06/27/08

DO NOT GO HERE!

by AMYCHICAGOOOOO

My boyfriend and I had THE WORST dining experience last night at Tilli?s. We both spent a number of years as servers, so we understand the difference between poor service and just being a cranky customer. This was an ABSURD display of poor service AND management.

We started our night off sitting on the patio for dinner. It took at least 5 minutes for our water to arrive, and at least another 5-10 minutes before our server, Amanda, even acknowledged our existence. Her personality was lukewarm ? whatever, they can?t all be charmers. We also ordered our food at the same time.

We got our beers eventually, and my boyfriend started getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Obviously, this isn?t something Tilli?s can control, but the annoying part was that it wasn?t until OUR FOOD ARRIVED that we were able to locate anyone who could relocate us to a table inside.

When we were done we sat with empty plates and empty beers for a WHILE. The bus boys came to clear our plates, and still, we sat with empty beer bottles long enough to consider just leaving without paying the bill. However, rather than just leaving, I believe that a manager would want to know about an unhappy customer so he/she could correct the problem for the future.

I got up and walked to the host stand ? where I was ignored while THREE HOSTS chatted among themselves and played with their cell phones. Finally, I was able to ask for the manager. I explained how unsatisfied we were; she apologized and said she would take care of it.

We waited ANOTHER TEN MINUTES, when AMANDA, NOT THE MANAGER, BUT OUR SAME SERVER, came over and said, ?So, did you want to pay less or something?? with incredible attitude. We COULD NOT BELIEVE the manager sent her back over. It was beyond awkward. The money off was NOT the point. She said she would take half off, and we waited ANOTHER TEN MINUTES, until we finally just walked out without paying anything.

08/05/07

never order the thai beef salad unless you're punking someone.

by kmacdonald

I went to Tillis for an inexpensive and quick lunch. I ordered the Thai beef salad which ended up being a tasteless cheap steak served on 3 pieces of lettuce that was swimming in a pool of wretched dressing. I ate it because i was starving and in a hurry. Afterward, I asked the waiter if he had ever eaten the entree before. He informed me that he had, and that he thought it was disgusting as well. He made no attempt to resolve my dissatisfaction and gave us the bill for 26 bucks. Very disappointed. Never going there again.

• Pros: Good location, nice ambience
• Cons: Horrible food.

07/22/07

Great lunch spot and patio

by mdostal

Always a reliable spot for lunch, especially on nice days. Healthy, fairly light menu and good mixed drinks. Large outdoor patio always brings me back in the summer when I visit and fireplace(s?) are nice in the winter.

07/24/06

Great Atmosphere, Great Service, Good Food

by k0jrb8

Great date resteraunt. Resteraunt has a lively vibe great for a night out. Service was absolutely second to none. Saturday night is a very busy night, but we were seated within 30 minutes and were never rushed. Sat and drank and ate for 2.5 hours without ever feeling like we had to get in and out. Food selection could be a bit more elaborate, but overall very decent for the price. Dinner and drinks for <$100 including tip not too bad.

• Pros: Atmosphere/Valet
• Cons: Menu a bit lacking

03/01/06

Awful service!

by queenb_chicago

I had to beg my friends to go here. Granted it is a beautiful restaurant with great food, but the servive was appalling. We didn't get a hello, how are you, nothing. Our dinner went like this: What would you like to drink? You? Eat? I was never asked how my appetizer was or my entree. I will never go back because of the service.

• Pros: Food , Ambience
• Cons: Service, Service, Service!

12/09/05

It was ok.

by peacefuljoy05

My experience at Tilli's was ok. When i first walked in what caught my attention was the bar in front, the awesome music the live dj was spinning, and the decore. The food was decent, but not great. I had the spicy catfish. It was dried instead of flakey. I guess i excepted a little more from the food since it looked like a nice restaurant. The atmosphere was def cool, but they food wasn't.

08/16/05

LOVEN' Tillis

by mossymoss04

I moved to Chicago about 6 months ago and I have yet to find a restaurant that I love!

That was until I went to Tilli's this past Saturday. Service and food were EXCELLENT.

I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant... it's nothing fancy, just great service, chill atmosphere and delish food!

Backyard globe-trotters sample inventive fare at this upbeat spot in the heart of Lincoln Park.

by Contributor

In Short
Neighborhood families and singles fill this modern-yet-homey restaurant. Two rooms are separated by a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, while an open-kitchen and large bar are in easy view. The menu mingles comfort food and inventive dishes. Large appetizers like macaroni and cheese, or spinach and artichoke dip are best for splitting. For entrees, try Thai barbecue salmon, Gorgonzola pork chops, moist herbed chicken or rigatoni with fennel sausage.

08/11/02

Cool scene, good food

by paule123

We went on a Saturday night, party of 5, no reservation. We were seated after a few minutes at the bar. Was told on phone it gets *very* busy after 9pm, so plan accordingly. The place was packed and definitely has an excellent babe factor.

We sat near the bar area and the place is *loud* with conversation. Service was good. We especially enjoyed the Gorgonzola Crusted Pork Chop and Pad Thai bowl. Fun Fun Fun!

• Pros: People watching, Outdoor dining, Valet parking
• Cons: Noisy

07/02/02

Like the atmosphere, decent food

by SMM

I've been to Tilli's quite a few times, but mainly more so for the atmosphere than the food. The salads are good but the menu is such a wide variety of food types, it sometimes makes it hard to choose. Drinks are good. Be sure to know...they don't take reservations.