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Storyville
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Storyville
8.0
Storyville turns brunch into a New Orleans-inspired party with beignets, shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, and bottomless mimosas in a dark, theatrical room. It skews louder and more social than traditional brunch spots, especially when live music or weekend programming kicks in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic New Orleans Beignets, Blackened Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast or Chicken & Waffles
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cajun-Creole brunch with beignets, bottomless mimosas, and a nightlife-adjacent atmosphere.
Who should go: Friends prioritizing fun, music, and drinks over quiet conversation.
When to visit: Late-morning weekend slots if you want full band energy.
What to order: Beignets to start, shrimp & grits, bananas foster French toast.
Insider tip: Plan around the bottomless mimosa window and book ahead; ask for seating away from speakers if you’re sensitive to volume.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages or rideshare on weekends. No regular valet service reported.
Dress code: Dressy-casual, leaning party-brunch attire — jeans are fine but many guests go stylish for photos and group outings.
Noise level: Loud during peak brunch with music and programming — conversation can be difficult near speakers.
Weekend wait: Not a primary dinner destination; waits are uncommon unless there is a special event.
Weekday lunch: No typical weekday lunch service — check hours if visiting outside weekend brunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — several brunch dishes and sides can be ordered meat-free, but the menu is not vegetarian-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be adaptable; ask staff about modifications and ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-conscious (e.g., grits, egg plates), but cross-contact is likely in a busy brunch kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Usually no — the room is loud and social, better suited to groups and celebration brunches than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but weekend peak hours often book out — walk-ins may face waits, so reservations are recommended for groups and bottomless packages.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally, but it skews adult-oriented — the volume, drinks-forward vibe, and party atmosphere are better for older teens and adults than young children.
Best For
Better for: Party-style brunch, live-music energy, themed programming, and Instagram-friendly plates and cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional brunch, stroller-friendly seating, or a menu with broad vegan and gluten-free depth.
Storyville
8.2
Storyville channels a New Orleans lounge with French Quarter cocktails, Cajun plates, and a moody, multi-room layout that turns happy hour into a proper hang. River North regulars use it for discounted drinks, beignets, and shrimp-and-grits before live music and later-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Beignets, Shrimp and Grits, Jambalaya
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: French Quarter-inspired lounge where happy hour runs on cocktails and Cajun comfort.
Who should go: Guests wanting New Orleans drinks and bites before a night out.
When to visit: Happy hour just before prime-time music and weekend rush.
What to order: Classic beignets, shrimp and grits, jambalaya.
Insider tip: Start upstairs for happy hour, then move to the speakeasy-style lounge once the band starts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; closest options are nearby River North garages within a 1–3 block walk. Street parking is limited and tough after 6pm, especially weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a lean-dressy vibe — jeans are fine, but most guests trend cocktail-night attire in the evenings.
Noise level: Lively and music-forward — conversation is comfortable early in happy hour, but becomes loud once bands and late-night crowds ramp up.
Weekend wait: Plan for a 30–60 minute wait without a reservation during peak music hours.
Weekday lunch: Not typically a lunch venue — hours usually begin later in the day, so waits are uncommon outside of evening rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — beignets, select starters and sides; mains lean Cajun/seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include butter, cream, or seafood; ask staff for modifications where possible.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — shrimp & grits and some proteins can be prepared gluten-free; fried items and beignets are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially for a fun, cocktail-centric first date during early happy hour when it’s easier to talk. Later in the night the vibe turns louder and more social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early happy hour or weeknights, but expect a wait during peak weekend music blocks. Arriving early or being flexible with lounge/bar seating helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally not ideal for young kids — it functions more as a cocktail lounge and live-music venue with a late-night crowd. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric New Orleans cocktails, live-music energy, and a social happy-hour-to-night-out transition.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, broad vegan or health-leaning options, or a meal-first restaurant rather than a lounge-style experience.