Ресторан · Chicago · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 7408 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:39:23
Address: 444 N Michigan Ave Upper Level, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
The Purple Pig: The Happiest Detour Off Michigan Avenue
Every great shopping street needs an escape hatch. On the Magnificent Mile it is this convivial Mediterranean den, where you trade shopping bags for a glass of Greek wine, a board of salumi and an hour of unhurried grazing. The name promises fun; the kitchen delivers real substance.
The Concept
“Cheese, swine and wine” is the house religion, preached by Jimmy Bannos Jr. — son of a Greek-Italian Chicago restaurant dynasty and a James Beard Award winner. Since 2009 his small plates have wandered the Mediterranean from Spain to Greece, all of them built to be passed around the table until the last bite is negotiated over.
What to Order
Build the table slowly: a salumi and cheese board, the whipped feta smear with grilled bread, something crispy from the fryer, then the legendary milk-braised pork shoulder to share — spoon-tender under a cloud of mashed potatoes. Finish with pistachio or cinnamon soft serve, or the Sicilian Iris, a fried brioche filled with ricotta and chocolate that vanishes in seconds.
The Space
Exposed brick, warm lighting and long communal tables set the mood — this is a room engineered for conversation with strangers who become friends by the second glass. Since moving to its roomier upper-level home near Tribune Tower in 2019, the Pig has space to breathe, plus seasonal outdoor tables above the Michigan Avenue bustle.
Who It’s For
Shoppers refueling mid-Mile, friends splitting a bottle over small plates, travelers between the architecture cruise and Navy Pier, and couples who believe grazing is a love language.
Good to Know
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime, yes — the casual energy and shareable plates suit families before the evening crowd rolls in.
How does communal seating work? Long shared tables mix parties together; smaller tables exist too if you prefer privacy.
When are waits shortest? Weekday afternoons between lunch and dinner are the sweet spot.
Happy hour? Sunday through Wednesday afternoons, with rotating plates and pours.
Can I take a taste home? Takeout is available, and gift cards make easy souvenirs.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:39:23
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: chicagoka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Food is quite excellent here. Beef tartare was well flavored, nice presentation, just the right amount of toast to go with it. The pork ribeye was juicy and tender. Dessert was quite decent. Service is friendly and atten…
I managed to book a table. Every dish was stunning! We especially loved the bone marrow, and the bread served with it was so tasty — my kids loved it. If you like spicy food, you'll probably also love the Spanish octopus…
Wow, this is one of the best restaurants we've ever been to. If you're in downtown Chicago, you absolutely must have dinner at the Purple Pig.
We ate a lot, ordered a few things, but the chef came over to us at the bar,…
A wonderful experience. My boyfriend highly recommended this place to me, because he was last here (when it was at the old location). Nice service. Nice interior. The food was mostly very tasty. The beet appetiser was re…
A tasty and filling lunch! We started with shared appetisers of pig ears and bone marrow, served with toasted bread. For mains, my friend ordered the duck and three buns to stuff the meat, and I chose the aged pork chop…