Epicure Bistro

Staff is friendly and polite. Food is amazing!!! Relaxing peaceful atmosphere. Found this place on Unilocal as we don’t live around the area and were looking for a place to go for Valentine’s Day. It was the perfect place for my husband and I to have a quite date. We went without our son but we saw a few families. Loved it and would definitely recommend it.

I recently moved up to the McHenry area from Louisiana but hail from a Parisian home. Being quite homesick, I’ve been on the hunt for a good French restaurant and have been disappointed by many of the places I visited. I wouldn’t give up though… my anniversary was coming up and I wanted us to try one more. That’s when I saw Epicure Bistro on Unilocal.I didn’t read the reviews but went straight to the menu to see how authentic it was. The menu is really inviting and has a great variety of dishes. We decided to give it a shot.
We visited it today. The parking lot was empty and the tables were vacant but they were still open. It was perfect in my opinion since I don’t like crowded locations. It picked up a little after we arrived but it still kept a nice quiet atmosphere. The tables are nice and spacious, the booths are large and able to seat anyone of any size. The waitress was kind and wonderful. She was on point, she would check on us but not too frequently which was perfect. You know those overly bubbly waiters/​waitresses that constantly check on you… yeah, she wasn’t that. She was perfect for the atmosphere.
We started with drinks. I had their margarita and my boyfriend had the 007. The margarita was by far one of the best ones I have drank in a long time. I am a bit of a margarita nut and taste and compare them wherever I travel to. This one ranks as the top for Illinois and in the top 5 for all the states I’ve been to (which is 27). The 007, also known as The Vesper, is exactly how James Bond describes it in Casino Royale. It’s potent, it’s bold, and it’s refreshing. Definitely a great pairing for the foods we were about to consume.
The pâté is about as authentic as you can get it here. There are many locations that claim they have «pâté» but all they hand out is chicken liver paste. The pâté here is succulent and comes in the traditional duck form. The assortment of cheeses you can have are so traditionally French it brought me home. The breads taste handmade and have that rustic flavor to them. The French Onion Soup is done the way my mom makes it, with a good layer of oil and the onions cooked to a slight golden color before being put into the broth. The salty/​sweet version is Americanized. A traditional Onion Soup is usually oily and savory. In France they use it as a natural cleanser and a way to rid your body of toxins. This reminded me of the ones I grew up with.
My boyfriend went for the Mahi Mahi and I had the Pork Chop. The risotto he had was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the sauce. The pork, apple, and sauce on my plate were so good by themselves… but magical when eaten all together. The portions were actually decent for the price too. My pork chop was a hearty portion that I had to bring some home with me. My boyfriend cleaned his plate.
For dessert we had the Bisou, the crêpe with lemon curd and meringue. It tasted fresh and clean. The crêpe was well executed and reminded me of the ones my mom would make for our New Year’s tradition. A perfect way to end our night.
All in all, I was impressed. This is the one place that is getting thumbs up from me! I definitely plan on returning. Most likely during the middle of the week right around rush hour as to avoid the crowds. The only problem I had was the music selection… I would have preferred classic French alternative but they have live music on the weekends.

Boyfriend and I came here for New Years Eve. I loved the inside dimly lit. it was romantic. Both had dinner Crepes because that is different and we would not find that at most restaurants I got their beef one and I loved it! Was rich but still did not feel too heavy in my stomach. We started with their seafood sampler with cheeses. very rich but I enjoyed it! Again different from what we usually eat but good. I also had their Cucumber Martini which I LOVED! so refreshing. Then just had a glass of their blanc to blanc just because I love bubbly and knew that would be all I would drink that night. It was also very refreshing and crisp. One of the better Blanc de blancs I have tried.

We went to have brunch at Epicure bistro on a Sunday morning for a friend’s birthday. The restaurant is pretty and the staff was very nice. The food was very good and we enjoyed several savory crepes and a great dessert crêpe. Go and enjoy!

Came here with my family and had the Lemon Meringue crêpe and it was SO good. I was very very impressed. We also got the es cargot and it was a little bland. Someone at our table said the French onion soup was a little thin and too sweet for their tastes.
However I loved the atmosphere and the service was great! Overall really enjoyed this place and we will be back!

First time checking Epicure out I’m excited to try it. The menu looks inviting with a great selection to choose from.
To start with the help is extremely friendly and seemed to be trained very well, thumbs up to the trainer!
Started with the escargot Yum go for it. Also hit the French onion soup thumbs up!
The chicken pot pie is unique to say the least, the omelet was tasty. The crapes are a great finish to the meal.
The ambiance is quite and inviting get out here with your sweetheart for a wonderful dinner!

The food was overpriced for what we got and did not taste very good. The menu was very limited. The steak was very tough to cut and chew.

I miss the old one that was on the Woodstock square the atmosphere seemed cold and it was empty. Kinda broke my heart to see them move but I understand they had too. Now Woodstock has not 1 good restaurant it sucks! The food was good as usual some of the same staff but not the same feeling of that country creperie I will go back but honestly if I’m in that are rather go to the onion pub. It was a special place before too bad they moved. I swear every time a restaurant has moved locations it’s like they lose their charm. Look at Mickey Finns in libertyville it was a quaint divey family brewery that turned into a shell of its old self. They literally look like the revamped version of the ram brewery. Now Epicure aka la petite reminds me of a fancy mom and pop breakfast joint. MOVE BACK TO WOODSTOCK WHERE YOU BELONG! Pretty pleaseCourthouse is still empty

This place is awesome! We went there last night for the first time. I immediately liked the atmosphere-​nice but not pretentious, with tables spaced far enough apart that you don’t feel cramped. The food was great! I had the beef bourgingnon (I’m sure I spelled that wrong) crepes, and my boyfriend had the paella, which was a French twist on a a traditional. Loved them both. The dressings on the salads were similarly inventive and wonderful. And they have gluten free crepes by the way, which were light and tasty. Lastly, dessert-​we shared a bananas foster crêpe –yum! And they had a wonderful hot tea selection. All for very reasonable prices. This place is now on our go-​to list.

Great place. Very cozy. Attentive service. I had the lamb shanks and they were excellent.

We had dined at La Creperie in Woodstock a few times when attending the Mozart Festival and found it charming, Although sad when Barrington Bistro closed, we thought the La Creperie was a fine replacement. We visited last evening with friends and are extremely disappointed and will not re-​visit. The charm of their former restaurant in Woodstock is non-​existent and the sophistication and well-​versed servers of the former Barrington Bistro is absent. The restaurant was half or more empty which does not lend Itself to a fun dining experience. One menu is used for brunch, lunch (sandwiches), dinner, and limited wine list. Our server had no recommendations for wines as she said «I don’t drink». Huh? She did not bring the owner over to discuss wine pairings. She giggled throughout the entire time she served us and it was disconcerting. No one supervised her. A separate sheet with daily specials was provided but it was not referred to by the server and she did not appear to have knowledge about the menu. Clearly, untrained. We all ordered the crepes and nothing special. Although I was still eating, server attempted to remove my plate. A negative experience with the server and a bland dinner.
I would only return for lunch and only if others wanted to try the restaurant. I do not recommend.

Very good… We shall be back, they serve breakfast as well… the fish was perfect the crepes were perfect and the baked Alaska was awesome!!!

We just tried the Epicure Bistro which occupies the space where The Bistro of Barrington previously resided. It was a genuinely pleasant surprise. We had been told it was primarily a crepes restaurant, but in fact, it is really so much more. With 4 people we were able to try
3 appetizers: cheese plate, escargot, and crab and shrimp cakes, all very tasty. Even before the appetizers, we were served really scrumptious warm dinner roles with butter. .. those alone would make me recommend the place! We had the Country Crêpe, the Normandy and the Parisienne. .. they were all good, but the Parisienne had a particularly great flavor. We split 2 desserts, the profiteroles, a standard choice for a French restaurant,
and a crêpe with ice cream, chocolate hazelnut sauce and fruit. .. really good! We really miss the Barrington Bistro, but the Epicure Bistro is a wonderful addition to the Barrington dining scene! We plan to return and we would recommend to other diners. As an addendum, the staff is helpful and very pleasant and friendly. Welcome to Barrington, Epicure Bistro.

Food is great! Staff is wonderful. I will definitely go back. I had the steak. It was very flavorful. We ordered the different desserts and they were all delicious. I hear the Bloody Mary’s are awesome.

What a refreshing experience. New owners and a great face lift. Love the bar very well done. The atmosphere is upscale chill. The staff and owner’s r welcoming and gracious. The food is off the hook. All said I’m very picky about where I spend my time out side of work and this is a place where my time is well spent.

Le Petite Creperie in Woodstock Square moved to Barrington foundry!!!
Great spot for lunch!!! Was greeted and seated promptly with a smile. ;) we sat outside. Ordered coconut shrimp for appetizer, it came out right away, it was delicious. For lunch my girlfriend and I ordered the crepes. I had the chicken and she had steak. We both loved our meals! Will definitely go back.

Really yummy birthday dinner! Our family enjoyed the following entrée crepes: Bistro (ham/​cheese/​bechamel), Cajun, and Scallops/​Leek sauce. We also tested the frites and fruit plate — both good. The nutella dessert crêpe was out of this world.
My six-​year-​old kept «yum, yum”-ing after every bite. We all really enjoyed it. The place was relatively hopping for a Wednesday night, too, and it’s nice to feel like you’re not dining in an empty restaurant.
Just a few things that could’ve made the experience perfect — bread could be warm, leak sauce in crêpe could’ve been creamier, and frites seemed a little breaded (kind of like BK). All in all, everything was really tasty and we’ll definitely be back.

This place was perfect. The food and atmosphere made the experience wonderful. Our server, Courtney, gave great commendations. We tried the shrimp and crab cakes on her recommendation and they were a great start. I highly recommended La Cajun crepes and La Bourguignone crepes. Really, I can’t imagine any of the crepes being a disappointment. We had the desert on special, a chocolate almond cake with chocolate mousse, also, delicious. The wine selection, as well as a fairly extensive cocktail menu, just rounded out the great experience. We will definitely be visiting again!

Very good crepes, service and tasty.
Went for dinner on a weekday. Ordered Beef Bourguignone Crêpe and L’Alaskan Crêpe. The braised beef in red wine sauce was divine and the salmon in white sauce was beyond heavenly. I wished I could have more salad. Salad came with both of these crepes in a small soup cup. We also has French onion soup, I thought the soup was light on the flavor but the crepes more than made up for it. Don’t forget dessert, we got a small French kiss to share and it made a very good sweet ending to a memorable, delicious meal. Yum yum yum yum!!!

My husband and I went here for dinner last night and were sorely disappointed! First of all, this is NOT a bistro… it’s a creperie! The vast majority of the menu is crepes and sandwiches… no true entrees! A true French bistro would offer things like steak frites and roast chicken… French comfort foods. The only entrees offered (other than crepes) are on a daily specials menu that the waiter gives you when you sit down. The specials are WAY overpriced… seriously, $ 36 for an 8 oz filet? $ 34 for a lamb shank? They also offered a «cassoulet» (again, overpriced), but stated that it was in a marinara sauce??? I’m sorry, but cassoulet does not have a marinara sauce. That’s Italian NOT French.
We decided instead to get a couple of appetizers and try the crepes. The charcuterie plate had two pates and two cheeses along with some grapes, cornichons, and olives. It was served with a couple pieces of toasted bread. The duck pâté was decent, but the lamb pâté had a funky flavor that was very off-​putting. The cheeses were excellent, especially the petit basque.
We also got the crab cakes, which were tasty, but a small portion for the $ 14 they charge.
I ordered the Cajun crêpe and my husband got the Normandie, which had beef tips in a gravy. His was delicious, mine was ok… not really a Cajun sauce. The shrimp were small and didn’t taste fresh and the «wild» mushrooms were nothing but sautéed button mushrooms. The Andouille sausage in the crêpe was very tasty, however.
The highlight of our meal were the French fries! They were crispy and delicious! They came with a side of ketchup. When I asked the waitress for a side of aioli instead to dip my fries, she had no idea what I was talking about. Disappointing.
The sandwiches looked good and some tables next to us had ordered them. But my husband and I had come here for a nice bistro dinner and that was lacking. I would recommend this place for a nice lunch, but was sadly disappointed about the lack of dinner options and the overpriced entrees!

And we have a WINNER.
My wife and I ate here with our son for the first time. It was previously Barrington Bistro, a great place.
The staff was very welcoming from the get go. The owner was there getting to know the new customers and was very pleasant. The inside has been completely remodeled and reconfigured all in a tasteful and hip manner that works well. The menu is fun including lots of unique things plus a great kids section.
They have only been open a few nights and all went very smooth.
The food was wonderful and a great value.
We highly recommend this place.

Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, and diverse menu make this new restaurant a must try.
Had the Porchetta tacos and charcuterie pâté appetizer. Both were delicious with nice presentations.
I will return to try daily specials and additional menu items… goat cheese salad and savory crepes sounded good.