A casual wine bar owned by chef Paul Kahan of neighboring Blackbird, Avec keeps things simple: top-quality ingredients in simple preparations that take inspiration from Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines. The menu focuses on a variety of "small plates" meant for sharing (although there are always five or six entree-size offerings as well). The long, narrow dining room, with its wood walls and floors, will strike you as either cramped or cozy. I know many people who love Avec's convivial spirit; others find it annoyingly crowded and loud. Small plates include salads and appetizer-style dishes such as house-made watercress pasta with lamb confit, zucchini cream, and spring vegetables; and dates stuffed with chorizo sausage. Large plates feature seasonal ingredients and tend to be heartier (prosciutto with honeycomb, orange zest, Marcona almonds, and black peppercorn vinaigrette, for example). There's also a good selection of specialty cheeses and -- of course -- an extensive European-focused wine list.
Chicago› Restaurant
Avec
615 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL, USA
Our Rating
Neighborhood
The West Loop
Hours
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; dinner Sun-Thurs 3:30pm-12am; Fri, Sat 3:30pm-1am; Sunday brunch 10am-2pm
Phone
312/377-2002
Prices
Small plates $6–$17; large plates $16–$27
Cuisine Type
Mediterranean
Web site
Avec
Other
Takes limited reservations
Map
615 W. Randolph St Chicago IL USA ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.