EL Ideas Chicago: Prices & Reservations

What dinner at EL Ideas is like

Yelp reviewers describe chefs explaining and serving the food themselves, an open kitchen and easy conversation with neighboring tables. It suits people who like talking about how a dish works, and one guest noted that joining in is optional.

The fries and frozen-dessert course comes up in many reviews. One diner who liked the meal found it clever but didn't enjoy eating it. Expect experiments, and expect that some won't suit your taste.

How do you book a table at EL Ideas?

Request a date on OpenTable for 1 to 8 guests. OpenTable describes the same process as the official site. If there is space, the restaurant emails you an invoice. Payment secures the reservation. Larger parties email reservations@elideas.com. Use Notify Me if it is full.

Solo diners are welcome. Ask EL Ideas when dates open. Read the cancellation, rescheduling and transfer terms on the invoice before paying. Questions go to reservations@elideas.com or 312-226-8144.

OpenTable request and payment instructions

How much does dinner at EL Ideas cost for two?

Two dinners are 2 × $195 = $390 before tax and service. Check the service percentage and total on the invoice. OpenTable describes no-corkage BYOB. Count your shop cost separately, along with any gratuity. Ask about supplements and their prices.

Price and no-corkage BYOB

What to bring and what to tell them

For drinks, the FAQ's answer starts "Whatever you love!!" and then gets specific. Start with sparkling, then a light-bodied white or red. It warns off "big/young cabs and overly-oaky/malolactic chards," and says beer pairs well too. EL Ideas works with Perman Wines, which can deliver. Ask the restaurant about the menu and bottle suggestions for your date.

The FAQ says "We accept almost all dietary restrictions (including vegan)," and the request form has a place to list them. Confirm the exact ingredients you avoid before reserving; this statement is not an allergy guarantee.

FAQ with dietary and beverage advice

Find the dead-end street

EL Ideas is at 2419 W. 14th Street in Douglas Park, at 14th and Western just south of I-290. The FAQ estimates about 15 minutes from the Loop without specifying a starting point or travel conditions. Use current directions and allow for delays. Turn down the dead-end street, and the restaurant is on the first floor of the three-story building on the left. Street parking is free. There's also a lot up the little hill on the north side of the street, and the FAQ says you can park there. The no-parking signs are for events at Cinespace. As for dress, EL Ideas asks you to dress "for a night on the town as opposed to a day at the beach." Ask EL Ideas about step-free access.

FAQ with directions, parking and dress

OpenTable flags wheelchair access without an entrance or restroom description. Confirm the route. Ask about age rules, dietary notice and meal duration before booking. Its hours are Tuesday through Thursday 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Use the seating time on your reservation and confirm the finish before adding another commitment.

Listing hours and access flag

Compare before booking

Schwa's prepaid offers start at two guests; EL Ideas accepts one-person requests. Two Schwa menus are $430 to $470 before tax and service, versus $390 at EL Ideas on the same menu-only basis. Check service charges before comparing the full bills. Neither total includes what you spend on bottles.

Feld charges $540 for two with service before tax and drinks and excludes vegan dining. EL Ideas says it accepts vegan requests but requires confirmation of the exact restrictions. EL Ideas also allows no-corkage BYOB, whereas Feld permits no corkage.

Schwa · Feld

Sources

Prices and policies change, so confirm the terms for your date before paying.

Checked September 30, 2026. Found a change? Send a correction with a source link.