Coquette — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

We had a wonderful dinner at Coquette in just their third week since opening!

First, the ambiance: the space is small but spectacularly decorated in mod-style pink and red hues. The pictures online make this place look like the perfect spot for a girls’ night, but the candlelit tables and dimmer lighting after dark made it perfect for a date. I also want to commend the music at the restaurant, it was the perfect volume, and the fifties French music was an enjoyable part of the entire meal.

Second, the cocktails: my date and I both commented that we would come back solely for the cocktails. The cocktails on the menu were delicious and inventive. The house martini, made with pear, was particularly spectacular; it involved spherical pear juice that bursts in your mouth just as you take the first sip of the cocktail.

Third, the food: portions were small, but everything we had was delicious. We started our meal with the oysters and foie gras cones. Both were delicious bites. Our entrees were also lovely and not too large. Dessert was a standout. The opera cake was absolutely wonderful and was an excellent culmination to the meal. My date didn’t want to share!!

Finally, the service: Jeff, our bartender/waiter did an excellent job with recommendations, and he was just the right amount of attentive. He was able to make a classic cocktail I wanted halfway through our meal, and it was absolutely delicious—a top-tier Last Word that I would have expected at a place dedicated solely to cocktails. Last, about three-quarters through our meal, we were invited behind the bar to check out records, converse with our waiter, and take a taste of one of the aperitifs Coquette makes in house. It was like having a dinner amongst friends and was a lovely experience.

Needless to say, I will be coming back to Coquette as soon as reservations are available. I’m already thinking of all the friends I would like to introduce this place to. If you have a little extra money for a fun night out, I can’t recommend...

This was an unbelievable dining experience from start to finish. The wait staff made outstanding recommendations for our cocktails, wine, appetizers, and main dishes. We weren’t sure how much food to order for four people, and wanted to know which foods paired the best.

Our waitress did not disappoint. We ordered the salad to start along with the steak tartare (comes with an excellent French onion butter for the accompanying baguettes), got the beef Wellington for the main (perfect when split among four people), and got a bottle of wine. This was the perfect amount of food. And you have to get the Wellington - hands down the best thing we ate.

Also should mention that they accidentally brought us the wrong bottle of wine (it was a different Pinot Noir than what we ordered; truly no big deal at all). Not only did they fully comp the Pinot we were given, the house Sommelier gave us each a glass of Merlot for free! It was totally not necessary but spoke volumes about their commitment to providing an excellent experience.

The house also provided after dinner digestif cocktails behind the bar. When I complemented the bartender on the delicious cocktail I had before dinner, he offered me a free taste of a new cocktail he created which will be rotating on the menu soon.

Seriously, this place would be 5 stars based on food alone. Add on the outstanding service & overall experience we had, and it has become one of the most memorable meals ive had in this city. Get here ASAP!

FYI - budget ~3 hours for the...

Coquette receives high marks for Restaurant Week. With the departure of Kiki's and Avec this friendly neighborhood restaurant in the West Loop sets the tone for hip and trendy Parisian Bistro. The bar and entrance feels like a walk through a high style Art Deco vase. Venture further and it opens into a hip French restaurant akin to the Mondrian exhibit in the Louvre. Fun and funky vibes... Coquette was available for a Tuesday slot so I felt fortunate to be seated at a table near the bar. The bar service along with staff are top notch, with a playful wine and menu pairings for Restaurant Week. Popped open a Mary Taylor Red to go along-side a carnivorous appetite and it definitely hit the right notes. Notable choices at Coquette, Creme Du Barry (Roasted Cauliflower soup), Mouse de Foie De Volaille (Liver pate), Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef stew), Polet Rotis (Roasted Chicken), Tarte Au Citron (Lemon Tart).. All were delightfully plated and coursed well. The meal was timed well and service attentive. Another trip to the bar and bottle of Perry Cider later to accompany the desserts of Creme Brulee and Tarte Au Citron. The only kink with the meal was that the creme brulee was charred but luckily the Tarte stole the show, with a gorgeous crust and texture. If Coquette continues with a high level of service and stellar menu, I can see this getting at a mention in the Michelin guide next to round. I definitely can't wait for another visit and try out Coquette's...