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Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
8.4
Wilde Bar & Restaurant is a literary-themed Irish bar and grill where leather booths, fireplaces, and bookshelves create a surprisingly cozy backdrop for burgers, shepherd’s pie, and a long beer and cocktail list. It works as a Lakeview East standby for casual date nights that still feel special without pushing into white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wilde Burger, Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A book-lined, fireplace-warmed Irish bar where hearty pub plates meet an unusually polished, date-friendly room.
Who should go: Couples craving comfort food with cozy pub atmosphere.
When to visit: Early weekend evenings for easier seating and softer noise.
What to order: Wilde Burger, shepherd’s pie, baked French onion soup.
Insider tip: Request a booth by the fireplace or book wall to dial up the romantic feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces along Broadway and nearby side streets, but spots can be limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — sweaters, button-downs, and jeans are fine; many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally comfortable, especially in booth and fireplace areas.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; same-day seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple options, including salads, veggie-forward starters, and modifiable pub mains.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable items; confirm ingredients with your server.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free on request; kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy booths, fireplaces, and softer lighting create an inviting, low-pressure atmosphere where conversation comes easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside peak hours; on busy weekend evenings expect a wait unless you arrive early or sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families earlier in the evening; later hours lean more toward a date-night and bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, romantic pub-style dinners with comfort food and atmosphere-forward seating (fireplaces, booths, book-lined walls).
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, very quiet fine dining, or a fully vegan or gluten-free-dedicated menu.
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
8.4
Wilde Bar & Restaurant is a literary-themed Irish pub in Lakeview East where hanger steak frites, pot pies, and a deep beer list play well with dark wood, bookshelves, and fireplaces. It’s lively rather than hushed, but the library-like nooks make it workable for comfortable, pub-style date nights built around steak and stout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites (Hanger Steak), Baked French Onion Soup, Chicken Pot Pie
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A book-lined Irish pub where steak frites and cozy booths turn a casual night into a relaxed, character-filled date.
Who should go: Couples who like lively pubs more than quiet white-tablecloth rooms.
When to visit: Weeknights or earlier weekend evenings before the bar gets loud.
What to order: Steak frites, baked French onion soup, sticky toffee pudding.
Insider tip: Ask for a table in the library or by the fireplace to soften noise and lean into the literary atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots nearby but can be limited after 6pm. No onsite valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is comfortable in booth or library areas, louder near the bar on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pub entrées, salads, and sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes and salads can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — select mains and salads can be prepared gluten-free; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for casual or second-date energy, especially if you request a booth or library nook where conversation feels more relaxed than the bar area.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on busy weekend evenings. Arrive early or request seating away from the bar if you prefer a quieter table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families earlier in the evening; later hours skew adult and bar-focused. Highchairs and kids-appropriate options are limited but available.
Best For
Better for: Cozy pub-style date nights, fireplaces and book-lined atmosphere, and approachable steak-and-comfort-food menus at a friendlier price point than traditional steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a hushed, white-tablecloth steakhouse, very quiet conversation, or an extensive fine-steak menu with premium cuts and formal service.