Peckish Pig

Love this place! The ambiance is fantastic, the food menu is interesting and very tasty. One of the best places in the area!

I went to Peckish Pig with my boyfriend for brunch last weekend. It is not in the best neighbourhood (on the Evanston/​Rogers Park border) but that isn’t what is most important! It was very nicely decorated, and the service was great! Our waitress was warm and always had a smile on her face. We ordered the scone, which was great but messy to eat. I also would prefer it to be served with unsweetened whipped cream, which would be closer to Devonshire cream and make the scone less sweet as a whole. I did love the addition of fresh berries to the plate. We also ordered a traditional breakfast. The bacon was really good! The dish that you MUST order, however, is the French Toast. It is dipped in a vanilla-​kahlua batter and has cereal on it to provide a nice crunch! My boyfriend thinks that the cereal on it is Cinnamon Chex or Life. It was TO DIE FOR and came with a drizzle of caramel along with hot Maple syrup. I could eat it every day! I am looking forward to trying Peckish Pig for dinner next time!

Really good British food… loved it. The owner was amazing. The best sticky toffee pudding ever!

I’ve been to Peckish Pig twice and have enjoyed it, but I’ve always been confused by their menu. The food is very good, but appetizers are mixed in with the entrees as things are sorted by category (meat/​fish/​pork/​beef) and not by course. The best thing we had were the chorizo and dates wrapped in bacon. My one complaint was that we were there for my husband and his brother birthdays, and as a free treat they give you a piece of chocolate. Though there were four of us at the table, they only gave two chocolates. Considering the money we were spending in there I think they could have coughed up two extra chocolates. None the less, the food is good, the service is good. Get there early because they do not take reservations for whatever their reason is.

If I could give six stars I would. Beyond amazing food and the greatest service. We have come to this place 6 times since moving right around the corner. Shannon was our server once and knows us so well now. She is one of the sweetest people. when she was not our sever one time she sent over some chocolate toffee things to your table. How sweet! Not many wait staff will ever do that. Actual that was a first. All the food is so fresh. The home made donuts are to die for and the bacon wrapped dates. Also the wine is fantastic. I dont drink beer much but my husband love the house brew. There brunch is amazing. the fish and chips is amazing it’s quite like what you get in England and that’s hard to find! We will be coming back quite regularly.

We went here for my birthday this year and forgot to write a review. Of course, I’m thinking of it now because it is incredibly cold in the Chicago area, and I am wishing for the peckish pig’s wonderful outdoor patio. All the food I tried was great, the small plates menu really let you try a few different things, in their space is a lot of fun. I will definitely go back.

«Not the Purple Pig»
To begin with, I want to say that the ambiance is fantastic. How they’ve managed to create privacy in the stuffed dining room without a feeling of uncomfortableness is brilliant! Wine and drink selections were very good as well. My BFF and I arrived around 8pm on Saturday and were able to get a table immediately.
I was rather impressed with the menu although the service was mediocre. The server greeted us with a smile and the smell of a freshly smoked cigarette. Come on? Not appealing whatsoever! She was indeed polite but just «there» if you know what I mean. She sauntered around her tables, never seeming too excited but was helpful once we asked questions. We had to ask to have our cocktails replenished, but the bussers ensured that our water glasses were continually filled:)
For apps we ordered the bacon wrapped dates and the Whipped Goat Cheese (with honeycomb). They were delicious and the price was fair for the portion sizes. For entrees, we selected the Pork Tenderloin (Sage Roasted Potatoes & Pear-​Raisin Compote) and the Shrimp & Fried Polenta w/​Spicy Mayo. They were good. Period. Nothing over the top. I wasn’t wanting to lick my plate when no one was looking so good is it. The Kerrygold Irish Cream in coffee for dessert was fabulous. It is served with homemade whipped cream on the side.
With all that said, it’s just not the Purple Pig. They have attempted to replicate it to some extent and although I understand the concept, the food just doesn’t come close. Is it better than most in Evanston? I’m sure it is. But once you’ve dined at the Purple Pig, it’s sets the bar so high, I wouldn’t bother with second best.
Our bill was right around $ 100 for 2 of us without the tip. I’d go back but would for sure try other restaurants in Evanston first.

I’ve came here twice, both are for their brunch. Their food is great, with lots of English style items. I also liked their bloody Mary. Enjoyable experience.

Came here with a few friends for a «girls night out» and we had a great time. Really nice ambiance and the food was really, really good! A great «neighborhood» spot that is a bit more upscale and perfect for «foodies» in your crowd. I really enjoyed my experience here and will be back!

This spot is on Howard pretty close to the redline spot. I must be honest I was quite surprised there was a place like this in this area. Lets just say Howard street doesn’t scream gastropub/​brewery, but what a great surprise. The place is low key, quiet. Theres a bar in the middle, with some couches against the walls, the place sure looks pretty cozy. Did not get to go outside for the patio, but heard its great. For a Sunday night there was a good crowd. Like most my trips to gastro/​breweries I had to try every homemade brew. I got 2oz flight of everything. And unfortunately they were all pretty medicore. Most of the beers were watered down, or lacked a depth in flavor. I couldn’t even tell you which one was my favorite because none were memorable. The food was slightly better but not much. The hog wings and bacon wrapped dates were pretty tasty, but for the price the portion was quite small. Overall the place is warm and welcoming, and the athmosphere has a chill charm to it. But unless you live or work around here there isn’t much of a reason to come back, there are better options in Evanston. Might give this spot another shot in the summer for the patio.

First time experience for us. Liked the overall feel, music not too loud, warm room, subtle décor. Arrived around 6:30 on a Thursday eve. Sat at the bar. Took awhile to get acknowledged by the bartender. No salesmanship or up-​selling. We had to ask for a dessert menu at the end. Ordered a couple of great beers and the bartender gave us samples of the ones we were curious about.
*Ordered the Burgundy Beef (I called it «burgundy mushroom» because that was the predominant ingredient.) Beef was tender and flavorful. An improvement would be to nix the mushrooms and add more carrots/​potatoes.
*Ordered the Meat & Cheese board. Really liked the cheeses, good value, the meat was ok… toast points could have been toastier and the store bought crackers didn’t really go with the board. Also the server did not tell us what was on the board… he just served it. It was fun to explore though.
*Ordered the Chocolate & Coffee cupcake. Nice presentation (would have been better without the cupcake paper on it.) Dry and did not have any coffee flavor. The icing on top was hard so when you cut through the cupcake it just mashed through due to the hardness of the frosting.
We will come back to try some of the more interesting items on the menu ;)

A lot of people talk about how great the patio here is in the spring, but I want to come back when it’s even colder than it was last week … and snowy! I’d bet Peckish Pig’s giant front windows and cozy warm interiors create the perfect spot to watch the snow fall.
We loved the rustic feel of the restaurant — exposed brick interior walls, funky light fixtures, a large farm style table among other smaller options and comfy couch-​table combos, all with cool blue mason jars used as water glasses that added a needed brightness to the place. The bar seems to be the centerpiece, wooden and smack dab in the middle of it all.
With the cooler months upon us, my enjoyment of rich and hearty foods increases tenfold. And delicious food, like what we found at Peckish Pig, makes venturing out from home worthwhile.
We started with the applewood bacon wrapped dates with chorizo as an appetizer. They were a really satisfying combination of sweet and savory, with a creamy dipping sauce (aioli, perhaps? the menu didn’t mention it); the serving size was perfect for two or three to share. A greasy puddle that remained on the wooden slab reminded us that we chose, possibly, the least healthy option on the menu, but … worth it!
My husband loved his pork belly, and said the mashed potatoes were «fine» (which, in his language usually means good, but not out-​of-​this-​world). My dish — the spicy lamb sausage flatbread (with goat cheese, red grapes, and citrus arugula) was very, very good and loaded with toppings, including plenty of my fav — goat cheese.
I can’t wait to try all of the other unique items on the menu! My problem will be trying not to visit too often, as we found (with appetizers, drinks, etc.) this place a little on the pricier side.
Note: We live close enough to walk from home. But if you can’t — anticipate spending some extra time finding parking, or some extra cash for a valet.

We have been to this place twice now. This review is specifically for the dinner menu as it differs significantly from their lunch/​brunch menu.
While the lunch menu was not that super special the dinner was really great. We really liked the applewood smoked bacon wrapped dates, the belly pork, and the hot wings which are actually pork shanks. The highlight was definetly the fried nutella for dessert. The service was also super friendly. Therefore thumbs up and four stars.

I came here on a summer day with a friend & it was a great great experience. We ordered the curry risotto rice, crab cake benedict, and fries with an aeoli sauce. I think out of the three things we ordered, the fries were the best thing. They were really big and the sauce made it even better. I would come again just for the fries.
The service was phenomenal. We were cracking jokes with the waiter and he made it so enjoyable. I love it when I enjoy both the food and the service. Peckish Pig deserves the five stars!

Really good food, in a cozy, hip environment. Creative options or more standard ones. I really enjoyed the macaroni and cheese with duck — it was heavenly. But really everything we got was quite good and went down well with any of the great beers they have. Though they were crowded and we were told it would be a 20min wait, we were instead able to sit at the couches along the window and order food from there, and still got great service.
Heard they also have an awesome brunch and would love to go back some time to try!

I don’t come up to this hood too often, but a dear, sweet friend of mine invited me for a cocktail for my birthday, and this place seemed unique enough for a long trek north.
A lot of it may have been due to the company, but we had a fantastic time on a beautiful, warm Wednesday night. The inside was relatively empty, when we arrived, but the patio was full. We started with a cocktail at the bar while we waited for a table outside. The featured cocktails were creative and tasty: I enjoyed my Shoemaker, and my friend enjoyed her Gin-​E-​Pig.
About fifteen minutes later, we settled up and went to our now-​vacant table. The menu is interesting, and it was perfect to share one substantial dish and nibble on others. We had to have the bacon-​wrapped dates: a bit pedestrian, but always delectable. Unfortunately, they were out of them. (My life’s story with desirable dates…)
Next, we had to try the popcorn: Funny how bacon fat on popcorn would have sounded disgusting ten years ago, but now pour it on and place a caramel dipping sauce on the side, and it’s a tasty treat. Perhaps it will turn into an American past time worthy of a seventh inning stretch: «Buy me some peanuts and bacon-​fat, caramel corn; I don’t care if the pinch-​hitting batter gets scorned…» You are what you eat, and I’m nuts about nuts; so we got the herb-​roasted nuts which were good, but not exciting. Finally, we got the Peckish chicken and ham pot pie – one of the deconstructed types with a bowl of goodness, topped with a sombrero of puff pastry. I was happy to have it caress my tongue and reconstruct itself in my stomach.
Did we save room for dessert? Did 50 cent say «we gon’ party like it’s yo’ birthday»? We retired to one of the couches in the back of the patio and ordered a couple. I didn’t have a candle, but I made a wish, since the sticky toffee was warm to my heart.
Unfortunately, the service wasn’t warm to our hearts. Our server was rarely around when we needed him. We ordered a bottle of bubbly, and we had to ask him three times for a bucket to keep it chilled.
But the food and my company kept me bubbly just the same.

For a moment I was horrified…
Ham hock balls with salted caramel. I didn’t know what they were when I ordered them, but the combination sounded interesting. The dining party I was with told me they were pig testicles when they came out, and I was shocked after I had a bite and thought they were delicious! Of course my dining guests were kidding, and I wasn’t sure I believed them, but for a moment I was horrified! The *balls* were really salty, but the caramel dipping sauce rounded out the saltiness and gave them an additional kick of flavor. I had one… and then another… and then I couldn’t stop. I should have, but I couldn’t. They were just so interesting and good, but rich and filling.
What a lovely restaurant. Honestly just so creative and original. I’m sorry it’s quite a distance from where I live, but I guess that makes it all the more special when I’m in the area. The menu is creative, eclectic, and many of the dishes appear to be a mix of salty sweet, like the bacon fat popcorn with salted caramel. There is honestly something for everyone here, even my veggie hubby, and I can’t wait until the summer to come back and enjoy the patio — already open and hopping with guests.
I also had the opportunity to meet the owner at an event I recently attended, and Debbie is a sweetheart and designed the menu herself. The menu seemed a bit confusing the way it’s laid out, and I believe another reviewer mentioned this, but that’s an easy fix. There’s just so much to choose from!
Challenge: Finding a parking spot on a busy nice weather evening.
I’ll be back.

I’ve been here twice in the last month now.
Visit #1 was a post crossfit brunch. Best decision ever to share the large charcuterie plate amongst 4. It’s the best charcuterie plate I’ve ever had! Four different kinds of cheese (including a rosemary one and bleu/​moldy options), four different kinds of meat, toasted baguettes, and some crackers. Don’t forget the fig jam and really grainy mustard! Next best decision was sharing a Waldorf salad (tasty!) to share. I enjoyed the coffee too. My root veggie hash brunch entrée was a little plain, but I loved the fact that eating the leftovers made me feel healthy bc of all the veggies I was taking in. Win.
Visit #2 was a GNO on a Wed. for the $ 15 Triple B special (burger, beer, and shot of bourbon!). Let me tell you. That is one great deal, when the burger alone is something like $ 12! Definitely try the beef and chorizo burger! The meat is ground together and served atop a pretzel bun with your choice of goat cheese or cheddar. Love ‘em or not, steak fries are served up as the side (I love ‘em). Fantastic burger! … Not so fantastic service. Our waiter was super flighty, even though the restaurant was less than half full, and he kept walking by us to serve other tables. Dinner discussion topic #21 was whether the lack of service was bc we were a group of 4 gals (and someone had recently read that type of group has been profiled to tip less).
And yes, the charcuterie plate was had on visit #2 also, but the baguette rounds were off (soggy, not crisped up).
Other notables:
— blue mason jars used for water! It’s so Pinterest (in a good way).
— the purse/​coat hooks under the bar that look like red fire hydrant knobs. Creative!
— outdoor patio! Booyah!

I was here for dinner and had the pork belly on mashed potatoes, as well as the deep fried pb&j and a cider.
The pork belly was incredibly delicious — perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and matched perfectly to an incredibly creamy mashed potato. I would definitely order this again.
The deep fried pb&j was a little stranger and I still don’t know how I feel about it — I think I could have gone with more peanut butter and less jelly, but it was still delicious, and came with an amazing custard.
Would go again (in fact, I’m going again tonight).

Everything about the Peckish Pig is Impressive from start to finish.
Upon entering you will be greeted by a lovely young woman hostess
person and you will be asked what your seating preference would be,
yes, you can sit at the bar, or they have a bunch of comfy looking couches
or at a table.
So, I did choose to sit at a table but I couldn’t help noticing how lovely
the bar area was and actually the whole interior of this restaurant is
just so welcoming and comfortable/​casual, exposed bricks and wooden
beams, low subdued lighting, warm and inviting.
Now, the Peckish Pig has a great menu, but I urge you to order the
Fish and Chips, for in my entire 53 years of life I don’t think I’ve ever
had fish this good/​perfect, a light crispy batter and the fish itself just
fell apart it was so flaky and delicate…
The Chips, or fries, were equally as delicious, a thicker steak fry like
type of potato.
I had a great server by the name of Janek, and he was so personable
and took such great care of me.
Even suggested that very special lemon dessert for me!
Thanks Janek, Good looking out!
I even saw some Munchkins with their parents tonight at the Peckish Pig
and I must say /​admit that these particular munchkins were really well
behaved, they were loving on their fries Thank God!
So, I was really impressed with everything about my visit to the Peckish
Pig, and by the time I left tonight boy, was it crowded in there!
This is one popular, happening place!
And, for the record, tonight may have been my first visit.
But it sure won’t be my last…