Food was good.. our experience was bad.. they squeezed us in a two table outside the kitchen door .. the cook was yelling/ screaming the whole time behind the door .. the couple next to us had to squeeze in . The lady was so mad . She immediately had to squeeze out pushing on me to get out and went and complained.. we had enough .. never again ..also hostess promised me the table next to me would stay empty .. obviously not true.. and call me crazy if I’m paying over 200$ for dinner .. why are the servers wearing jeans ??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rachel Newman
I picked this spot for our corporate team dinner tonight and wow was I impressed. We got right in on time, and immediately were shown to our table. Menus down, table set, waters poured. They have a coat check as well, which I really appreciate, esp as a woman. The service was spectacular. We had multiple people helping out. The waiters were very knowledgeable about the menu and history of business and the building.
We all ordered drinks and food and they didn't ask who got what - they know who ordered what drink and were confident in their service. Many times in big groups they can't remember who ordered what fish.
I never had to ask for my water to be refilled, I never had to ask for a plate. They had it all when I needed it. The staff here are obviously trained well. Even the way they politely pour wine was enjoyable. I got the smokey whiskey drink and filet very good. We ordered a few bottles of wine as well which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
Only thing is this place is small so book reservations. Its also low lighting with a dark ambience (I love it but some don't) Great for anniversary or date night. Will be back!! Thanks team for a memorable night out!
Recommended dishes: Burrata, Mac \u0026 Cheese
Jack Cate
French onion soup and ribeye are incredible, great cocktail menu and liquor selection. Service was top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brendan
Unfortunately, the restaurant decided to close on the evening of our reservation due to cold. This is understandable. However, not calling your reservations to let them know is unacceptable. Brought my family to celebrate my mother's 83 year old birthday only to be greeted by a sign on the door. Thankfully we were able to eat at another restaurant.
Jeanne
The food is excellent and our server, Steve was fantastic. Dinner at The Barn was a wonderful experience.
Lucino
Terrible initial experience when the hostess told us there was no availability, when we could see several open tables with her uncomfortable response. She was either stereotyping us the way we were dressed, looked, or both, unless they don't want Latino customers after attending a basketball game nearby. There was plenty of available/visible open tables in the restaurant and on Open Table, so no excuse for their demeanor and excuses when I brought it to the managers attention that it was a technical issue with Open Table syncing with their system, as we could see several open tables and Ooen Table had several open spots, it's not like it was only one spot available on OpenTable. I've recommended 100's of other Open Table restaurants before, just not this one as the food certainly didn't make up for the poor taste they left with our experience, my wife, and daughter. I will say that the rest of the service experience was great, just not enough to overcome the initial poor experiences.
Kyle
Arrived on a Thursday, Sit upstairs for a quieter atmosphere, Exposed brick friendly staff, awesome cocktails, food is to die for. we will be back
Frank
Great atmosphere and delicious food. Well prepared. Excellent service and welcoming staff. Overall a wonderful evening. Looking forward to returning
Mario
I know restaurants are struggling, so I try to be fair. Overall, the food landed somewhere between okay and good. The French onion soup was tasty, but if there were more than six ounces in the bowl, I'd be surprised. At $15, the portion felt light. The charred broccolini was solid. The NY strip was okay, not great — which stood out given the relationship with Morton's. It's a good thing there's salt on the table. The Chilean sea bass was slightly dry, though the rest of the dish was well executed. Ambiance: I'm not sure why the dining room is so dark. I'm not 60 years old yet — but if this concept is headed to Highland Park, where the clientele skews older, visibility may be an issue. Service: Given that this is Evanston — with high prices and an educated dining crowd — I was surprised to be told it would be “best” to order everything at once so the kitchen could course it out. I'm not sure if that's standard practice here or if I came across as an amateur, but the explanation felt unnecessary. That said, our server was very kind and attentive.
Ellen
Always an amazing experience at The Barn. Attentive service, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks overall (not just the steaks).
Excellent service, food, cocktails. Tables a little crowded together but managed well. Beautiful little restaurant, definitely a favorite.
Lauren Melendez
The Barn is really beautiful inside. The entire staff was very helpful and friendly. Their version of an old fashioned was the right amount of sweet/stiff and I had the bartender make me a mocktail of her choice which was also great - lime and cucumber. The Burrata appetizer is a must try, I was so excited about it, didn’t get a picture. We did the ribeye medium and it melts in your mouth. The potatoes with it are so flavorful. The lobster risotto was pretty good, but the texture of the risotto was a bit crunchier than I like and a little bland. The carrot cake was amazing paired with a chai latte
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeff Jahr
Very tasty steak, and the location is a great vibe. Hard to find the entrance door, but look around you'll find it off the alley.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brad
I have been to many steak house restaurants around the country. Most have been good. While not a traditional steak house experience, The Barn was hands down the best filet I have ever experienced (others at the table said the same) and the service was impeccable. We will absolutely make this a must visit next time in Chicago. Thank you.
Justin
Great service and ambiance. The restaurant was surprisingly loud compared to previous outings. As always, the food was good but it is a little expensive compared to similar quality restaurants.
Food was good.. our experience was bad.. they squeezed us in a two table outside the kitchen door .. the cook was yelling/ screaming the whole time behind the door .. the couple next to us had to squeeze in . The lady was so mad . She immediately had to squeeze out pushing on me to get out and went and complained.. we had enough .. never again ..also hostess promised me the table next to me would stay empty .. obviously not true.. and call me crazy if I’m paying over 200$ for dinner .. why are the servers wearing jeans ??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
I picked this spot for our corporate team dinner tonight and wow was I impressed. We got right in on time, and immediately were shown to our table. Menus down, table set, waters poured. They have a coat check as well, which I really appreciate, esp as a woman. The service was spectacular. We had multiple people helping out. The waiters were very knowledgeable about the menu and history of business and the building.
We all ordered drinks and food and they didn't ask who got what - they know who ordered what drink and were confident in their service. Many times in big groups they can't remember who ordered what fish.
I never had to ask for my water to be refilled, I never had to ask for a plate. They had it all when I needed it. The staff here are obviously trained well. Even the way they politely pour wine was enjoyable. I got the smokey whiskey drink and filet very good. We ordered a few bottles of wine as well which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
Only thing is this place is small so book reservations. Its also low lighting with a dark ambience (I love it but some don't) Great for anniversary or date night. Will be back!! Thanks team for a memorable night out!
Recommended dishes: Burrata, Mac \u0026 Cheese
French onion soup and ribeye are incredible, great cocktail menu and liquor selection. Service was top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately, the restaurant decided to close on the evening of our reservation due to cold. This is understandable. However, not calling your reservations to let them know is unacceptable. Brought my family to celebrate my mother's 83 year old birthday only to be greeted by a sign on the door. Thankfully we were able to eat at another restaurant.
The food is excellent and our server, Steve was fantastic. Dinner at The Barn was a wonderful experience.
Terrible initial experience when the hostess told us there was no availability, when we could see several open tables with her uncomfortable response. She was either stereotyping us the way we were dressed, looked, or both, unless they don't want Latino customers after attending a basketball game nearby. There was plenty of available/visible open tables in the restaurant and on Open Table, so no excuse for their demeanor and excuses when I brought it to the managers attention that it was a technical issue with Open Table syncing with their system, as we could see several open tables and Ooen Table had several open spots, it's not like it was only one spot available on OpenTable. I've recommended 100's of other Open Table restaurants before, just not this one as the food certainly didn't make up for the poor taste they left with our experience, my wife, and daughter. I will say that the rest of the service experience was great, just not enough to overcome the initial poor experiences.
Arrived on a Thursday, Sit upstairs for a quieter atmosphere, Exposed brick friendly staff, awesome cocktails, food is to die for. we will be back
Great atmosphere and delicious food. Well prepared. Excellent service and welcoming staff. Overall a wonderful evening. Looking forward to returning
I know restaurants are struggling, so I try to be fair. Overall, the food landed somewhere between okay and good. The French onion soup was tasty, but if there were more than six ounces in the bowl, I'd be surprised. At $15, the portion felt light. The charred broccolini was solid. The NY strip was okay, not great — which stood out given the relationship with Morton's. It's a good thing there's salt on the table. The Chilean sea bass was slightly dry, though the rest of the dish was well executed. Ambiance: I'm not sure why the dining room is so dark. I'm not 60 years old yet — but if this concept is headed to Highland Park, where the clientele skews older, visibility may be an issue. Service: Given that this is Evanston — with high prices and an educated dining crowd — I was surprised to be told it would be “best” to order everything at once so the kitchen could course it out. I'm not sure if that's standard practice here or if I came across as an amateur, but the explanation felt unnecessary. That said, our server was very kind and attentive.
Always an amazing experience at The Barn. Attentive service, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks overall (not just the steaks).
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent service, food, cocktails. Tables a little crowded together but managed well. Beautiful little restaurant, definitely a favorite.
The Barn is really beautiful inside. The entire staff was very helpful and friendly. Their version of an old fashioned was the right amount of sweet/stiff and I had the bartender make me a mocktail of her choice which was also great - lime and cucumber. The Burrata appetizer is a must try, I was so excited about it, didn’t get a picture. We did the ribeye medium and it melts in your mouth. The potatoes with it are so flavorful. The lobster risotto was pretty good, but the texture of the risotto was a bit crunchier than I like and a little bland. The carrot cake was amazing paired with a chai latte
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very tasty steak, and the location is a great vibe. Hard to find the entrance door, but look around you'll find it off the alley.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been to many steak house restaurants around the country. Most have been good. While not a traditional steak house experience, The Barn was hands down the best filet I have ever experienced (others at the table said the same) and the service was impeccable. We will absolutely make this a must visit next time in Chicago. Thank you.
Great service and ambiance. The restaurant was surprisingly loud compared to previous outings. As always, the food was good but it is a little expensive compared to similar quality restaurants.
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