Monday, November 21, 2011

Tribute Finds its Groove...But Could Use Some Local Support

A reader writes:

I am a regular reader of Sloopin and see the frequent posts from people complaining about a lack of restaurants in the area. I would just like to point out that while Tribute (800 S. Michigan) in the Essex Inn had some serious issues after opening, I think they are finally starting to hit their stride. The food is very good and the pastry chef is amazing. The drinks are also great.

It would be nice to try and help spread the word about Tribute before it is too late. It would be a shame to let a great neighborhood spot go under because not enough people were aware of the new menu and chef. It is worth checking out or giving it another try if you went early on.
It's been awhile since we've been to Tribute, but just took a quick look at yelp and it has a 3.5 star rating.

(Hat tip: JM!)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for reminding me. I need to try this place, haven't been there yet and forgot about it. Hope it's as good as A'capella's down the street.

Anonymous said...

I am actually a fan since the new chef came in, but this place should be packed every night. My issue is that there are NEVER any deals. I get it, it is higher end contemporary, but get us in the door around 5-6pm with a happy hour or something! I saw something yesterday for THE GAME: burger & drink for $15 .. they dont even have a tv! Get us in the door.

Andy said...

I agree that Tribute has found its groove. We went with friends in July and had a mediocre experience (although they did realize the lack of service and brought the table mimosas 45 minutes into us waiting for brunch). But I went back two weeks ago and had a truly great lunch. Delicious food, very attentive service, and a frothy egg nog that I will be going back for. I second a need for a daily special, it's on the way home from downtown but I usually don't jump at spending $10 on an after work drink. A tap wine (yes they have it and you should really try it) special on a weekday would bring me in for sure.

Anonymous said...

My girlfriend and I took the plunge on Saturday night. Do you know that the kitchen is open until midnight, at least on weekends? In the South Loop? That alone makes it a very attractive place. We went at around 10:00, and of course there was no wait. The waiter was a complete over-dramatic nut job, but he grew on us. The food, overall, was very good to excellent: the beet salad and ribs and burger were very good, the fries needed to be a bit crispier, the pot roast meat was great, but was too salty and not flavorful enough. Dessert was outstanding. Overall, you can do a hell of a lot worse in Chicago, and for sure in the South Loop. Ignore the chandeliers out of Aliens and other weird decor, just go with the service, and I'm sure you'll enjoy. I'd also hate to see it fail!

Anonymous said...

I really hope this place stays around in the 'hood. We don't go out for dinner that often and we found that the food was excellent and it was easy to get a table. I'd go again especially if there were a deal.

Anonymous said...

I hope it stays open. First time we went the food was trying too hard to be fancy.

Second time round, the new menu had a bit of a southern feel. It was all much better and tasty.

Service still a little slow sometimes, but improving.

Anonymous said...

Is the new chef a "local cook"? if so, this place should be excellent since "local chef's" are the most important factor.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the chef and menu have changed. Much better now, dry rub ribs fall off the bone (and it's hard to find dry rub anywhere in Chicago!). Great local beers and spirits. I think part of the problem is that the place is huge and often looks empty... The crab cakes are killer too, oh and the lobster roll is the real deal.

chefluciano0@gmail.com said...

Take it from a experienced Chef.
30 years in S.Loop. The new chef at Tribute is just great. This guy loves to cook good food.The decor is great.. Great breakfast and in walking distance of so many high rise in the sloop. I have recommended this place to my friends in my building. Everyone had a good experience. If you go there please tell chef Jeryy that Luciano said hello.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I went there for dinner and really enjoyed it. The server was excellent. She offered wine tasting based on our entree selections. The decor and ambiance is fresh. Check it out!

As a side note, Yelp is a bit dishonest as it requires merchant to subscribe ("pay") to their service otherwise Yelp removes the favorable reviews. Thereby lowering the merchants overall score. I have completely boycotted the Yelp site. I hope you do too!

Anonymous said...

Do you have a source for this or is this just something someone told you? Are you accusing Yelp of purposely posting only negative reviews unless a restaurant pays money? Do you really think that's what happens?

"As a side note, Yelp is a bit dishonest as it requires merchant to subscribe ("pay") to their service otherwise Yelp removes the favorable reviews. Thereby lowering the merchants overall score. I have completely boycotted the Yelp site. I hope you do too!"

Anonymous said...

I'm not the original commenter, but I have heard similar things about Yelp from small business owners in this city.

Anonymous said...

Annnnnddd, done. Tribute is now closed. Bummer, but no surprise.

Anonymous said...

This is truly sad news, but I just wished they created an after work deal/menu. The new chef was very good. Maybe they are selling the restaurant to a new restaurant company bc the space is terrific. With this said - I love Burger Point & hope they also create some type of deal - 2 buger meals for $20 something like that from 5-6pm)?

Anonymous said...

This place closed on Sunday. I guess they didn't find their groove.