Cafe Matou
- Neighborhood: Bucktown/Wicker Park
- 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60647-4484
- 773-384-8911
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
Charlie Socher -- a native Chicagoan -- serves light French country fare at Cafe Matou. The large, elegant eatery occupies two storefronts and is the deepest upscale incursion yet along the warehouse and junkyard corridor that leads northwest from Wicker Park, pushing the trendiness of the Milwaukee, North and Damen intersection toward the cluster of fast-food joints on the still-downscale outskirts of Logan Square. It's a bit surreal to encounter the tall, wood-framed windows of Cafe Matou's facade in these environs. Inside are works of art by local artists, including cat chandeliers by Light Beings that illuminate the main dining room. The chandeliers are something of a mascot for the restaurant -- "matou" is French for "tomcat." The food is in keeping with the decor -- clean, classic and straightforward, and the menu changes daily. On Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, a three-course prix-fixe menu is offered in addition to the regular menu. The wine list is mainly French, with some Californians thrown in.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Milwaukee and Oakley
- Parking:
- Street. Street parking possible
- Public Transportation:
- CTA bus: #56 Milwaukee. Blue Line train: Western.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday
- Cuisine:
- French
- Meals Served:
- Dinner. Dinner
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Recommended on weekends
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Atmosphere and Personality:
- Romantic
- Worth Noting:
- Critic's choice. 3-star. Recommended.
- Specialties:
- Menu changes daily.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- For 75
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Rate Cafe Matou
"Tasty, Authentic French Food"
By VirginiaGent from River North, October 3, 2009
Food is authentic, well prepared, and most importantly full of the subtle flavors of the French style of cooking. Wine list is extensive and excel...
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"Back As I Remember It"
By maconmac from Winnetka, February 19, 2009
We arrived on a Sunday night without a reservation after seating problems at a nearby restaurant. We were seated and served promptly. We hadn't b...
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"Great Wine Service"
By LSeibel from Northbrook, September 17, 2008
The food was great! But what really impressed me was the wine knowledge and service of the wine guy. He knew exactly what to pair with our meal a...
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