Blackbird Restaurant Review

619 W. Randolph St. (Jefferson St.) Send to Phone

Bustling, minimalist West Loop dining room serving artful dishes courtesy of Paul Kahan.

Blackbird Restaurant is one of our 2012 | Top 10 Chicago American Restaurants | Top 10 Chicago Sexy Restaurants | Top 10 Chicago Power Lunch Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Features

Private room(s)
Full bar
Reservations suggested
Outdoor dining
Valet parking
Casual dressy

* Click here for rating key

This high-flyer on the West Side's restaurant row draws patrons as hip as its austerely architectural setting. They crowd the sleek bar, waiting to settle down on high-tech chairs or high-backed banquettes at tables so close together only someone who eats like a bird can squeeze between them. But no one who eats like a bird could fully appreciate executive chef Paul Kahan's sophisticated dishes. Backed by David Posey (who worked under Grant Achatz at Trio and Alinea), Kahan taps both local producers and the world for ingredients. This translates into an ever-changing, seasonal array of appetizers, lush salads and intriguing main courses, such as coffee-infused fluke tartare with lemon cucumber, saffron and bread sauce. One meal, youâ€™ll enjoy a confit of suckling pig with smoked dates, stewed hazelnuts, pickled shallots and dandelions; the next, fermented black bean tortellini with roasted cauliflower, pea vines, sherry and fresh wasabi generates buzz. The thoughtful, interesting wine list holds musts, though you shouldnâ€™t be surprised when a tasting course pairs perfectly with an aromatic Belgian ale. When it comes to finales, expect the unexpected---as in sweet corn ice cream with bacon brioche, candied pecans, basil and small-batch maple syrup. Professional (but friendly) service helps compensate for the cramped, high-volume (and rather sterile) surroundings.