Charlie Trotters

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…

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Editor's Tips

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).
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.
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.

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User Reviews (52)

ambiance	90.90999603271484% positive	“The modest portions, the refined atmosphere, the discrete service and only the best ingredients, make this restaurant an epicurean delight.” “We were drawn in to the reputation of CT and hoped for a romantic dining experience.” “My husband surprised me with a romantic dinner for our 10 year wedding anniversary.” “The ambiance was pretentious and boring.” “Beautiful ambience, multiple edbile works of art, very good service, UNDERSTAND THIS RESTAURANT IS FOR GOURMETS, If you don't read or have familiarity with magazines like Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine or Wine Spectator you may find yourself our of you” “The atmosphere was comfortable (a little chilly).” “This was an incredible seven courses of flavor, texture, and ambience that can not be given justice in 150 words or less.” “Service was outstanding, comfortable and professional.” “CT is not for young adults looking for a fun atmosphere and good food.” “Atmosphere is elegantly cozy and sophisticated.” “We finished off with a tour of the kitchen, which was great fun.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“The desserts were terrific, but kudo's to the staff they really did a nice job.” “Anyways, food was alright, dessert was cool, but I left feeling jipped.”
drinks	86.66999816894531% positive	“While it started out very well, our waiters later missed some tasks: forgot wine that had been ordered, failed to offer coffee, etc.” “The wine accompaniment menu was delightful and nice to have the variety with each course.” “The waitors very knowledgeable about the food, wine, and how to make us happy.” “Service was friendly yet professional, quick to answer questions, masterful wine pairings, incredible food.” “... expensive (we paid $400 for 2 with 4 glasses of wine, far from being the best onses!)” “Our waiter was a sommelier, a restaurants wine expert, and helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine that would fit our price range.” “The wine list is extensive, I needed some help with it and found the staff to be very helpful and their ideas made for incredible wine selections, The food was good although I find monk fish disgusting, wasn't this fish a garbage fish 15 years ago?” “For what we spent on dinner and wine it should have been the very best meal I've ever eaten.” “The wine pairing was excellent.” “Charlie's is the best, and anyone who says otherwise simply is not acquainted with the world of food and wine.”
food quality	86.87000274658203% positive	“The food is excellent and the service is gracious and accomodating.” “Trotter's To Go (at the 1337 W Fullerton Ave locale) delivered its wonderful and tasty yummies to my workplace.” “People were wonderful, food was so refined that I still feel it in my mouth.” “How can Trotter's be sandwiched in-between two great steak houses.” “Anyways, food was alright, dessert was cool, but I left feeling jipped.” “The chefs try to make sure everything planned on the menu for that evening is from fresh seasonal ingredients.” “When I told the waiter this was by far my least favorite dish, all he could do was repeat the ingredients for me.” “The meal was unequivocally the most expensive meal we've every had, and one of the least enjoyable.” “The waitors very knowledgeable about the food, wine, and how to make us happy.” “Great service, food is good, infant servings” “After a meal at Alinea, our intentions were to dine like everyday locals- the best brunch place, best deep dish, etc.” “The sauces weren't especially interesting and after leaving the restaurant, neither my husband nor I could remember even one dish that was special or that we would ever want to eat again.” “This is a breath of fresh air among the many stale, traditional and forgettable restaurants one finds in the US.” “Since we've been back our tastebuds have changed because we can't stand mediocre food anymore.” “The wine list is extensive, I needed some help with it and found the staff to be very helpful and their ideas made for incredible wine selections, The food was good although I find monk fish disgusting, wasn't this fish a garbage fish 15 years ago?” “Charlie's is the best, and anyone who says otherwise simply is not acquainted with the world of food and wine.” “Service was friendly yet professional, quick to answer questions, masterful wine pairings, incredible food.” “The food and service were amazing, staff was friendly and enjoyable.” “For what we spent on dinner and wine it should have been the very best meal I've ever eaten.” “The food was the worst I've ever tasted.” “The Lamb was amazing and very juicy with the mole sauce it was to die for.” “Best meal, service, experience Ever!” “The food was outstanding.” “The quality of the food was poor (duck and veal were tough and stringy - not sure how that happens, asparagas was woody, dishes were too salty).” “The menu is imaginative and the food is outstanding.” “Even my husband who is traditionally a steak and potatoes kind of guy, thoroughly enjoyed the food.” “The very best meal I've ever eaten, the very best meal my wife and children have ever eaten.” “Second, the food is excellent in taste.” “have to say that the food was amazing.” “CT is not for young adults looking for a fun atmosphere and good food.” “His favorite dish of the 18 dishes we were served was a rare type of tuna that the chef told us only 1 was imported into the United States every week.” “The food is outstanding, with little to envy from the best restaurants in Paris.” “The room smelled of delicious pastries.”
menu variety	94.44000244140625% positive	“The fall menu was well balanced and had wonderful variety.” “The menu is imaginative and the food is outstanding.” “The wine accompaniment menu was delightful and nice to have the variety with each course.” “The menu was simply amazing - my husband had the grand tasting, and I opted for the Vegetarian so we could share.” “The chefs try to make sure everything planned on the menu for that evening is from fresh seasonal ingredients.” “The wine list is extensive, I needed some help with it and found the staff to be very helpful and their ideas made for incredible wine selections, The food was good although I find monk fish disgusting, wasn't this fish a garbage fish 15 years ago?”
overall	100.0% positive	“The modest portions, the refined atmosphere, the discrete service and only the best ingredients, make this restaurant an epicurean delight.” “After a meal at Alinea, our intentions were to dine like everyday locals- the best brunch place, best deep dish, etc.”
service	87.04000473022461% positive	“The service is outstanding, attentive but not intrusive.” “would not recommend this restaurant to anyone -- except people who want to impress their friends that they went there!” “Best meal, service, experience Ever!” “Beautiful ambience, multiple edbile works of art, very good service, UNDERSTAND THIS RESTAURANT IS FOR GOURMETS, If you don't read or have familiarity with magazines like Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine or Wine Spectator you may find yourself our of you” “We were greated and seated promptly and the wait staff were attentive and friendly.” “When I told the waiter this was by far my least favorite dish, all he could do was repeat the ingredients for me.” “went with a large group (15 people) and we had a wonderful experience.” “The modest portions, the refined atmosphere, the discrete service and only the best ingredients, make this restaurant an epicurean delight.” “The food and service were amazing, staff was friendly and enjoyable.” “The service was impeccable.” “Service was friendly yet professional, quick to answer questions, masterful wine pairings, incredible food.” “Our waiter was a sommelier, a restaurants wine expert, and helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine that would fit our price range.” “While it started out very well, our waiters later missed some tasks: forgot wine that had been ordered, failed to offer coffee, etc.” “Trotter and his staff deliver an amazing, steady stream of small highly creative culinary works of art, many with incredible flavors.” “The wine list is extensive, I needed some help with it and found the staff to be very helpful and their ideas made for incredible wine selections, The food was good although I find monk fish disgusting, wasn't this fish a garbage fish 15 years ago?” “The desserts were terrific, but kudo's to the staff they really did a nice job.” “The food is excellent and the service is gracious and accomodating.” “Great service, food is good, infant servings”
value	83.33000183105469% positive	“The meal was unequivocally the most expensive meal we've every had, and one of the least enjoyable.” “... expensive (we paid $400 for 2 with 4 glasses of wine, far from being the best onses!)” “The modest portions, the refined atmosphere, the discrete service and only the best ingredients, make this restaurant an epicurean delight.” “Trotter's is a decent place to go but I really don't feel you get the value from it.” “Our waiter was a sommelier, a restaurants wine expert, and helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine that would fit our price range.” “If you are willing to spend some money and you appreciate a wonderfully unique culinary experience that includes varied tastes and textures, this is for you.”
wait time	50.0% positive	“Service was friendly yet professional, quick to answer questions, masterful wine pairings, incredible food.” “The main course was Lamb Loin with a Black Cardamom Mole and ash baked eggplant which was slow cooked in the oven until it is a puree.”

06/02/10

Tragically disappointing

by GAE at Citysearch

This highly rated fine dining restaurant was a tragic disappointment. The quality of the food was poor (duck and veal were tough and stringy - not sure how that happens, asparagas was woody, dishes were too salty).

At one point we had to search for a server which took over 10 minutes. A dish was sent back for additional cooking which should have taken a few minutes but took almost 20. This does not represent the "Excellence" on which this restaurant prides itself.

I know what a great dining experience is, and this is not it. Save your money!!!

Pros: tour of kitchen
Cons: quality of food, poor service

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05/24/09

Disappointed

by kzi928 at Citysearch

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.

Pros: Ambience, Food Quality
Cons: Arrogance, Value

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05/12/09

A Wonderful Experience

by TheDOC at Citysearch

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.

Pros: Fine dining at its BEST
Cons: NONE!!

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09/19/08

Best Lunch @ Work Ever

by jrandle at Citysearch

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!!

Pros: Food tasted great...Staff very knowledgeable and helpful
Cons: Delivery guy in a hurry, brought the bags in, dropped the bags off and left

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07/07/08

Dream Come True

by stephmckean at Citysearch

My husband surprised me with a romantic dinner for our 10 year wedding anniversary. He knows I am a foodie and love to cook. He knew this is something that would be very special to me. He tried to get the kitchen table, but he was told that they only sit 4 to 6 at the kitchen table. Well, the day of our reservations they called us and said that the kitchen table had a cancellation and that it was noted on our reservation that my husband had asked about it. They said they would make an exception for us to fill the table. I thought it was so nice of them to call us, even though we were only a party of 2.

It was truly a remarkable experience. The food was so imaginative. I would have never thought of combining some of the ingredients they did. Even my husband who is traditionally a steak and potatoes kind of guy, thoroughly enjoyed the food. His favorite dish of the 18 dishes we were served was a rare type of tuna that the chef told us only 1 was imported into the United States every week. My husband also ordered the wine pairing with his meal, which he truly enjoyed. The chefs try to make sure everything planned on the menu for that evening is from fresh seasonal ingredients.

They surprised me with asking if I would like to go with one of the chef's and plate a dish. They could tell I was having so much fun, I couldn't stop smiling. Then the asked me to take the dish and present it to my husband. This is not something they do very often, I was told.

I don't eat chocolate because of it making me have headaches, so they made me some non-chocolate deserts that were not the plan for the evening. We were so stuffed we were almost not able to try all the assortment of deserts that came our way.

Then we got a private tour of the restaurant including the wine cellar. The whole restaurant experience was about 3 hours.

Wow! This was an amazing experience of a lifetime!

Pros: Incredible dining
Cons: Very expensive

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Charlie Trotters

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What People Are Saying About Charlie Trotters

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Editor's Tips

06/02/10

Tragically disappointing

by GAE at Citysearch

05/24/09

Disappointed

by kzi928 at Citysearch

05/12/09

A Wonderful Experience

by TheDOC at Citysearch

09/19/08

Best Lunch @ Work Ever

by jrandle at Citysearch

07/07/08

Dream Come True

by stephmckean at Citysearch

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