Zak's Place: User Reviews

way over rated
By gipper007 from western suburbs, May 8, 2008

Overall rating:

the argyle pinot noir was very good (but then it's hard to screw up a bottle of wine).. the appetizer pate was good. then things went downhill with the entrees. the gnocchi were horrrible - some were still frozen, it seemed ! the tuna was not sushi grade - a lot of fascia (membrane). i would never go back. it's way over rated. plenty of better places for less money. this place is doomed, like it's predecessors in this location.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

Zak's menu is good, with a few exceptions.
By daverino from oak park, April 29, 2008

Overall rating:

Ok, i've been to Zak's at least five times now... and i've liked most of what i've ordered. The salmon, mahi- mahi, chicken (excellent), oysters, are all very good indeed. There are a few duds, though- the zak's burgers in the bar menu are very unappetizing...they are dry and need something extra. And the steak, shrimp, chicken appetizer needs to go...it is uninventive and does not reflect the chef's skill and creativity, which are better expressed in the chicken and fish dishes. Also, how long can you last without changing your menu...?....hint... hint...

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

great food, awful service
By Brooke from western suburbs, February 23, 2008

Overall rating:

went here w.my husband for his 50th bday. everything was great until the waiter walked up. he was AWFUL. completely inattentive, looked and acted like he wanted to be anywhere but there. not helpful with the menu or winelist. my water glass was empty for most of the meal, until i had to ask to have it filled. the food was excellent and everyone else BUT that waiter was wonderful. this would be a 5 star restaurant if not for the service. i will go back but will request not to have that waiter if we are sat in his area again!

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

Appetizers sounded good, BUT
By neeeeeee from Brookfield, February 20, 2008

Overall rating:

were disappointing. We had the Little Zak's (mini Kobe burgers) which were overdone and served on dried out buns, spinach & artichoke fondue which was palletable and the mussels which were just nowhere near edible. Also, we had the French onion soup which was the best part of the meal, yet nothing to brag about. The wine list is decent, though, and they do serve Catena Malbec which is always a good choice. I had high hopes for this restaurant, but unfortunately, it did not pan out.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

excellent food and service
By czskip from lockport, December 12, 2007

Overall rating:

finally a fine dining establishment with huge portions and value. a large group of us visited zak's on a saturday night and enjoyed it immensely. it's good to finally visit a place and order multiple steaks and have each one cooked properly and they were delicious. also, the mussels and crab cakes were a good starter. definitely will visit again and have one of those steaks. cheers to zak's place

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

How Impressive... Love it, Love it, Love it
By westphal 909 from lake bluff, December 10, 2007

Overall rating:

What should I go on and on about first: the Food, Atmosphere, or Service? Everything truly exceeded our expectations this Saturday nite. Upon first entering the resturant you immediately have a feeling of upscale- comfort mixed with a little "sexy". The rich wood paneling, accents of Copper, Velvet drapes and Antique Mirrors give you a feeling that you are far, far away from the cute town of Hinsdale. The "Decanting Station" and impressive wine list make it seem you must surely be in Europe. Our Server, "Marla" was warm, and inviting. She had much to tell us about the Menu and Specials, and was very attentive and accomodating to our party that included children. We all shared the Ceasar salad, "Zak's" grilled Romaine salad and the Stuffed Calamari as appetizers. We also tried the Seared Ahi Tuna (my favorite, *mabye they'll add it as an Entree*) and the mini Kobe Sliders. We then had the Strip Steak with a green Peppercorn sauce, and the Rotolo Pasta with Spinach in a Vodka Sauce. Everything exceeded our expectations- the quality of the food, taste and presentation. They don't skimp on portion sizes or the sides that come with the entrees. We capped off the evening with three Desserts: Creme Brulee, creamy, sweet texture with a traditional crisp sugar topping , and fresh raspberries to garnish. Next, a chilled Mint chocolate chip ice cream "Dome" that was covered in hardened crisp chocolate. The Mint ice cream was both decadent and refreshing , and the Chocalate didn't hurt! Last was a Caramel Mousse, again my favorite. It was the perfect balance of Carmel and a midly sweet, creamy texture. It was heaven on a plate.
We will certainly be back. The Food was Fabulous, the Staff was attentive, informative and Inviting. What was not to Love!

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

Hinsdale neighborhood restaurant
By DJB from Hinsdale, December 1, 2007

Overall rating:

We are thrilled to have a restaurant of this quality in Hinsdale. We visit frequently and enjoy the guests as well as the service. We especially enjoy the appetizer menu item Edamame. The Chicken Panini is also very good for a sandwich choice. Lil Zak's beef sliders are great with the garlic spread. Thanks for coming to Hinsdale.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value:

disappointing
By chef5 from hinsdale, November 27, 2007

Overall rating:

Our experience could have been much better if my date and I had had a different waiter. He was inattentive and unaccommodating.
Wine selection is interesting, but over-priced. The only champagne offered by the glass is $25.00, and a bottle of White Star sells for $95.00, which is over 3 times the liquor store price.
It's a warm, inviting setting and has potential.

Food:

Ambiance:

Service:

Value: