Restaurant Review: South Loop’s Moody Tongue offers Michelin-starred brews and tasting menus

Would you believe…Orange Blossom Belgian Blonde Beer? Juiced Lychee IPA? Caramelized Chocolate Churro Porter? It’s all there for you at the South Loop’s Moody Tongue, the world’s first Michelin-starred brewery, which is also home to The Dining Room, an intimate 28-seat fine dining restaurant.

The Dining Room at Moody Tongue presents an intimate fine dining experience showcasing a 10+ course tasting menu with curated beer pairings.

Founded in 2014 in Chicago by cousins Jared Rouben and Jeremy Cohn, the two young brewmasters built the brewery on the philosophy of culinary brewing, appealing to those with a discerning palate – or as they describe, a “moody tongue.”

Today, it’s a  lively neighborhood restaurant and bar, featuring an a la carte dinner menu and shareable plates alongside a selection of martinis, wines, and a rotating seasonal list of 16 draft Moody Tongue beers.

Their current Tasting Menu starts with Kampachi made with avocado, sesame, and daidai (Asian bitter orange), followed by Chawanmushi (savory Japanese steamed egg custard) made with a colorful blend ofporcini, crab, and marigold. A Smoked Potato follows, with caramelle, yeast beurre blanc, and trout roe. Hokkaido Scallop combines a prawn with soy and kumquat. Their Bread & Cheese speaks to Bavarian influences, featuring a pretzel with the hard French cheese mimolette. The fish course is a Barramundi (aka, Asian sea bass) with turnip, spinach, and jeow som (a Laotian spicy, sour dipping sauce.) Stone Axe Australian Wagyu is served with rutabaga, asparagus and black garlic. Cucumber has an unusual mix of granola and ice wine vinegar. Finally, Rhubarb serves as a tasty dessert with lemon, shortbread, and yuzu. 

Many others agree with the Michelin-star.

“First time in Chicago – this was an incredible experience,” said one Google reviewer. “Don’s service and attention to detail was incredibly thoughtful and consistent. The menu and beer pairing complemented extremely well. I could not have asked for a better experience. I will be back. Thank you Don, thank you to the service staff, and thank you Moody Tongue Chicago!”

Moody Tongue is located at 2515 S. Wabash Avenue. Seatings are offered at 6:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6pm and 8:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Advance reservations are required, and can be made by clicking here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago