Award-winning

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

4.7

2374 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

27 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 29 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Great for outdoor dining

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. We pride ourselves in showcasing dishes made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from Midwest farms.

Experience a chef-driven menu featuring everything from pierogis and market fresh salads, to Chef Art Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. Walk-ins are always encouraged. Be sure to join us during the warmer weather months when the beautiful outdoor patio is open. While visiting, be sure to enjoy one of Blue Door Kitchen’s garden-to-glass cocktails, local beers or perfectly paired wines from our extensive list.

For reservations eight or larger, please call the restaurant 312-573-4000.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 573-4000
Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Chef De Juan
Private party facilities
Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.

Location
52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Area
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Cross Street
Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
Parking details
Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday & Sunday 9am-8:30pm
Public transit
CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop<br />#22 Clark Street Bus<br />#36 Broadway Bus
Entertainment
No
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Popular dishes

Shrimp & GritsUS$24.00
geechie boy grits, andouille, tomato stew
Buttermilk Fried ChickenUS$26.00
garlic mashed potato, hot sauce
Salmon En CrouteUS$29.00
apple butter, brussels sprouts, fennel, rosemary cream
Ribeye
zucchini, pecan pesto, green tomatoes
- MP
Parisienne GnocchiUS$28.00
farm carrots, peas, cheese of the day
1/2 Rack of Lamb
summer couscous, pickled melons, fennel, cilantro, lamb jus
- MP

Desserts

Hummingbird CakeUS$12.00
pecan, coconut crumble, seasonal coulis
Key Lime PieUS$9.00
whipped cream, macadamia praline, burnt honey caramel
GelatoUS$7.00
daily selection

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)US$14.00
Tanquery Gin, celery bitters, tonic, sage
Chicago Fire (1871)US$14.00
Don Julio Blanco Tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime, grapefruit bitters
Columbian Exposition (1893)US$14.00
Fleur de Cana Rum, falernum, italicus, lime, soda; nut allergy
Century of Progress (1933)US$14.00
Strawberry-infused Western Son Vodka, rhubarb liquor, lime, ginger beer

The Stripes

The Lake & the RiverUS$14.00
Jasmine tea infused Glenfiddich scotch, lemon, simple syrup, thyme
The South SideUS$14.00
Blackberry Infused Union Mezcal, sake, elderflower, lemon, simple syrup, aquafaba
The West SideUS$14.00
Bulleit/ Fleur De Cana Anejo, Amargo de chile, lime, simple syrup
The North SideUS$14.00
Hess Chardonay, grapefruit juice, elderflower, lime, simple syrup

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, FranceUS$125.00
N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, CaliforniaUS$75.00
N.V J Vineyards, Rose, CaliforniaUS$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, ItalyUS$50.00
Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, FranceUS$90.00
Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South AfricaUS$80.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, CaliforniaUS$95.00
Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$140.00
Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, GermanyUS$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, OregonUS$175.00
Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, FranceUS$70.00
Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, LebanonUS$200.00
Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, CaliforniaUS$100.00
Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$85.00
Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, FranceUS$140.00
Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, FranceUS$280.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, ItalyUS$225.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, CaliforniaUS$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, FranceUS$17.00
N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes SpainUS$13.00
N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, ItalyUS$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, FranceUS$16.00
Bottled Exclusively for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, CaliforniaUS$15.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, FranceUS$20.00
Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, ItalyUS$14.00
Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, ItalyUS$15.00
Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, ItalyUS$12.00
Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, FranceUS$16.00
Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$16.00
Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, AustriaUS$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, OregonUS$17.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, ItalyUS$18.00
Malbec, Graffito, 2017, Lujan De Cuyo, ArgentinaUS$15.00
Tempranillo, El Vinculo, 2013, Castilla La Mancha, SpainUS$13.00
Grenache Blend, Côtes Du Rhône, 2015, Rhône, FranceUS$14.00
Sangiovese, Tenute Slivio Nardi, 2017, Rosso di Montalcino, ItalyUS$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Roth Estate, 2017, Central Coast, CaliforniaUS$18.00
Merlot, Duckhorn Vineyards, 2016, Napa Valley, CaliforniaUS$20.00

Other

MimosaUS$9.00
Seasonal MimosaUS$10.00

Bourbon / Whiskey

1792 BourbonUS$14.00
Basil HaydenUS$14.00
BearfaceUS$16.00
BlantonsUS$21.00
Buffalo TraceUS$11.00
BulleitUS$12.00
Cody Road RyeUS$17.00
Eagle Rare 10 YearUS$13.00
E.H Taylor Jr Single BarrelUS$14.00
Gentleman JackUS$15.00
HibikiUS$32.00
High West Double RyeUS$16.00
Kentucky OwlUS$48.00
Old PotreroUS$22.00
Rabbit HoleUS$16.00
Sazarac RyeUS$13.00
Templeton RyeUS$14.00
Tullamore D.E.WUS$14.00
Weller Special ReserveUS$12.00
W.L Weller 12 YearUS$15.00
Weller Antique 107US$14.00
Whistle Pig 15 YearUS$45.00
Woodford ReserveUS$16.00
Willet 3 Year RyeUS$23.00

Scotch

Balvenie 15 YearUS$20.00
Balvenie 21 YearUS$38.00
Dalmore 12 YearUS$15.00
Dalwhinnie 15 YearUS$18.00
Glenfiddich 12 YearUS$12.00
Glenrothes Single Malt ScotchUS$14.00
Johnny Walker BlackUS$24.00
Johnny Walker BlueUS$80.00
Macallan 12 YearUS$14.00
Macallan 18 YearUS$45.00
Monkey Shoulder ScotchUS$15.00

Tequila / Mezcal

Clase Azul PlataUS$25.00
Clase Azul ReposadoUS$30.00
Don Julio BlancoUS$12.00
Don Julio ReposadoUS$17.00
Don Julio 1942US$28.00
Milagro SilverUS$13.00
Milagro ReposadoUS$14.00
Milagro AnejoUS$15.00
Paris ReposadoUS$12.00
Union MezcalUS$12.00
Villa Sosu MezcalUS$12.00
Lucy Pistolas MezcalUS$10.00

What 2,374 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden offers a cozy, charming ambiance perfect for both romantic dates and friendly gatherings. Guests rave about their "excellent food," with standout dishes like fried chicken and hummingbird cake. The delightful patio provides a serene escape from city bustle, making it a must-visit for any occasion.

2,374 Reviews

s
samuel
Chicago
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
fantastic food! Great place, especially if you want to converse without loud people and bangingg music
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded today
Dear Samuel, Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the food and appreciated our atmosphere—it’s great to hear you found it perfect for good conversation. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another enjoyable experience! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
G
Gilbert Marcus
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our “go-to” restaurant whenever we can get a table. The food is spectacular, and the service is first rate. Chef DeJuan Ward is amazing, and makes certain that every meal is excellent.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 1 day ago
Dear Gilbert, Thank you for your kind words and for making us your “go-to” restaurant! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoy the spectacular food and first-rate service. Chef DeJuan Ward and our entire team are dedicated to creating memorable experiences, and your feedback means the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service 6th anniversary was great
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 1 day ago
Dear Chris, Thank you for celebrating your 6th anniversary with us! We’re honored to have been part of such a special occasion and thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and service. Wishing you many more happy anniversaries, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
L
Loulitha
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The food was delicious…..however our very soft spoken waitress was in a rush to get us out of there. We were incessantly asked if we were done with our food, while still attempting to eat. We never finished our drinks because of being rushed. Not sure if this is their norm, but it was a very unwelcoming experience.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Loulitha, Thank you for your feedback. While we’re glad you enjoyed the food, I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience felt rushed and unwelcoming. This is not the level of hospitality we strive for. Please reach out to our manager, Jovani, through our website or by phone so we can learn more and make this right. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you back for a better experience. Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Chicago
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wife wanted fried chicken do we went to Blue Door because best in city. Perfect service and perfect food
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Jeff, Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear your visit lived up to expectations and that the fried chicken hit the spot. Knowing both the food and service were perfect means so much to us. We look forward to welcoming you and your wife back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
L
Lia
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant with delicious dishes. Small but diverse menu with great options for everyone.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 5 days ago
Dear Lia, Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed our beautiful space and found our menu diverse and delicious. It’s always a pleasure to hear we’ve provided a great experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My second visit to Blue Door, and do not disappoint! Can’t wait to try upcoming newer menu items by Chef!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on 19 November 2024
Dear Bob, Thank you for joining us again and for the wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the shrimp and grits, salmon, and kale salad. It’s great to hear our servers helped make your visit special, and we can’t wait to share the upcoming menu items with you. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
G
Gigi
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food the hostess wanted to sit outside though our reservation was inside
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on 18 November 2024
Thank you, Gigi, for your 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the food. We apologize for any mix-up with your seating and appreciate your understanding. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to make your next visit even smoother. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
P
Peggyb
Las Vegas
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a delightful retro comfort dinner at Blue Door Kitchen. The back patio was magical. The fried chicken and shrimp and grits were just what we needed to console us in these tumultuous times. Great service too!!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on 18 November 2024
Thank you, Peggyb, for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed a comforting and magical evening on our back patio. The fried chicken and shrimp and grits are indeed perfect for lifting spirits, and we’re thrilled they hit the spot. We’ll pass your kind words along to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
T
Tone
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
bartender Jose is second to NO ONE!! Superb food taste and presentation! excellent experience!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on 17 November 2024
Thank you, Tone, for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear Jose made such a memorable impression—he truly is a star! We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to him and the team. We’re so glad you enjoyed the food, presentation, and overall experience. We look forward to seeing you again for another excellent date night! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 573-4000.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is rated 4.7 stars by 2374 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

27 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross Street
Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
Area
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday & Sunday 9am-8:30pm
Public transit
CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop#22 Clark Street Bus#36 Broadway Bus
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Chef De Juan
Entertainment
No
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 573-4000
Private party facilities
Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Mac & Cheese

Brussels & Kale Salad

To Share

Baba GanoushUS$12.00

Deviled EggsUS$9.00

Crab CakeUS$17.00

CornbreadUS$9.00

Mac & CheeseUS$10.00

Salads & Soups

Bibb SaladUS$15.00

Brussels & Kale SaladUS$17.00

Minestrone SoupUS$7.00

Entrées

Shrimp & GritsUS$24.00

Buttermilk Fried ChickenUS$26.00

Salmon En CrouteUS$29.00

Ribeye

Parisienne GnocchiUS$28.00

1/2 Rack of Lamb

Desserts

Hummingbird CakeUS$12.00

Key Lime PieUS$9.00

GelatoUS$7.00

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)US$14.00

Chicago Fire (1871)US$14.00

Columbian Exposition (1893)US$14.00

Century of Progress (1933)US$14.00

The Stripes

The Lake & the RiverUS$14.00

The South SideUS$14.00

The West SideUS$14.00

The North SideUS$14.00

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, FranceUS$125.00

N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, CaliforniaUS$75.00

N.V J Vineyards, Rose, CaliforniaUS$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, ItalyUS$50.00

Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, FranceUS$90.00

Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South AfricaUS$80.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, CaliforniaUS$95.00

Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$140.00

Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, GermanyUS$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, OregonUS$175.00

Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, FranceUS$70.00

Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, LebanonUS$200.00

Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, CaliforniaUS$100.00

Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$85.00

Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, FranceUS$140.00

Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, FranceUS$280.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, ItalyUS$225.00

Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, CaliforniaUS$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, FranceUS$17.00

N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes SpainUS$13.00

N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, ItalyUS$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, FranceUS$16.00

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, CaliforniaUS$15.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, FranceUS$20.00

Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, ItalyUS$14.00

Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, ItalyUS$15.00

Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, ItalyUS$12.00

Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, FranceUS$16.00

Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, CaliforniaUS$16.00

Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, AustriaUS$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, OregonUS$17.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, ItalyUS$18.00