Old Town Brasserie

312-386-7081

1209 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610

oldtownbrasserie.com

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An Old Town destination- Classic French with a playful, elegant twist

Categories:

Restaurants, French Restaurants

Details:

$$$, Bar Scene, Date Spot, Late Night Dining, Local Favorite, Notable Chef, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Open 7 Days, Portrait Photography

Message from Old Town Brasserie

Merchant_icon

Old Town Brasserie is the newest creation of veteran restaurateur Bob Djahanguiri. The restaurant The Chicago Tribune called "One of the best new restaurants of the year" is rapidly becoming one of Old Town's most popular dining spots. At Old Town Brasserie, you'll find classic French brasserie fare with a bit of added elegance and some playful twists. Chef Andy Motto's eclectic flavors will delight and surprise you, but the reasonable prices will surprise you even more. The menu changes with the seasons, drawing on what's freshest and full of taste. The intimate and comfortable dining room recalls a romantic Parisian brasserie, and when the weather warms we open the French doors for outdoor dining. The full menu is available at the bar. After dinner, enjoy piano music with one of our signature martinis or a glass of wine. We look forward to welcoming you.

Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Warm yellows, dark woods and brassy fixtures make for a cozy, neighborhood vibe, though not decidedly French. Enviously thick slabs of gold-and-black-flecked granite top a long walk-around bar, perpetually stacked by smartly dressed men and women. The dining area, nicely divided by pillars and half walls, creates privacy while keeping things open enough. When warm, nifty folding doors swing out to the street.

The Food
Chef Roland Liccioni (Le Francais, Les Nomades) turns out French, but his dishes are perhaps more refined than brasserie food and possibly not textbook. Opening with duck consomme with delicate truffled ravioli is a terrific idea, but a hard choice when a lively, shellfish-studded terrine is equally rewarding. Entrees are hearty but not heavy; poached salmon is delicately sauced with rich Bearnaise and roasted long Island Duck is crispy, not greasy. Specials, which rotate, are definitely worth noting especially crispy sweetbreads that sit in lip-smacking demi glace.

Hits: The flavors are on and, when bumping, there's a real liveliness to be had.
Misses: It's deeply disappointing to be turned away for dinner on a Saturday night at 10pm--especially on a strip as vibrant as Wells. And no, a late night bar menu is no consolation.

Key Points

  • Happy hour specials
  • Late-night dining
  • Piano music Wed-Saturday

The Inside Scoop

  1. The Extras - Nan Mason--that mainstay of the local lounge music scene--sings on weekends by the bar. It's a throwback, but can be a little grating for guests still lingering over dinner.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Magnifique French ambiance

by jila2

Best place to go for a night of excellent food,deserts and entertainment. Can't wait for my next visit.

Pros: Wonderful food and entertainment

Posted 10/19/09

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Best Food and Atmosphere with perfect price

by said dini

The menu is simple and to the point. Les Hors D'oeuvres are great..I had the Chilled Asparagus,king crab, toasted black sesame seed, truffle oil and it tasted excellent. The presentation of the salad is superior. The Duo Of Roasted Lamb Rack And Ribeye is great. Overall, the price , atmosphere, service, and the food are all remarkable.

Pros: Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops cauliflower, golden raisin, caper

Posted 10/18/09

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Excellent Food!!!!!!!!!!

by suzen22

This restaurant was highly recommended by my former husband who is quite a food connoisseur. He was right on, as expected!!

Pros: Fantastic food,professional service.

Cons: NONE

Posted 10/17/09

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Great food, duck my favorite, can't pass up the souflle

by javid

Very Pleasent atmosphere, divided dinning rooms provide the privacy if that is what you want, Service staff pleasent and accomodating. Food presentation only matches the quality of what is being servred.
You can't afford not to stumble into a beautifull bar as you are coming in; and as you are leaving the resaurant an additional glass of brandy especially the nights when the music at the piano bar is entertaining the quests would provide for a memorable eveninig

Pros: I still pick the duck. And appetizers a must.

Cons: Delicious food late at night at the bar is seductive

Posted 10/17/09

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Great French Restaurant In Chicago

by Nunna

The food just tastes so good (especially Salmon and Duck) and also I love the ambiance. I can't wait to go back there.

Pros: The best French Food(Salmon, Duck etc...)

Posted 10/15/09

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Artistic dishes in Old Town Brasserie

by AliLeo1970

Old Town Brasserie is one the best spots in the city for an excellent luxury dish but average price. Nothing are scarified here for the relatively low price you're paying. Artistic made plates, fresh ingredients and aromatic sauces make it more like a piece of art you want to take it home to put on your show case!

Pros: Old Town Brasserie is the best in the city

Posted 10/06/09

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Great place for sea food and steak

by Old Town Brasserie

Atmosphere, food and service they are all excellent

Pros: Best food in town.

Cons: No draw back

Posted 10/06/09

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Cool coctails, Cold food!!

by morad

Coctail was mixed just perfect. The bread came cold, when commented I wish the bread could be warmed nobody really cared. Lobster was served with a mixture of scalopes and shrimp. It tasted fine but again was not warm enough. Skipped the desert. I am sure it would have come in perfect temperature!
Bar staff were great.

Pros: Bar scene

Cons: Cold bread, Luke warm food

Posted 05/01/08

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