Monnie Burke's

"Pilsen’s new American restaurant Monnie Burke’s, which is featured on Eater Chicago’s essential patios map and garnered three stars from Phil Vettel, will close for reconcepting January 20, ownership announced yesterday in a Facebook post. “When we opened in 2018, our first investment was in the community of Pilsen,” they wrote. “We look forward to continuing that commitment as we prepare to reimagine our space and open a new concept here on 18th Street in the coming months.”" - Naomi Waxman

"At first it seems like the most impressive thing about Monnie Burke’s is the great back patio that just keeps on going, like a hallway to nowhere. But this place also has some very good food. The well-rounded menu runs the gamut from burrata to a burger, and includes a pork shank that’s really fantastic. The interior feels a little like a chain restaurant (i.e. very large and a little generic/Houlihan’s-esque), but is perfect for a last-minute group dinner in the neighborhood." - Adrian Kane

"Awarded three stars by Phil Vettel. The American menu with Mediterranean influences features dishes like octopus with shishito peppers and roasted potatoes in ‘nduja vinaigrette, avocado toast with Dungeness crab and yuzu over house-made ciabatta, duck breast with fermented cherry sauce over cipollini-onion puree, and braised pork shank with cheese grits and vegetable chow chow. Desserts include a chocolate-fudge brownie with vanilla gelato topped with Cracker Jacks." - Jeffy Mai

"Monnie Burke’s is an “affable” neighborhood spot with an “impressive” patio. Maggie Hennessy takes a seat out back at the Pilsen newcomer, which is “draped in bald-bulb lights and dotted with planters.” The food “leans comfy American and meaty, with a solid offering of vegetable-focused shareables.” There’s “unctuous” roasted bone marrow topped with house-made giardiniera that “recall[s] a concentrated, fancy Italian beef sandwich when smeared on accompanying grilled planks of focaccia.” The best dish, though, features “tender” black mussels luxuriating in a lemongrass-scented red curry broth. Missteps include an overcooked, dry burger but things finish “on a high note” thanks to a key lime and blueberry trifle." - Jeffy Mai

"PILSEN— Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb is known for Pizza Capri restaurants in Hyde Park and Lincoln Park, as well as Maya Del Sol in the suburbs. His team has opened another restaurant, Monnie Burke’s. It’s a family-style spot that owners describe as a tribute to old Chicago." - Ashok Selvam