Cafe Matou - Bucktown/Wicker Park - Chicago, IL 60647-4484 | Metromix Chicago

Cafe Matou



Neighborhood: Bucktown/Wicker Park
1846 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647-4484
773-384-8911
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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No-pic-chick
5


"Great Wine Service"

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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No-pic-chick
3


"very good french food BUT poor service; not good value"

Foodie from chicago - July 9, 2008

food: very good food, but small portions. and chef is inflexible on making slight changes to the dishes. for the price, he needs to be more coope...

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No-pic-dude
5


"Great Saturday night"

Noormark from Bucktown - March 31, 2008

What a great evening we all 4 had! Excellent food and wine served at the right pace. Low music and noise levels allowed for descent conversations. ...

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