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Bar Siena
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in West Loop
Best Brunch in West Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in West Loop
Master Critic Review
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