Bluprint

While walking the dog over to Petco I saw the sign for BluPrint, went home and looked it up on here-​After looking at the menu I wanted to try it out–
FOOD:
I love that this place has Southern cuisine, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, grits, collard greens…
Appetizer: I ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, very good–
Entrée: Halibut that was served on top of a bed of grits and collard greens, very good-​Yet the halibut could have been a tad more moist, yet I did like the crust on top but it was over cooked just a hair–
ENVIRONMENT:
Very modern look to it but also odd, booths remind of something at a fast food place, they had candles on the table but the wall lighting was very bright–
They also had a band playing, I believe it started at 8:00, so if you want to dine and not hear that come before 8:00-Service was great, and honestly a great value-​This isn’t an intimate place to eat at, nor romantic, very open/​exposed–
I would come back here again, small menu but good selection–
***Easiest entrance is on the backside of Merchandise Mart, over where Kinzie is–

We had our wedding reception at BluPrint – it was FANTASTIC on all fronts. In a city where space rental fees are as high as $ 6500 + (for just the space, not even a chair), BluPrint was a cost-​effective, sleek, beautiful space that lent itself to the fun, celebratory atmosphere we were looking for.
1. Katie, the event coordinator, was phenomenal. Her attention to detail and genuine desire to make the wedding planning process as effortless as possible and the wedding celebration as fantastic as possible was nothing short of amazing. She never missed a beat and went above and beyond the call of duty on all marks – all we had to do was show up and have fun.
2. The space was gorgeous and perfect for mixing and mingling throughout the night. Before and after the sit down dinner, everyone naturally migrated toward the center bar/​dance area to have fun. No need for table runners, crazy huge and expensive floral arrangements – simple and sleek did the trick. Added bonus: it’s a restaurant, so linens, votive candles and floating candles are on the house – they also lent us their vases for our DIY simple mum floral arrangements… nice cost savings.
3. Great sound system – three areas of the restaurant, each with its own volume control. This allowed space quiet enough for conversation and an adjoining space with music loud enough for dancing. Also, the AV system made it easy for all to view a video… no need to bring in external equipment. Another bonus– an ipod hook up. Katie was able to pause and switch playlists when need be – no fee for the hook up and it worked like a charm.
4. Food and service – the rave reviews keep coming in. No need for guests to select one of three entrees in advance – they simply ordered what they wanted that night. Attentive and friendly service – great.
We had a blast and so did our friends and family. Our wedding funds were spent on great food, top shelf beverages and guests, not on inflated room rental fees, linen/​chair costs, audio equipment fees, DJs, flower arrangements. If we could do it again, we wouldn’t change a thing.

I arrived at Blueprint about the time they opened for service on a Thursday evening. We got the server’s full attention as the place slowly filled over the next hour. The bar was clearly a hot spot for the after work crowd. I am a modern art fan– love clean lines so I especially loved Blueprint’s ambiance. Everything– the tables, serving wear, food, everything has a specific and complimentary shape. The menu is minimalistic as well but we were able to find and thoroughly enjoy great meals. My companion ordered one of the fish selections to rave reviews and I enjoyed the artistic and interesting pasta dish. It was a medley of fall vegetables surrounding and inside intricate, delicate, little tortellini (they looked more like 3D versions of the Pac Man ghosts). Interesting flavors, textures, shapes, and colors.
It wasn’t especially easy to find the restaurant in the mammoth that is the Merchandise Mart but we followed the signs and eventually got there. I thought the prices were fair for a tasty and interesting meal.

I like décor and style this place. Cocktail is $ 9! I think affordable price cuz lots of fancy restaurant charge me $ 15 per cocktail.
Great food and great service. Good for couples who need romantic night!

I can’t believe I haven’t been to Bluprint until now, even though it’s been open since 2007! I finally tried it out with a friend last night and was very impressed.
As others have mentioned, the décor is sleek and modern, a look that complements the contemporary furniture showcased in portions of the Merchandise Mart. Despite the clean lines, the room still maintains an airy feel with white walls and light wood seating.
My food was fantastic! I’m a huge risotto fan, but some restaurants’ versions are heavy on the butter or cream, which detracts from the real flavors. Blueprint’s spring risotto did not disappoint me – the asparagus, mushrooms, peas and lemon gave it a great flavor, and I couldn’t taste a hint of butter or cream. Definitely some of the best restaurant risotto I’ve had in recent history. My apple/​blue cheese/​walnut salad was a nice start to the meal.
Drinks are excellent. My friend and I both drank a crisp, excellent sauvignon blanc, and the wine list had several nice wines by the glass, in addition to an interesting cocktail list. I could easily see coming back for an after-​work drink to soak up the atmosphere at the bar.
Service was very friendly and attentive, although the latter did not surprise me since we were some of the only patrons in the restaurant. We went on a rainy Tuesday night around 8:00, and from what I’ve heard, this place tends to draw a larger lunch and happy hour/​after work crowd, so perhaps we went at the wrong time. I took one star off for this reason, although I’d have preferred to give 4 ½ stars. It sounds like several reviewers have encountered a similarly empty restaurant. Maybe all of Unilocalers should go at the same time to fill the place up, because it’s definitely worth a visit!
Overall, Bluprint was a great dining experience, and I’ll certainly be back soon. Check it out!

I had a great lunch here a little while ago. I had a delicious sandwich, but my friend had the best steak salad I have ever tasted. It was fairly empty while we were there, so the waiter was very attentive and helpful. He recommend both dishes, and they were good suggestions!
I thought this was a great place to have a nice quiet lunch!

Been here a few times for lunch now. Great service, good soups.
I had the BluePrint burger (medium rare w/​bacon), really nice and way better than the one I had at Marche the week before (hey, if you can’t do a burger right?)

I used to work in and around the Merchandise Mart so I went here often for lunch and after work drinks. Before they officially opened they hosted a few parties for the Mart and their selection of hors d’oeuvres was very tasty. The night of their grand opening they had an entirely different menu but I was still impressed with their choices.
The servers were all very knowledgeable about the menu and had good suggestions for new items.
The bartender was a little *too* heavy handed, which I usually never complain about, but sometimes you just want to have a couple drinks and not be totally canned when you’re ready to leave.

We had our company party here recently.
I would give 5 stars for the décor. The space is beautiful and they went all out making our private section look GORGEOUS. For the first little while they even sectioned off the back half of the bar for us so that we didn’t have to fight through the mass of after-​work patrons to get a drink.
The appetizers were delicious, especially the baked goat cheese puff thingy-​mer-​bobbers. The main meal (done buffet style) was also tasty. Save one problem. Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago, right? So why on earth would I want to eat turkey, stuffing, gravy, pureed (think baby food) sweet potatoes, and green beans?
I don’t mean to mislead. I love that stuff. Once a year. On Thanksgiving.
Perhaps that was my company’s decision? Or perhaps it was Bluprint’s. Who knows. It was good. It just wasn’t inspired.
Drinks were yummy. Service at the bar, after they opened it up to everyone, was slow. They should have had another bartender on. It was a Friday night and they had a huge event booked, plus the (what I assumed to be) usual Friday crowd. That said, drinks were strong. So all was forgiven. And forgotten. Mostly forgotten. Due to the large amounts of free alcohol imbibed over the course of the evening.
I don’t think I’d return to Bluprint on my own accord. If someone else wanted to make a trip I definitely would, but it wasn’t so spectacular or unique that I’d put forth the effort.

This is a nice little place located in the Merchandise Mart. The décor and set up makes me think that it’s more of a cocktail lounge, but then again, do people really stick around Merchandise Mart for cocktails? Maybe they do — I’m from out of town, so what do I know?
We grabbed a quick lunch here after working nearby at Argo Tea. I got the chicken curry salad, which was super tasty. I’m not a huge fan of normal chicken sald, but the curry and other seasonings added just the right amount of kick. I ate plenty of the tasty rosemary bread that they started us out with, so I probably didn’t need the 3 slices that they served the salad with. Still, nice thought, guys.
Our service was prompt and courteous. The place seemed really slow, though. This was great for talking (not too much competing noise or conversation), but probably not so great for the waiters’ wallets. I’d give Bluprint another try and check out something else on the menu if I was nearby, but probably wouldn’t go out of my way to return.

Oh… this place and I are going to be very very good friends… I can tell already. We needed a drink before the opera and had a little over an hour before it started. Looked around at other places and they were… well…too snooty I guess for lack of a better word. So finally we learn from a friend about this place. Walk in and WOW! The décor is gorgeous! Being a Asian décor lover as it is I was in heaven in here. We sat at the bar and were promptly and nicely serviced. It was quiet and not much going on. Perfect. The problem with these after work drinking places is that they get SO packed after 4:30! Here, not so much, because I think everyone escapes the bowels of the Merchandise Mart after they leave work.
I feel like I shouldn’t even review this place for fear that the word will get out and everyone will hang out here instead after work. And then where will I go to have a decent conversation before the opera?
So shhh! Don’t tell anyone, but if you want a nice quiet drink after a rough day and don’t want to yell anymore, come to Bluprint. It has everything you need to make it all better!

I used to work right across the river from Bluprint and have been there several times for lunch or after work cocktails. I just love it. The service is fantastic and they play some chill music that lends a wonderful backdrop to good conversation. They offer a wide range of wines and interesting cocktails, but don’t worry, they are pros at serving up your favorites. (I LOVE LEMONDROP Martinis!)
Anyway, their lunch is really good as well. No complaints whatsoever.
The reason for only 4 stars is that they used to have amazing drink specials that they discontinued. I’d still go for full price though, just have to consume half as much. :-P

I was super excited to try this restaurant located in the Merchandise Mart when it first opened last summer. Then I read one mediocre review after another and stayed away. However, when looking for a lunch spot near the mart this past Tuesday I decided to check it out. And I liked it! I’ve now made up for lost time at Bluprint because I went back for lunch yesterday. Yep, that’s 2 times in 3 days, which may seem like a lot of Bluprint to some, but I’m even looking forward to my next visit in the near future.
The restaurant is very modern and sleek– it’s actually a little cold feeling, but I wouldn’t really expect a nice restaurant located in the Mart to be warm and cozy. The food was delish starting with the bread basket they brought out to our table. And i just happened to be with Miss Colleen «I don’t eat carbs anymore» C so more bread for me! On both occasions I ordered the chicken curry salad. I know, I should branch out more, but figured I’d stick with a good thing. My friend who joined me at lunch #2 at Bluprint ordered the Amish chicken and it looked so good that i was having a bit of meal envy (even though i was quite content with my curry chicken salad).
Service was great both times– lots of personal attention, especially since the restaurant was pretty much empty on both occasions! Not sure if I’d want to go to dinner here, but I think this will become my go-​to spot for upscale lunches in the area…

I’m sort of a big deal in the world of Cobb Salads.
Just call me Colleen «Cobb Salad Judger C. mmmmk?
Because, let’s face it. Sometimes you want some major «stuff» on a salad. Avocado, egg, ham, turkey, bacon, lots of other good stuff. Not just wimpy lettuce and some tomatoes. That just won’t do it for me, I need stuff. I’m a girl who eats.
Bluprint’s Cobb Salad was quite phenomenal and well portioned for $ 15. I could barely make a dent in it. Fresh, flavorful, well done!
I also tried the special soup; Mushroom. It was very heavy and a bit too tepid for my tastes, but the fresh mushrooms in the mix were very tasty. A nice complement to the rockin’ Cobb.
Good stop for lunch in the Loop, particularly for business lunches as its a bit more upscale than say… Potbelly’s. Clean atmosphere, lots of seating, easily accessed by the Merch Mart el. Service was just dandy, and our lunch was very enjoyable.
Stamp: Cobb approved.

To each his or her own. I can see why some would like Bluprint, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
The sandwich that I ordered was good, not great. The pork was dry and the bread seemed a little stale. I am off of fries for 2008, but I tried the bloody mary ketchup which was pretty darned good. Also, the pickles were very good, even considering that I am not a fan of bread and butter or any type of sweet pickles.
To me, the décor was offputting. Everything looked very cold and sterile (not sterile in a good way). To me, it looked like what everyone in 1986 thought everything would look like in 2008.
With everything in the area that is available, I probably won’t make it back to Bluprint.

I normally would probably give Bluprint 4.5 stars but I’m giving it 5 stars to that EVERYONE WILL GO TO THIS RESTAURANT! I can’t believe what a gem this is. I ate dinner here on a Friday night prior to seeing a show at The Chicago Theater. The food was so amazing — my friend (a vegetarian) and I were blown away by the flavors that come out of the food which are a surprise just by looking at it.
The ONLY negative thing I have to say about this restaurant is that there aren’t that many people here. It is super cute and seems like it should be packed with a fun vibe at all times. The bar is spacious and offers super creative drinks. I’d love to come here and hang out after work, except there aren’t that many people there. So you all must go and check it out and have a drink. I usually don’t repeat restaurants, since there are so many in Chicago to go to, but this one is so good that I need to come back and bring my family and close friends so they can see what they are missing.

This place is ‘ridiculous’ (in a good way for those not familiar with this adjective). Not in recent memory have I had a business lunch where the food was so remarkable. May 13^th was my first visit to Bluprint, so I can’t relate to all the whining from previous reviewers who bashed this place.
We split the edamame appetizer which is truly enough for 2 – 3. I ordered the Amish Chicken, a perfectly roasted chicken, moist and tasty over a bed of a creamy version of grits. My colleague ordered the Chicken Salad which had a great overtone of mustard that took this ordinary item and made it memorable. Too late for this visit I see they have $ 5 Martini’s on Tuesday and Thursday. I will DEFINITELY be back in the next couple weeks with my wife for this terrific lunch (and a martini!). It’s not a cheap place, but worth the few extra bucks to impress a business friend or that significant other.

Frouffy Ambiance — 5 stars for being gorgeous
Fancyschamncy food — 3 stars for being ehhhhhok
Cutesydrinks — 1 star for being overpriced (even for the merch mart) and crappy!
The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside — and I would expect nothing less since it is located inside the Merchandise Mart in the middle of the «Luxe Home» setup.
The food is hit or miss. The menu is small — so I expected with the minimal selection everything would be top notch. Not so much. The lobster bisque soup is ok, the burger is all right, the smoked salmon — I think I can get better quality at Einstein Bagels for less money. I don’t mind shelling out money for a good meal, but Bluprint continues to crush my hopes and dreams with their bland offerings.
I have been consistently disapointed with the drinks. The beers are expensive (but that is to be expected). I had a pumpkin martini for $ 11 and I would rather have had someone poop in my mouth. When I go to a fancier place — I usually order a dirty gin martini with blue cheese olives. It is my signature drink. When I ordered one here — it was a) not dirty b) made with sweet vermouth. When I informed stoned hippie surfer guy waiter I had he was like «Ohhhhhhh» and went and got me another one. It arrived 20 minutes later after I finished my meal. There were five other people in the restaurant.
I’ll probably go back again out of sheer laziness or until the Merch Mart gets another place that serves booze.

This place is NOT good. The food was pret-​tay pret-​tay pret-​tay bad and my waiter was stoned and had a ridiculous hairdo. The décor was beautiful but that only goes so far when your party of 3 is the ONLY party in the restaurant. We were there from 5−6pm last Saturday and it was dead, granted the weather was terrible but it would have been nice to see other people in the spot.
Kona Kampachi — BOO-​urns!
Truffle & Parmesan Fries — better than Rockit’s
Postmodern Blu Cocktail — served in a too trendy cup that is awkward to grasp, but I liked the flavor because it reminded me of a blue Flavor Ice
Total bill was around $ 50, will never come here again.

What a sexy restaurant. There aren’t enough well designed restaurants like this in Chicago. The ambiance is great although being in the lobby of the Merchandise Mart does detract from the sexiness.
With the exception of the half-​Asian, half-​White girl with a messed up half-​Southern, half-​Hong Kong accent with a strong lisp who couldn’t stop talking about her need to «empower young businesswomen because I don’t have a child of my own to empower», the crowd was quite pleasant. I really wanted to go over to her and say «inside voices please».
Most importantly, the food was top notch. The selection for vegetarians is very bare but luckily I partake in all sorts of carnivorous delights. The dessert was out of this world — even manly men will appreciate it. Get the butterscotch and chocolate mousse dessert.