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Francois Frankie
Master Critic Review
Francois Frankie
8.3
Francois Frankie is a carousel-bar French-American brasserie in the Loop, serving escargot, steak frites, and a much-talked-about burger in a theater-district setting. Opened in 2019 under chef Matt Ayala, it’s a go-to for pre-show dinners and business-friendly lunches where cocktails and bistro classics share the spotlight.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Prime Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Rotating carousel bar meets French brasserie classics in the theater district.
Who should go: Pre-theater dates and small groups wanting French comfort.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or pre-show slots before curtain.
What to order: French onion soup, steak frites, prime cheeseburger.
Insider tip: Reserve seats at the carousel bar for the slow-rotating, best-in-room view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking nearby with evening theater rush; limited street parking, no on-site valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers, dresses, polished denim acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during pre-theater; conversational at lunch and early seatings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during pre-show windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, occasional short pause during office lunch peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several approachable options (salads, soups, sides, some mains can be modified).
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 modifiable items; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request, but not a dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the carousel bar and brasserie setting feel stylish without being overly formal, and the menu is approachable for most tastes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at lunch or off-peak hours; for pre-theater dinner, reservations are strongly recommended and the bar fills quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults and older teens; kids are welcome but the vibe skews cocktail-centric and busy during pre-show periods.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater dining, business-friendly lunches, and cocktails at a distinctive rotating bar with French-leaning comfort dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, hushed fine-dining experience, fully vegan options, or extensive gluten-free accommodation.