French restaurants in Chicago
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A
Brasserie Jo
This huge, open place serves wonderful food from Alsace, where owner Jean Joho was born. From the signature beer specially brewed by a local microbrewery to the hot, fresh baguettes, all the details are right. Try the great choucroute (smoked meats and sausages on sauerkraut) or the shrimp in a bag. Wear a fancy hat on Thursday and get a free chapeau au chocolat (chocolate hat) dessert.
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B
Bistro Campagne
True, Chicago has a lot of French bistros sprinkled around, but not many perfect the balance of fine but unfussy dining in a sophisticated but welcoming ambience the way Campagne does. The stained-glass-filled Lincoln Square favorite plates such classics as beef bourguignonne, chocolate soufflé and mussels (all you can eat on Tuesdays) alongside fat wines. Reservations are useful, especially if there’s a concert at the nearby Old Town School of Folk Music.
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C
Bistrot Margot
A visit to Bistrot Margot is like a visit to a little Parisian corner bistro in one of the remoter districts. Roast chicken, steak and frites, mussels and other coastal shellfish highlight the classic menu. The interior decor mixes dark wood with bright tiles and red booths, and the busy crowd adds to the atmosphere. There are good daily specials, including half-price wine on Monday and a prix fixe menu on Wednesday.
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D
Chez Joel
Whether you’re dining outside under the big oak tree or tucked in a cozy corner, the atmosphere and exceptional French fare make Chez Joel – the renowned namesake of chef Joel Kazouini – a romantic favorite, though an odd duck among the predominantly Italian stretch of Taylor St. The menu is anchored by bistro favorites such as duck leg confit and coq au vin, and is complemented by an extensive wine list.
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E
Tru
Tru is considered one of the city’s best. The French prix fixe menu (from three courses on up) is equally artful and capricious, with highly seasonal offerings, a renowned cheese course and brilliant desserts. As you might expect by the price, the service is ace and a jacket is required for men. Getting a nibble doesn’t have to break the bank, though; all prix fixe items are available à la carte in the adjoining lounge.
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F
La Tache
With its deco finish, La Tache offers sweet elegance and reasonably priced, high-end bistro fare to a rapidly growing fan base. The veal cheeks here are wonderful, as is Napoleon’s favorite postbattle meal, chicken Marengo – this version has chicken served with garlicky crawfish, mushrooms and a poached egg. Looking for a romantic restaurant on the North Side? Look no further.
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G
Cyrano’s Bistrot
Chef and owner Didier Durand shares a hometown with literature’s Cyrano de Bergerac, for whom he named his casual French restaurant. A very cheerful place, Cyrano’s serves a menu of southern French favorites, including numerous roasted meats. A few tables line the street and make a good place to sip one of the many wines on offer while watching the after-work hordes march home.
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H
Le Bouchon
Classic French defines the menu at this quaint spot, a favorite for neighborhood types seeking a good deal and romantic environs. The Lyonnaise salad is a winner, and other faves on the short menu range from escargot to chocolate marquisse (chocolate mousse without the egg whites).
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I
Cru Cafe & Wine Bar
With no less than 300 bottles at this sleek wine bar, food gets less attention than the oenophiliac delights, though creative offerings like the ‘surf and turf club’ with lobster and beef tenderloin, and shared small plates are well-executed.
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