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City Tavern Reviews List
City Tavern
City Taverns harkens back to a time when dining was built around an experience, not just a meal, and when the whole community gathered to share beer out of a cache.
We take our inspiration from the 18th century tavern - a meeting place for poets, artists, government officials and the common man.
Our goal at City Tavern is to provide a fresh take on the taverns of old and to provide a warm, comfortable and friendly environment where the entire community can gather.
See more City Tavern details
We take our inspiration from the 18th century tavern - a meeting place for poets, artists, government officials and the common man.
Our goal at City Tavern is to provide a fresh take on the taverns of old and to provide a warm, comfortable and friendly environment where the entire community can gather.
86 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 86 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(35)
3 stars
(25)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(46)
- fit for foodies(36)
- good for groups(34)
- great for brunch(19)
- kid-friendly(13)
- hot spot(12)
City Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Undistinguished
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to brunch with excitement about the special dishes. None were bad but all did not live up to the promised/expected taste sensations. We have not complaints or enthusiasm to go back. It is a very comfortable and attractive restaurant with a great looking bar."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 2 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Food! Average Service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The hostess was great and ended up taking care of us better than our own server. We waited for over 20 mins for our drinks which were simple soda's and ice tea's (no alcoholic beverages). One of the items a guest in our party ordered was not available so she was given a menu to re-look and our server disappeared for 20 mins holding up the rest of our meals. The place was fairly empty too so the excuse of it being busy did not apply for this experience.
The food was quite good and we will probably go back, however, we will ask for a different server."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2005
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Review 3 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Meh and a little pricy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love the entry--great decor and friendly welcome. Great beer list and sweet potato fries! But the menu is small and high-priced for the offering. Very loud. Hard to find vegetarian or healthful options."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great late evening find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I first went to City Tavern after the theater one weeknight..was thrilled to find such a lovely bar, quiet, friendly service. Nowhere like it in the loop or south loop. Returned with friends for an early dinner..very good burgers, terrific waiter."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is great, love almost everything about it except the food... had the Agnolotti and it was really bland, tasted like something I would make at home, but with less flavor. Others in a our group had the Amish Chick and the steak and it seemed like the steak was a hit, the chicken was above average, just not outstanding. Also, the brownie was decent but it really needs a scoop of ice cream!"
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 6 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The "poor" food rating is for running out of the beef tongue special so early in the evening. Very disappointing.
Also the service that is usually stellar was lacking in responsiveness- slow to ask about drink refills, very slow to bring and pick up the check. I finally paid cash just to be able to leave in time for my next activity."
Also the service that is usually stellar was lacking in responsiveness- slow to ask about drink refills, very slow to bring and pick up the check. I finally paid cash just to be able to leave in time for my next activity."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Where's the Lobster?
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My sister-in-law ordered the lobster roll. She found two pieces of lobster at most in the whole sandwich. She is a native Rhode Islander and was very disappointed by her lobster roll."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 8 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really enjoy the food at City Tavern and would have given it a better rating but for the rude service we received on our last visit. Our server appeared to be very busy with several tables and while otherwise nice, she rather abruptly excused herself while my fiancee was asking her question about how a few different entrees on the menu were prepared so that she could go to the table next to us and answer their questions on the menu. Generally she seemed hurried and otherwise helpful but it was clear that she had a short time limit on answer our questions. That rudeness negatively effected how we felt about the overall experience. Only because prior experiences including with this particular waitress were better, will we consider returning"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Last minute find a true gem.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was looking for a place to take the family for brunch near our place of worship on Mother's Day. I was initially turned off by the name; thinking any place with the word Tavern on it was not for my mom, let alone our family with young children. After researching various places near by, City Tavern stood out way above the rest. Once we arrived I was pleased to find that their site was no fluff. Everything they promised, they delivered. We had great food, great drinks, a welcoming family experience, and excellent service. My wife and mom were very satisfied and I came out looking like a champ. Thanks City Tavern! (By the way, don't think that this place is just for families. My wife and I will certainly be back - without the kids!)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 10 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Meh
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Decent steak and frites, nice atmosphere. Mackerel was over cooked, gnocchi soggy, waay too much ramp purée on my plate. Appetizers where done well. I think my server underestimated me, treated as child I stead of paying customer. Oh well, no wait in a Friday evening was nice but bad foreshadowing to the overall dinner experience."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 11 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing dinner and menu
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been disappointed in City Tavern's slide downhill in recent months. The menu choices, food preparation and service have deteriorated. My husband and I liked our starters last night, especially the lamb meatballs. But the roasted mackeral must have been double or triple roasted. The skin was tough and dry, and the only flavor discernible was salt. Lots of salt. Ditto for the dry gnocchi. After waiting half an hour for the strawberry shortcake to appear, we gave up and asked for the bill. We miss the variety of flatbreads, the creative starters-- especially the smoked duck carbonara and the asparagus with poached egg--from City Tavern's early months. And what became of that delicious coconut custard pie, the best dessert in the city?"
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 12 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely not a "tavern" feel
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautifully decorated with creative cuisine."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for Brunch! We
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for Brunch! We had excellent service, great food and a nice large table! I'd go back in a second just have our server again."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful find downtown. The
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful find downtown. The menu had many interesting and delicious dishes and the service impeccable. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really was impressed with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really was impressed with the service and food. They really are kid friendly which is needed for foodies with kids!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were a party of 8 and all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were a party of 8 and all of us enjoyed ourselves and the food. Our server did a great job of explaining the menu and recommending beers to different tastes"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The greeter was so super sweet!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The greeter was so super sweet! She was like Thank You Miss XXX, we will see you next time. The family and friends I was with thought I was a celebrity in the city ~ Thank You!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 18 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bad service, great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time here and it was Easter Sunday. Reservation was made and we were seated 15 minutes late. Apologetic, but things seemed disorganized. There were seats at the bar to wait at. We arrived about 5 minutes early, so for the entire time we waited to be seated (20 Minutes) neither bartender ever approached our group of 4 to see if wanted anything. I want to say that everyone was very nice, but the apologies got old fast. This was brunch, served family-style. At one point, we were served the 3rd & 4th selections but were left with no plates for 8 minutes. Then the manager (I think), came by and mumbled something and our server arrived shortly after and took the food away as it was meant for another table. Food was EXCELLENT, though."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 19 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Way too loud, service was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Way too loud, service was just OK, food was great..."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We thought the food was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thought the food was very good to excellent.
As Seniors, we thougt especially with the fish and chicken items, there was too much Fried preparations.
We suggest/request that some non Fried fish/chicken preparations be added to the menu.
We would like going back to City Tavern again."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
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Review 21 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Since my last visit there
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Since my last visit there has been a menu change and a new chef. Things are not so good. We sent a dessert back because it was awful. The food was not anywhere as good as in the past.
Too bad because I thought the food last year was great."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2007
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Review 22 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good beer list and good food.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good beer list and good food. They were out of a few beers and their dessert special. We would have ordered dessert had our waiter not disappeared after dinner then brought us the check without asking.
Will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 23 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic, per usual. Both
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic, per usual. Both my friend and I tried the rabbit leg and both of us were raving about the flavor of the dish, overall. I will continue to come back once every few weeks..."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was our first visit.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first visit. The food was wonderful but the noise level so bad you could not have a conversation. The rabbit dish was very rich and satisfying; meatloaf less so. Did not stay for dessert as the service was slow.They were very busy tho.Many people seemed to be there just for their very extensive list of beers and hard liquor. The attempt at a earlier time period..may be early 1800's on the cocktail list and somewhat in the furnishings does not really work . Fireplace with seating area in front is a nice tocuh too nad it was not working"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good experience overall. The
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good experience overall. The fried chicken was amazing. The service was very friendly, if slightly less available than ideal. Would go back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice place, but the new menu?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I live in the South Loop And have been to City Tavern a number of times. I usually give this restaurant 5 stars.i I have taken guests there on 5 occasions. We have been very impressed with the menu. However, the menu has changed and was disappointing. The only fish item other than the salmon was fried skate. The pork chops were gone. The cheese selection, usually nicely presented, had a couple large crackers and a few apple slices. The soup was very good. I hope they go back to their original menu. I will watch the website before I bring guests again."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 27 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went here with a group
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went here with a group of friends before a concert. I recommended this place because the last 3 times we went the food was fantastic. Food Friday night was just "ok." We all ordered the burger- my favorite thing on the menu. It was good not great (like it usually is). Not sure what was going on- served it on a regular bun (like they ran out of the ones they usually use?)- and it made a big difference. I will go back- it may have just been an off night- but I don't think our friends were super impressed- which is a bummer."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 28 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My favorite go-to restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My favorite go-to restaurant in the neighborhood. Great staff and reliable food that offers a good value proposition. I realize this is the only true niche restaurant in the area - something for everyone without being $$$$. Goldmine! Love it!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 29 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is great neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is great neighborhood spot in the South Loop. Outstanding beer and spirits list, very creative (and interesting) menu, very good food, friendly staff. We loved it.
Can't wait to come in for their brunch menu!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for City Tavern
Based on the average of (57) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
6 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic