Best wine list in Chicago

[S_L_Clayton]

@Nick Gangas

It’s not his personality that I object to. Every time I’ve been there the meal has been underwhelming.

I respect that Nick.

[Marc_Hauser]

If you have time, I’d also suggest Webster’s Wine Bar (though I realize the post was about restaurants). Their wine list is deep, quirky and well-priced.

[Nick_Gangas]

@S L Clayton

@Nick Gangas

It’s not his personality that I object to. Every time I’ve been there the meal has been underwhelming.

I respect that Nick.

thanks

[John_Davis]

@S L Clayton

I’ve always kind of scratched my head in regards to all the Trotter bashing( with all due deference to individual experiences there) the guy was one of the very first big tides to raise all ships in Chicago. His personality may not be everyone’s cup o tea but anyone that has spent a nano second working in or around a kitchen would take that with a grain of salt… John it’s great to hear that your experience matches up with what I’ve come to expect from CT…

The kitchen menu and experience is much different than the dining room experience in the two times I’ve dined in the kitchen. I have been to Trotter’s over the years at least a half dozen times. Where the restaurant was 10 years ago versus is no where near where it was on my last visit a bit over a year ago. The food was excellent though nothing sticks out. The service was very mediocre.

I really don’t care about the Trotter’s personality. Though I’ve never heard anything positive about him in that area. I think his public spat with Rick Tramonto over foie gras pretty much tells you all you need to know about him.

The only way I would go back, given the man options in Chicago, is if someone else is paying!

JD

[M_A_T_T_H_A_R_T_L_E_Y]

@Marc Hauser

If you have time, I’d also suggest Webster’s Wine Bar (though I realize the post was about restaurants). Their wine list is deep, quirky and well-priced.

Heading up this weekend - will try to check it out!!

[Enzo_Ruffalo]

[Jay_Carroll]

@Enzo Ruffalo

To me, the best wine list in Chicago is at Tango Sur. Thousands of bottles, hundreds of styles, vintages back to the 50’s, everything beyond 1980 is at original retail price too. Just ate there Sunday night, and I can’t recommend the Lomo Relleno highly enough. Had a bottle of 1984 Grace Family that was about $30, and the Lomo Relleno along with an appetizer was more than enough for two. Filet and appetizer for two was about $40, and it was fabulous. All in with tip, it was not much more than $50 plus what I paid for the Grace Family 24 years ago. The glasses leave a little to be desired, you may want to bring your own.

Just to clarify…this is a BYO place…for any out of towners…and you have to bring your own stems…

[LaurenB]

Anyone have an updated take on this question?

[Bweiss]

Boy have things changed…this thread is a real blast from the past… I miss Tru

The high end scene for BYO has only gotten better, IMO. Schwa has become more reliable and based on a recent visit, I’d say it’s putting out its best food to-date as well. el Ideas has become a favorite of mine and also offers Michelin starred food but without even the slightest bit of pretentiousness. The fact that it’s also BYO and they’ll make wine pairing recommendations based on the ever changing menu is just spectacular in my book. I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary there earlier this year and it was exceptional.

As for restaurants with notable wine lists…

I think Sepia does a great job with their list. I also find some gems on Gibsons Italia’s list. Table Donkey Stick and their sister restaurant Bar Parisette have some real gems as well (not always on the list, so you may have to ask).

[LaurenB]

Bar Parisette has great prices too, thanks for the rec! I’ve almost done Schwa a few times but have been put off by the reviews mentioning loud music, sounds like it’s worth it though.

[Gregg_Kitzis]

In my 8th decade. If I can enjoy hip hop and rap at Schwa, so can you. So much fun going there with my “kids”.

[Bweiss]

Yes! The music was very reasonable on my last visit. Big difference from my first visit back in 2012 (LOUD!).

[Joshua_Kates]

Funny to see this thread appear/reappear, Ias just made a res for us at Schwa in early January to celebrate my partner’s B-day. Good to know it still has the stuff.
For wine lists, I would throw Les Nomades into the mixl they have some well aged bottles, not cheap, but not so over the top. (Of course they offer corkage as well.)
I used to love sneaking into Cru for an appetizet and some nice burg in the bar space, but them days are long gone.

[MLee]

Sepia as mentioned is amazing and quite well-priced. Boka also has a fantastic list. Should also mention Le Bouchon / Obelix, both of which have a by-request wine card with a very limited list of more hyped bottles. Half-price wines at the former on Mondays.

[Matt_England]

Did not know of the special wine list at Le Bouchon - thanks for the tip! Even the regular menu is good with usually a few older vintages. Was just there a couple weeks ago for half-off Monday (had a Jamet at a little more than retail). Will likely be going again next month once the cassoulet is back.

Sepia is one of our favorites as well.

[lleichtman]

Alinea has a nice wine list but on the expensive side.

[Keith_A_k_e_r_s]

Monday is the day you want to go to Le Bouchon or Obelix. I won’t say why, but trust me