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avec River North
Master Critic Review
avec River North
8.5
Avec River North scales up the beloved West Loop original into a larger wine-focused space serving rustic Mediterranean-inspired small and large plates. Chorizo-stuffed dates, flatbreads, and paella-style pastas lead a menu that works as well for a bottle-heavy date night as it does for business dinners and group celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Taleggio Flatbread, Fideo Noodle Paella
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Second-generation Avec with a larger room and Mediterranean-leaning small plates built for sharing.
Who should go: Wine lovers and groups wanting polished Mediterranean-inspired plates.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and early weekend evenings before it gets loud.
What to order: Chorizo dates, taleggio flatbread, fideo-style paella.
Insider tip: Start with dates and flatbread, then share one or two larger plates instead of over-ordering smalls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Valet is not consistently offered.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is comfortable early evening, tougher at prime dinner times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though larger groups should reserve.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates and salads can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but selections are narrower.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-leaning dishes; alert the server for guidance and modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the wine-forward menu and shareable plates work well for a conversational first date, especially earlier in the evening before the room gets loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for smaller parties — arrive early or be flexible with bar or communal seating; peak weekend slots usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens are fine at earlier seatings, but the menu and noise level are better suited to adults and groups.
Best For
Better for: Wine-focused meals with shareable Mediterranean plates, flexible group dining, and polished-but-casual business or social dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room, strictly traditional Mediterranean cooking, or extensive vegan/gluten-free specialization.