Bistrot Zinc
Chicago, IL 60610-6574
Phone: (312) 337-1131
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Elm Street
- Directions:
- Bus: 36 to Elm Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- French Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 3:30pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Bistrot Zinc – by Valerie Moloney
The Scene
With its mirrored walls, wicker chairs, tiled floors and red and black present throughout, this brasserie only needs a sidewalk cafe to make it truly Parisian. Even without the patio, tourists and Gold Coast locals still love this restaurant for a lingering lunch or quiet dinner with friends. A long zinc-topped bar up front provides ample elbow room for those waiting for a table. Servers are fast and especially helpful to families with kids.
The Food
Dishes such as escargot, bouillabaisse and steak au poivre round out a menu devoted entirely to traditional bistro eats. Crunchy, boiled haricot verts, tuna, hardboiled egg bits, potatoes, white anchovy and a tangy lemon vinaigrette make the Nicoise salad a light, yet fulfilling bite. Brunch includes French brioche toast that arrives supersized with butter-drenched slices along with sweet berries and vanilla mascarpone. Indulge with a gooey chocolate crepe or ice cream-topped profiteroles for dessert.
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Insider Tips
ParkingStreet parking is difficult so avoid taking a car if you can. Valet service is available for dinner only.
Know Before You GoA 16-percent gratuity is added to checks for parties of six or more.
User Reviews for Bistrot Zinc
08/02/2008 Posted by gyglygirl
we were looking for a french restaurant and we couldn't have been happier to find this gem. great food and a nice selection for everyone. from appetizers to entrees you will not be disappointed. it's location is obscure but well worth the effort to find it.
Pros: price, selection, crepes, desserts, casual to fine dinning
Cons: parking
10/14/2007 Posted by pjs2780
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious and relaxing dinner at Bistrot Zinc last night. We were seated immediately, having made reservations, crusty and chewy bread was served promptly. Our waiter was attentive and arrived right away to tell us the specials and take our drink orders (the wine list did seem a little small for a French restaurant). I had the soupe du jour (a delicious lentil soup with Indian/Moroccan flavors) which was perfect on a chilly evening. For the entrees, my husband and I ordered off of the seasonal menu. He had the skate, which was fantastic -- flaky and buttery, paired interestingly with lime and a side of velvety mashed potatoes. I had the gnocchi with butternut squash and broccoli rabe, which was rich and succulent, the French gnocchi with a wonderful creamy texture. We were too full for dessert, but all of the items sounded wonderful. Our only complaint would be the valet situation. We pulled into the valet loading zone and asked the hostess to call the valet for us. We handed off our keys. When we were leaving, we again asked for the valet to be called and stepped outside, only to discover that the car was exactly where we had left it. Why were we stll charged $10 for a self-park job? It was quite strange. When we return (and we will definitely be back, the food was delicious, and there are plenty of other things on the menu that we want to try), we'll consider parking further away and walking just to avoid the awkwardness and sense of frustration we felt as we drove away.
Pros: delicious food, attentive service, very cute bistro atmosphere, good location
Cons: valet situation
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