Chez Joël

"My husband and daughter joined me for an early dinner at Chez Joël for my daughter’s birthday. The food was delicious. I had the soupe à l’oignon and the coq au vin. My daughter had the filet mignon and a blueberry tart. My husband had duck breast and confit. It was so very good! The service was superb and they had great choices for wines by the glass. I’ll definitely return."

"If you’re looking for a classic French meal like KiKi’s Bistro—do not go here. Escargots was too acidic, the chicken was so dry, and the scallops were OK because they had a nice sear—but over seasoned and greasy broken sauce. No love in the food. Service was great and atmosphere is deserving of a higher quality food program."

"A unique, intimate spot to enjoy well crafted French food. While for some the menu may seem a bit intimidating or hard to navigate, after being there I would encourage you if you’re going to truly explore French cuisine this would be a place to try it in Chicago! We had salads and pommes frites to start with their warm table bread and then Flounder, Filet Mignon, and Mixed Seafood platter. Finished with desserts. All were outstanding and I cleaned my plate! Atmosphere for me was a bit dated and average thus the lower rating, food outshined that for sure!"

"Free street parking if you can find it. We found some free spots close to our reservation time. Service was exceptional. Every dish was superb, can’t find any faults. Price is standard for this type of cuisine. -grilled calamari with pesto, arugula, and roasted peppers -Frog legs with garlic spinach, capers, and brown butter sauce - not on current menu unless you ask -Rack of lamb, mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, au jus - any lamb is good on their menu -magret et confit de canard, sauce a l’orange -gateau aux amondes -profiterole"

"Loveddddd this little intimate French bistro! Definitely a new favorite. The bread with their special oil is great. French onion soup is bomb! We had the grilled calamari, good flavor but I know now I just prefer fried calamari. The steak with the peppercorn sauce is oh so yummy. I had the half chicken with mashed potatoes; the sauce was very tasty. Went for my birthday and they brought out the creamiest vanilla ice cream. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend."