Class Act
Jeremy Smolik · 126 Google reviewsClass Act — a quiet food spot in Wicker Park with a growing reputation. Order the Cocktail Pairings. Everything about the room says stay awhile. "One of the best surprises of the night is at the speakeasy in the back called, Nightcap" — Liz Hayes
What 75 diners keep saying
What 75 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“We were so excited to have the opportunity to try Class Act, it is always a treat to experience the creativity of Chef Nicolai, now in a beautiful new space. Every detail was carefully thought out and the team worked in dynamic harmony to deliver an exceptional experience. The menu was an shortened tasting in contrast to the full tasting usually available. This showcased Harvest- two tasting bites, followed by the option of an Egg Flower Soup or Winter Salad. We were a party of two so had one of each. The broth of the Egg Flower Soup was indescribably excellent, the taste you crave over and over again. The Winter Salad was a unique presentation of cryo treated tomato with a lovely champagne surround. Main course was described as Tenth Jewel- a lovely play on tikka masala squab with perfect touches of lemon balm citrus cream, or Shwarma - made of tender Wagyu beef with a saffaron bechamel. Both were divine. Following with dessert, a cheese plate that featured a triple creme and a goat cheese with a beetroot challa and specifically sourced honey. An ice cream sundae with chocolate rose ice cream and mango carmel. The evening was lovely from start to finish, we will definitely return!”
“Intimate dining experience. Staff and food were outstanding. Use of one ingredient in each course was unique.”
“At first we thought we had the wrong address — until we found the hidden speakeasy entrance down a narrow alley and rang the bell to get in. Such a cool experience from the start. Huge shoutout to the bartender/bar manager for the incredible cocktails and genuine hospitality. He personally escorted us to the dining room where we were warmly welcomed and introduced to the chef. The bread course with fiddlehead ferns was unforgettable, and the halibut was outstanding. Amazing service, amazing food, and a team that truly knows hospitality.”
“This place is top-notch, and truly a unique dining experience! All the food was surprising and delicious, the wines were amazing, and the cocktail pairings created flavors I didn't know existed. Along with the amazing food, the atmosphere is really chill. I love when fine dining is also comfortable, and the staff regard you as guests rather than clients.”
“If I could give 6 stars for the service. From the moment we walked in to the time we left the door the staff and Chef made for an incredible experience that was immersive and made us feel like part of a family dining experience. All the dishes were fantastic but the iced salad, egg drop truffle soup, ice cream sundae and the 10 Jewels were standouts. Inventive culinary immersion by the chef. Would recommend bringing a bottle of tequila for the staff to add even more fun to the night :)”
“Unique experience and food! Loved the communal dining aspect and having a view of the kitchen and cooking process. There’s also a cool speakeasy in the back!”
“We had a great experience at Class Act. The service was absolutely flawless, staff were pleasant and friendly. Food was generally unique and delicious, and as far as communal dinners go, the space was perfect. Just big enough for everyone to move around the table, without losing the intimate, cozy feel. And the cocktail pairings were phenomenal. As a unique dining experience goes, you will not be disappointed. Some things to keep in mind: 1. It's a community table. Up to 16 people, though our seating only had about 12. Your experience could absolutely be impacted if you got a group you don't like, or if you ended up being the only solo diner a night when a group of 10 were attending. Our group was quite a bit rowdier than I'm usually comfortable with, but we were saved by the fact that we brought our extremely extroverted friends; they made for a great combination of intermediaries and buffers throughout the evening, allowing us to enjoy the experience without being overwhelmed. 2. You'll notice I knocked one star off the food. This is for my folks who have foods, flavors, or textures they dislike. This is a tasting menu with no available menu to pre-check. While some plates had options for adding additional flavors (pickles for your sandwich), the vast majority were served complete, as the Chef intended. They absolutely accommodate food allergies, but if you are sensitive to things like spice, you may find there are plates you have to pass on. For the evolution menu, some things that stuck out to me: The waygu tartare bite served as an appetizer was WAY to largely chopped. I get it, Hunter-Gatherers and all that, but you should absolutely not have to chew through connective tissues when eating a tartare. I managed, one of my dinner-mates had to excuse herself for a moment. There is a lovely sounding Vietnamese-style spring roll in the noodles course that was weirdly thick on the bottom, giving it a very unpleasant gummy bite. The "oil cooking" dish was also too spicy for me to eat, even with the lovely whipped cream concoction. Similarly, the final savory dish was basically a barbacoa-mushroom uncrustable. I was excited about this one, but ultimately the filling was too spicy for me. And finally: dessert. I love dessert. LOVE dessert. This dessert chose to strongly feature the #1 most hated vegetable in the US (somewhere between 26-35% of the population): Beets. They took the most innovative dessert of our time (dippin dots) and ruined it with beets. And not like a *hint* of beet. A beet flavor so pronounced that I got a small bite in my mouth, panicked, swallowed it whole, and then drained my water and my husband's. I could actually smell the beets while they were prepping the dish and asked one of the staff about what the beets were going to be in, to which she just kindly said "you'll be fine." Friends, I was not fine. Now, that was a bit scathing, but I'm feeling really strongly about it. Luckily, after 3 personally disappointed dishes in a row (just for me, others liked them), they ended on a high note with a milkshake so weirdly delightful it washed away my irritation. All that said, we'll be back. I'm a big fan of the place, and places with changing menus like this always offer a new experience every time you go. Next time I may just have a little snack before dinner so I'm not as grumpy about the dishes I can't eat.”
“Thoroughly enjoyable experience. We had the "Evolution" menu featuring dishes representing the ways food and its preparation have evolved through time. Class Act is a science experiment on every level: inventive dishes, inspired pairings that play with flavor chemistry, and a table full of curious humans testing what happens when you sit them down together and feed them really good food. The evening began when we entered into a room with cocktail tables where we were provided a cocktail and given the opportunity to get to know those we'd be dining with. The first two courses of the evening were then served there as we chatted. Soon the doors to the dining room opened and we were advised to choose our seats around the communal dining table, with the open kitchen located just behind us. Remaining courses were presented there over the course of a couple hours as well as wine or cocktail pairings for those who ordered them. I had the champagne pairing. It was really interesting, including both still and sparkling wines, and I learned a lot about the region from our sommelier Jonas. My friend did the cocktail pairing and was happy with his choice as well. By the glass options also are available. Throughout dinner conversation flowed well, I really enjoyed the concept and opportunity to connect with others who love great food and chatting with strangers. We swapped stories and recommendations for everything from restaurants to travel destinations to books, TV shows and podcasts. After dinner we were ushered to a reserved section of the attached cocktail bar for an after dinner cocktail. It's definitely a pricey night out but a brilliant concept I really hope succeeds. Although I went with a friend this is a dining experience I'd absolutely recommend to solo diners, especially solo travelers visiting Chicago. Great way to meet new people and get other local recommendations. I can't wait to go back and see what chef Nicolai serves up with the next menu in a few months!”
“One of the most delectable menu experiences we’ve ever had in Chicago. We’ve dined at renowned establishments like Alinea, Ever, Smyth, and Oriole, all of which lacked the personalized and intimate atmosphere of Class Act. I wish Michelin would consider elevating their rating to 3 stars. The pastrami sandwich included in the goodie bag was absolutely delicious!”
“Had a wonderful time at Class Act and will definitely be back for Chef’s new menu. A girl friend and I went and from the time you step in, you’re greeted by a luxuries ambience with a close-knit, family dinner vibe. The food was great, and we had a blast. Chef thought of everything, from the late night sandwich to go, as well as the post-dinner cocktail in the adjoining speakeasy. Each course was creative with a unique flair. Your tastebuds will be jumping for joy!”
“We went for the Growing Up menu. Overall it was a very fun night with a unique progression and ambiance and excellent food; we also made some new friends. We enjoyed the flowing from the entrance bites and drinks, to the main dining (and hearing Chef Nicolai’s stories behind the dishes) and wrapping up with Night Cap. The tacos, quesadillas and deep sea shrimp dishes were standouts to me. Looking forward to returning for his next menu”
“Class Act Chicago was such a great experience. The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the food was outstanding. Every dish was creative and full of flavor—it really felt like the chef was sharing a piece of himself with us. The whole concept is so fun, from the open kitchen to the speakeasy at the end. Definitely a place I’ll come back to next time I’m in town.”
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