0 Followers
Bar Siena
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bar Siena
7.9
The two-story, 8,000-square-foot sibling to River North's Siena Tavern delivers approachable Italian street food on Restaurant Row. Custom pizza oven 'Bella' fires out solid pies while the expansive menu covers everything from burrata salads to short rib lasagna, making it the go-to for boozy brunch and late-night bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coppa Pizza, Burrata Stuffed Agnolotti, Short Rib Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Two-story Italian street food destination open until 3am weekends
Who should go: Groups seeking lively atmosphere before going out
When to visit: Weekend brunch or late-night after West Loop bar hopping
What to order: Any pizza from Bella, bomboloni donuts, meatballs
Insider tip: BomboBar walk-up window on Green Street for quick donut fixes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available on-site, SpotHero recommended for nearby lots, limited street parking on Randolph Row - arrive early or use valet on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans with a nice top works, lean slightly dressy for dinner but no need for formal attire
Noise level: Loud - the two-story open layout amplifies the buzzy energy; great for groups, challenging for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-60 min without reservation; book ahead on OpenTable especially Fri/Sat after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; $25 two-course lunch special Mon-Fri
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including salads, pizzas, and pastas; items marked on menu
Vegan options: Accommodating - most dishes can be modified vegan-friendly per server; ask for guidance
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available, several naturally GF dishes marked; staff knowledgeable on modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates where the buzz helps break the ice. The noise covers awkward silences but makes deep conversation tough - ideal if you want energy over intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch, yes. Weekend dinner without a reservation means 30-60 minute waits. The 8,000 sq ft space absorbs crowds but prime time fills fast - book OpenTable for Friday/Saturday.
Is it kid-friendly? Doable for brunch and early dinner - pizza and pasta appeal to all ages. Request patio seating when weather permits for easier family dining. Gets louder and more bar-scene after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Italian cravings (open until 3am Sat), boozy group brunch, pre-going-out dinner on Restaurant Row, and pizza from a legit Italian oven without River North prices
Skip if: You want quiet romance or serious culinary Italian - head to Monteverde for elevated pasta or Siena Tavern in River North for the more polished sibling experience
Bar Siena
8.3
Bar Siena turns weekend brunch into an Italian-leaning party with giant sticky cinnamon rolls, breakfast pizzas, and bottomless spritzes on a busy Randolph patio. It’s more about energy and presentation than quiet mornings, with a menu that leans rich, shareable, and social.
Must-Try Dishes:
Giant sticky cinnamon roll with bourbon-vanilla cream cheese frosting, Breakfast Pizza with eggs, bacon, and sausage, Rigatoni Alla Vodka from the daytime pasta section
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-energy Italian brunch with oversize pastries, breakfast pizzas, and a spritz-forward drink list.
Who should go: Friends planning festive, drink-friendly weekend brunch on Restaurant Row.
When to visit: Late-morning weekend slots for full brunch menu and patio buzz.
What to order: Giant sticky cinnamon roll, breakfast pizza, rigatoni alla vodka to share.
Insider tip: If you want both Bombobar sweets and brunch, book an early table and swing by the walk-up window next door afterward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited on Randolph; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Valet is typically available during peak periods.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual — guests often lean stylish, but jeans are fine.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible, but expect a buzzier atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Brunch is the big draw here — without a reservation, expect 45–75 minutes during peak weekend hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal or no wait, depending on weather and patio demand.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, pastas, and antipasti work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few menu items can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; notify your server for accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, social atmosphere — less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits can be long during peak brunch hours. Arrive early or join the waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — daytime visits work well for families, though the vibe leans adult and social on weekends.
Best For
Better for: High-energy brunch, Instagram-worthy plates, groups, and patio dining on Randolph.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, minimalist food, or strictly health-focused options.
Bar Siena
8.1
Bar Siena brings an Italian street-food lens to a two-level Randolph Street space with a central bar and loud, late-night energy. It’s the move for brunch parties, shareable pastas, and pizzas before or after a night out in the West Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Giant Sticky Cinnamon Roll, Breakfast Pizza, Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-energy Italian spot where brunch, pizza, and cocktails share the spotlight.
Who should go: Brunch crews and night-out groups on Randolph.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or early evening for max buzz.
What to order: Sticky cinnamon roll, breakfast pizza, rigatoni alla vodka.
Insider tip: If you want to actually talk, request upstairs or patio seating away from the main bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Randolph; nearby paid garages and valet at peak times are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished.
Noise level: Loud — expect a buzzy scene where conversation may require raised voices near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of pizzas, salads, and pasta that work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust and select dishes are typically available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, social vibe rather than something intimate — conversation can be tough at peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but waits can be long on weekends. Arrive early or be flexible with bar or patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes — the menu works well for kids. Late evenings skew more like a lively adult crowd.
Best For
Better for: High-energy brunches, social Italian dinners, and drinks-first nights out in the West Loop.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or strictly vegan/gluten-free dining.