Pretty much.

riddlemay wrote:A couple of questions.

*Would this be a good place for a largish party in which two of the party will be meeting each other for the first time and will want a chance to get to know one another? (I.e., is the noise level conversation-friendly even if energetic?)

*I can see that the menu has many vegetarian options among the small plates, which will be good for one of our party. But are the "animal" parts of the menu inescapably "animal" looking, if you know what I mean (and you might not)? Our vegetarian is fine with dining companions who eat meat, but is personally revolted when food is brought to the table that inescapably evokes the animal that was killed. (I know that for many of you this is a feature, not a bug, but for her it's a bug.)

*Finally, as the most recent post in this thread was more than two years ago, are those who were fans of this place still fans?

Thanks.

1. I think it would work, just be attentive to where people sit at the table, as it is definitely energetic. Our table of four a few months ago was able to comfortably converse.

2. Again, attention to detail, this time in ordering, is key. The photos posted upthread are a good representation of what is still served. I'm pretty sure the famed monkey bread, despite the name, is vegetarian. You might want to skip my favorite dish of the night, the prawns, as shrimp heads freak out even some omnivores/carnivores I know, although since it will be a large party I might suggest you just sit at the other end of the table and slurp away.

3. Yes.

Thank you, Smassey.

Bristol group plans Italian spot for West Loop

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/ ... -west-loop

Wanted to make a trip soon and haven't been in a while.

Any recent reports?

I've loved the Bristol over the past three or so years. I no longer live in Chicago and was thinking of getting some friends a gift certificate for a meal there. Before I pull the trigger, I'm wondering whether anyone has been since Sean Pharr has taken over. Still the same low-key vibe with fantastic food at a good price?

itshissong wrote:I've loved the Bristol over the past three or so years. I no longer live in Chicago and was thinking of getting some friends a gift certificate for a meal there. Before I pull the trigger, I'm wondering whether anyone has been since Sean Pharr has taken over. Still the same low-key vibe with fantastic food at a good price?

I'm always extremely leery about getting anyone a gift certificate at any one particular restaurant, just because there are so many reasons it may not be a place they would appreciate (no matter how well you think you know them). And also because it's so hard to determine how much money to have the gift certificate for - too little, and they're paying extra, but too much, and they have an unused leftover balance that forces them to return or forfeit it.

I've been much more successful by getting friends either a gift certificate that's good at a wide variety of restaurants (e.g. Lettuce Entertain You), or one that's good anywhere a given credit card is accepted (e.g. American Express).

itshissong wrote:I've loved the Bristol over the past three or so years. I no longer live in Chicago and was thinking of getting some friends a gift certificate for a meal there. Before I pull the trigger, I'm wondering whether anyone has been since Sean Pharr has taken over. Still the same low-key vibe with fantastic food at a good price?

If you loved it then you'll love it now. Similar vibe and still consistently good. Obviously new places have come along and taken their spotlight, but The Bristol is still a solid, better than "neighborhood joint" neighborhood joint.

Yes, have been a few times. Same great vibe, with old favorites still on the menu (roast chicken, duck fat fries) but also newly added delicious things (Spring tartine, wagyu meatloaf). Menu changes frequently, meatloaf is just here for Beard celebration.

nsxtasy wrote:I'm always extremely leery about getting anyone a gift certificate at any one particular restaurant, just because there are so many reasons it may not be a place they would appreciate (no matter how well you think you know them). And also because it's so hard to determine how much money to have the gift certificate for - too little, and they're paying extra, but too much, and they have an unused leftover balance that forces them to return or forfeit it.

I've been much more successful by getting friends either a gift certificate that's good at a wide variety of restaurants (e.g. Lettuce Entertain You), or one that's good anywhere a given credit card is accepted (e.g. American Express).

I totally understand this concern, but we lived in Chicago with this couple for many years and have shared many meals. They just started renting near here and the wife is moving back into Chicago after a year away. This is also the kind of place that they'll overlook, even though they're going to be living just nearby. That's the thinking, at least. That and the fact that The Bristol has never disappointed me.

Thanks, to Smassey and Leek for the reports. I'm getting on the phone now to buy the gift certificate.

Mondays are BYOB at The Bristol. Met a friend for dinner recently, and had a great meal. The menu is eclectic, creative and well executed.

Hanger Steak

FrankP-

You have been taking some mighty fine photos lately!