Jacky's on Prairie

11/07/09

Not the same place

by Alice Blake at Citysearch

We too were regular patrons of Jackies in the past. It did have a limted but dependable menu ( just like a French bistro), We were a little disapointed in the Steak Frite which the poive is now a thick creamy sauce nothing like the old one. The frites are just not the same. The beet salad was good, and the pheasent appetizer was good. But in general the food was just ok. The wine list is still good, but I hope they aren't just running through the inventory. The atmosphere has definitely changed and doesn't feel as neighborhood as it did before. It's a little sad.

• Pros: Wine list is still good
• Cons: Food is a little odd

11/03/09

Reminds me of Paris

by Adam M at Citysearch

Having lived in Paris, I am always in search of an authentic French meal and Jacky's hit the spot! I had steak frites (as it is my gauge of any French bistro's authenticity) and my wife had the duck. We topped off our meal with a bottle of Bordeaux from the extensive wine list. I found the food and ambiance to be in authentic Parisian style and the staff was both friendly and efficient. If you're looking for a little slice of Paris, check out Jacky's!

• Pros: Authentic French Cuisine

10/31/09

not the old Jacky's

by arlene posner at Citysearch

As evanston residents, jacky's bistro was one of our favorite places to spend a long, wonderful dinner with friends. Unfortunately, it has been taken over by the owner of Blind Faith ( a vegetarian restaurant). The menue was linited and the descriptions did not match the food. I ordered a lobster appetizer - came as a "corn cake" (probably frozen corn - definitely not fresh) with 2 small pieces of lobster, and no taste. My friend ordered a salad that could have come out of a bag from the grocery store. As an entree, i ordered the steak and frites - a standby at the old Jacky's - it was inedible - grizzle and fat throughout. When we got the attention of the 20 something blonde hostess, she said that that was the way it was served and that it was not the "old Jacky's". i asked that it be replaced and she replied that she couldn't promise that it would be any better - but offered to serve me the NY cut - at a much higher price, of course.

We will not be returning. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY - AS THE SNOTTY HOSTESS SAID - THIS IS NOT THE OLD RESTAURANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Pros: can't think of any
• Cons: rude hostess, bad food, limited menue

08/30/08

Best Southern France Taste

by baltimorejames at Citysearch

The environment, the service, and the food (can only critique the dessert) are all definitely great reasons to come back for more at Jacky?s Bistro restaurant.

upon arrival, I felt I was in the right place to satisfy my craving for a real classic southern French dish, ohm my great lord .. I had the Bouillabaisse, for a moment I forgot I was in the north shore, indeed I found the real home taste of southern France, with fashionable and romantic ambiance.

Jacky?s Bistro manages to go above and beyond with its commitments for occupying a small venue, it's cute yet sophisticated. It provided the best ambiance for an idyllic night.

The service was very pleasing our waitress was very attentive, not once did we have to ask for refill on our beverage, attentiveness seemed to be her forte, and personally, Michael and I like a clean table, hence we were somewhat surprised to see our waitress maintain a clean table for us after each round.

The dessert! This must have been the crescendo of our night. The banana Brioche Bread Pudding with Orange Mascarpone and crispy chocolate palet With Raspberry was amazing eyesight. The presentation of food was impeccable and just flowed. Michael, as soon as he saw it stated "wow, this looks too good to even eat." The bread pudding was by far our favorite, it was gone within a matter of moments. Warm, yet cooled by the ice cream and simply moist. The chocolate palet was pretty tasty and it didn't hurt that a beautifully sculptured strawberry was next to it. The Chocolate was chilled and soo very very rich!

All in all, a great experience with great dessert. Give it a try; I?m sure you won't be disappointed

08/28/08

Disappointing brunch

by edgewatereater at Citysearch

We had two birthdays in a busy, extended family and decided to celebrate at a brunch. We picked Jacky's based upon good reviews. Reserved several weeks in advance but all the good spots went to others.

We had 10 in a space for 7, near the music so we couldn't hear each other, Several people sent their food back because it was cold. We got the bill before we were offered coffee and then were not offered a second cup. The manager said the waiter was new, well then why weren't they surpervised?? They advertise valet parking. I found the sign but not the valet. I won't gp back!

08/04/08

A good time at Jacky's Bistro

by Timothy892 at Citysearch

We had dinner with two other couples at Jacky's the other night and had a great experience. We sat outside and started with a bottle of well-priced French white wine and a server who was willing to have some fun with us - so far so good! I think everyone had a different first course with positive comments from all (my Endive salad was great.) The entrees were teriffic as well. One couple shared a Dover sole and the rest of us were jelious! First rate scallops for my wife and I had heavenly veal medallions. Everyone was very pleased. Deserts were good too - we shared several including a to-die-for chocolate mousse type dish that was especially good. Service was attentive and a very nice manager stopped by to check on us, so thumbs up from our group. We'll all be back!

• Pros: Service, food. and ambience all thumbs up.
• Cons: Wasn't looking for any - didn't notice any.

03/24/08

average and noisy

by ihatetocook at Citysearch

As people who frequently dine out, we like to try lots of different restaurants. We had heard mixed reviews from friends about Jacky's and decided to try it out for ourselves. It was...well, average. The tables were too close together, the room very noisy and the food average. the service was good, but couldn't make up for the average tasting food or the noisy room. This is one place that we won't be going back to...it's just not worth the price or the time.

• Pros: the service
• Cons: average food and noisy room

03/07/08

Our Favorite Restaurant

by Rich1938 at Citysearch

This is the first time I've bothered to review a restaurant on Citysearch, because as a frequent customer at Jacky's I felt compelled to write in and set the record straight on the experience there. First, the food. Someone mentioned before that it was bland, which is something I simply cannot get my head around. There are no salt and pepper shakers on the table for a reason; everything is perfectly seasoned and exqusitely complimented. The tastes at Jacky's are second to none, I've never had a disappointing dish. (Both my wife and I feel that the best steak we've ever had has been Jacky's steak frites).

Jacky's isn't just a great romantic spot for couples, we also bring my two daughters along fairly often, it's a great place for a really cozy evening out with the family. The service is also fantastic. It can get busy at times, but everyone is always in control and quick to make every bit of your time spent there very enjoyable. The fact is that this place deserves a 5-star average, and I can't reccommend it highly enough. I always make sure to tell all my friends about it, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way after dining at Jacky's.

• Pros: Food, attentive service, great ambience for couples and families. A great experience all-around.
• Cons: None

02/20/08

Extensive Wine List, Great Food and Amazing service

by chriskool78 at Citysearch

My partner and I went to Jacky's on Friday Evening, I have to say we had an oustanding time. The Food was oustanding, the service very knowledgable, and most of all an REALLY extensive Wine list! I give Jacky's 2 thumbs up for being an great place for Family's nights out and a really romantic place for dates.We can't wait to go back again

• Pros: Wine list, Quality of the food, Atmosphere
• Cons: none

05/12/06

User review by itsadogeatdogworld

by itsadogeatdogworld at Citysearch

we wnet there for dinner last night, the ambience is nice. The quality of the ingredients is good, the appearance of the food is done well. But the preparation is average, pretty tasteless. Make sure you ask your server for the price of the specials, we were not told. Our server recommended 1/2 bottle of red wine for our dinner, we made the mistake of not asking the price she did not tell us, it was $50.00 Well anyway live and learn. We had wanted to try Jacky's, we did and will not go back. It is over rated.

• Pros: ambience, plating of the food
• Cons: overpriced, bland food