The Chop Shop & 1st Ward

Category:	American Restaurant
Address:	2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Phone:	+1 773-537-4440
Site:	chopshopchi.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Loren Dutca

Went last Saturday evening and was absolutely in love with the ambiance and overall structure of the restaurant. Downstairs is the deli shop and we were sat upstairs for dinner. If you are a fan of dimly lit, warm and cozy dining settings, this is really nice. It’s modest but well-kept and there is a nice, ongoing, soft murmur from people around you. We wanted to try different appetizers and share so we went with the Signature Butcher’s Board – chef’s choice. It was a nice assortment of cheeses, salamis and some jams and aioli to compliment the meats and cheeses. We later got another board with the ones we liked most (lamb slices were the absolute best, in my opinion). Then we did the East & West Coast Oysters (good, but a bit raw for my taste), and the Steak Tartare (super tender and melts in your mouth with an aioli sauce). I’m a huge fan of hard cider so I tried all of theirs (Seattle being the best). Definitely a place I would recommend for a date or casual to semi casual occasion. They have another section of the restaurant and place where there’s live music (we didn’t get to make that.) And the staff is extremely warm and amiable. Headed back sometime soon!

Clark Kays

Awkward setup with the deli in the front and bar/event space in the back. The food is fine. Decent bar food. The layout, service, feel, and flow could use some work. Weve been a couple of times for dinner & drinks before a show in the back at 1st Ward Events. The ambiance feels a little "cookie cutter" or contrived. Weve had some okay bartenders, but some really bad ones as well. Some seem unfamiliar with the drink specials and little features on the menu (like "Choose your bitters") and are a little rude and/or disengaged. The cocktails arent very well-balanced and could be more thoughtfully crafted. I guess for what it is, its fine. Not sure Ill be back, unless Im dying to see one of the shows.

Jamie L

I dont understand how this place has over 4 stars. The food was exceptionally greasy (one bite into the burger and grease trailed down my wrist). We also ordered the gnocchi which had minimal flavor. The fries that accompanied the burger were soggy and clumped together. Check out the unappetizing photo (full disclosure: its a personal source of shame that I consumed half of this awful meal). The one shining moment was the meatball appetizer. Ambience and service were perfectly fine. If you are coming here with hopes of quality food, Id recommend going elsewhere.

Kelly Palmer

Ive just moved to the area and am so happy an acquaintance recommended Chop Shop for lunch this week. The beet and goat cheese salad I ordered was probably the BEST beet and goat cheese salad Ive ever had (and I basically order beets and goats cheese salads wherever I see one on a menu). The atmosphere is really nice and comfortable, with more casual seats by the window, where I sat as I was time-limited, and nicer, comfy seating further back into the shop/bar, which is deceptively large. I cant wait to go back for more.

Carmelita Tiu

Hold up! Locally sourced, family-farm meats (like Slagel Farms), just like you get at WF, but a couple bucks less per lb??? Color me happy (and full, and a few bucks richer). And Ive eaten here several times, and its always been hands-down delicious. The roasted chicken is *superb*, and the salmon cooked to perfection. Oh, and oysters! Get the oyster sampler thing, its a recipe for romance and laughter on a date night ;-) Kid-friendly too, especially downstairs in the casual deli/butcher area tables.

jane val

A cute no frills location that has in in-house butcher shop that sells locally sourced and responsibly farmed meats, dairy and produce. They also have a restaurant that sells sandwiches, paninis, and salads. Prices are very reasonable and range from $7 to $13 for sandwiches, or make it a full meal with their "standards" that come with fries, prices range from $12 to $19. They also offer catering for parties and hot and cold platter options. #CitiExperts @Localguides

Sabina Kajtezovic

Chop Shop is part restaurant, part grocery/deli, and part event space. The space is enormous - great for events or big groups. Its very easy to just stop by here and check out whats happening in the 1st ward (event space) and get some Italian salami to take home. As far as the restaurant is concerned, one word is enough to describe it (or two words?): MEATBALLS! Really exceptionally great meatballs here and I cant wait to go back again for some more.

Lisa Whitmer

We ended up having drinks and dinner @ the bar upstairs in the 1st Ward. The drinks were AMAZING. Everyone should try the Rhubarb Tart cocktail. The zucchini fritters were so delicious. I had a the burger--the meat was so fresh and cooked perfectly. My boyfriend had the chicken. It melted in our mouths! I cannot wait to go back to this interesting space. There are so many different areas and all unique!!

Marie Allison

I was highly impressed with every aspect of the Chop Shop. The customer service was excellent. We had six people in our party, so we tried a lot of dishes and everything was fantastic. Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I had food that good in a restaurant.The atmosphere is friendly and warm. If I lived closer I would eat there on a regular basis. (They also have a butcher, deli, bar, and event space!)

Shane Green

Our service was par, she only checked on us 4 times in 1.5 hours (arrival, drink order, when we received our food, and if we wanted dessert . Though our food was good, it was not good for the price. I would not come back for the"chops"! I also got charged for a beer i said "Id drink" so it didnt go to waste, though I didnt want it, I was just not wasting booze! Place is sweet though, especially the patio!

Deb Haas

Best dining experience Ive had in a long time! Food, service, prices, neighborhood--all great. The variety of meat/cheese/etc on the Butchers Board was impressive, medium rare burger was done just right, servers made great suggestions, and we loved watching the neighborhood scene and the "L" go by outside. Wish we had another day in Chicago--wed go back here to eat.

Shawn Johnson

Fantastic space for whatever youre looking for. Great drinks and beer list if looking for a place to drink (patio is great if it is nice out). Legitimately upscale food at non upscale prices, a little bit for everyone. And then the deli if youre just looking to grab and go. Cant recommend it enough.

Nisa Johnson

We walked in for an early dinner, we were seated immediately on the second floor and service was great throughout the whole visit. I had a great ribeye, tasty and well prepared. After dinner we explored a little and saw the performance space in the rear and the butcher counter in front.

Jack Wangelin

The Chop Shop is a missed-mash of an event space, Italian deli & restaurant. The food is alright, unadventurous, and a bit over-priced. Not sure how its going to survive in the WP climate. On the other end, it is safe, theres something for everyone & the staff is wonderfully helpful.

Melissa Sanchez

Great place to eat ...they also have a large space for their events...soon as you walk in you see an array of meats and etc...quite dark yet spacious. Its nearby other food places such as a bakery, an empanada place. Ive gone twice, and both times Ive thoroughly enjoyed myself there.