John's Place: User Reviews

Average at best
By windycityfoodie from wicker park, November 8, 2009

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I have known about John's Place for years, but never went in until tonight. First off, the rest is cute, nice ambience. When we were brought to the back dining room, the hostess had already seated 2 families with kids/babies at the 2 middle tables. Therefore, there were no other seats / tables in the restaurant that were not directly next to the kids, who were crying. Now, I have a small child, and I am tolerant of kids in restaurants. HOWEVER, wouldn't it make more sense to put families with little kids off to one side? That way other diners would not be bothered by their crying as much. This was "date night" for my husband and me, and it was not possible to escape the cries. When I go out to eat with my child, I always ask to sit away from the center of the room so I don't disturb others. Anyhow, something for managment to consider, as it somewhat dampened our experience there.
I ordered a Southwest chicken salad. Well, it showed up with broccoli mixed in, which wasn't on the menu. The server told me all their salad are premixed with broc. Since I cannot stand this veggie, they remade it for me with "plain" lettuce. The dressing that came out the 2nd time was not what was listed on the menu. No big deal, but not what was brought out the 1st time.
Then, the busboy removed 2 of our chairs at the 4 top we were at. Not sure why he chose our table when there were other empty tables in the restaurant. I think they were used in the party room that night. But really...if there are customers eating at a table, leave their chairs alone.
Overall, this experience was not impressive, and I would not go back. Average at best

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A place to call home
By Stephanie from Lincloln Square, October 9, 2008

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I have been coming to John's Place for years now. I must say it is the one place that I feel like coming back to again and again. It is so comforting to have a neighborhood place that you can go to at any time of the day whether alone, with kids or on a date and feel welcome and assured to have a great casual dining experience. Restaurants come and go and this one is here to stay. I am thrilled to find out that they opened a second location in Roscoe Village. Try the granny smith apple salad or Lou's beans and rice - breakfast is always scrumptions. My son is in love with the Dino Bites and they offer so many healthy sides to choose from! I think I may need to end this review and head over there right now....did I mention that the charming owner is always there to greet his guests with a smile?

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YUM-ME!
By ChowHound from Roscoe Village, October 7, 2008

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I recently dined at John's Place for a delicious dinner. They have separated the two rooms (now with curtains) to accommodate both families and those dining WITH OUT kids. My dinner was yummy as I had the Roasted Chicken Potpie and my date had the Barbecue Meatloaf. The service rocked and I can't wait to go back again for TH night 1/2 off wine special--WHO KNEW I did not have to spend more money to enjoy myself.

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ACK! what happened to...
By Kelly from chicago, il, June 3, 2006

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ACK! what happened to this place? It used to be a nice place to have breakfast or lunch. Now it is COMPLETELY overrun by kids and their parents. The atmosphere is terrible now and the service is worse. The food quality took a significant dive since last summer. I was so disappointed in the way this place has changed in the last few years. If you're looking for a relaxing brunch place DO NOT go here -- dishes are slammed around, kids are throwing eggs on the floor and you can't hear yourself think. Too bad, this place used to be a pleasant experience.

We've lived around the corner...
By Sandy from Chicago, IL, November 22, 2005

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We've lived around the corner from John's Place for a decade and service has ALWAYS been hit or miss. Either you are totally ignored or they are extra attentive. Maybe it has to do with whether the owner is present. The food is rather boring as the menu has barely changed in 10 years. Lots of loud kids.

They say they serve free-range...
By Gabrielle from Chicago, IL, November 17, 2005

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They say they serve free-range chicken & eggs. They told us they were too expensive to keep on the menu. While I'm sure that's true, that's the reason we went there.It was overall a cozy restaurant.The food was very good.Our server was absolutely horrible.We were the only table in the room, but she was too busy to bother with us. The busboy brought us butter, but we never got bread.After dropping off food, the waitress didn't come back to check on us.We went to the bar to get lemon wedges for the salmon, which needed it.The waitress came back to drop off our check, asking if we wanted dessert after the fact. She said there was no rush to pay, but she got a new table & was going to be busy. I would give this restaurant one more try to see if the service is any better.

Solid neighborhood place, very baby...
By Bill from Chicago, IL, July 12, 2005

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Solid neighborhood place, very baby and kid friendly. Classic American cuisine with twists. Several fish entrees and vegetarian offerings.