2100 N. Halsted St. (2100N, 800W)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 871-2100
Chicago Bar Project “Bite”
Since 1972, Chef and owner Bernard LeCoq opened CafÉ Bernard in 1972 has served his favorite dishes of his native French homeland such as French Onion Soup, Cassoulet Toulousain (a very hearty bean stew with pork confit, beef, lamb, and duck confit), and Bouillabaisse (shellfish stew with little neck clams, scallops, shrimp, and mussels in a lobster broth). We’ve also had the soft shell crab in a brown butter sauce when on special and the Atlantic salmon is the signature dish. Our favorite dessert, the créme brulée is good, but is served in an octagonal glass dish versus the traditional ramekin, and consequently suffers somewhat. The interior of Café Bernard includes a cool little bar and the dining area is jammed with tables set amongst wood paneled walls, some what incongruent with the swirling and somewhat intriguing light fixtures above. The adjacent Red Rooster offers a very similar menu at a slightly reduced price and in tighter quarters inside and a smallish outdoor section. Chicago Bistro Project tip: the restrooms are single occupancy so, if the door is locked, head through the swinging doors, past the kitchen on your left and head up to the hidden unisex bathroom up the ceramic tiled stairs. If you like Café Bernard, you may also like other Chicago Bistro Project French favorites Le Bouchon and La Creperie. For more information, check out the Cafe Bernard website. A votre sante!
Other Reviews
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