About-

2016 was a great year for food in our city. Chicago’s dining scene exploded with new restaurants. Some from newcomers and others from longtime vets. For us there have been a few standout spots that have made their way onto our list of best restaurants in Chicago.

It’s an understatement to say we eat out a lot. It is more accurately described as “we rarely eat at home”. With so many options and so much competition, a serial diner can become jaded rather quickly. So when you come across something so delicious, so spot on so ridiculously good you naturally want to shout it from the rooftops and add it to your list of regular stops. That’s what we are doing today. We are yelling as loud as we can that you have to try  The Loyalist .

On July 28th 2016 The Loyalist opened in the West Loop at 177 N. Ada St. Just shy of a month later its fine dining counterpart Smyth   http://smythandtheloyalist.com/smyth opened above it. Power couple chefs John and Karen Shields are the dynamic duo behind both concepts. The Fulton Market restaurant marks the husband-and-wife culinary team’s return home to Chicago after five years’ operating Town House and Riverstead Inn in the countryside of southwestern Virginia, and boy are we glad they decided to come back.

The Experience-

Both Smyth and The Loyalist are designed to make the guest feel as if they visiting a friend and dining in their home… their very nice home. Specifically, The Loyalist feels like the greatest basement/ hang out spot ever. The lights are dim the music fun and the environment relaxing. The restaurant and bar focus on rustic, seasonal fare with a clear culinary tribute to southern cooking. Dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed by the table. That is with the exception of the burger. Trust when we say you will NOT want to share this burger. Not even with your doting loved one who stares from across the table with pleading eyes, it’s that good.

The Food-

I know, I know you’ve come this far and you’re wanting to know about the food. Shamefully there is a confession that must be made. We ate almost everything on the menu with the exception of the ribeye. Don’t judge us! Or do, it was delicious and we’ve come to terms with our shame.

Every dish was packed with flavor. Chef’s use of texture, acid and sugar were like tiny little miracles sent from the heavens. There was honestly not one thing we did not devour. However, if we were limited to only two items we would make sure to order the biscuit and the crispy chicken thigh with sweet potato and smoked peanut. Both of these dishes will be staples when we next visit.

Just Do It –

We’re not the only ones who feel John and Karen Shields have something special. Just recently they were named  James Beard Foundation  semifinalists in the category of Best New Restaurant for Smyth.

With all that said, just do it. Dine at the Loyalist, enjoy delicious food, have a great time and tell them  Reside  sent you. (Reside with us:  945 West Fulton Market )

Must Try:

BISCUIT, N’DUJA BUTTER, RAMP HONEY

RED BEETS, GRILLED AVOCADO, PUMPKIN SEED BUTTER

CHICKEN LIVER MOUSSE, SWEET CHERRY, SOURDOUGH TOAST

CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS, SWEET POTATO, SMOKED PEANUT

BAY SCALLOPS, OXTAIL, CRISPY POTATO, KOMBU

THE LOYALIST CHEESEBURGER + FRIES

LEMONGRASS SUNDAE, BLUEBERRIES, MOLASSES