Fab Review: Bad Hunter

Bad Hunter, located on Randolph Street in the West Loop, is a new veg-forward restaurant from the Heisler Hospitality Group. The executive chef, Dan Snowden, previously worked at Nico Osteria and The Publican. While the primary focus is vegetarian food, they offer a few meat dishes, which also do not disappoint. A wood-fired grill is used to cook their food and the herbs used in their dishes are grown in-house.

{Ambiance}
When you step inside Bad Hunter, you feel like you are outside on a patio or in a garden. The space is very open and bright with exposed white brick walls and stone floors. There are floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant, which allows a lot of natural light into the dining area. Small square mirrors and plants decorate the walls throughout the entire restaurant. There are many tables as well as booth seating. The tables are wooden with stone table-tops, which contribute to the restaurant’s outdoor vibe.

A large high-top table sits in the center of the restaurant, which is accented with potted plants.

To the left of the entrance, is a long bar with a large selection of alcohol, lined against the walls of the shelves. It is also decorated with live indoor plants.

If you look towards the back of the restaurant, you can see the kitchen behind the walls with glass windows that resemble a greenhouse.

{Food}
It is difficult for me to pick a favorite dish because everything is delicious and well-executed. I have already gone multiple times in the short time it has been open since the menu is constantly changing. Most of the menu items are on the lighter side, so it’s best to go with a friend and order a few dishes to share.

Fry Bread
The Fry Bread is fried and served with pickled onions, burrata, chile oil, dill, and Thai basil. It is a little on the salty side, but pairs well with the fresh and creamy burrata. This is one of the more heavier dishes on the menu.

Butter Dumplings
I highly recommend you try the Butter Dumplings. If I had to pick a favorite dish, this would be it. The dumplings are served with thinly sliced green radishes and apples in a slightly spicy kimchi sauce. The inside is filled with corn, shiitake mushrooms, Asian pear, and oyster kimchi. This dish is the perfect combo of different bold flavors.

Veggie Burger
When I asked our server, what are some of her favorite dishes, she said the Veggie Burger is a must-try! While a truly great veggie burger can be hard to find, Bad Hunter definitely does it right. It is served with cheddar, crisp lettuce, tomato jam, onion, and mustard-aioli on a brioche bun. This burger is made extremely well to the point that you forget you’re even eating a veggie burger.

FAB TIP: You can also add bacon.

Braised Lamb Grilled Cheese
The Braised Lamb Grilled Cheese is perfectly toasted on The Publican’s seeded rye bread with a crispy and crunchy crust. The braised lamb is very flavorful and topped with Harissa aioli and gooey, melted Mahon cheese. It also comes with your choice of a side of fries or carrot-kohlrabi slaw.

Red Curry Squash Tart
The Red Curry Squash Tart is not particularly sweet and has a mix of unique flavors. The crust is made from sesame seeds held together by maple sugar. The tart is filled with squash that has a light curry taste to it. It is then topped with whipped coconut cream, black sesame seeds, Thai spiced peanuts, and cilantro. It may seem a bit odd to have cilantro on a dessert, but it pairs well with the other distinctive flavors.

FAB TIP: They are now offering brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

{Experience}
Overall, the food is amazing, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the inviting, outdoor-like space makes you forget that it’s snowing and freezing outside. I never would have thought to go to a veg-forward restaurant before, but now Bad Hunter is one of my favorites in the city!

{Location}
Bad Hunter
West Loop || 802 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 265-1745

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

Have you been to Bad Hunter yet? What are your thoughts? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.