Get Your French Fix
In the mood for some French fare? Chicago has many options for you.
One of the most esteemed neighborhood restaurants in Chicago, Bistro Campagne is a French bastion in Lincoln Square. Famed for its cozy outdoor patio and its unflinching commitment to French classics, it’s easy to see why this spot has been revered for years. All the staples are present and accounted for, executed with consistent precision. And lots of cheese and butter. Expect escargots, onion soup, brandade, steak tartare, Lyonnaise salad, salmon paillard, steak frites, and croque madams.
A lustrous little slice of Paris in the heart of Old Town, Bistrot Margot feels as close as you can get to France without leaving Chicago. This longstanding staple on the near north side hustles and bustles with the happy din of seasoned servers and the convivial clatter familiar to cramped French bistros. This place is romantic, rich, and decadent, featuring everything from Brie tarts and country style pâté to peppercorn-crusted strip steak, whitefish amandine, Parmesan-crusted veal, pommes frites, profiteroles, and chocolate mousse.
Another perpetually cramped-but-worthwhile spot is Le Bouchon. This Bucktown keystone has stood the test of time, proving dining trends and pomp and circumstance are second fiddle to refined, comforting, and familiar French fare. It’s tight quarters here, and quite loud at times, but that manages to add to the charm of the lively bistro. The menu is chock full of indulgence, running the gamut from caramelized onion tarts and duck a l’orange to veal kidneys and steak frites. And don’t forget its sister restaurant, La Sardine, in the West Loop.
For something a bit more modern and sceney, but no less crowded, head to Maude’s Liquor Bar. This Restaurant Row hot spot from Brendan Sodikoff packs them in with West Loop crowds, who line up inside a dimly lit parlor to partake in immaculate seafood towers, pristine oysters, silken chicken liver mousse, garlicky pork sausage, French onion fondue, and other romantic sensations.
Paris Club Bistro & Bar is another contemporary option. The slick space radiates French lavishness, lush with burgundy hues and a ritzy bar. The food menu focuses on polished French classics, like escargots swimming in garlic butter, grilled oysters, lobster scrambled eggs, pork and rabbit pâté, crispy duckling, and cider-splashed moules frites.
If it’s fine dining finesse you fancy, make a reservation at Cafe des Architectes. Combining locally sourced ingredients and housemade products through their in-house Chestnut Provisions program with French inspirations, chef Greg Biggers curates a menu unique to Chicago, best experienced in tasting menu format. Examples include housemade baked Brie with cherry mostardo, Amish chicken ballantine with truffle apricot coulis, and squash veloute with mascarpone ice cream.
Bistro Campagne
4518 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
(773) 271-6100
Website
Bistrot Margot
1437 N. Wells Street, Chicago
(312) 587-3660
Website
Le Bouchon
1958 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago
(773) 862-6600
Website
La Sardine
111 N. Carpenter Street, Chicago
(312) 421-2800.
Website
Maude’s Liquor Bar
840 W. Randolph Street, Chicago
(312) 243-9712
Website
Paris Club Bistro & Bar
59 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago
(312) 595-0800
Website
Cafe des Architectes
20 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago
(312) 324-4063
Website
