ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Lasagna in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best BBQ Ribs in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Romantic Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Trendy Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Master Critic Review
Giant
9.0
A compact Logan Square dining room where a Michelin-starred kitchen turns out intensely seasoned New American small plates and handmade pastas from an open line. It’s a destination for diners who want serious cooking, tight pacing, and a lively, unpretentious room instead of white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trout Roe Tempura with Sour Cream, Shrimp & Pork Fried Rice with Maple and Salted Black Bean, Slow Cooked Lamb Ribs with Anchovy Aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: An intimate, Michelin-starred New American kitchen known for bold, deeply flavored plates.
Who should go: Small groups and couples chasing destination-level cooking.
When to visit: Prime weeknight or early weekend seatings for smoother pacing.
What to order: Trout roe tempura, lamb ribs, shrimp and pork fried rice.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if possible—the best view of the kitchen’s choreography.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; metered spots on nearby arterials. No valet — expect competition for spaces on weekends and consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy given the special-occasion feel.
Noise level: Lively and energetic with an open kitchen — conversation is doable at two-tops, but voices may need to be raised during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the counter, but waits can exceed an hour due to the small dining room; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No regular weekday lunch service (dinner-only most days), so lunch waits do not apply.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — typically several vegetable-forward small plates and pastas; options rotate, so confirm with your server.
Vegan options: Limited — many dishes use butter, cream, or egg; the kitchen may be able to modify a small number of plates on request.
Gluten-free options: Selective options available (some small plates and proteins). Pastas are not gluten-free and there is potential cross-contact — mention restrictions early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, attentive pacing, and high-level cooking make it a strong choice for a food-centric first date, especially if you’re comfortable with a lively atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the space is small, so most tables are booked. Your best chance is early evening or late slots, or asking about counter seats if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the focus is on long, coursed meals in a compact dining room. Older teens who enjoy adventurous food may do fine, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Destination-level, intensely flavored small plates and handmade pastas in an intimate setting with close-up kitchen energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, broad menu substitutions, or a casual, kid-oriented dinner — a larger, more flexible restaurant may suit you better.