Reserve now:
The PortageReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Chicago / Illinois Restaurant Reviews >
Chicago Restaurant Reviews >
Portage Park Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
The Portage Reviews List
The Portage
Named as one of the Best New Restaurant by Chicago Magazine in 2011, The Portage is a friendly and welcoming restaurant in the heart of Portage Park. We offer refined American comfort food in a peaceful setting, whether you choose to sit inside at one of our intimate tables or outside in our zen like garden.
See more The Portage details
91 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 91 reviews
5 stars
(49)
4 stars
(31)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(79)
- fit for foodies(67)
- special occasion(38)
- great for outdoor dining(34)
- romantic(25)
- hot spot(13)
The Portage Reviews List
Review 1 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food with Glitches
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Prepared to give it a terrible review but the food saved the day. A major problem is the noise level. Most restaurants are noisy but, when full, this is ridiculous. I would not return during main dining hours."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood Favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love the Portage. My husband and I have been several times. This was the first time we braved the restaurant with kids and they were welcomed warmly. Our party was 4 adults, and 2 kids out on the patio. Everything from appetizers, cocktails, meals and desserts was great. Service was a little spotty, but nothing to keep me from coming back again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good but needed more variety if you are not into the fancy dishes."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Portage Park Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Portage is an unexpected find in northwest Chicago. It is nicely decorated, and not very noisy. The staff are very friendly and helpful. And the food is wonderful. We enjoyed the scallops and the pork belly, and especially the fried chicken. The weather was too cool for the outdoor patio, but it looks lovely. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my fourth time to this restaurant, the last two times brought friends to experience the food and atmosphere of my neighborhood restaurant. I generally don't order chicken too much when dining out but the first entree on the menu, Amish Chicken, is outstanding, don't miss it."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Surprise Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant definitely exceeded our expectations. We were seated within 15 minutes of our reservation. The noise level was a little loud but we were able to carry on a conversation. The food was exceptional, creative, beautifully presented and delicious. Would definitely go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
awesome
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome wrapped in awesome covered in melted awesome"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Complicated menu, delicious choices, great food........just a little too noisy"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have dined many times at The Portage. The food is always excellent and the wine list quite reasonable. Another nice experience."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice midpoint spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed meeting friends from Evanston here since it is about 20 minutes from both Evanston and Oak Park. The spare rib was flavorful and the trout was meaty. Our friend liked her scallops. The fried calamari was lightly battered and quite fresh. The beet salad included 3-4 good sized, thick red beets. The flourless chocolate cake and Belgium chocolate ice cream were a delicious way to finish a good meal. A cozy place with carefully prepared food and attentive service. We have found The Portage too noisy for good conversation on Saturday evenings, and quieter on Sundays."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WONDERFUL atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every time I go there I've had excellent service and great food."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything A Home Run.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Food. Creative Presentations.
Reasonable Prices. Great Service.
We think it's well worth the trip from Mount Prospect.
Check it out. You WILL enjoy it."
Reasonable Prices. Great Service.
We think it's well worth the trip from Mount Prospect.
Check it out. You WILL enjoy it."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best post-Salt Caves dining option! First taste of smoked mussels - perfectly executed. Delicious short ribs, scallops, drinks, cherry cobbler, homemade ice cream. Lovely decorations, like you're in someone's house - even the back room is cozy but spacious enough for larger parties."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, perfect portions
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food, perfect portions and price; Drinks were fabulous; A gem of a restaurant."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Molly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Portage looks unassuming from the outside and surrounding area, but the inside is elegant and cozy. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu (both food and drink) which indicates good training and a well run restaurant. The menu is inventive and whimsical. The execution of the menu is a 4/5, a few little things that weren't perfect, but overall, the food was delicious. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
reasons to eat there.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"American food made special. Great decor of cozy space. Big beer selection & special drinks."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I came here with a group of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I came here with a group of eight people, and it was a very good experience overall. There was an issue with our table not being ready at the time of our reservation, but the excellent food more than made up for it. The duck fat fries and the desserts (creme brulee and lemon curd) were particularly good. Definitely recommended."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Portage Positive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Portage's new short rib burger was a hit. So glad to have it in the neighborhood."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place with a good vibe.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice place with a good vibe. Food was quite good. I had the candied Beef Shortribs which had very good flavor and a very nice presentation. Drinks were reasonably priced... all around a good choice."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this place! The staff could not have been nicer and the food was delicious. My only regret is that it was not nice enough to be on the patio... We will be back!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
IT is about TIME !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Service, excellent food,creative Menu. It is about time that a great spot opened on the Northwest side of the City. We will tell our friends and neighbors."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have eaten here numerous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have eaten here numerous times now. We enjoy each time we visit."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best in Portage Park
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was amazing in both taste and presentation. An absolute gem in the heart of Portage Park."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went with a small group, four
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went with a small group, four and a child. We were seated in the Library and had a wonderful dinner. The food was fantastic and the service was great. This was my third time there and definitely not my last."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Cocktails made the meal!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fair. Appetizers were very good, mains were just ok and the dessert was nothing to talk about (four people did not finish it, if that tells you anything). But, the cocktails are worth coming back for, the wine list is wonderful and the staff was very helpful (sometimes too helpful). I will return when the gorgeous patio is open and sip cocktails and eat apps."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great option for the neighborhood,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great option for the neighborhood, but the food missed the mark. Each dish seemed to have a weird ingredient that just threw the taste off. Scallops with shortribs? Each were delicious, but I'm not sure they belong together.
If you want to splurge on calories, the fried chicken looked great!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding food and service - Highly recommend. Wonderful and creative drink selection!-"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our first time there and we
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our first time there and we will definitely go back. The duck fat fries were amazing. As was the Amish Chicken"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is a true hidden gem. We tend to eat in downtown Chicago quite often, though living NW of city, it gets sometimes troublesome. We hope to find a place that had the quality of food and service of places downtown, but a lot closer and more convenient. The Portage is!
The space is quaint, and even has an outdoor patio, which we cannot wait to try when the weather turns warmer.
We will surely be back to The Portage and often."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Imaginative (comfort) food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Imaginative (comfort) food well prepared with care. Commitment to local sources (including Black Dog Gelato) made our foodie cognoscente happy. Service was a little slow based on the relatively few customers - would have like all five at the table served at the same time. Have been there four times and have not had anything that we did not think was at least very good. Will return to keep working down the menu but would like to see some new additions as well as a reduction in the shellfish influence. Have not tried the patio yet but looking forward to it."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our third visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our third visit to the Portage and took another couple with us for their first experience. We had a 6:30 reser. and the restaurant was empty but soon filled up and the noise level picked up. Our meals were delicious, I had the fried Amish chicken as well as my friend and it is outstanding and would recommend it to anyone. Many good choices on the menu including a hamburger that is great and quite large. Many good starters."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tried to sqeeze us in a 2
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tried to sqeeze us in a 2 top between other diners. Only offered a high top across from the bar. A 4 top sat empty. never offered to take our coats(we sat on them). Watched everyone else have theirs taken at the door. Hostess(manager?) came by the table at the end. Too late too little. Too bad the food & wait staff were great."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place, great food, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place, great food, and even better service. Owner was there and introduced himself, even bought us desert. No place even close to this caliber in the neighborhood."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 34 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food in an area
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food in an area of the city where these types of restaurants are hard to find."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 35 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I absolutely love
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I absolutely love this place. We spend many of our special evenings here. We love the food, and the staff. They treat everyone like royalty and know many by their first name and greet them with a hug."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 36 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have been here a few times
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been here a few times and it was excellent every time. From the bartenders, to the waitstaff, to the food and to the drinks...everything is great. Very romantic setting with a neighborhood feel."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 37 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
JESSIE OUR WAITER VERY GOOD.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"JESSIE OUR WAITER VERY GOOD. PERSONALITY, PROMPTNESS ARE MUSTS IN A DINING EXPERIENCE WHICH HE HAD. KUDDOS TO JESSE!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 38 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love this resturant. I
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love this resturant. I would need for it to have more non-meat options to go more frequently."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 39 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was ok, not great.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"The food was ok, not great. The gnocchi appetizer was really good but the fried chicken was not seasoned very well and the skin was soft as it was covered in gravy. We waited for our entree for a really long time. So long that the server offered me a free drink for our troubles. If things would have gotten better after we received our main course and the drink, I would have gave higher marks on the Service rating. However, it did take was too long for our waiter to take our dessert order and when it finally came, we did not get utensils. To cap the night off, the complimentary drink was on the bill when it finally came so I had to ask that he take it off. On a positive note, the bus boys were on top of things though."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 40 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If you go here you should
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you go here you should try the Bacon Wrapped Dates as a starter. You think to yourself, how good could these be? When you try them you realize it surpasses your expectations."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 41 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Upscale Portage Park Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and drinks were excellent. Menu selections we tried: Beet salad, crab bisque, braised shortrib atop savoy cabbage and squash, Lake Superior red trout with andouille sausage, flourless chocolate cake with maple ginger ice cream, and maple cake with blueberry compote. Proprietor came by to talk to us about our experience. Service from the bar was slow for both rounds of drinks, but that was not communicated by our server."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 42 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Portage: worth checking out!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a neighborhood treasure... Even if you're not from that specific neighborhood!! I live near EVanston but I had heard wonderful things about The Portage and the experience totally exceded my expectations. Kind and attentive service. Food was outstanding. Loved the warm and inviting atmosphere. Great for cozy yet upbeat winter dining. I'm coming back in warmer weather to try out the patio in back."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 43 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love this neighborhood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We love this neighborhood restaurant! Everything is always wonderful!!!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 44 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome Gem of the Northwest Side
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's awesome to have this gem on the northwest side of Chicago, close to home, easy to find free parking but best of all - fantastic food and service!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 45 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious and Wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The portage offers a wonderful atmosphere and great food. I love to go there for special occasions because the service is great!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 46 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always love the creativity
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always love the creativity of the menu and execution is spot on!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 47 for The Portage
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My last visit was my third
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My last visit was my third meal at the Portage and maybe my favorite. It is a local neighborhood place, but the food is definitely not ordinary. The service is not pretentious, but attentive. The dining room is cozy. Our server was helpful and knowledgeable. I had an old fashioned that was very good garnished with a house-made "drunken cherry." We shared an order of the duck fat fried potatoes, which arrived hot and crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. My companion had candied glazed short ribs and I had the cider braised pork belly. The pork belly was silky, unctuous,flavorful comfort food and so different. There is outdoor dining in the summer. Gourmet dining right in the neighborhood!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for The Portage
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic