Award-winning

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

4.6

2372 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for outdoor dining

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. We pride ourselves in showcasing dishes made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from Midwest farms.

Experience a chef-driven menu featuring everything from pierogis and market fresh salads, to Chef Art Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. Walk-ins are always encouraged. Be sure to join us during the warmer weather months when the beautiful outdoor patio is open. While visiting, be sure to enjoy one of Blue Door Kitchen’s garden-to-glass cocktails, local beers or perfectly paired wines from our extensive list.

For reservations eight or larger, please call the restaurant 312-573-4000.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 573-4000
Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef De Juan
Private party facilities
Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.

Location
52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Cross street
Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
Parking details
Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday & Sunday 9am-8:30pm
Public transit
CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop<br />#22 Clark Street Bus<br />#36 Broadway Bus
Entertainment
No
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Shrimp & Grits$24.00
geechie boy grits, andouille, tomato stew
Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00
garlic mashed potato, hot sauce
Salmon En Croute$29.00
apple butter, brussels sprouts, fennel, rosemary cream
Ribeye
zucchini, pecan pesto, green tomatoes
- MP
Parisienne Gnocchi$28.00
farm carrots, peas, cheese of the day
1/2 Rack of Lamb
summer couscous, pickled melons, fennel, cilantro, lamb jus
- MP

Desserts

Hummingbird Cake$12.00
pecan, coconut crumble, seasonal coulis
Key Lime Pie$9.00
whipped cream, macadamia praline, burnt honey caramel
Gelato$7.00
daily selection

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)$14.00
Tanquery Gin, celery bitters, tonic, sage
Chicago Fire (1871)$14.00
Don Julio Blanco Tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime, grapefruit bitters
Columbian Exposition (1893)$14.00
Fleur de Cana Rum, falernum, italicus, lime, soda; nut allergy
Century of Progress (1933)$14.00
Strawberry-infused Western Son Vodka, rhubarb liquor, lime, ginger beer

The Stripes

The Lake & the River$14.00
Jasmine tea infused Glenfiddich scotch, lemon, simple syrup, thyme
The South Side$14.00
Blackberry Infused Union Mezcal, sake, elderflower, lemon, simple syrup, aquafaba
The West Side$14.00
Bulleit/ Fleur De Cana Anejo, Amargo de chile, lime, simple syrup
The North Side$14.00
Hess Chardonay, grapefruit juice, elderflower, lime, simple syrup

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, France$125.00
N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, California$75.00
N.V J Vineyards, Rose, California$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, Italy$50.00
Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, France$90.00
Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South Africa$80.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, California$95.00
Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, California$140.00
Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, Germany$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, Oregon$175.00
Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, France$70.00
Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon$200.00
Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, California$100.00
Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, California$85.00
Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, France$140.00
Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France$280.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy$225.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, California$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, France$17.00
N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes Spain$13.00
N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, Italy$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, France$16.00
Bottled Exclusively for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, California$15.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, France$20.00
Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, Italy$14.00
Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, Italy$15.00
Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, Italy$12.00
Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, France$16.00
Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, California$16.00
Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, Austria$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, Oregon$17.00
Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, Italy$18.00
Malbec, Graffito, 2017, Lujan De Cuyo, Argentina$15.00
Tempranillo, El Vinculo, 2013, Castilla La Mancha, Spain$13.00
Grenache Blend, Côtes Du Rhône, 2015, Rhône, France$14.00
Sangiovese, Tenute Slivio Nardi, 2017, Rosso di Montalcino, Italy$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Roth Estate, 2017, Central Coast, California$18.00
Merlot, Duckhorn Vineyards, 2016, Napa Valley, California$20.00

Other

Mimosa$9.00
Seasonal Mimosa$10.00

Bourbon / Whiskey

1792 Bourbon$14.00
Basil Hayden$14.00
Bearface$16.00
Blantons$21.00
Buffalo Trace$11.00
Bulleit$12.00
Cody Road Rye$17.00
Eagle Rare 10 Year$13.00
E.H Taylor Jr Single Barrel$14.00
Gentleman Jack$15.00
Hibiki$32.00
High West Double Rye$16.00
Kentucky Owl$48.00
Old Potrero$22.00
Rabbit Hole$16.00
Sazarac Rye$13.00
Templeton Rye$14.00
Tullamore D.E.W$14.00
Weller Special Reserve$12.00
W.L Weller 12 Year$15.00
Weller Antique 107$14.00
Whistle Pig 15 Year$45.00
Woodford Reserve$16.00
Willet 3 Year Rye$23.00

Scotch

Balvenie 15 Year$20.00
Balvenie 21 Year$38.00
Dalmore 12 Year$15.00
Dalwhinnie 15 Year$18.00
Glenfiddich 12 Year$12.00
Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch$14.00
Johnny Walker Black$24.00
Johnny Walker Blue$80.00
Macallan 12 Year$14.00
Macallan 18 Year$45.00
Monkey Shoulder Scotch$15.00

Tequila / Mezcal

Clase Azul Plata$25.00
Clase Azul Reposado$30.00
Don Julio Blanco$12.00
Don Julio Reposado$17.00
Don Julio 1942$28.00
Milagro Silver$13.00
Milagro Reposado$14.00
Milagro Anejo$15.00
Paris Reposado$12.00
Union Mezcal$12.00
Villa Sosu Mezcal$12.00
Lucy Pistolas Mezcal$10.00

What 2,372 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden offers a cozy, charming ambiance perfect for both romantic dates and friendly gatherings. Guests rave about their "excellent food," with standout dishes like fried chicken and hummingbird cake. The delightful patio provides a serene escape from city bustle, making it a must-visit for any occasion.

2,373 Reviews

G
Gilbert Marcus
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our “go-to” restaurant whenever we can get a table. The food is spectacular, and the service is first rate. Chef DeJuan Ward is amazing, and makes certain that every meal is excellent.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service 6th anniversary was great
Is this helpful?
L
Loulitha
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The food was delicious…..however our very soft spoken waitress was in a rush to get us out of there. We were incessantly asked if we were done with our food, while still attempting to eat. We never finished our drinks because of being rushed. Not sure if this is their norm, but it was a very unwelcoming experience.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 3 days ago
Dear Loulitha, Thank you for your feedback. While we’re glad you enjoyed the food, I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience felt rushed and unwelcoming. This is not the level of hospitality we strive for. Please reach out to our manager, Jovani, through our website or by phone so we can learn more and make this right. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you back for a better experience. Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Chicago
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wife wanted fried chicken do we went to Blue Door because best in city. Perfect service and perfect food
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 3 days ago
Dear Jeff, Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear your visit lived up to expectations and that the fried chicken hit the spot. Knowing both the food and service were perfect means so much to us. We look forward to welcoming you and your wife back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
L
Lia
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant with delicious dishes. Small but diverse menu with great options for everyone.
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 3 days ago
Dear Lia, Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed our beautiful space and found our menu diverse and delicious. It’s always a pleasure to hear we’ve provided a great experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My second visit to Blue Door, and do not disappoint! Can’t wait to try upcoming newer menu items by Chef!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 6 days ago
Dear Bob, Thank you for joining us again and for the wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the shrimp and grits, salmon, and kale salad. It’s great to hear our servers helped make your visit special, and we can’t wait to share the upcoming menu items with you. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! Best, The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
G
Gigi
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food the hostess wanted to sit outside though our reservation was inside
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 7 days ago
Thank you, Gigi, for your 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the food. We apologize for any mix-up with your seating and appreciate your understanding. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to make your next visit even smoother. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
P
Peggyb
Las Vegas
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a delightful retro comfort dinner at Blue Door Kitchen. The back patio was magical. The fried chicken and shrimp and grits were just what we needed to console us in these tumultuous times. Great service too!!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded 7 days ago
Thank you, Peggyb, for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed a comforting and magical evening on our back patio. The fried chicken and shrimp and grits are indeed perfect for lifting spirits, and we’re thrilled they hit the spot. We’ll pass your kind words along to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
Is this helpful?
T
Tone
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
bartender Jose is second to NO ONE!! Superb food taste and presentation! excellent experience!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on November 17, 2024
Thank you, Tone, for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear Jose made such a memorable impression—he truly is a star! We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to him and the team. We’re so glad you enjoyed the food, presentation, and overall experience. We look forward to seeing you again for another excellent date night! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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T
Tovar
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I've been here before but this time everything was extra delicious, I was pleasantly surprised!
Blue Door Kitchen & GardenResponded on November 17, 2024
Thank you, Tovar, for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that this visit exceeded your expectations and left you pleasantly surprised. It’s always a joy to have returning guests enjoy their experience even more. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon! The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Team
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FAQs

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 573-4000.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is rated 4.6 stars by 2372 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
Between Clark & Dearborn Streets
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet available the following days:Wednesday-Friday 4pm-8:30pmSaturday & Sunday 9am-8:30pm
Public transit
CTA Red Line Trains to Clark/Division stop#22 Clark Street Bus#36 Broadway Bus
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef De Juan
Entertainment
No
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bluedoorkitchenchicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 573-4000
Private party facilities
Blue Door Kitchen's upstairs dining room is available for private events of up to 56 people for a seated dinner or 75 people for a standing cocktail reception. For a buyout of the whole restaurant up to 85; for a seated dinner divided between both dining rooms. Patio seats 80 and 120 for a standing cocktail reception.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Mac & Cheese

Brussels & Kale Salad

To Share

Baba Ganoush$12.00

Deviled Eggs$9.00

Crab Cake$17.00

Cornbread$9.00

Mac & Cheese$10.00

Salads & Soups

Bibb Salad$15.00

Brussels & Kale Salad$17.00

Minestrone Soup$7.00

Entrées

Shrimp & Grits$24.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00

Salmon En Croute$29.00

Ribeye

Parisienne Gnocchi$28.00

1/2 Rack of Lamb

Desserts

Hummingbird Cake$12.00

Key Lime Pie$9.00

Gelato$7.00

Cocktails

The Stars

Fort Dearborn (1803)$14.00

Chicago Fire (1871)$14.00

Columbian Exposition (1893)$14.00

Century of Progress (1933)$14.00

The Stripes

The Lake & the River$14.00

The South Side$14.00

The West Side$14.00

The North Side$14.00

Reserve List

Bubbles

N.V. Veuve Clicquot, Brut, France$125.00

N.V. J Vineyards, Cuvee, California$75.00

N.V J Vineyards, Rose, California$85.00

White

Cortese, A Posto, 2017, Nizza Monferrato, Italy$50.00

Chenin Blanc, Domaine Brisebarre, Vouvray, 2014, Loire Valley, France$90.00

Chenin Blanc, Old Vine, Bellingham, 2017, Coastal, South Africa$80.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Blank Stare Orin Swift, 2017, St Helena, California$95.00

Chardonnay, Ramey, 2014, Sonoma County, California$140.00

Riesling, The Seeker, 2017, Mosel, Germany$62.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Resonance, 2017, Willamette, Oregon$175.00

Gamay Noir, Chateau Des Jacques, Morgon, 2016, Burgundy, France$70.00

Bordeaux Blend, Chateau Musar, 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon$200.00

Bordeaux Blend, Ramey Claret, 2016, Napa Valley, California$100.00

Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, 2017, Ballard Canyon, California$85.00

Grenache, Syrah, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2016, Rhone, France$140.00

Grenache, Syrah, M. Chpoutier, 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France$280.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Masi, 2013, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy$225.00

Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis .M. Martini,2016, Napa Valley, California$90.00

Wines by the Glass

Bubbles

N.V. Taittinger Champagne, Reims, France$17.00

N.V. Poema Cava Brut, Penedes Spain$13.00

N.V. Villa Sandi ll Fresco Rose, Veneto, Italy$13.00

Rosé

Breezette, 2018, Provence, France$16.00

White

Sauvignon Blanc, Honig, 2018, Napa, California$15.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Moreux Les Bouffants, 2018, Loire Valley, France$20.00

Muller-Thurgau, Kettmeir, 2017, Alto Adige, Italy$14.00

Pinot Grigio, Bollini, 2017, Trentino, Italy$15.00

Pinot Grigio, Riff, 2018, Veneto, Italy$12.00

Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis, 2017, Burgundy, France$16.00

Chardonnay, Raeburn, 2017, Russian River, Sonoma County, California$16.00

Riesling, Hirsch, Zöbing, 2015, Kamptal, Austria$17.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Ken Wright, 2017, Willamette Valley, Oregon$17.00

Corvina, Rondinella, Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016, Veneto, Italy$18.00