Cultivate by Forbidden Root

Cultivate by Forbidden Root reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. A

   Aaron VIP

   Chicago21 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Appetizers were incredible - grazing board and the shishito peppers. Beers were tasty! Scallops were a bit too fishy tasting/smelling, even for scallops and the burgers were pretty good. Service was exceptional and attentive.
   

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2. A

   AnneMarie

   Greater Boston2 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 25 March 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   My third time here. 1st time it was ok, second two times it was awful. The soup was gloopy/cold with spicy things of a texture that was awful to chew in soup. The fries were stale. Too much bread on the sliders/burgers (bread was dry too). Just the flavors/textures are not on point for what they claim to be(and the prices). Only recommend this place for the drinks/ambiance.
   

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3. P

   Paul VIP

   Chicago46 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 19 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I wanted to love it, but honestly the biscuit on the breakfast sandwich was dense and dry. The bacon which the server warned was more like a pork belly read like brisket with no sauce, no bacon flavor whatsoever. The breakfast potatoes were good. The wine was good. The doughnuts for dessert were great. The coffee had a hint of cinnamon and wasn't hot enough. Atmosphere was cool, servers were fine. All in all meh.
   

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4. J

   Joseph VIP

   Chicago6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 19 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Sam, our waiter, was the best. Food excellent. The place smells great with its wood burning hearth. Perfect for a wintry chicago evening.
   

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5. K

   Kristen VIP

   Chicago10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Always delicious food! Slightly slow service but nothing too bad. It was good to see the place busy.
   

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6. K

   Kristen

   Chicago14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Delicious food, lovely service, and a wide variety of drinks!
   

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7. J

   Jim

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 31 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   We enjoyed Cultivate a lot. The food menu had a lot more depth and variety than you would expect from a brew pub style of restaurant. Both of the entrees we ordered were delicious. I ordered a flight of beers so I sampled 5 of their beers and liked all of them. Only disappointment was they did not have cans to sell of the two beers we liked the most! (I did buy an alternative 4 pack)
   

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8. S

   Shirley

   New Mexico4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 22 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food is so good that this was our second night in a row to eat here. Scallops were excellent.
   

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9. S

   Shirley

   New Mexico4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 21 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food!!! We were expecting “pub food” but this was so much more. Skilled use of unexpected herbs and spices. This kitchen produced perfectly cooked proteins. The duck was the most flavorful duck I’ve had in a restaurant. The octopus was exactly the right texture. Pork shank and short ribs were fall-off-the-bone and seasoned creatively. Everything was flavorful and delicious. We appreciated the art of the serving dishes, not just plain white plates. Service was also excellent. We were greeted at the door and our table was immediately ready. Our server was attentive. Our food came out hot. Only real negative is the 3% charge to use a card. I don’t like carrying $250+ in cash. I wish this place was in our hometown. We look forward to returning to Cultivate.
   

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10. J

    Jessica VIP

    Chicago12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 20 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Excellent service. Our party of 7 was able to space out cocktails, appetizers, and main courses without being rushed by our server. Food and cocktails were very good! Unique spins on all dishes. Favorites were vada pav, board + extra beer bread, pork shank, duck and dumplings, short rib. The ambiance is great! Mood lighting without being too dark; alternative music at a perfect volume. Highly recommend this Ravenswood neighborhood gem!
    

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