The Gage's signature burger features ground venison topped with smoked gouda, crispy fried jalapeño, woodland mushrooms, pickled onion, and house-made mustard aioli. Reviewers consistently praise it as 'AMAZING' and one of the best burgers in the city. The venison is flavorful without being gamey, the smoked gouda adds richness, and the fried jalapeño provides crunch and heat. Multiple reviews note even non-game-meat eaters love this burger.
Tips from diners
Order the venison burger even if you're skeptical of game meat. The smoked gouda and toppings are perfectly balanced. This is one of Chicago's best burgers.
Fall-apart tender lamb shanks braised with Persian spices creating a warm, aromatic dish. The spicing is bold without overwhelming the lamb's natural flavor. The braising technique ensures the meat is yielding and the sauce is rich with reduced flavor. This is comfort food refined.
Tips from diners
Rich and aromatic—perfect for a cool evening. Pair with one of their beer selections for a complementary match.
For serious protein eaters, the 10-ounce roasted elk rack delivers lean, flavorful meat. Elk is less gamey than venison and more tender than beef. The portion is substantial and showcases the kitchen's commitment to offering adventurous protein selections beyond typical steakhouse fare.
Tips from diners
The elk is not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy adventurous cuisine, this is a standout. It's leaner and less assertive than venison.
An refined take on Canadian poutine featuring hand-cut fries, tender cider-braised pork shoulder, house-made pork gravy, and melted cheese curds. The cider braising adds sweetness and complexity to the pork, distinguishing it from standard poutine. This is bar food at its most ambitious.
Tips from diners
Order this as a shareable side or light meal. The cider-braised pork makes it more refined than standard poutine. Pairs well with a craft lager.
A play on Buffalo wings translated to ribs. The house ribs are coated in spicy buffalo sauce and finished with balsamic BBQ for sweetness and depth. The combination of heat and sweet-savory BBQ creates a balanced flavor profile. An excellent shareable appetizer or light main.
Tips from diners
Order a few of these as shareable appetizers. The buffalo-balsamic combo is more interesting than standard wings.
The Gage sits at 24 S Michigan Ave, directly across from Millennium Park and AT Park, making it one of Chicago's most-visited restaurants. For nearly twenty years, the restaurant has been known for refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations, and an award-winning wine list. The menu ranges from a 10-ounce roasted elk rack to Persian-spiced lamb shanks to their signature venison burger. The dining room features handsome banquettes, celadon-tiled columns, and a clubby allure. A long bar handles happy-hour crowds, while rear dining rooms offer quieter settings. The atmosphere is buzzy without being overwhelming.
The Gage sits across from Millennium Park with views of the city. It's one of Chicago's most-visited restaurants. Book a table or arrive for happy hour (prices are lower, food is still great). Weekday lunch is often less crowded.
Happy hour prices are more accessible here. The bar staff is knowledgeable about craft cocktails and beer. It's a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or a casual after-work gathering.
The front bar section gets loud and energetic. If you want a quieter table, request the rear dining rooms. The space accommodates groups well.
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