Skip to content
312 Eats
Loop · French

Bistro Monadnock

4.7397 reviews ·Opentil 9 tonight
The escargot is made to perfection, just enough bread to soak up the delicious garlicky butter and parsley
Chuck GriffithChuck Griffith · 151 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Bistro Monadnock — among the best french in Loop. Order the Oysters. The kind of place your parents probably knew about too. Natasha Gargola: "Steak was cooked perfectly, very tender and the fries were perfect"

What 397 diners keep saying

Fast serviceNeighborhood institutionRomanticCozyOld schoolGreat cocktails
Plan your visit
Reserve a table
325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604
Loop
Today11:30AM-9PM
Sun–MonClosed
Tue–Sat11:30AM-9PM
Own Bistro Monadnock? Claim this page · Spot an error? Suggest an edit

What 397 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by S. Chen
May 2026

Would ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND visiting, both for the food at this particular establishment and the building itself, back in its heyday having been the largest office building in the US. Happy hour menu includes many interesting options- >Beef sliders with pickled red onion, dijonnaise sauce, and capers - the perfect bite on fluffy buttery brioche bun. Actually quite substantially sized with a thick quarter-diameter pattie >Maui oyster shooter with trout roe and quail egg in verdita, garnished with shiso leaf. Briney savory from the oyster and roe, rich and creamy from the yolk, smooth and refreshing from the verdita and shiso leaf. Also a slight kick from the red pepper flakes. Such a complex composition all in just one bite. They advise to take out the leaf, drink it from the glass, then eat the leaf. Figured out later, drink but don't swallow yet to actually discern the flavors >Salted cod croquettes with garlic aioli and herbs - impossibly fluffy and light with actual fish paste and no fillers, golden crisp crust from the deep fry, creamy rich aioli >Sazerac, a sophisticated stirred cocktail apparently originating from New Orleans, with cognac, angostura bitters, absinthe rinse among other components. Deliciously smokey-sweet, smooth. Perfect pairing for the salty shooter and croquettes

S. Chen

S. Chen

213 reviews on Google

Review photo by Krystle Rose
Mar 2026

Great atmosphere. Great food. Great service. Must try when in Chicago.

Krystle Rose

Krystle Rose

519 reviews on Google

Review photo by Brian Schaefer
Feb 2026

Definitely one of the best restaurants in the Loop. Cocktails in particular are exceptional, and many strong choices on the menu. Excellent service.

Brian Schaefer

Brian Schaefer

51 reviews on Google

Review photo by Steven
Jan 2026

Restaurant Week dinner was fantastic. Food, service, atmosphere… everything. Bistro Monadnock is a gem. I’ll definitely return. (Pictures include smoked steelhead with trout roe, lobster bisque, skate wing Grenobloise, steak frites, profiteroles, and crème brûlée)

Steven

Steven

159 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jeremy Shay
Jan 2026

Sat at the bar and ate off the restaurant week menu. First off, I wasn't able to catch the bartender's name but he was fantastic. Gave me great recommendations. Also, the food was phenomenal! Such a great local spot in the loop to go for dinner. Cannot suggest this place enough.

Jeremy Shay

Jeremy Shay

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by joe loiselle
Jan 2026

Everything about Bistro Monadnock was lovely. The food and cocktails are top tier good, you have to get the French Onion Soup. The cocktails exceeded my expectations, their Mont Blanc is my new favorite cocktail. The bartender is just as talented as the staff crafting the meals. Our server was the ideal server, always there when needed but never hovering and had answers to every question. I’ve added this place to my rotation and have been spreading the good word. I recommend this to everyone that truly enjoys quality food and drink.

joe loiselle

joe loiselle

47 reviews on Google

Review photo by Victoria Chirman
Dec 2025

Bistro Monadnock has a wonderful European charm that immediately sets the mood. The French soup and escargot were outstanding and alone worth the visit. An ideal pre-show dinner stop with great food and a classic French bistro feel.

Victoria Chirman

Victoria Chirman

19 reviews on Google

Review photo by Sarah Sorenson
Dec 2025

I’ve been here multiple times, and every visit is just as good as the last. The French onion soup is the star of the show and honestly rivals the best I’ve had in Paris. It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner before seeing a show. Consistently excellent food and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Sarah Sorenson

Sarah Sorenson

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Caroline McCahey
Oct 2025

Had an INCREDIBLE pre-show dinner here. We arrived early at 5pm and the place was full and turning those without reservations away by 6pm. We started with escargot and oysters Rockefeller - the escargot really stiff out. They were hot and buttery, and the bread was warm and crunchy for dipping. We then split the beets & blue salad. It felt unique and had a delicious raspberry dressing. The entree was the skate fish - one of the best dishes of the night! I don’t often see skate on a menu, so jumped at the opportunity and was not disappointed yes. The sauce was excellent. Finally for dessert we had a challah bread with poached bear and gelato. It was good, not great, and not as tasty at the rest of the meal. Overall thought it was an incredible meal with great service.

Caroline McCahey

Caroline McCahey

36 reviews on Google

Review photo by Krystal Madrigal
Oct 2025

Came here for lunch last week & wow. Truly one of the best burgers I’ve had in Chicago - & I’m a burger lover! The fries with the aoli were amazing too. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Def plan to go back!

Krystal Madrigal

Krystal Madrigal

52 reviews on Google

Review photo by Eva N
Feb 2026

Good food and good atmosphere. Would definitely visit again.

Eva N

Eva N

28 reviews on Google

Review photo by Brandon Ballard
Jan 2026

Service was excellent. Food was just ok. Steak tar tar was good. Had a bite of a burger that was excellent. The roasted Cornish hen was poorly seasoned. Drinks were exceptional. Pricey for the experience with good food, just not great.

Brandon Ballard

Brandon Ballard

541 reviews on Google

Sounds like your kind of place?

Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.

First Bite

One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.

More French in Downtown & River North

See the ranking →

In the same lane · French

If it's packed, walk to…

More good rooms in Loop, minutes away.

Keep exploring