04/09/08

Clean up front - not so much in back

by bapp5353

Been through the kitchen - Chef was rude ( go figure) - place was dirty. Could not eat there after seeing conditions in back.

• Pros: Other places to eat nearby
• Cons: Chef/Cleanliness

04/21/06

Not-so-frugal Gourmet

by kristen0218

A fantastic open market, comparable to Zabar's in New York City or a classier North Market in Columbus, OH. Incredible breads, prepared foods, desserts & cheeses. Frou-frou & expensive alcohol selection. The staff are knowledgable & genuinely friendly. The prices are pretty outrageous (insane mark-ups on wine & expect to pay at least $10 for a take-out lunch from the prepared foods counter) but it's almost worth it for fresh, delcious old-world food in the Loop. Bonus: Take your lunch & eat on a bench near the docks - you'll feel like you're on vacation if you aren't already!

• Pros: Fantastic, fresh food, Wonderful staff, Bakery
• Cons: Price gouging

01/15/06

A Chicago Original

by rsnchicago

Yes it is expensive, yes it can get crowded, and yes the selection may seem limited to the very best foods. This is not the place to get your Skippy peanut butter or Cheerios; go to the Dominicks a couple blocks away for general items. This is the place to get your Beluga caviar, your rare and blended teas, your Korean pears, your exotic pies and breads. The selection may seem overwhelming at first, but they really only stock a few of the finer brands. They excel at offering the best cheeses, meats, produce and bakery items. Fox and Obel is a cross between Dean & DeLuca and Whole Foods, yet they carry a lot of the same items (mostly dry goods). Beware though: I find many of Fox and Obel's items priced 10-20% higher than the same goods at Whole Foods.

• Pros: Wonderful deli, Clean and welcoming, Excellent produce
• Cons: Expensive, Limited selection

A gourmet food market and cafe that's exclusive to Chicago.

by Elisa Kronish

In Short
Gleaming counters, delicious smells and dazzling displays entice shoppers to fill their baskets (and drain their wallets). This spacious, upscale store combines several gourmet food markets in one. Foods are displayed at the butcher shop, fresh fish market, cheese department, deli counter, produce section, prepared-foods counter and bakery. Staff is trained and knowledgeable, so ask for help, suggestions and tastes.

09/03/02

The market to beat all markets

by KarenObel

I love this place. Everything about it is fresh and new, from the food to the housewares to the decor to the shopping experience. I only wish there was a Fox & Obel where I live!

• Pros: Variety, Unusual, Parking available

07/26/02

the BEST Food store in USA

by amyturctt

This place is amazing! They have the greatest products in the world.. meat (9), seafood (8), packaged goods (10), prepared foods (10) produce (8), wines and booze (6) the Staff (10). The staff really is the greatest. They are very friendly and informed. While I was standing dazed in aw of there selection I was asked if I needed any help by a man who appeared to be doing some sort of inventory, well I did and he stopped what he was doing and lead me to every thing I needed . The people at the cheese counter talked with me for a half hour and even recommended a cheaper cheese over a real expensive one.I was also told they can ship things (my sister will be syked come christmas) and they have they also do catering!!!!! In a year this will be a must see in Chicago!!!!

• Pros: FREE PARKING, THE PEOPLE, BETTER THAN NY OR LA

07/16/02

World Class at Last

by M_Inmann

Chicago finally has a food hall worthy of its status as a world-class city. PLUSSES: Prepared foods that are better than anything I've had at Dean & Deluca in NY, and the best bakery in Chicago. Best selection of cheese and packaged specialty foods around. One MINUS: a lot of their stuff is expensive, though I cant get stuff this good anywhere else, regardless of price. I'll do my ordinary grocery shopping at Jewel and Dominicks, but if I want something good, I'll be at Fox & Obel. (and they have free parking! Unheard of in Streeterville.)

• Pros: quality, selection, parking
• Cons: price

06/07/02

Oh, man, is that expensive

by peterbehle_citysearch

This place is heavenly, but so very expensive. The prepared food section makes your mouth water, but you can't get anything for less than 10 bucks or so. The produce is immaculate, but again, prices are stratospheric. If you have no budget, this is the place. Otherwise, just take a look and dream.

• Pros: Incredible food
• Cons: Crazy expensive, Parking is pricey