"Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived. Dripping with minimalism and downtown cool, Avec is covered in cedar: on the walls, the ceiling, the clean-lined furniture. Warmly lit with a mix of communal tables and bar seating, the shoebox of a space manages to be perfectly designed for group outings or more intimate dinner dates. What was the crowd like? Creatives (West Loop agency types) and professional diners (besuited biz dudes) fill up the long, tight space. The spot is consistently buzzing with conversation and energy. What should we be drinking? Affordable bottles outnumber big spenders; French, Italian, and Spanish wines share room with intriguing options from Portugal, Greece, and Israel. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. The whole roasted fish is exemplary of the kitchen’s finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Place your meal in the hands of the knowledgeable servers and you won’t be sorry. Whether helping you pick out the perfect Greek white or navigating the small plates, the staff is deft. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Pro-tip: Avoid the dinner crush and head to Avec for a stylish midday excursion. Gather the gang to tackle the diverse share plates, or treat your bestie to a long, rosé-fueled lunch." - Antonio Basada
