Old Town is one of Chicago’s most eclectic areas. So much that is vibrant about the city can be found in this cosmopolitan neighborhood. There are saloons, rib joints, great steak places, sensational pizza parlors and – Bistro Margot - the spot for all Francophiles. If you are not familiar with French cuisine, this is the place to learn from a more-than-friendly staff that delights in telling you how each meal is prepared.  

Cuisine: French

 

Attire: Casual

 

Reservations: Recommended

 

Lunch   Monday - Friday: 11:30 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday - 10:30 am to 3:00 pm

 

Dinner   Monday - 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday - 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Friday - 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday - 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Sunday - 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 

Prices: $20.00 and up

 

Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Diners

 

Parking: Valet Parking, meters and public lots nearby

 

ADA: Wheelchair accessible

 

Location: Old Town

 

Public Transportation: The CTA Red Line “El” Division stop is 4 blocks southeast of Bistro Margot

Bistrot Margot takes pride in putting together some of the most visually and tastefully appealing dinning choices in the entire city. This is a most apropos place to start out with a great wine. For a $36.00 bottle, try the Graves, Chateau Graville-Lacoste, Bordeaux, 2004.  If you are steering toward Chardonnay, go for the Domaine Laroche, Vin de Pays, 2002. It goes for $7.50 a glass or $30.00 a bottle. A top list Rhone varietal worth trying is the $56.00 bottle of “Le Mistral,” Joseph Phelps, St. Helena, 2001.

At $6.95, start with the Tarte au Brie, made with red wine-honey vinaigrette and candied walnuts. Another winner at $6.95 is the Gateau de Crabe Cake a la Jean Banchet. They bring it to you with seafood mousse and mustard sauce. When your ready, order the Tilapia Aux Noix. At $17.50 this roasted tilapia tastes like is was caught this afternoon. They compliment it with asparagus, beets, walnuts, and balsamic-brown butter sauce. The Duo de Canard is made to perfection. This is a $19.50 sliced duck breast and leg confit with wild rice, pecans, vegetables, and cranberry sauce.

And for just under $6, you choose from a gold standard dessert list. Crème Brulee, Mousse au Chocolat, and Pudding au Pain made with Grande Marnier are just a part of the selections. The winner though, is the Beignets de Pommes, an apple fritter with apricot coulis and vanilla ice cream. Now close your eyes and imagine your trip to the Eiffel Tower, just minutes away in your mind.

 

The Best Place to Go For: Great French atmosphere with great French food.