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The Parrot Cage: User Reviews

The Parrot Cage

7059 S. South Shore Drive - Chicago
773-602-5333
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No-pic-chick

Slow Service
By MIKEY from Beverly, October 6, 2008

Overall rating:
3

Went to the Parrot Cage Oct. 3, 2008 and had high expectations based on the reviews here. My experience was mediocre. The Parrot Cage is very relaxing and in the historic South Shore Cultural Center. The restaurant is beautiful and relaxing jazz music played in the background. My party of three had the corn chowder soup, chicken and pea soup and shrimp and grits starter. My mother loved the corn chowder and the shrimp and grits were some of the best I’ve ever had. We had the sangria which was a little sweet but tasty. After appetizers the service became extremely slow. I think we waited over 30 minutes for our entrees. The waiter kept calling us sweetie which was very irritating. My mother had the Jambalaya which she complained was very salty. Two of us had the steaks which were cooked perfect and very tasty. The only thing is that the steak came with pomme frites which seemed to be these overly cooked hard potato very thin sticks. It needed some type of really potato to go with it. I was the only one to have dessert. I had the peach cobbler which had way too much sugar. Would I go back? - Probably, but only for the drinks and shrimp and grits. The place has potential but it is not there yet.

Food:
3
Ambiance:
5
Service:
2
Value:
3
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No-pic-chick

A favorite!
By Jules from Chicago, August 3, 2008

Overall rating:
5

Our small dinner group went here this past winter, and we had a great experience. The service was great, very attentive! And the food was fabulous, from appetizers to dessert! Definitly at the top of my list!

Food:
5
Ambiance:
4
Service:
5
Value:
4
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No-pic-chick

Girl's Night Out at the Parrot Cage
By K. Coates from Lynwood, February 17, 2008

Overall rating:
4

My girlfriends and I dined here on a Saturday evening (party of 4). We were seated at a window table but couldn’t completely appreciate the beautiful view because it was dark outside. The restaurant is small and provides an intimate setting, but given the size of the cultural center, I expected more square footage to be allocated to the restaurant. The restaurant’s tropical décor has a somewhat antiquated feel. Pleasant and hospitable staff. Complimentary coat check. Good food. Affordable (average entrée approx $15.). BYOB. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant to others and look forward to dining on the patio during the summer months.

Food:
4
Ambiance:
3
Service:
4
Value:
4
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No-pic-dude

mediocre
By tim fox from Midway airport, November 11, 2007

Overall rating:
2

the soups were outstanding. my pork chops were the driest I have ever had anywhere. maybe some sauce would be in order. BTW, there IS a corkage fee. all in all, just mediocre.

Food:
2
Ambiance:
4
Service:
4
Value:
3
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I've dined a few times...
By FWO from Chicago, IL, July 7, 2007

Overall rating:
5

I've dined a few times at the Kendall College dining room and always found the food great and service OK. The Parrot Cage takes that a step further with fantastic food and great service. Comparing the two teaching restaurants is valid here and I'd give a slight edge to the Parrot Cage for the food and service. Kendall gains points for the outstanding city views, great wine list, superior mixed rinks and less cramped environment. The Parrot Cage is a bit more "cozy" and the tables are much closer together. Again, what puts The Cage over the top is the food. My date had the Lamb Chops and I had a Pefectly prepared Filet. They were both excellent and the deserts were to die for. We both had Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream and it's the best I've ever had (besides my Grandma's). Certainly worth the trip and a walk on the beach afterwards is a nice treat.

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I had my wedding at...
By P&D from Chicago, IL, April 20, 2007

Overall rating:
5

I had my wedding at the SS Cultural Center in June, and the Parrot Cage had just opened. We decided to have our rehearsal dinner (for 30)there, and we were incredibly happy with the service, the atmosphere, and the food. The entire staff went out of their way to make our meal enjoyable and unforgettable. My husband and I are into dining, and we appreciated the creativity the chef showed with flavor and presentation. We had a delicious, multi-course meal. I chose the yellow tomato gazpacho, the saffron "pollo al mattone" and for dessert, the watermelon sorbet with kaffir lime float--which was incredibly fresh and light, perfect for summer (the other option was a chocolate cake with banana custard/caramel, but I had a dress to fit into...). Everything was wonderful.

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My girlfriend and I dined...
By Maurce from Chicago, Il, October 5, 2006

Overall rating:
5

My girlfriend and I dined at the Parrot Cage and were pleasantly surprised at what a beautiful place the Parrot Cage is. The food was incredible as well as the service and the wine selections were very good. I highly recommend dining at the Parrot Cage.

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Parrot cage is a hidden...
By Christopher from Chicago, IL, July 21, 2006

Overall rating:
5

Parrot cage is a hidden gem. Although the atmosphere will not match those of other establishments with such an impressive menu. The food is top notch. I would especially recommend the "Ribs and Frittes". The prices are unbeleivable for the quality, taste and presentation of this cuisine. Hats off to Chef Angel Cruz and his students, this is a truly delightful experience for those that want the food without the hassle of Downtown traffic or expense. Make sure you call ahead and bring your own wine.

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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR...
By MARYBETH SZCZESNIAK from CHICAGO, IL, July 7, 2006

Overall rating:
5

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR DINNER. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS. OUR DESSERT WAS CREPES SUZETTE PREPARED TABLESIDE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT.

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A friend & I went...
By Sherry from Chicago, IL, June 12, 2006

Overall rating:
2

A friend & I went for the Sunday brunch. The food was OK (Ham -dry and "boiled" tasting) They kept running out of food and plates. Service was horriffic!!!! We had to ask repeatedly for something to drink. The first time we asked, the waitress said it would be a minute. She promptly went and joked with another table for about 5 minutes. We asked again and were told they were short handed! So we waited again -went and got our food and started eating.On the third time, I asked for water,Orange juice, anything! This was a good half hour after being seated-All the time carafes of OJ were sitting on the service bar directly in front of us, but no one would pour it for us. I also asked for tea which NEVER came. Nor did any explaination as to why.
I loved the location, but service was RUDE and non-existant!!!!

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Review Summary

The following scores represent the average rating submitted by 11 users:

Overall user rating:
4
Food
4
Ambiance
4 1/2
Service
4
Value
4