HB Home Bistro: User Reviews

So amazing
By tinsel from Lakeview, July 10, 2009

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I love love love love this place. The first time I went for a big group dinner and loved it so much that I came back two days later for brunch. I called last night and couldn't get in until a late reservation, but decided to stop in and check, just in case. Lucky us, someone had cancelled! Ran down to Kafka for some wine and got seated right away. The food was so amazing, Joncarl and the whole staff made us feel so at home. I love this place for everything about it - the food, the people, the service. I wish every restaurant were like this. I love it!!!
My friend and I shared everything - one appetizer and two entrees, and they brought them out as courses, which was perfect! We loved the garlic and escargot, my favorite was the veggie/ricotta baked thing that is new to the menu, and we had such FRESH soft shell crab that they had as a special. Oh! And even the bread was so good, with some sort of... I think balsamic vinegar reduction or something to dip it in. Yum.
Go - You will love this place!

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HB
By DG from Lincoln Park, April 25, 2009

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This review is long overdue! I dined over a month ago at Home Bistro with my fiance. We had a fantastic evening. The staff at the restaurant could not have been nicer. We did not have reservations, but they fit us in (only a half hour or forty five minute wait, during which time we went across the road and had a drink). The service was impeccable, and the food was delicious! One of the entrees did not have enough clams for my liking (not many places do, as I am not happy unless there is an obscene number of them) - so when I told the waiter, he returned with a heaping plate of clams for me, complimentary (also, which not many places do!).. And the night ended with eating more clams in the kitchen with the chef/owner! It was a wonderful night. Great food, amazing service, and cool decor. Not to mention the fact that it's BYOB, you can't beat it :) We're looking forward to going back soon.

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Great service and food
By ktu84 from wrigleyville, March 18, 2009

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I went to HB with a couple of my girlfriends and i had a a great experience. We did have reservations and we had to wait a while but since the restaurant is BYOB the host opened our wine for us so the wait wasnt so bad. The service was great, very small restaurant but I think that adds to the atmosphere. The host was also the chef and our waiter was one of the owners. Very intimate atmosphere with great food. I had the trout, it was awesome, i would go back for this dish and service again.

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Home Bistro
By tbs835@aol.com from Lakeview, February 15, 2009

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Dined February 13th--and nothing unlucky about it! Food reminded me of dining in the Alps....Chef really knows flavors and truly cooks with love. Service is layed back--yet professional.....all this despite a packed house!

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My FAVORITE restaurant in Chicago
By Renie from Lakeview, January 22, 2009

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I have lived in the area my whole life and HB’s is by far my favorite. My husband and I dine out frequently and enjoy other restaurants…but have been loyally going to HB’s for years. The food is always amazing and consistent. As for the service, I ABSOLUTELY love the executive chef and all of the staff. They invest time and effort in every one of their customers. If you are looking for a delicious restaurant that has the perfect balance of incredible food, an intimate ambiance, and will not break the bank…HB’s is a MUST!

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Stay away
By chicagodiner from Lakeview, September 7, 2008

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In respect to the rest of the reviewers, we went to HB for the first time for brunch and regretted it into the evening. Rarely do we experience a restaurant that left such a bad taste in our mouths. Although they took our order quickly, once we recieved our initial drinks, they never came back to ask us if we would like more. The brunch menu was extremly limited and dissapointing. I ordered a simple ham sandwich with Brie and was shocked and diisgusted by the "sandwich". For starters it was greasy slabs of ham in between what I think was a rye bun (but i'm not sure exactly what it was) Garlic fries were served on the side that completly overwhelmed the table in garlic aroma (BTW I love garlic) My partner ordered a salmon dish served on top of overdone vegies ect ect. Many times I like to experience restaurants for lunch or brunch to see if they are worthwhile for dinner, needless to say with the choices this city and neighborhood offers we won't be experiencing this place again. The Hardy Boys should ask for their restaurant back

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YUM!
By geovnni from northside, September 3, 2008

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HB is def. my favorite restaurant hands down! Went there last week and had the Marlin steaks with cranberry mashed potatoes and it was the BEST! For desert we had the sour cherries custard with our sparkling wine and it was amazing. Def. try this hidden gem but make sure you stop at Kafka first and pick up a couple of bottles of wine.

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Candle light dining
By peterj from ravenswood, April 1, 2008

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Wonderful mussels and fish dishes. Friendly staff. The food we have had has always been just fantastic. The welcoming atmosphere is such a treat. Try the orange mousse for desert.

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What the Hell Happened?
By DavidH from Gold Coast, March 30, 2008

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For a couple years we've been going to HB. I used to dream about their steak and fries. It was one of my favorite meals in Chicago. We were there last night and will unfortunately never be back. I have not seen a fall from grace so complete since Cornelia's in Lakeview. Selling restaurants can often lead to it's demise and lowered level of quality, and this is the case with HB. I was disappointed with everything the three of us tried, the staff, and the overall atmosphere. What is the world coming too when I can get a better meal at Outback than a restaurant in the city!?!?!

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A hidden gem
By ChicagoKid83 from West Suburbs, March 17, 2008

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I had the opportunity to spend a nice Sunday evening dinner at HB and I must say it was fantastic. The service was extremely friendly, and they made sure to check in on every single course we had. The recommendations were very tasty, and the ambiance was perfect. Great place for a date, and the atmosphere was very comfortable. I had the veal chop special which was amazing, and you must get the cupcakes for dessert. I can't wait to go back.

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