05/27/08

Super scrumtious

by furnace

I should begin with a disclaimer: My wife and I went to the Pump Room on our 2nd wedding anniversary and it was on the Tuesday night following Memorial Day, so business was slow. Also, our server informed us that they had gone through a recent menu change w/ Executive Chef Nick Sutton. Now that that's out of the way--WOW. Service: A+ Appetizers: B Entrees: A+ Dessert: B+ Drinks: N/A Atmosphere: A Value: B+

We opted for the steak tartar and the lobster bisque to start. The tartar was flavorful accompanied by an overeasy egg, not my cup of tea. The bisque also had a rich, hearty flavor, but limited lobster and slightly overcrowded with fried new potatoe flakes.

My wife ordered the grilled salmon, medium. I chose the lamb, medium. Both nearly flawless. The salmon was easily the best I've tasted: fresh, subtle, savory accented with mushrooms and "spring garlic soubise". The lamb was equally satifying: tender, flavorful, simply prepared. What truly completed the lamb's impressive flavor was the side of truffled frites that played off of the meat and cipollini onions. The sauces for both entrees were absolutely sinful.

Finally we took the advice of the manager (yeah, we saw him multiple times and not because of any problems) and had the honey cake for dessert. As he had noted, it was an entertaining spin on bread pudding. Quite tasty, but not quite up the high standard of the rest of the meal.

The service was some of the best I've experienced in Chicago, where servers tend to be either underinformed or impatient. All staff was genuinely helpful and attentive. We decided against the joy of wine despite the impressively affordable wine list.

The only reason I went with the B+ for value is the high(er) prices for a limited budget and ala carte approach. Otherwise the food was incredible and the experience is one we will cherish.

• Pros: Service, amped-up comfort food, ambiance
• Cons: smallish portions, parking a little difficult ($12 valet)

01/11/08

a great breakfast

by mike7161

I had breakfast there over the holidays and while the recent reviews were less than flattering, I found the Pump Room a delight. I had family in from out of town and my cousin had dinner there 30 years ago. While so much in life has changed over the years, the Pump Room is truely a heritage restaurant in the world of fast food and poor service.

Chicago is a great city with great food and the Pump Room still can pull it off. I had the eggs benidict with the truffle sauce - a dish I can't wait to try again! There were four of us and the food came fast and with smiles. Victor did a great job and Jaun was very pleasant.

The photos of the past celebs are all over the walls and to was nice after-dining challenge to identify them. I look forward to returning and maybe I'll get booth one like Frank!

• Pros: great food, friendly staff
• Cons: needs a refresher but still very pleasant

11/07/07

Terrible in every way

by debbiem534

Having lunch at the Pump Room in November 2007 was the most dissapointing experience in a long while. Not only was the service horrible (50 minute wait for a cold sandwich and burger), the food itself was inedible. The burger was cold. The soup was cold. There were several wait staff milling around doing nothing really useful. We waited 20 minutes just for bread. Drinks were not refilled. Server was quite rude and there were only a few other customers in the restaurant at the time. The prices would be fine if the food and service were anything even average. Do not waste your time or money here. You can do better almost anywhere. Very very dissapointed.

• Cons: Everything