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Balsan
(Now Closed)Gastropub and New American Restaurant$$$$
Near North Side, Chicago
The experts at Epicurious and Time Out Chicago recommend this place
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37 Tips and reviews
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Sharif NassrMay 21, 2014Can't get enough of their private dining space, seating thirty people. New menu needs some work, however the beef tartare, and eggplant mousse were tasty & elegant in presentation. Thanks Ahmed.
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Chicago TribuneJune 22, 2012Must-try: the club sandwich. From the bottom up: toast, salami, bacon, toast, ham, egg, toast, chicken, avocado, herb mayo. (A thin layer of foie gras explains the richness and the $22 price tag.) Read more
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Kim KortJuly 20, 2012Brunch here is an elegant and delicious affair, and (win!!) you can make a reservation! Perfect opening spot for touring downtown, especially with a larger group when no reservations is challenging.UpvoteDownvote
Time Out ChicagoJuly 7, 2014The (somewhat) casual restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria serves every meal of the day, produces much of its own cured meats, and keeps season and creativity at the forefront. Read moreUpvoteDownvote- Time Out ChicagoJanuary 24, 2012O, modest croissant, fluffy scrambled eggs, subtle Comté / How nice to eat you and still have room for sugar-dusted donuts / I’ll be back to see you soon. $19, includes salumi, cheese and pastry board Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Sharon SecorJuly 30, 2011The brunch is a casual, elegant affair. The trout - perfection. Paired with a very European cheese/meat tray and condiments by excellent staff. The bloody Mary drinks were Best Evers...in total, yum.UpvoteDownvote
EpicuriousAugust 23, 2010The more casual of Elysian's two restaurants, Balsan is a buzzy bistro with a wandering menu created for the adventurous. Sample the small plates for fun, but the suckling pig platter reigns supreme.UpvoteDownvote
Crain's Chicago BusinessJanuary 12, 2011Trendy ingredients like chorizo, prosciutto and goat cheese mingle with standards like cheddar and mushrooms in the egg dishes. Our omelet arrived hot and juicy with mahogany-colored fried potatoes. Read moreUpvoteDownvote- Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011Try the Bloody Margaret from our 100 Best list: This gin-based Bloody is fragrant with thyme, lightened with cucumber and brought down to our level with a good old beer back.Upvote2Downvote
Tracy MartorelloJanuary 10, 2013smoked duck, pomegranate, and blue cheese w/ an entire craft of coffee.
UpvoteDownvote- Crain's Chicago BusinessMay 10, 2010Entertaining foodies? Start with the testa cake, made from slow-cooked pig's head, tongue and feet with savory seasoning, this is a succulent, rich dish offset by bits of sweet prune. Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Jill MitchellJanuary 29, 2011Everything I have ever had here is amazing! But you have to make sure to save room for desert, the Paris Brest is ridiculous!UpvoteDownvote
Henry SMay 29, 2010The Aviation is my new favorite cocktail. Perfect summer drink. Anything on the charcuterie is good. The Paris Brest dessert is amazing.UpvoteDownvote
Rose GJune 15, 2013Go here for the best spicy bloody mary! Mike and Andy are great mixologists.UpvoteDownvote
Thibault JousseDecember 5, 2010Try the gnocchi they are divine. the Paris Brest is also succulent. The choucroute garnie with the trufled sausage is memorable as well.Upvote2Downvote
Rishad TobaccowalaJanuary 9, 2011The wood fire oven roasted chicken is the signature dish here. Order it as you enter since it takes 45 minutes. Worth the wait.UpvoteDownvote
The Sunday Supper is a must do. Fabulous meal for a fabulous price.UpvoteDownvote
JauntedApril 15, 2010Get the ricotta Gnudi, it's gnew! (ha). Menu based around shared dishes. The place is apparently named for one of Coco Chanel's lovers.Upvote1Downvote
Glo KangAugust 27, 2011fresh oysters from the east coast and wild salmon with heirloom tomato fondu..UpvoteDownvote
If you love pancakes, order them here. Some of The best in Chicago.UpvoteDownvote
Chicago magazineApril 11, 2012Chef Danny Grant offers Sunday Supper—a lovely, bountiful meal for $29. Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Formerly Balsan, these days local VIP's call it "BallsON"Upvote1Downvote- Try the truffle fries, black cod, pizza and and cheese plate with honeycomb.UpvoteDownvote
- Get the mashed potato w/truffle jus and the striped bass!!!!!UpvoteDownvote
Peter HillApril 17, 2010Go right for the Poached eggs with shaved prosciutto on grilled sourdough with Mornay sauce. Yum!UpvoteDownvote
Catherine Ernst (Warren)January 1, 2011You have to try the cauliflower side dish...it's the best!UpvoteDownvote
- Catherine Ernst (Warren)January 1, 2011The cheeses are fabulous...definitely try the Dante!Upvote1Downvote
- Peter HillApril 17, 2010Go for the Poached eggs with shaved prosciutto, grilled sourdough and mornay sauce Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Ray OlmedaMay 13, 2010Great food and great looking space, but must admit, 4 hours later and I am hungry again!UpvoteDownvote
Cynthia DrescherApril 15, 2010Foie freaking gras. No that it's no longer banned in Chicago, order up!UpvoteDownvote
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Balsan
11 E Walton St (at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, 3rd Floor)
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 7:00 AM–Midnight
(312) 646-1400
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer
See More
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"Such a funky comfortable place with awesome service!!! Must try wings. Mmmmm"
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