Nando's PERi-PERi — Restaurant in Chicago

This is one of the best Nando’s I’ve ever been to and I expected it to be the worst, just because I know downtown locations for chains can be hit or miss due to the sheer amount of people and staff can get desensitized to serving downtown clientele (lots of tourists and impatient business types).

The outside patio area is really nice and one of the employees, Mary, came out to help cool off the area cause it was a heat wave day. Mary physically closed all the windows (and for those reading the windows are these gigantic, heavy, moveable things, I mean this was a physically demanding task) and tried to make the space as comfortable as possible. I didn’t even ask for or expect this treatment because I was fine being in the heat, but she just went into action. Then she went onto making sure the fans were working and that there was cool air was coming in from inside onto the patio. Another employee whose name I didn’t get to ask but has a music tattoo sleeve I believe, was also very helpful and proactive in making sure I had what I needed.

I sometimes don’t even get this type of service at fancy restaurants, so I was really moved to write this review because the kindness was so unexpected. The staff here are so attentive and proactive about the service they give.

Now onto the food! Everything was HOT and fresh. Not sure what’s different about this kitchen but the chicken was actually charred and smoky, which I loved! I get the same thing at every Nando’s (thigh and mighty) and this was definitely the best version of the sandwich I ever had.

I think whatever is happening at this location is working, and I hope every employee on this team is being treated well, paid well, and being listened to, because that’s what we all deserve, but also because something is definitely WORKING at...

My partner had been waiting Nandos since we came to Chicago and he saw there were locations here. I gave in and we walked into the location. We went up the stairs and waited at the sign that says "please wait to be greeted and seated." An employee walked by and made eye contact with me so I know he saw my partner and I were waiting. He did not greet us, but he saw we were there and that we were the only people waiting. As we continued to wait, another patron came in and walked in front of me. I attempted to move back in front of him to indicate that I was there already and waiting to be seated. The employee walked by again and said to both myself and the other patron that he would be back in a moment to seat us. When he came back, he seated the other man first. When it was made clear that my partner and I had already been there waiting, he did not apologize and instead continued to seat the other man. I realize that mistakes happen, but restaurants operate on a first come first serve basis, and it is unacceptable to allow patrons who have been waiting patiently in the designated area for patrons who cannot read a simple sign and follow simple societal rules. To me, it shows that this establishment does not value my time and my willingness to follow the directions set up by the restaurant. My partner did not want to eat here any longer, but I did not want a rude patron or an inconsiderate/inattentive employee ruin my meal. We did order and eat here, but I do not plan to return if we are in the vicinity again unless my partner really, really wants to. I value when an establishment pays attention, and the fact that the employee was unfazed by the way he treated my partner and I indicates...

LUNCH REVIEW

I would eat at Nando's every day if I could. Unfortunately, they don't have one in Boston so I when was in Chicago, I, of course, had to stop in.

I should preface this review by saying that I LOVE chicken so I may be a little biased but there's so much more than the chicken. These grilled chicken centric restaurants aren't too common but I wish they were. Sure, others may specialize in fried chicken but you don't see many focusing on grilled chicken with great sauces and sides. That's where Nandos thrives.

SYSTEM: Order at the counter and they will bring your food to the table. IN the meantime, don't forget to stock up on their unique sauces. My favorites are the "Hot" and the "Lemon & Herb". Pro tip: Get an extra plate to put a bunch of different sauces on for dipping

LOCATION: This specific location is beautiful and overlooks Michigan Avenue. They have a covered outdoor area for the summer months as well so be sure to try and snag a table out there!

FOOD:

We started with the Hummus with PERi-PERi drizzle which my girlfriend insisted was delicious. She was correct. Adding spicy sauce to hummus does make it much better. This isn't a must get but definitely a good starter.

I got a half chicken with hot sauce (which really isn't too hot, so go for it!) with a bunch of sides to share with my girlfriend: the mashed potatoes, the coleslaw, and the Peri chips (fries with their seasoning). The mashed potatoes were good (I mean, mashed potatoes are usually good) but I would skip it next time to have their more unique sides like the chops, the Portuguese rice, or the coleslaw. You can make these mashed potatoes at home.

Love this place and will always love...