A Magnificent Mile favorite for Mediterranean small plates, cured meats, cheeses, and an excellent wine list, just off Michigan Avenue near the river. Bold, shareable, and reliably great. Reservations recommended; walk-ins seated as available. Open daily. Order the JLT and the milk-braised pork shoulder.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tue 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Wed 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thu 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Fri 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Red Line to Grand (5-min walk); bus 3, 26, 143, 151 on Michigan Ave |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Late lunch or early dinner on a weekday to avoid the wait |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.7/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.4
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the wait for walk-ins?
- At peak dinner hours the wait can stretch to an hour or more without a reservation. Arriving at opening or mid-afternoon dramatically cuts the wait.
- Is it a Michelin restaurant?
- It's a longtime Michelin Bib Gourmand-caliber favorite known for quality at fair value. Whether or not it's listed in a given year, it's a critically respected Chicago mainstay.
- Where exactly is it?
- It's at 444 N Michigan Ave, with the entrance on the upper level of Michigan Avenue near the river and the Tribune Tower. It's an easy walk from the Mag Mile shops and the Riverwalk.
- Do I need a reservation at The Purple Pig?
- Reservations are recommended, especially evenings and weekends, and can be booked on Resy. Walk-ins are seated first-come as space allows, so off-peak times give the best shot without booking.
- Is it good for groups?
- The share-plate format works well for small groups, though the space is snug and large parties are easier with a reservation. It's ideal for two to four people grazing and drinking wine.
- Is it good for vegetarians?
- Yes, despite the name it has strong vegetable and cheese plates, from roasted vegetables to their cheese selection. Meat-eaters and vegetarians both eat well here.
- What should I order?
- Signatures include the milk-braised pork shoulder with mashed potatoes, the JLT (fried pig ear), and the bone marrow. Order several small plates to share and lean on the staff for wine pairings.
- Is it expensive?
- Small plates are individually moderate but add up when sharing several, so plan on roughly $40-$65 per person with wine. It's a splurge-ish but high-value meal for the Mag Mile.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
- The Wrigley BuildingAttraction0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Rossi'sBar0.32 km · 4 min walk
- Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - ChicagoRestaurant0.42 km · 5 min walk
- Gus' Sip & DipBar0.46 km · 6 min walk
- Magnificent MileNeighborhood0.48 km · 6 min walk
Where to stay near The Purple Pig
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score