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Chez Joel Reviews List
Chez Joel
In the midst of Little Italy, Chez Joel creates the tastes and aromas of France. Featuring traditional favorites, Chef joel Kazouini offers his straightforward, expertly prepared Southern French cuisine. Chez Joel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a true French bistro; its walls adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joel the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.
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115 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 115 reviews
5 stars
(58)
4 stars
(50)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(74)
- romantic(59)
- fit for foodies(57)
- special occasion(55)
- great for outdoor dining(20)
- notable wine list(18)
Chez Joel Reviews List
Review 1 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely garden where you can dine
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"And converse. The pepper steak was tasty and surrounded by perfect pommes frites. The bouillabaisse was crowded with an amazing amount of seafood and fish . My wife couldn't finish it all. And, the duck confit delicious but the breast slices a bit too fatty, service was efficient and the server and maitre checked in frequently to be sure we were enjoying our meal. We really enjoy Chez Joel."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice casual bistro
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful night on the patio. First time at Chez Joel. Our group had steak frites (au poive and regular) and rack of lamb. Excellent and cooked perfectly. Wine list very reasonable. Service a tad slow as they were very busy. But, definitely recommend."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I went to Chex Joel for the first time since we had attended a concert in the neighborhood. We dined in their outdoor patio in the early evening. It was a wonderful evening --- the food was delicious, the atmosphere was romantic and the service was very good without being overbearing. All in all, we would highly recommend Chez Joel."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My sister and I took our mother for Mother's day because we love French food. I went on line and choose Chez Joel because of the location and great reviews.
We were so pleased with the entire experience. Our food was cooked to perfection, our server was pleasant and had a great sense of humor, our deserts were mouth-watering. We didn't leave a morsal on our plates! I can't wait to go back.
Thank you, Cez Joel, for making this a memorable Mother's day for us all.
Ramona Garrett"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
French in Little Italy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Most amazing find of an authentic French Bistro in the LIttle Italy neighborhood in Chicago. Not very well known but oh the food was superb. Felt like we (3 couples) were in a bistro in France--very authentic. Each person had a different food, from lamb to salmon to steak and every plate was licked clean. Small and initimate, the noise level was above moderate but somehow it conveyed and energy that we all felt was very healthy. Will definitely return, have already recommended to others."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"French fries were not fried ! Chicken tasteless. If you call a dish "coq au vin" it should come with sauce (red wine sauce). Do not call it "coq au vin" if there is no sauce ! First time we had a bad experience. Menu ( many dishes with a French name) is riddled with errors. Perhaps they should not pretend to be a French bistro !"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 7 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Anniversary Spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Joel is a bit of an unexpected gem near the University of Illinois at Chicago. My fiance and I went there for our anniversary and loved the not over-the-top romantic ambiance, with the candles and dim lighting. I ordered the coq au vin and my fiance had one of the specials, which was salmon. Both were excellent. Our server noticed us exchanging cards and, correctly assuming that it was our anniversary, put a candle in our dessert, which was a nice touch. We had a great time and would love to go back for another special occasion."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food - good and simple
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had the grilled Salmon that was cooked to perfection the vegetables that came with the dish were savory. I wish there were more veggies with this dish. I also had the Bloody Mary, it was a bit over powered by the horseradish. My wife and daughter had the eggs Benedictine and they loved the eggs. This was a special occasion in celebration to my daughter's First Communion and the Chez Joel fulfilled the moment."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Outdoor Dining!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always have a great meal here! We were pleasantly surprised that the garden was open! The weather and food were just perfect!!!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Picture Perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Chez Joel is a beautiful little restaurant with a fabulous courtyard. The food is delicious,
And the service is great."
And the service is great."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous Bouillabaise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Chez Joel is a very nice authentic French restaurant in Little Italy. The restaurant is small and quaint. We were celebrating an anniversary and liked the atmosphere and the low noise level. The food was fabulous! We both had the Bouillabaise (seafood stew) and loved it! It was some of the best Bouillabaise, which is one of my favorite French dishes. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my third time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my third time at Chez Joel and I had a guest who is a gourmet cook with me.
She RAVED over and over again about the Sea Bass and loved the restaurant!"
She RAVED over and over again about the Sea Bass and loved the restaurant!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 13 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful, yet again!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love this little French joint nestled in the middle of a vibrant Little Italy. The food is always stellar and beautifully presented on the plate. What I really love is the whole ambiance. I always go if I want to be pampered and eat terrific food, without the stuffier more buttoned up feel that you may get at some of the French spots downtown. In the summer they have a wonderful patio. You really should make the trip and try it. Fantastic."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 14 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Charmed and Charming
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"All around lovely place. The food is excellent, the ambiance is pleasant, service is consistently attentive enough...just all around exceedingly charming and charmed ambiance."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
French Food on Taylor St? YES!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second time there and this time we brought friends. Very good and underated French restaurant. Service very friendly and food is really good. You may like the "ambiance" of the new and cool restaurants in River North, but if you want good food, good service, a conversation friendly meal, and a resonably priced bistro, this is your place."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a wonderful dinner. I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a wonderful dinner.
I had a spectacular Sea Bass entree,
And my husband had Escargot and Filet
Mignon, both really delicious. The steak
Was done to perfection.
Mike, our waiter, took very good care of us.
It's a beautiful restaurant space, and we will
Definitely be back!"
I had a spectacular Sea Bass entree,
And my husband had Escargot and Filet
Mignon, both really delicious. The steak
Was done to perfection.
Mike, our waiter, took very good care of us.
It's a beautiful restaurant space, and we will
Definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Traditionally Ooh la la
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A little like visiting a neighborhood bistro or café in Paris. Small, intimate. Very traditional French food. Started with a beautifully presented salad with endive, green, pecans in a very light mustard vinaigrette. Coq au Vin was flavorful and moist; sea bass had wonderful flavors on the plate. Everything was b eautifully seasoned and presented. Creme brulé may be a simple dessert, but this one was one of the best I've ever had. Simple yes, but intense vanilla flavor and silky texture just made it perfect. Would definitely go again."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and great service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and great service. We will definitely come back once we are in town"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My mom was craving bouillabaisse,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My mom was craving bouillabaisse, and they knocked it out of the park. Food was great. Had a great time."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 20 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Speechless
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a great place to dine! I wanted to do something special for my fiance because we haven't gone out in what felt like a year. (We just welcomed our son). From the moment we walked in the service was great. We started with the grilled octopus. She had the Flounder whichwas one the specials, while I had the lamb. EVERYTHING was great. The wines that the waitress suggested were a perfect compliment. No matter what I say it would be an understatement. Just go and enjoy!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our second trip from
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second trip from Milwaukee to Chicago to see a show, and after our first experience at Chez Joel we could not wait to go back again. We first ventured from Milwaukee to Chicago on Valentine's Day weekend and were fortunate to find this exquisite little restaurant for a romantic dinner. Our second trip served to reinforce our first impression: Chez Joel is a find!
Everything we have tried on the menu has been fantastic, from the cream of mushroom soup to main courses to the creme brulee! The tastes are magnifique!
We brought our college student son with us on this visit and he seconds our endorsement. If you have not yet tried Chez Joel, make plans soon for a special dining experience worth driving 2 hours each way for!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
French bistro in Little Italy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Brunch the day before Easter was delightful. We had a birthday celebration for two people and everyone enjoyed their entrees. Valet parking, limited metered parking on Taylor street, and residential permit street parking north and south of Taylor street. Very good, attentive, unobtrusive service. Pastries were delightfully French and delicious. I highly recommend Chez Joel, a neighborhood gem and delightful French bistro."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chez Joel is a true treasure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Joel is a true treasure and the most romantic secret in Chicago. Private and cozy, with attentive servers knowledgeable of both the food and wine selections."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chez Joel is an excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Joel is an excellent and very reliable French Restaurant on Taylor Street in Chicago. We have been dining here for a number of years. The food is always great and the service is very good. Many people don't know that the during the warm weather they have a very nice outdoor space that we dine in whenever weather permits. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. The wine list, although not extensive, is nice and we can always find something in the $40-$50 range that is good."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything my wife and I wanted
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything my wife and I wanted was excellent!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Pleasant Evening at Chez Joel
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very nice little restaurant, off the beaten path. Charming decor, good menu. The pate is exceptional. My date and I both had the filet mignon, which was excellent. Chez Joel allows you to bring your own wine for a $25 corkage fee, but their own wine list is more than adequate, and reasonably priced. Our server could have been a bit more attentive. A fun restaurant, and I would definitely return here for another meal."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sure is nice that, over the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sure is nice that, over the years, they've managed to maintain the quality of the food while adding variety to the menu and improving the service."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
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Review 28 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have never been disappointed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have never been disappointed at this Taylor Street gem. Quality service and high standards are a constant. The menu maintains the French "must haves", including Coq au Vin and Steak Frites. In addition. they offer wonderful specials that will please any pallet. Not pretentious, Chez Joel has been our go-to restaurant for years !! Always a treat to dine there."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 29 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We absolutely loved Chez Joel.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We absolutely loved Chez Joel. We had an 8 o'clock reservation for a party of 4. We arrived at 8 o'clock and were informed that our table would be ready shortly (another table was taking longer than expected, completely understood). The host promptly sat us at the nice corner bar where we seemingly had our own bartender to begin the evening. After about 10 minutes, when our table was still not yet ready, the owner came by and apologized, and had an appetizer (goat cheese bruschetta, YUM!) delivered to the bar, on the house. As we finished our first drinks our table was ready (approx 8:25). We loved all appetizers and entrees that we picked. Awesome place!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
first time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time there-a nice size-meal was fine and we will be back"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 31 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Beware that this restaurants
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beware that this restaurants clearly overbooks. I made a reservation 9 days in advance, and when we arrived, they told us they were "preparing our table" when in fact there were no unoccupied tables. They parked three of us at the tiny bar next to one chair, and we waited for 30 minutes. As more people arrived, they were in the same predicament and the area around the bar, right next to the tables, was packed. The restaurant is small, crowded and noisy. The food and service were excellent once we were seated, but for the money, I'd rather go where I can be seated close to the time of my reservation."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
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Review 32 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
French Gem in Little Italy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great steaks, Great atmosphere, Great French restauraunt in the heart of Little Italy. What a gem! Get a table outside once the weather clears up... This place is awesome!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food quality very good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food quality very good and more authentically French than most Chicago Bistros. Service a bit rushed. Valet parking poor, long wait for pick up."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 34 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely go! Its delicious!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went to celebrate Valentine's day - had a lovely evening! The mussels were fantastic! Presentation of food very enticing and service was impeccable - timing of meal precise as well!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We've been eating at Chez
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been eating at Chez Joel for several years, and I'm pleased that the food quality hasn't slipped a bit. At the same time, the quality of the service has improved."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
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Review 36 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delightful evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chez Joel is a lovely little restaurant. The food was beautifully presented. The service was faultless. The atmosphere was warm and inviting on a chilly night. I was disappointed that the food itself was inconsistent. The salad was unremarkable, the "haricots verts" were not thin (they were just green beans), and the tarte aux pommes was very pretty but somewhat flavorless. The bouillabaisse, however, was wonderful, and they split it beautifully for us."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 37 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I had the sea scallops on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the sea scallops on saffron risotto, and it is the best food I have ever tasted. I know that's not helpful, but I don't want to take the time necessary to describe the emotions (emotions!!!) that this meal evoked. Simply outstanding."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
it was a great evening all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"it was a great evening all around"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 39 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was good, bread was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was good, bread was surprisingly good. The food was very good."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific choice for a romantic meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good service
Excellent Valentines Day special menu
Lovely decor
No problem finding street parking if you have a Zone 5 sticker, otherwise the valet is reasonable"
Excellent Valentines Day special menu
Lovely decor
No problem finding street parking if you have a Zone 5 sticker, otherwise the valet is reasonable"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was excellent, the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent, the waiter was incredibly well informed and nice. Some of the best service I've ever received at a restaurant. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone and everyone."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lovely quiet dinner for two.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lovely quiet dinner for two. The food was good,the service excellent."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2010
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Review 43 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not fit for foodies. Please,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not fit for foodies. Please, foodies, go to overpriced small plate restaurants. This is classic, current French. A lovely room, very good service, great food. And I like it because it was all ages and ethnicities. Vibrant bar scene? No. We came to have a meal. We are in our 50's. The bar is beautiful, however, and our cocktails were perfect, and the staff knows how to handle coat check and table service effortlessly in a small room. Let's hope this wonderful restaurant never gets trendy."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
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Review 44 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of the best french
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of the best french restaurant's I have been to. My friend and I started with the Escargots Farcis Au Beurre à la Bourguignonne. This was awesome and I would recommend anyone to order this. Next, we tried their soupe du jour which was a mushroom soup. This was also a great to have before our entree's. I ordered the Magret et Confit de Canard, sauce à L’orange and it definitely did not disappoint me. My friend ordered the Steak Grillé au Poivre which was prepared perfectly.
The only negative about this place was we felt that we were being rush during our meal. Our water was very attentive but brought out all of our food very quickly."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 45 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a last minute add-on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a last minute add-on to our reservation. The person up front did not seem to be bothered by it but the manager was completely put out by it and made it very apparent to us. It was early in the evening before the dinner rush and there was still an open table available the entire time we were there. Any business should be gladly welcomed. The rest of the service was great, as was our food and server."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 46 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our fourth time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our fourth time at Chez Joel over the years, and as usual the food was outstanding. Everything -- the appetizers, entrees, and desserts -- was incredible (we've never been disappointed by anything we've tried there). Great ambiance and a really good value considering the outstanding French cuisine. Thanks again Chez Joel!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 47 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the first time we've
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the first time we've seen it so full; usually I make reservations to be polite but this time I needed them, and was glad. Not sure if the staff remember us or we just got lucky, but we were given the perfect table, off in the corner, as far removed from everyone else as possible. Very grateful for that, as we both had long days and were relieved for the privacy. As always, food and wine were exquisite. We love Chez Joel."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 48 for Chez Joel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food and Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This charming French restaurant had excellent traditional food and impeccable service. They miss a star on the wine list which left much to be desired. A traditional French restaurant needs some excellent French wines which was lacking and needs some excellent CA/napa wines which were also missing. The food and service were outstanding though."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Chez Joel
Based on the average of (67) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
9 out of 10 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate