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The Perch Kitchen and Tap
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
8.0
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
The Perch Kitchen & Tap is a brewpub on Division Street with a sculpture garden-style patio, Finch beers, and wood-fired cooking. It works as a flexible outdoor spot for brunch, burgers, and rotisserie meats when you want something a step up from a bar patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled steak, Rotisserie chicken, Rotisserie cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Brewpub with a sculpture garden patio and live-fire menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting patio beers with wood-fired plates.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evenings for relaxed patio time.
What to order: Rotisserie chicken, wood-grilled steak, rotisserie cauliflower.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal Finch beers that only show up on tap here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Division and nearby residential streets; it can be tight during peak dining hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, tees, and light layers are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but can get lively during peak patio hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation when the patio is busy
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, rotisserie cauliflower, and a handful of veggie-friendly plates
Vegan options: Limited — one or two options depending on seasonal menus
Gluten-free options: Yes — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; ask your server for modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio has an easygoing, relaxed feel that works well for casual first-date energy without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — but expect a wait during warm-weather evenings and brunch; the bar or patio list can be a good fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the space is open and relaxed, and families are common earlier in the evening and during brunch.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor hangs with quality beers and wood-fired comfort food in a more polished setting than a typical sports bar patio
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge fine dining or a super quiet, intimate atmosphere
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
8.2
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
The Perch Kitchen & Tap is a brewpub on Division where house beers, rotisserie chicken, and wood-fired plates meet a sculpture garden-style patio that welcomes dogs. It works as a flexible option for families, brunch groups, and beer-focused dinners that want something more polished than a basic bar patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half Rotisserie Chicken, Wood-Grilled Steak, Rotisserie Cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A house-brewpub with a leafy, dog-friendly patio and rotisserie-focused menu.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting craft beer with serious food.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evenings for relaxed patio time.
What to order: Half Rotisserie Chicken, wood-grilled steak, rotisserie cauliflower.
Insider tip: Ask your server about seasonal house beers that only pour here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Division and side streets; expect competition during peak dining hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed weekend wear are all appropriate
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable outside, slightly louder indoors during peak times
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated right away
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, veggie starters, and rotisserie cauliflower anchor the options
Vegan options: Limited but doable — a few plant-forward dishes with modifications
Gluten-free options: Multiple items can be prepared gluten-free upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and relaxed brewpub feel make it low-pressure and comfortable, especially if you want something lively but not chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — but waits are common on weekends and during patio season. Arrive early or be flexible with indoor vs outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common here, with a casual vibe, approachable menu, and enough space for strollers during earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Dog-friendly patio hangs, craft beer with elevated pub food, and group-friendly brunch or dinner outdoors
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining, a purely vegetarian/vegan menu, or a quick-turn, budget-focused meal
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
The Perch is a wood-fired brewpub where rotisserie meats, grain bowls, and sandwiches play well with a house beer list, making it an easy pick for team lunches. The roomy dining room and large patio offer enough space for laptop-friendly meetings, casual client check-ins, or full-table strategy sessions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired rotisserie chicken, Perch burger, Grain bowl with grilled chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Spacious brewpub with a wood-fired menu and meeting-friendly patio.
Who should go: Teams needing space for relaxed workday lunches.
When to visit: Midday weekdays for easier seating and slower noise levels.
What to order: Rotisserie chicken plate, grain bowl, Perch burger.
Insider tip: Request a patio or window table if you need easier conversation during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park can be limited; expect paid meter parking or nearby garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to business casual; work-appropriate attire is common but jeans are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are comfortable at lunch, slightly louder during peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially in warmer patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, bowls, and a few sandwiches can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of items can be customized, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several items are gluten-free or can be adapted; confirm with staff for preparation details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual or second dates — the vibe is relaxed and social rather than intimate, but the patio is nice when weather allows.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially at lunch. Evenings and weekends benefit from reservations for larger parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome and the large space and casual menu work well for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Group lunches, casual business meetups, and patio gatherings where beer and approachable food are priorities.
Skip if: You want a quiet, refined corporate lunch or a highly specialized culinary experience.
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
8.2
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
The Perch pairs an on-site Finch Beer brewery with a wood-fired kitchen and a big Division Street patio that runs strong during happy hour. It’s a go-to for groups who want house beers, salads, and grilled plates in a space that can flex from casual drinks to a full dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotisserie chicken, House burger with Finch beer, Wood-fired cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Brewpub-style happy hour with house Finch beers and a wood-fired menu.
Who should go: Groups mixing beer drinkers with people who want a real meal.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon when the patio opens but before crowds.
What to order: Rotisserie chicken, house burger, a Finch draft flight.
Insider tip: Ask about taproom-only Finch beers that don’t leave the building.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it can be competitive evenings and weekends, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — patio-friendly and relaxed, but neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable inside but easiest on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie plates, and some starters work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of customizable items depending on the current menu.
Gluten-free options: Several options — including salads and some grilled mains; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and brewery feel make it relaxed and low-pressure, especially for afternoon or early evening drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during warm-weather evenings and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening, with a casual vibe and space to spread out on the patio.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want a full meal with beers on tap rather than just snacks or bar food.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate setting or a budget-friendly happy hour.