Ida Claire — Restaurant in Addison

9/12/23 1:45pm Update: A Positive Outcome! FULL Corporate Apology and that was very appreciatively accepted! My issues were acknowledged & properly addressed and I will return as their guest to try the restaurant again in the future.

Original posting: Entree food was horrible and mostly uneatable -

The Good: The Service was good and our server Katie was very nice and attentive. Fried Green Tomato appetizer and cornbread were very tasty.

The Bad: I made reservations for 2x me and friend, we were seated in a dark place way in the back where she was facing the restaurant and I was facing a closed curtained window and could not see ANYTHING but the Motel 6 chevron pattern design 4 feet in front of my face. 90% of the restaurant table were open. I actually said to the server "I feel like Im sitting on the bed at a Motel 6 staring at the window a few feet away with the curtains drawn" was never offered chance to move.

The Ugly: I ordered the Ribs and the brussel sprouts. 75% of the ribs were uneatable completely fat [normally all that's left on a plate are nice clean bones] my plate had a pile of spit out mangled disgusting fat which constituted 3/4 of each rib - no one saw that? The brussel sprouts were grey - I've never seen grey food. They had no taste and the texture was ashes - cooked or what? not sure how to describe but like burnt toast without the toast part, just charred ashes. Told the server, she agreed they were way over cooked; I asked for a manager to know, no one came and yes I paid for that uneatable side.

heck the photos; you would be shocked at the ribs.

To Mgmt: I spent $45 total on food and tip [yes left Katie 20%, she didnt make the food] I will NEVER recommend this place to anyone. 

Why did you seat us with a reservation in such a place when the restaurant had not even been 10% full at the time? When I commented about it as seated, why were we not offered to move? My only view was the chevron curtain and spit out rib fat on my plate.

Why did you not check the quality of the food before it was served or after making a complaint with the server agreeing; have the manager come to the table to see in person - I would have showed the grey [no GREEN color whatsoever sprouts] and the fat spit up and untouched other in photos for you to see.

BBQ places and even Chili's finished plates with ribs only have clean bones left... this was unacceptable and disgusting.

I've only written one other bad review in my life on a restaurant; you are #2. It takes a lot for me to write in.

Oh btw - the manager? did stop over right after our meal was served [before we even lifted our forks] checking to make sure all was ok as apparently our order was lost? ...

First I would like to say i absolutely love the ambience of this establishment. It gives a nice southern feel.

It was not easy picking my food everything and I mean everything on the menus sounded delicious.

My mom and I decided to try the fried oysters and the crab cake. My mom has never had oysters before and she said they they were great she gave them a 10 out of 10. She was t really feeling the crab cake but I definitely loved it and the sauce on the side. I even ate the arugula lol, that crab cake was huge and thick definitely more crab than cake just how I like it.

My guy Jacob (our waiter) was by far theeeee best, extremely knowledgeable about every item on the menu. Super friendly and easygoing. Very sincere and understanding when my request may have been a little “needy” he would always answer me with a “No problem I can do that for you or I understand” and would recommend something that would be even better than my original thought and his suggestions where superb. I did not feel rushed but I felt special because he checked on us often even though the restaurant was busy.

My mom ordered the ribs and cornbread and let me just say the ribs fell right off the bones and the flavor was so good. My mom wanted to bad to finish her meal but it was a lot. The cornbread came in a small little casserole dish super cute.

I had the chicken and waffles. I loved it but I think I would’ve enjoyed the pork chop better. I also had an alcoholic beverage that Jacob recommended to me and mannnn oh man that drink was sooooo good. I really wanted to order another one but I was the designated driver so I had to reel it back lol.

I plan to return in the near future with my friend and I will be sure to ask for my guy Jacob. A+ customer service.

Oh we also had the honor of meeting one of the managers Parker. This guy, greeted us with one of the biggest smiles and friendliest face ever. I inquired about peach cobbler (although I was beyond full, to the point of not being able to slide out the booth) and unfortunately they didn’t have any but Parker went to the kitchen and offered us cherry cobbler and a scoop of ice cream. Now in typical fat girl spirit I really only wanted a little sweetness after my meal and he brought us a shareable of this combination and OMG sooooo good. I couldn’t even finish it but you better believe I packed it right up to take with me. So grateful for that cherry cobbler because I’ll be revisiting that bad boy right after my shower. Ha ha, thank you guys so much and I will see you guys real...

Ida Claire in Addison is one of those places that just gets it right. From the moment you sit down, you’re hit with that warm, whimsical Southern charm — vintage road trip meets backyard dinner party vibes — and then the food comes out and, man, just seals the deal.

We always have to start with their biscuits and fried green tomatoes — it’s tradition at this point. This time we also tried the Lazy Susan Sampler, which was a blast: fun to share, visually gorgeous, and a nice way to taste around the menu.

As for entrées — we went all in:

Double smash burger: juicy, crisp flavors, and that bun was addictive. Wasn't a fan of the shoestring fries, personally, but loved the harissa ketchup.

Chicken and waffles: sweet, savory, perfectly fried ... always a crowd favorite.

Seafood pasta: indulgent and fresh, loaded with flavor. Probably a new favorite of mine.

Summer ravioli: light yet decadent, with bright seasonal notes. Did feel like it needed a fish of some sort, or blackened chicken.

Chicken & mac: pure comfort on a bone and in a bowl. Make sure you really mix the mac well, otherwise it starts out bland.

I’m sober, but their mocktails (especially the “Cali Sober” ones) are some of the best I’ve had. And the drinkers at our table gave a solid thumbs-up to the cocktails too.

Every item was thoughtfully crafted and worth savoring. Now — it’s not cheap. But honestly? It feels worth it, for special occasions. Portions are generous, quality is high, and the experience is memorable. It’s a great spot for birthdays or special nights out — they even do a sweet celebratory gesture that makes it feel personal. Note, if you're gonna have a larger party, be sure to call ahead to reserve a table.

Shoutout of all shoutouts goes to HEITOR. He was one of the best servers we’ve ever had: warm, attentive, genuine, and on top of everything. He never let our water jugs run low, checked in often without hovering, and made us feel so welcome with thoughtful conversation and real hospitality. Ida Claire’s lucky to have him — and so were we.

A couple things to note:

It’s loud. Like, shouting-across-the-table kind of loud. Fun energy, but maybe not ideal if you’re hoping for a quiet dinner.

Parking can be tricky during peak hours on that busy restaurant row. But don’t give up — circle a couple times and a spot will open up. (Patience is rewarded here.)

All in all? Ida Claire is a vibrant, delicious, slightly chaotic southern dream — and we’ll...