The Stained Glass Wine Bar, Bistro & Cellar: User Reviews

Big fans once
By Suze from Evanston, June 7, 2008

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We've always loved this place and have saved it for special occasions, but I do think it's gone downhill. One person's wine flight came about 10-15 minutes before anyone else had their drinks. Appetizers arrived relatively quickly, and then we waited about an hour for our main courses after the appetizers--with no indication of why or when, although we did indicate we wondered where our food was. One main course came lukewarm--probably had been waiting around for the others to get done. We sent it back and by the time it arrived again, everyone had finished eating. This is not acceptable in a restaurant where you're paying over $100 a couple--with no desserts and a shared appetizer. The waitress called it a "computer" problem. I'm sticking with Campagnole when I want an excellent meal in Evanston. (I hope it's still as I remember it!)_

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o what a night.
By chiboss from evanston, June 5, 2008

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So I am taking an out of town guest to a business meeting and I read some positive reviews about the Stained Glass and I thought, it cant be that bad. Whoah what a night. To say I was embarassed was an understatement. This is not a cheap place but the managers are certainly frugal in their attitude. We ordered a 100 dollar bottle reserve wine and it was delicious. We finished our bottle and decided to a glass of red more, since a bottle was too much for us we went with their house wine. Wow what a drop off...I called it crap and informed the waitress that I couldnt drink the vinegar she put in front of me. She had told me she couldnt take the putrid wine off my bill. I was stunned. Its house cheap wine...it tasted worse than rotten tomatoes but the server remained steadfast in her representation of the outdate policy issued by management. If the food was exceptional you could give and take a little. My cold appetizer of the fish (ceviche, tuna tartar, and salmon) was the only saving grace of the evening. My meat dish was angus steak medallions....what a joke. It had the texture of rubber...at least the french fries when plunged in ketchup were ok.
I dont think this is a place you can solidly entertain and feel comfortable knowing the restaurant is going to back you up. The house wines are dreadful. The food is not that spectacular, and good luck if something is bound to disappoint.

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So much more than a wine bar
By Mishka from Evanston, April 18, 2008

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For anyone looking for an elegant but unpretentious dining experience in Evanston, you can't beat the Stained Glass. It's a lively place that reminds us of our trips to France -- the food is just as good and the wine selection is impeccable. The service has always been friendly, informed, and prompt -- and so much less stuffy than in some North Shore establishments. Some of our favorites include the Alsatian pizza appetizer, the scallops, the lamb, and the totally addictive and decadent Thai beef salad. It is a rare to find a wine bar that takes the food so seriously -- and serves up such hearty portions! We discovered it as a "special occassion" place (our first anniversary) but now we have a habit of stopping there for appetizers and wine at the bar before going to the movies. The restaurant seems to have a lot of regular customers (or maybe the staff just really is that friendly) and we are happily joining their ranks. Yum!

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Worst place EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By las24 from chicago, April 15, 2008

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We chose to eat at this restaurant because we read some of the reviews here on metromix, and I love wine bars. We made reservations and got there early. The hostess said it would still be awhile. We went to the bar and ordered some wine, they were late with our reservations, and the manager who sat us was rude when asking if we had taken care of our tab. The waitress didn't come to the table for at least 15 minutes. We ordered an appetizer and another glass of wine. Our appetizer came and it was still a long time before our drinks came. The busser cleared our appetizer plates and still no waitress. A good 20 minutes passed before she came back to our table and asked if we were ready to order. We asked about an item on the menu, and she was completely rude about it. That was the last we saw her until we asked for our check. I would not recommend this place to anyone. The service was so bad it overshadowed the food.

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Definitely a Favorite
By Bojador from Evanston, April 8, 2008

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OK, so it is noisy and cramped - and service can be somewhat "off" - but there are certain items on the menu that are so good you actually fantasize about them!

We too love the Tuna Tuna Tuna entree and Calamari sppetizer. The huge and unapologetically rich Stuffed Artichoke appetizer could probably be shared by four!

But the "to die for" entree is the Rack of Lamb with sublime (lick the plate clean) Truffle Creme Brulee, Wild Mushrooms and Haricot Verts - is the stuff dreams are made of!

The Wine Flights are fun and the servers quite knowledgable. The place has it's flaws - but all in all - the game is worth the candle.

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Couldn't even sit down.
By susieskeptic from evanston, March 3, 2008

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All I have to say is *awkward*. Walked in at nine and the hostess actually stood there with her arms on her hips and said pretentiously, "can I help you?" as if we were in a hardware store. When we asked if they were seating she said "kitchen's closed." We said that's fine, we'll have a drink. She made a fuss and we somehow made it to the bar. The bartender clearly wanted to go home, too. While they fussed about even though we said we didn't need the kitchen, we made for the door. SO awkward!!! Don't try to enjoy evanston after BEDTIME anybody! We were so embarassed that these two ladies made such a fuss about our wanting a *table* as opposed to the bar to enjoy a glass of wine. So you have to change a napkin, deal with it! The restaurant had ten people, we clearly appeared to be a waste of their time.

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A wonderful dinner in Evanston
By edangoody from Winnetka, February 29, 2008

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We read the reviews and took a chance. What a great experience. The wine selection was extremely extensive and the flights very well thought out. Tuna, tuna, tuna was one of the best I have ever had. It reminds me of Naha and less pretencious than Trio. Someone mentioned the desserts were not so good, Well, they did not have the white chocolate panacota or chocolate bomb! Save room! The cost was about $100 for two.

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I have been here many...
By Betsy from Skokie/Evanston, IL, September 6, 2007

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I have been here many times and have never had a bad experience. With Campagnola, it is Evanston's best restaurant, bar none. The people are friendly, not stuffy, and the food is tremendous. The only downsides are that it can get a little noisy, so I'd avoid taking anyone hard of hearing. And as for taking small children there: why? Get a sitter and enjoy yourself for the evening!

Take a pass.Appetizer arrived cool,...
By Donner Party from Chicago, IL, July 22, 2007

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Take a pass.Appetizer arrived cool, should have been hot (artichoke). Salmon arrived raw. We sent it back, took forever, came back raw, bloody, wet. yuck.Ordered venison medium, it arrived raw. we took it home to cook it. waitress didn't give a hoot, hostess didn't give a hoot. Wrote in to management and were offered a comped visit, but we took a pass. So many other restaurants to go to...this place isn't worth the visit.