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Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute Reviews List
Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
The Parrot Cage Restaurant is a creation and operation of the highly acclaimed Washburne Culinary Institute, one of the nation’s best and oldest cooking schools. Under the leadership of Jose Cervantes, general manager, Dining Services & Catering and the culinary direction of executive chef Angel Cruz, the elegantly appointed gourmet dining restaurant features American French cuisine at affordable prices. It has received the industry's prestigious Zagat rating of "excellent or better" for three consecutive years and, its Sunday brunch has twice received the OpenTable Diners Top Choice award!
The Parrot Cage Restaurant is located in the South Shore Cultural Center -- a Chicago historic landmark and architectural treasure. It is positioned between Lake Michigan’s picturesque beach front and the lush greenery of the South Shore golf course.
Please note: the price for the Sunday Brunch is $25.00.
See more Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute details
63 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 63 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(43)
- special occasion(38)
- great for brunch(37)
- scenic view(34)
- fit for foodies(25)
- good for groups(24)
Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute Reviews List
Review 1 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Parrot Cage excellent value
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fine food with good service in a cool dining room in the old country club. We had a window table so we look out on the grounds."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 2 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Outing!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love the atmosphere- like the dining room looking out into the park listening to Live Jazz. The service was friendly and the food (Brunch) was very good. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and will come back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love having The Parrot Cage in the neighborhood."
Dined on 9/26/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful service, very laid back didn't feel rushed, great food and friendly employees!"
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 5 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Give it a try
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took my husband for his birthday with our teenage son. They loved the view and the location. They were a little less happy with the food. Service is always excellent but the cooking is a little sporadic. The first time I went, I was with friends. The food was great. That was about two years ago. Food consistency would help a great deal. Service was A plus all the way including the hostess. There was a problem with my reservation and she called to help me clear things up. Great customer service! My boys don't want to come back but I will give it another try. Anyone can have an off day."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Jazz Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For the first time we attended the Smooth Jazz Brunh and it was wonderful. We have dined at the Parrot Cage, but not as often as I would like to."
Dined on 4/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Have been wanting to eat at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have been wanting to eat at the Parrot Cage for a long time and I am so glad we did. Enjoyed it tremendously."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Beautiful location and a gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beautiful location and a gem of a facility
Brunch had a large array of food with several dishes not normally served at a brunch. The food was delicious and well prepared.
The staff was warm, friendly and very attentive."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 9 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love the Parrot Cage. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the Parrot Cage. The brunch is great and I'm never disappointed."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Parrot Cage is located
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Parrot Cage is located inside the beautiful and historic South Shore Cultural Center on the lakefront. I have attended many Smooth Jazz brunches there, which are usually hosted in the Solarium, a very grand room with beautiful views of the lakefront. The price is very reasonable for an all-you-can-eat buffet, including non-alcoholic drinks. My family and I always have a great time, and I would recommend it to anyone. Very nice!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed the food and the Jazz
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed the food and the Jazz performances were a definite bonus!!!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The live entertainment adds
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The live entertainment adds to the ambiance of the scenic view. There's nothing like seeing the Chicago lakefront as a backdrop to any occasion."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service could have been
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service could have been better. A lot of the servers were talking to each other more than paying attention to customers. The food was good however someone should show the cooks how to make a good omelet"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
THE MUSIC DURING BRUNCH ON
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"THE MUSIC DURING BRUNCH ON SUNDAY 04-21-13 WAS EXTREMELY LOUD AND DISTURBING."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I went specifically for the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went specifically for the Smooth Jazz Brunch presented by Rick Odell and Smoothjazzchicago.net. Jim Peterick and Lifeforce were wonderful as was the Harold Washington Jazz Ensemble. I will definitely attend another Smooth Jazz Brunch."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 16 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the outside of the property
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"the outside of the property need power washing and window cleaning"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
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Review 17 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my second visit in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my second visit in approx five years. Me and my guests enjoyed the food and the atmosphere"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 18 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
our new favorite perch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love the Parrot Cage! It is reasonable and the quality is excellent. Our only complaint was that our party of 10 was seated at a table more suitable for 8, but it was a busy Easter brunch day, so understandable. The staff was efficient and friendly, and the brunch asortment was extensive. If the weather ever turns warmer, it would be nice to stroll along the beach after taking in all that great food!
Don't let the fact that the place is staffed by students prevent you from going. Although we were told that Easter's staff were not students, when we've dined there in the past, they were, and the service and food were every bit as good."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we were a group of 5--2 from
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"we were a group of 5--2 from out of town-- good ambiance for conversation-- it was probably an unusually quiet evening-- Easter week-end, Friday dinner at 8-- Good Friday. Restaurant was low populated..... servers were very good & we enjoyed our food. did not look at the wine list, so not applicable to answer-- have not tried brunch yet, but will soon... thanks!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 20 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not as good as it has been
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not as good as it has been in the past. New menu needs some tweaking! Old one was much more interesting! We have been frequenting you restaurant since you opened!
Service slower than usual and the restaurant was not busy!"
Service slower than usual and the restaurant was not busy!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Review 21 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great location; good food;
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great location; good food; attentive staff. Quite impressive."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I like this place for the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I like this place for the beautiful building and the lake front location but for the price, the selection of food is very small. For $25.00 I'd expect some cheeses, sliced meats, pastries, fish, shrimp, breads, rolls etc. Very basic brunch items at other places."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 23 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The Sunday brunch wasn't that
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Sunday brunch wasn't that great and certainly did not warrant $30 per person. The bacon was cooked literally to a crisp(all crunch, no chew); bland spinach salad; the smothered pork chop was pretty good and the omelets made to order were great. I'm glad for the experience, but would not be hard pressed to return."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
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Review 24 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
salmon and lentils undercooked,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"salmon and lentils undercooked, drinks, martini's too strong, and late arriving. but they were on the house. pork chop and sweet potato very good. peach cobbler very good."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 25 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our first experience here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our first experience here with guests from out of town was a real treat. The landmark status of this ex-country club is worth the trip in itself, but the food preparation is the reason to support the restaurant and its goal of training in the culinary arts. Three of four entries were great (braised beef with risotto, pork chop, and salmon) but the steak wasn't cooked medium (very very rare but this may have had to do with its thickness - too thin and it's hard to cook perfectly). Anyway they should know better. The wine pours are fair, some interesting cocktails and a limited beer selection. Staff is very friendly though taxed if a large group is present. The atmosphere makes up for any inconvenience in service. We will return."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 26 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I enjoy the atmosphere and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I enjoy the atmosphere and cleaniness of the restaurant. The service was very good. However, I was disappointed with the limited choice of food. I was expecting more of a variety. I will definitely return in hopes of a more variety of food."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not worth the cost
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Was very disappointed with fixed menu. Seemed cheapened when compared to previous Valentine's Day menus."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 28 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Almost Perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for the Mardi Gras jazz brunch. Food was excellent. Best fried chicken I've had in a long time. Buffet was replenished often and everything was hot. Price was very reasonable and the setting overlooking the lake is beautiful. Only complaint was the acoustics. Jazz band was using amplifiers which probably weren't needed and music was WAY TOO LOUD. Conversation was impossible and ambiance bordered on unpleasant at times. Fortunately they took several breaks and finished early. Would have been perfect if they had been more subdued."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 29 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We wish we could have been
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We wish we could have been notified that it would be "Jazz Sunday." The jazz group was good, great ambiance and food . . . but we had wanted to talk, which of course, we couldn't in that kind of setting. Also, although the service staff was generally attentive and friendly, we had trouble getting our bill and leaving, even though we had told people that we had another engagement."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2011
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 30 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent as always! One
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent as always! One of my favorite spots. A hidden gem."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2005
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good. Staff was really friendly and helpful. Restaurant was tastefully decorated, nice colors, and wonderful view of Lake Michigan. Beautiful building!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Parrot Cage - Washburne Culinary Institute
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate