Welcome to Mother’s Ruin
At Mother’s Ruin, a trendy gem in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, culinary delights meet dynamic cocktails in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Specializing in New American fare, this intimate bar offers an array of mouth-watering options ranging from juicy burgers and spicy chicken sandwiches to vibrant vegetarian dishes. With its hip decor, friendly service, and a full bar—including craft cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned—Mother’s Ruin guarantees an exceptional dining experience. The perfect spot for groups or romantic outings, the restaurant embraces a casual vibe while delivering top-notch food that captivates the palate. Discover your new favorite haunt at 2943 N Milwaukee Ave!
- 2943 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60618 United States Hotline:
Welcome to Mother's Ruin, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Avondale, Chicago. This vibrant cocktail bar and eatery redefines the New American dining experience with a trendy yet intimate atmosphere. Whether you're dropping by for brunch, enjoying a casual lunch, or unwinding after a long day, Mother's Ruin offers a unique blend of delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails that keep patrons returning for more.
The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a cozy, hipster ambiance that makes it a prime spot for groups or romantic evenings alike. The décor cleverly intertwines modern and retro elements, creating a welcoming environment that is perfect for both casual hangouts and special occasions.
One of the standout features of Mother's Ruin is its diverse menu. The Double Burger, loaded with white American cheese and secret sauce on a fluffy brioche bun, has garnered rave reviews from customers. Complemented by their famously crispy Old Bay Waffle Fries and spicy ketchup, it's an experience you won’t soon forget. For those looking for a plant-based option, the Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and is a delightful choice for vegans.
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: As noted by ardent fans, this sandwich is a must-try—juicy and packed with flavor, it’s considered one of the best in the city.
- Brussels Sprouts: A hearty vegan option tossed with cashews and chickpeas, offering a refreshing and zesty side.
- Cocktail Selection: The bartenders here are well-versed in the craft of mixology, mastering classics like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, which perfectly captures the smokiness of mezcal.
Don’t overlook the atmosphere—Mother's Ruin strikes a fine balance between lively and laid-back, making it ideal for both bustling gatherings and intimate dinners. Expect moderate noise levels, allowing for easy conversation amidst the backdrop of curated music playlists, enhancing your dining experience.
All things considered, Mother’s Ruin is not just a place to eat; it's a culinary experience that marries weighty flavors with a relaxed vibe. The combination of excellent service, delectable food options, and a vibrant drink menu create a welcoming retreat for locals and visitors alike. Make sure to swing by when you're in the neighborhood; you won’t regret indulging in this love letter to American cuisine.

Randomly ordered from this place one night on ubereats So glad I did I'll be back to order more Everything was great except for the salad they should've separated the dressing n the hot chicken it welted the salad n the dressing was absorbed by the box

Mother's Ruin is the perfect spot to visit in Chicago if you are looking for good vibes, great drinks, and delish food in a quaint but beautiful space! We stumbled upon this spot while scrolling through Yelp and had to check it out! The burgers, tacos, and chicken sandwiches are a hit here! The waffle fries are amazing as well! This is a great spot to go on a date or just to grab some drinks with friends. Make sure to check out Mothers Ruin when you are looking for spots to eat or drink in Chicago!

Excellent food and the bartenders (both male and female) not only know how to make a great drink, but are also extremely erotic in their mannerisms while doing so which creates a true ambiance. The decor in the bathroom is also very cool and worth checking out.

I visited Mother's Ruin for lunch at 12:30pm on a Friday and I had the day off work. There were a few people that came in/out and it was never very crowded, which makes sense as it's definitely a bar. Mother's Ruin feels like a divey neighborhood bar that is old school, cozy, and it is relatively small. You place all food orders at the bar and they will bring it out to you. Also, they have self-serve water. I ordered the Double Cheeseburger and it came with waffle fries. The Brioche bun was solid as it was soft, fluffy, and fresh. Unfortunately, the patty was the worst part. It was a little dry and I thought it lacked flavor as there was no juice whatsoever. The quality of the beef was good though. It felt like it literally a smashburger that was overly smashed with no juices. The toppings were solid. The pickle was crispy and tart and the sauce was very tangy. The waffle fries were very good! They are perfectly seasoned similar to Arby's Curly fries and they were extremely crispy. The ketchup definitely tasted housemade and it was excellent as well! Bun: 7 Burger: 4 Toppings: 7 Overall: 6.0 Fries: 9 Prices were average for Chicago. The bartender who was working was good and he made an excellent Old Fashioned. Overall, Mother's Ruin is a divey neighborhood bar with decent food and great cocktails. It reminds me of a divier Sportmans Club/Revel Room so definitely worth a stop by if you are in the neighborhood!

This dive bar in Avondale is worth a stop. The do have slushies, and I tried one with rye, but there wasn't much booze in it. I switched to regular cocktails and they were boozier. The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is great, with the strong smokiness of the mezcal shining through. Still kind of sweet, though. They do have a bottle of Cynar and so I used that in place of vermouth to have them stir a pretty solid manhattan. I would get that again and again. Music selection was great. No frills, but all high tops, which is annoying as I was in a wheelchair. The remainder off the bar is accessible, with no step in front (but a bit of an incline) and large, single use bathrooms. Daily happy hours from 4-7.

OMG!! The fried chicken sandwich is amazing and one of the best, if not the best in the city. If you like a juicy chicken sandwich then this is the place in the city! For all those looking for a zinger alternate here in US - this is the place - IYKYK

Their burger is one of my favorite burgers in the city! Their cocktails are strong & delicious and they taste even better during happy hour The ambience is fun, the staff friendly. Highly recommend!