Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery

4.4

40 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Great for craft beers
Neighborhood gem
Good for groups

At Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery, Chicago's first botanic brewery, we brew craft beer inspired by nature. We love barley, water, hops, and yeast, and use those as a base to explore a rich world of wild ingredients.
More than just a brewpub, our restaurant and brewery offers seasonal dishes to highlight our craft beers and elevate your over all experience. Voted #1 Brewpub in America in 2022 and nominated again in 2024!

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Brewery, Beer Garden
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 929-2202
Website
https://www.forbiddenroot.com/restaurant-brewery
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Forbidden Root can accommodate all of your special event needs.

Location
1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood
West Town
Cross street
Wood
Parking details
Bus- #66 Chicago, #50 Damen, #9 Ashland<br />Train- Blue Line at Division, Green Line at Ashland
Public transit
66 Chicago Avenue Bus
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wine

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Chicago

Offers

Happy Hour at Forbidden Root
Multiple dates available
Mon - Thu - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Fri - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Come and join us for Happy Hour! 50% off all Bar Snacks $10 Forbidden Root House Beer Flights and more... Monday - Thursday 3pm - 6pm Friday 3pm - 5pm

Pick 1 Cheese$8.00
Cheese Plate, Candied Nuts, Pickled Onion, Seasonal Jam Rotating Selection – Please ask your server
Any 3 Cheeses$21.00
Cheese Plate, Candied Nuts, Pickled Onion, Seasonal Jam Rotating Selection – Please ask your server
All 6 Cheeses$38.00
Cheese Plate, Candied Nuts, Pickled Onion, Seasonal Jam Rotating Selection – Please ask your server

Small Plates

Butternut Squash Soup$9.00
Sage, Herb Oil, Brown Butter Solids
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Cakes$14.00
Rouille, Chow-Chow
FR House Salad$12.00
Field Greens, Grapefruit Segments, Hazelnuts, Lemon Vinaigrette, Toasted Rye Crumble
Arugula Salad$14.00
Whipped Ricotta, Dried Peaches, Ricotta Salata, Shallot Vinaigrette, Pine Nuts
Kale Salad$13.00
Purple Kale, Shaved Fennel, Fresh Herbs, Tahini-Orange Dressing, Puffed Chickpeas, Fried Shallots
Brussels Sprouts$12.00
Miso Butter, Everything Spice, Slivered Almonds
Burrata$14.00
Basil Pesto, Tomato Jam, Pickled Banana Peppers, Parmesan Chips, Focaccia Bread

Mains

Duck & Dumplings $21.00
Duck Confit, Ricotta Gnocchi, Mirepoix, Duck Jus, Crispy Duck Skin
Milk Brined Pork Schnitzel Sandwich$17.00
Pickled Beet Mayo, Caraway Slaw, Sesame Bun
FR Burger, $18.00
Double Smashburger, Giardiniera Mayo, White American Cheese, Onions, B&B Pickles, Butter Bun
Fried Mortadella Sandwich$17.00
American Cheese, BBQ Chips, B&B Pickles, Dijonnaise, Lettuce, Shokupan
Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00
Chicken Thigh, B&B pickle, Special Sauce, Fried Onions, Sesame Bun
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00
Hot Chicken Thigh, Spicy Mayo, Jalapeño Jam, Fermented Cabbage
Mushroom Pot Pie$19.00
Wild Mushroom Filled Pastry, Porcini Caramel, Side Salad
Roasted Carrots$15.00
Whole Oven Roasted Carrots, Eggplant Purée, House Chili Crisp, Compressed Cucumbers, Carrot Tops
Ora King Salmon$25.00
Sourdough Crust, Carrot Purée, Edamame, Ginger-Garlic Dashi, Pickled Pearl Onion
Pasta Melanzana$20.00
Flour Power Casarecce Pasta, Roasted Eggplant, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Shaved Squash, Stracciatella
Beer Braised Short Rib, $25.00
Creamy Polenta, Japanese Sweet Potato, Crispy Kale, Sweety Drops, Horseradish

Dessert

Sweet Potato Pie$9.00
Rum Blend, Sweet Potato Cream, Cinnamon Sugar Crisps
Carlota de Limón$9.00
Maria Cookies, Candied Kumquat, Hibiscus, Makrut Lime Leaf
Chocolate Beer Cake,$9.00
Porter, Coffee, Hazelnut Praline

What 40 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic food" and "the best service". Patrons praise the "amazing drinks" and a diverse menu featuring local brews and spirit-free options. Highlights include the pork schnitzel sandwich and duck confit. Ideal for small groups or large gatherings alike.

40 Reviews

C
Cheryl
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The beers were amazing! The different flavor combinations were subtle, yet distinctive. We started with the cheese plate, which was very tasty. A nice mix of soft and firm cheeses that complimented each other. Each of your main meals held wonderful flavor surprises. I would highly recommend the short ribs, the duck, and the mushroom pot pie! To finish off our meal we had coffee and a slice of their chocolate beer cake! We shared the cake amongst the three of us! The server was very attentive and allowed us plenty of time to explore the menu. I’ll be coming back to Forbidden Root!!! Also, a big shout out to Check Please! Great choice!
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S
Steve
Chicago
65 reviews
vip
2.0
65 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food looked and tasted like it was from previous day(s) dry, overcooked, over salted..dull Saison beers and bitter coffee
Is this helpful?
N
Nathan
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Found through the Dine-it-4-ward chicago dining guide for 2024-2025 and so glad we started off the new year of dining out at Forbidden Root. Server recommended the Monday special (burger and beer combo), and the pork schnitzel sandwich. Food came out quick, and the option to get an NA beer for members at the table who do not drink was much appreciated. I would highly recommend Forbidden Root be it dinner for one, two, or twenty. Look forward to another experience there soon!
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R
Robert
Chicago
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good food and drink… went when it wasn’t crowded on a holiday weekend at 630pm. Fast service and food delivery
Is this helpful?
R
Ryan
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Very very very slow service but everything was great besides that
Is this helpful?
I
Irvin
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great time at forbidden root. Great staff and amazing service. The food was amazing and the childrens menu was great and much appreciated. I will be returning to this amazing spot
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P
Peanut24
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I thought the drinks were fantastic. The snack options were a little too limited and would have loved some additional items (i.e., Hummus, Cajun Tater tots, Parmesan Fries, etc.) The chips and popcorn were fun but a little over seasoned and the Popcorn was not popped fully so not fluffy but more kernels. The Fried Chicken sandwich was yummy and love the shoestring fries.
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CC
CharlesC
Charleston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Knowledgeable wait staff and was on board for the gastronomic adventure we had in mind. The duck confit and gnocchi was epic
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B
Bird1218
Chicago
108 reviews
5.0
108 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delightful lunch! Even though this is a brewery, the salads and mushroom pot pie were truly delicious! I brought out-of-town guests, and it was a great choice!
Is this helpful?
RV
RVAFoodie
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A very good, casual experience for a small group. Lovely drinks, nice service. Beef jerky on the bar snacks menu was a highlight for all. Always nice to see some spirit-free options on a brewery menu for individuals who aren’t partaking. A pleasantly pun-filled menu of cocktails, and of course some excellent local brews. Thank you, we will return!
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FAQs

Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery is rated 4.4 stars by 40 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Google Map for Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery

1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Additional information

Cross street
Wood
Neighborhood
West Town
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Brewery, Beer Garden
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Bus- #66 Chicago, #50 Damen, #9 Ashland<br />Train- Blue Line at Division, Green Line at Ashland
Public transit
66 Chicago Avenue Bus
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wine

Website
https://www.forbiddenroot.com/restaurant-brewery
Phone number
(312) 929-2202
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Forbidden Root can accommodate all of your special event needs.

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Chicago

Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery

Make a reservation

Additional information

Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Chicago

Happy Hour at Forbidden Root

Bar Snacks

Popcorn$4.00

House Made Potato Chips$7.00

Trail Mix$7.00

Beer Cheese and Crackers$10.00

Cheese Board

Pick 1 Cheese$8.00

Any 3 Cheeses$21.00

All 6 Cheeses$38.00

Small Plates

Butternut Squash Soup$9.00

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Cakes$14.00

FR House Salad$12.00

Arugula Salad$14.00

Kale Salad$13.00

Brussels Sprouts$12.00

Burrata$14.00

Mains

Duck & Dumplings $21.00

Milk Brined Pork Schnitzel Sandwich$17.00

FR Burger, $18.00

Fried Mortadella Sandwich$17.00

Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00

Mushroom Pot Pie$19.00

Roasted Carrots$15.00

Ora King Salmon$25.00

Pasta Melanzana$20.00

Beer Braised Short Rib, $25.00

Dessert

Sweet Potato Pie$9.00

Carlota de Limón$9.00

Chocolate Beer Cake,$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery restaurant rated?

Is Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Chicago