AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago
Restaurant · River North ·
Unlimited Balkan tapas in rustic-chic digs with regional spirits
Unlimited Balkan tapas in rustic-chic digs with regional spirits
"Ambar, a D.C.-area favorite, debuted its first Chicago location in April. The chain is noted for elevated Balkan cuisine, which should perk up Chicago’s sizable population from the Balkan diaspora. The restaurant, which replaces the downtown outlet of Etta, is known for a lively happy hour scene and its unlimited meal options, which run $37 for lunch and $55 for dinner. Cevapi, the Balkan sausage with quite a following, is featured on the menu. There will be Chicagoans of a certain ilk who will want to challenge the “unlimited” policy when it comes to the sausage." - Ashok Selvam
"This Balkan restaurant recently opened a location in River North. It’s known for its unlimited meal packages, and beyond the $36.99, which covers the food, customers have a choice of two unlimited add-ons for beverages. For $14.99, customers can get an unlimited choice of three mimosas, a blood mary, or red sangria. The premium package at $22,99 adds a trio of drinks — kiwi smash, margaritas, and mango lemonade. The more expensive option also has non-alcoholic choices." - Sam Nelson
"Chicago continues to attract restaurants from the East Coast, this time with Ambar from DC. This sit-down Balkan restaurant in River North has a menu full of cevapcici, sarma, and short rib goulash. They’ll also have lunch and dinner options with unlimited small plates and a choice of dessert. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - John Ringor
"A D.C. import known for its signature unlimited Balkan tasting experience has opened in the former Etta River North space on 700 N. Clark Street. Founded by Ivan Iričanin—who emigrated from Serbia in 2005 and opened the original Barracks Row location in 2013 to introduce Balkan cuisine and serve diaspora communities—the concept centers on an all-you-can-eat tasting menu of more than 30 bite-sized plates served at the diner’s pace, priced from $27.99 for lunch and $54.99 for dinner. The Chicago kitchen is led by Nikola Stefanović with chef de cuisine Dustin Musgrave; the menu ranges from slow-cooked northern Serbian dishes and grilled southern Serbian meats to coastal seafood typical of Montenegro and Croatia, with regional highlights like pork-belly sarma and traditional beef cevapi on a spicy feta spread. There are also vegetarian and vegan twists on classics (for example, stuffed peppers made with orzo, almond velouté and Tuscan kale, and an eggplant moussaka with mushroom ragu and long-pepper bechamel). The beverage program emphasizes boutique Balkan wines curated with consultant Jelena Prodan, features Serbia’s national brandy rakia, and includes cocktails such as the Welcome to Belgrade (apple rakia, gin, green apple, poblano pepper Chartreuse, pineapple, lime and basil). The room seats 104 (plus 46 on the patio), with 20 high-tops, a 12-seat bar and a private dining room for 46; brunch service and a happy hour will be added soon. Reservations are required, and current hours are noon–3:30 p.m. and 4–10 p.m. Monday–Thursday; noon–3:30 p.m. and 4–11 p.m. Friday; 5–11 p.m. Saturday; and 5–10 p.m. Sunday." - Serena Maria Daniels
"A well-known Balkan chain founded by Ivan Iričanin with executive chef Nikola Stefanović and chef de cuisine Dustin Musgraves, the concept offers an all-you-can-eat tasting experience and an unlimited brunch and is expanding from locations in Belgrade and the D.C. area. Taking over the former Etta River North space, the menu will feature specific regional dishes such as sarma made from pork belly with root veggies and rice and cevapicci served with a feta spread. A rep says they’re shooting for an April opening." - Ashok Selvam
