Chez Joel Bistro Francais
| Address: | 1119 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-226-6479 |
| Site: | chezjoelbistro.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 3–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 15
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Jason Carlson
The first thing I noticed when being seated was the mauve colored cracked tile on the floor. Next I noticed that the runner mat was taped to the floor with red duct tape. I sat down with my girlfriend and ordered a calamari appetizer. If youre dining alone order three. The appetizer is literally gone in one bite. Next I ordered a New York strip that came with pomme frites. If you dont know what pomme frites are theyre thin cut french fries cooked in vegetable oil. Really fancy, not. The steak was not quite a half inch thick. Something you would get at Dennys if you ordered steak and eggs, or a local bar if you ordered a steak sandwich. I asked the waiter if the meat was prime and he said yes. NOT. The price for this entree was 24$. Ive never been to steak n shake but Im sure you could eat this same meal there for 5$. I have never felt so taken advantage of at a restaurant in my life. That was yesterday and I still cant believe Chez Joel has the audacity to call themselves a restaurant. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE FOOD AT OUTRAGEOUS PRICES. I left the restaurant and went across the street and had a burger. That was pretty good. My recomendation is zero stars.
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A Private User
Having a french side in the family and growing up on french food, the restaurant shouldnt put FRENCH on their menu unless it is followed by FRIES. The food had no flavor, the service was average and that is the opinion of 4 people. My husband and our friends ordered wine, I opted for carbonated water. The waiters response: oh we had a busy weekend and we ran out for today. !!!! Really?? well good for you. The french onion soup had no cheese and no flavor, the 3 of us kept adding salt and pepper just to give it flavor. The pasta dish lacked taste and the dessert was hard as a rock. WIth all due respect to the chef, I hope he was having an off day otherwise, please remove french bistro from your sign.
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Halyna Yakubovich
This small, nicely decorated restaurant is definitely suited for a romantic dinner. My husband and I recently visited Chez Joel. The place reassembles a real French bistro with the tables right next to each other. While it may be uncomfortable for some, nice French background music and attentive service make the restaurant feel cozy and warm. The menu consists of simple traditional French fare including staples like French onion soup and escargot. For my entree I had a duck and rabbit confit which was amazing. We hope to revisit this restaurant soon even though it is located a bit out of our way in Little Italy.
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Alba Macelvy
I really enjoy the high style dining of French Cuisine as often as I can convince my husband to take me and this Bistro is excellent. To start, the staff is very polite and accommodating and the atmosphere feels like decor you would expect from a Bistro in Paris. The food, of course, is wonderful. I especially love the lamb with the sauce that goes with it and my husband always gets the steak with the dollop of butter on top and potatoes. The perfect place for a romantic occasion or just to get away from the kids. I cant wait to go back.
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A Private User
Great little French gem. I first tried the restaurant with my wife, and have since brought my parents and siblings to this great little French restaurant tucked on Taylor street. Each time I have been I have not been disappointed. I love the look of the place, the food is great, and there is a beautiful outdoor patio with fountain open during the summer. The menu is on the pricey side, but considering the caliber of the dining experience and the cuisine, I would say it is fair value. Definitely planning on coming back at some point.
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A Private User
My husband and I went here on our anniversary, and while the food was good (although not excellent) the service was some of the worst weve had in the city. Our waiter was very inattentive, and I actually saw the manager have to go in the back to find him to take our order. The waiter also tried to speak french to us (he pretended to have an accent) and even though I only speak at an intermediate level i could tell he was faking it. The only person there that didnt make me uncomfortable was the hostess, sad.
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Michael Bennett
Steak Pomme Frites is about all I have to say about this place. They have a couple different variations but they are all on point. Grab some mussels beforehand and a little wine to top it off...cant beat this place. Chez Joel also has a 2 lot parcel and 1 is an outdoor space which is just a tremendous place to spend an evening. I highly suggest dining here. Price is relatively reasonable as well. Check it out. You wont be disappointed.
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A Private User
My mom was born in France and my grandmother was an excellent french cook. I feel like I have a good handle on french good. This place is really great. Romantic atmosphere and the food is delicous. Have tried several different meals there but the duck, chicken, filet and boullisbease (sp?) are all excellent. Definitely worth checking out. Compared to other nearby restaurants that claim to be "french" cant be beat!
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Sergii Tukhlynovych
What I liked there - bread ( was fresh and delicious), wine and fresh rose in the glass, what was romantic. Service was pretty good and carrying. What I didnt like - the food was not tasty at all. I took filé minion and it smell really badly. My wife had duck that was not cooked well done. Our experience with meals surprised us not from the good side. I wouldnt recommend this restaurant to my friends.
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Andrew Greif
Amazing. My wife and I went there for our wedding anniversary on the recommendation of someone I work with. This place did not let us down. Great food and an equally nice atmosphere. The staff was always helpful and attentive. the food really was great and priced fairly. The Fromage de Brie Chaud appetizer was amazing! We will definitely be back and highly recommend Chez Joel!
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A Private User
Cute place but a VERY rude hostess! We almost left because she had such an attitude and let us know that we should have made a reservation (it was a Wednesday). The food was just ok but the prices were super high for the quality. Our waitress was a doll and the only reason we stayed. Never going back.
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Noga Sachs
Beautiful, adorable French restaurant in the middle of University town. Great wine selection, beautiful ambiance, fantastic service. We only had the fruit and cheese platter with a bottle of the cab. It was to die for and surprising filling! I cant wait to come back here for dinner!
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A Private User
Better than Mon Ami Gabi. Small, elegant, and intimate. French onion soup is great. Appetizers are always good here--try the scallops with wine sauce. Filet Mignon is the best I have tasted. Lamb shank and the duck are also very good. As for dessert? The usual French excellence.
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Human Resources
A wonderful restaurant with delicious food and ample portions. Every course was fantastic. The service was perfect and the wines by the glass $9 and a generous pour. One of the best meals I have had in a long time. $7 valet parking in a darling neighborhood. Dont miss this place.
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A Private User
This is the first time in the United States that I felt like I was back in France. The atmosphere and ambiance cannot be beat. Very cozy and romantic. The service was exceptional and the food even more so. The prices are also very reasonable. Definitely a must try!
