Fountainhead on Postcard

"Fountainhead, North Center. Like any great establishment, success often trickles down from the top. Cleetus Friedman, Fountainhead’s executive chef is present in almost every aspect of the restaurant. From the drinks and the food to the marketplace next door, you can find his stamp of approval on it all. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get to meet him! Almost everything at this restaurant is made in-house and/or is locally-sourced. Their wide variety of food options pairs well with their abundant beverage selection and cozy ambiance. Looking for a top-notch bloody mary? The Cleetus Heatus is one of the best in the city. Go for the drinks, stay for the food."

Chicago

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@eater

"Fountainhead, which has nothing to do with Ayn Rand, is closing on November 14. It was a rustic spot on the North Side for sipping whisky and enjoying weekend brunch. The bar raised the stakes at a time when bar food seldom went beyond burgers and fried foods, helping usher in the age of the gastropub in Chicago. Despite receiving a PPP loan in the spring, the business wasn't sustainable. Fountainhead Market will remain open indefinitely. The closure was announced via social media, citing financial pressures and limitations restricting revenue. The ownership hopes for a new Fountainhead to arise in the future. The name is a reference to beer coming out of a tap. The bar furthered the career of chef Cleetus Friedman and had long-term partnerships with community organizations." - Naomi Waxman

Fountainhead in Ravenswood to Close in November - Eater Chicago

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SPICY

Google

Club member will be my next goal for this place. I had a great time there. Not just a so much whiskey that I can learn but food was a culinary delight, in taste and presentation!!!! I love meats and cheese board. Mussels roasted garlic with white wine also top of the line. Service was warm and welcome too.

Jeremiah Perkins

Google

Amazing rooftop for this restaurant!!! We went there for the first time since moving here about a month ago and this was during the pandemic. They had the rooftop nicely set up and the seats spaced out, they had a mobile version of the menu, and they had amazing service! It's a great place from our experience and we will 100% be back ( not just because we live like 2 mins away!!) 🥇

joey G

Google

A great place for whiskey, beer, and (as I've just learned) BRUNCH! Very chill, no wait, extraordinary chicken and waffles, very good coffee. Beautiful food all around.

Theresa Lynch

Google

The atmosphere was comfortable and laid-back. I went with my husband for a light dinner. I had a Cobb salad, which was delicious, and my husband has wings. Our server was friendly and attentive. Our only complaint was that the iced tea tasted a little funky. But we recognize that this is a bar, and iced tea isn't their priority.

Jeff Gottdownunder

Google

Solid neighborhood place. Great rooftop patio (smaller menu up there I believe but solid items - burger was super tasty and fresh). And a beer list that goes on for days including some local guys on draft which I love to see. Good service too.

Logan Lutes-Steiner

Google

My husband received a gift card for his birthday. We were excited to try it out because we had past it many times & it was in the neighborhood. He ordered the crab sandwich and received cold, bottom of the bag fries. I ordered the rabbit gnocchi and had two rib bones in my dish. To top everything off, they couldn’t validate the gift card nor issue the difference.

Amber Kouba

Google

Overrated rooftop restaurant. The ambiance outside was ok.. but there’s so much more opportunity to create a more magical ambiance considering there are no spectacular views. The food was good, although they didn’t get the medium rare steak right on the 1st try. It came medium well with a hint of pink in the middle which was very disappointing. The portion sizes were rather small as well and appetizers are severely over priced for the portion size. The service was lacking. No one downstairs at hostess table despite the sign saying wait to be seated. The bartender eventually noticed us and told us we could just head upstairs to be seated. There was one waitress for the entire rooftop which you can't blame the waitress at that point for lack of service. We did go on a Sunday evening so it wasn't the busiest time of day but still a good crowd. Overall not worth the prices. You can go to a rooftop restaurant with views of the lake or city for the same price and much better food and service.

Jeff Hlinka

Google

Went here on a cold Chicago winter evening and the atmosphere was very cozy. Drink selection is plentiful and the food was GREAT! We had the cheese curds to start and would for sure have them again. We ordered the veg & meat pies and they were delicious - the pie crust was perfectly seasoned and the fillings were well balanced and served with a great sauce on the side. I also appreciate how the staff explained various components of the dishes. Can't wait to come back here in the summer for a rooftop dining experience!

SPICY

Google

Club member will be my next goal for this place. I had a great time there. Not just a so much whiskey that I can learn but food was a culinary delight, in taste and presentation!!!! I love meats and cheese board. Mussels roasted garlic with white wine also top of the line. Service was warm and welcome too.

Jeremiah Perkins

Google

Amazing rooftop for this restaurant!!! We went there for the first time since moving here about a month ago and this was during the pandemic. They had the rooftop nicely set up and the seats spaced out, they had a mobile version of the menu, and they had amazing service! It's a great place from our experience and we will 100% be back ( not just because we live like 2 mins away!!) 🥇

joey G

Google

A great place for whiskey, beer, and (as I've just learned) BRUNCH! Very chill, no wait, extraordinary chicken and waffles, very good coffee. Beautiful food all around.

Theresa Lynch

Google

The atmosphere was comfortable and laid-back. I went with my husband for a light dinner. I had a Cobb salad, which was delicious, and my husband has wings. Our server was friendly and attentive. Our only complaint was that the iced tea tasted a little funky. But we recognize that this is a bar, and iced tea isn't their priority.

Jeff Gottdownunder

Google

Solid neighborhood place. Great rooftop patio (smaller menu up there I believe but solid items - burger was super tasty and fresh). And a beer list that goes on for days including some local guys on draft which I love to see. Good service too.

Logan Lutes-Steiner

Google

My husband received a gift card for his birthday. We were excited to try it out because we had past it many times & it was in the neighborhood. He ordered the crab sandwich and received cold, bottom of the bag fries. I ordered the rabbit gnocchi and had two rib bones in my dish. To top everything off, they couldn’t validate the gift card nor issue the difference.

Amber Kouba

Google

Overrated rooftop restaurant. The ambiance outside was ok.. but there’s so much more opportunity to create a more magical ambiance considering there are no spectacular views. The food was good, although they didn’t get the medium rare steak right on the 1st try. It came medium well with a hint of pink in the middle which was very disappointing. The portion sizes were rather small as well and appetizers are severely over priced for the portion size. The service was lacking. No one downstairs at hostess table despite the sign saying wait to be seated. The bartender eventually noticed us and told us we could just head upstairs to be seated. There was one waitress for the entire rooftop which you can't blame the waitress at that point for lack of service. We did go on a Sunday evening so it wasn't the busiest time of day but still a good crowd. Overall not worth the prices. You can go to a rooftop restaurant with views of the lake or city for the same price and much better food and service.

Jeff Hlinka

Google

Went here on a cold Chicago winter evening and the atmosphere was very cozy. Drink selection is plentiful and the food was GREAT! We had the cheese curds to start and would for sure have them again. We ordered the veg & meat pies and they were delicious - the pie crust was perfectly seasoned and the fillings were well balanced and served with a great sauce on the side. I also appreciate how the staff explained various components of the dishes. Can't wait to come back here in the summer for a rooftop dining experience!

Fountainhead

Fountainhead

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