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Taste 222
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taste 222
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Girls Night Out Approved
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taste 222 is an intimate, black-owned New American spot on Canal where eclectic shareables, solid cocktails, and a comfortable dining room make it feel more like a living room than a corporate canteen. Loop and Fulton River regulars use it for relaxed business dinners, small celebrations, and catered events that stay downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taste 222 Wings, Firecracker Shrimp, Grilled Jalapeño Dip
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A cozy, black-owned Canal Street dining room where shareable New American plates and cocktails feel personal rather than corporate.
Who should go: Small groups wanting relaxed downtown dinners with personality.
When to visit: Early evening on weekdays before post-work events fill the room.
What to order: Taste 222 Wings, Firecracker Shrimp, Grilled Jalapeño Dip.
Insider tip: If you’re planning a group outing, ask about family-style event menus that let the kitchen send a broader range of plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; metered street parking is limited along Canal and nearby side streets. Most guests use nearby garages in the Fulton River / West Loop Gate corridor, with easier availability after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — office-friendly attire is common, but jeans and clean sneakers are fine. Lean slightly dressy for business dinners or celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate — easy conversation at two-tops; volume can rise during private events or larger group bookings.
Weekend wait: Often 15–30 minutes for small walk-ins; reservations strongly recommended for groups or event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short brief rushes around peak office lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several small plates and sides can be made vegetarian; servers can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be adjustable, but there is not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free or modifiable; notify staff for guidance, but cross-contact cannot be guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy living-room feel and smaller dining room make it comfortable for conversation, especially on quieter early-evening weeknights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties early in the evening, but walk-ins may wait during private events or peak post-work windows. Reservations are advisable for weekends and groups.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more oriented toward adults, business dinners, and small celebrations. Well-behaved older kids are fine, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed downtown dinners with personality, small-group celebrations, and catered or private events that feel intimate rather than corporate.
Skip if: You want a loud, high-energy scene, very late-night dining, or a restaurant with extensive vegan or gluten-free programs.
Taste 222
8.0
A cozy, chef-driven neighborhood room where truffled fries play like a signature snack—crispy, aromatic, and easy to share while you work through small plates. It’s strongest as a slow hang: order fries early, then build the rest of the table around a couple of savory plates and one cocktail round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled fries, Deviled eggs, Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Truffled fries that anchor a share-plates, cocktail-friendly meal.
Who should go: Duos and small groups who snack and sip.
When to visit: After work for a relaxed, paced table.
What to order: Truffled fries, deviled eggs, empanadas.
Insider tip: Use the fries to set the rhythm—order them before cocktails land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited in the Fulton River District, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews a bit dressy for dates and girls’ nights.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively enough for energy, 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 traffic is after work.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several small plates work for vegetarians, with the truffled fries as the anchor.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free plates, but cross-contact is likely in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy room, shareable truffled fries, and cocktail pacing make it easy to keep things relaxed without committing to a full multi-course dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings. After-work and weekend dinner hours are tighter, so reservations help if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The vibe is adult-focused, cocktail-driven, and better suited to dates or small groups than families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Lingering over fries, cocktails, and small plates in an intimate, neighborhood-feeling room rather than a loud bar or formal dining spot.
Skip if: You want a fast meal, a kid-friendly menu, or a high-energy, late-night scene—this shines most when you settle in and take your time.
Hours
Monday11am - 7pm
Tuesday11am - 7pm
Wednesday11am - 7pm
Thursday11am - 7pm
Friday11am - 7pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed