Cafe 36: User Reviews

Well, we had reservations that...
By Alice Delaney from Western Springs, IL, July 2, 2005

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Well, we had reservations that we quickly cancelled when we heard Chef Reinhard had resigned. His food is incredible. He was truly the best - we hope he pops up somewhere close by soon.... we will follow.

Quick note: Cafe 36...
By Steven Buscar from Hinsdale, IL, December 25, 2004

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Quick note: Cafe 36 is now run by Chef Reinhard Barthel and his wife. What a refreshing change.

I have dined at Cafe...
By Holly from Chicago, IL, October 8, 2004

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I have dined at Cafe 36 countless times since it opened in its original space on LaGrange Road. Although I now live downtown, I still make the trip out occasionally. The food is excellent, and ranks up there with some of Chicago's finest - and compared with restaurants in the city, the prices are a very good value. Obviously it's more than many of LaGrange's other restaurants, but for comparable food in the city, you'd pay a lot more. I especially recommend the Geschnetzltes (which I may be spelling incorrectly) - especially for a hearty autumn or winter meal. Crab cakes and rack of lamb also excellent.

Service is generally good - occasionally spotty. I have always found the atmosphere pleasant, and have not had the sort of experiences described by some of the other reviewers.

I have to write a...
By Jenny from hinsdale, IL, August 4, 2004

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I have to write a review to Cafe 36 after reading all the previous reviews.
We've been going to Cafe 36 for a number of years because of it's consistently good food. Service is usually good,also. The only detraction is that they keep their red wines too warm. We think the value of food and wine for upscale dining is terrific. We're always happy to dine here rather than in a suburban stripmall.

I see, based on Adam's...
By Ray K from Des Plaines, IL, December 30, 2003

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I see, based on Adam's review, that I am not the only one that remembers when this restaurant was REALLY enjoyable. Food is still good, but service was so-so, and even worse was the clientele; I might as well have had dinner in a tavern with a bunch of sailors who just pulled into shore. A couple of parties of people who couldn't hold their liquor and didn't care; they got louder, more profane, and more annotying as the night went on, and the staff didn't care a bit. This used to be a wonderful, classy place - people were well-dressed and well-behaved, but no more....what a pity, because not too long ago we had some wonderful experiences here.

This restaurant seemed to be...
By Adam Wilson from La Grange Park, IL, September 15, 2003

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This restaurant seemed to be a shadow of its former self. Last weekend was the third (and the last
time) that we've been to Cafe 36. The first two times (once a year ago, and once in 2000) were
very memorable, wonderful meals. However, this past Friday, the restaurant was half empty (making
me wonder if they are experiencing tough times), the service was subpar (particularly at these
prices), and the wine list seems to be an after-thought at only two pages (in large print!). The
only saving grace was the food was still good. But for $117 for three people including one mediocre bottle of cabernet, we won't be back. This restaurant is on the
decline. Don't waste your money. And to think I had built it up as a great place based on our last visits to my mother who was visiting from out of town. I apologized many times for taking her there.

This restaurant is beautiful and...
By Kelly Martino from Westmont, IL, June 21, 2003

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This restaurant is beautiful and the food was wonderful tasting and looking. The service was a little slow, but I was in no hurry. This location is a true gem. LaGrange is a quaint place to walk around too. Chef Reinhard is the best!