(773) 477-7144
4343 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago,
IL
60618
41.9609
-87.6836
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, Far North Side
What People Are Saying About Chalkboard
The Editor
Fred Schlatter
Citysearch
The Scene – The sleepy storefront is recognizable as a buzzing restaurant only when close enough to peer inside. A foyer is clad in bronze jacquard wallpaper. The small dining room features white molding and wainscoting and handsome chandeliers throwing warm light. The namesake chalkboard is dramatic, running the far wall's length. Linen-clad tables are pleasantly spaced and conversation kept to a hum. A tiny bar distributes mostly wine through an efficient, well-informed staff. – – The Food – Chef Gilbert Langlois creates seasonal menus with certain regional finesse.…
07/25/09
Birthday Bust - Too much hype for nothing special.
by Love4Yoga
The Chalkboard attracted me with the thought of drinking wine in a relaxed, comfy environment while eating fresh food prized to be local and organic.
I have to say I was terribly disappointed for several reasons:
1) The waiter was unable to recommend a dry red wine from the list. He stated he preferred sweet & fruity reds and we were left to fend for ourselves. For having such a large wine list, it would be nice if the staff would guide the consumer a bit better.
2) We ended up with a bottle of wine we didn't like. I realize I could have sent it back but we had already tried two other wines we didn't like that the waiter recommended.
3) The salads and entrees we tried were tasteless. With the claim of fresh, local & organic ingredients I was expecting more flavor and pizazz. Nothing was too special or exciting.
4) The waiter was lethargic, not attentive or helpful. In fact, while he was explaining an entree to us someone came into the restaurant. He stopped mid sentence and walked away to attend to the person who just walked in without saying anything to us. He could have at least said 'excuse me for a moment'. Not impressive or respectful.
5) It was my birthday - the person who took our reservation stated they noted it in the book to ensure a extra special dining experience. The waiter didn't say or do anything special.
6) The overall experience was disappointing. All the facets of the experience that had me excited turned about to be a bust. No tasty wine recommendation, boring local organic food and a unhelpful waiter. So much for trying out a seemingly comfy restaurant on my birthday... I couldn't wait to leave!
- Pros: Cute decor, local & organic ingredients
- Cons: Mediocre service - disappointing, tasteless food
01/30/07
Best American Comfort Food in Chicago!
by safarismom
Went to Chalkboard after hearing very good things about it. It was excellent and what my husband and I loved aside from the fabulous food (you HAVE to try the Fried Airline Chicken!) was the friendliness of the staff and the chef, who stopped by tables with his little baby in tow. It gave you the feeling that this was like an old fashioned but modern, and upscale neighborhood restaurant, without the upscale prices! Great Value and we highly recommend it.
- Pros: Easy parking during the week
- Cons: You can find parking on weekends but it will take a couple of minutes to drive around the neighborhood
The Details on Chalkboard
What to Drink:
This wine list is brief, mostly American, and priced well. A $26 bottle of Independent Producers Merlot works very well with much of the menu.
When to Go:
Weekends are busy, and service, which is good, might falter slightly. Weeknights are your best bet.
Parking:
There is no valet, but Lincoln can have spots. Do not, however, try and sneak a spot in the Golden Angel's lot across the street--you will be ticketed.
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