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Gretel
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Gretel
8.6
Opened in 2020 by the team behind Little Bad Wolf, Gretel is a dark, whiskey-forward Logan Square gastropub where a heavily praised griddle burger shares space with pork belly nachos, oysters, and late-night snacks. The burger itself appears on multiple citywide best-of lists, and the room’s moody design makes it as viable for date night as for lingering bar dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gretel Burger, Pork Belly Nachos, Oysters Rockefeller
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A cocktail-and-whiskey-focused gastropub where one of the city’s most talked-about burgers lives in a cozy, late-night room.
Who should go: Burger seekers who also care about cocktails and atmosphere.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or late-night when the room is fully buzzing.
What to order: Gretel Burger, pork belly nachos to share, and a whiskey-based cocktail.
Insider tip: Use the burger as your anchor, then pad the table with one or two rich share plates—portions and pricing make it easy to over-order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Milwaukee/Armitage is available but can be tight during peak dinner hours; expect to circle on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and boots are fine, but the moody room leans slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can hold a conversation at a table, but the bar area gets louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner and late-night spot; check hours if visiting earlier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few share plates and sides can work for vegetarians, but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes contain dairy or meat; expect 1–2 modifiable items at most.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some items can be prepared without bread or buns; ask about cross-contact if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, strong cocktails, and cozy booth-and-bar layout create an intimate vibe that works well for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekends. Add your name and plan for a bar drink while you wait, or aim for early evening or later-night windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more of a cocktail-forward, late-evening atmosphere. Older teens are fine at earlier seatings, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest griddle-style burgers in the neighborhood paired with a serious whiskey and cocktail program in a moodier, date-night setting.
Skip if: You want a broad vegan selection, a quiet family meal, or a quick, budget-casual burger experience.
Gretel
7.9
Gretel is a dimly lit Logan Square cocktail bar where tonkotsu and miso ramen share menu space with burgers, oysters, and prime rib. The ramen doesn’t try to out-nerd specialist shops, but careful broth, solid noodles, and late hours make it a flexible option when you want cocktails plus a serious bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Pork Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cozy cocktail bar where careful tonkotsu ramen lives alongside burgers and oysters.
Who should go: Friends wanting strong cocktails and legit ramen in one place.
When to visit: Early evenings for shorter waits; late nights for bar energy.
What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen with pork gyoza, plus a round of cocktails.
Insider tip: Grab chef’s-counter seats for quickest ramen service and best kitchen view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on nearby residential blocks; availability tight on weekends and late evenings, no regular valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and boots are fine, but the dim cocktail-bar setting leans slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible, but bar areas can get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A — venue is typically dinner-focused; early weekday evenings usually have shorter waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — select appetizers and occasional ramen variations can be made meat-free; confirm broth and toppings with staff.
Vegan options: Limited — most ramen broths and dishes are animal-based; vegan substitutions are not consistently available.
Gluten-free options: Limited — ramen noodles and many fried items contain gluten; ask about broth-only bowls or small plates if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, strong cocktail program, and intimate booths make it a solid choice for a higher-energy first or second date, especially if you want a lively bar vibe rather than a quiet room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and limited walk-in tables are usually available earlier in the evening or late night, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it functions primarily as a cocktail-forward bar and late-evening spot; older teens may be fine early evening, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven nights out where you want a serious bowl of ramen alongside burgers, oysters, and late-night dining in a stylish room.
Skip if: You’re seeking highly traditional, specialist ramen, quiet conversation, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — a dedicated ramen shop may be a better fit.
Gretel
8.6
Gretel is a dimly lit Armitage gastropub where the Gretel Griddle Burger shares space with ramen, oysters, and strong cocktails until midnight or later. The burger leans decadent—two patties, layered cheese, and a seeded bun—in a room that feels equally suited to date nights and late-night hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gretel Griddle Burger, Mac and Cheese, Bone Marrow Toast
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Serious griddle burgers and cocktails in a polished, late-night gastropub setting.
Who should go: Friends or couples wanting a destination burger plus drinks.
When to visit: Prime late evenings, especially Fridays and Saturdays till 1am.
What to order: Gretel Griddle Burger, mac and cheese, bone marrow toast.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster burger runs and a better view of the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Armitage and nearby side streets; availability tight during peak late-night hours and weekends; no valet typically offered.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and boots are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during late evenings; bar energy can make conversation workable but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak late-night windows.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily an evening and late-night destination with minimal daytime traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some workable options (sides, salads, a few non-meat plates); burger can sometimes be modified — confirm with server.
Vegan options: Limited — expect few to no fully vegan entrées; modifications may be required.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodations available (bun swap / lettuce wrap for burgers, some sides); cross-contact precautions are not guaranteed — ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting and polished tavern feel work well for a casual-but-confident first date, especially if you’re planning to split a burger and cocktails. It’s better for relaxed conversation than formal romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on late-night weekends. The bar is usually the fastest move for burger orders if the dining room is full.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the space skews adult, late-evening, and cocktail-focused. Older teens are fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not designed for family dining.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burgers with craft cocktails in a stylish, grown-up gastropub setting — stronger atmosphere and bar program than most burger-only spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a fully vegan or gluten-strict menu, or a family-oriented environment; consider a calmer, food-first restaurant instead.
Hours
Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 12am
Friday11am - 1am
Saturday11am - 1am
Sunday11am - 12am