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Chalkboard Reviews List
Chalkboard
Chef Gilbert Langlois, Elizabeth Laidlaw and their young son Owen would like to welcome you to their restaurant in Lincoln Square. Chalkboard features an ever-changing menu of carefully prepared dishes in an elegant, airy space. The daily offerings and thoughtfully chosen wines are handwritten on, what else? A chalkboard. Come experience for yourself one of the most loved restaurants in Chicago. We look forward to dining with you!
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79 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 79 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(39)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(50)
- fit for foodies(41)
- special occasion(33)
- romantic(32)
- great for brunch(13)
- notable wine list(13)
Chalkboard Reviews List
Review 1 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service superb
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a wonderful, quiet Monday evening dinner. Our food was delicious, though I would cut back a bit on the vinegar in the house salad dressing. The fried chicken was great as always, and the greens were nicely firm, even sandwiched between the chicken and the mashed potatoes. Our server was really great."
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 2 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Came here for my birthday and was blown away! I must say I call myself a foodie and was beyond impressed. There were three of us and to start we had the scallops, crab salad, and oxtail... couldn't pick a favorite if i tried! The cheddar biscuits we got with dinner were so good i wanted to ask for more! We all had the fried chicken and it lives up to the hype. Crispy and juicy with a little kick... perfect. You can not leave without trying the mac n' cheese because it is outstanding! If you thought the raving was over it isn't. The fried cookie dough wanton is a reason for living! Needless to say, I will be back very, very, very SOON!"
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Weird experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for brunch, and there were only 3 parties there at any one time. Service was still erratic - coffee not refilled and water slow in coming. Was given a menu, then had it taken away and said that only the starred items on the chalkboard were available, and there were 6 of them. I said, ", so the pancakes aren't available?" The waitress said "well we could make you those." So are the menu items available or not? Never got a drink menu, we ordered mimosas, but who knows what else there was. Need to have more brunch options; not sure why they are even open. I felt like I was at someone's house and making them feed me. There was a couple who got their food, and apparently gave up waiting for a server because they up and left without eating."
Dined on 6/02/2013
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Review 4 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Highly Recommend
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved it! Have been wanting to check out Chalkboard for a long time and decided to have my birthday dinner there. What a great dining experience. Our servers were wonderful and the food was outstanding. Check out the website and you'll get a good idea of what to expect. I will definitely come back!"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The menu was very limiting and the steak was very tough. We probably would not return because there are so few things to order. The scallops were outstanding!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Review
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Restaurant overall was good but would have preferred a bit more energetic crowd."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
bland food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Skate and salmon were a little funky and bland. Service was good but food definitely not worth the price"
Dined on 5/24/2013
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Review 8 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chalkboard rocks!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have already referred Chalkboard to a million friends - and it is my Go To spot for good food on a night out, with people I really want to make happy. Special occasions, anniversaries, birthdays and my Go To spot for getting together with friend's that I want to really have be a special night. Also - my husband and I just about lived there in the Winter - it was our Cheer Ourselves Up spot. Cannot recommend it highly enough!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing, food ok, service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Disappointing, food ok, service not good."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
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Review 10 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food and good service,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food and good service, but there are better places in the neighborhood."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
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Review 11 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my fav's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best fried chicken and mac and cheese. Hands down"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 12 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The fried chicken and mac
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The fried chicken and mac & cheese were out of this world! The salad was over salted to the point that you really couldn't eat it. The desert was fabulous. One of the best carrot cakes I have tasted. Thank you for a nice pre-theatre meal."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I like the place, but the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I like the place, but the food didn't live up to my expectations...I would, however go back and try it again."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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Review 14 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a fantastic meal, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a fantastic meal, and the price was great for the high quality of the food. We will be back, soon."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Well prepared variety of dishes
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Well prepared variety of dishes with great presentation.- From seafood to hanger steak. Romantic cozy bistro with just the right ambiance for a first date or anniversary or dinner with the girls. Great wine and beer selections. Its one of my favorite places to eat and relax."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good found, a great atmosphere,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good found, a great atmosphere, but very high prices. $25 for fried chicken and mash potatoes? A return trip cannot be justified."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2009
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Review 17 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Tea Service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My two girlfriends and I visited the Chalkboard for afternoon tea and it was delicious. They had a table waiting for us upon arrival right in the window which was nice. I had the strawberry cream herbal tea and it was wonderful. Our waitress was even sweet enough to write it down for me if I wanted to purchase it. My friends tea was tasty as well. They also brought out small sandwiches, scones and pastries for us to split. The desserts were hands down AMAZING. There was a fudge, small fruit tart and and a crispy dessert wonton filled with soft cookie filling. Perfect sizes as well because of how rich the desserts were. I would love to try brunch here sometime, after getting a taste of what they have to offer!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 18 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Went for brunch. The menu
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for brunch. The menu is extremely limited -- not a vegetable or fruit in sight. The atmosphere is very old fashioned, which can be nice but this restaurant needs a major facelift. The service was indifferent. All in all, a disappointing experience ."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2008
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Review 19 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have been dining at Chalkboard
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been dining at Chalkboard for years and it is always a wonderful experience. The food is outstanding. The waitstaff is so lovely. And the ambiance is beautiful. Each time I dine there, I bring a new friend(s) and they are always so impressed. This past Sunday, I was celebrating my birthday and it was the perfect place to go for a champagne brunch. Next, I want to try their Saturday afternoon tea service. I am sure it will be lovely."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I went for our anniversary and had a great time. The chalkboard menu was fun."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Second visit to Chalkboard,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second visit to Chalkboard, first brunch. Food was again very nice as was the service. We will return for dinners and brunch in the future. Love their cassoulet!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The high tea was excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The high tea was excellent and beautiful."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 23 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The place is very quaint and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The place is very quaint and romantic. The menu is written on the chalkboard which is charming, however, it gives no descriptions, which I found a little annoying because I wanted to know how everything was prepared and what went with it. After asking the waiter to describe several dishes, I gave up asking and it was hard for me to remember what he did say. The food was good but had some flaws; the cheese plate had a nice selection, but the crackers were stale, our Gnocchi was a little tough and most likely not house made; however the sauce was very flavorful. The steak in the mushroom sauce was delicious, but could have used less truffel oil and the brussel sprouts were a little undercooked and lacked flavor."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great spot for a date. Risotto
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great spot for a date.
Risotto was great, Lobster and Scallop appetizers were real good.
The Price Fix Three course meal is a great deal.
Risotto was great, Lobster and Scallop appetizers were real good.
The Price Fix Three course meal is a great deal.
Only problem was the trout lacked seasoning, lentils were under cooked and the entire dish
was a major let down. I dont recommend choosing the Trout Dish that they have to offer currently.
was a major let down. I dont recommend choosing the Trout Dish that they have to offer currently.
Although, considering they have a chalk board for a menu, it will probably change by the time this gets published! HA!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 25 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was terrific, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was terrific, and our wait staff was excellent! Took very good care of us! Would go back again anytime."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Chalkboard
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Scallops were excellent, and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Scallops were excellent, and the brie grilled cheese is to die for! The fried chicken is good, and it's a little spicy, but I thought it was a touch bland. My wife had the steak and it was also very good. I think they could improve their red wine list, and that's the only drawback in my opinion. Service was great and the scene was excellent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Chalkboard
Based on the average of (53) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate