Bistro Monadnock
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
What 397 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“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”

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

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

“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)”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”
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