Chef's Station

When we arrived at Chefs station we were of course hungry but also exhausted and not in best spirits. Then we were greeted by an exceptional smile and warmth by our waiter, we enjoyed the most delicious foods. The nice ambiance around us was relaxing us and we left being happy and energized. Thank you.... more

What we enjoyed most was the great service that comes with the superb food. We shared our food to get the taste of many dishes: mussels and a souffl, halibut and the great tasting rips, all prepared to perfection. No room for dessert this time but I'll be back soon. more

A gorgeous dining room, terrific wine list, yummy food, grrreat seasonal desserts, friendly and competent service - come on down!! more

The menu has a wide range of selection, from a very sophisticated New Zealand Rack of Lamb to a plain Meatloaf with Roasted Beef Bordelaise. I tried them both. The meatloaf was juicy, sweet, and propelled the dish into another spare. The Rack of Lamb was fabulous and grilled to perfection, tender, tasty and the presentation made it even more enjoyable. The most delicious Rack of Lamb I had it in the entire Chicago area. This was a very positive surprise and I look forward to my next gourmet visit. more

We always enjoy the food, the great presentation of it and the excellent service. However the one of a kind gourmet Meatloaf is the dish me and my Dad are coming for again and again. Thanks for keeping it on the menu. more

The food, service and ambiance at Chef's Station give us each time an elegant experience. The Halibut was simply exquisite. We come here because it is special to us. more

Food is a bit overpriced and unfairly rationed more

I was hugely disappointed not to see Chef?s Station on Prescott Carlson?s recent listing of best Chicago restaurants that offer tasting menus where he described ?once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.? I soon realized ? with relief ? why this Evanston gem was not included. As Carlson himself notes of the restaurants he did list, ??be prepared to get out that gold card and suit jacket if you want to sample some of their unique cuisine.? Thankfully, you need neither gold card nor suit jacket (optional, but thankfully not required) to eat at Chef?s Station. Carlson goes on to list well-known Charlie Trotter?s, Everest, and Tru charging $235, $165, and $160 respectively as average tab per person for their tasting menus. Compare that to Chef?s Station?s 6-course nightly tasting menu that goes for a remarkable $60 per person (only $25 extra to add wine pairings)!! Now this, THIS, is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience! Having dined at all of the above Chicagoland restaurants, I can report first-hand that Chef Jose E. Romero and Owner Peter Mills are leagues ahead of all ? first and foremost for most delectable cuisine (that is consistently exquisite in both flavor and presentation) I have had (high praise coming from people who love to travel, and eat, internationally), but also for the most comfortable/welcoming dining experience (ask for waiter Brian Sprung), but finally, unbeatable best price. Highlights of Sunday night?s tasting menu (which reflects the season?s best and freshest) included beer-braised beef with horseradish emulsion on top of Carnaroli and wild rice mushroom risotto, the homemade pasta with lobster creme sauce and fresh Brussels sprouts, and an incredible lemon souffle with a Grand Marnier creme glaze. Our meal was consistently and beautifully executed to sheer perfection. Kudos to Chef Romero! Experiencing his tasting menu truly IS a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that will not soon be forgotten. more

I've been enjoying this restaurant for over 5 years now with a good 20+ visits under the belt (pun intended) and ahve never been disappointed. Outstanding collection of wines, beautifully created meals and a perfect environment for a romantic date or family/friend get together. The waitstaff and owner are exceedingly pleasant and passionate about the food which rounds out a wonderful experience. I live in downtown Chicago now, but still pop out to the 'burbs at least once a month to get my fix for Chef's Station. more

Two words describe Peter Mill?s Chef Station. Consistent excellence. Cozily tucked underneath the Metra tracks, this restaurant took Evanston by surprise 10 years ago and has upheld its superior standard, unwaveringly, to this day. Chef?s Station is, hands down, Chicagoland?s most delectable meal. Wait staff (ask for Mark) are warm and friendly, but not pushy; knowledgeable and sophisticated without being pretentious. All too often the highest class Chicago restaurants have an equally high level of stuffiness. This restaurant is the opposite - welcoming and comfortable, as Peter himself mingles with guests. The menu changes seasonally ? frequent enough to ensure variety for regulars but returning to old favorites without too long a wait (I salivate as I write this ? do NOT miss the lobster paparadelle). Some items are so popular as to demand a standing place on the menu ? the famous meatloaf with roasted beef bordelaise. It is admittedly a struggle to consider trumping the grilled rib eye for meatloaf, but you will not be disappointed. There is considerable variety within the menu to allow meat lovers and strict vegetarians alike to find heaven. At my last visit, I debated over the seared Australian Barramundi with lobster and asparagus souffle versus the vegetarian special (I had meat last visit and try to alternate so as not to miss anything!) - Carnaroli Rice Risotto with hedgehog mushrooms and baby spinach. I was fantastically pleased with the latter but will return before the season is over to try the Barramundi. Prices are more than reasonable for the food; downtown Chicago diners will be shocked over the quality they receive for the price. Given today?s economy, many have opted to dine at home instead of paying higher prices to eat out. While it might not be realistic to eat at Chef?s Station every night, consider treating yourself to this gem. But, if you do, know the special raspberry Grand Marnier chocolate souffle is not to be missed. Pros: Consistently delicious menu Cons: My only criticism? They're not open for lunch. more

Chefs Station is a fascinating restaurant find. Any time I'm in the Evanston area I plan to dine at Chefs Station. To start with I like to eat at places that are owned by an owner in attendance, someone who cares makes and of all places Chefs Station's owner cares about everything including my satisfaction. The decor is funky because it was all found in an alley, donated or inherited! This place opened on a shoe string with no ""Fancy Dan"" with big bucks to throw around. The food is gourmet to say the least. Chef Romero, a hard working, inventive immigrant from Guatemala directs his kitchen like a Hollywood director. The service is smooth with impeccable timing for course delivery. The wine list is extensive. And the waiters know just which wine to suggest... if they get stuck owner Peter Mills is the Sommelier par excellence! High quality gourmet food, great wine and a caring owner and staff. This cannot be beat at prices that look cheap compared to the downtown tourist traps. Check Please! has made this place famous. Pros: Dramatic Lighting Compliment a Caring Owner and Staff to create a Romantic Getaway. Cons: Outdoor dining can get noisy. more

This cusine shows the chacter of owner. Friendly owner is welcoming at you at the door. Every weekend, there are special selection of food which surprises even the regular customer. Decoration can be improved but that is what's unique about this place. Quality of food and variety of food is exceptional. It shows the owner's devotion and challenging spirit to how creative food can be. Every vist I am so impressed with how the chef come up with new innovative dish. Even if the dish is fancy and creative as other top rated restaurant. they like to keep it low key to make it more casual dining. It seems to reflect the chracter of owner. Top quality food can be served with out snobish ambience/service. I think it is better than most of those top rated $$$$$ resturant in Chicago. Pros: Great/innovative food, great desert, Service Cons: Decor more

The food was pretty good, but not great! However, my wife really enjoyed her meal. The prices are fair. Overall, it was a good experience and I would probably return. more

Great service, wonderful food. We had a terrific time. It's a hidden gem in Evanston. more

It may not be on the menu, but ask your waiter for the Chef's special fillet. He usually keeps a few hidden away for special occasions. It's the best steak in town. Especially with his mushroom sauce! more