Smyth

West Loop · Chicago · Planning guide

We would choose Smyth for an extended tasting when the menu's dietary limits and cost fit the whole table. Through November 4, the $420 Smyth Menu and $550 Chef's Menu are separate choices, and the Chef's Menu takes no dietary restrictions. From November 5, only the extended Chef's Menu remains, with full prepayment. Ask Smyth for its new price and dietary terms. Choose elsewhere if a guest needs changes that the restaurant has not explicitly approved.

By Chicago Fine Dining · Sources checked · Copy updated

Smyth for curious eaters

Yelp reviewers describe ingredients used in unexpected ways, precise textures and an open kitchen that's interesting to watch. Smyth suits people curious about experimental cooking. Not every course will be familiar or comforting.

Even happy diners sometimes admire a dish's technique more than its flavor. Some Yelp reviewers describe warm service. Others describe an over-choreographed or rushed evening. Book Smyth because the cooking interests you, not for the MICHELIN stars alone.

How much does dinner at Smyth cost for two?

Through November 4, two Smyth Menus cost $840 and two Chef's Menus $1,100. There are two wine pairings. The Smyth Pairing is $245 a person, mostly low-intervention wines chosen course by course. The Reserve Pairing is $475, "a limited-availability progression of rare bottlings." Two Smyth Menus with two Smyth Pairings come to $1,330. Two Chef's Menus with two Reserve Pairings come to $2,050. Those are our sums from the published prices, before tax and any tip.

The official site doesn't mention a service charge. On September 8 the Tock FAQ said there was no automatic gratuity or service charge, so budget for a tip on top. Bookings before November 5 take a deposit that counts toward the bill. From November 5 you pay the full price when you book.

When do Smyth reservations open?

Reservations are on Tock and open on a rolling 90-day basis at noon Central. On September 8 the Tock FAQ also kept an older monthly-release answer, so go by the live calendar. The same FAQ described a non-refundable deposit, rescheduling with at least seven days' notice, and transfers through Tock. Those terms may change on November 5, when full prepayment replaces the deposit. Read the cancellation rules for prepayment on Tock before you pay for a November date.

For groups, the private dining room on the lower level seats up to 12, and a full buyout takes up to 36. The room also serves The Loyalist, the bar downstairs. Smyth publishes no phone number. Send questions to info@smythandtheloyalist.com. November announcement · Private events.

Ask for the current deposit amount and ordinary table-size limit before booking. Do not apply a private-event capacity to a normal reservation.

Dietary needs and access

The dining page says Smyth can't safely accommodate vegan diets, allergies to eggs in any form, mushroom allergies, dairy-free diets if clarified butter isn't allowed, sunflower seed or oil allergies, or allergies to all seafood or seaweed. Other restrictions are possible on the Smyth Menu "with sufficient notice," though it doesn't say how much. The Chef's Menu takes none. That matters more after November 5, when the Chef's Menu is the only one left and Smyth hasn't said whether the rule carries over. If anyone in your party has a restriction, get Smyth's approval in writing before you prepay. Read the full dietary policy.

On September 8 the Tock FAQ said vegetarians could eat the Smyth Menu if eggs and clarified butter were fine, and that step-free entry was through the adjacent garage and elevator. Mention mobility needs in the pre-visit questionnaire. The same FAQ said there's no formal dress code. Visitor FAQ.

Plan the evening around the meal

Use 177 N. Ada Street, Suite 101 as your destination. The official site doesn't list opening hours. Keep the end of the evening loose, especially with the Chef's Menu. A prepaid event straight afterward leaves no slack for a longer service or a late start.

Smyth received three MICHELIN stars in the 2025 Chicago selection. If you're comparing, Alinea splits its formats by setting as well as length, and Ever is another West Loop tasting menu. Compare the total for the format you'd actually book, drinks and charges included, rather than the lowest headline price.

Confirm the older Tock step-free route for your room and date. Use current directions and allow extra time to arrive.

Compare before booking

Ever is $828 for two with its 20% service before tax and drinks. Smyth's $840 or $1,100 through November 4 is for the menus only. Ask about current service charges and gratuity before comparing the full bills. From November 5, Smyth switches to a fully prepaid extended Chef's Menu so ask Smyth for the price.

Alinea's November Salon gives two guests a two-hour estimate, compared with Smyth's two and a half to three hours for the current Smyth Menu or three and a half for its Chef's Menu. For dietary needs, the current Chef's Menu allows no changes; BOKA lists vegan and other accommodations. Confirm the future Smyth policy separately.

Ever · Alinea · BOKA

Sources

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

Checked September 29, 2026. Found a change? Send a correction with a source link.