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Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Sikia – Affordable Culinary Excellence in Chicago

Sikia is a unique restaurant located in Chicago, IL, that offers an exceptional dining experience while serving as a training ground for students of the Washburne Culinary Institute. This establishment, which operates under the supervision of experienced faculty chefs, provides a three-course gourmet meal for an astonishingly low price, making it a hidden gem in the city. With its commitment to quality and community engagement, Sikia has garnered positive reviews for its delicious food and attentive service. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Friday, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

## History
### The story of Sikia
Sikia was founded with a vision to provide culinary students with real-world experience in a professional restaurant setting. The name "Sikia" reflects the establishment's commitment to nurturing future chefs while offering the community an affordable dining option. This innovative approach not only benefits the students but also enriches the local dining scene.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as part of the Washburne Culinary Institute, Sikia opened its doors to the public, allowing students to gain hands-on experience.
- The restaurant has undergone several menu changes, reflecting seasonal ingredients and the creativity of the students.
- Sikia has received numerous positive reviews, highlighting its quality food and service, which have contributed to its growing popularity.
- The restaurant has expanded its offerings to include catering services, further integrating itself into the community.

### Cultural and local influence
Sikia plays a significant role in the local community by providing affordable dining options while also serving as a training ground for aspiring chefs. The restaurant's focus on quality and service has helped elevate the culinary standards in the area, making it a valuable asset to the neighborhood. Additionally, the establishment often incorporates local ingredients, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Chicago.

### Continuing the tradition
As Sikia continues to thrive, it remains committed to its founding principles of education and community service. The restaurant regularly updates its menu to reflect the skills learned by students, ensuring that each dining experience is unique. By fostering a culture of excellence, Sikia not only prepares students for successful careers in the culinary arts but also enriches the local dining landscape.

## Community
### Community involvement
Sikia actively engages with the local community by hosting events and workshops that promote culinary education and appreciation. The restaurant often collaborates with local organizations to provide meals for community events, further solidifying its role as a community hub. This involvement not only benefits the students but also fosters a sense of pride and connection among local residents.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Sikia as a valuable resource, offering high-quality meals at affordable prices. Many locals appreciate the opportunity to support aspiring chefs while enjoying gourmet dining experiences. The restaurant has become a beloved spot for those seeking delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere, and its reputation continues to grow.

### Events and gatherings
Sikia hosts various events, including private workshops and community gatherings, which allow residents to experience the culinary talents of the students firsthand. These events often feature themed menus and special culinary demonstrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages community participation and engagement. The restaurant's commitment to hosting events showcases its dedication to fostering a sense of community and culinary appreciation.

## Offerings
### What Sikia offers
Sikia provides a unique dining experience that combines exceptional food with the opportunity to support culinary students. The restaurant's menu features a rotating selection of dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and culinary styles. With a focus on affordability, Sikia offers a three-course meal for under $10, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious diners.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Sikia is characterized by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can expect beautifully presented dishes that showcase the skills of the culinary students. The menu changes every few weeks, ensuring that diners have the opportunity to try new and exciting flavors. From appetizers to desserts, each meal is crafted with care and attention to detail, providing a memorable culinary journey.

### Events and packages
Sikia offers catering services for various events, allowing guests to enjoy the culinary talents of the students at their own gatherings. The restaurant is also available for private events, providing a unique venue for celebrations and workshops. These offerings not only enhance the dining experience but also allow the community to engage with the culinary program in meaningful ways.

### Facilities and features
- **Professional kitchen**: Equipped with state-of-the-art culinary tools and appliances.
- **Dining area**: A comfortable space designed to accommodate various group sizes.
- **Catering services**: Available for private events and community gatherings.
- **Seasonal menu**: Regularly updated to reflect the creativity of the students.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Sikia has received numerous positive reviews highlighting its quality food, affordability, and the unique experience of dining in a restaurant run by culinary students. Many diners appreciate the attentive service and the opportunity to support aspiring chefs.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Affordable pricing**: Guests can enjoy a three-course meal for under $10, making it an incredible value.
- **Quality of food**: Reviewers consistently praise the taste and presentation of the dishes.
- **Student involvement**: The opportunity to support culinary students adds a unique dimension to the dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While Sikia has garnered many positive reviews, some guests have noted the limited hours of operation, which may restrict access for those wishing to dine on weekends. Additionally, the restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis during the summer months, which can be inconvenient for some diners.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Sikia stands out as a remarkable dining establishment that combines affordability with quality. The restaurant's commitment to culinary education and community involvement makes it a valuable asset to the Chicago dining scene. With its rotating menu and attentive service, Sikia offers an experience that is both enjoyable and enriching for diners and students alike.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Sikia is conveniently located at 740 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60621, in the Englewood neighborhood. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Visitors to Sikia can explore nearby attractions, such as local parks and community centers, which further enhance the experience of dining in this vibrant neighborhood. The restaurant's location is easily accessible, making it a great stop for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a unique culinary experience.

## FAQs
**What are the hours of operation** Sikia is open Wednesday to Friday from 1 PM to 3 PM.
**Is Sikia reservation-only** Yes, during the summer months, reservations are required.
**What type of cuisine does Sikia serve** Sikia offers a rotating menu of New American cuisine.
**Can I host an event at Sikia** Yes, Sikia offers catering services and is available for private events.

## Visit Sikia Today
Sikia invites you to experience its unique blend of culinary excellence and community spirit. With a focus on providing affordable, high-quality meals prepared by aspiring chefs, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot in Chicago. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal or a chance to support local culinary talent, Sikia is the perfect destination. Join the community in celebrating great food and the future of the culinary arts.

ae566f1d-6ec7-44ec-81d4-749a8d8550bc

This establishment has VERY LIMITED HOURS BUT THEY ARE NO LONGER CLOSED!!! The students prepare good food, reasonably priced and are polite as they come! Good luck! Now if we could just get Parrot Cage back at the South Shore Country Club! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7kmQb2g5oY

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Newly reopened restaurant --lab for Washburne Culinary Program students at Kennedy King College. The menu is varied and the food is tasty and plentiful.

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This place is a hidden gem! I'm so glad that I found this place (well a friend found it but I tried it first! Don't judge. Haha). 3 course meal (appetizer, entree and desert for under $10! Where else can you get that at???? *****THIS PLACE IS RESERVATION ONLY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS AND ONLY OPEN WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 1PM TO 3PM)***** This is a restaurant that is attached to a culinary institute. They allow the students to work the front and the back of a real live restaurant to gain the necessary experience to transition to a career in the food industry. The restaurant itself looks amazing! The ambiance was very appealing and the hostess was very polite. My wife and I did not know that you needed reservations but the hostess accommodated us. As she was explaining to us, the reason for taking reservations during the summer is due to the low volume of students they have and the amount of product they order. This is smart but something that I wish they were able to expand because so many people are missing out. The food was amazing. The menu changes every 2-3 weeks. We had the corn bisque, shrimp kale salad, grilled tuna tostada, pad Thai, strawberry bread with vanilla bean ice cream and a pistachio cake with vanilla mousse and a caramel drizzle. These students did an amazing job. Although the meal is $8, they charge tax and a scholarship fee which I think is a great idea especially given the meal is inexpensive. For a soda or lemonade type drink it's about $2 and I believe you get free refills. They also do catering and I can see that venue being used for some amazing things. I will explore that option soon. Overall, great experience and I cannot wait to go back again!

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I wish this place had more advertisements because the food and the service is superb!! I had the Italian wedding soup (pic posted), pesto crusted cod with spaghetti squash (pic posted), and apple cider donut holes with homemade hot chocolate. All of it was very good. This is a school, so the meals and the service are all done by the students. You get a three-course meal for $13. You can't beat that. I wish I had pics of the braised lamb...oh my word!!!! To top it off, the chef comes out numerous times and works his way around to each table to check on how the patrons are enjoying their food. We were part of a large group and the service was great. Please visit this restaurant. Only downfall is that they are only open Wednesday-Friday from 11a-1p. Would be great if they would open on the weekend.

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Great Food and Service Always! I work nearby so I visit often, the food and service are always consistently very good, make sure that you tip!! The students work really hard.

463b515a-82ae-47e9-b211-2af69f642ab5

I am a student at the school and I was referred by some of the teachers to check out the restaurant and you really get a bang for your buck. 4 course meal for $10 and they are really good in their preparation and presentation of the food.

e79dae9c-d0d5-4036-a694-825a49c6c0bd

One of two restaurants located on the south side, owned by the City of Chicago, this place is a much needed outlet for the area. Love the simple, yet chic African decor. At first, I thought the dry attitude of the host/server was going to dampen our mood, but he turned out to be one of the absolute best (and he is a recent graduate of King Kennedy College Culinary program - has better customer service skills than most seasoned wait staff). He made small talk with us, checked on us periodically and even offered us a private tour of the culinary schools' state of the art facility. And he kept us laughing the entire night! The food was great. Loved the goat and peanut stew! Full of flavor and oh so creamy. They even have live jazz on the weekends which I will definitely be back for! Don't forget to BYOB, they do not and will not be getting a liquor license!

cddc2fd4-83f2-426b-a24f-d64a9dc2bb39

Where can you get a delicious three course meal for $10? Nowhere right? My friend and I went to Sikia, the restaurant operated by Kennedy-King College culinary students. It is a fine dining restaurant with linens and tablecloths and the menu is planned and prepared by the students. The service was excellent and I plan on going back.

c5f0d328-8df3-4e2d-9faf-4cf77cc39e83

Last weekend, I was part of a parent's group that hosted a private workshop for our children to teach them about social graces and it was held at Sikia. All of the moms were delighted with what we found. The waitstaff was attentive, the prices were reasonable, the decor was attractive and the food was wonderful. Keep in mind that we were dealing with children - the menu was butternut squash soup, fried chicken, mac & cheese and corn on the cob, and sweet potato pie with ice cream. Even the sweet tea was delicious - a kind of spiced tea. We were all impressed and vowed to come back and recommend Sikia to everyone we knew.

369e9441-ba0e-4940-ac9f-84b23f081a68

Sikia is a restaurant attached to the Washburne Culinary Institute and manned by students and supervised by experienced faculty chefs. I had never heard of it before taking a job in the Englewood area and I have to say, if it were located in the Loop, it would be packed every day. The concept is designed to allow the students to gain valuable kitchen and front of the house experience but the gain is really for the diners. Three days a week, the restaurant offers a three course gourmet meal for well under $10. I'm not overstating the presentation, this is gourmet food prepared by tomorrow's top chefs. If you've got the time, get out to 63rd and Halsted and take advantage. Lots of free parking.

Discover Sikia in Chicago for authentic, flavorful dining experiences. Visit us at 740 W 63rd St and indulge in delicious cuisine today.

Sikia Restaurant in Chicago IL - Unique Dining Experience

Chicago

Sikia

Illinois

Discover Sikia in Chicago, IL! Enjoy authentic cuisine and a cozy atmosphere at 740 W 63rd St. Perfect for food lovers seeking new flavors. Book now!

Sikia Restaurant in Chicago - Unique Dining Experience in 60621

Learn about Sikia in Chicago, IL! A beloved spot at 740 W 63rd St offering delicious dishes and warm hospitality. Visit us for an unforgettable meal!

About Sikia Restaurant, Chicago - Your Local Culinary Gem

Opening hours for Sikia, Chicago. Find opening hours for Sikia, Chicago, IL at 740 W 63rd St and plan your visit today.

Sikia Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Sikia

Taste Entertainment

CTA Halsted

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