Intro Chicago
| Address: | 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-868-0002 |
| Site: | introchicago.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | Closed Closed Closed Closed 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 95
Reviews 10
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Tek Chung
Okay so Intro has built up quite a bit of hype prior to its opening and after having dinner there a couple of nights ago, I can say that the hype has been met! For those that arent familiar, Intro has this pretty clever concept where the chef, menu, and interior decor will change/rotate every 3 months! To kick off the opening, Intro has brought in Chef CJ Jacobson! The man is brilliant in the kitchen and each of his 5 courses were just a delight! I wont get into the menu in detail because you must go and taste it for yourself but I will say this....one of the courses with potatos and chicken skins was my absolute favorite. I loved the way the potatoes were prepared and the chicken skins were crisped perfectly. While that was the highlight of the menu for me, the entire meal was incredible. The man, CJ himself even came out to greet our table and tell us about some of his courses! I think its fair to say that you can expect the same during your visit. Such a cool guy. During the dinner, I opted to order drinks a la carte as opposed to the pairings and Im glad I did. Their Manhattan was delicious! I had to have ordered about 4 of them. The interior itself was gorgeous too. The layout was very welcoming and cozy. The space was dimly lit (not too dim) by these cute stringed bulbs hanging from the center of the ceiling intertwined with sections of volleyball nets (homage to CJs volleyball past). Overall, the atmosphere, food, and service were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience as did the rest of my group. I have every intention of going back before CJs rotation is over and Im excited to see who Intro brings in next!
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Ilya Khait
After having been to intro 6 other times since their opening and loving every time, I decided to take my family here for my mothers 60th birthday. Ive been here on my birthday and other special occasions and each time the restaurant did something little (put happy birthday on the menu, desert from the chef, etc.) that really made me feel appreciated. Maybe its because it was restaurant week or because Intro is losing their touch but this last visit (01/29/16) was extremely disappointing. The dinning room was very loud, the wait staff were bumping in to each other and I kept getting handed off to a different waiter when Id ask a question about a menu item. The food was underwhelming, bland and nothing at all like the unique and intricate dishes Ive previously had there. Biggest disappointment of all, the fact that we were celebrating my moms 60th birthday was not even acknowledged. The point of numerously asking if were celebrating a special occasion at booking escapes me. I dont expect special treatment, but the least that could have been done is for the host to say happy birthday. Intro has always been my go-to recommendation when suggesting a unique place to eat, so much so I was planning on taking some friends visiting out of state here next week . However after this last experience, I will no longer patronize this restaurant.
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Nycole Hampton
Intro is such a brilliant concept. What better way to show off Chicagos culinary diversity and excellence then by rotating some of the best chefs around every few months. I love that each chef gets to bring their own flare to the space. Chef CJ use to be a professional volleyball player so he had some volleyball netting intertwined with the lighting. Such a fun touch. The menu was just delicious and each course was perfectly crafted. I dont want to go into too much detail and spoil the surprises that may come your way. Just know that the crispy chicken skin is essentially life changing. Chef CJ brings a very innovative menu to Intro. Lots of variety with each course. He also makes sure to stop by the tables to chat. Very nice guy. He fits right in here in Chicago. I highly recommend hurrying and getting your ticket now before they are completely sold out. Every time I bring it up someone else is telling me they bought their tickets :)
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Hollina U
I was really looking forward to Intro since the restaurant in the space before it, L2O, had such rave reviews and I didnt have a chance to try it before it closed. You have to purchase tickets here similar to the system at Alinea, where tip and tax is calculated up front and you just have to pay for whatever drinks and extras you add on day of. There were 5 courses, of which the hearty potato and chicken skins dish was my favorite. The strip loin was just ok-- nothing special. The most disappointing dish, and what ultimately made me decide the other reviews on this place were overrated was the final course-- dessert. The kombucha, juniper snow, chocolate and sunflower just did NOT go well together. It was just one of those dishes that didnt make sense. There was great service though.I would just rather take my money elsewhere.
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Marc-Louis Paprzyca
A walk in the woods concept from Top Chef Duels winner CJ Jacobson and Lettuce Entertain You is something people need to try if they enjoy inventive and rustic cuisine. I have not enjoyed the farm to table fad in the past but CJs dishes changed my mind. He used fresh midwestern touches along with ingredients from California to bring combinations you would have never thought of before. The menu has changes frequently but my favorite was the Potato, Seaweed, Chicken Skin and Mugwort dish that combined so many flavors and texture that really felt hearty. My Suggestion is to spend the extra money to get the extra dish, especially if it is still the cheesy grits with popcorn and black truffles. Get your tickets early because you dont want to miss CJ before they bring in the next chef.
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Erika Kubick
An innovative, ever-changing experience. Every time I come to Intro, its more unique than my last visit. The cocktails are spectacular, and I love casually hanging out in their lounge - such a good neighborhood spot. My favorite dish is the truffle croquettes - such a fun dish! I also love the cheesecake. Its cool that Intro is always evolving - it keeps ya on your toes! Last time I got to meet the chef - that was definitely a plus!
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Bogdan Bistriceanu
An excellent dining experience that changes every so often. Chef Osaka will stick around until at least January 1st, serving up plates of delicious Japanese Italian fusion. Perfectly crafted cocktails pair nicely with the food. Whether you are in town as a tourist, or if you are a native, you should DEFINITELY check Intro out!!!
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Robert McCarthy
Such a cool concept from Lettuce. Beautiful space right across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, ever-changing menu and our server Giuseppe couldnt have been friendlier. Judging by their Instagram, theyre getting ready to do some Korean-fusion that looks AWESOME. Very excited for my next visit to INTRO.
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Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky
Modern Dim Sum menu is delicious, innovative and fun. Theres a $44 family style tasting menu that is great and then you can add on a few extra things - Noodles are outstanding!!! Vibe is casual, smart and hip - service is unpretentious and warm. Love this change over at INTRO right now.
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Michelle Osland
What a hidden gem located in the heart of LP! My husband and I stumbled upon this place & had one of the best meals. The pork chop was our personal fave along with the crispy potatoes. Highly recommended - you cant go wrong with a LEYE restaurant!
