Table, Donkey and Stick

The story

Table, Donkey and Stick | Alpine-Inspired Austrian Fare in Chicago | Bib Gourmand

Table, Donkey and Stick

On the edge of Logan Square, Table, Donkey and Stick is a neighborhood restaurant that draws its spirit from the mountain inns of the Alps. The name comes from a Brothers Grimm tale, and the atmosphere is a deliberate nod to the berghaus or auberge de montagne—places where food, drink, and conversation are meant to be shared. The focus is on the table itself: a warm, comfortable setting for gathering with friends.

The kitchen produces creative, seasonally driven dishes inspired by the mountain cuisines of France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. All breads and charcuterie are made in-house, and the kitchen works with local farmers and whole animals whenever possible. The menu changes weekly based on local seasonality and the creativity of the chefs, with a rotating selection of artisan cheeses and house-made meats. The beverage program is equally thoughtful, featuring small-production wines from regions surrounding the Alps, alongside beers from Austria, Bavaria, and the Midwest. Seasonal cocktails are crafted with house-made tonics, syrups, and shrubs, and the Alpine tradition of eaux-de-vie and schnapps is honored with tasting flights.

Owner Matt Sussman conceived of the restaurant after trips to the Alps, where he was struck by the convivial spirit of mountain inns. A CMS Certified Sommelier, he manages the front-of-house and beverage program and maintains a passion for naturally leavened breads, developing the restaurant’s bread recipes himself. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the best new restaurants in Chicago by Chicago Magazine and the Zagat guide, and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Guide Michelin for 13 consecutive years—a testament to its consistent quality and value.