Chalkboard
(773) 477-7144
4343 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago,
IL
60618
41.9609
-87.6836
Neighborhoods: Far North Side, Ravenswood

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. Potent appetizers include succulent scallops with chicken confit, fried sage and truffled pea puree, and an anise flavored salad with cured tomatoes and poached egg. Entrees stick to hearty meat and starch duos. Beef stew is actually seared skirt dressed with braised vegetables and their gravy--delicious. Crispy bass is pitch-perfect with bacon risotto. A gloriously crunchy Southern-fried chicken quarter cries for seasoning, as does a duck entree, but benefit from tasty accompaniments: sausage gravy-mashed potatoes and a duxelle-stuffed raviolo, respectively.
User Reviews
safarismom
January 30, 2007
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.
read full reviewThe 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.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Chef''s Table, Brunch, Notable Chef, Hidden Find, Date Spot, Notable Wine List







