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Café Absinthe Reviews List
Café Absinthe
Since its opening in 1994, Cafe Absinthe has garnered critical acclaim for it's innovative French/ American cuisine, use of the finest ingredients , attention to detail, an extensive wine list, and attentive and knowlegeble staff make Cafe Absinthe a Bucktown/ Wicker Park treasure.
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46 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 46 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(27)
- romantic(23)
- fit for foodies(22)
- special occasion(15)
- notable wine list(8)
- good for groups(5)
Café Absinthe Reviews List
Review 1 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There were very few diners due to the Hawks game and I have to believe that is why the service was so poor. The waiter was new...and not just new to the restaurant. I think this could be the first time he waited tables. The bar next door was crazy loud and all the staff wanted that night was to close already. The food was good, but the service quite underwhelming. Doubt I'll be back for a long time."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
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Review 2 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was terrific, I had the steak that was cooked perfect. What a gem we will be back"
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Simply one of the best meals ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"From the moment our party of four was seated, to the end of the meal, we were dazzled by Cafe Absinthe! Our server, Eric, was fantastic - a charming young man who gave us just the right amount of attention and professionalism. The food was skillfully prepared, artfully displayed, and utterly delicious - between the four of us we ordered the lamb, tenderloin, scallops and salmon, and everyone was delighted with the taste and preparation of their entrees. My tenderloin was amazing - perfectly grilled just this side of medium rare, with a delightful Cabernet sauce, and accompanied by a fabulous mushroom, asparagus, and potato combination. The white chocolate bread-pudding dessert with caramel ice cream and Frangelico sauce was sublime."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Poor service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Cafe Absinthe for dinner on Saturday night around 8pm, and we were really unimpressed with the service. It took almost 10 minutes for anyone to even bring water to our table, let alone take a drink order. Throughout the night, we just had consistently slow service, and it wasn't because the place was busy (it was approx. 1/2 full). It took a long time for our food to come out (we watched tables around us that ordered after we did get their food, so I'm guessing our waiter forgot to put our order in). If our server had been doing a good job making sure our drinks weren't empty, our bill probably would've been $30 higher.
If we go back, it'll probably just be for cocktails (which are great!)."
Dined on 6/01/2013
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Review 5 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still fantastic!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Still great and with a wonderful decor. The seared foie gras is awesome!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worth Finding!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went to address for Cafe Absinthe on North Ave. but found a locked door that seemed to go to kitchen. No signs were posted so we wandered around the block on Damen and found the entrance in the alley. Found that very strange but entered a very inviting restaurant with a friendly staff and great menu, not huge, but good selection for all. Loved the food but found it slow on delivery. We enjoyed the halibut and salmon entrees and were almost too full as the salads are quite large and worth sharing. We were too full for dessert but enjoyed espresso and more wine. Would suggest a helpful sign in front to direct people to entrance."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently excellent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Haven't been here for years, happy to experience that it's help up the quality of the food and service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We really enjoyed our first visit to Cafe Absinthe. The atmosphere is charming and relaxed, the service is attentive and friendly, and the food was very good. We'll definitely be going back!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Hardly anyone there on a Thursday
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Hardly anyone there on a Thursday night. Literally one of two tables in the restaurant that night. Beet salad was very good, scallop and lamb entrees were bland."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
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Review 10 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Valet parking was $10, that
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Valet parking was $10, that seemed high."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
tasty french food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is really good here. We had the scallops and the lamb, everything was very tasty.I just didn't like it that I could see all the activity in the kitchen.
Also, it was sad that for a Saturday night this place was half full."
Also, it was sad that for a Saturday night this place was half full."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a great find! The food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a great find! The food was amazing, defiantly try tithe beet salad, never knew how much I would like them. Drinks were also great. Can't say that I like the absinthe but my sister did, but the Martiinis and wine were fab."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Try it you'll love it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have been here mulitple times and simply hits the mark every time!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
So glad to go back!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I used to go quite often but had not been there in several years. Was so glad to go back. I love the atmosphere with the warmth, exposed brick walls and open kitchen. I had a great server and a great beet salad and good fish entree. I am so tired of the new restaurants trying to out do everyone with too much fat and spice. So it was nice having some good, basic, well-prepared food."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Decent Food - S-L-O-W Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We made 6:00 reservations so that we could be at a theater less than a block away by 7:30. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were only 1 or 2 other tables occupied, so we thought the time would not be a problem. Our salads came out of the kitchen quickly, but then the wait began. We waited, and waited and waited. Finally, after 7:00, almost an hour after we ordered, our dinners were brought to the table. While they tasted good, we had to rush through eating them so that we could get to the theater. If the restaurant was busy, I could understand it. There was no reason - and no apology - for such slow service."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2001
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Review 16 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Everything on the menu appealed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything on the menu appealed to me. Everything I had was tasty. Our server was slow. A three hour dinner where we watched neighbors get served before us. In that mix was a cold entree. I am sure it was the server's fault and not the kitchen. I will definitely go back because one person cannot define a place given all that it has going for it."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Will be back!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my first time visiting Cafe Absinthe and I was completely blown away. The food ws great and our server was right on top of things throughout the whole night."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 18 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
WOW
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I booked this restaurant on OpenTable based on its high reviews and location. On arrival one must drive around the building off North St. into an ally to get to the entrance. Good thing we saw a sign to that effect on the front of the building.
One word to describe this restaurant - excellent. Our party had the tenderloin, duck, lamb and seafood. Everyone thought thier dish was great. Attentive waiter, great appetizers, good wine... A nice evening and we'll definitely be back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth a cab ride from downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Cafe Absynthe on a whim (last minute reservations on a Saturday night). We were pleasently surprised without the outcome: great food, awesome presentation, very reasonable prices for the quality and quantity of food, very good service, and an updated dining environment.
We had 3 different entrees: beef, lamb and fish. All were prepared perfectly and presented in an attractive fashion. The service was very good; our waiter was attentive and helpful.
The only downside is location....Wicker Park is off the beaten path and the entrance is an alley. However, if you are up for a cab ride and can find the 'front door', you are in for a treat."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great evening with another couple. Delicious dinner. Had the Ciappino which was very tasty. My husband and friend had the ribeye special which was huge and delicious. My girlfriend had the salmon. We started with salads: beet and ceasar. Clean plate club all around. Nice ambiance."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 21 for Café Absinthe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service! We
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service! We will return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Café Absinthe
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate