ZipPicks Awards
Best Spanish in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Mediterranean in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Greek in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best BBQ Ribs in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Trendy Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Happy Hour in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
The Purple Pig
8.8
Opened in 2009 by chef Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig is a high-volume Mediterranean small-plates restaurant on the Magnificent Mile where pork, offal, and vegetable dishes pull from Italian, Greek, and Spanish flavors. A Bib Gourmand pedigree, tens of thousands of reviews across platforms, and an always-busy dining room make it one of downtown Chicago’s most proven small-plates destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milk Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Charred Cauliflower, Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean small plates spotlighting pork and Spanish-leaning tapas.
Who should go: Travelers and locals wanting lively small plates off Michigan Avenue.
When to visit: Evenings for buzzy room; late lunch for easier walk-ins.
What to order: Milk-braised pork shoulder, charred cauliflower, one or two pastas.
Insider tip: Sit at the kitchen-facing counter for faster pacing and guidance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; most guests use nearby Magnificent Mile garages or hotel lots — street parking is scarce and competitive, especially evenings
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but the crowd trends polished and slightly dressy
Noise level: Lively and often loud — conversation is possible but not quiet or intimate during peak hours
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation at peak times; bar and counter seats may turn faster
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though brief delays are common during convention or tourism surges
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward small plates and cheeses, though menus skew pork-leaning overall
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adaptable; confirm with your server
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free or modifiable, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and shared plates — the buzzy room and tapas-style pacing create a fun, conversational vibe, but it’s not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during evenings and weekends. Put your name in early or ask about counter seating, which can be the fastest way to be seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens comfortable with adventurous small plates will do fine, but the space is busy, loud, and not geared toward very young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: High-volume, consistently executed Mediterranean small plates with bold pork and vegetable dishes in a lively, downtown setting
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large individual entrées, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — a calmer, more specialized restaurant may suit better