Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
Johnny Le · 102 Google reviewsRootstock Wine & Beer Bar — Ukrainian Village bar & grill anchored by the Burger. It wears its years well. Not your typical menu, in a good way. "I know it sounds basic, but hear me out the lettuce is insanely fresh, the cheese is rich and flavorful" — Unique Love [$$, patio]
What 490 diners keep saying
What 490 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The burger at Rootstock may seem a pariah in a world overrun by the ubiquitous smash burger but it is in fact a bastion from which the humble pub burger can broadcast its enduring relevance in the culinary zeitgeist. The brioche is mild mannered with a gentle tenderness akin to milk bread that still maintains confident loft in its vital role alongside the julienned red onion in support of the main event. The 1 and half inch patty of beef was cooked to a succulent pink medium and packed only just to maintain its proud shape, a forma of perfectly textured melt in your mouth beef with just enough Maillard stubble to denote the level of maturity in the dry aged Slagel Farm beef and aged cheddar. This is a distinguished burger gliding into its prime and leaving memories of brash and crispy edges of smashed patties behind. Similarly refreshing was discovering that the dill was also left behind in the cucumber pickle, and paired with the sweet kick of pickled jalapeño the two played essential counterpoint to round out the plate between savored bites. The 2023 Beaujolais provided pleasant accompaniment from amongst other fine vintages of the French reds.”
“Ci siamo seduti all'aperto ad un tavolo esterno ed è stata un'ottima scelta, vista la bellissima giornata di sole. Le olive erano eccezionali come anche il paté. Bellissima carta dei vini e delle birre.”
“Great wine selection and small menu that is well thought out, curated, and executed.”
“I absolutely love the atmosphere of this restaurant it’s cozy, intimate, and has the kind of lighting that makes any night feel special. Whether you’re on a romantic date, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself, the vibe is perfect. Now let’s talk about the food. I am obsessed with their garden salad. I know it sounds basic, but hear me out the lettuce is insanely fresh, the cheese is rich and flavorful, and it all just hits. Add their perfectly cooked chicken and a glass from their lovely wine selection, and you’ve got the dream combo. I’ve been here four times just for the salad and wine alone. It’s that good. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a chill, elevated spot that delivers every time. I’ve attached a photo of my favorite red wine from there. Enjoy!”
“Rootstock literally serves the best burger in Chicago. Hands down, the best burger in Chicago. Bruh, even the lettuce tastes amazing. They seasoned the lettuce! Look at that picture. Try it right now.”
“We had been passing this gem all the time and finally got to visit this past weekend and I wish we’d come by sooner! Food was excellent, people were great, and the atmosphere/space was perfect. I’m more of a smashburger person but this meaty burger is for sure one of my favorites in the city. Will definitely be back sooner than later”
“Definitely a must try! The menu does change but the burger is always available! Can't wait to go again and try New things.”
“I’ve seen other reviews mentioning (in good way) how an order of medium rare is really rare here. I frankly got quite badly sick with diarrhea from this burger pictured here. God knows what sort of parasite or toxoplasmosis I got from eating meat this raw. I emailed the restaurant that night and they ignored me. Customers beware of the dangers of meat this “juicy””
“If I could put a drooling homer Simpson gif I'd put it right here. Just a lovely burger. Fries were absolutely fire. And that little simple side salad was just delightful. Very clever spot with personality. Wine list is huge but I recommend their mezcal. The pickled jalapenos... I could've eaten a dozen of them. Addicting.”
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