When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
2d restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken
Why 2d restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
2d Restaurant offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience with its hand-drawn, two-dimensional comic book-inspired interior designed by award-winning designer Vanessa Thanh Vu. The entire dining environment is illustrated in monochrome, making guests feel as if they’ve stepped into a graphic novel. This artistic setting creates a perfect backdrop for social media photos and memorable meetups with friends. 2d Restaurant specializes in trendy, gourmet Asian treats including Japanese mochi donuts with Lycée glaze, Taiwanese-style fried chicken sandwiches marinated for tenderness, and a selection of handcrafted Asian beverages and Vietnamese coffee. Highlights include the rooster sandwich, featuring buttermilk-marinated fried chicken paired with a sweet and spicy pineapple hot sauce, and their vibrant 2d coleslaw and fries sides. The spot has earned multiple accolades such as Best of Chicago 2022 and recognition as one of the top donut shops in the city. This combination of visual allure and creative Asian-inspired menu options makes it an excellent place to gather and enjoy unique flavors with friends in a playful, artistic setting.
Here's what people think of 2d restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken
As of recent, 2d restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1052 reviews.
Customer reviews of 2d Restaurant reflect an overall positive reception with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on over a thousand reviews. Many guests praise the restaurant's innovative concept and the intriguing comic book-style ambiance that provides a great photo-worthy atmosphere for gatherings. The quality of food often mentioned positively includes the flavorful rooster sandwich with its hot pineapple sauce and the variety of trendy mochi donuts, which are considered a highlight by dessert lovers. Additionally, the handcrafted Asian beverages and well-marinated fried chicken tenders receive commendation from patrons who appreciate the gourmet approach to classic Asian street foods. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to the food being occasionally oily and dense, particularly the donuts and chicken sandwiches, and some find the flavors, like the “Rooster sauce,” too overpowering or drippy. A few reviewers mention the space feeling cramped and waiting times for a table being long, which can detract from the experience. Despite these critiques, the 2d Restaurant is frequently recommended for its unique atmosphere and creative menu, making it a popular hotspot in Chicago's Asian fusion dining scene with a distinctive artistic flair.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Venita Nance
Fun, Flavorful, and Full of Photo Ops! 📸🍜 I had a great time at 2D Restaurant—definitely a unique spot with delicious Asian cuisine and a super creative atmosphere! From the moment you walk in, the black-and-white 2D decor pulls you into a fun, cartoon-like world that’s perfect for photos. Our servers, Faith and Alexander, were absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. The lemonade was so refreshing, and I really enjoyed the Oreo donut—a perfect sweet treat to end the meal. The food overall was flavorful and satisfying, with a nice variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Whether you’re going for the food, the vibe, or just some cute pics for your feed, 2D Restaurant is definitely worth a visit!
Rebecca Aires
I went there late June, 2025. Had a good time, ordered some fries and beverages, they were good! Not too expensive, service was good. The place is small so not many people can fit in, there’s a Photo Booth and a little space with a motorcycle that makes a good place for pictures if you’re interested. I really admired the handiwork and everything was very impressive! Had a great time!
Eithne McBride
Man, it really pains me to leave a not-great review for this place. We stumbled across it while looking for a unique place to take the teen for a birthday lunch. It was.....okayish? Even though there were only two tables occupied, it took 20 minutes to get our drinks. The food didn't take too long. Speaking of the food, we liked it but we weren't hugely in love with anything. I had the teriyaki chicken salad and my guy had the rooster - we loved our choices! The teen had the garden chicken sandwich and did not love it. The accompanying fries, on the other hand, got a big thumbs up. Our servers were slow, disorganized, and really seemed like they'd rather be practically anywhere else. One was rude (lots of lip pursing and eye rolling) and the other just kind of seemed lost. The concept is super cute but a white-with-black decor theme needs a level of upkeep that's clearly missing here so the reality of the restaurant was no where near as cute as the photos that sold us on giving it a try. We left feeling drained instead of upbeat. We're glad we gave it a try but 2D isn't going into our favourite restaurants rotation.
Sasha Y
The donut gave extra star to this review - Oreo donut is absolute ❤️ and must try! Lemonades are very picturesque but quite sweet. We had to wait for our drinks over 25 min as we ordered a la carte while everyone was doing tasting menu, when sandwiches arrived they were cold although the flavors were good and interesting toping with good level of heat, it was disappointing that it was cold. After some time my eyes got tired of all white and black ambience and bright light.
Mellany de Medeiros Nones
Food was so good - big portions and flavorful!! Had the Fried Chicken Curry Don and the Wiggle Cat Pudding with Mochi Donut, 10/10. Server was so nice as well, on top of it all and with great timing. For sure will be back, for the atmosphere, the food and the service!
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Why 2d restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 2D Restaurant - Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at 2D Restaurant in Chicago offers a uniquely immersive dining experience that goes beyond just the food. This restaurant’s standout feature is its captivating 2-dimensional, hand-drawn style décor that makes guests feel like they've stepped into a life-sized comic book or cartoon. The entire space—including walls, floors, furniture, and outdoor seating—is designed in stark white with crisp black outlines, creating a surreal, monochromatic Paris-inspired setting that invites guests to take playful, Instagram-worthy photos together. This visual novelty makes it an engaging atmosphere for socializing and creating shared memories. Beyond its distinctive ambiance, 2D Restaurant specializes in delighting palates with a focused menu of Taiwanese-style mochi donuts and fried chicken. Their appealing blend of sweet and savory options provides variety for every taste. The restaurant also offers refreshing drinks like jasmine green tea with brown sugar boba, adding to the communal vibe. Moreover, spending $25 or more grants you access to an interactive photo tour, complete with props and costume pieces, making it a perfect outing for groups who enjoy both culinary and playful experiences in a modern, trendy environment.
What activities can you enjoy at 2D Restaurant with a group?
At 2D Restaurant, the activities extend past just enjoying food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for group meetups. First and foremost, the visually striking décor allows groups to partake in a memorable photoshoot. There’s even a dedicated photo tour experience included with a reasonable minimum spend. In this area, friends can dress up in curated costume pieces and use fun props, while professional team members snap high-quality photos. These photos are then sent to guests digitally and one printout is provided, giving groups tangible memories of their unique outing. Besides the photo experience, patrons enjoy the activity of selecting and sharing from a focused menu that features mochi donuts with various creative frostings and the highly praised fried chicken sandwiches. The social aspect around food — whether debating donut flavors or sharing different chicken sauces — sparks conversation and communal delight. Additionally, the first-ever made-to-order phin-style coffee bar inside the restaurant adds another layer to the menu, letting groups savor special beverages together. While the seating can be a bit tight, the cozy atmosphere invites close-knit interactions, perfect for catching up with friends or bonding with family.
Why is 2D Restaurant perfect for a group meetup?
2D Restaurant’s unique combination of immersive visual theme and a food menu that balances indulgence and variety creates an ideal destination for group meetups. The interactive photoshoot encourages participation from everyone, breaking the ice and enlivening the group dynamic. Even those who might be shy or reluctant to chat find themselves drawn into the amusement of posing with props and costumes. The restaurant’s menu, though limited, offers standout items that cater to diverse cravings: mochi donuts provide a chewy, sweet contrast to the crispy, flavorful fried chicken sandwiches. These distinct items complement each other well for sharing and sampling. Drinks like jasmine teas with boba add a refreshing twist that appeals widely to groups; ordering different flavors encourages tasting swaps and fun debates about favorites. The price point is reasonable—getting two meals from a single fried chicken order and complimentary photo experiences with modest spending increases value for groups on a budget. Furthermore, the first-ever phin-style coffee bar lent a trendy and authentic edge to the drink selection, elevating the whole visit. Altogether, the tactile, visual, and culinary offerings form a multi-sensory experience crafted for group enjoyment and celebration.
What makes the food and drink menu at 2D Restaurant stand out for groups?
The 2D Restaurant menu carefully balances innovative treats with familiar comfort foods, making it an excellent choice for group outings. The mochi donuts are a signature item, offering a chewy, unique texture derived from glutinous rice flour that differs significantly from traditional donuts. Their playful varieties include character-inspired options like “The Pooh,” although some find the frosting on these donuts thick and occasionally overwhelming, which can spark fun discussions on favorites within groups. Complementing the sweet side, the fried chicken options boast tender, juicy thigh meat coated in a flavorful crust called the “2D Rooster,” which has received enthusiastic reviews for its satisfying crunch and seasoning. The fried chicken sandwiches, marinated in buttermilk and served with inventive sauces such as the spicy “Rooster Sauce” or hot pineapple sauce, give groups a chance to experience a bold flavor fusion reflective of the restaurant’s Taiwanese inspiration. On the beverage side, offerings like peach jasmine green tea with brown sugar boba and mango jasmine tea provide refreshing, lightly sweet accompaniments that elevate the overall dining experience. These drink options also encourage sharing tastes and comparing preferences among friends. The inclusion of the phin-style coffee bar, reportedly the first of its kind made-to-order in a venue like this, adds a trendy coffee element that coffee lovers in any group will appreciate.
How does the atmosphere and service at 2D Restaurant enhance group gatherings?
The restaurant’s atmosphere is its defining asset, transforming a simple meal into an entertaining, immersive event. The hand-drawn black-and-white décor creates a striking backdrop that feels both whimsical and stylish, encouraging playful interaction among group members. This novelty makes 2D Restaurant ideal for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or unique dates. While the physical space is somewhat compact and the seating limited—which can be challenging for very large parties—it fosters intimacy and conversation by bringing groups closer. The management’s thoughtful addition of a photo tour experience further personalizes visits, as staff assist guests by taking professional photos and providing prints, enhancing the group’s shared memories and social media sharing opportunities. Service reviews are generally positive, with team members attentive and eager to help customers navigate the menu and the photo shoot. This creates a welcoming environment where groups feel well cared for. The animated buzz from the group photo session complements the casual chatter over meals, making the entire experience entertaining and memorable.
Are there any tips or considerations for hosting a meetup at 2D Restaurant?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable meetup at 2D Restaurant, groups should consider making a reservation, especially on weekends or evening hours, as the space is cozy and can fill up quickly. Planning ahead helps avoid long wait times and ensures your group can comfortably settle in for both dining and photo activities. Since the menu, while focused and flavorful, is somewhat limited, it’s helpful to discuss preferences beforehand or be ready to embrace the mochi donut and chicken-centric offerings. Group members with dietary restrictions may want to inquire about plant-based or alternative options ahead of time. Also, budgeting around the $25 minimum spend per group allows everyone to enjoy the free photo tour, which is a unique feature enhancing the collective experience. Finally, expect some oily or dense textures in the food, particularly the donuts, which some guests find heavy, so balancing orders with lighter drinks or sharing multiple dishes is advisable to keep the meal enjoyable for all. With these points in mind, 2D Restaurant becomes an ideal venue for groups seeking a visually captivating, interactive, and tasty outing.
2D Restaurant—Mochi Donuts and Fried Chicken is a vibrant, photo-friendly destination that combines innovative aesthetics with creative Taiwanese-inspired menu items, providing friends and families an engaging setting to connect, celebrate, and enjoy memorable moments.