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Mediterranean · Small Plates · Wine Bar

The Purple Pig Menu Prices 2026: Full Small Plates & Wine List

The Purple Pig has anchored Chicago's Magnificent Mile since 2009, winning over locals and tourists alike with its Mediterranean small-plates philosophy: share everything, drink well, and linger long. Open every day until late, it's a go-to for everything from a quick post-work glass of wine and a cheese board to a full communal feast of cured meats, roasted vegetables, and wood-fired meatballs.

Magnificent Mile, ChicagoOpen late dailySmall plates & wineJames Beard–nominated
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Crispy Pig Ears~$14
Smoked Chicken Wings~$18
Cheese Board (3 selections)~$22
Meatballs al Forno~$16
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Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Most iconic dish
Crispy Pig Ears ~$14

A Purple Pig signature since day one

Best value plate
Whipped Ricotta with Honey & Walnuts ~$10
Must-order cheese
Cheese Board (3 selections) ~$22
Best for groups
Charcuterie & Cheese Spread ~$40+

Order multiple boards for the table

Full menu with prices

The Purple Pig full menu and current prices

Prices shown are estimates based on publicly available sources and may not reflect current menu pricing. Always confirm with the restaurant at thepurplepigchicago.com.
Cheese5 itemsCharcuterie5 itemsSmall Plates — Vegetable & Egg5 itemsSmall Plates — Meat & Fish8 itemsSpreads & Bread3 itemsDesserts3 items
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the The Purple Pig menu

  1. 1Grilled BreadPerfect starter or accompaniment~$5
  2. 2Olive Oil & Herb Dip~$6
  3. 3Hummus with Pita~$9
  4. 4Whipped Ricotta with Honey & Walnuts~$10
  5. 5Affogato~$9
  6. 6Seasonal Tart~$10
  7. 7Chocolate Budino~$10
  8. 8Crispy Pig EarsBest value for the iconic experience~$14
Price comparison

How The Purple Pig prices compare to similar Chicago gastropubs

Like-for-like comparison of small plates and shared boards at comparable Chicago Mediterranean and wine bar concepts.

CategoryThe Purple PigAvecGilt BarĒlia Chicago
Cheese Board (3 selections)~$22~$20~$21~$23
Charcuterie Board (3 selections)~$22~$21~$20~$22
Signature meat small plate~$14–$19~$16–$20~$15–$18~$17–$22
Vegetable small plate~$10–$13~$11–$14~$10–$13~$12–$16
About

About The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig opened its doors in 2009 on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, quickly earning a devoted following for its unfussy approach to Mediterranean cooking: share everything, drink well, and don't rush. Co-founder Jimmy Bannos Jr. drew inspiration from the wine bars and tapas counters of Spain and Italy, building a menu centered on house-cured charcuterie, rotating artisan cheeses, and bold small plates built for the table to pass and argue over.

The restaurant earned a James Beard Award nomination and has remained one of Chicago's most consistently celebrated dining destinations for over fifteen years. Its signature dish — crispy pig ears with capers and a fried egg — has become a Chicago institution in its own right, appearing on nearly every "must-eat in Chicago" list published since the restaurant opened. The all-day wine program, featuring natural and Old World producers alongside approachable by-the-glass pours, makes it equally popular for a quick solo glass and a long communal feast.

A second location opened in the Oakbrook Center suburb, bringing the same wood-accented warmth and Mediterranean philosophy to Chicago's west suburbs. Both locations are open late daily — a rarity in a city where dining rooms often close by ten — cementing The Purple Pig's role as an anchor for late-night diners, hospitality industry workers, and anyone who believes dinner should never end too soon.

2009founded
2locations
$$price range

Ready to visit The Purple Pig?

Reserve a table at the Chicago or Oak Brook location, view the current menu, and check tonight's hours on the official site.

Visit The Purple Pig's website
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is The Purple Pig known for?

The Purple Pig is best known for its Mediterranean small-plates concept on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Its most iconic dish is the crispy pig ears with capers and a fried egg — a staple since the restaurant opened in 2009. House-cured charcuterie, rotating artisan cheese boards, smoked chicken wings, and milk-braised pork shoulder are also perennial favorites.

Does The Purple Pig take reservations?

Yes. The Purple Pig accepts reservations at both its Chicago (444 N. Michigan Ave) and Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center) locations. Walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings and peak tourist season on the Magnificent Mile.

Is The Purple Pig good for vegetarians?

Yes, there are solid vegetarian options. Whipped ricotta with honey and walnuts, burrata with tomatoes, roasted beets with goat cheese, seasonal grilled vegetables, hummus, and the cheese boards are all meat-free. The menu is protein-forward overall, but vegetarians can build a satisfying spread from the available options.

What is the price range at The Purple Pig?

The Purple Pig is a mid-to-upper range casual restaurant. Small plates typically run from around $10 to $20, and cheese or charcuterie boards start around $22 for three selections. A satisfying meal with a couple of glasses of wine generally runs $60–$90 per person. Prices are estimates — verify current pricing on their website or in person.

Where is The Purple Pig located?

The original location is at 444 N. Michigan Ave in Chicago, directly on the Magnificent Mile. A second location is in the Oakbrook Center mall in Oak Brook, IL, about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. Both locations share the same Mediterranean small-plates concept and wine program.

What are the hours at The Purple Pig Chicago?

The Purple Pig is open daily and stays open late — a significant selling point on the Magnificent Mile. Hours vary by season and location, so always check the current schedule at thepurplepigchicago.com or call ahead before visiting.

Can I dine alone at The Purple Pig?

Absolutely. The Purple Pig's bar seating and communal-table setup are ideal for solo diners. The small-plates format makes it easy to order just one or two dishes and a glass of wine. The late hours and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular spot for solo travelers and locals stopping in after a show or work event.

Does The Purple Pig have a gluten-free menu?

Several dishes are naturally gluten-free, including the grilled octopus, smoked chicken wings, roasted beets, and most of the cheese and charcuterie selections. The kitchen handles multiple allergens, so guests with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should inform their server and confirm safe preparation options before ordering.

What wines does The Purple Pig serve?

The Purple Pig's wine program has always been central to the experience. The list focuses on Old World European producers — Spain, Italy, France — alongside natural wines and approachable by-the-glass pours. The philosophy mirrors the food: adventurous but not intimidating. The staff is known for being genuinely helpful with pairings, especially for guests unfamiliar with natural wine.