English: User Reviews

Bad Experience
By Njmichaels from west town, August 25, 2008

Overall rating:

We had lunch here recently on a wonderful Sunday afternoon. It seemed like the moment we were greeted by our server we got the feeling like we were imposing on her. It took forever to get a drink and our food order was completely wrong but the worst part was her careless attitude. It was strange how this interaction changed the tone of the day - I truly have never had this experience. On the positive side, the waffle fries were great and we loved the space.

Perfect for parties
By iheartchi84 from Gold Coast, June 27, 2008

Overall rating:

This is a great River North hangout - weekend nights are the best. Really good-looking, young crowd and reasonably priced drinks for the neighborhood. My friend had a birthday party on the third level a few weekends ago, and they totally took care of us - making sure our whole party got in without any trouble and even sending up some comp sliders - amazing!

Don't go for lunch
By EKM from McKinley Park, April 11, 2008

Overall rating:

Skip this place for lunch on a weekday, unless you don't mind spending 2 hours to get a sandwich. Once we received the food, we were not all that impressed with the quality. Everyone around us was complaining about the wait times on their food as well. Just wait for cocktail hour for this place.

A good time
By Luckystar from Sburbs, February 25, 2008

Overall rating:

A group of friends and I decided to try this place. I loved the music, it was crowded but that is expected on a saturday night. The drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus! I would return again!

Horrible place for a party
By livinitup from little italy, January 20, 2008

Overall rating:

Went there for my birthday and stayed on the second floor with my friends. Unfortunately there are only bathrooms in the basement level and the fourth floor and the fourth floor was closed for a private party. So, I went to the basement and when I tried going back up the bouncer wouldn't let anyone up. This is such a horrible design. I understand the one in one out policy to get in, but once you're already in the bar you should be able to go between levels as you please. The bouncers were rude and on a power trip. I will never go back to this place again. There was so much hype over this place and not worth it at all.

Worst bar experience
By crabbie3elaine from South Loop, January 20, 2008

Overall rating:

Wanna eat well? Drink better? Look elsewhere! English ruins people's lives and birthday parties. Right from the very beginning, we were getting the run around trying to plan just the logistics at this location such as the bar deal and/ or table service. That, in itself, should have been a deal breaker. What kind of establishment tries to deny service to a large party? Has the world gone mad that a bar should ultimately refuse business?

Finally after much communication, the party was planned and the deal was sealed! However upon arrival and much to my dismay, the staff directed my party all over the freakin place to the 2nd floor and then to the 3rd floor. Open bar was a joke because the place was too packed to order drinks and no servers were to be found. No tables were ever reserved although I had received prior confirmation. The staff was unfriendly, inconsiderate, and enjoyed my misery.

And to top it off, my party was separated, and there was no way to get the party altogether because they placed glorified gatekeepers between the floors. Why would you stop flow within a bar? Stop the flow from coming into the bar if the place is already packed. People will naturally flow from a crowded floor to a less crowded floor. It's common sense! If you step on a garden hose right in the middle, what do you think happens?

Bottom line: Do not attempt to accommodate a large party when in actuality, the bar just isn't ideal for large groups. Poor service, lack of bartenders and servers, and staff who are unable to critically think and problem solve in sticky situations should be key determinants in deterring you from selecting English as your ultimate party destination.

LOVE IT!
By Foxeenix from Lincoln Park, January 1, 2008

Overall rating:

My favorite concept by far out of this bar group. It's fantastic because it pulls in the upscale crowd rather than the college crowd. The music was hot, drinks came fast, and the tri-level was amazing with a great view of the inside of the city. It was crowded but what place isn't? I will be coming back for sure!

No room to stand?
By jason79 from lincoln park, December 12, 2007

Overall rating:

Whoever wrote there is no room to stand doesn't even make sense...Did you bodysurf? Crowded is a good sign and it's always a great time. Food is above average. Waitstaff could use help. Day manager is so rude and impossible to understand. But an overall excellent place.

WAY overcrowded
By Kappakaps from Wrigleyville, November 4, 2007

Overall rating:

We went to English last night for the first time and this place was ridiculously overcrowded already at 10:00. They were completely understaffed and there was literally no room to even stand. The decor is nice but its pretty much exactly like Grand Central. From my experience if you go any later than 10 you will have to wait in a HUGE line. At 10:30 it was already one out one in.