We arrived at 5pm for a pre Opera meal. 10 minutes later we would have been too late to get a table. You cannot make a reservation and it is very very busy so be prepared to share with strangers. Also be prepared, if you are not cool enough, to be sneered at by the greeter when you arrive. Just... more

Chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. Yes, it sounds weird, but it was one of the best things I've tasted anywhere! This seems to be the item most people mention when talking about Avec, and know I know why! We loved everything, though. "Small" plates were actually very generous, and we stuffed ourselves on the aforementioned dates along with some... more

We stopped into Avec at our last trip to Chicago and would be coming in late, so we needed to find some place that would open late. Avec has been on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations show and open until 1AM, so we went to check it out. It's a tiny little spot, but it was large enough to fit all... more

Good wine list, must go before 6 to avoid the wait more

This was our first time, my wife and daughter were not happy because the menu was difficult to understand. We sat at the bar and the waitress was very helpful, explaining that we order one large entree per person or two small plates per person. When our orders were served, we started eating and my wife and daughter became animated... more

After waiting to be seated, and waiting to order, we waited and waited and waited for our food. From order until the first plate arrived was well over an hour. We got to watch the people next to us eat their entire meal, including coffee and dessert. Hey, sometimes unexpected things happen in a kitchen and i get that, but... more

I cannot say enough good things about Avec. We initially were unsure if we should stay because there was about an hour wait and the place was packed. We were there on a Wednesday night. But, we decided to have a drink at their outdoor area . It was very pleasant.. there was a nice selection of wines by the... more

Memorable dinners at Avec. Yes, the place is small and too noisy for quiet conversation. The policy of no reservations means you must wait outside but can enjoy a drink, at least in the summer. The waiter told me that they send waiting diners to nearby bars in the winter and call them when a seat is available. We were... more

The best meal I have had in a long time. The dates are amazing- very intricate flavors in every bite. Yummmmmm!!!! more