We stumbled upon this when scanning for dining experiences on TA that were similar to Purple Pig ( which we also loved). The reviews pointed to something very special, so we gave it a try even though it was #32 on TA. As long as you are prepared for a crowded noisy vibe, and you are OK with waiting upwards... More

This place is small and packed with hipsters. We got there at 7 and were told of a 90 minute wait. We waited 19 minutes. The bacon wrapped dates with chorizo are as good as everyone says, and the sea bass was particularly well prepared. If you sit in the middle of the bar, you can see the cooks scramble... More

The food extraordinary, always surprising and totally different from others. The place and distribution make it so much fun and relaxed. Love it and will go every time I touch Chicago's ground.

This is a MUST when in Chicago. The bacon wrapped. chorizo stuffed medjool dates should be the mandatory starter. The place is VERY busy so grab a spot at the counter if you cannot find a table.

Small busy space with really great food, seating is a bit "communal" but becomes very fun, as the crowd is mostly younger and sociable. Will definitely return.

No reservations, so put our name in at 7 and bar hopped until our table was ready at 9. Very noisy. Food excellent as recommended by others, chorizo stuffed dates, nduja fatunta- grilled sourdough with parsnip mostarda, farmer's cheese and basil and out of this world wood-oven roasted pork shoulder. Plenty for two with one small plate, one salumi and... More

It was worth the 1 hour wait (we went to another bar nearby and they called us when the table was ready. My favorites included a pumpkin/sage bruchsetta with goat cheese and blood orange. We shared 3 small plates and dessert. They were all very good.

Read more about my visit on my blog post, http://chezcateylou.com/2013/03/20/avec-chicago/ Avec does not take reservations, so you will have to put your name in and wait, but it is worth the wait! The food is delicious. Everything we tried was outstanding. The bacon wrapped dates are not to be missed. The service was great too. I definitely recommend this restaurant.

Having over-eaten on our first night in Chicago we went in search of a wine bar where we could have small potions of food with a glass of wine: an almost impossible ask in Chicago! After trawling guides we came across Avec. You cannot book and the place in permanently packed but it was just what we wanted and clearly... More