Bistro Campagne Reviews

4.4

322 of 8,892 Restaurants in Chicago


Reviews

Mussels, Glorious Mussels

By WritersChoice |

I have reviewed this restaurant in the past, but felt impelled to write another based on its “Bottomless Mussels” promotion offered on Tuesdays. Since Tuesday was our wedding anniversary and Bistro Campagne is like taking a trip to France without leaving the city, we chose it as our celebration destination. We began our gustatory adventure with a glass of glittering champagne that enlivened our taste buds and put them on notice of things to come. We enjoyed the Salade Marachre Au Chvre Chaud so much on our last visit, we couldn’t help but order it again. The mesclun greens with a brush of Dijon vinaigrette and a crunchy goat cheese crottin is large enough to share and simply marvelous! But then came the pais de résistance-- Prince Edward Island bivalve mollusks steamed in Belgium Ale with a side order of pommes frites. Both were both delectable and irresistible. After my wife and I each polished off our first bowl of mussels with gastronomic precision, we vowed not to munch on the frites in between servings, but they were irresistible and we snacked, sipped wine, and snacked. Nevertheless, we each consumed two and one half bowls of marvelous mussels bathed in the mouthwatering ale-sauce. The mussels nearly melted in our mouths and Lindsey, our excellent server, kept them coming at regular intervals as long as we were interested—and we were interested. Even though we ate a salad and the lemon dessert in addition to the mussels and frites, we were by no means stuffed, just pleasantly satisfied, not only with our meal, but with every aspect of the evening—the hostesses, the servers, the exotic ambiance, and, above all, the food! If you haven’t been, do yourself a favor and go. If you’ve been, you already know. Bistro Campagne is a foodie’s delight.

Great visit for Chicago Restaurant Week

By Kit M |

Recently came here for the first time for the Chicago Restaurant Week deal -- which was an excellent value. The restaurant is cozy and intimate, but not too crowded (I didn't feel like I was sitting right on top of the other diners). Our server, and I wish I could remember her name, was excellent. Attentive but not overly so, and she made great recommendations for various dishes when we couldn't decide what to order. The food was really good -- not anything crazy and different, but really tasty French comfort food. The trout was prepared beautifully and had great flavor. The creme brulee, while extremely tasty, could have benefited from a slightly nicer presentation -- I would love to see this topped with a bit of mint or some fresh berries. But it was very delicious. Of course, if you're coming from downtown, this restaurant is a bit out of the way, but if you're looking for delicious French food at a reasonable price, I would recommend making the trip. I'd definitely go back!

Superb Organic French Fare

By Maria V |

What can I say about this place? Not only is the ambiance quaint & cozy, but the food is sumptuous, to say the least. I am very picky about restaurant food (I prefer organic & farm-to-table), and this was the perfect place to go for a preemptive Valentine's Day celebration! Our server was attentive and friendly, and we enjoyed the escargot to start (the garlic-Pernod butter is mouthwatering). My partner had the pork chop, which promptly disappeared, and I had the wild mushroom tart. It was divine, and I highly recommend it! It was not too creamy, and the flavors of the mushrooms were delicate yet complex. For dessert, we shared the pain perdu, which was sweet without being cloying, and the perfect end to a lovely meal. I will be dining here every time I'm in Chicago!

Excellent Bistro...

By howie611 |

My wife and I ate at the Bistro Campagne for the first time. It was very well done and the food was superb. we recommend it...

An outside paradise

By winwhelan |

I've been to this restaurant a few times and always enjoyed it. The best is when you can eat outside in the small garden, but the inside is very good too. It's a small place and the chef takes special care with each table. The wait staff are very accommodating. I was given a choice as to where I would like to go for my birthday. I chose Bistro Campagne. I've never had a bad meal here.

Great ambiance

By salimasil |

Went there for restaurant week, I have been there before and really like the atmosphere and the food, this time however i found the boef too salty and coffee was bitter, probably burnt. The server was nice and attentive young lady, the person who brought food to the table had his fingers on the plate and the bread did not come in a basket, was brought half wrapped in paper and the other half in the waiters hand. If you like hygiene I would recommend you look the other way. It seems that employees should get more training on how to bring food to the table, or maybe that is the french style. I would return fof drinks but not for food. I was disappointed

Fabuleux Dîner!

By Eldereaglewatcher |

This cozy French restaurant in Lincoln Square was the site of a wonderful dinner with friends recently. The service was great, and our dinners were wonderful! Reservations are a must, and call ahead if you can, as they fill up fast. It's the prefect place for a special occasion or to take visitors. I had the Amish chicken with wild mushroom ragout and fried onions. It was a large portion, so I had enough for dinner the next day. It was the best chicken I've ever had! Two friends had the ratatouille and said it was excellent. Another had the steak with bordelaise sauce and gave it rave reviews. We also had wonderful asparagus soup as an appetizer, and a dessert (Profiteroles) was brought to the table with a candle in celebration of my friend's birthday. I hope to eat at Bistro Campagne again sometime!

Exceptional food in an intimate setting

By Jrgumby |

Overall a fantastic experience. Both the drinks and the food were exceptional, the staff friendly, and the environment pleasant. I'd happily eat here many times again.

A Lovely Mother's Day Dinner

By aeh1414 |

We had a wonderful experience last Sunday evening celebrating Mother's Day. The Poulet Roti was wonderful as always. The mushroom sauce and the onion strings make it special. The mussels are always a favorite and the broth is the best I have run into. The only negative was that the burger was over the requested medium temperature, but the onion marmalade on top kept it moist despite being over. Would recommend ordering it med rare if you want any pinkness to the meat. The salmon was beautifully cooked and delicious. The creme brulee was a classic preparation without any other flavor which is exactly what I would want and the apple tart was lovely. The service was attentive without being overbearing. Overall a lovely experience. Will definitely be back again.

Cute place we just fell upon

By jjmg4423 |

We were looking for a place that served outside on the North side of Chicago. We googled a restaurant and when we arrived we did not like the restaurants menu so we walked down the street and came upon a little gem. We got the last table outside in the rear and was pleasantly surprised with the quiet and quaint atmosphere along with a great meal. We had duck and steak and great deserts and good beer and wine selection. I would have liked a bit bigger menu but what we had was just fine.

Good quality, but uneven

By Thomas H |

I have eaten here since it opened. The original Chef passed on a few years ago. This is in my neighborhood so I continue to visit it but often find something lacking. On the last visit I found the use of Dente baby carrots in beef bourguignon to be counter to the spirit of this hearty stew. Service has been slow during a handful of visits over the last year.

Nice ambience for a french dinner in Chicago

By Michele M |

We went for a french restaurant in Chicago and the atmosphere was the right one (and there is as well a nice garden where you can have dinner weather permitting). The menu was really reinforcing the french atmosphere but I was disappointed when they served me the duck: very little meat and a profusion of salad and other side dishes. The duck was very good but I forgot the taste by the time I finished the salad ! Desserts were OK but nothing to remember. Overall very positive judgement of the atmosphere and the service but when it comes to food, they can do better... and if you are in the city centre it takes a good 20-25 minutes to get there by taxi !

Steak Frites

By Leverett L |

I've been here a few times and every time the food and service have been exceptional. I even went once sick and had a great time. The steak frites is amazing. In the future I will get more jus, yet amazing. It's a quaint restaurant with great service and great food. Bistro Campagne will take my money forever.

A so-so French bistro

By Limmson |

This was a pleasant place with a varied menu and reasonable prices. But the main problem was that bacon was a component of virtually every dish. This made each dish too salty and rich. Although the portions were average in size, none of the three of us could finish our dishes, and we all left feeling a little sick.

Can't Wait to Go Back!

By MadameHourquebie |

My husband found this when researching jobs in the restaurant industry. We made a reservation for a weeknight and took the Brown Line up north. A bit of a walk off the L stop but fine in the summer weather. We were so surprised by the large outdoor patio space! We wanted to sit right away so ate inside in a cozy, dark-wooded small room off the bar area. There was only one other table there which was kind of loud, 3 girlfriends gossiping and getting the scoop on friends/family. They were a little loud at times but nothing imposing. For menu we started with aperitif of cocktails, escargot and pate. A lot of food! All delicious. Pate lacked a little seasoning as did the escargot but still very good. We split a main of steak frites which was cooked well, good juices, crunchy fries. Finished with cocktails outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. We had a fine waitress, good service by bus boys. We were there on a romantic date, there was a group of girlfriends, a large birthday party in a private area and several small tables of girlfriends sharing dinner. A lot of different people enjoying the place! It wasn't too pricey either for everything we had ordered! 2 pre-dinner cocktails, 2 starters, 1 entree, 1 glass of wine and 2 post dinner cocktails for $130 or so. We can't wait to go back! Hopefully before the weather turns. Go here for a unique and off the path place!

Wunderbar!

By TheCains |

I loved this place. Went on Bastille day and sat at the bar. $35 for four course meal. Started with a french onion strudel - wow! Never had that before and would order it again in a heartbeat. Second a nice salad. Third, their chicken with frites (instead of the steak). Not only a very ample portion but expertly prepared - crispy skin, crispy fries, juicy not dry meat. Fourth profiteroles! In addition they have an excellent wine list for such a small place. They could not have done a better job.

Brilliant menu; unpretentious service

By Underdasealover |

Wonderful food; exceptional service.very diverse and economical wine list. Cozy authentic decor/design. Everything was perfect! Multi-course dinner for two WITH wine: $144....in CHICAGO!! Don't miss this gem.

Cozy Atmosphere with Perfect Food

By lunareist |

This is a very nice spot. It feels very homey and comfortable.The price point is a bit higher then what a French Bistro is. I had great service although they "lost" our reservation.

Rushed, indifferent service.

By Ambassador828756 |

Decent food, though underseasoned and nothing special. This used to be our favorite restaurant. Service is rushed and inconsiderate. Bus people constantly hovering to clear plates and silver while still in use. Entrees delivered while we were still clearly in the middle of appetizers. Impatient waitperson more interested in explaining kitchen rules than ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Hugely disappointing. This used to be a good restaurant.

Love Bistro Campagne

By mkbloom |

Bistro Campagne is one of my favorite restaurants. Every time I go, the experience is amazing. The food is consistently good, the servers are always attentive and wine list never disappoints. My only complaint is that they are always booked. I guess my best kept secret isn't such a secret.

Lovely French Bistro

By AKnorsechick |

We visited Bistro Campagne for the first time during French Restaurant Week and took advantage of the prix fixe special. The atmosphere in this restaurant is fabulous: cozy, warm and interesting interior décor, and a wonderful outdoor eating area. Service was excellent, friendly, informative, and efficient, even on a busy night. Ask your server about the history of the building. The mussels appetizer was one of the better variations we've had, and was a good-sized portion. My husband had the trout, and proclaimed it the best he has ever had (he does not compliment fish preparation lightly, so this says a lot). I have only 2 quibbles (hence the overall rating of 4 instead of 5). One is the wine list. While the options by the glass are ok (although at the higher end of the price range), we had hoped for more/better options by the bottle under $50. Second quibble: my steak frites. While the frites were truly outstanding, and the hangar steak was surprisingly tender, the sauce was so salty that it overwhelmed, rather than complemented, the flavor of the beef. Those 2 quibbles aside, we look forward to returning again.

Nice ambiance. Good service.

By Paula Perissinotto |

It is far way form the city center. Does not really worth to go too far for the food. The place is nice and the ambience is cozy. If you are around the are can be a good choice.

great food, exceptional service, wonderful atmosphere

By kellydw |

The title says it all. Very convenient from downtown Chicago via the brown line. Inside, my wife and I felt like we were in Paris. The service was exceptional. Make sure you take the advise of your server. I really enjoyed my hard cider and the bread pudding for desert.

Perfect for Dining Before/After an Old Town School Event

By Rick628 |

Bistro Campagne is just down the street from the Old Town School where we take classes, take dancing lessons, and attend concerts. Sometimes pub food is just what you want, and there's lot around, but if you'd like to go a little more upscale, Bistro Campagne is perfect. The menu is not enormous, but the choices are all interesting, the wine and beer lists are excellent, and the service is friendly and helpful.

Decent meal, but nothing special

By brmusicman |

Well, definitely head to the neighborhood (Lincoln Square). It's right off the train and completely charming, with lots of cool shops. And, Bistro Campagne isn't a bad place to end a day of exploring this part of Chicago. That said, I don't think it's worth a special trip to Lincoln Square from elsewhere. It's a solid neighborhood establishment but not much beyond that. Positives: the appetizers (Escargot and French onion soup) were delicious and well-executed. The atmosphere is casual and very neighborhoody, with a diverse group of customers that all seemed to be having a nice evening out. The wine was tasty. Negatives: the main dishes were disappointing, especially a gristle-laden lamb that was chewy and not very flavorful. The service was uneven -- fast at first, then very slow, often gruff. Plates took forever to be cleared. Overall, it was fine -- but probably not as good as its price point and nothing special.

Great French Food in an Interesting Neighborhood

By Edam231 |

The food is excellent and authentic and locally grown (as much as possible). I had a very tasty duck breast with almonds. My wife had a vegetarian crepe that she really enjoyed. The servers were attentive and the many small rooms and patios were welcoming. Bistro Campagne is immediately adjacent to the Old Town School of Music in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. It would be great for a before concert meal.

Fine Dinner, Charming Atmosphere

By Joseph C |

Had not dined here for a number of years but our recent dining experience was top notch. We enjoyed good drinks and wine by the glass and first rate food. Our server, Lucy S, was very helpful. The restaurant occupies a charming space on N Lincoln Avenue and, weather permitting, has two separated garden dining spaces . The restaurant does charge for heated French bread served with a few delicious garnishments. Charging for bread is becoming common for restaurants in Chicago and the overall cost of eating and drinks at the restaurant are reasonable especially given the high quality.

A romantic restaurant to go on a date.

By Gene D |

The fod is excellent. The staff both friendly and professional. The restaurant and outdoor garden are beautiful.

Fantastic!

By mcog |

Thanks to Tripadvisor, we found this small jewel. Like walking into a neighborhood bistro in Lyon. Friendly family feel with exceptional staff (especially Adine) and food that transports your taste buds. Can't wait to return.

High quality brunch

By Ethan K |

I do not give restaurants five stars very often, but Bistro Campgne truly exceeded my expectations. We came for a relaxing Sunday brunch. The setting was fairly realistic and sitting on the patio was a refreshing experience on a nice day. The service was quick and knowledgable. However, the food was the best part. The Quiche Lorraine was super creamy, and the crust was nicely golden brown. Also, the Pan Perdu was sweet but not overly so, with creamy, tart, and nutty notes chiming in to make for a perfect dish. If you come here for brunch, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Foodie Couple's Ideal Date Night

By Sarah W |

While visiting Chicago from New York City, my boyfriend who lives in Lakeview treated me to a fabulous meal at this gem of a restaurant! Our server Andrew had perfect timing and made the entire meal absolutely seamless. Although there are many mid-range, upscale dining restaurants to choose from in Chicago, this is our date night go to hands down. We are foodies and enjoy cooking a lot of french food, and coming to Bistro Campagne inspires you to try new recipes in the kitchen. We ordered the croquettes to start and then enjoyed the evening special and steak frittes cooked to perfection, I was even able to substitute the fries for brussel sprouts which were delicious! I would also highly recommend the amish chicken if you're hungry. So much to enjoy at Bistro Campagne, I cannot wait to go back!

Very Cute Nieghborhood Restaurant

By Resorttestors1 |

We visited the restaurant in January 2015 and found the interior to be very welcoming, and intimate. The french wine list was not expensive and we found a delicious Malbec for $42.00. French onion soup was good and the muscles were excellent. We enjoyed the Hangar Steak in a red wine sauce, Very Delicious. Oh and the Fig Bread Pudding was OMG delicious. I highly recommend this cute little restaurant.

best french food in chicago

By rachel D |

This is my favorite french food in Chicago- and one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Everytime we've been to this restaurant the food has been outstanding! The steak frites are amazing and the fries are awesome with a mayo aioli and my husband loved the pork entree!The wine is always delicious (you can't go wrong with french wine) and the goat cheese salad is tasty!!!!! We will be back soon and can't wait to try more tasty french entrees! When the weather is nice, the terrace outside is gorgeous for sitting, enjoying dinner, and sipping wine!

Moules

By Rolf A |

On a warm evening an aperol is a fine start. Enjoyed a mixed veggie platter and then moules and fries. The moules were nicely prepared, but the fries were soft, not to say soggy and a second order was a bit better, but in both instances not up to the standard set by the moules. The pork chop was also tasty and it came with well balanced sides, though the carrots were a bit oily. Nice wine selection. Had a Chateaux de Pizay, Morgon, Beaujolais.

Small and cozy, excellent food

By Transatlantic2012 |

Only a few dozen seats + a small bar, friendly but non-intrusive service. Very ambitious French menu. Everyone in our party was pleased with their entrees. Cote de Porc was very good, carefully presented on a bed of lentils. Most dishes and wine not cheap, but everything was excellent. They're clearly careful about the quality of the food and thoughtful about keeping the place small and intimate. They're hitting the mark. I'll go back.

Expensive and mediocre

By Sondra R |

Up to the year before Covid-19, Bistro Campagne was a reasonably priced destination to refurbish memories of Parisian cafes and brasseries, the traditional and the avant garde. With Covid, the decline in quality began and prices rose. I gave it another chance this week, but was woefully disappointed. The chef seems to know his business, as evidenced by the excellent stock of moules meuniere, but the mussels were just okay. French onion soup lacked the usual crust of bread to carry the cheese, and the soup seemed oddly and sadly sweet, perhaps from a dash of sugar rather than from the onion, Rainbow trout was dry, without the moist succulence proper to the fish, and three slabs at $35 seems pushing the limit. The chicken in a mushroom cream sauce and festooned with nicely crisped and flavorful onions curls gave me hope for dessert. which the dessert itself quickly dashed. A $10 inch-and-a-half- wide wedge of lemon tart tasted like lemon pie from Jewel, the supermarket version providing something like 8 of those $10 portions for about $7. The cheese cake tasted like putty or wet cement. Coffee was a small light in the darkness, fairly close to the Gallic variety. Still, why should they change? By 8 p.m. every table was filled, and people were happily gorging on mediocre food. What they didn't finish, they could take home in awkward cardboard to-go boxes, a final insult to people who paid close to $200 a couple to fool themselves into thinking, "This is why French food is famous. Wow!"

So lovely, so good

By mitzalina |

I can't believe I haven't frequented Bistro Campagne regularly in the past years. I've been 3 times now in the past few months and I enjoy it so much every time. The room is warm and inviting - especially in the cold weather months. We arrived around 10 pm the other night and we were welcomed and seated. We ordered a bottle of wine after our waiter offered us a taste of the two wines we were contemplating. I love the French onion soup and ordered it the other night as did the 3 others I was with. It is always delicious, however, on this particular occasion there was a lot of onions with barely a drop of broth. I was disappointed but it was late, I was hungry and the entrée was still to come. The steak frittes was amazing and my husband loved the cassoulette. Another friend had also had the steak frittes and the fourth had the gnocci which she thoroughly enjoyed. Although we arrived later in the evening we never felt rushed and the service was prompt without being obtrusive. Love this gem in the neighborhood. Can't wait until the weather warms up to enjoy the garden dining.

Very popular restaurant in Ravenswood area

By Dale I |

Four of us went to this restaurant on a Friday night. Was it busy! But our reservation was honored, and we were seated against a wall that blocked out a lot of the ambient noise allowing us to talk to each other without straining. Tables were set very close to each other, seemed like a cosy NYC restaurant in terms of the crowded condition. Food was excellent, especially the "specials" of the night -- a caramel apple soup and a creamy halibut. But one of our party ordered steak frits, and while the beef was cooked as desired, the potatoes looked terribly burnt. McDonalds would have been better. The posted menu is very inviting, and we would like to return to try some of the items we passed on this time. Good service all around.

Lovely atmosphere

By mazwoman |

We ate here with friends after a weary plane ride but the restaurant soothed our souls! It really feels like a French bistro. Our party ate snails, onion strudel, steak tartare, spinach with garlic chips, duck - and of course a couple of pommes frites! My onion strudel was a little stodgy but everything else I tasted was excellent. The atmosphere is wonderful. Can't wait to return

Charming French restaurant

By Babu2773 |

Even though we dined here on a Sunday night with temperatures hovering barely above 0-degrees, people continued to fill the cozy restaurant, and for good reason. Service was friendly and professional from start to finish. At no point were we rushed, and we cannot stress how important that is to us. Even though our waitress took our food order after she delivered our cocktails, she spaced everything beautifully. We enjoyed the charcuterie plate with its delicious sausages, pates, pickles, vegetables and salad, and for dinner we tucked into enormous portions of delicious food. Hubby had the schnitzel and I had the Amish chicken, which was covered with a mound of tantalizing string onions. We packaged up our leftovers for lunch, but still ordered the lemon tart paired with after dinner drinks. When we left, more people stumbled in from the cold, and we wished our dining experience was starting over, it was that good. This is a comfortable French bistro, so come as you are, nothing fancy.

Travel Abroad without an Airplane!

By WritersChoice |

Chicagoans and visitors alike have an opportunity to travel abroad without leaving the city when dining at Bistro Campagne. The moment we strolled into the outside garden, my wife and I were instantly transported to a lovely place away from the hustle and bustle of busy Lincoln Square. The quaint garden on the boarder of Lincoln Avenue is truly a world away. The trees, the twinkling lights, and the serenity encompass diners at this bistro hideaway. We began our dining adventure with a nicely priced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a beautiful bowl of PEI mussels bathed in a smooth broth of Belgian Ale infused with fresh garlic whose aroma filled the evening air. The wonderful waitress delivered a small loaf of crusty bread that absorbed the broth like a sponge and filled our mouths with white pillows of gastronomic pleasure. We followed the mussels with a shared salade maraîchère au chèvre chaud, an ample serving of greens blended with a light touch of Dijon vinaigrette dressing, but the special surprise was the crispy goat cheese crouton that added a tantalizing creamy-crunch to the greens. For our entre, we each chose the Clear Waters Farm trout served with fresh citrus and capers over a serving of haricots verts. The crispy skin and succulent meat hidden beneath created a lovely contrast of crunch and cream on the pallet that was truly pleasing from the first bite to the final morsel. We ended our meal with a Gran Marnier, neat, and a shared lemon tart with crème Chantilly. The citrus of the Gran Marnier complimented the lemony cream as if married in the church of lusciousness. I must say that we were celebrating my wife’s birthday and in festive moods, but the great food , wonderful service, and dreamy ambiance fed right into the joy of the celebration. The indoor version of the restaurant is quaint and authentic, but we found the outdoor garden areas truly enchanting. If you haven’t been to Bistro Campagne, make a point of enjoying this France in Chicago dining experience.

Still a special place

By MaskFinsHeidi |

We dined here on a cold December Sunday and again had a warm, delightful dinner. My friend had escargot and Amish chicken, and I had the beet&goat cheese app and trout. The goat cheese came as a warm, melty ball of goodness All dishes were delicious (and even though I don't like escargot, I did dip my bread into the tasty sauce. The atmosphere is upscale, yet very comfortable. Bistro will be on my itinerary again, next time I visit Chicago.

Wonderful French Bistro near Lincoln Square

By zabriskibound |

Take the L Brown Line to Western, walk five minutes south on Lincoln and you arrive at this absolutely wonderful French bistro experience. Friendly, with a very interesting inside made up of small intimate spaces and a quiet treed outdoor space. Romantic, great ambiance, and a really good kitchen make this a place worth journeying outside the inner city for. We both had the Lake Superior whitefish which was superb and yet simply prepared. The beer list by the bottle ranged from local craft brews to German lagers and Belgiium Ales and Trappist varieties. A good wine list that was reasonable priced and heavy on French varieties included many selections by the glass and was well suited for the meun. Great deserts, and we had the house chocolate compote which was to die for. Of the many French bistros in Chicago, this one really stands out. ZB

Hmm...French food?

By David S |

French food is exquisite...what a pity it isn't illegal. Did you ever taste French food? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth after a few minutes in a microwave. At Bistro Campagne when they serve give you their food, they give you their heart.

French Comfort Food

By Culture Vulture 60657 |

Along a busy stretch of Lincoln Ave, this is a cozy, traditional French bistro in a series of small rooms with tile floors and dark wood trim. Tables are set close together, with white tablecloths and paper on top. A chalkboard lists daily specials. The menu features classics such as onion soup, pate, mussels and escargots for appetizers; main course specialties include trout, roast 1/2 chicken in a mushroom sauce with excellent deep-fried onions on top and steak-frites. Other French restaurants in Chicago offer more refined and elevated cuisine, and a few do a better job turning out these same classic dishes. But Bistro Campagne is a pleasant neighborhood spot for a meal of familiar French dishes without breaking the bank.

Very Disappointed

By retgez60 |

After reading many reviews I really wanted to like this restaurant. The two of us went early on a Wednesday night so it was not crowded. We had the prix fix special which was reasonably priced but each course did not deliver. The onion strudel (one of their signature dishes) was luke warm the pastry was under cooked and gummy and the onion had no flavor. The roasted squash soup was thin and tasteless and at least needed a pinch of salt. The hanger steak was properly cooked but not hot enough to melt the pat of compound butter. The biggest disappointment were the frites which were seriously under cooked. It was almost if they were par fried then not finished in hot oil. This may have been an off night but I will never know.

Authentic French food.

By ellen b. |

Casual but elegant - great menu, offer authentic traditional French fare. Great service- fun atmosphere - intimate but not with elbow room. Nice lighting. I had the trout- excellent.

The real French deal and then some

By Simon L |

A great atmosphere at this French bistro with a small but interesting menu and the option of a couple of daily specials. We shared a plate of charcuterie which included excellent pork rillettes, followed by a classic salad Lyonnaise. I then ordered the trout and my wife had a scallop dish. Both cooked to perfection. We finished by sharing their delicious lemon tart. They have a nice selection of well-priced wines. It was a busy Saturday night and we couldn't get a table in their very pleasant patio without a long wait as outdoor tables are first-come, first-served, but we were seated almost immediately at a table next to an open window, which was almost as good. The service was very attentive and not in the least intrusive. When my wife made the reservation she mentioned it was an anniversary and after we were seated they offered us a complimentary glass of bubbly each. What a nice touch!

Favorite French cuisine in Chicago

By Katie M |

This is our go-to French restaurant. There are so many things we love here, but to name a few, the trout, chicken, beef bourgainon, steak tartare, escargot, are all amazing. We've been here at least a dozen times, but always for dinner. I really want to try brunch sometime. I agree with many previous reviews that the back rooms or at least the middle room is a bit more intimate and relaxed in nature (out of the way from so many people coming and going). The decor is more traditional than contemporary. This place is definitely a gem worth making the trek to Lincoln square for.

A Wonderful Evening

By Mark A |

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful meal here on our visit to Chicago. The restaurant is quaint and lovely. Our server Sarah was so warm and friendly and presented so many options after finding out our taste preferences. The escargot was wonderfully prepared, and the duck risotto appetizer amazing. Our entrees were equally delicious. The service and the food were on point and we would definitely return.

Nice Sunday afternoon

By lovetravel9875 |

Been to this restaurant several times before and always enjoyed it but never for the Sunday Brunch. Started out with the Mimosa Campagne-very nice. Menu style brunch and everything came out well executed. The whole experience along with a nice Sunday stroll of the area made for a very pleasent end of the week-end. Put this on your bucket list.

Great food, great atmosphere, a second visit

By NeedSher |

A restaurant can change in almost two years, for better or worse or remain consistently good (or bad). A repeat visit for an early Saturday dinner left the impression that Bistro Campagne has maintained its excellence in food, staff, and ambiance. Reasonable prices, expansive selection of wines, excellent choices of beers, and a full bar along with typical French Bistro menu choices. Half chicken roitisierre style, topped with delicious onion rings, served with a creamy mushroom sauce, thankfully sparingly placed around the chicken, was succulent and tasty. Porkchop was a large chop served with vegetables. Hanger steak came with small cut fries. Requested small serving of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert, delicious! Great place in Lincoln Square neighborhood.

Great ambiance, simply ok food...

By RknRon |

As I said in the title the ambience is absolutely fantastic here. We ordered two appetizers, two meals and house wine. The escargot for one of the appetizers was absolutely the worst I have ever had. The escargot itself was completely bland. The escargot garlic sauce on the app did nothing to enhance any flavor. The veal chop was good, but that is about that - just good. The chicken dish was very tasty, but having to debone everything was not expected. The service was pleasant and friendly, but button line just 3 stars.

A very special experience

By dottieanne1013 |

A romantic blend of atmosphere, great food and fantastic service any time of day. The brunch was wonderful, the dinner, a French bistro cuisine and the wine recommended by the server were all wonderful and made for a special experience both times we went there recently.

Cute and delicious!

By Jthielmann3 |

The food is delicious and the staff were great! As soon as I walked in I was greeted by the very friendly hosts. From the bartender to the busser's everyone was terrific! Charming set up with many intimate rooms, each with a few tables. Don't let the small bar fool you as it has an extensive menu. Many wonderful starter, entrees and desserts to fill the heartiest of appetites. I really enjoyed all the dishes our table chose. In the warmer months Yu can enjoy your meal alfresco or just simply relax on one of the two patios available.

French Flair

By hungry_eye |

Wonderful intimate little bistro. Great neighborhood, lots of shops, restaurants, activities going on. Found easy parking on street. The menu was a great French array and done very well. Wine list was also quite satisfactory. Had the escargots, the onion soup and a goat cheese (chevre) salad, all delicious and finished with the profiteroles. A lovely Cote du Rhone to accompany the bites. Would definitely go back again. Cozy atmosphere, great unpretentious service, felt very authentic. And I was with a person from France, they loved it.

A Perfect Evening

By patrick24682016 |

We had an early dinner for my birthday. The service was on point -- not hovering but attentive. The food really couldn't have been better-- beautiful presentations, generous portions, and fresh ingredients. Cozy room not too noisy. Escapist. Great French cuisine adding to a really memorable relaxed special evening.

Miam!

By Eric W |

Good service, good food, a very cool place for a familly brunch!! That's so bad, we must pay the parking in the street...

Nice French Neighborhood Place

By Hannah W |

I've eaten here several times and have always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The restaurant is in an old house. The menu is French food. A bit pricier than some neighborhood restaurants if you go the whole 3 course route, plus wine/drinks, but worth it. It also has a menu that includes a hamburger and other lighter dishes. The ambiance on the other hand is very neighborhood, casual friendly. To me it is a go to place.

Simple high quality French food

By OffTheBeatenPath2010 |

I have been to Bistro Campagne for brunch and dinner. Every single dish that I've tried has been delicious. The staff know the plates extremely well and it shows. From the very simple Croque Madame to the Gratin de Macaroni to the Confit de Canard, every dish is executed to perfection. There is a full bar with an excellent wine selection. In the summer, try to sit in their courtyard, you will enjoy it. One of my top favorite restaurants in Chicago.

Back to Paris!

By ParisgalChicagoIL |

It has been several years since we have been here and we were remiss in using distance as an excuse…what a treat! We had an early reservation because of an event at the Old Town School of Folk Music and were seated at an intimate window table for two. Our server was more than helpful and we enjoyed escargot/French onion soup (I know…predictable choices but prepared and served brilliantly), a Lyonnaise salad and the special osso buco/boeuf bourguignon. Heavenly winter choices. Can't wait to return…encore!

Restaurant Week

By DWhite815 |

Restaurant Week really put this bistro on my radar. It's a great spot in Lincoln Square just up the street from Old Town School of Folk Music not too far from the El. It was very lively on a Thursday night. Our server Lindsey was outstanding, very friendly, joked around with us. Every one on staff who came to our table was just really cool. We did 3 course meal. I would recommend every dish I had... caramelized onion & gruyere pastry, steak frittes and fig bread pudding. Cute French bistro with outside dining as well. Two thumbs up!

Wonderful Bistro

By BlueDuke |

Welcoming neighborhood bistro with an interesting menu, great food and excellent service. A romantic place to celebrate a casual special occasion. Enjoy the neat bar in front.

Prairie style meets French bistro with great results!

By pureblueskies |

This is a true gem in Chicago, a lovely bistro-style spot with a charming patio and wonderful food. While I enjoyed the excellent wine menu, the gentlemen took full advantage of the great beer and cocktail choices. The mussels and trout were superb and all other selections were equally excellent.

A Little French Bistro

By LizBethob |

Went to dinner last night at Bistro Campagne. I ordered the Lyonnaise salad and Cote du Porc -- delish pork chop. The little potatoes that come with it were Devine and the carrots were great too. My husband had the onion strudel and thought it was good. He also ordered the duck confit and said it was good, but it was a tiny portion. Would have stayed for dessert, but a woman came in and sat very close to us and her perfume was overwhelming. So we left in a hurry. Service was good. The restaurant consists of small rooms, so if one is eating inside, tables are very close together.

What a great place!

By Cecelia B |

Friends and I met there for dinner this past weekend and everything about the place was marvelous! The food, the atmosphere, the service. What a great place in a neat neighborhood! Absolutely will go back next time I am in town.

Nice romantic spot

By Robinm61chicago |

Very down to earth cozy restaurant. The waiter was very helpful and not stuffy at all. He helped me choose an absinthe cocktail which we had fun discussing. I ordered the chicken which I would not normally order but since he recommended it, I gave it a try, and yes, delicious, so tender and moist. The sauce complimented it nicely as well, not too overpowering, just right. My boyfriend had the steak and said it just melted in his mouth...dessert, yum.. I will definitely return.

Highly recommend

By Larry F |

Have gone twice within last month. Nice atmosphere. Great food and service. It is my favorite restaurant in the area.

Great Bistro Atmosphere in Lincoln Square

By Jacole1946 |

Drove past this place for years. Finally made reservations. Very glad we did. The place is quite a bit larger inside than it looks from the outside. Small building additions over the years have expanded it into four or five separate dining areas. Typical of most French Bistros, tables are fairly close together, but not uncomfortable at all. My wife and I got lucky and were seated at a table for two next to the window facing the outdoor patio. Our server was very attentive and recommended a very nice Bordeaux and we ordered a bottle. The food is quite authentic French style. My wife had the Chicken and loved it. I had one of the steak offers and liked it very much. We will definitley be going back.

highly recommend

By Ann M |

There were 4 of us and we had great table near the outdoor patio. It was raining, otherwise, sitting outside would have been divine. Atmosphere very old European with small rooms and dim lighting. We enjoyed the warm bread and cold butter. House salad delicious and French onion soup. Tried chicken with fried onions, salmon, and trout. All cooked to perfection. Wines are very reasonably priced.

Great service, tasty French fare

By Nadou123 |

Very quaint restaurant. Beautiful french auberge look to it. We got a table in the courtyard on a warm night. The food was very good. Loved the croque Madame . The meat was very lean . The fries were perfect. The portions are very generous. The deserts are excellent! don't miss the tarte tatin with delicious thin apple slices . Loved the pain Perdu , one of the best around. Coffee was very good as well. The best thing about this place is the service. Our waitress Kat was very attentive and very pleasant. Will definitely go back .

Just what I wanted

By Culture Vulture 60657 |

This French bistro serving classic dishes was perfect for two couples meeting up for dinner on a cold winter's night. We were shown to a room in the back where the noise level allowed us to converse easily, especially before the room filled up around 7:30 pm. Our waitress, a charming woman with a French accent, was cordial and good-humored, offering helpful recommendations on the wines and dishes. We ordered: the charcuterie plate (large enough to share), the escargots in Pernod butter (dunked the warm bread in the leftover sauce...yum!), the boeuf Bourgignon, the trout, the duck breast and for dessert, the lemon tart. Everything was well prepared and came promptly. We were pleased with our dinners.

Very good but not all the way through

By frankmattingly70 |

The place is very romantic and started out very good. The service and food was well done in the beginning but mildly fell short as the meal went on. Would recommend and go back.

A disappointing last meal here

By Deborah B |

Sadly, the food was unrefined, gloppy sauces disguising proteins and attempts to appear French when it was clear the cooking style was pedestrian at best. Excellent staff and service could not rescue this disaster.

How about those French restaurants?

By Taylor B |

Just when you began to wonder why a restaurant-rich town like Chicago doesn't have many outstanding French bistros, you walk into a place like Bistro Campagne and quickly change your mind. Located at 4518 North Lincoln Avenue, Bistro Campagne was founded in 2002 by the late and noted chef Michael Altenberg. Fashioned in the tradition of a true French bistro, it has continued to gain prestige and notoriety under the direction of chef Luke Creagan. And, with the exception of the traditional creme brulee dessert, it has a different flair and menu in comparison to other established French restaurants in the city. For hor d'oeuvres, my wife and I sampled onion soup, escargot, beef tartare, Yukon Gold potato and salt cod puree and a tasty assortment of cheeses. And we shared a Scottish smoked salmon salad. For entrees, we adhered to our more fish/less meat diet and chose trout and salmon. We noticed that a couple at an adjoining table seemed to be delighted with Amish chicken and Berkshire pork chop. And, to be perfectly honest, I was tempted by the Bistro Burger. For dessert, we passed on creme brulee and lemon tart in favor of profiteroles, a rarity on most menus (even French) but an item we always choose when available. This version, with vanilla ice cream and a puffy pastry shell, is excellent. In fact, Bistro Campagne's dessert trey is filled with to-die-for selections.

Amazing dinner and okay dessert

By Jacob |

We were here the other night for dinner and the food is just spectacular. Reminds me so much of being in France, the atmosphere and decor is really on point. Wine was also good. Dessert we could have s done without, it just wasn’t that impressive (had the lemon tart).

Very nice meal

By Schmooglet |

Bistro Campagne is one of our favorite Chicago neighborhood places. The atmosphere is always inviting and the food excellent. We love to take new people to the restaurant. The other night we had mussels and the steak tartare for appetizers, and duck and fish for our main courses. All were delicious. Thanks again for another great meal.

pleasant evening on the patio, until the rain came!

By nancyb10 |

Bistro Campagne has one of the loveliest outdoor eating spaces I've seen this side of Paris. I was very excited to eat there and enjoyed the experience, despite the fact that about halfway through our meal we had to go indoors because it started to rain. The server was pleasant and helpful and the food was very good. I wasn't blown away by innovation or surprise, but each dish was well prepared and nicely presented. It's a pretty classic French bistro menu. A couple folks had the croque monsieur and the croque madame, which were lovely. There was also a wonderful cold soup...ginger carrot, I believe. I had a nice arugula salad and trout that was quite nice. I would definitely return!

Cozy and consistent

By Culture Vulture 60657 |

Christmas Eve dinner out. It was frigid, we'd been numerous times before and I was not looking forward to it. That changed as soon as we walked in the door of Bistro Campagne. Rooms are small and inviting, the staff is welcoming. Our table was ready. The menu changes very little, though there are specials besides the menu items for some seasonal variety. After ordering a glass of wine, we decided on the chicken liver mousse for him and the escargots in a pernod butter for me (with delicious crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce), followed by the Lyonnaise salad to share. He said it is the best Lyonnaise salad in Chicago with lots of smoky bacon lardons and good croutons. For mains, he had the bouillabaisse special while I had the roast salmon filet. A wedge of lemon tart for dessert. Everything was well prepared, came hot out of the kitchen and tasted good. All the patrons, who included some larger family groups celebrating Christmas together, seemed to be enjoying themselves, as we did. Despite the conviviality, the noise level is conversation-friendly. Dinner for two, with tax and drinks but before tip, came to $160 which was a bit higher than I expected. On a cold winter's night, there was plenty of metered parking nearby (not always true in summertime). We left contented and glad to have renewed our acquaintance with this neighborhood gem.

Best French restaurant in Chicago

By Chicago420 |

I've been to Kiki's and Mon Ami (both are very good), and a few other forgettable French restaurants in Chicago. In my opinion, Bistro Campagne serves the best French cuisine in Chicago. It's a quaint little neighborhood restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. Terrific wine list which my wife loves. They use organic and local farm products. It is pricey so my wife and I tend to go there on special occasions. My favorite dishes are the filet mignon and the skate but their menu changes with the season. But it's hard to go wrong there. If the weather is nice they also have a very nice garden patio.

Enlarged and less intimate, but still very good

By Transatlantic2012 |

Much larger than it was, with attractive indoor and outdoor seating. Not quite as neighborhood/intimate as when it was small, and the food seemed a little less inspired, but it's still a good bet and a great location right in Lincoln Square.

Anniversary dinner

By Carrie E |

What a great gem! We were lucky to get a table in one of their patios - beautifully lit with strings of lights on a summer night. Food and service was spot on.

Friendly and consistent

By Daniel M |

We live in the neighborhood and over the years Bistro Campagne has become our go to place for a nice evening out. We've celebrated our anniversary there several times and find that it is an intimate, relaxed environment with great classic french bistro fare. This week we even took our foodie teenage kids there for a special night out. We have never had a bad meal there and always leave full, relaxed and satisfied. We also appreciate the importance of locally sourced food and the restaurant works hard to meet this ecological obligation.

Excellent French Cuisine in intimate Setting

By markers |

Bistro Compagne offers traditional French cuisine in a charming and intimate setting. Very congenial and helpful staff. Highlights of our dining experience featured an exceptional Salad Lyonaise, likewise the French Onion Soup and the Assiette d'Fromage. My Boef Braisee was a bit overcooked, but still tasty. This is a very nice place for a fine dinner in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere. Note: the restaurant is some distance from downtown -- about a $20.00 taxi ride each way, but public transportation will take you to within a block in a very safe neighborhood.

Tuesday Night Mussels!

By krhanson |

Four of us went to Bistro Campagne for their Endless Mussels on Tuesday night, a weekly thing. I was the only person that did not get the mussels, but the rest of my group was very pleased with the number of mussels per bowl, the flavor of the broth, and the sides of French fries, fried onions, and crispy bread for dipping. I ordered the onion pastry and the duck confit. The pastry was so good, it was exactly like eating a bowl of French onion soup, but with a fork. The duck was excellent. It did come served on a bed of cabbage, which was not my favorite, but it was great overall. I also ordered dessert to go, a lemon tart. Sooooo good - like the best lemon bar I've ever had. The service was great. Our waiter was very friendly, explained everything that we had questions on, and offered helpful suggestions when needed. The atmosphere is very nice, this is just a cute little spot. It seemed to get pretty busy, I am guessing that was due to the mussels special - it seemed like everyone around us was ordering them. I would certainly go back, and I highly recommend Bistro Campagne!

LIncoln Square or France?

By casabar |

Bistro Campagne has a golden glow in the evenings making it a warm and welcoming refuge in the cooler months. Summer would allow you a visit to their equally romantic patio. Service was excellent, friendly but not intrusive. Food and wine perfect. One of us ordered liver and proclaimed it superb. Though I am not a fan, I will agree the sauce was tasty. Pork chops and skirt steak were excellent. Save room for dessert!

Nothing special

By Tombstoner |

took friends here for dinner based on positive reviews. I would not say the food was bad (and the friend having the pork and another having the chicken really enjoyed them) but my hangar steak and my wife's trout were very unexceptional. I suspect my dish came out first and had to sit around until the other dishes were ready as both the steak and the frites were cold when they arrived and everyone else's food was appropriately hot. The other problem was that the oil in which the frites were cooked was old, so the potatoes were very dark and oily tasting. When I asked for hot frites, the server quickly brought another plate of hot, but equally dark and greasy fries. For the price, this seemed like a pretty basic screw-up. Cocktails were weak and expensive. Desserts were good. Overall, I'd say this was not a terrible place, but for the money you can do MUCH better elsewhere. We won't be coming back.

Lincoln Square landmark

By Culture Vulture 60657 |

We come here about once a year for dinner. On a cold winter's night, it's a welcoming, cozy, casual neighborhood boîte. Last night, we were seated near the front door, so each time it opened, a cold draft invaded the room. The menu hasn't changed much in years, tho there is the occasional special. Dinner was enjoyable, although the Bordelaise sauce on my bavette steak seemed to have been brushed onto the meat and there wasn't much of it. The frites were plentiful and tasty, tho. If you want veggies, you have to order a side dish or salad, which I did as an appetizer. It was large enough to share. My spouse had the chicken liver pate and a bourride, both of which entirely disappeared. Dessert was a bread pudding with caramel and a scoop of ice cream. Service was cordial and prompt, although since it was busy, our waiter stopped by to tell us the kitchen was backed-up and we'd have to wait a bit for our entrees to arrive. They've added a 3% surcharge to cover the rising cost of ingredients. Still, dinner for 2, including 2 appetizers, 2 mains, one dessert and one cocktail came to $155 before tip, which I consider reasonable. I love the fact that there's a large city parking lot right across the street.

Frog soufflé

By Norel P |

No complaints. The service is excellent thoughtful and professional. The food was good and tasty but not at a level that justified the price. Atmosphere was at the level of an upscale tavern except for the wait staff. The bread served with the dinner was worth the entire trip but the olive oil served accompanying the bread had given up it's chastity a while back.

Wonderful dinner for everybody.

By Bringing_the_kids |

We had a fantastic dinner at Bistro Campagne last week when visiting Chicago. We went for a small family gathering - ages 3 to 75, and everybody agreed that this place was fabulous. Between us, we tried 5 different dinner offerings, and they were all superb in taste, nicely presented and perfectly sized. Appetizers and cheese were fantastic too. Service was excellent, fast and attentive, but not at all intrusive. We liked the Bistro so much, that it has made it to our "must do every time we are in Chicago" list; it was truly a great experience in every way.

Classic Fare in Cozy Atmosphere

By Anventure |

Warmly attentive service, beautiful French offerings in a charming and comfortable space. We came in early with reservations and left before it got too crowded and loud. The drinks and dinner are solid. Tables are a bit too crowded for comfort. When the place fills up people talk loud to be heard across the tables. The volume distracts from my enjoyment of this lovely space.

Very good food, spotty service

By roger c |

This is an extremely comfortable cozy restaurant; great food. Unfortunately the service we experienced was rather spotty- some long waits in between courses (with no one checking in with us at all for water etc); no plates for bread and appetizer of mussels. Overall not a horrible or bad experience, just could have been so much better with a small increase in attention and skill of staff.

Good Food Experience Marred by Poor Service

By Jane L |

Bistro Campagne is a charming restaurant. Four of us recently had brunch there and really enjoyed the food. The service, however, was terrible. This was not the fault of the staff, who were working very hard. The restaurant was packed, but there were only two people waiting on tables. It took forever to get coffee. Once we ordered, we waited ages for our food. The poor service really affected our experience at an otherwise charming restaurant with a very appealing brunch menu.

Over the top delicious.

By iclickpix |

We stopped in before attending a Patti Smith concert next door. We weren't able to get dinner reservations earlier in the day, so we chanced it. We were lucky to get a very intimate table for two after we walked in. By the time we finished our salads, this little restaurant was packed. I can understand why it might be hard to get a reservation. The service was impeccable and the food was absolutely delicious. Every little detail added to the unique dishes we enjoyed. Salmon and trout - exquisite. And of course we topped off our meal with an incredible lemon tart and cappuccino. We will definitely go back often. Can't wait to try all the other creations. Perfect evening.

A Big Miss; A "One Off"?

By roberto-respighi |

A Big Miss; A "One Off"? We have eaten as this lovely French bistro many times. During our most recent visit, the food and atmosphere were, as usual, excellent. BUT it took 40+ minutes for our entrees to arrive. When we placed our order at 8:15, the restaurant was not at all crowded. Folks who were seated at an adjacent table 15 minutes after us received their entrees before us. When my entree arrived, it was clear from the warm (not hot) plate that it had been sitting on the keep-warm shelf for some time. Of course, the kitchen is to blame. But so is the waitress, who should have monitored our order more carefully, especially after I inquired about our meal half-way through our long wait. The manager might have been a bit more sympathetic once I mentioned it to him. Not a good experience. But hopefully a one-off. We will give Bistro Campagne another try, and hopefully the dinner experience will return to its previously high standards. Roberto Respighi

Great food, lovely setting

By tempchicago |

Husband had the hangar steak, and it was very good. My calf liver stew with pork belly, served over mashed potatoes, was the winner of the night, however. It is hearty rather than elegant, and we both found it absolutely delicious.

Great setting - bland food

By Jeanmarc3 |

Bistro Campagne has a great setting outside (and apparently good inside too) but falls short of the rest: tasteless mussels (worst we had in all of Chicago), mediocre Salade Lyonnaise, average creme brulee (too sweet) and average cappuccino. Service is not so good and slow. Not much water refill, and mostly ice (90% ice cubes for 10% water). The sitting outside is nice but the tables are not very comfortable and you can't extend your legs much. It could be a decent restaurant with minimum efforts though. Overall it's a bit on the expensive side given the quality of the food. The restaurant is in a nice & very walkable street. One day we might still go back to give it another try for lunch. Maybe it was just a one off...

Great food, great service!

By travelercarole2015 |

All great! Have been going here for many years - and othan Kiki's River North, it is our favorite restaurant!

Straightforward and welcoming.

By above_average_eater |

Great ambience, warm & neighborhood-y, but top-notch food and peerless service.

Perfect French Bistro

By Sara B |

We found this restaurant by chance, it was the best dinner I had in Chicago. The food was excellent, from the fresh out of the oven bread to dessert it was the perfect dinner. We ordered meat and chicken and both were cooked perfectly, every bite was an amazing experience for dessert we had crème brulée and it was one of the best creme brulee I ever had. The staff was very helpful with the suggestions and also very friendly. I would recommend this for a romantic dinner and if the weather is nice try to have dinner in the patio. The place itself is also gorgeous, every detail here is perfect.

Best of all French north of the Loop !

By Jacole1946 |

Been here several times. The food and service can't be beat. This is our favorite Restaurant summer or winter.

A True Find In Lincoln Square

By K O |

Looking for a restaurant near The Old Town School of Folk Music, I followed a few Tripadvisor reviews to Bistro Campagne. Not only was the food exceptional, but kudos to a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Outstanding steak and trout. Wonderful cocktails. A quaint and comfortable atmosphere. I will be returning just for the dining experience!

Delicious French Dining in Chicago

By WindyCityRay |

My husband and I went to Bistro Campagne for a casual anniversary dinner at the end of December. The atmosphere was very intimate and cozy, enhanced by their holiday decor. Our waitress was very nice and incredibly enthusiastic. The food was a bit on the pricey side but very delicious and everything we had hoped for. We had the Fromage for our appetizer, Steak Frites & Croque Madame. They were also able to make an Aperol spritz at my request and per my husband "the best" gin and tonic he has ever had. I would highly recommend for a cozy date night or intimate celebration. We cannot wait to go back when their gorgeous patio is open!

Wonderful French Bistro

By taries |

This charming and romantic Lincoln Square bistro has two great outdoor spaces. The food and service are both outstanding. The roast chicken is the best in Chicago. The beef cheek special was awesome. This is a restaurant not to be missed.

Cozy French Country Place

By travelpr0123 |

A place which you may find in the French countryside on a road trip through Bourgogne, slightly worn, a little eclectic, but good. Service was pleasant, sound level allows for conversation, the food is classic French fare, however not outstanding. The hangar steak was an excellent cut of meat in a sauce which was slightly too sweet, the bouillabaisse was very good, the beef tartar should be more authentic and display the color, taste and smell of fresh, high quality beef and not trying to hide it. Overall a pleasant experience, expensive.

ALways so good...and that includes everything from start to finish

By mooresy2 |

From the homey atmosphere, exuberant service and delicious food..This place is worth the shleg up to N Lincoln for classic French cuisine. This time we had the escargot as well as the Lyonnais salad. both so very good and the garlic pernod dipping juices from the snail perfect when dipped with the warm mini french baguette. THen for entrees we had the Skate fish special and also the Liver entree.. Both so pleasing and filling. Unfortunately we had no room for dessert but the fig bread pudding is always the perfect way to end. Maybe next visit :)

French Bistro

By Igormama |

It is our go-to restaurant in our neighborhood. Since we love French Bistro food, this restaurant fills the bill every time. Recommend it highly for good service and excellent bistro food!

Inconsistent

By edieann |

There were four for dinner and half of what we ordered was quite good but half was mediocre. Steak fries excellent, pork chop ordinary as was vegetarian entree of potato galette and brussel sprout salad ( which I would give 2 stars). Wine list quite expensive. Service slow although very charming. I wouldn't go back

Not as good as I had hoped

By boulderkc |

I was in Chicago for a vacation. I chose Bistro Campagne based on tripadvisor reviews. I was with friends who would not have been comfortable at the pricier places I would have chosen (see Green Zebra... amazingly good food). Bistro Campagne seemed like a good choice based on price, based on "local, Chicago neighborhood" vibe, and the menu looked safe for both foodies and more meat & potatoes types. It is a very charming little place, and the neighborhood is very comfortable and nice. It's a good location, for sure, and the decor deserves a big thumbs up. My girlfriend's fish tasted a little like dirt. Not very good at all. My friend's steak had too much gristle. My lamb dish was nicely flavored, but not remarkable at all. All in all, the food was average or poor. I loved my salad, at least. I think I was the only one of the 4 of us who was content with their food. We had two snafus: one of the glasses of wine was simply awful (we all tried it and agreed), so we asked it be swapped out. They swapped it out... and charged for both glasses. Tsk, tsk. Also, we arrived 20 minutes later than our reservations. We had warned them on the phone. We didn't expect to be seated quickly, they were busy. But we had to wait for 45 minutes at least, and they weren't polite enough to keep us updated. Had they been more upfront about it, there were several other places nearby we could have gone. Again, we were late, it was our fault, but it was still rather annoying.

Relaxingly Deliscious

By ksrichter3000 |

The awesome patio contributed to a relaxing experience with wonderful food and service. Emily was attentive, knowledgeable, attentive without being overbearing. Appetizer, entrees, and accompaniments were fresh, perfectly prepared, nicely presented, and thoroughly enjoyable. We were never rushed and look forward to returning.

A Big Miss; A "One Off"?

By roberto resphgii |

We have eaten as this lovely French bistro many times. During our most recent visit, the food and atmosphere were, as usual, excellent. BUT it took 40+ minutes for our entrees to arrive. When we placed our order at 8:15, the restaurant was not at all crowded. Folks who were seated at an adjacent table 15 minutes after us received their entrees before us. When my entree arrived, it was clear from the warm (not hot) plate that it had been sitting on the keep-warm shelf for some time. Of course, the kitchen is to blame. But so is the waitress, who should have monitored our order more carefully, especially after I inquired about our meal half-way through our long wait. The manager might have been a bit more sympathetic once I mentioned it to him. Not a good experience. But hopefully a one-off. We will give Bistro Campagne another try, and hopefully the dinner experience will return to its previously high standards. Roberto Respighi

Romantic dinner at Bistro Campagne

By cheryl g |

We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary at Bistro Campagne on the recommendation of a friend , it was absolutely perfect. the building is quaint and the garden gorgeous, like being in France. The food was excellent, the staff were outstanding from the maître d to our server Kat who had great wine recommendations. it was casual yet chic and one would be comfortable coming from a concert in the park in shorts to dress up. reservations essential . Highly recommend.

Wonderful Service and Convenient Parking

By AJH |

I ate here this past weekend based on Urbanspoon reviews as my daugher had asked we go somewhere French. Based on a reviewer I asked for a table in the back and I was very glad I did and that they accomodated. The front tables are right by the frontdoor/bar, but the back rooms are delightful to be seated in. Our waiter couldn't have been more on the ball or polite. We started with steak tartre and escargot. Both were good but not worthy of high raves. The main courses however were excellent (trout and beef cheeks). There is a parking lot directly across the street which makes parking easy. Outdoor seating is on a first-come basis for which they do not take reservations and if that is what you are after I'd recommend not going on a weekend night. Certainly worth going if you desire a bit of France in the midwest!

Disappointing

By Caroline G |

We are French and although the food was delicious, we were disappointed by the service. The waiters didn’t wait for everyone around the table to finish their plates before taking them away, as if they were eager for us to leave. The waiters lacked style and savoir-vivre. They kept taking our bottle of wine out of the bucket to check if it was empty, and didn’t offer to refill our glasses by the same occasion, so kept coming again. Furthermore, although it wasn’t that hot, we had a table right under the AC vent, and were freezing d'urine dinner. We suggest a proper outfit to stick with the French bistro ambiance, and better manners from the waiters.

excellent food

By Wrx8 |

Came weekday evening so they werent too busy. They have some interesting items like . caramelized onion strudel which was really fantastic. The pork chop was probably one of the best I've had in years, large on the bone, very very tender yet cooked through except right by the bone The trout was a totally boneless filet and done perfectly. Servers were great, ambiance quite romantic. Decent sized parking lot with meters across street if the street is full. Well worth the trip out there.

Nice Experience!

By Jenifer L |

Incredible restaurant Bistro Campagne. First impression, decor: We arrived a few minutes after it opened for lunch. There was already people settled down, and throughout the meal we enjoyed our food with such a nice crowd around.

Worth the trip

By Rhoward2 |

This was a lovely little restaurant in a neighborhood that was a little farther away from the downtown area where we were staying. We drove here in about 20 minutes, but I believe there is a rail line that serves this area. We had an excellent table looking out over the back garden (which also has some tables) and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The chef takes pride in serving fresh local ingredients, and we were very impressed. The steak frites were excellent, and the beef with gnocchi was outstanding. You should probably make reservations because the place seems to fill up quickly.

Not to be missed.

By greentail |

I simply cannot say about Bistro Campagne. Great food, attentive service and reasonable wine list. Keep an eye out for special events.

Quiet, lovely, excellent food

By Sally E |

We have eaten here many times and keep coming back. The atmosphere is lovely, the simple dishes are cooked perfectly and the sauces are amazing.

Tasty food - a great Lincoln Square neighborhood place to eat

By Dedgehog |

Although an hour early for our reservation, we were seated immediately - the only drawback of our table was that it was very near the front door so subject to cold draughts as diners arrived and left. We ordered the salt-cod fritter appetizer followed by steak frites for me and cassoulet for my wife. All the food was very tasty and enjoyable. The only gripe was that the cassoulet was not oven-baked in the traditional style. We shared a very enjoyable tarte tatin for dessert. The service was friendly and attentive - the busboy was great! - although the hostess wasn't overly welcoming. All-in-all, a good experience.

Almost there

By Phamus |

Cute spot in Lincoln Square, first off I don't think there is a comfortable chair in the place I'm 6'2" and they all felt small. The outdoor area was nice but I chose to eat inside atmosphere was nicer. My waiter was French and nice but not exactly exuberant and hard to find and I am sure I was his only table. The menu was typical French bistro fare as advertised and plenty of things I like. The presentation was again exactly as you would get in a thousand similar places, even though it was my first time there I felt as I have eaten there a 100 times.So this can be considered great or so- so. I did have something not typical "black earth beef" hamburger and it was cooked perfectly and delicious. My only complaint is the bun, good but not great. I'm afraid we were all boring diners and no one tried anything new or different - escargot, steak con frite,etc. I would have to go back and try something else to give this spot a better review. Food was good, place is nice just didn't knock me out. Hamburger was great if not for the bun.Worth a try if you want a little touch of Paris.

Still a star

By TonyChicago773 |

After the death of the owner, I was concerned. But his wife and staff have stepped up and kept up the high standards. Excellent food. Superb wine list

A true neighborhood gem

By Virginia P |

I tend to find that the best restaurants are in the neighborhoods. Lincoln Square is a very fun area and this French Bistro is authentic and always really good. Much less expensive then the gold coast too. This is one of our "go to" restaurants. It isn't overly loud either.

Neighborhood bistro, locally sourced organic products, tremendous atmosphere

By ChicagoHarlan |

You will love the courtyard, tables outside or in. Lively, energetic atmosphere. Food is terrific and a nice venture from city center if you are a visitor...opt to visit this neighborhood...one of many in Chicago.

Really French without foi gras

By Tonyvinotiger |

Not only good food but atmosphere to boot - sit in the back garden to be surrounded by plantings and artifacts and enjoy the serenity (or in the front garden and listen to the guitarist). My sautéed chicken livers were delicate (not the usual strong version) and wines by the glass well chosen. My guest's trout was also wonderful along with the spinach salad and sautéed mushrooms.

Delicious

By abwolverine |

We had been to Nice and eaten their local snack "Socca." Hoping for the same, we ordered the Oscca Crepe here at Bistro Campagne. While it was not like the snack we enjoyed in Nice (which was much simpler), the crepe was DELICIOUS. If you are only getting one appetizer, I highly, highly recommend the Socca Crepe. I love goat cheese and my husband does not care for it, but both of us loved this app. We also had the escargot. Really good. Perhaps not quite like the ones I had in Paris but close. There were 6 escargot, so 3 per person meant we weren't too overwhelmed even with the second appetizer (although we are high-energy people who eat a lot). Very classy bartender who mixes your drink and brings it to your table himself. Darling atmosphere. My husband had the pork chop, and he loved that it was bacon-wrapped. I had the boeuf bourgignon, which was rich and tender and thankfully not too too much food as it was so rich. We should have stopped there, but how can you resist dessert in a French restaurant? We had the pot-de-creme, which is described as chocolate pudding, but is so thick it's almost more like a flourless chocolate cake. It's still light though, if that makes sense. I was really glad we said yes to dessert! 2 apps+2drinks+2 entrees+dessert added to over $100, so it was a splurge and not an every-weekend kind of place, but I was pleased with this splurge.

Saturday night dinner!!

By Prego51 |

We enjoyed our dinner with friends this past Saturday. We were seated promptly at 8 and the service was excellent. I had a salad and several appetizers and all were good. Parking was a bit of a problem but we managed! Yes, well worth the trip up north!

Charming Bistro in a Charming Neighborhood

By edyrp |

A charming restaurant in a lovely Chicago neighborhood. The building itself has twists and turns so each section seemed like a semi-private dining room. I desired comfort food and ordered accordingly. The server got us off to a good start with a warm baguette and butter. I chose the Poulet Roti Forestiere, which was a delicious roasted chicken with a light mushroom sauce. It was topped by a profuse amount of fried onions, which I shared with my table-mates. One of the other guests devoured the pork chops, while another person appreciated the salmon dish, but after tasting the chicken she said she'd wished she'd ordered it instead. We each had salads, which were good but not particularly memorable. Speaking of memorable, do try the Gratin de Macaroni, which had a perfect melding of three cheeses. The three of us shared this rich side with gusto and no regrets.

Perfect Corona Friendly Anniversary

By iTraveltheworld195 |

We really wanted to celebrate our anniversary but would only dine outside so we went internet hunting for the best outdoor dining. We happened upon Bistro Campagne as an option. Upon further review it looked like it would fit the bill perfectly with a nice French bistro menu and cute/romantic patio area. When we arrived it was great that we didn't even have to enter the building. They have their own gate to a cute courtyard. There were pretty flowers and little lights. Our server was appropriately masked. I had put on my reservation that it was our anniversary and we were greeted with flutes of complementary champagne! It was a great touch and just the right way to kick off our night. Our food was terrific as were our cocktails! I went classic French with escargots, steak frites and creme brulee. All in all a pretty perfect night. We can't wait to go back!

Fantastic Find

By Mac4446 |

Where can one find a true hangar steak and steak tartare on the same menu! Both were great...one cannot go wrong with the other choices. I not only loved the menu and wine selections; the ambiance is terrific...you enter the door and know that you are in for a pleasant evening. Our server, Kat, was most efficient and attentive. We did not make reservations, which I do recommend...therefore, we were seated in the back room. This did not dampen our evening one bit. The garden looked very inviting...that is where reservations would be a good idea. My husband and I will return to this restaurant...a great way to invite in town friends and out of town as well. Not a tourist attraction at all.

Charming neighborhood spot

By RJNJR |

Bistro Campagne offers first rate French inspired locally sourced cuisine. They do exceptional things with simple salads -- fried goat cheese croquette with a mesclun salad mix, onion soup, etc. The mains are the real deal here; Fabulous steaks, pasta dishes, beautifully prepared trout. Classic dessert -- tarte tatin, lemon tart, etc are really memorable. Service is informal and super friendly, but attentive. In Lincoln Square near the Old Town School of Folk Music. Recommend reservations, though they happily took us in shortly before closing and we were not rushed. Beautiful building and patio.

Thanksgiving Dinner Kit to Die For!

By Freebirdiv |

We ordered the Thanksgiving kit for 4 people, although there were only two of us, and we were thrilled to have the leftovers for dinner the next night. OMG OMG OMG was this dinner fabulous!!! Every single component was stellar. The turkey, both white and dark meat, was perfectly cooked and juicy; the brioche stuffing with pork belly was to DIE for (and made the house smell like a bakery); the gravy was so delicious that we made it last throughout the week and used it on shredded chicken; the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were amazing; the green bean casserole fabulous, the brussel sprouts with bacon delectable. And then, to top it all off, the most AMAZING pumpkin pie you can imagine, fluffy, creamy, and topped with oodles of chantilly cream (and I don't usually even LIKE pumpkin pie!). The cooking instructions were clear and easy enough for me to follow, which means pretty darned easy. CAN WE ORDER THIS DINNER KIT EVERY WEEK??? It will be super-tough to go back to our usual post-Covid family thanksgiving because we'll be dreaming of this meal! Hoping for a great Christmas dinner kit...

Birthday dinner

By Carrie E |

This restaurant is enchanting - from the minute you step in at the cozy bar it's like a breath of fresh air. We decided to wait for an outdoor table since it was such a beautiful summer night. So glad we did! We shared escargot and steak tartar - both delicious. Then we split the steak frites with the filet. Perfect! Wine list is good with many options by the glass. Our server was on par. Loved that the noise level was low. We will definitely return

Outdoors or in

By Ruth S |

A lovely bistro. Eat outside in good weather - you'd never know there was a busy street in front. The food is yummy!

Excellence is the norm

By Tim B |

With friends from out of the country, new neighbors from down street or just a cozy dear heart, one can be slowly drawn into the nexus of excellence behind the doors of Bistro Campagne. In this disarmingly charming atmosphere, I finally gave up having expectations and let the evening's dinner unfold. In about nine visits I have been well served by a gracious staff and flavorful plats incroyable, to the point I can hardly say enough good about it all. If a poet mused in the background and just out of sight an accordion fluted out autumnal teardrops, it would not be far away from the experience created here. A confluence of respectful attention and sweet, full tones on the palate. I have especially enjoyed our servers Adina and Kat. I see a good mix of patrons from a family's long goodbye to young and thirsty daters. Myself, I took a break from the world outside, and being pleasantly met, found I could relax after all and enjoy the moment.

A Bistro for a Paris Neighborhood, but it is Lincoln Square

By NeedSher |

Sometimes you need to explore and get out of the normal neighborhoods and enjoy fabulous food without the pretension of well you know those tony places in neighborhoods along the lake. Outstanding fare, knowledgeable staff, intimate surroundings, wonderful selection of affordable wines. We had an assortment of dishes - salads, chicken, hanger steak, pork chop, trout, a side of English peas; tasty morsels,we all agreed and shared responsibly every bite. Oh and the finale - delectable desserts - mango sorbet that night, a shared pot-de-creme. Four of us left with pure happiness - great food does that to some people!

Delightful French restaurant, excellent service and delicious food.

By Andy0422 |

I ordered the calves' liver at the waiter's recommendation and was very impressed. The right amount of salt to balance the iron flavor of the liver. We were there to celebrate my sister's birthday and because she's gluten free she couldn't eat their desserts. Not to worry, kacey our waiter brought a small dish of ice cream for her to enjoy. If you can, reserve a table on the patio!

Just Not Quite There

By JimParkRidge_IL |

This a good bistro choice in the Lincoln Square area, but with slightly better service and a little more variety on the menu it could be better still. Now the menu is no surprise as it is available online, the service on the other hand just fell short. Not indifferent just not very warm. Perhaps the waitress was having an off night.

Pricey but Good.

By Tim |

Attended during restaurant week.Price fix menu. Steak frites just fantastic. Had the gnocchi’s and were very creative. Onion soup was solid. Service was very good.

Great Experience

By BobQuortrup |

This was one of our best choices to eat during our latest Chicago visit. The atmosphere was very French bistro like, with dark wood paneling and several small dining spaces. We started with French Onion soup served with the perfect amount of cheese and flavorful onion broth. The steak was generous and cooked perfectly. The trout was prepared well with a firm and tasty crust. The escargot is not to be missed. Once the members of our party arrived and were seated, the service from the waitstaff was very attentive. We definitely will make Bistro Campagne part of our next visit to Chicago.

Stumbled upon a slice of heaven!

By traveling4family |

My 12 year old son and I walked past here after an early show at Old Town, and decided it would be a good place to finish off my birthay celebration. Something different from our usual suburban fare, he said.... Wow! We started with a tasty terrine, real french bread, and a delicate glass of wine (just me). He ordered some of the best steak frites we have ever tasted, and I had the fish special--perch cooked perfectly with some roots and veggies and an amazing spice combination. Too it off with baked apple and ice cream tart, and it was a slice of heaven. Can't wait to take my husband there!

Informal elegance

By monkandthelaw |

If I could have a restaurant within walking distance of my house that I could go to on a regular basis, this would be the kind of restaurant I would hope for to serve that purpose. It is a bistro/brasserie, it is relaxed, it is the neighborhood, it is fun. And, the food is very good.

Bistro Campagne is a Lincoln Square gem

By heanster25 |

Excellent from start to finish, this cozy French bistro delivers good service, charming atmosphere, and excellent french cuisine. I can't wait to go back and try more things on the menu. The only negative is that they did not have champagne by the glass, which is understandable.

Great French Bistro in Lincoln Square

By Virginia P |

We have been to this restaurant at least 10 times and it is always good. True French cooking bistro style. It has a great outdoor patio in the summer and is charming inside.

More please

By Martin C |

Driven by dozens of times and finally stopped in. Gorgeous interior and very romantic/quaint dining spaces inside and out. Outdoors is nice on an beautiful evening, however traffic noise on both the sidewalk and Lincoln Ave can be busy if you're not use to it. Also, they need to do something about the flies...perhaps some traps nestled in the trees would help as they're all around when the food comes and it's a bit annoying. An absolutely stellar cocktail/wine menu with many local spirits. A fine assortment of beers from around the world and well designed wine list--definitely some thought put in there. Food items were traditional, moderately priced in the $17-$30 range. There was a special tomato soup, chilled that was terrific. Farm raised rainbow trout was exceptional as was the large braised pork chop which was cooked and charred perfectly. And the escargot appetizer was exceptional. Impressive menu, great service and extremely romantic setting inside/out. Cheers!

Nice meal, decor isn't particularly French

By IllinoisMike |

We were in the mood for a taste of France. The restaurant has several smaller rooms decorated in a low-key Rural French style. But the black and white photos of farms and fields look like they could have been shot in Illinois. The staff was friendly and local, we hope they could at least find France on a map. The "French Manhattan" cocktail was great. Hangar steak was very tasty, trout was good but unremarkable. Service became less attentive as the restaurant started filling up. Outside patio dining area looked nice but weather wasn't good enough for it yet. It's on same block as Grafton a Pub and the Old Town Schhol of Music, so it's in a good vibrant neighborhood location on Lincoln Ave. Good meal, but 50 miles from our house so we don't expect to be back again soon.

Not excellent, not average

By lkweiss |

Friends took us to this pleasant restaurant which had very nice food and a wonderful waiter named Patrick.The food was quite good but a little inconsistent. The onion soup was divine and the salads quite good. For dinner, my husband ordered salmon but traded for my trout! He felt that the salmon had an unusual taste, which it did, but I liked it. It was from a special farm in Scotland actually. He said that the trout was very bland - which it was - but the trout had some wonderful green beans on the plate and the salmon had bits of cauliflower but not nearly enough in the way of vegetables.The liver was good but it is more of a stew. For dessert, three of us ordered pot de creme with chantilly whipped cream - very tasty, but not the best pot de creme I've ever had. Another ordered caramelized apples in a puffed pastry shell - the pastry was incredible but there was a ridiculous amount of carmel sauce on this dish which made it way too rich and somewhat burned in taste. This dessert needs to be more delicate. For the most part, we enjoyed the meal, but for the money didn't feel it was anything to write home about. If you're a senior, you might want to ask for the brightest room - we had to take out our iPhones and turn on the flashlight part to read the menu easily!

Highlight of my Chicago Trip

By Everellie |

My local friend told me that this was her favorite restaurant. Pleased to see Trip Advisor agrees. We walked through the rain to get here, and it was so cozy and candlelit. The service was uber-attentive. We ordered an onion pastry thing that was like the essence of the best kind of french onion soup wrapped in dough. I also tried a special corn soup. It wasn't my favorite, but my friend loved it. The bread was phenomenal, and I used it to sop of every last bite of that onion pastry. I ordered roasted chicken for dinner. It had some kind of mushroom wine sauce--sounds way more impressive on the menu. And it's topped with these finely grated fried onion strings. OMG. It was the BEST chicken dish I have ever put in my mouth. The flavors and textures together were unreal. I cannot recommend high enough. Even serving sizes were ample. My friend was thrilled with her fish special. She also had a glass of wine. Enjoyed both. We also shared two desserts. A great lemon tart--a lot like the homemade lemon bars we make here in the South--on a shortbread type crust. And a pot de chocolate. Basically a super-rich pudding with a Chantilly cream. Excellent. We were there on a Thursday night. They asked if we had a reservation. We had called ahead and they had room. This place is so so good. And while it's certainly not the cheapest place to eat, it's a great choice for the evening when you want to be one with your inner taste-Goddess. Or you want to celebrate a very old friend. I would gladly import this restaurant to Atlanta.

Family dinner

By beatriz967 |

This restaurant is in Lincoln Square, close to my daughter’s house. My daughter and her family had dinner at the restaurant on Labor Day. The place is elegant, with soft music, and quiet, good for nice conversation. The service was excellent. The food was very well prepared and delicious. I had the Amish chicken and it was one of the best chicken I have had, we also had beef and fish, all of them very good. I had a glass of white wine suggested by the waitress which was excellent.

Great neighborhood. Great restaurant

By goinggreenmom |

Excellent atmosphere perfect for a French bistro! We were warmly greeted with an attentive staff. Between two of us we enjoyed a wonderful salad with apples spinach and squash, escargot, mussels and pomme frittes, and the duck. All prepared deliciously ! This restaurant needs to be higher in the rankings.

Small Intimate Delicious Restaurant

By Avidtraveler919 |

Went here after reading TA reviews. Was a great little neighborhood restaurant with a pay to park lot across the street. Perfect. Sometimes when you venture out into the neighborhoods of Chicago you can never find parking. They have a small but great menu and have a special offering which is very reasonable at I believe $33.00. Salad or soup, entrée, dessert. I had the chicken and it was the moistest chicken I have ever had. My husband ordered the pork and was happy with it. Nice selections of wine and the dessert were decadent. Would not recommend for large groups.

local French Bistro Lincoln Park

By Hans H |

This restaurant was recommended by a waiter the night before when we asked where would you go in Chicago to eat if you only had one night. He asked if we liked French and recommended this great Bistro in the north side. We started to itch escargots which were prepared just right. Next we went with a traditional sale and soup. For the main course a beef bourguignon outstanding Highly recommend this place

Food a disappointment

By Joseph C |

Bistro Campagne in a charming space broken up into different areas and includes, weather permitting, a nice outdoor space. Out server, Ryan, and all the support staff were great. We had memories of good meals here a long time ago and were looking forward to our return. The food was not good. Our escargot had no flavor and the whitefish and hangar steaks were overly salty. The fries were mushy. Cocktails were weak and the wine by the glass offerings were just ok. Even with a table of sweet lovers no one wanted to even try the desserts. Prices for such poor quality fare seemed high.

Scrumptious, High End, French Fare

By Rob W |

My fiancee and I just went here last night for the first time. It is a cozy, inviting bistro in the heart of Lincoln Square. Our waiter was very friendly, patient, and amicable. To start things off we had the mussels with the broth of the day. We are Italian and we use bread as a functional utensil. That is to say that we used it to sop up every last drop of the broth. It was that good. The muscles themselves were large, direct from the ocean (the flavor was subtle, impeccable). In fact, the whole mission of Bistro Campagne is the best quality food, sustainably sourced, and prepared with the utmost care. Sold. It was a Tuesday and they had an all you can eat mussels special, but, being our first time, we opted to try the entrees as well. In that regard, my little lady got the Wild Salmon and I opted for the Steak Frites (Hangar steak). Everything was prepared well and tasted fresh and delicious. Really, there was no option where you could go wrong; even the vegetarian option (something with mushrooms and other goodness) sounded amazing. Additionally, Bistro Campagne had an extensive drink menu, offering wine, cocktails, beer, apertifs, digestifs, scotch and whiskey. They had a very cute bar as well with good seating. You could come here just for the drinks and all you can eat mussels by yourself and have a splendid evening. I enjoyed the Houndstooth (made with Koval organic whiskey - I'm a big fan) and it tasted incredible. So did the Green Meadow (I think that was the name - made with organic Prairie vodka) and it too was superb. For desert we had the apples and ice cream. That description does not do it justice. The stewed, caramelized apples were arranged in a circle with an amazing caramel glaze and ice cream on top in the center. Like, holy cow was it good!! In short, this is a very cozy, atmospheric, delicious, restaurant that you can enjoy on a solo night out, or while celebrating something with that someone special. It's a treat meant to be savored!!

A Neighborhood Gem that certainly stands out

By mooresy2 |

The Setting is definitely the first thing to stand out as soon you enter the building..You do feel as if you are inside someone's home..and if you are seated in the adjoining space that is even more prevalent. The service is very friendly and laid back but non the less attentive. The food is just simply outstanding from the main menu which includes french standards to the specials that i have thoroughly enjoyed each time i have been right down to the Fig and brown butter bread pudding which is simply just too good to even explain. If staying downtown this place is worth the long cab right up north and if in the city definitely worth seeking out as it is a warm, friendly and very satisfying restaurant.

Great outdoor dining - even better food

By Steve T |

When you think of outdoor dining in Chicago, you think of streetside with all of the ambient noise. Not at this place. The outdoor dining is in a courtyard (actually 2). Ask for the back courtyard. Great ambiance. But it was the food that stood out. And we went out with two foodies. I had the pork (just amazing). My wife had the chicken. She couldn't stop raving about it. Phenomenal service.

Lacking something

By tndayhiker |

I liked everything about the restaurant. The setting is beautiful. The service was great. The menu was good. The prices were reasonable. Unfortunately the food lacked something. The favor was not as rich as I was expecting. The mushrooms with the salmon didn't add anything to the flavor of the dish. The trout was good but not great and the steak was a little chewy. The best dish at our table was the chicken. I would recommend the peach/goat cheese soup.

Heavenly French Bistro in Lincoln Square

By Don D |

We were in Chicago visiting family during Christmas week and discovered this jewel in Lincoln Square for our Christmas Eve dinner. What a home run!! This is a French style bistro all the way (well, except for the English spoken). A lovely European village style storefront welcomes you into a cozy space with three rooms, a small outdoor patio area in warmer weather and a short bar. Although seating is compact, it is very easy to converse at your table & even meet someone at the next table. The mission here is organic foods from sustainable family farms. The menu is decidedly country French. We started with a charcuterie plate of various artisanal pate's, a classic French onion soup, and an absolutely wonderful socca crepe with chickpeas, butternut squash, leeks, walnuts, mixed greens, cocoa, goat cheese and a walnut vinaigrette. Moving on to our mains we had a delicious duck breast with arugula & chard with farro, and the boys opted for the burger-Black Earth beef with St. Andre cheese, a shallot marmalade & the addictive onion frites! The beer selection here is outstanding with a good selection on draught & some specialty offerings by the bottle- I went with a Trappist Rochefort 10. The wine list is excellent with many by the glass and a variety of pricings. We went with a selection from the Minervois/Languedoc area near St. Jean , France. Yum!! The Bistro serves two types of absinth. One a Swiss style 'La Bleue Sirene' (from France), and another North Shore Absinth Verte using the traditional French recipe & made just outside Chicago. Two of us had one type & two the other. As for the best-we came to a draw, but the ceremony was priceless! What a great time & place to spend with family-we will return for more.

Quality has declined

By goodgenes5 |

Years ago this used to be an excellent bistro that delivers authentic French bistro taste. In the last couple of years I have noticed a significant decline. The taste of the dishes has changed, and less care is going into the preparation. For example, the beef bourguignon used to carefully prepared with each vegetable cooked separately and put together at the end. Now they are cooked together and overcooked. This is quite disappointing though perhaps understandable as they have expanded the restaurant. Still a serviceable neighborhood restaurant, but I wouldn't recommend it as a dining destination.

Great organic French food.

By Jeffwithtwoels |

I'm always looking for the perfect French restaurant (other than in Paris). Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square is one of my favorites. I can count on a meal made with superlative ingredients, locally sourced, and many of the French bistro favorites. It's a favorite place to go on special occasions, but also great for a Sunday brunch in summer, when you can sit outside in their garden. Good wine selection, and staff are good at suggesting pairings.

chic bistro

By joey u |

true french bistro in a lovely area of chicago i been there for brunch ,food was very good service good as well and nice decor

Taste of Paris in the Lincoln Square Area of Chicago

By jrg_LinkedIn |

During a recent visit to Chicago to visit my daughter, she made dinner reservations at this restaurant. We were greeted graciously and seated immediately. In the heart of Lincoln Square this gem was the quintessential bistros found along so many of the sidewalks in Paris. The ambience is country French/continental and the food is really superb. We began with the onion soup, which was just as the French prepare it, with a mild melted cheese. Next came the Salade de Chicorée made with endive, radicchio & frisée, roquefort cheese, French prunes & pistachios. For an entree I ordered the Côte de Porc, a Heritage Farms Berkshire pork chop, served with heirloom carrots, white wine braised fennel added to orange-Chablis jus. It was outstanding! For dessert I had Pain Perdu, a fig & brown butter bread pudding with caramel sauce & vanilla ice cream. It did not disappoint! It has nice outdoor seating in a courtyard area, but with the possibility of imminent rain we chose to dine inside. I will definitely return to this wonderfully quaint neighborhood restaurant when I am in the area again. I am recommending it to friends and family.

Lovely

By Marci S |

My dear friends held their rehearsal dinner at Bistro Campagne this evening. First time here. Have only positive things to say. Beautiful interior, gorgeous outdoor spaces. Wait staff was fantastic and the food was amazing. Had the goat cheese salad, trout entree, and bread pudding for dessert. Everything was delicious. A gem of a restaurant. Will definitely be back.

Consistently Marvelous

By IsAirren |

I travel to Chicago 2-3 times a year. And every visit, I book a table at Bistro Campagne where I meet a few of my old friends. We love this place! The ambiance is super (especially in summer in the courtyard) and the food is fantastic. They even have a chicken dish that is fabulous and I never order chicken at restaurants. The wine list is robust and the waitstaff is always helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. One of my favorite places in Chicagoland.

Yes, there are good French bistros in Chicago

By Taylor B |

After reading a magazine article that claimed French cooking had gone out of style and French bistros were a dying breed in Chicago, my wife and I decided to see if the claims were true. Well, the writer must not have been looking very hard. We have found several French bistros that are alive and thriving. If you enjoy French cooking, you can find it in Chicago. One of the best French restaurants is Bistro Campagna at 4518 North Lincoln Avenue. Opened in 2002 by chef Michael Altenberg, it is a warm and friendly neighborhood restaurant in the tradition of a true French bistro with a sense of welcome, ease, fun conversation and excellent food. The setting is a charming blend of prairie-inspired decor and lively Gallic spirit. Chef Adam Dittmer has continued Altenberg's legacy by offering a seasonly changing menu of classic bistro fare. Bistro Campagna is committed to the use of organic food products produced by farmers throughout the Midwest. Start with French onion soup or mussels or snails or beef tartare or shrimp or a ragu of white wine-braised rabbit or an assortment of artisan-made pates. Or any one of four mixed greens salads. For an entree, you won't be disappointed by ordering trout, Scottish salmon, Parisian style gnocchi, Amish chicken, Berkshire pork chop, braised lamb shank or hangar steak. With a side of green beans or mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, of course. Save room for dessert. But which one? Creme Brulee is a standard at many restaurants and often taken for granted. But this version is exceptional with chilled vanilla custard and caramelized sugar top. The lemon and berry Napoleon, fig and brown butter bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake with caramel hazelnut mousse also are highly recommended. With all the steakhouses and seafood and Italian restaurants to choose from in Chicago, it is a good change of pace to spend an evening in a traditional French bistro.