Trivoli Tavern — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Review of Trivoli Tavern – A Perfect Dining Experience

My husband and I dined at Trivoli Tavern in West Loop for Restaurant Week, and from the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were blown away. The ambiance, the food, and the service were all exceptional, making this one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Chicago.

Atmosphere & First Impressions

Walking through the alleyway into Trivoli Tavern feels like stepping into a hidden gem. The dimly lit, warm, and inviting space is absolutely stunning, with a magnificent main hall that adds to the upscale yet cozy vibe. From the second we walked in, we felt welcomed and taken care of.

The Restaurant Week Menu – $60 Per Person

The Restaurant Week menu featured a starter, main course, side, and dessert, making it an incredible value for the quality of food and portions we received.

Starters

We ordered the Crispy Shrimp Roll and Coconut Shrimp, and both were incredibly flavorful and filling. The shrimp roll had the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, with the green curry mayo and avocado elevating every bite. The Coconut Shrimp was beautifully crispy, paired with an orange-chili marmalade that added the perfect hint of sweetness and spice.

Mains & Sides

We both opted for the Steak Au Poivre, and it was phenomenal. The 10oz ribeye was cooked to perfection, juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, peppery sauce that added the perfect amount of depth and flavor.

For sides, we got the French Fries and Buttery Mashed Potatoes, and both were outstanding. The fries were crispy, golden, and paired beautifully with the garlic aioli, while the mashed potatoes were smooth, garlicky, and buttery with just the right amount of richness.

Dessert

We ended with the Key Lime Pie and a selection of ice creams, and both were unforgettable. The key lime pie had the most perfect, buttery crust that melted in our mouths, and the filling was bright, tangy, and well-balanced. The ice cream flavors were incredibly creamy and indulgent, rounding out the meal perfectly.

Bread Rolls – A Must-Order!

We also ordered the bread rolls, and they were absolutely incredible. Freshly baked, warm, soft, and buttery, they were so good that we wished we could take a whole box home. They were the perfect start to the meal and an absolute must-order when dining here.

Service – Attentive, Friendly, and Thoughtful

The service at Trivoli Tavern was impeccable. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, constantly checking in on us at the right moments and making sure we had everything we needed. They refilled our water before we even had to ask and were genuinely warm and friendly.

A special shoutout to the team for safeguarding my Oura ring after I accidentally dropped it on my way out. When I returned the next day to pick it up, they were so kind, professional, and welcoming, asking if we enjoyed our meal. That level of hospitality speaks volumes about their dedication to customer service.

Final Verdict – 10/10

Everything about Trivoli Tavern exceeded our expectations. From the stunning ambiance to the incredible food and flawless service, it was truly a perfect dining experience. Whether it’s for Restaurant Week, a special occasion, or just a great night out, we will absolutely be returning!...

Exposing the BEST HAPPY HOUR DEAL @trivolitavern - 📍West Loop, Chicago

@midwestmunching for more on Instagram

I walked in, in AWE of how beautiful this spot is. Dimmed lighting, huge chandeliers, cute Tiffany lamps, + big beachy palm trees & leather wrapped booths. Really brings you out of the hustle & bustle of Chicago and into a calm yet swanky mood

Everyday 4:30-5:30 pm , there's happy hour 🍻 🍷 at @trivolitavern . Most places have Monday to Friday deals... This one is EVERYDAY. We went on a Saturday before dinner

You just walk in, and go to the bar area. There's bar seats or standing tables , which are all fun for a night out with friends 💜

🦪$5 for 2 oysters , really fresh with a super sour champagne mignonette 🥂 other $5 items include pigs in a blanket, fries, fritto misto, sliders (pulled pork/fried chicken, beef)

🍷$5 drinks : old fashioned (which I got 2 of),. Wine, beer, martini

Sure enough, the prices can be cheaper. But hh everyday? Why not?

What a BEAUTIFUL spot, hidden in the same alleyway as @greenstreetsmokedmeats and @highfiveramen . Have you been?

EDIT, CAME HERE FOR DINNER;THICKKKK cut 16oz prime rib 🥩 @TRIVOLITAVERN 📍West Loop, Chicago

This place is usually really hard to book so I'm glad my coworker was able to ! I've only been here for happy hour ($2 oysters & pigs in a blanket, + old fashioned etc) and also only walked past when headed to green Street smoked meats or sawada

Thank you trivoli for the discount & complimentary side!

First off. Just WOW - huge drinks menu, awesome global wine list, and great service.

The truffle Bucatini needed more flavor or salt, other than that everything was hearty & tasty to a T.

Biggest highlights: 🐮Love me a PRIME RIB , especially this thick-cut Chicago style one cooked for 12-hours . It was so tasty, melted in my mouth & way more substantial vs traditional thin sliced ones (they also have this version). 16oz and comes with horseradish + is a center cut. Nothing gets better

🍮 Toffee sticky date cake - omg. I love a great sticky toffee pudding and I can't find it ANYWHERE in Chicago. When Sage our server mentioned this , my heart skipped a beat. We just needed to get it ! It was as gooey, melty, fudgy, and lightly sweet from the dates as you'd hope for). The brown butter gelato wasn't too sweet so it mainly added more moisture on top

🥗Smoked salmon Caesar - I don't think I've had a Caesar salad better than this. Growing up, I never had salads so I only learned what a great salad could be like here. This was mixed really well, with smaller bite sized chunks of smoked salmon mixed in . They add their house-made vinegar potatoes (replacing croutons) that cuts through the creaminess and lifts the whole dish up while topped with loads of freshly shaved parmesan 🤤

🌿Artichoke Gratin (appetizer). If you want something to share, this was awesome. It came with goat cheese and a toasted garlic bread so every bite is a little different - merging the crispiness with the creaminess

We also had the truffle Bucatini, corn bread (with grassfed butter & honey), their dinner rolls (so fluffy), and a complimentary mashed potato (super buttery, made with whole potatoes & garlic)

Loved loved loved this spot. Can't wait to come back to...

I'd recommend making a reservation, as this place tends to get busy, especially on weekends. I visited on a Friday night with a reservation. The atmosphere is refreshing—it features an old-timey, classic American decor with lots of neat paintings, beautiful chandeliers, and piano/jazz music.

I started with an espresso martini, which was delicious and had a strong coffee taste. We then got the parkerhouse rolls, which I enjoyed with the black truffle honey butter. (Note: These contain soy flour for those with allergies.) For appetizers, we ordered the pigs in a blanket and the baby artichoke gratin. The pigs in a blanket were standard, though I enjoyed the breading and grain mustard. The gratin was rich in flavor, and the garlic bread was typical. (The garlic bread also contains soy flour.)

Our server, Sam, was considerate of our allergies and knowledgeable about the dishes. He brought us their house-made salt and vinegar chips for a party member to eat with the gratin—they were fantastic!

For my entree, I chose the 10oz filet mignon, paired with gorgonzola creamed spinach and a smoked salmon Caesar salad. The filet was cooked perfectly, and the peppercorn crust was a great addition. The gorgonzola creamed spinach wasn't my favorite; the cheese overpowered the other flavors. The smoked salmon Caesar, however, was a highlight. I was initially skeptical about smoked salmon on a salad, but the fresh, flavorful Caesar dressing complemented it well.

For a birthday celebration, we were surprised with fresh vanilla gelato and hot fudge. The gelato was rich and creamy, and the hot fudge was a nice touch. We also ordered the sticky date cake. Despite not being a fan of dates, I found this cake amazing—the caramel sauce was to die for. I'd return just for the cake.

On a second visit within the same month, I tried different dishes. The cornbread stood out—it avoided the common pitfall of dryness, with a firm exterior and moist interior. The chicken pot pie was flavorful with an interesting bone marrow addition, though it didn't stand out as much as other dishes. The Vodka Rigatoni, one of their most popular dishes, was phenomenal—a simple dish executed exceptionally well.

Overall, Trivoli Tavern offers a wide range of food options, some more exciting than others. With its great atmosphere, accommodating service, and thoughtful food presentation, it's suitable for almost...