08/25/08

Friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, average food

by lalindad

Cotes du Rhone, on North Broadway, is situated in a fairly low-key location. Do not go to this restaurant if you are looking for a booming area. With that said, the ambience (a bit dark though) was relaxing and the staff very friendly and attentive. Our server promptly corked our bottle of wine and placed the other on ice. The birthday discount was a plus. Visit them on your b-day and you will only pay $5 for your entree (up to $20 entree value).

The food though was exactly what I expected of an unassuming french bistro. The escargot, in garlic and butter, then baked, tasted fairly fresh but disapeered fast (six come in an order). My boyfriend complained that he could have stood to have eaten an entire colony of snails! My main dish, sea bass, had great flavor and texture, but was a bit overwhelmed by the huge mound of mashed potatoes it sat atop. Sea bass is a delicate fish that should melt in your mouth if cooked right. At one point though I was not sure where the sea bass ended and the mashed potatoes began. My boyfriend's entree choice, a paella with seafood, chorizo and chicken, was the better entree, but oddly enough not really French at all.

Overall, the atmosphere was relaxing and service attentive and friendly, but the food nothing to get excited about. The BYOB policy was nice though. Cotes du Rhone is worth a taste for those who enjoy trying new restaurants but don't expect to be knocked out of your seat.

• Pros: Service, BYOB, Parking
• Cons: Average food, Low-key area

03/25/07

Nice Bistro in Edgewater

by chowfunner

At the time of this review, this restaurant was still in its BYOB infancy , but the food definately was quite mature. For openers we really enjoyed the luscious consistancy of the liver pate, which we suspected was made on the premises. It was certainly a cut above most others we have tried in the city. The steamed mussels were also better than we've had in other local bistros, although the sauce was a bit salty for our tastes. However, I would order this dish again without hesitation. For the entree, the delicate saffron flavored bouillabaisse was a real winner. Overall we were quite happy with the food. The service was prompt and considerate. The atmosphere was dark, spartan and bit a raw. This gives the place a bohemian feel which we rather enjoyed, but it may not be to everyone's tastes. Overall we enjoyed this restaurant and have added to our list of Chicago's fine affordable bistos.

• Pros: Well prepared French fare
• Cons: None worth mentioning

02/18/07

Really tasty bistro food

by sjgvj

Although I read the Citysearch reviews frequently, this review is the first I have ever written. My husband and I enjoyed our dinner at this one week old establishment. Our food was reeally tasty, our server was friendly,efficient and helpful with menu choices and we will defintiely return. Althoug we had made resevations, upon our arrival, the hostess could not locate them. Not a ptoblem at 6:30. but it would have been an issue a little later as the restaurant was completely full with many people waiting by the time we left. I think the place would be perfect if they improved the lighting (the lack of lighting & small type face menu made menu reading nearly impossible). I also think the decor could be significantly enhanced with some finishing touches. All in all, we liked the place and I know we will bo back (espeically while it is still BYOB).

• Pros: Excellant food, friendly service, easy parking, reasonably priced
• Cons: too dimly lit, decor somewhat lacking