Ah, behold the Oakville Grill & Cellar, the freshest sprout in the Lettuce Entertain You garden! As loyal Lettuce fans, we set forth on a culinary adventure, expecting nothing short of their signature consistency and mouthwatering delights found at Shaws, Joe's Stone, RPM, and Sushi-San – the holy quartet of taste-bud nirvana!
From the moment we stepped inside, our eyes were met with a sight so stunning it could make a runway model jealous. The sexy high-end interior and finishes were like a magnet, drawing us in with their irresistible allure. And let's not forget about the crowd – oh, they matched the glamour like peas in a pod, making us feel like we had crashed the world's most fashionable party.
Now, let's talk libations. The drink menu was like a love letter to wine, dedicating page after page to the noble grape. And while we missed our beloved spirits – bourbon, tequila, and scotch – they made up for it with a well-rounded cocktail selection. So, no hard feelings, just soft drinks, and basic house cocktail list to keep us merry.
But hold on a moment; the bar needed some serious rescuing! Picture this: 2-3 brave souls running like headless chickens, trying to quench the thirst of an entire restaurant. The drink service was slower than a tortoise in a marathon, and that, my friends, forced us to call it an early night.
Now, let's talk food, the heart and soul of any restaurant. The Grilled Avocado – oh, what a marvel! With the sourdough bread service and herb compound butter, it danced on our taste buds like a skilled salsa performer. Bravo, avocado, bravo!
The Tuna tostada, though good, didn't quite reach legendary status. It was like the kid who scored a B+ when we all hoped for an A+. Keep striving for that extra credit, Tuna!
Truffle fries were good but not outstanding.
The Halibut entree tantalized us with its tasty charms, but it begged for a little more fat and acid to spice up the relationship. Perhaps a dash of brown butter, capers, or lemon would be the perfect matchmaker. Nevertheless, the solid sear on the fish deserved a round of applause.
And then, like a hero rising from the frying pan, the Fried Chicken emerged victorious. With fierce competition from Gus’s, Roister, and Roost nearby, it stood its ground and claimed its place among the fried chicken greats.
A special shout-out to the pastry chef – oh, sweet creator of divine delights! The chocolate cake was like a slice of heaven on earth, leaving us speechless and yearning for more.
Service-wise, the food runners were in their A-game, but the server leadership seemed to be hiding in the kitchen cupboards. We needed a captain to steer the ship, not a crew with a treasure map but no compass!
As we bid adieu, we promise to return like foodie detectives in a few months. Oakville Grill & Cellar, we hope you'll take these jests to heart and rise to even greater heights. Until then, keep grilling avocados and perfecting your sear game! May the food gods bless you with bountiful...
Read moreLooking for GREAT SALMON, COCKTAILS & GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE? This is your spot!!!!!!
I need a reservation because I decided to pop right in at 3pm. I’m sure in the very near future they’ll be booked up from open to close, simply because of how great this place is. In Chicago, word spreads fast, especially about the food spots, lol. I was met but very charming group at the hostess station. Everyone was all smiles and they were very welcoming. The space is absolutely beautiful good for groups, very well lit with lots of natural light, casual but chill enough if you’re just looking for quick spot to pop in for tasty cocktails. & ROOFTOP and outdoor patio coming soon later in spring 2023.
Let’s get to the price ——THIS PLACE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 appetizer, 2 cocktails, 1 main dish less than $100 including the tip
Parking is scary in the area but don’t worry Oakville has you covered, there’s a $20 valet outside. Really nice guy there too!
NOW THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FOOD:
Sonoma sour: was absolutely great, nice and boozy but not too strong. Very smooth to my gentle pallet, I strong recommend this drink!
Gator Island Salmon: was super fire, the bbq glaze was exquisite paired with perfectly cooked grits. I savored everything!
Even though my fantastic server Valerie encouraged me to try the potato salad deviled eggs first, I proceeded to order them after the salmon. Big mistake, I was so upset with myself that I didn’t take her suggestion to order them before my entree. I didn’t like the texture of the eggs following my main dish. Please don’t misunderstand the eggs were good but not so good to follow the salmon. The MOST IMPORTANT part was how the training manager Matthew came over to make me whole, by removing the deviled eggs from my bill. He explicitly made it a point to express the ultimate goal of Oakville and their staff is to make sure their customers are satisfied with their meal on every single visit. I couldn’t thank Valerie enough for her patience and kindness during my displeasure and for making the adjustment to my bill from the management team. Those elements are what set the standards and will take restaurants very far. Customer service for the win! Thank you Oakville, I’ll be back soon for Sunday brunch with...
Read moreOur recent visit to The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's Fulton Market District was more than just a dining experience; it was a celebration of my wife's birthday that we'll fondly remember. The restaurant's beautiful environment and tasteful decorations provided the perfect backdrop for our special occasion, setting the tone for an enchanting evening.
The inviting vibe and exceptional hospitality were evident from the moment we stepped through the door. Our server, impressively well-behaved, added a personal touch to the celebration. We started our culinary journey with the Grilled Avocado starter, a delightful introduction that heightened our anticipation for what was to come. The Costa Mesa salad followed suit, leaving us with the assurance that we were in for a treat. The drinks, a true phenomenon, were expertly crafted and added an extra layer of celebration to the evening.
Despite a slight hiccup with the initial dishes – an overcooked well-done fillet steak and an overly salty steak burger – our experience took a turn for the better thanks to the exemplary customer service. Upon bringing our concerns to our server and subsequently the manager, Kate, the situation was not only rectified promptly but transformed into a moment of genuine joy. Kate's personalized efforts to make amends for the culinary missteps truly made our day, turning a potential setback into a memorable highlight of my wife's birthday celebration.
In conclusion, The Oakville Grill & Cellar not only offers a visually pleasing ambiance, a welcoming vibe, and delicious cuisine but also understands the importance of special occasions. Despite the minor culinary detours, the dedicated and proactive response from the staff, especially Kate, elevated our birthday celebration. We left the restaurant not only satisfied but grateful for the extra effort taken to ensure our evening was truly special. I highly recommend The Oakville Grill & Cellar to those seeking a wonderful dining experience in Chicago's Fulton Market District, especially for celebrating...
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