Norman's Bistro
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About
Norman's Bistro — dependable soul food in Bronzeville. Backed by 1,150+ Google reviews.
Experience Breakdown
Joseph Ray
401 reviews
“My sister food good as well and fried green tomatoes was excellent”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
the jerk/blackened tilapia sucked. their pizza was beyond mediocre. however, the chipotle cream pasta was decent.
They should hire some people who like the food. Or they should improve the food.
I have passed by this bistro for years and always wanted to try it.
Location
1001 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
What 1,150+ diners say about Norman's Bistro
“The atmosphere is very welcoming.”
The atmosphere is very welcoming. You also must try their chicken gumbo! Yum! There is also stepper dancing with a DJ on Wednesday evenings in the back bar area but get there early, around 7:00, if you want to get a seat!
Sharyon Cosey
Sep 2025
“Went there on April 27 on a Sunday.”
Went there on April 27 on a Sunday. The food was great. The service was great. They had a live band. Everything was wonderful.
clemey robinson
May 2025
“A perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends.”
A perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends. Food is as lovely as the environment.
Andrew Jorgensen
Mar 2025
“LOVE IT HERE! THEY USUALLY HAVE A LIVE BAND. THE FOOD IS REALLY GOOD! Dope vibes everytime I dine...”
LOVE IT HERE! THEY USUALLY HAVE A LIVE BAND. THE FOOD IS REALLY GOOD! Dope vibes everytime I dine in! Fried Green tomatoes are a Hit!
MsBoomCheckItOut
Jul 2024
“Wow! Everything in this place is amazing. Perfect, delicious food, kind service. Highly recommended.”
bob rathan
Jun 2024
“The food here is delicious.”
The food here is delicious! Omg never knew that tomato can be cooked the way they are here you must try them while visiting here! The are crispy and delicious! Cooked to perfection and yes try the wings are also good I really enjoying coming in to eat but some of the staff can be a bit rude. Not sure if it's just a Chicago thing but definitely rude other than that the place is well put together from the tables to the chairs and decor. The food a must try maybe next time I come visit I will try the fish it seems to be a good seller. Other than the staff not been friendly I really enjoy it here while visiting and will have to come back to eat the tomatoes 🍅🍅🍅..and the rice with the gumbo lol
Imelda LovesGod
Mar 2024
“Took my baby sister out to eat.”
Took my baby sister out to eat. The atmosphere was nice and friendly. The service as on point by Noah the server. He was very friendly helpful and knowledgeable of the menu. Food was good my catfish po boy could of been season a little bit more but all and all it was good. My sister food good as well and fried green tomatoes was excellent. I definitely will becoming back next time to see the live jazz since we left. It started at 8pm. Which meant we would have to stay a few more hours but definitely will wait next time to hear them play.
Joseph Ray
Feb 2024
“A friend and I visited it.”
A friend and I visited it. It was my first time. As soon as we entered the musicians were playing. It was so great to hear live music. I miss that a lot. The wait staff was very friendly and the service was quick. I would love to come back to enjoy the outside patio in warmer months.
The SCoop
Nov 2023
“Ok So Friday at Normans Bistro, MASTER BARTENDER MEKO behind the bar, DJ doing his thang and the Foid hot and fresh.”
Ok So Friday at Normans Bistro, MASTER BARTENDER MEKO behind the bar, DJ doing his thang and the Foid hot and fresh! I️ had an unexpected AMAZING TIME ENJOYING FANTASTIC FOOD DRINKS AND MUSIC OAN I️ forgot the FRIED GREEN TOMATOES WERE FIYAH, This Caesar salad with shrimp AMAZING and the Fried Catfish WAS FIYAHHHHHH French fries good too ❤️❤️😋😋😋
Takada Dixon Epps
Dec 2022
“Met friends for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised with the band.”
Met friends for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised with the band. The music was awesome. The owner Norman was present and made all his customers feel welcome. The Bartender and Wait Staff were overwhelming attentive. Food is good, although I had appetizers and a drink. Norman Bistro is very clean and the staff took special care is cleaning public areas. Street parking is pretty good. Come when the weather is warm and enjoy outdoor dining, a true delight.
Jan Austin
Jun 2022
“The customer service here is superb.”
The customer service here is superb. We got there and realized that I didn't have my mask. The owner stopped us and had someone give me a mask. We had the Henny Sidecar and a watermelon margarita. The drinks were amazing and full of spirits. Now on to the food, the seafood gumbo was EVERYTHING! The Chipotle pasta was amazing too. Even the sweet potato fries were amazing, the best I've ever eaten. Thank you so much and we will definitely be back.
Andreika
Aug 2020
“Food was AMAZING!”
Food was AMAZING!! Service was great too. Can't wait to go back soon.
Desire Richardson
Jul 2020
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