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The Reservoir
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Reservoir
8.3
A neighborhood bar-kitchen built around burgers, wings, and comfort staples that hold up for repeat visits. The best version is treating it like a reliable game-day or weeknight fallback—one signature burger plus a shareable starter, then stop there.
Must-Try Dishes:
Reservoir Burger, Wings, Mac + Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-volume neighborhood bar with a dependable burger-and-wings lane.
Who should go: Game-day groups and weeknight regulars
When to visit: Early evening before peak game crowds
What to order: Reservoir Burger, Wings, Mac + Cheese
Insider tip: Order one burger and one starter per two people—portions add up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; can be competitive during games and weekend evenings
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, team gear all fit in comfortably
Noise level: Loud during games; moderate and conversational during off-peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during games; shorter if you arrive early
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burger, salads, and sides available
Vegan options: Limited — sides and salads with modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited — some salads and bun-less burger options, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — ideal if you want a relaxed, sports-bar vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or before peak game times; during big games expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day it works for kids, but evenings skew adult and game-focused.
Best For
Better for: Reliable burgers, wings, and a true neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere that works for groups
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a date-night feel, or a menu built around lighter or plant-forward dishes
The Reservoir
8.0
A big, neighborhood bar-and-kitchen built for groups, games, and a steady flow of comfort food—burgers included. It’s the kind of place where the burger works best as a reliable, no-drama main, paired with one side and a drink rather than a full table spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Bacon cheeseburger, Onion rings
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Large, social bar setting where burgers fit the game-day rhythm.
Who should go: Groups who want burgers with TVs
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early game windows
What to order: Cheeseburger, onion rings, one draft beer
Insider tip: Go earlier—kitchen timing stays sharper before crowds build.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; availability drops during Cubs games and peak evening hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are all common and appropriate.
Noise level: Loud during games and busy nights; conversation is easier during off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak game or dinner hours; shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some meatless items and sides, but not a vegetarian-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to check current options or stick to basic sides.
Gluten-free options: Limited—burgers can often be ordered without a bun, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date—this is more about energy, TVs, and groups than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the day, but waits grow quickly during games.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime hours; evenings skew louder and more bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports watching, and a dependable burger-and-beer experience.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a polished burger-focused restaurant, or a date-night atmosphere.
The Reservoir
8.2
A neighborhood sports bar that succeeds late because the food and pacing stay simple: wings, burgers, and bar-friendly plates that don’t slow the table down. It’s the kind of place where groups can roll in, order quickly, and let the game-night energy carry the hang.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken wings, Burger, Tater tots
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-friendly sports bar flow with reliable bar food.
Who should go: Groups, game-watchers, casual late-night eaters
When to visit: Late night, especially on game nights
What to order: Wings, burger, tots
Insider tip: Order shareables first, then add mains once the table settles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; availability drops on game nights and weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, team gear all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—TVs, crowd noise, and game-night energy make conversation secondary.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak games; late night usually opens up.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, tots, and a couple of salads or sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides; not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some wings and bunless burgers possible, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a focused conversation—great if you’re watching a game together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially late night; arrive earlier on major game nights for easier seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier evenings are fine for kids, but late-night hours skew adult and rowdy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group hangs, game watching, and fast-moving bar food that’s easy to share.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, dietary flexibility, or a more polished late-night dining experience.