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Le Bouchon
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Le Bouchon
8.8
A tiny Bucktown bistro serving classic French plates—onion tart, escargot, steak frites—in a tight, wood-trimmed room that feels more Paris than Chicago. Regulars lean on the well-executed standards, deep wine list, and decades of steady cooking for date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Moules à la Provençale
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Long-running Bucktown bistro doing textbook French classics in a truly intimate room.
Who should go: Francophiles craving traditional bistro cooking and cozy date-night energy.
When to visit: Prime dinner reservations, especially midweek, for relaxed pacing.
What to order: French onion soup, steak frites, moules à la Provençale.
Insider tip: Book earlier seatings to linger over dessert and avoid late-night crowding.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on nearby residential blocks; spots can be scarce after 6pm and during peak dinner service. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, blouses, and dark denim are common; avoid overly casual athletic wear.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is possible at most two-tops, but the small room can feel lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically booked solid; walk-ins may face a long wait or may not be seated without a cancellation.
Weekday lunch: N/A (primarily a dinner destination); early weekday dinners often have shorter waits with reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some accommodating options (salads, cheese- and vegetable-forward appetizers, select mains); ask staff for guidance.
Vegan options: Very limited — classic bistro cooking leans heavily on butter, cream, and animal stock.
Gluten-free options: Select dishes can be adapted (e.g., proteins without breading); soups, tartes, and pastries typically contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, classic French menu, and slower pacing make it a strong choice for a romantic, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally — limited walk-in space means success is most likely early in the evening or toward closing; reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the small, candlelit dining room and traditional menu skew adult-oriented; older teens may be fine, but it’s not ideal for young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic, textbook French cooking in an intimate, Paris-style bistro setting with a focused wine list and cozy date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, broad dietary flexibility, ultra-quiet dining rooms, or a modern, experimental French menu.
Le Bouchon
8.8
Le Bouchon is a tiny Bucktown French bistro where onion tart, escargot, and steak frites anchor one of the city’s most classic date-night rooms. Candlelit tables, tightly packed banquettes, and a deep French wine list make it feel like an old-world Paris stop hidden on Damen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onion Tart, Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Long-running Parisian-style bistro where classic French plates meet intimate, cozy energy.
Who should go: Couples chasing old-school French romance and wine.
When to visit: Prime dinner slots; late reservations keep the room buzzing.
What to order: Onion Tart, French onion soup, Steak Frites.
Insider tip: Target Monday dinner for half-priced bottles and a slightly calmer room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Damen and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours and weekends — allow extra time. No valet noted.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans are generally acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at most two-tops, but the small room can feel buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: N/A — service is primarily dinner-focused; check current hours if visiting midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several workable options depending on the menu cycle (salads, cheese plates, some pastas); confirm details with the server.
Vegan options: Very limited — French classics dominate; the kitchen may accommodate small adjustments on request.
Gluten-free options: Some entrees and proteins can be prepared gluten-free; bread- and pastry-heavy items are harder to modify — ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, candlelight, and classic French menu create a romantic, conversation-friendly setting that works especially well for a slower, more intentional first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated at opening or later in the evening, but prime hours usually book out. Arrive early, be flexible on seating, or plan for a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space is compact and oriented toward adult date-night dining. Older teens may be fine, but it’s not ideal for young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic French comfort, intimate date-night atmosphere, and a tightly curated wine experience in a small, character-rich room.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, large-group dining, broad vegan options, or a quieter, family-oriented restaurant.
Le Bouchon
8.4
Family-owned since 1993, Le Bouchon is a tight Bucktown bistro that leans hard into classic French plates and a deep, reasonably priced wine list. Onion tart, escargots, steak frites, and whole duck for two make it feel old-world, but the room still hums with regulars decades in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onion tart, Garlic escargots, Whole roasted duck for two
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Three-decade French bistro doing textbook classics in a tiny room.
Who should go: Francophiles and couples wanting cozy, old-school French.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for less noise and crowding.
What to order: Onion tart, escargots, and steak frites or duck for two.
Insider tip: Weekday lunches are quieter but still showcase the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be limited on Damen and nearby side streets during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date nights
Noise level: Moderate — intimate but lively; conversation is possible at most two-tops
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; without a reservation you may face a long wait or may not be seated
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on select peak days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, mostly within salads, cheese plates, and select entrées — ask your server for guidance
Vegan options: Very limited — classic French preparations rely heavily on butter and dairy
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be adapted, but not all — notify staff so they can advise on safe choices
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, candle-lit bistro setting and polished service create an intimate, classic date-night atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weeknights or at off-peak times, but weekends and prime dinner hours typically require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; the small dining room and tight tables are not ideal for young children, though well-behaved older kids may be fine during earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Classic French comfort dishes, intimate date nights, and a strong value-driven wine list in a small neighborhood bistro setting
Skip if: You prefer spacious dining rooms, modern or experimental menus, vegan-forward options, or large-group dining layouts
Le Bouchon
8.7
Le Bouchon is a tiny Bucktown French bistro dating back to 1993, serving onion tart, steak frites, and Lyonnaise salads in a room that feels like a Left Bank lunch spot. For business, it suits small, higher-touch lunches where classic cooking, a deep French wine list, and lingering conversation matter more than spreadsheet space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée, Salade Lyonnaise
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running French bistro where classic dishes and a tight, charming room turn smaller business lunches into occasion-level meals.
Who should go: Two to four guests needing an intimate, wine-friendly lunch.
When to visit: Weekday lunches when the dining room is lively but controlled.
What to order: Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée, Salade Lyonnaise, Steak Frites.
Insider tip: Book a midday reservation and request a wall table; the room is compact, so side-by-side seating helps with privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Damen and side streets; metered spots nearby, but spaces can be limited during peak dining hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation at a small table is workable, but the compact room can feel lively during peak service.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the dining room is small and tables turn slowly.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face short delays at peak times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few classic French vegetarian-friendly salads and starters; mains are more limited.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is traditional and leans heavily on butter, eggs, and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some adaptable options (steak, salads), but many sauces and pastries contain gluten; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate bistro space, classic French cooking, and slower pacing create a romantic, conversational atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but not guaranteed — walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at off-peak times; for lunch or weekends, booking ahead is strongly recommended due to the small dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults — limited space, close tables, and a traditional French menu make it more appropriate for older teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic French cooking, intimate business or celebratory lunches, strong wine guidance, and a charming, old-school bistro setting.
Skip if: You need large-group seating, very quiet conversation space, modern dietary flexibility, or a fast, casual lunch format.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
SundayClosed