Francois Frankie Le Carousel Bar

“Had an absolutely wonderful dinner on a quiet Monday night here.”

Had an absolutely wonderful dinner on a quiet Monday night here. I sat at the rotating bar and the bartender hit that the perfect mix of being attentive while giving me space. There's a bar menu and full menu - both are available at the bar. Highly recommend getting the bone marrow appetizer, and then doing the bone marrow shot (green chartreuse, at the recommendation of the bartender).

Angel Goon

Jan 2026

“Lunch at Francois Frankie Le Carousel Bar was outstanding.”

Lunch at Francois Frankie Le Carousel Bar was outstanding. I ordered the Amish chicken, and from the first bite, it was a clear 10 out of 10. The plate looked great, but the taste made it unforgettable. The chicken had a perfect char that locked in the juices and gave it a deep, smoky flavor. Every bite was tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. The au jus and chicken fat soaked into the fries, turning them into something special. Each fry picked up that rich flavor, and the fresh rosemary added a clean, aromatic touch that balanced the dish. The sauces were simple but well chosen. The creamy dip complemented the chicken’s seasoning, and the fries stayed crisp even under all that flavor. Everything on the plate worked together without feeling heavy. The setting was calm and refined, with service that matched the quality of the food. I liked it so much I went back and picked up four more orders for friends who appreciate good food. Overall: 10 out of 10. Juicy chicken, crisp fries, and real flavor. Francois Frankie nailed it for lunch.

Donte Nixon

Nov 2025

“Such a charming restaurant in the midst of the busy downtown scene.”

Such a charming restaurant in the midst of the busy downtown scene. We only came in for drinks this time but can't wait to come back for dinner because everything looked really great. The carousel/bar DOES move but just very slowly. We didn't even realize it at first until we realized that we had, in fact, moved and were facing a different direction after a little while. Only the bar and chairs move while the interior of the bar remains in place. I think it makes one full rotation per hour. So, if you come to watch one of the games on TV and sit with a good view of it, keep in mind you won't always be in the same spot you sat. :)

Carly Keenan

Oct 2025

“It’s not often that you are left with an experience that moves you to day dream right after your meal.”

It’s not often that you are left with an experience that moves you to day dream right after your meal. The burger is worth the hype, little more pink on the meat would have been welcomed but didn’t take away from the flavor. Best French fries I’ve had all year, trust me I live for cheeseburgers and French fries. Overall couldn’t be more greatful for the experience. 11 out of 10 would recommend. Thank you to Michael and his team for taking care of us.

Elvijs Rusins

Jun 2025

“Brought my wife and son here for my wife's 50th bday .”

Brought my wife and son here for my wife's 50th bday . From the minute walked in to the moment I left it was perfect. Super cool vibe and the food and drink was top notch . The Gm is a guy named Michael he was incredibly attentive , genuine and has that larger then life personality like you've known him for years. Very impressed with him and the flow of the staff will 100 percent be back.

Ben Mollin

Feb 2025

“We had dinner here before heading to a show at the Cadillac Palace.”

We had dinner here before heading to a show at the Cadillac Palace. Very close, you can see the marquee from the entrance. Food was good. Pictured is the halibut. Service was attentive, polite, and prompt. Our waitress Ariel was great. Will return!

Laura Hill

Jan 2025

“Nice place with good food and drinks, Tartre was spot light of my dinner there, steak perfectly...”

Nice place with good food and drinks, Tartre was spot light of my dinner there, steak perfectly cooked, but mussels frites were a little bit too greasy for me, fries were too soaked in that, fries with steak though were delicious.

Laura

Sep 2024

“Visited on a Monday evening for dinner to celebrate my birthday.”

Visited on a Monday evening for dinner to celebrate my birthday. We were seated right away in a nice little corner which allowed us some privacy. It was a nice looking restaurant with dim lighting and gave it a more grown and sexy vibe. We were given waters and menus to look over. I ordered a French 75 and he ordered a beer on tap. The menu looked really good, but unfortunately I wasn't too hungry so we order calamari for an appetizer. I then ordered a Caesar salad with light cheese as my entrée and he order the lobster roll with smashed potatoes. The appetizer came out as a nice portion. The calamari was crispy and flavorful and we enjoyed. Entrees came next. My salad was the perfect portion for me as I was continuing to enjoy the calamari. My husband enjoyed his lobster roll and mentioned that it had a good portion of lobster and not just a little and the flavor was good. Smashed potatoes were pretty good too. We were also given complimentary champagne to celebrate my birthday. Overall this was a great experience with great food, service, and ambiance.

Sarah Haley

Aug 2024

“As an avid theater goer, I’m left wondering where has this place been for the last decade and why...”

As an avid theater goer, I’m left wondering where has this place been for the last decade and why am I only finding out about it now. The food was delicious and the service was quick and attentive. They have a pre-theater menu and a raging happy hour bar scene. Bring your colleagues or swing by before a show and try the steak tartar and the foie gras - both come out lighting fast and are delicious. If only maybe a little too spicy on the steak tartar.

Jordan Gary

Jun 2024

“Went on a Monday night and it was pretty quiet but had great service from the bartender.”

Went on a Monday night and it was pretty quiet but had great service from the bartender. He gave me recommendations of what to try and I ended up with the calamari, steak tartare and a side Cesar salad. The steak tartare was flavorful and so good! The calamari was fried just right with fresh lemon wedges. I also got the strawberry basil smash and it was nice and boozy. Very cute interior with a rotating bar that spins very slowly. Ambiance is upscale but menu prices are very reasonable. The bartender said on Tuesdays they do a speciality $10 cocktail and oyster night with live jazz music so I would recommend checking that out if you get a chance.

Amelia Lam

May 2024

“Can’t really fault this place for anything.”

Can’t really fault this place for anything! Atmosphere & vibe are amazing. You walk right in & the carousel bar pops right out at you. The service was impeccable from the super friendly host to the service people who kept re filling our water glasses to the food handlers & waiters. We went for Chicago restaurant week & I got the ham croquettes, short rib & chocolate mousse. The food was well executed & well seasoned. The noise level was perfect & we could hear ourselves talk. It was a very lovely & enjoyable experience. Good place to take a date our out of town guests.

V T

Feb 2024

“I recently dined at Francois Frankie in Chicago and had an exceptional experience.”

I recently dined at Francois Frankie in Chicago and had an exceptional experience. Our waitress was phenomenal, the staff was very kind, and the food was amazing. I savored the delicious Hampton Water and Bordeaux, while the filet mignon and lobster tail left me thoroughly impressed. Don't miss out on the oysters and calamari – both were great choices. The desserts were a delightful way to end a fantastic meal!

Maida Skys

Nov 2023