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EL Ideas
New American Restaurant$$$$
Douglas Park, Chicago
The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Eater recommend this place
"It's BYOB with great service."(8 Tips)
"Chef Phillip Foss was nominated for Best chef"(3 Tips)
"BYOB Prix fixe"(3 Tips)
"... an Uber limo, dress casual but if it's cold out wear a few layers...."(2 Tips)
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34 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- BYOB
- good for dates
- good service
- White Russians
- casual
- (5 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Ty SomkulJuly 13, 2016Get interactive with the staff, since they encourage it! I enjoyed the familiar flavors of your childhood in a sophisticated dish. The fries and milkshake and the play on elote brought me me back.Upvote1Downvote
Chicago TribuneJanuary 6, 2017Chef/owner Phillip Foss will go so far as to instruct diners to lick their plates clean (I did this once), but it’s all about breaking down walls and making seriously creative food fun to eat. Read more
UpvoteDownvote
Time Out ChicagoApril 17, 2012After the nervous drive to this BYOB, you see Talbott, the relaxed, warm host/waiter/sommelier. He learns your name, attends to your wine and sets the tone that makes dining a one-of-a-kind experience Read moreUpvote2Downvote- CarlosAugust 15, 2013It's BYOB with great service. Excellent multi-course meal in a very casual atmosphere. Make sure you drive or have transport scheduled as it's impossible to catch a cab along this stretch of Western.Upvote2Downvote
This was for pick up. The orders were taken and received quickly and once reheated and assembled at home everything was great. The brownies were special.UpvoteDownvote- Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014Desserts tend to be fun and quite sweet; I'm thinking specifically of the old-fashioned cake doughnut, with applejack caramel and spiced-cider sorbet. Read moreUpvote2Downvote
- Teri PytelApril 14, 2013It's more than the food. It's the experience. Take an Uber limo, dress casual but if it's cold out wear a few layers. BYOB (call Allison if you want recommendations). Relax and enjoy.UpvoteDownvote
Jared PetsyJuly 29, 2018If you’ve bought in then you’re already in. The only tip is to sit back and enjoy.
UpvoteDownvote- Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014Elevated Ideas in Dining" as practiced by chef Phillip Foss, whose "question everything" mantra is a hint to the nontraditional food he creates. Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Michelin Travel & LifestyleNovember 25, 2013BYOB. Hits from this conceptual kitchen include thrice-cooked potato, garlic roll, blackberry pâté, + mini-oreos. – Green Guide EditorUpvoteDownvote
Phil BernardiJuly 27, 2013if you want to experience a truly different type of cuisine, make sure you come to EL Ideas
Upvote2Downvote
ChrisAugust 2, 2021Interactive tasting menu is a blast with some inventive dishes. BYOB!UpvoteDownvote
Micki MaynardNovember 11, 2011It's a four hour, 15-course excursion into creative dining. Like taking part in an episode of Top Chef. Come hungry and open minded. And BYOB.UpvoteDownvote
TingDecember 28, 2014Innovative food where the taste and smell of the food evokes fond memories.Upvote1Downvote
- Shannon JeropkeFebruary 17, 2017Chef Phillip Foss was nominated for Best chef: Great Lakes 2017 James Beard Award.UpvoteDownvote
Chicago magazineApril 9, 2012Note: Chef Phillip Foss breezes in and out of the totally exposed kitchen and invites diners to help with prep.UpvoteDownvote
TV Food MapsSeptember 2, 2014Check out El Ideas as seen on Bizarre Foods America , The Layover Read moreUpvoteDownvote
ISC ChicagoMay 16, 2012So much fun; don't book anything else for the evening; 14 courses, 3 hoursUpvote3Downvote
Allen PennMarch 7, 2012@Uber_CHI is the best way to get home. Ask Bill for more information.Upvote1Downvote
Alfredo Del PozzoJuly 28, 2017Excelente servicio y comida, pero lo mejor fue experiencia del equipo culinario!
UpvoteDownvote
211 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Closed until 7:00 PM (Show more)
- Tue–Fri
- 7:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sat
- 5:30 AM–12:30 AM
(312) 226-8144
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
BYO
See More
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