Bavette's Bar & Boeuf — Restaurant in Chicago

Weird weird weird “vibe” that starts the minute you hit the door. They start by notifying you that you can sit in the bar but that there’s a an extensive wait—they fumbled over a word to use for extensive. My expression must have said it all because they changed it to “there miiiight be one table top available..”

I walked in and plenty of tables were open but rather than just take any one of the open tables I asked a waitress who was super defensive like “wait a minute—did you ask the host stand about coming in.”

I confirmed that I did then asked which table should I choose. The person was super off putting about maybe I could sit at the bar or there was an open bar top—which was what I had been told by the reluctant host stand person.

I still stood in place because I didn’t know which direction to go.

I said to the person “It’s my first time here.”

She said “okay” like “so what.”

I said “I don’t know where that is.”

She essentially said ‘you’ll find it.’

Wow.

Then the guy came to my table with water. I was asking about the menu and he said he could not take my order or answer anything and that the bartender would be over.

Finally, the guy came over and he looked and acted as nervous as anything I’d ever seen.

I haven’t even gotten my food. I opened the reviews the minute I sat at this table because I knew I was reviewing this as a hands down, absolutely terrible, most horrible experience I’ve ever had in any restaurant I’ve ever been to. And, I do not cook so I am out to eat every single day. I am a Gold Coast resident who rarely travels anywhere beyond there for a meal—literally next to never. But, one of the 5 star hotels I live in daily recommended this so highly and might I say—this place should take a serious page from that hotel’s playbook because there is no one who tops them—at all—in service—and their restaurant venues are to perfection—I won’t even name the place but anyone in the neighborhood knows the ultimate in high level service in hospitality and F/B.

Furthermore, because I live —more than 20 years— in my neighborhood and shop there, I began patronizing the Aster Hall because my sign can’t other’s second home is connected to the building so I cross into the space and know it’s all one company. I’m not unfamiliar with the chain this place belongs to. I must say—the Gibsons chain is super consistent in level of service—and most places on the Gold Coast are. I ventured over here and it was literally the most horrible level of decorum and service I’ve ever seen. I have already given this place the lowest rating possible on service and atmosphere because it’s mutually effectual. My food has now arrived. It looks perfect. I will also order the desert but all I can say about the experience and the service is DO BETTER. The concierge who sent me over here will definitely understand what I mean by this suggestion: DO BETTER. In our 5 star world and high level of expectations of excellence, this place needs to do better, especially since the hotel continually recommends this place to guests, long stays/residential and casual visits for staycations or out of towners. The hotel should really stop sending people over here and I’m sure if they knew the level of service they would think twice about recommending it. So, so, so super...

I made reservations here for an anniversary when they opened up 21 days out, and even after doing it when they opened, I only was able to get a 4:15 spot for a Wednesday night. I planned on doing Valet but since we got there when it opened, we got a spot on the street right out front. When we got there, our table was still being prepped, so we sat in the waiting area up front. From the entrance alone, you can feel the atmosphere in this place. Piano instrumentals and old jazz, warm dim lighting, elaborate glass chandeliers, and a rustic, timeless interior, it all really helps to set the tone. Shortly after being seated, our waiter was quick to come - Joe B was helping us that night. We started with drinks, I got a Penicillin and my girlfriend got the champagne smash. The presentations of both drinks made it clear these were made with care, and the flavor of both were bold. I loved the ginger candy with the whiskey, and the honey and lemon had a nice contrast. My girlfriend enjoyed her drink as well. We then got some of their house made sourdough, and my oh my- I have had a lot of homemade sourdough and this is one of the best I've had. I would buy it by the loaf. Such a nice crust and fluffy interior. The butter that comes with it is super soft and easy to spread. Then we got our entrees and sides. I got the Chicago cut, the 16oz ribeye with a peppercorn crust and my girlfriend got the 10oz filet mignon. The Ribeye was glorious, from looks and taste. The peppercorn crust added this subtle crunch to the steak, and paired well with the rich flavor of the meat. On top of that, the béarnaise that came with it was a well thought addition. The steak was cooked to my liking (medium) and I can say confidently, it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. My girlfriend loved her filet mignon too. For sides, we got the Creamed Spinach, Pommes Frites and Button Mushrooms. What really set apart this place aside from an amazing steak, was how thoughtful the sides were. I am no blue cheese fan but my girlfriend wanted the creamed spinach so I gave it a shot. The combination of caramelized onions and broiled blue cheese was outstanding, one of the highlights of the nights. The Frites came in a cute cone container and were solid. The button mushrooms had a nice sherry sauce with it and cooked well. It was a lot of food and we had leftovers from the 2 of us. For dessert, since it was our anniversary, they were so kind to include a sundae on the house. It was served in a old-style ice cream dish with hot fudge on the side. The ice cream was rich, and packed with flavor. The hot fudge was just the topping I was looking for. This was truly a special anniversary and I wouldn’t had wanted to spend it at any other restaurant. Our waiter, Joe, provided insightful notes on the dishes and gave us some solid recommendations. We told them our allergies up front and I appreciate it that they did not bring it up again at all, and handled it according to what we ordered. They were kind, attentive and helped make the night proceed smoothly. The cost of the meal was expensive however, from the design, atmosphere, the staff, and astonishing food, it was well worth the price tag and I...

My wife and I recently visited Bavette's to celebrate her birthday after being recommended by a close friend. We also have had great experiences at other Hogsalt restaurants. While the ambiance and service had their high points, our overall experience didn’t quite live up to the hype.

We arrived about 15 minutes early for our reservation and were told to wait at the bar. Unfortunately, there was only one available corner seat, so my wife who is 8.5 months pregnant took the seat while I stood. The bartender was attentive and handed us a menu, and I ordered a beer. Just after ordering, we were told we could sit in the front “by the mirror,” but since we were already settled, we stayed at the bar. Almost immediately after that, a host came to seat us. The quick back-and-forth was a little annoying and disjointed but not a deal breaker.

Once seated, our server was friendly and helpful. We started with the shrimp scampi, which my wife absolutely loved. She said she’d return just for that dish. I ordered four oysters, which were very underwhelming. They were extremely small and disappointing, especially compared to oysters I’ve had at other Chicago spots. I wish I had taken a photo to capture just how underwhelming they were.

We also shared the bone marrow, which had a beautiful presentation and excellent flavor. Since Bavette's is known as a steakhouse, we both ordered the 6oz petite filet. My wife asked for hers medium (pregnancy-safe), and I went with medium rare. Unfortunately, her steak came out undercooked, very pink and was medium rare. Mine was very rare and I asked for medium rare. We had to send hers back to be cooked more, which took away from the dinner experience. Being a steak house you think they would have this down.

As sides, we ordered the truffle mac and cheese and the loaded baked potato. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful. The potatoes, however, came out as two and were just whatever. Honestly, I’ve had better loaded potatoes at chain spots like Texas Roadhouse. I do want to make an additional note on my Old Fashion, they don't use the nice big cube they literally fill the glass with ice to the top practically overflowing. When you pay $17 for a drink, I'd hope you would at least get a nice cube with it.

I also added the garlic topping on my steak, which didn’t add much and wasn’t worth the upcharge. They were very sticky and a waste, didn’t even bother with them. That is on me though, I should have went with the Gorgonzola like my wife. The roasted tomatoes served alongside were a confusing choice and didn’t enhance the dish. A nice touch was the complimentary ice cream sundae for my wife’s birthday, which we appreciated.

Overall, Bavette’s has a beautiful atmosphere and solid service, but the food was hit-or-miss, especially for the price and reputation. For us, it felt a bit overrated and not a place we’re likely to return to anytime soon. Realistically I'd give it 3.75 out of 5. Hoping future visits for others are...