The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery

I wasn't expecting much, but I was definitely disappointed. For a winery, not much of a wine selection. Also, food was what I expected, but still felt cheap and thrown together. Finally, I wouldn't blame our server, Jordan was super pleasant and attentive, but simple stuff like not having multiple beers listed on tap, too much time to get our food and drinks, and fruit flies in water is not acceptable. The place was not what we expected. We have gone to Chicago winery on the river multiple times. I would not come back to this location, even for a drink.

We kicked off the meal with the smoked fish dip, which was the perfect start to our feast. My friends opted for wine, but I went with the daiquiri-cocktail of the day. Next, we enjoyed the umami short ribs—delicious, though I wasn't a fan of the pickles on top and did not get to taste the pickles. The half chicken Vesuvio was one of the best chicken dishes I've had at a restaurant. It’s a must have at this restaurant particularly for dinner. I definitely recommend sharing for a party of 3. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was just right! I certainly would be back.

Walked in and erroneously sent upstairs for a glass of wine and a private party ;). Ended up at the bar, had the smoked fish, photo reflects the taste and a cheese charcuterie board. We had to ask if there was a happy hour special as not given that menu or told about the wine specials. Elegant bar decor, other dining room areas and roof top, roof closed that day, wine cask rooms and blending on site.

The food and atmosphere was great. However, I expected better service for a restaurant of this caliber. It felt like we were brushed off by the host & server, and I chalked it up to a busy Friday night. My husband and I felt like we were forgotten by the time we finished our meal and we sat with empty plates in front of us for almost 20 minutes. I was so annoyed by it that I ended up passing up on dessert, which I never do, because I just wanted to leave. Aside from that, I recommend getting 3-4 plates to share among two people. We got the smoked fish dip, soft shell crab (best dish of the night), short rib (so tenderly delicious), and beet salad.

We had the best time! Atmosphere, food, drinks, service…everything was perfect. Liva exceeded our expectations! Went with a large group of friends who were in from out of town. I started the night with a gorgeous jalapeño tequila cocktail, Luchador Love Song and then paired dinner with a beautiful and smooth Pinot Noir from the in house winery. The white bean puree with the huge grilled shrimp, the fresh hamachi crudo, the fluffiest, lightest croquettes, and homemade giardinare on the fish dip were all standout dishes and some of my favorites, but the 52 oz steak Florentine was the showstopper! Plenty of vegetarian options too that were excellent like the beat salad or radishes or the house made ricotta ravioli! Ended the night with warm snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookies and a shot of milk, because you can’t have cookies without milk! We feasted and will be back again soon to do the same.