This is a long term review over multiple visits. I hope someone at signature reads this because I’m writing this to help the restaurant becuase I want it to succeed. To start off I just want to say the food is amazing, I’m really glad that a good restaurant is in the south loop because I feel like this neighborhood is in a serious lack of quality food ( this is starting to change) The problem I have is mostly in regards to the service. I’ve been here 5 times and out of those times 3 of them have been extremely slow. 1 of those days it was busy so I understand but the other times there was a lot of empty tables and really no reason to be that slow. The first time of these 2 examples it took 25 mins for the server to come to my table. The bus boy was killing it and refilled our waters twice. Also a manager came over and got our drink order then brought them before we had a server show up. The second time dinner took an extra 30+ mins because of long breaks of the server disappearing. She would walk right past our table multiple times which out checking in. I think she only came 3 or 4 times (during an 1:30 dinner) she didn’t even bring the food to us. Again this wasn’t an issue of over capacity and low staff as there was maybe 8 tables in the whole restaurant filled and she was not the only server. When they do come they anre knowledgeable and good it’s just they don’t have their time management down. All in all some of the worst service to food quality ratio I’ve been to and it needs to be fixed. (When I say worst it’s because the food is so good but the server is lacking, I’ve had worst serving in my life)
My other issue I have is in regards to the falafel wrap. YOU NEED TO ADD FRIES TO THE MEAL (obviously you can do what you want) that is the only sandwich that for some reason that doesn’t come with fries. This is crazy because it is a sandwich and the cheapest for the restaurant to make yet no fries. Also if you were to order fries on the side it’s the same size as the fries that come with the chicken or burger. So what this means is that the falafel wrap even tho it’s priced $2 less then the cheeseburger which is meat and comes with fries cost the restaurant $11 (2 for the price of the burger and $9 for the fries) more to make which doesn’t make sense. This is a flaw in the pricing and should be fixed as it’s one of for few vegetarian option. It’s honestly crazy and I would love to hear the reasoning for not giving fries with this sandwich.
If you are reading this from the restaurant I would love to hear your thoughts on what I said. If you are someone who’s thinking of going, please do, the food is really good and better then a lot of other restaurants but just be aware that I’ve had multiple bad serving experience but that can be taught and fixed. Cooking good food is much...
Read moreTucked into the ever-evolving South Loop, Signature Bar feels like a swanky living room you never knew you needed. Its sleek black-and-white interior instantly exudes an upscale aura—simple, yet undeniably posh. Plush bar stools line a gleaming counter, where well-placed televisions ensure you can catch every buzzer-beater or ninth-inning homer without craning your neck. Meanwhile, a discreet back room offers a more intimate space for private events or a cozy Sunday brunch with family. Despite its relatively new presence, Signature Bar has quickly earned a following for late-night revelers. The revamped hours—open well into the evening—make it a godsend in a neighborhood that has long yearned for a genuine after-hours option. The bar staff, attentive and poised, seems to have adopted a hospitality mantra: no one leaves with an empty glass or an unmet request. Drinks arrive swiftly, mixed with a balanced hand; whether you order a classic Old Fashioned or an inventive seasonal special, expect something refreshing and potent. While the ambiance and service often steal the show, the kitchen turns out quietly reliable fare. Expect the kind of casual bites suited for a weeknight wind-down: smaller wings—perfect for snacking—land in front of you with a crisp exterior and tangy sauce. The menu leans into well-loved standards, like a burger that earns consistent praise (one devoted diner’s partner orders it on nearly every visit) and other typical pub offerings. Though there may not be a single dish that redefines Chicago’s culinary scene, the consensus is that everything at Signature Bar is tasty and dependable, a steady backdrop to the main event of the bar itself. What truly distinguishes this establishment, however, is its vibe. Perhaps it’s the interplay of subtle lighting and the monochrome décor, or maybe it’s the graciousness of a staff that never seems to lose its step, even in the wee hours. Signature Bar manages to be simultaneously laid-back and refined—a difficult balance to strike. In a bustling corner of the city that’s ever craving fresh gathering spots, Signature Bar steps up to the plate. If you’re searching for a chic late-night retreat in the South Loop, here’s one that proudly earns its name. After all, as evening turns into night, there’s something undeniably magnetic about a place that promises style without sacrificing warmth—and keeps the lights on just long enough for you to...
Read moreMy recent visit to Signature was my second, and while the first experience was good, this one had some shortcomings. The food remained delicious, especially the salmon. It was cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful, but the portion size was disappointingly small. The thin slice of salmon (3.5oz, maybe?) with only half a baby bok choi left me, and others at my table who ordered it, feeling unsatisfied.
In contrast to the delicious food, the service this time was lacking. Despite our visit being on a Sunday night and the restaurant not being very busy, we experienced long waits to order our drinks and food. It seemed like the staff was spread thin with 3 cooks, 2 bartenders and 1 waitress. While we were seated quickly, it took 10-15 minutes before we had to flag down the host to request service. The wait continued for drinks, and after my initial order wasn't available, another wait ensued for a substitute.
As a local resident who lives just two blocks away, I genuinely want Signature to thrive in our neighborhood. It's exactly the kind of establishment the area needs. However, to achieve long-term success, I believe some adjustments are necessary. Reconsidering portion sizes is crucial. Patrons shouldn't leave a restaurant feeling hungry after their meal.
Additionally, re-evaluating staff allocation on less busy nights might be beneficial. Perhaps more servers and fewer bartenders would ensure smoother service. Remember, excellent food should be complemented by attentive service to create a truly memorable dining experience.
Overall, Signature has a lot of potential. The quality of the food is undeniable, and the ambiance is pleasant. However, portion sizes and service need some improvement. I hope this feedback is taken constructively because, with these adjustments, I have no doubt they will become a local favorite. This isn't a complaint about pricing, but rather sincere feedback from someone who wants to see this restaurant flourish in...
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