Seemor
GiantB+Worth Trying
3209 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
· Gastropub
· 4.5/5 Google (890 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Inventive small-plates and standout pastas with bold flavors and tight quarters; excellent at the chef counter or patio, but expect noise, pacing quirks, and a 5% surcharge.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Giant delivers exceptional food quality with inventive small plates and standout pastas that justify its strong reputation, but inconsistent execution—occasional over-salting and overcooked proteins—prevents a higher grade. Service pacing lags during peak hours and tight seating compromises comfort, though the chef counter and patio offer more engaging experiences for those who plan accordingly.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a chef counter that draws food lovers close to the action. Guests rave about creative small plates and pastas, calling out the eggplant and Sortalini as standouts. One diner put it simply: "flavors that pop and linger", though several warn that tables are very close and waits between dishes can stretch on during peak hours. The culinary approach leans creative and flavor-forward: contemporary dishes with playful fusion like tom kha swordfish, trout-roe bites, and rich, house-made pastas. It suits adventurous eaters who enjoy sharing multiple plates; conservative palates may find certain items bold or salty. Fans suggest the chef counter or patio for a more comfortable, unhurried experience. Families may find the menu less kid-friendly. While there is bread, onion rings, and milder pastas, most plates skew savory, spicy, or complex. Gluten-free diners report very limited choices despite menu markings; expect to plan carefully and confirm options, as rotating items and bread pairings can make choices narrow for restrictions.
At a Glance
- Inventive small plates and standout pastas with memorable flavors
- Chef counter and patio offer the best overall experience
- Tight seating and loud room; expect very close tables
- Pacing can be slow with long gaps between dishes at peak
- 5% employee health surcharge added to every bill
What Sets It Apart
- interactive_chef_counter
- inventive_small_plates
- seasonal_rotation
What People Love
- Playful, fusion-leaning flavors that surprise
- Eggplant, Sortalini, and trout-roe bites as must-orders
- Attentive, engaging staff at the counter
- A cozy patio that feels calmer than the dining room
Points of Concern
- Seating is very tight; some guests feel physically constrained
- Service pacing can lag; several reports of long waits between courses and past reservation time
- Salinity can run high; some dishes read overly salty or unbalanced
- Review patterns show polarized experiences; order selection and seating location strongly affect satisfaction
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$65-85 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a flight: trout-roe nacho ($6), Japanese Eggplant ($17), one pasta ($19-25), plus a protein ($24-26).
- If salt-sensitive, mention preference; choose bucatini or pappardelle over crab tagliatelle.
- Gluten-free diners: confirm safe options; peppers can come without bread, but choices are limited.
Perfect For
- A chef counter date where you watch dishes come together
- A small-group share-plate night with adventurous eaters
- Out-of-town foodie friends seeking creative Chicago cooking
- Celebrating with inventive pasta and a good wine list
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Logan Square edge of Armitage with indie restaurants and bars; draws diners for chef-driven spots.
Safety: Generally safe, lively at night with good foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Milwaukee Ave corridor, cocktail bars, neighborhood boutiques; residential blocks adjacent.
Logan SquareLogan Square is a vibrant, trendy neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a flourishing dining scene featuring a mix of hip cafes, innovative restaurants, and traditional eateries. It is known for its historic boulevards, active nightlife, and a blend of long-term residents and newcomers attracted by its cultural vitality and relatively affordable living.
Armitage CorridorThe Armitage Corridor within Logan Square is recognized for its concentration of independent restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and specialty food shops, creating a microcosm of the neighborhood’s broader culinary and social energy with a slightly more curated and intimate feel.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–23:00
Saturday17:00–23:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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