Reunion by Chef Art Smith
Chicago
At a glance
Located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Reunion by Chef Art Smith offers a culinary experience that brings people together through comfort food. This family-oriented eatery invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy meals crafted with care in a welcoming atmosphere where stories and flavors intertwine. Whether beginning the day with a hearty breakfast or unwinding with dinner, Reunion is a fitting venue for those in search of good grub amid the bustling backdrop of Navy Pier.
The restaurant caters to various dining preferences with a menu thoughtfully designed by Chef Art Smith. Customers have the opportunity to savor diverse offerings from brunch to dinner, with each dish reflecting an artful approach to cooking. Reunion is not just about enjoying a meal but also about building connections and creating memories. By emphasizing inclusivity, the establishment fosters an environment where everyone feels at home.
Reviews
My friends and I had such a wonderful girls night at Chef Art Smith's Reunion! We visited on a Sunday around 8:00 PM, and it was the perfect time to go. The restaurant had a great atmosphere. It was lively without feeling overcrowded, and we were seated right away. The location at Navy Pier is fantastic and incredibly easy to get to. Whether you're walking, taking an Uber, driving, or using public transportation, it's very accessible. Being right on the pier also makes it a great spot to enjoy before or after exploring the area, making it a perfect choice for a fun night out. From the moment we walked in, everyone was incredibly friendly. Our server, Bronagh, truly made the experience exceptional. She was so kind, attentive, and personable throughout the evening. She checked on us often, made great recommendations, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. Her service was one of the highlights of our visit. For drinks, we ordered the Pink Pony Club and the Moonlit Cocktail Flight. Both were delicious, beautifully presented, and so much fun to try. For food, we shared the Brussels and kale salad, mashed potatoes, chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, buffalo wings, and the Centennial Sampler. Every dish came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. The mac and cheese was rich and creamy, the buffalo wings had the perfect kick, the chicken sandwich was crispy and juicy, and the Centennial Sampler was perfect for sharing and trying a variety of favorites. Even the salad and mashed potatoes were standout dishes. The value was excellent for both the quality and portion sizes. We ordered several dishes to share, and everyone left full and happy. The food, drinks, service, and overall experience were well worth the price. Our wait time was practically nonexistent. We made a reservation ahead of time and were seated immediately when we arrived. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or during peak hours. It made the entire experience smooth and stress free from the moment we walked in. Overall, everything about our experience was wonderful. The food was fantastic, the cocktails were creative, the service from Bronagh was outstanding, and every employee we interacted with was warm and welcoming. I would absolutely recommend Chef Art Smith's Reunion for a girls night, family dinner, or any special occasion. We can't wait to come back!
The food was so good! We started with the Ferris Wheel appetizer sampler, which was fun and had a little bit of everything. The pan-seared salmon with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts was cooked perfectly, the three-cheese mac and cheese was creamy and delicious, and the shrimp grain bowl was full of flavor. The dessert was amazing and honestly one of the best parts of the meal. We really enjoyed everything and would definitely come back. I recommend making a reservation because it can get busy!
Sat outside under the umbrellas at the entrance to Navy Pier, watching the park fill up with people enjoying the day. Between the breeze, the view, and the people watching, I felt like Brad Pitt in a movie... if Brad Pitt spent his scenes aggressively judging mac and cheese. Reunion says Forbes ranked their mac and cheese #3 in the world. It was phenomenal but #3? Forbes, call me. I have questions and significantly better taste buds. The mac was ridiculously good. I even found a tiny shell in it. Normally that's a kitchen mistake. Since I'd just spent 100 days at Sea, I called it a bonus. Our Irish server was an absolute legend, I'd call,a cheeky bloke who knew the menu inside and out. He recommended the margarita, and it hit like a sweet, sour, slightly spicy flavor explosion. Then came the three-day chicken. Three days to make, three minutes to disappear. They could turn that recipe into a worldwide chain tomorrow. Fantastic food, killer drinks, great service, and one of the best spots on the pier to sit back, eat, and pretend you're the main character.
The food here was absolutely incredible. Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and served in portions that were both generous and satisfying. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared, making each bite memorable. I will definitely be back the next time I visit. Reunion delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. The service was flawless, with the hosts, servers, and staff all providing exceptional hospitality throughout our visit. A huge thank you to the chefs, servers, and hosts for making the experience so enjoyable. Between the unforgettable food, excellent service, and welcoming ambiance, this is a restaurant I highly recommend.
We arrived around dinner time and it was not as busy as I was expecting especially since the service and food were very good. The location is great; you can do a bit of souvenir shopping before or after dinner! I love their private bathroom stalls too. The fried chicken, you can request for all dark or white meat for an additional charge. It was seasoned very well coming from someone that grew up in the south all her life. Their homemade hot sauce had a sweet undertone that I didn’t care for. The hush puppies were fried perfectly and fluffy on the inside. I love their pimento cheese dip and their pepper jelly was okay for me. The fried calamari was very good; I would ask for the garlic aioli to dip them in. The skirt steak had a great sear and chimichurri sauce to compliment it. The mash potatoes is one of their best sides. I couldn’t stop eating it. Their pimento cheese grits was too runny for me but still good! Our server was very sweet and took great care of us. Kept our drinks filled and everything.
