Bistro Monadnock

Name: Bistro Monadnock
Address: 325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604, Chicago, IL, 60604.0, US
Telephone: +1 312-945-7040

Essential

French

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About

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"

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

5.0

💬Sentiment

4.8

Chuck Griffith

151 reviews

Highlights

RomanticCozyOld SchoolGreat CocktailsQuick BiteHidden GemFast ServiceNeighborhood Institution

Must Try

Oysters

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Strong cocktail menuWarm, welcoming staffGreat for date nightKnowledgeable staff

Some noted

A bizarre sweetness overpowered just about everything - and we ordered a lot of food.
— Lisa Lagger

Read all + reviews on Google

Specialties

Oysters

Location

325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604

What 40+ diners say about Bistro Monadnock

“Bistro Monadnock has a wonderful European charm that immediately sets the mood.”

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

Dec 2025

“Had an INCREDIBLE pre-show dinner here.”

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

Oct 2025

“Came here for lunch last week & wow.”

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

Oct 2025

“Perfect. This is the place to bring your friends from out of town to impress them. The food was...”

Perfect. This is the place to bring your friends from out of town to impress them. The food was excellent. I can't wait for my dad to try the beef tallow fries, he hasn't had them in 35 years. And if you like spirit forward whisky cocktails, the B&B&B was really special.

Daniel Goodhue

Aug 2025

“Semyon was a phenomenal waiter who gave us pleanty of time and patience as we navigated the menu.”

Semyon was a phenomenal waiter who gave us pleanty of time and patience as we navigated the menu. The food was fabulous. We enjoyed the onion soup, Cornish hen, gazpacho, dorado royale, escargot, and peach Melba. It was wonderful and can’t wait to come again.

Benjamin Ema

Aug 2025

“My sister kidded me that I should keep quiet about this place so it doesn't get too busy.”

My sister kidded me that I should keep quiet about this place so it doesn't get too busy. The food is all top tier and the vibe takes you back in time.

Nicole

Jul 2025

“Came to Chicago for the weekend and our 7 year anniversary.”

Came to Chicago for the weekend and our 7 year anniversary. Chose Bistro Monadnock, and what an amazing choice. Everything from the ambiance to the service, even the head chef bringing out the charcuterie board to explain the types of meats and cheeses. Top notch place had a wonderful night for our anniversary. Thank you so much. Simon was amazing the Rabbit pot was amazing. Will be back next time in town .

Tim Whitlow

May 2025

“I stopped in here while traveling for work.”

I stopped in here while traveling for work. It was a little hard to find from the street because the door to enter is from the inside of an old timey (and very cute) shopping mall. I sat at the bar for happy hour and ordered a couple of sliders and fries (I ordered the fries at 4:30 once the dinner menu was available). My server at the bar was really pleasant and the sliders were delicious. I also enjoyed the fries and a couple of glasses of sparkling wine. I would definitely return for full dinner.

Danielle Allen

May 2025

“The atmosphere is enjoyable and the stay is very nice.”

The atmosphere is enjoyable and the stay is very nice! The food was good as well. I recommend the steak tartare! We also had had the French onion soup and burger.

Yasmin Cordero

Apr 2025

“Amazing food and amazing staff.”

Amazing food and amazing staff. A really pleasant evening. Went for resaurant week and had a nice time. My father loved the French onion soup and Cornish hen. Steak was cooked perfectly, very tender and the fries were perfect. Every person who came to our table was very nice. They were friendly and seemed happy to be there.

Natasha Gargola

Feb 2025

“I ate here tonight and enjoyed the most welcoming environment and delicious food.”

I ate here tonight and enjoyed the most welcoming environment and delicious food. Steve was a server and he was very friendly and accommodating. We ordered mocktails, bread and fat, lobster bisque, onion soup, the bistro burger, and the flat iron ribeye. The butter they used for a lot of the dishes were very flavorful and their small menu made it easier to make a decision that will not disappoint. In all, this was an amazing dinner with a beautiful atmosphere and friendly staff!