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EL Ideas

New American Restaurant$$$$
Douglas Park, Chicago
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8.8/10
91
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Eater recommend this place
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • Eater
  • Tips
    Carlos
    "It's BYOB with great service."(8 Tips)
    Chicago magazine
    "Chef Phillip Foss breezes"(3 Tips)
    Scott S.
    "BYOB Prix fixe"(3 Tips)
    Teri P.
    "... an Uber limo, dress casual but if it's cold out wear a few layers...."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon34 Tips and reviews
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  • BYOB
  • good for dates
  • good service
  • White Russians
  • casual
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  • Eater
    EaterOctober 11, 2016
    One of America's most innovative fine-dining restaurants, where 13-15 courses can include "culinary cocaine," a solid "White Russian" topped with caviar, and more mind-blowing delights. Read more
  • Ty S.heart icon on user image
    Ty SomkulJuly 13, 2016
    Get interactive with the staff, since they encourage it! I enjoyed the familiar flavors of your childhood in a sophisticated dish. The fries and milkshake and the play on elote brought me me back.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneJanuary 6, 2017
    Chef/owner Phillip Foss will go so far as to instruct diners to lick their plates clean (I did this once), but it’s all about breaking down walls and making seriously creative food fun to eat. Read more
  • Carlos
    CarlosAugust 15, 2013
    It's BYOB with great service. Excellent multi-course meal in a very casual atmosphere. Make sure you drive or have transport scheduled as it's impossible to catch a cab along this stretch of Western.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoApril 17, 2012
    After the nervous drive to this BYOB, you see Talbott, the relaxed, warm host/waiter/sommelier. He learns your name, attends to your wine and sets the tone that makes dining a one-of-a-kind experience Read more
  • Gary G.
    Gary GriceApril 20, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    This was for pick up. The orders were taken and received quickly and once reheated and assembled at home everything was great. The brownies were special.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014
    Desserts tend to be fun and quite sweet; I'm thinking specifically of the old-fashioned cake doughnut, with applejack caramel and spiced-cider sorbet. Read more
  • Jannis
    JannisJuly 26, 2013
    This restaurant was absolutely amazing! If you are going to be in Chicago, try to get a table at the EL ideas. You will definitely not just like it, you will love it! Read more
  • Jared P.
    Jared PetsyJuly 29, 2018
    If you’ve bought in then you’re already in. The only tip is to sit back and enjoy.
  • Phil B.heart icon on user image
    Phil BernardiJuly 27, 2013
    if you want to experience a truly different type of cuisine, make sure you come to EL Ideas
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    BYOB. Hits from this conceptual kitchen include thrice-cooked potato, garlic roll, blackberry pâté, + mini-oreos. – Green Guide Editor
  • Micki M.
    Micki MaynardNovember 11, 2011
    It's a four hour, 15-course excursion into creative dining. Like taking part in an episode of Top Chef. Come hungry and open minded. And BYOB.
  • Teri P.
    Teri PytelApril 14, 2013
    It's more than the food. It's the experience. Take an Uber limo, dress casual but if it's cold out wear a few layers. BYOB (call Allison if you want recommendations). Relax and enjoy.
  • Chrisheart icon on user image
    ChrisAugust 2, 2021
    Interactive tasting menu is a blast with some inventive dishes. BYOB!
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014
    Elevated Ideas in Dining" as practiced by chef Phillip Foss, whose "question everything" mantra is a hint to the nontraditional food he creates. Read more
  • Chicago magazine
    Chicago magazineApril 9, 2012
    Note: Chef Phillip Foss breezes in and out of the totally exposed kitchen and invites diners to help with prep.
  • Nozomi Y.heart icon on user image
    Nozomi YamawakiDecember 29, 2018
    Wonderful experience at the chef’s table! ✨
  • Katie G.
    Katie GearJuly 12, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Everything is always incredible!
  • Tingheart icon on user image
    TingDecember 28, 2014
    Innovative food where the taste and smell of the food evokes fond memories.
  • Clark S.heart icon on user image
    Clark ScrandisSeptember 21, 2015
    Best Foodie experience in Chicago!
  • Julianna
    JuliannaAugust 16, 2016
    Reservations required. Tasting menu only.
  • TV Food Maps
    TV Food MapsSeptember 2, 2014
    Check out El Ideas as seen on Bizarre Foods America , The Layover Read more
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoMay 16, 2012
    So much fun; don't book anything else for the evening; 14 courses, 3 hours
  • Shannon J.
    Shannon JeropkeFebruary 17, 2017
    Chef Phillip Foss was nominated for Best chef: Great Lakes 2017 James Beard Award.
  • Jason W.heart icon on user image
    Jason WrightApril 15, 2013
    Great concept and fantastic food!
  • Adam K.
    Adam KnudsenAugust 29, 2013
    My tip: love your life for being here. AMAZING
  • Scott S.
    Scott SachnoffDecember 2, 2022
    BYOB Prix fixe
  • Thomas M.heart icon on user image
    Thomas MosesSeptember 1, 2018
    Five stars *****
  • Chris P.heart icon on user image
    Chris PantagesJune 12, 2014
    Amazing. BYOB
  • Allen P.
    Allen PennMarch 7, 2012
    @Uber_CHI is the best way to get home. Ask Bill for more information.
  • Macchaheart icon on user image
    MacchaDecember 3, 2017
    Good food, good people
  • David S.
    David SmithAugust 19, 2018
    Don’t. Be. Late.
  • Urban Nomad
    Urban NomadDecember 16, 2013
    One Michelin star
  • Alfredo D.heart icon on user image
    Alfredo Del PozzoJuly 28, 2017
    Excelente servicio y comida, pero lo mejor fue experiencia del equipo culinario!
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