Be careful entering there is a small step you can't see well, I tripped. Deviled eggs were ok but were missing something - couldn't quite place it. My largest complaint was the whipped ricotta, it was sooo spicy I couldn't eat it. I scraped off the sauce when I got home hoping to salvage it and even the gnocchi had heat in them still. Just seems like a dish that should come with a warning. Mind you I ordered to go over the phone- alas I didn't think I'd have to ask if a gnocchi was going to be spicy. Staff was kind but $50 + tip was a lot for one person meal. No bread or silverware was given in to go order. Flimsy styrofoam take out boxes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
John Emshwiller
Full disclosure, I might be biased in my opinion. This used to be Hertley's place and it was my mother's favorite restauarant. She has been gone 15 years and I took a chance (nice play on the name) and went back after it reopened as The Chance Bar in honor of her. The service was excellent, Ben the bartender was fantastic, great drinks and better banter. The place is small with horrible parking and it seems hard to get into, but I loved the atmosphere, the selection of food, drinks and the memories. I will be going back. Made some great new friends at the bar while drinking a little kings cream ale (real blast from the past). I say give it a try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lesley Hastings
A wonderful meal and Attentive service. Well done
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Gettys
We came to Chance Bar for Savory Fort Wayne, and it was honestly one of the worst dining experiences we’ve had.
When we arrived, there was no parking, which normally wouldn’t be a big deal—we don’t mind walking—but that ended up being the least of the issues. We were seated right away since we had reservations, which was great. After that, everything went downhill.
It took quite a while for our waitress to come to the table. While I understand they were busy, the restaurant was clearly completely understaffed—only two servers for the entire place. Tables were packed so tightly together that people had to stand up just so a server could squeeze through to reach another table.
We ordered appetizers, and it took over 30 minutes for them to come out—and when they did, they didn’t even come out together. My wife’s appetizer came out, and then mine followed about 15 minutes later. After that, we waited nearly another hour for our main courses. When the food finally arrived, neither dish was very good, especially for the price.
Because of the excessive delays, we had to skip dessert, which was part of the Savory Fort Wayne deal we were there for in the first place. By that point, we had already been there for over two hours just waiting on appetizers and entrees.
To make matters worse, there was no heat in the restaurant that night. People were wearing winter coats, winter hats, and gloves while trying to eat. It was so cold that I could literally see my wife’s breath inside the restaurant. Instead of making the responsible business decision to close for the night, the owner continued serving people in miserable conditions. In my opinion, the restaurant should have been shut down and meals comped due to the discomfort.
We ultimately decided to leave because it was unbearable. There was no apology, no explanation, and no discount offered. I know we weren’t the only ones feeling this way—other diners there that night were clearly frustrated as well.
I would never recommend this place, and I will never eat there again.
Jessica Clark
Everyone here is awesome and welcoming, the food is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sean Frev
Good food, nice people, fun place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Jarrell
Chance Bar was AWESOME! Do yourself a favor and get some great food! Corey is a Chef of Chefs and shows it in the food! If you have not gone, you need to go. Local Restaurant in the community with a detailed menu. The attention to detail from the appetizers to entree and dessert was wonderful! Had the rib tips, beer bread, fried mushrooms for apps, then steak and the homemade fettuccine for dinner, lastly the no bake cheesecake was light and airy to top off a great dinner experience. You will NOT be disappointed with great wait staff and a menu that rotates thru the season. I have the utmost respect for this family that is keeping Local alive in the city with this go-to spot! Again, if you haven't gone,, you are missing out on something special.
Alec Schlichtenmyer
My wife and I had an outstanding experience at Chance Bar in Fort Wayne. The food, service, and atmosphere all came together to create one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.
We started off with the fried local mushrooms and bacon-wrapped dates, and both appetizers were phenomenal—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. For the main course, I ordered the double bacon cheeseburger, and it did not disappoint. It was juicy, rich, and layered with incredible flavor. I think it changed my mind on adding sweet pickles to my burgers!
But the star of the evening was the bread pudding. I can say, without hesitation, that it was the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. The texture was perfect, and the dark caramel topping added a level of depth and complexity that took the dish to a whole new level. I felt cozy and enlightened at the same time!
The service was fantastic as well. Our waiter was not only friendly and personable, but extremely knowledgeable about the menu. Every question we asked came with a thoughtful, helpful answer.
The overall vibe of Chance Bar is warm, casual, and inviting—upscale American food with very inspired flavors, served in a comfortable setting. We felt welcome from the moment we walked in.
Highly recommend. If you’re anywhere near Fort Wayne and want a memorable meal, Chance Bar is absolutely worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sue Graber
The food is delicious and the staff are super friendly! The menu is always changing, so there's always an opportunity to try something new. I highly recommend Chance Bar!
Aaron Rearick
Went out for date night on 12/13/2025. Everything was so great. The service was perfect. The food is the best. Tried a little bit of everything. The only thing that made it to a to-go box was a piece of pie and it didn’t make it through the night. 100/100!
I tried Chance Bar with my mom for the first time. The good: Food was excellent. They have a unique take on items without being too off the wall. I enjoyed the ricotta gnocchi (like a mildly spicy red sauce pasta) and my mom got the pork and beans (fabulous pork belly and beans). We got the grilled sweet potatoes which were unique and tasty. We also got the bread pudding. The flavors were good but it wasn’t my favorite. Maybe I just don’t care for bread pudding? The service was extremely friendly. The decor was nice. The caveats: even though it’s called a bar, there is no liquor. Just beer and wine. It’s a little more expensive…but we’re talking $22 for chicken sandwich vs $13 for the same at Applebees. So the difference in money is worth it. The entrees ranged $22-45. Everything is expensive now and you can tell they use fresh ingredients, have great presentation, and are locally sourced. The money is worth it to support local. Would recommend and come back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole
5/5 would recommend to anyone wanting a good time, delicious food and unique experience with exceptional service!
We love Chance Bar and all the folks involved. The food is always inventive and unique, especially for Fort Wayne, and it’s always top notch. Quality ingredients and food from the heart. Thanks Corey, Ben, and Sam!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Dyben
We enjoyed live music in the cozy atmosphere. Our server was attentive and informative. We just had the burger, but it was seriously one of the best we've had in a while!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh C.
Tried this place out after Googling somewhere close to an event we had to be at. Knowing nothing about it I made a reservation, as that was an option on the Google page. We were seated right away. There was a limited option for beers and soft drinks- sounded like they were not fully stocked. I ordered a Sprite, wife had water. Ordered the deviled eggs as an appetizer. They were sweet as opposed to savory- which I've never had so that was part of the decision process. They were good. I had the salmon and my wife had the burger special. That took a very long time to come out. The salmon was good, cooked perfectly. The vegetables that accompanied it were not my favorite but that's part of trying new things- now I know. My wife enjoyed her burger. I did ask to have another can of Sprite when the food came out. That did not happen. All in all I might try them again if I was already in the area but would not make a special trip. Would probably try something new both appetizer and entrée.
Be careful entering there is a small step you can't see well, I tripped. Deviled eggs were ok but were missing something - couldn't quite place it. My largest complaint was the whipped ricotta, it was sooo spicy I couldn't eat it. I scraped off the sauce when I got home hoping to salvage it and even the gnocchi had heat in them still. Just seems like a dish that should come with a warning. Mind you I ordered to go over the phone- alas I didn't think I'd have to ask if a gnocchi was going to be spicy. Staff was kind but $50 + tip was a lot for one person meal. No bread or silverware was given in to go order. Flimsy styrofoam take out boxes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Full disclosure, I might be biased in my opinion. This used to be Hertley's place and it was my mother's favorite restauarant. She has been gone 15 years and I took a chance (nice play on the name) and went back after it reopened as The Chance Bar in honor of her. The service was excellent, Ben the bartender was fantastic, great drinks and better banter. The place is small with horrible parking and it seems hard to get into, but I loved the atmosphere, the selection of food, drinks and the memories. I will be going back. Made some great new friends at the bar while drinking a little kings cream ale (real blast from the past). I say give it a try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
A wonderful meal and Attentive service. Well done
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came to Chance Bar for Savory Fort Wayne, and it was honestly one of the worst dining experiences we’ve had. When we arrived, there was no parking, which normally wouldn’t be a big deal—we don’t mind walking—but that ended up being the least of the issues. We were seated right away since we had reservations, which was great. After that, everything went downhill. It took quite a while for our waitress to come to the table. While I understand they were busy, the restaurant was clearly completely understaffed—only two servers for the entire place. Tables were packed so tightly together that people had to stand up just so a server could squeeze through to reach another table. We ordered appetizers, and it took over 30 minutes for them to come out—and when they did, they didn’t even come out together. My wife’s appetizer came out, and then mine followed about 15 minutes later. After that, we waited nearly another hour for our main courses. When the food finally arrived, neither dish was very good, especially for the price. Because of the excessive delays, we had to skip dessert, which was part of the Savory Fort Wayne deal we were there for in the first place. By that point, we had already been there for over two hours just waiting on appetizers and entrees. To make matters worse, there was no heat in the restaurant that night. People were wearing winter coats, winter hats, and gloves while trying to eat. It was so cold that I could literally see my wife’s breath inside the restaurant. Instead of making the responsible business decision to close for the night, the owner continued serving people in miserable conditions. In my opinion, the restaurant should have been shut down and meals comped due to the discomfort. We ultimately decided to leave because it was unbearable. There was no apology, no explanation, and no discount offered. I know we weren’t the only ones feeling this way—other diners there that night were clearly frustrated as well. I would never recommend this place, and I will never eat there again.
Everyone here is awesome and welcoming, the food is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, nice people, fun place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chance Bar was AWESOME! Do yourself a favor and get some great food! Corey is a Chef of Chefs and shows it in the food! If you have not gone, you need to go. Local Restaurant in the community with a detailed menu. The attention to detail from the appetizers to entree and dessert was wonderful! Had the rib tips, beer bread, fried mushrooms for apps, then steak and the homemade fettuccine for dinner, lastly the no bake cheesecake was light and airy to top off a great dinner experience. You will NOT be disappointed with great wait staff and a menu that rotates thru the season. I have the utmost respect for this family that is keeping Local alive in the city with this go-to spot! Again, if you haven't gone,, you are missing out on something special.
My wife and I had an outstanding experience at Chance Bar in Fort Wayne. The food, service, and atmosphere all came together to create one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.
We started off with the fried local mushrooms and bacon-wrapped dates, and both appetizers were phenomenal—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. For the main course, I ordered the double bacon cheeseburger, and it did not disappoint. It was juicy, rich, and layered with incredible flavor. I think it changed my mind on adding sweet pickles to my burgers!
But the star of the evening was the bread pudding. I can say, without hesitation, that it was the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. The texture was perfect, and the dark caramel topping added a level of depth and complexity that took the dish to a whole new level. I felt cozy and enlightened at the same time!
The service was fantastic as well. Our waiter was not only friendly and personable, but extremely knowledgeable about the menu. Every question we asked came with a thoughtful, helpful answer.
The overall vibe of Chance Bar is warm, casual, and inviting—upscale American food with very inspired flavors, served in a comfortable setting. We felt welcome from the moment we walked in.
Highly recommend. If you’re anywhere near Fort Wayne and want a memorable meal, Chance Bar is absolutely worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is delicious and the staff are super friendly! The menu is always changing, so there's always an opportunity to try something new. I highly recommend Chance Bar!
Went out for date night on 12/13/2025. Everything was so great. The service was perfect. The food is the best. Tried a little bit of everything. The only thing that made it to a to-go box was a piece of pie and it didn’t make it through the night. 100/100!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I tried Chance Bar with my mom for the first time. The good: Food was excellent. They have a unique take on items without being too off the wall. I enjoyed the ricotta gnocchi (like a mildly spicy red sauce pasta) and my mom got the pork and beans (fabulous pork belly and beans). We got the grilled sweet potatoes which were unique and tasty. We also got the bread pudding. The flavors were good but it wasn’t my favorite. Maybe I just don’t care for bread pudding? The service was extremely friendly. The decor was nice. The caveats: even though it’s called a bar, there is no liquor. Just beer and wine. It’s a little more expensive…but we’re talking $22 for chicken sandwich vs $13 for the same at Applebees. So the difference in money is worth it. The entrees ranged $22-45. Everything is expensive now and you can tell they use fresh ingredients, have great presentation, and are locally sourced. The money is worth it to support local. Would recommend and come back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
5/5 would recommend to anyone wanting a good time, delicious food and unique experience with exceptional service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Ricotta Gnocchi, Wood Farms Double Bacon Cheeseburger
We love Chance Bar and all the folks involved. The food is always inventive and unique, especially for Fort Wayne, and it’s always top notch. Quality ingredients and food from the heart. Thanks Corey, Ben, and Sam!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We enjoyed live music in the cozy atmosphere. Our server was attentive and informative.
We just had the burger, but it was seriously one of the best we've had in a while!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried this place out after Googling somewhere close to an event we had to be at. Knowing nothing about it I made a reservation, as that was an option on the Google page.
We were seated right away. There was a limited option for beers and soft drinks- sounded like they were not fully stocked. I ordered a Sprite, wife had water.
Ordered the deviled eggs as an appetizer. They were sweet as opposed to savory- which I've never had so that was part of the decision process. They were good.
I had the salmon and my wife had the burger special. That took a very long time to come out. The salmon was good, cooked perfectly. The vegetables that accompanied it were not my favorite but that's part of trying new things- now I know. My wife enjoyed her burger.
I did ask to have another can of Sprite when the food came out. That did not happen. All in all I might try them again if I was already in the area but would not make a special trip. Would probably try something new both appetizer and entrée.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
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