Jacky's Bistro: User Reviews

Another Great Meal
By timothy892 from Downtown, August 4, 2008

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It's been several months since our last visit to Jacky's Bistro and we are kicking ourselves for not going more often. First, you gotta love a place where the bartender shakes and pours a Martini tableside - nice touch! We had a really nice beet salad and a great crabcake (great presentation) to start followed by one of my favs - short ribs - just right, and a Halibut dish that was beautiful. A creamy version of tiramisu was delicious and the wine list really runs the gamut from France and the US in all price points. Service was fine as it always has been. I'm a first time user of this page and was a little suprised at some recent reviews as we have never had anything but a great experience at Jacky's. Oh, nice atmosphere too!

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overrated
By Nadine from sams, July 17, 2008

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I found the service and staff a bit stuffy, snobby, and discourteous. Our waiter ignored our table because we did not order any wine. The food was below average , the rack of lamb was tasteless, overcooked ,and potatoes were old. Overall it was not worth it and the tables are too crammed together , which makes it very uncomfortable and difficult to sit and relax.

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Not as good as the last time
By teoli from south east, April 19, 2008

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I've dined here twice. The first on New Years Eve, which was memorable and more recentlly which was not. The ambiance is above average. It's set in a out of the way location on a one way street in North Evanston. It's quiet and private with a nicely laid out interior. We were ignored by the staff when we first arrived. This might be forgivable on a busy evening, but it wasn't. The greeter and host both chit chatted by the bar until I asked if anyone was available. I put this aside because I wanted to eat and not make a scene in front of my date. The rack of Lamb and shrimp dishes we had were good but not as impressive as my first visit. The wine I ordered with dinner was too close to being room temperature than I liked. We ended the meal with coffee and creme brulee. These were both very good but then I ate the mint leaf which was set to the side of the dessert. It was slightly limp and unfortunately left a moldy taste on my palate for the next twenty minutes.
This is one of Evanstons finer dining establishments. With a restaurant is in this category, it needs more consistency. The service and food fell flat on my second visit. Unfortunately for Jackys, this means I'm not going back.

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Many better bistrots in Chicago - spend the cabfare
By bigz from Northwest side, April 14, 2008

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Have the reviewers ever eaten at a GOOD French restaurant in Chicago? Small tables meant cramped seating. Waiter quick with food but the wine arrived one course late and incorect. Big portions for starters and mains, but meats either bland or overseasoned. Sauces runny Stuck to basics - onion soup tasted like red wine, not meat or onions, and unseasoned. Bouillabaise all mystery fish and zucchini - almost no shellfish. Cheese board presented without cutlery. Forget Evanston - great choices are all over the city.

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Highly Recommended
By LM from Evanston, February 29, 2008

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I'm fortunate to live close by to Jacky's Bistro. This is a gem of a restaurant. We've been several times over the past few years, including Christmas Eve. The food and service is always outstanding. I do not agree with the negative review listed regarding the dover sole at Jacky's...it melts in your mouth and the one fillet for two is more than enough. The presentation is wonderful and perfect for a special occasion. Other entree favorites include the lamb and steak. Although it's a small location, you do not feel rushed here. Jacky's prices are very reasonable. Very well worth it!

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great food, lively atmosphere
By sitsis from evanston, January 26, 2008

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Went out with the office gang, and we all enjoyed our time together. food was excellent, slpit the Dover sole ( made to split) and both of us had generous portions of excellent fish and accompaniments. Appetiser and salads were very good. Our waitress that evening was less than wonderful, which is the first time I have encountered that issue at this delightful bistro eatery

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Hidden Gem
By John Schmitt from Lincoln Park, November 22, 2007

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I met donors at their suggestion for dinner on Monday evening November 19th at Jacky's Bistro and what a wonderful experience Jacky's was. The staff was courteous and attentive. The food was delicious and visually appealing. We had a very relaxed dining experience that allowed us the opportunity to have a wonderful conversation. I was truly impressed with Jacky's and will be coming back and recommending this gem to friends.

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Crowded, VERY noisy. This past...
By Donner Party from Chicago, IL, August 21, 2007

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Crowded, VERY noisy. This past Friday night was our last trip in...you've got to have reservations any time here. Escargot appetizer was superb..salad with goat cheese crostini just fair. No one asked how I wanted my duck cooked so it came much more rare than I'd have liked but my wife's vegetarian risotto was Superb..even better warmed thru the next day for my lunch if that's possible. Service could be more attentive and the table we got was ridiculously small and was up against the window where just on the other side two customers were eating outdoors and could've been at our table. Hard to find a dessert that won't be great. Nice touch that they send coupons for two free glasses of champagne on your anniversary. We're there about twice a year..winter and summer.

On a Sunday night, all...
By bonchocolat from wilmette, IL, May 20, 2007

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On a Sunday night, all tables were full, but the hostess accomodeted us at for my daughter's 19th birthday. Great service - the waitress was well-versed in which wines to pair with the food, while service overall was attentive but unobrusive.
The food was artfully created - appetizers include a generous and exotic tuna tartare. My asparugus salad was a fresh light introducation.
My bouillabaise was exquisite - flavorful, aromatic and generously portioned. My daughter's rack of lamb was tender, cooked just right and served with a melange of vegetables and crips garlic slices as garnish. The creme brulee dessert we ordered was good but outshone by the complimentary chocolate galette for my daughter's birthday.
Well worth planning for reservations. My first time and I will be back.
Extensive wine list, including thoughtful wines by the glass, with an emphasis on French wines.