I love food, I don't mind good food in run down places; but I love good food in beautiful location better!!!
The Hampton Social is a beautiful nautical themed restaurant that is famed for good reasons, the much instagrammed "Rose all day" sign tempted me to hop onto the bandwagon and take a photo or TEN there; the cool restaurant where each corner has different shade of lighting to satisfy different people as well as a different setup; an absolutely gorgeous and comfy lounge corner that encourages to be a couch potato; and most important of all, great food to complement all these!
Our first visit here is during restaurant week, so we got to try more food for less bucks, AWESOME! The menu is a combination of the regular items which is important, because these are the kitchen's specialties, allowing you to actually experience the restauant's food and menu.
TIP: check-in on yelp to receive a $16 fried calamari, which is absolutely deliiicious!!!
We started out with a seafood chowder which was pretty generous in portion, creamy and you can taste the sea. Good start.
Our entree were fish taco and chicken club, both looks phenomenal, with great presentation and a beautiful mix colors on the white plate. The fish in the tacos were three big pieces of fish, but unfortunately it was a bit dry and over seasoned for our taste. It probably is normal, as the fish has a strong flavor to it and requires that extra seasoning, and has a tougher flesh. Thus, we can only say it is not quite our cup of tea, prefer something lighter and ore tender. The chicken in the club was crispy and the bread was soft and paired really well with the chicken as well as a house mayo sauce. This chicken club was a joy to eat, and it comes with fresh greens on the side.
To finish off, we had bluemoon ice cream and a on the house birthday cake. The birthday cake is a selection of any available cakes and the birthday girl chose the carrot cake. The carrot cake was the best of the day. It was balanced, light and rich in flavor. Great way to end the meal!
Overall, this is a great restaurant with great service and awesome ambience! The food is by no means shabby at all, but really enjoyable. The price is fair and the experience phenomenal. Would love to return again, and did not hesitate to recommend to...
Read moreHampton Social River North: A Culinary Voyage to Coastal Perfection Our recent visit to Hampton Social in River North for a full meal solidified its place as a true Chicago gem. The initial allure of the atmosphere, reminiscent of a chic coastal getaway, was only amplified by the exceptional culinary experience that followed. From the moment we were seated, the attentive and genuinely friendly service made us feel incredibly welcome. Our server expertly guided us through the menu, offering insightful recommendations that catered perfectly to our preferences. Each dish arrived beautifully presented, a testament to the kitchen's attention to detail. The appetizers were a delightful introduction, bursting with fresh flavors and showcasing high-quality ingredients. The main courses were equally impressive. My chicken stack was an absolute standout, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. My companion raved about their lobster roll, highlighting the impeccable cooking and thoughtful pairings. Beyond the exceptional food, the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance continued to impress. The nautical-chic decor provided a stylish backdrop for a leisurely meal, and the lively buzz of conversation created an enjoyable energy without being overwhelming. The expertly crafted cocktails further enhanced the experience, each sip a refreshing complement to our dishes. Hampton Social isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place where you can escape the city's hustle and immerse yourself in a taste of coastal bliss, complete with outstanding food, impeccable service, and a truly inviting atmosphere. We left feeling completely satisfied and already eager to return for another culinary voyage to this River North haven. It's a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable and delightful dining...
Read moreI want to share my experience at the Hampton Social in Nashville with my fellow Loyola and Northwestern Alumn just so you have a heads up if you want to go there. I e-mailed someone named Gabby about 10 days prior to my visit for a reservation. She e-mailed back saying I couldn't make a reservation for the rooftop, but offered to make a reservation downstairs and suggested I go upstairs after dinner. That sounded great to me. She confirmed I had a table for Saturday at 7:00 (on busy weekend). When I arrived at 6:45, the hostess told me she couldn't find a reservation for that evening but there was one for me on Friday. Even on a busy night, the appropriate action would have been to apologize and offer a solution immediately. Instead they made me stand there, feeling unwelcome, until I was able to find the e-mail from Gabby, who was fortunately there and admitted the error. If she hadn't been, I would certainly have been turned away with no reservation anywhere. Be certain you confirm your time in writing. On the plus side, the drinks were presented well. They do have oysters on the menu, which is what I wanted. Honestly, I would have gone back on Sunday for the oyster special too if it hadn't been for the issue with the table. They also weren't as fresh as the oysters I had at Southern Steak & Oyster down the street (which also had a greater variety to choose from) or really any oysters I've had in Chicago anywhere. Maybe it would have been different if I'd come during the oyster happy hour,...
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