Labas Seafood Steak & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Monee

My husband and I stopped in on rainy evening and boy are we glad we did! Our experience was topnotch all the way. The bartender, Renee, and the server, Hillary, were magical. Hillary even showed us around, answered questions and treated us like guests despite the fact that she wasn’t technically working because she had just been cut. Meanwhile, Renee’s every answer was ‘yes’. Well, alrighty then!

We started our meal by sharing a dozen oysters. This was one of the best values in oysters that I have seen. The price point was so low that honestly I worried about what we would get. Here’s what we got: 12 plump, meaty, oysters. The oysters were a bit bigger than my preference and flavor wise a bit neutral, but that didn’t stop us from finishing them.

Then, I enjoyed a side wedge salad, and I do mean enjoyed! Meanwhile, my husband tucked into a soup. He didn’t say much but he did clean the bowl.

For entrees, I had the ny strip and frites. Kudos to the chef! The steak’s cook and char were spot on. The size was generous. The fries were homemade and plentiful. Let’s just say that my membership in the ‘Clean Plate Club’ remains in good standing.

My husband had the scallop special. He enjoyed that dish as well. I only now realize that we didn’t talk much to each other during the meal, because we were getting to know our neighbors at the bar, including a couple who were there celebrating the wife’s birthday. The birthday girl and her husband were regulars and Labas is where they chose to celebrate. That says something. Our new birthday friends talked us through menu with such care and insight, that I was confident they knew what they were talking about. Seeing so many good folk who regularly spent their hard-earned dollars here…is there possibly any better evidence that Labas is a worthwhile place?

What we enjoyed most of all was the love that Renee and Hillary had for where they worked! Again, that was reflected by the fact that the bar was stocked with regulars who also universally said how much they loved stopping by Labas.

Labas Seafood is owned by the chiropractor whose medical office literally is next door. As in the very next door. I think, but am not sure, that the restaurant and the chiropractic practice are in the same structure or possibly adjoining buildings. Something about that really makes me trust the kitchen even more. Maybe that’s why we gave the oysters a try. lol

Overall, the atmosphere was genuine—genuinely welcoming and genuinely warm. Renee and Hillary were knowledgable, honest, easy to be around, and worthy of the most generous tips we truly could afford!

Thank you to the entire Labas community for sharing your special hidden gem with such...

A few weeks ago, we decided to celebrate a special occasion here at Labas Latte & Vino. We visited a few days prior to check out the place and to be sure that they would be able to accommodate a party of 11 for 7:30 pm on a Saturday. They gladly said that it would not be a problem and that we would be seated upstairs. Once we arrived on Saturday for our reservation, they were not quite ready for our party as they had seated another party upstairs. They ended up seating us downstairs shortly after our reserved time. The first thing that happened was when we went to sit down the tables appeared as they were quickly pushed together. The salt/pepper/oil was left on one of the chairs and my son sat down next to me and the oil ended up splashing on my pants. I didn't make a big deal about it, because I didn't want the occasion to be ruined. After 45 minutes our first round of drinks came out. It took an hour for the bread and parmesan to come out. 1 hour and 30 minutes for our food to be served. We were short a Chicken Marcella and had received an extra Chicken Parmesan plate and they had also forgotten to bring out a shrimp and grits plate. At this point, it was almost 9:00 pm, and instead of waiting for the correct plate, we decided to just eat the Chicken Parmesan. The one order of Chicken Marcella we did receive was very salty. We told our waitress about the two mistakes, and after about fifteen minutes they were able to send out the shrimp and grits. They offered to make something different to replace the Chicken Marcella but it was getting too late to wait on another meal to be cooked and served. So the Chicken Marcella was sent back. At this point, everyone was getting frustrated, and we just wanted to pay our bill and leave. Once we received our bill over $400 we noticed that the Chicken Marcella was still on it. The manager notified us the head chef would not take it off the bill. We asked her if he would reconsider. The head Chef then peeked out of the kitchen and yelled across the room to just take it off the bill.

I would like to add that other than the poor service and Mismanagement the food was good. We will consider returning to try again with a very very small party.

Food- 4 star Service- 1...

I've been here a few times now with my wife, and each time I'm impressed. Over the short time I've been coming here it has progressed so much. I'm also a resident of Monee so I'm very happy to see such a unique restaurant do well in a small town.

The atmosphere is really cool yet relaxing and home-like. The service is superb. All of the waiters and waitresses have been great. Most of the time we get Mark, and Mark is one of the best waiters I've seen, and I've been to a bunch of hole in the wall places up to high end steak houses. Mark is an absolute gem.

The food menu is small, but has a good variety. Everything I've had here has been great. They have some of the best salmon I've ever tasted, and I'm not a fan of fish either. Their desserts are pretty good too. Every time we come here there's new drink specials. Here they are always changing things up in a positive way. The selection of wine and mixed drinks is exquisite. The Peach Moscato is dangerously tasty and they have locally sourced Rye Whiskey which is very nice. You can't go wrong with the drink specials. Always something for everyone.

I know there are some people complaining about the pricing. The prices are great. Especially considering the food quality is that of what you would get at a nice place in downtown Chicago where you're going to pay at least double than Labas.

If I had to pick a con of Labas. The thing I can think of is that I wish the steak was better, but obviously this isn't a steakhouse. I love Labas and I'm grateful that they are here in the...