03/07/09

Vaguely disappointing

by jriehm

This wasn't our first visit -- and I truly don't know why we returned. I guess we forget -- it's a pretty popular place, so we keep thinking it'll be wonderful. Except it's not. Nice wine list -- but $15 Kir Royales left us feeling cheated. The pommes frites are just plain awful -- the traditional French version are delightful, and these are tiny and hard and disappointing. The pork shank was too much bone and fat, and not enough meat. The creme brulee felt chintzy. Service wasn't terrible, but why did our waiter take each course separately? I wish we had more dramatic complaints -- so maybe we'd definitely remember not to go back.

12/17/07

Great French for a great price! Delicious overall!

by jules1984

This is one of the best places to go in Chicago for affordable, quintessential French food without the heavy price tag, or the snooty staff. Very friendly and personable staff. Neighborhood feel. The onion soup has it's good and iffy days, but always melts in your mouth. My only problem is that the menu is very limited. Mostly meat and some sort of potato, there are some good fish options. Generous portions; I love having great food for lunch the next day. The desserts are yummy too! Great wine list, although most tend to be heavy wines. Small dining room, so make reservations!

• Pros: The staff, atmosphere, prices.
• Cons: Limited menu.

11/19/07

Regrettably disappointing...sigh

by Searcher44

For more than 20 years we've gone to Mon Ami Gabi and its predecessor in the same location Un Grand Cafe. Our most recent visit was more than disappointing (i) two steaks ordered were clearly of an inferior cut or grade of beef - were not done as ordered and frankly on the tough and chewy side (ii) coffee delivered with caffeine rather than without (iii) a New York strip, usually highly reliable - was done correctly but the texture and odor suggested that it had either been frozen and thawed more than once or had been left out at room temp far too long. One salad ordered was dressed way too heavily. On the plus side the desserts were as reliable as always and the wine list remains fairly priced. I had the impression that they are crowding more people into the space than was the case a few years ago but that's just a hunch. Service was prompt and efficient. Perhaps just a bad Sunday night - but overall disappointing.

01/28/07

Very Romantic

by malexan

IT can be very romantic especailly if you sit in the back room. I went on a friday night and i was plesently suprised that the noise level was down the whole time i was there. The food is delicious as well as the wine. My one problem is that we arrived on time for a 9:30 reservation but waited untill ten to be seated. After that the service was great. It is a little bit of paris in chicago.

• Pros: Food, Wine

05/17/06

Bustling, convivial brasserie serves French classics to a casual Lincoln Park crowd.

by Contributor

The Scene
Dark wood, low lighting and a buzzing, crowded bar make for a casual, warm atmosphere. This is not the place for a quiet dinner date, but groups of friends in the mood for a chatty evening will adore this tightly packed room.

The Food
Francophiles rejoice--from the baguette in a bag to bubbling-hot escargots and meal-ending profiteroles, Mon Ami Gabi serves simple, delicious French classics. Aside from the tempting escargots, sea scallops gratinee are a rich, creamy starter that's not to be missed. Paper-wrapped Chilean sea bass is tops among Gabi's seafood options: light, subtle, and flavorful, balanced perfectly by a medley of vegetables. No fewer than eight steaks round out the menu--each served with Gabi's light, crispy frites. Try the Roquefort, splashed with a tangy roquefort cheese butter, or the Bordelaise, with a sumptuous mushroom and red wine sauce. Dessert classics include an impressive tarte tatin, profiteroles and chocolate mousse.

• Pros: fun vibesimple, hearty French
• Cons: loud

05/24/05

Don't Forget Paris.

by Shafe007

Mon Ami Gabi has a very special place in my heart by combining the essence of my two favorite cities, Paris and Chicago. After spending 4 months in France, I became accustomed to the typical Parisian bistro fare, and Mon Ami Gabi captures it with complete authenticty and grace. Combine the quality of the food with the quaint bistro decor and the ambiance of Lincoln Park, and you've got a formula for a tasty and euphoric dining experience.

When I lived in Chicago, I sampled nearly everything on the menu and relished it all. The only thing I would veer away from is the Parmesean Crusted Cod as it pails in comparison to all of the other dishes on the menu. Regardless of what you order, be sure to save room for dessert. The profiteroles are the pièce de résistance...

• Pros: Reasonably priced, Authentic Bistro Fare, Good Staff
• Cons: Can Get Crowded

11/23/04

Good, but not outstanding

by drewtilton

I took my girlfriend here for her b-day. The waitress helped us select a very good bottle of wine, althought the "wine cart" I heard so much about was never used. The escargots and patte were excellent. The lobster bisque was less than exciting for $9 (I've had better at soups and scoops). The steak was good, but nothing that I'd order again. The big suprise was the service. The waitress was fine, but I had to ask twice for my water to be refilled, my glass had lipstick on it, and our table was never properly cleaned throughout the meal (baguette crumbs, ect...), not too mention the wine cart again. Overall the experience was good, but I expected more.

• Pros: Escargots, Patte, Wine Recomendation
• Cons: , Slightly Cramped

06/08/04

Wonderful!

by thisfriday

We went here last night and sat outside. The weather was perfect and it only added to the already great dining experience! The food was excellent, service was very attentive and efficient, and the desserts were incredible! I highly recommend this restaurant!

• Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service

12/12/02

French Wonderland

by stebbings3

I have been to Mon Ami Gabi three times. Each time I get the same thing, STEAK ROQUEFORT, what a delicious meal. Steak is made to order, with a roquefort butter sauce, that is to die for..... Presentation is wonderful. Stacked with french style fries, mmmmm. A must for steak lovers.....

• Pros: good atmosphere, clean
• Cons: Bad Parking/Oakbrook

08/26/02

Okee-dokee!

by lockjawdavis

We showed up early for 8pm reservations, and were ushered to the over-priced bar for what turned out to be a too long wait. The staff was nice, however, and once we were finally seated things went smoothly. The food, while not incredible, was quite good and well worth the wait. We were a bit disappointed to learn Mon Ami Gabi is part of a chain as we were hoping for a Chicago original. Overall, pretty good but not great.

• Pros: service, ambience, wine list
• Cons: The wait, overpriced drinks