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Mordecai
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Mordecai
7.6
A New American bar and dining room that leans into polished mains and a strong burger-and-cocktails lane. It works best as a sit-down meal on quieter nights—one main plus one shareable starter—so timing and execution stay tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mordecai Burger, Fried Half-Chicken, Eggplant Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A cocktail-forward New American room where the burger is the anchor.
Who should go: Cocktail nights with a real dinner option
When to visit: Non-game nights for calmer service
What to order: Mordecai Burger, Fried Half-Chicken, Eggplant Parmesan
Insider tip: Avoid peak game traffic—timing improves noticeably.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially on game nights; rideshare or nearby garages are the least stressful option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but most guests look polished for cocktails and dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; comfortable for conversation on non-game nights, louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation on non-game weekends; significantly longer on game days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian mains like eggplant parmesan plus a few adaptable starters.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-forward dishes can be modified, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—select mains and salads can work, but cross-contamination precautions are not a core focus.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—on quieter nights. The cocktail program and polished room create a date-friendly vibe, but game nights can feel rushed and noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. This is more of an adult-focused bar-and-dining room best suited for teens or older, if at all.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails plus a real dinner option in Wrigleyville, especially when you want a more refined, sit-down experience.
Skip if: You’re visiting on a game night, want a quiet early dinner, or need broad dietary accommodations.
Mordecai
8.1
A Wrigley-adjacent brasserie with a cocktail-forward feel where the food is meant to match the room’s pace—clean, composed, and shareable if you want it to be. If you’re here for burgers, treat it like a proper sit-down: one main, one side, and let the bar do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, French fries, House cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A polished, cocktail-driven room with a brasserie dining rhythm.
Who should go: Cocktail people who still want a real meal
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Cheeseburger, fries, one signature cocktail
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the fastest flow and best service attention.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking with meters and permit zones; evening valet typically available ($15–$20). Rideshare is often easier on game nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if styled, but the room rewards a polished look.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to converse at the bar or earlier in the evening; louder during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game nights
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited but thoughtful options and sides can make a complete meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to check current menu or plan on cocktails only.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and substitutions available; inform your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished, energetic, and bar-forward with enough intimacy for conversation. Sit at the bar or request a quieter table on weeknights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins are most successful early evening on weekdays or by taking bar seating. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-oriented, cocktail-driven space best for dates and nights out rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-led dining with a composed burger-and-fries moment in a stylish room; stronger bar program and pacing than casual burger spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quick, budget-friendly burger, a quiet dinner during peak hours, or a kid-focused environment—choose a classic pub or counter-service spot instead.
Mordecai
8.1
A cocktail-forward Wrigleyville spot where wings work as a polished shareable rather than a pure sports-bar pile. The best order is wings plus one other bar snack, then let the cocktails and stadium-adjacent buzz do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings, Truffle Fries, Pretzel Sticks
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Cocktail bar energy with shareable wings and stadium views nearby.
Who should go: Cocktail people who still want wings
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing
What to order: Chicken wings, truffle fries, pretzel sticks
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for fastest rounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Wrigleyville; manageable on weeknights, difficult during Cubs games or after 6pm on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but polished tops and shoes fit the room best.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud — conversation is easy at the bar or early evening tables, louder later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during game nights
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — small plates, sides, and bar snacks work for a vegetarian order
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides may work with modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited — wings and some snacks can be adapted, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cocktail-forward vibe, shareable wings, and upbeat energy make it easy to keep things light and conversational without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings; bar seating is the easiest walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — this skews adult, cocktail-focused, and better suited for evenings without kids.
Best For
Better for: Polished wings, cocktails, and date-night energy compared to traditional sports bars
Skip if: You want a loud, TV-heavy wings pile or a budget-friendly, family-style wing spot
Mordecai
8.1
A Wrigley-adjacent brasserie and cocktail bar that feels more date-ready than the block suggests. Order like it’s a food-and-drink evening—one pasta, one shareable, and two cocktails—and the room does the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet potato gnocchi, Sausage rigatoni, Lobster agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A polished cocktail bar with a real pasta lane.
Who should go: Couples who want drinks plus a solid dinner.
When to visit: Weeknights to dodge game-day chaos.
What to order: Sweet potato gnocchi, rigatoni, one cocktail each.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the most date-friendly vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby but competitive on game nights; plan on circling or using a paid garage a few blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if styled well, but this is more polished than a sports-bar crowd.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still easy to hold a conversation, especially earlier in the evening or at the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta and small-plate options work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-forward dishes can be adapted, but not a deep bench.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, though pasta-forward diners may feel constrained.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cocktails set the tone, food is solid without being fussy, and the room feels intentionally date-forward rather than loud or chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings; weekends and game nights favor bar seating or a short wait if you arrive off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is best for adults, dates, and groups of friends rather than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: A polished date-night feel with real cocktails and pasta, especially compared to nearby sports bars.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dining room or are dining during peak Cubs-game chaos.
Mordecai
8.1
A Wrigley-adjacent brasserie and cocktail bar where dinner lands best when you order like it’s food-plus-drinks: one pasta, one shareable, and then let the bar program carry the rest. The room is more polished than the block suggests, especially on non-game nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet potato gnocchi, Sausage rigatoni, Lobster agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: An upscale cocktail bar with a real pasta-and-shareables lane.
Who should go: Couples who want dinner plus cocktails
When to visit: Non-game weeknights for calmer energy
What to order: Sweet potato gnocchi, sausage rigatoni, lobster agnolotti
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the most date-forward experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on nearby side streets but fills quickly on game days; rideshare recommended during Cubs games.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar energy but still easy to hold a conversation on non-game nights.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation on non-game weekends; longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk-ins usually seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and shareables work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes, but pasta-focused menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cocktail-forward setup, polished room, and flexible ordering make it low-pressure and conversation-friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on non-game nights, especially earlier in the evening or if you’re open to bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the vibe skews adult, bar-centric, and better suited for dates or groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails plus a solid dinner — stronger bar program and more social energy than traditional neighborhood Italian spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-only fine dining experience or a kid-friendly setting.
Mordecai
8.0
A brasserie-and-cocktail-bar hybrid where special occasions land best as food-plus-drinks: one pasta, one shareable, and then let the bar program carry the rest. The room feels more polished than the block suggests, especially outside peak Wrigley rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet potato gnocchi, Sausage rigatoni, Seasonal cocktails
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A cocktail-forward brasserie that shines with a tight order.
Who should go: Couples doing dinner plus cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights to dodge the crowds
What to order: Gnocchi, rigatoni, one cocktail each
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the most date-forward vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the evening; nearby paid garages are a safer bet on weekends and during Wrigley events.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressed up, especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk early in the night, louder later as the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if there’s a game or event nearby.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas, small plates, and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable sides or modifications possible, but not a strong vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly dishes and modifications available; ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a relaxed dinner that naturally transitions into cocktails. Sitting at the bar keeps things easy and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier evenings. On weekends, expect a wait or plan to start at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a bar-forward spot best suited for adults, with no kids menu or family-focused setup.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails-first special occasions where food supports the night rather than dominates it.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, candlelit dinner or a food-driven blowout—choose a more traditional restaurant instead.
Mordecai
8.1
A Wrigleyville brasserie-and-cocktail bar with open-air stadium sightlines that turn a rooftop-style night into dinner-plus-drinks. It’s at its best when you order in a tight lane—one shareable, one main, and then let the bar program carry the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger with bacon jam, Fish and chips, Smoked pork chop
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Open-air Wrigley views paired with a serious cocktail program.
Who should go: Cocktail-first groups and couples near Wrigley
When to visit: Weeknights or early start before crowds
What to order: Burger, fish and chips, one signature cocktail
Insider tip: Treat it as food-plus-drinks: one shareable, one main, then linger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots fill fast near Wrigley, especially after 5pm and on game nights. Rideshare or CTA is the least stressful option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but most guests dress it up a bit for the rooftop vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible, but expect bar energy, especially later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on game days or warm-weather nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-friendly starters and mains, though not a large dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not the focus of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items available; staff can guide, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want energy and atmosphere—great views and cocktails help break the ice, though it’s better for confident conversation than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially earlier in the evening or on weeknights, but prime rooftop seats are much easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult, cocktail-forward rooftop better suited to evening crowds than families.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop views, pre-game or post-game drinks, and social nights where cocktails and atmosphere matter as much as food.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a food-first experience, or guaranteed seating without planning ahead.
Mordecai
7.8
A stylish Wrigleyville bar-and-kitchen that’s best treated as a cocktails-first stop with a focused food assist. The room is tuned for buzz—good for a pregame meet-up or a late-ish bite when you want something sharper than standard sports-bar fare. Keep it to one or two plates and let the drinks lead.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger, Oysters, Steak frites
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Cocktails-first Wrigleyville spot with a sleek, social room.
Who should go: Friends chasing drinks and a bite
When to visit: Pre-game or late evening
What to order: Burger, oysters, steak frites
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and keep it to one plate per two people.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive around game times, easier earlier in the evening or on non-game nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished tops, boots, or heels fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversation is easy early, tougher once the bar fills late.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited but workable options like salads and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited—may require menu adjustments; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly items available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a stylish, energetic setting—best for cocktails and light bites rather than a long, quiet dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes earlier in the evening; later at night you’re more likely to snag bar seating than a full table.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this skews adult and nightlife-focused, better suited for 21+ crowds.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails, atmosphere, and a more elevated bar experience than typical Wrigleyville sports bars.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-first dinner or a relaxed family-friendly environment.
Mordecai
8.1
A cocktail-first room that works best when you treat happy hour like a small plates session with one anchor dish. The menu leans polished, so it’s a smart pick when you want a quieter, more deliberate drink compared to the stadium-adjacent bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mordecai Burger, Eggplant Parmesan, Fried Half-Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven happy hour with a real dinner-caliber kitchen behind it.
Who should go: Couples or friends who want a calmer bar vibe
When to visit: Early evening before Wrigley crowds build
What to order: Mordecai burger; eggplant parmesan; fried half-chicken
Insider tip: Order one main to split plus one starter—keeps the bill and pacing tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but fill quickly after 5:30pm on game days
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but polished tops and shoes fit the room
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, especially early evening
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically (not a primary lunch destination)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward starters and mains
Vegan options: Limited—some starters can be adapted, but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Limited—protein-forward dishes work, but cross-contamination is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's calm, stylish, and conversation-friendly, with cocktails that feel intentional without being flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early; after 6pm, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-oriented cocktail and dining room with no kid-focused menu or atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails-first happy hour with a refined, date-night-appropriate atmosphere near Wrigley
Skip if: You want loud energy, cheap drinks, or a fast pre-game bar scene
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm