What two people should budget
Two set menus cost $290. Two $65 wine pairings take that to $420, and two $35 juice pairings to $360. Elske adds a 4% surcharge to every check, which you can ask to have removed. With it, two set menus come to $301.60 before tax and tip.
À la carte can cost much less. Starters run $12 to $28, mains $28 to $50 and desserts $12 to $18. For example, bread, the tuna tartare, the halibut, the flat iron steak and two $16 desserts come to $164 for two, or $170.56 with the surcharge. That's our example order, not a recommendation, and it leaves out drinks.
Booking, the patio and time at the table
Reservations are on OpenTable, linked from Elske's site. The patio is uncovered, and a patio booking doesn't guarantee a table inside if it rains. For an evening that can't move, book indoors. Walk-ins are welcome when there's space, and the restaurant suggests calling first on (312) 733-1314.
Elske sets table time by party size. Two guests get 2 hours, three or four get 2.5 hours, and five or six get 3 hours. Dinner runs Thursday through Monday. Final booking terms remain unverified.
Booking, patio and dietary policies · Restaurant and booking link
OpenTable lists Monday and Thursday 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday 5:30 to 10, Saturday 5 to 10 and Sunday 5 to 9. We read the public listing, but deposit or prepayment, cancellation, transfers and the release schedule remain unverified. Elske's FAQ also lists pork-free accommodation. Plan any event after the table time for your party, plus travel; that buffer is our advice.
Diets, groups, bottles and parking
Elske lists the diets it can cook for as dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut and tree nut free, shellfish-free, vegetarian and pescatarian. Vegan isn't on the list. If a guest has a restriction that isn't listed, or more than one, email info@elskerestaurant.com before booking. For severe allergies, the restaurant says it can't guarantee against cross-contamination during its suppliers' packaging and handling.
The largest table in the main dining room seats six. Bigger groups use the private dining room on the second floor, and parties of seven or eight pay an 18% service charge. Ask about stairs before booking that room.
You can bring wine, one 750 ml bottle per person and four per table at most, for $35 a bottle, as long as it isn't on Elske's list. There's no dress code and no valet. Metered parking is on Randolph, unmetered spots are on Ada and Lake streets, and there's a paid garage across the street at 1371 W. Randolph.
Current food and pairing prices · Booking, patio and dietary policies
OpenTable flags wheelchair access and business casual dress; the FAQ says no dress code. Confirm the entrance, restroom and upstairs route directly, and ask about age rules. The private room has capacity for 24 seated guests or 54 for cocktails; that is a separate event space, not the six-person main-room limit.
Compare before booking
Sepia's four-course menu is $258.75 for two with its 3.5% surcharge, before tax and tip; Elske's set menu is $301.60 with its removable 4%. Both also offer another format, but Elske's à la carte lets your table choose dishes instead of buying a set progression.
Indienne has a published vegan tasting menu. Elske's accommodation list does not confirm vegan dining. For a fixed-time event afterward, Elske gives two guests two hours at the table; Sepia estimates two to two and a half hours for its four-course menu. Confirm your finish before buying event tickets.
Sources and editorial approach
This is a researched planning guide, not a review of a firsthand meal. Prices and policies are those available when checked. Cost examples are our calculations with exclusions stated. Confirm the details for your date with the restaurant.
- Current food and pairing prices
- Booking, patio and dietary policies
- Restaurant and booking link
- OpenTable: public listing, September 30
Checked September 28, 2026. Send a correction with the detail and a supporting source.
Public booking listing checked September 30, 2026. We did not verify live availability or final checkout. Other sources retain the dates stated.