Lemon Tree Grocer

Made my third and final attempt at this place. nothing appealing in the dessert cases or fresh
food area. Could not get anyone to help me or answer my questions about items. Produce looked wilted and old. Sad to say I will not make another attempt. Standard Market has a much larger and better selection. Lemon Tree was once a good place for us to pick up a nice
meal to take home or purchase ingredients to make a nice dinner. I am sad that the staff just
doesn’t seem to care.

Enjoyed the lunch here with the shrimp wrap, beet salad, and sangria, and sat outside on the patio on a beautiful summer day!
The build your own burger ended up being a bit pricey with all of the add-​ons.

Zest Bistro (in Lemon Tree) and I are like a bad teenage romance. We keep breaking up and getting back together.
On one hand: the food is, legitimately, very good. I’m particularly fond of the burgers. That said, I’ve had the tacos and they were decent (not awe-​inspiring). I enjoyed the Panini. The salmon was pretty good.
On the other: it’s overpriced and service was beyond terrible.
All I can figure out is that Zest has an identity problem. It wants to be an upscale, classy American restaurant (based off the menu and prices. Food is good, I’m less fond of the price). The location is good. The interior looks pretty (although I maintain that the chairs are beyond uncomfortable. Tall person gripe? maybe.) The staff, barring one positive experience, is awful. They’re not unfriendly, but they’re completely inattentive.
This past time, we were seated and apparently, no one realized we were sitting in their section. The host might not have told them. They might not have realized. All I can say is that on a Monday night, when it wasn’t very busy, there were, at times, 3 – 4 members of the staff around the bar talking. No one came over to help us.
We ended up flagging someone down after ten minutes (possibly a little longer). The food, at that point, was quick. Our server was embarrassed and apologetic.
Dining here isn’t worth it. The cost implies «upscale» but the service says «Steak and shake». I’m through with Zest. Over the last 18 months I’ve continued to try to give it a fair shot, but the service has finally managed to irritate me beyond redemption. That, combined with expensive fare (that I can find elsewhere in town with larger portions, equally tasty preparation, and better service), has made it clear — it’s not worth coming here.

I couldn’t be any more disappointed in the Lemon Tree. My finance and I have been coming here on and off since it first opened, based on the concept of being a smaller version of Standard Market. Not even close. On our visit today, we walked in with the anticipation of noted points from Robert Irvine. To our dismay, they hardly took any. Stubborn owners will be the death of what could be such a fantastic idea. Empty produce bins, a barren meat counter, zero take-​away meals at the deli and lack of complete acknowledgment from everyone standing behind the counters. The place even included an overstock of overpriced dairy items and fifty dollar bottles of Don Julio. Yes, because everyone coming off the train from work will be looking for one of those. Today we witnessed one of the busiest days in Downtown Downers Grove, and hardly anyone wanting a glance at the «re-​vamped» Food Network showcase.
Before they officially close their doors, we will at least visit Zest.

I met my husband for lunch. We ate outside on the patio. The service was a little slow for the time of day but our waitress was very nice. I ordered the Turkey & gouda sandwich, my husband had the burger. We both enjoyed the food very much. Delicious and filling. We are excited to come back and try dinner. Now with the Restaurant Impossible publicity, they should ramp up service and they will be a great place to frequent. We were able to bring our dog as well, huge plus.

Barely three stars. I hate rating cute places this way but service was just ok and food disappointing. Came in on a DG Cruise night. My hubby tried the calamari which was tasted like basic bar food –frozen then fried. We split a burger and fries-​the fries came out cold and when the server asked if I wanted fresh ones (huh? Of course!) it was clear that all they did was re-​fry already fried French fries! Sure, they were now hot but most of them were black and all crisp-​no potato anymore! You can’t cover that with Parmesan and truffle oil and pretend you care about quality. Maybe it was a bad night but we won’t rush back. Try Marion Cheese Market in Oak Park instead!

Conveniently located next to the train station, we stopped in to buy some pasta. It was easily located and we took it to the checkout register. We waited with our money in our hand and nobody waited on us. We were not even acknowledged. We left the pasta at the counter and proceeded to another local grocery store. If this is a customer service that they provide, there is no way we will pay the premium for their products.

I stopped in the Lemon Tree Grocer because I had a Living Social certificate that I needed to use before the end of the next month. The certificate was only for «prepared foods or produce» I asked the person behind the deli counter what was covered as prepared foods, he did not know, a second accociate walked up and he too could not tell me what was covered. I grabbed a couple of items that I thought would be covered and walked over to the rotisserie chicken sign. When I asked if they had any left I was told that they were out of hot ones but had some in the back from that morning. I requested one of those, which only took about a minute. I then went to go to the wine section and when I was walking another employee walked up to me and asked if I had just called, no I had not. He said that I could not have the chicken in my cart. What??? He said that 5 minutes prior someone had called and reserved the last chicken. He repeated several times that I could not have the chicken, I told him that I ordered it and was given the cold chicken. He repeated again rudely that he could not let me have the chicken. I asked what I should do then and he said I just can’t let you have the chicken. Fine, I told him that if that was the case he could have the rest of the items in my cart. He then decided to check with the Chief who told them that there were more cold chickens. During this whole discussion 4 or 5 employees stood within ear shot and did nothing but watch us. I have never been treated so rudely and will not be returning.
The issue was not the chicken, it was his rudeness and lack of Customer Service. If he simply said that he had already taken an order for the chicken and it was the last one and suggested an alternative entrée for my family I would of understood.
I did send an email to the contact on the website and did not hear anything from the Lemon Tree.

It was extremely uncomfortable atmosphere. The service sucked or was non existent. They brought the wrong food after reviewing twice. And it took forever. Go to Neat instead for Taco Tuesday.

The Lemon Tree Grocer is particularly special to me because it’s Downtown Downers Grove. I’ve walked by it like million times! Every time I visit my grandma we always go to Egg Harbor on Sundays, which is right across the street from the Lemon Tree. So with a little coercing to break the semi-​religious Egg Harbor brunch routine, I was able to get the family to switch brunch plans and end up at the Lemon Tree instead. *so excite*
We showed up for brunch around 11am (even in Chicago, the #BrunchKlub routine stands). The interior of the bistro was small, but adorable and pretty accurately depicted from the show. It was pretty slow at 11am, but every table was filled by the time we left around 12:30-which made me happy that they had good business! The food was decent, but the service was so slow. It was insane. I was starved by the time our food arrived like 45+ minutes after we ordered. Quite annoying.
I ordered the Truffled Mac and the Roasted Beet Salad (fennel, feta, pine nuts, vinaigrette). Pretty decent food for pretty decent prices. I would come back here again for sure, but I just hope the wait isn’t that long every time! I enjoyed it so much I even blogged about it :)

Poor service. Party of 3 one person wasn’t even asked about her drink order.
I was so excited to try this place again after Restaurant Impossible was here. I guess it only restored the interior.
Salmon was uncooked. I’m not talking about sushi! Sent the fish back and a few minutes later it was brought back to the table nuked and THE SAME PIECE was returned… SMH

My wife and I stopped at Lemon Tree to pick up an on-​the-​go dinner from the deli counter last week and I’m absolutely delighted by the changes that have been made. I love that they’re listening to the customers and stocking the shelves with things we actually need and want to buy. For about $ 14 we had a nice picnic dinner with the supplies we picked up.
This location is so convenient for not only the folks that live in downtown DG, but also for commuters. I often meet my wife at the train and sometimes we’ll amble around downtown for a bit. On this particular evening we just wanted to find a park and have a picnic, so Lemon Tree’s supplies were perfect.
I know it’s difficult for smaller stores to remain competitive on their pricing, but I think Lemon Tree’s revisions are perfectly fair. If you’re willing to travel further and go to Jewel or Trader Joe’s, you’ll probably find lower prices. But I’m not doing my entire grocery trip here. This is where we’ll go when we need to get something quick for dinner or a missed item from the big shopping trip.
In addition to having the Zest café and fair prices, the employees are always very friendly, albeit I would ask that they be a bit more knowledgable about their goods. The gent behind the deli counter couldn’t tell me the ingredients in… well, anything. I’d consider knocking a star off for that, but it didn’t bother me and the experience was so pleasant that I don’t think it’s necessary.
I will absolutely visit again and hope Lemon Tree is here for years to come.

We love Mollie’s Wine Corner… She’s fantastic and she bailed us out when we needed a good bottle of wine for a housewarming gift.

So today me and my boyfriend were looking for a place to eat breakfast at, we decided to go check out this place on a whim because the place across the street was a half hour wait. We walked into the dinning room completely empty and told we could not have a seat because of reservations. I understand keeping reservations but I don’t understand sectioning off the entire dinner room, I’m sorry I wanted to spend my money I’ll just never go there again.

We have ate there several times in the past. Ate there again on Friday 4÷3÷15 after hearing about the Restaurant Impossible show. It is the only day they serve sushi. The improvements in the restaurant was very nice, service was excellent and the sushi was top notch. I mean really good! Price was fair as well.
It would be nice if they expanded beyond sushi rolls but they did have a nice selection. I think we are going back 1 week later.
— — — — — —
Yup, we went back one week later. This was after the Restaurant Impossible show aired. The Restaurant and the store were busy. Got seated right away though. Sushi excellent, Service was excellent. We had desert too and that was very good. The owners were there working hard.
Nice job.

I would fathom to say that the lemon tree still amazes me. It is conveniently located just within 4 minutes of belmont and fairview… Same item as standard market… Wasn’t too price savvy today so didn’t pay much attention.
Ordered chocolate gnashe cupcakes and they had a truffley gnashe in the middle. The key lime bites were splendid with a great like filling. The almond baked tiramisu Cheesecake was flame af with the graham cracker crust.

This place does not get enough credit… There are such amazing people that work there. I eat at Zest at least 3 times a week since I live in Downtown Downers and enjoy the company of everyone that works there. Jon, Tabatha and Alison are extremely friendly and make my experience fun every time I go. I often will stop in alone and have dinner but never feel alone because they make me feel welcomed.
I’ve honestly never had a bad meal here. One of my favorites is the duck confit Mac and cheese. Never disappoints. Tim one of the owners and also a chef there has gone Outta his way many times to make something specific for me that isn’t exactly how it is on the menu. He even made me simple syrup once so I could go home and make a margarita with it because they were out of stock.
This place has become the new hangout for brunch on Sunday’s with my girlfriends and family. If you haven’t been there please check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Great food and fun café. Had the chopped salad and it was best I have ever had with fresh in-​house croutons. I took home a container of the black bean salad from the grocery and it was so good! Very fresh. A little gem in Downers Grove righ across from the train station.

So, the restaurant takeover hasn’t fixed the fundamental problem with lemon tree. The service is still bad. New lighting, some new walls, same menu, same good food, same terrible service.
Went in on Friday with the intention of grabbing a quick bite before heading out to a party. Three of us day sat down, grabbed a bottle of wine off the shelf, opened it ourselves (screw cap) and were ready to order something fast.
Ordered two burgers and the Friday all-​u-​can-​eat fish fry. Bottom line, we were there for nearly two hours. Food was slow, the waiter disappeared multiple times, couldn’t get our waters filled… your basic inconsistent service. We couldn’t find anyone arrive when we tried to get another order out fish for the all you can eat… so we’re gave up.
The worst part was spending the entire meal staring at one of the owners just sitting at a table drinking and chatting with friends. He wasn’t helping to expedite, clear tables, fill glasses, run orders or check on client satisfaction. I was told multiple times by the staff how «busy» they were because of the show. If that was the case, you’d expect the owner out there hustling to help out his staff.
There was a family behind us with a small kid and I watched the mom get up with the kid and leave because the check was taking too long… it reminded me why I can’t bring my own 8 and 5 year olds in there for dinner.
They get three stars for the food and the beer/​wine offerings only. Unfortunately, the service is bad and ownership needs to address it. The frustration isn’t worth the food.

Update: stopped in on a sunny Saturday afternoon and was seated outside. We had a couple appetizers and 2 rounds of very good mixed drinks. Service was professional and everything was great. I think they have it together now!
I’ve been here multiple times and the service is inconsistent. Hopefully being on Restaurant: Impossible will be the shock they need.