Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code?
Esmé does not have a dress code, come as you see fit.
Where Can I Find Parking?
Esmé does not offer valet; using rideshare, taxi, or public transportation is suggested. Metered parking is also available.
How Far in Advance Are Reservations Available?
Reservations can be made up to 60 days from the calendar date via Resy.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
We can abridge the tasting menu to accommodate pescatarian, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners with 72 hours’ notice. For questions regarding those not listed here, or to inform us of your dietary needs, please reach out to us directly at info@esmechicago.com.
What is Your Corkage Policy?
If you would like to enjoy a bottle from your own cellar, corkage is available for $65 per bottle, there is a three-bottle maximum per table, we kindly request that you not bring anything that already appears on our wine list. If you require decanting or specialty glassware, please contact the restaurant prior to your reservation time.
Does Esmé Offer “à la carte” Options?
The Esmé dining room is prix fixe, à la carte offerings are available at Bar Esmé.
Are Reservations Required For Bar Esmé?
Reservations are not required to join us at Bar Esmé.
Where Is The Dining Room Entrance Located?
The entrance to the dining room is located on the corner of Webster and Sedgwick. While the entrance to Bar Esmé is located on Clark directly across from Francis Parker, we ask that you enter on the dining room side for your dinner experience as space is limited in the bar.
How Long Can I Expect to Dine?
Our unabridged menu averages a run time of 2.5 to three hours, and we plan all our seatings accordingly. The kitchen follows the pace of the guest, multiple interruptions will add more time to your experience as we aim for food to arrive to the diner per the Chef’s vision and standards.
Why is My Ticket Non-Refundable?
A ticketed reservation system allows our tiny restaurant to plan and prepare for each guest's visit to create the best possible experience for each party. When a reservation cancels, we cannot recover the loss from that table, which impacts our entire team. Similar to when purchasing non-refundable tickets to a performance, we ask for your understanding and support for the experience we are trying to provide at Esmé for our guests and team members. If you need to rebook your reservation at any point after it is made, a rebooking fee of $150.00 ++ per person is incurred. All rebooked reservations must fall within six to nine months of the original booking unless otherwise specified by management.
What is the Service Fee and Why is it Charged?
At Esmé a 22% service charge is added to pay our team a fair living wage and benefits. A service charge model helps us provide a consistent income for all members of our team in a way that a traditional tip model does not. We’ve decided to keep a gratuity line on our checks because many of our patrons have asked if they can leave a little something extra. This is something our team truly appreciates and that ownership makes sure to go straight to the staff.
Reservation Dispute Policy
At Esmé Chicago, we take reservations seriously and strive to provide a delightful dining experience for all our guests. To maintain a fair and efficient reservation system, we have established the following policy:
Reservation Dispute Handling
Prior to purchasing their dining experience, all guests must agree to our cancellation and rebooking terms.
Guests who initiate disputes with their bank regarding charges for an active reservation will not be eligible to dine with us or rebook, irrespective of the dispute outcome.
Esmé Chicago will diligently provide all relevant correspondence and evidence of any fraudulent claims to the guest's bank in order to contest the dispute.
Our commitment to ensuring a smooth and equitable reservation process is paramount. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to provide exceptional dining experiences.