Chez Joel

Recommends

king100

Joined 3 years ago

Great experiance. Really an unsung restaurant in Chicago. Highly recommended for stellar french inspired dishes and cozy ambiance

Doesn't Recommend

FranfromLakeForest

Joined 5 years ago

extremely disappointing experience. Lax and inattentive service, an ill-informed server, and a soggy serving of pototoes made our dining sometimes a trial.

A large party soon dominated the small room, and made any and all conversation at all the other tables a real chore or simply an impossibility. Requests to the management to intervene were met with shrugs, insulting accusations and indifference. The rowdy party of nine trumps our party of four?

The food, basic French bistro often with an unorthodox North African slant, is worth the trip, but the ambiance was torture and we could not suffer the migraine level of noise and left quickly.

After two such painful experiences, we shall leave the restaurant to the Large Party crowd. Adieu.

Recommends

latinofutbaler

Joined 7 years ago

AWESOME FOOD!!!. Dined there last night with my wife and friends and the food was tremendous all around. I had the Lamb shank and it was by far the best. The place itself is very well put together and the service is top of the line. I would tell anyone who is looking for French Cuisine this is the place to go. My best regards to the whole staff there.

Recommends

libertyhyde

Joined 8 years ago

quality, presentation, service. excellent dishes; great martinis; welcoming atmosphere; convenient to UIC campus and downtown; valet parking.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Cozy spot in Little Italy offers some of the finest French bistro fare in town.. Savvy, seasoned diners flock to tiny Chez Joel, a study in French bistro coziness in the midst of Little Italy. Buttery yellow walls, prints and posters and a smart little bistro bar create the ideal intimate setting for the beautifully executed and presented fare. Expect photogenic versions of classic bistro dishes (garlicky escargots, hearty cod brandade, tangy and tender mussels marinieres) and daily specials. Bouillabaisse overflows with succulent seafood, topped off with a langoustine and an aioli crouton. Tournedos de boeuf satisfies with a buttery filet surrounded by vegetables in a resonant Bordeaux reduction.

Doesn't Recommend

gaby223

Joined 9 years ago

Confirm you reservations!!. I called to make a reservation for Valentines Day on 2-12-04 , the man who answered the phone suggested 7:30 I was suprise that time was available considering it was 2 days away so of coarse I took it, and he took my name and number... When I called to confirm my reservation a different man told me it was a bus boy who had answered the phone when I called and wouldn't honor my reservation. I asked to speak to a manager, but there wasn't one available. They had my name and number and never bothered to call. I made plans else where and had a great time!

Recommends

kram0173

Joined 9 years ago

Killer spot. I was flying in for V-day weekend and due to a reservation mix-up at another restaurant I found myself reservationless on thursday afternoon for a friday dinner in Chicago. This place bailed me out at the last second and it was the best meal of the weekend. The restaurant is small and very romantic and does well with simplicity. There is nothing over-the-top about Joel's but they do everything with class and they definitely show you they care about your business. And the food is top-self. Even for those who dont think French food is all that. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.

Recommends

ivlopezj

Joined 10 years ago

Chez Joel. Everything --from the casual yet elegant atmosphere to the pates and the bouillabaise-- was exceptional. The restaurant is somewhat out of the way if you are staying downtown, but, considering the prices and extraordinary quality, well worth the taxi fare.

Recommends

JCT

Joined 11 years ago

Bistro Best. Many of the wait staff speak French, which is charming. The menu is interesting, you would like to keep coming back to try everything. The food itself is wonderful.

Recommends

quezadam_5

Joined 11 years ago

Excellent experience -- not vegetarians. The other three members of my dinner party really enjoyed their dinner (leg of lamb & steak (2), respectively). Unfortunately, I'm vegetarian and there was nothing on the menu I could eat. The chef accommodated my meal requirements by making a nice pasta and grilled vegetable platter. Our dinner was in celebration of my best friend's birthday. We placed an order for a small birthday cake from the kitchen. It never arrived but the atmosphere was lovely and everyone enjoyed themselves despite the snafu. I would definitely consider going back the next time I find myself in Little Italy.