The VIG — Restaurant in Chicago

We had a 6pm reservation and had to wait over ten minutes for our table (even though they sent us multiple emails stating that our reservation would NOT be held for longer than ten minutes). The host staff (or at least the multiple employees crowded around the host stand socializing) were rude and brushed us off and told us to wait at the bar (despite there being no space to even stand at the bar). There was no sense of urgency except when the host finally went to seat us and then basically sprinted through the crowded restaurant and sucked her teeth when we couldn't keep up because we were dodging patrons.

I witnessed multiple health code violations (touching the top of plates, rims of glasses, not washing hands after handling a personal phone... etc.) and the person who seemed to be the floor manager was just sort of scowling at the employees rather than doing anything useful. As someone who has worked in F&B management, this made my blood boil and I can't even imagine what it does to the morale of the staff.

We ended up just doing drinks and an appetizer (it was incredibly loud, but I wont penalize for that because it's Old Town and most places are like that) and quickly left. The drinks were good and the food was tasty but overpriced.

They also charge a 2.5% fee for using a credit card... but don't make any mention of this on their website or when you make a reservation, so you can't even prepare for it by hitting an ATM before you visit.

The ONE saving grace was that our server was AMAZING. She was clearly over worked and hustling to tend to her tables, but she still took the time to answer our questions and make recommendations and was so...

Came here for a bday dinner with 6 friends. We had to wait about 15 min for our table despite a reservation. They were busy and were friendly. We ordered food. It was a decent. Our bill ran a bit over $400 for 6 people. Was expecting better food for that price. But it was ok. The DJ is amazing and at night they moved tables for dancing. It was very hot in there. I’ve never been in a warmer club/restaurant. My party and I were all sweating. So we decided to do coat check. While waiting in line for coat check a staff member came over to tell us we couldn’t stand there (in line for coat check) but in such a stern voice. I understand working at a bar sometimes you have to be stern with people but it felt so hostile and uncalled for. I’ve worked 8 years in customer service and i would’ve never talked to someone like that. So I gave her that energy back and told her “we are waiting in line for coat check and were told to wait here” to which she responded “you don’t talk to me like that I AM THE MANAGER” which had nothing to do with anything. It was very obvious this person wasn’t having a good night and considering we weren’t bothering anyone and we just spent half a grand at your business - the hostility and power dynamic energy they brought into our dining experiencing was horrible. Uncalled for. I responded with “I don’t care if you’re the manager we are minding our business and in line for coat check” and after an intense eye stare she walked away without saying anything. I’m not sure if I looked submissive but I don’t even let me parents or my boss talk to me like that. Much less someone I don’t...

Every-time I visit Chicago I make sure I have a reservation at The Vig.

Positives, kinda: To start, the meatball sub is amazing, the best I’ve ever had. The beer selection is pretty good, but the Guinness isn’t. The bread/dipping appetizer is to die for.

Negatives: even with a reservation you will wait 30 minutes or so for a seat (this is expected, and something I’ve learned). The place is crowded and so loud that you have to scream at your table. Waitresses/waiters aren’t always that great.

Big negative: when I visited last I was told it would be an hour before we could get in (fine, I was early). Me and my group of 6 went next door to the taco place to have some drinks. When I was there I left my card there. When I went to check out I noticed I didn’t have my card so I went to get my card while my table was still finishing up. I got out of the door and walked over with no problem. As I was walking back in the door one of the chihuahua beta security man pushed the door closed as I was pulling it. I asked what the issue was and he barked “do you have a reservation” in which I replied “yes, my table is already in there eating I came out because I had to get my card from next door”. This is when this douche 3’7” security guy says “I didn’t see you come out”. By this time I was frustrated and said “my wife and friends are at a table inside”. Small bones asked me to see my ID and then let me in mumbling something.

I’m not going to say I won’t be back, because that’s probably not true. But I hope the honey I shrunk the kids security stunt double isn’t there to...