Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

Consistently excellent. If you don't know now you know.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hand Cut Fries, Boquerones with Butter and Toast, Hamburger, Chocolate Mousse, Charcuterie Plate, Steak Tartare

We had to wait for about an hour for a table but it was sooooo! worth it :) the Beaujolais that my friend got was phenomenal, I was jealous that I had opted for a martini.

We all got a burger which was 10/10, cooked perfectly and extremely flavorful. we shared the boccarones which I highly recommend and the gnocchi which was good but perhaps not paired well with something as heavy as a burger — thought the flavors might be a bit lighter/brighter.

all in all a wonderful experience, the staff was funny and attentive, the music was good, the vibes were up. looking forward to returning.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Definitely a must try! The menu does change but the burger is always available! Can't wait to go again and try New things.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rootstock is hands down the best wine bar in Chicago, but after 10 years of going there almost once a month, last Friday was our last day. The wine list is very innovative and changing constantly. The food menu, while small, it is outstanding. I have no clue why that chef stays in a place on Augusta and California instead of chasing Michelin stars downtown, but that in my books commands even more appreciation for the place. The atmosphere is also great. This is the neighborhood bar that offers next to PBR the most obscure viticulture gem from Puglia. Most importantly though, this place had soul. Unlike most establishments where one can find a good wine around town, it was untouched by corporate lifelessness. There was a reason we preferred to go here rather than any restaurant in Fulton Market. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore. We went on Friday, full knowing that it will be hard to get a table, but prepared to wait. Two of us got there and had a glass of wine. After some time waiting, the hostess told us that table was ready. The third in the party was late, he was in the uber 10 minutes away. We asked to be seated, but she was adamant that the "restaurant policy" is to only sit full parties. A little annoying, since this is not a place one orders everything at the same time and most often than not, we would slowly work our way through the entire menu plus about a bottle of wine per person, so 10 minutes would be completely negligible and we are not the type of people to sit with water while waiting. That being said, acceptable. After the third one showed up, a mere 5 minute after, we were told that we got pushed back to the bottom of the list. Again, annoying, but we were prepared to wait. Eventually we got seated at the bar, we squeeze in and started looking at the menu. Before we were about to order, the same hostess shows up telling me I am the "culprit" for taking too much space at the bar and we should squeeze some more. I would simply ignore this treatment at Boqueria (sorry Yann), but for Rootstock, well, that was the proverbial straw with the proverbial camel. We got up and left, promised each other we would never step foot in this place again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Ate there last night and the entire experience was fantastic! We all ordered the burger and it was one of the best in Chicago! I appreciate when you order a medium rare burger, it comes medium rare. The hostess was phenomenal and very engaging when dealing with the crowds. I get a bit anxious with restaurants that don’t take reservations, but our wait was smooth and pleasant. Our server was excellent. She had a very engaging personality with vibes of positivity even with the restaurant being very crowded and tables turning quickly. If you are on a burger quest, you must come here! I look forward to coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Meh. As often in those places, I should not take any risk and just go for the burger.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5

I have been thinking about this restaurant for months since first trying it. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate and the food competes with the finer dining I’ve had in Chicago. Get the burger and a bottle of wine. We had an incredible scallop entree, too.

Rootstock feels like a true neighborhood restaurant. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. I want to gate-keep this place, but it’s the first restaurant that comes to mind when people ask me for a recommendation. I love it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful night! Sat outside, everything was perfect and had Madison, who was amazing ✨

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is very limited, description on their QR code is equally limited and underwhelming. No idea size of portion if your a first time patron. IF your eating outside me prepared to have rude smokers , smoke and eat/ drink next to you. Waiters are casually dresses so, no idea or indication if they work there or not. Oh...and if your a non drinker, come here bc they won't tend to you the same if you overspend on drinking. The hamburger was raw though we ordered it medium. The lamb loin was rare too, and no inquiry on cooking preference. Lets just say my stomach overnight did not enjoy eating rare.

We were approached twice for a drink menu but didn't get any refills on our water or coke. Our waiter disappeared after getting our order and we had to flag down a different person for our bill, which took 15 mins to return.

It's a hard pass.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I ate the food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is lovely! Great wine, food and service, nice cozy neighborhood joint.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great bar, excellent burger

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service was a bit slow but I assume it was because it was a busy Saturday evening. It was well worth the wait, anyway. I order the grilled lamb loin & it was fantastic. Hands down one of the best meals I’ve EVER had in Chicago. No cap.

I will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Exactly what I wish our neighborhood had back home, this little spot has a small, but concentrated menu of mostly smaller plates and a couple larger items, with plenty of charcuterie and cheese. Very rich.

Wine list is pretty good, lot of glass options, and their recommendations for some pairings were well received by us.

Popular with industry folk, and off the beaten path.

Vegetarian options: There are some vegetarian options, but not a separate menu.

Dietary restrictions: Don't expect a lot of accommodations here, it's a small, fast moving kitchen.

Kid-friendliness: Not kid friendly.

Wheelchair accessibility: There's an outdoor area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Boquerones with Butter and Toast

Extensive and diverse wine (and beer!) list. Great small bites and shareable entrees. The best burger in Chicago.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hand Cut Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli and House Ketchup, Hamburger