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The Whale Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Whale Chicago
8.7
The Whale is a New American restaurant and cocktail bar where chilled lobster tacos, crab cakes, and a deep drink list anchor one of Logan Square’s most polished happy hour rooms. Locals use it for everything from pre-dinner drinks to full nights out on the dog-friendly patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilled Lobster Tacos, Sicilian Crab Cakes, Moroccan Turkey Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: New American happy hour hub where lobster tacos and cocktails share a dog-friendly patio.
Who should go: Groups and dates wanting cocktails, snacks, and lively Logan energy.
When to visit: Weekday early evenings for happy hour; weekends for buzzy patio.
What to order: Chilled lobster tacos, Sicilian crab cakes, Moroccan turkey burger.
Insider tip: Target earlier weekday slots for easier walk-in patio seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; primarily street and metered parking nearby. Spots can be competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends — plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is comfortable early evening; can turn louder during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of ~30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open; most crowds build closer to happy hour and early evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of small plates and salads can be ordered meat-free, though not a fully vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items may be adaptable with modifications; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask your server about modifications and cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished cocktail program, patio seating, and upbeat but not overwhelming energy make it a strong first-date setting, especially earlier in the evening when it’s easier to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekdays or earlier time slots; on busy weekends, walk-ins are usually seated at the bar or patio after a wait, so arriving before peak hours improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Lightly — it’s primarily an adult-leaning cocktail and happy hour scene. Early patio visits are workable with older kids, but evenings skew social and not geared toward families.
Best For
Better for: Polished cocktails, shareable small plates, and a lively yet refined happy hour environment with patio seating.
Skip if: You want a very quiet dinner, late-night dining depth, or budget-priced drinks — other spots will fit those needs better.
The Whale Chicago
8.7
The Whale is a Vegas-influenced New American restaurant and cocktail bar where steak frites, bone-in ribeye specials, and lobster tacos meet a high-energy, date-night crowd. With a midcentury casino-inspired dining room, strong cocktail program, and thousands of reviews, it functions as Logan Square’s splashiest option for couples who still want serious steak on the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Bone-in Ribeye, Chilled Lobster Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume Vegas-style room where cocktails, steak frites, and ribeye plates pair with a lively, casino-inspired setting.
Who should go: Couples wanting buzzy ambiance, cocktails, and solid steak options.
When to visit: Prime weekend nights for full energy; earlier evenings for quieter dates.
What to order: Steak Frites, bone-in ribeye special, chilled lobster tacos.
Insider tip: Book ahead and request a booth to soften noise and lean the space more romantic than bar-scene.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Logan Square is limited during peak hours; metered parking nearby, rideshare is often easiest on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, dresses, and elevated denim all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Loud during primetime with lively bar energy; conversation is easier in booth seating or earlier reservations.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without a reservation, commonly 45–75 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited/variable; when open, waits are typically minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, small plates, and a few mains can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — menu leans steak and seafood; confirm modifications with your server.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly items and modifications are available; confirm cross-contact if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for confident, higher-energy first dates where ambiance and cocktails matter. For quieter conversation, book an earlier seating or request a booth.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up, but weekends fill early. Your best odds are early evening or late night.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the space skews adult, cocktail-forward, and loud. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: High-energy date nights, cocktails with steakhouse staples, and celebratory dinners where ambiance and buzz are part of the draw.
Skip if: You want a quiet white-tablecloth steakhouse, strictly vegan dining, or a low-key family dinner environment.
The Whale Chicago
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
The Whale is a high-energy New American bar-restaurant with casino-inspired décor, big booths, and a sprawling menu that leans into brunch, burgers, and shareable plates. With more than a thousand reviews and steady weekend crowds, it’s become a go-to for lively group meals in central Logan Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower, Moroccan Turkey Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A casino-themed dining room with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu built for social brunch and dinner.
Who should go: Groups planning festive brunches, birthdays, or pre-night-out dinners.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening for peak energy without the latest-night crush.
What to order: Lobster tacos, Buffalo cauliflower, Moroccan turkey burger.
Insider tip: Book ahead for weekend brunch; the semi-circular booths and window tables go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee and nearby side streets; can be limited during peak dinner and weekend brunch hours (allow extra time, no dedicated valet reported).
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but most groups lean slightly dressy for brunch and celebrations.
Noise level: Loud during peak brunch and evening hours — conversation is possible at booths but tougher at high-energy tables near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with same-day seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several appetizers, salads, and brunch plates can be ordered vegetarian or modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of sides and salads may be adapted, but choices are narrower than vegetarian.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm modifications with the server as cross-contact controls are not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a lively, social outing than an intimate first date — the energy, music, and big booths suit celebratory or second-date vibes more than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties outside of peak brunch and dinner, but expect a queue on weekends; arriving early or being flexible with bar or booth seating helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for earlier brunch or daytime visits with older kids; evenings trend louder and more nightlife-oriented, with limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group brunches, birthdays, and celebratory dinners where a broad, accessible menu and big-booth seating matter more than quiet, chef-driven dining.
Skip if: You want a low-noise, intimate meal, strictly vegan or gluten-free dining, or parking-convenient, quick-in-and-out service.
The Whale Chicago
8.7
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Late Night Legends
The Whale is a high-energy, Vegas-styled New American restaurant and cocktail bar where big-format brunch, shareable spreads, and strong drinks run late into the night. Locals use it for birthday groups and pre-game dinners when they want a scene with full kitchen service until around midnight on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & Grits, Blueberry Muffin Skillet, Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Clubby, late-running dining room where cocktails and big plates meet a Vegas-influenced vibe.
Who should go: Groups wanting a flashy, party-forward late dinner.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday nights for peak energy and late kitchen.
What to order: Shrimp & Grits, Blueberry Muffin Skillet, Mac and Cheese.
Insider tip: Book later reservations to linger past standard dinner service while the room is still buzzing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Milwaukee and nearby side streets, especially after 7pm; metered spots only. No dedicated lot — rideshare is common on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — heels, button-downs, and going-out outfits fit the room; casual jeans are fine but expect a nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak nights — conversation works best at earlier seatings or smaller tables; expect club-style energy late.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seats and late slots tend to open up faster.
Weekday lunch: No weekday lunch service — typically brunch and dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, sides, and a few mains), but not a fully vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 modifiable items; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy date than a quiet getting-to-know-you dinner — it shines if you want a scene and strong drinks, not intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — arrive early or late for the best chance. Prime-time weekends usually require a reservation, though bar seating may open up sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s adult-oriented with a nightlife vibe, particularly after 8–9pm. Earlier brunch hours are the most family-appropriate.
Best For
Better for: Birthday groups, celebratory dinners, and late-night dining with a flashy, cocktail-forward atmosphere when other kitchens are slowing down.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, minimalist fine dining, or budget-friendly plates — choose a calmer bistro or casual spot instead.