone else at another table but would not do so if we sat together. This kind of self-important rigidity is not acceptable at a high end restaurant. Also, the food that we had was good but not impressive. My lamb was served cool with no crispy crust. My friend's fish was at room temperature. The macarons with dessert were squishy with no hint of the classic crusty pop on the surface. The desserts were visually appealing, and there were a few high points, like a little pocket of lightly pickled veggie "relish" hidden along my lamb. The aspiration is clearly there, but the performance was not as expected, even after discounting our profound disappointment in the treatment of our group. In a city with so many fine dining options, I cannot recommend coming to a place with an attitude like this, particularly with so-so production values. Perhaps the chef will realize that restaurants are about serving customers, not himself, during the time he has to ponder all of those empty tables. **VEGETARIANS - To provide a few more details, our server (and the manager) said that they do not offer a veggie-friendly version of the tasting menu. They had no vegetarian entrees on the menu, so they told our vegetarians that they could prepare one of the other entrees without the protein (i.e., serve the accompaniments to the fish entree, sans fish). This did not make for much of a meal. I am dumbfounded that a restaurant that makes a big deal of locally sourcing its food manages to completely disregard the relatively large number of vegetarian and vegan people who ascribe to that philosophy. There is not warning of this on their website, and I received no such notice when making my reservation. They should really put this unusually philosophy on their web site so that vegetarians and vegans can go elsewhere.
(2)
Brian S.
I've been here only once, for brunch, and I can't wait to go back for dinner. Such an eclectic and original menu of updated breakfast favorites should be celebrated!
(5)
J F.
The food was fantastic, got the tasting menu and everything that was served was delicious. The location is also great as you are right on the water making for a nice ending to an evening. My only complaint about the place and the reason for the lack of the 5th star was that while everything was very well done, for the price I was just expecting more. Overall a very nice evening, but there are other restaurants that can be equally enjoyable for less money.
(4)
dawn w.
Gorgeous, amazing food. The chef and model of restaurant utilizes local producers and are genuinely concerned with fresh food. Beautiful setting to dine, no matter where you are seated.
(5)
David H.
Brunch at North Pond is tasty, selection is good, service is friendly, price is reasonable, and the setting is charming. What's not to like? Highlights were halibut and mango dessert - and the window seat was a plus!
(4)
michael c.
great food. had the tasting menu. definitely pricey. not sure it was worth it given that the city is loaded with great places to eat. that said, it's hard to replicate the location. pretty unique. give it a shot if you haven't tried it, but it's understandable if it's not at the top of the list.
(4)
Chris V.
A business trip brought me to Chicago. I've been hearing a lot about the restaurant scene in Chi town for a while now so I planned ahead and searched out the top tasting-menu joints in the city. I settled on North Pond. They have a great location, overlooking the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, appropriately enough. Inside is very comfortable, with a down-to-earth wood motif and an open kitchen, which I love. I ended up opting out of the tasting menu. Just on a few matters of personal preference I was more attracted to the a la carte menu. The pineapple jam on the foie terrine (I am not a huge fan of pineapple for the most part); and the pumpkin-seed crust on the scallops didn't appeal to me. So instead I ordered the seared foie, the bay scallops, and the striped bass. The seared foie gras was on top of braised celery and a maple kabocha squash puree, with dabs of cranberry gelee. What can you say about foie gras? It was flawlessly seared and the cranberry provided good acid to its fattiness. The braised celery was a delicious finely chopped relish kind of thing. The only thing I found odd about the dish was that it came with a tiny cranberry tart. I didn't really understand it, although it was tasty and it was in a little teeny Lodge cast iron pan which was adorable. But I finished the dish and then looked over and thought, "Okay, I guess I'll eat a breakfast pastry now." Then came the scallops. The little bay scallops were again flawlessly seared. They were on top of melted leeks (one of my favorite things on the planet) and drizzled with a vanilla pear sauce, which was a very unique flavor and I enjoyed it very much. After that, the chef graced me with a freebie from the tasting menu: a grilled lobster dish (not the one that's on the website.) I think he thought I was a food critic because I was eating alone and redditing on my phone the whole time. But the lobster was delicious (a bit firm as is standard for grilled lobster) with a truffled puree of some type and a reduction sauce which I think was red wine. For my main course I had the striped bass. A generous piece of striped bass sitting on a chunk of braised pork belly, and surrounded by a celeriac puree. The bass itself was a tad underseasoned. Not bland, but plain, not that it mattered because it was flawlessly cooked and I just dabbed it in the celeriac. The pork belly was appropriately fatty and luscious and I felt guilty for eating it. I think the sign of any truly amazing food is when you think "I probably shouldn't be allowed to have this." For dessert I had an aromatic cup of french pressed coffee and the "cheese and fruit" dessert, which actually came with a creme brulee. It was a very foreign creme brulee for me, it was a cheese creme brulee, and honestly a tad salty under the sugar crust. but it was served with a cup of plum jam, and the saltiness complemented the sweet jam fairly nicely. I also had a piece of the goat cheese which was tasty. That about sums it up. It was one of my favorite meals ever. I can't wait to check out more Chicago restaurants one day!
(5)
Karen W.
Such a disappointment. We were so looking forward to our evening. The foie gras looked beautiful, but delivered cold. The salad was unremarkable. Our entrees were the highlight but could not make up for the drafty, cold interior of the restaurant. Numerous customers had their winter coats on, I was offered a "shawl" as "the building is old and drafty." Really? Then turn up the heat....seriously. We skipped dessert as we needed to get warm somewhere and it was clearly not going to be at North Pond. Enjoy other delightful restaurants in Chicago....this one is not worth slogging through a barely shoveled path without a promised valet at the curb.
(2)
Ann C.
Food good, service unprofessional. We were just there for brunch. I had heard good things about north pond for many years now and found the opportunity to try. The three course for $33 brunch menu was excellent. I started with the crab cake, then halibut and a pistachio cake. Everything was tasty and well balanced; proteins very well cooked. The produce was the star: Tomatoes, eggplant were perfect. I would not be returning however due to the service. We were greeted coolly and when we sat the only menu was presented. After five minutes we waved our waitress for the brunch menu. After some time she returned with 'have you decided'? No going over the menu, no explanations, no greeting. We placed our order for our first two courses and I thought we would place out dessert order after our main; as she demanded all three courses, we scrambled to decide. Post someone dropped a plate of bread to each of us; so hard that the plate bounced. I had to call him back to ask what it was. Rest of the meal food runners delivered our courses without any mention of what's on the plate. All throughout the meal we asked for every refill on our drinks. Given a restaurant of such great reputation, I expected more from the service. As we left, we walked past the hostess stand - no one said goodbye/thank you. I left without wanting to return; nor the feeling that management cared if I did.
(2)
Rick H.
Just dined at North Pond for the first time, a special occasion to celebrate my daughter's university graduation. We had a party of eight -- and the first problem was a rule restricting us to a set menu. Odd, but OK, we rolled along with it. Second problem, when we arrived and were seated by a window, it was so cold that the wait staff had to bring shawls for the women in my party (I shivered in my suit jacket). On the plus side, the cocktails were top notch and the wine list very impressive (we had both an Alsatian Pinot Gris and a beautiful Bordeaux that was priced at an accessible $68). The food, though was highly uneven. An amuse of duck strudel started us off, and was fine, followed by a mushroom starter with a hen egg and broth (brave move the egg, but the dish was so so). A good salad - the highpoint of the meal for many of us -- came next: a poached spot prawn, with greens and jalepeno foam. There were two mains: a perfectly presentable grilled strip steak served with marrow topped custard and an odd chewy short rib, and a halibut dish that was, frankly insipid. Desert was a chocolate dish made interesting by a ganache with grilled yuzu. Service was mixed too, some staff were attentive and knowledgable; others were behaving like they were slinging hash, like the tron who tossed the butter plates onto the table (they rattled). We left disappointed. When the salad is the highpoint something is wrong. Chef Sherman was in the dining room, right at the pass, but didn't engage with the patrons. Not even eye contact as far as I can tell. What gives?
(2)
Amanda C.
Forget the clientele. Sit at the bar. Ask for Lauren, the bartender. Select a craft cocktail off the edited list and prepare your palate for well-balanced, cleverly prepared deliciousness. Lauren's extremely knowledgeable and the booze selection is top-notch. No one thinks of North Pond for a cocktail but the bar has an incredible view too. Impress your date by *starting* - not ending - your evening there.
(5)
Hannah N.
Really torn about this place. Decor cute, beautiful location, super romantic if not slightly outdated. This was the moment where I realized I might eat out way too much. Tried the chef's menu with my dad. One thing I noticed, chef really likes vinegar. Has a real affinity for the sour. Meal after meal had some kind of sour sauce or pickled component to it, including the mid-meal break with pickled beets. I think I just don't really like beets. Every protein was cooked impeccably, but overall very unadventurous and safe. Everything was good, nothing really soars. Nothing that I still really remember and crave from the 6-something dishes I had. Also nothing I haven't had before. No crazy sounding items on the menu like Geoduck or offal meat to scare off people. No molecular gastronomy techniques that might make you uncomfortable. The wine tasting was very hit or miss, thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to a botrytis chardonnay (that was not a dessert course) and to an amazing tawny port, the middle drinks were kind of... forgettable. All in all, pretty safe. Nice pricey spot to bring your significant other to and try to romance her.
(3)
Patty M.
Have only been here once, on a snowy weekday night when a lot of people stayed home. The ambience of this place can't be beat--the view, the woodsy surroundings, the sense of being in a cozy country lodge with a blazing fireplace. My husband and I had the tasting menu which was enjoyable but not as memorable as we might have expected from a restaurant with this reputation. We were warned to beware of buckshot in the wild Scottish grouse but told it would bring good luck. Sure enough, I encountered a pellet and the good luck arrived in the form of a free pony of Champagne. My husband pronounced it the best he'd ever tasted. Overall, the service was adequate but impersonal, bordering on cool. We plan to come back here during daylight hours in a warmer season, perhaps for a Sunday brunch.
(4)
Patty C.
Food was very good. We went for our Anniversary, and they added the special touch of printing a special menu for us. Also, gave us free chocolate. The best part was the fantastic table in front of the pond. The food was very good too. Best duck breast and leg I've ever had. The rabbit was also very yummy. A lot of places make it too dry, but they do it right. The dessert menu was interesting though, just not for me. But I would definitely go back again.
(4)
R T.
Pretentious fruitcake. I hate places where the waiters condescend to you. Just because you work at a high-end place doesn't mean you own it. My experience was not improved by the food. Almost every dish was over-salted and when I pointed that out, the waiter frostily informed my under-educated palate: "that's how the dish is usually made". The restaurant enjoys a beautiful and secluded oasis setting. It can't even be seen from the road. You get a lost-in-the-woods experience in the middle of the city. And the Blair witch is welcome to it. Never coming back.
Went on a date here, the location is on point. The best thing we ordered was the wine, followed by the spinach salad...the rest of the food was pretty bad...without the location this place would be out of business quick
(1)
Dan G.
I brought my sweetie here for her birthday and couldn't be happier with the food, drink, service, and atmosphere of this place. They seem to go out of their way for you and it is the little things like a personalized happy birthday menu and dessert that make this place stand out. The building has a Frank Lloyd Wright sort of feel very intimate, with a patio and a great view of the skyline off the pond. Very appealing to the eyes. Oh, and the food is to die for. We opted to order off the menu rather than do the prix fixe menu. We both ordered 3 dishes and a drink. I had an off the hook old fashion that Mr. Draper would have been proud of. She ordered the Kentucky Mustang which is a play on Tom Collins. Well crafted drinks. And now on to the food for starters we ordered the Foie Gras and the squid. The foie gras was complemented with a poached apricot and blackberries. It was meaty tasty and sweet. The fruit went so well with this, I was surprised. The squid as well was cooked to perfection that perfect state of tender and juicy. That is hard to achieve on seafood. It was served with black couscous and onion. Tasty and just full of different flavors. Next we got our salads. I got the beet and trout while she got the crab and avocado. The beet was served with a tatin, or puff pastry that was just fantastic, I mean fantastic the flavors rolled and danced on my tongue. The plate also offered a different selections of beets with a sauce pairing with each. These were earthly, sweet, savory each one was its own unique world. The crab and avocado were a match made in heaven as well. Served with a fresh made cucumber citrus dressing it was remarkable. Finally for our entrees I got the Salmon and she the duck. The waiter suggested a glass of the Pinot Noir which was a good partner to the food. The salmon was crusted in a arugula-pine nut mixture and served with the best succotash I have ever had. Oh and not to forget the grilled peach on the side. It was lots of flavor woven together into a great dish. The duck was a breast and confit thigh. Juicy, fatty, and decadent. This is one of those last meal dishes. Served with potato, radish, and cherries it was perfect. As much as I liked the salmon, I am jealous of that duck. We were quite full after that point and declined on the dessert. They still brought out some truffles and mango jellies for us on a plate that read happy birthday. So, this place is worth it. Special occasion type stuff, unless you can afford it I suppose, but is well worth every penny.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Love love this place! Great for special occasions, just like fellow yelpers said. I got engaged her and it was an absolutely perfect night. We had amazing service, amazing food and it all felt very personal and romantic. My now husband found the place on yelp (since he knows of my love of this site - even though they take and give elite status on a whim, but I digress.) He found a great place!! He had the menu customized with our names at the top and it was such a nice touch. We had the tasting menu and they added a few extra courses that were just as wonderful as the other courses. I had a couple of cocktails and I must say that I approve...I am in a constant search for a really great cocktail and this place fullfilled that. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to take others here for a special occasion.
(5)
Arun L.
I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. You have to walk through the park to reach this enchanted location, set overlooking North Pond. The view looks like inspiration for a french impressionist artist. The cocktails were excellent, and they only carry small batch liquor. I would come back here just to enjoy a drink and the view. We were a group of 7 people. I had to call to make the reservation. For groups larger than 6 they do a 4-course prix-fixe. All food here is fresh and seasonal. It was amazing and subtle - the kind of menu that lets the quality of the ingredients shine through. There was just enough food on the plate. The wine pairings (optional) were spot on. At ~$80pp for food, this place is a steal. I was surprised that there was even a single open table. There is a certain understated elegance to this restaurant. I will be back very soon.
(5)
EV G.
Went for dinner last night with a party of 6. Called ahead for a table on the patio and was told first come first serve for the patio. When we arrived, there was a large empty table on the patio being reserved for the chef's guests. So if you are friends with the chef, rules don't apply and if you aren't friends with the chef, you get a shitty table inside where you hear the kitchen fan roaring for your whole meal. The food was good, but we will never return since, as merely paying guests without any connections, you get inferior treatment.
(1)
Mango G.
Nice ambience, food not impressive. Overrated and over-priced. I had a salmon, which was fishy, not fresh.
(2)
Peter D.
Just a phenomenal atmosphere in one of the best restaurant locations in the beautiful city of Chicago. All the ingredients are incredibly fresh and the dishes are rotated seasonally so you can never have the same thing twice unless you decide to wait until the next time that the ingredients are in season. At restaurants such as North Pond, you gotta go all out. I ordered three courses, beginning with the Foie Gras. The Foie Gras, while a controversial dish because of the duck maltreatment, was fantastic. I can't compare it to others because it was the first time I ever had it. I came away very impressed. I also had bites of the Pork Rhubarb that a friend ordered, and that was just out of this world. Rhubarb is featured heavily in the Chef's dishes this season, and I totally recommend it as the few gastronomical things that the chef does involves the underrated, sweet Rhubarb. Moving on, I tried the baked/fried cheese and accompanying salad. This was my least favorite meal but again the flavors were on point. A very tasty dish if you are a fan of either of these things. The main dish was the Mango Snapper, a Indian-inspired plate with an amazingly tasty snapper accompanied with coconut rice and mango chutney. Probably one of my favorite dishes that I have ever eaten. Overall, North Pond provides exceptional service and even better food. Also, they typically have their own blend of Intellegentsia coffee (French pressed, of course) but I had the Finca San Jose from Nicaragua....really, really good. Give 'em a shot! I can guarantee that the dining experience is one-of-a-kind!
(5)
Liz I.
Waited far too long between courses - service was awkward. Food was ok, but definitely not great. Felt very empty, yet we didn't receive very timely or attentive service. Will not go back.
(2)
Norbert W.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! how it has fallen! We were there in May 2013 and our experience was terrible. Awful. The appetizers (foie, natch) were really good. Then it all went downhill into a gravel pit, full of rusty tacks, some broken glass, and the dashed expectations that North Pond had set over the years. The waiter never made eye contact with me. Hell, he actively did not look at me. And it wasn't in the "you have a face for radio" type of way. No, he actually turned away at times. WTF? The rest of the meal was rather mediocre as well. The combination is fine at a local Subway or suchlike. NOT at North Pond. Actually no. That combination is not fine, anywhere. It will be some time until we return. How sad. It was one of the last "old money" restaurants in town. And they went and ruined it. Jerks.
(2)
Grennan K.
First date spot! Totally obvi that its a damn choice spot for first dates. I had tons of fun watching awkward couples mingle. Some dude even was scratching his nuts. Anyway... Good red wine by the glass & I've had better tapas style dinner. P.s. key lime dessert did not quench my thirst.
(2)
Coleman B.
I really enjoyed North Pond and as many other people say, it certainly is a out-of-the-ordinary experience in the city. Nestled in the park, the atmosphere alone is worthwhile, but on top of that, the food is fresh, creative, and phenomenal. The entrees were my least favorite, but the starter dishes and desserts were incredible. Well crafted, and aesthetically pleasing, the dishes left me a very satisfied diner. there was one hiccup with our order, but the waitress and manager were very responsive and helpful and so elevated my review to the top tier. Really one of the best destination places in Chicago, and right in the heart of the city!
(5)
Myra A.
If you are concerned about price, then go to this place when your wallet is less inhibited, like we did. We went on our last evening of our honeymoon. It was wonderful. I had the rabbit and my husband had the duck and we loved our respective dishes. The service was unobtrusive, which is great for an intimate dinner, but they were always there when we needed something. I expected the restaurant to be more dim and romantic, but instead gave off a cozy, warm feel, which was lovely. I love that they use local ingredients (that's the Seattleite in me talkin') and I felt that the food and the ambiance combined made our experience there a 5 star one. When we left, they gave us a little cabbage seed to plant when we got home. We don't own or live in a place where we can garden just yet but once we do, and if it sprouts, it will be a great living souvenir of our honeymoon. :)
(5)
Mary B.
A special place. Great food! Great Wine! Great Ambiance!
(5)
Dean L.
Visited in 2011 during a Sustainability Forum at Kendall College. Was able to set SPCL Resv through the Chef. Great ambiance, decor and setting with locally-sourced food and wine. Fireflies in the summer on the pond.
(4)
Tom B.
North Pond was worth a visit for the ambiance and view alone, and the prix fixe Sunday brunch was reasonably priced. The service was also excellent. Our waiter was very knowledgeable on adjustments that could and could not be made for vegetarians. Sadly these adjustments include subtracting and not adding protein--something we had figured out from reading other reviews and confirmed by email with the management prior to our visit. The vegetarian courses were actually very tasty and well prepared, sans protein. Surprisingly it was the non-vegetarian cuisine that needed a little help. The shrimp in the starter was not properly prepared, the steak ordered medium was under-cooked and not particularly flavorful, and the chocolate dessert, which was not vegetarian due to added gelatin, was over-sweet and barely had any chocolate. Bottom line: the food is three stars but everything else is top-notch.
(4)
Julie E.
North Pond is as outstanding as ever. A true forward thinking restaurant that stays true to its green, locavore, showcasing-flavors-of-what's-in-season roots. It's a gorgeous, upscale but casual, unpretentious place for a delicious meal. I recently went for a celebratory birthday Sunday brunch. Not only will they print custom menus for the birthday person ("Happy Birthday Nick!"), but at brunch we were able to try THE ENTIRE MENU. Four people, three courses, four options for each course -- we got one of each. My favorites from the meal: -- Poached Egg, truffle-glazed baby leek, mushroom ragout, parmesan, toasted english muffin -- Grilled pork loin, chorizo sausage, brioche corn pudding, sweet and pickled cherries, knob onion -- Pistachio pot de creme, whipped cream, bing cherry salad, citrus biscotti, toasted nuts And EXCELLENT cocktails and wine list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)
Insun M.
5 stars for food. Seriously some of the best dishes I've had so far in the city. The grass fed beef? YUM! The pheasant? Yum! 3 stars for service and appetizers. I was dining at 5pm (when they opened) so it was pretty bare. But they sat us right where the wind blew in every time the front door opened so I was shivering pretty much the entire meal. The scallop and sausage appetizers were good but not memorable and DEFINITELY not worth the price.
(4)
Tom J.
Tasty. For brunch, a three course prix fixe, very good but not top tier. Service was slapdash. Water glasses sat empty for minutes, and a surly teen bartender declined to produce a drinks menu. The otherwise adequate waiter failed to offer a second drink or suggest coffee with dessert. (On the plus side, a second amuse-bouche was accidentally presented.) Beware of inconsistent portion sizes and overly long waits between courses. Yes, the setting is beautiful. And wouldn't it be nice to step outside with your aperitif while you wait for your reserved table? Nope. 3.5 stars.
(4)
Whitney K.
Okay, okay...more like a 4.9. However, I just can't round up and give North Pond that coveted gold star (5), and I'll tell you why. Went to North Pond for my first wedding anniversary this past weekend, and it was a spectacular choice for celebrating such a momentous occasion. However, after taking several days to process my thoughts on the very complex meal that B and I set off on, I just was left wondering why I hadnt thought "WOW" after enjoying such an expensive tab. Now, dont get me wrong. North Pond has very wonderful food, cocktails, service, you name it. It definitely falls much higher on my list than some of my other 4-star ratings. The setting was just the right amount of rustic and romantic, and the view we had looking over the pond with the Hancock in the distance was just wonderful. Service was great, and the menu options were definitely intriguing and delicious. Oh, and the personalized menu that they presented to us? Just lovely. But, a few minor things. I really wanted the wine menu to be a little bit bigger. I like red wine, but I'm more keen on white and I just wish there had been more options. Well, wait, there were a few options that were really nice...but the price tag matched. It was a special night for us...so we went ahead and imbibed. The soft crab appetizer. Was good, but not memorable. However, my husbands foie gras was wonderful. For dinner we had the rabbit and the halibut. Both were cooked well and paired nicely, but the rabbit dish definitely stood out for both of us. For dessert we had the chocolate citrus option, and WOW. You finally twisted my arm, North Pond. 5 stars for the dessert, from 2 people who would much rather drink their post-dinner treat. It was unique, it was clean, strong flavors, it was decadent. It was the perfect ending! I definitely would recommend North Pond for a special night out. Or when your rich friends or rich parents are in town, and are willing to foot the bill. PS. the cocktail menu is fabulous...if you dont want to go all the way with NP, then at least go into the bar and partake in one of these tasty concoctions and enjoy the view!
(4)
Grace M.
This is one of the loveliest places in all of Chicagoland. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the food, the decor, the ambiance, or the staff, which are all just so perfect and pleasant that, if I had to choose only one restaurant in the entire city in which I was allowed to dine out, this would be the place! The cuisine is extremely fresh, unique, and masterfully prepared! The elements are all represented, from the roaring fireplace to the earthy architecture, and the trees and moving moon reflections on the water outside the ample windows are positively enchanting! The staff are all extremely professional, and very knowledgeable! It's rare to have such an uplifting dining experience as this!
(5)
Charlie B.
I was here in September and forgot to write a review. I had been to Ria the night before in the Elysian and so its hard to not compare the two. I had been wanting to visit for years, and finally found an excuse the weekend I got engaged. It was adorable in there. But, a different vibe than I was expecting. Our sever was a little cooky, too. She was just sort of wacky and quirky and seemed like she probably had 20 cats in her apartment at home. The food was all really really good, but I can't say it was out of this world or was blown away by it. But, I get that this one of the first stops emphasizing and focusing on locally grown food and keeping it simple and sustainable.
(4)
Agnes S.
North Pond has been my top 3 favorite restaurant in Chicago, not only for spectacular dinners but also for a truly amazing brunch. Last Sunday we went for brunch with another couple. It was a gorgeous day out. We sat in the front room that offers amazing views of the pond, park and downtown skyline. Our server, Shannon, is probably one of the best we ever had...we always request him when dining at North Pond. He is knowledgeable, personable and shares our passion for food and wine. Truly an all around great guy. We started off with hand crafted cocktails...a take on summer sangria - made with fresh strawberries that have been soaked in late harvest riesling...so good! The restaurant offers a 3 course brunch for $33...with 4 choices in each category...you can't go wrong... I had the Crab/Avocado to start (peekytoe crab with avocado mousse, mint, radish, carrot broth) very refreshing...great starter Also had the Cucumber/Salmon (chilled cucumber melon soup with cured salmon, pumpernickel and serrano for the touch of heat) great take on a gazpacho My main dish was Shrimp/Asparagus (shrimp a la plancha, asparagus, beets, gnocchi,hazelnuts) also a perfect summer dish. For dessert we ordered one of each...my favorite was the Rhubarb/Orange (citrus rhubarb tart with oatmeal crumble and orange blossom ice cream! How cool is that... All the entrees were seasonal; just perfect! Bruce Sherman is a very talented chef and I've never had a bad dish there. I'm always surprised with the creativeness that goes into every plate that he puts out. We enjoyed ourseleves and will definitely be back to try the summer menu. Thanks again North Pond!
(5)
Rob H.
We just got married at North Pond and rented out the entire restaurant for the afternoon. I cannot stress just how wonderful the staff preformed at all levels. Chris (the manager) was very attentive with all of our many questions and gave us some great ideas. For the day of, the restaurant and surrounding location was beautiful. The servers, waiters, and especially the bartender were all on the ball for everything. And finally, the food and drinks were out of this world! We personally loved the menu and many guests said they loved the experience (We heard "best wedding food ever" several times that day and over the last week). If you are looking for a very special wedding location in Chicago (or just want a fantastic meal), give North Pond a shot. For how perfect everything was, it was very reasonably priced.
(5)
Raquel S.
The food and ambiance were spectacular, it truly felt like a special occasion destination. All the dishes we had were fresh and flavorful. Our server was very efficient, to a fault; he was concise and direct and not in any way friendly. My husband and I felt a bit rushed through our brunch as every course came out immediately after we had finished the one before. The hostesses, bus boys, and I assume manager (he had a very cool handlebar mustache), were all very warm and polite (at the very least, we got a smile out of all of them) but our server seemed cold and indifferent. We will definitely try it again and hope for a different server.
(4)
Stelio F.
Top notch food, great service and a cozy dining environment. Probably one of the best restaurants I've been to while living in Chicago these past 3 years. Will definitely bring friends and family back for special occasions.
(5)
Bill M.
I had Sunday Brunch at North Pond with my friend, who was leaving town soon to accept a new job on the West Coast. She had enjoyed her couple of years in Chicago and wanted to have a special meal before leaving town. Dining at North Pond is not just about the food but the environment itself. The building was built in 1912 as a warming center for ice skaters, and we both enjoyed staring at the details of the Arts and Crafts design (murals, booths, materials, lettering). Now on to the food. The brunch consisted of three courses for $33 per person (beverage is not included), with a few selections for each course. My friend does not eat meat, but she still had good choices. My first course was poached egg with mushroom, leek, and the cutest mini-English muffin disks ever. She chose a fish starter. My second course was grilled pork loin with BBQ rib pave (sort of a mashed up rib), plus corn pudding, cherry and onion. This plate was fine and hearty at the same time. My friend enjoyed her fish with couscous and baby carrots. My dessert was a trifle with lemon cake, apricot, pine nuts, and cream cheese mousse, which was good but tasted too subtle considering all the ingredients. My friend's dark chocolate ganache was more impressive. It looked like a dessert Great Wall of China, with a long piece of chocolate accompanied by raspberry sorbet, raspberries and some chocolatey cakey flakes. My friend noted that the crowd was generally older and well-dressed, but since it was brunch no one was overdressed. The service was formal and accommodating, though one of the course servers was relatively coarse compared to the others. Considering the fine quality of our meal, we felt that the brunch was worth the price (much more than the higher dinner costs).
(5)
David S.
If someone has written a bad review on here it's because they were in a bad mood or they're a jealous competing restauranteur. My wife and I had dinner here on Friday 11/4/11. Our server Leia was sweet and informed. She was patient with us and made great suggestions. Our goal was to order about 5 different items off of the menu and switch plates between us so we could try it all. We started with the Celeriac, Chevre and the Walleye, Apple. I highly recommend both. The Celeriac, Chevre was a celery and pear soup with a thin croute bridged across the bowl from rim to rim. The croute was topped with small pieces of bacon and tiny balled pears. The walleye was cooked perfectly. So much attention paid to plating these dishes. They're immaculate works of art. We split the Lettuce, Crab salad. Again beautiful plating. There was literally a small tower of avocado in a perfect sphere topped with panna cotta. Inside the tower it was stuffed with lump crab. Very tasty. Our entrees were the Grassfed Beef, Farro and the Pork Apple. The Pork medallions were cooked medium rare and was by the far the best pork I've ever tasted. Again supreme attention paid to plating. The plates were setup as eating areas almost. Depending where you ate on the plate a new flavor would arise. Dessert included the Chocolate, Huckleberry and theCinnamon, Pear. My wife said the Cinnamon, Pear was the best dish she's ever eaten. There was an ice cream and two different sorbets on the plate. Ridiculous! Amazing thought has gone into the interior decor of North Pond. The ceiling has lots of inlays and the benches have great custom coverings. Everything flows very well. Quite an amazing experience overall. Bravo North Pond!
It's been years since I"ve dined at this quaint restaurant in Lincoln Park, but I"ve been looking for the perfect excuse. And what better excuse than celebrating my bday! My husband and I booked a reservation weeks ahead of time, got dressed to impress (gotta abide by their dress code), and we were ready for a romantic dinner. While this lovely restaurant nestled in the park just screams romance, it would have been more romantic if our table wasn't smudged between 2 other couples. However, they turned out to be lovely couples with their own celebrations...so we didn't mind sharing the special occasion. Our waiter kinda sucked. He seemed annoyed when I asked him for help picking out a bottle sauvignon blanc and the eye rolling really started when I asked him to choose between 2 entrees. My meal: Sweet Corn, Sardine Soup: OMG. I could eat this for every meal for the rest of my life and be quite happy Wild Salmon: Loved the spring herb puree it was swimming in and the aromatic wehani rice made for a nice side. The fish itself was a bit fishy for me, but I'm just not that into salmon these days. I probably should have gone with the bass my husband ordered, but more about that later. Chocolate, Hazelnut: Served on a plate that said "Happy Birthday Andrea" in chocolate...I was in chocoholic heaven! It was too rich for my husband, but that just meant more for me! Nothing better than the combo of chocolate, hazelnut, and salted caramel! Hubby's Meal: Lettuce, Radishes: So fresh, the veggies taste like they came right from the Green City Market (and they probably did). Bass, Potatoes: I should have ordered this delicious fish for myself Plum Pistachio: My husband kept repeating "this tastes so powerful" and it really did. I had a few bites and wasn't sure if I love it or hated it, but it sure was interesting and "powerful." Overall, it turned out to be a lovely evening and now I just need an excuse for another celebration there!
(4)
Elina B.
Husband took me here for my birthday! Amazing food, great service, view of the park is wonderful. Ask in advance to sit by the window for the best view. Food is very exciting, interesting mix of ingredients. We got the price-fix brunch. One of my favorite in Chicago!
(5)
Jonah G.
I have eaten at a handful of 2 and 3 michelin starred restaurants, and the tasting menu here is up there with the best.
(5)
Travis M.
A beautiful meal in a beautiful setting. I've walked my dog past this place a thousand times (literally) and finally got to enjoy my first meal there recently on a picturesque winter evening . Service was spot on from the time we walked in the door. We ordered from the standard menu, rather than the tasting menu, so we could try more dishes. Everything came out tasting of the care taken in the preparation. We shared a farm egg appetizer - complete with a little English muffin - and the pig cheeks as well. A very breakfasty start to a winter's meal. Scallops and foie gras rounded out the course. We shared two salads - one was a selection of beets, which I generally don't like. While I wasn't crazy about it the variety and presentation made it interesting and I found myself quite enjoying it. As an entree I chose the wild squab and I couldn't have been happier. Crispy skin, rich, naturally smoky meat with gnocchi and foie gras? Perfection! Two of my colleagues enjoyed their fish entrees but I was too lost in the pigeon to pay much attention to be honest. Our fourth inexplicably ordered the vegetarian plate - odd, as she is generally a rabid carnivore - and was a little disappointed, But frankly a plate of squash, rutabaga and broccoli is just a little tricky to wrap my head around so I'm not sure what was to be expected. We took a pass on dessert which prompted the only service faux pas of the evening. When we told the server we were going to pass on the desserts and finish our wine for the moment he politely thanked us and returned a minute later, dropped the check and walked away. As it was our intention to finish our wine and have coffee and after dinner drinks this seemed a little odd and very rushed after a perfectly paced meal. The place was still full, there was no other seating. Weird. After a brief moment of awkwardness we decided to settle up and moved on to Fion for our after dinner drinks. As we were drinking Ports and Cognacs it seems the server had an opportunity to jump this check by an easy 100 bucks or so but oh well. It certainly wasn't a big enough slip to tarnish an altogether wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Devin P.
Amazing food. Each dish had wonderfully unique FLAVORS but a little overly sweet (ie cranberries, sweetened grape fruit pieces, etc on main dishes). Great service and ambiance!
(4)
C M.
I am really confused by the good reviews of this place. I left feeling completely duped. Besides being TOTALLY overpriced, the food taste and execution was not worth the big price tag or hoopla reviews. It was almost as if the menu served only animals and greens grown in the dirty pond (oops I mean "locally sourced"), that the place overlooks. If fact, that is exactly how the amuse bouche tasted - like swamp sludge. When dinner came, our dishes were completely undercooked - other's dishes were so over thought that the ingredients we uncomplementary and confusing and not even enjoyable. The service put on a good show, but once the order was taken, the woman never came back to the table. She was probably embarrased, or overheard the jokes we were making of the mockery pond food we were eating. There was nothing special about this restaurant, except maybe it's nice architecture - but really, in a city like Chicago it really isn't that great.
I dined at North Pond for a special occasion date, and have to say they have some nice personal touches that make you feel welcome -- knowing your names, personalizing menus, etc. I felt the place wasn't quite right for me after the fact, but admittedly I may have made a mistake going with the tasting menu, given my usual dining preferences. Perhaps I'm more of an entree / appetizer fellow rather than a small plate fellow, as I found myself slightly annoyed by the sparseness on the plates and the pacing. I was a bit surprised that several of the dishes were cold (intentionally so) for a cold winter day, and in such a hearty-seeming, lodge-like atmosphere. We skipped the wine pairing, as many seemed to be whites which didn't appeal to our winter mood after a short but blustery jaunt through the park. Otherwise, the food was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and courteous too. The wine seemed marked up more than I would've hoped -- I'm not sure what's standard but believe we payed 400% of shelf price. The interior is impressive (lots of wood, Arts & Craft / Wright-inspired, with lots of right angles) but might be a little stiff for some. My issues with North Pond pertain more to bang for your buck, as I was somewhat disappointed to need a snack in the evening after a 2 hour / $90 tasting menu. I could get a very decent steak and sides for that, and have plenty of leftovers for the next day. Dinner at a place like North Pond is a bit of an investment for most of us, so you might want to check it out for drinks / appetizers before going all in. I would recommend a summer visit, timed for sunset hours, to make the most of the park / lagoon setting. I'm sure this is a 4-5 star destination for those with different preferences, but thought my comments might be useful to some.
(3)
Doug H.
We came for the valet parking and stayed for the really expensive and worth every penny Sunday Brunch. It may have been good karma but we walked right in to a pond view table at noon thirty on Sunday. The waiter was fun when we wanted him and the food sounded like way to much but was just right. I almost want it to be a secret.
(4)
P M.
Very happy I made the effort to finish my weekend job early and made it to their brunch menu which I thought was a good deal for the quality of the food that they are known for. They serve brunch only on Sunday, the rest of the week is dedicated to only dinner. Given that the price of a single serving of a dinner entree is almost as much as of the price for the whole 3-course prix fixe ($33++) -- I thought it was a good way for me to start and, boy, was I hooked. I resonate all of what the other reviewers had said, you won't be disappointed with your experience there. The staffs and manager will do everything in their power to please you. I was greeted with a small complimentary starter which was some type of lemon and cheese loaf bread and upon inquiring the server assistant (petite, small-framed hispanic male) what it was (when it probably wasn't actually his job to explain the details about food), he did his best to explain (and I was impressed that he knew) and even offered me another one which I declined as to keep myself hungry for what I ordered. My first course of choice was Rabbit & polenta which I was not immediately impressed with but as soon as Patrick noticed that, he probably quickly communicated it with Kris, the manager, and made sure my experience was fixed and I was won over immediately. Smoked Char was a delight and their ginger ice cream was delicious. The presentation is exactly what you find in the more expensive Michelin starred restaurants -- it will definitely will wow your date if you have one with you. The food came out promptly, too, very consistent timing. I also like it that the kitchen is visible to diners: whatever they do, how ever they prepare our food is transparent to us. Now, the menu changes all the time so my comments about food may not be as helpful as my affirmation about the service mentality which is less likely to change and awaits any potential diner. I would say if you are looking for Michelin-starred quality type of food but without too much of the frills and formality involved in a Michelin-starred restaurant setting, here is the place for you. The quality and taste was as good, if not better than the Michelin starred ones and in fact, they are priced, I would say, about 35% percent lower too (judging from the tasting menu price listing). The staffs were friendly and attentive but they do not overwhelm you and they really seves you / fix your problems where it matters. Unlike many restaurants of the same tier and price range where the servers do their best to look sharp, professional, and composed -- here, they are more relaxed, warm, and casual yet more caring/willing to do the things that really matter (and not just asking questions but not really caring about your answers). I will definitely be back for dinner most likely for the tasting menu which I have a feeling will be really great.
(4)
k E.
Another wonderful evening at North Pond! Great food, wonderful service, beautiful presentations. We will be back. Also we brought our own wine, which they were happy to cork for us (for a reasonable fee).
(5)
Diana P.
We just celebrated our anniversary with a party of 10 here for brunch and everything was wonderful from the staff, to the service to the food. Our entire family was thrilled we choose this place and everyone left happy. The speed of service was perfect and even though we had little kids with us, the staff was very accommodating. We had two newborns in our party who needed to be bottle fed and the restaurant quickly brought out hot water for us to heat the milk bottle in. It seemed like they've done this before...we were extremely pleased. The nice part about going here for brunch is the cost is about $32/pp and you get three courses which is a great deal for a place like this. Also, the view from outside is perfect for taking pictures and during the day, it's great. Please go if you have not already, you will leave very happy! Well worth it in every way.
(5)
Philip M.
I had really high hopes for this place. The location is extremely unique and the view is arguably the best in Chicago. The food...not so good. The menu is fairly obscure but the execution of the dishes were poor. The wine list is sub-par at best, and the overall bill was outrageous! Dinner for four with a couple bottles of wine was around 600 bucks, and trust me - we were't drinking Opus. I'm sad to say that I would recommend passing this one up.
(2)
Carol K.
A bit hard to find but perfect once you do. North Pond is one of those restaurants that you hear about but that usually takes a special occasion to get you there. Just a hint- if you drive- North Pond sits between Cannon Drive and Lakeview Drive (the address is deceiving). The valet is actually located on Lakeview at Deming (look for the small sign). We went on a Thursday night. When making the reservation, we requested a table by the window but alas, they could not guarantee that unless we got there early. So early it was and we got the perfect table overlooking the pond with the city shining in the distance. The arts and crafts styling the the interior was warm and welcoming. The fireplace in the corner cheerily welcomed us and the attention to detail was lovely. Hard to believe that this was once the warming house for ice skaters on the pond! As for the food- American in style- it is all sourced locally and most of it is organic. And such interesting taste combinations. I started with the scallop and sunchoke appetizer. Very tasty. Moving on to the prosciutto and pear salad I could have stopped there but the entree of pork done three ways was calling to me. Oh- and don't expect to have your favorite libation by name here. The beer is all craft style, and even the liquor names eluded me. But your servers will do their best to find something similar to what you like from their list of smaller distilleries. Service was impeccable. We even got a complimentary glass of Muscato to go along with our dessert choice (maybe this was because I was "outed", as one of the servers is a Yelper who actually recognized me!) Whatever the reason, North Pond is one of those places that is perfect for a special occasion. But my advice? Don't wait for a special occasion to go. North Pond could make any occasion, special.
Walking past North Pond today in the Fall sunshine I was struck by the fact that I never bothered to review it after I last went there (which was in December). The food at North Pond is absolutely 4 and 1/2 stars, but when I there the place was so cold that I was unable to enjoy my meal. I brought a group of 8 people there on an expense account and the place was almost empty because of bad weather. We asked several times for them turn up the heat but they either would not or could not. Apparently there were not enough people there for them to bother heating the place up properly. I have not to North Pond before and loved it, but I was really embarrassed to have organized this outing. I doubt that I would ever go back.
(2)
Jason T.
Our party of 5 did the tasting menu. The quality of the dishes was very high, portions were just right. The first two dishes, foie gras and the pumpkin crusted scallop, were absolutely incredible. All of the other dishes were very good. Service was very efficient. My one complaint is that our party felt the wine pairing did not complement the dishes. But overall a very good experience.
(4)
Denise S.
I love going to restaurants that offer new and exciting dishes. My dinner companions, not so much. But even they enjoyed our dinner last evening. What a darling restaurant! The ambience is lovely and service was excellent. Party of 6 and everybody gets their courses at the exact same time because multiple servers bring out the food. And the plating is beautiful. My first course was the pork cheeks and they were very tasty. I ordered snapper over wild rice and it was okay. Another one of those "why did I order that?" moment. I'm in Chicago for Pete's sake! For dessert I had a trio of ice cream and sorbet. Thought I'd enjoy the butter pecan but it was my least favorite. The Earl Gray ice cream was wonderful and the pear sorbet outstanding. The best part of the meal was having everyone try to figure out what we were eating. Things like candied rye & hazelnut brittle. Glad we ate there..
(4)
Michelle V.
We came here with friends in mid June 2011, and this would be the second time I had been here. To be honest, the first time was excellent - but that was three years ago. Everything about it has gone down hill considerably since. This was supposed to be one of the best fresh, organic yummity yum restaurants in town. First, the atmosphere was too loud and air circulation was stuffy, the wait staff pleasant but not too interested when we inquired about substitutions, the menu and the food was unimaginative and uninspired. I expected the quality of the ingredients to come through and sadly they were overshadowed by an over exuberant salt shaker. The dessert was some sort of chocolate thing- bland bland boring & bland. Disappointing & just way too spendy to be so unimpressed.
(2)
Cassie K.
I LOVE this place. We just had our wedding here last weekend, and they couldn't have been more helpful and efficient. They made the event so amazing, and the food was PHENOMENAL! They even did the whole menu gluten free for me and sourced my favorite gluten free bread from Senza. I couldn't be happier, and Natalie and Chris Mars were amazing to work with. I highly recommend this restaurant for dinner I'm addition to a wedding venue. Their service and wine menu is phenomenal and their food is so fresh and delicious. I can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone we've talked to loves it. Go here ASAP!
(5)
Colleen R.
What a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion! I came here for my birthday a few weeks ago and we ordered from the 3 course prix fixe Sunday brunch menu. Despite the limited selection (3-4 choices per course) everything that we tried was outstanding and memorable, including a starter with shrimp and grits that reminded me of Louisiana with subtle but not overpowering Creole seasoning, and a caramel apple tart for dessert that I simply didn't want to finish because that would mean it was the end of a perfect meal. Service was perfect -- informative, friendly, unobtrusive. Sitting on the patio means sunlight in your eyes, but that was really our only complaint. Note: We were glad we didn't wear jeans and that we had made a reservation. Also, if you're driving, go ahead and valet park ($8) rather than trying to find a spot. It's worth it. (Drop-off is at the corner of Lakeview and Deming, on the west side of the park.)
(5)
B L.
North Pond definitely lived up to my expectations of "fancy dining." Pro tip: If you are a lady such as myself please go in comfortable shoes. This place is off the beaten path and requires a good deal of walking to get to. What to expect? A great view, certainly. Very friendly and attentive staff, always a plus. New American cuisine...if you've never gotten it, try it. Be prepared to look a few words up on the menu! I almost wish they had that option on the menu, like some kind of a word bank. :D
(5)
Christopher K.
After rave reviews and given that it was our anniversary, I REALLY, REALLY wanted to like this place but found the whole experience to be over hyped. Starters: We got off to a solid start when my wife and and I both had the lettuce and cheese salad - unfortunately the dinner was downhill from there. Mains: I had the rabbit which was very tender and seasoned well, but my wife's halibut left a lot to be desired as it was off putting to the eye and bland. Drinks: Wine connoisseurs we are not so it was hard to throw down 75 bones on a bottle, but, hey, it was our anniversary. I would have been fine with a bottle of Mondavi and wouldn't have known the difference. Ambiance: This may have been the most disappointing part of the experience. Many reviews drop superlatives like 'awesome' or 'amazing' to describe the atmosphere and I just didn't get it. Aside from the view (which is cool), I really felt like I was in a hotel restaurant. Service: Server was nice, but it all seemed a bit put on. Also, in one of the most surreal dining experiences I've ever had, she sprayed us with saliva when trying to get out the word pistachio while describing one of the desserts. Nasty. Overall: There are just too many great places to try in Chicago to ever go back to North Pond.
(2)
Andrew B.
North Pond brunch was fantastic and earned a rare 5-star rating despite the high price. The food is immaculately prepared and the portions are just right. I even found the plating to be pleasant, which I rarely care about. The atmosphere is pleasant as the restaurant is in the middle of a park and features large windows to view the wildlife (squirrels, birds, humans walking dogs) right outside. I ordered from the $33 pre fixe menu and started with my favorite course, the shrimp, grits. The shrimp was large and served with a great lobster bisque sauce. Next was pork, cinnamon. The pork was very tender and plentiful, but I didn't taste too much of the cinnamon. It was also served with the tastiest lentils. Last was chocolate, pecan, which was rich chocolate pecan cake served with the stick marshmallows and a side of ice cream with oreo bits.
(5)
Ktimene G.
Romantic. Cozy. Clever seasonal menu, irresistible cocktails, delightful service. Warm craftsman style interior with art deco fixtures. They were very knowledgeable about proposing gluten-free options without losing the culinary artistry. And now I will reemphasize ROMANTIC! (Especially when paired with a stroll around North Pond afterwards).
(5)
Susan P.
Not just for special occasions. Beautifully set among the park. Bruce Sherman is a leader in the local food movement. Don't feel you have to order the tasting. Its worth it to just get a few appetizers if that is all your budget allows. Service is impeccable.
(5)
Valerie H.
Very good food and service, the location is perfect, but slightly overpriced... They have a very nice space inside, but with windows that are completely open in summer and give the feeling of a patio, right beside North Pond (Lincoln park). Very romantic place, keep it for special occasions.
(4)
Martha D.
North Pond is the perfect special occasion restaurant. We celebrated my father's 60th birthday here last weekend, and I can't believe I hadn't been to this hidden gem before. The customized "Happy Birthday" menus were a nice touch and they even gave us copies at the end of our meal. The cocktails all sounded really interesting - The Peach & Honey was so good I needed two of them. I had the corn and crab soup, and the Alaskan Halibut. The fish and everything that accompanied it (especially the quinoa!) was incredible - light but satisfying. Dessert could not have been better - you must try their chocolate mousse with a salt and pepper caramel center. As if we needed to eat any more, we were then given a really nice spread of homemade jelly candies and chocolates on a plate with another Happy Birthday" message written in chocolate. It's also note worthy that the wait staff was excellent - they were attentive and offered great recommendations. Our bill was on the expensive side, but of course on special occasions you are looking to splurge a little. All in all, it was a lovely experience.
(5)
Olivia D.
My boyfriend and I were discussing the best dining experiences we've had since we started dating, and agreed that the only problems have pretty much been service. So then we tried to figure the best service we've ever had together. North Pond is it. Our meal was pretty near perfect when we came here together. I had been before, and wanted to take him somewhere I knew would be great for his birthday, so North Pond was the choice. He's a chef and I thought that they style of menu here would be inspiring. I love the way they create dishes, based on the pairing of a couple ingredients. They are pretty much always a hit, and very creative. North Pond has enough showmanship and modern ingenuity without being difficult, or intimidating like dining at Alinea or somewhere of the like. Thankfully, the price tag isn't as high, either. Don't get me wrong, it's an expensive meal, but well worth it for a special occasion. You leave satisfied, and inspired (as I had hoped). We got the tasting menu which I highly recommend. We added the foie gras dish from the menu to our meal, knowing the BF simply HAD to have foie fo his birthday. The wine pairing is recommended, although this last time I selected a bottle to go with our meal. Everything was delicious, not a single bad thing to say about the flavors here! The right amount of time was alotted for each course, and e never felt rushed or that we were waiting with nothing to do. When our server was unable to bring out a dish himself, the other staff members were right on time and very helpful in describing the dishes. Must admit, there was one dish towards the end of the meal that we got no explanation for and were pretty bummed...but all in all we felt very catered to and I, being FOH myself, was very impressed. What's also really sweet about North Pond is that if you let them know ahead of time that it is a special occasion, they will print "Happy Birthday Mabel" or whatever's appropriate at the top of the menu for you, which is super cute, but doesn't end up seeming cheesy at all. It makes you feel special for sure. A nice touch. All in all, a couple of my best dining experiences have been at North Pond, and since I live really close by now, I intend to be back as soon as the sun shines on the pond again (it's a beautiful setting).
(5)
James C.
Overall, great restaurant that everyone should try once. Here are my pros and cons. We had the tasting menu with a bottle of Truchard. The server was incredibly helpful and nice. The food was quite good. I did feel like they were rushing the courses a bit, however. This didn't take away from the meal. My biggest criticism is the host staff. I asked to be seated before my date arrive. I understand the need to wait for a complete group, but it seems silly to stand by the policy on a slow night. After trying to convince the hostess for the second time, I just gave up and waited at the bar. On our way out we said by to the young host, who simply ignored us. Sad that a great evening was hurt by a poor host staff. Despite bad door staff, I still think it deserves 4 Stars for service, ambience, and great food.
(4)
Steven W.
The meal started out well due to excellent appetizers. Unfortunately North Pond performed miserably on the entrees. Both grass fed beef dishes were flavorful but the meat was full of gristle and fat. We tossed out about 1/3 of it. Our waitress added some spice to the otherwise bland halibut by showing mild irritation when we told her how it tasted. To their credit, they took away the fish and brought a new one appropriately prepared. The vegetarian dish (not on the menu, chef created) had several nicely prepared vegetables, but that's it. We received another bit of spice when i asked the waitress to bring some grains for the vegetarian meal. Check comes and they charged $8 for the grains they should have had on the veg dish.
(2)
Becky P.
My husband and I were seeking a special restaurant for our one-year wedding anniversary. We looked at all the big players; tru, MK, Alinea. But we were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon North Pond. It seemed like a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle from the city. Honestly, we live nearby and had never actually seen the restaurant before. I think that sold us. Yes, the setting is gorgeous on the pond. However, when making reservations I requested a table by a window and unfortunately, we were seated probably the furthest away (back near the restrooms). We aren't complainers so we let it slide. After all - it was our anniversary and we didn't need any view besides each other, right?! As we were seated, the menu at our table was personalized for us which was a lovely keepsake. To start, we both ordered mojito's. I'm not exaggerating - it was the worst mojito I have ever had. It tasted off, like bad vodka. Plus, there was only a flake of mint! The server was SHOCKED when we mentioned it. She looked like we spit in her face and proceeded to preach about how they use only the finest ingredients. I didn't appreciate the speech. She finally offered to bring new ones - but I opted for a glass of wine instead (better be safe than sorry) while my husband decided to give the mojito another shot. His next one was better, but still not great. As for the food, we ordered the chef's seasonal tasting menu which was just as beautiful as it was delicious. Each course was impeccable, including the additions from the chef. A rabbit eggroll? Don't knock it until you try it! So, despite a few bumps along the way, it truly was the special experience we hoped for. Although I highly suggest avoiding the mojito at all costs.
(4)
Emily N.
North Pond is absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in the city. North Pond the restaurant is literally disgusting. (Unless you enjoy eating food that tastes like it was made with hint of pond water, and duck feces). I know I'm being harsh considering I am a habitual eater that would prefer to eat pizza, veggie burgers and grilled cheese. However, I will defend myself by clarifying that my other half is quite cultured and has eaten his way around the world. He too, gagged and spit out his food at North Pond. We opened our meal with a mange crab dish. The crab was dead, like seriously beyond dead. The poor crab had been boiled and boiled to sogginess, and it's combination of overly spiced mango, mustard and peanuts literally left the taste of doody on my tongue. Two bites, and we were out My better half then ate the rabbit for his main course and I had the crab salad. Had I known the crab was anything but fresh i never would have ordered it, but the Chef forces all patrons to order their whole meal at one time because he is so fancy. This round of crab was pretty fresh, I'd give it a 6 out of 10, my husband ordered the rabbit and almost threw up due to the weird consistency of the the "locally grown herbs and spices" Portlandia anyone? Anyways, we laughed our way through the whole pretentious middle ages meal. In the end and we did have a wonderful celebration and we realized a restaurant doesn't have to be pretentious and expensive to be romantic and meaningful. I think next year we'll go back to Le Creperie, our first date:)
(2)
Erika C.
I was a bit disappointed, I'm not sure how this place gets 4 stars. The portions were small and not that great tasting. The food was a bit too bland for my taste. I had as my main course the Grassfeed Beef Garlic, my dish was okay but nothing too great. It lacked flavor. My companion had the King Salmon Argula, I didn't find that dish appetizing at all. I feel for the price I paid, I expected much better tasting food. The staff was friendly, I would say the best part of the night was the menu. We were there for a birthday, they personalized the menu with the birthday person's name at the top. I'm sure I won't be going back.
(2)
Michael W.
Beautiful setting, top-notch service and the food was excellent.
(4)
Robert V.
I proposed to my gf- now fiance' nearby because of its great scenery overlooking the pond and the city in the background. I made a reservation for 4 and told them that i would be proposing that night. They did a phenomenal job to make it even more special when we noticed that our menu was customized with a congratulations and our names on it! Great atmosphere, very romantic and the food was great! Highly recommend it for a date if you want to impress your girl or just a romantic night.
(5)
Kevan S.
An amazing meal. North Pond just gets better. If you love trying different flavor combinations and fresh ingredients this could be the place for you. Great setting, attentive and knowledgeable service which compliments the food and cool location well. Sausage and pear to start followed by pheasant. Both were packed with flavors that combined incredibly well. The pheasant tartelette with leg meat and Rosemary was incredible.mmmm. Great wine list and the Ribera we held matched perfectly. Nice to leave a restaurant pleasantly full rather than having completely over eaten.
(5)
Julia C.
This is our favorite special occasion restaurant. We've only been twice, but both times left such a wonderful impression and the food was utterly amazing. I'm not sure if we'd go back for a casual dinner, but highly recommended if you want something special. Both times we've had the tasting menu, most recently we splurged and did the wine pairings as well. The food was incredible, absolutely incredible. The tasting menu included some of the items I was drooling over in the main menu and we even got an extra course to start. Our server was very friendly and attentive and even gave us an extra large pour of our first wine so that we'd have it for the extra course that the chef threw in. The restaurant itself is beautiful and they even give you a take home menu and history of the building.
(5)
molly w.
I took my boyfriend here for a milestone birthday. Overall, it was a very pleasant dining experience. I think we had the best table in the house (probably helped that I made reservations 6 weeks in advance). We were next to the window; I sat right next to the fireplace and my boyfriend had views of the skyline over the pond. The service was fine, not great, a little slow in the beginning. We were not greeted by our server until after we had read the entire drink menu (the restaurant was neither full nor seemingly busy). After taking our drink orders, it took another 10 minutes to actually get our drinks. After that initial waiting, the service was fine. In fact, the bus service was great, much better than the server. The food was excellent. I'm not a foodie by any means, but I do appreciate unique and well prepared foods. The amuse bouche was not up my alley, as it consisted of beef consumme and I'm a quasi-vegetarian, however the parmesan bite that came with it was delicious. I ordered the endive salad with citrus, and normally I'm a little hesitant in ordering endive, but this was perfect and the citrus didn't overtake the dish. My boyfriend tried foie gras for the first time, and I was a little surprised that he was served the entire liver! I've only seen it as a little mousse or something. He said that was very different and good, definitely something he wouldn't have normally ordered. For my main dish, I had the halibut, and it was so good. In fact, I can't say anything bad about the food. I actually cleaned my plate, and I never do that. However it wasn't a case of "I got tiny servings and have to stop for a burrito on my way home" with my plate cleaning. Both the boyf and I left satiated, but not disgustingly full. The overall ambiance was perfect, the arts and crafts decor is very homey and welcoming. And it didn't break the bank as much as I was expecting (we ordered individual drinks, not a bottle of wine, and picked our food rather than do the tasting menu), but would easily classify this as a special occasion spot. A must try!
(4)
Alejandra M.
Great food, great atmosphere, excellent location, high quality food with reasonable price and portions and great service. My husband took me to North Pond to celebrate my birthday. When I received the menu it stated at the top "Happy Birthday Ale". The food totally exceeded our expectations. The first courses we ordered Foi Gras Strawberries and Pork Rhubarb were delicious. Very nice walk to and from parking as is very pleasant to cross the park and see the pond. Definitely going back.
(5)
Amy H.
North Pond is an amazing dining experience. The location is unbeatable, and feels very special and secluded. Inside, the building's warming-hut past comes through with an intimate, cozy feeling heightened by prairie-style decor. The staff is exceptional. Warm, friendly, helpful and accommodating. We were there for my Mom's birthday dinner, and each menu at our table personally wished her a happy celebration. When we mentioned how much we loved the Sancerre wine option, the server gifted us the bottle label pressed and mounted on lovely cardstock. ..and of course, the FOOD. The fam dug into Bell Pepper & Rockfish, Pheasant, Squash and...something else amazing. All of the flavors were perfectly powerful and delicious. We were also lucky enough to sample two amuse bouche items, including a white bean soup that I could have happily taken a bath in. There's no great way to summarize a North Pond meal. The entire adventure is a savory adventure to a cozy piece of food heaven.
(5)
Mark B.
This is a high end place that actually lives up to the hype and the food is actually worth the cost. The attentive staff are super friendly and the fun extras that they bring to the table make this a 'worth-it' experience. While I could not afford to come too often, this is now a favorite of the special occasion places
(5)
Emily G.
Everything about North Pond is beyond lovely. It's a former skating house on North Pond in Lincoln Park that has been renovated beautifully. It's an Arts and Crafts style, then and now, that is executed beautifully and the restaurant is all at once, elegant, inviting and homey. There was a fire in the fireplace, and the service was great. The menu is really creative but also approachable, and everything we ordered was at the height of freshness. I loved my beef medallions, and my husband thought his pork entree with sausage and figs was excellent. The pine nut tart with concord grape gel and rosemary ice cream was fabulous! The wines-by-the-glass list is on the small side but overall the wine selection is solid. I really appreciate this restaurants' commitment to local/sustainable/healthy food and would definitely enjoy returning for another meal!
(4)
Tenzo D.
Fantastic setting. One of the best in Chicago, which is part of what you are paying for. The food is very good. Nothing inspiring but very good. The Chef goes to great lengths to explain how he sources locally. The wait staff is kind of a local inside joke. When ordering a wine the waiter presented it saying that it was a couple of degrees too cold and we should let it sit before drinking. Really? Two degrees too cold? Should we send it back? The North Pond is best represented by the James Beard society's opinion. Sherman has received countless nominations but never an award. North Pond always steps up to the plate but never seems to make a solid hit.
(3)
Alan T.
Went to North Pond last night for the first time for a special occasion. First of all the location.....The setting is absolutely beautiful and we sat overlooking the pond. We started out with very interesting cocktails that had the same amount of care in ingredient selection as our food would. I chose the Agua Caliente that had Chile infused tequila amongst other things. First courses included a corn on the cob soup with lump crabmeat and a stuffed padron pepper. Incredibly fresh tasting and somehow tasted exactly like corn on the cob with butter and salt but in soup form. Main dish was the Guinea Hen with Merguez sausage, manilla clams, olives, and squash. It seemed like a strange combination of ingredients but the hen with its crispy skin was cooked perfectly and everything worked. Finally a chocolate bomb with mt. rainer cherry salad for dessert finished off the meal in a great way. The wait staff was knowledgable and just as excited about the food as the customers and made great recommendations. This was my birthday dinner that my wife arranged and I was surprised to see my name on top of the menu. They also gave us a copy of the menu to mark the special occasion. REally an exceptional experience in all ways. Fair warning - I have eaten at my fair share of fine dining restaurants and even with that - there was still a bit of sticker shock. Decaf coffee was $8 alone! The prices are the only thing that keep it from 5 stars for me.
(4)
Nicole B.
I had brunch here, which was absolutely amazing. I love the concept: locally-grown haute cuisine. I know it's not that original, but they do it really well. I also loved the decor: Northwoods meets Frank Lloyd Wright. It was fun to watch the stereotypical rich people come in wearing pinstriped seersucker blazers, ankle-length khakis, and boat shoes. Sure, the clientele is stuffy, but if I had that kind of cash I would frequent this place, too. I had the smoked trout & sweet corn for my first course, the pork & peaches for my main course, and the apricot & chocolate for dessert. Everything was wonderful and simple, highlighting the flavors of fresh, local produce, grains, and meat.
(5)
Venetia E.
We went for brunch once,the food was okay, nothing to write home. However the service, ambiance and the views of the pond was great. My kids enjoyed counting the turtles and ducks.
(4)
Mike H.
Went there for our anniversary dinner. They actually made up special menus with our names and a congratulations note on it. The ambiance was great, service was incredibly attenttive, food was great. We were in a section of the restaurant with about 6 couples, all celebrating their anniversaries which gives you a sense of the environment. Would love to go back next time I'm in Chicago and looking for a special meal. Get reservations early!
(5)
Nicholas O.
First, let me say that this should be considered a 4.5 star review. I was going to make it 4, but that really doesn't do the restaurant justice -- and the only reason it isn't 5 complete stars is because of a minor preference on tasting menu price. My wife and I went here for a nice dinner out after a long hibernation from dining. We had first eaten at North Pond on Valentine's Day of '06, and it was delightful (not only for the food, but also for introducing me to the Haut-Medoc region). Paraphrased: - Service was fabulous (although a worker or two was a bit quick to stop by assuming we were done with our dish) - Food was fantastically fresh, well prepared, clean, crisp and delicious - Ambiance is as North Pond in the fall/winter will always be to us -- cozy and comfortably classy - Wonderful winelist Notes: - Bring cash for valet - Please respect the establishment (business casual dress) After setting up a reservation for 6:15, we needed to move it to 6:45 because traffic wasn't looking like it would cooperate. Brittany happily adjusted our reservation for us (she was fantastic throughout the night). We arrived at around 6:20, and decided to relax over a drink at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and not overly talkative -- that perfect amount of conversation and comfort without intruding. He also gave me a taste of a petit bordeaux they had opened, which was a great way to start the night. I had a glass of pinto noir from France, and Theresa had a N/A Clausthaler. We were seated at a comfortable booth near the kitchen, and after some debating and conversation with our waitress Dawn (who was perfectly attentive and knowledgeable), we decided on the tasting menu. We opted-out of the wine pairings, but on her suggestion started with a bottle of white (a Cristom Sauvignon Blanc from Willamette Valley). 1st course: King crab claw, apple-celeriac slaw, applesauce and a warm crab croustillant 2nd course: Lobster claw in brown butter sauce with carrots 3 ways (yellow foam, orange candied, orange grilled) on a charred onion --- filler course: Delicious butternut squash soup with ginger snaps 3rd course: Bay scallops atop polenta w/roasted pears and pancetta bacon 4th course: Lamb medallion with caramelized figs, chanterelle mushroom ragu and a goat cheese ravioli tondi (I opted for a glass of red that Dawn recommended -- initially going with the recommended pairing, but changing it for an italian wine she had found and brought out to taste, thanks!) 5th course: white cake, lemon curd and baton, huckleberry sorbet and malted honeycomb Everything was perfectly prepared, and the portions were wonderful. By the end, I felt perfect -- not too full, not hungry. I thanked the Chef(s) on the way out, and were thankful for the great service once again as Brittany helped us pay for the valet via card, since I had forgotten cash and there was no ATM. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews -- perhaps a rotation of bad employees, perhaps people forget that it is business casual and jeans/shorts are to be avoided -- but this place is worth a trip. The only reason it's not 5-stars in my book is because we felt the tasting menu was slightly overpriced. $70-75 would have rolled this just over the hill into no-question-5-star-territory. Thanks for the great night North Pond, we'll be back to see you soon!
(5)
Tim D.
It was an early spring evening and we had a first seating on a recent Thursday. The fire was aglow in the corner and the sun set cast beautiful light over the pond and city skyline from our window view. We felt like the whole place was ours until dessert when the later diners started to fill the room. Our service was fabulous, friendly, warm and super attentive to the four of us. Our guests - septua and nonagenarians, respectively - were treated with great care and respect when they politely requested the volume turned down on the jazz music playing over head. The setting and ambiance of North Pond just makes one feel good, makes me feel happy. The food is lovingly prepared, generously portioned, and beautifully presented. And save room for dessert for a totally satisfying gustatory experience. This was my second time dining here within two years. My return visit exceeded the reverie of the first. I can hardly wait until our third visit. I love this place!
(5)
Gabe L.
I went a while back, so it's a bit hazy, but I remember spending 10 minutes walking around trying to find this place. If you're reading, it's on the north end of the north pond. What I do remember is that it was very warm, cozy and inviting. The tasting menu at that time was delicious, as was the wine (we?) paired with it. Last Mother's Day, I rescued some ducks from getting run over on Clark and Fullerton and dropped them off in that pond, so if you see any of them, tell them I say hi.
(4)
David E.
Wonderful Food and Wine. Doesn't get much better than this place on a nice summer night. Worth every penny. Must experience at least once if you have not yet.
(5)
Carrie L.
My husband and I arrived early for our 5:30 reservation and we're seated next to the open doors on a perfect August evening. We had planned on the seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing and by the salad course, decided that this was among our top ten dining experiences. In addition to the five courses, the chef threw in two additional, a beet salad with goat cheese, after the first, and my personal favorite, a pre-dessert apricot sorbet with candied pine-nuts and sage foam. INCREDIBLE. We enjoyed the wine parings as well. We did feel a bit rushed through our first few courses, but when we requested that they slow down, they were very gracious in doing so. We were seated at 5:30 and we're out by 8:00, and we wouldn't have minded a little more time. The restaurant itself was elegant and refined with its arts and crafts inspired environment. A really lovely place for an evening out, especially if you don't have to rush anywhere. We were very impressed with the quality of the food, the presentation and the taste. I'd love to return for a cozy winter supper in the future. This was our menu: Wahoo, Melon Oil-Poached Ono Medallions, Charred Watermelon, Cucumber-Melon Broth, Jalapeno Madeleine Tomato, Peach Early Heirloom Tomatoes, Chilled Peaches, Sheep Milk Mille-Feuille, Tomato Sorbet, Pesto Lobster, Corn Butter-Roasted Lobster, Creamed Sweet Corn, Crisp Chorizo, Shaved Fennel, Lime Beef, Beans Charred Tenderloin, Warm Green and Gold Beans Vinaigrette, Black Olives, Romesco Sauce Chocolate, Blackberry Enrobed Blackberry Mousse, Chocolate Pudding and Crumble, Mint Sorbet, Berries
I used to come here alot, though its been many years. At one time the prices were fair, the food was good, and portions were acceptable. I went back recently with friends, and was amazed at how expensive the food was, how tiny the portions were, and how much of an attitude the waitress had. Also the wine list was very expensive, with the cheapest bottles starting at $50 dollars. Though the chef may be up for a "James Beard" award that shouldnt give the place the excuse to charge so much or be snobby. When I ordered for my meal an appetizer and salad, the waitress kept saying, at least three times, "so that will be your entree"... I found that statement to be somewhat rude. The atmosphere is nice and warm, as well as the lighting. But I would never go back there again. A meal (a bunch of little things) for the four of us cost us alot of money. If you want to be ripped off, and pretend you are having a nice meal, then come here.
(2)
RJ W.
$500 = Ants in my bread, an uninterested waiter and amazing food..... geesh...what a mix. Took my partner and two clients to dinner there this week. Started with a drink at the small bar in front, the bartender was great, but the drinks do seem a bit overpriced, particularly the peach mojito. But, to be fair, it was a great drink... ...the waiter was a jekyll and hyde... made some phenomenal suggestions for the food but was pretty rude when I asked if I could substitute the bulgar. I mean, come on, what's up with that...is the Chef there really that self-involved and self important where he may think that as good as everything looks, perhaps there might be something on that selection that someone is either allergic or just does not like? I am glad the economy is doing so well for them where they can start off by alienating customers... ..but when a bread basket was delivered to our table.. WITH ANTS ... the waiter seemed as though he could care less and was actually surprised when we requested it be replaced....huh? And trust me, as good as the food was, and it was excellent, the complete disinterest in anyone there regarding insects actually walking out of our bread and onto my clients plate, including the management whom I emailed and never heard back from, is the lasting impression..... ... also, they have NO 4 tops in the front area with the views of the pond. I found this pretty darn disappointing.... ...so I will not make an effort to return. There are too many other restaurants of this caliber and price range that I have had much better experiences with, i.e. Tru, Alinea, etc.. ..and btw, the $500 referenced in the first line of this review was the bill for 4 of us included drinks and tip
(3)
Jonathan H.
Was really looking forward to going to this place. Was going to have dinner with wife, 4 year old and my friends who also have a 3 year old. Becasue we have such young kids I thought, "let's go early". So we were there when they open. We let our waiter know we had kids and didn't want to disrupt other peoples dinner so if our meal could go faster than the normal "4 course meal" we'd be fine with that. 2.5 hours later...we are now sitting in the middle of a crowded restaurant trying to get our bill. We can't get our waiter, we are getting dirty looks from old rich people and I just want to leave. Then the hostess has the balls to come up to me and say that if I could keep my child quite, because she is getting complaints. I told her I've been asking for a bill for 15 minutes. F*ck that place. I tried to be considerate, i tried to be nice. After all of that, the food was OK, but not amazing. I hope it goes under.
(1)
Brett G.
I really do enjoy this place - from the interior to the food..... The interior is very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque, and is spacious but manages to feel very "homey" as well. There are comfy booths, fireplaces, tables, and a slate-tiled bathroom which is as pretty as it is warm (nice on a cold day). The view of the pond is spectacular, and its proximity to said pond makes sense since the restaurant used to be a warming shelter for ice-skaters back in the early 1900s. The food is made using produce from local farmers, and the menu is seasonal, changing about four times a year. You will never have a meal that isn't fresh, with all of the ingredients harvested at the most opportune time of the year. My most recent experience began with a charismatic waiter who was as thorough as he was charming. Since I can (gasp) be a bit of a picky eater, the fact he didn't make as much fun of me as the rest of my table was much appreciated. The waiter was knowledgeable about every dish on the menu, as well as all of the drinks, what would taste good with each course, etc. We all started with salads and soups - I had the Kampachi & apple salad, and the rest of the table had the fennel and grapes salad and two bowls of scallop and squash soup. For the main courses, I had the root vegetables & figs, which was correctly described by the server as about 100 tastes in one. It was great! In addition, we had swordfish & suncake, which was mouth-watering, squab & huckleberry (squab described as tasting similar to beef), and lobster & chicken. To discuss the deliciousness of the food seems kind of unnecessary, because it all was wonderful. By dessert, we were all full, but all managed to order just one more thing each. I had the grapes & yogurt, which was absolutely amazing and melt-in-your mouth. I don't usually like desserts, but couldn't help myself - I wanted to lick my bowl clean. Also outstanding - the pumpkin & ginger, the fig & corn (ordered to taste what cornbread ice cream was like), and the chocolate & pine nut. If you appreciate good food and want a great experience, this is a must-visit.
(5)
David C.
Wonderful, well-imagined and executed food, gorgeous building, attentive & knowledgeable service, and an absolutely perfect location. Valet parking, and a nice walk thru the park to get to the door. We did the prix-fixe brunch, a good introduction to the menu. Bloody Mary good but not great. Not inexpensive, not huge portions, but a high-quality occasional spot for special times. Save some time to stroll thru the park afterwards.
(4)
Ellen O.
i live practically across the street from north pond and have been wanting to do a cozy dinner here for some time now. last weekend my sister and best friend came to visit and wanted to do a pricey meal (and expense it to my sister's company), so we decided to walk across the street and do the tasting menu with wine pairings. if i were only rating the food, i'd give three stars as nothing really thrilled me. highlights were the two bonus dishes the chef sent between menu'd courses - a trout dish and an earl grey foam with citrus that was like nothing i've ever tasted. if i were rating on service and ambiance i'd give north pond 5 stars. it's beautiful and homey at the same time, and everything from the wood paneling to the volume of the music was lovely. our server was great and we really enjoyed the experience.
(4)
Allison V.
Yes- North Pond is soooo romantic and nice! It is at 2600-ish North Cannon Drive, just north of the Peggy Notebart museum and Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a building right in the middle of Lincoln Park that was originally built to be a warming house for ice skaters in Lincoln Park. It was re-done in the very-Frank-Lloyd-Wright-prairie-style a few years ago. The menu changes daily and is entirely organic fruits, vegetables and meat products. It is not the best for the vegetarians (in the winter/early spring season)- there is a lot of duck, veal, pork and beef- but it is organic, so you don't feel so bad about eating meat... If you're still vegetarian and looking to go- I would recommend going in the summer when there would be more fruit/vegetable options. All their menu comes from local sources- they even list where each beverage is brewed and guarantee that all their ingredients are from local farmers. We had a really nice dinner and felt really special when they brought out the customized menu and dessert plate! (When you make the reservation- and you MUST make a reservation- they ask you if it is a special occasion- that's how they must've known to do all that for us) For all of this- it is a bit pricey, but really not that bad! Our appetizers were between 10 -18 (I got the foie gras at 18). Our bottle of wine was not the best, but incredibly tasty at 60. Our entrees were 30- 35. I highly recommend it and would certainly go back for our next special occasion or to impress out-of-town guests.
(5)
Winston S.
Blown away....while they were not exactly busy, the staff did the little things to make our evening memorable. The food was very good. The parsnip soup may be the best soup I have ever had. They acknowledged my birthday with a personalized greeting on my menu. They try to find out who their diners are to personalize the evening prior to your visit. North Pond has figured out that good service is just as important as good food. Why don't more restaurants know this???? Our waiter was "OK Good" but the combined staff pulled off an evening of service I won't forget. The location is phenomenal. Beautiful setting, even in the winter. Maybe even moreso in the winter. My only disappointment was that on a VERY slow night with possibly more cooks than customers, the chef did not leave the kitchen even to say goodbye. But, that is just me being hopeful. Chefs are often behind a wall, away from customers for a reason. Maybe North Pond management knows this about their Chef. It doesn't matter. The night was wonderful.
(5)
Dan J.
I had one of the best meals of my life here. It's tucked away in Lincoln Park fairly close to the zoo. I had a rabbit dish there and now every time i even see a rabbit, I want to eat it.
(5)
Eric M.
If you enjoy fine dining but don't enjoy the giant credit card bill afterwards, this place is for you. The cuisine and service are top notch and the menu is changed four times throughout the year (one for each season). The decor and view are great. Nice wood interior with a great view of the, you guessed it, north pond. If you attend on a special occasion they'll print a special menu for you. Definitely worth a trip for any food lover.
(5)
Dina I.
Love it here so much, I ate here three times in one week once. Wow.
(5)
Bada Bing L.
Can't beat this setting in Lincoln Park.
(5)
Dusty K.
I went to North Pond last August to celebrate a family birthday. We informed the restaurant of the birthday ahead of time and my mom really enjoyed seeing her name on the menu. She wouldn't stop talking about it. It's amazing how something so small can make a person light up. It's that attention to detail that makes North Pond shine. First of all, the location for this restaurant is perfect. No nearby traffic, no horns, no ambulances, just a park and a pond. And I do love how it's decorated inside. Very warm and inviting. That being said, the food is what brings people back. And this place did not disappoint. The brunch was amazing. The 3 course menu allows a few options of each course and I started with the french toast with bacon, moved onto the grass fed beef and finished with a chocolate mousse. I really enjoyed the taste of everything and how all courses were presented. It's almost too pretty to eat...but not too pretty ;) You can tell they put effort into making things just right. North Pond is a restaurant that cares about its customers. They tried to make our brunch special and definitely succeeded. I will be back for brunch again. See you soon North Pond.
(5)
mildred v.
My boyfriend took me here over a year ago for my birthday, I've never noticed this place before until that day. It has a beautiful view of the city and overlooks a. . . pond (I suppose). The inside is very rustic and fits the whole game theme that goes with their menu. Speaking of menu - mine had "Happy Birthday Mildred" at the top of it :) The food was delicious, I honestly don't remember what I had and I can't find the menu. I have never come across a restaurant with these flavors and selection. They had the best dessert i've ever had - which was a pumpkin/pomagranate combination (who would have thought!). And the chef also sent an extra dish to us on the house. If I had more money, I would definitely come here more often. The service wasn't great and the rest of the crowd was kinda looking our way a lot. I think we were the youngest people (and least dressed up people - i mean we were in business casual attire) who dined there that night. the person who takes away our plates was angry or something and when we said thank you he would just stare at us.
(4)
Hanbit Y.
Absolute Disappointment. It was my mom's birthday and somebody recommended this place. I called a day before and made a reservation for 7 people. It was the D-day and 3 hours before the reserved time, they called. "Umm, sorry, but the girl who took your call yesterday did not inform you that only course meals can be served for a party of 3 or more. 4-course meal is $77 and 5-course meal is blah, blah, blah...." Obviously I was upset and wanted to hear no more. All they could say was "sorry". Well, Sorry North Pond Cafe, I don't know how nice and important you are, but you surely suck at training your staff. You completely ruined an important day of my life, wasted my time and energy. You completely lost a good reviewer and anyone I know as clients. Bye bye.
(1)
Ben B.
My wife and I had brunch with her parents at North Pond this morning. I thought they had a good selection, with four or five choices for each of three courses, for a prix fixe of $32 each. I ordered the duck with cranberry appetizer, the pork belly with banana pancake entree, and the coconut dessert. I enjoyed the duck, but I think next time I would skip the pork belly and banana pancake. I couldn't taste the banana, and the skate entree, which my wife had, was more flavorful. The location is beautiful, in the middle of Lincoln Park with a view of the city over the North Pond (clever). Parking looked like it would be more of a problem than it was, with street parking nearly full, even at 11:00 AM.
(4)
Sarah G.
great place , not the most affordable but once in a while , it is good to come here food is fine . staff is ok location - the best
(5)
Claudia R.
Arts and crafts era decor makes for a comfortably elegant experience. Simple yet decadent. I had the grass-fed steak, smelt (a tasty first for me), and tried an ice wine (late harvest), among other things. Our waitress was exuberantly knowledgeable about the menu and the courses were prompt, not rushed. In sum, it was an adventurous night for my taste buds.
(4)
Kate L.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner. He surprised me with a walk through the park, and even took the long route so I didn't see this diamond in the rough. Hidden inside the park, North Pond is a romantic hideaway for any celebration or even just for a great meal. I have the salmon and bf had the beef, both were amazing. I WILL be returning.
(5)
Underhill T.
We ate at North Pond for the first time last Saturday night. It had always been on our radar but never seemed to make the cut. I'm glad we went! We appreciate their focus on local ingredients that are in season. We enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairing. It was a wonderful evening. What a great location! We enjoyed the walk through the park from the taxi stand.
(4)
Kimberly L.
There are so many things I love about this restaurant. Obviously the food is the main attraction. I've been lucky enough to dine here more than once and it's been consistently delicious. I also enjoy the design and location. North Pond is housed in what was formerly a warming shelter for skaters. While all traces of its former use are gone, the warmth within the four walls still remains. With its simple and elegant Arts & Crafts design, North Pond oozes charm and comfort. And the view is quite lovely. A few more items that make North Pond exceptional: its efforts to provide sustainable cuisine by partnering with local farmers whenever possible as well as its support of local charities like Deborah's Place (who works to provide homeless women with shelter and support), the North Pond Conservation Council (and organization that partners with the Chicago Park District in the management of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary), and the Chef's Council (which supports sustainable cuisine). They also promote a Charity of the Month in their newsletter. Unlike a lot of restaurants in Chicago, they work hard to be a good community partner and a good neighbor.
(5)
D V.
F A B U L O U S My, what a meal we had! A Foodie friend recommended this to us saying it was her current fave in town. As visitors and fellow Foodies, we promptly took her advice and made reservations. As it turned out, she was able to join us and our party turned into five. We arrived early and enjoyed drinks at the bar. My Amaretto Sour was the best in recent memory! It was evident that care and fresh ingredients = one damn fine cocktail. Premonition.....dinner was going to be awesome. We were seated in the "porch" area of the restaurant. A corner fireplace and spacious windows overlooked the park and glowing downtown skyline. The main dining area was not as ambient, so we were lucky to be seated here. Everything was spot on. I got to sample many dishes and it was all fantastic, but let me just highlight the best of the best: -Squid a la plancha with roasted asparagus and black squid ink pasta. There wasn't a single bite that I did not savor. Every morsel tasted fresh, seasonal, and cooked to absolute perfection....even the shaved garlic chips! -Pork chop with grits and peas. Really tender and juicy pork chop served on top of creamy tasty grits. I wouldn't consider myself a "grits" fan generally.....and now I know it's because they're rarely served like this. WOW. I was now obsessed with perfecting every bite to have the right combination of grits/microgreens/fresh spring peas. I could go on and on....but you get the hint. We had such a great time (aided no doubt by three bottles of wine) that we were clueless four hours had passed. We were never rushed and the servers kept filling our water. Classy. For a special dinner or occasion, or if you just want to have a fricking awesome meal, go to North Pond.
(5)
Katie H.
For our 6-month wedding anniversary (yeah I know, but it only comes once!) I told my husband to chose a place for brunch or dinner and suprise me, but to try to keep it under $100 for food and drink. Sunday morning he told me we were going to North Pond for brunch and based on all the rave reveiws, I was really excited. It's a darling little place with a great view of the city. We arrived early so we sat at the bar and had a drink - a mimosa for him and a spiced pear for me. The pear drink was fantastic, though our bartender made me a bit uncomfortable. She was very quiet, almost timid to the point where I felt like I was being loud just talking in a normal voice. We moved over to our table and our waiter was the same way. Flat, quiet, he almost seemed...medicated. Throughout our meal we noticed the other servers, food runners and bus boys were all the same. I appreciate professional, non-intrusive service, but I also appreciate a bit of personality. Lighten up - it's brunch! They wrote happy anniversay Dan and Katie on our menus, and gave us copies to keep which was a nice touch. We started with another round of mimosas and asked how the pacing of the courses was. Since this was our big anniversary brunch we didn't want it to be over immediately. Our waiter said it was "a good pace". Since that was an entirely not helpful answer, my husband told him that we wanted to take our time, not having the next course come out immediately when we were done with the first, maybe wait 5 minutes. Since he was starving Dan also asked if there was a bread basket or anything we could start on. Our waiter said there was no "actual basket" but after we placed out order we would get scones. We got one small scone, though it was tasty. I started with the butternut squash soup with goat cheese. It was fantastic, nice and creamy and the goat cheese gave it a little something extra. Dan had the "sausage, egg" which was sausage on a bed of creamy polenta topped with a poached egg. He liked it but I didn't care for it. We then moved on to a bottle of prosecco. After it was poured the waiter took the bottle away and came back periodlically to refill our glasses. At first I though it was a bit annoying as a few times I had to wait for a refill, but it helped us make the bottle last for the rest of the meal, so it worked to our benefit. We waited about 20 minutes for our next course. After 10 minutes they brought out a small plate of the peeky toe crab salad which was suprisingly good. I'm not sure if everyone got that, or if it was because our food was taking a while. For the next course I had the hangar steak (perfectly cooked medium rare, tender, juicy and served with a nice sauce) with kale and barley (eh). Dan had the french toast with pheasant and cranberries. He'd asked about the pheasant - was it a breast? The waiter said it was pulled pheasant. It came out as a breast, which was fine but showed that our waiter didn't know the menu that well. The french toast was wonderful, soaked in syrup and the pheasant was tender and had a great flavor as well. For dessert Dan had the pumpkin cream and I had the mint and chocolate cookie. The pumpkin cream was a layer of mousse topped by spice cake topped by whipped cream. It would have been fantastic had there just been more cake. Once it was gone, it was just plain pumpkin mousse. My mint cookie was dissapointing. It was a block of ice cream - mint on one side and chocolate on the other, topped with a bit of whipped cream. The "cookie" was only present where the two ice creams met. The portions were the perfect size - small by some standards (ridiculously huge restaurant portions) but actually the correct size for a healthy meal. The bowl of soup was big, but the hangar steak portion was probably about 3 ounces and the desserts would be called mini in most restaurants. It was perfectly enough - we left satisfied, not hungry but not stuffed. Also I was suprised, given that jackets are required for dinner, to find people at brunch in jeans and sneakers. Brunch is a more casual affair but I still thought some level of formality was expected. I had thought about wearing a fancier dress (I ended up in a wool long -sleeved dress with tights and cute shoes) and I am glad I didn't - I would have felt over-dressed. Overall, I though the food was GOOD - good, quality ingredients, simple food prepared well - but it wasn't spectacular. I think the food was definately worth the price of $32 each for 3 courses, but I think they overcharged on the alcohol. $75 of our bill was for a bottle of processeco and 4 drinks. At first I thought I might come back and try dinner, but not if dinner would put us out $300. Based on the food I had for brunch I just don't think it would be quite worth it.
(3)
Peter V.
Thank the heavens for special places for special times. This place is a dream.
(5)
Betty W.
Incredible, unique view of the city, but has a California feel inside. Set in picturesque Lincoln Park, this restaurant encompasses the entire dining experience. It is warm, friendly and the staff and back of the house were BEYOND expected. The drinks were unusual and distinctive, the food was incredibly flavorful and fresh. It felt like it was coming from their own garden (who knows it might have). Six of us had dinner inside and moved to an outside table for dessert. Great wine list-some selections that were very rare and special. The biggest kudos...for a restaurant that boasts a 2012 James Beard award winning chef...it did not break our bank. One of our friends who lives in Chicago had not been in several years and was DELIGHTED to have found it again. Please...GO! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
E C.
I had a $75 gift certificate to North Pond, so my husband and I went for my birthday dinner. I thought $75 would help out on our bill, but boy, was I wrong! Our total bill was $350 for 2 people, but since I am pregnant, I didn't have a lick of booze. We did get the tasting menu - which was supposed to be 5 courses but ended up being 7 because the chef had some extra dishes that night - but I'm not sure this was worth $350. Everything we had was full of potential, but there was 1 thing on each plate that made each dish go over the top and try too hard. 1st course - scallop ceviche, which was super buttery & delicious, but had some crazy pineapple on the side that made it too sweet 2nd course - lobster with cauliflower cous cous, which was so buttery, but there was an AWFUL mandarin puree on the side, which added too much bitterness to the dish, so I pushed it to the side 3rd course - Foie gras in cabbage, which was heaven, but then there were these candied beets on the side that were so sweet - they were sweeter than our dessert! 4th course - Fish dish, I think this was an extra dish the chef prepared that night, and was really good. 5th course - red wine poached ribeye. This was very good as well, the red wine poaching ended up making the ribeye taste like bacon. 6th course - an extra dessert course with Earl Grey foam. It was fine 7th course - Dark chocolate mousse cake filled with ancho chile filling, served with banana bread and dark chocolate drizzle to link the entire dish. This was also very good My husband got the wine pairing for $45, and he was only impressed by 1 or 2 of the wines. They give you a tasting portion, but since each glass of wine is at least $15, he thought this was a good way to go. All in all, it was fine and we had a great night. But it shouldn't just be fine for $350! It should be stellar and amazing. I think the first 3 dishes just threw us off so badly because the chef went to overboard with the number of ingredients that ended up ruining the flavors of the dish.
(3)
Jeremy S.
Pass - you can do much better in terms of quality and service at any number of other high end restaurants in the city.
(2)
Tara V.
Wonderful place for a special occassion dinner. We went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was really a wonderful evening. They printed a happy anniversary message with our names on the menus, the server wished us a happy anniversary, the dessert plate was customized with a message and our names in solidified chocolate... they did some prep work to ensure that they recognized that we were celebrating. All these little extra efforts were really nice. The service was wonderful. There when you needed something... visible (they didn't disappear for extended periods of time)... helpful if you have questions... friendly without being over the top or fake... not pretentious. Actually the whole place was non-pretentious which is also really nice considering that it is on the pricier end. The food was really excellent. I love the seasonality and the thought that is put into the menu. Everything on the menu looked wonderful and we completely enjoyed the items that we ordered. The tasting option was a bit pricy- we orded a first, an entree, and shared dessert and were completely satisfied. The atmosphere is quite cozy and really lovely. I had high expectations as I had wanted to see the interior for a long time and it did not disappoint. They only thing that could have been better is if we had a seat by the windows... next time! We overall were completely happy with the evening. This is a fantastic place for a special occassion or really even just a nice evening out. It would also be a wonderful place to take the parents when they visit. I definitely want to go back and try a different season's menu or maybe try brunch.
(5)
G L.
In a nutshell, get a table with a view, or I'd pass this one by . . . Interesting place with pretty decent food; however, if you are not seated with a view of the pond/skyline I'd take a pass. Don't get me wrong, the food was quite good: Foie gras was very good--some of the best I've had in a long time, the heirloom tomato salad was nothing special and the poached salmon was delicious, desert disappointed) The thing you need know is the Pond is RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE for what you get . . . you are paying for the view/experience here; if you don't have the view (and we didn't last night) it is a just a decent place but with big prices e.g. $300 for the two of us. Odd tip of the day: bring an umbrella--trust me. :o) As an aside, for this kind of place, one would think they would offer umbrellas for their guests in the event rain--not to keep, just to use :o) I'm not knocking them down a star for this, but for a $300 tab you'd think they would trip over themselves to ensure the perfect experience. For those who have not dined here, you are dropped off on Cannon and then you have approx a 150 +/- yard walk to the restaurant. It was a beautiful day when we arrived so the walk into to the restaurant was pretty cool; however, as we finished our coffee, the clouds let loose and it poured as the joint was closing. We were soaked to the bone as the rain wouldn't let up. The valet could easily collect the 'house' umbrellas and run them back to the restaurant Again, if you had the view, the $300 for 2 people may be worth it, but if you are in the back room near the kitchen, the value just isn't there.
I had a very romantic dinner at this place, and before getting there I was already delighted by the Mysterious walk through the Park in the dark. The service is amazing, they printed Happy Anniversary on my menu which was very nicely done. I had the foie gras and the yellow-fin tuna salad with hearts of palm and mango sorbet and my b-friend felt experimental and ordered some kind of pheasant that he wasn't crazy about.....but I think it was just the dry nature of that meat. FYI- Portions are small and prizes a little high, the place is just beautiful, and the menu will tell you the whole history of the building. I went in the winter, but Im sure is even more interesting in the Summer.
(4)
Tony S.
We came across this place while out walking. Sundays we take the red line north then walk back to the city for fun, yes really! Anyway this time we got off a bit further and came across North Pond which looked like a great place to eat especially for the architecture, view and location. The Sunday brunch didn't start well. I hate to be kept waiting. We got there about 9:45 I think and it didn't open till 10am or something like that. Anyway we got there before it opened which isn't a biggie so we walked around for a bit then walked in when the time came. Now if you say you are open at time X then I expect to be in and seated and perusing the menu within a minute or two of that time. They kept us sitting in the bloody lobby for 20-25 minutes which is totally unacceptable. I mean it's not as if their opening time varies you open and should be ready at that time not piss off customers who are hungry. At minimum they should have served complimentary coffee of something. Anyway we got sat down about 30 minutes after we arrived and I noticed then that the dress code was relaxed for brunch. This sucks and they should state on their outside menu that the no jeans policy does not apply for brunch. Luckily I had cords on so no biggie but it would have seriously annoyed me if I turned up all posh to find other types in jeans. Things got better after we sat down although it still took us a good 10 minutes before our server came over but once the orders started things started to get better. I didn't know what to expect so I didn't realise the brunch was a 3 course set price affair at about $35. I didn't see their brunch menu on the window when I walked past so this was a bit of a surprise. Ultimately it was worth it though as it was a lovely experiece and the food was great. Lots of interesting flavours, textures and intensities spread out over an hour or so. Of course we couldn't get a glass of champagne till after 11am, its kind of a stupid law to be honest, I mean I can see why perhaps you might have a law like that in liquor stores but not a restaurant. I would have given them 5/5 but they lose a star for messing me about when I arrived. I would recommend this place and they also take reservations for Brunch, we didn't have reservations but were the first people there. It was quite empty till 11:15-11:30 so dont feel you need to get there at 10 when we arrived.
(4)
marc z.
Nice setting, but food is certainly not worth going there. "Pseudo-innovative-chic" but very bland food at exorbitant prices. It would have been nice if at least the service was up to snuff for the prices and the competition we could have gone to - our waitress just disappeared. When she did bring us drinks, I fished a long black hair out the drink and handed it to her. The food was undercooked and cold. The "innovative" offering was just tasteless, it could have been anything. The wine list out-of-this-world-pricey. Hope that someone else will move in there soon with better quality in taste and service.
(1)
Sarah M.
Gorgeous presentation of appetizers and food, super modern wooden ambience next to the pond. Good for a date or special occasion. Not great for groups but rather, couples. Be sure to dress nice!
(4)
Robert M.
Great atmosphere inside and out, food was excellent, everything prepared well. Some things are different and really good, but won't appeal to everyone.
(4)
Jeff N.
Certain events combine to create the perfect evening. Our visit on August 30th fits into that category; great food, perfect weather, great table, great friends, and cool bartenders. We got there 45 minutes early to enjoy the great bar and the great view. Tom and Shannon were extremely good mixologists. Great discussions about certain kinds of gin and vodka. Free samples of certain items offered up. And the wives got to flirt a little with them since they were so nice and cute. From start (Farm Egg with Bacon) to middle (Guinea Hen with Peas) to the dessert (oops, I forgot). Everything had the 'oh my god' affect on you as you tasted it. We ended up dropping about $250 a couple, which set a personal record, but was truly worth it. I imagine under different circumstances a couple could do the evening for 1/2 that amount, if you forego the expensive bottle of wine and desserts. This ranks up there with the best meals ever in Chicago. We will go back as soon as my bank account recovers.
(5)
Liz T.
My boyfriend and I enjoyed brunch at North Pond today to celebrate my birthday. Brunch at Northpond is a 3-course meal for $32.00, which I think is a pretty good deal. For my appetizer, I had cauliflower and apple soup with lump crab and grapefruit salad. It was incredible. Brian had a salad with pomegranate and meyer lemons. For my entree I had goat cheese strada with olive tapenade, frisee salad and shaved parm. It was outstanding. B had trout with olive oil poached fingerlings and capers? This course really stood out for both of us. Finally, we ended with dessert. I had caramelized bananas, chocolate mousse, and some kind of 3 layer chocolate, espresso, banana goodness. Brian had a blood orange trifle? Both were very good. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and loved everything we ate. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Dean K.
I've been to North Pond Cafe twice and both times it was terrific but the time I picked up the check for the table was a little more "impacting." They do everything very well here but they certainly don't give it away. That being said, that time it was my Dad's birthday and the kitchen and servers really went beyond to make it a special night so it was easily worth it. If you have a big occasion and want great food and service in a truly unique setting, give it a try.
(5)
Maria R.
North Pond is THE place for special occasion dining (or extraordinary splurge). Our 20th anniversary was the setting. Beautiful rain storm outside with the happy ducks adding to the already fantastic setting. Waiters and busboys hovering (maybe alittle too much), and there might have been too many waiters coming to the table. The wine steward, the order taker, and the food runner, and then the dessert menu. It was ok, though, as everything was superb. Our fancy dessert had Happy anniversary in chocolate on the rim. Couldn't ask for a better evening.
(5)
Elyse K.
I wish I could give this place 4 stars, but I feel that my experience was good, but not at the level of some of my other 4 star reviews. Service was excellent, ambiance was excellent the food was good, not what was expected. The menu is comprised of creative and seasonal dishes (as it should be) from a James Beard award-winning chef. We were visiting for the weekend from LA and made an advance reservation. The address listed is not really the correct address, as it puts you onto the backside of the restaurant, which normally wouldn't be an issue, but we were navigating a rental car through snow and ice, so that left us a little baffled. We parked on the street and trudged through mud, snow and ice to get to the front door. My suggestion if you don't know the driveway would be to call the restaurant for an alternate address. Once inside, you feel as if in a contemporary Colorado ski lodge. On a spring or summer day or evening, I'm sure the views out onto the lake are beautiful. We sat in the main dining room with a nice front row seat to the open kitchen. Controlled chaos was dying down as we had a late 9:30 reservation. We started with squash, black truffle and walnut soup. I saw the truffles, but couldn't taste or smell them in the dish. When asking our server if there were truffles in the soup, she looked quite shocked and confirmed the presence of the truffles. Hmmm.... I've tasted truffles before, and i'm not quite sure how my taste buds could miss that one. In trying to put the mystery of the tasteless truffle aside and enjoy the remainder of our meal, we moved onto main courses. Tobin with a steak and me with sturgeon. My fish was very enjoyable with inventive touches and lots of different flavors including pomegranate and leeks and yummy pork belly...salty and sweet, best of both worlds. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist in the center with a little crispy flakiness on the outside. Tobin's steak was good, nothing to write home about. Dessert was two eclairs, one with pumpkin creme, the other pomegranate caramel. I took one bite each and was then done. Overall, this was a nice experience, but maybe by being spoiled with great, fresh west coast cuisine, i wasn't blown away like i should have been. Have i grown too spoiled?
(3)
Nota R.
The appetizers were bursting fresh and tasty and clever. The tomato zucchini tart was fantastic. The salads were also superb. The entrees were fine but very overpriced. The deserts were nothing less than mind-blowing. The sage foam with roasted peach sorbet? We were so high from the thrill it was almost scary. Absolutely divine. And then, the roasted fig tart (they do roasted fruit well) with, get this, salt butter ice cream. You read that right. It wasn't on the menu. The waiter brought it over and said, "this will change your life." And indeed. The waiter, by the way, was comically knowledgeable about everything we asked about and was delightfully particular about how to serve everything. Great, great service from this guy Steven. We were taken there by friends. We could never afford to go on our own and will likely never be back. But we'll never forget it.
(4)
Kathryn M.
I didn't really know much about North Pond before I came here for dinner in late summer, but the ambiance alone had won me over before I even glanced at a menu. What a gorgeous setting in Lincoln Park with a view of the beautiful skyline, yet tucked away so you feel like you are on a retreat! The inside feels like a cozy, elegant cabin, and I love any restaurant and chef committed to sustainable agriculture so I was very excited for my meal. The food and wine were wonderful -not 5 stars wonderful, but satisfying nonetheless. I highly recommend asking questions to your servers; they know their stuff, or at least ours did. Had two great fish dishes, and dessert paired with a little Muscato was the perfect finish! Walking out by the pond as the sun was setting was probably as enjoyable as the meal itself. I'd love to come back and try the seasonal tasting menu!
(4)
jamie k.
Thanks to fellow Yelpers I was pointed in the direction of North Pond for a very special dinner where...The Parents Meet the day before the wedding...for the first time... This is definitely a spot you should consider for a very very special and fancy event because A. It is very very expensive B. It is sooooo beautiful!!!! -So beautiful, that you wouldn't want to waste it on something ordinary. We were lucky because it was such a nice spring day and we got there early as the sun set over the city..breathtaking. The architecture itself inside was amazing also. The food was gourmet and fresh and delicious. I am lucky because everyone I was with didn't mind sharing. My personal favorites of the night were the asparagus soup and the various handmade ice creams!! The fish was also cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that it got kind of loud, and since we were at a large round table, it was difficult to hear everyone as the dinner wore on... But, everyone around the table enjoyed this experience, as it isn't everyday that we all meet for the first time for such a joyous occasion, in addition to being able to eat and such a elegant restaurant.
A couple of friends and I have a tradition of doing a splurge meal around the holidays, and this last year we opted for the seasonal tasting menu at North Pond. Looking across the pond has long been one of my favorite views of the skyline from Lincoln Park; unfortunately for our meal, we were seated along the side, so no views for us, but we had plenty to keep us busy with the courses and the wine pairings; I don't have the menu in front of me, but we were quite impressed: well prepared, well paired, and nice use of seasonal/local ingredients as per their philosophy. The interior is quite charming, arts & crafts and with integration of local elements. Our server was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable but not too familiar. I will definitely go back as soon as I can find another reason - and enough cash - for a bit of a splurge. I think the brunch might be a good way to tide over, based on other reviews ....
(4)
Jennifer B.
We went here for brunch, which at $32 a person was an excellent deal in relation to the prices on the dinner menu. The food was really really good, I had the sausage and egg appetizer, the steak entree (which came with brussels sprouts that were not only edible, they were delicious) and the orange cream dessert. Everything looked and tasted great and the portions were perfect. The servers were pleasant and unobtrusive. The decor is lovely, all woodsy and arts and crafts. The reason that they're not getting the fifth star, however, is that for this kind of money I should be saying "Oh my god, that was awesome, I can't wait to go back!" Which I'm not. It was good, but I can get a good brunch for half the price somewhere else. This is a nice place for a special occasion, not for your average Sunday brunch. By the way, if you do go for brunch, jeans are acceptable attire.
(4)
Jessica S.
I have only been here for Sunday brunch, but it was the best brunch I have ever had! They have a $32 prix fixe menu for 3 courses. We had a table by the window which gave us a lovely view of the city and park. I had the egg and pheasant sausage to start, and my boyfriend had the parsnip and duck confit soup. We both opted for the quail and pumpkin waffle for our main course. I had the chocolate parfait for dessert and he had the apple crumble. I would love to come here for dinner. Everything was extremely fresh.
(5)
Lindsey S.
I have been to North Pond three times now - twice for drinks and once for dinner. I would say that it is one of the must -try places for people who live in Chicago, simply because of the history and location. The restaurant is beautiful and very elegant. There's a great view of the skyline and the pond out front. Try to get a table in the front room if at all possible. The one thing I would really commend this restaurant on is their attention to detail and customer service. I went there with my family for my graduation dinner. After we were seated we noticed that the hostess hadn't given us menus, which we thought was a bit odd. A few minutes later, our server finally came out with menus and we opened them up we saw that they had been custom-printed to say "Congratulations Lindsey." I thought that this was a really nice touch. Naturally, I wanted to save one as a memento, but it wasn't going to fit in my purse. No need to worry - the server came back with all of the menus in a special envelope so they wouldn't get bent without my even asking. They also have a cute little bar up front that I like to come to on occasion, but beware the drinks are REALLY expensive and REALLY strong.
(4)
j s.
This is a wonderful, romantic, delightful place. The food was wonderful. Everything we got tasted so fresh and cooked to perfection. The wine selection by the glass was great and we were really happy with each of the choices we made. I would make sure to request a table by the window.
(5)
Chuck A.
I knew I was in trouble when the Manhattan I ordered had way to much bitters in it! Once we were seated I opened the menu and I was somewhat alarmed by the prices but I knew it was gonna be that kinda place so I just went with it. I figured it would be a good value. Well , I ordered the beef medallions . When ya see the word medallions ya know your not gonna get much to eat, let me tell ya! If it's really good you accept that kinda dinning experience for what it is - but this was ridiculous! I can't help but think of the size of steak I could get at any high end place downtown for 37 bucks! The meat was very rare and the taste was far from exceptional! The girls made reservations and they were excited so I tried to hide my initial feelings. Of coarse the prairie style decor was very tasteful. The staff was very efficient and delightful! Unfortunately I have to say there is an overwhelming arrogance to charge this much for such meager portions. I think my medallions probably cost them less than 5 bucks and I hate to think what that piece of fish my girlfriend ate actually costs! I'm sorry but all the garnish in the world doesn't make up for a simple lack of value! Our bill was nearly four hundred dollars at the end of the night and I was still hungry .......and very angry! I felt like I had been taken for a ride. If ya pay that much for a meal it had better be the best you have ever had! While the food was interesting and the preparation was artistic - it simply didn't meet my expectations for a place that expensive. If ya care more about the environment and the "dinning experience' ......and ya just have too much money in your pocket.....this is the place for you!
(2)
Mandy P.
I love the atmosphere in this place, but I don't think the food is as excellent as I'd like it to be. My husband, father and I went there for my husband's birthday this year and went there a few years ago for something special (can't remember what). It is a truly unique place in that you don't get to feel like you're tucked away in a special parky place in the city very often. At the same time that you feel like you've gotten away from it all, there are some nice city views from there, so you can appreciate this wonderful city that we all live in. Plus, historically, it's an interesting building and the design is charles rene mackintosh (sp?) inspired. The staff there was great when we were there in June. I let them know ahead of time that it was my husband's birthday and they gave us special menus with "Happy Birthday Andrew!!" typed across the menu. It was so cute and such a special little touch that was not expected. We all really got a kick out of it. So what didn't I like? I didn't think the food was all that. It was good enough (certainly not so bad that it ruined our night or anything), but it was not as pectacular as I'd like -- especially since it is, as so many have mentioned, more expensive than average. I can see that I'm not the only one who thinks this, which is helpful to know, since I can never tell if it's just me (because I'm a vegetarian and don't always get the main fare at a place) or not. In short, if you want a special location to go to, do go here (if you have the cash for it). You will get interesting food and a great atmosphere, but you won't get mind-blowing food. However, if you're looking for really, really good food, or inexpensive fare, I would not recommend this place.
(4)
Aimee C.
North Pond is a wonderful restaurant to dine with your lover, your family, or your best of friends. The experience lends to a feeling of comfort and warmth of memories of the past. I spent the week, scouring the restaurants of Chicago in search of the perfect place to dine and look into his eyes. To have the pleasure of succulent delights fill me with an experience that I've been seeking. Chicago is a wonderful city, but I'm from San Francisco, I want organic, I want sustainable food that is regionally produced, consciously created and wrapped up in a nice little presentation for the epicurean. Dropped off at Deming and Lakeview, we took a short stroll, hands interlocked, under the bridge and through darkness to find a arts and craft style that reminds me of a 1920s craftman house . The cold wind was barreling through me, as he pulled me close and nestled in his arms we rush inside to find warmth from the hearth and a view of the pond glistening with the lights of the city... We reminisced about Tavern on the Green and I smiled in a coy, slightly subtle yet purposeful way. Dinner was delightful, timed to perfection and embodies the organic qualities that I have sought since my first day in Chicago.
(4)
cheri m.
What a disappointment! Took a group of six foodies here to celebrate and we all left with literally, a bad taste in our mouths. Did not do the tasting menu, because we wanted to try lots of dishes among the six of us. Our first disappointment came when at 8 on a Saturday night, they were out of one appetizer, had no replacement for it (it's not that extensive a menu), and refused to allow us to order anything off the tasting menu as an app or entree. Although this restaurant promotes itself as serving local, sustainable food, it's a sham. The appetizer list offered foie gras and monkfish. Monkfish? On the "avoid" list for sustainable seafood watch? Fir came the amuse. A square of watermelon, a dollop of cucumber mousse, a total bore. The bread basket provided slices of an inferior and somewhat stale white bagette. We all ordered different apps, and none of us was impressed enough to pass around anything. Fifteen dollars for watercress soup with a dollop of goat cheese? The monkfish ap was over salted and inedible. The pork belly app was not only over salted but undercooked, although the two very tiny shrimp on the plate were totally overcooked and tasteless. Entrees faired no better. All were in the mid to upper thirty dollar range and the best were mediocre. Wild salmon was fine, but at that price it should have been much better than fine. The rabbit was eh. We were so disappointed we didn't bother ordering dessert. With prices sky high, (apps btw $13 and 18, entrees all in the mid to upper $30s) we felt completely ripped off. Maybe other people voted with their feet, as the restaurant never filled at 8:00 on a Saturday night. Avoid this one at all costs!
(1)
Cindy A.
My husband and I were at North Pond for my birthday dinner. The service was the best I've experienced in a long time. Our waitress was so pleasant and happy. The ambiance was unforgettable! The fireplace was going, light rain outside. It was so cozy and we had a perfect table overlooking the pond. Every bite of food was delicious! The cocktails and wine were very good. The perfect birthday dinner!
(5)
alex B.
I am giving this a 2 star for a couple of reasons, 1- Their service is incredibly slow, i had to wait almost 40 minutes until my hamburger came, and the waitress didn't come until about 15 minutes after i came. 2- The hamburger there was, well pretty horrible!!! For one, there was way to much grease on my hamburger, i barely took one bite till i figured it out. The next situation is that the hamburger was BARELY cooked, on the out side of it, it looked perfectly cooked, but in the middle, it was disgusting!!!!! The only reason i like it was that i could stare out of the window into the beautiful pond, and i also took a greast walk, it was because of the landscape that i gave it 2 stars.
(2)
Asi P.
Went there for a pre-fixed menu on Valentine's day. Delicious- you can't expect less than that, especially when combining the chef recommended wine that is chosen for each meal. -Expensive- be ready to go and enjoy such good food and wine. I am not a wine connoisseur but the wines were supplementing the meal like fine art.
(5)
Julia W.
Best wedding gift ever! Well, aside from the cast iron skillet and massive mixer. But I digress--my husband and I were lucky enough to snag a couple gift certificates to North Pond as wedding gifts and immediately called the gift-givers after our meal (sated and a bit tipsy) to thank them for their generosity. Ok, I tried. I tried 3 or 4 times tonight to articulate my experience at North Pond and the words continue to fail me. It is a beautiful atmosphere, with an amazing view of the skyline from a green haven--this wonderful little urban oasis... The service was outstanding--we were never rushed, were welcome to just sit and take it all in before we even ordered our drinks... The food was superb and its presentation lovely. I could write every single detail of the evening and meal and I wouldn't come remotely close to capturing the experience. If only we had more gift certificates! I'm saving pennies for our next meal there, and it will be worth every single one.
(5)
hapa l.
I had brunch here the other weekend. It was SO good!!!! It was a 4 course brunch/lunch and we got a nice seat near the window. I had a blueberry tart, french toast with bacon, frittata, and chocolate Mouse. The price was a fixed 35 dollar deal but for a fancy lunch, not too bad at all. I think it's a great place to celebrate your birthday or anniversary.
(4)
Tiffany K.
I kind of felt out of place there, since most of the patrons were mid-30s+. Still, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was great. I was here for a super belated birthday dinner. Two main dishes plus two desserts came out to be around $250. I remember the grapefruit sorbet being TO DIE FOR, but my entree being so-so. I can't even remember what I got because it was that bland. But the desserts are great and the atmosphere is nice.
(3)
E O.
Visited North Pond, last night, after seeing a really great show with my best friend. We were excited to dine at North Pond as we are both Chicago natives (I am actually born and raised in Lakeview) yet neither of us had ever dined at North Pond. We were greeted by a very friendly host who seated us next to the charming, cozy, fireplace. The dining room is beautiful, warm, comfortable, and with an amazing view of Chicago's beautiful skyline. Our server, Patrick, welcomed us with a friendly greeting. He had been informed of our dietary restrictions and explained that North Pond would do their best to accommodate us accordingly. Patrick was very thorough with his description of the menu and, after speaking with Chef Bruce Sherman, provided us with 2 options from each course that would meet our dietary restrictions. Without compromising the integrity of the dishes and their Farm-to-Table philosophy, Chef Sherman provided us with an absolutely delicious meal with a beautiful presentation. Every course, from the amuse-bouche to the after-dinner sweet treat, was absolutely delicious!! Patrick's service, and knowledge of the food and wine menu, was spectacular and was the cherry-on-top of what had already been a great day. It is clear, to me, that North Pond trains their staff meticulously as I overheard another server provide the same professional service, to his guests, as Patrick provided us. I HIGHLY recommend North Pond for its beautiful ambiance, outstanding service, and splendid food.
(5)
Allie B.
First time at North Pond. Steven was our server. The food was great. I especially enjoyed the foie gras and rhubarb, scorn me if you will, but it's still legal. We did the seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing - all very interesting. Steven answered all of our questions, provided lots of great information on the wine and really made it a relaxing evening. The apricot tart/brown butter ice cream dessert is not to be missed. I love how the ingredients are local and seasonal. I also enjoyed that another server came by and showed us the cooking technique being used on an upcoming course. Some sort of hen steamed in a wrap inside this cute little kettle. I love interesting food like this - good without being so weird you're a little freaked out. Can get a bit pricey, so I would recommend it for special occasions ... although I've heard they do a fairly reasonable brunch. We will definitely be back.
(5)
John M.
So we hit up North Pond on a Saturday night and I must say, it did not disappoint. Reading previous reviews about the service, I had a keen eye out for any lapses. None to be seen! The host was nice and our server was very friendly and attentive, but not too much. First course, I went for the corn chowder w/ trout....extremely smooth and delicious. I was close to licking the bowl. My wife had the beet and goat cheese salad. This consisted of 5 different kinds of beets and a mint flavored goat cheese. She loved it...though, she also loves beets! She thought the goat cheese was a great balance to the different flavored and textured beets. We then split the foie gras. By itself, it was foie gras...but with everything combined-foie gras, french toast, plums, sauteed onion and granola it was an explosion of taste! The bass with mushrooms was excellent. It had a medley of sweet corn, new potatoes, bacon and this great green chive cream. The wife loved her pork loin w/ apricots, which was done perfectly. Wish I could tell you about dessert, but we were stuffed! Highly recommend this place for a cozy escape from the city. I always feel like we're at a fancy hunting/fishing lodge up north when visiting this spot.
(5)
Wendy F.
What an amazing experience! First, I have to say that I really appreciate the great hostess who gave me a tip when I called in to confirm our reservation. I had asked to be seated by the window and she let me know that since we were eating at 8 PM, they couldn't guarantee anything over the phone. But, she let me know to ask when we got there and to also let them know we were willing to wait if someone was finishing up dessert. We got there about 30 min early and I settled in at the bar while my dinner partner went to the hostess stand. The bartender was very friendly and as soon as we ordered our drinks, the hostess came over to seat us. We got the center table right next to the windows with the view of the pond. I don't usually gush (and I am sure the 2 bottles of wine helped) but the wonderful breeze along with the sun setting just added so much to our dinner. Also, I had told them it was our 5-yr anniversary so they printed out menus that were waiting at our table. It was great! Unfortunately, the 2 aforementioned bottles caused some short-term memory loss and we didn't realize that we had left them behind until the next morning! But, it was a great gesture on their part! Our server was very knowledgeable and gracious from the beginning of the meal to the end. The amuse bouche was good. I began with the soft-shell crab. Then I decided to act like I was at IHOP and exchange appetizers midway through. The sunnyside egg on top of lobster meat gratin was exquisite. For dinner, I had the Alaskan halibut and Jeff had the grassfed beef dish. Halibut was delicious! By the time we ordered dessert, I was a little tipsy but I remember it being covered in chocolate and being amazing. They also wrote out our names on the plate (in chocolate) with a Happy Anniversary message. Then the server brought over some more sweets and I ate those as well because even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating. Jeff also enjoyed their beer list as well. I had a really great dining experience at North Pond and definitely recommend it.
(5)
Erin C.
My husband and I went here to celebrate a big promotion, and north pond made everything so special! They customized our menus with our names, decorated our plates with congratulations written in chocolate and a few other special things to make everything a bit nicer. We had the chef's tasting menu with the wine pairings, and couldn't have been happier with the selections. The food here was delicious (so fresh and creative), the service was excellent, and we would love to return.
(5)
Ryan P.
I thought it was nice. The decor is a bit artsy craftsy, the food is nice, and the location is beautiful. I think it'd be super cute for a date as you can take a romantic walk through the park.
(4)
Marie T.
I've been looking for a romantic restaurant for my BF and I to celebrate our anniversary so we decided on North Pond. The past reviews by other Yelpers were very accurate: * Atmosphere: The Chicago skyline behind the pond was beautiful. It was a little foggy but I can't pin that against the restaurant. The decor of the restaurant was very soothing, not too stuffy, very intimate and comfortable. * Food: For what we paid, the food wasn't that great. My BF has the sirloin which was pretty good. I had the SeaBass with scallops which I wasn't very fond off. Too fishy and salty for me. The dessert was amazing though, very delicous * Details: I loved their attention to detail, the dessert place and the menu had a note to us celebrating the special occassion I probably won't come back for seconds, but it definitely is a place you need to try at least once.
(4)
Jennifer B.
We went here for my birthday and had a lovely time. Love the history of the building. Our waitress could not have been better. They had printed custom menus for our table that had a birthday message for me. They gave us seeds with our bill (which we have already planted). It was a nice touch. Lots of unique foods. Great adventure right in Lincoln Park. It is great to have a place like this so close by. Give it a try!
(4)
KellyandAndy M.
First visit for us I believe was back in November of 08. We've been back several times since but just got into the whole yelping thing so are playing catch up to review the places we've been. We've been for both brunch (a STEAL for the price) and lunch (still quite reasonable). We've had the gambit; fish, pork, rabbit, beef, the whole nine. We usually order different things so we can taste a little of everything off each others plates. The food here is always amazing. Service is impeccable. The rotating menu based on their seasonal ingredients keeps things interesting (the only downside to this is not being able to enjoy a favourite dish on repeat visits). The flavour combinations are well thought out and simple; not this off the wall cooky stuff that may or may not work, or something merely the chef thinks would be amazing. It's classic. The crowd is a bit older (I'd say late 30s/early 40s+) and although the dress is business casual, I've seen people wearing much less than their Sunday best. The decor is warm and comforting; very log cabin-esque. The view is lovely regardless of where you are seated (if you get the pond side though, you can see the skyline, which is one of the best in the country if you ask me). Looking forward to eventually saving our pennies to indulge in dinner or the seasonal tasting menus! Will report back then.
(5)
Linda D.
the two hostesses have terrible attitudes! Rolling of the eyes - just unbelievable!! Have been going to North Pond for years and sad to say I will NEVER be back!!!
(1)
a g.
pretty decent. location is super nice. this place seems like a place you would go to with your parents for an anniversary or a graduation of some sort. everything we had was excellent. also quite pricey tho.
(3)
Leigh K.
I had forgotten this but looking at their website, I remembered reading this while dining there: "The menu at North Pond is designed to feature products raised or grown in their native environment and offered at their seasonal peak." It just gave me another reason to like the place, but as other reviews have said, this is a place to be reserved for special occasions. I have a feeling a number of engagement proposals have occured here. I went to North Pond for a firm dinner back in November. The setting is unparalleled in the city. It's both a treat and a retreat. North Pond is a cozy space that seems much smaller than it actually is since it's divided into separate rooms to provide a more intimate feel. The service was exceptional and the entire menu was well thought out and executed. Prior to appetizers being brought out, a tasting portion of pork belly (I believe), was placed in front of us. Since I only eat poultry, I politefully declined. Since my memory fails me here, I remember I had some sort of a cold duck appetizer which I very much enjoyed. For dinner, I had squab for the first time and it was mouth-watering. I've heard that squab is extremely gamey but I didn't find it any moreso than duck which is a favorite of mine when cooked just right. The desserts were downright decadent and afterwards a square of star anise chocolate was brought out while the bill was being prepared. I slept like a baby when I arrived home and dreamed of being able to afford to eat here whenever I'd like.
(5)
sugi o.
brunch was delicious!! 3 courses and you have your choice for each course. all 3 courses were very good and beautifully presented. the restaurant was cute but kind of hard to find at first. theres ample street parking all around the restaurant.
(4)
Sara F.
Amazing review but oh-so-expensive. Thank goodness we had a gift certificate. Our bill came to $250 for 2 people which did include 2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, 2 coffee's and 1 bottle of wine. I know that was a lot but I was still surprised. Its totally worth it for a special occasion (they made my Husband's birthday!!!) but not for just any night out on the town. What was great was the local produce they use and the service! Plus the food was oh-so-yummy!
(3)
Rachel P.
Tasting menu and win pairings were fantastic! Food is truly excellent. Service was good- our server was very serious! Restaurant has a nice atmosphere- lots of wood, very nice and relaxing. Cocktails were tasty and pretty strong. 1 star docked for tiny things- server could have been a little more friendly/cheerful- he was good/attentive but seemed too seriousl and tasting menu was maybe a tad overpriced. However food was excellent, and I'll definitely be returning here.
(4)
Karyn K.
The farm egg and polenta was amazing. Because North Pond's menu is very seasonal, chances are it won't be on the menu as I went in November. My entree was the goat prepared three ways, which was surprisingly good. This was the first time I had had goat. I find the menu a bit misconceiving as the very generic title sometimes does not do the actual food justice. Loved the decor and feel of North Pond. They did not have the first few bottles of wine that my wine loving family requested and our waitress was a bit unfriendly. Overall, a good meal.
(4)
Andrew B.
AMAZING! A perfect night out away from the kids. We were seated rather quickly & coat check was easy. Our waitress was easy-going, approachable, and very well-informed. Ordering was a snap after some tough decisions and excellent explanations by the waitress and the wine list was extensive. I started with the Seared Foie Gras with quince. Say what you may about the ethics of foie, it was exquisite, the best I've ever had, And it was playful in its use of quince in the form of little jelly doughnuts! My wife had the Farm Egg with Sweetbreads. When done poorly, sweetbreads can be chewy & uninspired. These were well-cooked and augmented by dates with a wonderful spiced sauce. My wife had a prosciutto & pear salad and I had a kampachi and apple salad. They were both very good. But I can only get so excited about the salad course! My main course of squab with spinach had perfectly cooked medium-rare squab with a slightly sweet huckleberry reduction that was inspired. My wife's duck was perfectly cooked but almost was outshone by a roasted pineapple that made the fruit taste better than I could have imagined. Our desserts had highlights of creme-fraiche ice cream, brown-butter crumble, maple ice cream, and apple gelees. Our dinner was definitely one of our favorites in the city. North Pond Cafe should be experienced by all serious diners.
(5)
Janeen A.
North Pond has a nice location and our seat by the window was scenic. The service was excellent, as well. However, the food was mediocre. My friend and I were not crazy about anything that we ate. My appetizer was not very good and everything else was just okay (we had 3 courses each and split a 4th course). We both felt that the dessert was dry and that it was not what we expected based upon the menu's description (and disappointing...how can dessert not be good?) We both felt that the prices are steep for what you get. We are foodies and don't mind the prices when the food matches them, but in this case the food is not reflective of the prices. There are many amazing restaurants in Chicago and unfortunately this is not one of them in my opinion. We both agreed that we would likely not return to this restaurant due to the unremarkable food.
(2)
Revvv G.
Mediocre, at best. I have traveled to so many fine dining establishments in tis country and I currently live in Northern California: the home of the seasonal, fresh ingredient movement. North Pond has a long way to go to live up to the level of freshness, flavor and flavor cominations that are available at other season fresh restaurants. We were there for a holiday dinner in early December, The meal was overly salty and all of hte flavors on hte plate ran together with no distinction or pizazz. we had heard great things and were so thoroughly disappointed in hte meal. The saving grace: this gorgeous spot and the comfort of the interior decor. I would never recommend North Pond nor would I eat there again.
(2)
Alexandra S.
Sublime, amazing and unbelievable this could be the best restaurant in Chicago. Chef Sherman combines unique, fresh produce with other distinct ingredients to make flavors come alive. He does things to beets which could be illegal they taste so sinfully good. The service is great and I have not had a bad meal yet. Go for brunch if you want to try the menu but save a few bucks. If you want to splurge for the seasonal tasting menu with the wine pairings. It's well worth it.
(5)
bj f.
we just returned home from such a wonderful sunday brunch experience here. it is a three course menu, $32, not including drinks. each of the courses offers four selections. for starters, i ordered a bloody mary, which was o.k., and the hub ordered a blueberry vodka concoction, which i didn't care for, its vanilla taste threw me. but the food courses!! first, they tease your palate with the smallest square of moist blueberry breakfast cake before they bring on the big guns. hub's french toast with berries and bacon and my poached egg on a bed of creamy seafood, with a dice of green and yellow beans and squash, accented with caviar, were both luscious, each in their own sweet/savory way. my second course of salmon on polenta with squash and red pepper/tomato garnish, and his of steak with potatoes, corn, and tiny onion rings, were spot on, and the third course desserts, his, a chocolate mousse layered with raspberry and mine, a nectarine blueberry tart with blueberry sorbet, offered a perfect amen. and the coffee is served up aromatic, dark, and strong, like we like it. i like that the flavors are so distinct, the fact that i know the vegetables used are as fresh as can be, and that the portions are just the right size to fill you up, but not overly so. the server was really pleasant, and the rest of the serving staff slip in and out, silently, like food ninjas. the interior offers up different environments, depending on where you're placed. we were in the outer dining area, light, with floor to ceiling windows, with the park and lagoon serving as a perfect backdrop on a gorgeous day. the interior room, by contrast, was dimly lit, one of those places where you can't be quite sure of the time of day. it's a cloistered environment, one i imagine would feel really cozy in the winter time. the wooden appointments throughout are beautifully rendered in an arts and crafts motif. upended wooden parasols serve as light fixtures, the ceiling is layered screenwork offering up interesting moire patterns that mimic the grain of the wood in the walls and trim. a really beautiful place to let your eyes wander and appreciate. it's especially impressive considering how it used to exist years ago when we'd frequent it as a skating shelter! all in all, a great dining treat.
(5)
WK C.
Absolutely fantastic, unusual, creative, wonderful food. Great setting, and terrific service. Fun to watch the operations in the open kitchen. And, as far as I'm concerned, the only reason to revisit Chicago. Arctic Char was sublime, lettuce/radish salad with some macaroon thing out of this world, and the desserts exquisite.
(5)
Ross F.
It is definitely expensive, but it has one of the best tucked away romantic locations in the City and undoubtedly some of the best food. The tastes and service you will get here will completely blow your socks off. The food is delicious without being pretentious and the whole experience is worth the splurge every so often! This is the place to go for a special night out.
(5)
Maxine G.
I really wanted to be able to give North Pond a glowing review, but overall I was pretty disappointed with the whole experience. My boyfriend and I went for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. North Pond has been on my "must try for a special occasion" list for a long time and I was really excited for a phenomenal meal. But it was just ok. On the whole, I thought most of my food was over-salted. I had the Sweet Shrimp with Parmesan Consume that basically tasted like salt. And my halibut dish was undercooked and heavily salted. The best part of the meal was the dessert. It was a blueberry pastry with different ice creams and sour cream on top. It was complex, creative and unique - I wish everything else had lived up to the dessert. The service also left much to be desired. Our waiter never checked back to see how the food was and it took a long time to order. And don't get me wrong, we weren't in a hurry at all. I can fully appreciate the beauty of "slow food" but there's a difference between enjoying your food and neglect. Plus he got my order totally wrong and brought out a completely different dish than what I had ordered. They did take my boyfriend's dinner back to be warmed while they made mine, but he said it tasted better when they brought it out the first time. The atmosphere and location are very lovely. I'd consider going back for brunch and giving it a try, but if I'm going to spend that much money on dinner, I want it to be amazing.
(3)
Charles L.
Absolutely awesome location in Lincoln Park (the park, not the neighborhood!). The setting was intimate but not too formal, and the wine list was great. This Florida boy was not overly inspired by the seafood, but it was still very good. I would give this place a 5 star for location, and a 4 star for food, with that 4 star rating taking into account the relative priciness of the entrees.
(4)
Matt N.
a little salty but very sweet. I, of course appreciate the dedication to local and organic produce that the entrees are prepared with, and the menu is on a seasonal rotation. Not much in the way of wine under 40/bottle but they had a great pinot from oregon. Must try the hen and steak appetizer!!!.... better get there before the fall menu kicks in though. I would try and get seated in the window-o-plenty area of the dinning room, great view of the park and pond, really a great atmosphere overall. Its was nice to take a ten minute walk through the park from the bus stop. I think they have a brunch too that I have always wanted to try.
(4)
A.S. V.
I've only been here once, because of its prices (entrees start at $30). Chef Bruce Sherman is highly rated, but the fairly traditional American fare isn't unique enough to merit the price in my book. Lucky for them they have the advantage of being located on a lush pond. Can't find that anywhere else in the city.
(4)
Natalie P.
Beautiful restaurant and amazing food. The wine list was also very impressive. Our server was very nice and attentive. There is a nice bar to wait in , and you must try a speciality cocktail. The food is all seasonal which I loved. The view is very impressive. Great for a special occasion or to take friends from out of town. And very romanitc. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Julie S.
I've been to North Pond twice. The first time I went, I thought it was pretty good. I remembered thinking it was really cute that the berries on my plate came from the tree right outside the window, and I liked that we were able to bring our own wine for dinner. All-in-all, a good dinner. However, the second time we came I was so disappointed. When I made the reservation I asked to be seated at a nice table since we were celebrating my first wedding anniversary and father's day simultaneously, but we got the worst table ever. It was really cramped and in a really busy area and so my chair kept getting hit whenever anyone walked by. It was such a tight squeeze that even the waitstaff had trouble maneuvering around the table. The food was also not very good and was totally unmemorable. The only thing I remember was that many dishes were bland and off in texture. So, from my own experiences I would say that North Pond is very inconsistent and that there is an equal possibility of having a good dinner or a bad dinner.
(2)
Cindy K.
I recommend North Pond to everyone that wants a great American meal with fresh regional foods. Chef Bruce Sherman is a master and the room designed by my friend Nancy Warren is so inviting. I think this is up there as possibly the most romantic restaurant in Chicago. I love it in the summer and winter equally. The food and service is always perfect. I'm not kidding. This is a real find in Lincoln Park and so worth every cent.
(5)
Brad S.
10 years ago I wanted to use a meal at North Pond as a way to win back a girl who had dumped me. Between the romantic setting on a pond in a park of Chicago looking over the skyline...the outstanding menu, and the impeccable reviews...I thought for sure I'd get my girl back. The date never happened, and then 10 years passed. But today, I have a new girl (who's actually worth bringing), and I finally made my reservation. North Pond was an awesome dining experience. I prepared for my meal by studying the menu. I had to look up a ton of terms I wasn't familiar with including: raviolo, quince, coulis, roulade, Cipollini, a la plancha, amberjack, crudo, tuile, panna cotta, ragout, pignolis, piccolo farro, semolina, turnips, and parsnips. We sat next to a fireplace with a view of the city. The interior was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style. We had killer service, and the food tasted amazing! The only thing I wasn't happy with was spending $200! But now and then you have to live it up...and that's exactly what we did on that beautiful evening at North Pond.
(4)
P S.
Beautiful location, food was good not great, service was OK. We went on a Sunday evening, so it wasn't busy, but overall not bad. It is pricey though.
(4)
S to the izzo F.
It has a Five Star View and Atmosphere... I don't think there is any place like it in Chicago! The food is excellent but based on the prices it should be more stunning. (the only reason I didn't give it Five stars!)It's a place for special occasions. The wine list was great. Most people would not be able to afford to eat here very often. I still love it. It is so Romantic and if you want to impress that girl of yours (yes I know she's already impressed) here, You will blow her away!
(4)
na z.
Still bad food, rude customer service, and way over priced pretentious dining spot.
(1)
B K.
This place is under-rated. I never thought to come here before because it is not a place you routinely hear about as being known for it's food. I thought they were just a touristy spot banking on the fine location they were able to get, right in lincoln park,. I was wrong! We got the tasting menu, which was really rather cheap compared to the prices at comparable restaurants. Not that it is a cheap place...but it's all relative. The food was both well presented and amazing- sometimes I think that places like Alinea get so focused on making things artistic and unique that you loose a little bit of the pleasure of just enjoying food- you know- the great feeling you get when you just get to really fill up your hungry stomach with a good meal. That did not happen here. The food was well presented, but I also really got a meal. The portions were large, and the service was good, which meant you weren't waiting for large amounts of time between courses. Our waiter also knew a tremendous amount about the wines, which was a great asset. I left with the intellectual satisfaction you get from analyzing the artistic creations concocted by a great chef, and the hedonistic satisfaction you get after gobbling down comfort food- but it happened without me feeling fat!
(5)
Julia C.
I was also here for the same engagement party at Andrea W and I thought this was one of the most romantic restaurants I've ever been in. It was also the perfect spot for an intimate engagement party! The food could not have been better. I had some kind of pumpkin soup that I've been craving ever since. If you are ever looking for a special spot to take a significant other definitely consider North Pond!
(5)
Matt N.
Nice city views from the front dining room and a relaxing place to have dinner. Food is good, but the presentation and staff makes this a must stop. Good date spot in Lincoln Park.
(4)
Vanessa Z.
I went here about a year and a half ago and haven't had a better meal before or since. The ambience is incredibly peaceful and romantic and the wait-staff is unparalleled in their timing and professionalism. I can't remember our server's name but she was the most knowledgeable and caring server I've ever had. She was so personally invested in us having a great first-wedding-anniversary that we felt like she was having us over to her home rather than a restaurant.
(5)
Shaun K.
The view is excellent. When eating here during the summer, the accordion doors are folded back and the dining room opens to the lake, which is within the park. From beyond the trees, in the background, the city sits, and pre-war mid-rises are in your periphery. It is a true sense of serenity inside the city. The decor in the restaurant is Frank Lloyd Wright inspired and quite detailed, with quotes of literary fame. The service is impeccable and the attention to detail is exquisite. The food is completely seasonal, and changes are made often. The chef speaks of the importance of eating seasonal, organic foods, and you will also realize that these foods are at their optimum flavor while in season too. The food here is more flavorful, more well defined and far above the rest. The tastes are well captured and paired in a way that is rarely seen. With every detail in place, North Pond truly enlivens the diner.
(5)
Ingrid G.
This review is for the brunch. It's a fixed price ($32), and you order from the server. There are three choices for every course, and three courses--appetizer, main, and dessert. Although this is gourmet dining, I was not overly impressed with the selections. I feel as though they might take some shortcuts because of the beauty of the location. I'd never had an amuse bousch for brunch, and for good reason----it was a teeny piece of coffee cake! What's the point? Also, there is a dessert course--at 11 am I am not thinking I want dessert. In general, the location, especially in the fall, is as good as it gets! But the brunch is kind of...weird, and not for everyone--which, for a restaurant whose location is perfect for an autumn family brunch is unfortunate. I would be happier if they offered a standard brunch/breakfast menu, keeping the fixed price menu for dinner. (Lula, for example, offers more unusual selections but also offers standard breakfast,/brunch fare like eggs benedict, and they keep everyone happy that way!)
(3)
Brent W.
chose north pond for our 1 yr anniversary dinner. notable first course was perch, sorrel, which was impeccable if i might use such an adjective to describe food. the execution of the dish was first rate and flavors were extremely fresh; their attention to detail in presentation should be commended too. for the main course...my wife had the strip steak w. veggies, I chose the wild pheasant. again, both very well prepared and tasted great. overall a good and memorable experience. only complaint would be not being able to sit in the 'room w. a view' and frankly that's perhaps a bigger draw than the food itself, esp when doing a special night out. It would appear you need to get in early for the first seating or just luck out for the second seating and thereafter. 3/5 overall, 4/5 for the food.
(4)
kiki h.
This truly is a special restaurant. The food and atmosphere could not be more perfect! The prices are expensive so I suggest going here for special occasions. My mother loves comign here for mother's day brunch every year!
(4)
Tammy N.
you can not go wrong here. no matter who you are dining with, this is the perfect place. i was told a long time ago that this was an old ice-skate rental house for the park district. you definitely feel the history of old chicago when you enter the quaint space. the fireplace is fantastic as are the views of lincoln park and the chicago skyline. i've had both lunch and dinner here and thoroughly enjoyed whatever i had. everyone i've dined with here has the same reaction i have which is, "will it ever become socially acceptable to lick the sauce off of your plate?"
(5)
Heather C.
We went to the North Pond for a family engagement dinner. The special events coordinator was extremely accommodating and personalized the menu for us and worked around numerous allergies. The ambiance is great, and very Frank Lloyd Wright inspired. (We were at Oak Park visiting FLW's Home and Studio earlier in the day, so it was a perfect finish to our day) The bar in the restaurant is small but cozy. Great wine selection and a decent offering of ones by the glass. Be sure to go before sunset so you can take in the views!
(5)
Oscar the Death Cat B.
North Pond's location is probably the most beautiful dining destination in Chicago, situated in the middle of Lincoln Park in a 1920s/30s vintage boat (or field?) house. The interior is tastefully decorated in an Arts & Crafts style. Entrees are not cheap, I think they are all around the $30 range, for my last visit I opted for a 5-course "tasting" menu which costs about $75, which seems pricey but actually was not bad considering that you might spend that much anyway ordering appetizer/salad, entree, and dessert ala carte. Each course of the tasting menu offered a nice variety different dishes in small portions, each dish I sampled was very flavorful & delicious. Dining at North Pond is an event in itself, it's not the kind of restaurant where you should expect to stop in for a quick bite on the way to a movie or show, service is professional but not rushed, dishes are not mass-produced but prepared individually with great care. Diners seem to appreciate taking their time in savoring each course. North Pond would be a bit expensive as any sort of "regular" dinner destination, but for special occasions where you are willing to spend a few extra $$ for outstanding food, service & atmosphere, it is definitely a worthwhile experience.
(5)
Jeremy D.
Went to North Pond for dinner and it was phenomenal. The service was top-notch and the restaurant itself is quite comfortable. I love the Mission style design too. We had a table next to the window. Out the window you have one of the most impressive views of the Chicago skyline, the snow was falling and the fireplace was keeping us warm. It's a very special place. The food matches the setting. It was full of wonderful fresh flavors. I started with a squash soup that was excellent. I had the grass fed beef for dinner and it had a wonderful rich and distinctive flavor. I would highly recommend my selections. Our server was very knowledgeable about the wines and we had a great pairing. The waiter told me they grow some of their food in a garden out back and the chef stresses local and sustainable cuisine. I am happy to support our local farmers and I can't wait to return for another excellent dining experience.
(5)
Mark P.
Excellent 3 course prix fixe Father's Day brunch. Really the enjoyed the poached egg and pork tenderloin on creamy grits for starter. Halibut and hanger steak entrees were nicely done. Nice presentation to desserts. Great view of the Chicago skyline overlooking the pond. Minus one star for cold yet professional service.
(4)
syl p.
Go. There is nothing here to disappoint you. The food, decor, service is stellar.
(5)
K B.
OVER-PRICED AND STUFFY! I'm not sure what all the rave reviews are based on for this place, but in my opinion the location is the best thing about it. We went there for a birthday celebration and it was a nice touch that the menu included the person's name on it. (but they are printed daily, so really, not that big of a whoop). We were made to wait for over 35 minutes for our 9pm reservation, then seated and waited on by people who were in no particular hurry and had major attitudes. Cold and stuffy is how I would describe it. We did the 5 or 6 course tasting menu which was good, but the portions were too small for my boyfriend and the only reason we were full at the end was all the bread we filled up on during the 25 min intervals between courses. While most items were creative and fairly delicious, I would in no way say this is a good bet in a city which boasts so many amazing restaurants. I was fairly disappointed for the most part, and even more so when the check came to over $320 for two - whaaat? Go to Spiaggia or Everest for amazing views for that kind of price tag, where the food (and service!) is far superior.
(1)
C. A.
I took my wife here for her Birthday. About 3/4 through the entree, I started to feel nauseous but was desperately hoping it would just go away because of the special occasion. PLEASE NOTE: We had neither eaten out beforehand nor had any alcoholic beverages whatsoever. Then, during dessert I had to rush to the restroom and had diarrhea. Before we left North Pond that night - this happened again. But, I still did not mention anything to my wife as not to spoil the occasion. We paid our $200 bill and went directly home. About an hour after we got home, my wife started to experience the same issue and it lasted, for both of us, well into the next day. My wife went into see her doctor the next day and after an incredibly detailed consumption diary the doctor's diagnosis was food poisoning. When I called North Pond to make them aware and to have them refund the dinner - they said there is no way they were going to refund my money and to come back in and they'd give me a modest gift certificate for my trouble. THIS WAS VERY INSULTING. As if we are interested in going back to this restaurant that made us sick. BOTTOM LINE: YOUR RESTAURANT MADE US SICK SO REFUND THE MONEY. It's the right thing to do in this situation - period. i can't think of any other business where if their product made you sick, they would tell you "TOUGH LUCK". $200 is a lot of money so naturally I was upset because the entire experience turned out awful. I have dined out for business 3 times a week for the last 10 years. My family is in the restaurant business. THIS BEHAVIOR IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. Outside of my specific issue, I would tell any prospective North Pond customers to expect a very overpriced, mediocre dinner at a very neat venue. This venue/location obviously drives the restaurant's existence. The food alone is about Wildfire quality at Chop House prices.
(1)
do i.
The locale and architecture of the restaurant deserves five stars, the meal itself was, unfortunately, mediocre. I ordered the soft-shell crab appetizer, which was too salty...I also had the duck, which was also too salty. ...I'm sure the quality of the food was great, but I couldn't taste it, since the salt overpowered the flavor. Their lime tart was too tart! Need to be a bit more subtle with their flavoring. I'd go back to have a drink at the bar or sitting by the window for the view, but a full meal here just was not worth it.
(2)
Alison M.
You know how sometimes, something tastes so good you have to close your eyes, just so you can fully appreciate it? Well, I pretty much ate every course with my eyes closed here, it was that amazing. And our waiter was so nice--I didn't feel intimidated at all asking about how to eat certain dishes, or what certain things on the menu meant . (I had never heard the word "pave" used to reference pork... and now I can't stop thinking about the amazing pork pave). This is definitely a special occasion restaurant-- and as others have mentioned, they even put your special occasion on your menu! It's such a nice touch. I would come back in a second, I just need another special occasion to celebrate!
(5)
sarah b.
Requested a table by the window and couldn't have been happier with the table, decor, ambiance. This restaurant seems to be very conservation-minded, with a lot of locally grown produce, sustainable foods, even the booze seemed predominantly organic. Heavy on bacon and pork flavoring, so not super vegetarian-friendly. I did have an asparagus soup with a lemony goat chesse souffle and the over-all effect was bland. For my entree a fish I had never heard of, berramunde(?) served with the skin on and I really disliked it. The fish was pedestrian at best. My husband enjoyed everything he ordered(he had lingering bacon taste even after we got home), so maybe I didn't order right. I loved this space and like the idea of it, but wouldn't return to eat. I would, however go to the bar to enjoy the spectacular view and thoughtfully stocked bar.
(3)
kari w.
I love, love, love this restaurant. My family took me there for my graduation, and we were so happy about it!! First, the view outside the restaurant is incredible. You can see the Chicago skyline from across the pond. If you are on a date, definitely plan some time for having a stroll around the park either before or after the meal! Second, the meal is incredible. The meal changes daily, so it's hard to comment on each meal. For an appetizer, I had the lobster and eggs - it was one of the best appetizers I have ever had. So different and delicious. Finally, the service is some of the best I've had anywhere (and I've been to Charlie Trotters and a bunch of the world's best). She actually knew the history of our food, down to the names of the farmers! I cannot recommend this restaurant enough - it's the best place I have been in Chicago by far. Go, go, go!!
(5)
Philippe F.
We've run by this place a million and a half times, and have always planned on eating here. Then one day we said, eff it let's go. So off we went. Every time I go out, I typically have the same cocktail, which I can easily make at home. Therefore I chose to try one of their "Specialty" dranks. The Peach & Honey. Bourbon....Good. IPA....Good. Peaches.....I can eat a peach for hours. All in all, it was nice, different and enjoyable. Not too pinky up, umbrella fruity. 1st course: Foie Gras & Chile Relleno in a corn/crab soup. First and foremost, that is the largest sauteed foie gras I have ever been served. Fatty, tasty and crispy on the edges, along with some sweet berries. Oh hells effin yeah! My lady got the corn on the cob soup. The stuffed pepper and lump crab meat was redick. I would have been happy with another bottle of wine and doubling up on these apps. Perhaps next time that's what we'll do. 2nd course: She had the peach salad, which was sweet like a peach, and green like a salad. I had the tomatoes with basil and parm, which for the price, I could have made a weeks worth at the house. All in all, should have skipped, and will do so in the future. Main event: My lady got the pork tenderloin, which was off the heezy. So many different sauces and flavors, with a colorful presentation as well. I usually order the better dish when we go out, even though we share everything. The halibut was ummmm....yeah. Twas a little on the blandish side. Although the fennel and gazpacho was good. Dessert: We went for the red velvet cake, which was good, although I've had better in the form of a cupcake. They mistakenly brought over the chocolate and cherry dessert, which I heard was awesome. So we lost out on that. Also their Whiskey and Scotch list is a little lacking. I would definitely come back but would be a little bit more wiser in regards to my stomach real estate.
(4)
Jennifer T.
I went here because I wanted to experience delicious organic food in a beautiful setting. I assumed the service would be good, too. I was very disappointed. I went with 2 other diners. We tried each other's dishes and they were all too salty and I'm not one that is shy of sodium. We told the waitress about the dishes being over salty and she stared at us wide-eyed and ran off and never came back! I asked another server and explained the situation and he responded appropriately and then never came back. What's going on? I turned around and looked at the chef at the counter. I noticed him sprinkling more salt onto every dish after it comes to the counter ready to be served. Well, I'm not sure if the sous chef was not supposed to season it and that was the chef's job or where the breakdown in miscommunication happened. I did notice him yelling under his breath at many servers and chefs so now understood the fear in our server's eyes. She and the other server were too afraid to tell him what was wrong. We did not see our server again until the bill (someone else took our dessert order), and I asked to speak to the manager. He wasn't available. What?! Is this happening? So strange. I wasn't asking in a hostile tone. I was polite and respectful. Maybe that was my problem. I should have yelled. I thought that if I asked enough staff members that someone would respond. I was wrong. I paid a lot for this meal and had been looking forward to it. This is what happens - oversalted and no response? So, I decided to give them another chance to redeem themselves, and emailed the chef and the main site to explain the situation and how disappointed I was. There was no response back. Not even an automated response. Not only was everything too salty, the service was strange and skittish. All i wanted was an apology or perhaps a different entree or the same entree without salt. It still upsets me how my situation was handled or not handled. So, if you do go there and something is under-seasoned or over-seasoned (which will happen cause it happened to other friends of ours, too) don't complain. Nothing will be done about it.
(2)
Fabian B.
I went back in Sep 09, remember it a bit difficult to find as it is hidden, but once you are there its very special. Almost cosy for a restaurant as its very small. Service was very attentive, food amazing , well excecuted - fresh, seasonal, not too many choices (which is always a plus for me) Value for money is reasonable for this kind of establishment - its well worth spending your dough in here.
(4)
Jennifer H.
I had brunch here yesterday with my husband and another couple. I have to say the service here is by far the best service I've ever had. I like to say they had stealth service, every time I turned around my coffee cup was refilled and I didn't even notice someone had been there. Our server gave us the right amount of attention too, always around and there but without being in your face. My meal was good, but the dessert Chocolate, Pecan was the best dessert I have ever had. They mix in a tad of cayenne pepper (guessing) and sea salt on top of the dessert that leaves the right blend of sweet and savory! If you come here, you must order. I asked our server if I can order this to go and I will be coming back just so I can have this dessert. If you are looking for a great brunch with excellent service you should give North Pond a try.
(5)
L S.
We have been to North Pond four times. Each time, the food has been pretty good for my husband, not so good for my vegetarian self. They routinely do not list a vegetarian option on the menu and when you inquire they say "we make one off the cuff". What this essentially means is, being a vegetarian, you have no say in what the actual meal is, but you will pay $40+ for whatever they come up with. I find this disconcerting as it was amazing one out of three visits. The fourth, I finally ordered a dessert cheese plate in place of my meal. The second issue I have is the valet/cab service. The first time we valeted, it was 16 degrees and the valet was no where to be seen for 25 minutes outside. We finally located our car a street away and it was unlocked!! Unfortunately we could not drive it away as he had the keys but we were able to sit in it until he returned. This evening, the waiter and host told us the valet would have a cab waiting, to go out to the street. As we went to the street, the valet was sitting in someone's BMW at the stop sign and said he can't get us a cab unless one drove by. So we stood outside for another 10 minutes in the Chicago winter waiting. I am fine with calling my own cab but since you have to walk out through the park and there's no shelter to wait in, I feel as though they should be able to get you one and send you out when it arrives. I would not be so picky had we ever spent less then $250-$300 for the two of us here but it seems it should be part of the experience at that price. Our server was fairly "stuffy" and the service did not lend itself to the customer service oriented establishments we're becoming accustomed to in our generation. That being said, we do love the ambiance and decor. It's a lovely restaurant in a lovely spot. Just be aware your money could go much further elsewhere..
Ate here a while ago, Really liked this place! Quaint, remote, fresh seasonal ingredients, awesome presentation, rich and savory dishes and light and fresh dishes. Reasonably priced Special occasion? Tell them and they'll personalize your menu AND Dessert Plate! - Any occasion, not just anniversary/birthday! Have fun with it... try - " 1st day I haven't had diarrhea in a while" - they'll do it! (maybe) Ask for a window seat but hard to get. My question is why is the restaurant so far away from the pond, its still a nice view... but there's 100 feet of emptiness.. Will go to brunch next time, now just gotta come up with an occasion..
(5)
Shang X.
I am giving a 3 star here because of the service. I have to say the food here is gorgeous. I am Chinese and I usually don' t like non-Chinese style dishes (I am not talking about the fake Chinese food here in US though), but North Pond Cafe has some very exquisite delicacies. The only "western style" restaurant in US that I have been to and is better than this one is Bistro Du Coin in Washington D.C. I would say(that one is a real gem!!!!). North Pond Cafe is a bit pricy, and the service there is a bit sloppy as well. We were having a walk near north pond and was just passing by the restaurant and thought we'd give it a try and we had the Sunday brunch there, didn't have a reservation so had to wait for like 15 minutes. I liked the pork belly I ordered very much. :) I think we would be back and try their dinner courses.
(3)
kathy z.
The food and service is amazing here. I typically get the tasting menu. I don't eat red meat and they are very accommodating about changing the menu to fit my tastes. It's a very romantic restaurant and is great for a special date. Ask for a table in the front room.
(4)
Jen M.
When my Dad and stepmom (who's a foodie) came to town I knew North Pond would be the perfect place to take them. This was my first time there. The atmosphere is rustic chic and very welcoming. The bar is great (albeit too warm in there) and the front room has a fireplace and overlooked a pond and had a nice view of the city. The restaurant showcases high-end spirits and a great wine list. The food is expertly prepared. I started with the the fennel salad with quince. It was outstanding. Then I moved on to the grass-fed beef with beets as my main dish. The beef was okay but the beets were the most delicious ones I have ever had. The rutabaga was yummy as well. What makes North Pond special is the unique combination of flavors they have in their food. Clearly, it's a well thought-out menu that is all about showcasing food and promoting food appreciation / enjoyment. I wish I could say the service was excellent but it wasn't. The woman who waited on us (ponytail, glasses) took 10 minutes to show up to our table from the time we sat down. I was surprised that it took her that long. And when she did show up at the table she only handed us the menus and walked off. No welcome, no nothing. I wish I could say she was friendly but she had an attitude. The other waitstaff was extremely attentive (water guy and the guy who brought the amuse-bouche). If I go back I will specifically request not to sit in her section. The night we were there it was pouring down rain. Since the restaurant is set back from the road, I thought it would be a nice touch for the restaurant to have someone standing at the street with an umbrella to welcome diners or at least escort them to the front door of the restaurant. I think it would be a nice touch if they would offer this.
(4)
Jennifer O.
One of our favorite restaurants in the city, this is my go-to place for special occasions. The food is always exquisite, the service is excellent and the location and ambiance are beautiful. Chef/owner Bruce Sherman is one of the fathers of the now ubiquitous farm-to-table movement (although he apparently dislikes that phrase) and the menu at North Pond is always changing accordingly, making use of seasonal ingredients from local sources. The Arts and Crafts building and park district location reflect this environmentally conscious sensibility as well. Chef Sherman transforms these local ingredients into gastronomical adventures as fine as any of Chicago's starred celebrity chefs. I highly recommend the tasting menu, especially with the wine pairings. And the service is always spot-on: knowledgeable but not stuffy, attentive but not overbearing. Seriously, go there. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Charlie C.
We come here yearly, and food quality has gone down. Dishes have oh so many ingredients it's a bit overwhelming. A lot of game/fish dishes, strange combinations. I can never get over the rather high prices for small portions of food, which is good in one way. Beef entree when served was tepid, and 2 minutes later, cold, though tasty. The interiors are cozy and quaint Praire-style until you get to the main dining area that embraces the open kitchen and its extremely unattractive glaring fluorescent light -yuck. The ambiance could be fabulous if they covered up the kitchen.
(3)
Carolynn G.
Why is this restaurant not known far and wide as one of the best places to eat in all of Chicago? Decor. Got it. Service. Got that too--so friendly. Food? Amazing! We went there for my birthday this week. It was my fourth trip there in about 3 years (since we had a child we don't get out much)...and it was as wonderful as I remember. The degustation (sp?) of ginger beef tartar with a side of carrot juice and purple and yellow beet jellies paired with an excellent champagne started us off (champagne + ginger = mmmmmm), and it just got better and better. I don't like lobster, but one of the courses featured it and was still amazing (when something you don't generally enjoy tastes good, you know they're doing something right). Oh, and they had a lovely salmon and caviar "appetizer". Sigh. Heaven. There are places that are newer, and hipper, and dare I say, more expensive, but North Pond is not to be missed.
(5)
K R.
My parents, my wife, and I ate at North Pond at the end of February to celebrate my mother's 60th birthday. We couldn't have had a better time, eaten better food, or received better service. I reserved our table on OpenTable - very easy, no trouble. North Pond called me to confirm the reservation and to confirm that they had also received my request for a quiet table. They also asked if we were celebrating anything special and when I mentioned my mother's birthday, they asked for her name so that they could print customized menus for our table that read "Happy Birthday, Betsy." That's a really nice touch, no? We split four appetizers, four entrees, and two desserts. Without going into the minute details, all of the food was spectacular and well-executed. And, without asking them to do so, they brought out a separate dessert plate for my mother, which had the same birthday message, but written in chocolate. I think my mom's heart melted :) Our server was extremely personable and struck a great balance between being very engaged and then allowing us time to talk as a family without frequent interruptions. Oh! And the restaurant is beautiful and cozy inside. A perfect refuge from a blustery winter evening. I would recommend North Pond for any occasion that needs marking. It would be particularly great for a romantic dinner for two. Well done, North Pond. Well done.
(5)
Heather S.
Absolutely one of the best dining experiences I have ever had! The setting, the menu, the service, the wine and beer selection and the food are all outstanding. Our waitress was extremely friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot on and she was just personable and pleasant. The dishes were creative, unique and unbelievably delicious. My husband and I had the walleye, the crab salad, and for main dishes we had the grass-fed beef and apple pork. To say that they were great is understatement. They were mind blowing. The pork was so tender and the flavors in it were just perfect. The portion sizes on everything are just enough for you to get a good taste and indulge in the flavors. Dessert was exceptional. I had the Pear, Cinnamon plate and it was the best thing I have ever had. Three unbelievable sorbets, Pear, Earl Gray Tea, another flavor I can't remember now. They were atop these chewy, toffee like cookies and it was a flavor explosion. I just felt that everything from the decor to the service, to the food was just so well thought out. You can tell that someone is very passionate about food in that kitchen and it was a pure pleasure to dine there. It is worth every penny!!!!!!11
(5)
Megan M.
I feel so bad saying anything negative about this place since everyone seems to love it! We went there for Tom's 31st B-Day and a joint 30th B-Day for me. They did create menus for us with our names on it for posterity sake, but that's the extent of the service. For starters, don't go there in the winter. You have to walk a half mile from the main street to the restaurant as it is literally in Lincoln Park. The bartender was unhelpful and unresponsive. They sat us right in front of the kitchen, which might have been their way of saying 'look at how good we are', but I thought 'sit here - we don't care about you'. The server was RUDE and seemed annoyed to have to deal with us since we had two separate checks. No champagne? Forget it. They don't want your service if you don't plan to spend over $500...trust me. There are much better places with better service in Chicago. They are using their location as a draw, but people will figure out this hoax soon enough. Unmemorable.
(1)
Meredith K.
I had dreams of coming to North Pond. Maybe my expectations were too high... Initially we had a table of 6 reserved on Open Table. A few days before we called ahead because we wanted the tasting menu but 1 of us doesn't eat lamb and another isn't keen on salmon. We also wanted to put a request in for the patio. My friend needed me to call her after to vent about the woman who answered the phone. She said "well your friend can either order 4 courses or skip the lamb and we'll put a note on your rez for the patio" Apparently the woman was very curt. Imagine paying $85 for a meal and skipping a course?! I said not to worry I'm sure the wait person can sort it out. When we arrived we told them that we lost 3 in our party due to traffic coming in from Madison. They were cool. They also allowed for a lamb substitution with fish. Cool. The 3 of us got the tasting ($85 each) with the wine pairing (another $45 each). Before that we wanted a cocktail ($12 each) We got a few sips into the cocktail when the 1st wine glass arrived. Then our course which was salmon in some green jelly. Looked great but flavor/texture was unusual. Mind you I still had most of my cocktail and now a glass of wine. From there on out we were rushed. I felt like college, 2 full drinks in front of me at all times...The food was ok. I mean, add brown butter to anything and I'll marry it! The dessert was quite delicious. But the rushing. I don't get it. Then, we didn't even have the dessert yet, and we notified the waitress that one of our missing friends was en route for a drink, and to please bring a dessert menu. Cool...at first. Then the dessert was served and we got a "is she close" Then we finished but still had a glass of wine each and then some and the manager/sommelier, who didn't stop by once the entire night asked where she was. I was taken aback. We were still finishing up! We were asked a 3rd time and that is when our friend showed up for a glass of wine and the cheese plate. Given how we were rushed through the entire dinner we didn't feel too horrible. Plus at this point we were at about $150 a head for the 3 of us w/o tip! Finally, after we drank our wine, ate our cheese and paid our bill with a 20% tip we walked our tardy friend to the valet. The valet was sitting in his car. We got his attention only to be met with "Its gonna be awhile" This review should be on REALLY?! with Seth and Amy. Good looking place but the food wasn't mind blowing enough to go through that again.
(2)
Stacey P.
Mother and I strolled over to North Pond for her birthday dinner. They seated us in the back room, which I was grumbling about since I was hoping for a window seat. The back room reminds me of old-school chicago fancy. I guess that's a good thing? Our waiter, Shannon, was excellent. Very knowledgable without sounding pretentious. He also used his iPhone to google the answer to a question that mother and I were debating. The amuse bouche was delicious! Tuna tartare with cucumber salad. I wish I could have ordered only that. We ordered prawns for the appetizer. They were quite yummy, a mix of different flavors (that I can't remember now, sorry), however I thought prawns were supposed to be large. They were smaller than your average shrimp. (Ey, booboo!) Mother ordered a Pork dish that was EXCELLENT. The pork was delicious and tender, accompanied by Kale, andouille sausage, figs (yum)... and others. I got a grassfed beef dish. It definitely had less fat than usual, but it was also less juicy than usual. Such is the grassfed variety, overall it was good. It also came with cauliflower and pine nuts. I am not a fan of fancy desserts, but I liked the salted caramel ice cream!
(4)
Adam S.
Framing: My partner and I went to this restaurant for a late Saturday dinner. We had read about it in Chicago Magazine. I was a bit nervous because the woman that called to confirm the reservation was a bit snooty so I expected the restaurant to be the same. Luckily, it was not at all. Final bill was around $220 for food, desert, and wine. My story: The location is quite scenic and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be during the summer. The ambiance is nice and the food was pretty good. The portions will look small to you but they are actually perfect and you go home full. This is no Rosebud or Tuscany on Taylor, so you will not bring home leftovers! I had the squab dish which was quite flavorful. Dave had the skate entree which was amazing!! As an appetizer, I had something that tasted like a cookie with melons on top of it. It was good, but I would not recommend it. Dave had the apple char salad which was another interesting concoction that neither of us would exactly reocmmend. The waiter paired wine for us and did a pretty good job, and the desrts were phenomenal. I had a breadpudding (don't even think it will be anything like breadpudding you have had before. totally different in everyway) while Dave had a chocolate dish that was rich and quite tasty with a buttery ice cream on top. No matter how hard you try, it is unlikely you can leave dinner here spending less than $100 per person. So, if you're hungry and looking to stretch your money, go to Wild Fire for dinner and walk through Lincoln Park just before or afterward. If looking for a special place for a birthday or anniversary dinner, this would be a nice place. There are DOZENS of restaurants in Chicago with better food than North Pond, but few with such a unique location and ambiance. (For reference, I consider the food quality, portion size, service, value for price, and quality of view/decor of North Pond the same as sixteen in Trump Tower)
(3)
Joscelyn M.
I really love this place. I always have such a wonderful dining experience, which, for me means the whole package: 1. incredible food; 2. divine wine; 3. lovely setting and 4. gracious service. The food is always fresh and creative. I usually get whatever fish dish is in season at the time and am always happy. This is a great date place, a nice girls night locale and a perfect parent spot!
(5)
Mike M.
Underwhelming..... The night started off nice, had a drink in the bar with the company, the hostess was very nice. We were seated in the room with the fireplace. The waitress that we got was a ROBOT, no kidding, i could not get a single human emotion out of her, no smiles, no opinions, nothing. She was a bit condescending presuming that we needed the menu explained to us. I had (app) Sea Scallops, Apple - Good, but its pretty difficult to mess up sea scallops. Had a buttery almond sauce and some apples. Two small scallops, not even an appetizer for two, more of an amuse. (salad) Heart of Palm, Pomegranate - not bad, the waitress felt the need to ask me twice if i was comfortable "eating sushi" even though the description clearly says "Yellowfin tuna tartar" It was basically a very small heart of palm salad with a slice of sashimi and come pomegranate sorbet (main) Black Bass, Apple - it was good..... that's about all i can say. I actually had to look over the menu online to remember what i had. That's how memorable it was. When i asked the other three guests in the party how their mains, were i got an unenthusiastic "good". My brother got the farm egg with sausage and some berry syrup, it honestly tasted like waffles with boysenberry syrup my father used to make on Sunday mornings. Totally did not fit in with the rest of the meal. IMO a little honesty goes a long way, when i ask her what dessert she recommends, she respond "i like all of them equally" i push the issue since i have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life, and asked her if it was possible to like every single of the 5 or so desserts EXACTLY the same.... she said with a straight face that she has absolutely no preference over one or the other.... Take your money and go to Blackbird instead.
(2)
Steve S.
A nice place in the most genuine sense of the word(s). Lovely setting, casual and comfortable, the food was excellent, pricey but not obnoxious. Like a country place in the city.
We love North Pond, especially for birthdays. After a last minute reservation, we were seated next to a window, backs to a roaring fire. A simple request was made to turn the heat down, and we were toasty warm for the whole meal. Wild pheasant, shot on the wing, came complete with warnings to be aware of possible shot hidden in the flesh. ( we found none). But the flavor!! Truly spectacular. Creative and inventive menu makes this a gem of a restaurant. Gorgeous views of the lagoon and skyline; romantic strolls thru the park to and from the car; cozy,intimate ambience inside - it all adds up to fantastic!
(5)
Jennifer M.
Amazing, unique location, outstanding menu skillfully prepared, staff was on top of things, we had no criticisms! Went on valentines day and can't wait to go back for the full menu. Wine pairings were fantastic and surprising. Special occasion must visit!
(5)
Meredith B.
Went here for a special occasion and had the fall tasting menu. This restaurant really provided a lavish experience. The service in particular was impeccable - servers were attentive, but non-intrusive. The tasting menu was really exciting. Everything was plated in a completely gorgeous manner, and all the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. Because we did the tasting menu, we had six different courses, but everything was small enough that we weren't stuffed at the end. I loved the opportunity to try so many different courses. We really took our time with each course, and had a wonderful, elegant meal. I remember finishing every bite except for the rich dessert. Produce was especially fresh - I loved the beet salad in particular. Definitely a great place to go for special occasions!
(5)
Ann M.
Went for brunch and was not disappointed!! Amazing food and beautiful location!!! Great service too:)
(5)
Jeff N.
Came here for our wedding anniversary. The service was great, food was delicious, ambiance and scenery was nice.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Erin L.
Absolutely delightful! My fiancé and I just celebrated our recent engagement here and we were over-the-moon impressed with service, staff, cuisine, and overall ambience! We came here for Sunday brunch, which proved to be a pleasant balance of upscale dining and warm atmosphere. Staff were attentive and quick! I had the lamb sausage, Arctic char, and panna cotta. He enjoyed the crab-tomato app, pork loin, and almond cake. Every bite was creative, smart, and visually gorgeous. They also helped us celebrate our engagement with some delicious mimosas. I thought the price for brunch ($34 per person) was quite reasonable, given the reputation and caliber of this restaurant. We will definitely be back, and hopefully soon to celebrate many more milestones. Cheers!
(5)Kim B.
Just the best experience! We went for Sunday Brunch for my nieces 21st Birthday. Everything was perfect and made special. The tasting menu couldn't have been better -- great choices for each of us. Service was well paced and each course was great. Only one negative: one of the worst bloody Mary's I've ever had. Thin and lacking any flavor.
(5)Susie S.
Went here to celebrate with family. First of all, best Valet Parker in Chicago. He seemed to be working alone but was so quick and with it. It's a crowded corner on a busy summer weekend but he directs traffic, parks cars and smiles simultaneously. The setting is gorgeous on a summer evening. Despite being in the main dining room without a view, the walk up to the restaurant and the Art Nouveau decor make up for it. Great place for family photos with the pond and skyline in the background. Also, the tables are nicely spaced and the noise level was conversation friendly. We ordered the special cocktails. We asked our server which drink was not too sweet. The lemony one we chose was way overly sweet. The other flavors were not discernible. Also, drink service was really slow. 20 minutes for 3 cocktails and a soda? And forgetting the soda? Had to ask twice where it was. The food was really good. The chef must be on his middle eastern kick with the use of feta, apricots, melon, pistachios. As a former resident of Israel, I loved it. Everyone loved the food, even our picky 18 year old. My yellowtail was outstanding. The sweet spicy mix on the melon lettuce tabbouleh was delicious. Our server was meh. She answered questions perfunctorily and was rarely seen. The hostess was much more attentive and welcoming, bringing an amuse bouche and truffles and checking up on us during the meal. Back to the Valet who handled a big group with several cars and us with alacrity . My cousin said he must have his PhD. Definitely a special place and a great place to bring out of town guests. Wear comfy shoes and you can stroll through the park after dinner. Shows off the best of Chicago.
(4)Kino S.
I love the location! It's a romantic spot being right in the middle of the park but sadly didn't care for the food AT ALL. Every dish was either blend, too rich, or some how the flavors taken out of the ingredients. There are just too many places in Chicago with better food for that price point. I will go for brunch on weekends but definitely skip it as a dinner option.
(2)M L.
Just getting hip to this innovative and eclectic restaurant hidden in Lincoln Park with distinctive views of the city. The food is insanely good and they pride themselves on local, fresh and seasonal cuisine; so much that they give you produce seeds, instead of mints, with the bill! My only concern was the difficulty in finding the restaurant but the hostess talked to me on the phone and gave me turn by turn directions until I arrived in the correct location. 5 star restaurant, for sure!
(5)Christy L.
I have lived in Chicago for 8years, and after dining here I am so sad It has taken me so long to make it to this fantastic enclave of a culinary experience! My husband and I went here on Fathers Day and really enjoyed our meals. The food, service, atmosphere was all excellent. If you need somewhere special to take someone who would appreciate something a bit unique in Chicago, look no further.
(5)Livvy O.
Probably one of my best dining experiences ever. My partner took me for a special treat. The whole ambiance was very vintage romantic. The place is well designed with gorgeous wood trim all over. It's nice and dark giving it that mellow romantic mood. There's another "sun room" that gives off more of a brunch vibe. At first they sat us in that room, and we asked to be moved to the other side where it seemed more romantic with the dim lighting. They did so without any hesitation. It looks as if they re-renovated an old out house - you know the one's you see a long the drive/beach. Pretty cool, I think I overheard another waiter explaining that. Our server was nice and attentive. The menu was kind of small and I was told the portions are small sized so I decided to order a soup (shrimp, potato) which was really good. I think I might have ate a flower, but it was a bit spicy so I had to keep reaching for that delicious bread! Yum! Then I ordered a egg/lobster salad with semi-boiled egg with bacon bits. It was very delicious. All in all, everything filled me up. The portion sizes were perfect. I forgot to mention I ordered a glass of pinot grigio too. For dessert, we ordered strawberry/fennel which was a flourless chocolate cake with pecans. I don't like fennel so we asked if we could go without it. The waiter seemed hesitant at first to not disappoint the chef, but in the end they made the accommodation for us. :-) It was well worth it, at least I enjoyed every bit of it. Although, I think they snuck one piece in there! Bonus was we were served two complimentary items: one was a sample main dish (forgot what it was) and the other was a delicious chocolate dessert. The thing that made this place stand a part from other restaurants was definitely the exceptional service. What looked like the manager would come around to ask us if everything was okay and if we needed anything along with our waiter doing the same, but it wasn't overbearing either. Lastly, the view of the Lincoln Park pond was beautiful. Although, in the romantic room you couldn't see it, but we stopped by afterwards and took a romantic walk in the park. This is a little hidden gem located near a LP lagoon! Perfect especially for a special occasion. It is on the expensive side, but like I said the price is right for a special occasion.
(4)Bridget D.
Pretty food, beautiful setting, great service. We split the cod as a starter, I enjoyed the mozzarella apricot salad and the monkfish. Loved everything I ordered. My date had the beet salad and duck and loved it as well. We finished with the chocolate mousse and Moroccan ice cream with pomegranate seeds as dessert. Amazing! Will definitely be back to see the new dishes that arrive with the next change in season. Location inside the park is lovely, I'm sure much lovelier in the summertime.
(5)beth n.
Sunday was my first dining experience at North Pond. We went for brunch and enjoyed every minute of it from start to finish. The service was magnificent and the food was fabulous and beautifully presented. Slight problem with getting a cab with the valet but we walked a bit and found one ourselves. This is a special dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Thanks North Pond~
(5)Anna G.
O.M.G. I want to rewind to Sunday morning and eat North Pond's brunch all over again. My husband and I went to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary and it could not have been a better experience. Among the "nicer" Sunday brunch options in Chicago, we chose North Pond due to its location and view as well as the chef's/restaurant's wonderful reputation. We were seated at a table in the very airy and bright room facing the actual pond. Definitely make a request for a table in there, if you can. Our server brought over two glasses of sparkling rose (which my husband sneakily called ahead to request) as well as custom menus printed with our names and anniversary greeting. The menu is not for your average pancake and eggs brunch. It's a 3 course ordeal (for $34) with 4 different and delicious-sounding options in each section. We had: An amuse-bouche of coffee cake Egg and asparagus--what a great starter! Flavorful, but not heavy so you don't fill up before your main. I particularly liked the pork-mushroom gallette. Shrimp and rice--I had a bite of my husband's starter and was really impressed. I'm iffy on shrimp, but this was so well cooked. Arctic char--aside from seafood restaurants on a coast, this was my favorite seafood entree to date. The fish was cooked perfectly, didn't have a "fishy" aftertaste, and the accompanying sauce really complemented it. Beef--again, only had a bite to taste, but the meat was very tender and the radish pickle a nice flavor addition. Banana pecan--mini churros and chai ice cream...need I say more? This was actually not my favorite of the 2 desserts we chose, but that's because I am not big on sweets. If you are a regular dessert eater, you will love this. Macadamia passion fruit--what I wish I had ordered for myself! Loved everything about the flavors, could have done without the toasted marshmallow, but, again, that's just personal sweetness preference. I also ordered the vodka brunch cocktail. If you don't like ginger, you'll probably hate it. I really liked it and it is deceivingly strong--the ginger and kumquat flavors really mask the vodka in there! Presentation of the dishes was nicely done, the staff were all extremely friendly, and I think the price is a bargain for the quality and amount of food you are getting. We easily found free parking on Cannon Dr at 11:30 on a Sunday (though if you go during warmer months, it could be a bit harder). Decor is a little old school, but what you might expect. The building has a neat history (it was a warming shelter for ice skaters in the early 1900s), which we learned when we were given an envelope with a copy of our personalized menu as well as a sheet all about the restaurant and space. I don't see North Pond becoming anyone's regular brunch spot, but it is a great option for special occasions or if you want to take your out of town guests somewhere nice. Looking forward to coming back and trying out their dinner menu!
(5)L Q.
3-course brunch was delicious. Lots of fresh local fruits and vegetables, including a lot of specialty produce you don't always see on restaurant menus. Great view and location. Minus one star because one person in our party had a serious allergy, and they were not as diligent as they should have been for checking whether items contained that allergen.
(4)Double L.
If the rest of the staff was on the same level as the kitchen there is no question this restaurant would have received a 5-star review. While our server was great, her support staff and front of the house management leaves a ton to be desired. Our experience wasn't as frustrating as others have indicated in their reviews but there is certainly a trend that can't be ignored. Having read the other reviews and wanting to take guest from out of town who would be celebrating a special occasion I booked a reservation weeks in advance. When they called to confirm the reservation, the day before, I reminded the person confirming we'd like a table with a view, as our guests were from out of town. The person from North Pond said, to paraphrase; 'not a problem at all. I'll note it in your reservation and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!' Fast forward to being seated at an oddly shaped table just behind the host stand with a clear view of the kitchen door, restroom, backroom of restaurant and food line only. The hostess did nothing to acknowledge my request to be moved to a table with a view, so we ask for the manager. Manager comes over and proceeds to tell us every table 'is on a first come, first serve basis'. What is the point of a reservation then? What is the point of taking a note in said reservation? I mean you aren't OCB. Not only did she say there is nothing they could do. She also implied that I was completely lying when I communicated what her co-worker had said to me about 24 hours previously by stating, again to paraphrase; 'We would never say that.'. You did and then you called me a liar when I expected you to provide what you committed to. Total failure on her part to a) address my valid concern and discrepancy between what her staff communicated and they provided in the way of a table and b) attempt to resolve a legitimate request even if the request couldn't actually be accommodated exactly as requested. By insinuating that I was lying when I said her co-worker had confirmed he would make sure we had a view, she put a bad taste in our mouths before we even had our first bite. If you are serving fine dining food and attempting to cultivate a fine dining experience you can't have Diner level management staff to interact with customers. Jeez, it took this long to get to the food. Not a good sign. However, the food was amazing. Everything was of extremely high caliber. They present a seasonal menu and execute perfectly. There was a tasting menu that looked great but we didn't participate. The general menu is brief but I'm certain I would have been happy with anything I ordered. Each of us ordered a different first course so we pretty much covered everything but the soup they had. My lady and I shared a second course. For entrees, again we each ordered something different or four different dishes out of the seven or eight that were available. My rabbit dish was top notch. The level of sophistication and complexity was unexpected but really appreciated. This is where I think there is an issue with the Food Runners. They don't explain the dish, how it's prepared or what is what on the plate. All of the kitchen's efforts to present unique, complex flavors and presentation are wasted by not taking a few extra seconds to highlight the main points of the dish and the preparation. My rabbit dish was so unique I honestly thought I had received the wrong plate. A tasty plate but until our actual server came by and explained the dish and how it was prepared I wasn't sure. She did an amazing job. If it was just her and the Chef this review would have been just a few words comprising of, 'Check out this little hidden gem in the heart of Lincoln Park.'. Sadly, due to the high-end fare and questionable execution by the front of the house I'm not sure I'd be too keen to suggest this place to other. Especially those who only go out to this sort of restaurant once or twice a year for special occasions. I would be worried the experience would be a disappointment. For avid diners looking for a unique experience with amazing food, who are comfortable overlooking some of the finer touches that should be by default be a part of this dining experience, you should go. For those looking to have a perfect special occasion dinner you may want to think twice about booking a reservation here.
(3)Kelly R.
North Pond has been on my list for ages, and I'm happy to report a great experience there while celebrating our anniversary. The setting is, without a doubt, one of the best in the city... We felt secluded from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Park thanks to a serene view of the park and the pond -- with the twinkling lights of the Hancock building and greater skyline visible from above the treetops in the distance. Be sure to request a table by the window in the smaller front room (as the the back room misses out on the full view). The interior is done in an interesting and charming Arts and Crafts style - very natural and complementary of the surroundings. To top off the experience, our server, Lyne, was fantastic. The only reason this doesn't quite get 5 stars is the food. We ordered the carrot and crab bisque, egg and bacon, mustard spaetzel, and duck (all to share). And while the presentation was beautiful and the ingredients were indeed seasonal and at peak ripeness... We just weren't blown away by the flavors in any particular dish. Certainly they were good, but nothing truly memorable. That said, it was a beautiful place to spend a romantic evening, and I'd still recommend this for a special occasion.
(4)Sach M.
I'd like to start by mentioning the fact that I've given this place an extra star just for the server and pastry chef. My husband and I went to start my birthday with a brunch at North Pond. The location is amazing undoubtedly. At the end of the experience, we were given our personalized menu and a page talking about the history of the place. We were at the restaurant 10 mins before our reservation and in spite of the restaurant being empty, we were made to wait about 20 mins. I understand the 10 min wait but not the extra 10 mins. Moving on, we weren't given a choice of where to sit. Again, we should have asked but after a 20 mins. of wait, we were fine sitting anywhere. Our server was really nice. He got us custom menus printed with "Happy Birthday" - I do wish it had my name but nevertheless, it was a much welcomed. For the food, Lamb - Better than the average! The lamb was cooked absolutely right but it was too bland. Chicken - Egg was poached perfectly. I wish the fried chicken was served somehow different. For the first course, the presentation does matter a lot. Whitefish - To me that was totally overcooked. Additionally, I think it could have been better without Broccoli. I loved the use of rice. The peanut sauce was well thought of. Pork - Under - cooked and not prepared well. Couldn't taste the bourbon. Loved the combination of jam and garlic. Tartelett - Absolutely brilliant! Pistachios had such a brilliant texture and added just the right taste to the Raspberry Sorbet. Pudding - Again, brilliant! The compote and olive oil ice cream were an amazing pair. Price - Couldn't be better. Parking - Not the best experience. We followed the open table email and found the guy in the right place. My only complain is for our host. He didn't inform the parking guy to get our car back. Ambiance - The inside room is pretty dark and definitely not a Michelin star. Also, since we were next to the kitchen, it wasn't a pleasant experience hearing what all people are ordering. Dressing - The place requests people to not wear flip flops or shorts but that certainly wasn't the case with 70% of the crowd. Looking forward to giving it another try - may be for the dinner.
(4)Liz W.
Absolutely incredible! I went in for brunch for my boyfriend's birthday and was nervous that we would even be able to sit after getting lost and arriving at the very end of their brunch seating--due to their one flaw, it's difficult to find--but just call their very friendly host who will give you simple and easy directions! The experience was absolute perfection. I thought we would need to order right away but our wonderful server, Nicholas, went out of his way to ensure our meal was comfortably paced out. He also recommended an incredible bottle of sparkling that was a fantastic compliment to our meal. I'm writing this review a little late, so I don't remember exactly what we had to eat, but everything was wonderful and Nicholas made sure to bring a candle with dessert and even printed a specialized menu with my date's name on it! The food was spectacular but moreover our experience was made by Nicholas' attentive, friendly, professional and knowledgeable demeanor. Highly recommend going and requesting him as your server!
(5)Mahsa T.
My 500th Review! And to celebrate my birthday and my 500th review, we went to North Pond. I've had North Pond in my bookmarks since 12/25/2009, so it took me a long time to get here, but I finally made it! What a beautiful setting for a restaurant, nestled in the middle of the lush beauty of Lincoln Park, this Prairie-inspired building blends seamlessly into its surroundings and offers beautiful pond and city views. Valet parking is off of Stockton and follow the winding road to the restaurant. Do be sure to ask for a table by the windows as the interior room is a bit dark and gloomy. Service is professional and prompt. The menu is seasonal and offers a variety of fish, duck and other meats. Not a large selection of plates, but a few thoughtfully prepared ones. I had the grilled wild striped bass with green and gold zucchini and grilled nectarine. The piece of fish was rather small for the price of the plate. The fish was cooked and flavored perfectly, the squash went well with the fish and the nectarine added a delightful sweetness to the dish, but I didn't like the overwhelming flavor of curry in the sauce, it just overpowered the dish and made everything taste bitter. Too many competing elements in the dish, I would've preferred a simpler but more harmonious pairing of flavors. Same with the beet salad, probably the worst beet salad I've had I'm sad to say, I don't know what was going on with that dish--white, red and chioggia beets (none of which tasted sweet), kampachi, smoked char, pickle slices, rye crumble, fennel foam, mizuna--just too many weird competing ingredients on that dish and none of it went well together, very disappointed with the salad. My companion had the duck with candied carrots, which was good, I'm just not a fan of things cooked rare, it just grosses me out, and the duck came medium rare. The complimentary amuse bouche (rabbit) was good. We opted out of dessert, but since it was my birthday, the waitress brought us two bites of unsweetened dark chocolate and sugar coated candy, with a birthday candle and happy birthday written on the plate in chocolate, which was really nice and thoughtful! Another thoughtful touch was the special printed menus we received that had "Happy Birthday Mahsa" printed on them! So cute and what a nice personal touch. We got to take the page home, our waitress put it in an envelope and gave to me as a keepsake. The ambiance here is warm, inviting and romantic. A lovely little escape. I would recommend North Pond for special occasions as it is definitely pricey, coffee is $8 a piece! I would just come here with lowered expectations for the food, it's not amazing, but decent.
(4)Jialing L.
I'd heard mixed reviews about this restaurant but decided to try it anyways due to the Michelin Star. Finding the entrance to the restaurant is an adventure since there are multiple paths around it and I happened to come from the back and ended up having to walk through the grass to get to a path that led to the restaurant. The restaurant itself is right by the pond that gets a relatively nice view of the Chicago skyline. Now onto the food. My friends and I came here for their brunch that's three courses with a few options in each. I got the gulf shrimp and rice, pork and squash and the banana cheesecake with pecan. The dishes were very nicely presented and had good flavors and textures but the portion sizes were a little small. I ended up liking the dessert the most because I love cheesecake and the chai ice cream that came with it was delicious (really hope it becomes a common flavor of ice cream in the near future). However, one of my friends was vegetarian and ended up not having much of a choice in terms of dishes since they only offered one dish for the 1st and 2nd courses that they could change to being vegetarian friendly. He said he ended up really liked the dishes but it still puts a damper on the mood when one is unable to have a choice in food. Otherwise, the service was on point and the ambience and decor of the restaurant was very enjoyable. Definitely liked it and understand why it is Michelin Starred.
(4)C. Paula D.
North Pond and the Girl and the Goat are my favorite restaurants in Chicago. We came here for a very special occasion -- to celebrate passing my boards exam back in May. I loved walking up along and through Lincoln Park passing the pond to get to this restaurant (so much pretty nature -- passed baby geese along the way!) . Food was delicious (locally-sourced), the view was amazing (it overlooks a pond and you can see the city skyline), charming ambiance, and service was friendly. They even made tasty (inexpensive) mocktails for us. To understand the character of the restaurant, the space was originally built in 1912 as a warming hut for ice-skaters on the pond, currently redesigned with a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright. Chef Bruce Sherman was born and raised in Chicago, majoring in Econ at UPenn, before following his dreams to become a chef. We will definitely be coming back for special occasions.
(5)Natalie M.
Excellent service. It really is such a nice setting...beautiful walkway. I love Lincoln Park! The service was very good and the wine selection was great paired with the meals. I got a cocktail to start...the rye, ginger. We did the seasonal tasting with wine pairing. To start, lobster and later, interesting flavors including foie gras. Their summer seasonal tasting was very interesting and the timing was good too. We didn't feel rushed and the food was presented beautifully. There was probably one dish I didn't care for, but overall, the experience was really nice. Some flavors I didn't think would mesh so well (lobster/almond) but it actually worked. A nice dining experience.
(5)Saba A.
I came here during Sunday brunch to surprise my fiancé for our engagement anniversary on February 24th. He thought we were going for our cake tasting. All though this place is known to be very popular during the summer with the most beautiful scenic views of the skyline if you get window seating and it's near a children's park with a pond nearby, it was beautiful in winter too. I made reservations well ahead of time and requested window seating however that goes by first come first serve so we got lucky. I told them about how it was a special occasion so as a surprise they had menu's typed up saying 'Happy Anniversary Saba and Faraz' inside the menu covers! They also gave us two copies to take home in a manilla envelope with a pamphlet detailing what the North Pond restaurant is all about. The area is beautiful. I would suggest if not valeting, finding free parking in the area. It's a pretty walk around as well. For 33 dollars per person for brunch, I felt like I ate a 100 dollar meal for the quality of the presentation of food, excellent service, and the unique ingredients that were put together to create a delicate meal out of quality ingredients served in the most appropriate sizes. The ambiance is impeccable and the environment is mostly older. I saw older couples and large size group families. My fiancé and I ordered different things for the appetizer, entree, and dessert and taste tested everything off each others plates. We did not like one thing better than the other, everything was very delicious. I have posted a picture of our menu on this site, but I would also suggest going on the North Pond website and looking at the menus. I would definitely take that someone special here. I did not want to do something cliche like the Trump Hotel or Signature Room, all though those are nice rooftops, I wanted something different. Both growing up in Chicago, we have seen it all. It was very nice to have tried something new and away from the hustle and bustle. I see myself coming back here again! One thing that was very expensive was the liquor! 13 bucks for a Mimosa. It was refreshing but I probably would have been fine with water or even a cheaper glass of wine.
(5)Jessica B.
Went here for my anniversary dinner and was not at all disappointed! North Pond made the night extra special with monogrammed menus and a special dessert. The dinner itself was delicious. We started out with the tuna appetizer, which had such an interesting mix of flavors - from cilantro to honey. I then enjoyed the arugula salad with fresh ricotta cheese, which was absolutely delicious. Then I enjoyed the Sturgeon main, which was okay. I do NOT recommend the desserts - we tried the cashew creme and the cracker jack desserts, neither of which were worth the money. I had a special pear and amaretto cocktail, and I'd drink that every day if I could. Overall a great dinner.
(4)Kristin M.
Had a fabulous time at North Pond. Went on a week night just for fun--not a special occasion, but I can definitely see how and why people would go there to celebrate something. Here's how I would break down the experience: Ambiance: Not busy at all, but they grouped the diners in one of the same areas of the restaurant, so it still had a great social feel. Tables weren't too close together--(don't like how at certain restaurants you can basically hear everything the table next to you is saying, and it feels like you're dining with them--not the case at NP). Felt overall cozy, not too formal but definitely 'special', dim lighting, and true to the seasonal menu and location of the restaurant itself. Was concerned it might feel 'dated', which by some tastes perhaps it is, but it all seemed to really work. I think this is a place people like Ina Garten would enjoy :) Food: The food was absolutely delicious! I ordered duck and a seasonal salad. The duck was prepared 3 ways, and it exceeded my expectations. My dining partner ordered a pork dish and was pleased. We wanted to save room for dessert and thought portion sizes might allow that; however, portions were very generous, and we were too full--will have to do dessert next time. Service: I would describe the service as classy. Our server was just the right amount of attentive, and she helped us to feel comfortable. Perhaps this is standard practice--our server left us two chocolates and a couple cookies at the end of the meal along with the tab. Nice touch. Would I go back?: Yes, definitely! Great for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family get-togethers, etc. A neighborhood and city gem.
(4)Tim O.
I had never really had a brunch quite like this. I could comment on how nutty the nuts were and in general pretend like I know how to fairly evaluate a restaurant such as this, but I really don't. It was a culinary adventure that I hope to embark on again sometime soon.
(5)Dave S.
This was my fifth time at North Pond over the years, and the food and service were unfortunately not what I've come to expect. They were way better before the Michelin Star. The wine pairings were the highlight. The food was resoundingly forgettable, and the kitchen's timing was off. We were one of the last tables before the staff went on holiday break, and it was pretty clear everyone had one foot out the door, which is a shame when a table of two is spending close to $400 all-in.
(2)Amit P.
If I had to pick a favorite restaurant in Chicago it would have to be North Pond. Seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients. They only serve fresh and what is in season. You can select a la carte or the 5 course tasting menu. That is the ideal "tasting" menu size because you aren't sitting there for 5 hours eating one bite at a time. Its a meal and tasting menu in one. Hands down they have the best location in all of Chicago. On the North Pond Sanctuary. Your view (from the front tables by windows) is over the pond and the Chicago skyline behind it. No streets or cars whizzing by. Its one of a kind. Been there a handful of times and make it a point to visit at least a couple times per year. This place is great for a special occasion. Or a regular dinner if you're a foodie or baller.
(5)Heather P.
Being a total food snob on a slightly better than ramen budget, I was ecstatic to learn North Pond was participating in Chef Week. It's one of those places I pass by all the time and think if only there were the right occasion or I found a stash of cash somewhere, I would be delighted to blow it all right here. Made the reservation, no problem. I did not feel out of place as I feared I might. Service was incredibly attentive and our server although a bit stuffy, was very informative and knowledgeable, making suggestions and educating us throughout the meal. We began with the amuse bouche, a smoked trout and blood orange bite. If only it weren't in poor taste to lick the plate...my friend didn't care for it (craziness) so I snatched it right up. Wasn't soon after that someone came around and took it away to bring the first course. Literally, I was holding the plate and they fought me to take it away. Next up was the corned beef and cabbage soup. Loved the presentation, loved the caraway bread. It was smooth, but the flavors were bold and exquisite. I opted for the seafood dish as my main course, a black bass with shrimp dish in a sauce I couldn't exactly recall. The best part about it were the shrimp. My friend had the beef. It was a flatiron steak. While the sauce was incredible and the shortrib portion that accompanied it was excellent, the cut of meat itself is rather difficult to chew and even though the flavors were all there, I had a hard time with the texture. Desert was nothing I would ever go out of my way to order, it was described as a coconut and lime cake. With that being said, it was served alongside a scoop of jerk sorbet with a chocolate glass. Incredible. It was my favorite dish. I couldn't believe the flavors that were dancing in my mouth. That sorbet was out of this world! Last up after the check were the passion fruit gummies and olive oil cake bites. The gummies were like nothing I've ever tasted. Couldn't even justify them with an attempted description. I enjoyed the wine pairings along with dinner. I'm not saying that I am a wine expert by any means, but I do enjoy my wine and none of the three course pairings blew me away. Overall, service, charming ambiance, the different courses, getting to see the chef himself expediting the tickets on the floor, etc. all made up one of the most fine dining experiences I have ever encountered and while it kills me a little to spend that much on a single meal, I am glad I got to experience a Michelin star restaurant and especially one that I have passed by nearly everyday for the last five years.
(4)Yael S.
*Perfect venue. Would love to host a dream Wedding here one day. Oh wait, I'm sans ring & man :(
(5)Partha A.
Wonderfully charming interiors. Not over the top. Just the right amount - by the waters - with a view of the city. Service was prompt - and attentive. Foie gras - an unusual blend of fruits and spices and yes - sorbet. Delightful. The egg with pork belly in mushroom tea - it is a soft boiled egg in the middle with prok belly strewn around drizzled with mushroom tea. Another finely crafted dish. Had the beef - two medalliions - i felt they were a bit cold - but well crusted. by the side was a piece of shortrib - well braised - but a bit fatty for my taste. comes with pistachios and potatoes and spring onion. Also came with a cute bowl of mushroom pudding - who would've thought. And then came the coconut cake - sprinkled was coconut, marcona almonds, glazed around was a ancho cream and topped off with milk gelato. In all very pleased. A well deserved l'etoile michelin.
(4)neal s.
I don't know why I waiting so long to come here. Loved it, loved it, loved it. From the time you pull up you know you are going to be in for something different. As you walk down the path toward the restaurant in the park you pass a beautiful view, downtown Chicago in the distance on the far side of the pond. You enter what I thought was a beautiful Prairie style, but is actually Arts and Crafty styled room with tables reasonably spaced apart and conversation friendly. As the menu's were handed out, they all had an inscription wishing me a happy birthday Sold!. At that point they had me hook, line and sinker but the best was yet to come. Great bread and an unusual and tasty amuse followed. I had a grilled white fish with rice-smoked parsnip Risotto that was just amazing. Our Sea Bass fish entrée was very good as was my friends beef dish. The chocolate and peanut based dessert were great as well. This has got to be one of the most romantic and enjoyable places in Chicago. The food was truly great and we will definitely be coming backl
(5)Ray D.
Awesome food with exotic tastes that slap your palate into submission. Warm ambiance conditioned by wood interior and art accents from an earlier time in Chicago. Enjoyed their starters, salads and entrée.
(5)Nicole B.
Food and service were fantastic. We had great seats at the back of the front room looking across the pond into downtown. To start we ordered: The Ginger Carrot Bisque and the Trout. Both were great, could not fault the trout everything was well liked on that plate. I didn't really enjoy the cold sliced rice paper roll in the bisque it would have been better without it. For mains we ordered: The Pheasant and the Beef. The pheasant was amazing, cooked perfectly and everything on the plate complemented it well except the bratwurst. I didn't think the flavour or texture of the sausage matched well with the rest of the components. For the beef the medallion was better than the short rib both were excellent the sweet potato dumplings had very little flavour and acted as chewy tasteless globs. No a fan, maybe would have enjoyed them if they were seasoned in some way. The cocktail was great and we had two half bottles of wine both were well matched to our meal. Overall an excellent meal with minor tastes that weren't to our liking. Would have loved to have enough room in the stomach for dessert!
(4)AD M.
North Pond is in a great location, just close enough to downtown area. The setting is perfect- so far as you get outdoor seating. Service was well paced, even though it took 2.5 hours. All four members of my table enjoyed their courses. I had the foie gras, beet salad, rabbit, and cherry and green tea dessert; best being foie gras and rabbit being least favorite- although still excellent. The foie gras was outstanding as was the dessert. My only complaint was the pineapple dessert which was overall a touch too salty. Will return.
(4)Abbey S.
Aside from the usual boozy suspects (bellinis, Bloody Marys etc.), North Pond also features a selection of sparklings, reds and whites by the glass, as well as freshly squeezed juices and coffees. We opted for a couple really tasty cappuccinos to follow our complementary drinks, which were very tasty indeed. Crafted by James Beard award winner Bruce Sherman (who many say have been robbed a Michelin star for many repeated years), the food is locally sourced and seasonal ingredient driven, presented with an approachable level of sophistication. It's familiar, yet inspired, exactly the kind of food I like to eat. Weekend brunch means a $33 3-course prefixe menu, with about 4 options per course to choose from. Knowing we would share, we went with: Lemon Poppyseed Cake The cake had a nice moist crumb with a tasty tart glaze on top. A lovely way to start the meal. Soft Poached Egg, Sauteed Trumpet, Pleuotte Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion-Apple Tart, Greens This was by far the best dish of the day. The egg was perfectly poached, which when broken, mixed with the umami-rich mushrooms to yield a sumptuously decadent bite. Truly mouthwatering. I think the tart may have been better with a flakier crust, but it was still very tasty, and it's sweetness balanced out the savoury component well. Gulf Shrimp, Orange-Hazelnut Crumb, Minted Green Asparagus, Pickled Spears, Citrus The shrimp were nicely poached, and I loved the contrast between the bright citrus and the herbaceous asparagus. It was definitly a safe dish, but tasty, fresh and healthy. Sauteed Arctic Char, Radish-Napa Cabbage Slaw, Apricot Semolina, Pistachios, Glazed Ramp, Herb Pesto Broth This was probably the weak part of the meal. The char had a nice crispy skin, and the semolina was cooked well, but it was a little underseasoned. I also found the slaw a bit wilty and "off" tasting- you know, like when cabbage starts to go and it gets that strong farty smell. Kind of like that. Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Glazed Spare Rib, Bing Cherries and Gelee, Cheese Grits, Cucumber, Spinach Much more successful, the tenderloin was, well, tender, but also well seasoned, pairing beautifully with the sweet tart cherries and savoury grits. The spare rib was a little tough but definitely still enjoyable. Brown Butter Financier Cake, Ginger Ice Cream, Cured Rhubarb Compote, Vanilla Gastrique, Oatmeal Loved the bright tart rhubarb compost and the fiery ginger ice cream. Again, a very safe dish, but good nonetheless. Key Lime Tartelette, Ancho Caramel, Coconut Sorbet, Salt and Pepper Streusel, Macadamia Nuts This was my favourite of the two desserts. The tarte was tangy with a delicate crust, and the sorbet was refreshing and bright. The star, however, was the ancho caramel, which while sweet had a peppery kick on the tongue. A really well balanced plate. Upon leaving we were given two packages of seed to plant- very sweet touch! So for two pre-fix courses and a couple cappuccinos, the bill came to $100 for two. Yes, a very pricey meal, and certainly nothing exciting, but I think North Pond would make for an ideal spot for a special family get together or a "safe" date choice. The view was absolutely stunning, the service was professional, and the food was all well prepared. A great last meal on a beautiful day to end our Chicago adventures.
(4)Marc W.
Overrated. I'm sure the views are nice during the day. Service was ok. Overall I think the major problem with this place is that the chef and bartenders try too hard to mix too many ingredients to try and be eclectic. What they end up being is just bad. Simplify do it well and maybe there won't be a bunch of open tables on a Friday night. Reminds me of a restaurant chain in Chicago called uncommon ground but more expensive. Nice decor though.
(2)Samantha H.
Since this is my first time here, I'm not sure if it's gone downhill or what but it just was not up to par with other Michelin star spots. This was number 17 I've been to so I do have a large comparison list and I'm surprised to see so many positive reviews but perhaps this is a recent decline. The decor is wonderful. The wood and fireplace remind me of an upscale lodge or something and then the carvings in the wood are more modern, art deco. It's really comfy. The wine list is not large and the markups are more then 100% so that's a knock. Our server, Jennifer, was awesome though. She certainly lived up to the Michelin standard. I felt the atmosphere was just a bit laxed other than her though. The price point is pretty solid though so bonus for that. One issue I had is that, other than when Jennifer delivered a dish for us, others did not describe what was in front of us. Sure, it's on the menu but it is typical for the server to explain what you are about to devour upon delivery. They sort of just came and left the plates, which is fine but not when your peers are Tru and Topo. The bread was standard bread you could get anywhere, pretty underwhelming. The wasn't hot and the butter was very cold. We started with the foie gras. I have to say that was very good. It is a large portion as well. The cranberries and the maple sauce that they pair with it is spot on. We got the charcuterie plate, which was very tasty. Two helpings of foie? Why not! One was straight up and this was a mousse, so it's all good! I'm a foie connoisseur and this was probably the second best I've ever had (after the Pig). The accompaniments such as frisee and mustard were just bleh but the meat itself was very good. The jowls were a bit on the bland side. Those were what I was most excited about but were probably my least favorite (although certainly not bad). The entrees themselves really fell short for both of us. My husband got the pheasant. It was better than my skate but nothing outstanding. I love skate and was really excited but this for me fell short. It had the tiny scallops with it, which were very bland to me and the skate itself just didn't have that nice, crispy exterior I love with skate (which I could not replicate at home for the life of me) and was sort of soggy. The interior was nice and the sauce was okay but not as good as I expected. Overall the ambiance is okay and the food was okay but no need to return.
(3)Manda Bear B.
*********************** 797 ************************* Visited North Pond when I was frequent Chicago monthly for business, but never got around to meet the chef. Many restaurants in Chicago, famous or not have been closed down over the year. For North Pond to earned this highly prestige award from James Beard Foundation 2012, it's an honor and that North Pond has to be open for more than 10 years. North Pond is located in the snobby Lincoln Park , water front, beautiful Chicago skyline, very tranquil setting, it's a good spot for date night. The place was jam packed on a SAT night with Lincoln Park crowd, older, dressier, and older money. We were greeted nicely and seated by the front room with the view to the water. The wine list is well crafted by their sommelier, smaller, and very reasonable, all the bottles are under $200. I got to chat up with somm Zack, a nice guy. The menu offers a seasonal tasting menu for $90, and a la carte, plenty of choices for you. WINES: - 2008 Andrew Rich Gewürztraminer - beautiful wine, elegance, tropical, aromatic, perfect with my Foie Gras. - Jean Manciat, 2011, Mâcon-Charnay, Burgundy - honeysucker, lemon, crisp, beautiful, i paired this with the bass. - 2009 Tokaji Mylitta - Intense, golden color, full-bodied with aromas of peaches, pears, oranges, and hints of vanilla, creamy, and long finish. I chose this for my desserts dishes. - Cheese, prosciutto, liquidity amuse bouche - our server warned us about the liquid would pop in my mouth, I still made a little mess :-) - Foie Gras, Cranberry - Seared Duck Foie Gras, Cranberry-Pistachio Tartelette, Maple-Kabocha Purée, Baby Turnip, Celery, Cranberry Gelée, Pistachio - for being in California, the stupid law that banned Foie Gras,( I'm a biggest advocate to reverse that law now. And you ignorant folks about this, don't get me started) - this was such a generous size, beautifully seared, nice texture, lovely. MUST TRY dish. - Beet, Salmon - Candied Baby Gold, Red, White and Chioggia Beets; Cured King Salmon, Albacore Tuna Pastrami, Flatbread, Pecans - The portion of salmon and albacore were evenly, both was quite good, beautifully plating, love it. - Farm Egg, Sweetbreads - Soft-Boiled Farm Egg, Prosciutto-Enrobed Sweetbread Wafer, Charred Cippollini, Candy Onion-Parsley Coulis, Pumpernickel - I love egg, running egg, 62-62.5-63 degree eggs, I love running egg yolks period! The sweetbread was so flavorful, the aroma of the prosciutto, together they are match made in heaven. DON'T MISS this dish. - Squid, Pepper - Squid a la Plancha, Red Bell Pepper Jam, Yellow Coulis, Handkerchief Pasta, Cavolo Nera, Charred Pimentos - it's perfectly charred, lighter dish that I thought, well-balancec. - Bass, Bacon - Grilled Wild Striped Filet, Brown Sugar-Braised Pork Belly, Celeriac, Baby Carrots, Purple Potatoes, Lemon-Chowder Emulsion - Can you imagine I would order this dish if it wasn't for the pork belly? This reminded me of Japanese Buta no Kakuni, a shimmered pork belly dish. The bass was moist, nice, and fresh. - Dessert - Pear, Fennel Roasted Pear, Green Apple-Fennel Sorbets; Chai Ice Cream; Salted Caramel Macarons, Sautéed Pear, Nuts - such a beautiful sweet and savory dessert. - Dessert bites from North Pond. If you are fan of me on Yelp or a personal friend, you know that this particular meal has some of the fattening food group that I adore. This is the reason why I WORK OUT 15 hours a week for. So I can eat the food I love to eat :-) Foie Gras, Sweetbread, Bacon, Prosciutto, Egg, Pork Belly... It's all about a balance lifestyle. Things that you do for the food that you love. Our server was very nice and attentive. The manager was sweet and pretty too. Got to meet chef Sherman at the end, he was kind, a bit shy and handsome. It's definitely not easy to run a business of this size for this long. Chef Bruce Sherman definitely has a great team under his wing. North Pond is just a solid restaurant, congratulations to them. A MUST VISIT resto in Chicago. P.S. If you visit North Pond for the first time, prepare to get lost for a little. So give yourself some extra time before you head it here.
(5)Christina M.
One thing is VERY clear about this place: These people work EXTREMELY HARD. They are a little army of over-achievers. Everything from their phone directions to the decor to the waitstaff.. All *nearly* perfect. But it is as if they run a marathon every damn day and never finish first. This is why: their flavors are on steroids. There is no pause. There was an unequivocal triumph: the carrot soup. But then the salad came. It was a bunch of things scattered oddly on a plate. About 3 tablespoons worth of different things. Idea: add a little handful of spinach or other greens because each element of those 3 tablespoons was so intense it was nearly jarring. It needed PAUSE. Then the duck. Again: a heart attack of intensity. I washed it all down with wine and bread but in the end what I had was heartburn, lol. The dessert menu was a bizarre amalgamation of fantasy components but I was too worn down to sift through it, it was completely overwhelming. The waiter brought by a few chocolate truffles... You'll never, ever have a finer truffle. If these guys get it together you will have to make a reservation a year in advance.
(2)Peter O.
Very likely our favourite restaurant in the world. Everything about North Pond is done well, done right, and consistently, continually delights. Delectable foods expertly prepared with mainly seasonal, local ingredients and so an ever changing menu. Excellent wine and fun specialty drink selection. Their top shelf booze is indeed that. A cozy little casual bar, too. Very attentive service by knowledgeable, well trained, often food service degreed expert professionals who seem honestly to enjoy and thoroughly, excellently perform in their roles. Friendly Chef often surprises by casually moving amongst the tables and greeting guests, inquiring as to welfare and opinions. They personalize your menu and profer special treats for private holidays like birthdays and anniversaries and are a uniquely fulfilling special occasion location. Their eye for aesthetics is admirable, both in platings and physical surroundings. Extremely well designed and executed, warmly heavy on wood and stone American Craftsman inspired interiors and exterior. Some stunning, panoramic views of the nearby north pond and the Chicago downtown skyline. It's a great area for outdoor wandering before and after one's meal, ideally with one's sweetie. Sunday brunch is a less expensive way to sample their copious wares and to whet one's appetite for the full evening experience. With sincere respect, true admiration and thanks, Peter O. and S.
(5)Mandy K.
On our trip to Chicago, we tried this restaurant because I liked the reviews I read on Yelp...Our waiter was a bit stiff, but attentive without being obtrusive. After we placed our order we decided on appetizers and were informed "the kitchen prefers we take the full order". I understand they are "fine" dinning. Frankly, the food was nice, but it wasn't so good so the kitchen's preference was anything I really care about. Given the smaller room with the pond view was full, the main dining room completely empty on a Thursday night, my guess is the pretentiousness of the menu and service (not the staff, just the method) has turned off a lot of people. I'd give a return visit a 30% likelihood. So many other choices for the same price ($200 for two, including tip, with 3 drinks and no wine).
(3)Jennie C.
I was quite impressed after my first visit, but after the second one, I'm happy to say North Pond is now my favorite restaurant in the city. I tried brunch this time and everything was not only elegantly presented, but also cooked to perfection. My piece of arctic char had super-crispy skin and tender, succulent flesh. The panna cotta dessert was jiggly in texture and oh-so-refreshing, felt like I bit into a perfectly ripe peach picked right off a tree! Very often restaurants mistake salt as flavor and completely bury the taste of the ingredients. Not here. You can truly appreciate the freshness of everything on the plate. Highly recommended for foodies. Service this 2nd time round was attentive but not quite as friendly as the first. Nevertheless, with the breath-taking view and amazing food, I'll always come back!
(5)Phil Z.
This place was phenomenal. I mentioned when I made the reservation that we were celebrating my girlfriend's birthday and they printed a special menu wishing her a happy birthday at the top of it. They also brought out a special plate with some after dinner morsels and another happy birthday greeting written in chocolate. This was all their own idea, I only mentioned it was her birthday, I didn't make any special requests. This restaurant knows how to treat it's customers and it was evident in this and in the service we received throughout the night. The food was incredible- everything we ate was fantastic. We did the tasting special with the whine pairings, five courses throughout the meal each more delicious than the last. The pineapple soup was exquisite, and the venison course was incredible. The wine pairings for each course were spot on, excellently complimenting the courses. The restaurant itself is in a park, slightly off the beaten path. We had a seat by the window looking at the skyline, the park and the pond. The location, the building and the view were all excellent. This is a special restaurant with amazing food, great service and an interesting and beautiful location. I strongly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Erick N.
Had brunch for my third time this morning at North Pond. The food was as outstanding as the first two occasions, but service unfortunately was off. We had to wait for half an hour for our table (we did arrive early, but the place was far from full at the time), no recognition for a special occasion that had been noted in the reservation, no recognition for being repeat customers, and while our primary server was attentive she was not very warm. Congratulations to Chef Sherman on the recent James Beard accolades, but I do think service needs some tweaking to become Michelin star worthy (the food and ambiance are definitely already there and in fact are better than most of the one star venues I have frequented). I am retaining my five stars for now based on food quality, ambiance, and past experience but expect service to be improved. In most of my favorite upscale Chicago restaurants there is a visible general manager that makes rounds, takes great care of the customers, gets to know repeat guests and ensures that service runs smoothly. Perhaps there is such a person at dinner at North Pond (I have yet to experience NP for dinner), but this type of presence is sorely lacking at brunch. Despite some negatives this time, I still love North Pond and recommend it to locals seeking top notch seasonal cuisine and to out-of-towners to experience an upscale Chicago dining experience in a beautiful location. The brunch is one of the best values in town for fine dining. I will likely be back sometime this summer, but just was a bit disappointed today.
(5)Kathleen C.
What a lovely, lovely spot. I'm not entirely sure how North Pond has managed to make itself a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, but it has. With each step down the path to the restaurant, it seems to get quieter and more peaceful and when you end up in front of the entrance, near the pond, it's just so pretty. The restaurant is beautiful as well - the architecture sways prairie style and is really warm and welcoming inside. I had a lovely view of outside, which was very nice, though I will say for those facing the interior, I'm sure the architecture and decor is just as pretty (ok, that's probably a stretch, but I'm trying to make it a win-win!). I visited for brunch - which is a three-course menu. The menu skews more lunch-y, though there are a few items which have some egg representation. I had the starter mushroom crepe option which also had a fried egg. Visually, it wasn't the prettiest, but it was really delicious! I also tried the shrimp with beets...really refreshing! For my entree, I had the pork. It was perfectly cooked and nicely moist and delicious. It was a large portion and considering I had basically annihilated the starter, I began to get full about half-way through. Dessert was the peach hazelnut and while really tasty, I was so full by this point that I couldn't finish it. Service was really friendly and considering we weren't being very quick on picking menu items, they didn't try to rush us and were very accommodating. Definitely a great spot for a meal!
(5)Thomas B.
Perfect! Possibly the nicest spot in the city for dinner. Beautiful Prairie style architecture and decor with soft lighting, fireplace, and views of the pond. The atmosphere, service, and especially the food, could not be better. Had not been here in a long time and all the changes are for the better. Definitely a special place to go if you have the chance.
(5)Xi L.
Nothing bad to say. Pretty much at the par as a one star restaurant. We went there to get the chefs week menu and they all taste very well. I especially like the steak and the dessert, which are the best so far compared with the other spots I tried. Would like to go back to try the seasonal menu.
(5)Mike C.
For the first course, we decided on the potato crusted cod with roasted black trumpet mushrooms. The fish was fresh and the tanginess of the mushrooms complemented the fish quite nicely. For the second course, we had the chilled poached sea scallops salad. We wanted something light before the main course and that's what we got. Wasn't a huge fan of this salad. For the main course, we had the grilled smoke sturgeon and the grass fed beef. It was my first time trying sturgeon and it was meatier than i thought it would be. Our favorite was the grass fed beef. Particularly, the veal cheek was my favorite. The meat was so tender and flavorful. When making reservations, they will ask you if you're celebrating anything. Reason being, they personalize your menus to take home. Our's said "1st Anniversary." Little things like that made my experience at North Pond memorable. The service was what is expected at a nice establishment. If I could find one minor flaw, it would be that due to the location of the restaurant, first time patrons might have a difficult time finding the valet. I would recommend calling the restaurant and ask for the intersection where the valet is located.
(5)Jerry F.
The food was very good, but the service is a notch below. We arrived on time for our reservation only to be told it had been canceled. Well, it hadn't by us, so there was apparently a system glitch on their end. They did rally and put a table together. Then we waited for about 10 minutes before a server arrived to take drink orders. And then we waited. After about 5 minutes, one person in our party got his glass of wine. Ten more minutes and a couple more drinks arrived. More time passed. Appetizers arrive, and half of our table hadn't even gotten their cocktail. After asking...again...the remainder came. I asked for an appetizer salad without cheese and the server asked several questions to clarify the dietary issue. So far so good. The salad arrived without cheese as discussed and was delicious. But my entrée arrived with cheese, which I wouldn't have been aware of without the explanation of each of the dishes when they arrived. None of these issues were the end of the world, but this felt more like a (very expensive) 4 star experience than a five-star one.
(3)Laura P.
Finally had a chance to try this place. We did the Seasonal Tasting. Fantastic. I will be back VERY soon.
(5)Mike W.
This place is amazing! Not only is all the food great it's not one of those places were you get 2 bites of chicken in an entree that cost 40 bucks. We had the pheasant the beef and the lamb and were able to share everything. And thank god because they are all so good. I think the beef was the best though. Presentation was also excellent, very high brow but fitting for the ambience in the restaurant. The service was amazing if not a little overbearing with all the explanations. I mean yeah I wanna hear about where the food came from and what to expect flavor wise but it can be sensory overload and make it even harder to decide what to order. I think this a a place to go for an intimate special night, someone proposed while I was there so that should give you an idea of how nice it is.
(5)Gavin H.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our Valentine's dinner at awesome North Pond restaurant! This Arts and Crafts/Prairie inspired restaurant was built around the remains of a c. 1912 Chicago parks district warming shelter next to a skating pond in Lincoln Park. Incredible six course dinner included lobster/citrus Japanese fusion starter; red beet-leek soup with prawn and smoked pork belly; soft boiled local farm raised egg with truffles in a Parmesan foam; grilled wild bass with apricots inspired by Panisse (our other entrée was a chorizo spice-crusted ribeye with Mahon gnocchi and assorted seasonal greens on a sherry glaze); finally, a pineapple custard foam amuse bouche before the presentation desert of a chocolate hazelnut passion fruit mousse cake. Got all that?! Natalie, one of the house managers, and Kevin, our server, were attentive and wonderful all evening! Champagne flowed like water, and super friendly neighbors at an adjoining table generously helped us celebrate 22 years together! I can't imagine how anyone could have anything less than a great evening here. Thanks, North Pond!
(5)Hannah H.
A dear friend of mine and I had a nice Sunday Brunch with a reservation at 12 noon. We came pretty much on the dot, but then were told that they were getting our table 'prepared', so it would just be a couple of more minutes. We ended up waiting for about 15 minutes. We were then led to our table, and I realized that 3/4 of the restaurant was empty, tables already spread out and 'prepared.' This was a bit annoying, but our dining experience made up for it. Our server was extremely nice, efficient, and funny. We chose the prix-fixe that came with 3 courses: a mini cinnamon roll was brought out - I was a little disappointed that it wasn't warm, but it was comparable to ones you can find at Costco. I started off with the 'Egg, Rib,' which was a chunk of marinated sparerib, a sunnyside up egg, all set on top of spin rosso polenta, roasted shallots, and spiced jus. This came in a little cast iron plate, and it was absolutely delicious - the polenta, the slightly fatty sparerib, and the sunnyside up egg all meld together greatly, and the seemingly tiny dish greatly filled my stomach. Great amount of seasoning. For the entree, I had the 'Grassfed Beef, Beans,' which was skirt steak à la plancha, shell bean bacon ragout, cavolo nero, crispy shallots, and a sunnyside up egg. This came on a warm plate to keep the items warm. They were medium-rarely-cooked slices of beef on top of cavolo nero and very salty beans. This beef was good, but I would have preferred it to be cooked a bit longer. Overall, the beans were just overpoweringly salty. My friend, on the other hand, had her order confused, and ended up having the 'pancake' in a cast iron bowl, and that was caramelized sugar crust on top which tasted like a creme brulee corn muffin - perfectly sweet for a dessert dish, but not for an entree. That came with a side of sauteed spinach leaves. For dessert, I had the 'Almond, Fig', which was a toasted almond cream brioche, caramelized fig jam (that seemed like orange marmalade), creme fraiche ice cream, and orange vanilla syrup. A little bit too sweet for my taste, this reminded me of something like an almond muffin, smeared with orange marmalade. My friend had the Pineapple cake that was a little too dry. Overall, I would definitely come back here for the appetizers any day and the service that came along with it (there were 4 different waiters catering to us). Parking on Cannon was actually easy, so you really don't need to valet or take the public transportation. + 'Egg, Rib' +brunch option +friendly staff
(4)Dean R.
Atmosphere was ok. Food was great but not really wanting to go back. Not inspired by it. Pretty good though.
(3)Lynn A.
Another great dining experience at North Pond - just as wonderful as my first. THANK YOU for holding true to the fundamentals of great food - I love knowing the carrots are heirloom and the beef is Niman Ranch sourced. Organic and sustainably grown foods are the best there is- for taste, flavor and ethics... Which I'm not sure some of these yelpers fully appreciate. Not using pesticides and insisting on supporting local farmers means a slightly higher price point. Kudos. Loved it!
(5)Fred F.
We visited North Pond yesterday during rainy day in Chicago after my desperate last minute search for restaurant with gorgeous surrounding. North Pond receptionist team was very sweet - they printed "Congratulations" on the menu when I told them we were celebrating my friend's life event. In addition, they were happy to seat us on the window seat albeit a non rainy day would have been ideal time to enjoy the surrounding. Food quality was pretty superb; you could taste the freshness of the ingredients such as monkfish and foie gras (you suck, California). I have to say the highlight of the dish was the horseradish flan and pork belly that accompanied the beet salad - they probably tasted better than the center of the plate: beet. It's worth noting that North Pond is probably one of the few places in Chicago that celebrates local food and that doesn't drench the food with salt. The reason why I deducted 3 stars from my review was due to our server, Nicholas. Nicholas didn't take our order although we have been seated for 20 minutes. In the end, we had to get the manager to get our champagne out and to take our order - I should have taken her name since she was a sweetheart. Throughout the food service, Nicholas was hardly present at our table and when he was present, he was giving us some attitude. At the end of the meal, we mistakenly asked Nicholas to put in our dessert order - which was a simple chocolate mousse. 20-25 minutes later, the dessert didn't show up and my dining partner was not too pleased. We ended up having to alert the manager again and she was apologetic. She comped us with two small glasses of dessert wine. For a recently crowned 1 Michelin Star restaurant, you would expect a first class server. Nicholas' attitude would have been tolerable if we were eating at TGIF or Wendy's.
(2)Susan C.
This was the best dining experience of my life! Truly deserves their Michelin star. I am also giggling at the poor review that says they did not accommodate vegetarians. A friend at our table is vegetarian and she was given a fair amount of options for dinner. She and everyone else agreed this was our best meal ever. The attention to detail throughout the meal and the beautiful presentation of all the dishes was quite impressive. All the plates were art. To start, I had foie gras...amazing! For my main course, I had the grassfed beef. Everything about this was wonderful as well; it had such an amazing flavor. I can't remember all we had for dessert, but we had a few dishes with macarons, sorbet, etc. All this and a cocktail and I was completely stuffed. Plus, everything was very well priced, which I was surprised about. This meal was outstanding and I can't wait to visit again.
(5)N S.
great food, svc excellent, a lot better than my first time here. Love the lagoon and all my hx on memory lane ... Brunch menu was a little confusing @ first, they changed it, the only recommendation is to purchase some fresh squeezed O. J.
(4)Ann W.
My hubby and I went here on a double date with my sister and brother-in-law for Sunday brunch. The location is the first thing that hits you when you arrive. The restaurant sits on a stunning site tucked behind trees, down a path away from the road. If you didn't know it was there, you might never find it. The pond is a pretty site and it's fun to stop and watch the waterfowl for a few minutes before dining. The interior of the restaurant is a lesson is studied prairie style. Someone paid a lot of attention to getting all of the interior details just perfect. Brunch is a three course price-fixe affair with about four selections available for each course. Although the brunch menu doesn't include vegetarian or vegan options, if you call ahead, they'll prepare a veg or vegan meal for you. The service started out fast, but slowed down considerably as the restaurant filled up. I'd suggest getting there early for the best service. I started my brunch with the Mozzarella, Rabbit which was a tasty bit of tender rabbit swimming in a soupy sauce. I was surprised that it was so light and there was not much mozzarella flavor. Next I had the Whitefish, Fennel which was a perfectly crispy piece of fish served with a lovely fennel sauce. I rounded out my meal with the Chocolate, Peanut which was my least favorite of the three courses. I'm a chocolate fiend and while this tiny dessert was beautifully presented, it really didn't push my chocolate buttons. It was a bit too heavy on the peanut butter filling and too light on the chocolate. If I lived in Chicago, this would probably become a fairly regular haunt and I'd be really happy to work my way through all of the brunch choices.
(4)Jennifer A.
The three-course brunch at North Pond is among the best dining experiences I've ever had. My fiance and I love Lincoln Park and walk by the restaurant often; we've been wanting to try it but are vegetarians and every dish seemed to revolve around meat, so it didn't seem worth the splurge for what we feared would be a single, probably less exciting option. For my birthday, my fiance looked into it and found that they are happy to modify the menu to accommodate vegetarians... The food and service were phenomenal! Our server was knowledgable about each dish, how it's prepared, and whether the meat was integral to the dish or how well it could be modified. He was meticulous enough to find out from the chef whether anything like meat stock had been used without us even having to ask. We were able to choose from most items on the menu and each dish blew us away (descriptions below for vegetarians to see modifications). The restaurant and decor are cozy and the view of the Chicago skyline over the pond and park are stunning. For special occasions, they also customize menus with your message and do special desserts which are lovely personal touches. I highly recommend this for an intimate couple or small group meal and can't wait to try their other seasonal menus. *** We each started with warm Uplands cheese-rutabaga soup - bosc pear, slaw and shallots (minus a smoked trout galette). For our entrees we had squash and cabbage - roasted butternut squash, brown butter, red cabbage, rye crumb and pomegranates (minus some whitefish) - and pasta - fresh beet fettuccine, charred broccolini, smoked creme fraiche and syrup (minus some chicken). They enhanced each dish with additional and different vegetables, such as braised leeks with the squash, rather than just take out the meat. For dessert, we had Pecan, Coconut - red velvet cake, coconut-pecan cream, brown butter ice cream, carmelized pecans, coconut tuile - and Coffee, Orange - coffee panna cotta, blood orange sorbet, chocolate espresso crumble, candied zest. Our mouths are watering for more.
(5)Shradha A.
Pro: they sure know how to make an occasion special! Staff was not obnoxious at all and very helpful in helping pull off a surprise. Once seated, not only did we have menus that said "congratulations," but were also treated to a complimentary glass of champagne. The service was really good. Of course, the venue and location are unique and special too. It was a chilly Fall night, but the view of the Chicago skyline and the ducks in the pond still made it gorgeous. The only part of the experience I was unimpressed by was the actual food. As a vegetarian, there was nothing on the menu for me (yes, even in 2012 when being vegetarian is a lot more trendy and commonplace) . The chef did prepare a plate of veggies, but it was just okay. My friends didn't think their food was impressive either (fish and seafood) but ill add, food becomes such a small part of the North Pond experience that you don think too much about the taste. The only one other comment I'd like to add is that on a busy-ish night, this place gets a little cramped. For celebrating an intimate occasion, the restaurant layout ain't so private even though the location sure is. All in all, recommended if you're planning to celebrate a special occasion as they sure will make it that!
(3)Stacy K.
Went here last Saturday and want to give our dinner experience 4.5 stars. Let's talk about the venue itself. The restaurant is nestled beautifully in a hill right on the pond in Lincoln Park with a spectacular view of the park and the skyline. Right when you step in, you get a traditional fine dining vibe which is what I expected for North Pond. Our coats were checked as soon as we stepped inside and we were immediately seated. Our table did the full Tasting Menu ($90 a plate) which covered everything from foie gois and squab to califlower puree and pomegranate to chocolate mousse and cranberry sorbet. My boyfriend is a pretty picky eater, but we both found ourselves cleaning every single plate. The beer and wine suggestions made by our server were spot on for the meal. The seasonal menu which is written daily, is based on locally sourced ingredients, and is certainly worth of that shiny Michelin star. Our server was jovial. You could tell she enjoys what she does and actually eats all the food this restaurant puts out. It took us almost 3 hours to get through the full Tasting Menu and I did not feel rushed at all. I took .5 star off because we were the youngest people (27 and 29) in the entire restaurant. By at least 10 years. Not that I'm an ageist, but made the ambience feel a little stuffier than what it really was.
(4)Calla L.
Beautiful building design in a lovely (if a little hard to find by taxi )setting on the water with a warm and elegant atmosphere. Add wonderful service, a great seasonal menu with wine pairings for each course and you have a perfect spot for our 40th wedding anniversary celebration. I would definitely return for a special occasion.
(5)Katie F.
I imagine that dining at North Pond in the warmer months, when you can truly enjoy the park scenery, is wonderful. Even in winter, I was very pleased with the ambiance of the restaurant and found it warm and welcoming, despite the lack of diners on the evening I visited. The food at North Pond is not simple by any means. You can tell from the menu and from the presentation of each dish that a lot of thought goes into each and every detail. I opted for a pomegranate and greens salad, which contained a delicious apple/kale blend and some rosemary madeleines that I wish I'd been able to have more of! Following that, I had the duck entree, which was good, although I did not care for some of the "side" components of the dish. Finally, the dessert earned five stars all on its own -- a trio of sorbets (orange, pear, apple/fennel) that was absolutely fabulous. The presentation of everything is a bit "frou-frou," for sure, but that doesn't detract from how delicious it is. The portion sizes are reasonable -- I left comfortably full, not still-hungry or feeling stuffed. The service was good, and everyone was very kind and helpful. The restaurant does seem to attract an older crowd, for sure, but I didn't mind that. All in all, a very enjoyable dining experience. It would be a pleasure to come here again.
(5)Yvonne Y.
5 stars for serving very high quality ingredients, interesting wine pairing along with a breathtaking view. Food: Had the tasting menu and the quality of the ingredients was excellent. Loved the prawns over 3 types of melons. They could have served any beef but chose filet mignon. Fig jelly roll that's tasty and not too sweet. Wine/Service: Husband had the wine pairing that was so interesting they gave us the wine pairing list to take home as well. Menu had my name printed on it and provided to us without asking. Little things like they get your acknowledgment before taking your empty plates away. Was a bit chilly sitting by the window and they turned the AC down for us. Tip: Definitely ask for a table with a view.
(5)Tammy L.
Wow. Just wow. My husband and I came here for brunch for our anniversary recently and really loved the food. The food we had that day was on par with a lot of the great places around town, like Naha, and the brunch prix fixe is a great bargain. I am a pescatarian so I ordered the crab-avocado dish for the starter and the gulf shrimp with seared gnocchi for the main dish. In those dishes, the fantastic vegetables were the stars, rather than the seafood! The crab-avocado dish was so beautiful and fresh--I would definitely return sometime to try the dinner version, which I believe has dungeness crab instead of lump. The shrimp dish only contained 2 shrimp, though they were large. But the seared beet gnocchi were so rich and delicious, and the numerous accompaniments on the plate, such as the beetiest beet I've ever tasted, were all delicious. For dessert I picked the raspberry sorbet with pistachio financier, and I wasn't disappointed. The berries were so good, and the financier was very moist and flavorful. Service was not bad and the atmosphere is laid back, which is probably why this isn't quite up to the same overall level as other similarly priced places in the city. But the food shines, so Bruce Sherman's recent James Beard recognition is well-deserved, IMO.
(5)Nikki P.
One of our favorite restaurants. We always have a good meal with the Chef menu. Wonderful service and setting. If you let them know you are there for a special occasion, they will give give you a personalized menu and dessert plate.
(5)Carla H.
Selected by my sister who had been there twice before, I loved the setting of this restaurant, which is nestled into a hillside and faces the pretty pond, beyond which is the dramatic city skyline. Our party of four arrived early, and were asked to sit at the bar, which we did, but before we could order drinks, we were seated at our dinner table. Our evening was hampered by the fact that our waitress could not hear us, and we could not understand her. She was pleasant, but ineffective. She got our wine orders wrong, which was not a big deal, but at these prices, you expect flawless service. She also gave us incredibly complicated instructions after dinner as to how they would summon a taxi for us, and she told us we had to walk quickly after we left the building, or their valet would release the taxi to others. There was no valet where she sent us, and we had to flag down our own taxi. Small thing, but honestly, to be told to hurry along the path, and then to be standing there on the edge of the park in the dark, wondering if a valet or taxi was ever going to appear, was sort of a strange ending. The complementary foie gras morsel was spectacular. My first course was the "Egg, Tomato", which was tasty. The "coulis" reminded me of tomato soup, but the flavor was nice. I would have preferred that my egg not be nearly raw, but I hadn't asked how it was cooked, so my bad. My entree was the "Duck, Peach" was was described as "Pan-browned duck breast, smoked duck meat, charred peaches and compote, baby leek, rainbow chard, hazelnut streusel". I received two slices of duck breast (3 inches x 1/2 inch) which were nearly impossible to slice, even with the steak knife. I had to saw at them! There was one peach half and some mushy peach stuff. The chard and the little hazelnut "birdsnest" (not a streusel) were both very tasty, but were more garnishes than side dishes. I thought the portion of duck was incredibly stingy and not at all tender, and the entree was not worth $36--not by a long shot. Others in our party had the Pork tenderloin and Red Snapper, and they both liked their dinners. My dessert was the Peach mascarpone feuilletee. It was not "feuiletee" at all--as I cut it with the side of my fork, I had to really push hard to cut through the pastry. It was not light and flaky and there were no perceptible layers; its texture was more like a biscuit than puff pastry. The nasturtium ice cream was unique, and the flowers are grown on-site, which is nice to know. I very much liked the European-trained manner of having all entrees at the table served at once by as many waiters as there are persons in your party. That's impressive. So, in a nutshell, I'd say this place is beautiful to look at, but the menu is too self-conscious, the service is uneven, and the prices are not justified by the food served. Skip it.
(3)Jessica W.
My husband took me to North Pond last Friday for my birthday and it was a truly special treat. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Alice Waters and Chez Panisse, French Laundry, etc. So I have a particularly critical palette. I was totally impressed by each dish. My main dish was called "Goat, Squash" and paired the most amazing meat with sweet maple butternut squash cubes and golden raisins. Also on the plate was goat shank on a bed of green herbs - very Springy. The service was attentive and respectful and the atmosphere is beautiful. Bravo! This is the perfect spot for a celebration.
(5)Eric B.
An evening at the North Pond ends as it begins, a whimper on the edge of a pond on the edge of a lake on the edge of a state on the edge of a world falling off the edge of a planet spinning irreversibly into oblivion. In other words, North Pond underwhelms. It saddens me, for the pull of localvoria in a picaresque woodland locale should be cause for celebration. Sadly, the execution is lacking as a whole. North Pond presents an odd conundrum; dine in the colder months, when game appears on the menu, but the locale discourages, or dine in the warmer months, where the menu may be blase, but the pond beckons? We gambled on game, and lost. Your meal may begin well, for foie gras can be there for you, and you will enjoy it, as you cannot but enjoy, for foie gras is one of the view divine blessings left for us; it will be good. But you'll be blinded by poor design; the walls are heavily wooded, seemly designed by an acolyte of Frank Lloyd Wright gone mad. The overdose of Prairie Style paneling douses the dining room in wooden darkness; a darkness brutally contrasted by the blindingly glaring white lights of the exposed kitchen. It makes for an uncomfortable contrast. Furthermore, the exposed kitchen is a puzzling design choice; I am paying far too much to have my meal intruded upon by the cacophony of creation. So we must suffer in twilight. Meanwhile, your second course may provide some light-hearted juiciness, such as a crisp scallop dish or something similarly exotic. it may well be delicious and lovely, but it will only belie the disappointment to come. Your third course will disappoint, because of course you were hoping for significant game, but even in the depths of winter your only option is pheasant, which will be crushingly, disappointingly dry. Spaetzle cannot save it, nor can sausage. it simply dulls you, and the dullness of the dish dulls your senses. You'll have no desire for dessert, so you'll simply leave. And so you'll leave, and you'll let your server know you are leaving, and he will acknowledge it, and so will the maitre'd, and so will other members of the staff, and they will all ask you where you are heading, and you will tell them, and they will ask you if you need a taxi, and you will tell them you do, and they will tell you a taxi will be waiting for you at the landing spot, oh yes it will be there they tell you, but it is 15 below zero and you are walking past the ice laden pond to the road and no cab is there, nor is there a cab master, and you stand there, frozen yet not at all full from your meal, and just hope that you can raise Uber, when, in the distance you see the light, the trapezoidal light on top of a vehicle - is it, could it be? it is! a vacant cab, awaiting passengers, appearing not from a call from the restaurant, but a blessing from serendipity, and it pulls up in front of you, as manna from heaven often arrives in front of hungry travelers, or as water turns into wine in front of bacchus, or grass into grass in front of anyone, or rock into meth in front of Heisenberg, or etc into etc, and so finally you are able to leave this dead lake, this dead park, and look forward to warm whiskey in warm surroundings with warm people, and you can put this blase experience behind you, never to return.... All of which is to day, dining at North Pond is a hassle. And then next day you wake, and have vague feelings of dread as you review your credit card statement, and wonder why so much can produce so little, and you reiterate your vow never, ever to return.
(2)Dennis J.
Spectacular. The ambiance is a bit on the conservative side for me, but comfortable and intimate. And you have to walk through the beautiful North Pond part of Lincoln Park to get there. What an amazing way to prepare for a great meal! We came for our third anniversary and they had printed "Happy Third Anniversary" on the menus for us. Cute. The cocktails were excellent, not as boozy as you'd get at one of the better bars but perfectly mixed to accompany the delicious food. Oh, the food! We got: Foie Gras, fruit: a much larger portion of foie than we were expecting but it was so good, we definitely ate much more than we had expected. Mozzarella, Artichoke (Fresh Mozzarella, Oven Roasted Tomato, Marinated Baby Artichokes, Basil, Toasted Focaccia, Balsami): The mozzarella was spectacular, definitely the best I've ever had. And the basil! I felt like I was eating it off the plant in the garden and that it was only dark sorcery that made it look like it was on a plate in front of me. The freshest greens I've tasted in Chicago. Charcuterie, Nut (Pork Jowl Pastrami, Rabbit Rillettes, Tongue Terrine, Foie Mousse, Bresaola; Apricot, Hazelnuts, Jam, Pickles, Toast): Do you love charcuterie? If so, this will delight you. It was pretty large and I probably shouldn't have eaten as much as I did, but I did and I regretted nothing. Rabbit, Rhubarb (Pancetta-Wrapped Herbed Saddle; Buttermilk Braise, Rhubarb Jam, Green Garlic, Watercress, Hazelnut Rabbit "Truffle"): I'm running out of ways to say that the food was fantastic. I don't want you to get synonym fatigue. Bison: My wife agreed this was one of the best meat dishes she'd ever had. Carrot, Cream Cheese (Carrot Cake, Brown Butter Snow, Cream Cheese Espuma, Cardamom Ice Cream, Golden Raisins, Nuts): Was there room for dessert? No. But I ordered it anyway. We won't be back here for a while (purely out of budgetary concern) so why not taste across their whole range? I was expecting something sweeter, but it was actually on the savory side. Which was ended up being for the best because it cut some of the richness of the previous courses. The service was excellent. We would highly recommend North Pond. It's going on my "Worth It" list.
(5)Michael N.
As a preamble, I've dined at most of the top restaurants in the U.S., so these comments are based upon valid, long-term comparable experiences. *The view is wonderful and Lincoln Park is bucolic. All the reviews are spot on as this being a wonderful ambiance. Grade of "A". *Food gets a "B". Nothing overly creative but well -xecuted. *Service - "C". Several miscues and lack of listening skills, hard to give a better grade. *Other - "F"...one member of our party has a shellfish allergy. The others wanted the tasting menu (which had two courses with shellfish). The chef would not (1) substitue the shellfish on the tasting menu or (2) allow us to order the tasting menu and she order something without shellfish. First time in the U.S. I have EVER had a chef with this lack of common sense. So...I won't be back. Too many intelligent chefs to spend my money with folks who don't get it and make excuses.
(2)Cori D.
Had been here many years ago and just went for my birthday, and it's still as fantastic as ever. Food was perfect, service was perfect and decor was lovely. Great place for a romantic dinner.
(5)Sarah L.
Wonderful experience. Staff is expert, I would go so far as to say mind readers. Beautiful interior, exquisite attention to detail, lovely setting, diverse crowd of guests and staff, great wine and drinks, AMAZING DESSERT. Food had good intentions and was imaginative and well designed but flavor was a little too intense and complex for me and almost every dish was over seasoned. However it is absolutely worth the experience and the price point is so fair for the quality, makes it an experience that is accessible. Go very early, like 5 pm, or very late, to try to get a seat overlooking the pond. Otherwise enjoy the busy and warm interior and get a great view of the kitchen working their magic! God bless the hostesses who work here who probably constantly deal with drama regarding sitting by the windows. Will return for drinks at the bar and a more casual experience I think, focusing on dessert and drinks and atmosphere! But definitely worth at least one trip to have the entire dining experience first.
(4)Jami S.
Fantastic, romantic spot for a special occasion! Went for my bday and loved it. Having to walk under the bridge to get to North Pond was cool and different. The views of the pond and park are amazing. Food was great, service was great, dirty martinis = fantastic. They even put my name in the menu and gave us a (small) free dessert with a Happy Birthday. All nice touches. Everything we ordered tasted wonderful & I am NOT a foodie. But cannot wait to return. -1 star for not seating us in the dining room overlooking the park. They said it was booked but when we got there it was not. I guess if you make resos you need to specify that you want the scenic view, otherwise you cannot see the park or pond at all.
(4)Diana S.
Oh my sweet baby Jesus-- so serene! I went to the North Pond on a whim- I had friends in town from Pittsburgh and we wanted a place on the water.......... What we got was WAY different than what we expected. Starting from the beginning and the little walk through the woods on a path to get from the street to the restaurant... to walking in and being seated right away (on father's day no less!) to the calm and soothing voice of our server- the atmosphere was incredibly amazing. And then came the food. I got the shrimp starter which was breath taking to look at and then came actually tasting it- after of course instagramming it! The shrimp was cooked perfectly as were the clams, it was just the perfect small portion size to whet my palate for my entree- I had the waigu beef cooked medium and I swear to you I wiped that plate clean. It was impeccable, moist, perfectly seasoned, perfectly paired with the sauce and accompaniments. One more note about the restaurant, we were all pretty full and declined desserts when the server brought us our checks, she also had mini pana cottas for us that were also out of this world! After I left the restaurant all I've been able to do is plan the next trip out there. I loved it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Shim E.
We have been very satisfied diners at North Pond for years, but feared its acquiring international status thanks to Michelin. Sadly, our fears were fulfilled. The food has turned from imaginative to silly as we thought it might. The dishes were always more elaborate than they need be, but now two actually were poorly done, as well as with far too many ingredients. The first course scallops in rapini was over spiced (with cumin I believe) so the taste of the many other ingredients were lost. No one could have identified the taste of the scallops. Of course, they were visually hard to find as well, being a negligible fraction of the mass. The lamb main course, with three kinds of lamb, was frankly a disaster: the six or so slices of roast lamb were UNseasoned. No herbs (thyme or rosemary are customary in French cooking) and also no salt at all. One of the three kinds of lab was a "lamb tongue" not more than 1 sq. inch in size. Actually, I should have sent the dish back to the kitchen, but could not break the heart of my companion who was celebrating her birthday and enjoying every minute of the ambiance and scenery.. Desserts were so ridiculously elaborate (say 6 components each) that we would not consider them. Another diner did, and left half uneaten. Service was excellent, but the detail with which dishes were described (even to customers who said they did not want to hear the detail, as we overheard) was actually amusing. Perhaps we will next be given the output of a mass spectrometer to tell us what we are having! Another restaurant has lost all common sense. How terribly sad!
(3)Maria D.
Top Notch and True Chicago Landmark in the best traditions of out city! VENUE This unique and yet very traditional at the same time venue will not leave you disappointed because it will over you contemporary creative menu in a 100 year old historical space with spectacular views of the pond and the skyline. They have captured the original décor, which was so trendy in early nineteen hundreds and combined it with immaculate service, lavish silverware and crisp white tablecloth - you are practically in some fairytale:) I must add, this perfect spot for a romantic summer date night, gentlemen will score high points!!! FOOD The chef offers you a well balanced selection of dishes and the tasting menu provides great value. In fact we ordered it and loved every single course! Of course Lobster Gazpacho and Cucumber courses were especially unique and wonderful and Hen (in zucchini pure) stole the hearts of our entire table! The chef offered us a special treat - his complementary beet course - nice touch and absolutely fantastic! Presentation was gorgeous although more traditional ans polished and elegant (Charley Trotters style) WINE Another pleasant surprise is their wine list, aside from the pricy bottles you can view as a "sure thing", their sommelier invites you to experiment with a few "off the bitten path" bottles under $50 - We picked one and LOVED every sip (look for Michaud Morgon $45 light to medium body, with bright cherry notes and velvety finish)! STAFF I must add is the staff at North Pond truly add to the warm experience of almost a house guest! Chris their hostess welcomed us gracefully, she knew we ultimately preferred a window sitting and she cared enough about our experience that she actually moved us over to the window as soon as the opportunity presented itself! Our waitress Charmian deserves a separate paragraph:) Finally someone as passionate about food as myself! She describes the food in such an appetizing manner, she makes it taste better! Charmian literary caries extra silverware on her to satisfy your every desire - request her you won't regret it!
(5)William H.
We recently went to North Pond for an anniversary celebration. Made reservations and requested the front glassed in porch room and was assured that our arrival time by 6:00 pm should be no problem in getting a nice table with a view. When we arrived for dinner we were told all the tables in the porch room were filled and we ended up in the main dark dining room. The room is extremely noisy so conversation is a chore. The kitchen is exposed and close with constant noise and actions of the staff placing orders etc. After a beginning glass of wine and a nice salad we finally got our entrées over an hour and a half after our arrival. One of our parties salmon arrived cold and had to be redone. The rest of the entrées were mediocre at best for a place with sky high prices. We rarely saw our server during to meal except at the very beginning of the evening. We will not be returning to this establishment.
(2)Linda L.
We arrived at opening, about an hour before our reservation. We were not seated any earlier. Once seated we waited 10 minutes before being greeted by any service staff, which was actually the manager, whom we asked for a menu. The service was slow and food was not anything I couldn't have made a home. Average food, poor service, cold and drafty. We will not be going back but the actual setting was lovely. they did provide us with a personalized menu that was very nice.
(2)Ron S.
The char on Father's Day was perfect, the service meticulous and attentive and the "patio" one of the great locations in Chicago. A meal that I will remember for a very long time.
(5)Ian M.
Excellent experience. Service was great, the atmosphere was very pleasant, and the food was delightful. It's a perfect place for special occasions. Pricey, but worth the money for sure.
(5)Miller S.
This place is great, but REALLY EXPENSIVE. Yes, all caps expensive. 5 dollar signs if possible. It's pretty much worth it in every way, though. The location is fantastic, right on the North Pond in Lincoln Park, with some really spectacular views. The food is market fresh and phenomenal. I had some of the best duck I have ever had there, as well as foie gras that almost brought tears to my eyes. They have a full bar, and some really innovative house cocktails. Overall, it is a 5 star experience. But dat price. This is a place you go to only on the most special of occasions. But having dinner there can only make that occasion that much better.
(4)Jen R.
Bruce Sherman's Well Deserved James Beard Award is proof enough this place is a must go. He's been nominated enough times & should have got one every year. You feel as if you have left the city, the view is beautiful, in the winter the fireplace is going. Lovely wine list, seasonal menu & lovely service. In the summer they open for lunch, check it out its worth it. The only problem is trying to get to this place, sometimes the Cabbies have NO CLUE where this place is.....
(5)Liz B.
I am so thankful to the North Pond for taking every measure to make my birthday a special one. I made the reservation ahead of time on Open Table, explained that I used to live in the neighborhood, now live in NYC, and am bringing my husband here for the first time on my 35th birthday. I requested a pond view table and they did not disappoint. We were seated immediately at a prime spot overlooking the pond and Lincoln Park. They also took the time to add a couple personalized touches throughout the evening. I don't want to spoil the surprises for other birthday-goers, but let's just say the North Pond team will make every effort to put magic into your special occasion. Thank you again for a memory made purely magical by the North Pond Team!
(5)Kirsten F.
i'm having a bit of a fit right now about overly styled food. you know exactly what i am talking about and you know how dated it is: little piles of parts of your dinner scattered about the plate, seemingly at random (but really highly strategized and debated); great swaths of sauce careening around, but missing the food altogether; perhaps an architectural stack of something towering over the cowering piles... it's just too much. too precious, too calculated, too artsy. the 1980's called and they want their food back! north pond falls prey to this out-dated trend with their plating. unfortunately. fortunately, that is the only flaw i can find in this otherwise perfect place. the focus is on local, seasonal, organic ingredients and the combinations are often spectacular. the menu featured appropriately rich, comforting, homey foods for mid-february. gingerbread encrusted venison and fabulous steak, mashed celery root, roasted tri-color beets, slow-roasted oxtail, and on and on. this brings me back, somewhat obsessively, to my problem with frou-frou plating: this type of food looks a little silly arranged in quasi-delicate stacks and drizzled with lacy sauces. like a line backer crammed into a tutu. ok, sorry. back to all of the wonderful aspects of the dinner... the ambiance is unique and charming. set in lincoln park, accessible only by a foot path, and done in perfect arts and crafts detail, this is truly a special occasion destination. plan a birthday, anniversary or other celebration at north pond.
(5)Sarah S.
I would like to go back to this place. I went for my birthday dinner and I just flew back from Europe on that day, so I wasn't too much into eating and staying out late. But food was great, I enjoyed it no matter the jet lag. I had the tasting menu and everything was fantastic. Service was very good too, so overall we had a great experience. Location is nice too
(5)Barbara T.
Went to North Pond for my boyfriends birthday. Be aware that the parking valet does not start until 5:30pm ( we drove around looking for someone ). Service was good although there were several pregnant pauses between courses. We were there for over three hours and my complaint is how uncomfortable the chairs were. I couldn't really enjoy the meal due to the hard wooden chairs at the tables over looking the Pond. Food was good, I had Duck and my boyfriend had fish. I wish I sould say it was amazing for what I paid, but it just was not.
(3)South B.
Beautiful setting but very expensive. $33 a person for breakfast! We decided it was too expensive so we left.
(3)Deedle L.
Yes the food was amazing, yes the building is amazing......I agree with my fellow reviewers, my beef is not with the food. We had an early reservation and got a booth adjacent to the kitchen (none of the beautiful window views for us) and heard more than once some strong profanity coming from the kitchen. I felt this was not not an experience a 5 star restaurant should provide, maybe I am a prude. So be it.
(3)Lindsay S.
North Pond is truly amazing. My boyfriend took me there recently for my birthday and the staff gave us the perfect table with an amazing view of the park/downtown, our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the food was outstanding. Best seared foie gras I've been able to find in Chicago - it is easily comparable to dishes I've had in Cape Town and Napa. I'll go back just for a bottle of wine and their foie. YUM!
(5)Milana M.
By far one of the most disappointing dining experiences in Chicago. The restaurant came highly recommended and so it was an obvious choice for date night. The service was decent - our waiter was attentive, but the wait for each course, including the drinks was uncomfortably lengthy. There were several times throughout dinner where we found ourselves sitting at an empty table for 15+ minutes at a time. The food was not edible. I ordered the carrot, crab appetizer which came out with a beautiful presentation and looked appetizing. I cut into it in and a gray liquid came out. I proceeded to try and eat it, but it reeked of the fishy/seaweed smell. I sent the dish back in hopes of better luck with the main course. I had initially ordered the potato-crusted sea bass, but was informed that the restaurant ran out, and was instead talked into a potato-crusted mahi. When that arrived, again, beautiful presentation, but it had the most unbearable fishy smell. I tried a little piece, but it was just not something I was willing to consume. I ate the boiled baby potatoes that came with it and called it a night. The bill was hefty, the experience was sub par and the food was not edible. I walked out hungry, and will not be coming back.
(1)Matilda E.
First of all, our server Nicholas was knowdgeable and a around delightful. He made the experience 10x better - he took the time to explain describe so many things on the menu to us. I took my fiancée here for his birthday/our anniversary of the night we met. We started off with amazing concoctions from the bar.. Highly recommend their egg white whiskey sour (sounds way different than it tastes), and an extensive list of wines. When we were seated, we were delighted to discover that our menu had been customized for our occasion.. The title read "Happy Anniversary," and then our names. We are keeping this as a memento for sure. The Foie Gras was excellently prepared & I wish I'd ordered two of them. The charcuterie salad is not a salad whatsoever, but a charcuterie board of a variety of meats & spreads. It was perfect to share between the two of us. I ordered the rabbit rhubarb entree which was equally delectable as the first two courses, and my fiancée ordered the Grassfed Beef (NY Strip Medallions) which he looooovved. For desert it was a difficult decision because so many of them looked great, but our server took the time to explain all of them so we chose the cheese creme brûlée (different/more savory than a regular creme brûlée). The desert also came with a cheese board and different fruit spreads. It was truly an amazing meal. Very romantic looking over the pond, I wish the weather had cooperated so we could sit outside. But beautiful nonetheless. The building is done in a frank Lloyd wright style of architecture, linear & natural feeling, very Art Deco. A wonderful piece of Chicago history - built almost 100 years ago as a warming hut for ice skaters. We will be back, we loved it so much. Thank you for making my fiancées Birthday so special.
(5)Traveling Foodie S.
My friends and I went here for chef's week. Love the restaurant atmosphere and decor. They have a great view of the city. The food were delicious and light, and fantastic presentation. I would definitely come back here. A wonderful place for date night.
(5)A R.
Came here with a friend right when they opened and we got sat in a back corner. Which was weird because there were a lot of two tops open by the balcony windows and it was a beautiful day. We were able to move. The server really pushed the dessert, she basically told us we can't leave without dessert. So we ordered 2 apps, an entree to share, and each ordered dessert because she really wanted us to have it. She seemed very annoyed with that...but she really pushed that dessert. The apps were great, soft shelled crab and crab leg I think. We shared the lobster and baby chicken for an entree. The lobster was dry and over seasoned, but I'm from Maine so I'm picky with my lobster. I've just never had a lobster tail actually taste bad, until here. He chicken was undercooked, I was pretty creeped out so I didn't eat it. I didn't tell the server because she didn't seem to like us. I get it-I've been a server for 7 years, it's annoying that we split an entree, but the place didn't even fill up while we were there so she could have been happy that she was able to turn such a quick table. Dessert was good, bill was a little over $100. I have no problem spending money on good food but I am happy we only got one entree and didn't waste money on 2. I'll never go back, it's one of those places that you go to once for the experience and that's kind of it.
(3)Bill E.
This was our first visit to this restaurant. It was to celebrate a birthday for a friend and it was a great decision to go here. Bar: the bar is small and located in the entrance to the restaurant. They have a limited selection of choices of alcohol but the bartender was able to mix some nice drinks that satisfied our party. There is only 7 or 8 stools but we did not have a problem in sitting our party of 4. I would think in the summer it could get crowded. Atmosphere: the restaurant is located in a small building in a small pond/lake in a small park. Our cab let us off on the street and it's then a couple of minutes walk into the park to get to the restaurant. It was a cold evening so outdoor seating was not an option but in the summer it would be beautiful. The indoors is dark wood with well spaces tables. The lighting is subdued. It was not crowded the night we were there so the noise level was low. I could see it getting noisy if the restaurant was full. Wine List: the wine selection did not contain anything we were familiar with. We chose to do the tasting menu with wine pairings so we did not have to choose. The waiter was very familiar with the wines and could help with a choice if needed. Menu: the menu is not epic but have very nice choices. We had the tasting menu which consisted of an appetizer, salad, two mains, and a dessert. The chef also gave us an extra course, a palate cleanser before dessert, and then some small cookies after the dessert. Everything we had was well presented. The portion sizes were on the small side but we did not leave hungry. Service: the bartender when we arrived was friendly and helpful. Our waiter was friendly. He knew the menu and was able to describe ingredients and preparations with us. The meal was well spaces leaving plenty of time for conversation without making us feel rushed or ignored. We had a great evening and will make this a routine stop on our future visits to Chicago.
(5)Steve A.
An idyllic setting for a restaurant. When you can sit in the front room with all the wall opened up on a nice evening there is no more pleasant dining venue in Chicago. We had the tasting menu, and felt that it contained many interesting and delicious ingredients that didn't necessarily combine into something greater than the individual parts. But each dish had lots going on in it, for sure. The most successful were actually two courses that were added, a amuse bouche of curry and pineapple soup, and a pre-dessert with mace ice cream. The dessert itself was also a highlight. THe accompanying wine pairing is a good deal. While there are no stunners, the wines work well with the dishes, particularly considering home many disparate flavors there are in each one. Our waiter, though hurried, was obviously really passionate, and shared an anecdote about each wine. Overall I'd certainly return, not so much for the wine as for the overall experience.
(4)Kristine M.
Delicious! Go for the tasting menu! The foie gras was my favorite course. Simply flawless! Everything was very inventive in its flavor profiles and texture combinations. I would recommend this place any day of the week.
(5)Matt H.
I can't say enough about the dining experience last night, from the incredible atmosphere, over the top service and exquisite food. They made my mothers 70th birthday and first with out her husband of 45 years an incredible memory and she was on cloud nine and I can't rave enough about our experience. Thank you to all of you at North Pond!!!! You are dining done right!!!!
(5)Mr K.
Had the pleasure of dining here while tackling a handful of Michelin restaurants on vacation. We happened to be here on a Sunday where our server informed us it was a little slower than usual. That was actually a blessing for us. The dining room had a nice quiet calm to it. I'm sure the service here is usually very good, but on this night it was impeccable. The food here is everything you expect from a Michelin caliber restaurant - thoughtful, well composed and visually stunning. The wife and I both had the seasonal tasting menu while my 8 year old opted for the rabbit entree and dessert. i'm not going to break down all the dishes, but I will say that when you start with foie as an amuse, you know it's going to be a good night. My daughter's rabbit dish was sublime, it had three different preparations of the protein with a delicious sauce. The tasting menu was nothing to sneeze at, but the highlight was definitely the hay steamed poussin. The bird had just the slightest hint of game and it was perfectly juicy and tender. The accompanied pearl potatoes and alfalfa espuma were a match made in heaven. Also, the bird is first brought out in its entirety for inspection. It is then taken in the back to be carved and plated. My daughter loved this dish so much that they actually made her a third plate for her to personally enjoy. Now that is above and beyond. Now, the only downer of the night was when all was said and done, we needed a cab to get back to our hotel. We were told to walk through the park to valet stand where one could be hailed. Well, it was getting rather late and the valet guy was closing up. He was unhelpful in getting a cab and we ended up walking quite a ways to get to a major street with taxi traffic.
(4)Trina J.
Been there. Done that and I have the Tshirt. It is an adorable place with long wood windows facing the pond, dim lighting and lots of wood every where else. Cute. Real cute, with a cute story. But, no cigar. Cute does not cut it. Never did. Never will. I get the value of a Michelin star. I really do. But once you get beyond the stars, substance and overall sustainability is important. North Pond is nothing more than an average meal that you could easily get at most tasting menu places in the city minus the snobby staff person, undesirable view and typical pricing. In sum, I left North Pond disappointed about most things. It was not worth the time or money. ($135 per person price tag before gratuity.) Location The restaurant sits directly in Lincoln Park across from a pond. In the early 1900s, the building was used to warm ice skaters. Cute location. Getting There (Parking & Transportation) The Open Table email tells you valet is offered at the intersection of Lakeview and Deming. The person who called to confirm the reservation did not note anything different. After getting to the address with no hint of a sidewalk, we called the restaurant and were told valet parking is actually on Stockon and if you get dropped off at the actual address on Cannon Dr., per the restaurant, it is their service entrance. .....We were instructed to have a taxi drop us off at Lakeview and Deming and to walk over the hill. We hiked the hill in heels which quickly became covered with mud. Upon a departure, we were guided to the walking path which ends at a gazebo. We were told a taxi is waiting, only to arrive at the gazebo with no taxi in sight. We crossed the street and walked down the hill to get back to Lakeview and Deming in hopes of a passing cab. Once one approached, the valet guy magically appeared to open the door and collect his tip for a less than stellar performance. Unbelieveable. Reservations Not worth a wooden nickel. Reservations are encouraged but you do not receive any material benefit. We made reservations 8 weeks out only to be seated a short glance away from the kitchen and wait staff standing area. Do we have to watch these folks polish silverware and chat it up? We would rather a better view or none at all. What happened to a great view???? "Uh, the seats with great views of the park or pond are first come, first serve with no regard for reservation." WTH?!! Yes, there are empty tables near the water but we have a place for your party right "here". Watch our workers all night and we cannot believe you are not happy with such a view. Food & Wine Pairing The five course meal for $90 with "2" additional courses courtesy of the chef were not memorable. Cute, nicely done and larger than normal portions but it was typical restaurant creations completely incapable of competing with other Chicago Michelin star restaurants I have tried. IMO, the $45 wine pairing was the real treat. The wines were great with the dishes but great stand alone wines as well. I enjoyed 3 of the 5 pairings (Rose, Vouvray & Ice Wine) enough to order them or buy them some time. Interestingly, the pairings are not sold by the glass at North Pond. If you are curious about the pour, you receive about 2.5 ounces of wine. Service Our waiter was very personable and the most memorable part of the dining experience. She checked on us regularly and offered plenty of tidbits throughout the 2.5 hour dining experience. Our hostess was a total snob and had the audacity to become visibly annoyed when we asked about seating with a view. We decided to make the best of our cash register and waiter's stand view, but having tried the very best their menu offers, we seriously wish we had left after the initial snarl we received.
(2)Sandra W.
North Pond Owner Chef Bruce Sherman and Mgr. Natalie Labun: Please pay attention to your reviews. The problem with some restaurants with chef owners is that they get entirely too wrapped up in their art, or their rating as a chef and forget about their customers. They disregard the feelings of their patrons and this is passed on to the manager. North Pond's greatest asset is its location, not necessarily the gourmet food. Do not deny patrons their desire to be seated where they have a view of the pond/Lincoln Park. This is a huge mistake currently being made by your restaurant. Many of the complaints have to do with initial treatment of customers and the handling of seating. Your front of the house manager/staff is the main reason for this one star rating. Why? Because the treatment of customers upon arrival is crucial and North Pond fails miserably. My complaint is not much different from others that I have read about this same issue, however I wish I had read them prior to going to this restaurant. North Pond is very expensive, and the level of service from the moment of entry by customers into the restaurant should be of a high quality. This did not happen. We made our reservation over 10 days in advance for a birthday celebration. We specifically asked to be seated with a view of the "pond," which was on a weekday early evening. The restaurant was not busy, just a few tables of 2 or 3. We arrived on time, and were told by the management that there were no tables available for our party of four in the front area of the restaurant which had the view, even though there were two empty tables for six. We were told that seating was on a first come first seated basis, even though we pointed out that we had a reservation that specifically requested a view. We also pointed out to the manager that there were two tables in the front section for six. She said that this was for "larger" parties who might come in and so that needed to be saved in case this happens. Please note: those table were not reserved. As far as I could tell, those tables were never filled for the duration of the time that we were there, which was about 2 1/2 hrs. We were led into the main dining room, and seated in a dark area with no view whatsoever except of the kitchen. The attitude of the manager is what set the tone in a negative way. Had she been nicer, and more willing to accommodate our family for this special celebration, this being on a weekday early evening around 6pm, this would have made all of the difference to us. Management needs to change this system, if indeed it is their policy to ignore reservations and reservation requests. Otherwise, this manager should really be fired, because as someone said, it is one thing to aspire to be a high end restaurant, but when the front-of-the-house treats the customers as if they looking to be seated in a diner, it is unacceptable. We were shuffled to a booth in a dark corner to the left part of the interior dining room, and behind the front-of-the-house podium, in front of the kitchen with a clear view of the comings and goings of wait staff and workers in the kitchen. As many frequent diners would agree, this is probably the worst location in a restaurant. The level of service from our server was top notch. The food was interesting and beautifully presented. However, the initial experience that we had via the manager, regarding getting the seating we desired was more than disappointing. I doubt that we will return anytime soon unless we find out that this has changed, and I certainly cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. At a cost of over $530 for four people, we expect more.
(1)Jay I.
Our brunch experience was a 4.5 star one. We had our brunch 6 months ago and this is definitely one of my top 10 restaurants in Chicago, but somehow, I completely forgot to review this one (and of course to add to my top 10 list). Parking can be a hassle. It is either you park at the valet which is some walk away (not at the restaurant spot) or you park on the street. I had 3 rounds of driving in circle before getting a spot. Took us about 5 minutes. We had 3 course brunch which was 33 dollars per person. I thought this was not a bad deal at all considering the quality of the food. Since it's been too long I can't really remember what dishes we had (will post pictures though), but we remember they were all tasty. One thing that really stood out was the soup dish with bacon, egg and some green (I guess watercress). Lastly I really liked the location, minus parking, because you can walk out and enjoy the walk along the lake. When we were there we saw a family of ducks walking around and swimming in the lake. Like 5 ducks were following their parents (hopefully), cruising the lake. It was one of those moments when you really really wanted to have DSLR on your hand.
(4)Jeannine T.
The location of North Pond is simply charming, overlooking a pond that directs your eyes straight at downtown Chicago and a magnificent view of Sears Tower. Not a bad backdrop to dine to. The restaurant never book reservations to a point where it's crowded. I like the fact that I'm not trying to talk to my friends over loud background noise. I enjoy that the tables are nicely spaced out and we have our personal space. This, collectively, adds to an intimate and enjoyable dining experience. I am a repeated customer at North Pond, and it wasn't until recently that I stopped in for brunch. The food here is phenomenal and it's truly a culinary gem. I won't be able to list out the food or drinks as recommendation as their menu rotates with the season. This, in turn, provides a new experience every visit. Their brunch is not cheap but it's so very delicious that it's worth every penny.
(5)Carol S.
Put this one on your 'must do' list! From setting to food quality, service to selection, North Pond excels. Although I could have eaten less, I could not resist ordering all 4 courses. The heirloom tomato salad was the most delicious you can imagine, preceded by sweet crab and followed by succulent sea bass. The sorbet sampler was the perfect end. Wines perfectly paired and Kristi's service attentive with casual ease. I will return....is next week too soon?
(5)erica f.
Our server was great and the vibe was AWESOME but the food was like what. Some plates were delicious and some were from outer space in a bad way.
(3)Daniel B.
Went for a Chef Week tasting and was very happy with our meal. The wine pairings were more interesting than I was expecting, but still enjoyable. More intimate and upscale than say, Girl and the Goat or Next. Beautiful building, idyllic location, good service, and great food. Nothing bad to say.
(5)Joel G.
Interesting as I look through my reviews and see I have never reviewed North Pond. Been here multiple times and I guess I just never put my thoughts to Yelp on this place which is crazy as I have enjoyed it every time I have gone. Sundays reason to visit North Pond....Chef week has started and I thought I would get an early start to a week of fine dining. There are few places that I can think of that are better suited for this type of food demonstration. This is one of the first places I can think of that was doing farm to table/local products before that was all the rage. Couple of key points for North Pond. First it's a great location, one of the nicest setups in the city. It's tucked away in Lincoln Park in a old warming house for ice skating. Beautiful setup on the ponds with a view of the Hancock building down the lagoons along the lake. It's almost like you are not in the city while you a dead in the middle of a busy area. The building itself is a charming Prairie design setup with basically two rooms. Ask to be seated in the front room near the fireplace for great views. I put the views from this 2nd next to Everest. 2nd always great staff that are into their food. Great service and friendly environment makes that inviting and enjoyable. 3rd food is always excellent. 4th great place for a date as you can take a nice walk after dinner. I have eaten hear several times and they have all been great. This week is chef's week so they are doing a 4 course meal for $44 plus a nice wine pairing for $20 additional. Two options on the menu, one seafood and the other beef. We basically ordered two tastings and asked that they bring opposites so we tried everything. We did add the foie gras to our dinner.... it's outstanding, one of the best we have had in several years.... we actually added it twice as we ordered it again near the end of our meal... yep twice and I'd suggest you do the same ;) Beef dish was excellent and we both thought better than the fish dish. For the app they had a soup (take on St Patty's day with corned beef) and a octopus terrine. The terrine was top notch and I would order that again and again. The soup was solid and my wife enjoyed it, I liked it as well but what we always end up doing is comparing the two items in ever course. Terrine wins this hands down but the soup was a great take on the holiday. Amuse Bouche was really a tasty little start.... would like to get that as an appetizer.... maybe 6 of the little mushroom balls of goodness. I do not recall what it all was but it was a tasty little start. The wine pairings we interesting. Whites were better than the reds however there was a Chianti that was very good. All paired well with the food. Only item that I wasn't thrilled with was the desert but it's not due to quality I'm just not a coconut fan. Top it all off there was a very nice couple that got engaged that evenning. Watched the young guy sweat it out as his soon to be fiance was delayed to major traffic issues going on. It was like a drama telivision show. Sent the poor guy a drink as he was checking the ring, checking his phone, looking very stressed. Everyone gave them a nice round of applause once he popped the question. Overall great night and fun dinner.
(5)MATTHEW J.
My wife and I were visiting Chicago for our first anniversary and were recommended North Pond as an excellent place to celebrate. When we arrived we were greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and an anniversary welcome. I was a little disappointed at first as I had requested a seat in the "front room" where you have a view of downtown, but we were seated a table in the backroom near the kitchen. However, after our first course, our wonderful server Nicholas, told us he had a table open up right at the front window if we would like to move, which we did and had the rest of our dinner with an incredible view. Nicholas was an excellent server with a deep knowledge of the menu and an ease in which he explained the dishes and made recommendations, not to mention quite personal and very aware of our special evening. As for the special anniversary touches, our menu was personalized for us with our names and 1st anniversary congralutations printed in the title, we received a complimentary round of sparkling wine, a special appetizer/welcome "tasting" from the chef, a special dessert with our names and 1st anniversary written in chocolate around the edge of the dessert plate and a very warm treatment from the entire staff from hostess, to server to bussers, to the valet for our cab at the end of the evening. And this is all without giving recognition to the outstanding food we enjoyed. The dishes we tried were amazing. The menu descriptions were quite complex to read (meaning - how will they get all of these into this dish?). Every dish we tried somehow pulled it off, with great success. We had the Carrot, Crab and Egg. Pork for our first courses, the Bison, Grape salad (which was by far my favorite - who knew grapes would compliment carpaccio and blue cheese so well?!? Excellent!) and we both had the Grassfed Beef, Mushroom mains (Koren-style short-rib along with the rib-eye medallion and mushrooms, yum) and finished with Peanut, Caramel. Delish! Coming from another great restaurant town in San Francisco, we were quite impressed with the entire experience at North Pond. We would come back again just to experience more of your menu with Nicholas as our guide. Thank you Nicholas for helping make our first anniversary so special!
(5)Stella W.
Food and services were as good as I remembered, if not better! The charming and cozy interior made the dining experience feel intimate and romantic, rather than stuffy and pretentious. I love off the beaten path places: places that last the test of time, that don't rely much on PR but the qualities to prove they are worthy, and I think North Pond is one of these places....Not just a Michelin-starred, but a stella starred restaurant :P The reason for 1 star off was that the service on our dining night was great but super slow. The lag time between each courses were unreasonably and extremely long. I thought it may just be that they didn't want to rush us through the evening, and it's not really a big deal to me since i don't like being rushed through meals and i wasn't starving that i would get grumpy over this, but the table next to us actually complained to the manager, and my super patient bf also mentioned it
(4)David R.
Much is made, and rightfully so, of the view of the park from the restaurant, but how about the interior of this place? I have never seen a handsomer example of Arts and Crafts decor. This proves to be a (mostly) satisfactory compensation when one fails to score a window table despite making one's reservations six weeks in advance. (Ahem.) But it's probable that I wouldn't have been looking around much--either inside or outside--once the food began to arrive. The menu is inventive and intriguing, leading to some difficult decisions. Everything was wonderful, from cocktail and amuse bouche to dessert, but I particularly enjoyed my salad and entree. The former featured beet greens; red, gold, and chioggia beets; pastrami; sour cream panna cotta; rye crumbles; and quail egg halves. Heavenly. The main course was equally delirious: striploin steak medallions, beef short rib, beech mushrooms, onions, confit potatoes, and pistachios, with a mushroom "pudding" topped with a dab of bone marrow butter. Delicious beyond description. Dessert was a slight step down from the first two courses, but still very good. We chose the "coconut and milk" option, consisting of toasted coconut cake, milk chocolate custard, scalded milk gelato, white chocolate, almonds, and ancho cream. Mmm mmm. This would have been a hands-down five-star experience, but the service did not match the comfort and luxury of the food and setting. Our young waiter was awkward but professional and attentive. However, I frequently overheard an older female server at nearby tables giving the kind of warm, expert service which we would have appreciated. Just luck of the draw, I guess. Our interactions with the valet staff were not ideal either. When we arrived, we waited several minutes for the lone attendant to return from wherever he was. Upon leaving, we didn't mind waiting a few minutes for the car, but we could see it parked directly across the street squeezed like a sardine into a row with other valet cars. To the valet's credit, he was able to extract the vehicle without bumping the adjacent vehicles. This time. Then they were kind of aggressive about asking how much change we wanted back, i.e. "How much you wanna tip us, lady?" Not the smoothest or most gracious close to our otherwise lovely experience. I still recommend North Pond for any romantic special occasion. Inside versus outside view doesn't matter when the food is this good. Perhaps it's ideal to visit in winter and enjoy the decor but to get a window seat in fall and spring.
(4)Maribonn T.
The food, the ambiance, the staff and the chef all deserve 5 stars. Money well spent. At first we planned to order the tasting menu but we wanted to have different entrees so we can try more food from the restaurant, so we opted not to get the tasting menu and it was a decision we did not regret. For a Michelin star rated restaurant, we think that the price is reasonable. We loved all the food we ordered but hands down to the foie gras and the lamb! Yum yum yum! Highly recommended!
(5)Michael R.
Appalling attitude, decent food. Vegetarians not welcome. My group was lured here on a business trip by the locally sourced ethos, positive reviews, and recent Michelin star. We were very excited for the opportunity but were grimly disappointed. To make a long story short, they do not make accommodations for vegetarians, and they will bar other members of the party from having their tasting menu if a vegetarian is present. They were rigid to the point of absurdity about this. At one point, the manager actually said that the chef would be okay with serving the vegetarians at one table and doing a tasting menu for everyone else at another table but would not do so if we sat together. This kind of self-important rigidity is not acceptable at a high end restaurant. Also, the food that we had was good but not impressive. My lamb was served cool with no crispy crust. My friend's fish was at room temperature. The macarons with dessert were squishy with no hint of the classic crusty pop on the surface. The desserts were visually appealing, and there were a few high points, like a little pocket of lightly pickled veggie "relish" hidden along my lamb. The aspiration is clearly there, but the performance was not as expected, even after discounting our profound disappointment in the treatment of our group. In a city with so many fine dining options, I cannot recommend coming to a place with an attitude like this, particularly with so-so production values. Perhaps the chef will realize that restaurants are about serving customers, not himself, during the time he has to ponder all of those empty tables. **VEGETARIANS - To provide a few more details, our server (and the manager) said that they do not offer a veggie-friendly version of the tasting menu. They had no vegetarian entrees on the menu, so they told our vegetarians that they could prepare one of the other entrees without the protein (i.e., serve the accompaniments to the fish entree, sans fish). This did not make for much of a meal. I am dumbfounded that a restaurant that makes a big deal of locally sourcing its food manages to completely disregard the relatively large number of vegetarian and vegan people who ascribe to that philosophy. There is not warning of this on their website, and I received no such notice when making my reservation. They should really put this unusually philosophy on their web site so that vegetarians and vegans can go elsewhere.
(2)Brian S.
I've been here only once, for brunch, and I can't wait to go back for dinner. Such an eclectic and original menu of updated breakfast favorites should be celebrated!
(5)J F.
The food was fantastic, got the tasting menu and everything that was served was delicious. The location is also great as you are right on the water making for a nice ending to an evening. My only complaint about the place and the reason for the lack of the 5th star was that while everything was very well done, for the price I was just expecting more. Overall a very nice evening, but there are other restaurants that can be equally enjoyable for less money.
(4)dawn w.
Gorgeous, amazing food. The chef and model of restaurant utilizes local producers and are genuinely concerned with fresh food. Beautiful setting to dine, no matter where you are seated.
(5)David H.
Brunch at North Pond is tasty, selection is good, service is friendly, price is reasonable, and the setting is charming. What's not to like? Highlights were halibut and mango dessert - and the window seat was a plus!
(4)michael c.
great food. had the tasting menu. definitely pricey. not sure it was worth it given that the city is loaded with great places to eat. that said, it's hard to replicate the location. pretty unique. give it a shot if you haven't tried it, but it's understandable if it's not at the top of the list.
(4)Chris V.
A business trip brought me to Chicago. I've been hearing a lot about the restaurant scene in Chi town for a while now so I planned ahead and searched out the top tasting-menu joints in the city. I settled on North Pond. They have a great location, overlooking the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, appropriately enough. Inside is very comfortable, with a down-to-earth wood motif and an open kitchen, which I love. I ended up opting out of the tasting menu. Just on a few matters of personal preference I was more attracted to the a la carte menu. The pineapple jam on the foie terrine (I am not a huge fan of pineapple for the most part); and the pumpkin-seed crust on the scallops didn't appeal to me. So instead I ordered the seared foie, the bay scallops, and the striped bass. The seared foie gras was on top of braised celery and a maple kabocha squash puree, with dabs of cranberry gelee. What can you say about foie gras? It was flawlessly seared and the cranberry provided good acid to its fattiness. The braised celery was a delicious finely chopped relish kind of thing. The only thing I found odd about the dish was that it came with a tiny cranberry tart. I didn't really understand it, although it was tasty and it was in a little teeny Lodge cast iron pan which was adorable. But I finished the dish and then looked over and thought, "Okay, I guess I'll eat a breakfast pastry now." Then came the scallops. The little bay scallops were again flawlessly seared. They were on top of melted leeks (one of my favorite things on the planet) and drizzled with a vanilla pear sauce, which was a very unique flavor and I enjoyed it very much. After that, the chef graced me with a freebie from the tasting menu: a grilled lobster dish (not the one that's on the website.) I think he thought I was a food critic because I was eating alone and redditing on my phone the whole time. But the lobster was delicious (a bit firm as is standard for grilled lobster) with a truffled puree of some type and a reduction sauce which I think was red wine. For my main course I had the striped bass. A generous piece of striped bass sitting on a chunk of braised pork belly, and surrounded by a celeriac puree. The bass itself was a tad underseasoned. Not bland, but plain, not that it mattered because it was flawlessly cooked and I just dabbed it in the celeriac. The pork belly was appropriately fatty and luscious and I felt guilty for eating it. I think the sign of any truly amazing food is when you think "I probably shouldn't be allowed to have this." For dessert I had an aromatic cup of french pressed coffee and the "cheese and fruit" dessert, which actually came with a creme brulee. It was a very foreign creme brulee for me, it was a cheese creme brulee, and honestly a tad salty under the sugar crust. but it was served with a cup of plum jam, and the saltiness complemented the sweet jam fairly nicely. I also had a piece of the goat cheese which was tasty. That about sums it up. It was one of my favorite meals ever. I can't wait to check out more Chicago restaurants one day!
(5)Karen W.
Such a disappointment. We were so looking forward to our evening. The foie gras looked beautiful, but delivered cold. The salad was unremarkable. Our entrees were the highlight but could not make up for the drafty, cold interior of the restaurant. Numerous customers had their winter coats on, I was offered a "shawl" as "the building is old and drafty." Really? Then turn up the heat....seriously. We skipped dessert as we needed to get warm somewhere and it was clearly not going to be at North Pond. Enjoy other delightful restaurants in Chicago....this one is not worth slogging through a barely shoveled path without a promised valet at the curb.
(2)Ann C.
Food good, service unprofessional. We were just there for brunch. I had heard good things about north pond for many years now and found the opportunity to try. The three course for $33 brunch menu was excellent. I started with the crab cake, then halibut and a pistachio cake. Everything was tasty and well balanced; proteins very well cooked. The produce was the star: Tomatoes, eggplant were perfect. I would not be returning however due to the service. We were greeted coolly and when we sat the only menu was presented. After five minutes we waved our waitress for the brunch menu. After some time she returned with 'have you decided'? No going over the menu, no explanations, no greeting. We placed our order for our first two courses and I thought we would place out dessert order after our main; as she demanded all three courses, we scrambled to decide. Post someone dropped a plate of bread to each of us; so hard that the plate bounced. I had to call him back to ask what it was. Rest of the meal food runners delivered our courses without any mention of what's on the plate. All throughout the meal we asked for every refill on our drinks. Given a restaurant of such great reputation, I expected more from the service. As we left, we walked past the hostess stand - no one said goodbye/thank you. I left without wanting to return; nor the feeling that management cared if I did.
(2)Rick H.
Just dined at North Pond for the first time, a special occasion to celebrate my daughter's university graduation. We had a party of eight -- and the first problem was a rule restricting us to a set menu. Odd, but OK, we rolled along with it. Second problem, when we arrived and were seated by a window, it was so cold that the wait staff had to bring shawls for the women in my party (I shivered in my suit jacket). On the plus side, the cocktails were top notch and the wine list very impressive (we had both an Alsatian Pinot Gris and a beautiful Bordeaux that was priced at an accessible $68). The food, though was highly uneven. An amuse of duck strudel started us off, and was fine, followed by a mushroom starter with a hen egg and broth (brave move the egg, but the dish was so so). A good salad - the highpoint of the meal for many of us -- came next: a poached spot prawn, with greens and jalepeno foam. There were two mains: a perfectly presentable grilled strip steak served with marrow topped custard and an odd chewy short rib, and a halibut dish that was, frankly insipid. Desert was a chocolate dish made interesting by a ganache with grilled yuzu. Service was mixed too, some staff were attentive and knowledgable; others were behaving like they were slinging hash, like the tron who tossed the butter plates onto the table (they rattled). We left disappointed. When the salad is the highpoint something is wrong. Chef Sherman was in the dining room, right at the pass, but didn't engage with the patrons. Not even eye contact as far as I can tell. What gives?
(2)Amanda C.
Forget the clientele. Sit at the bar. Ask for Lauren, the bartender. Select a craft cocktail off the edited list and prepare your palate for well-balanced, cleverly prepared deliciousness. Lauren's extremely knowledgeable and the booze selection is top-notch. No one thinks of North Pond for a cocktail but the bar has an incredible view too. Impress your date by *starting* - not ending - your evening there.
(5)Hannah N.
Really torn about this place. Decor cute, beautiful location, super romantic if not slightly outdated. This was the moment where I realized I might eat out way too much. Tried the chef's menu with my dad. One thing I noticed, chef really likes vinegar. Has a real affinity for the sour. Meal after meal had some kind of sour sauce or pickled component to it, including the mid-meal break with pickled beets. I think I just don't really like beets. Every protein was cooked impeccably, but overall very unadventurous and safe. Everything was good, nothing really soars. Nothing that I still really remember and crave from the 6-something dishes I had. Also nothing I haven't had before. No crazy sounding items on the menu like Geoduck or offal meat to scare off people. No molecular gastronomy techniques that might make you uncomfortable. The wine tasting was very hit or miss, thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to a botrytis chardonnay (that was not a dessert course) and to an amazing tawny port, the middle drinks were kind of... forgettable. All in all, pretty safe. Nice pricey spot to bring your significant other to and try to romance her.
(3)Patty M.
Have only been here once, on a snowy weekday night when a lot of people stayed home. The ambience of this place can't be beat--the view, the woodsy surroundings, the sense of being in a cozy country lodge with a blazing fireplace. My husband and I had the tasting menu which was enjoyable but not as memorable as we might have expected from a restaurant with this reputation. We were warned to beware of buckshot in the wild Scottish grouse but told it would bring good luck. Sure enough, I encountered a pellet and the good luck arrived in the form of a free pony of Champagne. My husband pronounced it the best he'd ever tasted. Overall, the service was adequate but impersonal, bordering on cool. We plan to come back here during daylight hours in a warmer season, perhaps for a Sunday brunch.
(4)Patty C.
Food was very good. We went for our Anniversary, and they added the special touch of printing a special menu for us. Also, gave us free chocolate. The best part was the fantastic table in front of the pond. The food was very good too. Best duck breast and leg I've ever had. The rabbit was also very yummy. A lot of places make it too dry, but they do it right. The dessert menu was interesting though, just not for me. But I would definitely go back again.
(4)R T.
Pretentious fruitcake. I hate places where the waiters condescend to you. Just because you work at a high-end place doesn't mean you own it. My experience was not improved by the food. Almost every dish was over-salted and when I pointed that out, the waiter frostily informed my under-educated palate: "that's how the dish is usually made". The restaurant enjoys a beautiful and secluded oasis setting. It can't even be seen from the road. You get a lost-in-the-woods experience in the middle of the city. And the Blair witch is welcome to it. Never coming back.
(1)Trista G.
Enjoyed NYE dinner here last night with my fiancé and have to admit this place has the best service and friendliest staff, hands down. The food was both unique and delicious, and has a great wine and drink menu. The 7 course meal made for a great evening and was definitely worth every penny. The look and feel of the restaurant is cozy and relaxing. Hats off to the North Pond staff and cooks for creating a great experience!
(5)Simona L.
This place is definitely not on my favorite list. For a restaurant being so idolized this place was awful. My family and I are not new to nice restaurants. We often go out to dressed up dinners and love trying new dishes. We went to North Pond to celebrate my mother's birthday. She wanted to go to a place that has a beautiful view, which North Pond offered. However, we did not get to enjoy the view because we were seated in the middle of the 2nd dining room. The set up of the restaurant consists of two rooms and a small hallway, I'm talking about really small, two people would not be able to pass each other at the same time small. One room, of course the smaller one, was breath taking. It had the view that everyone wants to see. The pond and a little bit of trees and, of course, being downtown, Lincoln Park to be exact, you have to see at least some of the skyscrapers. The walls were all ceiling to floor windows, but not the wall that connected the two dining rooms, that was brick... I'm not sure why that wall is even there. The room we were seated in was dim and cozy. The whole view of the outside was hidden behind the wall. There were definitely too many tables that were all full! The restaurant looked and felt too crowded. There was no seating outside on the patio in front of the beautiful pond! Moving on to the food and prices. The food was French, but most of the names were easy to understand. The menu was split into 4 sections. The first section consisted of the specials, which had 5 different plates, I believe. The whole table had to participate in the specials section; you could not replace any of the items nor add anything to it, it cost $90 a person. The other 3 sections were starters, first course and second course, with about 4 or 5 choices in each one. Everyone needed to pick one food item form each section excluding the specials. Portions were quite small, of course, and I did not enjoy that. In my opinion, the food was too dolled up and did not have enough flavors. My sister, who ended up getting the same exact things as me, did not enjoy her food as well. We started with Squid, Squash. There was only about 3 pieces of squid in my plate and I expected more. My mom had the Fole Gras, Ginger she seemed to have enjoyed it. For the main course my dad, sister and I all had the Lamb, Lettuce and my mom had the Duck, Cabbage. The lamb was not too bad but I felt that it was not enough food. Seemed like most of the time was spent on trying to make the plate look fancy and not the food. One thing we did all enjoy was the dessert. I had the Chocolate, Huckleberry but my sister chose to go with the Coconut, Milk. My dessert had just the right flavors of sweet and sour and the chocolate was not too sweet. My sister's dessert, however, was much sweeter than mine and I didn't like the mushy texture it had. These plates were not small at all, very filling and sweet. It is really too bad that the menu changes. I'm not sure how often but it does, which is disappointing if you would find a food you really enjoyed. Also the service was not quite what I had expected. It seemed to me that they were lacking waiters because some of our food was brought out by a host. Over all I would not recommend this restaurant to others because I did not like it. I was still hungry after we left and was very disappointed with the atmosphere and food. If you are looking for a place with a view and better service then you should really look into a place called Cité.
(2)dev p.
Went on a date here, the location is on point. The best thing we ordered was the wine, followed by the spinach salad...the rest of the food was pretty bad...without the location this place would be out of business quick
(1)Dan G.
I brought my sweetie here for her birthday and couldn't be happier with the food, drink, service, and atmosphere of this place. They seem to go out of their way for you and it is the little things like a personalized happy birthday menu and dessert that make this place stand out. The building has a Frank Lloyd Wright sort of feel very intimate, with a patio and a great view of the skyline off the pond. Very appealing to the eyes. Oh, and the food is to die for. We opted to order off the menu rather than do the prix fixe menu. We both ordered 3 dishes and a drink. I had an off the hook old fashion that Mr. Draper would have been proud of. She ordered the Kentucky Mustang which is a play on Tom Collins. Well crafted drinks. And now on to the food for starters we ordered the Foie Gras and the squid. The foie gras was complemented with a poached apricot and blackberries. It was meaty tasty and sweet. The fruit went so well with this, I was surprised. The squid as well was cooked to perfection that perfect state of tender and juicy. That is hard to achieve on seafood. It was served with black couscous and onion. Tasty and just full of different flavors. Next we got our salads. I got the beet and trout while she got the crab and avocado. The beet was served with a tatin, or puff pastry that was just fantastic, I mean fantastic the flavors rolled and danced on my tongue. The plate also offered a different selections of beets with a sauce pairing with each. These were earthly, sweet, savory each one was its own unique world. The crab and avocado were a match made in heaven as well. Served with a fresh made cucumber citrus dressing it was remarkable. Finally for our entrees I got the Salmon and she the duck. The waiter suggested a glass of the Pinot Noir which was a good partner to the food. The salmon was crusted in a arugula-pine nut mixture and served with the best succotash I have ever had. Oh and not to forget the grilled peach on the side. It was lots of flavor woven together into a great dish. The duck was a breast and confit thigh. Juicy, fatty, and decadent. This is one of those last meal dishes. Served with potato, radish, and cherries it was perfect. As much as I liked the salmon, I am jealous of that duck. We were quite full after that point and declined on the dessert. They still brought out some truffles and mango jellies for us on a plate that read happy birthday. So, this place is worth it. Special occasion type stuff, unless you can afford it I suppose, but is well worth every penny.
(5)Jennifer J.
Love love this place! Great for special occasions, just like fellow yelpers said. I got engaged her and it was an absolutely perfect night. We had amazing service, amazing food and it all felt very personal and romantic. My now husband found the place on yelp (since he knows of my love of this site - even though they take and give elite status on a whim, but I digress.) He found a great place!! He had the menu customized with our names at the top and it was such a nice touch. We had the tasting menu and they added a few extra courses that were just as wonderful as the other courses. I had a couple of cocktails and I must say that I approve...I am in a constant search for a really great cocktail and this place fullfilled that. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to take others here for a special occasion.
(5)Arun L.
I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. You have to walk through the park to reach this enchanted location, set overlooking North Pond. The view looks like inspiration for a french impressionist artist. The cocktails were excellent, and they only carry small batch liquor. I would come back here just to enjoy a drink and the view. We were a group of 7 people. I had to call to make the reservation. For groups larger than 6 they do a 4-course prix-fixe. All food here is fresh and seasonal. It was amazing and subtle - the kind of menu that lets the quality of the ingredients shine through. There was just enough food on the plate. The wine pairings (optional) were spot on. At ~$80pp for food, this place is a steal. I was surprised that there was even a single open table. There is a certain understated elegance to this restaurant. I will be back very soon.
(5)EV G.
Went for dinner last night with a party of 6. Called ahead for a table on the patio and was told first come first serve for the patio. When we arrived, there was a large empty table on the patio being reserved for the chef's guests. So if you are friends with the chef, rules don't apply and if you aren't friends with the chef, you get a shitty table inside where you hear the kitchen fan roaring for your whole meal. The food was good, but we will never return since, as merely paying guests without any connections, you get inferior treatment.
(1)Mango G.
Nice ambience, food not impressive. Overrated and over-priced. I had a salmon, which was fishy, not fresh.
(2)Peter D.
Just a phenomenal atmosphere in one of the best restaurant locations in the beautiful city of Chicago. All the ingredients are incredibly fresh and the dishes are rotated seasonally so you can never have the same thing twice unless you decide to wait until the next time that the ingredients are in season. At restaurants such as North Pond, you gotta go all out. I ordered three courses, beginning with the Foie Gras. The Foie Gras, while a controversial dish because of the duck maltreatment, was fantastic. I can't compare it to others because it was the first time I ever had it. I came away very impressed. I also had bites of the Pork Rhubarb that a friend ordered, and that was just out of this world. Rhubarb is featured heavily in the Chef's dishes this season, and I totally recommend it as the few gastronomical things that the chef does involves the underrated, sweet Rhubarb. Moving on, I tried the baked/fried cheese and accompanying salad. This was my least favorite meal but again the flavors were on point. A very tasty dish if you are a fan of either of these things. The main dish was the Mango Snapper, a Indian-inspired plate with an amazingly tasty snapper accompanied with coconut rice and mango chutney. Probably one of my favorite dishes that I have ever eaten. Overall, North Pond provides exceptional service and even better food. Also, they typically have their own blend of Intellegentsia coffee (French pressed, of course) but I had the Finca San Jose from Nicaragua....really, really good. Give 'em a shot! I can guarantee that the dining experience is one-of-a-kind!
(5)Liz I.
Waited far too long between courses - service was awkward. Food was ok, but definitely not great. Felt very empty, yet we didn't receive very timely or attentive service. Will not go back.
(2)Norbert W.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! how it has fallen! We were there in May 2013 and our experience was terrible. Awful. The appetizers (foie, natch) were really good. Then it all went downhill into a gravel pit, full of rusty tacks, some broken glass, and the dashed expectations that North Pond had set over the years. The waiter never made eye contact with me. Hell, he actively did not look at me. And it wasn't in the "you have a face for radio" type of way. No, he actually turned away at times. WTF? The rest of the meal was rather mediocre as well. The combination is fine at a local Subway or suchlike. NOT at North Pond. Actually no. That combination is not fine, anywhere. It will be some time until we return. How sad. It was one of the last "old money" restaurants in town. And they went and ruined it. Jerks.
(2)Grennan K.
First date spot! Totally obvi that its a damn choice spot for first dates. I had tons of fun watching awkward couples mingle. Some dude even was scratching his nuts. Anyway... Good red wine by the glass & I've had better tapas style dinner. P.s. key lime dessert did not quench my thirst.
(2)Coleman B.
I really enjoyed North Pond and as many other people say, it certainly is a out-of-the-ordinary experience in the city. Nestled in the park, the atmosphere alone is worthwhile, but on top of that, the food is fresh, creative, and phenomenal. The entrees were my least favorite, but the starter dishes and desserts were incredible. Well crafted, and aesthetically pleasing, the dishes left me a very satisfied diner. there was one hiccup with our order, but the waitress and manager were very responsive and helpful and so elevated my review to the top tier. Really one of the best destination places in Chicago, and right in the heart of the city!
(5)Myra A.
If you are concerned about price, then go to this place when your wallet is less inhibited, like we did. We went on our last evening of our honeymoon. It was wonderful. I had the rabbit and my husband had the duck and we loved our respective dishes. The service was unobtrusive, which is great for an intimate dinner, but they were always there when we needed something. I expected the restaurant to be more dim and romantic, but instead gave off a cozy, warm feel, which was lovely. I love that they use local ingredients (that's the Seattleite in me talkin') and I felt that the food and the ambiance combined made our experience there a 5 star one. When we left, they gave us a little cabbage seed to plant when we got home. We don't own or live in a place where we can garden just yet but once we do, and if it sprouts, it will be a great living souvenir of our honeymoon. :)
(5)Mary B.
A special place. Great food! Great Wine! Great Ambiance!
(5)Dean L.
Visited in 2011 during a Sustainability Forum at Kendall College. Was able to set SPCL Resv through the Chef. Great ambiance, decor and setting with locally-sourced food and wine. Fireflies in the summer on the pond.
(4)Tom B.
North Pond was worth a visit for the ambiance and view alone, and the prix fixe Sunday brunch was reasonably priced. The service was also excellent. Our waiter was very knowledgeable on adjustments that could and could not be made for vegetarians. Sadly these adjustments include subtracting and not adding protein--something we had figured out from reading other reviews and confirmed by email with the management prior to our visit. The vegetarian courses were actually very tasty and well prepared, sans protein. Surprisingly it was the non-vegetarian cuisine that needed a little help. The shrimp in the starter was not properly prepared, the steak ordered medium was under-cooked and not particularly flavorful, and the chocolate dessert, which was not vegetarian due to added gelatin, was over-sweet and barely had any chocolate. Bottom line: the food is three stars but everything else is top-notch.
(4)Julie E.
North Pond is as outstanding as ever. A true forward thinking restaurant that stays true to its green, locavore, showcasing-flavors-of-what's-in-season roots. It's a gorgeous, upscale but casual, unpretentious place for a delicious meal. I recently went for a celebratory birthday Sunday brunch. Not only will they print custom menus for the birthday person ("Happy Birthday Nick!"), but at brunch we were able to try THE ENTIRE MENU. Four people, three courses, four options for each course -- we got one of each. My favorites from the meal: -- Poached Egg, truffle-glazed baby leek, mushroom ragout, parmesan, toasted english muffin -- Grilled pork loin, chorizo sausage, brioche corn pudding, sweet and pickled cherries, knob onion -- Pistachio pot de creme, whipped cream, bing cherry salad, citrus biscotti, toasted nuts And EXCELLENT cocktails and wine list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)Insun M.
5 stars for food. Seriously some of the best dishes I've had so far in the city. The grass fed beef? YUM! The pheasant? Yum! 3 stars for service and appetizers. I was dining at 5pm (when they opened) so it was pretty bare. But they sat us right where the wind blew in every time the front door opened so I was shivering pretty much the entire meal. The scallop and sausage appetizers were good but not memorable and DEFINITELY not worth the price.
(4)Tom J.
Tasty. For brunch, a three course prix fixe, very good but not top tier. Service was slapdash. Water glasses sat empty for minutes, and a surly teen bartender declined to produce a drinks menu. The otherwise adequate waiter failed to offer a second drink or suggest coffee with dessert. (On the plus side, a second amuse-bouche was accidentally presented.) Beware of inconsistent portion sizes and overly long waits between courses. Yes, the setting is beautiful. And wouldn't it be nice to step outside with your aperitif while you wait for your reserved table? Nope. 3.5 stars.
(4)Whitney K.
Okay, okay...more like a 4.9. However, I just can't round up and give North Pond that coveted gold star (5), and I'll tell you why. Went to North Pond for my first wedding anniversary this past weekend, and it was a spectacular choice for celebrating such a momentous occasion. However, after taking several days to process my thoughts on the very complex meal that B and I set off on, I just was left wondering why I hadnt thought "WOW" after enjoying such an expensive tab. Now, dont get me wrong. North Pond has very wonderful food, cocktails, service, you name it. It definitely falls much higher on my list than some of my other 4-star ratings. The setting was just the right amount of rustic and romantic, and the view we had looking over the pond with the Hancock in the distance was just wonderful. Service was great, and the menu options were definitely intriguing and delicious. Oh, and the personalized menu that they presented to us? Just lovely. But, a few minor things. I really wanted the wine menu to be a little bit bigger. I like red wine, but I'm more keen on white and I just wish there had been more options. Well, wait, there were a few options that were really nice...but the price tag matched. It was a special night for us...so we went ahead and imbibed. The soft crab appetizer. Was good, but not memorable. However, my husbands foie gras was wonderful. For dinner we had the rabbit and the halibut. Both were cooked well and paired nicely, but the rabbit dish definitely stood out for both of us. For dessert we had the chocolate citrus option, and WOW. You finally twisted my arm, North Pond. 5 stars for the dessert, from 2 people who would much rather drink their post-dinner treat. It was unique, it was clean, strong flavors, it was decadent. It was the perfect ending! I definitely would recommend North Pond for a special night out. Or when your rich friends or rich parents are in town, and are willing to foot the bill. PS. the cocktail menu is fabulous...if you dont want to go all the way with NP, then at least go into the bar and partake in one of these tasty concoctions and enjoy the view!
(4)Grace M.
This is one of the loveliest places in all of Chicagoland. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the food, the decor, the ambiance, or the staff, which are all just so perfect and pleasant that, if I had to choose only one restaurant in the entire city in which I was allowed to dine out, this would be the place! The cuisine is extremely fresh, unique, and masterfully prepared! The elements are all represented, from the roaring fireplace to the earthy architecture, and the trees and moving moon reflections on the water outside the ample windows are positively enchanting! The staff are all extremely professional, and very knowledgeable! It's rare to have such an uplifting dining experience as this!
(5)Charlie B.
I was here in September and forgot to write a review. I had been to Ria the night before in the Elysian and so its hard to not compare the two. I had been wanting to visit for years, and finally found an excuse the weekend I got engaged. It was adorable in there. But, a different vibe than I was expecting. Our sever was a little cooky, too. She was just sort of wacky and quirky and seemed like she probably had 20 cats in her apartment at home. The food was all really really good, but I can't say it was out of this world or was blown away by it. But, I get that this one of the first stops emphasizing and focusing on locally grown food and keeping it simple and sustainable.
(4)Agnes S.
North Pond has been my top 3 favorite restaurant in Chicago, not only for spectacular dinners but also for a truly amazing brunch. Last Sunday we went for brunch with another couple. It was a gorgeous day out. We sat in the front room that offers amazing views of the pond, park and downtown skyline. Our server, Shannon, is probably one of the best we ever had...we always request him when dining at North Pond. He is knowledgeable, personable and shares our passion for food and wine. Truly an all around great guy. We started off with hand crafted cocktails...a take on summer sangria - made with fresh strawberries that have been soaked in late harvest riesling...so good! The restaurant offers a 3 course brunch for $33...with 4 choices in each category...you can't go wrong... I had the Crab/Avocado to start (peekytoe crab with avocado mousse, mint, radish, carrot broth) very refreshing...great starter Also had the Cucumber/Salmon (chilled cucumber melon soup with cured salmon, pumpernickel and serrano for the touch of heat) great take on a gazpacho My main dish was Shrimp/Asparagus (shrimp a la plancha, asparagus, beets, gnocchi,hazelnuts) also a perfect summer dish. For dessert we ordered one of each...my favorite was the Rhubarb/Orange (citrus rhubarb tart with oatmeal crumble and orange blossom ice cream! How cool is that... All the entrees were seasonal; just perfect! Bruce Sherman is a very talented chef and I've never had a bad dish there. I'm always surprised with the creativeness that goes into every plate that he puts out. We enjoyed ourseleves and will definitely be back to try the summer menu. Thanks again North Pond!
(5)Rob H.
We just got married at North Pond and rented out the entire restaurant for the afternoon. I cannot stress just how wonderful the staff preformed at all levels. Chris (the manager) was very attentive with all of our many questions and gave us some great ideas. For the day of, the restaurant and surrounding location was beautiful. The servers, waiters, and especially the bartender were all on the ball for everything. And finally, the food and drinks were out of this world! We personally loved the menu and many guests said they loved the experience (We heard "best wedding food ever" several times that day and over the last week). If you are looking for a very special wedding location in Chicago (or just want a fantastic meal), give North Pond a shot. For how perfect everything was, it was very reasonably priced.
(5)Raquel S.
The food and ambiance were spectacular, it truly felt like a special occasion destination. All the dishes we had were fresh and flavorful. Our server was very efficient, to a fault; he was concise and direct and not in any way friendly. My husband and I felt a bit rushed through our brunch as every course came out immediately after we had finished the one before. The hostesses, bus boys, and I assume manager (he had a very cool handlebar mustache), were all very warm and polite (at the very least, we got a smile out of all of them) but our server seemed cold and indifferent. We will definitely try it again and hope for a different server.
(4)Stelio F.
Top notch food, great service and a cozy dining environment. Probably one of the best restaurants I've been to while living in Chicago these past 3 years. Will definitely bring friends and family back for special occasions.
(5)Bill M.
I had Sunday Brunch at North Pond with my friend, who was leaving town soon to accept a new job on the West Coast. She had enjoyed her couple of years in Chicago and wanted to have a special meal before leaving town. Dining at North Pond is not just about the food but the environment itself. The building was built in 1912 as a warming center for ice skaters, and we both enjoyed staring at the details of the Arts and Crafts design (murals, booths, materials, lettering). Now on to the food. The brunch consisted of three courses for $33 per person (beverage is not included), with a few selections for each course. My friend does not eat meat, but she still had good choices. My first course was poached egg with mushroom, leek, and the cutest mini-English muffin disks ever. She chose a fish starter. My second course was grilled pork loin with BBQ rib pave (sort of a mashed up rib), plus corn pudding, cherry and onion. This plate was fine and hearty at the same time. My friend enjoyed her fish with couscous and baby carrots. My dessert was a trifle with lemon cake, apricot, pine nuts, and cream cheese mousse, which was good but tasted too subtle considering all the ingredients. My friend's dark chocolate ganache was more impressive. It looked like a dessert Great Wall of China, with a long piece of chocolate accompanied by raspberry sorbet, raspberries and some chocolatey cakey flakes. My friend noted that the crowd was generally older and well-dressed, but since it was brunch no one was overdressed. The service was formal and accommodating, though one of the course servers was relatively coarse compared to the others. Considering the fine quality of our meal, we felt that the brunch was worth the price (much more than the higher dinner costs).
(5)David S.
If someone has written a bad review on here it's because they were in a bad mood or they're a jealous competing restauranteur. My wife and I had dinner here on Friday 11/4/11. Our server Leia was sweet and informed. She was patient with us and made great suggestions. Our goal was to order about 5 different items off of the menu and switch plates between us so we could try it all. We started with the Celeriac, Chevre and the Walleye, Apple. I highly recommend both. The Celeriac, Chevre was a celery and pear soup with a thin croute bridged across the bowl from rim to rim. The croute was topped with small pieces of bacon and tiny balled pears. The walleye was cooked perfectly. So much attention paid to plating these dishes. They're immaculate works of art. We split the Lettuce, Crab salad. Again beautiful plating. There was literally a small tower of avocado in a perfect sphere topped with panna cotta. Inside the tower it was stuffed with lump crab. Very tasty. Our entrees were the Grassfed Beef, Farro and the Pork Apple. The Pork medallions were cooked medium rare and was by the far the best pork I've ever tasted. Again supreme attention paid to plating. The plates were setup as eating areas almost. Depending where you ate on the plate a new flavor would arise. Dessert included the Chocolate, Huckleberry and theCinnamon, Pear. My wife said the Cinnamon, Pear was the best dish she's ever eaten. There was an ice cream and two different sorbets on the plate. Ridiculous! Amazing thought has gone into the interior decor of North Pond. The ceiling has lots of inlays and the benches have great custom coverings. Everything flows very well. Quite an amazing experience overall. Bravo North Pond!
(5)Liz S.
Dining at North Pond should be on everyone's list, whether they are a Chicago native or a visitor to the area. The setting is about as unique as it gets, and the food is both elegant and down-to-earth with a focus on local ingredients and quality. I had been dying to try it for years, ever since my dear friend Kirsten F. recommended it to me as her favorite special-occasion spot. Finding it can be difficult - follow the map on the website, or take a cab to Lincoln Park at Lakeview and Deming, then walk down the path to the Arts & Crafts building indicated by the sign. The building, once a warming hut for ice skaters, is located on a small pond, as the name suggests, and offers a tranquil view of the city. Once inside, you can appreciate the design details which make it feel like you have gone back in time to some more simple era. It's a place that you want to dress up for a little, but not so much that you feel like you will be on display in the social pages of a magazine. It's a place to be gracious and respectable. The service is low-key and informed, and not obtrusive, which is good because this is a place to linger. In fact, we were wishing that our meal didn't come out quite as quickly as it did, because we could have stayed there all afternoon! The menu items are listed by a simple title, followed a more elaborate description underneath. I started with the "Sweet Corn, Bacon" (Early Season Corn-On-The-Cob Soup, with Crisp Guanciale, Pickled Garlic Scapes, and Uplands Cheese Crisp). Beautiful, light soup with little flavor surprises. My lunch date had the "Tuna, Beets" (Yellowfin Tuna Crudo-style, Beets, Avocado, Mango; Tatsoi Greens, Sesame Tuile). This was an absolutely gorgeous dish with little cubed gems of tuna, beets, and mango. For my entree, I had the "Sole, Capers" (Sautéed Petrale Sole Filet, House Cured Bacon, Rémoulade Mayonnaise, Caper Lemon Brown Butter) and my lunch date had the "Trout, Zucchini" (Grilled, Herbed Rainbow Trout, Ratatouille Vegetables, Pine Nuts, Raisins, Black Olives). Again, the main flavors were pure and prevalent, with lovely surprise tastes to compliment and accompany the fish. For dessert, we shared the "Doughnuts, Ricotta" (Cinnamon- Dusted Ricotta Doughnuts, Bourbon Ice Cream), which was the perfect ending of custardy warm doughnut holes and rich, creamy ice cream. Everything was presented beautifully (see photos), and we enjoyed every bite. Our server was great in helping us find just the right wines by the glass to accompany our meals, and we were very happy with her suggestions. After dinner, we received a small packet of seeds for French Beans, as a reminder to give back to the earth - a nice touch. Shortly after leaving, I got a call from the staff letting me know that I had forgotten my pashmina on my chair, which meant that I could simply walk back an retrieve it, rather than having to make a special trip later. That's great service. It's a excellent choice for a date, lunch or dinner with an old friend, or special-occasion family night out. I will make it a destination every time I am in Chicago, and can't wait to go back.
(5)Andrea R.
It's been years since I"ve dined at this quaint restaurant in Lincoln Park, but I"ve been looking for the perfect excuse. And what better excuse than celebrating my bday! My husband and I booked a reservation weeks ahead of time, got dressed to impress (gotta abide by their dress code), and we were ready for a romantic dinner. While this lovely restaurant nestled in the park just screams romance, it would have been more romantic if our table wasn't smudged between 2 other couples. However, they turned out to be lovely couples with their own celebrations...so we didn't mind sharing the special occasion. Our waiter kinda sucked. He seemed annoyed when I asked him for help picking out a bottle sauvignon blanc and the eye rolling really started when I asked him to choose between 2 entrees. My meal: Sweet Corn, Sardine Soup: OMG. I could eat this for every meal for the rest of my life and be quite happy Wild Salmon: Loved the spring herb puree it was swimming in and the aromatic wehani rice made for a nice side. The fish itself was a bit fishy for me, but I'm just not that into salmon these days. I probably should have gone with the bass my husband ordered, but more about that later. Chocolate, Hazelnut: Served on a plate that said "Happy Birthday Andrea" in chocolate...I was in chocoholic heaven! It was too rich for my husband, but that just meant more for me! Nothing better than the combo of chocolate, hazelnut, and salted caramel! Hubby's Meal: Lettuce, Radishes: So fresh, the veggies taste like they came right from the Green City Market (and they probably did). Bass, Potatoes: I should have ordered this delicious fish for myself Plum Pistachio: My husband kept repeating "this tastes so powerful" and it really did. I had a few bites and wasn't sure if I love it or hated it, but it sure was interesting and "powerful." Overall, it turned out to be a lovely evening and now I just need an excuse for another celebration there!
(4)Elina B.
Husband took me here for my birthday! Amazing food, great service, view of the park is wonderful. Ask in advance to sit by the window for the best view. Food is very exciting, interesting mix of ingredients. We got the price-fix brunch. One of my favorite in Chicago!
(5)Jonah G.
I have eaten at a handful of 2 and 3 michelin starred restaurants, and the tasting menu here is up there with the best.
(5)Travis M.
A beautiful meal in a beautiful setting. I've walked my dog past this place a thousand times (literally) and finally got to enjoy my first meal there recently on a picturesque winter evening . Service was spot on from the time we walked in the door. We ordered from the standard menu, rather than the tasting menu, so we could try more dishes. Everything came out tasting of the care taken in the preparation. We shared a farm egg appetizer - complete with a little English muffin - and the pig cheeks as well. A very breakfasty start to a winter's meal. Scallops and foie gras rounded out the course. We shared two salads - one was a selection of beets, which I generally don't like. While I wasn't crazy about it the variety and presentation made it interesting and I found myself quite enjoying it. As an entree I chose the wild squab and I couldn't have been happier. Crispy skin, rich, naturally smoky meat with gnocchi and foie gras? Perfection! Two of my colleagues enjoyed their fish entrees but I was too lost in the pigeon to pay much attention to be honest. Our fourth inexplicably ordered the vegetarian plate - odd, as she is generally a rabid carnivore - and was a little disappointed, But frankly a plate of squash, rutabaga and broccoli is just a little tricky to wrap my head around so I'm not sure what was to be expected. We took a pass on dessert which prompted the only service faux pas of the evening. When we told the server we were going to pass on the desserts and finish our wine for the moment he politely thanked us and returned a minute later, dropped the check and walked away. As it was our intention to finish our wine and have coffee and after dinner drinks this seemed a little odd and very rushed after a perfectly paced meal. The place was still full, there was no other seating. Weird. After a brief moment of awkwardness we decided to settle up and moved on to Fion for our after dinner drinks. As we were drinking Ports and Cognacs it seems the server had an opportunity to jump this check by an easy 100 bucks or so but oh well. It certainly wasn't a big enough slip to tarnish an altogether wonderful dining experience.
(5)Devin P.
Amazing food. Each dish had wonderfully unique FLAVORS but a little overly sweet (ie cranberries, sweetened grape fruit pieces, etc on main dishes). Great service and ambiance!
(4)C M.
I am really confused by the good reviews of this place. I left feeling completely duped. Besides being TOTALLY overpriced, the food taste and execution was not worth the big price tag or hoopla reviews. It was almost as if the menu served only animals and greens grown in the dirty pond (oops I mean "locally sourced"), that the place overlooks. If fact, that is exactly how the amuse bouche tasted - like swamp sludge. When dinner came, our dishes were completely undercooked - other's dishes were so over thought that the ingredients we uncomplementary and confusing and not even enjoyable. The service put on a good show, but once the order was taken, the woman never came back to the table. She was probably embarrased, or overheard the jokes we were making of the mockery pond food we were eating. There was nothing special about this restaurant, except maybe it's nice architecture - but really, in a city like Chicago it really isn't that great.
(1)Michael U.
Blog for full review. While the bread itself was good enough, the flavor was rather mild and the ice cold butter was nearly impossible to spread - given Chef Sherman's reputation I rather expected a more impressive bread selection. With our waiter arriving with drinks my friend inquired as to whether one portion of a dish could be substituted out and was given a very abrupt "no substitutions." While I told him this would be the case, I did find the waiter's attitude and reasoning a bit condescending - "we will substitute for allergies but not personal dislikes as the chef is very passionate about his creations." Arriving first, a gift from the kitchen - fitting North Pond's two ingredient description this captivating little bite was called Hamachi, Avocado and consisted of a flawless piece of hamachi sashimi with avocado paste served over fresh summer melons and what I do believe was zucchini spiced with paprika and perhaps coriander. Unexpected flavor combinations in general but certainly showing a deft hand this dish definitely peaked my interest for what was to come. My friend, not a fan of raw fish, noted "wow, that was good." Arriving shortly after the amuse was our shared dish, Charcuterie, Condiments and it featuered House-Made Soppressata, Prosciutto, Chilled Presskopf, Shaved Lardo, Frisée, Candied Pecans, Fig Marmalade, Toast. Having had all but the Presskopf (a vinegary and excellent headcheese made from steer and cow tongue) I was quite impressed by the selection's myriad flavors and textures with the fatty Lardo (not as good as Batali's at Otto,) Sweet and Spicy Soppressata, and salty/smoky Prosciutto all proving great examples. While I can't say the single piece of dried raisin toast added anything to the meal, the candied pecans were excellent with strong accents of cinnamon and the fig marmalade was superb. For added crunch, the cornichons and Frisee were excellent, as well. While we talked and my friend dined, I started on the first of my two small plates, Farm Egg, Tomato - Soft-Boiled Farm Egg, with Grilled Polenta, Red and Gold Baby Tomatoes, Chicken Nuggets, Ancho Bacon Cream, Nasturtium. Ranging the gamut from crispy and savory polenta to sweet and tart tomatoes, creamy savory bacon cream to sweet and mild nasturtium, and all topped with an incredibly delicate and wonderfully presented soft egg that spilt forth a creamy golden yolk on piercing. Further enhancing the dish ad added even more "breakfast" nuance were the chicken nuggets - literally pieces of "popcorn" chicken fried crispy. The second dish, the other savory outside of gnocchi and egg dishes that I'll order pretty much anywhere I go was the Foie Gras. Foie Gras, Apricot - featuring seared Foie Gras, Rosemary-Poached Apricot, Citrus French Toast, Black Raspberries, Coffee Reduction was actually an excellent dish that arrived from multiple angles. While the foie itself was good, I will note that there were two prominent veins in the dish that proved tough to cut - the ancillaries, however, were something to behold. Starting with the Apricot - excellent, I'd have never thought to pair Rosemary with this fruit, yet the effect enhanced both ingredients to a new level. The citrus French toast, essentially a apricot glazed brioche, was excellent for texture though I do wish there had been more. Topping all of this, a tangy blend of black raspberries and the very essence of a bold coffee/fruit-sucrose reduction - while the coffee itself honestly didn't add much "flavor," what it did do was create a strong base for the sweets and anchored them to the fatty and rich foie. A very smart dish. For myself, dessert was Cherry, Vanilla - Frozen Vanilla Souffle, Brown Butter-Pepper Financier Cake, Bing Cherry-Basil Salad, Sour Cherry Sorbet. A fan of the new-age fashion of adding savories to the dessert course I simply couldn't pass up the basil and pepper aspects of this dish - but unfortunately one of them was a no show. Featuring a luxurious vanilla ice cream I'm not really certain what was "soufflé" about it - moreso a wonderful ice cream sandwich. Below the icecream was the Financier which although appropriately buttery and tasty sorely lacked anything resembling pepper. Atop the pseudo-soufflé sat a dollop of wonderfully complex and tangy cherry sorbet while the front of the plate was dominated by the highlight of the dish - poached bing cherries tossed with a balsamic and basil reduction. While individual components were all good, topping the rest of the dish with the salad was where the money was at. After many hits and a really pricey miss in Chicago, I found North Pond to be somewhere in between. While the setting and service were good, there is definitely an 'attitude' to this place that somewhat outstrips the consistency of the food that, although good, is not so refined that it comes out unbelievably over and over. Like a lower end Gramercy Tavern in a much nicer setting.
(3)Andrew L.
I dined at North Pond for a special occasion date, and have to say they have some nice personal touches that make you feel welcome -- knowing your names, personalizing menus, etc. I felt the place wasn't quite right for me after the fact, but admittedly I may have made a mistake going with the tasting menu, given my usual dining preferences. Perhaps I'm more of an entree / appetizer fellow rather than a small plate fellow, as I found myself slightly annoyed by the sparseness on the plates and the pacing. I was a bit surprised that several of the dishes were cold (intentionally so) for a cold winter day, and in such a hearty-seeming, lodge-like atmosphere. We skipped the wine pairing, as many seemed to be whites which didn't appeal to our winter mood after a short but blustery jaunt through the park. Otherwise, the food was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and courteous too. The wine seemed marked up more than I would've hoped -- I'm not sure what's standard but believe we payed 400% of shelf price. The interior is impressive (lots of wood, Arts & Craft / Wright-inspired, with lots of right angles) but might be a little stiff for some. My issues with North Pond pertain more to bang for your buck, as I was somewhat disappointed to need a snack in the evening after a 2 hour / $90 tasting menu. I could get a very decent steak and sides for that, and have plenty of leftovers for the next day. Dinner at a place like North Pond is a bit of an investment for most of us, so you might want to check it out for drinks / appetizers before going all in. I would recommend a summer visit, timed for sunset hours, to make the most of the park / lagoon setting. I'm sure this is a 4-5 star destination for those with different preferences, but thought my comments might be useful to some.
(3)Doug H.
We came for the valet parking and stayed for the really expensive and worth every penny Sunday Brunch. It may have been good karma but we walked right in to a pond view table at noon thirty on Sunday. The waiter was fun when we wanted him and the food sounded like way to much but was just right. I almost want it to be a secret.
(4)P M.
Very happy I made the effort to finish my weekend job early and made it to their brunch menu which I thought was a good deal for the quality of the food that they are known for. They serve brunch only on Sunday, the rest of the week is dedicated to only dinner. Given that the price of a single serving of a dinner entree is almost as much as of the price for the whole 3-course prix fixe ($33++) -- I thought it was a good way for me to start and, boy, was I hooked. I resonate all of what the other reviewers had said, you won't be disappointed with your experience there. The staffs and manager will do everything in their power to please you. I was greeted with a small complimentary starter which was some type of lemon and cheese loaf bread and upon inquiring the server assistant (petite, small-framed hispanic male) what it was (when it probably wasn't actually his job to explain the details about food), he did his best to explain (and I was impressed that he knew) and even offered me another one which I declined as to keep myself hungry for what I ordered. My first course of choice was Rabbit & polenta which I was not immediately impressed with but as soon as Patrick noticed that, he probably quickly communicated it with Kris, the manager, and made sure my experience was fixed and I was won over immediately. Smoked Char was a delight and their ginger ice cream was delicious. The presentation is exactly what you find in the more expensive Michelin starred restaurants -- it will definitely will wow your date if you have one with you. The food came out promptly, too, very consistent timing. I also like it that the kitchen is visible to diners: whatever they do, how ever they prepare our food is transparent to us. Now, the menu changes all the time so my comments about food may not be as helpful as my affirmation about the service mentality which is less likely to change and awaits any potential diner. I would say if you are looking for Michelin-starred quality type of food but without too much of the frills and formality involved in a Michelin-starred restaurant setting, here is the place for you. The quality and taste was as good, if not better than the Michelin starred ones and in fact, they are priced, I would say, about 35% percent lower too (judging from the tasting menu price listing). The staffs were friendly and attentive but they do not overwhelm you and they really seves you / fix your problems where it matters. Unlike many restaurants of the same tier and price range where the servers do their best to look sharp, professional, and composed -- here, they are more relaxed, warm, and casual yet more caring/willing to do the things that really matter (and not just asking questions but not really caring about your answers). I will definitely be back for dinner most likely for the tasting menu which I have a feeling will be really great.
(4)k E.
Another wonderful evening at North Pond! Great food, wonderful service, beautiful presentations. We will be back. Also we brought our own wine, which they were happy to cork for us (for a reasonable fee).
(5)Diana P.
We just celebrated our anniversary with a party of 10 here for brunch and everything was wonderful from the staff, to the service to the food. Our entire family was thrilled we choose this place and everyone left happy. The speed of service was perfect and even though we had little kids with us, the staff was very accommodating. We had two newborns in our party who needed to be bottle fed and the restaurant quickly brought out hot water for us to heat the milk bottle in. It seemed like they've done this before...we were extremely pleased. The nice part about going here for brunch is the cost is about $32/pp and you get three courses which is a great deal for a place like this. Also, the view from outside is perfect for taking pictures and during the day, it's great. Please go if you have not already, you will leave very happy! Well worth it in every way.
(5)Philip M.
I had really high hopes for this place. The location is extremely unique and the view is arguably the best in Chicago. The food...not so good. The menu is fairly obscure but the execution of the dishes were poor. The wine list is sub-par at best, and the overall bill was outrageous! Dinner for four with a couple bottles of wine was around 600 bucks, and trust me - we were't drinking Opus. I'm sad to say that I would recommend passing this one up.
(2)Carol K.
A bit hard to find but perfect once you do. North Pond is one of those restaurants that you hear about but that usually takes a special occasion to get you there. Just a hint- if you drive- North Pond sits between Cannon Drive and Lakeview Drive (the address is deceiving). The valet is actually located on Lakeview at Deming (look for the small sign). We went on a Thursday night. When making the reservation, we requested a table by the window but alas, they could not guarantee that unless we got there early. So early it was and we got the perfect table overlooking the pond with the city shining in the distance. The arts and crafts styling the the interior was warm and welcoming. The fireplace in the corner cheerily welcomed us and the attention to detail was lovely. Hard to believe that this was once the warming house for ice skaters on the pond! As for the food- American in style- it is all sourced locally and most of it is organic. And such interesting taste combinations. I started with the scallop and sunchoke appetizer. Very tasty. Moving on to the prosciutto and pear salad I could have stopped there but the entree of pork done three ways was calling to me. Oh- and don't expect to have your favorite libation by name here. The beer is all craft style, and even the liquor names eluded me. But your servers will do their best to find something similar to what you like from their list of smaller distilleries. Service was impeccable. We even got a complimentary glass of Muscato to go along with our dessert choice (maybe this was because I was "outed", as one of the servers is a Yelper who actually recognized me!) Whatever the reason, North Pond is one of those places that is perfect for a special occasion. But my advice? Don't wait for a special occasion to go. North Pond could make any occasion, special.
(4)Leona S.
I was born + raised in Chicago - area code 60657 - so it is with some embarrassment that I admit that I have never happened upon the beautiful location that is North Pond. Seriously folks - the view is amazing! Can't afford the $$$ North Pond Menu? Pack a picnic (and citronella candles) and camp out near the pond. History lesson: The pond adjacent to the restaurant was once used for ice skating! And the building that houses NP was built in 1912 as a warming shelter for the ice skaters. Then in 1979, during a horrible snow storm, it was used by the City as a warming shelter for the homeless. FOOD: Outstanding. Everything. was. delish. The bf's pork belly (you know he loves his pb) made the short, short list. My corn crab soup was the best soup I've ever had. We both order fish and they were both outstanding. No room for dessert -as if we needed an excuse to return. SERVICE: Friendly. No one is in a rush here. It's all about relaxing and enjoying the view, company, etc. AMBIANCE: Art + crafts décor - nice, calm.... SCENE: Older (40+). TIP: Forget about street parking - North Pond offers valet ($8) for dinner + brunch. Wait for the valet guy at the corner of Deming + Lakeview and then walk east under the bridge/underpass (worried about the urinal-like smell? I was too but there was none. I have a feeling the NP folks keep this under control -ahhh city living).
(4)matthew S.
Walking past North Pond today in the Fall sunshine I was struck by the fact that I never bothered to review it after I last went there (which was in December). The food at North Pond is absolutely 4 and 1/2 stars, but when I there the place was so cold that I was unable to enjoy my meal. I brought a group of 8 people there on an expense account and the place was almost empty because of bad weather. We asked several times for them turn up the heat but they either would not or could not. Apparently there were not enough people there for them to bother heating the place up properly. I have not to North Pond before and loved it, but I was really embarrassed to have organized this outing. I doubt that I would ever go back.
(2)Jason T.
Our party of 5 did the tasting menu. The quality of the dishes was very high, portions were just right. The first two dishes, foie gras and the pumpkin crusted scallop, were absolutely incredible. All of the other dishes were very good. Service was very efficient. My one complaint is that our party felt the wine pairing did not complement the dishes. But overall a very good experience.
(4)Denise S.
I love going to restaurants that offer new and exciting dishes. My dinner companions, not so much. But even they enjoyed our dinner last evening. What a darling restaurant! The ambience is lovely and service was excellent. Party of 6 and everybody gets their courses at the exact same time because multiple servers bring out the food. And the plating is beautiful. My first course was the pork cheeks and they were very tasty. I ordered snapper over wild rice and it was okay. Another one of those "why did I order that?" moment. I'm in Chicago for Pete's sake! For dessert I had a trio of ice cream and sorbet. Thought I'd enjoy the butter pecan but it was my least favorite. The Earl Gray ice cream was wonderful and the pear sorbet outstanding. The best part of the meal was having everyone try to figure out what we were eating. Things like candied rye & hazelnut brittle. Glad we ate there..
(4)Michelle V.
We came here with friends in mid June 2011, and this would be the second time I had been here. To be honest, the first time was excellent - but that was three years ago. Everything about it has gone down hill considerably since. This was supposed to be one of the best fresh, organic yummity yum restaurants in town. First, the atmosphere was too loud and air circulation was stuffy, the wait staff pleasant but not too interested when we inquired about substitutions, the menu and the food was unimaginative and uninspired. I expected the quality of the ingredients to come through and sadly they were overshadowed by an over exuberant salt shaker. The dessert was some sort of chocolate thing- bland bland boring & bland. Disappointing & just way too spendy to be so unimpressed.
(2)Cassie K.
I LOVE this place. We just had our wedding here last weekend, and they couldn't have been more helpful and efficient. They made the event so amazing, and the food was PHENOMENAL! They even did the whole menu gluten free for me and sourced my favorite gluten free bread from Senza. I couldn't be happier, and Natalie and Chris Mars were amazing to work with. I highly recommend this restaurant for dinner I'm addition to a wedding venue. Their service and wine menu is phenomenal and their food is so fresh and delicious. I can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone we've talked to loves it. Go here ASAP!
(5)Colleen R.
What a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion! I came here for my birthday a few weeks ago and we ordered from the 3 course prix fixe Sunday brunch menu. Despite the limited selection (3-4 choices per course) everything that we tried was outstanding and memorable, including a starter with shrimp and grits that reminded me of Louisiana with subtle but not overpowering Creole seasoning, and a caramel apple tart for dessert that I simply didn't want to finish because that would mean it was the end of a perfect meal. Service was perfect -- informative, friendly, unobtrusive. Sitting on the patio means sunlight in your eyes, but that was really our only complaint. Note: We were glad we didn't wear jeans and that we had made a reservation. Also, if you're driving, go ahead and valet park ($8) rather than trying to find a spot. It's worth it. (Drop-off is at the corner of Lakeview and Deming, on the west side of the park.)
(5)B L.
North Pond definitely lived up to my expectations of "fancy dining." Pro tip: If you are a lady such as myself please go in comfortable shoes. This place is off the beaten path and requires a good deal of walking to get to. What to expect? A great view, certainly. Very friendly and attentive staff, always a plus. New American cuisine...if you've never gotten it, try it. Be prepared to look a few words up on the menu! I almost wish they had that option on the menu, like some kind of a word bank. :D
(5)Christopher K.
After rave reviews and given that it was our anniversary, I REALLY, REALLY wanted to like this place but found the whole experience to be over hyped. Starters: We got off to a solid start when my wife and and I both had the lettuce and cheese salad - unfortunately the dinner was downhill from there. Mains: I had the rabbit which was very tender and seasoned well, but my wife's halibut left a lot to be desired as it was off putting to the eye and bland. Drinks: Wine connoisseurs we are not so it was hard to throw down 75 bones on a bottle, but, hey, it was our anniversary. I would have been fine with a bottle of Mondavi and wouldn't have known the difference. Ambiance: This may have been the most disappointing part of the experience. Many reviews drop superlatives like 'awesome' or 'amazing' to describe the atmosphere and I just didn't get it. Aside from the view (which is cool), I really felt like I was in a hotel restaurant. Service: Server was nice, but it all seemed a bit put on. Also, in one of the most surreal dining experiences I've ever had, she sprayed us with saliva when trying to get out the word pistachio while describing one of the desserts. Nasty. Overall: There are just too many great places to try in Chicago to ever go back to North Pond.
(2)Andrew B.
North Pond brunch was fantastic and earned a rare 5-star rating despite the high price. The food is immaculately prepared and the portions are just right. I even found the plating to be pleasant, which I rarely care about. The atmosphere is pleasant as the restaurant is in the middle of a park and features large windows to view the wildlife (squirrels, birds, humans walking dogs) right outside. I ordered from the $33 pre fixe menu and started with my favorite course, the shrimp, grits. The shrimp was large and served with a great lobster bisque sauce. Next was pork, cinnamon. The pork was very tender and plentiful, but I didn't taste too much of the cinnamon. It was also served with the tastiest lentils. Last was chocolate, pecan, which was rich chocolate pecan cake served with the stick marshmallows and a side of ice cream with oreo bits.
(5)Ktimene G.
Romantic. Cozy. Clever seasonal menu, irresistible cocktails, delightful service. Warm craftsman style interior with art deco fixtures. They were very knowledgeable about proposing gluten-free options without losing the culinary artistry. And now I will reemphasize ROMANTIC! (Especially when paired with a stroll around North Pond afterwards).
(5)Susan P.
Not just for special occasions. Beautifully set among the park. Bruce Sherman is a leader in the local food movement. Don't feel you have to order the tasting. Its worth it to just get a few appetizers if that is all your budget allows. Service is impeccable.
(5)Valerie H.
Very good food and service, the location is perfect, but slightly overpriced... They have a very nice space inside, but with windows that are completely open in summer and give the feeling of a patio, right beside North Pond (Lincoln park). Very romantic place, keep it for special occasions.
(4)Martha D.
North Pond is the perfect special occasion restaurant. We celebrated my father's 60th birthday here last weekend, and I can't believe I hadn't been to this hidden gem before. The customized "Happy Birthday" menus were a nice touch and they even gave us copies at the end of our meal. The cocktails all sounded really interesting - The Peach & Honey was so good I needed two of them. I had the corn and crab soup, and the Alaskan Halibut. The fish and everything that accompanied it (especially the quinoa!) was incredible - light but satisfying. Dessert could not have been better - you must try their chocolate mousse with a salt and pepper caramel center. As if we needed to eat any more, we were then given a really nice spread of homemade jelly candies and chocolates on a plate with another Happy Birthday" message written in chocolate. It's also note worthy that the wait staff was excellent - they were attentive and offered great recommendations. Our bill was on the expensive side, but of course on special occasions you are looking to splurge a little. All in all, it was a lovely experience.
(5)Olivia D.
My boyfriend and I were discussing the best dining experiences we've had since we started dating, and agreed that the only problems have pretty much been service. So then we tried to figure the best service we've ever had together. North Pond is it. Our meal was pretty near perfect when we came here together. I had been before, and wanted to take him somewhere I knew would be great for his birthday, so North Pond was the choice. He's a chef and I thought that they style of menu here would be inspiring. I love the way they create dishes, based on the pairing of a couple ingredients. They are pretty much always a hit, and very creative. North Pond has enough showmanship and modern ingenuity without being difficult, or intimidating like dining at Alinea or somewhere of the like. Thankfully, the price tag isn't as high, either. Don't get me wrong, it's an expensive meal, but well worth it for a special occasion. You leave satisfied, and inspired (as I had hoped). We got the tasting menu which I highly recommend. We added the foie gras dish from the menu to our meal, knowing the BF simply HAD to have foie fo his birthday. The wine pairing is recommended, although this last time I selected a bottle to go with our meal. Everything was delicious, not a single bad thing to say about the flavors here! The right amount of time was alotted for each course, and e never felt rushed or that we were waiting with nothing to do. When our server was unable to bring out a dish himself, the other staff members were right on time and very helpful in describing the dishes. Must admit, there was one dish towards the end of the meal that we got no explanation for and were pretty bummed...but all in all we felt very catered to and I, being FOH myself, was very impressed. What's also really sweet about North Pond is that if you let them know ahead of time that it is a special occasion, they will print "Happy Birthday Mabel" or whatever's appropriate at the top of the menu for you, which is super cute, but doesn't end up seeming cheesy at all. It makes you feel special for sure. A nice touch. All in all, a couple of my best dining experiences have been at North Pond, and since I live really close by now, I intend to be back as soon as the sun shines on the pond again (it's a beautiful setting).
(5)James C.
Overall, great restaurant that everyone should try once. Here are my pros and cons. We had the tasting menu with a bottle of Truchard. The server was incredibly helpful and nice. The food was quite good. I did feel like they were rushing the courses a bit, however. This didn't take away from the meal. My biggest criticism is the host staff. I asked to be seated before my date arrive. I understand the need to wait for a complete group, but it seems silly to stand by the policy on a slow night. After trying to convince the hostess for the second time, I just gave up and waited at the bar. On our way out we said by to the young host, who simply ignored us. Sad that a great evening was hurt by a poor host staff. Despite bad door staff, I still think it deserves 4 Stars for service, ambience, and great food.
(4)Steven W.
The meal started out well due to excellent appetizers. Unfortunately North Pond performed miserably on the entrees. Both grass fed beef dishes were flavorful but the meat was full of gristle and fat. We tossed out about 1/3 of it. Our waitress added some spice to the otherwise bland halibut by showing mild irritation when we told her how it tasted. To their credit, they took away the fish and brought a new one appropriately prepared. The vegetarian dish (not on the menu, chef created) had several nicely prepared vegetables, but that's it. We received another bit of spice when i asked the waitress to bring some grains for the vegetarian meal. Check comes and they charged $8 for the grains they should have had on the veg dish.
(2)Becky P.
My husband and I were seeking a special restaurant for our one-year wedding anniversary. We looked at all the big players; tru, MK, Alinea. But we were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon North Pond. It seemed like a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle from the city. Honestly, we live nearby and had never actually seen the restaurant before. I think that sold us. Yes, the setting is gorgeous on the pond. However, when making reservations I requested a table by a window and unfortunately, we were seated probably the furthest away (back near the restrooms). We aren't complainers so we let it slide. After all - it was our anniversary and we didn't need any view besides each other, right?! As we were seated, the menu at our table was personalized for us which was a lovely keepsake. To start, we both ordered mojito's. I'm not exaggerating - it was the worst mojito I have ever had. It tasted off, like bad vodka. Plus, there was only a flake of mint! The server was SHOCKED when we mentioned it. She looked like we spit in her face and proceeded to preach about how they use only the finest ingredients. I didn't appreciate the speech. She finally offered to bring new ones - but I opted for a glass of wine instead (better be safe than sorry) while my husband decided to give the mojito another shot. His next one was better, but still not great. As for the food, we ordered the chef's seasonal tasting menu which was just as beautiful as it was delicious. Each course was impeccable, including the additions from the chef. A rabbit eggroll? Don't knock it until you try it! So, despite a few bumps along the way, it truly was the special experience we hoped for. Although I highly suggest avoiding the mojito at all costs.
(4)Emily N.
North Pond is absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in the city. North Pond the restaurant is literally disgusting. (Unless you enjoy eating food that tastes like it was made with hint of pond water, and duck feces). I know I'm being harsh considering I am a habitual eater that would prefer to eat pizza, veggie burgers and grilled cheese. However, I will defend myself by clarifying that my other half is quite cultured and has eaten his way around the world. He too, gagged and spit out his food at North Pond. We opened our meal with a mange crab dish. The crab was dead, like seriously beyond dead. The poor crab had been boiled and boiled to sogginess, and it's combination of overly spiced mango, mustard and peanuts literally left the taste of doody on my tongue. Two bites, and we were out My better half then ate the rabbit for his main course and I had the crab salad. Had I known the crab was anything but fresh i never would have ordered it, but the Chef forces all patrons to order their whole meal at one time because he is so fancy. This round of crab was pretty fresh, I'd give it a 6 out of 10, my husband ordered the rabbit and almost threw up due to the weird consistency of the the "locally grown herbs and spices" Portlandia anyone? Anyways, we laughed our way through the whole pretentious middle ages meal. In the end and we did have a wonderful celebration and we realized a restaurant doesn't have to be pretentious and expensive to be romantic and meaningful. I think next year we'll go back to Le Creperie, our first date:)
(2)Erika C.
I was a bit disappointed, I'm not sure how this place gets 4 stars. The portions were small and not that great tasting. The food was a bit too bland for my taste. I had as my main course the Grassfeed Beef Garlic, my dish was okay but nothing too great. It lacked flavor. My companion had the King Salmon Argula, I didn't find that dish appetizing at all. I feel for the price I paid, I expected much better tasting food. The staff was friendly, I would say the best part of the night was the menu. We were there for a birthday, they personalized the menu with the birthday person's name at the top. I'm sure I won't be going back.
(2)Michael W.
Beautiful setting, top-notch service and the food was excellent.
(4)Robert V.
I proposed to my gf- now fiance' nearby because of its great scenery overlooking the pond and the city in the background. I made a reservation for 4 and told them that i would be proposing that night. They did a phenomenal job to make it even more special when we noticed that our menu was customized with a congratulations and our names on it! Great atmosphere, very romantic and the food was great! Highly recommend it for a date if you want to impress your girl or just a romantic night.
(5)Kevan S.
An amazing meal. North Pond just gets better. If you love trying different flavor combinations and fresh ingredients this could be the place for you. Great setting, attentive and knowledgeable service which compliments the food and cool location well. Sausage and pear to start followed by pheasant. Both were packed with flavors that combined incredibly well. The pheasant tartelette with leg meat and Rosemary was incredible.mmmm. Great wine list and the Ribera we held matched perfectly. Nice to leave a restaurant pleasantly full rather than having completely over eaten.
(5)Julia C.
This is our favorite special occasion restaurant. We've only been twice, but both times left such a wonderful impression and the food was utterly amazing. I'm not sure if we'd go back for a casual dinner, but highly recommended if you want something special. Both times we've had the tasting menu, most recently we splurged and did the wine pairings as well. The food was incredible, absolutely incredible. The tasting menu included some of the items I was drooling over in the main menu and we even got an extra course to start. Our server was very friendly and attentive and even gave us an extra large pour of our first wine so that we'd have it for the extra course that the chef threw in. The restaurant itself is beautiful and they even give you a take home menu and history of the building.
(5)molly w.
I took my boyfriend here for a milestone birthday. Overall, it was a very pleasant dining experience. I think we had the best table in the house (probably helped that I made reservations 6 weeks in advance). We were next to the window; I sat right next to the fireplace and my boyfriend had views of the skyline over the pond. The service was fine, not great, a little slow in the beginning. We were not greeted by our server until after we had read the entire drink menu (the restaurant was neither full nor seemingly busy). After taking our drink orders, it took another 10 minutes to actually get our drinks. After that initial waiting, the service was fine. In fact, the bus service was great, much better than the server. The food was excellent. I'm not a foodie by any means, but I do appreciate unique and well prepared foods. The amuse bouche was not up my alley, as it consisted of beef consumme and I'm a quasi-vegetarian, however the parmesan bite that came with it was delicious. I ordered the endive salad with citrus, and normally I'm a little hesitant in ordering endive, but this was perfect and the citrus didn't overtake the dish. My boyfriend tried foie gras for the first time, and I was a little surprised that he was served the entire liver! I've only seen it as a little mousse or something. He said that was very different and good, definitely something he wouldn't have normally ordered. For my main dish, I had the halibut, and it was so good. In fact, I can't say anything bad about the food. I actually cleaned my plate, and I never do that. However it wasn't a case of "I got tiny servings and have to stop for a burrito on my way home" with my plate cleaning. Both the boyf and I left satiated, but not disgustingly full. The overall ambiance was perfect, the arts and crafts decor is very homey and welcoming. And it didn't break the bank as much as I was expecting (we ordered individual drinks, not a bottle of wine, and picked our food rather than do the tasting menu), but would easily classify this as a special occasion spot. A must try!
(4)Alejandra M.
Great food, great atmosphere, excellent location, high quality food with reasonable price and portions and great service. My husband took me to North Pond to celebrate my birthday. When I received the menu it stated at the top "Happy Birthday Ale". The food totally exceeded our expectations. The first courses we ordered Foi Gras Strawberries and Pork Rhubarb were delicious. Very nice walk to and from parking as is very pleasant to cross the park and see the pond. Definitely going back.
(5)Amy H.
North Pond is an amazing dining experience. The location is unbeatable, and feels very special and secluded. Inside, the building's warming-hut past comes through with an intimate, cozy feeling heightened by prairie-style decor. The staff is exceptional. Warm, friendly, helpful and accommodating. We were there for my Mom's birthday dinner, and each menu at our table personally wished her a happy celebration. When we mentioned how much we loved the Sancerre wine option, the server gifted us the bottle label pressed and mounted on lovely cardstock. ..and of course, the FOOD. The fam dug into Bell Pepper & Rockfish, Pheasant, Squash and...something else amazing. All of the flavors were perfectly powerful and delicious. We were also lucky enough to sample two amuse bouche items, including a white bean soup that I could have happily taken a bath in. There's no great way to summarize a North Pond meal. The entire adventure is a savory adventure to a cozy piece of food heaven.
(5)Mark B.
This is a high end place that actually lives up to the hype and the food is actually worth the cost. The attentive staff are super friendly and the fun extras that they bring to the table make this a 'worth-it' experience. While I could not afford to come too often, this is now a favorite of the special occasion places
(5)Emily G.
Everything about North Pond is beyond lovely. It's a former skating house on North Pond in Lincoln Park that has been renovated beautifully. It's an Arts and Crafts style, then and now, that is executed beautifully and the restaurant is all at once, elegant, inviting and homey. There was a fire in the fireplace, and the service was great. The menu is really creative but also approachable, and everything we ordered was at the height of freshness. I loved my beef medallions, and my husband thought his pork entree with sausage and figs was excellent. The pine nut tart with concord grape gel and rosemary ice cream was fabulous! The wines-by-the-glass list is on the small side but overall the wine selection is solid. I really appreciate this restaurants' commitment to local/sustainable/healthy food and would definitely enjoy returning for another meal!
(4)Tenzo D.
Fantastic setting. One of the best in Chicago, which is part of what you are paying for. The food is very good. Nothing inspiring but very good. The Chef goes to great lengths to explain how he sources locally. The wait staff is kind of a local inside joke. When ordering a wine the waiter presented it saying that it was a couple of degrees too cold and we should let it sit before drinking. Really? Two degrees too cold? Should we send it back? The North Pond is best represented by the James Beard society's opinion. Sherman has received countless nominations but never an award. North Pond always steps up to the plate but never seems to make a solid hit.
(3)Alan T.
Went to North Pond last night for the first time for a special occasion. First of all the location.....The setting is absolutely beautiful and we sat overlooking the pond. We started out with very interesting cocktails that had the same amount of care in ingredient selection as our food would. I chose the Agua Caliente that had Chile infused tequila amongst other things. First courses included a corn on the cob soup with lump crabmeat and a stuffed padron pepper. Incredibly fresh tasting and somehow tasted exactly like corn on the cob with butter and salt but in soup form. Main dish was the Guinea Hen with Merguez sausage, manilla clams, olives, and squash. It seemed like a strange combination of ingredients but the hen with its crispy skin was cooked perfectly and everything worked. Finally a chocolate bomb with mt. rainer cherry salad for dessert finished off the meal in a great way. The wait staff was knowledgable and just as excited about the food as the customers and made great recommendations. This was my birthday dinner that my wife arranged and I was surprised to see my name on top of the menu. They also gave us a copy of the menu to mark the special occasion. REally an exceptional experience in all ways. Fair warning - I have eaten at my fair share of fine dining restaurants and even with that - there was still a bit of sticker shock. Decaf coffee was $8 alone! The prices are the only thing that keep it from 5 stars for me.
(4)Nicole B.
I had brunch here, which was absolutely amazing. I love the concept: locally-grown haute cuisine. I know it's not that original, but they do it really well. I also loved the decor: Northwoods meets Frank Lloyd Wright. It was fun to watch the stereotypical rich people come in wearing pinstriped seersucker blazers, ankle-length khakis, and boat shoes. Sure, the clientele is stuffy, but if I had that kind of cash I would frequent this place, too. I had the smoked trout & sweet corn for my first course, the pork & peaches for my main course, and the apricot & chocolate for dessert. Everything was wonderful and simple, highlighting the flavors of fresh, local produce, grains, and meat.
(5)Venetia E.
We went for brunch once,the food was okay, nothing to write home. However the service, ambiance and the views of the pond was great. My kids enjoyed counting the turtles and ducks.
(4)Mike H.
Went there for our anniversary dinner. They actually made up special menus with our names and a congratulations note on it. The ambiance was great, service was incredibly attenttive, food was great. We were in a section of the restaurant with about 6 couples, all celebrating their anniversaries which gives you a sense of the environment. Would love to go back next time I'm in Chicago and looking for a special meal. Get reservations early!
(5)Nicholas O.
First, let me say that this should be considered a 4.5 star review. I was going to make it 4, but that really doesn't do the restaurant justice -- and the only reason it isn't 5 complete stars is because of a minor preference on tasting menu price. My wife and I went here for a nice dinner out after a long hibernation from dining. We had first eaten at North Pond on Valentine's Day of '06, and it was delightful (not only for the food, but also for introducing me to the Haut-Medoc region). Paraphrased: - Service was fabulous (although a worker or two was a bit quick to stop by assuming we were done with our dish) - Food was fantastically fresh, well prepared, clean, crisp and delicious - Ambiance is as North Pond in the fall/winter will always be to us -- cozy and comfortably classy - Wonderful winelist Notes: - Bring cash for valet - Please respect the establishment (business casual dress) After setting up a reservation for 6:15, we needed to move it to 6:45 because traffic wasn't looking like it would cooperate. Brittany happily adjusted our reservation for us (she was fantastic throughout the night). We arrived at around 6:20, and decided to relax over a drink at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and not overly talkative -- that perfect amount of conversation and comfort without intruding. He also gave me a taste of a petit bordeaux they had opened, which was a great way to start the night. I had a glass of pinto noir from France, and Theresa had a N/A Clausthaler. We were seated at a comfortable booth near the kitchen, and after some debating and conversation with our waitress Dawn (who was perfectly attentive and knowledgeable), we decided on the tasting menu. We opted-out of the wine pairings, but on her suggestion started with a bottle of white (a Cristom Sauvignon Blanc from Willamette Valley). 1st course: King crab claw, apple-celeriac slaw, applesauce and a warm crab croustillant 2nd course: Lobster claw in brown butter sauce with carrots 3 ways (yellow foam, orange candied, orange grilled) on a charred onion --- filler course: Delicious butternut squash soup with ginger snaps 3rd course: Bay scallops atop polenta w/roasted pears and pancetta bacon 4th course: Lamb medallion with caramelized figs, chanterelle mushroom ragu and a goat cheese ravioli tondi (I opted for a glass of red that Dawn recommended -- initially going with the recommended pairing, but changing it for an italian wine she had found and brought out to taste, thanks!) 5th course: white cake, lemon curd and baton, huckleberry sorbet and malted honeycomb Everything was perfectly prepared, and the portions were wonderful. By the end, I felt perfect -- not too full, not hungry. I thanked the Chef(s) on the way out, and were thankful for the great service once again as Brittany helped us pay for the valet via card, since I had forgotten cash and there was no ATM. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews -- perhaps a rotation of bad employees, perhaps people forget that it is business casual and jeans/shorts are to be avoided -- but this place is worth a trip. The only reason it's not 5-stars in my book is because we felt the tasting menu was slightly overpriced. $70-75 would have rolled this just over the hill into no-question-5-star-territory. Thanks for the great night North Pond, we'll be back to see you soon!
(5)Tim D.
It was an early spring evening and we had a first seating on a recent Thursday. The fire was aglow in the corner and the sun set cast beautiful light over the pond and city skyline from our window view. We felt like the whole place was ours until dessert when the later diners started to fill the room. Our service was fabulous, friendly, warm and super attentive to the four of us. Our guests - septua and nonagenarians, respectively - were treated with great care and respect when they politely requested the volume turned down on the jazz music playing over head. The setting and ambiance of North Pond just makes one feel good, makes me feel happy. The food is lovingly prepared, generously portioned, and beautifully presented. And save room for dessert for a totally satisfying gustatory experience. This was my second time dining here within two years. My return visit exceeded the reverie of the first. I can hardly wait until our third visit. I love this place!
(5)Gabe L.
I went a while back, so it's a bit hazy, but I remember spending 10 minutes walking around trying to find this place. If you're reading, it's on the north end of the north pond. What I do remember is that it was very warm, cozy and inviting. The tasting menu at that time was delicious, as was the wine (we?) paired with it. Last Mother's Day, I rescued some ducks from getting run over on Clark and Fullerton and dropped them off in that pond, so if you see any of them, tell them I say hi.
(4)David E.
Wonderful Food and Wine. Doesn't get much better than this place on a nice summer night. Worth every penny. Must experience at least once if you have not yet.
(5)Carrie L.
My husband and I arrived early for our 5:30 reservation and we're seated next to the open doors on a perfect August evening. We had planned on the seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing and by the salad course, decided that this was among our top ten dining experiences. In addition to the five courses, the chef threw in two additional, a beet salad with goat cheese, after the first, and my personal favorite, a pre-dessert apricot sorbet with candied pine-nuts and sage foam. INCREDIBLE. We enjoyed the wine parings as well. We did feel a bit rushed through our first few courses, but when we requested that they slow down, they were very gracious in doing so. We were seated at 5:30 and we're out by 8:00, and we wouldn't have minded a little more time. The restaurant itself was elegant and refined with its arts and crafts inspired environment. A really lovely place for an evening out, especially if you don't have to rush anywhere. We were very impressed with the quality of the food, the presentation and the taste. I'd love to return for a cozy winter supper in the future. This was our menu: Wahoo, Melon Oil-Poached Ono Medallions, Charred Watermelon, Cucumber-Melon Broth, Jalapeno Madeleine Tomato, Peach Early Heirloom Tomatoes, Chilled Peaches, Sheep Milk Mille-Feuille, Tomato Sorbet, Pesto Lobster, Corn Butter-Roasted Lobster, Creamed Sweet Corn, Crisp Chorizo, Shaved Fennel, Lime Beef, Beans Charred Tenderloin, Warm Green and Gold Beans Vinaigrette, Black Olives, Romesco Sauce Chocolate, Blackberry Enrobed Blackberry Mousse, Chocolate Pudding and Crumble, Mint Sorbet, Berries
(5)Junie B.
I teetered on 4-5 stars, but only for one reason - the clientele was stuffy and of much more wealthy ilk than I like to associate with. We did see a couple come in wearing jeans and sandals so I don't really know how much they enforce their dress-code policy. A group of loud Germans came in at the end of our meal, so I don't really think they care about noise either. Neither situation bothered us, but I thought I would mention them. On merit without the aforementioned considered, the restaurant receives 5 stars for location, service, presentation, art nouveaux atmosphere (think Frank Lloyd Wright) and most of all - the FOOD. My evening at North Pond was one of, if not, THE best, meals I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. It was a Sunday summer night on my birthday around 6:30PM and we were seated immediately upon arrival at a table near the windows overlooking the pond with a view of the skyline. PERFECT. The menus came to us with our very friendly and warm server and they were personalized for my special day. PERFECT. My very handsome and debonair partner ordered for us - I had: 1. Sheep's Milk Ricotta-Parmesan Gnocchi, Creamed Northwest Morel Mushrooms, Cinnamon, Watercress. 2. Herb-Rolled Wild Salmon Roulade, Cucumber Panna Cotta and Salad, Citrus Puree, English Muffin, Frisée. 3. Grilled Smoked Black Cod Filet, Mascarpone Polenta, Griddled Green Asparagus, Maple Bacon, Sylvetta Arugula. 4. Caramelized Banana Cremeaux, Hazelnut Flake and Cake, Ginger-Banana Sorbet, Praline Sauce. As a surprise, the chef sent a plate of foie gras mousse, with delicious crispy crouton while we waited for our first course. The gnocchi melted in my mouth with the morels. The salmon tasted like they just caught it. The cod was buttery and light - a little cloud of grilled fish heaven. And the dessert was orgasmic. I'm a banana fiend so this was probably the best banana dessert I've ever eaten in my life. After dessert, the server brought out a lovely cold plate with another personal birthday message written in chocolate! Being that everything is fresh and local, that made all the difference in enjoying what we ate. I didn't know what to expect from this place after reading all the reviews. I was afraid it was going to be too stuffy for me to enjoy. However, this experience ended up being one of my few-and-far-between quintessential Chicago nights. I would highly recommend bringing parents from out of town, tourists with cash, or a date who should be impressed. Thanks.
(5)D W.
I used to come here alot, though its been many years. At one time the prices were fair, the food was good, and portions were acceptable. I went back recently with friends, and was amazed at how expensive the food was, how tiny the portions were, and how much of an attitude the waitress had. Also the wine list was very expensive, with the cheapest bottles starting at $50 dollars. Though the chef may be up for a "James Beard" award that shouldnt give the place the excuse to charge so much or be snobby. When I ordered for my meal an appetizer and salad, the waitress kept saying, at least three times, "so that will be your entree"... I found that statement to be somewhat rude. The atmosphere is nice and warm, as well as the lighting. But I would never go back there again. A meal (a bunch of little things) for the four of us cost us alot of money. If you want to be ripped off, and pretend you are having a nice meal, then come here.
(2)RJ W.
$500 = Ants in my bread, an uninterested waiter and amazing food..... geesh...what a mix. Took my partner and two clients to dinner there this week. Started with a drink at the small bar in front, the bartender was great, but the drinks do seem a bit overpriced, particularly the peach mojito. But, to be fair, it was a great drink... ...the waiter was a jekyll and hyde... made some phenomenal suggestions for the food but was pretty rude when I asked if I could substitute the bulgar. I mean, come on, what's up with that...is the Chef there really that self-involved and self important where he may think that as good as everything looks, perhaps there might be something on that selection that someone is either allergic or just does not like? I am glad the economy is doing so well for them where they can start off by alienating customers... ..but when a bread basket was delivered to our table.. WITH ANTS ... the waiter seemed as though he could care less and was actually surprised when we requested it be replaced....huh? And trust me, as good as the food was, and it was excellent, the complete disinterest in anyone there regarding insects actually walking out of our bread and onto my clients plate, including the management whom I emailed and never heard back from, is the lasting impression..... ... also, they have NO 4 tops in the front area with the views of the pond. I found this pretty darn disappointing.... ...so I will not make an effort to return. There are too many other restaurants of this caliber and price range that I have had much better experiences with, i.e. Tru, Alinea, etc.. ..and btw, the $500 referenced in the first line of this review was the bill for 4 of us included drinks and tip
(3)Jonathan H.
Was really looking forward to going to this place. Was going to have dinner with wife, 4 year old and my friends who also have a 3 year old. Becasue we have such young kids I thought, "let's go early". So we were there when they open. We let our waiter know we had kids and didn't want to disrupt other peoples dinner so if our meal could go faster than the normal "4 course meal" we'd be fine with that. 2.5 hours later...we are now sitting in the middle of a crowded restaurant trying to get our bill. We can't get our waiter, we are getting dirty looks from old rich people and I just want to leave. Then the hostess has the balls to come up to me and say that if I could keep my child quite, because she is getting complaints. I told her I've been asking for a bill for 15 minutes. F*ck that place. I tried to be considerate, i tried to be nice. After all of that, the food was OK, but not amazing. I hope it goes under.
(1)Brett G.
I really do enjoy this place - from the interior to the food..... The interior is very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque, and is spacious but manages to feel very "homey" as well. There are comfy booths, fireplaces, tables, and a slate-tiled bathroom which is as pretty as it is warm (nice on a cold day). The view of the pond is spectacular, and its proximity to said pond makes sense since the restaurant used to be a warming shelter for ice-skaters back in the early 1900s. The food is made using produce from local farmers, and the menu is seasonal, changing about four times a year. You will never have a meal that isn't fresh, with all of the ingredients harvested at the most opportune time of the year. My most recent experience began with a charismatic waiter who was as thorough as he was charming. Since I can (gasp) be a bit of a picky eater, the fact he didn't make as much fun of me as the rest of my table was much appreciated. The waiter was knowledgeable about every dish on the menu, as well as all of the drinks, what would taste good with each course, etc. We all started with salads and soups - I had the Kampachi & apple salad, and the rest of the table had the fennel and grapes salad and two bowls of scallop and squash soup. For the main courses, I had the root vegetables & figs, which was correctly described by the server as about 100 tastes in one. It was great! In addition, we had swordfish & suncake, which was mouth-watering, squab & huckleberry (squab described as tasting similar to beef), and lobster & chicken. To discuss the deliciousness of the food seems kind of unnecessary, because it all was wonderful. By dessert, we were all full, but all managed to order just one more thing each. I had the grapes & yogurt, which was absolutely amazing and melt-in-your mouth. I don't usually like desserts, but couldn't help myself - I wanted to lick my bowl clean. Also outstanding - the pumpkin & ginger, the fig & corn (ordered to taste what cornbread ice cream was like), and the chocolate & pine nut. If you appreciate good food and want a great experience, this is a must-visit.
(5)David C.
Wonderful, well-imagined and executed food, gorgeous building, attentive & knowledgeable service, and an absolutely perfect location. Valet parking, and a nice walk thru the park to get to the door. We did the prix-fixe brunch, a good introduction to the menu. Bloody Mary good but not great. Not inexpensive, not huge portions, but a high-quality occasional spot for special times. Save some time to stroll thru the park afterwards.
(4)Ellen O.
i live practically across the street from north pond and have been wanting to do a cozy dinner here for some time now. last weekend my sister and best friend came to visit and wanted to do a pricey meal (and expense it to my sister's company), so we decided to walk across the street and do the tasting menu with wine pairings. if i were only rating the food, i'd give three stars as nothing really thrilled me. highlights were the two bonus dishes the chef sent between menu'd courses - a trout dish and an earl grey foam with citrus that was like nothing i've ever tasted. if i were rating on service and ambiance i'd give north pond 5 stars. it's beautiful and homey at the same time, and everything from the wood paneling to the volume of the music was lovely. our server was great and we really enjoyed the experience.
(4)Allison V.
Yes- North Pond is soooo romantic and nice! It is at 2600-ish North Cannon Drive, just north of the Peggy Notebart museum and Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a building right in the middle of Lincoln Park that was originally built to be a warming house for ice skaters in Lincoln Park. It was re-done in the very-Frank-Lloyd-Wright-prairie-style a few years ago. The menu changes daily and is entirely organic fruits, vegetables and meat products. It is not the best for the vegetarians (in the winter/early spring season)- there is a lot of duck, veal, pork and beef- but it is organic, so you don't feel so bad about eating meat... If you're still vegetarian and looking to go- I would recommend going in the summer when there would be more fruit/vegetable options. All their menu comes from local sources- they even list where each beverage is brewed and guarantee that all their ingredients are from local farmers. We had a really nice dinner and felt really special when they brought out the customized menu and dessert plate! (When you make the reservation- and you MUST make a reservation- they ask you if it is a special occasion- that's how they must've known to do all that for us) For all of this- it is a bit pricey, but really not that bad! Our appetizers were between 10 -18 (I got the foie gras at 18). Our bottle of wine was not the best, but incredibly tasty at 60. Our entrees were 30- 35. I highly recommend it and would certainly go back for our next special occasion or to impress out-of-town guests.
(5)Winston S.
Blown away....while they were not exactly busy, the staff did the little things to make our evening memorable. The food was very good. The parsnip soup may be the best soup I have ever had. They acknowledged my birthday with a personalized greeting on my menu. They try to find out who their diners are to personalize the evening prior to your visit. North Pond has figured out that good service is just as important as good food. Why don't more restaurants know this???? Our waiter was "OK Good" but the combined staff pulled off an evening of service I won't forget. The location is phenomenal. Beautiful setting, even in the winter. Maybe even moreso in the winter. My only disappointment was that on a VERY slow night with possibly more cooks than customers, the chef did not leave the kitchen even to say goodbye. But, that is just me being hopeful. Chefs are often behind a wall, away from customers for a reason. Maybe North Pond management knows this about their Chef. It doesn't matter. The night was wonderful.
(5)Dan J.
I had one of the best meals of my life here. It's tucked away in Lincoln Park fairly close to the zoo. I had a rabbit dish there and now every time i even see a rabbit, I want to eat it.
(5)Eric M.
If you enjoy fine dining but don't enjoy the giant credit card bill afterwards, this place is for you. The cuisine and service are top notch and the menu is changed four times throughout the year (one for each season). The decor and view are great. Nice wood interior with a great view of the, you guessed it, north pond. If you attend on a special occasion they'll print a special menu for you. Definitely worth a trip for any food lover.
(5)Dina I.
Love it here so much, I ate here three times in one week once. Wow.
(5)Bada Bing L.
Can't beat this setting in Lincoln Park.
(5)Dusty K.
I went to North Pond last August to celebrate a family birthday. We informed the restaurant of the birthday ahead of time and my mom really enjoyed seeing her name on the menu. She wouldn't stop talking about it. It's amazing how something so small can make a person light up. It's that attention to detail that makes North Pond shine. First of all, the location for this restaurant is perfect. No nearby traffic, no horns, no ambulances, just a park and a pond. And I do love how it's decorated inside. Very warm and inviting. That being said, the food is what brings people back. And this place did not disappoint. The brunch was amazing. The 3 course menu allows a few options of each course and I started with the french toast with bacon, moved onto the grass fed beef and finished with a chocolate mousse. I really enjoyed the taste of everything and how all courses were presented. It's almost too pretty to eat...but not too pretty ;) You can tell they put effort into making things just right. North Pond is a restaurant that cares about its customers. They tried to make our brunch special and definitely succeeded. I will be back for brunch again. See you soon North Pond.
(5)mildred v.
My boyfriend took me here over a year ago for my birthday, I've never noticed this place before until that day. It has a beautiful view of the city and overlooks a. . . pond (I suppose). The inside is very rustic and fits the whole game theme that goes with their menu. Speaking of menu - mine had "Happy Birthday Mildred" at the top of it :) The food was delicious, I honestly don't remember what I had and I can't find the menu. I have never come across a restaurant with these flavors and selection. They had the best dessert i've ever had - which was a pumpkin/pomagranate combination (who would have thought!). And the chef also sent an extra dish to us on the house. If I had more money, I would definitely come here more often. The service wasn't great and the rest of the crowd was kinda looking our way a lot. I think we were the youngest people (and least dressed up people - i mean we were in business casual attire) who dined there that night. the person who takes away our plates was angry or something and when we said thank you he would just stare at us.
(4)Hanbit Y.
Absolute Disappointment. It was my mom's birthday and somebody recommended this place. I called a day before and made a reservation for 7 people. It was the D-day and 3 hours before the reserved time, they called. "Umm, sorry, but the girl who took your call yesterday did not inform you that only course meals can be served for a party of 3 or more. 4-course meal is $77 and 5-course meal is blah, blah, blah...." Obviously I was upset and wanted to hear no more. All they could say was "sorry". Well, Sorry North Pond Cafe, I don't know how nice and important you are, but you surely suck at training your staff. You completely ruined an important day of my life, wasted my time and energy. You completely lost a good reviewer and anyone I know as clients. Bye bye.
(1)Ben B.
My wife and I had brunch with her parents at North Pond this morning. I thought they had a good selection, with four or five choices for each of three courses, for a prix fixe of $32 each. I ordered the duck with cranberry appetizer, the pork belly with banana pancake entree, and the coconut dessert. I enjoyed the duck, but I think next time I would skip the pork belly and banana pancake. I couldn't taste the banana, and the skate entree, which my wife had, was more flavorful. The location is beautiful, in the middle of Lincoln Park with a view of the city over the North Pond (clever). Parking looked like it would be more of a problem than it was, with street parking nearly full, even at 11:00 AM.
(4)Sarah G.
great place , not the most affordable but once in a while , it is good to come here food is fine . staff is ok location - the best
(5)Claudia R.
Arts and crafts era decor makes for a comfortably elegant experience. Simple yet decadent. I had the grass-fed steak, smelt (a tasty first for me), and tried an ice wine (late harvest), among other things. Our waitress was exuberantly knowledgeable about the menu and the courses were prompt, not rushed. In sum, it was an adventurous night for my taste buds.
(4)Kate L.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner. He surprised me with a walk through the park, and even took the long route so I didn't see this diamond in the rough. Hidden inside the park, North Pond is a romantic hideaway for any celebration or even just for a great meal. I have the salmon and bf had the beef, both were amazing. I WILL be returning.
(5)Underhill T.
We ate at North Pond for the first time last Saturday night. It had always been on our radar but never seemed to make the cut. I'm glad we went! We appreciate their focus on local ingredients that are in season. We enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairing. It was a wonderful evening. What a great location! We enjoyed the walk through the park from the taxi stand.
(4)Kimberly L.
There are so many things I love about this restaurant. Obviously the food is the main attraction. I've been lucky enough to dine here more than once and it's been consistently delicious. I also enjoy the design and location. North Pond is housed in what was formerly a warming shelter for skaters. While all traces of its former use are gone, the warmth within the four walls still remains. With its simple and elegant Arts & Crafts design, North Pond oozes charm and comfort. And the view is quite lovely. A few more items that make North Pond exceptional: its efforts to provide sustainable cuisine by partnering with local farmers whenever possible as well as its support of local charities like Deborah's Place (who works to provide homeless women with shelter and support), the North Pond Conservation Council (and organization that partners with the Chicago Park District in the management of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary), and the Chef's Council (which supports sustainable cuisine). They also promote a Charity of the Month in their newsletter. Unlike a lot of restaurants in Chicago, they work hard to be a good community partner and a good neighbor.
(5)D V.
F A B U L O U S My, what a meal we had! A Foodie friend recommended this to us saying it was her current fave in town. As visitors and fellow Foodies, we promptly took her advice and made reservations. As it turned out, she was able to join us and our party turned into five. We arrived early and enjoyed drinks at the bar. My Amaretto Sour was the best in recent memory! It was evident that care and fresh ingredients = one damn fine cocktail. Premonition.....dinner was going to be awesome. We were seated in the "porch" area of the restaurant. A corner fireplace and spacious windows overlooked the park and glowing downtown skyline. The main dining area was not as ambient, so we were lucky to be seated here. Everything was spot on. I got to sample many dishes and it was all fantastic, but let me just highlight the best of the best: -Squid a la plancha with roasted asparagus and black squid ink pasta. There wasn't a single bite that I did not savor. Every morsel tasted fresh, seasonal, and cooked to absolute perfection....even the shaved garlic chips! -Pork chop with grits and peas. Really tender and juicy pork chop served on top of creamy tasty grits. I wouldn't consider myself a "grits" fan generally.....and now I know it's because they're rarely served like this. WOW. I was now obsessed with perfecting every bite to have the right combination of grits/microgreens/fresh spring peas. I could go on and on....but you get the hint. We had such a great time (aided no doubt by three bottles of wine) that we were clueless four hours had passed. We were never rushed and the servers kept filling our water. Classy. For a special dinner or occasion, or if you just want to have a fricking awesome meal, go to North Pond.
(5)Katie H.
For our 6-month wedding anniversary (yeah I know, but it only comes once!) I told my husband to chose a place for brunch or dinner and suprise me, but to try to keep it under $100 for food and drink. Sunday morning he told me we were going to North Pond for brunch and based on all the rave reveiws, I was really excited. It's a darling little place with a great view of the city. We arrived early so we sat at the bar and had a drink - a mimosa for him and a spiced pear for me. The pear drink was fantastic, though our bartender made me a bit uncomfortable. She was very quiet, almost timid to the point where I felt like I was being loud just talking in a normal voice. We moved over to our table and our waiter was the same way. Flat, quiet, he almost seemed...medicated. Throughout our meal we noticed the other servers, food runners and bus boys were all the same. I appreciate professional, non-intrusive service, but I also appreciate a bit of personality. Lighten up - it's brunch! They wrote happy anniversay Dan and Katie on our menus, and gave us copies to keep which was a nice touch. We started with another round of mimosas and asked how the pacing of the courses was. Since this was our big anniversary brunch we didn't want it to be over immediately. Our waiter said it was "a good pace". Since that was an entirely not helpful answer, my husband told him that we wanted to take our time, not having the next course come out immediately when we were done with the first, maybe wait 5 minutes. Since he was starving Dan also asked if there was a bread basket or anything we could start on. Our waiter said there was no "actual basket" but after we placed out order we would get scones. We got one small scone, though it was tasty. I started with the butternut squash soup with goat cheese. It was fantastic, nice and creamy and the goat cheese gave it a little something extra. Dan had the "sausage, egg" which was sausage on a bed of creamy polenta topped with a poached egg. He liked it but I didn't care for it. We then moved on to a bottle of prosecco. After it was poured the waiter took the bottle away and came back periodlically to refill our glasses. At first I though it was a bit annoying as a few times I had to wait for a refill, but it helped us make the bottle last for the rest of the meal, so it worked to our benefit. We waited about 20 minutes for our next course. After 10 minutes they brought out a small plate of the peeky toe crab salad which was suprisingly good. I'm not sure if everyone got that, or if it was because our food was taking a while. For the next course I had the hangar steak (perfectly cooked medium rare, tender, juicy and served with a nice sauce) with kale and barley (eh). Dan had the french toast with pheasant and cranberries. He'd asked about the pheasant - was it a breast? The waiter said it was pulled pheasant. It came out as a breast, which was fine but showed that our waiter didn't know the menu that well. The french toast was wonderful, soaked in syrup and the pheasant was tender and had a great flavor as well. For dessert Dan had the pumpkin cream and I had the mint and chocolate cookie. The pumpkin cream was a layer of mousse topped by spice cake topped by whipped cream. It would have been fantastic had there just been more cake. Once it was gone, it was just plain pumpkin mousse. My mint cookie was dissapointing. It was a block of ice cream - mint on one side and chocolate on the other, topped with a bit of whipped cream. The "cookie" was only present where the two ice creams met. The portions were the perfect size - small by some standards (ridiculously huge restaurant portions) but actually the correct size for a healthy meal. The bowl of soup was big, but the hangar steak portion was probably about 3 ounces and the desserts would be called mini in most restaurants. It was perfectly enough - we left satisfied, not hungry but not stuffed. Also I was suprised, given that jackets are required for dinner, to find people at brunch in jeans and sneakers. Brunch is a more casual affair but I still thought some level of formality was expected. I had thought about wearing a fancier dress (I ended up in a wool long -sleeved dress with tights and cute shoes) and I am glad I didn't - I would have felt over-dressed. Overall, I though the food was GOOD - good, quality ingredients, simple food prepared well - but it wasn't spectacular. I think the food was definately worth the price of $32 each for 3 courses, but I think they overcharged on the alcohol. $75 of our bill was for a bottle of processeco and 4 drinks. At first I thought I might come back and try dinner, but not if dinner would put us out $300. Based on the food I had for brunch I just don't think it would be quite worth it.
(3)Peter V.
Thank the heavens for special places for special times. This place is a dream.
(5)Betty W.
Incredible, unique view of the city, but has a California feel inside. Set in picturesque Lincoln Park, this restaurant encompasses the entire dining experience. It is warm, friendly and the staff and back of the house were BEYOND expected. The drinks were unusual and distinctive, the food was incredibly flavorful and fresh. It felt like it was coming from their own garden (who knows it might have). Six of us had dinner inside and moved to an outside table for dessert. Great wine list-some selections that were very rare and special. The biggest kudos...for a restaurant that boasts a 2012 James Beard award winning chef...it did not break our bank. One of our friends who lives in Chicago had not been in several years and was DELIGHTED to have found it again. Please...GO! You won't be disappointed.
(5)E C.
I had a $75 gift certificate to North Pond, so my husband and I went for my birthday dinner. I thought $75 would help out on our bill, but boy, was I wrong! Our total bill was $350 for 2 people, but since I am pregnant, I didn't have a lick of booze. We did get the tasting menu - which was supposed to be 5 courses but ended up being 7 because the chef had some extra dishes that night - but I'm not sure this was worth $350. Everything we had was full of potential, but there was 1 thing on each plate that made each dish go over the top and try too hard. 1st course - scallop ceviche, which was super buttery & delicious, but had some crazy pineapple on the side that made it too sweet 2nd course - lobster with cauliflower cous cous, which was so buttery, but there was an AWFUL mandarin puree on the side, which added too much bitterness to the dish, so I pushed it to the side 3rd course - Foie gras in cabbage, which was heaven, but then there were these candied beets on the side that were so sweet - they were sweeter than our dessert! 4th course - Fish dish, I think this was an extra dish the chef prepared that night, and was really good. 5th course - red wine poached ribeye. This was very good as well, the red wine poaching ended up making the ribeye taste like bacon. 6th course - an extra dessert course with Earl Grey foam. It was fine 7th course - Dark chocolate mousse cake filled with ancho chile filling, served with banana bread and dark chocolate drizzle to link the entire dish. This was also very good My husband got the wine pairing for $45, and he was only impressed by 1 or 2 of the wines. They give you a tasting portion, but since each glass of wine is at least $15, he thought this was a good way to go. All in all, it was fine and we had a great night. But it shouldn't just be fine for $350! It should be stellar and amazing. I think the first 3 dishes just threw us off so badly because the chef went to overboard with the number of ingredients that ended up ruining the flavors of the dish.
(3)Jeremy S.
Pass - you can do much better in terms of quality and service at any number of other high end restaurants in the city.
(2)Tara V.
Wonderful place for a special occassion dinner. We went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was really a wonderful evening. They printed a happy anniversary message with our names on the menus, the server wished us a happy anniversary, the dessert plate was customized with a message and our names in solidified chocolate... they did some prep work to ensure that they recognized that we were celebrating. All these little extra efforts were really nice. The service was wonderful. There when you needed something... visible (they didn't disappear for extended periods of time)... helpful if you have questions... friendly without being over the top or fake... not pretentious. Actually the whole place was non-pretentious which is also really nice considering that it is on the pricier end. The food was really excellent. I love the seasonality and the thought that is put into the menu. Everything on the menu looked wonderful and we completely enjoyed the items that we ordered. The tasting option was a bit pricy- we orded a first, an entree, and shared dessert and were completely satisfied. The atmosphere is quite cozy and really lovely. I had high expectations as I had wanted to see the interior for a long time and it did not disappoint. They only thing that could have been better is if we had a seat by the windows... next time! We overall were completely happy with the evening. This is a fantastic place for a special occassion or really even just a nice evening out. It would also be a wonderful place to take the parents when they visit. I definitely want to go back and try a different season's menu or maybe try brunch.
(5)G L.
In a nutshell, get a table with a view, or I'd pass this one by . . . Interesting place with pretty decent food; however, if you are not seated with a view of the pond/skyline I'd take a pass. Don't get me wrong, the food was quite good: Foie gras was very good--some of the best I've had in a long time, the heirloom tomato salad was nothing special and the poached salmon was delicious, desert disappointed) The thing you need know is the Pond is RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE for what you get . . . you are paying for the view/experience here; if you don't have the view (and we didn't last night) it is a just a decent place but with big prices e.g. $300 for the two of us. Odd tip of the day: bring an umbrella--trust me. :o) As an aside, for this kind of place, one would think they would offer umbrellas for their guests in the event rain--not to keep, just to use :o) I'm not knocking them down a star for this, but for a $300 tab you'd think they would trip over themselves to ensure the perfect experience. For those who have not dined here, you are dropped off on Cannon and then you have approx a 150 +/- yard walk to the restaurant. It was a beautiful day when we arrived so the walk into to the restaurant was pretty cool; however, as we finished our coffee, the clouds let loose and it poured as the joint was closing. We were soaked to the bone as the rain wouldn't let up. The valet could easily collect the 'house' umbrellas and run them back to the restaurant Again, if you had the view, the $300 for 2 people may be worth it, but if you are in the back room near the kitchen, the value just isn't there.
(3)Luis E.
Cannot say enough good things about the food and service in this place. Everything locally grown or produced; even the vodka!! The type of place where if you see something on the menu you've never tried, you should try it, because it will be cooked to perfection. The first time I ever ate rabbit was at North Pond; I had the Rabbit Three-Ways and it was unbelievable. The quail was also outstanding. They have a very complete wine list and we have had the waiter recommend several wines in the past that are inexpensive and go well with the food. It is an up-scale place for the most part however we've never felt like they're trying to push the most expensive bottle of wine on you. The atmosphere is peaceful as it is nowhere near a street. Its location in the middle of the park makes a perfect place for a long, quiet dinner to enjoy good food and wine. This is definitely a place where you must plan to take your time to enjoy and would not consider it a place conductive for kids during dinner hours. The only negative may be the host staff which is so pretentious you'd think you're at Spago in Beverly Hills... ////// and after going there again I will have to reiterate and unfortunately bring down the rating one star... again the food and overall service has been impressive - I had a corn chowder with sardine (a whole strip of sardine) that was amazing. I also had the salmon appetizer glazed in brown sugar and it was amazing. The pork entrée I had was OK. It was a mix of pork chop with pork belly that quite frankly lacked flavor; especially once you have experienced pork belly in places such as Boka or Perennial (the latter has mastered pork belly). I did try the duck entrée that someone else had and whoa!!! Hellooo perfection. The disappointment again was the hostess. Our friend had made the reservation for six. I went in personally a few days prior to see if it was possible to increase the number to eight. I understand a "sorry, no" but instead the response was cutting me off mid-sentence and saying - "I can't do that, our chairs are counted" - followed by a look of "f-off, I can't believe you even asked"... I believe what made it worse is that once our party of six got there and was seated, there were several empty tables the whole time that would have certainly accommodated our other friends. Great food and great serviced negatively impacted by a pompous hostess... way to go Rose.... your attitude sucks.
(4)Patricia P.
I had a very romantic dinner at this place, and before getting there I was already delighted by the Mysterious walk through the Park in the dark. The service is amazing, they printed Happy Anniversary on my menu which was very nicely done. I had the foie gras and the yellow-fin tuna salad with hearts of palm and mango sorbet and my b-friend felt experimental and ordered some kind of pheasant that he wasn't crazy about.....but I think it was just the dry nature of that meat. FYI- Portions are small and prizes a little high, the place is just beautiful, and the menu will tell you the whole history of the building. I went in the winter, but Im sure is even more interesting in the Summer.
(4)Tony S.
We came across this place while out walking. Sundays we take the red line north then walk back to the city for fun, yes really! Anyway this time we got off a bit further and came across North Pond which looked like a great place to eat especially for the architecture, view and location. The Sunday brunch didn't start well. I hate to be kept waiting. We got there about 9:45 I think and it didn't open till 10am or something like that. Anyway we got there before it opened which isn't a biggie so we walked around for a bit then walked in when the time came. Now if you say you are open at time X then I expect to be in and seated and perusing the menu within a minute or two of that time. They kept us sitting in the bloody lobby for 20-25 minutes which is totally unacceptable. I mean it's not as if their opening time varies you open and should be ready at that time not piss off customers who are hungry. At minimum they should have served complimentary coffee of something. Anyway we got sat down about 30 minutes after we arrived and I noticed then that the dress code was relaxed for brunch. This sucks and they should state on their outside menu that the no jeans policy does not apply for brunch. Luckily I had cords on so no biggie but it would have seriously annoyed me if I turned up all posh to find other types in jeans. Things got better after we sat down although it still took us a good 10 minutes before our server came over but once the orders started things started to get better. I didn't know what to expect so I didn't realise the brunch was a 3 course set price affair at about $35. I didn't see their brunch menu on the window when I walked past so this was a bit of a surprise. Ultimately it was worth it though as it was a lovely experiece and the food was great. Lots of interesting flavours, textures and intensities spread out over an hour or so. Of course we couldn't get a glass of champagne till after 11am, its kind of a stupid law to be honest, I mean I can see why perhaps you might have a law like that in liquor stores but not a restaurant. I would have given them 5/5 but they lose a star for messing me about when I arrived. I would recommend this place and they also take reservations for Brunch, we didn't have reservations but were the first people there. It was quite empty till 11:15-11:30 so dont feel you need to get there at 10 when we arrived.
(4)marc z.
Nice setting, but food is certainly not worth going there. "Pseudo-innovative-chic" but very bland food at exorbitant prices. It would have been nice if at least the service was up to snuff for the prices and the competition we could have gone to - our waitress just disappeared. When she did bring us drinks, I fished a long black hair out the drink and handed it to her. The food was undercooked and cold. The "innovative" offering was just tasteless, it could have been anything. The wine list out-of-this-world-pricey. Hope that someone else will move in there soon with better quality in taste and service.
(1)Sarah M.
Gorgeous presentation of appetizers and food, super modern wooden ambience next to the pond. Good for a date or special occasion. Not great for groups but rather, couples. Be sure to dress nice!
(4)Robert M.
Great atmosphere inside and out, food was excellent, everything prepared well. Some things are different and really good, but won't appeal to everyone.
(4)Jeff N.
Certain events combine to create the perfect evening. Our visit on August 30th fits into that category; great food, perfect weather, great table, great friends, and cool bartenders. We got there 45 minutes early to enjoy the great bar and the great view. Tom and Shannon were extremely good mixologists. Great discussions about certain kinds of gin and vodka. Free samples of certain items offered up. And the wives got to flirt a little with them since they were so nice and cute. From start (Farm Egg with Bacon) to middle (Guinea Hen with Peas) to the dessert (oops, I forgot). Everything had the 'oh my god' affect on you as you tasted it. We ended up dropping about $250 a couple, which set a personal record, but was truly worth it. I imagine under different circumstances a couple could do the evening for 1/2 that amount, if you forego the expensive bottle of wine and desserts. This ranks up there with the best meals ever in Chicago. We will go back as soon as my bank account recovers.
(5)Liz T.
My boyfriend and I enjoyed brunch at North Pond today to celebrate my birthday. Brunch at Northpond is a 3-course meal for $32.00, which I think is a pretty good deal. For my appetizer, I had cauliflower and apple soup with lump crab and grapefruit salad. It was incredible. Brian had a salad with pomegranate and meyer lemons. For my entree I had goat cheese strada with olive tapenade, frisee salad and shaved parm. It was outstanding. B had trout with olive oil poached fingerlings and capers? This course really stood out for both of us. Finally, we ended with dessert. I had caramelized bananas, chocolate mousse, and some kind of 3 layer chocolate, espresso, banana goodness. Brian had a blood orange trifle? Both were very good. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and loved everything we ate. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Dean K.
I've been to North Pond Cafe twice and both times it was terrific but the time I picked up the check for the table was a little more "impacting." They do everything very well here but they certainly don't give it away. That being said, that time it was my Dad's birthday and the kitchen and servers really went beyond to make it a special night so it was easily worth it. If you have a big occasion and want great food and service in a truly unique setting, give it a try.
(5)Maria R.
North Pond is THE place for special occasion dining (or extraordinary splurge). Our 20th anniversary was the setting. Beautiful rain storm outside with the happy ducks adding to the already fantastic setting. Waiters and busboys hovering (maybe alittle too much), and there might have been too many waiters coming to the table. The wine steward, the order taker, and the food runner, and then the dessert menu. It was ok, though, as everything was superb. Our fancy dessert had Happy anniversary in chocolate on the rim. Couldn't ask for a better evening.
(5)Elyse K.
I wish I could give this place 4 stars, but I feel that my experience was good, but not at the level of some of my other 4 star reviews. Service was excellent, ambiance was excellent the food was good, not what was expected. The menu is comprised of creative and seasonal dishes (as it should be) from a James Beard award-winning chef. We were visiting for the weekend from LA and made an advance reservation. The address listed is not really the correct address, as it puts you onto the backside of the restaurant, which normally wouldn't be an issue, but we were navigating a rental car through snow and ice, so that left us a little baffled. We parked on the street and trudged through mud, snow and ice to get to the front door. My suggestion if you don't know the driveway would be to call the restaurant for an alternate address. Once inside, you feel as if in a contemporary Colorado ski lodge. On a spring or summer day or evening, I'm sure the views out onto the lake are beautiful. We sat in the main dining room with a nice front row seat to the open kitchen. Controlled chaos was dying down as we had a late 9:30 reservation. We started with squash, black truffle and walnut soup. I saw the truffles, but couldn't taste or smell them in the dish. When asking our server if there were truffles in the soup, she looked quite shocked and confirmed the presence of the truffles. Hmmm.... I've tasted truffles before, and i'm not quite sure how my taste buds could miss that one. In trying to put the mystery of the tasteless truffle aside and enjoy the remainder of our meal, we moved onto main courses. Tobin with a steak and me with sturgeon. My fish was very enjoyable with inventive touches and lots of different flavors including pomegranate and leeks and yummy pork belly...salty and sweet, best of both worlds. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist in the center with a little crispy flakiness on the outside. Tobin's steak was good, nothing to write home about. Dessert was two eclairs, one with pumpkin creme, the other pomegranate caramel. I took one bite each and was then done. Overall, this was a nice experience, but maybe by being spoiled with great, fresh west coast cuisine, i wasn't blown away like i should have been. Have i grown too spoiled?
(3)Nota R.
The appetizers were bursting fresh and tasty and clever. The tomato zucchini tart was fantastic. The salads were also superb. The entrees were fine but very overpriced. The deserts were nothing less than mind-blowing. The sage foam with roasted peach sorbet? We were so high from the thrill it was almost scary. Absolutely divine. And then, the roasted fig tart (they do roasted fruit well) with, get this, salt butter ice cream. You read that right. It wasn't on the menu. The waiter brought it over and said, "this will change your life." And indeed. The waiter, by the way, was comically knowledgeable about everything we asked about and was delightfully particular about how to serve everything. Great, great service from this guy Steven. We were taken there by friends. We could never afford to go on our own and will likely never be back. But we'll never forget it.
(4)Kathryn M.
I didn't really know much about North Pond before I came here for dinner in late summer, but the ambiance alone had won me over before I even glanced at a menu. What a gorgeous setting in Lincoln Park with a view of the beautiful skyline, yet tucked away so you feel like you are on a retreat! The inside feels like a cozy, elegant cabin, and I love any restaurant and chef committed to sustainable agriculture so I was very excited for my meal. The food and wine were wonderful -not 5 stars wonderful, but satisfying nonetheless. I highly recommend asking questions to your servers; they know their stuff, or at least ours did. Had two great fish dishes, and dessert paired with a little Muscato was the perfect finish! Walking out by the pond as the sun was setting was probably as enjoyable as the meal itself. I'd love to come back and try the seasonal tasting menu!
(4)jamie k.
Thanks to fellow Yelpers I was pointed in the direction of North Pond for a very special dinner where...The Parents Meet the day before the wedding...for the first time... This is definitely a spot you should consider for a very very special and fancy event because A. It is very very expensive B. It is sooooo beautiful!!!! -So beautiful, that you wouldn't want to waste it on something ordinary. We were lucky because it was such a nice spring day and we got there early as the sun set over the city..breathtaking. The architecture itself inside was amazing also. The food was gourmet and fresh and delicious. I am lucky because everyone I was with didn't mind sharing. My personal favorites of the night were the asparagus soup and the various handmade ice creams!! The fish was also cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that it got kind of loud, and since we were at a large round table, it was difficult to hear everyone as the dinner wore on... But, everyone around the table enjoyed this experience, as it isn't everyday that we all meet for the first time for such a joyous occasion, in addition to being able to eat and such a elegant restaurant.
(4)Estelle R.
Don't understand what the fuss is about... I found this place to be just another good restaurant. The service was good, nothing exceptional. The next week, when I asked my friends how they liked their entrées, it was apparent no one had a memorable meal. I know I had Columbia River Salmon, but the chef needs to go to Portland and find out how to "do" salmon. The timing of the courses was rushed. No sooner had we finished one dish than the next one arrived on it's heels. In the quest for a balance between what is superior and what is serviceable, this restaurant leans to satisfactory.
(3)courtney g.
A couple of friends and I have a tradition of doing a splurge meal around the holidays, and this last year we opted for the seasonal tasting menu at North Pond. Looking across the pond has long been one of my favorite views of the skyline from Lincoln Park; unfortunately for our meal, we were seated along the side, so no views for us, but we had plenty to keep us busy with the courses and the wine pairings; I don't have the menu in front of me, but we were quite impressed: well prepared, well paired, and nice use of seasonal/local ingredients as per their philosophy. The interior is quite charming, arts & crafts and with integration of local elements. Our server was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable but not too familiar. I will definitely go back as soon as I can find another reason - and enough cash - for a bit of a splurge. I think the brunch might be a good way to tide over, based on other reviews ....
(4)Jennifer B.
We went here for brunch, which at $32 a person was an excellent deal in relation to the prices on the dinner menu. The food was really really good, I had the sausage and egg appetizer, the steak entree (which came with brussels sprouts that were not only edible, they were delicious) and the orange cream dessert. Everything looked and tasted great and the portions were perfect. The servers were pleasant and unobtrusive. The decor is lovely, all woodsy and arts and crafts. The reason that they're not getting the fifth star, however, is that for this kind of money I should be saying "Oh my god, that was awesome, I can't wait to go back!" Which I'm not. It was good, but I can get a good brunch for half the price somewhere else. This is a nice place for a special occasion, not for your average Sunday brunch. By the way, if you do go for brunch, jeans are acceptable attire.
(4)Jessica S.
I have only been here for Sunday brunch, but it was the best brunch I have ever had! They have a $32 prix fixe menu for 3 courses. We had a table by the window which gave us a lovely view of the city and park. I had the egg and pheasant sausage to start, and my boyfriend had the parsnip and duck confit soup. We both opted for the quail and pumpkin waffle for our main course. I had the chocolate parfait for dessert and he had the apple crumble. I would love to come here for dinner. Everything was extremely fresh.
(5)Lindsey S.
I have been to North Pond three times now - twice for drinks and once for dinner. I would say that it is one of the must -try places for people who live in Chicago, simply because of the history and location. The restaurant is beautiful and very elegant. There's a great view of the skyline and the pond out front. Try to get a table in the front room if at all possible. The one thing I would really commend this restaurant on is their attention to detail and customer service. I went there with my family for my graduation dinner. After we were seated we noticed that the hostess hadn't given us menus, which we thought was a bit odd. A few minutes later, our server finally came out with menus and we opened them up we saw that they had been custom-printed to say "Congratulations Lindsey." I thought that this was a really nice touch. Naturally, I wanted to save one as a memento, but it wasn't going to fit in my purse. No need to worry - the server came back with all of the menus in a special envelope so they wouldn't get bent without my even asking. They also have a cute little bar up front that I like to come to on occasion, but beware the drinks are REALLY expensive and REALLY strong.
(4)j s.
This is a wonderful, romantic, delightful place. The food was wonderful. Everything we got tasted so fresh and cooked to perfection. The wine selection by the glass was great and we were really happy with each of the choices we made. I would make sure to request a table by the window.
(5)Chuck A.
I knew I was in trouble when the Manhattan I ordered had way to much bitters in it! Once we were seated I opened the menu and I was somewhat alarmed by the prices but I knew it was gonna be that kinda place so I just went with it. I figured it would be a good value. Well , I ordered the beef medallions . When ya see the word medallions ya know your not gonna get much to eat, let me tell ya! If it's really good you accept that kinda dinning experience for what it is - but this was ridiculous! I can't help but think of the size of steak I could get at any high end place downtown for 37 bucks! The meat was very rare and the taste was far from exceptional! The girls made reservations and they were excited so I tried to hide my initial feelings. Of coarse the prairie style decor was very tasteful. The staff was very efficient and delightful! Unfortunately I have to say there is an overwhelming arrogance to charge this much for such meager portions. I think my medallions probably cost them less than 5 bucks and I hate to think what that piece of fish my girlfriend ate actually costs! I'm sorry but all the garnish in the world doesn't make up for a simple lack of value! Our bill was nearly four hundred dollars at the end of the night and I was still hungry .......and very angry! I felt like I had been taken for a ride. If ya pay that much for a meal it had better be the best you have ever had! While the food was interesting and the preparation was artistic - it simply didn't meet my expectations for a place that expensive. If ya care more about the environment and the "dinning experience' ......and ya just have too much money in your pocket.....this is the place for you!
(2)Mandy P.
I love the atmosphere in this place, but I don't think the food is as excellent as I'd like it to be. My husband, father and I went there for my husband's birthday this year and went there a few years ago for something special (can't remember what). It is a truly unique place in that you don't get to feel like you're tucked away in a special parky place in the city very often. At the same time that you feel like you've gotten away from it all, there are some nice city views from there, so you can appreciate this wonderful city that we all live in. Plus, historically, it's an interesting building and the design is charles rene mackintosh (sp?) inspired. The staff there was great when we were there in June. I let them know ahead of time that it was my husband's birthday and they gave us special menus with "Happy Birthday Andrew!!" typed across the menu. It was so cute and such a special little touch that was not expected. We all really got a kick out of it. So what didn't I like? I didn't think the food was all that. It was good enough (certainly not so bad that it ruined our night or anything), but it was not as pectacular as I'd like -- especially since it is, as so many have mentioned, more expensive than average. I can see that I'm not the only one who thinks this, which is helpful to know, since I can never tell if it's just me (because I'm a vegetarian and don't always get the main fare at a place) or not. In short, if you want a special location to go to, do go here (if you have the cash for it). You will get interesting food and a great atmosphere, but you won't get mind-blowing food. However, if you're looking for really, really good food, or inexpensive fare, I would not recommend this place.
(4)Aimee C.
North Pond is a wonderful restaurant to dine with your lover, your family, or your best of friends. The experience lends to a feeling of comfort and warmth of memories of the past. I spent the week, scouring the restaurants of Chicago in search of the perfect place to dine and look into his eyes. To have the pleasure of succulent delights fill me with an experience that I've been seeking. Chicago is a wonderful city, but I'm from San Francisco, I want organic, I want sustainable food that is regionally produced, consciously created and wrapped up in a nice little presentation for the epicurean. Dropped off at Deming and Lakeview, we took a short stroll, hands interlocked, under the bridge and through darkness to find a arts and craft style that reminds me of a 1920s craftman house . The cold wind was barreling through me, as he pulled me close and nestled in his arms we rush inside to find warmth from the hearth and a view of the pond glistening with the lights of the city... We reminisced about Tavern on the Green and I smiled in a coy, slightly subtle yet purposeful way. Dinner was delightful, timed to perfection and embodies the organic qualities that I have sought since my first day in Chicago.
(4)cheri m.
What a disappointment! Took a group of six foodies here to celebrate and we all left with literally, a bad taste in our mouths. Did not do the tasting menu, because we wanted to try lots of dishes among the six of us. Our first disappointment came when at 8 on a Saturday night, they were out of one appetizer, had no replacement for it (it's not that extensive a menu), and refused to allow us to order anything off the tasting menu as an app or entree. Although this restaurant promotes itself as serving local, sustainable food, it's a sham. The appetizer list offered foie gras and monkfish. Monkfish? On the "avoid" list for sustainable seafood watch? Fir came the amuse. A square of watermelon, a dollop of cucumber mousse, a total bore. The bread basket provided slices of an inferior and somewhat stale white bagette. We all ordered different apps, and none of us was impressed enough to pass around anything. Fifteen dollars for watercress soup with a dollop of goat cheese? The monkfish ap was over salted and inedible. The pork belly app was not only over salted but undercooked, although the two very tiny shrimp on the plate were totally overcooked and tasteless. Entrees faired no better. All were in the mid to upper thirty dollar range and the best were mediocre. Wild salmon was fine, but at that price it should have been much better than fine. The rabbit was eh. We were so disappointed we didn't bother ordering dessert. With prices sky high, (apps btw $13 and 18, entrees all in the mid to upper $30s) we felt completely ripped off. Maybe other people voted with their feet, as the restaurant never filled at 8:00 on a Saturday night. Avoid this one at all costs!
(1)Cindy A.
My husband and I were at North Pond for my birthday dinner. The service was the best I've experienced in a long time. Our waitress was so pleasant and happy. The ambiance was unforgettable! The fireplace was going, light rain outside. It was so cozy and we had a perfect table overlooking the pond. Every bite of food was delicious! The cocktails and wine were very good. The perfect birthday dinner!
(5)alex B.
I am giving this a 2 star for a couple of reasons, 1- Their service is incredibly slow, i had to wait almost 40 minutes until my hamburger came, and the waitress didn't come until about 15 minutes after i came. 2- The hamburger there was, well pretty horrible!!! For one, there was way to much grease on my hamburger, i barely took one bite till i figured it out. The next situation is that the hamburger was BARELY cooked, on the out side of it, it looked perfectly cooked, but in the middle, it was disgusting!!!!! The only reason i like it was that i could stare out of the window into the beautiful pond, and i also took a greast walk, it was because of the landscape that i gave it 2 stars.
(2)Asi P.
Went there for a pre-fixed menu on Valentine's day. Delicious- you can't expect less than that, especially when combining the chef recommended wine that is chosen for each meal. -Expensive- be ready to go and enjoy such good food and wine. I am not a wine connoisseur but the wines were supplementing the meal like fine art.
(5)Julia W.
Best wedding gift ever! Well, aside from the cast iron skillet and massive mixer. But I digress--my husband and I were lucky enough to snag a couple gift certificates to North Pond as wedding gifts and immediately called the gift-givers after our meal (sated and a bit tipsy) to thank them for their generosity. Ok, I tried. I tried 3 or 4 times tonight to articulate my experience at North Pond and the words continue to fail me. It is a beautiful atmosphere, with an amazing view of the skyline from a green haven--this wonderful little urban oasis... The service was outstanding--we were never rushed, were welcome to just sit and take it all in before we even ordered our drinks... The food was superb and its presentation lovely. I could write every single detail of the evening and meal and I wouldn't come remotely close to capturing the experience. If only we had more gift certificates! I'm saving pennies for our next meal there, and it will be worth every single one.
(5)hapa l.
I had brunch here the other weekend. It was SO good!!!! It was a 4 course brunch/lunch and we got a nice seat near the window. I had a blueberry tart, french toast with bacon, frittata, and chocolate Mouse. The price was a fixed 35 dollar deal but for a fancy lunch, not too bad at all. I think it's a great place to celebrate your birthday or anniversary.
(4)Tiffany K.
I kind of felt out of place there, since most of the patrons were mid-30s+. Still, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was great. I was here for a super belated birthday dinner. Two main dishes plus two desserts came out to be around $250. I remember the grapefruit sorbet being TO DIE FOR, but my entree being so-so. I can't even remember what I got because it was that bland. But the desserts are great and the atmosphere is nice.
(3)E O.
Visited North Pond, last night, after seeing a really great show with my best friend. We were excited to dine at North Pond as we are both Chicago natives (I am actually born and raised in Lakeview) yet neither of us had ever dined at North Pond. We were greeted by a very friendly host who seated us next to the charming, cozy, fireplace. The dining room is beautiful, warm, comfortable, and with an amazing view of Chicago's beautiful skyline. Our server, Patrick, welcomed us with a friendly greeting. He had been informed of our dietary restrictions and explained that North Pond would do their best to accommodate us accordingly. Patrick was very thorough with his description of the menu and, after speaking with Chef Bruce Sherman, provided us with 2 options from each course that would meet our dietary restrictions. Without compromising the integrity of the dishes and their Farm-to-Table philosophy, Chef Sherman provided us with an absolutely delicious meal with a beautiful presentation. Every course, from the amuse-bouche to the after-dinner sweet treat, was absolutely delicious!! Patrick's service, and knowledge of the food and wine menu, was spectacular and was the cherry-on-top of what had already been a great day. It is clear, to me, that North Pond trains their staff meticulously as I overheard another server provide the same professional service, to his guests, as Patrick provided us. I HIGHLY recommend North Pond for its beautiful ambiance, outstanding service, and splendid food.
(5)Allie B.
First time at North Pond. Steven was our server. The food was great. I especially enjoyed the foie gras and rhubarb, scorn me if you will, but it's still legal. We did the seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing - all very interesting. Steven answered all of our questions, provided lots of great information on the wine and really made it a relaxing evening. The apricot tart/brown butter ice cream dessert is not to be missed. I love how the ingredients are local and seasonal. I also enjoyed that another server came by and showed us the cooking technique being used on an upcoming course. Some sort of hen steamed in a wrap inside this cute little kettle. I love interesting food like this - good without being so weird you're a little freaked out. Can get a bit pricey, so I would recommend it for special occasions ... although I've heard they do a fairly reasonable brunch. We will definitely be back.
(5)John M.
So we hit up North Pond on a Saturday night and I must say, it did not disappoint. Reading previous reviews about the service, I had a keen eye out for any lapses. None to be seen! The host was nice and our server was very friendly and attentive, but not too much. First course, I went for the corn chowder w/ trout....extremely smooth and delicious. I was close to licking the bowl. My wife had the beet and goat cheese salad. This consisted of 5 different kinds of beets and a mint flavored goat cheese. She loved it...though, she also loves beets! She thought the goat cheese was a great balance to the different flavored and textured beets. We then split the foie gras. By itself, it was foie gras...but with everything combined-foie gras, french toast, plums, sauteed onion and granola it was an explosion of taste! The bass with mushrooms was excellent. It had a medley of sweet corn, new potatoes, bacon and this great green chive cream. The wife loved her pork loin w/ apricots, which was done perfectly. Wish I could tell you about dessert, but we were stuffed! Highly recommend this place for a cozy escape from the city. I always feel like we're at a fancy hunting/fishing lodge up north when visiting this spot.
(5)Wendy F.
What an amazing experience! First, I have to say that I really appreciate the great hostess who gave me a tip when I called in to confirm our reservation. I had asked to be seated by the window and she let me know that since we were eating at 8 PM, they couldn't guarantee anything over the phone. But, she let me know to ask when we got there and to also let them know we were willing to wait if someone was finishing up dessert. We got there about 30 min early and I settled in at the bar while my dinner partner went to the hostess stand. The bartender was very friendly and as soon as we ordered our drinks, the hostess came over to seat us. We got the center table right next to the windows with the view of the pond. I don't usually gush (and I am sure the 2 bottles of wine helped) but the wonderful breeze along with the sun setting just added so much to our dinner. Also, I had told them it was our 5-yr anniversary so they printed out menus that were waiting at our table. It was great! Unfortunately, the 2 aforementioned bottles caused some short-term memory loss and we didn't realize that we had left them behind until the next morning! But, it was a great gesture on their part! Our server was very knowledgeable and gracious from the beginning of the meal to the end. The amuse bouche was good. I began with the soft-shell crab. Then I decided to act like I was at IHOP and exchange appetizers midway through. The sunnyside egg on top of lobster meat gratin was exquisite. For dinner, I had the Alaskan halibut and Jeff had the grassfed beef dish. Halibut was delicious! By the time we ordered dessert, I was a little tipsy but I remember it being covered in chocolate and being amazing. They also wrote out our names on the plate (in chocolate) with a Happy Anniversary message. Then the server brought over some more sweets and I ate those as well because even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating. Jeff also enjoyed their beer list as well. I had a really great dining experience at North Pond and definitely recommend it.
(5)Erin C.
My husband and I went here to celebrate a big promotion, and north pond made everything so special! They customized our menus with our names, decorated our plates with congratulations written in chocolate and a few other special things to make everything a bit nicer. We had the chef's tasting menu with the wine pairings, and couldn't have been happier with the selections. The food here was delicious (so fresh and creative), the service was excellent, and we would love to return.
(5)Ryan P.
I thought it was nice. The decor is a bit artsy craftsy, the food is nice, and the location is beautiful. I think it'd be super cute for a date as you can take a romantic walk through the park.
(4)Marie T.
I've been looking for a romantic restaurant for my BF and I to celebrate our anniversary so we decided on North Pond. The past reviews by other Yelpers were very accurate: * Atmosphere: The Chicago skyline behind the pond was beautiful. It was a little foggy but I can't pin that against the restaurant. The decor of the restaurant was very soothing, not too stuffy, very intimate and comfortable. * Food: For what we paid, the food wasn't that great. My BF has the sirloin which was pretty good. I had the SeaBass with scallops which I wasn't very fond off. Too fishy and salty for me. The dessert was amazing though, very delicous * Details: I loved their attention to detail, the dessert place and the menu had a note to us celebrating the special occassion I probably won't come back for seconds, but it definitely is a place you need to try at least once.
(4)Jennifer B.
We went here for my birthday and had a lovely time. Love the history of the building. Our waitress could not have been better. They had printed custom menus for our table that had a birthday message for me. They gave us seeds with our bill (which we have already planted). It was a nice touch. Lots of unique foods. Great adventure right in Lincoln Park. It is great to have a place like this so close by. Give it a try!
(4)KellyandAndy M.
First visit for us I believe was back in November of 08. We've been back several times since but just got into the whole yelping thing so are playing catch up to review the places we've been. We've been for both brunch (a STEAL for the price) and lunch (still quite reasonable). We've had the gambit; fish, pork, rabbit, beef, the whole nine. We usually order different things so we can taste a little of everything off each others plates. The food here is always amazing. Service is impeccable. The rotating menu based on their seasonal ingredients keeps things interesting (the only downside to this is not being able to enjoy a favourite dish on repeat visits). The flavour combinations are well thought out and simple; not this off the wall cooky stuff that may or may not work, or something merely the chef thinks would be amazing. It's classic. The crowd is a bit older (I'd say late 30s/early 40s+) and although the dress is business casual, I've seen people wearing much less than their Sunday best. The decor is warm and comforting; very log cabin-esque. The view is lovely regardless of where you are seated (if you get the pond side though, you can see the skyline, which is one of the best in the country if you ask me). Looking forward to eventually saving our pennies to indulge in dinner or the seasonal tasting menus! Will report back then.
(5)Linda D.
the two hostesses have terrible attitudes! Rolling of the eyes - just unbelievable!! Have been going to North Pond for years and sad to say I will NEVER be back!!!
(1)a g.
pretty decent. location is super nice. this place seems like a place you would go to with your parents for an anniversary or a graduation of some sort. everything we had was excellent. also quite pricey tho.
(3)Leigh K.
I had forgotten this but looking at their website, I remembered reading this while dining there: "The menu at North Pond is designed to feature products raised or grown in their native environment and offered at their seasonal peak." It just gave me another reason to like the place, but as other reviews have said, this is a place to be reserved for special occasions. I have a feeling a number of engagement proposals have occured here. I went to North Pond for a firm dinner back in November. The setting is unparalleled in the city. It's both a treat and a retreat. North Pond is a cozy space that seems much smaller than it actually is since it's divided into separate rooms to provide a more intimate feel. The service was exceptional and the entire menu was well thought out and executed. Prior to appetizers being brought out, a tasting portion of pork belly (I believe), was placed in front of us. Since I only eat poultry, I politefully declined. Since my memory fails me here, I remember I had some sort of a cold duck appetizer which I very much enjoyed. For dinner, I had squab for the first time and it was mouth-watering. I've heard that squab is extremely gamey but I didn't find it any moreso than duck which is a favorite of mine when cooked just right. The desserts were downright decadent and afterwards a square of star anise chocolate was brought out while the bill was being prepared. I slept like a baby when I arrived home and dreamed of being able to afford to eat here whenever I'd like.
(5)sugi o.
brunch was delicious!! 3 courses and you have your choice for each course. all 3 courses were very good and beautifully presented. the restaurant was cute but kind of hard to find at first. theres ample street parking all around the restaurant.
(4)Sara F.
Amazing review but oh-so-expensive. Thank goodness we had a gift certificate. Our bill came to $250 for 2 people which did include 2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, 2 coffee's and 1 bottle of wine. I know that was a lot but I was still surprised. Its totally worth it for a special occasion (they made my Husband's birthday!!!) but not for just any night out on the town. What was great was the local produce they use and the service! Plus the food was oh-so-yummy!
(3)Rachel P.
Tasting menu and win pairings were fantastic! Food is truly excellent. Service was good- our server was very serious! Restaurant has a nice atmosphere- lots of wood, very nice and relaxing. Cocktails were tasty and pretty strong. 1 star docked for tiny things- server could have been a little more friendly/cheerful- he was good/attentive but seemed too seriousl and tasting menu was maybe a tad overpriced. However food was excellent, and I'll definitely be returning here.
(4)Karyn K.
The farm egg and polenta was amazing. Because North Pond's menu is very seasonal, chances are it won't be on the menu as I went in November. My entree was the goat prepared three ways, which was surprisingly good. This was the first time I had had goat. I find the menu a bit misconceiving as the very generic title sometimes does not do the actual food justice. Loved the decor and feel of North Pond. They did not have the first few bottles of wine that my wine loving family requested and our waitress was a bit unfriendly. Overall, a good meal.
(4)Andrew B.
AMAZING! A perfect night out away from the kids. We were seated rather quickly & coat check was easy. Our waitress was easy-going, approachable, and very well-informed. Ordering was a snap after some tough decisions and excellent explanations by the waitress and the wine list was extensive. I started with the Seared Foie Gras with quince. Say what you may about the ethics of foie, it was exquisite, the best I've ever had, And it was playful in its use of quince in the form of little jelly doughnuts! My wife had the Farm Egg with Sweetbreads. When done poorly, sweetbreads can be chewy & uninspired. These were well-cooked and augmented by dates with a wonderful spiced sauce. My wife had a prosciutto & pear salad and I had a kampachi and apple salad. They were both very good. But I can only get so excited about the salad course! My main course of squab with spinach had perfectly cooked medium-rare squab with a slightly sweet huckleberry reduction that was inspired. My wife's duck was perfectly cooked but almost was outshone by a roasted pineapple that made the fruit taste better than I could have imagined. Our desserts had highlights of creme-fraiche ice cream, brown-butter crumble, maple ice cream, and apple gelees. Our dinner was definitely one of our favorites in the city. North Pond Cafe should be experienced by all serious diners.
(5)Janeen A.
North Pond has a nice location and our seat by the window was scenic. The service was excellent, as well. However, the food was mediocre. My friend and I were not crazy about anything that we ate. My appetizer was not very good and everything else was just okay (we had 3 courses each and split a 4th course). We both felt that the dessert was dry and that it was not what we expected based upon the menu's description (and disappointing...how can dessert not be good?) We both felt that the prices are steep for what you get. We are foodies and don't mind the prices when the food matches them, but in this case the food is not reflective of the prices. There are many amazing restaurants in Chicago and unfortunately this is not one of them in my opinion. We both agreed that we would likely not return to this restaurant due to the unremarkable food.
(2)Revvv G.
Mediocre, at best. I have traveled to so many fine dining establishments in tis country and I currently live in Northern California: the home of the seasonal, fresh ingredient movement. North Pond has a long way to go to live up to the level of freshness, flavor and flavor cominations that are available at other season fresh restaurants. We were there for a holiday dinner in early December, The meal was overly salty and all of hte flavors on hte plate ran together with no distinction or pizazz. we had heard great things and were so thoroughly disappointed in hte meal. The saving grace: this gorgeous spot and the comfort of the interior decor. I would never recommend North Pond nor would I eat there again.
(2)Alexandra S.
Sublime, amazing and unbelievable this could be the best restaurant in Chicago. Chef Sherman combines unique, fresh produce with other distinct ingredients to make flavors come alive. He does things to beets which could be illegal they taste so sinfully good. The service is great and I have not had a bad meal yet. Go for brunch if you want to try the menu but save a few bucks. If you want to splurge for the seasonal tasting menu with the wine pairings. It's well worth it.
(5)bj f.
we just returned home from such a wonderful sunday brunch experience here. it is a three course menu, $32, not including drinks. each of the courses offers four selections. for starters, i ordered a bloody mary, which was o.k., and the hub ordered a blueberry vodka concoction, which i didn't care for, its vanilla taste threw me. but the food courses!! first, they tease your palate with the smallest square of moist blueberry breakfast cake before they bring on the big guns. hub's french toast with berries and bacon and my poached egg on a bed of creamy seafood, with a dice of green and yellow beans and squash, accented with caviar, were both luscious, each in their own sweet/savory way. my second course of salmon on polenta with squash and red pepper/tomato garnish, and his of steak with potatoes, corn, and tiny onion rings, were spot on, and the third course desserts, his, a chocolate mousse layered with raspberry and mine, a nectarine blueberry tart with blueberry sorbet, offered a perfect amen. and the coffee is served up aromatic, dark, and strong, like we like it. i like that the flavors are so distinct, the fact that i know the vegetables used are as fresh as can be, and that the portions are just the right size to fill you up, but not overly so. the server was really pleasant, and the rest of the serving staff slip in and out, silently, like food ninjas. the interior offers up different environments, depending on where you're placed. we were in the outer dining area, light, with floor to ceiling windows, with the park and lagoon serving as a perfect backdrop on a gorgeous day. the interior room, by contrast, was dimly lit, one of those places where you can't be quite sure of the time of day. it's a cloistered environment, one i imagine would feel really cozy in the winter time. the wooden appointments throughout are beautifully rendered in an arts and crafts motif. upended wooden parasols serve as light fixtures, the ceiling is layered screenwork offering up interesting moire patterns that mimic the grain of the wood in the walls and trim. a really beautiful place to let your eyes wander and appreciate. it's especially impressive considering how it used to exist years ago when we'd frequent it as a skating shelter! all in all, a great dining treat.
(5)WK C.
Absolutely fantastic, unusual, creative, wonderful food. Great setting, and terrific service. Fun to watch the operations in the open kitchen. And, as far as I'm concerned, the only reason to revisit Chicago. Arctic Char was sublime, lettuce/radish salad with some macaroon thing out of this world, and the desserts exquisite.
(5)Ross F.
It is definitely expensive, but it has one of the best tucked away romantic locations in the City and undoubtedly some of the best food. The tastes and service you will get here will completely blow your socks off. The food is delicious without being pretentious and the whole experience is worth the splurge every so often! This is the place to go for a special night out.
(5)Maxine G.
I really wanted to be able to give North Pond a glowing review, but overall I was pretty disappointed with the whole experience. My boyfriend and I went for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. North Pond has been on my "must try for a special occasion" list for a long time and I was really excited for a phenomenal meal. But it was just ok. On the whole, I thought most of my food was over-salted. I had the Sweet Shrimp with Parmesan Consume that basically tasted like salt. And my halibut dish was undercooked and heavily salted. The best part of the meal was the dessert. It was a blueberry pastry with different ice creams and sour cream on top. It was complex, creative and unique - I wish everything else had lived up to the dessert. The service also left much to be desired. Our waiter never checked back to see how the food was and it took a long time to order. And don't get me wrong, we weren't in a hurry at all. I can fully appreciate the beauty of "slow food" but there's a difference between enjoying your food and neglect. Plus he got my order totally wrong and brought out a completely different dish than what I had ordered. They did take my boyfriend's dinner back to be warmed while they made mine, but he said it tasted better when they brought it out the first time. The atmosphere and location are very lovely. I'd consider going back for brunch and giving it a try, but if I'm going to spend that much money on dinner, I want it to be amazing.
(3)Charles L.
Absolutely awesome location in Lincoln Park (the park, not the neighborhood!). The setting was intimate but not too formal, and the wine list was great. This Florida boy was not overly inspired by the seafood, but it was still very good. I would give this place a 5 star for location, and a 4 star for food, with that 4 star rating taking into account the relative priciness of the entrees.
(4)Matt N.
a little salty but very sweet. I, of course appreciate the dedication to local and organic produce that the entrees are prepared with, and the menu is on a seasonal rotation. Not much in the way of wine under 40/bottle but they had a great pinot from oregon. Must try the hen and steak appetizer!!!.... better get there before the fall menu kicks in though. I would try and get seated in the window-o-plenty area of the dinning room, great view of the park and pond, really a great atmosphere overall. Its was nice to take a ten minute walk through the park from the bus stop. I think they have a brunch too that I have always wanted to try.
(4)A.S. V.
I've only been here once, because of its prices (entrees start at $30). Chef Bruce Sherman is highly rated, but the fairly traditional American fare isn't unique enough to merit the price in my book. Lucky for them they have the advantage of being located on a lush pond. Can't find that anywhere else in the city.
(4)Natalie P.
Beautiful restaurant and amazing food. The wine list was also very impressive. Our server was very nice and attentive. There is a nice bar to wait in , and you must try a speciality cocktail. The food is all seasonal which I loved. The view is very impressive. Great for a special occasion or to take friends from out of town. And very romanitc. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Julie S.
I've been to North Pond twice. The first time I went, I thought it was pretty good. I remembered thinking it was really cute that the berries on my plate came from the tree right outside the window, and I liked that we were able to bring our own wine for dinner. All-in-all, a good dinner. However, the second time we came I was so disappointed. When I made the reservation I asked to be seated at a nice table since we were celebrating my first wedding anniversary and father's day simultaneously, but we got the worst table ever. It was really cramped and in a really busy area and so my chair kept getting hit whenever anyone walked by. It was such a tight squeeze that even the waitstaff had trouble maneuvering around the table. The food was also not very good and was totally unmemorable. The only thing I remember was that many dishes were bland and off in texture. So, from my own experiences I would say that North Pond is very inconsistent and that there is an equal possibility of having a good dinner or a bad dinner.
(2)Cindy K.
I recommend North Pond to everyone that wants a great American meal with fresh regional foods. Chef Bruce Sherman is a master and the room designed by my friend Nancy Warren is so inviting. I think this is up there as possibly the most romantic restaurant in Chicago. I love it in the summer and winter equally. The food and service is always perfect. I'm not kidding. This is a real find in Lincoln Park and so worth every cent.
(5)Brad S.
10 years ago I wanted to use a meal at North Pond as a way to win back a girl who had dumped me. Between the romantic setting on a pond in a park of Chicago looking over the skyline...the outstanding menu, and the impeccable reviews...I thought for sure I'd get my girl back. The date never happened, and then 10 years passed. But today, I have a new girl (who's actually worth bringing), and I finally made my reservation. North Pond was an awesome dining experience. I prepared for my meal by studying the menu. I had to look up a ton of terms I wasn't familiar with including: raviolo, quince, coulis, roulade, Cipollini, a la plancha, amberjack, crudo, tuile, panna cotta, ragout, pignolis, piccolo farro, semolina, turnips, and parsnips. We sat next to a fireplace with a view of the city. The interior was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style. We had killer service, and the food tasted amazing! The only thing I wasn't happy with was spending $200! But now and then you have to live it up...and that's exactly what we did on that beautiful evening at North Pond.
(4)P S.
Beautiful location, food was good not great, service was OK. We went on a Sunday evening, so it wasn't busy, but overall not bad. It is pricey though.
(4)S to the izzo F.
It has a Five Star View and Atmosphere... I don't think there is any place like it in Chicago! The food is excellent but based on the prices it should be more stunning. (the only reason I didn't give it Five stars!)It's a place for special occasions. The wine list was great. Most people would not be able to afford to eat here very often. I still love it. It is so Romantic and if you want to impress that girl of yours (yes I know she's already impressed) here, You will blow her away!
(4)na z.
Still bad food, rude customer service, and way over priced pretentious dining spot.
(1)B K.
This place is under-rated. I never thought to come here before because it is not a place you routinely hear about as being known for it's food. I thought they were just a touristy spot banking on the fine location they were able to get, right in lincoln park,. I was wrong! We got the tasting menu, which was really rather cheap compared to the prices at comparable restaurants. Not that it is a cheap place...but it's all relative. The food was both well presented and amazing- sometimes I think that places like Alinea get so focused on making things artistic and unique that you loose a little bit of the pleasure of just enjoying food- you know- the great feeling you get when you just get to really fill up your hungry stomach with a good meal. That did not happen here. The food was well presented, but I also really got a meal. The portions were large, and the service was good, which meant you weren't waiting for large amounts of time between courses. Our waiter also knew a tremendous amount about the wines, which was a great asset. I left with the intellectual satisfaction you get from analyzing the artistic creations concocted by a great chef, and the hedonistic satisfaction you get after gobbling down comfort food- but it happened without me feeling fat!
(5)Julia C.
I was also here for the same engagement party at Andrea W and I thought this was one of the most romantic restaurants I've ever been in. It was also the perfect spot for an intimate engagement party! The food could not have been better. I had some kind of pumpkin soup that I've been craving ever since. If you are ever looking for a special spot to take a significant other definitely consider North Pond!
(5)Matt N.
Nice city views from the front dining room and a relaxing place to have dinner. Food is good, but the presentation and staff makes this a must stop. Good date spot in Lincoln Park.
(4)Vanessa Z.
I went here about a year and a half ago and haven't had a better meal before or since. The ambience is incredibly peaceful and romantic and the wait-staff is unparalleled in their timing and professionalism. I can't remember our server's name but she was the most knowledgeable and caring server I've ever had. She was so personally invested in us having a great first-wedding-anniversary that we felt like she was having us over to her home rather than a restaurant.
(5)Shaun K.
The view is excellent. When eating here during the summer, the accordion doors are folded back and the dining room opens to the lake, which is within the park. From beyond the trees, in the background, the city sits, and pre-war mid-rises are in your periphery. It is a true sense of serenity inside the city. The decor in the restaurant is Frank Lloyd Wright inspired and quite detailed, with quotes of literary fame. The service is impeccable and the attention to detail is exquisite. The food is completely seasonal, and changes are made often. The chef speaks of the importance of eating seasonal, organic foods, and you will also realize that these foods are at their optimum flavor while in season too. The food here is more flavorful, more well defined and far above the rest. The tastes are well captured and paired in a way that is rarely seen. With every detail in place, North Pond truly enlivens the diner.
(5)Ingrid G.
This review is for the brunch. It's a fixed price ($32), and you order from the server. There are three choices for every course, and three courses--appetizer, main, and dessert. Although this is gourmet dining, I was not overly impressed with the selections. I feel as though they might take some shortcuts because of the beauty of the location. I'd never had an amuse bousch for brunch, and for good reason----it was a teeny piece of coffee cake! What's the point? Also, there is a dessert course--at 11 am I am not thinking I want dessert. In general, the location, especially in the fall, is as good as it gets! But the brunch is kind of...weird, and not for everyone--which, for a restaurant whose location is perfect for an autumn family brunch is unfortunate. I would be happier if they offered a standard brunch/breakfast menu, keeping the fixed price menu for dinner. (Lula, for example, offers more unusual selections but also offers standard breakfast,/brunch fare like eggs benedict, and they keep everyone happy that way!)
(3)Brent W.
chose north pond for our 1 yr anniversary dinner. notable first course was perch, sorrel, which was impeccable if i might use such an adjective to describe food. the execution of the dish was first rate and flavors were extremely fresh; their attention to detail in presentation should be commended too. for the main course...my wife had the strip steak w. veggies, I chose the wild pheasant. again, both very well prepared and tasted great. overall a good and memorable experience. only complaint would be not being able to sit in the 'room w. a view' and frankly that's perhaps a bigger draw than the food itself, esp when doing a special night out. It would appear you need to get in early for the first seating or just luck out for the second seating and thereafter. 3/5 overall, 4/5 for the food.
(4)kiki h.
This truly is a special restaurant. The food and atmosphere could not be more perfect! The prices are expensive so I suggest going here for special occasions. My mother loves comign here for mother's day brunch every year!
(4)Tammy N.
you can not go wrong here. no matter who you are dining with, this is the perfect place. i was told a long time ago that this was an old ice-skate rental house for the park district. you definitely feel the history of old chicago when you enter the quaint space. the fireplace is fantastic as are the views of lincoln park and the chicago skyline. i've had both lunch and dinner here and thoroughly enjoyed whatever i had. everyone i've dined with here has the same reaction i have which is, "will it ever become socially acceptable to lick the sauce off of your plate?"
(5)Heather C.
We went to the North Pond for a family engagement dinner. The special events coordinator was extremely accommodating and personalized the menu for us and worked around numerous allergies. The ambiance is great, and very Frank Lloyd Wright inspired. (We were at Oak Park visiting FLW's Home and Studio earlier in the day, so it was a perfect finish to our day) The bar in the restaurant is small but cozy. Great wine selection and a decent offering of ones by the glass. Be sure to go before sunset so you can take in the views!
(5)Oscar the Death Cat B.
North Pond's location is probably the most beautiful dining destination in Chicago, situated in the middle of Lincoln Park in a 1920s/30s vintage boat (or field?) house. The interior is tastefully decorated in an Arts & Crafts style. Entrees are not cheap, I think they are all around the $30 range, for my last visit I opted for a 5-course "tasting" menu which costs about $75, which seems pricey but actually was not bad considering that you might spend that much anyway ordering appetizer/salad, entree, and dessert ala carte. Each course of the tasting menu offered a nice variety different dishes in small portions, each dish I sampled was very flavorful & delicious. Dining at North Pond is an event in itself, it's not the kind of restaurant where you should expect to stop in for a quick bite on the way to a movie or show, service is professional but not rushed, dishes are not mass-produced but prepared individually with great care. Diners seem to appreciate taking their time in savoring each course. North Pond would be a bit expensive as any sort of "regular" dinner destination, but for special occasions where you are willing to spend a few extra $$ for outstanding food, service & atmosphere, it is definitely a worthwhile experience.
(5)Jeremy D.
Went to North Pond for dinner and it was phenomenal. The service was top-notch and the restaurant itself is quite comfortable. I love the Mission style design too. We had a table next to the window. Out the window you have one of the most impressive views of the Chicago skyline, the snow was falling and the fireplace was keeping us warm. It's a very special place. The food matches the setting. It was full of wonderful fresh flavors. I started with a squash soup that was excellent. I had the grass fed beef for dinner and it had a wonderful rich and distinctive flavor. I would highly recommend my selections. Our server was very knowledgeable about the wines and we had a great pairing. The waiter told me they grow some of their food in a garden out back and the chef stresses local and sustainable cuisine. I am happy to support our local farmers and I can't wait to return for another excellent dining experience.
(5)Mark P.
Excellent 3 course prix fixe Father's Day brunch. Really the enjoyed the poached egg and pork tenderloin on creamy grits for starter. Halibut and hanger steak entrees were nicely done. Nice presentation to desserts. Great view of the Chicago skyline overlooking the pond. Minus one star for cold yet professional service.
(4)syl p.
Go. There is nothing here to disappoint you. The food, decor, service is stellar.
(5)K B.
OVER-PRICED AND STUFFY! I'm not sure what all the rave reviews are based on for this place, but in my opinion the location is the best thing about it. We went there for a birthday celebration and it was a nice touch that the menu included the person's name on it. (but they are printed daily, so really, not that big of a whoop). We were made to wait for over 35 minutes for our 9pm reservation, then seated and waited on by people who were in no particular hurry and had major attitudes. Cold and stuffy is how I would describe it. We did the 5 or 6 course tasting menu which was good, but the portions were too small for my boyfriend and the only reason we were full at the end was all the bread we filled up on during the 25 min intervals between courses. While most items were creative and fairly delicious, I would in no way say this is a good bet in a city which boasts so many amazing restaurants. I was fairly disappointed for the most part, and even more so when the check came to over $320 for two - whaaat? Go to Spiaggia or Everest for amazing views for that kind of price tag, where the food (and service!) is far superior.
(1)C. A.
I took my wife here for her Birthday. About 3/4 through the entree, I started to feel nauseous but was desperately hoping it would just go away because of the special occasion. PLEASE NOTE: We had neither eaten out beforehand nor had any alcoholic beverages whatsoever. Then, during dessert I had to rush to the restroom and had diarrhea. Before we left North Pond that night - this happened again. But, I still did not mention anything to my wife as not to spoil the occasion. We paid our $200 bill and went directly home. About an hour after we got home, my wife started to experience the same issue and it lasted, for both of us, well into the next day. My wife went into see her doctor the next day and after an incredibly detailed consumption diary the doctor's diagnosis was food poisoning. When I called North Pond to make them aware and to have them refund the dinner - they said there is no way they were going to refund my money and to come back in and they'd give me a modest gift certificate for my trouble. THIS WAS VERY INSULTING. As if we are interested in going back to this restaurant that made us sick. BOTTOM LINE: YOUR RESTAURANT MADE US SICK SO REFUND THE MONEY. It's the right thing to do in this situation - period. i can't think of any other business where if their product made you sick, they would tell you "TOUGH LUCK". $200 is a lot of money so naturally I was upset because the entire experience turned out awful. I have dined out for business 3 times a week for the last 10 years. My family is in the restaurant business. THIS BEHAVIOR IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. Outside of my specific issue, I would tell any prospective North Pond customers to expect a very overpriced, mediocre dinner at a very neat venue. This venue/location obviously drives the restaurant's existence. The food alone is about Wildfire quality at Chop House prices.
(1)do i.
The locale and architecture of the restaurant deserves five stars, the meal itself was, unfortunately, mediocre. I ordered the soft-shell crab appetizer, which was too salty...I also had the duck, which was also too salty. ...I'm sure the quality of the food was great, but I couldn't taste it, since the salt overpowered the flavor. Their lime tart was too tart! Need to be a bit more subtle with their flavoring. I'd go back to have a drink at the bar or sitting by the window for the view, but a full meal here just was not worth it.
(2)Alison M.
You know how sometimes, something tastes so good you have to close your eyes, just so you can fully appreciate it? Well, I pretty much ate every course with my eyes closed here, it was that amazing. And our waiter was so nice--I didn't feel intimidated at all asking about how to eat certain dishes, or what certain things on the menu meant . (I had never heard the word "pave" used to reference pork... and now I can't stop thinking about the amazing pork pave). This is definitely a special occasion restaurant-- and as others have mentioned, they even put your special occasion on your menu! It's such a nice touch. I would come back in a second, I just need another special occasion to celebrate!
(5)sarah b.
Requested a table by the window and couldn't have been happier with the table, decor, ambiance. This restaurant seems to be very conservation-minded, with a lot of locally grown produce, sustainable foods, even the booze seemed predominantly organic. Heavy on bacon and pork flavoring, so not super vegetarian-friendly. I did have an asparagus soup with a lemony goat chesse souffle and the over-all effect was bland. For my entree a fish I had never heard of, berramunde(?) served with the skin on and I really disliked it. The fish was pedestrian at best. My husband enjoyed everything he ordered(he had lingering bacon taste even after we got home), so maybe I didn't order right. I loved this space and like the idea of it, but wouldn't return to eat. I would, however go to the bar to enjoy the spectacular view and thoughtfully stocked bar.
(3)kari w.
I love, love, love this restaurant. My family took me there for my graduation, and we were so happy about it!! First, the view outside the restaurant is incredible. You can see the Chicago skyline from across the pond. If you are on a date, definitely plan some time for having a stroll around the park either before or after the meal! Second, the meal is incredible. The meal changes daily, so it's hard to comment on each meal. For an appetizer, I had the lobster and eggs - it was one of the best appetizers I have ever had. So different and delicious. Finally, the service is some of the best I've had anywhere (and I've been to Charlie Trotters and a bunch of the world's best). She actually knew the history of our food, down to the names of the farmers! I cannot recommend this restaurant enough - it's the best place I have been in Chicago by far. Go, go, go!!
(5)Philippe F.
We've run by this place a million and a half times, and have always planned on eating here. Then one day we said, eff it let's go. So off we went. Every time I go out, I typically have the same cocktail, which I can easily make at home. Therefore I chose to try one of their "Specialty" dranks. The Peach & Honey. Bourbon....Good. IPA....Good. Peaches.....I can eat a peach for hours. All in all, it was nice, different and enjoyable. Not too pinky up, umbrella fruity. 1st course: Foie Gras & Chile Relleno in a corn/crab soup. First and foremost, that is the largest sauteed foie gras I have ever been served. Fatty, tasty and crispy on the edges, along with some sweet berries. Oh hells effin yeah! My lady got the corn on the cob soup. The stuffed pepper and lump crab meat was redick. I would have been happy with another bottle of wine and doubling up on these apps. Perhaps next time that's what we'll do. 2nd course: She had the peach salad, which was sweet like a peach, and green like a salad. I had the tomatoes with basil and parm, which for the price, I could have made a weeks worth at the house. All in all, should have skipped, and will do so in the future. Main event: My lady got the pork tenderloin, which was off the heezy. So many different sauces and flavors, with a colorful presentation as well. I usually order the better dish when we go out, even though we share everything. The halibut was ummmm....yeah. Twas a little on the blandish side. Although the fennel and gazpacho was good. Dessert: We went for the red velvet cake, which was good, although I've had better in the form of a cupcake. They mistakenly brought over the chocolate and cherry dessert, which I heard was awesome. So we lost out on that. Also their Whiskey and Scotch list is a little lacking. I would definitely come back but would be a little bit more wiser in regards to my stomach real estate.
(4)Jennifer T.
I went here because I wanted to experience delicious organic food in a beautiful setting. I assumed the service would be good, too. I was very disappointed. I went with 2 other diners. We tried each other's dishes and they were all too salty and I'm not one that is shy of sodium. We told the waitress about the dishes being over salty and she stared at us wide-eyed and ran off and never came back! I asked another server and explained the situation and he responded appropriately and then never came back. What's going on? I turned around and looked at the chef at the counter. I noticed him sprinkling more salt onto every dish after it comes to the counter ready to be served. Well, I'm not sure if the sous chef was not supposed to season it and that was the chef's job or where the breakdown in miscommunication happened. I did notice him yelling under his breath at many servers and chefs so now understood the fear in our server's eyes. She and the other server were too afraid to tell him what was wrong. We did not see our server again until the bill (someone else took our dessert order), and I asked to speak to the manager. He wasn't available. What?! Is this happening? So strange. I wasn't asking in a hostile tone. I was polite and respectful. Maybe that was my problem. I should have yelled. I thought that if I asked enough staff members that someone would respond. I was wrong. I paid a lot for this meal and had been looking forward to it. This is what happens - oversalted and no response? So, I decided to give them another chance to redeem themselves, and emailed the chef and the main site to explain the situation and how disappointed I was. There was no response back. Not even an automated response. Not only was everything too salty, the service was strange and skittish. All i wanted was an apology or perhaps a different entree or the same entree without salt. It still upsets me how my situation was handled or not handled. So, if you do go there and something is under-seasoned or over-seasoned (which will happen cause it happened to other friends of ours, too) don't complain. Nothing will be done about it.
(2)Fabian B.
I went back in Sep 09, remember it a bit difficult to find as it is hidden, but once you are there its very special. Almost cosy for a restaurant as its very small. Service was very attentive, food amazing , well excecuted - fresh, seasonal, not too many choices (which is always a plus for me) Value for money is reasonable for this kind of establishment - its well worth spending your dough in here.
(4)Jennifer H.
I had brunch here yesterday with my husband and another couple. I have to say the service here is by far the best service I've ever had. I like to say they had stealth service, every time I turned around my coffee cup was refilled and I didn't even notice someone had been there. Our server gave us the right amount of attention too, always around and there but without being in your face. My meal was good, but the dessert Chocolate, Pecan was the best dessert I have ever had. They mix in a tad of cayenne pepper (guessing) and sea salt on top of the dessert that leaves the right blend of sweet and savory! If you come here, you must order. I asked our server if I can order this to go and I will be coming back just so I can have this dessert. If you are looking for a great brunch with excellent service you should give North Pond a try.
(5)L S.
We have been to North Pond four times. Each time, the food has been pretty good for my husband, not so good for my vegetarian self. They routinely do not list a vegetarian option on the menu and when you inquire they say "we make one off the cuff". What this essentially means is, being a vegetarian, you have no say in what the actual meal is, but you will pay $40+ for whatever they come up with. I find this disconcerting as it was amazing one out of three visits. The fourth, I finally ordered a dessert cheese plate in place of my meal. The second issue I have is the valet/cab service. The first time we valeted, it was 16 degrees and the valet was no where to be seen for 25 minutes outside. We finally located our car a street away and it was unlocked!! Unfortunately we could not drive it away as he had the keys but we were able to sit in it until he returned. This evening, the waiter and host told us the valet would have a cab waiting, to go out to the street. As we went to the street, the valet was sitting in someone's BMW at the stop sign and said he can't get us a cab unless one drove by. So we stood outside for another 10 minutes in the Chicago winter waiting. I am fine with calling my own cab but since you have to walk out through the park and there's no shelter to wait in, I feel as though they should be able to get you one and send you out when it arrives. I would not be so picky had we ever spent less then $250-$300 for the two of us here but it seems it should be part of the experience at that price. Our server was fairly "stuffy" and the service did not lend itself to the customer service oriented establishments we're becoming accustomed to in our generation. That being said, we do love the ambiance and decor. It's a lovely restaurant in a lovely spot. Just be aware your money could go much further elsewhere..
(1)Michael S.
Happy to have tried it (sort of, considering that try cost two and a quarter), but next time, definitely someplace else. How is it that a fully vegetarian entree ($33) gets charged only $2 less than the steak entree ($35)? Really?....Really? Then, the rest of the bill went something like: 2 cocktails (great, but one was tiny)....$25 2 apps (4 small shrimp w/ tiny amt of smoked trout and diced veggies- menu misleads, and really should be called shrimp, veggies, vs. shrimp, smoked trout)....$25 1 side (of squash purée-very good and complex, but it's still just a root vegetable...$10 2 deserts (decent)....$24 Corkage....$25 Tax....$18 Tip....$40 Clearly, not cheap, and if not for the allure of being in the park, overlooking the lagoon, there really are so many better restaurants at this level (and nothing was really super memorable). Finally, I understand there were no additional two tops in the room overlooking the city/park, but there were plenty of 4 tops. As such, why would we not be seated at a 4 top in that room (as we requested that room) when they put us at a 4 top in the interior room? That was somewhat irritating.
(3)Tyler A.
Ate here a while ago, Really liked this place! Quaint, remote, fresh seasonal ingredients, awesome presentation, rich and savory dishes and light and fresh dishes. Reasonably priced Special occasion? Tell them and they'll personalize your menu AND Dessert Plate! - Any occasion, not just anniversary/birthday! Have fun with it... try - " 1st day I haven't had diarrhea in a while" - they'll do it! (maybe) Ask for a window seat but hard to get. My question is why is the restaurant so far away from the pond, its still a nice view... but there's 100 feet of emptiness.. Will go to brunch next time, now just gotta come up with an occasion..
(5)Shang X.
I am giving a 3 star here because of the service. I have to say the food here is gorgeous. I am Chinese and I usually don' t like non-Chinese style dishes (I am not talking about the fake Chinese food here in US though), but North Pond Cafe has some very exquisite delicacies. The only "western style" restaurant in US that I have been to and is better than this one is Bistro Du Coin in Washington D.C. I would say(that one is a real gem!!!!). North Pond Cafe is a bit pricy, and the service there is a bit sloppy as well. We were having a walk near north pond and was just passing by the restaurant and thought we'd give it a try and we had the Sunday brunch there, didn't have a reservation so had to wait for like 15 minutes. I liked the pork belly I ordered very much. :) I think we would be back and try their dinner courses.
(3)kathy z.
The food and service is amazing here. I typically get the tasting menu. I don't eat red meat and they are very accommodating about changing the menu to fit my tastes. It's a very romantic restaurant and is great for a special date. Ask for a table in the front room.
(4)Jen M.
When my Dad and stepmom (who's a foodie) came to town I knew North Pond would be the perfect place to take them. This was my first time there. The atmosphere is rustic chic and very welcoming. The bar is great (albeit too warm in there) and the front room has a fireplace and overlooked a pond and had a nice view of the city. The restaurant showcases high-end spirits and a great wine list. The food is expertly prepared. I started with the the fennel salad with quince. It was outstanding. Then I moved on to the grass-fed beef with beets as my main dish. The beef was okay but the beets were the most delicious ones I have ever had. The rutabaga was yummy as well. What makes North Pond special is the unique combination of flavors they have in their food. Clearly, it's a well thought-out menu that is all about showcasing food and promoting food appreciation / enjoyment. I wish I could say the service was excellent but it wasn't. The woman who waited on us (ponytail, glasses) took 10 minutes to show up to our table from the time we sat down. I was surprised that it took her that long. And when she did show up at the table she only handed us the menus and walked off. No welcome, no nothing. I wish I could say she was friendly but she had an attitude. The other waitstaff was extremely attentive (water guy and the guy who brought the amuse-bouche). If I go back I will specifically request not to sit in her section. The night we were there it was pouring down rain. Since the restaurant is set back from the road, I thought it would be a nice touch for the restaurant to have someone standing at the street with an umbrella to welcome diners or at least escort them to the front door of the restaurant. I think it would be a nice touch if they would offer this.
(4)Jennifer O.
One of our favorite restaurants in the city, this is my go-to place for special occasions. The food is always exquisite, the service is excellent and the location and ambiance are beautiful. Chef/owner Bruce Sherman is one of the fathers of the now ubiquitous farm-to-table movement (although he apparently dislikes that phrase) and the menu at North Pond is always changing accordingly, making use of seasonal ingredients from local sources. The Arts and Crafts building and park district location reflect this environmentally conscious sensibility as well. Chef Sherman transforms these local ingredients into gastronomical adventures as fine as any of Chicago's starred celebrity chefs. I highly recommend the tasting menu, especially with the wine pairings. And the service is always spot-on: knowledgeable but not stuffy, attentive but not overbearing. Seriously, go there. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Charlie C.
We come here yearly, and food quality has gone down. Dishes have oh so many ingredients it's a bit overwhelming. A lot of game/fish dishes, strange combinations. I can never get over the rather high prices for small portions of food, which is good in one way. Beef entree when served was tepid, and 2 minutes later, cold, though tasty. The interiors are cozy and quaint Praire-style until you get to the main dining area that embraces the open kitchen and its extremely unattractive glaring fluorescent light -yuck. The ambiance could be fabulous if they covered up the kitchen.
(3)Carolynn G.
Why is this restaurant not known far and wide as one of the best places to eat in all of Chicago? Decor. Got it. Service. Got that too--so friendly. Food? Amazing! We went there for my birthday this week. It was my fourth trip there in about 3 years (since we had a child we don't get out much)...and it was as wonderful as I remember. The degustation (sp?) of ginger beef tartar with a side of carrot juice and purple and yellow beet jellies paired with an excellent champagne started us off (champagne + ginger = mmmmmm), and it just got better and better. I don't like lobster, but one of the courses featured it and was still amazing (when something you don't generally enjoy tastes good, you know they're doing something right). Oh, and they had a lovely salmon and caviar "appetizer". Sigh. Heaven. There are places that are newer, and hipper, and dare I say, more expensive, but North Pond is not to be missed.
(5)K R.
My parents, my wife, and I ate at North Pond at the end of February to celebrate my mother's 60th birthday. We couldn't have had a better time, eaten better food, or received better service. I reserved our table on OpenTable - very easy, no trouble. North Pond called me to confirm the reservation and to confirm that they had also received my request for a quiet table. They also asked if we were celebrating anything special and when I mentioned my mother's birthday, they asked for her name so that they could print customized menus for our table that read "Happy Birthday, Betsy." That's a really nice touch, no? We split four appetizers, four entrees, and two desserts. Without going into the minute details, all of the food was spectacular and well-executed. And, without asking them to do so, they brought out a separate dessert plate for my mother, which had the same birthday message, but written in chocolate. I think my mom's heart melted :) Our server was extremely personable and struck a great balance between being very engaged and then allowing us time to talk as a family without frequent interruptions. Oh! And the restaurant is beautiful and cozy inside. A perfect refuge from a blustery winter evening. I would recommend North Pond for any occasion that needs marking. It would be particularly great for a romantic dinner for two. Well done, North Pond. Well done.
(5)Heather S.
Absolutely one of the best dining experiences I have ever had! The setting, the menu, the service, the wine and beer selection and the food are all outstanding. Our waitress was extremely friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot on and she was just personable and pleasant. The dishes were creative, unique and unbelievably delicious. My husband and I had the walleye, the crab salad, and for main dishes we had the grass-fed beef and apple pork. To say that they were great is understatement. They were mind blowing. The pork was so tender and the flavors in it were just perfect. The portion sizes on everything are just enough for you to get a good taste and indulge in the flavors. Dessert was exceptional. I had the Pear, Cinnamon plate and it was the best thing I have ever had. Three unbelievable sorbets, Pear, Earl Gray Tea, another flavor I can't remember now. They were atop these chewy, toffee like cookies and it was a flavor explosion. I just felt that everything from the decor to the service, to the food was just so well thought out. You can tell that someone is very passionate about food in that kitchen and it was a pure pleasure to dine there. It is worth every penny!!!!!!11
(5)Megan M.
I feel so bad saying anything negative about this place since everyone seems to love it! We went there for Tom's 31st B-Day and a joint 30th B-Day for me. They did create menus for us with our names on it for posterity sake, but that's the extent of the service. For starters, don't go there in the winter. You have to walk a half mile from the main street to the restaurant as it is literally in Lincoln Park. The bartender was unhelpful and unresponsive. They sat us right in front of the kitchen, which might have been their way of saying 'look at how good we are', but I thought 'sit here - we don't care about you'. The server was RUDE and seemed annoyed to have to deal with us since we had two separate checks. No champagne? Forget it. They don't want your service if you don't plan to spend over $500...trust me. There are much better places with better service in Chicago. They are using their location as a draw, but people will figure out this hoax soon enough. Unmemorable.
(1)Meredith K.
I had dreams of coming to North Pond. Maybe my expectations were too high... Initially we had a table of 6 reserved on Open Table. A few days before we called ahead because we wanted the tasting menu but 1 of us doesn't eat lamb and another isn't keen on salmon. We also wanted to put a request in for the patio. My friend needed me to call her after to vent about the woman who answered the phone. She said "well your friend can either order 4 courses or skip the lamb and we'll put a note on your rez for the patio" Apparently the woman was very curt. Imagine paying $85 for a meal and skipping a course?! I said not to worry I'm sure the wait person can sort it out. When we arrived we told them that we lost 3 in our party due to traffic coming in from Madison. They were cool. They also allowed for a lamb substitution with fish. Cool. The 3 of us got the tasting ($85 each) with the wine pairing (another $45 each). Before that we wanted a cocktail ($12 each) We got a few sips into the cocktail when the 1st wine glass arrived. Then our course which was salmon in some green jelly. Looked great but flavor/texture was unusual. Mind you I still had most of my cocktail and now a glass of wine. From there on out we were rushed. I felt like college, 2 full drinks in front of me at all times...The food was ok. I mean, add brown butter to anything and I'll marry it! The dessert was quite delicious. But the rushing. I don't get it. Then, we didn't even have the dessert yet, and we notified the waitress that one of our missing friends was en route for a drink, and to please bring a dessert menu. Cool...at first. Then the dessert was served and we got a "is she close" Then we finished but still had a glass of wine each and then some and the manager/sommelier, who didn't stop by once the entire night asked where she was. I was taken aback. We were still finishing up! We were asked a 3rd time and that is when our friend showed up for a glass of wine and the cheese plate. Given how we were rushed through the entire dinner we didn't feel too horrible. Plus at this point we were at about $150 a head for the 3 of us w/o tip! Finally, after we drank our wine, ate our cheese and paid our bill with a 20% tip we walked our tardy friend to the valet. The valet was sitting in his car. We got his attention only to be met with "Its gonna be awhile" This review should be on REALLY?! with Seth and Amy. Good looking place but the food wasn't mind blowing enough to go through that again.
(2)Stacey P.
Mother and I strolled over to North Pond for her birthday dinner. They seated us in the back room, which I was grumbling about since I was hoping for a window seat. The back room reminds me of old-school chicago fancy. I guess that's a good thing? Our waiter, Shannon, was excellent. Very knowledgable without sounding pretentious. He also used his iPhone to google the answer to a question that mother and I were debating. The amuse bouche was delicious! Tuna tartare with cucumber salad. I wish I could have ordered only that. We ordered prawns for the appetizer. They were quite yummy, a mix of different flavors (that I can't remember now, sorry), however I thought prawns were supposed to be large. They were smaller than your average shrimp. (Ey, booboo!) Mother ordered a Pork dish that was EXCELLENT. The pork was delicious and tender, accompanied by Kale, andouille sausage, figs (yum)... and others. I got a grassfed beef dish. It definitely had less fat than usual, but it was also less juicy than usual. Such is the grassfed variety, overall it was good. It also came with cauliflower and pine nuts. I am not a fan of fancy desserts, but I liked the salted caramel ice cream!
(4)Adam S.
Framing: My partner and I went to this restaurant for a late Saturday dinner. We had read about it in Chicago Magazine. I was a bit nervous because the woman that called to confirm the reservation was a bit snooty so I expected the restaurant to be the same. Luckily, it was not at all. Final bill was around $220 for food, desert, and wine. My story: The location is quite scenic and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be during the summer. The ambiance is nice and the food was pretty good. The portions will look small to you but they are actually perfect and you go home full. This is no Rosebud or Tuscany on Taylor, so you will not bring home leftovers! I had the squab dish which was quite flavorful. Dave had the skate entree which was amazing!! As an appetizer, I had something that tasted like a cookie with melons on top of it. It was good, but I would not recommend it. Dave had the apple char salad which was another interesting concoction that neither of us would exactly reocmmend. The waiter paired wine for us and did a pretty good job, and the desrts were phenomenal. I had a breadpudding (don't even think it will be anything like breadpudding you have had before. totally different in everyway) while Dave had a chocolate dish that was rich and quite tasty with a buttery ice cream on top. No matter how hard you try, it is unlikely you can leave dinner here spending less than $100 per person. So, if you're hungry and looking to stretch your money, go to Wild Fire for dinner and walk through Lincoln Park just before or afterward. If looking for a special place for a birthday or anniversary dinner, this would be a nice place. There are DOZENS of restaurants in Chicago with better food than North Pond, but few with such a unique location and ambiance. (For reference, I consider the food quality, portion size, service, value for price, and quality of view/decor of North Pond the same as sixteen in Trump Tower)
(3)Joscelyn M.
I really love this place. I always have such a wonderful dining experience, which, for me means the whole package: 1. incredible food; 2. divine wine; 3. lovely setting and 4. gracious service. The food is always fresh and creative. I usually get whatever fish dish is in season at the time and am always happy. This is a great date place, a nice girls night locale and a perfect parent spot!
(5)Mike M.
Underwhelming..... The night started off nice, had a drink in the bar with the company, the hostess was very nice. We were seated in the room with the fireplace. The waitress that we got was a ROBOT, no kidding, i could not get a single human emotion out of her, no smiles, no opinions, nothing. She was a bit condescending presuming that we needed the menu explained to us. I had (app) Sea Scallops, Apple - Good, but its pretty difficult to mess up sea scallops. Had a buttery almond sauce and some apples. Two small scallops, not even an appetizer for two, more of an amuse. (salad) Heart of Palm, Pomegranate - not bad, the waitress felt the need to ask me twice if i was comfortable "eating sushi" even though the description clearly says "Yellowfin tuna tartar" It was basically a very small heart of palm salad with a slice of sashimi and come pomegranate sorbet (main) Black Bass, Apple - it was good..... that's about all i can say. I actually had to look over the menu online to remember what i had. That's how memorable it was. When i asked the other three guests in the party how their mains, were i got an unenthusiastic "good". My brother got the farm egg with sausage and some berry syrup, it honestly tasted like waffles with boysenberry syrup my father used to make on Sunday mornings. Totally did not fit in with the rest of the meal. IMO a little honesty goes a long way, when i ask her what dessert she recommends, she respond "i like all of them equally" i push the issue since i have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life, and asked her if it was possible to like every single of the 5 or so desserts EXACTLY the same.... she said with a straight face that she has absolutely no preference over one or the other.... Take your money and go to Blackbird instead.
(2)Steve S.
A nice place in the most genuine sense of the word(s). Lovely setting, casual and comfortable, the food was excellent, pricey but not obnoxious. Like a country place in the city.
(4)Kenneth C.
I'm actually reviewing this from Summer 2008, when I last went. What I had: First Course: Foie Gras, Cherries Sautéed Duck Liver, Ancho French Toast, Orange Muscat Early Cherries, Glazed Baby Leeks, Granola I've never had foie gras before, and it was absolutely amazing. I now understand why people want it so much -- and I understand why some people really object to it. There's no way something that fatty could exist normally in nature. The Early Cherries were slightly heated and amazing; the french toast, leeks, and granola couldn't compete for taste and were mainly filler. To start, they served us a spoonful each of a salmon puree, with pickled radishes on the side. It was unbelievable -- an explosion of flavor in the mouth without being overpowering. A perfect start. Salad: Sweet Shrimp, Melon Alaskan Sweet Shrimp, Chilled Parmesan Consommé, English Peas, Cantaloupe, Opal Basil The thing I remember most about this were the English Peas; now I know how peas not in a can taste. They were slightly crunchy and very delicious. The consomme was...odd. I don't know that I'd do that again. Main Course: Pork, Apricots Roasted Pork Chop, Glazed Boneless Rib, Ancho-Braised Shoulder; Chive Shortbread, Minestra Nera, Apricots This was unbelievable, with the exception of the shortbread, which was too overpowering. The Glazed Boneless Rib was to die for -- tender, flavorful, mouthwatering; the pork chop itself was equally amazing; lightly salted and they let the chop speak for itself otherwise. Extremely tender. The Apricot compote they used was absolutely perfect. Dessert: Raspberries I don't remember what was in this and it's not in The Menu online, but it was: fresh raspberries, raspberry meringue (that was amazing), tres leches cake, and a fanciful twirl of brown sugar lace. Very refreshing, and utterly delicious. Drinks: Cocktail: I can't recall the name, but it was cucumber, gin, thyme, and lemon. And if that sounds disgusting, it shockingly was not. It came salt-rimmed, and was extremely refreshing. The lemon and cucumber competed with the gin, which is good, because I don't like gin's aftertaste. Whomever thought this up deserves a medal. Wine: A nice Merlot, but unremarkable Coffee: A very, very good cappuccino -- with brown sugar sugar cubes! So cool. I actually had one of them on their own, very molasses-y.
(5)Ann S.
We love North Pond, especially for birthdays. After a last minute reservation, we were seated next to a window, backs to a roaring fire. A simple request was made to turn the heat down, and we were toasty warm for the whole meal. Wild pheasant, shot on the wing, came complete with warnings to be aware of possible shot hidden in the flesh. ( we found none). But the flavor!! Truly spectacular. Creative and inventive menu makes this a gem of a restaurant. Gorgeous views of the lagoon and skyline; romantic strolls thru the park to and from the car; cozy,intimate ambience inside - it all adds up to fantastic!
(5)Jennifer M.
Amazing, unique location, outstanding menu skillfully prepared, staff was on top of things, we had no criticisms! Went on valentines day and can't wait to go back for the full menu. Wine pairings were fantastic and surprising. Special occasion must visit!
(5)Meredith B.
Went here for a special occasion and had the fall tasting menu. This restaurant really provided a lavish experience. The service in particular was impeccable - servers were attentive, but non-intrusive. The tasting menu was really exciting. Everything was plated in a completely gorgeous manner, and all the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. Because we did the tasting menu, we had six different courses, but everything was small enough that we weren't stuffed at the end. I loved the opportunity to try so many different courses. We really took our time with each course, and had a wonderful, elegant meal. I remember finishing every bite except for the rich dessert. Produce was especially fresh - I loved the beet salad in particular. Definitely a great place to go for special occasions!
(5)Ann M.
Went for brunch and was not disappointed!! Amazing food and beautiful location!!! Great service too:)
(5)Jeff N.
Came here for our wedding anniversary. The service was great, food was delicious, ambiance and scenery was nice.
(4)