501 Local is a great place for lunch. Nice variety of salads and sandwiches. The staff was very accommodating. When I requested that the ahi not be blackened, and they were unable to do so, they offered a number of alternatives. They were even willing to run out and get a piece of ahi to sear for me but their vendor for fresh fish was closed that day. I ended up with the blackened ahi and it was just fine, not overly spiced. The restaurant is well lit with lots of windows. If you're there sometime other than winter, they have lovely outdoor seating. I had requested the dressing on the side, but it came dressed. Fortunately, they had put just the right amount of dressing on the salad so as not to overpower the vegetables or the ahi. I'm sure the waiter would have brought another salad if I had asked. He had already said that if I didn't like the blackened ahi, he replace the salad with something else. My friend and I dined there for about 2 hours and didn't feel rushed at all. We chatted and could easily hear each other across the table.
Opentable Diner
Everything was perfect. Food suggestions, wine, ambiance. Great way to gather with a friends.
Debora
501 Local is our favorite restaurant on Chicago's North Shore. Pleasant, comfortable atmosphere, friendly & professional service. Delicious food with a great variety; sandwiches & salads to steaks, chicken; you name it. Their Butternut Squash Soup is my favorite + it is dairy-free, made with coconut milk. Parking is available on the street or in the municipal lot across the street. Mark, the owner, is friendly & really enjoys making every diner's experience an excellent one. (We were there 2x this week!)
Lindsey
Brandon - our host, server, and bartender, was extraordinary! His energy made me want to come back and visit just to see him again. It's people like him in the service industry that take a dining experience from a regular meal to something unforgettable. You're a special human Brandon! We'll be back again!
Serkant Kaptan
Great food with mediocre service. Our table ordered Tuna, salmon and shrimp dishes and everyone was very happy. Wine selectionscwere also very good and properly priced. However our waitress was not attentive. We had to wait long periods to get her attention and never topped our water or wine glasses. Hence the 4 star.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ginnifer
I wish I knew our server name he was awesome!!!!! Took the time to explain everything and was great at his job.
Vikki
Food was very good and our server was great! The butternut squash soup is a must! Added bonus...Tuesday is half priced bottle of wines! We will be returning for half priced burger on Mondays!
Patrick
We had a great overall experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious, and the location was convenient. However, we were disappointed that the server didn't give us the chance to order desserts before the kitchen closed. When we asked, they had already closed.
Steve
Our server was OUTSTANDING! We've had him before and always makes us happy when we're in his section. Food is always great. Inside is sometimes loud. We much prefer the patio (too cold yesterday, though).
Gina
One of our favorite places for casual dinners. The food ranges from simple but well-made sandwiches and fries, to appetizers and entrees that wouldn't be out-of-place in a fancier (and more expensive) restaurant in the city.
We shared many different appetizers, salads, and entrees and everyone really enjoyed the meal!
Natalie
Monday was an extremely busy night. Half price burger night. They seemed to be understaffed but our waiter did a great job and it looked like other staff members helped by delivering orders. The customers seemed content and kudos to the staff for all pitching in.
Edward
This is the latest visit to 501 Local, and again we had a great experience. Our server, Ismary, relatively new there, was none the less attentive, concerned, and responsive. The special cocktails are imaginative, and my lychee martini was great. We shared an app of pot stickers, which were excellent. We then each had the special carbonara entree, which was fabulous! Large enough to share! We always enjoy the visit by Mark Salmon, the owner, as well. We're lucky to have 501 Local, so local!
Eric
I went back after they gave me a thirty dollar gift card to try it out again since I was not happy the first time. I went with my mom. She had a glass of wine and I had a mixed drink. The mini sliders and chicken sandwiches truffle fries and the chocolate strawberry cake. The food was good and service was too. Good value during happy hour. I'm glad I went back.
Lindsay Coulter
Sunday brunch date was delightful and delicious! Pleasant atmosphere, cute decor, thoughtful service. All around lovely vibe. The quiche was flavorful with a perfectly flaky crust. Fresh asparagus had just the right texture. Everything was prepared with care. Highly recommend!
501 Local is a great place for lunch. Nice variety of salads and sandwiches. The staff was very accommodating. When I requested that the ahi not be blackened, and they were unable to do so, they offered a number of alternatives. They were even willing to run out and get a piece of ahi to sear for me but their vendor for fresh fish was closed that day. I ended up with the blackened ahi and it was just fine, not overly spiced. The restaurant is well lit with lots of windows. If you're there sometime other than winter, they have lovely outdoor seating. I had requested the dressing on the side, but it came dressed. Fortunately, they had put just the right amount of dressing on the salad so as not to overpower the vegetables or the ahi. I'm sure the waiter would have brought another salad if I had asked. He had already said that if I didn't like the blackened ahi, he replace the salad with something else. My friend and I dined there for about 2 hours and didn't feel rushed at all. We chatted and could easily hear each other across the table.
Everything was perfect. Food suggestions, wine, ambiance. Great way to gather with a friends.
501 Local is our favorite restaurant on Chicago's North Shore. Pleasant, comfortable atmosphere, friendly & professional service. Delicious food with a great variety; sandwiches & salads to steaks, chicken; you name it. Their Butternut Squash Soup is my favorite + it is dairy-free, made with coconut milk. Parking is available on the street or in the municipal lot across the street. Mark, the owner, is friendly & really enjoys making every diner's experience an excellent one. (We were there 2x this week!)
Brandon - our host, server, and bartender, was extraordinary! His energy made me want to come back and visit just to see him again. It's people like him in the service industry that take a dining experience from a regular meal to something unforgettable. You're a special human Brandon! We'll be back again!
Great food with mediocre service. Our table ordered Tuna, salmon and shrimp dishes and everyone was very happy. Wine selectionscwere also very good and properly priced. However our waitress was not attentive. We had to wait long periods to get her attention and never topped our water or wine glasses. Hence the 4 star.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
I wish I knew our server name he was awesome!!!!! Took the time to explain everything and was great at his job.
Food was very good and our server was great! The butternut squash soup is a must! Added bonus...Tuesday is half priced bottle of wines! We will be returning for half priced burger on Mondays!
We had a great overall experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious, and the location was convenient. However, we were disappointed that the server didn't give us the chance to order desserts before the kitchen closed. When we asked, they had already closed.
Our server was OUTSTANDING! We've had him before and always makes us happy when we're in his section. Food is always great. Inside is sometimes loud. We much prefer the patio (too cold yesterday, though).
One of our favorite places for casual dinners. The food ranges from simple but well-made sandwiches and fries, to appetizers and entrees that wouldn't be out-of-place in a fancier (and more expensive) restaurant in the city.
Restaurantji Recommends
We shared many different appetizers, salads, and entrees and everyone really enjoyed the meal!
Monday was an extremely busy night. Half price burger night. They seemed to be understaffed but our waiter did a great job and it looked like other staff members helped by delivering orders. The customers seemed content and kudos to the staff for all pitching in.
This is the latest visit to 501 Local, and again we had a great experience. Our server, Ismary, relatively new there, was none the less attentive, concerned, and responsive. The special cocktails are imaginative, and my lychee martini was great. We shared an app of pot stickers, which were excellent. We then each had the special carbonara entree, which was fabulous! Large enough to share! We always enjoy the visit by Mark Salmon, the owner, as well. We're lucky to have 501 Local, so local!
I went back after they gave me a thirty dollar gift card to try it out again since I was not happy the first time. I went with my mom. She had a glass of wine and I had a mixed drink. The mini sliders and chicken sandwiches truffle fries and the chocolate strawberry cake. The food was good and service was too. Good value during happy hour. I'm glad I went back.
Sunday brunch date was delightful and delicious! Pleasant atmosphere, cute decor, thoughtful service. All around lovely vibe. The quiche was flavorful with a perfectly flaky crust. Fresh asparagus had just the right texture. Everything was prepared with care. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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