Business Details
About
RestaurantBarPubCocktail LoungeCoffee ShopBar & GrillBrunch Restaurant
About Last Knife (ALK) is an American bistro serving classic dishes with a global flourish. With Chef Oumar Diouf at the helm, the restaurant takes inspiration from his West African roots, as well as Latin American destinations where he’s also lived and worked. The results are familiar favorites like Roast Chicken and Steak Frites, with often surprising ingredients or execution that makes the classics new again. A seasonally curated cocktail list, along with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, rounds out the experience, pairing perfectly with ALK’s plates big and small. Date night, work meeting, or catch-up with the crew, ALK is the perfect downtown destination for meals any time of day in Chicago.
Details
- Dine-inAvailable
- DeliveryNot available
- TakeoutAvailable
- Accepts reservationsAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.0
331 reviews
5 stars
174
4 stars
69
3 stars
31
2 stars
18
1 star
39
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Service Issues
Numerous reviews highlighted slow, inattentive service, with some customers feeling ignored or receiving poor treatment based on their age.
Food Quality
Mixed feedback on food quality; while some dishes were praised, many customers found the food bland, overpriced, or poorly prepared.
Ambiance
The restaurant's ambiance received positive remarks, with many enjoying the atmosphere and outdoor dining options.
Staff Friendliness
While some staff members were noted as friendly and attentive, others were described as rude or unhelpful, leading to inconsistent service experiences.
Value for Money
Many customers felt that the prices did not match the quality or portion sizes of the food, leading to dissatisfaction with the overall value.
- MEM ENov 2, 20252.0Ate here for Dining in the Dark last night. After going the last three years, this will definitely be our last. We were sat at tables that were literally about to fall over, more than once did our drinks tip over leaving both of us soaked, one was an alcoholic drink they just put down and refused to get us another. The servers moved us twice, to even worse tables than before. We refused the third move and just stuffed napkins under the tables instead. The food was ok at best, way under served for the price and experience. You end up paying 110+ a person for food they could have got at Whole Foods hot bar. The lamb was ok and that was the "best" part of the entire night, you got maybe a 4oz slice.
- JJJohnOct 12, 20252.0We were pretty excited to check this place out. Visiting for the marathon from NYC so I know good restaurants. This is not one of them. Service was EXTREMELY slow and inattentive. Fried calamari was cold and overcooked. Steak was on par with something you’d find at Walmart, and the burgers were essentially a patty on the shiniest bun I’ve ever seen. Drinks were not great, probably because the bartender was too busy joking around to pay attention. I’d highly recommend skipping this spot for something on the other side of the river.
- KHKaren HickeyOct 10, 20254.0Short staffed, but everyone is hustling! Overall, a very nice ambiance
- DHdavid hermanSep 29, 20254.0We had Breakfast. It was the normal breakfast menu. It wasn't unpleasant but it wasn't anything special. I had the eggs Benedict. I liked it. My wife had a 3 egg omelette that was on the small size Our friend had avocado toast. She did not write home about it. I might give less stars but nothing was wrong. It was a dinner at best. If you are staying in the hotel I believe your meal is cheaper.
- JIJames Caperelli IIISep 8, 20254.0Enjoyed dining outside. Excellent service. Very decent food. Don't miss happy hour specials.
Frequently Asked Questions About About Last Knife (ALK)
What type of cuisine does About Last Knife (ALK) serve?
About Last Knife (ALK) serves American bistro cuisine with global influences from West African and Latin American flavors, featuring classic dishes with unique twists.
What are the regular operating hours of About Last Knife (ALK)?
About Last Knife (ALK) is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Does About Last Knife (ALK) offer happy hour specials? If so, when?
Yes, About Last Knife (ALK) offers happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. It is closed during happy hour on weekends.
Is About Last Knife (ALK) wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the restaurant has wheelchair accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms.
Does About Last Knife (ALK) serve alcoholic beverages and cocktails?
Yes, About Last Knife (ALK) has a bar onsite serving cocktails, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.
Can customers make reservations at About Last Knife (ALK)?
Yes, About Last Knife (ALK) accepts reservations for dining.
Is there outdoor seating available at About Last Knife (ALK)?
Yes, About Last Knife (ALK) offers outdoor seating options for guests.
What are some notable nearby places to About Last Knife (ALK) that visitors might want to check out?
Nearby places include Pauline Books & Media for book lovers, Hotel Julian and Arlo Chicago for accommodations, and Michigan Ave for art galleries and travel experiences.
Are there nearby hotels where visitors to About Last Knife (ALK) can stay?
Yes, nearby hotels include Hotel Julian and Arlo Chicago, both within walking distance from About Last Knife (ALK).
How can nearby transit or corporate offices help visitors find About Last Knife (ALK)?
Nearby corporate offices like BlueMetal Inc. and SmithAmundsen-Chicago Office can serve as landmarks to help visitors locate About Last Knife (ALK) on North Michigan Avenue.