This venue may be permanently closed. Information may be out of date.

Wood

American · European · Chicago, IL

3.8 (714 · Yelp ) ·$$ ·American · European ·

About

The crowd here leans 30-somethings and older, with a mix of gay and straight diners. Wood is a romantic and stylish Boystown bistro that serves seasonal American-European fusion with a focus on unique flavor combinations. The cocktails are a draw, and the outdoor seating adds to the casual yet upscale vibe. It's a place that aims for quality, but experiences have been mixed.

Service has been described as inconsistent, with one reviewer noting a wine-spilling incident and poor management follow-through. Food is generally considered good, but some dishes have arrived cold. The location is prime for a night out in Northalsted. Given Yelp indicates it may be permanently closed, confirm hours before heading out. A nearby option to consider is Girl & The Goat .

Wood is located in Northalsted (Boystown), Chicago's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, surrounded by nightlife and dining options.

Features

  • Outdoor seating in Northalsted
  • Sunday brunch with unique flavors
  • Cocktail-focused bar menu
  • Trans-friendly and inclusive vibe

Cuisine

AmericanEuropeanFrenchFusionSunday BrunchSandwich

Good for

Outdoor SeatingCasualUpscale30 Somethings40 Somethings50 Somethings

Practical

Trans FriendlyMixed Gay/Straight
3.8

What people say

Rated from 714 reviews. 82 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“Quality, great drinks, great location”

Restaurants in gay neighborhoods are usually terrible, but this one is different. It's not quite fine dining, but the menu is creative and not typical. The location is unbeatable and it was a great way to start a night in Boystown. The server was attentive and friendly. A solid choice overall.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Wood needs to go into the fireplace!”

Last night I had one of the worst restaurant experiences ever. After ordering drinks in the outdoor area, the server spilled a full glass of red wine down my entire back and into my lap. He was apologetic and tried to soak up the wine on my back. A few minutes later he came back with the manager, who handed me a towel soaked in club soda as if it were my job to clean up. I told them I needed their help. While I was figuring out what to do about my stained shorts and crotch area, the manager jokingly suggested the server could wipe it down—me being a middle-aged guy and the server young and attractive. I didn't say anything but later realized how insulting and inappropriate that comment was, assuming I'd enjoy that suggestion. The manager owed both me and the server an apology. The rest of the meal was ordinary, though I sat in a chilly night with a wet shirt. I could have left but stayed. The server was obviously nervous; the manager never came back to check on us or salvage the evening. The food is good, but the service has always been inconsistent there. We waited over 20 minutes at the end for two salads. After asking for the bill twice, we finally got it with no adjustment or comp. When we left, the manager was smiling like everything was fine, and I said, 'This was really bad!' He followed us out, acting confused. I told him the bill wasn't adjusted. He claimed he told the server to deduct something. I didn't believe him. He said next time the wine would be on him. I know accidents happen and I feel bad for the server, but this is no way to run a business. It makes me feel like I'm not in their desired demographic—twenties or thirties. Just so you know.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Great food”

Had a great experience there. The host or waiter looked like a thinner version of an actor from Glee! Very attractive. Will definitely go back.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Wonderful place in Boystown”

Stopped by and we're glad we did. We had a perfect seat, perfect view, perfect service, and the food was amazing.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Hit or miss”

I've been a few times and really liked it, but more often than not, I'm disappointed. When someone brings you ice-cold baked brie and you tell the server, they should at least pretend to care, not say they can microwave it. I've had a few servers with attitude who didn't care about pleasing customers. The space is cute with basic bistro fare, but I've been let down too many times to return.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there vegetarian or vegan food? +

The menu includes seasonal cuisine and sandwiches, but specific vegetarian or vegan options are not listed.

What type of cuisine does Wood serve? +

Wood offers American, European, French, and fusion dishes, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations.

More Restaurants in Chicago

See all restaurants in Chicago →