The Portage - Chicago

I love this place but something has to be done about the seating. If you end up in the middle tables you are constantly bumped into whenever anyone walks by. We asked to be moved to a corner table and were told it was taken by a party who had just walked in the door. It settled down a bit after the families with toddlers left which I cannot blame the restaurant for the shrieking of the children. However they have a back room which I have asked to be moved to on a different visit. and they wouldn't do it saying it wasn't set up. I truly love this restaurant and hope for its success. However they have to make the atmosphere less chaotic so one can have a conversation

Thank goodness we refused the table in the main area of the restaurant and dined in the tiny back room. If we had not I doubt we could have heard each other during dinner and enjoyed our dinner conversation. The food was excellent from an appetizer of French fries to the salads and entrees. The house made ice cream is very good. Tables are very close together and your conversation can easily be heard at other tables and you can hear their conversations

I've been to The Portage several times. It's good, but I've never been blown away. I went there recently on a Sunday night so it wasn't busy. We ordered from the cocktail menu, which took some time because the cocktails are lengthy lists of ingredients that don't always sound like they go together. We got our appetizers before the cocktails arrived, and I happened to see the young bartender working tediously at the drinks. I appreciate the freshly squeezed lime juice, but the end result was hardly worth the effort. I'll just order beer or wine if I ever go back. The waiter thought he was being helpful by reciting exactly what was already on the menu, but he wouldn't tell us what was popular or good, so we ordered burgers which were excellent, as was the wine and the coffee. I found the whole experience a bit pretentious for what it actually was

Intimate, warm and cozy. This neighborhood gem is a surprising find for the area. Reservations aren't always needed, but the restaurant is small so get them to be safe. My husband and I recently introduced friends to the restaurant who loved it., and we were reminded again of how good it is. We also like eating at the bar which part of the front room. It can get loud if it is full because it is small, so if you want a very quite restaurant, go elsewhere. If you want style, charm, warmth and some energy along with an interesting menu, try The Portage. The staff is very friendly and attentive

My wife and I celebrated valentines there. Considering the restaurant is located in a lowkey neighborhood, overall, the food and ambiance was very good. I will go back.