Eric Mathiasen says:
On Friday 11/11/05 9:45 PM
I've been to Allen's at least a dozen times this year because I love it. It doesn't hurt that I only live a block away.
To me it is THE standard-bearer for the River North area. It's not the fanciest, it's not the highest priced, it might not even be the best (although I think it's among the best), but it has a balance between quality, service, style, originality and consistency that I just don't find anywhere else.
First, the food. The standard menu has plenty of solid choices including what I think is the best tuna tatare in the City. The duck breast entree and the foie gras appetizer are also excellent. But I think there are two things Allen's does as well or better than any other place in the city: Fish and Soup. Though Allen likes to talk about his game dishes (rabbit and elk are regularly featured), I think his various soups are always perfect. And their fish dishes are better than the fish at most of the actual "fish places" downtown.
Second, the service. The service is really a perfect balance of professional and friendly. Not so cold that you think they're robots, but always respecting the diner and taking service seriously.
Finally, the dining room itself is very inviting. It's in a heavy timber loft, with big glass windows onto Huron. It is in the River North gallery district and you feel that vibe from the space.
I highly recommend it, I think you'll understand why I called it a standard-bearer if you do.
