Here Are Chicago's 10 Priciest Corkage Fees

by Eater Staff Jan 23, 2015, 9:49am CST

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by Eater Staff Jan 23, 2015, 9:49am CST

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Whether seeking to impress your dinner date with that one-of-a-kind bottle you've been waiting to open for years or you're scheming for a way to shave a few bucks off your bar bill, the good news is more and more Chicago restaurants are obliging their clientele with an under-the-radar BYOW (bring your own wine) policy. What's the catch? A big, fat fee.

While both of Chicago's three-Michelin-starred restaurants, Alinea and Grace, don't allow outside wine, here's a list of Chicago's 10 priciest corkage fees at restaurants that do.

—Melanie Hesdorffer

Everest Restaurant

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If Everest’s extensive selection of 1,600 wines - stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled cellar and served in crystal stemware - or the $98 wine pairing that accompanies Chef Joho’s seven-course tasting menu doesn’t meet your fancy, no need to fret. Everest will happily uncork your bottle for $75.

440 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 663-8920

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Acadia

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Those uninterested in Acadia’s $105 wine pairing to compliment chef Ryan McCaskey’s seasonal tasting menu may instead bring in any two standard size bottles of their own for $65 apiece.

1639 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

(312) 360-9500

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Topolobampo

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If the vintage, private label wine at Topolobampo isn’t tempting enough and you can’t be swayed by classic cocktails, seasonal margaritas, featured wines, mezcals and drafts, for $55 you may bring a bottle not on their list.

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 661-1434

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Sixteen

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Not so keen on the idea of BYO, Trump’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Sixteen, permits guests to bring one bottle per table of four for a $50 fee.

401 N Wabash Ave Fl 16, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 588-8030

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TRU

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In spite of their collection of 1,500 wines from around the world, Tru will allow guests to bring up to two bottles of any wine not on their list for $50 a pop.

676 N Saint Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 202-0001

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Naha

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For those unenthused by Naha’s globally influenced wines and creatively crafted cocktails, for $50 a bottle guests may opt to bring their own.

500 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 321-6242

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Spiaggia

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If Italian wine (and French Champagne) is not quite your style, Spiaggia invites guests to bring no more than two bottles of any wine not on their list for $50 each.