Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Reviews

Happy Easter morning! Sunday is my day for brunch. I forgot my phone at home so I can't post pictures. I requested seating outside on this beautiful Sunday morning in Chicago. I often dine by myself. The Blue Door Kitchen (formerly Table 52) is a must if you are visiting Chicago. I live in this beautiful city so options are many when it comes to dining. If the day is nice, eat outside. The patio is furnished with comfy chairs, long dining room tables as if you were in someone's kitchen instead of a restaurant. Food is delicious. I am not a fan of kale but ate a kale pesto, tomato roasted egg Benedict. Wow! The inside is very small and intimate. Go, go, go!!!!

Enjoyed dinner. Décor is charming and the noise level is totally manageable. Appetizers were great and fair. Brussels & Kale Salad is amazing. The Little Farm on the Prairie Deviled Eggs is interesting and very good. We had a fried cheese appetizer with a tangy fruit compote. The cheese had no flavor but the fruit was delicious. For dinner we shared the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with garlic mashed , the chicken was excellent, I'd recommend skipping the mashed potatoes and splurging on Cece's Three Cheese Mac & Cheese. We also shared the Braised Short Rib, which was okay, and a steak which was fine, but go to a steal restaurant if you are looking for great steak. Ordered two desserts. The cheesecake was unusual, not what I would have called cheesecake, but very flavorful. The pot de crème, was a waste of calories. This dessert consisted of a paper thin chocolate shell ( about the size of half tennis ball), with a thin layer of expresso cream on the bottom, and filled with whipped cream.

Went to this restaurant for lunch on a Friday. The service was outstanding. The attention to detail was beautiful and the food was very good. My husband and I shared the Mac and Cheese appetizer. He had the buttermilk fried chicken and I had the apple and brie sandwich. My sandwich was OK but his fried chicken was fantastic. The actual chicken meat was seasoned and flavored very well. The crispy coating was delicious! Also, the mac and cheese was very good, cheesy and creamy and tasty. They also served hummus with sweet potato chips instead of bread, which was creative and a pleasant surprise. Would recommend!

This is a great, locally well known restaurant redone from the old Chef Art Smith owned Table 52. It is still the same ownership. The outdoor patio is very special seating, first come first served. But if you end up inside, the warm intimate decor and ambiance will still be worthwhile. The menu is simple and elegant and the servers are the same and enjoy making recommendations. The weekend brunch is terrific as well and the signature fried chicken dishes are still on all the menus.

Decided to check this out and we’re glad we did. Great atmosphere, delicious food and well made drinks. We started by sharing a pear salad and pierogis followed by a MahiMahi and a buttermilk fried chicken. Very good and plentiful. Definitely will have a repeat visit! So check it out.

When it’s cold outside, and I mean REALLY cold, a little “comfort” sure is appreciated and might just be achieved by some “comfort food.” Thankfully @suz1974 pointed us towards the threshold of “The Blue Door.” I expected to be “comforted” by the Fried Chicken, but I was shocked to be equally “comforted” by the Butternut Squash Soup, the Hazelnut Green Beans, and the Deviled Eggs. While I continue to maintain that I’m not a “bread guy”, I was absolutely blown away by the Cornbread. 🤯 Any modicum of surprise on my part is completely unjustifiable considering that Chef Art Smith served as the personal Chef to Chicago icon Oprah Winfrey for a decade. Literally the only sad moment during our meal was when we realized we simply couldn’t eat anymore. 😢 Not even that reality could prevent the involuntarily action of me nearly slapping the hand of the server who was just trying to clear my empty plate. (Sorry, not sorry. ☺️) You know what? Forget the cold and consider me completely “comforted!” 😋 And that’s…Henry’s Take. #chicagocomfortfood

I went there with friends and was pleasantly surprised! It was packed at 11:30 on a Saturday but we were lucky enough to find the right about of seats at the bar. Our bar server made the perfect recommenations: they had a special eggs Benedict with fried chicken, homemade biscuit base and a fresh salad!! Yummmmmmmm Service was great, drinks were innovative, the atmosphere was pleasant and food is fresh.

A friend recommended this place to us. It was hot and muggy with a chance of rain, so we opted for indoor seating. The food was great. The servings were restrained, which made sure we could have 3 courses without feeling overly full. We chose all of the chef’s specialties (fried chicken for my companion, shrimp and grits for me.) The selection of wines was good - I chose the Riesling which went well with the seafood. The hummingbird cake slice was big enough to be shared. I prefer my hummingbird cake chunkier but this one had great taste. Service was attentive but not obstructive. Overall a great experience in Chicago.

you can't fault the outdoor setting - spacious patio - attentive service - nice hummous freebie - but when we asked for extra crackers " there will be a charge" seemed peevish . good variety on menu - scallop seviche was outstanding but then - grits and shrimp were underwhelming - tasty enough - but heavy tomato sauce overwhelmed all other tastes - "was that andouille", shrimp could have been anything. And with tails, took some carving and gnawing resulting in grit-coated fingers - and where to put the tails? The pile on the table was not pretty. Steak salad of my companion - pretty enough. tasty enough but the steak was tough . Wine prices very high - likewise a cocktail at $13 seemed steep .

Fantastic food ambience and service...after a minor hiccup on the burger toppings you our kids devoured all of theirs! Soup and salads were amazing as well

I happened by this place on an overnight stop in Chicago. I dined at the bar and the food was really good. Some delicious - and complimentary - house made hummus; the beet salad; a side of mac and cheese. All really good and a nice relaxed atmosphere where I could while away a couple of hours without feeling rushed or out of place.

We stopped for a late, light lunch and didn't expect to spend as much as we did. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the brussels sprout & kale salad, prepared with toasted almonds, parmesan, bacon, and maple tahini vinaigrette. I had some of my husband's delicious buttermilk fried chicken which came with mashed potatoes, hot sauce and honey. Hummus and crackers were provided as a complimentary dish, some of the best hummus that I have tasted. Service was excellent and the dining area is quite pleasing to the eye. We will probably come back for dinner in the future.

Brunch for 16 last Saturday and it could not have been better. The staff was most accommodating with the large number, plus a wheelchair. Brunch was absolutely delicious and many dishes were ordered. The server was pleasant and accurate with the orders. The restaurant interior is lovely as is the garden. The meal was a great success. We held a big family brunch there years ago and both were done with polish and professionalism.

Food was very good. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the Short Rib were well prepared and flavorful. Very loud when all tables are occupied. The tin ceiling I'm sure has a lot to do with that. Two minor complaints. The chairs need to have their cushions replaced. I sank in my chair to the point my wife appeared taller than me while seated. I noticed it happening to other people in the restaurant. Bread pudding was superb but served with forks. Hard to scoop up the decadent sauces with a fork. Bartender very knowledgeable pouring a great Whistle Pig Rye straight up Manhattan.

Had an incredible night at Blue Door with friends and family and enjoyed the whole evening. We were seated on their patio, which is a hidden gem! Ordered the Carmelized Cheese, Little Farm on the Prairie Deviled Eggs and the MAC and cheese to start. All were full of flavor and perfectly prepared. For the mains we had the Organic Salmon, Pork Shank, the Market Fish and the Fried Chicken. Wow, each was delicious, expertly prepared And just outright superb. This is one outstanding restaurant and I highly recommend a visit...and don't forget to ask for the patio!

It used to be called Table 52. Now it's called Blue Door Kitchen & Garden. It's an Art Smith operation so it's got to be good, right? Smith, one of Chicago's most celebrated chefs, built his reputation as Oprah Winfrey's day-to-day chef. Since then, he has sprouted his wings and struck gold in several restaurants in several cities. Blue Door is a keeper. Located at 52 West Elm Street, it is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, between Dearborn and Clark. Open from 11 to 9 Monday through Friday and 10 to 9 on Saturday and Sunday, it is small enough to be romantic and big enough (with a patio) to accommodate nearly everyone with a hearty appetite. My wife and I started with deviled eggs, bowls of tomato soup and brussels and kale salad with almonds, bacon, parmesan cheese and maple tahini dressing. Truth be told, we came for the much ballyhooed buttermilk fried chicken, said to be among the best in the city. But after scanning the menu, I was persuaded to order the red snapper with Carolina gold rice, braised greens, pistachios and mashed potatoes. You don't see red snapper on many menus and I always try to adhere to our more fish/less meat philosophy whenever possible. Meanwhile, my wife was determined to sample the fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, cornbread and hot sauce. She wasn't disappointed. Neither was I. For dessert, we shared portions of Hummingbird cake with pecans, coconut crumble and coulis and key lime pie with macadamia praline, whipped cream and burnt honey caramel. Yes, Art Smith knows how to satisfy his customers.

This quaint little spot was featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate and Ted Allen advised best fried chicken so we had to give it a try. First, make reservations as this place gets packed. We were able to get a seat outside on the patio and enjoyed an absolutely beautiful brunch. And of course we had Art's Smith Fried Chicken and Waffles which was divine. We ordered the beignets as an appetizer and they too were quite tasty. I do recommend splitting the chicken and waffles as neither myself or my husband could finish all the chicken on the platter. Great find! And we definitely will return.

Hidden gem. Perfect decor and lots of attention to detail. No gluten free menu but staff well versed in options.

Great location, really nice décor. Excellent food & service. Wouldn't go to Chicago without having a meal here.

This is a beautiful place if you have fine weather and can dine in the garden The music adds to the ambience if you like james brown which I do. On the recommendation of others we shared a main of the southern fried chicken which was sublime However, the accompanying mash was meagre, think teaspoon and the side dishes limited but we went for the mac and cheese which was ok. The quantity was plenty for two. Like All restaurants we have visited, the price of wine is scandalous- 50$ for a bottle that is 5$ in the next door supermarket The cider had sold out? So we chose the beer instead, which was a good choice. The service was excellent and the venue superb, the chicken amazing but better menu and better wine pricing would make this place great Oh and don’t forget the soul music

This is a mixed review based on some really good things and a few not so good things. First the good. We were there for Sunday brunch, I had chicken and waffles with a rosemary syrup which was really good! I ordered a side of toast which was the best I ever tasted. The not so good was my wife ordered a hash dish and it included a lot of things not listed on e menu that she didn't like which was disappointing. The bad was the server. She was either having a really bad day or was just a terrible server. We had one cup of coffee, and despite asking many times we never got a refill. We ordered benigets as an appetizer which is supposedly one of the best things on the menu but the order never made it to our table. Once they realized it they wanted to put the order in but at that point we had already had our order and canceled it. There was enough good here to try it again, I hope next time is a better experience.

Had a lovely lunch outside on a beautiful day in Chicago. Deviled eggs to start were really good. I had the turkey BLT which was really good on a delicious multi grain bread. The sweet potato chips were a little soggy. My daughter had the Brussels sprouts and kale salad with Chicken she let me try it and to be honest I wish I had ordered it. We had a couple of fantastic cocktails and enjoyed the afternoon. Menu is small.

This place was super cute. We didn't know there was an outside patio part so we ended up waiting for a table outside. We went on a saturday for brunch and it wasn't extremely packed but the service was good. The food was good too. I had the chicken and waffles with rosemary syrup and it was so yummy. I had the cappuccino too but I would not recommend it here. In all great experience but nothing I would crave to come back.

The experience at Blue Door Kitchen was magnificent! From my first conversation with staff on the phone to the building facade I was so excited and the interior, staff and food did not disappoint!! Blue Door Kitchen DELIVERS on every single detail from their coasters to their China, linens and even the bathroom were exquisitely executed. Not to mention the amazing food! The eggs Benedict is to die for, I've been dreaming about it ever since! Don't let a reservation stand in your way, simply arrive 15-30 minutes before they open and you'll be seated soon! No matter if you have to wait, which we did not, it will be worth every second!

Had a great brunch at Blue Door last week. Definitely try the beignets. Really good. Everything was on point and I will be back!

love the place and its decor and ambiance. very chic and not to mention the food was very good. beignets was yummy and the breakfast selection was great. Definitely will be back.

I left with mixed feelings on this restaurant. Service, as others have said, can be slow. I don't mind laid back service as I travel to Europe quite a bit and I understand how the waiters don't hover there and let you enjoy a meal. That being said, wjhen you are in a very small spot for lunch with almost no-one else there, it shouldn't take over 5 minutes for someone to come and take your drink order after you put down the menu. Space is quite small, but nicely decorated. Very small, limited menu. Fried chicken was great, but compared to the larger juicer portions of somewhere like Joe's Seafood, it does not hold a candle. Shrimp and grits was OK. Shrimp were fairly rubbery. Wine menu was overly expensive i.m.o. Italian Chardonnay, not a heavy pour by any means, was $16. Total bill with tip for lunch over $80 for 2 entree's, glass of wine a glass of tea. Pretty steep, even for Chicago. While not a horrible experience, better options abound, especially for the price.

We go to Blue Door a lot since I have daughters that live in the area. The decor in Blue Door is so cute and it’s reasonably priced. We usually go for lunch and it’s always good food and good service. They have great salads and the rainbow hummus plate is great. It’s a safe bet for lunch!

A lovely neighborhood restaurant, with an especially good Sunday brunch and fabulous fried chicken. The upstairs is quieter than downstarirs.

The duck confit and shrimp with grits entrees were excellent. Max, our waiter was excellent and attentive. The hummingbird cake was a good finish.

Restaurant has very nice atmosphere and ok food but their wait staff leaves a lot to be desired. They need a lot more training and expertise on how to deal with customers.

I had lunch here last weekend as part of a girls' weekend with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws. We were a tad late for our reservation so were prepared to wait, but they were able to seat us at a comfortable table up front that they still had waiting for us. Although, the reservation was for the patio, but at least it was a cozy table. Throughout lunch we all shared bottles of wine, which was good. I had the shrimp and grits which is with andouille sausage and a tomato stew. It was okay but not great. I think the tomato-ness of the dish threw it off, and I threw me off because I'm accustomed to traditional southern shrimp and grits. A couple of my sisters-in-law had salads, which they said were good. Aside from the food, the other reason I'm rating the restaurant 3 stars is because the wait time was a bit excessive (between ordering wine, ordering lunch, receiving food....). Our server was difficult to track down, and the food seemed to take forever. I had a chance to see the patio, which loved lovely. So overall, I recommend Blue Door for a weekend lunch out if you have a reservation (they clearly get busy) and you're looking for a quaint, comfortable place to sit and relax. Just don't get your expectations up too high because although they are highly recommended, they are not above and beyond.

I visited Blue Door during Chicago Restaurant Week. Both the ambiance and the food we were top notch. The small candlelight setting provides an intimate setting for the visitors.

Great food, great service, cozy surroundings! Enjoyed brunch and dinner during Chicago stay. Will go back next time in town!

Remarkable ! An unlikely building in a largely nondescript environment. A gracious welcome, an understated air conditioning (just enough to be keep cool - a rarity amongst the 'ice boxes' which prevail elsewhere), a selective menu. Delicious fish or fowl, you cannot go wrong, accompanied by a wine list which shows that expertise abounds, everywhere. Do make sure to reserve, enlightened locals and smart, tripadvisor-savvy out of - towners might otherwise snatch away your table. It would be a shame to miss out on this experience !

Former Oprah chef has opened this restaurant and it is quite good. There is an upstairs and a downstairs..upstairs closed the night we ate there. Our table was not ready so we were provided with drinks and a variation on deviled eggs. The service was excellent! Friendly wait staff, accommodating , professional but extremely friendly. Our meals were delicious..good variety...enjoyed by all. We ordered the house dessert for the table..enough to feed 4 adults in this one dessert....solid choice of restaurant while in Chicago.

The appetizer selection is the bright point here. So much to choose from that all sounded great! We ended up ordering quite a few and sharing. Main course selection ok, but the execution was outstanding. Everybody's dinner was tasty and presentation was spot on!

We ordered the fried chicken benedict (gravy on the side as I didn’t want it soggy) and chicken waffle (with one egg on the side), one normal latte and one skinny latte. We got fried chicken waffle with gravy on it, two eggs and two regular lattes. To be fair they said the lattes were on them bc of the mistake... but for some some reason a rogue coffee was on the bill.. (no lattes). Bit of a shambles. Apart from the fact that what we ordered, got and paid for was all different.. the fried chicken was good... atmosphere was good. The rest was okay..

Terrific service. Excellent cocktails-made properly. The shrimp and grits were perfectly prepared. although it was winter we hot a warm night and sat outside under heat lamps in the garden. comfortable and so nice to sit outside.

Last year we had a large farm-style table to accommodate our party of 8 for my birthday dinner & it was in a great location; center of the restaurant. This year it was moved to the back & literally the edge of the outdoor space they have. A few of us (all non-smokers) smelled cigar smoke, as it was really strong. We asked out waiter & he said that we were seated by the alley to a cigar club! UGH - how can you enjoy an outdoor meal while you smell cigars? The only option was to go indoors in the very, very cold air conditioning. We love alfresco dining & looking forward to sitting outside as it is summer, so we were stuck. The waiter explained they had a wedding the next night. Why not move the table the next day?? We could not enjoy our food as much as we hoped to. The heavy cigar odor wafted in and out. For those prices, we will find an outdoor restaurant that cares about how you enjoy a meal. Not good managerial service at all to inconvenience diners before a wedding the next day. Disappointed!

3 of us went for dinner, and each had a fantastic meal. It's a small, comfortable restaurant, really pleasant bartender, and nice terrace/courtyard. We ate inside, though, which is nice too. Attentive server who was very helpful with selections. Pierogies were a great app. Their famous Fried Chicken didn't disappoint, and the catfish and salmon dinner were equally delicious. The sides on the plates did more than compliment the main dishes...outstanding in their own right. Dessert: Art's Hummingbird cake! All 3 of us shared it, and it was scrumptious. Great vibe, great food. Will definitely be going back next time I'm in Chicago.

Family and friends gathered for an early dinner. Wine choices were very good with a helpful waitress getting the pairing for the adults and interesting specialty drinks for the younger guests. Farm to table choices with appetizers for the table and fishes to trade and taste. The Brussels sprout salad was quite a hit as well as the shrimp rolls. The hamburgers were “huge” and a good one to share. Too much food for dessert but they looked awesome. On the expensive side but worth the experience.

This cozy little treasure is wonderful. Be prepared to pay tip dollar but the food is a treat. The staff is easy going and the atmosphere is intimate and cozy. I highly recommend this one for date nights.

I visited for dinner with a girlfriend after work. We sat outdoors and were served promptly. Hostess was the sweetest!!!! We both had kale salad topped with salmon. One of the best meals I had all week.

Came for brunch and really enjoyed the cocktails, food and atmosphere on the patio. Fried chicken Benedict and avocado toast were great as was the sage advice cocktail.

Good portions, decent location, and its a very cozy type of restaurant. You can sit in the garden with is also very nice and the waiters actually pay attention to you. Had the fried chicken which was a good enough portion for two people, but it did need a bit more salt. Everything was pretty good and the price was reasonable for the amount of food.

We were there for a girl's day trip from work. The food was top notch. We ordered hamburgers that were so delicious! We were waiting for drink refills. But we really loved the food. Even reheated the leftovers and it was delicious! Would go again.

The newly added salmon entree was perfection and I am hoping it’s a permanent addition to the menu. I am a local and will be visiting Blue door more often with the addition of this new entree. Thank you Chef!

While in Chicago for a friend's birthday weekend we came here for brunch. It was delicious. I do highly recommend making reservations - especially if you are a larger group and coming on Saturday or Sunday. Everyone loved their selections - portions were generous and the food was delicious. The beignets were especially a hit! I chose a Bloody Mary, and it was one of the best I have ever had. Truly could not go wrong with any selection. I will definitely be back!

This small restaurant is in our neighborhood and we went with friends for the first time. We all enjoyed our dining experience (could carry on conversation without any problems). Service was good and attentive. My husband especially liked the short rib.

Stopped in for a bite with another couple, what really shines here is the atmosphere and the chicken. Menu changes constantly, and would like to go back during the summer months for hopefully a “fresher” menu. The fried chicken truly was amazing and enough to share. I took a star away as the first cup of coffee I was served was luke warm and tasted old, (although the pot they brought after the meal was much better) and because they forgot to bring silverware with dessert leaving us sitting at the table awkwardly for several minutes before another waiter passed and we were able to ask for some.

Had lunch with family - kids ages 13, 12, and 10. Each ordered burgers. They were fantastic - 2 patties, perfect amount of juice/grease. Highly recommend. The butternut squash soup was also very good. Definitely will return.

We were there to celebrate an engagement and the server Erika was so not engaging. Never smiled. Did not serve our drinks properly and asked us 4 times in a matter of 10 min if were ready to order. Questions were short like you want dessert! Rather then enticing. We chose this place because we loved Table 52, but everything is missing from what is use to be. Sorry we will go someplace else next time in the area.

This quiet unassuming restaurant is tucked into a side street at the top of the Gold Coast quarter. The decor is one of the more pleasing manifestations of the shabby chic styling that has disfigured many other establishments. The menu is full of Southern fayre that is scrumptious at the best of times but has been elevated to fine dining by Art Smith. The fried chicken, naturally, was a popular choice but the braised belly of pork is tender and bathed in a light jous that had unexpected complex yet complimentary flavours. The climax was the Humming Bird cake. Although it’s rather unfair to call this unctuous marvel of cream and fruity heaven a mere cake. I understand it’s taken on something of a legendary status in Mr Smith’s oeuvre, and rightly so.

Southern food inspired by Art Smith, but this new incarnation is a pale shadow of Table 52. A group of us had brunch here recently and experienced some of the worst service any of us could recall. Our waitress was both slow and rude, and it took a direct complaint to improve things; but as for Southern Charm, forget it! The food was alright, when it eventually arrived: the omelets were tasty and the shrimp & grits good, although not very well seasoned. The fried chicken was delicious, despite being over cooked. But it was the glacial service, with added rudeness that makes this a place none of us will ever return to.

I had out of town guests for the weekend. They are foodies and hard to impress. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden left a lingering and outstanding impression. The food was to die for (especially the chicken) and the garden provided a quiet, energetic oasis to enjoy the evening. So lovely all the way around.

Intimate setting with good food, though limited menu. Good, unrushed service. Reasonably conversation friendly.

In a pretty patio, calm and cool, a delicious brunch. The staff is friendly. Great way to start a day

Beautiful outdoor patio! Went shortly after re-opening from covid and they did a very good job following all regulations with tables much more than 6 ft apart! Deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes were amazing apps! Would recommend the avocado toast and the omelet .

This is such a lovely little restaurant. The inside is lively and quaint, and the patio is delightful. Sitting on the patio is first come, first serve even if you request it when making a reservation, so we sat at the bar for about 30 minutes waiting for an outside table to open up. It is definitely worth the wait. It happened to be a lovely evening, but it might be worth it even if not perfectly lovely, as it is much quieter outside than inside. The bar tender overheard us talking and had my drink ready before we even ordered, and it was a perfect Negroni. Our server was delightful and on top of everything we could have wanted. We had the deviled eggs, which I believe is kind of a specialty. Both of us had the fried chicken, which was super crispy and juicy on the inside. Had a side order of Three Cheese Mac - overflowing with gooey cheese! Desert was the hummingbird cake - more than enough for a table of four, so we took plenty home.

Fun lunch here with a large group, Kale salad is enough for 2, fried chicken is excellent. Attractive decor and patio as well.

My husband and I visited Chicago for a couple of days early last month along with my sister for an adults-only getaway. Given we know the chef/proprietor the only restaurant on our must-dine list was the Blue Door. As first time visitors we were hoping to sit in the courtyard and luckily Mother Nature cooperated. The ambiance was wonderful, from the lighting to the open yet intimate setting. Of course it was all about the food, which did not disappoint. At all. We started with a round of appetizers, of which standouts included the Deviled Eggs and Peruvian Ceviche. For the main course we all ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, an entree the establishment is known for. After eating it we can full understand why. Three words sum it up: to-die-for. Right up there with it was Cece’s Three Mac ‘n Cheese. It was among the best any of us hVe ever had. By the time dessert rolled around all we could do was share, because we couldn’t leave without trying the Hummingbird Cake. The same three words that describe the chicken are applicable to the cake as well. As you can see, we enjoyed all aspects of our dining experience, from the food to the setting. We will definitely return on a future visit to the city and highly recommend it to others.

Had a GREAT Sunday brunch with family and friends. The biscuits were a little over done, but all else was fresh and well prepared. The staff was VERY attentive and worked very hard to make our visit enjoyable. Particularly enjoyed the Kale and brussell sprout salad, the beignets, eggs benedict, and the trout were splendid.

Feels like you are at someone’s house for dinner, very ‘homey’ and comfortable, and we like that. Food was good and service excellent.

We went to the Blue Door Kitchen and Garden (home of Chef Art Smith who was Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef) for a late breakfast last Sunday and had a thoroughly nice time. It was a little busy downstairs so we were shown upstairs and it was like walking into a Victorian parlour ! Very tastefully decorated and also a very warm welcome from a friendly server. All of us really enjoyed our meals which were served in a timely fashion with no delay. I had a typical breakfast but two in our party had the special of Eggs Benedict and chicken served on biscuits with a salad garnish which they said were delicious. The Blue Door certainly doesn't look much from the outside but when you enter you will be in another world where good food, service and a pleasant ambience prevail. I would really recommend it to visitors of Chicago and locals alike and to anyone who enjoys old world charm. Booking also recommended as it is very popular.

Same chef, location and (seemingly) menu as when it was called Table 52 (which was a cooler name); their tent has a little bit of ventilation, and decent table spacing, but the decor & lighting need work. Food is good - the highlight being the hummingbird cake; very simple, but surprisingly delicious. Nice staff.

This restaurant is the coach house to the mansion on Dearborn (which used to be a fantastic Italian restaurant). Blue Door is small but packs an amazing punch. We were there Friday evening with a 5:30 reservation. Later reservations were full. Tables are close together, the volume is loud but you can hear your table mates but hardly those next to you. The dining room was full. You can see into the kitchen. It’s upscale with a friendly family feeling. Service was very good. The food! I had the fried chicken which is five pieces - enough to share as a meal. Very tender and juicy. The coating was light and nicely seasoned. Includes mashed potatoes on the bottom which were creamy and tasty. My friend had the shrimp and grits. Large shrimp with a little sausage and peppers. Creamy grits. Nice portion as well. All reasonably priced for Chicago fine dining. Love this place. Perfect for getting together with friends for a fun night.

We had a 22 person dinner here. We were able to pick our entree from a predetermined short list of fried chicken, ribeye, and fish. The fried chicken and ribeye were tasty. The room was decent size. The wait staff was adequate.

With a reservation, we had to wait 35 minutes for or table. They were very apologetic and offered us a round of drinks and desert to make up for the poor start. It did help and what really helped was the food and the service the rest of the night was outstanding. We live close by and will be back. Part of the problem for the late seating was that the party before our party did not want to leave and sat and talked and visited over empty dishes and coffee.

We had a very nice brunch at the Blue Door. The service was very good. The menu is small and unique - all sounded delicious. We had the quiche, shrimp and grits, the hash with homemade sausage, lox benedict and another benedict. We all really enjoyed our meal. The service was attentive and the inside seating is very quaint. If you go in the summer ask for the patio.

Came with my son and college friends for dinner (I've previously had brunch here). Fried chicken was outstanding and the melt in your mouth garlic mashed potatoes. Boys had burger, duck and steak and all said quite tasty. Drinks pricey. Nice down home ambience matches the Southern cuisine. Would go back.

My visit to Chicago is not complete without brunch at Blue Door. Menu is perfect with something for all palates and many healthy options. Comfortable ambiance and always friendly staff. Looking forward to my next visit.

Very nice spot to have dinner. The inside is very beautiful and the food was amazing. Got the filet and it was wonderful. Also finished up with the blueberry cheesecake and was so good!!!

Six adults and a baby. We brought our own portable high chair. We felt like kings and queens for brunch today. Very thoughtful service. The food was delicious. We started with deviled eggs with andouille sausage. Fantastic! Our brunch entrees were great. The signature chicken and pancakes was enjoyed by many. The hash of the day was outstanding with andouille sausage. The omelette looked great and the salads were wonderful too.

We ate outside, and the garden was beautiful. The inside decor also looked attractive. Menu was varied.

I was invited out to breakfast with friends and this place was great. Non-traditional food with great service in a smaller house-type structure. Right off the gold coast in a great location A bit pricey but not ridiculous. Great for that non-chain feeling.

So glad this place has reopened and it is beautiful the service was great and the food phenomenal. I love the salads! The sandwiches are great! Cannot wait to go back

We came here for brunch and it was fabulous. Hearty meal with hefty portion sizes. We enjoyed coffee and juice with our chicken and waffles, eggs and bacon and biscuits and gravy. It was a delicious meal. Sit on the patio if you can, it's very enjoyable. There's a wood burning stove nearby that puts off a delicious smell that makes it even more enjoyable. I ordered some eggs scrambled and they came out over easy. Another server took my plate away and back to the kitchen as our server was no where to be seen. Our server brought it back and there was no apology or anything. She just set it down in front of me and whisked away. My husband needed some more syrup for his chicken and waffles and again our server was no where to be found for a lengthy period. It was a bit odd. I'm still giving the restaurant five stars because the food was delicious and we enjoyed ourselves despite the lack of great service.

A sufficiently varied menu offered choices for our party of six. Specialties from a well known, local chef survived foodie trends and lived up to billing. We were seated in upstairs dining room where conversation was encouraged and leisurely service made the occasion a lovely evening. A large patio looked inviting when the weather turns warm.

After eating here, I wondered how I could have missed this Chicago gem!! I walked in and was blown away by how charming the dining room was. The hostess asked if I would like to sit outside but I chose to sit indoors. I did peek outside and it looked wonderful too! I was having dinner with my aunt and while she chose the Organic Salmon, I could not go past Chef Art Smith's Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It was wonderfully moist and full of flavour! But, be prepared, the serving size was huge and there really was no other way to eat it but with your fingers! The huge serving sizes continued to the desserts too! We each chose one dessert but we could have easily shared one!! My aunt had the Chocolate Crunch and I had Art's Hummingbird Cake - both were so yummy!! Blue Door had the feeling of an oasis in the middle of a bustling city and that, coupled with the wonderful food, has me highly recommending this restaurant!

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden has great chicken and waffles, fantastic service, and delicious Kale salad as well as many other fine choices! A great place for breakfast, brunch or lunch when visiting Chicago!

Covid-19 is stressful and we want to show our support for one of my local restaurants since harsh time is coming. We made a reservation for noon at Blue Door and showed on time. First, they have asked us to wait for couple of minutes to clean a table. However, after that table is cleaned and it is after 12 already, they still ask us to wait – it turned out they want us to wait for another table with 2 people are still there when there are 2 empty tables. They say that the couple in the table should leave soon which they actually did not leave until almost 12:30pm. I do not blame them since Blue Door does not have a table time policy. However, I cannot believe they do not want to sit us since they say they want to save the table for 4 people when the table is already small. We finally insist to sit since we made a reservation. Of course, if we are going to wait for that couple, we probably won’t have a table until 12:30pm when they have empty tables!!! I cannot believe this. In this time, people want to eat and lave and not to mention you have tables! I would NOT recommend this place. Also since we sat very close to the kitchen, we noticed that their people DO NOT even wear gloves when they put food on the plates – talking about basic hygienic, not even in this time. The manager and the hostess have most snobbish attitude, not to mention lacking basic common sense. Now, I ate there and I wish I had not. For your safety, please do not go there!

Fabulous restaurant with incredible food, and service to match. Had a group dinner that was partially family style and every dish was great. Fried chicken and salmon were so, so good.

Visited on 13th after the Marathon, serves were friendly and helpful. We were seated upstairs. Would say the menu felt a little limited compared to other restaurants . We all went for the fried chicken which they kindly did off the bone for us. No complaints at all.

I was impressed by the ambiance of Blue Door Kitchen. It felt like you stepped into the French countryside even though you know you’re in downtown Chicago. This place was recommended to me by Infatuation Chicago. We had decided to share the burger and the mac and cheese before going, and that’s what we did. It didn’t disappoint. Definitely lived up to the hype. The fries were absolutely perfect, too. I will recommend this restaurant

Very good food. The watermelon/feta salad was a huge serving; crab cake was good, and salmon en croute creatively served with apple slivers. Shrimp and grits were just okay.

Didn't know what to expect walking through the front door and was blown away by the flavors in the food. Not overly fancy but this "field to table' approach created a phenomenal lunch experience.

Went here for Restaurant Week. Between us had kale salad, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, short rib and chess pie. All delicious! (Better than its old incarnation as Table 52.)

Not sure what to say about this one. Morton salt is a strong salt. I saw a lot of kale go to the garage that night. The deviled eggs are not as good as you think, but they are beautiful.

Went with my husband and sat outside in the cozy outdoor garden. The ambiance is friendly and cozy. The food was good but not the greatest I’ve had: a Moroccan salad with carrots and my husband had steak with cauliflower as a side, the taste was good and felt homecooked. It was quite dark in the garden at night so some lights at the table would have been really nice. Go here for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

I don't know how many calories I ate here for breakfast but I am absolutely stuffed. The fried chicken was recommended as the speciality and it was incredible!!!!!! Good service and lovely vibe. Recommend!

Very well managed French-style bistro. Neat, tidy table adorned with beautiful French tableware, and the waitstaff was efficient. The food was good. Fluffy pancakes, Scrambled eggs prepared wet, very French, and served with home-made toast. Worth the effort. We were billed a surprised-addition fee of $2.50 that I can’t reconcile the charge to a cause. But whatever, this is a good cafe.

Have been an Art Smith fan for years. Our first time at his new place since Table 52 closed was slightly disappointing. The menu was good with a lot of interesting items. I had the fried chicken ( a trademark entree) and my wife had the pork shank which was probably the most disappointing part of our meal. The waitress we had was pushy and very opinionated. She talked my wife out of ordering what she wanted to have that dish. My chicken was very good as usual. We shared a chocolate and nut pie which was dry and not special. Their wine list was average for this level of restaurant. We would have been more positive if we had a better waitress. We could not get water refills. Other wait people had to go find her to get our bill. We stared at our dirty table and dessert plate for several minutes(perhaps 10) while others searched for her.

Not the coldest of nights, but who turns down comforting food inside someones cozy house? The setting, blue door entry, many marble square tables with velvety cushioned chairs and gray banquettes. Paintings on the walls, reminds you of someones house down south. Server: Vince? (I think), informative! Farm to table concept, sourcing ingredients from "Blue Farm" (makes sense), a previously owned Oprah farm. Menu changes with the seasons (as it always should with this concept). The menu is short but sweet. Not overwhelming. Restaurant is busy enough, on a Sunday at 5:30/6. I ordered a Mezcal Mule. Bright and grapefruit pink in color over not perfect but large enough cubes. Mezcal, blackberry shrub (fruit syrup), lime, and ginger beer. Nice kick, smokey approach, while quenching and fruity. Heart. I went for the smaller options so that I could have a comforting potluck try tonight. Celery Root & Apple Soup, wild rice, leek, and pickled mustard seed. Thick, temperature hot, comforting on a winter evening. Loved the wild rice underneath, perfect just almost al dente texture and married well with the soup. The tartness of the apple was the perfect amount of acidity. Onto the brussel sprouts with pear sticks, pine nuts and Pecorino. Sauteed on the flat sides, and crunchy enough for me without being undercooked. I love the pine nuts and the cheese, but the pear matchsticks were a little unusual, and probably could have been kept out for my liking. The sorghum and milk braised pork belly came in squared slices with a drizzle of sauce, persimmon and pomegranate (2016's favorite accompaniment). I appreciated the tenderness of the pork, however, the sorghum and maybe it was the persimmon combo that took over the dish by being a tad bit too sweet. The pomegranate seeds themselves added a nice crunch and pop. I took an order of the mac and cheese and a slice of Hummingbird cake to go. As I'm writing this review, I'll say, wth happened to the mac and cheese. Somebody shook it like a salt shaker way too much. Hello Dead Sea. I think tomorrow I'll reheat it with some more pasta and maybe a touch of milk, as the cheese is completely coagulated. The cake has a nice taste, its moist, but there seems to be more more butter than cream cheese, and you'll see from the photo that it's clearly not happy being stuck against its neighbor (the cake)... Definitely would have liked more of the side pineapple chunks (compressed pineapple perhaps?) and the crumble.

I finally came here to try Art Smith’s famous fried chicken. I got the full meal, my friend got the fried chicken sandwich with roasted cauliflower, which was the better choice. Both very good, but more chicken than I could finish after splitting the very filling pierogi appetizer (4 dumplings, quite tasty). But I have to say I actually prefer Popeye’s spicy fried chicken! More interesting crust and it’s more moist. But this is a lovely setting with very attentive service. And MUCH better for a two hour, getting caught up with a best friend birthday lunch than any fast food restaurant!

My wife and I headed there for dinner. We could have eaten inside or out and it was a humid evening so we chose inside. The look of the place and the decor are quite unique amid all the high rises. The service was excellent and the menu was limited as others have written. We had the market fish and the buttermilk fried chicken and we split a salad. The salad was quite large so splitting it is a great idea. They also provided a complimentary hummus appetizer. They have two lists of wine, one on the main menu by the glass and another list on a separate menu, we chose a wine off the main menu and asked if we could get a bottle of it and the waiter checked with the manager and brought it out, it was fantastic. Dinner was great, they place filled up quite quickly around 6-7pm for a week night. I do believe you need reservations. Even though the tables were close together, it never felt very loud. We enjoyed our meal and will be back again. I would also recommend the raspberry chocolate brownie, great combo together.

This is a great choice for indoor/outdoor dining. I suggest oudoor table - large patio area with many tables that are not too close. Not a large menu but favorites are fried chicken and shank. Large portions and service is outstanding. We were there on a Friday evening and were never rushed by servers. Would certainly go again.

A friend had to eat at a famous chef restaurant instead of choosing one of the MANY great local places, and this was it. Small unappetizing menu, high prices, and then: - they didn't have our reservation, and finally sat us. They asked us if we wanted to sit outside (its August in Chicago!). A few minutes into the evening we found out why, the a/c was not working! - my beer arrives, and it is warmer than the weather. When I told the waiter, she agreed it’s warm because their cooler isn’t working and the weather is so hot! So I’ve been duped twice before I even get to order my meal and not a word of contrition from anyone there. Stay away, there are SO MANY OTHER places to eat with much better fare, value and honesty.

We went here for a dinner out in they city. The outdoor atmosphere was incredible! We loved the decor and the lights hung over the tables. It was a little chilly, but all the outdoor heaters were going and it was wonderful! Our waiter was so friendly, but a little absent minded. He forgot our appetizer 3 times and also wrote down our orders wrong. When both entrees came out, they were both wrong. The manager came over and asked if we wanted a glass of wine, which we thought was an apology for the mixup (we later found out we paid for it). I liked the food and the atmosphere. I was disappointed that with all the mistakes we weren't at least given a small discount. That would have made the $175 tab easier to swallow.

We sat on the heated outdoor patio for brunch this past weekend and it was absolutely lovely. Our party ordered espresso (European foam!), coffee, and bloody Marys, and for food we had the chicken and waffles, frittata, and deviled eggs. YUM.

Charming environment with a limited but interesting menu. I had a crab cake as well as cornbread. Husband had trout. Both were good. The crab cake could have had more crab but was tasty. The cornbread was yummy as was the trout. The indoor section of restaurant is very inviting but we sat on the beautiful patio because the weather was perfect. Waitstaff attentive. Tables not too close together so we could relax and enjoy the evening. Not inexpensive.

Amazing Southern food fusion experience. We loved the fried chicken, the ambiance and the attentive service. A must visit when in Chicago!

This resultant was a jewel of a find. In nice weather the outdoor patio is where you need to be. It's like sitting outside a large European cottage. Inside dining looks quite fancy and small, though it looks like there's also an upstairs. To be safe, in cold weather dinner reservations are a must. Their food is prepared with fresh ingredients from nearby farms and everything we had a delicious. The wine selection was vast. We will definitely return. Great place for couples as it is charming and romantic.

The patio is spacious and get no sun after about 5pm. The tables are spread far enough apart you can talk without being in some else's conversation. Service was great (thanks Samuel) and the food was better. We started with the signature deviled eggs which were certainly original and tasty. They change every week or two. Two of our party had the Kale and Baked Salmon salad with a very nice dressing. I had the duck breast which was just slightly undercooked (better than over cooked.) Ray jumped on the fried chicken which was delectable. Throw in 6 martinis and 2 bottle of E. Guigal rose' and you end up with a $435 check including tip. We all agreed it was worth it and will be back. Try the patio if you can.

This was then nicest dinner of a 4 night stay in Chicago, A great space (we ate indoors as it was a cool evening). Blue Door has an imaginative menu with good, attentive service and a fun & lively vibe. The trout and the catfish were both excellent

It was only a Saturday brunch, oh, but what a satisfying brunch! Our server Daisy was very congenial and patient with our questions. The fried chicken and waffles were superb with the distinctive rosemary flavored maple syrup. We asked for some sausage gravy on the side which worked very well with the dish as well. We had the beignets for dessert, and they were good but not as good as I recall in NOLA, maybe because these were lighter on the grease (I like grease sometimes). Nice environment inside. I will certainly return for dinner when in Chicago next.

We made a reservation for noon on a Saturday. The outdoor garden was appealing and accessible ( we both use canes) but it was too cool for outdoor dining. Our table was small and somewhat loud music was playing which made conversation a little challenging. Our server, Luis , was attentive and steadied our rocking table. We ordered the fried pierogi, the beet salad, the quiche Lorraine, and an expresso. The food came quickly and was good but expensive.

Fine small place with good food served on nice China on marble topped tables. Had a fresh rainbow trout that came as a double fillet and tasted a bit like it had been in that condition for some time, maybe even frozen. The greens and mashed potato sides were good. There was also a fine choice of wines, reasonably priced. Berries and a scoop of ice cream provided a suitable conclusion to a good meal.

After visiting the Surgical Museum we went to this charming restaurant for late lunch. The atmosphere is down home Louisiana style. The shrimp & grits were delicious as well as the burger with the yummy sauce and the soup of the day with the grilled cheese. Will return on our next trip to the Windy City.

Really good food, friendly professional service, great drinks. Will definitely return to try other interesting menu items. Brussel kale salad best way to eat your veggies. Outdoor seating despite Nov weather abd heaters were adequate

This was a much-anticipated brunch in Chicago...our only meal of a quick pass-through to elsewhere. We were a table of six (with reservations) on a Sunday. Yes, the place was a madhouse, made worse by the table of 20+ seated adjacent to us (laughing in unison halted our attempts at conversation). We started with cocktails: two were the same (a house specialty drink), one was another house specialty, one was a glass of sparkling wine, one was a Bloody and the last, a simple black coffee. Ten minutes later, the wine was served. A half hour in, the remaining drinks were served with an apology that the bartender was trying to make sure he got it right. The two matching drinks were served in completely different sized glasses. When our food order arrived, one Benedict was served without the Hollandaise sauce, the waffle on the specialty Fried Chicken and Waffle was limp and cool. The syrup was thick and and sugary as if it had been reduced. The other items were deemed average and certainly not worth a return visit. The server needed to ask who had what. Getting the coffee refilled took several attempts. I imagine this restaurant had a heyday at some point as it still seems plenty popular. I would have enjoyed visiting back then.

We went to celebrate our son-in-law's passing the Bar. Food was delicious. Drinks were too, but expensive. A glass of Sancerre for $18? Way too expensive. We would go back, but have our drinks beforehand.

I just had 2 great fried chicken and waffle meals. The breakfast portion was so large (and delicious) I had a second meal of cold fried chicken later that day. We sat outside under an umbrella on a beautiful sunny day. Mom and little children ate waffles, scrambled eggs, bananas and some amazing toast. Great atmosphere, excellent service, appropriately priced. I loved it!

Ordered buttermilk fried chicken and hanger steak - both were gourmet indeed. Nice and large portions, nice decor (except for gaudy chandeliers on second floor) Server was excellent. Highly recommend for top quality meal

Patio is eye candy and brunch was a match. Delicious eggs Benedict, burgers and especially the Brussel/kale salad which was quite special. Excellent service. Winner.

Highly recommend! Absolutely loved the food, the service and the ambience! It was the best brunch we’ve had in Chicago!

Perfect for a date night, we got the fried chicken and it tasted like Art made it himself. I see why they’re famous for it!!

We visited o a sunny Chicago weekend and really enjoyed ourselves. It’s a great brunch at great yourself prices. Our waiter was wonderful and the food was excellent. I highly recommend the biscuits and gravy.

Attended a group dinner in lovely upstairs private dining room. Kicked off the evening with a mixology class for making two of their tasty signature cocktails: Smoke Show and High Tea. It was difficult to select off farm to table menu -- because everything sounded so good. Appetizers and entrees were delicious. Chef, bartender and waitstaff were great! I'm looking forward to my next visit to Blue Door Kitchen.

Restaurant Week dinner as 2 couples, my sister & BIL who had been here when it was Table 52. Very charming warm decor with lots of Blue, of course... Loved the Kale salad, so yummy! The fried green tomatoes were nice, but very tiny & they didn't seem to be green tomatoes. A good bite. The Fried Chicken was Delish as expected. Short Ribs was ok, good not spectacular. The market fish was Trout, looked ok, but nothing too special. What was Absolutely Decadent was the Mac N Cheese that we got as a Side - OMG, soooo good, the best of the night! The perfect texture, the chew of the macaroni was so unexpected yet fantastic, we couldn't stop eating it. The 3 cheese sauce was velvety & perfect & we were glad for the Large order we got! Dessert: wanted to love the Hummingbird cake but sadly, it was a real disappointment. SOunded heavenly with pineapple & banana but did not deliver at all - was one note, sweet, without freshness or flavor of either fruit. The Chess Pie was fine with chocolate. Would love to try the Southern Brunch here!

Amazing meal - fried chicken eggs Benedict so good. Coffee was great, wait staff attentive, friendly service and food outstanding. Would definitely go again, recommend making a reservation.

Great food and good friendly service in a upscale atmosphere. The menu has something for everyone, including kids.

OMG! I loved this place. Went to this place for brunch and was blown away by its uniqueness and boutique like features! The menu was simple but tasteful. We ate outdoors which was an amazing experience; only thing are the birds and the bees, lol. My recommendations are the vegetable hash, pork belly entree and banana crunch waffles and water. I'll post pictures, Enjoy!!

This hidden gem on Elm Street is a must. When you walk in, you feel like you are in someone’s home. Staff is very attentive. Small menu but great choices. The garden seating is just as lovely as the inside.

Saturday morning went for breakfast around 10am. Easy to find street parking. Did not have a reservation, and was seated immediately at a table for four. The dining room tables filled up fast. Classic French decor, blue accent plates, heavy weight vintage silverware. Excellent service from Vince. Delicious food- eggs Benedict with fried chicken & biscuits & gravy; eggs & hash with choices of pork belly, or short rib, or sausage. Fresh, crisp coffee. A unique find and will definitely return to experience the Farm fresh menu selections.

We had read about and seen Art Smith’s Blue Door Kitchen and Garden on various Food Network shows that recommended the fried chicken. So, while on our annual Christmas shopping trip, we booked a table there on Sunday evening after the theater. First, this place is small and cozy. Like visiting at Grandma’s house. The noise level is low, and the staff is very friendly. They really seemed to enjoy people that enjoy food as do I am my beloved. Our waiter, Mustafa, was great and made great suggestions. The manager Vince, stopped to talk and we had a lovely conversation about good food and places to get it. The house made Hummus that is presented as part of the experience is a very nice start to n evening to remember. The Deviled Eggs were outstanding. Creamy with the perfect amount of crunch and texture from the garnish. We also tried the Gordita with whipped goat cheese. It was kept from greatness by the Guatemalan radishes which we felt over powered the dish. Excellent when we took the sliced radishes off. I went for the fried chicken and I am here to tell you that the hype is not hype. It is that good. Period. Dot. Every second of the three days it takes to brine and marinate it is well worth it. Juicy but not at all greasy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. The real surprise was the Short Rib that Mustafa suggested for my beloved wife. Simply put, the best Short Rib of Beef either of us have ever tasted. Yes, it is THAT good. Do try the Hummingbird Cake for dessert. One piece will be more than enough for two. Overall, The Blue Door Kitchen was the highest point in a trip filled with culinary high points.

Awesome little venue, with terrific Southern-focused food, friendly service, and a homey vibe. Maybe the best fried chicken ever, with the deviled eggs not far behind. Highly recommend it! Yes, the door is blue...

If you haven't tried Blue Door Kitchen yet, make sure you put it on your list! This place is great for an upscale girl's brunch day! I highly recommend the mimosas to start your morning off right. The service and atmosphere is fantastic!

We ordered promptly and told waiter of our theatre commitment. Service was keyed to three-course delivery; we ordered only entrees... We were able to let kitchen know of lactose intolerance of one guest; they served both that way! Meet a bit dry... parsnips irregularly cooked. Slow to process check... Not hurrying back.

We had reservations and showed up on time. We were seated and then completely ignored for 10 minutes so we decided to leave, which we let the waiter know - we didn’t just walk out. The next day, OpenTable sent us a message saying the restaurant called us a no-show. We of course rectified it, but thought that was pretty low. Because of all this, we will likely not give them a second chance. Too many other fantastic options in Chicago to spend our money at and get treated well. Sorry Blue Door - we had high hopes for you.

We were waiting for our VW to be serviced during lunch time and fortunately found this wonderful Restaraunt tucked into this residential neighborhood. Once past the Blue door we entered a warm and cozy dining room. The lunch menu offered perfect bistro dishes such as shrimp and grits fried chicken. Delicious and in perfect portions. The wines by the glass were top shelf, the cappuccino creamy and delightful. Best lunch date.

Stopped here for brunch. The menu has egg dishes as well as salads and chicken and waffles. I had a kale brussel salad that was okay but expensive for $12. The Tihini dressing was good. Everyone enjoyed their meal but over all I thought it was expensive for what was ordered.

I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, but I often choose not to eat meat. So it was disappointing that there weren't many options that weren't meat or fish. Having said that, i went with the fried chicken for my main course (with a salad appetizer) and it was crazy delicious. The service was terrific, the wait staff were attentive and helpful, and the location was great. highly recommend.

When I made the reservation, I selected outdoor seating. I called a few hours before the reservation to make sure they were seating outside. When I arrived I was told they did not have space to seat us outside. A couple of minutes later they offered the party that arrived after me outdoor seating. I then walked outside & saw that they had plenty of space outside. At that point I was so upset that they would tell me that they could not seat us outside when they clearly had space that I just wanted to leave. But the rest of my party had started to arrive & it had been so hard to find a time that worked for everyone that we stayed. I will never go here again.

Some local folks took us to this restaurant for an evening dinner. I was thrilled as I am a big fan of Art Smith. Menu was a bit limited but no one had an issue making a meal selection. Started with the deviled eggs. Four halves per plate. Creamy and yummy. I enjoyed the shrimp and grits. The andouille sausage was overcooked and surprisingly mild (I prefer hot and spicy). The shrimp was cooked perfectly. The grits were creamy and generous in portion. Overall I thought the shrimp and grits could use more spicy tang to the dish. Several people had the chicken, which I tasted. Coating crispy and well seasoned. The chicken was juicy and tender. The Hummingbird Cake was moist and delicious. One of our group tried to eat all of the icing off the cake. The cake is large enough for two to three people to experience. We sat outside in the garden area. It was comfortable. The heaters were turned on during our visit. They were a bit too intense. The service was good, not outstanding. The attention was sufficient but at times slow even though the restaurant was not full at that time.

I have been here twice in two weeks, for breakfast with a friend each time. The first time we were absolutely in love with the patio and we had a great meal and ordered too much. I had the deuces, which comes with really delicious whole grain toast (really good and worth it). My friend had the shrimp and grits and liked it. We shared the banana crunch waffles which were awesome. I felt guilty for indulging for about two seconds. We both had bloody Mary's. It was a little high for breakfast, but it was so cute and worth it. The second time I ordered the same thing, and my friend ordered the veggie hash. We shared beignets and the corn fritters, which took forever to come out due to a kitchen mixup (it happens). The waitress was very nice and the manager walked around and told almost every table how sorry they were and we all had free beignets due to the mixup. That was pretty awesome. They also brought out deviled eggs for most of the tables impacted. I only say this to show how they went out of their way to fix a mistake. It happens. And, good food and positive attitudes solved everything. I will be back. If you're thinking about going, do it! I'm goi g to take my husband there...guys will enjoy it too, especially the corn fritters!

The food at this lovely country french coach house is consistently delicious. I always sit in the patio when weather permits. The Mac n cheese is so cheesy and worth all the calories. The Brussels spouts and Kale salad is my go to for lunch!! Really can not go wrong with any item on the menu and oh don’t forget to order Art Smith’s signature Hummingbird cake!!

We met friends at the Blue Door for brunch. Great choice. Service was excellent. We had bacon and eggs and the quiche. All 4 dishes were great. I highly recommend.

I love going to the Blue Door Kitchen whenever I visit my son in Chicago. The menu offers something for everyone, traditional brunch favorites and some unexpected creative dishes. I especially love to go in the summer when the garden is open for outdoor dining. The service is great! Definitely try this restaurant when in the area!

We were excited about meeting family here for a great dinner. With all the good reviews we expected a lot more. Little effort made by wait staff to pay attention to detail. Drinks forgotten to be served, coffee served almost cold, long times between wait staff checking back with us for additional help. Food service was fair, portions of same dinner dishes were completely off - some small - small large, plating of one meal was on a plate so small food was spilling over. Ambiance was disappointing, interior cute but music was on too loud for us to enjoy conversation and acoustics made everything loud. Disappointing.

Went on a Saturday for breakfast without any reservation. The place is beautiful. We really enjoyed it. I am sure that the terrace is amazing during the summer time. We had the veggie benedictines and the fried chicken waffle. Both were succulent. Service was perfect and I really liked to see inside the kitchen. Very close to the Clark/Division metro station.

Fresh and delicious farm-to-table fare within a boutique-like setting only steps from shopping. I opted for the quiche, which was phenomenal.

We loved the Blue Door, fantastic food, service and atmosphere. We dined on the patio. My husband and I had the shrimp and grits and our son the fried chicken. For dessert the hummingbird cake was possibly the best piece of cake I ever had. I'm thankful my son lives across the street so we can pop over every time we visit him.

Very cute restaurant. Food was yummy! Chicago get away with girls - most of us did the 1/2 salad and 1/2 soup or sandwich. The Brussel sprout salad was delicious

Went with friends for dinner, our server was outstanding and the food was excellent. We ordered the southern fried chicken and our server suggested pairing it with the marinated tomatoes which was perfect. The deviled eggs appetizer was tasteful and the chocolate pie was oh so good. We ate out in the enclosed patio, all in all a wonderful evening.

Decided to make reservations and try the food and a new restaurant Our team went to celebrate our holiday lunch. Two decided for the buttermilk fried chicken another the fried chicken sandwich and the boss for the white bean soup and a salad with salmon. Chicken is good but nothing to crave or try again ambiance was very pleasant, service very good and location convent I would like to try for a brunch or dinner to see and try other options.

My daughter picked this place for brunch because it was between her apartment and our hotel, so even on a terribly cold day the walk wasn't bad. Our reservation was at 10:00 am on a Saturday, and things were quiet at that time, with our table being the first seated on the 2nd floor. By 11:00 am though the 2nd floor was full. Our server was great, very attentive but not invasive. We had two starters -- the bacon, egg, and cheese fritters -- which we all loved-- and the beignets -- which we thought were just ok. I ordered Chicken and Waffles (I have never had this anywhere before) and it was excellent. Others in our party had the quiche and the egg white omelet, which they throughly enjoyed. We will definitely return.

We loved this place for lunch. The food is delicious and the service was fantastic! The patio is a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy a cocktail and food.

My wife and I went here on the basis of a AAA recommendation and we were not disappointed. We ate in the upstairs dining area, which was quieter and more romantic. The service was excellent. The food was excellent. A repeat establishment when we come back to Chicago.

We enjoyed a delicious fried chicken dinner at Art Smith's Blue Door Kitchen and Garden on a recent cold December night in Chicago. Our starters included tasty deviled eggs and delightful Pierogis. Two guests ordered the restaurant's signature fried chicken. Caution: VERY LARGE PORTIONS, way too much for a person with a normal appetite to devour in one sitting. The chicken was crispy and accompanied by honey and tangy sauces served on the side.

The total experience was excellent. The restaurant is off the main drag of downtown Chicago which makes outside dining nice. We sat in the patio on a very nice Saturday evening. We enjoyed a couple of adult beverages which were very good. We then ordered just about everything on the menu. We had the pierogies, Mac n cheese, collard greens, salmon croquettes, fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Ended with a slice of key lime pie. Everything was simply outstanding. Well cooked and bursting with flavors. The staff answered questions and were beyond attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant. Overall A+++

Hubby and I came here for restaurant week 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed it! Happily we were able to find street parking right out front but if you can't they do have valet parking available. We were a little concerned when we arrived and it wasn't packed no need it ended up being a fantastic meal. The interior was super cute all dressed up for winter. Little ski ornaments, frosted greenery and little fur touches scattered about made it feel more like a ski chalet rather than downtown Chicago. The only misstep of the evening was when we were first seated and no one came to get a drink order or even seemed to recognize that we were there for quite a while. When our waiter did finally arrive he genuinely seemed surprised to see us. He was super apologetic and service was perfect going forward. I started with an order of the deviled eggs and hubby had the crab cake. Both were excellent but my eggs were just a bit more eggcellent! I do love a deviled egg and these were just perfection. Then we split an order of the butternut squash soup. This was also pretty perfect. The soup was super creamy and full of sweet squash flavor. Glad we split it though since it was pretty rich. We both had Art Smith's famous fried chicken for our main course. Okay I'll just say it....best fried chicken I have had...ever! The flavor on the crispy crust was perfect and the meat so tender and juicy on the inside. Loved that the skin was crisp and crunchy without being fried hard. The mashed potato bed was delicious and the drizzle of hot suauce was the perfect icing. Now, if you are worried about my waistline, it's okay we took half of it home. For dessert, I had the hummingbird cake. I've actually made this cake before but they did it better of course. Lovely moist cake with a cream cheesy frosting. Can't wait to go back and bring some friends!

Saturday morning favorite. Great breakfasts with both healthy and not so much selections. The waffles, chicken and gravy was a big hit. The eggs with hash was delicious. Fun drinks if you want. Farm to table type theme.

Friends told us about the Blue Door, and they were spot on...went mid-week on an Indian Summer evening, sat outside, and enjoyed the food and atmosphere immensely. Had a variety of items, and all were excellent. Great ambiance, and reasonable...

Came in for an anniversary dinner with adult children, and were seated upstairs, in an elegant dining room, early-ish on a recent Saturday evening. One other large party was seated quite a ways from us, and we enjoyed a great meal, good company, in a wonderfully quiet dining room, served by several attentive servers. Ordered wine by the glass - generous pours, too. Our party tried many of the house specialties - chicken, lavender cupcakes, excellent sea bass fish of the day. We'd certainly return to this oasis of quiet!

Went for brunch only to learn that they were serving lunch. Arm to table restaurant, food was ok but very pricy. Menu was limited, service was ok.

This restaurant was much smaller than I was expecting, but it was adorable. We had the Chicken Sandwich and the Fried Chicken, it was really good. Though, I was expecting it to be the same recipe as the one in his Disney Springs location. The service was amazing. I definitely plan on coming back.

I went here on a recommendation and had heard some good reviews. I thought is was "okay". Nothing at all to say bad about this place but I thought the food was average and way overpriced! Haven't come back since and never recommend it. Choose for yourself

Why is this my new favorite place in Chicago? Here are four reasons: 1. The drinks: very creative cocktails. I highly recommend the Smoke Show, a mix of tequila, mezcal, mint, strawberries, line and cayenne pepper. 2. The scenery: We got a table in the garden area in the evening, which was absolutely lovely 3. The service: very knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff (bonus points for recommending the Smoke Show!) 4. The food: a farm-to-table delight. My daughter got their signature fried chicken and I went with the 16-hour pork shank. Both were out of the world.

We loved the food at Blue Door, chicken and waffles nicer and crispy, eggs Benedict also very good. Cocktails were also excellent. Our visit was diminished by very slow service, our wait staff informed us there was a party being held on the second floor, and I suspect the kitchen was stressed to get plates out. Hopefully a kink like that can get worked out on the early post pandemic era if the kitchen isn't staffed to handle a party and regular customers at the same time.

Knowledgeable wait staff. Good wine selection reasonably priced. Conventional Dessert selection. Nice selection of berries which were served with ice cream.

Walked in and was immediately impressed. The dining room was casual, but classy at the same time. We opted to dine outside on a perfect day in Chicago. The outside garden was more impressive than the inside. An ideal setting with wicker chairs, pillows, umbrellas and lots of greenery. The beverages were fresh! Freshly squeezed lemonade ($4) and a High Tea ($13) that was refreshing. Hummus and flatbread were served complimentary. We added the special deviled eggs ($8 for 4 halves) which were okay. The fried chicken sandwich came with fries ($14) and the apple and Brie sandwich came with sweet potato chips ($13). I added organic salmon ($9) to my beet salad ($13). The best was the salmon as the salad was lacking beets and flavor. The Brie sandwich was a bit oily. Unfortunately, the entire experience lacked the quality service you expect at an establishment like this. We arrived early for our reservation, but were seated immediately. It took about 15 minutes for service to start and longer to get our check at the end. In total we spent almost 2 hours for lunch, which was because of the slow service.

The atmosphere--- Wow! What a welcoming, warm atmosphere that makes you feel at ease. We went as a group of six and made a reservation in advance, which I would recommend. The food was phenomenal and the service was on point. Essentially, it is upscale, southern comfort food with a slightly modern twist. The chicken and waffles are highlighted on the menu for a reason. I would get it again and again. Their chicken was simply outstanding and it is a huge portion. The fried chicken Benedict was also delicious, but a bit of a smaller portion. The brunch cocktails and coffee were also first class, so it really hit the spot. I would absolutely eat here again, and I felt that the prices were very reasonable. I think we spent $45 including drinks before tip.

We didn’t find what we expected. The service was not efficient, the waitress couldn’t open the bottle of wine, as an example, she brought the bill without asking us for dessert, they knew we were sharing dishes, main dishes arrive but we didn’t have plates to serve. The food was ok, the deviled eggs where good as the chicken, but the mashed potatoes was really cold, they had to bring another one, it arrive when we were finishing eating. The menu was printed in a page and a little torn apart and had been written by someone. In all it doesn’t justify to go to try only two dishes the eggs and the chicken, even if they are good ones, at least it is my experience

Every bite of food was delicious. I had the deviled eggs, kale and shaved sprout salad, Art's famous fried chicken, mac and cheese, and the hummingbird cake for dessert. I'm always a bit skeptical of famous fried chicken, but this really did not disappoint; it's served with beautiful honey and hot sauce - definitely my favorite fried chicken in Chicago. I liked my server but she could have been more attentive. I did, however, appreciate that she's knowledgeable about the menu and made some good recommendations. I felt like service a bit rushed and some plates came out too soon. Why are you bringing me a large plate of fried chicken when we're only half way through our starters? On the flip side, it was slightly frustrating when waiter after waiter walked by my table without clearing the clearly finished plates in front of me for 15 minutes. Be warned that this is a very loud restaurant and tables are placed close together. I know market research shows that people are attracted to loud restaurants and that's why dining rooms are designed that way. I'd like to know who those people are. My friend and I had to shout at each other in order to have a conversation. That's just how it is at most upscale restaurants, though. Despite the noise level and less than perfect service, I would definitely go back here and highly recommend it. I could tell that the food was made with love. The portions are also generous, which is not always the case when you go to places at this price point.