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Swift Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Swift Tavern
8.3
A Wrigleyville tavern that’s built for steak-and-seafood runs with a polished, big-room rhythm. It lands best when you keep the order tight—hanger steak frites plus one starter—so timing stays sharp even when the neighborhood energy spikes.
Must-Try Dishes:
8oz Hanger Steak Frites, French Onion Soup, Chargrilled Oysters
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Steak-and-oysters tavern built for game-day crowds.
Who should go: Wrigley meetups needing a real dinner.
When to visit: Non-game days or early dinner on game days.
What to order: Hanger steak frites, oysters, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Eat upstairs and go early before first pitch traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive near Wrigley, especially on game days. Plan to park several blocks away or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—nice top or collared shirt fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is easy early, harder once the bar fills or pre-game energy spikes.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited but workable options like salads, sides, and soups.
Vegan options: Very limited; not ideal without modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and salads; confirm preparation with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second date than a quiet first impression—great food and energy, but it can get loud and busy during peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes outside peak hours, especially weekdays or early evenings. On game days or weekends, expect a wait or plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids during lunch or early dinner, but the bar-heavy atmosphere isn’t designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: A real steak-and-seafood meal in Wrigleyville without full steakhouse pricing, especially for group meetups and pre- or post-game dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic steakhouse experience or a menu that strongly caters to vegetarian or vegan diners.
Swift Tavern
8.1
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
A big, polished Wrigleyville room that works for celebrations when you lean into the steak-and-seafood-tavern lane and treat it like a composed, reservation-friendly night. It’s at its best away from peak game-day chaos, with a menu that supports both classic mains and shareable starters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Oysters, Burgers and tavern sides
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A Wrigleyville tavern built for reservations and celebratory dinners.
Who should go: Groups celebrating near the ballpark
When to visit: Non-game nights for smoother service
What to order: Oysters, steak frites, a classic cocktail
Insider tip: Book earlier times to avoid game-day spillover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby. Expect difficulty after 6pm and during Cubs games—rideshare or garage parking is easier.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—dark jeans are fine, but most guests opt for jackets, dresses, or polished evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at tables, louder near the bar and during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation on non-game nights; longer if there’s an event.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few composed vegetable-forward plates, though not the menu focus.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks, seafood, and several sides work; staff is knowledgeable about adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, polished dates than low-pressure first meets—the room feels celebratory and upscale rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at off-hours, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a grown-up dining room geared toward celebrations, business meals, and adult groups.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, business dinners, and steak-and-seafood nights near Wrigley where reservations matter.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic atmosphere or a budget-friendly meal—there are cozier and cheaper options nearby.
Swift Tavern
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Wrigleyville tavern-and-oyster-bar that plays upscale without feeling stiff, with seafood-forward starters and steakhouse-leaning mains. It’s a strong pick when you want a private-room dinner that still feels like a lively neighborhood night—start with oysters, then land on one composed entrée per person.
Must-Try Dishes:
8oz Hanger Steak Frites, Half Dozen Chargrilled Oysters, Cinnamon Rolls (Brunch)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Private events setup steps from Wrigley with oysters + steakhouse comfort.
Who should go: Work dinners, groups, and oyster-first diners
When to visit: Non-game nights for best pacing
What to order: Chargrilled oysters, hanger steak frites, cinnamon rolls
Insider tip: Keep it seafood-first, then choose one main per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; expect to circle on game nights. Rideshare or nearby garages are the least stressful options.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—especially for private-room dinners or work events.
Noise level: Moderate. The main room stays lively, but private dining rooms allow for clear conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation on non-game nights; longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — limited but thoughtful options, plus sides that can be combined into a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — best to preview the menu or call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several naturally gluten-free seafood and steak options; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something polished but not overly romantic. It feels confident and social rather than intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended—especially for private rooms or weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Older kids can work, but the menu and vibe skew toward business meals and grown-up gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Private dining with a lively neighborhood feel, oyster-forward starters, and work-friendly group dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic atmosphere or a broad, family-oriented menu.
Swift Tavern
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A polished Wrigleyville tavern built around oysters and steakhouse-leaning lunch mains in a bright, spacious room. For a business lunch, it wins on pacing, reservationability, and composed plates that feel elevated without turning the meal into a production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Chargrilled oysters, Tavern burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Oysters-and-steak lunch energy in a polished Wrigleyville dining room.
Who should go: Client lunches and team leads
When to visit: Weekday lunch, before the crowd
What to order: Chargrilled oysters, steak frites, tavern burger
Insider tip: Request window seating for a calmer, talk-friendly table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; metered spots available but can be competitive. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine if polished; many lunch guests lean work-ready.
Noise level: Moderate at lunch — easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on game days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; reservations keep timing tight for meetings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward starters and salads; limited but workable mains.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides can be adapted, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free friendly options available; staff can guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for professional or low-pressure daytime dates than romantic evenings — the room is polished and comfortable but reads more business-forward at lunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at weekday lunch, especially before noon or after 1:30pm. Reservations are smart if you’re on a tight schedule.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral. Kids are welcome, but the menu and atmosphere skew adult and business-oriented rather than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches where pacing, polish, and conversation matter more than trend chasing or heavy theatrics.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly lunch or a lively, high-energy scene — nearby taverns and cafes will feel more relaxed.
Swift Tavern
8.2
A polished, lively Wrigleyville tavern that can read date-night casual when you keep it simple and order like a steakhouse-adjacent spot. Aim for oysters first, then a steak-leaning main and one side—this place lands best when you don’t turn it into a long multi-course meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh oysters, Steak sandwich, French onion soup
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wrigley-adjacent tavern energy with oysters and steak-leaning mains.
Who should go: Couples who want a lively, not-formal date.
When to visit: Non-game nights or late dinner after the rush.
What to order: Oysters, steak sandwich, French onion soup
Insider tip: Avoid game-day peak—book late or go on an off night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Wrigleyville can be tight, especially on game nights; metered street spots are the norm and garages are a short walk away.
Dress code: Smart casual—nice jeans and a polished top work, but you’ll see plenty of dressed-up date-night looks.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is easy early, but it gets louder as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several starters, salads, and sides work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly mains and sides available; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—lively and polished without feeling stiff, which keeps the energy relaxed and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or later in the evening, but reservations are smart on weekends and non-game nights.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning in the evenings; families fit better at lunch or early dinner.
Best For
Better for: A casual steakhouse-adjacent date with energy, oysters, and cocktails rather than a quiet white-tablecloth experience.
Skip if: You want a hushed, formal steakhouse or a long, multi-course dinner focused purely on beef.