When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
avec River North
Why avec River North is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Avec River North is a standout Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, offering a spacious and inviting setting for friends to gather. As the second location of the beloved Avec brand, it features a larger footprint with individual seating, making it ideal for both casual meetups and business dinners where guests value comfort and personal space. The restaurant shines with its soul-warming, rustic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine crafted under the culinary direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan and veteran chef Perry Hendrix. Visitors can expect memorable dishes such as the famous chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped Medjool dates, taleggio flatbread, oven-fired pizzas, homemade pastas like the sweet corn pappardelle and orecchiette, and expertly prepared coastal fish dishes. Avec River North balances a warm and lively atmosphere with thoughtful service, creating a buzz that energizes the space without overwhelming conversation. Guests often enjoy their dining experience paired with a carefully selected range of Mediterranean-style wines available by the glass or bottle and cocktails with creative twists. For those looking to extend their evening, Bar Avec offers an open-air rooftop experience, featuring a Euro-centric wine collection, refreshing cocktails, and shareable Spanish and Portuguese plates, perfect during warmer months. With flexible dining options such as lunch, dinner, brunch, and happy hour, Avec River North is a versatile and attractive spot to enjoy an unforgettable meal with friends in Chicago.
Here's what people think of avec River North
As of recent, avec River North holds a 4.5-star rating based on 676 reviews.
Reviews of Avec River North consistently praise the restaurant for its inventive and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, highlighting the quality and flavor of both small plates and main dishes. Many guests rave about the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates, fresh focaccia bread, and the homemade pastas such as the sweet corn pappardelle and orecchiette, which reviewers describe as delicious and well-prepared. The cocktail selection, including inventive drinks like the spiced Old Fashioned and seasonal strawberry cocktails, receives frequent positive mentions for their creativity and taste. Reviewers often commend the attentive, friendly service, noting how the staff enhances the overall dining experience. The ambiance is described as modern yet rustic, with a lively and buzzing atmosphere that suits groups and business dinners alike. Positive reviews emphasize the ample seating, warm hospitality, and the rooftop Bar Avec as highlights that set this location apart from the original West Loop spot, especially for larger groups. Negative feedback, while less common, includes occasional remarks about busier times leading to a noisy environment or slightly longer waits. Some guests note that the pricing, averaging around $70 per person, reflects the high-quality ingredients and elevated dining experience but may be a consideration for budget-conscious diners. Overall, the consensus is that Avec River North successfully delivers flavorful, soulful Mediterranean food in an inviting and stylish setting, making it a worthwhile destination for both locals and visitors in Chicago seeking a memorable meal and great social atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Faith F
I think this restaurant is a bit overhyped. I really enjoyed my drink and humus appetizer. The hummus was super smooth and I don’t think it could get much better besides serving it with another pita. I was disappointed in the pesto pasta as they add mint to it and to me it threw off the entire flavor of the dish. I believe it’s meant to balance the saltiness of the meat but I personally didn’t enjoy it. The pizza was good, however it took a long time after we finished the other dishes for it to come out. Overall the food is good, but I think it’s overpriced for what you get.
Satyaki “Seth” Mitra
Avec serves Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired cuisine, and I greatly enjoyed their food. The lamb burger was perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, while the sumac-glazed pork belly was equally delicious.
Stefan Obrenovic
Fantastic food! 3 of us grabbed a few plates to share, pizza was on the spicier side so be aware. Short beef rib and hummus were just to die for and I will dream about it until next time. Dessert was simple yet a perfect combination of flavors. Service could be just a bit better but it was unexpectedly busy for a Monday so it’s understandable. Manager checked in so you can see they care. As I work in the neighborhood I will definitely be back!
Craig Larson
We arrived for brunch on Sunday and were astounded by the amazing food and impeccable service. We had the carbonara pizza, which was incredible. The guanciale was the perfect match to the parm and egg yolk. We also had the sausage cocotte that was so delicious! The wine list is bursting with funky naturals and we loved the Austrian orange wine. We loved our brunch so much that we came back the next day for supper and were more blown away than ever. We’re amazed by the Crudo with a preparation of mango that I’ve never had before . My world was rocked with the lamb calzone with yogurt sauce, and salted pickles, which were divine together. We had the biodynamic Sangiovese and it was perfect. We were hedonists and ordered the beef cheek pasta and campanelle. After a bite, we were so full from the rest that we took those home and had them for breakfast and lunch the next day. This really is our new favorite place .
Rheanna A
Brunch was fantastic. The shakshuka is seasoned perfectly, as well as the papas bravas. Highly recommend the French toast. It was one of the best ones we’ve had, not too sweet with the natural fruit balancing it out flawlessly.
How to reach avec River North
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Why avec River North may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Avec River North with your friends?
Avec River North stands out as an exceptional venue for gathering with friends because it perfectly combines soulful Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a lively and inviting atmosphere. This restaurant has garnered a strong 4.5 rating from over 676 reviews, reflecting widespread appreciation for its culinary expertise and warm hospitality. If you and your friends seek a place that offers both exceptional food and an engaging social environment, Avec River North hits the mark. Unlike more generic dining locations, it is situated in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, offering a sophisticated yet approachable ambiance that sets the stage for memorable social experiences. The space is designed without communal seating, providing intimate yet convivial dining areas that allow for easy conversation and connection within your group. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxed lunch, a festive dinner, or cocktails under the stars on their open-air rooftop bar, Avec River North facilitates versatile meetups suited to any group's mood. The carefully curated menu blends Midwestern heartiness with Mediterranean flare, making each dish an experience worth sharing while the wine and cocktail lists add layers of delight to your gathering. This potent mix of great food, thoughtful setting, and excellent drinks ensures that your time with friends here won’t just be a meal but a celebration of good company.
What kind of activities and dining experiences await groups at Avec River North?
Avec River North is tailored to create a dynamic and shared dining experience ideal for groups seeking more than just a meal. The restaurant specializes in a thoughtfully crafted menu influenced by Mediterranean regions from Greece to Spain, featuring a mix of rustic and refined dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Groups can indulge in small plates like the famous chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates and taleggio flatbread, perfect for sharing and sparking conversation. Larger dishes, including oven-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and slow-roasted pork shoulder, offer hearty options that satisfy group appetites. These shared plates foster an interactive dining style where friends can taste multiple flavors together. Beyond the food, Avec’s wine program is one of its highlights; a tightly curated list emphasizes by-the-glass options and an extensive bottle selection featuring wines inspired by Southern European vineyards. Wine director Bret Haire ensures the list complements the menu perfectly, making wine-tasting a key group activity. Additionally, for those who prefer cocktails, Avec offers Mediterranean-inspired mixed drinks with surprising and refreshing twists. Moreover, the open-air rooftop Bar Avec is a unique extension where groups can transition from dinner to drinks in a chic space offering sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline, shareable plates with Spanish and Portuguese influence, and a European-style wine and cocktail experience. This versatility makes Avec River North a complete destination for group gatherings, combining exceptional tasting, social interaction, and a vibrant venue.
Why is Avec River North the perfect place for a group meetup?
Several factors make Avec River North exceptionally suitable for group meetups beyond its compelling menu. First, the spacious layout in the River North location allows for comfortable seating arrangements without forcing communal tables, giving groups privacy and intimacy while still feeling part of a lively environment. This seating approach facilitates meaningful connections and clear conversation, which can be difficult in more crowded or noisy venues. Second, the restaurant’s location in River North places it in a bustling, accessible part of Chicago with nearby entertainment and nightlife options, making it an excellent starting point or focal location for a full evening with friends or family. Third, Avec River North offers flexible timing with lunch, dinner, brunch on weekends, and happy hour specials, making it easy to fit into any group's schedule and preferences. Fourth, the quality and creativity of the cuisine curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan and executive chef Dylan Patel ensure a diverse menu appealing to various palates, including vegetarians and wine lovers, enabling everyone in the group to find something delightful. Lastly, the attentive service and warm hospitality from staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to linger, relax, and enjoy pacing that suits the group’s social rhythm. Together, these elements create a perfect blend of comfort, quality, and ambiance that makes Avec River North a top recommendation for hosting memorable meetups.
What dining options and culinary highlights make Avec River North special for groups?
Dining at Avec River North is a culinary journey through Mediterranean-inspired flavors that appeal markedly to groups looking for shared, engaging food experiences. The restaurant’s menu is a clever balance of inventive small plates and substantial main dishes, encouraging a communal style of eating that enhances social interaction. Signature items such as the chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates wrapped in bacon and the Taleggio flatbread come highly recommended as start points for group orders, offering rich textures and flavors that intrigue the palate without overwhelming. From there, larger plates like their oven-fired pizzas and an array of house-made pastas introduce satisfying and diverse options that cater to different preferences within a group, from meaty to vegetarian choices. Fresh coastal fish dishes provide lighter fare that adds to the menu’s breadth and Mediterranean authenticity. Additionally, Avec River North features a “deluxe” focaccia and slow-roasted pork shoulder that exemplify the rustic soulfulness of their cuisine and appeal to groups looking for hearty comfort food. The food is intentionally created to be shared and savored together, creating interactive moments as friends pass plates around and discuss new taste sensations. This style of dining also allows groups to sample a wide range of dishes in one sitting, making the experience more dynamic and memorable.
How does the beverage program enhance the group dining experience at Avec River North?
Avec River North’s beverage program is thoughtfully designed to complement its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and elevate the entire group experience. The restaurant boasts a curated wine list focused heavily on Southern European varieties, presenting guests with an opportunity to explore distinct regional wines by the glass or bottle. This feature appeals to both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs and transforms wine selection into a shared adventure for groups to discuss and enjoy. With the expert guidance of wine director Bret Haire, guests can expect a balanced and approachable list rich in whites, reds, and rosés that pair seamlessly with the eclectic menu. Beyond wine, the cocktail offerings stand out by integrating Mediterranean flavors and ingredients into creative drinks that are refreshing yet sophisticated. These cocktails provide an ideal start or finish to a meal and foster a festive mood. During warmer months, groups can also opt to take their drinks to Bar Avec, the open-air rooftop bar located nearby, where shareable plates with Spanish and Portuguese influence accompany a Euro-centric wine and cocktail menu. The ambiance of Bar Avec, combined with skyline views and a convivial vibe, offers a stellar place for groups to continue their gathering with light bites and drinks. Altogether, Avec River North’s beverage focus supports a complete and immersive dining experience that keeps groups engaged and satisfied.
What makes the ambiance and location of Avec River North suited to group gatherings?
The ambiance and location of Avec River North are pivotal factors that enhance its suitability as a prime spot for friends and family to gather. Situated at 141 W. Erie Street in the vibrant River North district of Chicago, the restaurant benefits from being in a neighborhood known for its artistic culture, nightlife, and accessibility. This central location means groups can easily combine a meal at Avec with other activities such as gallery visits, theater, or nightlife, helping turn a meetup into a full-day or evening event without logistical hassles. Inside, the decor is thoughtfully curated to feel bright and welcoming, with a design that balances rustic Mediterranean styles with modern touches tailored for comfort and casual elegance. Notably, unlike the original West Loop location, Avec River North offers no communal tables, which means groups can enjoy private conversations without the distractions that come with close quarters and shared seating. The restaurant’s large footprint also means ample seating capacity for groups of varying sizes, accommodating everything from intimate family dinners to larger friend reunions up to about 100 people in reception-style setups. The open-air rooftop Bar Avec further enhances the venue’s appeal, offering a casual yet chic setting that provides spectacular city views paired with a relaxed, social atmosphere ideal for after-meal drinks. This blend of locale, ambiance, and thoughtful layout solidifies Avec River North as an excellent choice for any group occasion.
How do Avec River North’s service and flexibility support hosting group meetups?
With a keen focus on warm hospitality and accommodating guest needs, Avec River North’s service and flexibility are critical to its success as a destination for group meetups. The staff is trained to balance attentiveness with unobtrusive professionalism, ensuring that groups feel well cared for without pressure or rush. This attentiveness allows guests to relax and enjoy their meals and conversations at a comfortable pace, which is important for social dining experiences. The restaurant’s scheduling flexibility—offering lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and happy hour—adds convenience for groups planning gatherings at varying times or preferring different formats. Happy hour specials from 5 PM to 6 PM on weekdays provide an inviting opportunity for groups to kick off an evening together with discounted drinks and shareable plates. Reservations are strongly encouraged and accepted, ensuring that groups can secure ideal seating and timing without last-minute issues. For particularly large groups or receptions, the space can accommodate roughly 100 guests standing, making it suitable for celebrations or corporate meetups as well. The combination of professional service, menu versatility, and scheduling options empower groups to customize their experience and make Ima memorable event with ease.
Avec River North represents an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top-tier, welcoming environment to host social gatherings with friends and family. Its superb Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, refined yet inviting atmosphere, expertly curated wine and cocktail program, and strategic River North location converge perfectly to meet and exceed group dining expectations. Whether it’s a casual brunch, celebratory dinner, or a cocktail meet-up on the rooftop bar, Avec River North promises not just a meal, but a vibrant social experience for every occasion.