Dining Room At Kendall College

"Affordable dining is a relative thing. When it comes to a burger, $40 may seem excessive, but for a three-course prix fixe fine-dining meal, it’s a steal. The cooks and servers are all students at Kendall College and the menus vary, depending on who’s the kitchen. Diners can count on a mix of classics — vichyssoise, steak al forno, pan-seared salmon — along with newly-invented specials. Wine and beer pairings are also available." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"Dubbed a “living classroom,” this pseudo-fine dining spot across from the Art Institute is run by Kendall College culinary students and their instructors. The $45, three-course prix fixe menu is what you’d expect from a school—generally tasty dishes that are technique driven and technically perfect, but lacking a little in the creativity department. The real draw, however, is the view into the open kitchen and the ability to watch may-be-famous-someday chefs. That, plus witnessing the endearing awkwardness of students working front-of-house for the first time. It’s basically an opportunity to be part of a lower-stakes version of Top Chef’s infamous Restaurant Wars, without all the yelling and knowing looks from the Judges’ Table." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"There are teaching hospitals, and then there are teaching restaurants, which is what The Dining Room At Kendall College is. Dubbed a “living classroom,” this pseudo-fine dining spot across from the Art Institute is run by Kendall culinary students and their instructors. The dining room has a nice view of Millenium Park and the lake, but watching the open kitchen is more entertaining—like a calmer, lower-stakes version of Top Chef’s infamous restaurant wars. The food coming out of said kitchen is what you’d expect from a school: tasty dishes that are technique-driven and technically perfect, but lacking creativity. That said, the $45 three-course prix fixe menu (with an optional $20 wine pairing) and the ability to watch may-be-famous-someday chefs get their start is a solid deal. The charm of having nervous but eager students as servers can veer into awkwardness when an instructor gently reminds them to ask about allergies, but it’s a fun opportunity to be a part of the learning experience." - Veda Kilaru