RL Restaurant
| Address: | 115 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-475-1100 |
| Site: | rlrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
MI
Michael Prachasitthisak
Eh. So I was thinking about how to structure this review and rate RL as it is supposed to be a nicer restaurant than what I usually go to now that wife and I have a little one. In the end, I think the highest I would have gone is 3 stars if it wasnt such a hassle with a baby. First off, the whole family came for my brother-in-laws celebration dinner. Bringing the baby for dinner was a mistake, but we were told this should be fine. It was crowded and the environment is not good for a baby which I thought would be the case despite what the restaurant said. Inside is not very big and it seems like they packed the tables together pretty tight. Anyways, on to the rest of the reasons why this place is receiving a lackluster rating. Service was fine, but nothing to say was great especially compared to other restaurants in this category. Even if a place is subpar on other aspects I usually think of a place more favorably if service is on point. Food was why I have to give the low rating. Honestly, for the pricepoint of this place and even in general the food was not that great. I got the scallops for my dinner with the shrimp cocktail as my appetizer. The shrimp cocktail was fine. Nice, plump pieces of shrimp there. The scallops though were slightly overcooked lending them to be rubbery. On top of that it was just such a paltry amount. Wife got the baked cheese appetizer and a grilled steak salad. She was not impressed with either dish. I think there was a reason the wife and I never had this on our radars when we would dine downtown more frequently and it is a shame that with all the nice restaurants in this city to try or retry that RL will not be a place we will come back to.
RU
Russ Z
As a hotel concierge, I am quite familiar with RL reputation. Known for its elegant dining room, consistently excellent food and good service - all justifying its higher price. I went to lunch with another hospitality minded friend. We both ordered the burger and I will say the food was quite delicious. One of the better burgers in town. The downfall of this visit was the seemingly intentionally poor service. When our aloof waiter brought our food my friend immediately asked for some mayo for his burger. The waiter acknowledged the request but never brought back the mayo nor did he ever return to the table to check on us or ask if we were enjoying our meal. After 5 min I rudely started eating and finally asked a bus boy to please bring some mayo for my friend. He returned in less than a minute. But needless to say it was bothersome. Only made worse by observing our waiter checking on his other tables and never ours. Well after our table was cleared and we were ready to go our waiter returned to ask ow everything was. My friends simply requested the check and it was clear he was not happy which the waiter clearly picked up but he never apologized nor did he bother to inquire further.
DO
Dorette Yearns
I went to RL for the first time for brunch, 9-24-17 and loved it! This restaurant is small with a beautiful atmosphere. As for the food, the Gold Goast Benedict was delicious! My date had the Belgian Waffles and raved about it as well! The staff is friendly with superb service as any 5+ star restaurant, constantly replenishing water. Two managers came to our table at different times to ask if we were ok, which was a plus. This may seem odd, but I loved the bathroom as well! You have to take an elevator to the lower level where there are 2 individual private stalls with the softest paper towel ever! I cannot wait to return for dinner! Overall, the experience was AAA+!
RE
rebecca zirkin
First and last time today. Over priced for the food. Atmosphere nice but tables very close together. Made reservations a week ahead and when we arrived they said we didnt have reservations. I was upset because my grown daughter was in Chicago for her birthday and they could not find the reservation but seated us anyways, still irritating. Waitress wasnt that attentive. I had to flag her down to order and get the check at the end. I asked for the mashed potatoes instead of the fries and I got the fries. My husband and daughter got a drink but I got tea but was never offered a refill. Lastly I used the ladies room and no toilet paper was available. Never coming again.
TR
Trevor Winn
Polite wait staff, great surroundings, and the filet was perfect. They do have tables crammed into this space, especially around the fire and near the bar in the front. I imagine near the bar/fireplace would be sought-after, but youd also be eating with those waiting for a table and would get the draft come winter. Our table for two was in the main dining room against the wall. Certainly "intimate," our modest table could barely contain the place settings, glassware, and breadbasket. Generous and well-made drinks. Many people comment at how loud it can get, but the restaurant was packed and I did not find it hard to have a conversation across the table.
LI
Lisa Sromek
A see and be-seen restaurant right off of one of the busiest corners on the Magnificent Mile. The Ralph Lauren signature style of decor can be found in ever detail, from the leather-bound menus to the pictures covering every inch of the wall space inside. The food on offer is a blend of contemporary American and French-style preparations that are sure to comfort--especially on a cold day. The downside is that a trip to the restroom is truly a trip...only accessible through a corridor off of the main dining room, via an elevator to the lower level. Otherwise, a lovely experience with very attentive service.
MA
matthew cheng
RL was definitely interesting, some of the food was amazing, but others were not as good. The escargot was one of the best Ive ever had in Chicago, but the shrimp cocktail was sadly lacking, same could be said for the crab cake, however the chocolate cake left me craving for more. The staff was friendly, fast and helpful. They gave some great choices when it came to the dishes. Always smiling and never letting us wave them down. I would recommend coming here, but for a lunch or tea time setting. As a side note, the food was a bit over priced.
BE
Bernadette Butra
When dining at RL, know that its an upscale restaurant so the prices here are obviously not cheap. With that aside, I think this place is fabulous from the decor and food to staff. I was here for breakfast/brunch with a group. The food was well proportioned yet filling. Our waiter had little fun facts about the restaurant like where Oprah usually sits when she dines and the idea behind building the restaurant. This is definitely one of those places to see and be seen, so wear something chic!
ST
Stephanie Sanchez
I went straight after work. I wasnt dressed to impress. I walked in and I was completely ignored. I was tempted to leave but I really wanted to try it out. My server was super nice and if it werent for her, Id give this place a HORRIBLE review. The food wasnt great. The appetizers sound fancy and appealing, but most of them arent good and definitely over priced. Id skip the appetizers if I were you. Im only giving it one star for the waitress that served me. (Gibsons is way better choice).
