Carnivore & The Queen — Restaurant in Downers Grove

I had a fantastic meal last weekend at this supper club restaurant that we brought my mom to. It was the first time at Carnivore & The Queen. From the outside the restaurant is nothing special as it’s in a small strip mall and there’s not a lot of parking. Don’t let that fool you. Once inside, it’s decorated very nicely with black walls & ceilings, beautiful lighting and artwork. There’s a bar in each dining area as well. There’s a small front and side, outdoor patio with umbrella tables, too. Our server was Zane, who was very personable and engaging. He gave us the history of the name of the restaurant, when I inquired and explained the menu. He made the dining experience that much better. My husband and I started out with cocktails. I requested a mezcal paloma and my husband had one of the old fashioneds, the Minocqua which was amazing. Next time I’m getting that cocktail. We started with a relish tray that we shared comprised of beer cheese dip, ham salad, housemade crackers, crudités, olives and cornichons. The relish tray is definitely a throwback to the supper clubs of the past. It’s good for two to share. I I asked for bread, which was served warm with salted butter topped with fried basil and salt. I was surprised there was a charge for the bread. With the high prices at this restaurant, it would be a nice touch for their customers to provide complimentary bread and charge for the second loaf, if requested. My mom and husband had the beef wellington, which was the Saturday night special. It was fantastic. Perfectly flaky crust, and the fillet was cooked as requested, medium rare, I had the seared scallops, which were perfectly grilled and tender and fresh. This restaurant is pricey, but worth it. There is a five-course signature supper for $66, which would include the relish tray, wedge salad. shrimp & crab Louie, roasted chicken, and dessert. You can swap out the roasted chicken for another entrée with an upcharge. I think that is the way to go so you can have a little bit of everything from the menu and control the price. I can’t think of one negative about our dining experience except the charge for bread. I’d like to come back for a burger and cocktails at the bar Their way burgers look fabulous! I definitely recommend this restaurant, but be prepared for sticker shock. We don’t mind paying $$$$ for great service and food, but others...

I tried to keep an open mind the whole night however such an awful 1st time experience. We got there 10 min early. It was a very important birthday last night for us & they gave away our table to a couple where the 2nd person had the same name as me. Due to this mistake; we were not sat until 30 min after our rvsp. We were there 10 min early so 40 min. To make matters worse; people who came after us were seated BEFORE us. The bartender however was so nice! So kept an open mind. I had special things arranged for the birthday person & due to this huge mess; ruined! I will be calling on that & not going into detail. The waitress was nice. My steak was completely cooked incorrectly. So bloody; I had to send it back. The man who fixed it however was VERY nice. I could tell the whole night he was working VERY hard. That did not go unnoticed. He deserves so much grace for how hard he worked last night! Once I received the new steak; I think they forgot to season it. I had no flavor to my steak. All I tasted was steak with no seasoning but at this point-im like im done trying to like this place. The mashed potato & broccoli were very good. The party that they sat after us didn't get their food until 2 hrs later. The waiter kept apologizing to them. Something needs to change with the organization. This was completely unacceptable for this restaurant. I waited a long time for our food but gosh not as long as them. The icecream was VERY basic. I wish I would have skipped it. Nothing special at all. It was extremely cluttered in the back part of the restaurant where they sat us. If they wouldn't have given away our table in the front-the clutter wouldn't have been like we experienced. I know the guy felt bad because he just kept saying, thank you for your patience. He could tell. I tried to give this restaurant a chance after the many mess ups; but I won't be back.

Every year on this day for years & years-the restaurants have made it so special. This was absolutely a disaster. The food was so bla. I hope those workers are getting praise even through mistakes because some of them...

This was our second visit. This time she ordered the straight supper menu and I made a dinner out of the Provencal Scallops. We had to substitute a caprese like dish for the ceviche as we both are not supposed to have grapefruit.

The caprese-like dish was very well presented with what appeared to be parmesan instead of mozzarella. It was a perfectly fine dish and the presentation was nice.

The relish tray was odd. We both ordered a dinner but on the relish tray there was only 1 toast for the spreads. The other proportions were ok but then there was 1 slice carrot, 1 slice pepper, and 1 slice celery... Seems strange for a relish plate for 2.. When requested, our waiter provided some extra toast slices for the spreads which was nice as there was no way all that spread was going on one small toasted bread.

The wedge was as awesome as it was previously. I love salads but have never been a wedge salad fan. Carnivore & The Queen's wedge salad is the best I have had. Ordered with the garlic dressing. I would certainly order it again. That bacon...

Her chicken was a bit dry at the edge. However, my scallops were very good. I would definitely go for the scallops again. The chicken was better the first time we came so maybe it was an off night on the chicken.

Took the key lime pie to-go as we were both fairly full. At home we found out the crust on the key lime pie was slightly burnt. However, the contents were quite good and the first time we visited the key lime pie was incredible. Again, maybe an off night.

Ordered an old fashioned. Very good and they do not water the drink down which I appreciate. Their mixed drinks have been reliably tasty.

As others have mentioned, it became quite loud when the center large table filled in. Loud enough that simple conversation between us sitting next to each other was difficult.

Our first visit was better. Maybe the second visit was an off night or maybe things have declined. I have only visited twice so I cannot say for certain. I am hoping...