Grade: A
Ada St. is the latest venture by Michael Kornick & David Morton, the team behind
DMK Burger Bar &
Fishbar. Here their concentration is laser focused on presenting extraordinary food, by chef Zoe Schor, & cocktails, by Tim Lacey, all while being hidden away in the same industrial park that hosts
The Hideout.
The Story: Nestled away in the industrial park that surrounds Ada street,
Ada St. is almost a completely hidden gem only given away by an awning marked with its name. Upon entering & being greeted by the hostess or host, one is given a complimentary cocktail concoction to help tide over the wait for a table in their small foyer. Once you are led to your seats you can choose from an array of vinyl to hand to the bartender who will add it to a queue of other vinyl that will play in their entirety for the night. These simple touches early on are part of what make a night spent at
Ada St. just so extraordinary.
The Food: Once you are seated you are given a menu containing small plates that can be easily shared. Ranging from bar bites, salumi, cheese, that days entrees, & an ‘after’ containing simple yet delicious deserts it is easy to order just about everything on the menu in one sitting with a partner. The care that chef Zoe Schor, a recent Chicago transplant who has worked for the likes of Tom Chollichio & Thomas Keller, has put in the menu is apparent. Every dish stands out in their own unique way & don’t go through a huge ordeal as some of the best dishes are the simplest. Just from the ‘bar bites’, the ricotta, dressed with a bit of olive oil & red pepper, & the crispy black eyed peas are almost unbelievable. As well, from the entree menu, the polenta fries are a heavenly delight & the escarole is a must try as both are can easily pair to other plates like the duck confit or southern fried quail.
The Drinks: Helmed by Tim Lacey, formerly of
The Drawing Room, the cocktail program is not one to be denied. Just from the early started presented upon entry, the menu itself contains an array of cocktails concocted with local craft spirits. From the ‘Applejack Julep’, which is almost like a handful of applejacks, to the ‘Hotrod To Honolulu’, a refreshing mix on a tiki cocktail, the menu is too large to take on in just one sitting. The dedication presented in the ‘Old School Sazerac’ & ‘Limoncello’ are as well not to be missed for those looking for a more straightforward & stiffer drink.
The Verdict: Though
Ada St. presents itself with what could be a very dismissible & almost hipster aesthetic it is hard to deny its actual charm once one sits down & orders a drink & something to eat.
The Cost: $25-$30 for a drink, a bite, & a plate. (w/o tip)
Ada St.
1664 n. ada street,
chicago, il 60642
773.697.7069
