Peppercorns Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Park Ridge

Not sure how to rate this place because I feel like it started off strong but we've had a negative experience the last few times we've come. Originally, the food was great - burgers and steak, veggies, baked potato all cooked well and flavorful - veggies sauteed in garlic, well seasoned steak, etc. The signature peppercorn sauce is excellent and adds a spicy, sweet dip for the steak. The service is weird - there have been times when I've stood in the doorway for what feels like forever with the hostess just chatting away with someone, not even addressing me - or saying she'll be right back, and then disappearing for 10 min but the place is not busy at all. There's never any rush to get you to a table, take your order, bring the food, bring the check, or close out your bill. We always know it's going to take at least 1.5-2 hours to eat here, even when it's empty, but we've kind of accepted it because the food was good. The last few times we went, though, the food was way off. So much so that we asked the server if maybe they hired a new cook. The steak was tough, the peppercorn sauce was watery and didn't have the same sweet taste, the veggies were bland. The portions have also been much smaller. I wouldn't say anything if it was a one-off but to be a regular at a restaurant, there needs to be consistency. I will give it another few tries and update my review...

Wonderful experience! We were at a convention around 3 minutes away and it was very close and convenient. We were greeted by the staff professionally, and were seated as quickly as possible. There were people, however it wasn’t crowded. Our waiter was very attentive and patient and was very willing to chat with us and answer any of our questions! Food was out within a reasonable amount of time, the food was exceptional, my son and I definitely enjoyed our orders. (Definitely recommend the chicken caesar wrap!) Moving onto the atmosphere, very child friendly, comfortable seating, very cute decoration, typical diner style. Parking was also very easy to find, and it’s a free lot. Our total for our visit was around $30 total.

Anyhow, in conclusion, I would definitely recommend Peppercorns to anyone in the...

The portions are SMAAAALL! We got the barbeque chicken flatbread appetizer. While I was eating it, I was thinking "this costs  $11!?!" I got the steak and lobster tail. The lobster tails was SOOOOOO PUNY I was relieved that I didn't opt for the 2 lobster tails entre. So I see the the lobster tail- skimp, then I look at the steak and It's small too. Thankfully, I wasn't paying for any of this because I was being treated. It was my birthday. On the side I got jasmine rice pilaf which was cooked perfect and was good but skimp and I got mac and cheese which was good and a decent portion, must of had like 4 or 5 cheeses on there. The atmosphere was cool. Many big tvs and the waitress was friendly. 30 mins later I'm hungry. They must be getting the lobster tails off a lobster farm over...