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Class Act
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Class Act
8.9
This Bucktown tasting-menu restaurant seats guests at a single communal table for a three-hour progression that moves through multiple rooms and ends in the attached speakeasy, Nightcap. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow’s menu changes by theme—currently an “Evolution” journey through food history—pairing avant-garde technique with a dinner-party atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bouquet (zucchini flower with parmesan mousse and honey), Blackened Seafood Course from the chef’s childhood-inspired menu, Dim Sum–Inspired Bite from the “Growing Up” or “Evolution” progression
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A scripted, theme-driven tasting menu that feels like an interactive dinner party with a speakeasy finale.
Who should go: Fine-dining fans planning big, experiential nights out.
When to visit: Later seatings for the most energetic communal table and bar handoff.
What to order: Full tasting menu with beverage pairing—the experience is all or nothing.
Insider tip: Plan post-dinner time; guests are led straight into Nightcap for a reserved nightcap session.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Bucktown is limited, especially on weekends; plan extra time or consider rideshare. No confirmed dedicated valet as of latest reports.
Dress code: Upscale smart-cocktail attire; jackets not required, but guests typically lean dressy.
Noise level: Lively and social due to the communal table format — conversation is possible but expect energetic room buzz.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only format; walk-ins are rarely accommodated and should expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is a dinner-only tasting experience with scheduled seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Generally accommodated with advance notice; menu is scripted, so substitutions must be arranged prior to the visit.
Vegan options: Often limited — request in advance to confirm whether a parallel menu can be prepared for the current theme.
Gluten-free options: Typically accommodated with prior notice; some courses may be adapted but not all themes allow full substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a bold, milestone-style first date with someone who enjoys immersive dining and conversation with others; less ideal if you prefer a private, low-key setting due to the communal seating and three-hour format.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — seating is limited to a single communal table and service is scripted by reservation. Book well in advance and notify the team of dietary needs ahead of time.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the long tasting format, communal seating, and cocktail-focused finale are designed for adults. Best for mature diners; generally not recommended for children.
Best For
Better for: Highly curated, narrative-style tasting menus with theatrical pacing and a built-in post-dinner speakeasy transition — ideal for celebrations and experiential fine dining.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, shorter meals, quiet rooms, or highly flexible menus where last-minute dietary changes are necessary.
Class Act
8.7
Class Act is a Bucktown fine-dining project built around a 13-course communal tasting menu that moves guests through multiple rooms before ending at the attached speakeasy, Nightcap. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow’s menu leans nostalgic and global, with storytelling-heavy courses and cocktail pairings that skew this toward a full-evening event rather than a quick dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter-poached shrimp tartlet with Cajun spice and garam masala, Duck taco course, Good Humor bar–style plated dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A theatrical, multi-room tasting menu that feels like an elaborate dinner party capped by a speakeasy nightcap.
Who should go: Small groups or couples wanting immersive, story-driven fine dining.
When to visit: Evening seatings when you can commit three unrushed hours.
What to order: Full tasting with cocktail or spirit-free pairing; don’t skip the duck and nostalgic dessert courses.
Insider tip: Plan post-dinner time at Nightcap—many of the best drinks and conversations happen after the last course.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered and residential spots nearby; expect competition during peak evening seatings and allow extra time (no regular valet service).
Dress code: Upscale smart casual — guests generally lean dressy; jackets and cocktail-attire vibes fit the experience.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at the table, with occasional room energy during transitions between courses.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only format; walk-in seats are rare. If accepted to a waitlist, expect to wait until a cancellation or late seating.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is a dinner-only tasting menu experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Available with advance notice — the team can adapt several courses when flagged ahead of time.
Vegan options: Very limited — some components can be modified, but a full vegan progression may not be guaranteed without prior coordination.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with substitutions when noted in advance; some courses may change in format to accommodate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if both diners enjoy immersive, multi-hour tasting menus and shared storytelling. It’s intimate and memorable, but the structured format is better for comfortable first dates than very casual ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually no — seating is released in advance and most nights book out. Occasionally last-minute cancellations open up, but you should plan to reserve.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children — the multi-hour progression, communal pacing, and cocktail pairings are designed for adults and special-occasion dining.
Best For
Better for: Immersive, theatrical tasting menus with narrative pacing, room transitions, and a built-in post-dinner speakeasy experience.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, à la carte ordering, flexible timing, or a shorter, budget-friendly dinner.
Class Act
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Class Act is a 16-seat Bucktown tasting menu restaurant where Chef Nicolai Mlodinow stages a 10–13 course narrative menu around a communal chef’s table. Guests move from a welcome lounge into a long table for courses that remix childhood flavors with modern technique, followed by Nightcap, the attached speakeasy-style bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter-poached shrimp tartlet with Cajun spices, Duck course with layered seasonal garnishes, Good Humor–inspired plated ice cream bar
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Communal chef’s table tasting menu that feels like an orchestrated dinner party.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans who like storytelling and shared tables.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings; midweek for more relaxed conversation.
What to order: Full tasting menu, plus cocktail or spirit-free pairing.
Insider tip: Plan time for a Nightcap drink in the hidden back bar after dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding Bucktown blocks; spaces can be limited during peak dinner hours, so plan extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate-lively due to the communal chef’s table format — you can hold a conversation, but expect shared-table energy rather than quiet intimacy.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended — tastings are seated at fixed times and walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is a dinner-only tasting menu experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Often accommodated with advance notice — the kitchen can adjust several courses if requested during booking.
Vegan options: Limited — some elements may be adaptable, but a fully vegan progression is not always available; confirm ahead of time.
Gluten-free options: Frequently accommodated with advance notice; substitutions are possible on many courses, though cross-contact controls may be limited in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if both people enjoy immersive tasting menus and conversation with fellow diners. The shared chef’s table encourages communal interaction rather than a private one-on-one atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — service runs on fixed seating times and capacity is very small. Book ahead, and if you’re flexible, reach out to see if there are last-minute cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the long, multi-course format and communal seating are better suited to adults or older teens accustomed to tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Guests who value narrative tasting menus, chef interaction, and a communal dinner-party feel rather than a traditional private table experience.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, quiet private tables, or need highly flexible pacing rather than a fixed, course-driven format.