Cotes du Rhone

Cotes du Rhone, on North Broadway, is situated in a fairly low-key location. Do not go to this restaurant if you are looking for a booming area. With that said, the ambience (a bit dark though) was relaxing and the staff very friendly and attentive. Our server promptly corked our bottle of wine and placed the other on ice. The birthday discount was a plus. Visit them on your b-day and you will only pay $5 for your entree (up to $20 entree value).

The food though was exactly what I expected of an unassuming french bistro. The escargot, in garlic and butter, then baked, tasted fairly fresh but disapeered fast (six come in an order). My boyfriend complained that he could have stood to have eaten an entire colony of snails! My main dish, sea bass, had great flavor and texture, but was a bit overwhelmed by the huge mound of mashed potatoes it sat atop. Sea bass is a delicate fish that should melt in your mouth if cooked right. At one point though I was not sure where the sea bass ended and the mashed potatoes began. My boyfriend's entree choice, a paella with seafood, chorizo and chicken, was the better entree, but oddly enough not really French at all.

Overall, the atmosphere was relaxing and service attentive and friendly, but the food nothing to get excited about. The BYOB policy was nice though. Cotes du Rhone is worth a taste for those who enjoy trying new restaurants but don't expect to be knocked out of your seat.

Pros: Service, BYOB, Parking

Cons: Average food, Low-key area

Posted 08/25/08

At the time of this review, this restaurant was still in its BYOB infancy , but the food definately was quite mature. For openers we really enjoyed the luscious consistancy of the liver pate, which we suspected was made on the premises. It was certainly a cut above most others we have tried in the city. The steamed mussels were also better than we've had in other local bistros, although the sauce was a bit salty for our tastes. However, I would order this dish again without hesitation. For the entree, the delicate saffron flavored bouillabaisse was a real winner. Overall we were quite happy with the food. The service was prompt and considerate. The atmosphere was dark, spartan and bit a raw. This gives the place a bohemian feel which we rather enjoyed, but it may not be to everyone's tastes. Overall we enjoyed this restaurant and have added to our list of Chicago's fine affordable bistos.

Pros: Well prepared French fare

Cons: None worth mentioning

Posted 03/25/07

Although I read the Citysearch reviews frequently, this review is the first I have ever written. My husband and I enjoyed our dinner at this one week old establishment. Our food was reeally tasty, our server was friendly,efficient and helpful with menu choices and we will defintiely return. Althoug we had made resevations, upon our arrival, the hostess could not locate them. Not a ptoblem at 6:30. but it would have been an issue a little later as the restaurant was completely full with many people waiting by the time we left. I think the place would be perfect if they improved the lighting (the lack of lighting & small type face menu made menu reading nearly impossible). I also think the decor could be significantly enhanced with some finishing touches. All in all, we liked the place and I know we will bo back (espeically while it is still BYOB).

Pros: Excellant food, friendly service, easy parking, reasonably priced

Cons: too dimly lit, decor somewhat lacking

Posted 02/18/07

We had a Valentine's Day dinner here on the restaurant's 5th night after opening. Keeping in mind even before arriving that there would probably be some things for the staff to work out, we were more than satisfied and will return.

No doubt the restaurant is dark, and some will consider it too dark (dark walls and limited lighting). But the staff is friendly and the food is tasty. The lobster bisque was quite good, although slightly salty for my taste. My lamb was prepared perfectly, and my fiancee's scallops were large and tender, with good flavor.

It took a while to get water, bread, and to have our order taken, but to be fair, the place was probably busier than it was expecting to be, and this was Valentine's Day, after opening only a few days before. We were fine with waiting a bit, but the staff was eager to please, and comped our appetizers.

With tasty food, friendly service, BYOB with no corkage fee, and easy parking, I'd definitely recommend it as a date spot. Give it a few months and check it out--

Pros: BYOB, tasty food, friendly staff, easy parking

Cons: Too dark for some, not a ton of personality in the ambiance, random location

Posted 02/15/07

Well I must say. I have been to a few good French Restaurants, but none has compared to this new offering. The service was great. The atmosphere fantastic, but the food topped it all off. There was plenty of parking in a great area. This restaurant is a must! I will be coming back soon.

Pros: Great Food, Great Service

Cons: None that I could find on this visit

Posted 02/13/07