The Vig Chicago

Right in the heart of Old Town on Wells. Sort of a fusion of gastropub and fine dining. Salmon BLT was good. Pretty big drink list. Our server was excellent, she handled 10 of us on her own—and it was a family gathering—couldn’t have been easy since everyone was busy catching up with one another. Thanks for having us!

First impressions are everything, and the Vig dropped the ball there. The woman at the door holding the tablet for reservations Friday evening 9/15/23 at 725pm was very snarky and nasty. We had a 715 reservation and arrived at 725. We called ahead of time and confirmed they had a 15 min grace period. When we arrived, this woman stated there were no tables and we needed to wait at the bar. To clarify bc my husband was speaking to her and I couldn’t hear, I asked if that was the case even for reservations. She dryly said a long drawn out yes in a mocking tone. I just stared at her and stated we would sit at the bar no problem. Not even 5 minutes later another hostess, who had people skills, warmly let us know our table would be ready shortly. Our waitress was very kind and the food was delicious. But the energy we received at the door was memorable in the worst way. When we left the majority of staffed wished us a goodnight except the same short brunette with a sour puss stank face. Other than her unabashedly sharing her misery, the venue was delicious and it’s a great place to enjoy dinner and drinks.

Enjoyed everything. The service and the food. We wanted to sit outside and a table opened up almost immediately. People brought their dogs to sit and eat out, and we met them all.

Good standard American food. The salads with chicken are really filling and well made. My friend liked his pasta. Minus one star for the host seating a family with a small child using loud iPad with no headphones directly behind us in an otherwise empty dining room. Could not hear ourselves talk. Would have stayed for another drink but it was annoying so we left.

The food and drinks are good (albeit overpriced but the owners charge a ‘3% surcharge’ on the bill. Not sure why they do that and seems scummy. So I just take that 3% off the waiter/waitress tip, you’re only screwing over your own employees ownership :