Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    La Serre

    4.2 (212 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndFrench, Mediterranean
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    La Serre Photos

    LA SERRE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - La Serre

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Prime Beef Tartare*
    Baran K.

    This was kind of a miss for me. The ambience is truly stunning, but the food is really just ok. We started with the steak tartare which was bland. I don't know what it is but the two most recent times I've ordered this dish, ironically both with the same person, they were really missing the dijon. I think steak tartare is one of those things that needs a zest to cut through the umami, and this was definitely missing that. We also got the french onion dip but it's honestly just an excuse to shove a ton of bread down... I would not recommend, the dip with chips might be a better option. The mushroom gnocchi was nothing to write home about. It was really both the sauce and the pasta were overly thick and heavy. Now what I did really enjoy was the mussels. Great tasting broth, well cooked muscles -- not complaints. The 3 stars are going exclusively to this dish and the atmosphere.

    Crispy Leek & Eggplant Fritters
    Emily B.

    The food was really tasty here and the aesthetic was super cute and elevated. It was open windows so kind of felt like a patio which was awesome. All of the food delivered really great textures and flavors. We came for a birthday and noted that in our reservation, but that was not something that was catered to, celebrated, or even mentioned by staff, so that was my only note on the spot!

    Scallops
    Katie P.

    Everything we tried was absolutely amazing! Standouts were the olive tapenade, tuna tartare, chicken, and scallops! Atmosphere was vibrant & service was top tier.

    Rikiyah M.

    La Serre has such a great happy hour, but this time I stopped in for dinner and had a chance to try a few different dishes with a friend. We shared the salmon, chicken, broccoli, and fritters, and the fritters were easily my favorite! The salmon was a close second. Both were really flavorful and well prepared. We were seated and attended to immediately, and the service was great throughout the meal. The interior is also SO pretty and has such a nice ambiance. I'd definitely recommend La Serre for a date night or a girls' night out. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu!

    Bar
    Thao N.

    La Serre was a great first experience! We ordered the crab spaghetti, truffle gnocchi, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. The truffle gnocchi was definitely the standout for me! It was rich, flavorful, and something I'd absolutely order again. The crab spaghetti was good, but it wasn't quite my favorite compared to the gnocchi. The broccoli and mashed potatoes were both solid sides that rounded out the meal nicely. The service was also excellent. We arrived a little early for our reservation, but they were able to seat us ahead of time, which we really appreciated. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming throughout the evening. The interior is absolutely beautiful, and the bar is the real centerpiece of the restaurant. I also loved the open kitchen concept, it was fun watching the chefs work and seeing everything come together. Overall, I had a really great experience. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu because I think there's still so much to explore.

    Scallops
    Alex M.

    Looking for a post-work dinner spot in the West Loop with great food and availability on a short notice, I was excited that La Serre still had available reservations because its French-inspired menu sounded delicious. When we arrived for our reservation, we waited a couple of minutes before we were greeted and then seated at our booth. The restaurant was bustling on a Monday evening, and it took a while (~20 minutes) for our server to finally take our drink orders. This gave us plenty of time to look over the menu and decide our food orders at least. For our party of three, we ordered the beef tartare and escargot to share and three individual entrees. Despite the long time it took to place our orders, our food was brought out quickly. This was my first time seeing escargot served without the shells; while this may have been easier to manage without the special escargot tongs and fork, it was difficult to capture the buttery garlic sauce that was trapped in the serving dish. Additionally, the escargot was served with only two small pieces of bread, which was not enough for the three of us to share. I ordered the scallops for my entree, and these were served over a creamy bed of artichoke puree with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and the artichoke puree was a creative (and delicious) twist to one of my favorite types of seafood. I ordered a glass of sauvignon blanc to enjoy with my scallops, but the wine was so overwhelmingly sweet that I couldn't finish the glass. Despite these hiccups, the scallops made the experience worthwhile.

    16 oz ribeye
    Erie E.

    This restaurant is super cute in the inside and has a pretty nice patio area as well. Our server was pretty nice and I like that you didn't have to pay on one bill... I feel like a lot of Chicago restaurants are doing that now. We had the crab spaghetti, gems salad, fries and ribeye which was all good. I most definitely will go back

    Espresso martini
    Tray

    The restaurant has dim lighting, floral decor, but with upbeat nightlife music that gives it more of a night-out vibe than a romantic dinner spot. It was a little loud, but you could still carry a conversation comfortably. 8/10. Service was decent overall. 7/10. Our water sat empty for a while during the busy part of dinner, but once things slowed down they refilled it multiple times and never rushed us after we paid. The Espresso Martini was a solid classic. On the more bitter side, lightly sweet, and smooth without much alcohol burn. 6/10. The Truffle Brie Tart was flavorful. The cream center, sweet grilled onions, and light truffle shavings worked really well together. I just wish the tart shell had a crispier texture. 8/10. The Crispy Duck Breast had great flavor thanks to the hoisin sauce, and wrapping it with the French crêpes and pickled vegetables made every bite better. The duck itself wasn't actually very crispy though, so it was saved by the toppings/wrap. 7.5/10. The Truffle Gnocchi was rich and loaded with mushroom flavor. The gnocchi had a nice texture, but I was hoping for more truffle flavor. 7.5/10. The Hokkaido Scallops had a beautiful sear and paired nicely with the artichoke purée. The tomatoes and sourdough croutons tied everything together, although I wish the scallop actually tasted crispy. 7/10. Dessert was my favorite part. The Warm Apple Bread Pudding reminded me of a lava cake filled with warm apple pie filling, topped with ice cream and caramel sauce. It was definitely way too sweet, but such a comforting way to end the meal. 8.5/10. Overall, every dish had great flavor and was well executed. My only complaint was that several dishes leaned softer in texture than I prefer. Solid spot for a girls night out.

    Blackberry Spritz
    Dominique C.

    I have attempted to come here twice for their special bar menu. I arrived right when they opened both times. The 1st time was a Friday and it was so packed I couldn't get a seat but when I tried again on a Tuesday I had no problem. So be aware the bar can get super crowded heading into the weekend. Some friend and I initially were draw to la Serra for the essentials special which is a martini, fries and a ceasar salad for $19. One of my friends got that but the rest of us ended up just getting drinks, sliders and truffle fries. The drinks are all $9 and the mini sliders are $6. I would say that the drinks are worth it but the sliders were very small. Even thought they were supposed to be mini I would say $6 was still pricy for how small they were. I had the mini lobster roll and the French dip roll. The lobster roll needed more meat and more mayo. It was a bit dry and sad looking. The French dip was okay but I wish it came with a dipping sauce. The bar is very cool and modern looking and it is a great place for a quick after work drink and snack with friends or coworkers if you are in the West Loop.

    Latrice A.

    We ended our happy hour crawl here ! The staff was do hospitable here and even bought out sparklers for my bday ! Thats was absolutely a sweet touch ! The drinks and happy menu was a nice touch !

    Mini lobster rolls
    Debangana S.

    We recently visited La Serre for dinner as a party of 10. The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance inside, though larger parties are seated on the outer side. It was very busy that evening, and we had to wait a while for our order to be taken and for the food to arrive. The cocktails were excellent. For food, I tried the mini lobster roll, crab croquette, whipped potato, grilled asparagus, and crab spaghetti - all delicious. I really enjoyed the meal. Crab croquettes were my favourite. Since our group included several vegetarians, they had a harder time ordering due to the limited options. Overall, I'd go again for the ambience and drinks.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    flank steak, truffle gnocchi, lamb chops
    Emily C.

    Ugh I'm so torn. The food was better than I expected (the truffle gnocchi was to die for, and I'm not a gnocchi girl) and the general manager of the night went above and beyond to make my mom feel special and taken care of for her 60th birthday. ....but the atmosphere was not it. I booked this restaurant thinking that it was going to be an intimate, quiet experience with soft music being played in the background. It was so loud we could barely hear one another and they were playing club music (??) it made it really difficult to have any sort of meaningful conversation. So yeah this is why I'm torn. Seriously if it wasn't for the music and such this would've been rated much higher :')

    Andrés W.

    The service here is on point, but overly rushed (Maybe because they are always busy). But felt a little please eat fast and leave because we have a long list of people waiting. The food was okay, tad over price (expected) however quality needed to match on the pricing. It was an interesting experience, however wouldn't come back again, there are other places that are on point on the same fulton market than this place. Good job, but it requires some more improvements :(

    Tuna tartare

    See all

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Doug M.
    288
    30
    59

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sahn L.
    1
    97
    30

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Iris P.
    802
    352
    1892

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Suzi P.
    0
    19
    75

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Casey W.
    5
    286
    228

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rie U.
    234
    423
    1213

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Clara S.
    610
    1687
    2403

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Page 2 of 6

    Ask the Community - La Serre

    Is there valet parking?

    Yes.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Obelix - Duck Carnitas Danish, Horchata Croissant, Coconut & Pineapple Danish

    Obelix

    4.2(274 reviews)
    0.7 mi•River North, Near North Side
    •$$$$

    The ambiance is simple yet welcoming, I went for lunch and the sun speckled corner booth was…read moreperfect for a fall afternoon. I only tried the French onion soup and shrimp cocktail, but would definitely come back for dinner. The shrimp cocktail was generous, and they were accommodating to add extra horseradish to the sauce for me. The French onion soup is very rich and beefy... it's definitely one of the better ones I've tried in Chicago so far, but I would've loved to have a little less bread and more soup and onion although I'm sure I'm the minority. The cheese was perfect. But beyond how good the food was, the amazing wait staff and how they treated me was even better. I walked in with two service dogs (one still in training) and sometimes I get turned away at the door because of my disabilities at restaurants or businesses. Not only was everyone very welcoming, they didn't treat me any differently and were very nice to my dogs. They also gave me a booth with plenty of room to sit, even though I didn't ask for one and made sure it wasn't in the way of other servers walking around so my dogs wouldn't get tripped over. Service was timely and attentive, but not overbearing or too talkative. 5/5 would recommend to anyone who likes French bistro style cuisine.

    Excellent dining experience. We were able to squeeze into a last minute late dinner reservation…read more The service was excellent, our waitress was helpful with the menu and was kind enough to bring us a little extra treat since we were celebrating. The food was all so good. While some of it didn't sound like something we'd jump to order, we were glad we gave everything a chance! Would certainly go back here!

    Photos
    Obelix - Cg at the bar! april 2026.

    Cg at the bar! april 2026.

    Obelix - Smoked trout tartine, lemon pepper crème fraiche, grilled wild onions, trout roe, quail egg, petite salad.

    Smoked trout tartine, lemon pepper crème fraiche, grilled wild onions, trout roe, quail egg, petite salad.

    Obelix - Wonderful camille braun cremant de alsace rosé!

    See all

    Wonderful camille braun cremant de alsace rosé!

    Mon Ami Gabi

    Mon Ami Gabi

    4.1(1k reviews)
    2.6 mi•Lincoln Park
    •$$$

    There's something about a French happy hour that just makes the evening feel a little more special…read more We stopped by Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park and started with the $10 French Martini -- light, fruity, and the perfect way to kick things off. Then came the $5 hand-cut frites, followed by $3 deviled eggs topped with smoked whitefish caviar. The $8 croque monsieur was warm, crispy, and perfectly cheesy, while the $4 French onion gougères were such a fun little bite. We also tried the $5 marinated olives before moving on to the escargots -- buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor. And naturally, we had to finish with the classic profiteroles, topped with chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Mon Ami Gabi is definitely one to keep in mind when you're looking for a relaxed happy hour with a little Parisian flair.

    We had been to @monamigabibistro in Las Vegas a couple times, but had never visited their #chicago…read morelocation, so when we got to pick a French restaurant, we went with this one. The location itself is beautiful Patio was closed due to heavy rain Inside is pretty small but pretty and cozy ( although floors are REALLY slippery ) The appetizer ( steak tartare) was delicious and came out quick; However we waited way TOO long for the main dishes to come out. My fish was the BEST fish I've eaten ( I want to go back soon to have it again) and dessert was unfortunately just OK, Nothing outstanding Drinks were good but service not so much.

    Photos
    Mon Ami Gabi - Inside lobby

    Inside lobby

    Mon Ami Gabi
    Mon Ami Gabi - Gorgeous Entrance

    See all

    Gorgeous Entrance

    Dear Margaret - Beef shank; split pea soup; charred broccoli; smoked carrots; fennel custard; panna cotta; cheesecake.

    Dear Margaret

    4.6(169 reviews)
    3.5 mi•Lakeview
    •$$$

    This is such a lovely little restaurant, and I do mean little. The space is small so I would…read morerecommend a reservation. Our first visit here was for Restaurant Week, but we have been back several times after that. The restaurant itself is absolutely adorable. Lots of two top tables as well as some four tops. The bar area is functional as it allows for seating to have drinks and to dine. Each time we have been there, the music has been off the charts. I was a little taken aback (in a good way though) when I heard Aretha Franklin. My mind was a little confused because I felt like I was in a small French restaurant in Paris and was expecting French Cafe Jazz/Chill music. But hearing the Queen of Soul changed the whole vibe for me. The menu is very eclectic and changes quite a bit. The one thing that has been consistently on the menu are the Pommes Dauphine (oyster mousse, pickled red onion, osetra caviar), which I adore. Another dish that was the Slagel Duck Breast à l'Orange (pistachio, baby carrots, marmalade demi-glace, wild herbs). This was also very good. The duck was prepared just right, with the meat tender and juicy, but the skin nice and crispy. The Duck Liver Mousse (beer jam, honey-roasted peanuts, mint) is also a favorite of mine. Every time we have dined here, the Wine Director, Terry McNeese, has taken care of us for wine and beverages as well as sometime speaking to us about the food specials. He was gracious and informative, and easy to talk to. It was not until our second visit that we discovered who he was after he gave us his card. I was inquiring about some of the music on that night and he mentioned that it was a Spotify playlist. He has created several playlist under "DM" specifically for the restaurant. He told us he was on Spotify and that we could find the music there. In addition to the music, he has a very nice curated wine list, by the glass and bottle. My favorite is Camille Braun Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé Alsace, France N.V. (Pinot Noir). What they do not have is cocktails, so come prepared to drink wine, beer/cider or non-alcoholic beverages. Terry made some recommendations for The Queen, who is a cider lover. She was very happy with the selections and he actually made a recommendation of one for her to try (on the house). If I had to say I had a complaint, it would be that Dear Margaret turns out some great dishes, but because they change the menu often, don't get attached like I do because your feelings will be hurt when it is no longer available. But on the plus side I would say you get to experience something new and exciting on your next visit. There is plenty of street parking as they are located on Lincoln Ave, so it is easy to go there and not fight for a spot or use Spot Hero. So if you are looking for a quick European getaway that doesn't jet lag, get thee to Dear Margaret très vite.

    Definitely the best French restaurant I have ever tried. Dishes were creative and delicious, and…read moreservice was of high standard. I ordered Asparagus Mi-Cuit, Fried Rabbit Terrine and side of 9-grain toast. The asparagus was served chilled (room temp.), with edible petals, shaved egg yolk, fish roes and vinaigrette. The asparagus was fresh and crispy, with a light hint of sweetness. The egg yolk was cured with sugar and salt in fridge and added some saltiness. The fish roes was "rubbery" and tasted creamy, complementing the texture and flavor of asparagus. Moreover, these ingredients paired well with one another. The main dish, the fried rabbit terrine was also great. Pulled rabbit leg meats and rabbit gelatin were coated with flour and deep fried. Surprisingly, the fried stuff was not heavy or greasy at all. The meat was tender, the gelatin added some creaminess and richness to it. The dish was served with lentils and horseradish cream. Not sure why they used lentil as side. Perhaps the sprouted lentil and beets used by Cira would be better. Still, it was a good dish. For the bread, I originally wanted to try their baguette, but they only serve baguette from Thursday to Sunday, so I tried the 9-grain toast instead. It was dense, moist and earthy. Each small slice was about 22.5g! I hope I can try their baguette next time I visit Chicago!

    Photos
    Dear Margaret - Charred, smoked carrots.

    Charred, smoked carrots.

    Dear Margaret - Ice wine tea panna cotta.

    Ice wine tea panna cotta.

    Dear Margaret - Fried smelts

    See all

    Fried smelts

    Bistro Campagne - Pot De Creme

    Bistro Campagne

    4.1(856 reviews)
    5.6 mi•Ravenswood, Lincoln Square
    •$$$

    Had the best experience on the patio for their Tuesday special of bottomless mussels. Comes with…read moremussels in a white wine sauce, a fresh baguette, and fries. We paired it with the chenin blanc and it was perfect for a summer Tuesday night. Staff was super friendly and accommodating and the ambiance was absolutely dreamy.

    Called Bistro Campagne at 6 PM on a Friday to see if they had a table for two. We were told the…read moreearliest reservation was 8:45 PM, so we showed up around 7:30 fully prepared to wait. The restaurant had been recommended several times in Chicago Reddit communities, so I was expecting much more. We walked in and the restaurant was half empty. Bistro Campagne has been around since 1992 -- 34 years. And honestly, it shows. While the patio is cute, I wouldn't describe the interior as "quaint." It felt dated and overdue for a makeover. Maybe 34 years is an impressive run, but after this meal, I'm wondering if it's simply time to retire. The food was even more disappointing. The escargot was the only genuine highlight of the entire meal. The steak tartare was almost comical. What an absolutely measly portion of raw beef. I understand the price of beef has gone up, but picture the size of a regular smashed hamburger patty. That's essentially what you get. And before I could even finish it, the waiter came over and took the plate away. Then came the bizarrely rushed service. We couldn't even have a conversation across the table without being interrupted. The waitress who took our order, along with another employee, repeatedly came over while we were still eating our appetizers, clearly trying to rush us along before the mains arrived. Why? This was a Friday night and the restaurant was half empty. There was absolutely no reason to rush us. A good restaurant knows how to pace a meal. Let people enjoy their appetizers, have a conversation, and then send out the mains. Instead, we felt like we were expected to wolf down our food and get out. And the irony? Despite being interrupted every five minutes while eating the appetizers, the waitress never even checked on us once the mains arrived. We eventually had to flag her down ourselves just to get the check. The steak frites was the first major letdown. The steak itself was tender, I'll give them that, but it was severely under-seasoned and the sauce was completely flavorless. Tender meat doesn't make up for a bad sauce and zero seasoning. The fries were mediocre at best, and the supposed "aioli" tasted like straight Hellmann's. The famous chicken dish was better than the steak, but that's not saying much. It was just okay. From what I could see, it appeared to be essentially one flattened/pressed piece of chicken with a mountain of thin curly fries dumped on top. Nothing about it justified the reputation. And then, to add insult to injury, I passed a Red Hot Ranch on the way home. Honestly, if I could have jumped out of the Uber, walked into Red Hot Ranch, and ordered a burger, I genuinely think I would have had a better meal. Overall, this was one of the most disappointing meals I've had in Chicago in a while. Maybe Bistro Campagne was the shit back in the day. But that was then. Chicago has changed, and there are plenty of restaurants now serving better food, with better service and better value. 34 years is a hell of a run. But after this meal, Bistro Campagne may want to consider calling it a career. Cute patio. Good escargot. That's about where the positives end. Save your time and your money. There are much better places to eat in Chicago.

    Photos
    Bistro Campagne
    Bistro Campagne
    Bistro Campagne - Slightly effervescent texture, dry kumquat peel notes really work in this french orange wine. sons of wine 'bisous bisous', alsace, france.

    See all

    Slightly effervescent texture, dry kumquat peel notes really work in this french orange wine. sons of wine 'bisous bisous', alsace, france.

    Bar Parisette - A Study in Violet and Roasted Chicken with summer snap pea sidecar

    Bar Parisette

    4.4(35 reviews)
    3.3 mi•Logan Square

    I think this place is getting lost amongst all the other great spots anything 50 yds of it and…read morethat's a shame. If you're in the area, especially during happy hour (extended to all day on Mondays, closed Tuesdays), stop in. All the areas are lovely and comfortable (bistro, dining room, bar, kitchen counter) and service is friendly and knowledgeable. Absolutely great wine list (and keep an eye out for special event Wine Dinners), including value priced House Wines during HH. Very decent burger and fries, small snacks and full sized plates abound at very good prices. Like its relative restaurant Table, Donkey & Stick, good food, good drinks and good times are sure to be had.

    I'm old enough that I still remember doing the world-class happy hour at Dos Urban Cantina at the…read moresame address now home to Bar Parisette, a newer space from the Table, Donkey & Stick folks in Logan. I hadn't been back to check out the other restaurants in this space since Dos closed a few years ago, so I don't have the history on how this space has turned over a bit in the time since. I DO know this much: Bar Parisette is a strange ride. That's because I'm not really sure what it is going for, based on a dinner I had at the space last weekend. Bar Parisette, for a lot of reasons, gave me the sense it was going for French bistropub. The steak frites, the burger, the snacks, the drinks...all of that felt like it was right at home, but none of it was as strong as the food I've had at TDS. I went with the burger specifically because the burger at TDS is so good, but it just...wasn't, here. The meat was a little plain, the fries were fine, the bun was solid; the pieces were there, but as a package, it wasn't humming. The almonds were an interesting choice, but not one I would run out to make again; the trout dip was a winner with a couple of the folks in our party, but I skipped it since trout dip is not really my thing. I think the vibe was more a turnoff than the food and drink, though. Pardon my French, but it just wasn't sexy in here, and even though it was a Saturday night, it wasn't really hopping inside the space. If there was music playing, I didn't hear it or don't remember it, and the layout at Bar Parisette is functional but doesn't allow for the sorts of people-watching I like at other places in Chicago. (This became especially pointed when we left and walked next door to Gretel, which was jam-packed.) Service wasn't pushy, but it was certainly aggressive; our server came over three times in the first 10 minutes to check on our need to order, despite the fact that we were clearly a group that had not caught up in a while and had not spent much time with the menus. (European, this was not, at least in terms of speed.) But then we DID order, and it took 20 minutes to get our drinks and 30 minutes to get appetizers...then another 30 to get dinner. I didn't notice this as much because I had a late lunch, but my wife was showing signs of "hanger" that got more belligerent as the night went along. "Hurry up and wait" was never more apparent than this, and the staff acknowledged that it took too long for our food to come out, especially in a space that was almost completely empty by the time our mains came out. For $300 (this did include an $80 bottle of wine, note), my expectations are a little higher. Dos, this is not, and it's hard to imagine a scenario where I would come back to experience Bar Parisette a second time.

    Photos
    Bar Parisette - Bar area early happy hour!

    Bar area early happy hour!

    Bar Parisette - Burger

    Burger

    Bar Parisette

    See all

    Bandol - Crab Cakes

    Bandol

    3.7(111 reviews)
    1.0 mi•The Loop

    For lunch, I'm not sure there's any better chill spot to grab a bite in the Loop. Low-key,…read moresophisticated, refined. I popped in for a quick solo lunch and indulged in the croque monsieur + fries. The rest of the menu had enticing things but I knew what I wanted and would not be swayed. After a small wait, which I mention only because it really wasn't busy, my food was served. The look matched the flavor: delicious! It's nice that the other French place, offering nearly the exact same offering here in the exact same spot, was replaced with a worthy newcomer. Bandol checks all the boxes you'd want.

    Came here for restaurant week. It was a pretty good deal for restaurant week. Very seafood heavy…read moremenu. I enjoy seafood so it was nice for me but I would not suggest it for restaurant week if you are not a seafood person. My husband got the crab cakes for the app which were small but pretty good. I got escargot which was good but did not come with any bread. If you have had escargot you know that the best part is dipping the bread in the leftover butter sauce. It was a big miss for me. We got the steak fries and the lemon fish for the mains. The steak was very good. The sauce for the steak was especially good. The fish was okay. I thought the sauce for the fish was good but a bit loose in consistency. The service and atmosphere were fine. Very consistent with the types of restaurants you see downtown.

    Photos
    Bandol - Croque Monsieur Breakfast plate

    Croque Monsieur Breakfast plate

    Bandol - Parfait

    Parfait

    Bandol - Pain ai Chocolat

    See all

    Pain ai Chocolat

    La Serre - french - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...