Does the establishment require patrons to wait on site for a table after putting their name in or are patrons free to roam the streets of Chicago during the 2+ hour wait and be called back via text when their table is ready?

You need to be on site. Part of the novelty is the guy at the door who remembers your face and your place in the queue. They don't even take your name! But go early, so you don't have such a long wait.

Yes you can leave and come back

You can leave but if you miss your spot they will push you in at the next available

When is the best time to go, to avoid the long wait?

There is no list. I wouldn't leave and come back. It's crazy busy. And there wait is hour and a half today

No

You are allowed to leave no problem. You could get name on list and leave site and come back. Also a trick is to order take out which only takes about 45 minutes on average.

1. Yes you can wonder around. 2. They don't have a pager or texting system that notifies you when your table is ready. So wonder at your own risk.

If the wait is an issue I suggest getting there at 4pm when they open. The text while you are out and about is not an option as of yet.

You can leave but if you're not there when they shout for you, you'll probably lose your spot.

No texting. You are there when they call you're name, or you're not . So you can roam but need to be back, and then usually wait more

You have to be there when they call your name or you lose the spot!

Go early to avoid a wait.

They put your name down on paper so you have to wait there, they don't text you they just yell out your name when your table is ready.