Community Tavern
Kevin Gancarz · 243 Google reviewsCommunity Tavern — one of Irving Park's strongest american spots. [$$$]
What 918 diners keep saying
What 918 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“We came in with our kids after seeing the great reviews, and we were not disappointed at all. The staff was very friendly, energetic, and professional, which made the whole experience even better. The food was delicious, and even the kids’ menu worked out well for our children. We’ll definitely be coming back in the future since we live nearby. Highly recommend!”
“Our first time at Community Tavern was really impressive. Exemplary service from start to finish matched with uniquely Asian inspired dishes full of flavor and great for sharing. Every single dish hit with us which is a rarity! Don’t skip the surprisingly delicious sorbet to end your meal. Absolutely worth the trek to Portage Park.”
“We really enjoyed our experience from start to finish. It is the little things that make all the difference. The service and team were all knowledgeable and welcoming. Specifics aspects of service that we enjoyed were the clean plates between each course. All the food was delicious. Thoughtful, well-balanced dishes marked our experience. The woman who ran a number of dishes and took the time to describe each dish was particularly genuine and we appreciated her attention to detail. Our server was fine and was indeed attentive. The blue-prawn dumplings were particularly delicious. I also greatly enjoyed the pasilla noodle. The environment was very warm and welcoming and there was a buzz of life and excitement in the facility. All the dishes, in addition to being delicious, wete beautifully presented. Cocktails were also presented nicely and perfectly balanced with some inventive combinations. The mezcal cocktails were very enjoyable. All told, it was awesome and we will certainly be back. Our only complaint, and I would really characterize it as more of an opportunity to improve or a less successful culinary experiment, was the pandan creme brûlée. I love creme brûlée, and when I see one on a menu, I order it, no exceptions. This version was overpowered by the pandan flavor and the custard hadn't set as much as I would have liked. Perhaps a bit less pandan would have worked better. All told with the blackberry and thai basil it was a unique and enjoyable bite, but I probably would not order this dish again... We will be back for certain. A jem of Portage Park to be sure.”
“Im not a fan of the small tables in the middle but last few times we just sat at the bar and things were great. Many delicious dishes and great service”
“We are so excited about this place, such a great find! Top #5 burger in Chicago, super delicious food, the dumplings are incredible, and loved the Dan Dan Noodles. Great service, very friendly, felt warm and inviting, and it is such a unique & delicious local spot. Will absolutely be coming back!”
“I dined at Community Tavern in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood and really appreciated their bold, globally inspired menu—especially dishes like the ramp kimchi dumplings and the Community Bibimbap which were flavorful and inventive. The fried marble potatoes and BBQ pork ribs were decadent and satisfying, though a couple of plates felt a bit heavy or overly salty. The ambiance was warm and lively, with an inviting wooden bar, blue-accented walls, and a friendly energy that made the experience memorable. Overall, most dishes delivered, and it was a fun, tasty outing”
“This is one of our favorite spots! The staff is warm, knowledgeable, and attentive-and a special shout-out to the GM Karen who always greets us so warmly. The food is consistent, creative, delicious and beautifully presented. They even surprised us with a couple of complimentary dishes today, which really made our night and gave a chance to try dishes we normally wouldn’t. Highly recommend for a date night out or to celebrate an intimate occasion.”
“Went here for the first-time yesterday and made a reservation for 5pm as I know they get packed. The food was great and they accommodated any substitution asked for since I don't eat fried food or red meat. Our waitress was outstanding, knowledgeable and had great recommendations. That's where the great experience stopped. For those of you who don't know this place does free kids meals from 5-6pm 3 days a week. For such an expensive, high end restaurant this was terrible.. We showed up and no exaggeration 20 children and parents came after us. They were loud, laying on chairs, banging silverware and to mute the children the restaurant turned up the music to the point you can't even have a conversation. Its small establishment for what they are charging this isn't ok.. it's not a McDonald's or Dennys. We spent almost 200 for 2 people and it was a stressful experience. We ordered dessert and they forgot, brought us our bill and wished us well. I had to remind them we had more to come. I might try again but never on kids day!!! Ever!!! Parking is ridiculous good thing we live across the street. No parking lot and good luck with 6 corners parking on milwaukee. Extremely over priced for the atmosphere they ate trying to create.”
“Best restaurant in the area and easily my favorite in the city. Bright and creative flavors that don't miss, kind service, and low key but refined vibes. I go whenever I can. Get the papaya salad.”
“One of our favorite restaurants. Literally everything is so delicious, the drinks are perfectly balanced, and the vibes are great. The dumplings especially are incredible. They even make amazing mocktails.”
“The staff is always so nice and friendly, the food is incredible. The champagne brie mussels would be my death row meal. 10/10 every time”
“Best restaurant in the area, consistently good and always fun. Cocktails are unique, crispy rice noodles are one of the most addictive dishes I've ever had, and the burger stands among some of the best in the city. Every dish is packed with a balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and umami flavor. We come here as often as we can and it's never enough.”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More American in Uptown & North Side
See the ranking →
In the same lane · American, upscale
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in Irving Park, minutes away.