10 Brasseries, Bistros And Bakeries For Authentic French Cuisine In Chicago
When people consider Chicago's current dining landscape, French cuisine might not be the genre that immediately springs to mind. Yet a whole world of wonderful brasseries, bakeries and bistros linger just beneath the crust of the mainstream, waiting to be rediscovered. From the deep roots of tried and true spots established in the heyday of the '80s and '90s, to a few new personalities fighting to bring French culture back to its former glory, here are a handful of excellent spots to get your baguette on in Chicago right now.
1. Les Nomades
Trends come and go in Chicago faster than you can say boeuf de bourgogne, but Les Nomades has remained the cornerstone of fine French cuisine since debuting to the public in 1996 (the Streeterville restaurant originally opened in 1978 as a private club only catering to a select crowd). White tablecloths and a strict dress code still set the tone for the experience, in a space that oozes old world elegance and exclusivity. Don't miss out on the award-winning wine list, where you'll find plenty of European and American gems by the glass or bottle. 222 E. Ontario St., 312-649-9010, lesnomades.net
2. Brindille
One of the city's newest and most praised French dining experiences also comes with one of the highest price points to keep the less sophisticated customers away from the River North neighborhood. From the team of cousins responsible for Michelin-starred restaurant Naha, Brindille is an understated, serene alcove where the seasonal Parisian-inspired American portions are satisfyingly generous. If you've got a pretty penny to spend and an open mind as to what constitutes French cuisine, Brindille is the spot to check out right now. 534 N. Clark St., 312-595-1616, brindille-chicago.com
3. Everest
Located on the 40th floor of the historic Chicago Stock Exchange Building, the only thing more delightful than the sweeping views of the cityscape below is Everest's precisely executed menu. A staple since 1984, the haute cuisine destination excels at delivering outstanding food made using only fresh American ingredients — so outstanding, in fact, that the restaurant has been Michelin rated since the guidebook first came to Chicago. Pro tip: the wine list features a staggering collection of wines from Alsace, which Chef Joho claims is the largest in the world. 440 S. La Salle St., 312-663-8920, everestrestaurant.com
4. Paris Club Bistro & Bar
Downtown's modern Paris Club re-opened after brief renovations last February with a more intimate, chic-yet-cozy vibe to match the kitchen's warm French fare. Chef Doug Psaltis (who trained under Alain Ducasse) hones a focused attention on classics like spice-roasted duck for two, steak tartare and coq au vin, and the bar delivers one of the best craft cocktail lists in town, with a small but appropriate menu of light aperitif-style drinks like the bubbly Kir Royale and ice-stuffed, nutty Sherry Cobbler. 59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800, parisclubbistroandbar.com
5. Maude's Liquor Bar
The Hogsalt Group's (Gilt, Bavette's, Cocello) romantic West Loop brasserie caters to a varied crowd, from the older early birds seeking delectable terrine and fondue to the late night revelers sipping St. Germain Fizzes and throwing back $5 Fernet shots from the stately marble bar. The menu is separated into "traditional" and "almost" French, and highlights include the impressive seafood towers, arranged for ideal social snacking. 840 W. Randolph St., 312-243-9712, maudesliquorbar.com
6. Chez Moi
Chef Dominique Tougne's urban Lincoln Park bistro boasts simple, classic French dishes served with a welcoming joviality. Originally from Alsace, Tougne opened the bistro in 2012, aiming to create a place where people would feel comfortable while enjoying fresh cuisine. With three-courses for $29, the prixe fixe menu is one of the best deals in town. Otherwise, start with the earthy roasted beets and don't miss out on the other house specialty — a rich cassoulet, featuring white beans, duck confit, lamb stew and garlic sausage. 2100 N. Halstead St., 773-871-2100, chezmoichicago.com
7. La Fournette Bakery & Café
Old Town's best neighborhood bakery has been serving up crusty breads and flaky pastries since 2012. Fourth generation baker (and World Baking Champion) Pierre Zimmerman aims to keep his business as "green" as possible, so even though breads and pastries are baked daily, processes are streamlined to reduce waste and save energy; all flours are unbromated and unbleached, and no chemicals or improvers are used in the recipes. That attention to quality shines through in specialties like chef Pierre's beer bread, a sinful delight made with rye flour, mashed potatoes and beer, with a crispy crunchy crust perfect for dipping in soups and stews. 1547 N. Wells St., 312-624-9430, lafournette.com
8. Vanille Patisserie
Macaron lovers flock to this Lincoln Park dessert and pastry shop to get their fix from a virtual rainbow of the best delicately crafted seasonal flavors in town. The newest outpost of the successful French Market patisserie also offers a tempting selection of classic treats including tarts, petit fours, chocolates, breakfast pastries and other confections orchestrated by owner Sophie Evanoff. 2108 N. Clark St., 773-868-4574, vanillepatisserie.com
9. Bistro Campagne
This charming Ravenswood bistro has been serving traditional bistro fare since 2002. With a name that means "countryside," it's no surprise the quaint neighborhood restaurant sources food from local organic farmers for its seasonal offerings. While the interior is warm and welcoming, the secluded back patio provides the perfect getaway for balmy spring afternoons. 4518 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-271-6100, bistrocampagne.com
10. French Market
Chicago's 20-something indoor marketplace vendors don't all lean French, but the spirit of European market culture remains strong within the confines of the building. Originally established by the Bensidoun family, who operate nearly 100 markets in both America and Europe, the market bustles with foot traffic, as the adapted space also houses the Metra train system. Stop by Delightful Pastries for sweet treats, or Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine for some charcuterie and other hors d'oeuvres. 131 N. Clinton, 312-575-0306, frenchmarketchicago.com
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