Chalkboard

Cool restaurant, great service, the only negative i have is about the chilaquiles too much beans, not enough nachos not enough chorizo and only one egg. And no flavor. i’ll come back to eat some pancakes they looked really good.

I’ve always wanted to eat at Chalkboard, but thought it was too pricey and upscale. Well, I was wrong. It has a warm décor with mellow, attentive service. I met up with a big group for a casual dinner and it was sensational. They do a prix fixe — 3 courses for $ 38!!! Flavorable organic salad, buttery scallops and the most yummy veggie pot pie! i left completely satisfied and cannot wait to go back. I’m sorry i passed it by year after year… it truly is one of those neighbor places that makes you feel a bit special.

Another night at Chalkboard, and I was fully pleased, AGAIN! I really love this place. My hubby isn’t an adventurous eater, so the fantastic chicken is what he always gets, and I go for the more unique menu items. Last night we attended a party, there. (I believe I was the only one who had already been there… and I wasn’t planning the get together– a happy coincidence that the event landed at Chalkboard.)
Our server was very patient as we took our time, gathering and greeting one another– 15+ people is a big group for any restaurant– and I would have been annoyed if I were serving us. But when we finally sat down, all waters were immediately poured, the wine order was taken, and flaky yummy warm biscuits were served to each of us. It’s that great combination of home cooked goodness mixed with upscale professionalism that keeps me coming back to this place.
Anyway, our server explained the items and how they were prepared, as we became curious and asked about them, which is so much nicer than rattling off the «specials» right off the bat, which always make me feel pressured, as if I will be taking a test after the first course. Again, in this way, there is a lovely sense of relaxed pace, mixed with total confidence in the service. I had the skate– it was great. Never had skate before. Escargo was fun and just seasoned enough to really taste the little guys. Lots of people got the Hangar steak… one ordered the cod, and another, the salmon. We were all «yumming» and occasionally sharing bites back and forth. Oh, others also got the to-​die-​for mac’n cheese and scallops… wonderful flavors. And house salads and beet/​watermelon salads got a lot of good comments, too. (You know how groups can be… taking pics of food, commenting and sharing bites.)
No desserts for us, that night. But I normally indulge because the creations are just unique enough; it’s worth it.
This place is always a good choice for excellent service, and fantastic food at what is a really good price, considering the attention that goes into each dish… and I have been there when we had to call ahead to get reservations… only the 5:30 or 8– something was available, and also when I can’t believe we are one of 5 tables only.
To the review that suggested the chicken and mashed potatoes weren’t salted enough… and gave very few stars, I say, «Please pick up the shaker, and increase your own sodium levels at your discretion. If you are used to a high level of salt on your food, your palate is indeed more fit for Kentucky Fried Chicken, as you mentioned in your pithy review.»
Chalkboard is a wonderful concept, and I hope more people continue to discover and enjoy it.

We recently dined at Chalkboard and found the experience to be very pleasant. We will be returning shortly to sample other menu items.
Our server was exceptionally polite and attentive, and he explained the menu concept, as well as all of the dishes we asked about with enthusiasm. After a few wine samples and input from the server, we settled on a few different glasses of wine that were well suited for the evening and our tastes.
We started with scallops and, respectively, the two of us had the fried chicken and the trout. I really enjoyed the chicken on top of mashed potato and greens. My SO found the trout to be tender and delicious. (I’m not a trout fan, having had, perhaps, too much of it growing up fishing in the Rockies). I sampled the trout, however, and found it to be pretty tasty, for trout, that is ;-).
On a side note: we had a
certificate (presented when we ordered) and experienced no troubles using it at all.
OK – so here’s the caveat: we were the only diners there that evening. It was a bit surprising, given the fact this place seems to be rated pretty highly and enjoyed by most diners, but having read a few of the other reviews, maybe something subtle is happening, slippage-​wise. Empty restaurants can be a huge red flag to me, but we were treated exceptionally well and it was a really nice, instead of lonely/​depressing, experience!

Every time we walked by Chalkboard and peered in to see the adorable décor, we promised we’d have to dine there some night. A few years later, we finally made a reservation at this local restaurant for a nice dinner out.
Really charming interior — loved the décor, lighting and layout, including the menu on the huge chalkboard. It all comes together to make for an intimate and warm dining experience.
Unlike some reviews posted here, we experienced excellent service all around. From the hostess, the bus boys to our waiter, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly.
To start things off we ordered the crab croquettes and they were excellent — crispy and savory, served with a Dijon and parsley aioli. Also absolutely LOVED the home made biscuit that was still fresh and hot off the oven. So far, things tasted great and I was highly anticipating my entrée.
I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken which is their specialty. It was a HUGE portion, so much so that I only managed to eat about a third of it. It was very crunchy which I liked, but a bit too salty for my taste and nothing special. The chicken was served over mashed potatoes, white sausage gravy and some tasty collard greens. I would have much rather preferred to have a piece of Popeye’s chicken on my plate instead… especially for $ 25. The entrée made me wish I had just ordered like 2 – 3 orders of the croquettes we had as appetizers.
After a disappointing entrée, we looked at dessert for redemption. I ordered the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Egg Roll and the disappointment continued. It was a bit stale and the best part of it was the chocolate ice cream. My husband ordered the flourless chocolate cake with strawberry purée and was underwhelmed as well, especially since our server told us it came with vanilla ice cream but it was served without.
Overall we had a pleasant night out dining somewhere fancier than usual and supporting a local business that also uses local, organic and sustainable ingredients. The ambiance and service was great, however for the quality of the food, the prices are a bit too high and we probably won’t venture back here again.

The missus and I dined with a $ 25
gift certificate on a Friday night. The restaurant was not crowded at all when we arrived at 7pm, but the whole place was pretty full by 8pm. Reservations recommended! We did not have any troubles using the certificate, but make sure to give it to the server before you order. I see some other reviews say they don’t honor the certificates if you present them after the meal.
We had the server that a few people seem to be complaining about a lot here on Unilocal.We had no problems with him at all. He was willing to explain the dishes to us, although we had already gotten most of the information from the website beforehand. The service as a whole was great. Quick and friendly. No complaints service-​wise.
But food-​wise, I was a little less than amazed. For my entrée I ordered the steak, and unfortunately I wasn’t very impressed. The steak seemed cooked to perfection, but it didn’t have much flavor at all. The woman at the table next to ours also expressed disappointment at her steak. I enjoyed the crab croquette appetizer and pre-​appetizer dinner roll more than the entrée. For desert, I ordered the flour-​less cake, and that was probably the highlight of the meal.
I’m going with 3.5 stars, rounding down to three. I enjoyed myself and most of the food was good, but the most expensive part of the meal left me wanting. I’d go back and try something else though!

Every time that I come here and am able to walk in without any wait I get a little pissed off. This shouldn’t be happening.
It had been quite a while since we’d been here, but their recent Facebook posting of a pork loin with brie risotto just sounded really good, and was enough to pull us out of our hobbit hole for the evening.
Many times when the mrs. and I go out to eat she laments that I end up picking the better tasting dish. I can’t help it, I’m brilliant and awesome like that. It’s all part of my charm. On this night though, she was the clear winner. I had a hanger steak with potato, bacon, and brussel sprouts. Very tasty, and one of the few times I have actually liked eating brussel sprouts. But that risotto was awesome. Creamy and rich yet sweet and a little sharp with the apple cider gastrique. An absolute highlight.
Long ago, the first time we came the service was not good. That has long ceased to be an issue. Everyone is friendly, on top of things, and ready to help out in any way.
Please people, go here damn it! I do not want to be able to get in at 7PM with no wait. I’m counting on you!

We try to get to Chalkboard a few times a year. Another one of those restaurants I love because it’s fantastic, but not quite 5 star so you can actually get in.
Most everything on the menu (which as the name implies is a giant chalkboard on one wall) is fantastic. There are a few things that don’t quite cut it, but they are few and far between. They rotate the menu and throw in ‘new’ stuff from time to time, but they will tell you if something is new and they’re trying it out. That’s not always worked out for me, but anything that’s been on the menu before is usually a good bet.
I don’t like to use the ‘romantic’ card to describe a restaurant too often, it’s like saying an italian sports car has ‘soul,’ but it’s one place that certainly does live up to it. Anytime I want to take my fiancé out to a nice dinner it’s one of my top choices.
Just don’t bring a group or kids — it’s just out of place here.

My friend had been talking about wanting to try Chalkboard for months and last week we finally got around to going and now I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. Our experience was excellent.
We both had the tasting menu which consisted of the Chalkboard salad, scallops appetizer and your choice of entrée. I had the mushroom gnocchi and my friend had the duck. The scallops were out of this world — perfectly cooked and divine. When I saw my friend yesterday she said she was having dreams about the scallops, so clearly she’s ready to go back for more! My mushroom gnocchi was good and I had enough for the next day. The duck looked delicious and the preparation was great… I believe the duck was on sliced avocado and other veggies. My friend was pleased with her choice. Next time I go I will probably try a meat option.
With the tasting menu we got the wine pairings. I liked that it wasn’t a set wine pairing like at some other restaurants. He asked what our preferences were and we went from there. Very flexible and the pairings were great.
Our server was quite attentive and answered all the questions we had. The food was served at a good pace, one round done the next one was right behind it.
Overall a good experience and I’m likely to return… mmmm scallops!

This place was forgettable.
Service was fine, wine was okay, the food was just eh.
I left feeling very underwhelmed.
*Yawn*

I had very high expectations going in. I have to say that my experience wasn’t quite as good as I expected. Not to say that it wa bad, it just did not live up to expectations.
Service was adequate. The bar was a little underwheling with very limited options, it almost makes you think they should promote BYO as an option.
I had the fried chicken, mine was dry as was the other fired chicken ordered by our table. The chicken is not worth $ 25, sorry. I guess I should have known better though, if you order fried chicken for $ 25 you will almost always be disapointed unless you have some sort of taste bud orgasm. I also tried the the pork tenderloin which was cooked perfectly and was a winner.
I’d go back but not for the chicken!

My friends and I heard about Chalkboard’s Wednesday night Chicken and Champagne special and just HAD to try it out. We like to go out of our neighborhoods and try new places occasionally so this seemed like a perfect fit. We made reservations a week in advance and all made sure to show up on time for the experience.
Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. I gave 2 stars because the food was amazing — so don’t think to not go there based on food — really great stuff. The chicken was cooked to perfection with an amazing peppery fried crust and the mashed potatoes underneath were very creamy and rich.
My complaint lies with the service. Turns out this Wednesday deal isn’t as popular as you may think and we were the only table in there after about 830p. They advertise that they close at 10, but around 9pm the staff started breaking down tables and putting dishes away right in front of us as we were eating (pretty shortly after we started eating I may add). It made us all feel very uncomfortable, like we were in the way of the staff going home early like they usually do.
Although the deal is bottomless champagne with the chicken, we noted that when we’d finish our glasses, our waiter was nowhere to be found, hiding back in the kitchen. All in all we each had a total of about 2 – 2.5 glasses, which is hardly the «bottomless» deal as advertised.
At the end, the server graciously included a 20% tip for himself on the bill. We felt so uncomfortable being there alone with the broken down tables that we just paid and ran out without complaint.
So all in all — yes, the food here is great. I love the concept of comfort food and fresh ingredients with an ever-​changing menu. The staff here should learn, however, that even though there is only one table left, they should still treat them as if they are in a full restaurant and not start packing up to go before they even take a bite.

Champagne and Chicken, not ghetto but genius!
I’m always worried if the fried chicken will be good or not. You would think that it’s hard to screw up fried chicken but trust me, it’s been done. Luckily Chalkboard got it right. Very flavorful and you get a large portion that is easily two meals worth. I dared myself to eat all of it, I won (or lost). It would be nice if you could get your choice of side dish but that’s not a deal breaker for me. Also, while I love that you actually have your menu on a chalkboard, logistically it doesn’t work well from every angle in the place so a few menus couldn’t hurt. A return visit is likely.

I was hesitant about Chalkboard when I saw it carried a three and a half star rating, which signifies «average» to me, but my boyfriend and his friend were aching to check it out, and so, as dutiful girlfriends, we followed. I should have trusted my instinct, as Chalkboard was indeed a complete average experience.
When we entered the restaurant on a Friday evening, I was struck by how few tables were taken, and the fact that there was a man wearing basketball shorts and a baseball cap on the other side of the room. Not off to a good start. My boyfrined made a comment about how «pretty» the room was, but green paint on the walls and a chalkboard do not qualify as ambiance in my book. At one point, I said I wasn’t sure what Chalkboard stood for — what was its claim to fame? My boyfriend responded, «The chalkboard, of course.» Hmm. I don’t think a restaurant should stake its claim on a piece of black slate. It needs to have a bit more going for it, in my opinion, especially when it seems, based on what other Unilocalers are saying, the menu options listed on that chalkboard never seem to change.
Between the four of us, we split three appetizers, including the scallops, crab cakes and foie gras. The portions were manageable and the food was very pleasant. Of the three, the scallops were certainly the winner — they were properly cooked and had a nice flavor. I had the skate for my main, which was also cooked well, and accompanied by fluffy potatoes. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it was nicely done.
I wish I could tell you about dessert, but I honestly don’t even remember it! I know we ordered the cookie dough egg roll, but it must not have been memorable, as I can’t recall anything about it.

I was excited to try Chalkboard so I made a reservation for Valentine’s Day months in advance. However, I did not realize that the menu was prix fixe and prix fixe only ($ 55 per person for four courses). So, this review is based on the Valentine’s Day menu/​my experience alone. I had heard great things about Chalkboard’s mac & cheese (Gouda is so good-​a!) so I absolutely would come back for brunch or dinner.
As I said, I saw the prix fixe menu on V-​Day eve and I got really nervous. My husband however likes/​will eat pretty much anything so I did not cancel the reservation and decided to be adventurous. Or something.
The first course was either lobster bisque or a mushroom salad. I don’t eat seafood or mushrooms so I got the salad (those suckers were big enough to fling off onto Mike’s plate) and Mike had the bisque (his favorite dish of the meal). The non-​mushroom salad components were great — fresh goat cheese and well-​cooked (non-​soggy) green beans. Overall, a hit.
The second course was more of a miss. Mike had the scallops and he did not dig them at all. Again, a seafood hater (BAD New Englander!) I went with the eggplant risotto and it was good.. . at the EDGES only. The middle had a plop of «aioli» (I mean it’s mayo, really) in the middle and not only was it nasty, it was smothering my favorite green (arugula). Dang. It had promise but again, a miss.
Third we had a choice of pork belly or a vegetable pot pie. After risotto, I needed protein so we both went the belly route. Braised with foie gras. Wow, I learned I do NOT like pork belly — which is weird because I love pork in general. The consistency was just so unappetizing and there was too much over-​powering goose liver. Mike agreed; we were not fans. Embarrassed, we wrapped this up and took it home. Actually it is still in our fridge (NOTE to throw that out).
For dessert we shared a chocolate bread pudding with chocolate ice cream and some more (yes chocolate) lava. It was incredible. And bread pudding may just be my very favorite dessert so I was really pleased.
Our server was great — attentive, sweet and she offered suggestions for drinks (these thankfully were not dictated by the prix fixe). Since I was not eating so much, why not imbibe? I had a class of Cabernet, and one (OK maybe two, it was V-​day) glasses of champagne (one with some Chambord).
That night, we decided that next year on Valentine’s Day we will go back to one of those heart shaped pizzas and champers. I mean, we tried but overall the experience was not outstanding. Maybe it was just bad luck so I am willing to give Chalkboard another go in the future.

We walked in and I was slammed in the face by the reek of seafood past its prime. Trying to give this otherwise cute little restaurant the benefit of the doubt, we allowed ourselves to be seated and looked over the menu written on the chalkboard. They had a ½ price wine special that looked appealing. Their infamous chalkboard menu was very limited, mostly seafood, but because of the foul smell of the place I wasn’t about to trust its quality or freshness. I also didn’t see the point of paying $ 9 for macaroni and cheese or $ 25 for a steak drizzled in fake truffle oil.
We ended up leaving a few moments later without ordering because I was starting to question whether I could keep anything down while awash in the smell of seafood putrification.
Gorgeous, intimate interior, sadly lacking adequate ventilation.

Wow! I had been before, had forgotten what it was like here and then pleasantly surprised when we came back for brunch. Very reasonably priced items ($ 8 – 13) and good portion sizes. The biscuits and gravy are served in a large cast iron «dutch oven» with three full biscuits and plenty of gravy. Cheese grits are in a large dish. Creamy and delicious were both. The duck mcmuffin was also very yummy with a nice sauce to accompany. Best part, chef brought out fruit for my little guy and I think it was on the house.
Only downside was that they only had one server for the brunch, so service was a bit slower than you might have expected.

I consider myself a «Lady Who Teas» as opposed to a «Lady of Leisure» or «Lady Who Brunches.» I look forward to the ritual of tea with lovely friends and lively conversation. There’s nothing better than drinking tea, eating scones, and having lots of fun with your friends on a rainy afternoon.
The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with the damask wallpaper and bronze fittings. It felt very contemporary, chic, and French. I could see a special dinner here with my husband in the future to reminiscence on the best French lunch we had on our honeymoon on another rainy day. I agree with Carolynne M’s assessment of us being in the back of the restaurant. It felt like we were impeding on their preps for the dinner service not a delightful group of girls who tea.
Chalkboard’s afternoon tea is a solid entry in Chicago’s tea scene. There’s a wide selection of teas to choose from ranging from whites to greens to blacks. I chose a House White tea after drinking a few iced teas already earlier in the day. The tea was served in delicate, white porcelain pots while Lori’s blooming tea was served in a clear glass carafe. I enjoyed the tea but didn’t see any lemons to enhance the flavor.
Our tea sandwiches and scones were pretty good, but nothing mind-​blowing and memorable. They smartly served one tea service tray per two people, so there were plenty for everyone to taste while chatting. The bites seemed especially small. I know it’s a tea service, but we’re no lightweights either. Generally, I enjoyed the lavender cookies and a crisp wonton filled with chocolate ganache. However, the coconut macaroon was tiny and a little burnt. The masterpieces of an afternoon tea were lacking. The scones looked like flattened, crumbly pancakes not airy, fluffy decadent treats. They also weren’t served with lemon curd and Devonshire/​clotted cream. I always look forward to the extra indulgence of clotted cream and lemon curd. None were found among our tea accessories.
Overall, Chalkboard’s afternoon tea service is a good entry into Chicago’s tea service scene. They were lacking in the best components of an afternoon tea service: clotted cream and lemon curd. I consider Chalkboard’s afternoon tea service to be a good beginner’s entry into afternoon tea. If you don’t know what’s missing, you won’t miss it while enjoying the lovely conversation and décor.

I love, love, love this place. Not because the food was sooo fantastic. It was solidly good. But, what I love is the service. They went above and beyond to accomodate. Long story, but here goes:
a. My best friend and her 77 year old mom are visiting.
b. My 87 year old dad is also visiting.
c. Two people over the age of 70 = diva like behavior!
Dad: I want to go to Aria… while attending the Wine Enthusiast’s Taste of the Town event, he met the folks at Aria and fell in love.
Mom: I don’t like Asian food. I’ll just stay home and eat left overs from Marie’s fridge. LEFT OVERS?! I don’t cook! Where do the left overs come from???
So, I suggest we go someplace else. Dad acquiesences and go on line to make reservations at Chalkboard.
Mom then says… never mind. She still isn’t going. So, I cancel the reservations at Chalkboard and make reservations at Aria… all while I am pouring wine… because I just finished a 55 hour work week?!
The wine tempers mom’s emotions… she now wants to try this «fancy Fried Chicken place»…so, I go back online — only to find the reservation is no longer available. Gulp! I call the restaurant and the young woman is amazing. Yes, they can get us in.
Drag mom, dad and friend who is totally not participating in the madness out of the house.
Arrive at Chalkboard. Mom is fussy eater, so waitress must explain EVERY item on the menu… Note: The menu is a chalkboard. No paper. How cute is that?!
We start with the beet and goat cheese salad. Sublime!
Dad gets the Salmon. Mom and me the «fancy fried chicken». My friend the scallops… The chicken crust was yummy. Am not really a fan of chicken, so that’s all I ate. The potatoes were good — though next time I will ask for less gravy. My friend said her scallops were very good. She and her mom are Fried Chicken experts — they said it was really exceptional.
We had the Bread Pudding for dessert — it was good. I would prefer something truly Southern and yummy… like Derby Pie or…
Overall, a wonderful place. The décor is charming and shabby chic. Daddy said we must definitely put this on our list to do again — a huge compliment considering he is a Master Chef and doesn’t really give compiments?!

Let me preface this review with two points:
1. I am a JV foodie, at best.
2. I’ve been anticipating a visit to Chalkboard for over a year.
So, perhaps I was not well prepared for this visit. I had heard such lovely things about Chalkboard… I was excited to go. I thought the concept to be «cute.» What better way to spend an evening than indulging in upscale comfort food and red wine?
Our table was right next to the bar, but it took nearly 15 minutes to get a wine list and order a bottle. (El Filino Malbec, the saving grace of the meal). For a place that «specializes in wine» I was a bit underwhelmed by the service/​wine knowledge. After a glass or so, I ceased to care.
The food: Hmmm. I’m not sure what to think. Even if we had been paying reasonable prices for the food, I’d have been disappointed. I know it’s more «upscale» and they use «organic ingredients» but I cannot justify a $ 9 salad composed of lettuce and cheese. Throw me a tomato, guys… for real. The kobe beef burger appetizer was absolutely comical, and charred on one side. If I get a $ 12 slider-​like portion of kobe beef, it best not be burned.
The tomato bisque soup was quite good, and the brioche it was served with was honestly the highlight of the meal. We split the banana bread pudding for dessert, and it was quite good. We ordered an extra side of ice cream and it was an extra $ 4. I don’t know… I felt that was a bit tacky, as the entire dessert that INCLUDED ice cream was $ 7, but oh well.
Just…not impressed. The décor was nice and such, but if one is dropping some major dough on dinner, they shouldn’t feel like they are sitting in their grandmother’s living room. The concept is good, I think the execution falls a bit short.