EJ's Place — Restaurant in Niles Township

So I've driven past EJ's I don't even know how many times and I finally went in this past weekend (March 1st). We had reservations for 8:15PM...showed up right on time and the front entrance was slammed. Very loud atmosphere but not overbearing. We were promptly seated and in stepped our waiter for the night, Nick. Now I've been to multiple steakhouses downtown Chicago labeled as "high-end steakhouses" boasting "excellent table service" but his service was fantastic right off the bat. He went over the specials in detail and also gave input on his favorites. Service is huge for me when it comes to eating out and he was doing everything right and then some!

Out came the food. I had the NY strip steak cooked medium rare (AS IT SHOULD BE ALWAYS :D) with the Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The steak, cooked perfectly. I had to add just a little salt over the top to get it exactly where I wanted it flavorwise. Adding the bearnaise sauce also elevated the steak. The garlic mashed potatoes were sooooo good. Creamy, garlicky, just a perfect pair with the steak. The drinks were strong and just what was needed for sips in-between bites.

Nick was great from start to finish. From taking our orders, checking in with us, sharing a bit about himself while making sure we were always taken care of. Really really great service and it cannot be understated. When I come back, I'm definitely going to try and request for him to wait our table.

We finished the meal with arguably the BEST Tiramisu I've had anywhere. It is one of my top desserts right next to creme brulé and OH man was it good. The coffee flavor profile was much different than other restaurants which put it above the rest.

For the price that was paid for the meal, the A+ service from Nick, the complimentary valet...the ambiance..the food...coming back here again is a no brainer. If you've never been here, add it to your restaurant list and come ASAP.

Book a reservation ahead of time, especially if you're coming on a Friday or...

Here’s What you need to know: loved our first ever visit to EJ’s on a perfect August summer evening for some al fresco dining (terrific, elegant setup outside for COVID). AMAZING food and service. HUGE portions but everything made to order (even the salad dressing). Perfect!

While it was only 2 adults for dinner, we ordered 3 entrees, 1 appetizer, and 2 desserts because everything on the menu sounded so appetizing.

Starters: The grilled calamari: had the most delicious sauce. Finger licking good Bread basket: had 4 terrific options with pats of butter. That baguette. Yum House salad (comes with entree): I can’t say enough about how terrific that made to order dressing was… we ate every morsel on the plate. Lettuce and cherry tomatoes were chilled/fresh Minestrone soup: packed with herbaceous flavor and seasoned perfectly. Delish!

Mains: Seafood Linguine: Huge portion and insanely flavorful tomato based sauce. Just wow! Bone in veal parmesan: best version of this dish I’ve had and it was incredibly well prepared. It’s a complex dish but done so right - perfectly cooked tender veal, amazing crispy breaded batter, and a delicious marinara sauce. Comes with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce. We got it sliced for easy sharing. Filet mignon: huge portion. Cooked just right - medium rare. We got it sliced for easy sharing

Potato sides: Baked potato with sour cream and chives. Classic and Delish Housemade chips: thick cut and perfectly fried Mash potatoes: garlicky and buttery

Desserts: Key lime pie: our favorite dessert. Housemade. Just the right amount of sweet and tart. Amazingly crumbly delicious graham cracker crust. Cooling whipped cream on top. Tiramisu: housemade. Cinnamon on top

We did a birthday celebration for me and it was a terrific one :) our two little ones came with us too and enjoyed the filet, chips, baguette, and spaghetti.

Total bill was $300...

I don't care how the food or service is but this restaurant's parking situation is the source of constant traffic hazards on Skokie Blvd which is a major thoroughfare in the area.

All the parking spots are arranged on the sides and in the back of the building. In front on the property next to Skokie Blvd there is a narrow lane without parking spots presumably for drop offs and pick ups. This drop off lane is separated from Skokie Blvd by the sidewalk. However there is no way to re-enter the parking lot without either going against traffic or recirculating onto Skokie Blvd. This constantly creates a traffic blockage on Skokie Blvd just in front of the restaurant. And this restaurant being the second building just north of the Old Orchard intersection which means any congestion they create quickly backs up Skokie Blvd and cause drivers to swerve between lanes to avoid being stuck, resulting in the traffic hazard.

Clearly the one who designed the parking situation is cluess and clearly the owners of this restaurant don't care about being a good neighbor. All the owners have to do to solve this problem is to make the drop off lane one way north bound and require all drop offs to circle the building and enter the drop off lane coming back west bound on the south side of the building. This way traffic will not back up all the way onto Skokie Blvd.

So I stay far away from this place as no matter how good their food is, its not worth the congestion or the potential fender bender. The owners ought to go visit the McDonald's at Skokie Blvd and Dumpster to learn what good parking lot traffic...