Boka
Illinois
Boka has served seasonal American cooking on North Halsted Street since 2003. Chef-partner Lee Wolen builds both à-la-carte dishes and a tasting menu around ingredients from local farm partners, with the tasting sequence changing daily. Banquettes and mirrored light bulbs give the dining room a relaxed, slightly playful character. Recent preparations have included brown-butter scallops with green garlic and buckwheat, and house-made ricotta gnocchetti with crispy chicken skin. These dishes show the kitchen’s interest in clear flavours and detailed execution. Cocktails, a globally sourced wine list and spirits accompany the meal, leaving guests a choice between a shorter dinner and a fuller tasting experience.