Magnolia Cafe
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 728-8785
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Magnolia Avenue
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Wilson
- Hours:
- Tues-Thurs 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9pm
Editorial Review for Magnolia Cafe – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Magnolia Cafe's 50-seat room buzzes with couples and groups of chatting friends. Tables are tucked tightly together; exposed brick blends with muted-green walls, and fringed lamps hang from the charming wood-beam ceiling. Warm, low lighting and a super-friendly staff add to the comfort level.
The Food
The eclectic American menu winningly balances flavors and textures: Subtle, delicate sea scallops dance with beet risotto in a blood-orange sauce; a bold, chipotle pork quesadilla plate is zingy with pepper-jack cheese. Other flavorful combinations include grilled salmon with vegetable fricassee and tender braised beef short ribs with spuds and spinach. Brunch is a popular meal here, too, with popular plates like light huevos rancheros, delicious gravlax Benedict, and a mean bloody mary with jalapeno-infused vodka.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkMagnolia's bartenders whip up fun house drinks like the Raspberry Royale--raspberries marinated in brandy for four days, then topped with Chambord and champagne. Light, fruity and delicious.
User Reviews for Magnolia Cafe
06/29/2008 Posted by Laura417A
I love Magnolia's. I've been a loyal customer for over 5 years. Part of the appeal to me is that it's just down the street from where I live. You can get a great upscale experience without having to truck downtown. I was sad to see the last customer got poor service. I've always been delighted with the staff -- although I will tell you on a Friday or Saturday nite -- things can sometimes be a bit slow. If you're looking for a speedy place to get in and out this is not it. My favorite thing to get is the brunch. They have great bloody mary's, fun speciality drinks, and an amazing eggs floretine (I'm not even sure if that's the right phrase) -- think eggs benedict with spinach and smoked salmon. YUMMMMMMM!!! They also have outside seating. I won't say the restaurant is always perfect, but I've always been delighted when eating there. It's a local spot I can take my friends, and they always come away impressed.
Pros: Eclectic Cusine, Great Atmosphere, Friendly Staff
Cons: No super-speedy service; limited menu (but what they serve is really amazing)
10/01/2007 Posted by paperdoll78
We agree with everyone, the food is delicious and the wait staff was very nice. BUT, there are lots of restaurants with delicious food. Our experience was on a Friday night at 6:45 for a party of six. We arrived and the reservation had been booked for the wrong night - but there was a table available. The menu is very limited and nearly impossible for people who do not eat seafood or pork products. There was no fish without seafood or vegetarian options. So beware - even the chicken was precooked and wrapped in prosciutto. On the special menu was a hamburger which two of us wished to order, but were told that they had run out of hamburger meat Thursday night and therefore couldn't serve it on Friday (nowhere to get meat on Friday?). The entrees took over 45 minutes to arrive and then two came out cold. When the check came there was an extra charge for "rocks" on a vodka on the rocks drink and a charge for cheese that was not ordered. We were told that both were restaurtant policy. Something strange was surely going on!
Pros: Food was delicious
Cons: Long wait for food, limited menu, rediculous additional charges
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