Next Restaurant

“May I say thank you for such a wonderful experience.”

May I say thank you for such a wonderful experience! Your service was so refreshing! Your staff made this an awesome experience! Can’t wait for our NEXT meal!

James Gustas

Jan 2026

“Update 4 years later (11/2025): The Space menu.”

Update 4 years later (11/2025): The Space menu. Within a couple weeks I also dined at Ever and Smyth, but wanting to be an astronaut as a kid, this holds "best themed menu" in my heart. No spoilers, but the decorative centerpiece to gravity-defying utensils, aliens, meteors, wormholes... Next did what I wanted them to do in my last review: pull in a cohesive theme, where all dishes worked together. Bravo. BUT, why I'm writing this now: I can't stop thinking about the second drink of their non-alcoholic pairing, some kind of oxidized rose? It's very possibly the best drink I've ever had. I need more to be sure, but I've talked about and thought about that drink more than any person should. I feel like I should confess something to my partner, but luckily she was there and understands. This was my third time at Next, and if the Space menu is a preview of their future, I'l be back. Upgraded to full 5 stars. If I had to nitpick: Rather than feature each dish as a "here's what's in it and the inspiration" it would be more fun if you were on a narrative journey from one celestial event to the other, exploring the stars in the USS Next with your crewmates. Have them slow down the dialogue, articulate; it can be difficult hearing when the place is full. (2021 below) 10th Anniversary dinner with a surprise ending, featuring 10 courses of the best dishes over 10 years--too good to pass up even with a bill of ~$1,500 for 4 with wine pairings. But the menu's strength is its weakness: all incredible dishes on their own, but without the cohesiveness of previous menus. The meal was incongruent deliciousness; all of your favorite songs playing at the same time, max volume. Our pallets weren't taken for a ride--they were dragged along the best moments of Next history. Hang on! After being stuffed with 8 courses, we were presented with a slice of cheesecake, which was again yummy, but a heavy end. Then another dish! It looked like an oasis after a desert hike--a pallet cleanse of ice cream or sorbet to settle the meal. It was beautiful! (see my photo) But the ice cream scoops were freeze-dried cheese, after cheesecake, after steak, after foie gras... The theme for the dinner might be: Too much of a good thing. Or, First World Problems. Usually Next is an easy 5 stars, but overall this was okay. I just wish the menu had its own poetry.

David Chen

Nov 2025

“Amazing, once in a lifetime experience with Space at Next.”

Amazing, once in a lifetime experience with Space at Next. The service was attentive and engaged ( they actually cared about my experience ). The experience was unworldly and the food was unique and eye-opening. I adored this meal and wish I lived in Chicago to experience it again. One regret was splurging on the wine tasting. It was too much wine, and I didn’t appreciate the pairing (others might). I wish I had a few glasses ala carte instead.

Courtney Kellum

Nov 2025

“SPACE theme and the food was amazing.”

SPACE theme and the food was amazing! The flavors were intense and as expected did not disappoint.

Prajakta Yerpude

Oct 2025

“Absolutely amazing food.”

Absolutely amazing food. There were textures and flavors that I had never even imagined. The story provided by the staff brought new meaning to the entire experience. The wine pairing was perfect. A few of them are definitely unique and polarizing, but over all I enjoyed them. The atmosphere is at 4 stars for me just because it's a little crowded and loud. With the other tables talking, I couldn't fully hear the background the servers were trying to tell. Other than that, a fully fragrant and enjoyable dinner.

Julian Garcia

Mar 2025

“This was such an incredible experience.”

This was such an incredible experience. I’ve never been to a place like this. The food was so novel, so full of creativity, and so beautiful. I’ve never seen so much effort placed into a dining experience. It was more than worth it. This is a must go. Honestly I do love a pizza place or a normal pub but this has got to be the most intense dining experience I’ve ever had. I’m still not sure what I ate.

Matthew Cheung

Feb 2025

“Dining at Next is an exceptional culinary experience, menu changes 3 times per year, around a theme.”

Dining at Next is an exceptional culinary experience, menu changes 3 times per year, around a theme. Service is outstanding and each meal is an adventure as well as highly entertaining.

Lila S

Feb 2025

“Love this place. Another great Alinea group restaurant. Love the rotating menus. We've been twice...”

Love this place. Another great Alinea group restaurant. Love the rotating menus. We've been twice with the most recent being the Charlie Trotter tribute menu and the first back in January 2022. Food is amazing. Service is professional pre fixe yet friendly. Not stuffy or pretentious.

Mikey Griesbaum

Dec 2024

“I was extremely impressed with the quality of food at Next.”

I was extremely impressed with the quality of food at Next. The dishes were perfectly executed, and multiple of them I would rate a 10/10 (which is not a rating I give out often). The Curry, Poultry/Baked Potato, and Venison courses were huge standouts. I’ll be thinking about those for a while. Definitely get in while you can for the limited-time Trotter menu.

Conor Harris

Oct 2024

“The attention to detail was amazing, the service was outstanding and friendly and not stuffy.”

The attention to detail was amazing, the service was outstanding and friendly and not stuffy. There was laughter, humor and enough seriousness to appreciate the time, effort, education, training and skill that went into every sip and every bite. Thank you for making this experience more than I ever expected. From the moment we walked into the door to when we left, everything felt perfect. The chilled heirloom soup was my favorite and I look forward to recreating it with all of the Wild Boar tomatoes in my garden, it is going through the sieve in my refrigerator as we speak. There was also an amazing drink menu for those that don't partake in spirits which was appreciated. Thank you for making this amazing and reminding me of my inspiration in the kitchen.

Nicole Linke

Sep 2024

“Next is currently offering a menu inspired by the legendary Charlie Trotter, and I have to say, it...”

Next is currently offering a menu inspired by the legendary Charlie Trotter, and I have to say, it is an absolute masterpiece. Charlie Trotter, who passed away in 2012, was undeniably one of the greatest chefs of all time. Experiencing this recreation of his iconic dishes at Next left me completely in awe. Even in 2024, his vision and creativity feel ahead of their time, and this menu proves just how cutting-edge his culinary work was—and still is. Chef Grant and the entire team at Next have done an extraordinary job bringing Charlie Trotter’s genius back to life. A standout touch is that one of the dishes is even served on original plates from Charlie Trotter’s restaurant. It’s a beautiful nod to the legacy, making the dining experience feel all the more special. As someone who has enjoyed many great restaurants and tastings, I can confidently say this meal was head and shoulders above the rest. My husband and I couldn’t stop talking about how remarkable it was. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime meal that you’ll remember forever, this is it. A special shout-out to Jacob, Hannah, Alejandro, and Zoe—you made our evening an absolute delight. Your attention to detail and warmth made us want to return for another unforgettable experience. Bravo to the whole team!

Carolina Polo

Sep 2024

“I was here during the Julia Child tribute menu, and have taken the non-alcoholic pairings.”

I was here during the Julia Child tribute menu, and have taken the non-alcoholic pairings. The experience was phenomenal. As soon as we walked in, there was a recreation of Julia’s wall of pots and pans. The servers were very friendly and attentive, and gave background explanations behind each course’s inspiration. The food was great as well. Each course had excellent flavors, and fine tuned portions for a 12-course tasting menu that I’m just full at the end of it. The non-alcoholic pairings was also a highlight, that seemingly mundane ingredients made superb beverage. The presentation was very thoughtful as well. It was a truly luxurious dining experience befitting for the price. One specialty I want to shout out was the Beef Bourguignon course. They brought out a small TV with a mini cast iron casserole that has beef, herb and wine simmering on the side. The table perfumed with the familiar aroma, as I have been following Julia’s recipe at home, as if Julia was cooking by our side — a very considerate and faithful homage to her.

黎浩男

Jul 2024