Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

One of the best experiences I’ve had in fine dining. The staff was professional and attentive to every detail. The food was not just delicious, it was an experience. The presentation for each dish was unique and thoughtful. I tried two different cocktails and both were great. The s’mores dessert exceeded expectations. Could not have asked for a more memorable lunch.

One of the best experiences I’ve had in fine dining. The staff was professional and attentive to every detail. The food was not just delicious, it was an experience. The presentation for each dish was unique and thoughtful. I tried two different cocktails and both were great. The s’mores dessert exceeded expectations. Could not have asked for a more memorable lunch.

Nice restaurant with a pretty cool space inside Willis Tower. Service was great. Oysters were very good, flavor options are unique. We ordered a burger and short ribs for entrees, both were really good. Good cocktail options as well.

Nice restaurant with a pretty cool space inside Willis Tower. Service was great. Oysters were very good, flavor options are unique. We ordered a burger and short ribs for entrees, both were really good. Good cocktail options as well.

Staying across the street, and couldn't wait to try Kindling. Walked in the door and was swiftly hit in the face by the most incredible fire/food smell imaginable. It smelled like your favorite campfire paired with the best steak you've ever had. There were three people checking guests in and I started with, "wow, it smells wonderful in here! Now I'm really excited to eat!" The woman standing at the desk rolled her eyes at me, and said in the rudest way possible, "ok....do you have a reservation?" I'm sorry, did I just compliment your business and before we start you're giving me attitude? I then proceeded to have one of the best dinners I've had sitting at the Hearth. The chef came up and spoke to me, the other chefs were engaging and lovely. The same woman who was INCREDIBLY rude and uninviting then sets up shop at the hearth and is working on schedules. This is a manager? You've got to be kidding me. While everyone else went so far out of their way to make this meal great, she stood there for over a half hour, we were the only two people at the Hearth and said nothing. It was wildly rude, and completely overshadowed the phenomenal food that I had. Filet, literally perfect. Elote? Hell yes. That burrata app with the beets, holy shit. Everything was fire, to include the view of fire. But honestly, the human part of this experience was absolutely mediocre. While the chefs were falling all over themselves to help guests and build engagement, I saw my waiter exactly once to order and once to bring the check. I would have loved to bring dessert back to my room or gush about how great my meal was. He didn't even ask. Meanwhile another chef is cutting up the meat of the guests next to me (hero move). It really bummed me out to get such mediocre service. Why do people work on public facing roles who don't want to be pleasant? Do better, it's literally your job. Food this good deserves better front of the house service.

Staying across the street, and couldn't wait to try Kindling. Walked in the door and was swiftly hit in the face by the most incredible fire/food smell imaginable. It smelled like your favorite campfire paired with the best steak you've ever had. There were three people checking guests in and I started with, "wow, it smells wonderful in here! Now I'm really excited to eat!" The woman standing at the desk rolled her eyes at me, and said in the rudest way possible, "ok....do you have a reservation?" I'm sorry, did I just compliment your business and before we start you're giving me attitude? I then proceeded to have one of the best dinners I've had sitting at the Hearth. The chef came up and spoke to me, the other chefs were engaging and lovely. The same woman who was INCREDIBLY rude and uninviting then sets up shop at the hearth and is working on schedules. This is a manager? You've got to be kidding me. While everyone else went so far out of their way to make this meal great, she stood there for over a half hour, we were the only two people at the Hearth and said nothing. It was wildly rude, and completely overshadowed the phenomenal food that I had. Filet, literally perfect. Elote? Hell yes. That burrata app with the beets, holy shit. Everything was fire, to include the view of fire. But honestly, the human part of this experience was absolutely mediocre. While the chefs were falling all over themselves to help guests and build engagement, I saw my waiter exactly once to order and once to bring the check. I would have loved to bring dessert back to my room or gush about how great my meal was. He didn't even ask. Meanwhile another chef is cutting up the meat of the guests next to me (hero move). It really bummed me out to get such mediocre service. Why do people work on public facing roles who don't want to be pleasant? Do better, it's literally your job. Food this good deserves better front of the house service.

A great experience!!! The food was amazing. Our waitress, Amber, was great! Very attentive, and gave us so good advice on dessert. The espresso martini was strong, great.

A great experience!!! The food was amazing. Our waitress, Amber, was great! Very attentive, and gave us so good advice on dessert. The espresso martini was strong, great.

While the atmosphere was really pretty. The food was ok. I had the scallops. The texture was perfect however I didn’t care for the flavor. I really didn’t have any flavor except the sautéed onions. It was a group of 12 people and only 2 out of 12 liked their food. The lamp chops was ok. The oxtail gnocchi was disgusting. The salmon was ok. We were the last group so we felt rushed when ordering. The waiter did let us know hot food was over at 9:15 but did not come back to make sure we needed anything else before the kitchen closed. I did not get a chance to order oysters. Not to mention 3 drinks having to be remade. I did not enjoy the food or the experience and will not try this restaurant again.

While the atmosphere was really pretty. The food was ok. I had the scallops. The texture was perfect however I didn’t care for the flavor. I really didn’t have any flavor except the sautéed onions. It was a group of 12 people and only 2 out of 12 liked their food. The lamp chops was ok. The oxtail gnocchi was disgusting. The salmon was ok. We were the last group so we felt rushed when ordering. The waiter did let us know hot food was over at 9:15 but did not come back to make sure we needed anything else before the kitchen closed. I did not get a chance to order oysters. Not to mention 3 drinks having to be remade. I did not enjoy the food or the experience and will not try this restaurant again.

Beautiful restaurant! The inside is clean and the interior design is a feast for your eyes. You can smell the wood fire from outside and it smells delicious! I always judge a restaurant by its old fashioned and this place is easily in my top 5. I had the NY steak and my wife had the lamb and mashed potatoes, it was sooooo good. Very flavorful and cooked to perfection. For dessert, we had the s'more and it was extra 🔥🔥🔥🔥 They have a very nice rooftop that is great if you want to just enjoy a couple of drinks. Our server, Karina, was very hospitable and we enjoyed her service. I, without a question, will definitely come back again!

Beautiful restaurant! The inside is clean and the interior design is a feast for your eyes. You can smell the wood fire from outside and it smells delicious! I always judge a restaurant by its old fashioned and this place is easily in my top 5. I had the NY steak and my wife had the lamb and mashed potatoes, it was sooooo good. Very flavorful and cooked to perfection. For dessert, we had the s'more and it was extra 🔥🔥🔥🔥 They have a very nice rooftop that is great if you want to just enjoy a couple of drinks. Our server, Karina, was very hospitable and we enjoyed her service. I, without a question, will definitely come back again!

Kindling is an absolute vibe—right in the heart of downtown with a killer open-flame kitchen. Dropped about $75 for an amazing meal, and it was worth every penny. The wood-fired ribeye was cooked to perfection, super juicy with that smoky char that just hits different. Also had the ember-roasted sweet potatoes, which were unreal, and the Kindling Old Fashioned, which was smooth and perfectly balanced. The space itself is modern but cozy, and the service was on point—friendly, but not overbearing. If you’re looking for top-tier steaks and craft cocktails in the Loop, this spot is a must.

Kindling is an absolute vibe—right in the heart of downtown with a killer open-flame kitchen. Dropped about $75 for an amazing meal, and it was worth every penny. The wood-fired ribeye was cooked to perfection, super juicy with that smoky char that just hits different. Also had the ember-roasted sweet potatoes, which were unreal, and the Kindling Old Fashioned, which was smooth and perfectly balanced. The space itself is modern but cozy, and the service was on point—friendly, but not overbearing. If you’re looking for top-tier steaks and craft cocktails in the Loop, this spot is a must.

Wonderful food, service and all with an unpretentious atmosphere. I wish I could remember the name of our server. She normally works days but was working evenings and she had cool ink. She was spot on perfect. The food was excellent with some room for improvement. The choices made in cuts of beef were good but not great considering the cost. Overall however, the taste across the menu rates and “A”. Food was an A, service was an A+.

Wonderful food, service and all with an unpretentious atmosphere. I wish I could remember the name of our server. She normally works days but was working evenings and she had cool ink. She was spot on perfect. The food was excellent with some room for improvement. The choices made in cuts of beef were good but not great considering the cost. Overall however, the taste across the menu rates and “A”. Food was an A, service was an A+.