Cafe Bolero: User Reviews

A former favorite
By Philip Pollack from South Loop, October 4, 2008

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Cafe Bolero has long been a favorite orf mine. SInce recently moving, some time had passed since my last visit. I recently took my boyfriend there after telling him of all the wonderful meals I have enjoyed there only to be dissapointed with the food, portions, and pushy service. We both ordered meals I've enjoyed there before and neither had the same quality of flavor....the Goat was entirely bone and tasteless and my Ropa Vieja less than to be desired. Needless to say we will not be returning to what Cafe Bolero has become!

Like the Tamales
By LechónMobile from Near West Side, August 8, 2008

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Their Tamale is Caribbean style and very tasty. I had something similar on a cruise ship before and wondered what they were, now I know where to find them in Chicago! Snazzy decor and a good date place for dinner. The Congri stood above all others I have tried before.

not bad, but...
By NY Foodie from Lincoln Park, July 26, 2008

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Although the new owners, and staff are very nice, the food no longer tastes Cuban. It seems to have lost its authentic taste.

Good food, rude hostess
By klb from south loop, June 28, 2008

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I have been to cafe bolero several times and enjoyed my dinner each and every time. However, the two times that I have had to make a reservation for a party of six I had the misfortune of dealing with the hostess. My party arrived to the restaurant five minutes early and did not have a table ready. I made the reservation a week prior. The hostess said (quite rudely) that she had a reservation for six at 730, but she did not have a name so she did not know if we were going to show. Is that my problem? My party was forced to wait (standing) for 15 minutes which would have been fine had we had a place to stand. We were in everyone's way (customers, waiters, and the like). I am very easy-going and easy to please, but I do not appreciate people getting an attitude with me. She offered no apology or anything! I understand that mistakes can happen so I gave it another try. MISTAKE! Problems again and an attitude to boot. Great food and good service minus one hostess.

First time to a Cuban restaurant
By Angie Bambi from suburbs, May 4, 2008

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This was our first time to a Cuban restaurant. I was in search of a good mojito and my husband in search of some good food. When we got there the place was full with just one table for two that became open. We sat down by the window and waited, and waited. It took a while for a lady to finally come and take our order. The menu was less then what we expected. We chose the goat and skirt steak. They were both fabulous. I took my husbands goat dinner and he took my skirt steak, both of liked the other more. The mojito was great. Overall the only downside was our wait before our order was taken.

A great spot!
By bucktowner from Bucktown, April 14, 2008

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I've gone to Cafe Bolero numerous times and it has always been great! The service is spectacular and the food delicious. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they provide great live music. The small bar in the back dining room is a great place to enjoy a margarita while you wait for your table. Cafe Bolero provides a casual and fun atmosphere and the prices are very reasonable. I recommend this restaurant to everyone!

If this is what Cuban food tastes like, I'm moving to Havana!!
By Becca from Bucktown, March 8, 2008

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I was a little hesitant to go because of all the mixed reviews but I am so happy that I decided to dine here this evening. We were seated promptly, luckily we arrived early because it did fill up fast. The complimentary bread and butter were delicious, nice soft bread and garlicy butter. We had 2 appetizers, the chicken empanadas and the steamed mussels, both were delish!! The empanadas had great spice and the sauce served with it was sweet and tangy, the huge mussels we garlicy and the cilantro really added a different taste. The Fricase Chicken was moist and fell right off the bone and the black bean soup was simple but delicious as well. The Ropa Vieja, a slow steamed beef, was succulent and flavorful. The staff was helpful and accommodating, even with the large party they seemed to be expecting around the time we left. I definitely recommend this place and cannot wait to go back. One of the best dining experiences I've had in a while!!

Disappointed
By mac_01 from Wicker Park, February 9, 2008

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I've been to Cafe Bolero multiple times before the management change in August of 07. I recently decided to check it out again and was extremely disappointed. There were only 4 other table and the service staff still got our orders wrong. They gave our appetizers to the table next to us, which screwed up each of our main course. When we received our main courses, we had to ask them to heat it up again. The service was bad, the live music was good, and the food was still good, at least the steak was. My friend's food was extremely dry because they had to put it back on the grill to heat it up. Unfortunately, I won't be returning. The management changed and so did my opinion of the place.

Good atmosphere, but not good enough to make up for the food
By Dora from Lincoln Square, November 4, 2007

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We have eaten at Cafe Bolero several times, and were eager to see what kinds of changes had been made by the new management. The staff was as friendly and attentive as we could have asked for, and the atmosphere was nice, if a bit busy, but the food was just not good. The warm bread they brought us to start was stale. The "Escabeche," simply described as "fish" on the menu, was barely palatable (we never did find out what kind of fish it was.) I had the "Schrimp Creole," which was decent at best. The plantains and beans were good, but not worth making the trip. We were disappointed, and we won't be going back anytime soon.

the best in chicago
By sek from edison park, October 29, 2007

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this is my fav place in chicago. juan is a great waiter. the food is awsome.