Warlord is one of the more intriguing new additions to Chicago’s dining scene—dark, vibey, and clearly aiming to make a splash. The ambiance is moody and stylish, perfect for a night out that feels a little edgy and exciting. You can tell the concept is thoughtful, and there’s definite potential here.
But the restaurant is still working through some serious growing pains. The biggest issue: service. From the moment we arrived, it was clear things were behind. There was a wait to be seated and once we finally sat down, the pace didn’t pick up. Our waiter was doing their best but was visibly stressed and uncomfortable about the delays—clearly caught in the middle of a system that isn’t functioning smoothly yet.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The food (when it finally arrives) shows promise, and I genuinely want to root for this place. But right now, dining at Warlord requires patience—and possibly a snack beforehand. I’ll be curious to come back in a few months once they’ve had time to iron things out. Right now, though, it feels like a great idea that’s still finding its footing.
Pawel Wojcieszak
Great atmosphere and vibe. Food great quality, but Salt! Fries so salty same as the burger.
Garrett Gordon
this place was sick as f. just wish they had a spotify playlist
Lindsay Elling
Some employee came up to our table of 10 and started aggressing at my fiancé for not “greeting” him in the bathroom line? Flustered, my fiancé said “I don’t even know who you are, man.” Turns out, he’s the owner and took great offense to this. (Apparently the thinks he’s The Bear.) He proceeded to say “I’m the one who is cooking your food.” I asked him to explain why he is threatening a playing customer. He got even louder. We didn’t feel safe eating here so we left. I guess this guy hates money, considering we were a party of 10! I feel so bad for his staff who seemed uncomfortable and unsure how to fix the situation.
Charlie Carey
Some guy came and started yelling at my friend for not saying hi to him in the bathroom line and started doing the whole “do you know who i am” schtick then began ranting about how he was going to mess with our food because apparently he was the owner. we didnt feel safe so we left
Nick Christopher
Fun place, good food, good service! We had dinner at the bar a couple nights ago. Everything we got was delicious, including the burger, duck, and some appetizers. Excellent service from Zack, and what a fun place that is. Light only by candlelight, and I love their soundtrack, if a little loud.
Grant Eickstadt
A transcendent dining experience.
Zach D
brought a couple friends from out of town here to try and every time i come here its a knock out from the swordfish to the tuna to the fillet to the deserts. you wont have a bad bite come ready to eat and enjoy
Peter Kaiafas
Metalhead and food lover here. Delicious food and great service. My bartender/server was a guitarist in a local metal band and super nice guy. Also, great cocktails with YOB playing in the background under candlelight. Yeah, sort of like dying and going to heaven for me.
Maitake Mushroom is packed with flavors and textures that defy what I know mushroom to be. Drinks were delicious. My fiancé whole enjoys more spirit forward cocktails thought the drinks had a good balance we were both able to enjoy. He had the Snapper and I had the Steak, but to me to start of the night was by far the Maitake Mushroom. I’ve never tasted anything like it and will absolutely order it again and again. We took photos but because we went late night the ambiance was candle lit and the pictures do not do any justice. Highly Recommend.
Ashvin Prakash
Incredible burger and cocktails, and love the decor and musical choices. For the price point, the service felt disappointingly transactional, but will definitely give it another shot to try more of the menu.
Alexander Troitzsch
Amazing atmosphere and great music. The server asked me twice while I was still eating if he could take my plate, then brought the check immediately after I decided not to order dessert. Felt like they really wanted me to leave. And of course, he didn’t take the dishes when I finished. Prices are high, and the food is good but nothing special. The music here is real—everything else seems fake. It’s unfortunate because the concept is great.
Viktoriya Nemes
Warlord is an absolute revelation—a restaurant that embraces the raw, primal beauty of live-fire cooking while delivering an elevated and unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in an atmosphere that feels both electric and intimate, where the glow of open flames sets the stage for a meal unlike any other.
Trevor and his team are nothing short of exceptional. Their passion, precision, and deep respect for the craft of cooking shine through in every dish. The hospitality is genuine and effortless, making you feel like you’re part of something special from the very first bite to the last sip. Their knowledge of ingredients, techniques, and pairings adds an extra layer of depth to the experience, ensuring that every moment is perfectly curated.
The live-fire cooking is the star of the show, delivering bold, smoky, and perfectly charred flavors that simply can’t be replicated any other way. The menu is a masterclass in simplicity done right—letting the ingredients and fire speak for themselves while showcasing expert technique and creativity. Every dish feels like a revelation, a balance of rustic authenticity and refined execution.
Beyond the food, Warlord’s vibe is pure magic—the flicker of the flames, the sizzle from the fire, and the undeniable energy of a team that truly loves what they do. It’s a place where food lovers, adventurers, and those seeking an extraordinary meal come together for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
If you appreciate live-fire cooking at its finest and crave a meal that is both primal and sophisticated, Warlord is an absolute must. Trevor and his team have created something truly legendary, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Krysia Cruz
The decor is awesome. Very dark but relaxing with lots of candles as the main center piece. It is unique where they don’t have a phone to make a rsvp it’s walk in rsvp or sit down which can be a long wait. The food is good no complaints on the flavor. I did have to take a few stars off because the portion is not very big. I don’t mind spending money on food, however, the portion size does matter.
Underwhelming and over seasoned.
Warlord is one of the more intriguing new additions to Chicago’s dining scene—dark, vibey, and clearly aiming to make a splash. The ambiance is moody and stylish, perfect for a night out that feels a little edgy and exciting. You can tell the concept is thoughtful, and there’s definite potential here.
But the restaurant is still working through some serious growing pains. The biggest issue: service. From the moment we arrived, it was clear things were behind. There was a wait to be seated and once we finally sat down, the pace didn’t pick up. Our waiter was doing their best but was visibly stressed and uncomfortable about the delays—clearly caught in the middle of a system that isn’t functioning smoothly yet.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The food (when it finally arrives) shows promise, and I genuinely want to root for this place. But right now, dining at Warlord requires patience—and possibly a snack beforehand. I’ll be curious to come back in a few months once they’ve had time to iron things out. Right now, though, it feels like a great idea that’s still finding its footing.
Great atmosphere and vibe. Food great quality, but Salt! Fries so salty same as the burger.
this place was sick as f. just wish they had a spotify playlist
Some employee came up to our table of 10 and started aggressing at my fiancé for not “greeting” him in the bathroom line? Flustered, my fiancé said “I don’t even know who you are, man.” Turns out, he’s the owner and took great offense to this. (Apparently the thinks he’s The Bear.) He proceeded to say “I’m the one who is cooking your food.” I asked him to explain why he is threatening a playing customer. He got even louder. We didn’t feel safe eating here so we left. I guess this guy hates money, considering we were a party of 10! I feel so bad for his staff who seemed uncomfortable and unsure how to fix the situation.
Some guy came and started yelling at my friend for not saying hi to him in the bathroom line and started doing the whole “do you know who i am” schtick then began ranting about how he was going to mess with our food because apparently he was the owner. we didnt feel safe so we left
Fun place, good food, good service! We had dinner at the bar a couple nights ago. Everything we got was delicious, including the burger, duck, and some appetizers. Excellent service from Zack, and what a fun place that is. Light only by candlelight, and I love their soundtrack, if a little loud.
A transcendent dining experience.
brought a couple friends from out of town here to try and every time i come here its a knock out from the swordfish to the tuna to the fillet to the deserts. you wont have a bad bite come ready to eat and enjoy
Metalhead and food lover here. Delicious food and great service. My bartender/server was a guitarist in a local metal band and super nice guy. Also, great cocktails with YOB playing in the background under candlelight. Yeah, sort of like dying and going to heaven for me.
Restaurantji Recommends
Maitake Mushroom is packed with flavors and textures that defy what I know mushroom to be. Drinks were delicious. My fiancé whole enjoys more spirit forward cocktails thought the drinks had a good balance we were both able to enjoy. He had the Snapper and I had the Steak, but to me to start of the night was by far the Maitake Mushroom. I’ve never tasted anything like it and will absolutely order it again and again. We took photos but because we went late night the ambiance was candle lit and the pictures do not do any justice. Highly Recommend.
Incredible burger and cocktails, and love the decor and musical choices. For the price point, the service felt disappointingly transactional, but will definitely give it another shot to try more of the menu.
Amazing atmosphere and great music. The server asked me twice while I was still eating if he could take my plate, then brought the check immediately after I decided not to order dessert. Felt like they really wanted me to leave. And of course, he didn’t take the dishes when I finished. Prices are high, and the food is good but nothing special. The music here is real—everything else seems fake. It’s unfortunate because the concept is great.
Warlord is an absolute revelation—a restaurant that embraces the raw, primal beauty of live-fire cooking while delivering an elevated and unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in an atmosphere that feels both electric and intimate, where the glow of open flames sets the stage for a meal unlike any other.
Trevor and his team are nothing short of exceptional. Their passion, precision, and deep respect for the craft of cooking shine through in every dish. The hospitality is genuine and effortless, making you feel like you’re part of something special from the very first bite to the last sip. Their knowledge of ingredients, techniques, and pairings adds an extra layer of depth to the experience, ensuring that every moment is perfectly curated.
The live-fire cooking is the star of the show, delivering bold, smoky, and perfectly charred flavors that simply can’t be replicated any other way. The menu is a masterclass in simplicity done right—letting the ingredients and fire speak for themselves while showcasing expert technique and creativity. Every dish feels like a revelation, a balance of rustic authenticity and refined execution.
Beyond the food, Warlord’s vibe is pure magic—the flicker of the flames, the sizzle from the fire, and the undeniable energy of a team that truly loves what they do. It’s a place where food lovers, adventurers, and those seeking an extraordinary meal come together for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
If you appreciate live-fire cooking at its finest and crave a meal that is both primal and sophisticated, Warlord is an absolute must. Trevor and his team have created something truly legendary, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
The decor is awesome. Very dark but relaxing with lots of candles as the main center piece. It is unique where they don’t have a phone to make a rsvp it’s walk in rsvp or sit down which can be a long wait. The food is good no complaints on the flavor. I did have to take a few stars off because the portion is not very big. I don’t mind spending money on food, however, the portion size does matter.
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