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March 2024 by Lynn P.
I came here with a friend because I love exploring different ethnic restaurants! I had high hopes and was excited to come here. I loved the ambiance and server was great. However I didn't want to try any meat dishes here because I prefer vegetarian or grass fed beef or fish. I prefered not to have fish served with bones. I looked at the salads and I knew I could duplicate those at home too. Nothing looked all that appealing for my dietary preferences. I don't eat organ meats. So I decided to have just appetizers and two chardonneys. I ordered motzerella stuffed mushrooms. I've ordered them at other places many times but these did not taste right. They tasted odd, the flavor was way off. Staff was nice enough to let me order something else so I tried fried zuchinni. It too was off. This was more like falafel, it had zuchinni in but the flavor was not fried zuchinni. I'm not so fond of falafel. I also ordered a mozerella flatbread pizza. It was not flatbread. It was also some if the most tasteless pizza I ever ate. I ended up giving most of my leftovers to my dog. My cash bill was $54 with tip. Thats a lot of money and chardonney was $11 per glass. Sorry about the bad review I'm sure many people love your other main dishes. Too many other places to try I won't be back.
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September 2023 by Kalina Todorova
Slow service, disappointing food and overpriced. Do not recommend!
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May 2023 by Paula Techlin
The special was wonderful!
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April 2023 by Mariya D.
This place offers a great selection of balkan cuisine, good service and great ambiance.
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March 2023 by Don M.
We hadn't eaten here since precovid, and I forgot how good the food is. My wife had trout which was a small fish butterflied flat and grilled -- delish! I had the mixed grill -- each item of chop, skewer and sausage better than the last. I also recommend shopska salad covered in the best Bulgarian feta. Try it, especially on the large patio during pleasant weather.
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March 2023 by Jason G.
At first I was wondering why no one was at the hostess area. But as we enter in the bar area, which was beautifully decorated we were seated. We were seated by a beautiful waitress who guided us to the drinks. I chose Balkan brandy, it reminded me of sake. It was warm to the touch and went down smooth. We order a seafood mix and Balkan mix of meats. The food was very tasty. We were so full that we had no room for desserts. I definitely will return. Friday and Saturday nights the dance floor opens up. So, you single people out there, go. I know I will be there.
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March 2023 by Brett B.
Food was good atmosphere was chill. Waitress was above average! Would go back again.
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January 2023 by Jubrail S.
great place, especially the outdoor seating area
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December 2022 by Edgar S.
Great food and service. Loved the patio out back, nice relaxing ambiance. Definitely worth a try and be back.
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October 2022 by Diana L.
Their food and service is amazing. I am from California. I came to Chicago for the second time and I just had to come back to this place. Their food is great!
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August 2022 by Viliyan I.
Balkanika is the best Bulgarian restaurant if you are fan of the Mediterranean food that's definitely a place to check our!
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July 2022 by Jackie H.
Very good, large portions of Eastern European food. we had excellent, light breaded cheese appetizer, grilled calamari, mixed grill platter, scrumptious roasted potatoes, and a fresh cabbage, carrot, dill salad. Topped off with a delish napoleon for dessert. We departed happily with leftovers. Originally we were going to the other Bulgarian restaurant in town, but they were so crowded no parking. So happy we found this place with ample parking and delicious food! We'll be back!
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July 2022 by Rauf A.
Amazing food very nice staff!! I love the place and i always recommend it to my coworkers.
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March 2022 by George O.
Continuing to explore and discover Chicago's amazing culinary scene, I had my first Bulgarian dining experience! Yes I've had Banitsa but that doesn't count. The restaurant also had a small grocery area on the side! Also, there was a DJ playing amazing music and the bartenders were excellent! * * Must Trys: *Mixed Grill meats (Kabobs, Balkan Sausage, Balkan sujuk, and steak with feta fries *Shopska salad *And the spreads with bread
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February 2022 by Rhonda G.
We arrived at 1 for a buffet banquet. The sausage is king here. I couldn't decide which is my favorite. The thin, snake like one or the darker fat one that is more garlicky. Shashlick salad was so good and loaded with tomatoes. At 1 PM the lot was full and we parked easily across the street. It feels like there's always a party. We even got to meet the chef.
