Cultivate by Forbidden Root

Made a reservation there for an after event dinner with family. It took me three tries to make the reservation and connect with the restaurant. I called and left a message, I sent an email—shouldn’t say you’ll return an email in 24 hours, if you’re not going to do it—and I called and spoke with someone. That was 8 days before the reservation. I was told I was all good and that I’d get a confirmation a day before. I never got that.

The folks initially made it very awkward asking me if I had made the reservation elsewhere… there is literally only one Cultivate restaurant in Chicago—the other restaurant in an hour outside the city. I was honestly offended and wondered why they were giving me such a hard time when the restaurant was empty.

Finally, they made our table and then we understood their stress—they seemed to be understaffed to accommodate our party… they had 1 person working the tables other than a manager like person pitching in and another guy bringing out food and stuff.

The food came out pretty quickly though. 8 in our party got the burger and we thought that we’d have the special honored, but you have to get a beer to get the special. So, only 2 folks received the Monday night discount. We didn’t really appreciate that because it seems unfair to penalize someone for choosing a nonalcoholic drink option… what if it’s a kid… they are drinking beer…

The mussels were sandy—they need to be rinsed more. You also shouldn’t serve unopened mussels.

The chicken sandwich and salad was good. One of the best chicken sandwiches my partner has had.

The beer bread was tasty. Only rec there is 4 not 3 slices an order. Otherwise it’s skimpy.

The roasted carrots and hummus were tasty. As was the roasted cauliflower.

The pasta dish was also pretty good! Loved the take on veggies being present via the sauce and not big chunks.

The drinks were all very good. Only struggle was getting more due to staffing.

Overall, we liked the ambience of the place and the food. I just didn’t like being gaslit and being blamed for their colleagues mistake of not logging our reservation.

Parking: There were street spots and side lot spots.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

I haven’t review a restaurant in years. Cultivate was so good that I’m breaking my streak of absence to write this review. Everything we tried was excellent. Both food and beer. Highly recommend.

Parking: Free street parking after 5pm Monday - Friday

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beer Flight, Duck and Dumplings

Drinks were really good! , the presentation of the food was beautiful but the food lacked taste. Maybe they were the dishes that we ordered ( Spanish Octopus and Duck dumplings), I would love to come again and try new stuff but I was disappointed by the dishes that we order for the price that we paid, Desert was really good!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

NOISE!

We held our elopement at the Cultivate Taproom and could not have had a better experience. Their event coordinator made the planning easy and stress free. The staff at our event were beyond accommodating and kind, and everyone raved about the food. We had the perfect experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck and Dumplings

Tried some beers, ciders, and appetizers. The beer was great. The smoked ricotta dip was pretty good, but a little plain. Had a fun, spacious atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Didn't have the best first experience here, but overall it's a solid place. I don't think the prices are great, they are OK but for the items they are offering I think they are a bit overpriced. Also, did not love the limited selection of beer types. This place is OK, I'll return, it has a great look and atmosphere

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

This was on my list of places to try when I visit Chicago, as I had a great experience at their original restaurant years ago and loved their beer when I first had it at Great American Beer Fest.

This visit was disappointing: my friend got the house beer flight, and each beer was flat and oxidized. My full pour of a hazy wasn't much better.

We planned to have dinner here, but after tasting the beer and getting the cheese plate—which was quite small and had a presentation that looked like someone dropped it on the way to our table—we decided to go elsewhere.

The host was friendly (she wondered aloud why they were so slow on a Friday), and our server was attentive if not exactly friendly.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Really enjoyed our water mcress salad, vadapav sliders, and roasted carrots.

The beer cheese and crackers are also very tasty, plenty for two.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My bf had the short ribs - he said “out of this world!” I’m a veggie and they have quite a few vegan options, sooo good! A must try!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We booked the Cultivate private tap-room for a milestone birthday party and we had a great time. From the initial booking to planning, it was a breeze. The staff was so helpful, attentive and friendly, (special shout out to Cara, Gwen & Kelly), plus all the food was delicious, our peeps are still raving. It's a really cool space, with plenty of great beer taps with a full bar, really something for everyone. We had near 20 people, and we could've fit plenty more. If you're looking for a unique and fun spot to host a party, it might be a best kept secret, so book it while you can. The main restaurant and bar area are also excellent for delicious dinner, small plates or drinks at the bar, we highly recommend and we'll be back soon! Cheers to Cultivate!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Warm Marinated Olives, Candy Beets, Bing Bread, Smoked Ricotta

An unknown gem, very contemporary beer selection and a fantastic atmosphere help elevate their main dishes. I recommend the duck and dumplings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Phenomenal food, service, and atmosphere. Their food presentation is absolutely on point as they craft an artful dining experience. It's on the rare occasion that we get to experience wonder and excitement like this when the food comes, and I'm a dweeb who really gets down with these things so I thought I'd mention it. My friend and I had a wonderful time here and will be back to try even more delicious and beautiful dishes and drinks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck and Dumplings

Phenomenal food, service, and atmosphere. Their food presentation is absolutely on point as they craft an artful dining experience. It's on the rare occasion that we get to experience wonder and excitement like this when the food comes, and I'm a dweeb who really gets down with these things so I thought I'd mention it. My friend and I had a wonderful time here and will be back to try even more delicious and beautiful dishes and drinks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck and Dumplings

Great spot! Super cool aesthetics and really nice. The burger is excellent

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beef Burger, Beer Flight