Le Bouchon Reviews

I had just arrived in a very cold Chicago on a morning flight and was famished. I had been to Le Bouchon before and had wanted to return so off we went. We were the first to arrive and were greeted warmly. After reviewing the lunch menu and being advised of the soup and specials of the day, I decided to start with the Salad Maison, followed by the Croque Madam. My companion chose the Saumon Poche. You can just tell when people really care about the quality of what comes out of the kitchen and we were intoxicated with our meals. Service was attentive, pleasant and not rushed. We finished over coffee and then headed back out into the cold. I strongly suggest a visit to this restaurant when in Chicago. You will not be disappointed. It is small and intimate but as it was lunch, while the restaurant did fill up, we were not crowded at all. I would imagine on a busy weekend evening, it might get a bit tight so a weeknight would be suggested for a more relaxed dining environment.

Our friends who took us to Le Bouchon were full of praise for this French run institution, and we had high expectations for a special evening’s dining. Sadly, whether it was just the evening we were there, those expectations were bruised by a draughty, cramped room, half-hearted service (one lovely waitress but the other staff cold and indifferent) and greasy, unpleasant food. I really wanted to love it. There was also an embarrassing moment when the waitress questioned the small (rounding up) tip. We now understand that tips have more significance to American waiting staff (it is a different culture from Europe) however I did not feel it was polite or professional to make the customer feel uncomfortable in the way we were made to feel. It is also quite an expensive place to eat and should have more consistent quality.

Yummy and elegant.

Yes, It is tight inside. Yes, you feel the cold air (in the winter) hit you if you are anywhere near the front when the door opens. HOWEVER, The food is worth it. The delicate seasoning on the steak tartare, the depth of flavor in the onion soup, the layers of richness in the bouillabaisse...every bite was incredible. The service was attentive but not intrusive. I rarely give out 5 stars...especially if I feel the ambiance isn't top notch as well but the food more than made up for the inconvenience of being packed in like sardines.

All of a sudden, one outstanding French restaurant after another is surfacing in Chicago, a town that is known more for its steaks, hot dogs and pizza than its escargot. Located at 1958 North Damen Avenue in the Bucktown neighborhood, Le Bouchon has been thriving since 1993. Founded by the late and great Jean-Claude Poilevey, a pioneer of French home-style cooking for 40 years, it is charming, intimate and romantic. And the food is terrific. Unlike Italian restaurants that feature traditional and conventional dishes, Le Bouchon differs from other French bistros with a menu that covers all bases but is unlike any other. For starters, my wife and I sampled escargot, bacon-wrapped duck pate, several cheeses, green beans and French onion soup. For entrees, we passed up the 32-ounce bone-in ribeye for two and whole roasted Pekin duck and lamb ribs and bouillabaisse in favor of Dover Sole and trout with wild rice and green beans, which you might expect of two people on a more fish/less meat regimen. There was no debate about dessert, however. Profiteroles. Fluffy pastry shell filled with vanilla ice cream and smothered with chocolate sauce. You don't get more French than that, even if creme brulee and apple tart are on the menu. Chicago can use more Le Bouchons.

A friend of mine from the suburbs wanted to get together to celebrate my birthday. I suggested Le Bouchon, because she likes French food, and I wanted to try something new. The restaurant called me to confirm my reservation, and we arrived 5 minutes early for the 7:00 table. The hostess looked at me and said, "Oh, you called us an hour ago and cancelled the reservation." I assured that I did not. She then said, "Oh, there was a lady here - I told her that you cancelled the reservation and she left." I did not have a cell phone with me to try to catch my friend before she drove back to the suburbs. Moreover, there was only one open table in the restaurant, so it looked like they had already given my table to someone else. Needless to say, this ruined my evening, and we left without so much as an apology from the staff. I'll never set foot in that place again.

I have dined well here in the past so booked (and reconfirmed on the day) a table for my recent visit to Chicago especially as a thank you for my Chicago hosts. On arrival exactly at 7.00 pm (the time of our booking) we were told that they had "overbooked" and that our promised window table was no longer available, in fact they had no table for us. The owner was extremely off hand and could not have cared less - friends, who live in Chicago, told us this had happened to them also, so my advise is to STAY AWAY - eat at the BISTROT ZINC instead

First and foremost, this French restaurant has food so good that people will stand in line to get a table, and that’s also the bad part. THE GOOD: The service is prompt, knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. We had the set-menu yet they were willing to make a creative substitution and even reduced the price because the substitution was way less expensive than the original menu item. The food is also extremely well-conceived and prepared. We found their dinner items to be very creative, perfectly done and the sauce accompaniments were a complement not a cover. THE LESS GOOD: The restaurant itself is quite small and the tables are jammed together with barely 6 inches between them. The small room can become quite loud with all the people dining, standing at the bar, or waiting to dine. Plus, there’s a significant amount of congestion. The restaurant was so loud with so much congestion that service declined from pleasant interactions to merely dropping the (delicious) dishes off at our table.

If you do not look out the window (at the bank across the street), you would think you are in Paris, not Chicago! Le Bouchon has "everything French"....fabulous food, talented chefs, great attitude, fun staff and an international atmosphere. The place is loud but that just adds to the overall ambience. Try an evening in Paris without the cost of airfare! Don't forget to make a reservation...it's a small, quaint place.

Looks like, feels like, tastes like a very good French Bistro. We had a most enjoyable time there this evening. We went early and had an excellent table. The service was good and helpful. The menu was very French and the food was good. Wine list was all French but we got good direction from the lady working our table.

I shared the Duck entree for two with a girlfriend and it was amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and quaint.

Go to this great restaurant for food. Mussels and duck are to die for! Suggest that you pay the extra price and aviod Tuesdays. Tables are very close and conversation is difficult. As in the previous review, we were there on a Tuesday night - early. The dinners were excellent and everyone was very happy with their food. It is always a noisey place, but Tuesday nights seem to be exceptional. In additional all the people coming for the great deal, the music was also cranked up.

I saw Le Bouchon on Seated and decided to book. We ordered their onion soup, escargot, duck for two and chocolate dessert. The onion soup was a little too cheesy but the broth was delicious and the onions melt in your mouth. The escargot was also delicious and we used the butter they were brought in as bread spread because it was so good. The highlight of the night was the duck. Before bringing it to the table, the server showed it to us, asking if it was well done enough. It was perfectly cooked and the skin was not too crispy. It was served with gravy and cabbage side. Dessert was also surprisingly good. The serving size was small but it was so heavy that we couldn't eat any more. We also had plenty of wine, asking the servers to pair whichever wine they thought best and plenty of French75 cocktails-- ssoooo good!! I would definitely go back again!!

We clearly recommend this restaurant from a French guy coming in the 60's and still cooking a French cuisine. Excellent wine too! We had first the famous escargots and later a bouillabaisse, a pot-au-feu and a steak tartare. Just great to finish with a tarte aux pommes and à nice digestif. Great experience with friendly service. To recommend!

good and reasonable french cafe food.

We arrived at 7:00 pm without a reservation and were seated immediately, but within a short time every table was taken in this small bistro with a stamped tin ceiling, tile floor, and very Parisian atmosphere. The restaurant is very noisy. The menu is full of bistro appetizer standards such as paté, mussels, rillettes de salmon, onion tart, onion soup. They were all excellent except that you needed a saw to cut the crust on the onion tart- it was very overbaked. Among the entrées the free range baked chicken was a standout. Liz our server was very accommodating and efficient. We rate this a 5 relative to other restaurants of this genre in this price range.

I was here this past weekend for my partner's birthday. Overall, I really liked this place. Food was excellent, I enjoyed everything. I loved the ambiance. Crowded yes. But it very much felt like and had the vibe of a fun bistro. Love the vibe and the music. Bread was delicious, and I loved my steak frites. Only problem was the server. She was just not good, disinterested, and somebody who clearly didn't want to be there. That was the main flaw. Other than that, I enjoyed the food and the vibe. I'd return if in Chicago.

I recently had a great meal at Le Sardine their sister restaurant and looked forward to going to Le Bouchon, a restaurant we had not been to in many years. We had a great server and the restaurant was cosy, Food was well presented and my only negative comment was that everything was too heavily salted which drowned out any delicate taste. I would try it again if I could be reassured that the flavors would stand out on their own merit.

We were on a wine and food tasting tour of Chicago and this was our last stop. I really wish it would've been our first stop because I was so full when I got there and the food was wonderful. Very cool French bistro vibe with wonderful service but the hidden gem here is there wine and wine prices.we got a 2001 Gevery-Chamberlain that was only $150.00 That was literally one of the best Burgundies I've ever had. We had several things off the menu but the highlights were the steak tartare and what amounted to a rabbit pot pie. They also have a very cool bar program and extensive after dinner drinks. Server turned me on to a new digestif that was perfect and had a really interesting back story. Their baguettes were crusty on the outside and hot and soft on the inside.

Excellent experience! Le Bouchon, Chicago looks and feels like a Parisian Bistro. From the reservation, to the service in the restaurant everyone was very attentive, courteous and fun. Especially our server, Heather, who aside from being friendly and very efficient gave us excellent recommendations. We had a ver especial occasion to celebrate and they made it an unforgetting great experience. The food was excellent also. We had escargots to begin and they were excellentl6 prepared. For main course we had Steak Frites and the steak had a good size, was tender and cooked as requested. The pomme frites were great! The braised rabbit plate was also excellent and very tasty. For dessert we had the chocolate mousse which made the perfect ending to a great meal and experience. I highly recommend it and say hello to Heather when you go! PS - there were many local repeat customers and we spoke with a few that praised Le Bouchon and come back regularly! Bon Apetit!!!!!!

I love the ambience of this restaurant. Yes, it's noisy and a bit cramped, but after a few minutes, it's difficult not to be talking to many of their interesting clientele. It's a neighborhood restaurant and feels like it. The food is French, and my favorite item is the bouillabaisse. The staff is fast and efficient, and the menu has something for everyone. I've been eating there for over 20 years and have loved every meal. Marshall Marcus

Small intimate and oh so classic French. Marvelous wine, incredible pate, wondrous duck, french onion soup, Uber delicious desserts and so much more...outstanding in every way!!

I took my son and fiance there as reccomended by friends as a great place. Crowded but seated within 10 mins. don't know if our server was too busy, but received a somwhat superior attitude until he realized my fiance and I knew our wine very well. two hours after the meal my future daughter in law was violently ill and couldnt work for two days she was so sick. The classic signs of food poisoning to this lifetime traveller! My son and I had lamb (excellent) and she had escargot followed by lobster macaroni. ..go figure! After four phone calls to both le bouchon and le sardine in two days to speak to someone in authority...no response! Have the owners missed the point on customer service and retention...they were too busy to speak to me when I called le sardine. I've gone from being concerned to being rather angry and would certainly not reccomend le bouchon to any of my frfiends.

Sometimes I am surprised this place is still open...very few restaurants last as long as Le Bouchon has. But it is there for a reason. If you like classic French food in a comfortable restaurant run by a true Frenchman, look no further. Chicago feels notably devoid of "real" French cuisine, making this place all the more interesting.

We came for an anniversary dinner and sat at the bar after realizing how cramped the main floor was. The restaurant is very loud, very small, and very delicious. We ordered a few cocktails at the bar along with a few appetizers. The food was nothing to write home about per say. It was the cocktails that really knocked our socks off. The bartender was great and very attentive.

It's all about the food at this gem in Buck Town/Wicker. They have a great lunch as well. Monday's half price bottles of wine during lunch. Sitting by the window it is possible to imagine your in Paris. Just don't look out!😎😎

A delightful little bistro with friendly, knowledgeable wait staff. Cosy quarters make it easy to meet fellow diners if so inclined. Half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays meant we had a lovely bottle we probably wouldn’t have sprung for otherwise. The onion soup makes one remember why one likes onion soup. Classic steak frites au poivre was delicious.

This is our second time to Le Bouchon. Although we are from out of town, it seemed obvious that this is a local place. Food and service was very good. They had about 1/2 dozen half bottles of wine, which worked out great for us since my husband had fish and I had Steak Frites. The restaurant is small and intimate. We will be back

Wonderful food, nice ambience. Steak tartare and moules to start - both excellent. The rabbit main and steak frites both excellent. All four of us had completely empty and clean plates after eating, which tells you how much everyone enjoyed their meal. Small intimate restaurant - full on this Friday evening. Highly recommended for a genuine French dining experience.

My husband and I dine here several times a year. Always a favorite! The cozy atmosphere is authentic to a French bistro and the food never disappoints. Our last visit we had the scallops and bouillabaisse, divine! Heather, our server, is always friendly and helpful with the wine list. Cannot wait to come back in the winter for the cassoulet, which is one of our favorite dishes !

Well, I love the food. Basic French bistro fare, done right: steak-frites with herbed butter, French onion soup (which the French, naturally, call "onion soup"), wonderful roast chicken, and always a lovely fish on the menu. Seasonal ingredients rule. Wines by the bottle and by the glass are never disappointing. The staff is professional, attentive and warm without smothering. The room itself is charming (if crowded) and really looks like a little bistro back in the 12th arrondissement. What's to hate? The noise level is off the chart. The last two times we were here I fled - sans dessert - with a throbbing headache. We turned on the decibel reader on the iPhone and it was past danger levels: like standing under a 737 ready for takeoff. That is NOT French. Can the management do nothing about noise abatement? Hang some ceiling baffles, or ask people to use their inside voices, or something? I like a lively room too but this is literally painful. It's so bad it ruins the whole dining experience. With regret, I won't be going back.

On a recent Tuesday night my wife and I dined for the first time at Le Bouchon. We were accompanied by another couple who were repeat patrons. The restaurant is in the mold of an authentic French bistro and is located in trendy Bucktown. The dining room is charming but small with closely spaced tables. When we arrived, the restaurant had only a few guests. Our reservation was for 6:45 p.m., and because we all arrived early, we opted to have some drinks at the bar that only accommodates about six people. The drinks were well made, amply poured, and reasonably priced. We were subsequently called to our table and after being seated the dining room and the bar filled up. On Tuesdays the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu for which we all opted. Our selections included the French onion soup, the steamed mussels in white wine, and the green salad with lardons (small cubes of bacon) and egg. The soup was outstanding and the mussels were very tasty and fresh, but the salad, although good, could have been better were it not for the lardons being too fatty. For our entrées we all had the sautéed halibut served on a bed of rice with herbs and sliced bell peppers that was one of the specials for that night. The fish was fresh and the entire dish was very well prepared and delicious. Our desserts included the berries with vanilla anglaise, profiteroles, the crème brulée and the chocolate cake with ice cream that were all devoured with great pleasure. Our waiter was efficient and profession but as the restaurant filled up, his attentiveness fell off a bit. Also, because of the tight seating and the small size of the dining area, the noise level was high and hindered conversation. Due to the quality of the food, the reasonable prices, and the charming atmosphere, Le Bouchon is recommended with a four plus rating.

my dinner was pretty terrible. Everyone else had something that was truly amazing, but I my steak tasted mostly of gas and char. I was having such a good time and all the other items were so good, it didn't really matter. The duck was not only the best duck I have ever had, but some of the most delicious meat I may have ever eaten. And I will be thinking about the spaetzle for a long time to come. The salmon amuse bouche was perfect, as were the foie gras and tarte l'oignon. So go. But order anything but the steak frites.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It never fails. The chef and owner was trained in France- it is so authentic and always good. A tiny local spot that where any sort of dress goes. I have taken people here from out of town and they just love it

Best little bistro for a cozy and romantic dinner, or a small and lively friend's night out. Excellent service, food and drink. The ambiance is quite authentic and the aromatics are intoxicating. We have celebrated every special event with Le Bouchon/Jean Claude's in LP, for over 25 years. A Chicago institution that never feels stale. Delicious every time. Great wine/beer list too, reasonably priced to divine selections.

I went to Le Bouchon on “wine day” where all their bottles are half off. Great! But the service was really not up to snuff because it was busy. But let me just say, the place is small, probably 15 tables. So it’s not an unmanageable diner room. I had the feeling they had an attitude that “you have half price wine so nothing else matters”. Well, service matters. If you can’t manage it, get more/better staff.

One of our favorite places in Bucktown. You won't see any tourists here. Reservations are needed, and this place is tiny. They run great specials on Tue and Wed night. The most popular thing to get is the steak frites, but I love the salads and roasted chicken.

one of my favorites. Also, go to their other restaurant, La Sardine.

Firstly, I am not an expert on French cuisines. The good: Claire P provided excellent service. Started with French Onion soup and Escargots both excellent. Two had Steak au Poive and Duck egg Raviolo and gave great reviews. I tasted the steak and it was one of the best I have tried, tender/great flavor. The not so good. My wife and I ordered the Duck for Two. Sauce and Duck tasted good. However, Duck was overdone and some pieces dry. Also seemed as if it was more bone than meat. It was as if this duck had no breast meat, wish we had ordered the steak instead. Lastly, the ladies sat on the bench seat. The men sat on the stylish but very uncomfortable chairs. There are two curved pieces in the back that we both noticed they dug into our backs so we ate bent forward. We sat next to the door and even with temp in 20s it was uncomfortable when a larger group entered or left. Can’t imagine what it would be like at zero temp.

We had an excellent dinner on a Monday night. All wine was half price and that was a great savings. Appetizers of Escargots and the Onion Tart. We shared the John Dory entree. It was delicious and there was enough for four. While the restaurant can be crowded, we came early and had a window table. Our waitress was very helpful explaining our menu questions and assisted us with picking out a good wine. Parking in the neighborhood was easy to find on Damen Ave, within a block of the restaurant. Looking forward to returning later this summer !

We stayed 6 nights in Bucktown, so a different Damen Ave. restaurant was in order every night on our way back from downtown. We enjoyed all the French authenticity at this place, with the tarte a l'oignon being the star of the show that night. Service was just right, not too rushed, not too slow, and the price was reasonable too.

We had dinner on a Wednesday night at 7:30. We entered a fairly small elongated rectangular room with moveable tables for 2 against the long wall, a setup that allows staff to easily move tables together or apart to accommodate groups of different sizes. It was crowded and uncomfortably loud, with sound intensity measuring as high as 90-98 dB after we sat down, after which I stopped measuring. The tables on both sides of ours were close enough that I could hear conversations at each table easily if I focused, as it was necessary to raise one's voice above the background to be heard by the person across the table. More than once, a server had to lean in from the aisle to attend to the person against the wall at an adjacent table. The tables were close enough that the server's rear end literally hung over our table as they leaned in, not from any fault of their's but as a result of the geometry of the room and closeness of the tables. I do not recall this experience in any other restaurant. The menus and water were brought promptly. The wine list was substantial with a range of options at reasonable prices. The menu had most of what one would expect with a few twists. Appetizers and bread were ordered and served promptly. We ordered "Pekin Duck" which was a whole duck roasted to crispy skin, carved by staff after intact presentation, and served for 2 with orange sauce on the side. We enjoyed an apple tart for dessert. All the food was quite delicious and the service was good. We would certainly return if we could be sure that it would be less crowded and less loud, conditions which, I expect, do not occur often in this understandably high demand place.

Le Bouchon’s take out meal for four people during Covid-19 time was outstanding. I simply drove up and they brought my large (and heavy) bag out to the car and put it in my passenger seat. We have two adults and two teenage boys that eat more than I do and we had enough for leftovers. The portions are large and flavors are great. We had Spring Lamb Navarin that just needed a short 12 min warm up. The dessert was amazing as well. Merci!

My wife and I ate there in February. We started at the bar and, upon being seated, tipped the bartender. The bar bill was transferred to our table. I tipped 18% on a a $150 bill, minus the bar bill. Our waitress asked if her service was satisfactory. I said that it was, with the exception of cold (room temp.) potatoes. She said that my tip was not up to her expectations, and that we had to leave the table for another party. It was after 10:00 p.m. and no other party in in the restaurant. There are many french bistros in Chicago and Le Bouchon is at the bottom of my list.

We’ve been going to Le Bouchon for more than 20 years, although (regrettably) less frequently since we moved out of town in 2012. But the restaurant was as great as ever on our most recent visit: delicious food, nice atmosphere, and best of all, superlative staff, including chef Oliver, bartender Josh, servers Liz and Heather, and general factotum and all-around-great-guy Jesús. It’s a little bit like the TV show “Cheers:” a place where everyone knows your name, after even a few visits. Le Bouchon is a little taste of France, not far from downtown Chicago. My only regret about writing this review is that it is likely to make it even more difficult to secure a reservation!

I've been to France dozens of times and this place is very authentic to me. Wonderful food, ambiance, and service. Nice wine list -- includes half bottles. And, they're open for lunch too!

I used to go here a lot and it was fantastic. They seem to have greatly relaxed their standards. My salad had wilted and brown edged lettuce, the service was lackluster at best and the dishes didn't seem to be prepared with as much care as I previously noticed. Considering the price point, I'd say skip it.

Couples dinner. We ordered Vichyssoise followed by the duck for 2 and the fish for 2. Vichyssoise was Excellent as was the duck. I didn't try the fish but was told it was great. And, of course, creme brûlée for dessert. Excellent wine. Great all around and will definitely be coming back when We need a bistro-fix.

This is a lovely, small, vibrant, and bustling restaurant in Bucktown with great food. Classic French food, excellent service-a true gem. I am reluctant to write a review, as it's crowded enough as it is, but restaurants thrive when they have people go to them, so consider this your invitation to support this great place!

This a a small French bistro that has a neighborly ambiance and wonderful food. We skipped the fabulous duck for two and I had the soft-shell crab. It was a bit more fried than I am used to but still was delicious. My husband had the bouillabaisse, which was a nice blend of seafood. Desserts are inventive and tasty, service is impeccable and friendly. This restaurant is always a treat.

Went for wife's birthday. Perfect pick for the occasion. Food and wine is fantastic and prices are reasonable. Although we loved our meal, I do have to say the rib eye for two was not tender--it was tough. It looked amazing but was chewy. Note that we have been going to this restaurant since 2003 and will continue to go regardless of the rib eye.

I went for dinner. It was highly recommended by a local. I had a great meal and a great time. Very cozy even with a little construction at the entrance. The food was fabulous. My wife and I had the duck for 2 and my daughter had the lamb. All was perfect. We started with the Foie gras appetizer. A must have. Very good French dinner. The only thing lacking was pate and soufflé. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Good. But, I have never been back.

Very french and great food, probably one of the best steak and pome fried in all chicago a real discovery and no tourists around. Years ago I was having dinner at Charlie Trotter that I had meet thru a commune friend and I asked to him where he was going for dinner in his day off. That is how I discovered this little pearl and any time in Chicago I go back.

We stayed at Ray's Bucktown B&B and he recommended this restaurant and we were definitely not disappointed. Both of our meals were excellent and we were there on the night that all bottles of wine were half price. It was very busy, which is always a good sign. The wait staff were great. A wonderful experience overall!

I have been eating at Le Bouchon for 23 years (on average 15+ times a year) and I've never had a bad meal. Is it the fanciest French restaurant in town? No, that would probably be Obelix downtown. But that's not what it's supposed to be; it's for a cozy, authentic, neighborhood bistro. The staff are delightful, most have been working here for many, many years and the surroundings are comfy and old school. Other than the English being spoken a visit to Le Bouchon really does transport you to France. My wife swears that the mussels are the best she's ever had and refuses to order them anywhere else now, I like pretty much everything on the menu but if the rabbit pie is on, I order it. Great wine selection and on Mondays all wines are half priced. The owners Oliver and Nicholas went from carrying on their fathers legacy to, dare I say it, improving upon it. Jean-Claude would no doubt be proud of how Le Bouchon has thrived under their ownership. Make reservations in advance, Le Bouchon is busy at lunch and dinner everyday. Highly Recommended.

Our French Duck & Wine Society had a very delicious dinner last night at Le Bouchon. Several courses with Duck being the featured ingredient were served along with an accompanying Pinot Noir which were all outstanding! Gracious service and a willingness to try something new by the head chef made for a very memorable evening. We will be returning very soon!

Very nice restaurant, very similar in vibe and food to what I actually had in Paris. The hostess, Claire, was great! I sat at the bar and had escargot, a cheese plate, wine, and steak with fries, (which I have to say is the national dish of France, another reviewer knocked this place for having steak on the menu as "not being very French"). The food and the staff were all excellent.

Tucked in middle of the block in Bucktown is a delightful small restaurant that can transport you to Paris. The food is simple but wonderfully prepared as you would expect to find in France. The portions are generous. Nice wine list. Reasonable prices. And the staff were welcoming, knowledgable and helpful. We had a delightful evening visiting with a neighbor of ours who just happened to be in Chicago when we were there. He knew about the restaurant. It was just about perfect!

We love it. We try and go there at least once a month. Half priced wines on Monday sweetens the deal. The mussels with Lillet are so amazing. I often find myself thinking about them. Just a great, approachable neighborhood French restaurant that’s worth traveling for.

superb!!

Lovely little restaurant, great ambience, really does feel like an authentic Parisian bistro! Nice French menu, duck is excellent. Good Côte de Rhone to accompany and we were last to leave!

Used to live opposite to the restaurant. Great French Bistro. A little bit too packed, though. Anyways, it's forgivable because the food tasted so good. Try seafood gratin and hanger steak.

Several years ago the food here was good. Escargots needed more flavor, especially garlic. Had the Norwegian flounder, (I know that it is in the Salmon family), but it sure tasted like Salmon. My brother had the frog legs, just OK. The lamb ribs were awful. Had barely any meat. Mostly fat. The server Heather, should find another profession. Her attitude was terrible. She may as well say, if you don't like it, "tough". I was surprised to learn that she has been in the restaurant business for 20 years. Maybe that's the problem. I would not recommend this establishment. The tables too close together for my taste.

I was told that they had a particularly good roast duck. So I went for lunch. When I got there I was told they don't serve duck at lunch. I returned the next day for dinner. Yes they had duck. BUT you were required to order for two. I was one. I really wanted the duck. I had traveled far (twice) I asked to serve half and pack the other half so I could Microwave in my hotel room. And to put sauce on the side. I had ordered pomme frites - which were inedible. He packed the duck and another side of frites in metal containers which are forbidden in microwaves. He used a paper bag. "We don't have plastic" Of course the food leaked on my clothes. The waiter was offering other tables desserts. He explained they were eating prix fixe dinners and it was included. They paid half of what I paid and I was treated like a crimainal. These people need some hospitality training.

This is a wonderful French bistro that has been serving the neighborhood for decades. In Fall/Winter they serve a cassoulet that leaves you agape. After a bite, you stare at your dinner companion, mouth open, like some kind of savage, wondering how your life has gone on without this dish. Equally, there is usually an onion tarte on the menu that is outstanding. The space is small and quaint with a very knowledgeable staff. If you like a a French Bistro, you will have a lovely evening in the middle of Bucktown here.

A family of four with two kids, we wanted to have a quiet family dinner. This restaurant turned out to be a small, pleasant place, however the decor could have been improved. My son ordered steak frites, but it was very so peppery that he could not eat it. The menu doesn't mention peppercorns, only a choice of butter or poivre sauce on the side. We kindly asked to bring us another steak, without any peppercorns on it. My expectations in any other restaurant would be to either receive another one for free or at a reduced price. Although waitress discussed the quality of food with the owner, he chose to "nickel and dime" clients rather than keep the integrity of his restaurant. We were charged full price for the steak that was not eaten and got sent back, and for the replacement steak. I had a cassoulet and my wife had foie gras and soup, which were fine. I would not come back here, and would not suggest this place. There are many other French Bistro restaurants in the city, which serve fine food and have respectable ownerships.

We walked-in early at Le Bouchon after an afternoon at Wrigley Field and were offered the window table which allowed us to enjoy the hustle & bustle of Bucktown. The soups, vegetarian split pea & the french onion, were outstanding. The lobster mac & cheese was rich with ample chunks of meat. All in all, a very enjoyable dining experience.

It's not new and trendy , but it's French and fabulous. Everything was spot-on, quality ingredient, well prepared, very nice service. You can count on Le Bouchon to be a great dining experience. It's been around a long time, but it's not tired.

Le Bouchon is a small spot bistro that has been around for a very, very, long time and the food is always wonderful. They have some of the best steak frites, mussles, skate and french onion soup in the city. And, they also serve lunch, too. I have been going for years and so find the staff warm and welcoming but have been told by friends that they can be brusque. So, I don't know. I would recommend reservations. It is a small space and does get packed. Because of that, it can also be quite noisy, so if that is an issue; this may not be your best bet.

I should have trusted my instinct when I looked at the menu and felt it wasn't my kinda of food. But because of its favorable local reputation, I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, the food and wine both disappointed. I ordered the trout - a tasteless filet of fish wrapped in a bland cream puff pastry covered in tasteless heavy cream sauce. There was some steamed peas and asparagus on the plate, also tasteless. On the plus side, the portion was big. I tasted 3 wines by the glass before I settled - and so glad I did, because the first 2 pours was just awful - 1 was sour and the other one was from the bottom of a bottle. I settled on a passable Cote du Rhone. The best part of my meal: the bread and butter that came before my meal.

Cute place, crowded usually. Good for a first date.

Authentic French food with Parisian ambiance! Great service and reasonable price. Desserts are wonderful, extensive wine list

Some lovely food but can be marred by long waits and table jostling at this busy and cramped Chicago resto. A reservation does not mean you'll be seated when you arrive, nor even within a 1/2 hour ... the restaurant is so small that their offer of a drink at the already-two-deep bar area is just a recipe for greater frustration and lots of bumping into service staff as they pass the patrons on their way to and from the kitchen. Surprisingly, they just suggest going out and scouting a place to have a drink while you wait - given the delay and lack of space, a recommendation should have been forthcoming. We live in the 'hood, so know the Japanese resto next door is a great bet for a lovely drink at the bar - others who suffered the same fate did not. As for the food, the bouillabaisse was lovely but most of the clams had not opened, making us question the attentiveness to the food at the pass. Rabbit pie was stunning - tender, rich, superbly brought together under fantastic puff pastry. Salmon rillettes and salade lyonnaise were great appetizers, but the end-of-meal cheeses were not as impressive. In sum, we enjoyed the food, but found the approach to dealing with delays unappealing and almost off-putting (especially with Izakaya Mita just next door).

This spot is tiny! Just be mindful of the small space and big noise. We sat at the bar and had delicious cocktails from the very knowledgeable bartender. My only complaint(s) about this place is the noise level, packed seating arrangement, and the steak tartare could have been minced a bit smaller. The chunkiness was a bit off-putting on the palate.

Warmness. Closeness. Togetherness. We were three old friends sharing a meal and Le Bouchon was our lil cozy living room. The room was buzzin and we were enjoying our night. We DID have a reservation and that was much needed as every table was filled and a line at the door. We started with a beautiful red wine after perusing the great list. Dinner was divine. Service was exceptional.

Le Bouchon was the French restaurant to go to in Chicago, We were just there last week and what a disappointment. our friends went there with us based on our recommendation. well when we got there, our waitress was courteous but not welcoming, as in previous times we were there. we specifically came for the frog legs, because in the past they were absolutely delicious. However, although they were listed on the menu, the waitress informed us that they were not available and have not been for a long time. another entree we wanted was the vegetable pasta, and again was informed that it wasn't available, if that's the case, I suggest they revise their menu. so everyone had the steak , not very french ! except one.that being said the restaurant was so extremely loud you could not hear yourself speak. also we came to celebrate a birthday and was told if we bring our own cake there is a $7.00 per person fee, granted I should have called to ask first, but isn't $7.00 a bit outrageous? that also is the price of the majority of their desserts. so if you want a french bistro experience there are a lot of other restaurants in Chicago besides this one.

The worst restaurant experience in Chicago. This used to bbe be a quality bistro but since family opened more expensive Obelix, this is run as an after thought. Poor server and management. Have never had a worse restaurant experience in Chicago.

Very good mussels and bouillabaisse. Mediocre dessert.

Oh how I would love to love this resto. It is a wonderful place for carnivores, but lacks a high-quality selections for those vegetarians in the neighborhood. I dream of them soon following more closely with Paris these days by adding more non-meat selections and still maintaining the French style of cuisine. One must dream! The Tuesday night selections are fantastic and a must for true meat eaters! Is isn't bad to drink champagne and eat bread and cheese either ...

This is a neighborhood tiny French place that doesn’t see many tourists. But you should totally good. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, intentionally reflecting the vibe of a Lyon Bouchon. Table are tight and you’ll get to know your neighbors. The waitstaff are very friendly and helpful. The food is rich, authentic, and incredible value for money. The Tuesday $38 tasting menu is a steal. The menu are hearty versions of classic French dishes. No “nouvelle cuisine” here. This is hearty peasant food. Wonderful stuff.

This is a lovely French setting out of the Loop in an interesting Chicago neighborhood on the Blue Line. It can be noisy when all the tables are filled. The staff is pleasant and responsive. The food is good with some selections moving to fantastic. I had the best tomato, watermelon and feta salad ever! The profiteroles were also fantastic! My partner swears by the onion soup but I thought my steak was a bit overcooked.

The Chicago restaurant scene is superb, but missing from it is old school French bistros NOT run by a corporate entity. Enter Le Bouchon. It opened it doors in the early 90s, an eternity in restaurant years. Its quaint atmosphere and traditional decor are refreshingly comfortable. The French Onion soup is out of this world. And the duck for two is second to none. Skip the latest Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and indulge in Le Bouchon for quite a treat.

I have never experienced such a rude treatment before. I made a reservation on a usual Friday night. We showed up on time. After we have been seated a waitress promptly took our orders. Unfortunately, we invited a guest who has not been there before so we wanted him to try different appetizers both of which were warm and both of them arrived at the same time. Then, in about two minutes the main order has been brought. We were simply forced to eat as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, we ordered another bottle of wine. The waitress kept coming and rushing us. As soon as she poured last drops of wine into our glasses we received the check. We did not even have a chance to ask for it. The worst was about to come however. At the time we still tried to finish our wine the owner came to our table and asked for our coat checks. Then he brought out coats to the table and asked us to leave. Our dinner lasted no more than one hour and 25 minutes long!!! It was the most awful dining experience of my life. Not to mention we have been at this place twice before and the owner must have remembered us. In my opinion such a treatment is unbelievable therefore we decided not to spend a penny there again!! One more thing, the food is not that “exceptional” as the other person wrote below. The only dish that prompted us to invite our guest was a skirt stake. The rest is just all right. Nothing special.

Ate here first time last night after seeing rave reviews about the duck. And the reviews were spot on as the duck was very good, although I prefer the skin to be crispy which it wasn't. What surprised us was how great everything else was. The Beet Salad was the best we have ever had and the creme brulee was excellent as well. Having been to Paris a couple of times, the ambiance is very Paris like with its coziness. The service was also perfectly attentive.

To say we were all disappointed in our dining experience at Le Bouchon would be an accurate statement. The noise level became so bad that we left before dessert and/or coffee, which we rarely do. For me, the best thing I ate was the freshly heated rolls, which I think were sour dough. The salad was described as having clementines included, but there were just cut up pieces of tasteless ordinary orange. The dressing was bland. This was a contrast to the very salty sauce on the salmon and spaghetti squash. Another guest at our table said the sauce on her steak frites was also very salty. It was not a pleasant dining experience.

Fantastic place!! Small (tiny) but friendly. We had steak and frites, and moules and frites. Both outstanding! Also, their baguattes are like right out of Parisian bakery. The musssels were covered with herbs and the broth was amazIng, and a little spicy! The steak was tender and very tasty. The frites were accommpanied by garlick aioli--very tasty. Dinner for two cost $90 including a bottle of wine (half-priced on Mondays). A true gem in Chicago and relatively inexpensive for a downtown restaurant. I will be back!!

My boyfriend and I make a reservation here well in advance for Tuesday's dinner. This is when they have the prix fixe menu in which you can choose any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert all for $22. It is a great, intimate atmosphere, but could get a little loud since it's just jam-packed! I always order the French Onion soup for the appetizer, Onglet Grillé, Sauce Marchand de Vin, Pommes Purée, which is the Grilled Hanger Steak, Red Wine Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and the lemon tart or the profiteroles for dessert. Yum! It's just a cute place, and a great suggestion for date night!

Decent food... food is much better at La Sardine, their sister restaurant. Cute place but often overcrowded... making conversation a bit difficult.

This is, perhaps the second I've published sine the tragic passing if former owner-chef Juan-Claude. We stopped by on the first night of our Chicago sojourn, and once again we were blown away by the food and the service. First of all, we were greeted warmly after a six month absence be several staff including Heather and Jesús and subsequently by J/C's wife and son. Second we had to-die-for appetizers: vichyssoise with some extra-special additions and mussels in a great broth flavored with anise. Third, we were treated to bouillabaisse and trout main courses, which were phenomenal. And finally we shared a goat pannacotta with a caramel topping. Catherine, the bartender/server, was attentive without being obtrusive, and we left marveling at how Lyonnais the entire experience was. We'll be back next fall if not later this week.

Simple, well prepared food in a cozy space. Can be crowded on weekends. Bistro fare like roast chicken and mussels are great.

No different than being in a Paris brasserie. Fine, fresh ingredients, delicately delicious.

I have enjoyed my experience both times I've visited. The atmosphere is quaint and the food always delivers.

This storefront French bistro in Bucktown is popular and welcoming. Even on a weeknight, almost all the tables were occupied. We have found it's necessary to book a table at least a week in advance. The menu offers classic bistro cuisine, very well-executed in a cozy setting. There's a menu section called "saison" that offers seasonal dishes. There are only four or 5 "plats", or main courses, and these don't change too often. There are also a few specials but on our visit one of the appetizers and the main course mentioned were not available. I had the salade Lyonnaise to start, a good-size frisee salad with buttered croutons and bacon lardons topped by a poached egg. You break up the egg and the yolk mixes with the vinegar to dress the salad. Delicious. My companion had a small bowl of mussels. These were prepared in a broth with cream. He liked it but said the mussels were small and he prefers them bigger. Since the special main course was unavailable, we both had the seared foie gras appetizer as a second course. We were stunned at how much foie gras was on our plates. I think it was an aberration. I could not finish mine, even though it was cooked to perfection and simply delicious on a thin pancake to soak up the very rich sauce. We even indulged in chocolate mousse for dessert. It was very good topped with toasted hazelnuts and a dollop of whipped cream but by this time we were so sated two of us were unable to finish it. Nevertheless, we were congratulated by the waiter for our efforts. For authentically French comfort food, this is the place to go. A 3-course dinner for 2 with one drink each and an espresso came to $125 with tax but before tip. One final footnote: I was happy to see that the wait staff were the same people as before the COVID lockdown.

It is Saturday nite, My best friend wanted to go somewhere casual. We are settled on Le Bouchon. Continuing to dance party after this. Waitress missed his glass while pouring water. My glass of bordeaux that I had ordered with rabbit got delivered when i was done with rabbit. When I had asked manager to come to the table and discuss, they said they self managed and sent senior server. which this woman listened to me and said:OK. Is this ok? Just to complete this experience, same clumsy waitress came and poured water in my glass, missing it as well and spilling lake of water on my I phone and Chanel dress. the most interesting thing they seemed to think that this service is ok... Visiting and living in many different countries and being a foodie, I can definitely say that it was the most horrible service i saw for last 4 decades. dinner was as expensive as usual.

Food was great. Initial service very good. Coffee, wine and dessert still on table when host told us we needed to leave for next reservation. We had 8 Courses plus dessert. $500 for 3 people. And they booted us from the table. People next to us had drinks and dessert only and got to stay. Really? Son and DIL new to neighborhood. Would have been a place we would go back to. Not now. Plenty of places that will make me feel more welcome.

We have ordered multiple take out meals from Le Bouchon over the last 11 months (and have their super bowl menu ordered for this weekend) and they have all been delicious and very easy to heat with the instructions included. Their wine shop has also been fantastic with some top shelf French wines offered at very reasonable prices. We can't wait to get back into their dinning room but until then we will continue to order their lovely to go menus.

EXTRAORDINARY describes our meal at Le Bouchon (in Bucktown, since 1993)- from moist yet crunchy baguette, the the understated, classy, friendly server Phil to the nourriture preparation, presentation & taste. For “starters,” we shared two savory macarons filled with duck liver mousse with touch of confiture for sweetness - an unlikely delicious pairing. The macaron meringue shell was perfectly chewy with a bit of crunch. Next, we ordered the “specials” - Nectarine gazpacho with slivered smoked almonds, cucumber & basil which was refreshingly cool on the hot summer evening and the Brandade Pierogi with sorrel creme fraiche, ravigote & trout roe. Both were too exceptional not to share! The portions were just enough for starters. For the main course (plat) we had the Plat for 2 - a whole roasted Pekin Duck with sauce bigarade with orange zest that added a delicate citrus flavor; the sides with the duck included fat spaetzle & braised cabbage with duck bacon. The beautifully roasted whole duck was briefly introduced to us at the table, then swiftly returned to the kitchen to be carved and prepared on a platter with the sides (see photo). The duck was served hot, moist & with a crisp skin. The red cabbage had a bit of a tang and the spaetzle was fluffy with a bit of a crunch. Needless to say, we took home a healthy portion of the duck & sides. Too full for dessert, I ended the meal with an expresso. Our reservations were honored on time (6 PM) and Phil, our server, was attentive without annoyingly returning to the table multiple times to inquire “how is everything tasting?” No need to ask - at Le Bouchon, all was wonderful. One caveat - the restaurant is housed in an intimate space with a high tin ceiling and nothing to absorb sound. If you are seeking a quiet, intimate meal, make an early reservation. We enjoyed “quiet” for the first 90 minutes. By 7:30 pm, the noise volume in the patron-filled restaurant was quite loud! High recommendations for Le Bouchon.

Our visit to Le Bouchon left us with mixed feelings. The restaurant still looks like a establishment in France, but the ambiance could not be more typically American. It is very noisy, exacerbated by inappropriate, jarring music. It is also jammed together like Sardines (which is ironic because their other restaurant, Le Sardine, is much roomier and more comfortable!) The food has gone from superb, authentic French bistro to run of the mill French style food and is unremarkable. The salade Lyonnaise didn't use frisée lettuce but otherwise was reasonably good. The onion soup was loaded with heavy, gloppy cheese and very short on onions in a cloudy relatively tasteless broth and was disappointing. The duck came on a completely unadorned plate with a heavy sauce and was palatable, but not outstanding or memorable. Remembering that in theist when Jean Paul was in the kitchen spinning out amazing, authentic masterpieces, it is sad that it is no more now than an ordinary restaurant. The plus is that the prices are very reasonable, but it is small comfort to those with a memory of what Le Bouchon used to be and what it is now.

My wife and I ate at Le Bouchon on a Friday night and were seated quickly even though we did not have reservations. My wife chose the salad and salmon from the fixed prixe menu and I had a seafood trio. My wife's salad was excellent with large chunks of bacon and heated homemade croutons and her salmon was poached perfectly. My dish had a large grilled prawn, salmon and tuna. All were excellent. My dish was accompanied by the best french fries I have ever tasted... thin juliene with an incredible mix of subtle spices and crisp. I would reccommend the restaurant to anyone visiting the Bucktown neighborhood

With such great reviews, I was so sure this would be a wonderful meal. But no. Wait and bartender staff were cold, unpleasant; with the exception of the hostess. It was early in the evening and I was made to feel like they were waiting for the night to start and I was a waste of their time. I ordered the rabbit and wish I hadn't. It hardly had any meat on it, and tasted like a plain beef stew. The pasta at the bttm of the dish was lifeless. The waiter did not describe the meal well even tho I made specific inquiries; and the "side" of vegetable I ordered was redundant as most were in the entree. Cheese selection good. Would NOT go back.

Went for the first time on a Wednesday night, 2nd date, and I was speechless. From the foie gras to the steak tartare to the special of the night (can't remember the name) but it had duck breast and leg, sausage, corned beef and brisket on a bed of sauerkraut - everything was phenomenal. I highly recommend this for couples and special occassions for those who visit Chicago and those who live in Chicago! From here, head down the block to Miko's Italian ice before a walk along the 606!

Le Bouchon is always delish. All the food and sauces are delicieux. It is small, intimate and we love the service. Had steak frites, mussels , steak tartare, Loup de Mer (seabass) and tarte tartin. It makes me hungry just to write about all this great food.

A small, intimate setting with a contemporary feel. The onion tart and my bouillabaisse (huge serving!) were excellent, but my husband's steak was over cooked and chewy. Wine and service were excellent. We were there for an early dinner (no problem that we didn't have reservations mid-week) and it was quiet, but I imagine it could be quite loud when crowded.

A classic profiteroles recipe is distinguished by its indulgent filling of ice cream and topping, a warm chocolate sauce. The sauce is simply made with melted chocolate and heavy cream. The profiterole or pastry shell or pastry dough or pastry puff or cream puff or Pate a choux pastry can be filled with pastry cream, whipped cream or sweet vanilla ice cream. In Chicago, at least three food critics and food magazines rate Le Bouchon's profiteroles as the best in town. Located at 1958 North Damen Avenue in the city's Bucktown neighborhood, it is a classic French bistro. Chef/owner Oliver Poilevey has crafted an authentic French cuisine around his Parisian version of the classic dessert, profiteroles. Open from 11;30 to 2:30 and 5 to 10 Monday through Thursday and 10:30 to 2;30 and 5 to 11 on Friday and Saturday, Le Bouchon has enjoyed its stature as one of Chicago's finest French restaurants since 1993. I started with a bowl of beef broth with caramelized onion, gruyere and croutons and a wild mustard salad with shaved leg of lamb, Nicoise olives and sungold tomatoes. For my entree, I chose grilled top sirloin with poivre sauce and hand-cut fries. For dessert, what else? Profiteroles with puff pastries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. As good as advertised. While tiramisu and creme Brulee remain two of the most popular desserts on the menus of most fine dining restaurants I have encountered, profiteroles are becoming an increasing presence.

Second time here and I will return. The charcuterie platter was varied and delicious. The boullabaise was one of the best I've had, with chunks of perfectly cooked monk fish in it. Very good service and a nice moderate wine list of french reds.

Le Bouchon is a very small restaurant with very limited seating-so make reservations! The service was outstanding, the food was excellent. I have never been to France, but the atmosphere is what I would imagine a restaurant in the heart of Paris would be like. I highly recommend Le Bouchon, and if given the opportunity, I definitely would be back!

After reading about the $25 pre fixe meals on Tuesdays, I decided to take my mom to this experience. We were both so happy with our experience. We were able to choose from the WHOLE menu and it even included the special of the day. The portions were full sized - we were expecting it to be smaller due to the pre fixe deal. Very tasty. Wait staff was attentive but not annoying. Cozy atmosphere. Would for sure go again.

I have eaten at le Bouchon many times, but I had not been there in quite a while. My two teenaged daughters and I went to celebrate a birthday. We arrived at 6:55 for a 7:00 reservation. Only one table for more than two was vacant. However, they told us our table was not ready and we could wait at the (tiny) bar - obviously not a good option with two teenagers. They also offered to allow us peruse the menu while we waited at the (tiny) bar. Thirty five minutes later, they seated us at the table that had been vacant since our arrival. There was no apology, but the hostess did bring a plate with three small pieces of cheese and half a sliced apple to the table, she said to thank us for our patience. I really hate it when restaurants attempt to rectify a mistake with food you didn't order, would never order, and don't want. We decided to make the best of it. The food was fine - nothing exceptional - and frankly it was quite expensive for the quality and portion size. In short, Chicago is a great restaurant town, and there are lots of places where you could get a French bistro meal as good or better than this one with way less attitude.

Went there for a business meeting. Amazing food and very down to earth atmosphere (exactly what you expect to find in Bucktown). If you plan to drop in after 7pm call in advance for a table as the place is tiny and gets packed.

Another lovely lunch at Le Bouchon, our favorite neighborhood restaurant in Chicago (we also love Obelix their downtown spot and Mariscos San Pedro, their place in Pilsen). We shared a wonderful parsnip soup, followed by escargot. Mussels and fries for my date, rabbit pie for me. An awesome pastry for desert , French 75 cocktails and a bottle of the house white. Delicious food, wonderful service and pleasant surroundings.

Although it's a small place a meal here is authentic and genuine. Staff is attentive professional and informed. Tight quarters makes it European and Chicago at the same time. Best mussels in memory. The Porterhouse steak is good for four. Outstanding. Wine list extensive and diverse. Head to Buck town for fun times and great food.

Excellent find in Chicago. We saw the restaurant on our way to a cosmetic store that has a Boxing Day sale. We saw the name, and we were instantly intrigued. We looked up the menu and photos of the food. I knew we had to dine here. We made reservations online and were confirmed within the hour. The menu had many items that we wanted to enjoy. We started with a sparkling rosé that was sweet. It was at 11:30 in the morning so we were happy to enjoy it with foie gras paté. We each had a soup course. Mine was the traditional French onion soup. My wife had the soup of the day, which was a two cheese soup. They were both delicious! Then, I had steak tartar. My wife had the roasted beet salad for an entré. We chose the orange Basque cake with almond ice cream for dessert. I cannot think of a more pleasant brunch on Boxing Day. Thank you Le Bouchon!

Fantastic value at this restaurant on the Tuesday $22 fixed price 3 course menu (choice of anything from the main menu) though the main menu on other days is not overpriced for the quality of the food. Wine is very expensive which seems to be common in America. Booking is essential for the $22 deal as the restaurant was full the whole evening. Service very good. A definite recommendation.

we love le bouchon and have made it a regular stop for many years. it's always crowded and the tables are tight but you get a great meal at a very good price. authentic decor that nudges you to forget you're in bucktown and imagine you're in sant germain. nothing nouvelle or molecular here, just good old fashioned french comfort food. onion soup, salad lyonaise, mussels, steak and frites etc. etc. and nice deserts too. help it all down with a lovely and reasonably priced wine list (half price on mondays) and you can't go wrong. they're now open for lunch (except sundays), a smaller menu but just as nice.

We loved this restaurant the first time we visited it last year and our second visit did not disappoint us but reinforced our high regards for this restaurant. We went on a Tuesday night when they have a Fix Price menu that includes an appetizer, main course and a dessert for $33. It was more than well worth it! I had the escargots as an entry which was as good as any I have tried before. Then had the rabbit confit which was delicious and ended up with a very nice lemon tart dessert. My wife had the salmon which she enjoyed very much. There is a good wine selection at affordable prices. The service was as excellent as before and, even though the place was full, we received the best treatment. Reservations are highly recommended especially on Tuesday evening. Also on a very cold day it is recommended that you try to reserve a table away from the front door. I look forward to my third and all other future visits! Bon Apetit!!!

We arrived at Le Bouchon at 9:15 for a 9 o’clock reservation to a packed dining room and had a 20 minute wait at the bar. This is a compact French style bistro with wait staff pushing through the crowd and between the tables. Our table for two nearly had me resting my elbows on my neighbors table. Tables for four were few and not available. The wait staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food was great and I would probably go back again however there are so many to try when visiting Chicago. The escargot were the best, my mussels, while tender, were somewhat bland. The roast duck for two, a house specialty, was well prepared but was just roast duck. On another visit I’d be more daring. Wine specials by the glass were in the $8.00-$9.00 range which is very good. The value here is excellent and the food more desirable than MK or Kiki’s Bistro visited on previous trips. You may want to consider the sister restaurant Le Sardine for a more spacious and comfortable dining room.

good french food, good price. Loud atmosphere not good for converation and can be hard to get a table because its small.

I’ve been frequenting their younger sibling restaurant for years unbeknownst that this gem has been here for far longer. The menu sounded intriguing enough however this random Friday lunch turned out to be pretty damn epic. I indulged in the duck Benedict & this is 1 of only 2 Benedict’s I can honestly vouch for in the entire city of Chicago. Prices are pretty moderate for the product considering it’s honestly delicious. I’d also recommend making reservations as it’s a small establishment.

Save the cost of airfare to Paris, just go here. The best, no comparison, french onion soup ever. I have been going here at least twice a month for over eight years. There is always something great from old standards to seasonal items.

Very nice French bistro. A bit cramped, but that's part of its charm.

If you want a quiet dinner for two, go to a more formal restaurant. My husband and I love the bustle of this great bistro. It can be crowded, but that just adds to the vibe. Music is not loud, but the room is lively with diners engaged in animated conversations. We can always hear each other despite the din. This is the real deal. I always feel like I'm on a Parisian vacation when I'm here! Food and wine list are great and fairly priced. Monday and Tuesday special are particularly appealing! Staff that remains for many years is always a good sign.

Off the beaten track but packed at lunch. Food is classic bistro food extremely well prepared and authentic. Very friendly service. Excellent wine list and who can resist a Cedric Bouchard champagne priced at 255. Place is small and can be loud. Loved it.

We've been hearing about Le Bouchon for some time. For a combined birthday celebration for the 4 of us, we chose it. We love French cuisine and so many of our favorites are gone. Nice that it's not all the way downtown. Found free street parking (got lucky). The staff was friendly and showed a sense of humor. Not stuffy in the least. He gave us a great selection on a bottle of reasonably priced white wine. It was excellent. Seating is tight but comfortable. We ordered the Whole Pekin duck for 2 (45 minutes to cook). Son and GF had Steak and Frites (seasoned and very tasty) and a Cassoulet Toulousain with several meats and beans. Appetizers- snails for them. They loved it. We shared a parmesan cream soup that was both rich and delicious. I used the wonderful table bread to get every last drop. The duck was fabulous with crispy skin and perfectly cooked meat. (They 1st present the duck to ask if you would like it cooked more). we chose as is. The portion is so much we didn't even finish half, so a great 2nd meal is forthcoming. The Orange sauce was subtle and delicious. The desserts were a tasty chocolate tort and a Profiterole with a honey sauce. The sauce was a bit strange. The place seats maybe 50 and while somewhat noisy you can still hear your conversations fine. All in all, a wonderful experience. Service was outstanding.

For the past fifteen years, my wife and I have trudged to Bucktown to eat at Le Bouchon, a lovely French bistro that we always found to be fun and delicious. This was not the case this last time out, when we brought a friend and were disappointed. We went on a Monday, when wines are half off, and the waitress suggested an expensive Pinot Noir which was dry and unexciting. Two of us ordered the duck and it was dry and overcooked; the third person ordered hangar steak, which used to be delicious, but now had a dark wine sauce on top. The appetizers, though generous, seemed lustreless. The waitress we had was efficient, but characterless and a bit brusque. We have eaten here eight times over the years, but were left with little desire to return. This happens, I guess, over time when the attention to detail begins to wan...

went there to celebrate my husband's birthday and we really loved the food and service. Each dish is unique and reminded me of my visit to France. Highly recommended!

It looks authentic and the menu is authentic too. As other reviews have said, the tables are crammed which made service slow and the noise level is loud. My dinner was fine, but my partner was disappointed with his trout en croute which had a soggy dilapidated crust. The sweetbreads which mentioned in a Chicago Tribune review turned out to be an occasional special. The cheese tray for after dinner was a pleasant surprise and lower calorie than the desserts. It came with honey and nuts. Very pleasant

Went for our anniversary today. The sublime--the bread hot and crispy, the escargot were delicious and the butter was perfect for dunking the bread. The Steak Frites with Sauce au Poivre and it was delicious. But the star was Fjord Troute en Croute. OMG! It was divine and quite a healthy large portion that can be split by two people. All was followed with a wonderful apple tarte with vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. The tarte pastry was crispy but solidly held the apples thinly baked in it. If you are looking for a truly genuine taste of vanilla this tarte has it. Katelyn, our server, was wonderful and even gave a complementary dessert wine to celebrate the occasion. The staff was attentive and kept the service moving along. Know that this is a small space that gets very noisy. I was concerned about the loudness of conversation because my husband has Alzheimer's but he was able to deal with noise level. Just a word of caution for people who have trouble with loud spaces like this one or are trying to converse with others. I did ask Katelyn if there was an ideal time to avoid the loud noise and she recommended coming in the spring or summer.

There must be something about French bistros in Chicago. There aren't too many of them. And a couple of them have closed in recent months. Obviously, steakhouses, pizza parlors, hot dog stands and Italian restaurants are more popular. But Le Bouchon seems to be doing well. Located at 1958 North Damen Avenue, it has been a popular destination for folks who prefer French cuisine since it opened in 1993. Le Bouchon is a neighborhood French bistro with a classic cuisine and quaint decor, small and intimate and romantic, as you would expect of a French bistro. My wife and I decided to visit Le Bouchon for lunch. We started with two traditional French favorites, French onion soup and escargot. We shared a salad of mixed greens, poached egg, lardons, croutons and mustard vinaigrette. For entrees, I chose ocean trout wrapped in a puff pastry with English pea mousse, asparagus, fiddleheads and Rose Beurre Blanc. My wife opted for an open-faced ham sandwich with Gruyere, Bechamel, fried egg and pomme frites. For dessert, we shared a large bowl of creme brulee. Next time, we'll plan for dinner. Restaurants of this caliber belong on Chicago's list of best dining venues.

I love this place. Hearty French bistro food, crammed tables that make for an authentic experience, and pleasant service.

Even though we had a reservation they seated the three of us at a small table for two, so we were crowded. It was noisy. The waitress insisted on taking our order right away and rushed us through the meal. Two of us split the roasted duck entree and it was executed well but with nothing to distinguish it. The prices are affordable, but I will not be going back.

I've been going to Le Bouchoun and La Sardine for years and it is always good, French bistro food at it's best. The brandade is a favorite of mine and the steak frites. This is the place to try the Rabbit con fit or the Sweetbreads if you haven't had it before. Desserts are great and so are the seasonal sorbets (fig, pomegranate, apple). Hats off to our friend Chef Jean-Claude may he rest in peace. Thank you Chef Oliver for a great meal...

Great Prefix menu on Tuesdays

Great atmosphere, but tiny and get very crowded - Reservation is highly recommended. Food is a little pricey, excellent!

It reminds me of NYC! Great food, great people watching. A little neighborhood gem.

I have been here multiple times and the food is always good. The service is nothing special but if you have ever been to France you probably know how bad real French service can be, so maybe they are just trying to keep it authentic.

We had the fixed price menu on Tuesday. You are allowed one appetizer, main course and desert. The mussels appetizer was very memorable with a hint of anise and creamy tomato base. We chose the duck for two which was outstanding. the portions were very generous and perfectly cooked. The desert choice was a bit disappointing. Great neighbor hood ambience, great service. We would definitely go back.

The ambiance of this small bistro is like being ion Paris; crowded, noisy, with waitstaff hurrying in every direction carrying delightful dishes, and with customers clearly enjoying their meals and wines. Escargots, froglegs, foie gras, pate de canard are just some of the classical French bistro appetizers. Rabbit "en croute". Bouillabaisse, Pot-au-feu and roasted duck are some of the memorable main dishes. The wine list is respectable, although the Chassagne-Montrachet we were served had to be returned (twice), being flat and well "over the hill". the replacement (a Cotes du Rhone blend) was excellent and the desserts made up for the slight glitch.

We arrived a bit late after some confusion (our fault) about reservation time- 515p The hostess was super gracious and cautioned us that there was a reservation for our table at 7p. Still plenty of time..unfortunately our guests were running late. The waitress wasn't as gracious but did warm up (a bit) after several trips to the table. We ordered two salads and the waitress suggested splitting the salad , which was a great reco. I had the Steak Frites with Sauce au Poivre . It was outstanding. My girlfriend had the Poulet Rôti - and it was delicious as well. Our dinner companions had the trout and steak frites. We all left fulfilled. I would definitely go back.

Had a wonderful dinner here the other evening. They had a great prix-fixe meal for $30 that included appetizer, entree, and dessert. So much food! They don't skimp on anything! The onion tarte and steak frites were delicious. Service was super friendly. We didn't come in with reservations, but the place filled up. The spacing of the meal is lengthy - be prepared for an enjoyable 2 hour meal.

We've been going to Le Bouchon for at least 10 years and were saddened to learn of the recent death of the owner, Jean-Claude. But regulars and newbies should not be concerned. One of his sons, Oliver, is now the chef, and another one, Nicholas, greets guests in the front. Liz, Heather, Jesus and many other long-term staff welcome guests with the same warmth as always. And the food is as good as it ever was, maybe even a tad better. Chicago residents and visitors should run, not walk, to Le Bouchon to enjoy an afternoon or an evening there. You'll walk in feeling like you've been transported to a 1930s French bistro and you'll leave comforted that some things remain (almost) the same in a world where changes take place too fast. This is Jean-Claude's legacy and I for one will be forever grateful to him, his wife Suzanne, his family and his loyal staff.

My mother and I made 8:00 reservations for Bastille Day to celebrate our French heritage. We have been to France and no what to expect of a French bistro. We did have a 30 minute wait for our table even with the reservation, but because of the holiday, we let it slide. The food was very good. The atmosphere of the restaurant was buzzing. It was very crowded and loud, but it had charm. I had steak tartare which was very good. I also had their gnocchi for dinner. It was too rich for me as it was smothered in goat cheese. The price was what you would expect for a French restaurant.

Being a sister restaurant of La Sardine (which I believe to be the best and most authentic French bistro-style restaurant in Chicago), I was expecting a lot more than what I got with my experience at Le Bouchon. First, the space is OK - it's small and crowded and not entirely comfortable (tables packed in so much that my chair kept getting bumped as people walked by), but not terrible. The meal started off with some very nice French bread and butter (this was actually the highlight of the meal). However, the food we ordered was very disappointing. The pasta dish was oily/watery and not very flavorful. Foie gras also left much to be desired. To top it off, the service was very haughty (as if they were trying to approximate the whole Parisian experience). When we asked for a sangria and then a caipirinha (not that unreasonable given that the restaurant had what appeared to be a full bar), the waitress said "Oh, no - we're a French restaurant. We don't have tequila". We had to laugh at the audacity of this person informing us as to what kind of restaurant we're in (thank you, we kind of realized that), while at the same time having no idea that sangrias and caiprinhas are not made with tequila. Oh well. Glad we went - I'd been curious about it since we went to Le Sardine. But we won't be back.

My husband, son & I went to Le Bouchon to celebrate our son's recent promotion. I ordered the pix fixe steak menu medium rare with French onion soup & apple tart. The soup was the only part of the meal I enjoyed. The steak came out medium well; the server never came by to ask how it was but I did express displeasure to the other server. When the bill was presented by the original server I explained that the steak was too well done. She apologized but did not offer anything off the bill or a cocktail. Very disappointed and don't think we will be back.

Great food but they want to turn the tables. If you have somewhere else to go afterward, this place can see you thru dinner. If you're trying to catch up with old friends and have a lot to talk about, plan to talk someplace else.

Quaint french restaurant. It is a bit crowded as it is small and the acoustics could use some improvement - it was a bit difficult to carry on a conversation at our table of 5 - a smaller group would probably be able to converse more easily due to closer proximity to each other. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The service was prompt and everyone was friendly. The food was reasonably priced and good.

the tables are very close to each other, barely room for waiters to walk by. Food is good but not exceptional, we expected better taste. No outdoor seating.

The food was amazing. Atmosphere was charming and very French. I had the Foie Gras Quebequoise which consisted of an almond pancake with lovely toppings and maple sauce (?) and a big chunk of grilled foie gras. Terrific combination, very innovative yet traditional, if that makes sense. Would go again in a heartbeat.

Two of us dropped in on the spur of the moment on Presidents Day around 1:30. The place was packed but there was one little table in the back corner available. It was just right for us. We both had the Salade Lyonnaise, a mostly-frisee salad with a poached egg, bacon lardons and buttered croutons. The dressing was vinegary, which was a good foil to the egg yolk. It wasn't huge but was satisfying because it was somewhat rich. Delicious hot French bread and butter came alongside. Other menu items include the obligatory burger (with raclette cheese for a French twist), an Alsatian tarte, mussels with fries, steak-frites, a rabbit pot pie, a charcuterie plate, a duck-egg raviolo, venison pate, onion soup and a few other items. There's beer and wine to wash it down. Prices are reasonable. Because it was crowded, it was loud (there was a birthday celebration in the front) but everyone was having a good time. Tables are close together but the waitstaff manages to thread their way among the tables making sure the patrons have what they need. There aren't so many French restaurants in Chicago these days and very few are open for lunch. It's good to know about Le Bouchon.

Wow. Amazing use of cilantro and marinated and stewed cherry tomatoes. The service was great, the wine was awsome I would recommend this to friends!

Small, crowded and perhaps a bit stuck in time, it is easy to dismiss this little storefront bistro in Bucktown. I have heard French expats say "I can make this food at home". Maybe, but most of us are not French expats, and for the rest of us, especially those who have traveled to France and experienced a truly authentic and terrific local bistro, this place is special, consistent and it delivers. The focus is definitely on classic dishes and a few seasonal specials and twists, but the core remains and the family that runs it has made it a Chicago mainstay. Wine is on the whole quite good and reasonably marked up. Amuse bouches are incredible and the gratin potatoes steeped in heavy cream and thyme are dreamlike. Great for a random Tuesday night or for a birthday or anniversary. They always remember you.

From the moment we entered to the time we left, we were spoiled with outstanding service from Heather to outstanding food. The ambiance of this intimate friendly eatery is wonderful. The shared duck, and steak dinners were a delight to the taste buds. For sure we will return! Don't miss it

We adored our visit to Le Bouchon. In the Wicker Park/Buckhead area, it was a bit out of the way of downtown, but near some shops we wanted to visit. We stopped in for lunch and it was fairly quiet (back-to-school week?), but waitress was super friendly and we felt immediately comfortable and at home. We started with La Salade Lyonnaise, complete with a poached egg on top, cooked to perfection. The salad was delicious, just enough seasoning and dressing. I also had a cup of the French Onion Soup; generous portion, I didn't want to finish it all to have room for my meal, but it was so tasty. Great ratio of bread, broth, onion and cheese, although perhaps a little too heavy on cheese for my stomach. Loved it nonetheless. For entrees we had La Salade de Homard Tiède with lobster and avocado, and the Le Poisson du Jour, which was a salmon. Both were perfect with the perfect balance of flavors. The avocado/warm lobster was an ideal combination and the salad had just the right amount of dressing. The salmon was light, fresh, and just the right amount of flavors, complimenting veggies around it. You really got to taste the salmon, which had a great flavor. Portions all around were generous, and the price was right for it all. This would be our go-to spot for a nice evening out if we lived in the area. Next time we're around, we can't wait to try the Bœuf Bourguignon ... or Tuesday's $25 prix fixe (3 courses! ..how cheap!). Thank you for a lunch that filled us all the way through dinner... we didn't have to eat much the rest of that day!

The French food is superb at Le Bouchon. It's small, so I recommend reservations, even for two. Would be great if they played French music in the background and made it feel a little more like French countryside, but that's just being picky. It's a nice, small restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. The escargot and bouillabaisse were excellent. Sparkling rosé was very good, as well. I kept hearing the owner of this restaurant passed away, but not to worry, that it's family owned. I can't wait to go back the next time I'm in town and try more dishes.

We went on Friday evening, parking is quite convenient (vale), and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with very good choice of red and white wines. Specially recommended are the french onion- singularly one of the best I have had; the onion tart is a good appetizer choice, and for main dishes I strongly recommend the chicken with garlic and thyme and the waygu sirloin with mashed potatoes. Extraordinary preparation and exquisite presentation. We accompanied dinner with a nice Bordeaux of which there are plenty choices. For dessert I recommend the chocolate profiteroles and the apple tart. Great place for a lovely dinner with friends!

We didn't realize that, as a group of 8, we would dominate this small space. It's really tiny and cozy and the staff was very accommodating for our group. Lovely menu and great wine list (by the bottle) ... with a few offered by the glass. Everything from the charcuterie platter to the authentically french desserts was good. We did make a reservation & good thing ! Not sure, if you went as a couple if it is necessary.

This warm, cozy, noisy restaurant has all the charm of a Parisian bistro. The wait staff is friendly and helpful. As for the food, the bread is the best in town, coming close to what I ate in France a couple of years ago. However, the steak that was served in our "Steak Frites" orders, although cooked to a perfect medium rare as ordered, was too tough to cut with a steak knife and way too tough for teeth. The flavor was excellent, but after chewing on a small bite for at least a full minute, I had to remove it from my mouth and place it on my bread plate. This occurred several times. Also, a long path of heavy fat ran the course of my steak. Two friends at the table had similar experiences. Yuck! (The frites were crisp and delish!)

My wife and I had dinner on Saturday night. The place is small, tight, and loud. I know that may sound bad but it is not. It is really a lot of fun. I think it feels like what a small bistro in Paris would feel like. I had the mussels and they were the best I have ever had, I could have made it my meal with more bread. French onion soup, cassoulet, steak frites and an awesome Apple tart for dessert made a very memorable evening. Oh, the bartender makes a great martini as well!!!! I highly recommend it!!!!

Very cute place with easy street parking. It is small and got pretty noisy. Unfortunately, my meal was VERY salty and I had a very upset stomach afterwards (quiche and salad). The portion was very generous and the staff friendly, but they could have been more attentive. Did enjoy the bread.

This is a small and fairly noisy restaurant, but the food is great and very much worth going to. I had the sirloin with pepper sauce medium rare, and my wife had the mussels. Both were really good, her mussels were the "best she's ever had". The steaks come with home made frittes. In addition, we had the Lyon salad, which includes a pouched egg, and the cheese plate which was also very good, an assortment of six cheeses. To add creedence to our opinion, we were eating with a sommelier from France who also thought the food was superb.

An out-of-town cousin visiting over the holidays treated my husband and I to a great meal at Le Bouchon. We just happened to dine at this busy French bistro on a Tuesday evening, which turns out to be its special $27.50 prix fixe night, allowing choice of any appetizer, entree and dessert on the menu for one easy price. I took a chance by ordering rabbit for the first time on my life. It was outstanding. I'm a new fan, and I'm sure it's also because Le Bouchon cooked it so deliciously. The veggies, pasta and sauce underneath the rabbit made it a complete meal. The escargot appetizer was good, but I'm used to eating snails out of the shell. These came in little cubbies on a dish. My husband ate chicken and cousin had a lobster mac-and-cheese. All great. My dessert was fresh berries with a sweet, Devonshire creamy sauce gently ribboned over. Just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. Ran into some friends there as well who raved about the bouillabaise. After our evening, my husband wants to take me back for my birthday. I am more than willing. Tip: time your meal later in the evening as this place gets really busy.