Charlie Trotters
(773) 248-6228
816 W Armitage Ave
Chicago,
IL
60614
41.9182
-87.6492
Neighborhoods: North Side, DePaul
What People Are Saying About Charlie Trotters
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Sconce-lit and smelling of fresh floral arrangements, the setting of this Charlie Trotter venture is quietly luxurious. Attracting foodies from the world over, its dining rooms are done up with glinty glassware, bone-white dishware and comfortable upholstered armchairs designed to withstand languorous, prix fixe grand, vegetable and kitchen table meals. Ever-changing and always artfully imaginative, a meal might include Olorosso sherry granite with dates and mustard greens or poached skate wing with red curry, meltingly tender, 20-hour braised fennel, razor clams and a wisp of herb oil. The cellar--one of the world's finest--boasts nearly 20,000 bottles.
User Reviews
kzi928
May 24, 2009
Most of you reading this review have already read many others or heard of Charlie Trotter's. You will walk in utterly impressed by their impeccable greeting and hospitality in the lounge area. You may pick up a couple books and read about the best restaurants in the world which include Trotter's. That is how our night started and we were excited. Then we were seated about an hour late with no apology. The food was good enough, but certainly not worth the price. You can find tastier food at 100 other restaurants in Chicago for less than half the price. And for a 20% automatic service charge, I would expect their service to be exactly that - automatic. But it took too long for any at-table requests to be realized. I would expect for the price (expect an average of $375 for 2 people, without drinks) everything to be nearly perfect. They had one chance to show me and they failed. And worse, if you have any criticisms you indicate on their feedback form and ask them to contact you, don't expect to hear from them.
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TheDOC
May 12, 2009
Just great. We were also lucky enough to tour the kitchen. The place is full of true professionals. Everyone there takes pride in their work, from the valet attendant to the kitchen staff. I was IMPRESSED.
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jrandle
September 19, 2008
Trotter's To Go (at the 1337 W Fullerton Ave locale) delivered its wonderful and tasty yummies to my workplace. Thank you to all of you who had great things to say about Trotter's because it helped me choose them to cater my company's event. You see, I am new to the office and have been given the task to please 63 hungry men and 2 women every 3rd Friday. These guys eat great everyday and I definitely wanted to impress them. Now, I am sitting back at my desk...breathing a sigh of relief and feeling joy in my heart, because Trotter's really came through. Soooooo, I suggest that you definitely try (if you haven't already) the Spinach Salad w/Artichoke Hearts, Red Onion, Feta, & Yuzo-Miso Vinaigrette; the Cavatappi Pasta w/Spinach Pesto(YUMMY; the Wood Grilled Chicken Breast-Sliced and Flank Steak (GREAT GRILLED TASTE); the Demi Ciabatti dinner rolls (WONDERFUL) and Cookie-Brownie Combination Platter. The Trotter's Team was great and helpful too..Very polite and informative. I rate the overall experience a 10! Thanks again Trotter's To Go...You guys are awesome!!
read full reviewThe Details on Charlie Trotters
The Extras:
Twice weekly during the school year, Trotter hosts public school students for a free meal. Charlie's one requirement? Each student must ask two questions before leaving.
What to Drink:
The wine list is one of the world's finest, with four cellars storing about 18,000 bottles in temperature- and humidity-controlled environments.
Look Good:
On your way out, ask the host whether you can see the kitchen; if things aren't too hectic, you may be treated to a guided tour.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are taken four months to the day in advance. Hint: Call in the afternoon, when cancellations generally come in, and you may luck out with a same-night table.
Where to Sit:
Reserve the kitchen table, where four to six guests can dine in the midst of the action (reserve at least eight weeks ahead).
Fun Fact:
Trotter works with more than 90 purveyors, emphasizing organic produce and naturally raised meats, to build his edible masterpieces.
Know Before You Go:
Jackets are required.
The Extras:
In addition to offering wine pairings, there's a non-alcoholic beverage tasting menu with sippers concocted out of fennel and spring onion as well as sparkling kalamansi and Thai basil.
Pull Up a Chair:
If you can swing it, the best seat in the house is at the Kitchen Table, which has its own custom menu and ensures primo peeks of chefs at work.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Carte Blanche, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Chef''s Table, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Celeb Hangout, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, People Watching, Business Dining, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Eclectic & International, New American, Traditional American
Notable Chef:
Charlie Trotter
Smoking Permitted:
No
