Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

The experience was out of this world. Understandably my boyfriend and I weren’t able to get a reservation for Valentine’s Day so we set one for the day after. We were seated quickly in a cozy booth in a beautifully decorated room. We started with the oysters - the mignonette was delightful! We also shared the steak tartare which we were a little intimidated by at first but really enjoyed. Before dinner I had the professional martini and it really was the perfect drink, followed by their Robert Pampignac Brut with dinner - my boyfriend usually only drinks beer and he said it was unreal! For the main course my boyfriend ordered the venison burger and I ordered the scallops. Both of us were wowed by the quality and flavors of our entrees, everything was perfectly cooked! Our server Iryna was friendly and attentive, she has waited on me in the past and it was such a treat to be served by her again. The Gage has become our favorite restaurant. We can’t wait to visit again!

Even if you only experience this winter outdoor dining only once in your lifetime, you should! It is beautiful outside surrounded by the downtown Chicago skyline! You stay warm and cozy long enough to enjoy a meal and drinks. It’s a wonderfully unique experience!

The chicken spätzle soup was perfect on a cold day! Really enjoyed the chicken schnitzel with mushroom gravy substitute, and even the creamed spinach was delicious!

The team was amazing from the host to the server to the bartender. Food was great perfectly prepared perfectly and timely. Shouts our to Brandon our server who showed us great service even though we were his last table definitely will be back in the future and to Destiny the host i appreciate you so much for allowing us to still be seated the team was amazing.

Everything we got, from the cocktails, to the starters, to the mains, was absolutely delicious. HIGHLY recommend the monkey bread, grilled oysters, caesar, and wagyu.