Are you cool? Like, effortlessly-cool-with-a-side-of-“I-just-threw-this-look-together” kind of cool? I ask because Maxwell Trading in the West Loop of Chicago oozes that exact vibe. Walk in and you’ll know what I mean. It’s warehouse chic (if that’s a design style and not a DJ name), buzzing with energy, filled with every age group, every pronoun, and every tattooed, effortlessly hip server in the city. And that’s before you even see the menu.

Now, I won’t lie—when we first arrived, the jury was out. We were seated outside, which felt more “coffee break behind the warehouse” than “part of the scene.” I quietly staged a coup and requested bar seating. My friends immediately agreed, likely grateful they wouldn’t have to hear me complain about being exiled from the ambiance.

And then… the menu. First reaction: $23 for asparagus? Have we entered a parallel universe where green vegetables moonlight as rare truffles? While, didn’t order the asparagus, everything we did try? Absolutely worth it—and enough to make me want to return and give the fancy stalks a fair shot next time.

Here’s what we shared during our bar-top culinary adventure:

• Brussels Sprout Fett’unta – Served on marbled rye from Loaf Lounge with stracciatella and pecan. Yes, it was sliced into three, and yes, we appreciated not having to perform impromptu bread surgery. I would say this was my favorite app of the evening.
• Prosciutto & Gnocco Fritto – Featuring caprino cheese and black currant-pepper jam. This dish was wildly addictive—especially when you use the pillowy fried dough to mop up every last bit.
• Griddle Bread & Dunks – The star of this plate was a dreamy whipped ricotta with TRC hot honey and burnt lemon. We dunked. We swooned. We considered double-dunking etiquette and then ignored it entirely.

All of this was joyfully washed down with a sparkling Pinot Blanc – the Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve from France. It added just the right touch of bubbles and bravado to our grazing evening.

Bar dining. Bubbles. A parade of appetizers. Honestly, what more does one need for a good time? Maybe some designer asparagus?

Maxwell Trading, I’m coming back for round two and vow to order the asparagus!