07/25/09

Make your own judgement!!

by MissParadise

I am from Quebec, Canada and we (boyfriend and i) went to bistro 110 for my first trip in chicago. We found this bistro cause my boyfriend comes from France and french foods are their speciality. We comes in and the waiter tells us there is a 30 minutes delay, so we seat at the bar and order drinks. They ask for ID so we show them driver license and health care card (both with pictures on it). They ask us to leave if we do not have our passeport cause it is the law and they do not accept anything else??? We ask them to show the written paper that proves it is a Us law to have passeport... They weren't able to find it written and they asked us to leave or they call the cops!!

Canadian doesn't mean I am from mars! And we changed for the restaurant I saw in jerome2's message, and all I can say is thanks Jerome for this wonderul suggestion!!

• Pros: Worst manners ever seen!!
• Cons: Not able to put any stars on this

06/14/09

Extremely rude service

by jerome2

Went there with my family on a Sunday night and we ordered drinks while waiting for our table. My brother got asked for a picture ID. He's 28 and lives in Canada, so he showed his driver's license (with picture) and another picture ID from Canada. The bartender refused to serve him unless my brother showed his passport, saying that a driver's license was not enough, and that a passport was required by law (???) We asked for the manager. Manager said it wasn't required by law but it was the restaurant's policy to ask for a passport if someone doesn't have an American driver's license. We tried to explain that a passport wasn't even required to cross the border from Canada (a driver's license is good enough), but to no avail. So we ended up going to another French bistro 5 mins away (on N State St.) with a much nicer atmosphere, great food, no attitude, cheaper price, and better wine selection. We'll never be back to Bistro 110.

• Pros: The location
• Cons: The attitude

01/08/08

It stank, it stinks.

by pupchen

Back in my second stint in Chicago, before it became overwhelmed by touristas from Indiana, Michigan and the hinterlands of Illinois, Bistro 110 was a refreshing respite from midwestern blanditude. But that was then. Before half the restaurant was taken over by a candy shop. Now it'

s my third stint, and I know now why I'm leaving, forever. This joint being one reason.

So, tragically, mistakenly, when a friend from those olden days, in from out of town, suggested that locale, I said yes. As soon as I entered the revolving door (revolving door????) I should of said "no". It stank of old fish.

Fast forward: the worst. oldest mussels I've ever, ever had anywhere in the world. Their once impressive baked garlic was nothing short of bitter. They actually told us we had to leave because they had to prepare for a party (we'd been there less than an hour). Good news: we continued our conversation at the Ritz Carlton bar (highly recommended); bad news: those poor fools who inadvertently evicted us had to eat their bad food, tolerate their bad service.

• Pros: unutterably none
• Cons: utterly everything

05/11/07

One of our favorites in Chicago

by jamekitz

Despite the hour long wait that Saturday night the hostess managed to seat my girlfriend and I at a table for two in the back within minutes. It was crowded, yes, but I would expect no less of a restaurant such as this in a city such as Chicago. Like art that takes time to warm up to, the decor was a bit off-putting at first. However, now that a year has passed I find my visual memories of the one and only time that I?ve been to Bistro 110 to be colorful and spirited and it compliments the experience in hindsight. For a night so busy the food came relatively quick. For the appetizer we shared the artichoke stuffed with Brie after our server recommended it to us. It was interesting and quite good. It would not have been a choice I would have picked otherwise, so I am glad we trusted him on it. My girlfriend ordered the seared sea scallops. They were incredibly big, juicy and were sweet and smoky. The green peppercorn sauce added a touch of kick. From that night forward I believe any scallop we eat will be compared to the scallops at Bistro 110. I ordered monkfish, which was the special that night. It was some of the best fish I have ever had. I don't see it as an option on their online menu so it was likely just a short lived option. However, it was so good that I would highly recommend that you try experimenting with the chef?s specials at Bistro 110 because if they are as well prepared as mine was you will definitely enjoy your meal. Presentations of the meals were wonderful. Service was a bit rushed (understandably with the hour wait) but it was attentive, and our server was very helpful in his recommendations.

• Pros: Delicious and creative dishes. Scallops and chef's specials are a must try.
• Cons: It is crowded on busy nights.

05/17/06

Tourists and shoppers can't resist this bustling, vibrant bistro just off the Mag Mile.

by Contributor

Shoppers stumble upon this chic bistro on their way to the Mag Mile or Water Tower Place, which makes for a nice stopping point from maxing out the credit cards. The setting is just divine, befitting the elegance of the Gold Coast; floral murals grace the walls, while a patio opens to a wide sidewalk and the beautiful skyline. Stylish French cuisine hits the classics, like a crisp Nicoise Salade with crispy haricots verts, garlicky mussels, Duck L'Orange and Steak Au Poivre. A New Orleans jazz ensemble on Sundays compels visitors to drop by for brunch.

12/22/05

A lively, good time.

by charlie1

Walked in on a whim, didn't know anything about the establishment. Very busy, loud but not uncomfortable. Menu had plenty to chose from. Service was competent & professional yet understated. Food was very good, wine as well. Will definitely return and have been suggesting to anybody we know going to Chicago. Had a great time.

• Pros: Service, Menu
• Cons: Not close to home

06/06/05

Bistro 110

by a310dennis

The greatest New York Strip Steak I have ever tasted.

06/06/05

Our Favorite Place

by nikiandrob

My husband and I visit Chicago at least twice per year and everytime we drive in we never miss our dinner at Bistro 110. We have dined there 22 times in 11 years and not once have we had a bad taste of anything. We have started bringing our four and six year old to dinner with us and they love every minute. My kids always eat everything on their plate, color on the paper covered table cloths (bistro provides crayons) and they love the atmosphere, its busy and yet quite. I highly advise trying their desserts!

03/12/05

One of my favorite French style bistros!

by veracruz69

In all my years of frequenting Bistro 110, I have NEVER had less than exceptional meals and wonderful service. Although it is fairly expensive, it is never disappointing. It is great for both small and large groups.

• Pros: Exceptional food, Exceptional service, Valet parking
• Cons: Expensive, Bland decor in rear

08/12/04

Never Disappointed

by carminer

My husband and I have been to Bistro 110 several times over the past 10 years. We have never been disappointed by the food or the ambience. It was recommended to us by friends who travel to France once to twice a year. We love the brunch, the soups, the breads, the peach belini's, etc. I recommend reservations if you're on a time schedule, but even though it's constantly busy, we've never had a long wait.

• Pros: Great soups, Great Ambience, Great Brunch