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Hi there,

Any thoughts on South Water Kitchen? I'm looking for a reasonably priced, around $30 - $40 per person (one of them a non-drinker) place to go for a good dinner. I've seen a few mentions of it on here, but nothing definitive. If SWC is not what it's cracked up to be, any suggestions for places between the Loop and Lincoln Park that would fit this description?

As for cuisine: American Contemporary (whatever that may be) or French-influenced would be ideal.

Thanks,
Katy

A couple of months back my college daughter and I had a very nice dinner at SWK- things were prepped as described, very tasty, and I think they had a nice 3 course prix-fixe deal that was a good value if I recall correctly-

There are tons of places that fit what you want between the loop and lincoln park!

If you are able to narrow it down a bit-type of cuisine, neighborhood-
you'll get recs that are more specific.

_________________
"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."
~James Michener

While no guarantee of your experience, I've had at least ten enjoyable meals (both lunch and dinner) at SWK. The food is comforting and unpretentious, servers are capable and friendly and the prices are very fair. I'd choose it over Gage, Tavern on the Park, Bandera and the like.

I've only been there for lunch, but I would second Paul SL's comment. SWK became the place my family would eat at when my parents come into town for a day at Christmastime, so we had a mix of people from mid-20's to nearly 60 at the table (and a couple kids once). Everyone has always had an enjoyable meal, the prices didn't break the bank at all, and it was a very nice atmosphere. Great place to be downtown.

Also, I had my first butternut squash ravioli there. Mmmmm.

I've also only been for lunch, but it left me kind of meh. I can think of a lot of other places I'd rather go

_________________
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I was back again at South Water kitchen on Friday. I've always loved their mussels, and yesterday was no exception. Although the menu describes them as "roasted in ale with thyme, shallots, garlic, and butter," yesterdays' version definitely included some slivers of fresh ginger as well. Really good.

I also ordered the Smoked Duck Reuben. An excellent variation on the classic. The duck stands up fine to the sauerkraut and the marble rye stands up to the whole sloppy mess. Also recommended. I do think that as loop lunches go, this gives good value for the price, in contrast, for example, to the Elephant and Castle just a block away.