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Solette
Master Critic Review
Solette
7.6
Solette is a weekday-only New American bar and restaurant in the Loop’s Financial District, built around shareable small plates and cocktails rather than big entrées. Office workers use it for business drinks, light dinners, and casual date nights that stay downtown but feel more modern than an old-school steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Chicken Quesadilla, Mediterranean Bowl, Tuna Poke
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 6.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A newer Financial District hangout where modern small plates and cocktails slot neatly between spreadsheets and theater tickets.
Who should go: Loop workers wanting drinks and shareables without leaving downtown.
When to visit: Weekday evenings when the bar has energy but isn’t packed.
What to order: Harissa Chicken Quesadilla, Mediterranean Bowl, Tuna Poke.
Insider tip: Because it’s weekday-focused, weeknight reservations are easier here than at riverfront spots—use it for last-minute after-work plans.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; most guests use nearby paid garages or app-based garage lots. Street parking in the Financial District is scarce and inconsistent after business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — office attire and elevated jeans are common; lean slightly dressy for dates or client drinks.
Noise level: Moderate — bar area can be lively, but seated tables generally allow normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the restaurant is weekday-only and typically closed on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate flow — usually no wait, but small delays during peak office lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of small plates and bowls can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some components are plant-forward, but expect only 1–2 workable modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — several dishes can be modified, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the modern small-plates format and moderate noise level make it good for low-pressure conversation, especially for after-work dates that don’t feel formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights — walk-ins are feasible at the bar or early evening; reservations are recommended for peak after-work windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the vibe skews adult, cocktail-focused, and weekday business-social; better suited for adults and older teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: After-work cocktails, lighter shared plates, and casual business meetups that feel more contemporary than a classic steakhouse.
Skip if: You want large entrées, weekend dining, or a quiet, family-style meal — look elsewhere for those use cases.