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The Purple Pig
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
The Purple Pig
8.8
Opened in 2009 by chef Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig is a high-volume Mediterranean small-plates restaurant on the Magnificent Mile where pork, offal, and vegetable dishes pull from Italian, Greek, and Spanish flavors. A Bib Gourmand pedigree, tens of thousands of reviews across platforms, and an always-busy dining room make it one of downtown Chicago’s most proven small-plates destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Charred Cauliflower, Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean small plates spotlighting pork and Spanish-leaning tapas.
Who should go: Travelers and locals wanting lively small plates off Michigan Avenue.
When to visit: Evenings for buzzy room; late lunch for easier walk-ins.
What to order: Milk-braised pork shoulder, charred cauliflower, one or two pastas.
Insider tip: Sit at the kitchen-facing counter for faster pacing and guidance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; most guests use nearby Magnificent Mile garages or hotel lots — street parking is scarce and competitive, especially evenings
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but the crowd trends polished and slightly dressy
Noise level: Lively and often loud — conversation is possible but not quiet or intimate during peak hours
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation at peak times; bar and counter seats may turn faster
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though brief delays are common during convention or tourism surges
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward small plates and cheeses, though menus skew pork-leaning overall
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adaptable; confirm with your server
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free or modifiable, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and shared plates — the buzzy room and tapas-style pacing create a fun, conversational vibe, but it’s not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during evenings and weekends. Put your name in early or ask about counter seating, which can be the fastest way to be seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens comfortable with adventurous small plates will do fine, but the space is busy, loud, and not geared toward very young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: High-volume, consistently executed Mediterranean small plates with bold pork and vegetable dishes in a lively, downtown setting
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large individual entrées, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — a calmer, more specialized restaurant may suit better
The Purple Pig
8.7
The Purple Pig is a James Beard–recognized Mediterranean small-plates spot on the Magnificent Mile, where shareable plates, an extensive wine list, and a constant buzz make it one of Chicago’s most in-demand reservations. Since 2009, it’s been a go-to for locals and visitors who want robust flavors, thoughtful charcuterie, and serious cooking in a high-energy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pig's Ears, Roasted Bone Marrow, Salt-Roasted Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: High-energy Mediterranean small plates from a James Beard–winning team on the Mag Mile.
Who should go: Diners who like shareable plates, wine, and lively rooms.
When to visit: Evenings 6–9pm for peak buzz and kitchen output.
What to order: Crispy pig's ears, roasted bone marrow, salt-roasted beets.
Insider tip: If you can’t snag a table, target bar seats right at opening or mid-afternoon for shorter waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; paid garages and hotel parking are nearby along Michigan Avenue, and street parking is limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy given the Mag Mile location.
Noise level: Lively and often loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but not ideal for quiet, intimate talks.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar and counter seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; short queues during peak tourist seasons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and cheeses work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes can be adapted; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be made gluten-free, but the kitchen is shared — sensitive diners should discuss cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for high-energy, conversation-starter dining with shareable plates; less ideal if you want a quiet, low-key setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — arrive early, join the wait list, or target bar and counter seating, which typically turns faster than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and older teens — there’s no kids’ menu and the room is busy and loud during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous Mediterranean small plates, charcuterie, and wine-centric group dining in a high-energy setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large individual entrées, or strict vegan / highly restrictive gluten-free dining needs.
The Purple Pig
9.0
The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean small-plates restaurant on the Magnificent Mile where James Beard Award–winning chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. leans heavily into Greek-accented flavors, charcuterie, and pork-driven mains. A massive volume of repeat diners, a Bib Gourmand pedigree, and a deep wine list make it one of downtown’s most reliable spots for shareable plates and long, social dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk-Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Roasted Bone Marrow with Herb Salad & Sea Salt, Whipped Feta with Warm Bread
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A high-volume Mediterranean small-plates destination where Greek-leaning dishes, pork, and wine have drawn crowds since 2009.
Who should go: Din ers seeking buzzy, shareable Mediterranean plates with serious wine.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for peak energy and full menu depth.
What to order: Roasted bone marrow, milk-braised pork shoulder, whipped feta.
Insider tip: Sit at the kitchen counter if possible to watch dishes come off the line and get more hands-on guidance from the team.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; most guests use nearby Michigan Avenue garages or hotel parking. Street parking is scarce and metered, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished or slightly dressy.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but the room can run loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though small delays are possible during convention or tourist surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and salads work well for vegetarians, though the menu leans pork-forward overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be modified; best to confirm with the team when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-leaning dishes and modifications are available, but cross-contact is possible — request guidance from the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s buzzy and social, with shareable plates that encourage conversation. Choose a later or off-peak seating if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are accommodated at the bar or during lighter periods, but expect a wait on weekends. Arriving early evening or closer to late night improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults and older teens — the menu is adventurous, portions are shareable, and the room can be quite loud. There are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Shareable Mediterranean plates, pork-driven specialties, and a deep wine list in a high-energy downtown setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, highly vegan-friendly menus, or straightforward entrées instead of small-plates dining.
The Purple Pig
8.9
A James Beard–recognized Mediterranean small-plates spot on the Magnificent Mile where pork leads the menu and harissa-brushed ribs share space with milk-braised shoulders and crispy pig ears. Locals and visitors use it when they want serious wine and shareable plates that feel celebratory without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa BBQ Pork Ribs with farro and roasted red peppers, Milk-Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Crispy Pig Ears with fried rosemary and lemon
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Mediterranean dining where pork-centric plates and ribs headline.
Who should go: Pork lovers wanting buzzy small plates and strong wine.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations for peak buzz without longest waits.
What to order: Harissa BBQ pork ribs, milk-braised pork shoulder, crispy pig ears.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch the open kitchen work the grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; closest options are nearby Michigan Ave garages — street parking is scarce and can be difficult, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the Magnificent Mile location.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible, but expect buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to moderate wait; often seated within 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — several vegetable-forward and cheese-based small plates, though the menu is pork-focused overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adaptable; best to ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free plates; staff can flag safe options but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s buzzy, social, and shareable plates encourage conversation, but the room can be loud if you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you’re flexible with bar or counter seating — expect a wait during prime dinner hours and join the list early if possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults and older teens — the menu is adventurous and the atmosphere is lively, with limited space for strollers or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous pork-centric plates, energetic wine-and-shareables dining, and a buzzy Magnificent Mile atmosphere that feels celebratory without being formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fully vegan or pork-free dining, or a traditional entrée-style steakhouse or BBQ experience.
The Purple Pig
8.8
The Purple Pig is a Magnificent Mile standby for inventive Mediterranean small plates, charcuterie, and wine in a lively, always-packed setting. Guests build a meal from rich signatures like bone marrow and pork shoulder, using it as a pre-theater stop or long, grazing dinner near the river.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pig's Ears, Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Roasted Bone Marrow
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean small plates and charcuterie in a buzzing Michigan Avenue setting.
Who should go: Food-focused diners who like sharing plates and wine.
When to visit: Early evening weekdays to avoid the longest waits.
What to order: Crispy Pig's Ears, Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Roasted Bone Marrow.
Insider tip: Go with a small group and let the server pace a progression of shared plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; nearby paid garages along Michigan Avenue and Illinois Street. Street parking is limited and competitive in the evening — rideshare is often easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for downtown.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible, but expect raised voices at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; reservations reduce waits but may still require a brief hold.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though small delays are common during convention weeks and holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and cheeses work well for vegetarians, though many signatures are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes can be modified, but this is not a vegan-centric menu.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request; cross-contact may occur in a shared kitchen, so confirm with your server if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like buzzy, high-energy rooms and sharing plates — it feels lively and social, but it’s not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — they accept walk-ins, but expect a wait at peak dinner times. Arriving early evening or near opening gives you the best chance to be seated sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens who enjoy shared plates do fine here, but there’s no kids’ menu and the space can be crowded and loud — better for families comfortable with a lively scene.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous sharers, Mediterranean-leaning small plates, charcuterie, and wine in a high-energy downtown setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, large individual entrées, or extensive vegan and gluten-free options — a calmer, full-service restaurant may be a better fit.
The Purple Pig
8.9
A James Beard–recognized Mediterranean small-plates spot on Michigan Avenue, The Purple Pig leans on seasonal produce, house-cured meats, and nose-to-tail cooking. Locals and visitors use it as a destination for shareable plates and wine when they want serious cooking without traditional white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Salt-Roasted Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese & Pistachios, Charred Cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-energy small-plates temple where seasonal Mediterranean cooking meets nose-to-tail technique.
Who should go: Food-focused diners seeking destination small plates and wine.
When to visit: Prime evening slots for full buzz without late-night fatigue.
What to order: Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Charred Cauliflower, Salt-Roasted Beets.
Insider tip: Book ahead and ask for counter or kitchen-adjacent seats to watch dishes being fired.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest options are nearby paid garages on Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street. Street parking is very limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible, but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though short delays are common during convention weeks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several vegetable-forward small plates and seasonal specials.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be made vegan with modifications; ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes are available, but the kitchen is not a dedicated GF environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the shared-plates format and buzzy atmosphere work well for conversational, food-focused dates, though it’s better for couples who don’t mind a lively room rather than a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and counter seats are your best bet. Arrive early evening or join the wait list and plan to have a drink nearby during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens who enjoy adventurous food may do well, but there are no kids’ menus and the space can feel crowded and loud for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous small plates, seasonal produce, and a high-energy dining room where sharing and grazing over wine is the main event.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large individual entrées, highly restrictive dietary accommodations, or a traditional white-tablecloth experience.
The Purple Pig
8.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
The Purple Pig is a Michigan Avenue standby for Mediterranean-leaning small plates, charcuterie, and wine that works as well for deal-making lunches as it does for after-work grazing. High-volume praise and a deep menu of shareable dishes make it a reliable choice when you need serious food in a buzzy but polished setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder, Charred Cauliflower, Bone Marrow with Herb Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean small plates with serious wine in a prime Mag Mile setting.
Who should go: Food-focused teams wanting shareable plates and a lively room.
When to visit: Weekday lunches before 1:00pm to avoid the heaviest crowds.
What to order: Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder, Charred Cauliflower, Bone Marrow.
Insider tip: Ask for a table along the windows for easier conversation during daytime business meetings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; use nearby Michigan Avenue garages or hotel decks (rates can be high). Street parking is scarce and time-limited.
Dress code: Smart casual — business-casual attire and polished jeans are appropriate for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is workable at window and banquette tables; the bar and peak periods can feel loud.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes at peak; arriving before 12:00pm is often seated with little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several vegetable-forward small plates and salads; staff can suggest strong meat-free combinations.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified to vegan, but options are narrower; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally or easily made gluten-free, though a dedicated gluten-free prep environment is not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, food-centric setting with shareable plates; it’s less ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — expect a wait at peak times; arrive early or consider bar or communal seating for faster placement.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens; menu and pacing suit groups and business diners more than small children, and there are no kids-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Shareable Mediterranean small plates, strong wine selections, and business lunches where variety and conversation matter.
Skip if: You need a very quiet setting, a quick in-and-out meal, or strict vegan or gluten-free protocols.
The Purple Pig
9.0
Since 2009, The Purple Pig has turned the Mag Mile into an after-work destination for Mediterranean small plates, wine, and charcuterie at the bar. It’s where downtown workers and visitors slide into happy hour for glasses of Old World wine, pork-focused plates, and a high-energy room that feels more like a European wine bar than a tourist strip restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Roasted Bone Marrow, Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A James Beard–validated Mediterranean wine bar where cheese, swine, and wine fuel lively after-work hangs.
Who should go: Dinors chasing serious small plates with serious wine.
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6 p.m. for peak bar-driven happy hour.
What to order: Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, roasted bone marrow, a charcuterie board.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat; service is faster and you can course small plates like a tasting menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; nearby Mag Mile garages are the most reliable option, and street parking is scarce during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished, especially after work.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible but can be raised during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes typical without a reservation, longer during prime evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Shorter waits — often 0–20 minutes depending on convention and tourist traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options across small plates and vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but this is a pork-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-leaning; ask staff for guidance on safe modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like energetic, social rooms — the small-plates format encourages sharing, but the volume level isn’t ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — bar seating and the communal tables turn frequently, but expect a wait during peak happy hour and weekend evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens — the menu and atmosphere skew wine-bar social rather than family-focused, and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous small plates, charcuterie, and Old World wine in a high-energy, European-style setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large individual entrées, or extensive vegan and gluten-free choices.