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Port and Park Bistro & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
8.4
A Southport Corridor neighborhood bar-restaurant where the fries are treated like a real menu item, not a filler side—crisp, hand-cut, and built for dipping. The best move is to start with the Truffled Hard Cut Fries, then keep the rest of the order in the burger-and-shares lane so the fry texture stays the headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled Hard Cut Fries, Hand Cut Fries, Pesto Cream Mussels
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Truffled hard-cut fries with truffle aioli that read as a signature, not a side.
Who should go: Groups who want drinks plus real bar-food.
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend brunch windows.
What to order: Truffled hard cut fries, hand cut fries, one main to share.
Insider tip: Order fries first—then decide mains once they land hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; availability drops after 6pm. CTA Brown Line (Southport stop) is a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most people lean polished-casual, especially evenings and brunch.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar energy, but you can still hold a conversation at a table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries, salads, and several shareables work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—fries may be vegan depending on oil and prep, but confirm sauces and fryer setup.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly items, but cross-contamination is possible; confirm fryer use if gluten sensitivity is strict.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual but polished, with shareable fries and drinks that make conversation easy without feeling rushed or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings; weekends are easier if you’re willing to sit at the bar or arrive before peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—brunch and early dinner work for kids, but evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Fries that actually anchor the order—crisp, shareable, and treated like a feature rather than an afterthought, paired with a strong neighborhood bar vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate dinner or a fries-only counter spot; this shines most when paired with drinks and shared plates.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
8.3
A brunch-forward neighborhood bar-restaurant where the food reads polished without feeling precious. The strongest move is to start with a fries share and keep the rest of the order in the burger-and-brunch lane so timing and textures stay tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled hard cut fries, Breakfast burrito, Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Brunch that’s built like a real menu, not an afterthought.
Who should go: Friends doing a slow weekend catch-up
When to visit: Early brunch for smoother pacing
What to order: Truffled hard cut fries, breakfast burrito, one burger
Insider tip: Treat the fries as the shared starter, then keep mains focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; manageable earlier in the day but tighter during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual-polished brunch wear—jeans are common, but this is a spot where people put a little thought into their outfit.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still easy to hold a full-table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak brunch windows without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several brunch-friendly vegetarian options and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with small substitutions, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly dishes, though cross-contact should be assumed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—relaxed, upbeat, and stylish without being intimidating, which keeps things comfortable and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early, but peak weekend brunch is smoother with a reservation or some flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch—kids are welcome and the menu is approachable, though it feels more adult-forward later in the day.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want a polished brunch experience with drinks and shareable starters in a social, neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-quiet dining, a strictly health-focused brunch, or a deep vegan menu.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
8.3
A Southport Corridor brunch-and-cocktails room that’s strongest when you order like a bistro: one composed brunch plate plus one shared starter. The menu is broad, but the best outcomes come from staying in the French toast, benedict, and skillet lane instead of wandering.
Must-Try Dishes:
French toast, Chicago skillet, Eggs Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Scratch-made brunch in a modern bistro-bar format with strong drink energy.
Who should go: Friends doing a slow weekend catch-up
When to visit: Early brunch for easier seating
What to order: French toast, eggs benedict, Chicago skillet
Insider tip: Order one shared starter, then keep mains to one plate each.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport Ave; usually manageable earlier in the day but tight during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room leans polished and trendy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but it has a social buzz during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several brunch plates and skillets work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a couple of adaptable options rather than dedicated dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly choices available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it has enough energy to feel fun and social without being overwhelming, especially if you aim for an earlier brunch window.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive early or off-peak, but reservations help on weekends when Southport fills up.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older kids—there’s no kids menu, and the vibe skews more brunch-and-cocktails than family diner.
Best For
Better for: Stylish brunch with cocktails and a group-friendly bistro feel that still delivers solid food execution.
Skip if: You want a quiet, cozy brunch or a kid-focused spot—this place is about energy and social dining.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
7.9
A big, neighborhood bar-restaurant where sandwiches land best when you stick to their comfort-food lane and keep the order simple. Come for a burger or schnitzel-style sandwich in a lively room, and treat everything else as optional add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Park Burger, Chicken schnitzel, Cheese curds
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A spacious Lakeview bar with a reliable comfort-food sandwich lane.
Who should go: Groups that want burgers and a big room
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend hours
What to order: Park Burger, chicken schnitzel, cheese curds
Insider tip: Order one main each—avoid table-wide menu sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; can be competitive after 6pm but manageable with a short walk. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood bar attire—jeans, sneakers, and hoodies are common. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy to talk during early dinner or weekdays, but conversation gets harder once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation, shorter earlier in the evening
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually one or two sandwich or salad options that can work for vegetarians
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with modifications but not a strong suit
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly items available, but cross-contamination is possible in a bar kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a romantic first impression. It works if you want something relaxed and lively, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or earlier in the evening. For weekend dinners, arriving before peak hours helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—kids are fine for lunch or early dinner. Later evenings skew more bar-focused and adult.
Best For
Better for: Big-group hangouts, casual burgers and sandwiches, and watching games in a lively neighborhood setting
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, a focused sandwich specialist, or strong vegetarian/vegan options
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
7.9
A New American neighborhood room with a patio that’s built for brunch-to-dinner flexibility. The menu lands best when you pick one lane—one standout starter or soup, one main—so the meal stays clean and well-paced.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Chicago Skillet, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: A patio-forward all-day menu that works for brunch or dinner.
Who should go: Brunch crews and easygoing dinners
When to visit: Sunny weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: French onion soup, Chicago skillet, steak frites
Insider tip: Go earlier on weekends to lock in patio seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport Ave; manageable during the day, tighter evenings and weekends. Allow extra time or plan to walk a block or two.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — brunch-friendly attire works, and jeans are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during brunch and patio hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak patio weather
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly starters, soups, and mains.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable dishes, best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and modifications available, but not a dedicated menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially during brunch or early dinner. The patio and relaxed pacing keep things comfortable without feeling too casual or too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early hours. For sunny weekends or dinner, reservations or an early arrival help.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu and atmosphere work well for families, particularly at brunch or earlier dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Patio dining with an all-day New American menu that works equally well for brunch, happy hour, or a low-pressure dinner.
Skip if: You want a chef-driven tasting experience or a high-energy nightlife scene — this is more neighborhood-comfort than destination dining.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
7.9
A polished neighborhood room that’s strongest when you keep the order clean and let the kitchen’s comfort-forward hits land. The vibe skews social and modern, with brunch-to-dinner flexibility that fits a Southport stroll. Pick one starter lane, one main lane, and the pacing stays sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup, Chicago skillet, Steak frites
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: All-day neighborhood menu with a modern Southport buzz.
Who should go: Brunch crews and easygoing dinners
When to visit: Sunny weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: French onion soup, Chicago skillet, steak frites
Insider tip: Go earlier on weekends to lock in the best seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and side streets; manageable during the day, tighter after 6pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are common, but a polished top or light layer fits the room best.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively during peak brunch and dinner, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly starters and mains, especially at brunch.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes, but not a fully vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free and gluten-free-adaptable options available; ask the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The space feels social but not overwhelming, with a menu that’s approachable and easy to share without overthinking the order.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside of peak brunch and Saturday dinner hours. Arriving early or during the week gives you the best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families are common at brunch and early dinner, and the menu has familiar options that work for kids.
Best For
Better for: A polished but unfussy neighborhood meal that works equally well for brunch, casual dates, or family dinners.
Skip if: You want a destination-level dining experience or a quiet, intimate room—there are calmer, more chef-driven options nearby.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
7.9
A Southport Corridor neighborhood bistro that’s particularly strong for brunch-to-dinner flexibility, with a listed private dining room and event-friendly setup. For private meals, it works best when you keep the table on a tight comfort-forward set—one soup lane, one brunch lane, and one dinner lane rather than menu sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast, French Onion Soup, Chicago Skillet
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood bistro with a dedicated private dining room option.
Who should go: Brunch groups and casual celebrations
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: French toast, French onion soup, Chicago skillet
Insider tip: Choose one brunch anchor per person and add one shared soup/starters lane.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; generally manageable off-peak, tighter during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans are common, but brunch groups and private events often lean a bit polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak brunch and dinner hours but still workable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian-friendly brunch and dinner options available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable items, best to ask the server about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly dishes and substitutions available; cross-contact precautions are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime or early-evening first date than a romantic night — the vibe is friendly and social rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during off-peak times, but weekend brunch and early dinners fill quickly, especially if a private event is booked.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common at brunch and early dinner, with approachable menu options for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Brunch-forward private gatherings and relaxed group meals where flexibility and comfort matter more than formality.
Skip if: You want a fully secluded, upscale private dining experience or a quiet, candlelit dinner — there are more polished options nearby.
Port and Park Bistro & Bar
8.2
A Southport Corridor neighborhood bistro that’s especially useful for business lunches because it’s flexible—soup-and-salad quickness or a heartier plate without overcommitting. The best meetings here stay comfort-forward and coordinated, not scattered across the whole menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup, Chicago skillet, French toast
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Bistro flexibility that fits quick lunches and longer conversations.
Who should go: Client catch-ups and team lunches
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early afternoon
What to order: French onion soup, skillet, French toast
Insider tip: Pick one soup/salad lane plus one entrée lane for clean pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport Ave; usually manageable midday, tighter in the evening. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine; business-casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, especially during weekday lunch.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly mains, salads, and brunch options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free and gluten-free–adaptable dishes available; ask the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than high-romance dinners. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and low-pressure, which works well if conversation is the priority.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early afternoon. Dinner is busier, but walk-ins are still possible with some flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, particularly during brunch and lunch hours. The menu and atmosphere work well for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Flexible pacing, approachable comfort food, and business lunches that don’t feel rushed or overly formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale power-lunch room or a destination-style dining experience — other Southport spots skew more refined.