avec, purple pig or longman & eagle

[adamandeve]

Two NY chowhounds going out for our anniversary while the in-laws stay with the baby. Leaning towards avec, but happy to hear if anyone strongly suggests one of the other two options. Interested in incredible food and fun atmosphere over "romantic",

[nsxtasy]

One other comment about Avec - not only is the place REALLY LOUD (as are the other two in the initial inquiry), but once you're seated, you're stuck sitting with other people at its godawful communal seating (eight tops ONLY, other than the bar), and it has the most uncomfortable seats in the entire city (backless wooden stools, backless wooden boxes, or pew-style hard wooden benchs). I've found the food disappointing, but I know a lot of other people like it.

[mountsac]

Of the three, I like Avec the most - simple small dishes with big flavors. L&E is also pretty good - its entrees are something you'd see in fine-dining restaurants.

I am not a fan of Purple Pig - it's not bad; just not that memorable.

[nsxtasy]

Beware, none of these three accept reservations and they're among the busiest restaurants in town, with waits to be seated typically in excess of 90 minutes at desirable times. I avoid them for that reason, especially since there are so many other, equally good or better restaurants which DO accept reservations. Just so you know what you're in for regarding waiting times (and tips on what times you might be able to avoid the worst), you ought to take a look at this article from the Tribune, where you'll find all three places mentioned: http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/essay_photo_gallery/chicagos-always-crowded-spots/2508058/content

The food is a bit different at each. Avec leans towards Mediterranean; Purple Pig towards pork, cheese, charcuterie, and organ meats; L&E towards comfort foods. You might want to take a look at the menus on their websites and let that make your decision for you:

www.avecrestaurant.com

www.thepurplepigchicago.com

www.longmanandeagle.com

In case you're open to other choices... If I wanted incredible food and fun atmosphere and I didn't want to wait 90+ minutes to be seated, I would instead make a reservation for one of the following (all of which accept reservations on Opentable):

Sable (contemporary American and artisanal cocktails, River North) - www.sablechicago.com

Piccolo Sogno (contemporary Italian, River West) - www.piccolosognochicago.com

Mexique (Mexican/French, West Town) - www.mexiquechicago.com

Mercat a la Planxa (tapas, South Loop) - www.mercatchicago.com

Nacional 27 (Latin fusion, River North) - www.n27chicago.com

Carnivale (Latin fusion, River West) - www.carnivalechicago.com

Quartino (Italian small plates, River North) - www.quartinochicago.com

Sunda (pan-Asian/sushi, River North) - www.sundachicago.com

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Avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph St Ste A, Chicago, IL 60661

Quartino
626 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Nacional 27
325 W. Huron, Chicago, IL 60610

Mexique
1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60622

Carnivale
702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661

Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611