Bistrot Margot
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 587-3660
- Cross Street:
- Schiller Street
- Directions:
- El: Brown Line to Sedgwick
- Best of Citysearch:
- French Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm, Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm , Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm , Sat 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm, Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Bistrot Margot – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
The buzz of hearty conversation mingles with Edith Piaf tunes in this bustling, reasonably priced French spot, where two very red rooms (red curtains, red walls, red banquettes) fill with a hungry Old Town crowd. The front room gets loud; for more intimate occasions, sneak into the candlelit bar, where a couple of cozy tables hide behind red velvet curtains.
The Food
Chef-owner Joe Doppes prepares hearty, simple bistro classics with a sure hand--like plump, bubbling-hot escargot and a picture-perfect steak frites, the meat tender and full-flavored, the frites crispy and seasoned just right. Coq au vin is an earthy crock of chicken with onions, mushrooms, bacon and potatoes in red wine sauce, and risotto with asparagus and prosciutto is creamy and delicious. For dessert, try the profiteroles--you can't go wrong with ice cream, puff pastry and fudge sauce.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkWith an emphasis on California and France, the wine list offers a nice selection of bottles ($25-180) and half bottles, plus a dozen wines by the glass.
The ExtrasSeveral different prix fixe menus are available for pre-theater diners on their way to nearby Steppenwolf, Red Orchid and Second City.
User Reviews for Bistrot Margot
02/02/2008 Posted by nolachitown
I absolutely love Bistro Margot. I've been to this place a few times now and each time, it gets better. On my last visit, I had the duck medallions which far exceeded my expectations. If you have a hearty appetite, try the brie tart as an appetizer and the chocolate mousse/fudge (which is VERY small because it's so rich) for dessert - you'll want to order two or three more to take home. The service is a tad bit slower than you'd like, probably because people are just as impressed with their food and ambiance as I am. I highly suggest you make reservations so you can at least be seated and enjoy a glass of wine while you wait for a menu, etc.
Pros: romantic, close to Second City theatres as a date, great food
Cons: somewhat slow service
07/26/2007 Posted by paws26
My son and I were looking for a place for lunch before heading home to Detroit after looking at DePaul & Loyola. We headed up into the Old Town area, miraculously found a parking spot and started walking the streets until we found Bistro Margot. We were pulled in by the outdoor seating (this was in July) and the menu selections. We were not disappointed. The waiters were friendly, a bit slow perhaps, but nice. We both ordered the mini cup of soup - cream of mushroom, delicious - the chicken club on a croissant and the mini creme brulee. It was very good and we loved the presentation of the meal. The soup came in a demitasse cup, it was adorable. I would have given it 5 stars accept for one problem. I ordered lemonade which the waiter brought with a straw. After taking a few sips I noticed lipstick on the rim of my glass. It was disgusting to say the least. I sent it back for a fresh glass of lemonade and the waiter was very apologetic, but I was still kind of grossed out. Owners- if you read this, make sure your dishedsand glasses are clean before they go out.
Pros: Food, ambience.
Cons: Service was a bit slow.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
