Rediscovered Le Bouchon after many years and will now make a monthly lunch pilgrimage! Mondays 1/2 price wine a bonus.
Caryl
It felt like vacation to be in a packed French restaurant on a cold winter's day! Every table was filled and the room smelled divine! So good to see this business thriving. Sitting at the bar was great- the bartender was attentive and always had a smile on her face. Can't wait to go back!
Kathy
I've been coming to this place for about 20 years now and always enjoy the food. I believe this is the first time I have been back here since the original owner passed away. It seems to be a bit noisier, the music was a little loud and with so many people in a small space it was a bit unpleasant. I only other complaint was that we ordered a bottle of red wine and it was chilled. Probably has to do with where they keep it and the fact that it's winter otherwise we had a great experience and I will definitely be back.
Opentable Diner
Agnolotti agnolotti agnolotti! Was delicious, my only regret is not getting at least 4 orders of escargot :(
Natasha
Absolutely delicious meal! Everything was outstanding! Our favorites were the French Onion Soup, Escargot and the French Dipđ Must try and must have any time you are in the area. Be sure to book well in advance, they book out early.
Our meal at Le Bouchon was exceptional. My family of 5 (including a 15yo, 12yo, and 9yo) went for lunch on a holiday Monday, and the atmosphere was warm and convivial. It was the perfect way to introduce my kids to French food. They loved every bite!
Victor Aguilar
A lovely corner bistrot located north of the Bucktown area, it offers decor reminiscent of France's cafes. Early arrival is encouraged given the popularity and limited seating space. For food, I tried and enjoyed the potted rabbit and carrot stew served en croute (pairs well with some red wine). The tarte aux pommes showed the high-end attention to the craft of pastry making.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Denise
I donât want to sound dramatic hereâŠ. But I would die for this place. My obsession for Le Bouchon is unmatched. The way this establishment has mastered and perfected French cuisine is remarkable. The place is very small but oh so mighty. Very well preserved and styled! Dishes I canât go without having are escargots, frog legs and for entrees it definitely depends what they have available; oxtail, whole duck, lamb neck and the trout. Sometimes I do go a different route like last week for entrees I had the steaks and frites with the halibut which were both insane! Flavors and techniques here are impeccable. If someone I know loves food and have not dined here I make sure they visit immediately because this is a restaurant that everyone has to visit at least once.
Le Bouchon is a cozy French restaurant that truly captures the charm of a neighborhood bistro. The space is small and intimate, which adds to its character, but it fills up quicklyâreservations are definitely recommended. From the moment you walk in, the service stands out. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always greets guests with a warm, welcoming smile, making the experience feel personal and relaxed. The food is where Le Bouchon really shines. Fresh, hot bread arrives at the table and sets the tone for what follows. Every dish we tried was delicious, from comforting soups to satisfying sandwiches, all prepared with care and classic French flavors.
This is my wife's and my favorite French bistro in Chicago (possibly in the United States). We have dined here frequently for decades and the quality has never waned. The menu is that of a traditional bistro as one might find in a Paris neighborhood. It features beautifully crafted dishes completely within the lineage of that great fare. Steak Frites, Tarte L'oignon, Salad Lyonnaise, Escargot and a whole roast duck for two are regularly on the menu and accompanied by seasonally traditional dishes. Winter finds heartier, richer dishes such as Cassoulet, fish en croute, saddle of rabbit, rabbit pot pie and Oxtails for two. The restaurant is now owned and managed by Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey (who also operate Obelix and Taqueria ChingĂłn). They have adhered to the quality and tradition started by their father, Jean Claude Our main course was the duck for two. It is initially presented to the table whole and is a deep burnished brown. It returns divided and served on a silver platter with traditional accompaniments of cabbage braised with duck bacon, and duck fat spĂ€tzel. The sauce is traditional Bigarade (Ă l'orange). The skin is as crisp as one would dream about and the duck is just out of this world. Cocktails include traditional selections like the French 75, and some fun and creative updates (the Royale with Cheese, for instance - a nod to âPulp Fictionâ - is a classic martini with Gorgonzola olives) and the wine list is excellent. The service is highly knowledgeable, informative and friendly. The space is small and lovingly, intimately cramped (there are probably around fifty seats including the few at the bar in back). The room is bustling and alive. The duck takes forty five minutes to prepare (you are given advance notice of this) so dinning times are comfortable. This is a restaurant that we will continue to visit again and again.
matthew
I have been to here many times in the past 18 years bringing clients for lunch and dinner, unfortunately it not the same as it was in the past years, the quality of food has gone down and the cost of the experience has increased significantly.
H.H.H
We had a lovely time at Le Bouchon. It was extremely busy but a cozy and beautiful atmosphere, reservations are definitely required. We had the beet salad, rabbit pie and whole duck.
Between two of us it was a lot of food, but the pie was thankfully lighter than expected. The beet salad was incredible and savory, and we would order it again. The duck had a wait but was impressive and crispy, the skin was delicious and the meat wasnât dry. The chef also presented the whole bird in the beginning which was fun to see. The orange sauce wasnât to our personal taste but was a good touch as an occasional drizzle.
We also split the Loirette 5.5% beer which was one of my favorite drinks Iâve had in a while.
The service was good but took a while at the end to get our check, but it was understandable due to the packed house. Overall a great date spot with comforting foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Daisy Matias
Got the oysters and steak and found them to be utterly disappointing. Also found it cheap of them to not comp the $6 birthday dessert. Wine, fries, and cappuccino were good.
Rediscovered Le Bouchon after many years and will now make a monthly lunch pilgrimage! Mondays 1/2 price wine a bonus.
It felt like vacation to be in a packed French restaurant on a cold winter's day! Every table was filled and the room smelled divine! So good to see this business thriving. Sitting at the bar was great- the bartender was attentive and always had a smile on her face. Can't wait to go back!
I've been coming to this place for about 20 years now and always enjoy the food. I believe this is the first time I have been back here since the original owner passed away. It seems to be a bit noisier, the music was a little loud and with so many people in a small space it was a bit unpleasant. I only other complaint was that we ordered a bottle of red wine and it was chilled. Probably has to do with where they keep it and the fact that it's winter otherwise we had a great experience and I will definitely be back.
Agnolotti agnolotti agnolotti! Was delicious, my only regret is not getting at least 4 orders of escargot :(
Absolutely delicious meal! Everything was outstanding! Our favorites were the French Onion Soup, Escargot and the French Dipđ Must try and must have any time you are in the area. Be sure to book well in advance, they book out early.
What a treasure! We went to celebrate my birthday. We've been to Le Bouchon for dinner, but this time it was for lunch. Delicious! The wait staff were on top of things without being intrusive. The food was amazing- starting with fresh bread and butter. We ate escargot which were to die for...bubbling hot in a garlic butter. My husband had the pate. I'm not a fan, but he said it was light and flavorful. Our mains were snapper and ocean trout. Great portions, presentations, light, tasteful, and memorable. We finished with the maple crÚme brûlée! We didn't leave a drop in the ramekin. We will be back...in fact, I just made a reservation to celebrate my friend's birthday- she'll love it too!
Our meal at Le Bouchon was exceptional. My family of 5 (including a 15yo, 12yo, and 9yo) went for lunch on a holiday Monday, and the atmosphere was warm and convivial. It was the perfect way to introduce my kids to French food. They loved every bite!
A lovely corner bistrot located north of the Bucktown area, it offers decor reminiscent of France's cafes. Early arrival is encouraged given the popularity and limited seating space. For food, I tried and enjoyed the potted rabbit and carrot stew served en croute (pairs well with some red wine). The tarte aux pommes showed the high-end attention to the craft of pastry making.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I donât want to sound dramatic hereâŠ. But I would die for this place. My obsession for Le Bouchon is unmatched. The way this establishment has mastered and perfected French cuisine is remarkable.
The place is very small but oh so mighty. Very well preserved and styled!
Dishes I canât go without having are escargots, frog legs and for entrees it definitely depends what they have available; oxtail, whole duck, lamb neck and the trout. Sometimes I do go a different route like last week for entrees I had the steaks and frites with the halibut which were both insane! Flavors and techniques here are impeccable. If someone I know loves food and have not dined here I make sure they visit immediately because this is a restaurant that everyone has to visit at least once.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rack of Lamb, Escargots a La Bourguignonne, Steal Frites, Maple CrÚme Brûlée, Chicken Pot Pie, Sea Trout in Puff Pastry, Rabbit Pot Pie
Le Bouchon is a cozy French restaurant that truly captures the charm of a neighborhood bistro. The space is small and intimate, which adds to its character, but it fills up quicklyâreservations are definitely recommended. From the moment you walk in, the service stands out. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always greets guests with a warm, welcoming smile, making the experience feel personal and relaxed. The food is where Le Bouchon really shines. Fresh, hot bread arrives at the table and sets the tone for what follows. Every dish we tried was delicious, from comforting soups to satisfying sandwiches, all prepared with care and classic French flavors.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is my wife's and my favorite French bistro in Chicago (possibly in the United States). We have dined here frequently for decades and the quality has never waned. The menu is that of a traditional bistro as one might find in a Paris neighborhood. It features beautifully crafted dishes completely within the lineage of that great fare. Steak Frites, Tarte L'oignon, Salad Lyonnaise, Escargot and a whole roast duck for two are regularly on the menu and accompanied by seasonally traditional dishes. Winter finds heartier, richer dishes such as Cassoulet, fish en croute, saddle of rabbit, rabbit pot pie and Oxtails for two. The restaurant is now owned and managed by Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey (who also operate Obelix and Taqueria ChingĂłn). They have adhered to the quality and tradition started by their father, Jean Claude Our main course was the duck for two. It is initially presented to the table whole and is a deep burnished brown. It returns divided and served on a silver platter with traditional accompaniments of cabbage braised with duck bacon, and duck fat spĂ€tzel. The sauce is traditional Bigarade (Ă l'orange). The skin is as crisp as one would dream about and the duck is just out of this world. Cocktails include traditional selections like the French 75, and some fun and creative updates (the Royale with Cheese, for instance - a nod to âPulp Fictionâ - is a classic martini with Gorgonzola olives) and the wine list is excellent. The service is highly knowledgeable, informative and friendly. The space is small and lovingly, intimately cramped (there are probably around fifty seats including the few at the bar in back). The room is bustling and alive. The duck takes forty five minutes to prepare (you are given advance notice of this) so dinning times are comfortable. This is a restaurant that we will continue to visit again and again.
I have been to here many times in the past 18 years bringing clients for lunch and dinner, unfortunately it not the same as it was in the past years, the quality of food has gone down and the cost of the experience has increased significantly.
We had a lovely time at Le Bouchon. It was extremely busy but a cozy and beautiful atmosphere, reservations are definitely required. We had the beet salad, rabbit pie and whole duck.
Between two of us it was a lot of food, but the pie was thankfully lighter than expected. The beet salad was incredible and savory, and we would order it again. The duck had a wait but was impressive and crispy, the skin was delicious and the meat wasnât dry. The chef also presented the whole bird in the beginning which was fun to see. The orange sauce wasnât to our personal taste but was a good touch as an occasional drizzle.
We also split the Loirette 5.5% beer which was one of my favorite drinks Iâve had in a while.
The service was good but took a while at the end to get our check, but it was understandable due to the packed house. Overall a great date spot with comforting foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Got the oysters and steak and found them to be utterly disappointing. Also found it cheap of them to not comp the $6 birthday dessert. Wine, fries, and cappuccino were good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Highly recommend the tartare!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Loading...