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Giant Chicago Reviews
Loved it.
I don't have enough superlatives to describe this experience. We sat at the bar with the view of the kitchen, and it was incredible to watch the food being cooked with such artistry. All of the staff, including the chef/cooks, were really nice to us and didn't mind us staring at them while working. The food is, indeed cheffy as they put it, but not overly pretentious and so utterly flavorful. I felt like every dish was a top chef masterpiece. Do not miss the broccolini dish, or the flank steak or the bucatini, or the Sully cocktail. All were incredible. If you're looking for a high end culinary experience without the pretention and the crazy prices of some the others around town, this is your place. And try to get the bar seats with the kitchen view if you're at all interested in how incredible food is prepared and how a small kitchen can be run so efficiently. 5 stars plus many more.
Giant is truly a remarkable place -- each dish was stellar.
I feel so lucky that it's only a mile from my home -- an easy walk. The pasta dishes were especially delicious, and it all was next level! Great service and vibe, too!
Google image search "Tagliatelle" and come back to this.
Get your pasta varieties straight if you're going to make a big deal out of this dish. Just silly.
For a true gastronomic experience, go to Giant! What
For a true gastronomic experience, go to Giant! What initially attracted us were the giant onion rings, they are like nothing you've ever had before. We always have those as an appetizer. It is a smaller plate sharing menu, but the portions are really quite generous, given that. This last time, we got the broccolini in a feta and tomato sauce, sooo good. Also got the sourdough bread and the crab dip with waffle fries. I suggest one or the other, you probably don't need the bread AND the crab dip. For mains, we got the flank steak, which comes with a side salad. It is the best flank steak I have ever had. Also got the swordfish, which stood up nicely to the flank steak. We always sit outside, they have a cute back patio, as we find the noise level to bit too much for us. However, one time, I would like to sit at the bar, where you can watch the chefs cook their magic.
if I could figure out how to make the tagliatelle w/crab, I
if I could figure out how to make the tagliatelle w/crab, I would never need to leave my home again. so delicious. and, forgetting to order bread was not a problem, the onion rings did double-duty scooping up sauce and being delightful with the steak/salad. loved this place, will be thinking about it until I'm there again. service was perfect, the space is lovely, even the baby sitting at the next table was charming (and I can't believe I'm typing that!). you can't help but have a good time here, I promise!
The food, as always, is phenomenal.
Two weeks ago we made a reservation at the chefs table (which is a counter in front of the food prep area). Once seated i noticed a smell of hibiscus and cedar and asked the chefs what dish that was. Turns out it was the scented candles from the bathrooms that were right behind us! Go for great food but sweet baby jeebus avoid the chefs table!
Excellent food and drinks, cool ambiance and vibes, and
Excellent food and drinks, cool ambiance and vibes, and attentive service. Loved all the food!
What a treasure.
Found this place in a very uncommon way. I was trying to find a lower rate on car insurance of all things and was talking to an agent based in North Carolina. Upon hearing I lived in Chicago he opened up and mentioned he had a red haired nephew that lived here too who had a restaurant. Then came my rate, at more than double what I'm currently paying I had to turn him down, but I took him up on his restaurant suggestion for my upcoming wedding anniversary which was only a few days away. Although I did not end up meeting the nephew, I can report that he is doing his entire family proud. Giant is one of those places that delivers a high standard of food and service with zero pretentiousness. It's homey and unassuming. They don't have to do anything too extra because they are simply that good. I recommend sitting at the chef's counter. Everything we had was delicious and since we saw everything getting made we want to go back so we can try the entire menu! Thank you for treating us so well and can't wait to see you again!
Fantastic food and welcoming place
We had 5 dishes- all excellent- flavoursome, cooked perfectly, different textures too so every bite was delicious. Sat at the chef's counter which was a lovely experience. Our server was Lucas and he did a lovely job of welcoming us, great knowledge and explanation of the wines. He also anticipated that my partner really wanted the cookie cake even though he ordered me the ice cream- so we got to enjoy both which was a lovely surprise on our last night in town! The atmosphere is warm with everyone having a lovely time- no airs, just a great spot!
Storefront restaurant, seating, service, food.
Just like heaven. Not a bad dish or misstep was had the night the party of three gathered to toast a newly fianceed couple. Tapas style mostly. The menu changes often, and the libations to die for. I highly recommend it. Street parking is mostly easily had.
GIANT DELIVERS!
Chicago is winning the culinary war with GIANT!!! Every dish on the menu is literally special and the Japanese Eggplant along with any of the pastas demand future visits. The service and atmosphere are unpretentious and the food albeit complex, is oddly understandable and delicious. I am booking my next trip to Chicago with my dinner reservation in mind.
Wow, was I absolutely floored on my most recent trip to
Wow, was I absolutely floored on my most recent trip to Giant. I'd like to think of myself as a retired Yelp reviewer, but I'm coming out of retirement to talk about just how impressed I was on my most recent trip to Giant was. I've been several times now and the food has always been excellent, but today I'm here to talk about the service. My boyfriend and I went to Giant last night to celebrate our anniversary, and due to a backup in the kitchen, we were seated just under 30 minutes later than our reservation time. This didn't really bother us because it was a beautiful night and the neighborhood was lovely to walk around, however, Giant took this very seriously. They went way way WAY above and beyond to show us how sorry they were for the delay by gifting us champagne, several dishes, and a dessert, all completely on the house. We were so appreciative of the initiative, and it only deepened our love of this restaurant. Giant is a prime example of a restaurant that values hospitality to the same degree that they value the quality of their food, which is something that you don't see all that often. Giant is easily one of my top 3 all-time favorite places to eat in Chicago based on their food alone, and the service-first experience we had last night just reaffirmed my opinion that Giant is one of the best restaurants Chicago has to offer. Bravo, Giant, keep up the excellent work.
Bucatini, Sortallini, jalapeรฑo biscuit, all good! The
Bucatini, Sortallini, jalapeรฑo biscuit, all good! The peppers were not my favorite. I wish they had a bit larger menu, but interesting options for sure. I think we also had anchovy bread. I'd go for the flank steak or fish as well next time. The butter for the bread was really great. Everything had unique flavor and the Pinot noir was nice. Highlight was the dessert crepe! That was amazing, save some room! The service was pleasant. It's a little tight in there but we were comfortable. Didn't realize how many good restaurants are situated in Logan Square. Need to venture over more. Thank you
I've had the privilege of eating at some of the best
I've had the privilege of eating at some of the best restaurants this city has to offer, but out of all the top rated spots I've been to, Giant is definitely my favorite. The first time I ate here was truly a mind blowing experience. Everything on the menu seems pretty unassuming at first, but you experience a flavor bomb of epic proportions after the first bite of any of their dishes. I had no idea that vegetables could be elevated to such a high level. And the surprise I've experienced from these dishes has left a lasting impression on my palate. Giant is a New American restaurant that's run by national award winning chef Jason Vincent, Ben Lustbader, and Josh Perlman. Vincent and Lustbader worked together with Jason Hammel at Lula Cafe and again at the now closed Night Wood in Pilsen. Giant opened in 2016 and received much deserved acclaim from local foodies, critics, and various food publications. Not only does the menu go through some seasonal changes, but existing fan favorites are elevated even more and end up tasting even better. The first two items I have tried here were the biscuit and trout row bite. It was the best biscuit I've ever had and the maple butter that comes with it is delicious. I can't recall ever eating a biscuit that was so soft and moist. And the trout roe bite delivers a burst of flavor that indubitably hypes you up for what's to come. The first vegetable dish I got to try was the broccoli and I was blown away. Never in a million years would I ever think that a plate of broccoli could taste so good. I was so taken aback and surprised by how delicious this was. I mean, this is broccoli we're talking about here! This is what makes Giant so great. Up next was the Jonah crab salad with waffle fries and Japanese eggplant. The waffle fries were the best I have ever had and pretty much ruined all other fries for me. I've never been a fan of eggplant, but I ordered it due to the rave reviews it's received from foodies. It comes with pita bread that's apparently based off a pizza dough recipe from the first restaurant Jason Vincent worked at. This is one of my favorite dishes of theirs and is something I will order every single time. It completely changed the way I think about eggplant. Up next were the peppers that come with anchovy bread and those are also a must order. Then there's the carrots and once again I was taken aback by the sauce, the surrounding crunchiness of whatever the hell they top them with and just the fact that carrots could taste this good. I also ate the onion rings and they were the best I've had. Now, I have only ever had okonomoyaki once, but this one was way better than that one. Very tasty. You must order at least a few pasta dishes here. I've tried the bucatini, sortalini, tagliatelle, chiromante and they are absolutely stellar. The bucatini is probably my favorite, but they are all amazing and my favorite pasta dishes in the city. And that is truly saying something. The only protein dish I've eaten from here is the flank steak and that too is delicious. I've eaten the entire dessert menu and they are some of the finest in the city. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think the crepes suzette is just a little better than the other two. There really is no wrong choice, though. Also, the service here is top notch. The staff has been incredibly friendly, accommodating and enthusiastic. Like I've mentioned before, this is my favorite restaurant and I would eat here once a week if I could. I wish I lived in Logan Square just so I can order carry out! The Yelpers who give this place 1 star are clearly fools, delinquents, and charlatans who deserve to be in jail. Don't listen to them! Listen to me! I am an ELITE yelper, after all. Oh god. What has become of me? I used to have hopes and dreams, you know. I guess my life took one too many wrong turns. Now look. I'm sure the chefs here hate people like me..... Anyways! The cuisine at Giant is creative and eclectic, so do yourself a favor and book a reservation ASAP!
The only "giant" thing here is prices.
Are the dishes good? Yes? But their portions are laughably small for those prices. For example, you pay $20+ for your pasta dish and it's literally 3 bites. Not worth coming back.
One of my favorite dining experiences in the city of
One of my favorite dining experiences in the city of Chicago! The food, the, service, the timing...everything was phenomenal. We shared the Jalapeno Biscuit, the Eggplant, the Okonomiyaki, the Sortalini, and the Swordfish. Everything was tasty, but the eggplant was the standout. One of my favorite bites in the city. The food was all ordered at once and was coursed out, and I can't say enough good things about the timing. We never felt rushed and loved having a few moments between courses to chat and sip wine. The entire experience was relaxing, delicious, and exactly what dining out should be! Would give 10 stars if I could!
Giant is a small plates, cozy little restaurant.
As others have noted, the tables are seated close together and you WILL be able to hear other parties' conversations, but I still think it's a great place for a date or to catch up with friends. I think the menu is a perfect size, too, where you're able to order a bunch of dishes but still feel like you're not missing out on too much. The plates are meant for sharing and I think are the perfect portion sizes if you are ordering a couple to split. We ordered the broccoli, carrots, okonomiyaki, Japanese eggplant, bucatini, sortalini, and monkfish tom kha. I will note that all of the dishes here are STRONGLY flavored: they're salty, they're punchy. Everything was good, nothing incredibly mind-blowing, but still enjoyable. The standouts to me were the bread that comes with the Japanese eggplant (Indian-inspired flatbread, you can order more for the side) and the okonomiyaki. Dishes I didn't love as much were the carrots, which had a strong orange zest flavor, and the monkfish, which tasted just like a tom yum but wasn't anything special. For a drink, I got the goodnight moon, which I enjoyed a lot as well. Giant is also super accommodating for any dietary restrictions and allergies (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) so this is a great place to come for that. Service was also super attentive, always clearing our plates and refilling our water. They also pack any leftovers away as you go through the courses and have it ready for you by the end of the meal, which is super convenient.
Had a great meal here recently! We were a group of 3 which
Had a great meal here recently! We were a group of 3 which meant we avoided the super cramped 2-tops so my tip is to go with more than 1 other person to do the same. Our server was very friendly and knowledgable, and checked in on us enough without being overbearing. We ordered the broccoli, onion rings, okonomiyaki, ahi tuna, lamb ragu, monkfish and microwave cake. These 6 dishes + dessert were perfect for 3 people. My favorites were the lamb ragu, which was so luscious; the broccoli, which was deeply flavorful, and the monkfish, which was so light and cooked perfectly. The onion rings arrived cold and weren't anything special. The ahi tuna was the same - it tasted like any other crudo you can get out. The okonomiyaki was good just not quite as memorable as the other dishes I mentioned. Dessert was fine, tasty but not incredible or creative. I'd still recommend this place to anyone!
I have eaten at all the Chicago Michelin Bib Gourmand
I have eaten at all the Chicago Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants and Giant is my absolute favorite! The food is so delicious and creative and the atmosphere is very welcoming and unpretentious. Last night we had the broccoli, eggplant, okonomiyaki, and the crab pasta. All delicious and the one bite trout roe to start with is an absolute explosion of flavor! We had Brennan as our server and he is absolutely one of the best servers I have had in any restaurant - ever (and that is saying a lot since I am in my 60s and eat out at least four times a week!) Make a reservation way in advance and, if you pair a delicious dinner at Giant with after dinner drinks at Scofflaw next door, you have the makings of a perfect Chicago evening!
Super cute neighborhood restaurant in Logan square.
Somewhat hard to snag a reservation but I would say it is worth it to try it at least once. I have been a couple times and do not see the need to rush back. They change up their menu which is fun but also sad because two of my favorite items were taken off. The green chile cocktail needs to come back, giant if you are reading this PLEASE bring that cocktail back. But honestly service was 10/10 because our server wrote out the ingredients for us to attempt to make at home. Definitely get the trout roe and the broccoli.
We walked in without a reservation and Giant was not only
We walked in without a reservation and Giant was not only friendly, but accommodating. Excellent hospitality, and great food!
Amazing culinary treat
Wow, what a special treat it was to have dinner at Giant in Logan Square! My daughter had been wanting to try it and she was able to score early reservations for the Saturday I was in town. Our server expertly walked us through the menu which is loosely organized from smallest to largest plates. This is a place where everything is so tasty, you will want to share. We started with the Little Jalapeรฑo Biscuit. Served with maple butter, it was just enough for two very rich and satisfying bites. Next came the delicious sweet and spicy peppers, which paired beautifully with a generous serving of anchovy bread. I was prepared to forego the onion rings, but our server rightly claimed they are the best sheโs ever had. Gorgeously battered and served with parmesan and chili salt, they are worth going to Giant just to have on their own. Next came our โmains,โ an albacore tuna orzo for me and goat cheese, ricotta and English peas cappelletti for my daughter. Of course, we tried each otherโs dishes and both were excellent. I enjoyed a seasonal spritz from the tempting cocktail menu with my meal. Thereโs a good selection of beers and wines available, too. After all that food, we were stuffed and ready to settle up but a friend at the restaurant kindly treated us to the crepes Suzette, which were mouthwateringly good. A superb, memorable meal in cozy, busy Giant, which also has a good size back patio for when the weather is fine.
Highly recommend Giant.
Our waitress was so kind and even more helpful than she needed to be. She directed us to a better wine and described the food wonderfully when we weren't sure what to order. The trout Roe is a must order. The Japanese eggplant was also amazing!! Tagliatelle was buttery and delicious. My boyfriend had the steak and just loved it he said. The tables are close together but I still felt like we had privacy at our table. So glad I took a chance on this place and tried it!
"Giant" is a tongue-in-cheek moniker.
This eatery is so compact, even a midget would feel hemmed in. The room is basically a hallway, sort of like Avec. Sharing plates is encouraged. Tables are pushed so close together, it's a communal experience. The wine list is far more extensive than the menu, and the vibe is hip, youthful, and trendy to the max. Our server was among the most attentive and helpful we've encountered in this century. My Missus has aversions to various ingredients and was utterly bewildered by the terse menu descriptions. Accustomed to first-timers, he joyfully marked up a copy of the menu and took the time to explain each dish. We began with a ยผ loaf of sourdough bread, and broccoli with smoked pepper dressing. The latter, a salad served cold, is ample for two or more to share. My Missus' entrรฉe was the flank steak, and I had the saffron tagliatelle with crabmeat and chili butter. The quality of all of the food was remarkable. Flavors were complex and assertive but not overpowering. My only beef was the $36 market price for the tagliatelle, a tad high given the small portion size and the diminutive amount of crabmeat (maybe 3 ounces). But the richness of that dish surpassed Fettucine Alfredo. In contrast, a more generous portion of flank steak was a mere $19.We shared two of the three desserts on the menu - the salted caramel apple square (it looked round to me) with snickerdoodle ice cream; and the dark chocolate microwave cake with peanut brittle, banana ice cream and halva. Both dishes ranged somewhere between sensational and orgasmic. The rich coffee, served in individual Le Creuset Stoneware French Presses, far surpassed any we've sipped in recent memory.Some of Chicago most renowned restaurants do charge significantly more for a comparable level of culinary excellence. Giant dwarfs them.
This might be one of the best meals I've ever eaten.
Every single dish was delicious. We had the Jonah crab salad, Japanese eggplant, tagliatelle, and the steak. They were really all standouts. Our service was also excellent without being intrusive. The restaurant is small and tables are tight...I'd recommend an early dinner if you don't love a noisy crowd. We will definitely be back!
Food was great & so was the service.
Pros: the food was amazing. Flavored & cooked perfectly. This what we got:-Jalapeรฑo Biscuit: very Good, the sauce was savory with some sweetness & butteriness. -Waffle fries with Crab salad; Yummy. Crab was dress & waffles cooked perfectly. -Broccoli: one our Favorites. Super flavorful with a crunchy topping. So delicious. -Tagliatelle: Yummy. People kept writing this was heavy but for us it was a great light pasta with crab. Super flavorful. -Flank Steak; Amazing. One of our Favorite dishes. This steak was perfectly seasoned & cooked right. They also had this amazing spicy sauce that just gave it an extra oomph! The service was one of the best. The front desk lady & our waiter were great! Cons: The restaurant is small so crowded seating.
Wow! What a fun, delicious and welcoming place.
My friend and I walked in on a Thursday night and were immediately sat at the bar for the "dinner and a show" where you can watch the chefs cook right in front of you. The food was killer, especially the appetizers. The pasta dishes were good but I felt too strongly acidic and I am reading other reviews saying the same thing. The presentations were awesome. I was impressed by the incredibly attentive waitstaff. They gave us new plates halfway through dinner, they made sure we always had a beverage, and they were helpful in choosing what to order. I also really appreciated their offers to give us "half servings" of dessert or split a glass of wine between the two of us. I had never been to a restaurant where that was so kindly offered. I felt really well taken care of in any way. Plus I loved the surcharge to help staff get health insurance. Go now!
The steak and the dessert (microwave cake and biscuits)
The steak and the dessert (microwave cake and biscuits) were excellent. The pastas were okay. Service was good.
Highly recommend for a great meal (and at an approachable
Highly recommend for a great meal (and at an approachable price)! I had the jalapeรฑo biscuit, bucatini, and cod.The cod was absolutely delicious and I would come back just to have it again. I'm glad I ordered it (most places don't do white fish well but Giant knocked it out of the park).The bucatini was delicious.To drink, I ordered off menu for a gin martini (delicious) and the "not an espresso martini" (not great/ can be skipped).The ambience is fresh and tasteful albeit the dining room is small and tables are close together.Service was friendly, speedy, professional, and seemed very knowledgeable of the menu.Definitely a new restaurant to add to my usual rotation of top chicago picks.Location in Logan square is nice with other bars / restaurants nearby. It felt like a safe and hip area. Somewhat inconvenient to get to from lakeview / Lincoln park but that is not the restaurant's fault.
Have been wanting to try this spot for a while and it did
Have been wanting to try this spot for a while and it did lot let me down! Great food, terrific staff, and nice drink selection. Went with my wife and another couple, we got 9 total plates and were stuffed! My favorite was the bucatini for sure, followed by the raviolini. Highly recommend going with friends to try more things!
Bailey was the most amazing server ever! Every dish was
Bailey was the most amazing server ever! Every dish was better than the last! Highly recommend!
Valentines Dinner
I have been wanting to go to Giant forever and was super excited to get a reservation on Valentineโs Day. The team was great and texted us an option to come in a bit earlier and sit at the chefs counter. When we got there the reservations were running a little late which was totally fine- I mean itโs Valentineโs Day aka dining out amateur hour, they kept us informed all along the way and we got an opportunity to grab a drink at scafflaw next door. Dinner was delicious - we definitely over ordered but it was worth it. Favorites were the trout roe, cheese blintz, the crab tagliatelle and the Japanese eggplant. Looking forward to returning!
We recently went to Giant to celebrate Valentine's Day.
We sat next to some foodie critiques, since their dishes were brought out one after the other and every single chef, waiter, and busboy said hi to them. The space is a cozy narrow hallway with booth seating. Guests have the option to sit at a counter that oversees the kitchen, providing a show with your meal. All the staff look like residents of Logan Square- major hipster vibes.We ordered:ยท Waffle fries & crab salad 4.4/5- the waffle fries had a similar texture to funnel cakes. Super richยท Peppers with provolone and anchovy bread 3.5/5- lemon-y and a little slimey with the anchovies. Good, not great, could have done without.ยท Tagliatelle- 4.5/5 extremely rich. Generous portions of crab. Every dish here is extremely rich.ยท Flank steak with glutinous rice and cucumber 4.9/5- perfectly cooked steak. The rice & cucumber paired with the steak is a heavenly bite.ยท My gf decided on a bottle of white but we should have gotten red. Don't remember what the name of the wine was but 3.1/5ยท We didn't order the broccoli dish, but the foodie reviewers next to us said it was "fire".ยท Woke up with a slight tummy ache the next morning, I think it was all the butter, which I would give a 0.5/5
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