(312) 755-1790
535 N Wells St
(Between Grand Ave. and Ohio St, River North)
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8918
-87.6339
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
Hours:
Mon-Sat 5-10pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 5.10.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Quiet, Outdoor Dining, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Online Reservations
Cuisine:
Traditional American, Vegetarian
Notable Chef:
Suzy Crofton
Smoking Permitted:
No
What People Are Saying About Crofton on Wells
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
The Scene – Decorated with stylish restraint by Crofton herself, the space is simple and modern. The candlelit room's walls are bare, save for a wavy symmetrical mirror. There's no excess, no flash--nothing to distract you from the restaurant's exceptional, seasonal American cuisine. – – The Food – Crofton's touch is restrained but confident, from the playful zing of a vodka-spiked oyster shot with mango, to the earthy, dark flavor of sauteed wild mushrooms in a basket of fried leek. One scrumptious salad combines duck leg confit, warm fingerling potatoes and a hint of…
Editor's Tips
- Save Money:
- A four-course prix fixe menu is offered from 5pm to 6:30pm Monday through Saturday, including appetizer, salad, entree and dessert for $45 including tax ($65 with two glasses of wine).
- Know Before You Go:
- Vegan or vegetarian? Funky allergies? Inform your server of any special dietary needs, and the kitchen will be happy to oblige with meat-, dairy- or allergen-free dishes.
- The Extras:
- Crofton's signature smoked apple chutney is available for sale in eight-ounce jars for $8.95 at the restaurant and online at the Crofton on Wells website.
| ambiance | 100.0% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| dessert | 100.0% positive |
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| drinks | 100.0% positive |
|
| food quality | 86.21000289916992% positive |
|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
|
| overall | 100.0% positive |
|
| return potential | 100.0% positive |
|
| service | 90.0% positive |
|
| value | 75.0% positive |
|
| wait time | 100.0% positive |
|
Neighboorhood feel in the big city
by tbclark at Citysearch
Crofton on Wells has not fallen into the "trendy" trap that so many other River North restaurants have. From the smaller intimate space to the focus on amazing food this place is now one of my favorites in Chicago. When we entered the hostess warned us that they had been cooking all day in the kitchen so be prepared to eat. She did not lie and we did not disappoint. Each course - johnnycakes, short ribs; texas "snapper", venison; provided great flavors that were not overly done for the sake of style and what is currently hot and trendy. Overall, amazing food in a simple neighboorhood type setting with very friendly service.
- Pros: Service, Food, Low Key feel
- Cons: none
Best Crabcake in the WORLD!
by sunshinefoodie at Citysearch
For every bad review there is always a good one. Crofton on Wells was by far one of the best dining experiences I have had in Chicago in a long time. It was very intimate, the service was great and they even called us by name when we got there. I highly recommend the crab cakes and the Chicken.
- Pros: Service, location, intimate dining atmosphere
They serve appetizers for the main course
by mikeinchicago at Citysearch
What is the point of serving good food if your customers are still hungry when they are done?
Seriously, I had an appetizer, 2 main courses (salmon and steak), dessert and a bottle of wine. I was still hungry.
I like how one reviewer suggesting eating a snack before going to Crofton's
Not Worth the Money
by jlh67 at Citysearch
This was our 2nd time dining at Crofton's & unfortunately it will most likely be our last. Food is good, however the whole dining experience is underwhelming & pretty pricey for what you get. This is not a place to go if you have a large appetite as the portions are very small. When you pay $200 for dinner for two you'd expect a more memorable dining experience. The ambiance leaves a little to be desired and the food while good is quite forgetable. There was not one stand out thing that we had during our meal that would make it worth $200 to go back again. Dessert for $11?? It was so small we could barely share. Mixed green salad for $9.75? Barely a handful of lettuce... could you spare it Suzy? Fish with beans for $30.00??? Barely the size of a Perch, beans weren't cooked entirely and $30.00!!!
- Pros: Vegetarian Options, Good for Dieters
- Cons: Expensive, Small Portions, Lack of "Life"
Great experience
by carlson_b at Citysearch
Top notch dining experience. Excellent service, great wine list at all price ranges, heavy on domestics but a very impressive Pinot Noir list. The food was extremely well prepared and included some very unique updates on more traditional preparation of many dishes. The prices are probably 10-20% higher than I would expect for similar dishes elsewhere but you also won't get this attention to detail at many places so it is worth it overall. Be prepared for a very impressive meal but don't expect to be wowed by anything too experimental.
- Pros: Excellent preparation, Top wine list, Attention to detail
- Cons: A bit pricey, Small menu
The Details on Crofton on Wells
Place Categories:
- great food
- excellent service
- great dining experience
- memorable special meal
- recommend downtown restaurant
- great little place
- superb crab cake
- quite romantic ambience
- best bbq
- great staff
- delicious signature bbq pork tenderloin
- not like blu cheese
- excellent salmon
- tasteless grilled baby octopus
- wonderful combination
- good signature appetizer
- very good appetizers
- highly recommend chicken
- just perfect theater
- good crabcake
- very unique updates
- extremely disappointing place
- horrible evening
- friendly atmosphere
- worst dining expereinces

