Picture 1, smoked pig tongue – This included pig tongue (obviously) and pasta salad sandwiches in between. While I don’t see pasta salad as elite most of the time the pasta salad here was really good. It had a very nice kick and the sauce and noodles seemed home made and high quality. The pig tongue had a firm yet tender texture. It had a very good balance of smokey and salty flavors. The tongue and pasta salad combined were really good and I get it every time I go!
Picture 2, sardine salad – While many hate in Sardines these were really fresh and high quality! The salad was also made of marinated cucumber and avocado! If you get fish, cucumber, and avocado in one whole bite you are in for a treat!
Picture 3, tuna tartar – This is a classic and my favorite appetizer there. Despite being a common dish this is one of the best ones I’ve had! It has really rich flavor and it has mandarins oranges and avocado! The cracker is I fused with squid ink but I admit that it seemed to be more for ascetics as squid ink doesn’t really have a taste.
Picture 4, pig ears – These included dee fried pig ears (obviously), kale chips, and 2 eggs. I mixed the yolk with the kale and pig ears cause the waiter suggested that. The pig ears had a slightly firm texture but they were really crispy. They were kinda like pork skins in a way. The kale was also really good! It had a very strong flavor and had some good crisp! The eggs were also far higher quality then most other places!
Picture 5, duck croquettes – This was the first time I tried these and to be honest they are just ok. They had a slightly sweet taste to them and they really weren’t anything special.
Picture 6, pork belly – This was amazing! It is some of my favorite pork belly! The exterior was really nice and crispy but the rest of it just melted the second it came into contact with my mouth. The sauce had a sweet yet slightly bitter taste which may not be for everyone but I loved it!
Picture 7, turkey leg confit – Now this is the star of the show! It is a giant Turkey leg in a sweet confit sauce! It is topped with red cabbage and crispy capers! The second I even brushed it with the fork it just fell apart! It had lovely flavor and it showed how a Turkey leg is supposed to be made.
Picture 8, carrot cake – This was amazing. It was perfectly moist and the cake tasted like it was fresh out of the oven and the frosting tasted like it was fresh out of the pot! I’m not used to carrot cake being so good!
Picture 9, tiramisu – To be honest while this was good it wasn’t the best I’ve had. It just wasn’t mixed in enough and it seemed to need more coffee. While it was disappointing the rest of the dinner delivered so I was happy!
Overall while I get that most of us locals don’t eat here I would recommend trying it as it’s incredible and unique food!
by Depressedzoomer531
37 Comments
I still remember having that pork belly back in the summer of 2017…brought tears to my eyes it was so good.
One of the best meals I’ve ever had in Chicago
That pig ear salad is my favorite thing on their menu
Funny timing, I was just there this past week with a friend visiting from out of town who was staying on the Mag Mile. I was telling him Purple Pig is and has been one of the best restaurants in the touristy River North area. It’s really good! Wine selection is nice too.
“Everyone hates on it”? Really?
Everyone I’ve ever talked to here loves it.
It’s always consistent and exciting. The beets are amazing. One of my tops for years. JB is a G.
I’ve never been there but I’ve never heard anyone have a negative thing to say about it.
I’m sure the reason I’ve never been is its location. I never think of it unless someone said they’ve been (almost always a tourist) and they rave about it.
I’m always looking for somewhere to go before shows and neverrrrr think of it
Not a local, but every meal I’ve had there has been fantastic. Never miss it when we visit.
Guessing the house somm recommended the Diet Coke pairing with the tuna tartare?
i have spent more $$ at Purple Pig than any other restaurant in the city of chicago. It is incredibly consistent and not expensive for quality/location.
I have never had a bad meal in 8 plates there. The bone marrow was delightful.
I found the dishes I got very polarizing. Either great or not so good. I didn’t like the pig ear. Pork belly is great
I love that place. Visited Chicago 3 times. Had it twice. Always remember food from there.
Dang. My kid talked me out of it today. We are visiting and instead went to Billy Goat Tavern.
One of my favorites. If I have guests staying downtown this is my go to.
Back in 2013 it was one of the best meals and dining experiences I’d had in a very long time. It’s definitely gone downhill, imo.
Who hates on the Pig?
I wanted to try this, and also the Girl and The Goat when I was in Chicago. We tried neither. Next time I’m going to both and Dear Margaret. I’ll probably stay at the Drake for a month.
It definitely has a weird mixed reputation of well respected but overlooked because of the touristy location. Looks great!
I still remember the milk-braised pork shoulder I had there in 2010.
Convinced me. I’ll try it out, thanks.
Oh man! I forgot about this place. Thanks for the reminder!
This is my comfort restaurant, I think I’ve been here more often than any other seated restaurant in the city.
One of my favorite things about Chicago is a lot of the touristy stuff is food. The walking and boat tours are good. Purple pig is great!
Chicagoan here the food is pretty good. Isn’t it the same owner as Leona’s et al? I used to see that guy tumble outta bars on Taylor. Cool guy great place. Definitely Chicago.
Turkey leg confit is one of the best dishes in Chicago, for sure.
Purple Pig is a beloved restaurant. Idk what OP is talking about. Their food and beverage is top notch.
This is the first time I’m hearing of it.
They have the best broccoli I’ve ever eaten in my life. I think about it way too often.
My sister got engaged there… maybe 10 years ago now and I’ve still never been.
they are still going, hard crowd to please
Completely unrelated, but the Purple Pig was the name of a shitty sports bar in my small, Midwest hometown so I can never take – what I assume – is this perfectly nice restaurant seriously.
I had some sort of deep fried, feta stuffed, olive as an appetizer there back in probably 2018 and I still think about them.
Love the restaurant. Hate getting there.
This lighting looks like a hospital cafeteria… does it really look like this?
I never been, but the head chef is opening a new place in niles
Rock chalk