Jacky's On Prairie

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2545 Prairie Ave
Evanston, IL 60201

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(847) 733-0899
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Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Jacky's On Prairie - Evanston, IL
Reviews
( 8 )
( 1 )
( 3 )
( 1 )
( 4 )

Best

I LOVE this place. Like some of the other reviewers, I also liked Jacky's Bistro very much, but I thought that the quality of the food was going down a bit at the end. I continue...

Worst

We too were regular patrons of Jackies in the past. It did have a limted but dependable menu ( just like a French bistro), We were a little disapointed in the Steak Frite which t...

Organic disappointment 6/7/2010

We were offered champagne to start us off, which was a nice touch for Saturday brunch. They brought us beignets as well, with honey and powdered sugar. As much as I love honey, these were not drizzled with honey, but drowned with honey to the point where the beignets were soggy. The bread was greasy, but with no distinct flavor. I ordered the Lemon Chicken Tajine, and was really disappointed. The portion was generous, but the chicken was far too salty and did not taste even remotely like lemon. The couscous was OK, moist and cooked well, but it could have used more almonds for texture. Normally I can finish anything, no matter how big the portion, but this chicken was truly just too salty, and the breast was very dry, although the darker thigh meat underneath was OK. I'm still thirsty as I write this, and it's been five hours. I'm thinking I should have stuck to something simple, like the Salmon Salad. For dessert, I had the Profiteroles aux chocolate, which were mediocre - the pastry seemed a little stale. Our waiter was a nice Asian man, but very awkward, stumbling over his words and apologizing every time he came to check on us. He's doing his job, no need to precede every statement with ""I'm sorry to bother you..."" I had high expectations for Jacky's and really wanted to like the restaurant because I'm all for sustainable, organic and local food, but in all honestly, the food wasn't very good at all. Most people seem to love the place though, so I might have to give it another chance. Pros: Local, organic ingredients Cons: Too salty food, Greasy bread, Awkward waiter more
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City atmosphere, closer to home 3/17/2010

I LOVE this place. Like some of the other reviewers, I also liked Jacky's Bistro very much, but I thought that the quality of the food was going down a bit at the end. I continued to go there, though, because I loved the warm ambiance, the servers were (for the most part) excellent, and it was nice to have a place in the neighborhood to go for a good meal. The new restaurant, Jacky's on Prairie, has taken the place to whole new levels, though. Rather than just being another French Bistro, (which are at this point a dime a dozen in Chicago) they have good, unique food that is from all over the world but that features great local farms that are well known in the area for being exceptional in quality. The wine list is long and unique (also mostly small producers). The $ all seem to be very much in line. As someone who wants good quality food both in terms of the sourcing and the food preparation (but finds that hard to find in the United states, sometimes), I am so relieved to have a restaurant in my neighborhood that has-- yes-- excellent, excellent, excellent food and good service. They have also managed to keep the same great, warm vibe to be reminiscent of their namesake. Three cheers from me! Thank you to the new Jacky's! Pros: homemade bread(sticks), local/sustainable/seasonal cuisine Cons: fill up early for saturdays-- make resos early! more
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What a Great Place! 1/19/2010

I've been to Jacky's on Prairie more than a dozen times with colleagues and friends, and we've have had a great experience each time. The food has been consistently high quality and delicious; the bouillabaisse is the best I have ever eaten (and I have had much in my years in France), and the service is friendly and efficient. While some previous reviewers seem to want the new restaurant to be a carbon copy of the old one (which went out-of-business) and others seem to expect it to make good on financial offers issued by that now defunct establishment, I am delighted to have a place that offers a warm ambiance and excellent fare right around the corner. Pros: Organic and sustainable ingredients. Cute clean bathrooms. more
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Once tor many! 1/16/2010

Received a gift certificate from a friend who highly recommended Jacky's as they live in Evanston and have invited us there many times. Management refused to honor it as it was issued during previous ownership. Left me with the feeling of a guest looking for a handout. Not really a ranter though there are too many restaurants to spend money at while Jacky's management figures out the importance of customer satisfaction. Don't really care who the owner is or was. 2 reasonable (key word) people would have liked a reasonable ( in case you missed it, key word) solution that your manager was unprepared to provide and your server, well... there are too many restaurants. Bummer, because the food, selection, and service wasn't good enough to overcome the bitter taste it leaves in your mouth when management values policy over customers. I know my friend will be embarrassed, and I simply will not recommend your establishment. On the contrary. Pros: Bathrooms we're relatively clean Cons: Date Killer more
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Not the same place 11/7/2009

We too were regular patrons of Jackies in the past. It did have a limted but dependable menu ( just like a French bistro), We were a little disapointed in the Steak Frite which the poive is now a thick creamy sauce nothing like the old one. The frites are just not the same. The beet salad was good, and the pheasent appetizer was good. But in general the food was just ok. The wine list is still good, but I hope they aren't just running through the inventory. The atmosphere has definitely changed and doesn't feel as neighborhood as it did before. It's a little sad. Pros: Wine list is still good Cons: Food is a little odd more
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Reminds me of Paris 11/3/2009

Having lived in Paris, I am always in search of an authentic French meal and Jacky's hit the spot! I had steak frites (as it is my gauge of any French bistro's authenticity) and my wife had the duck. We topped off our meal with a bottle of Bordeaux from the extensive wine list. I found the food and ambiance to be in authentic Parisian style and the staff was both friendly and efficient. If you're looking for a little slice of Paris, check out Jacky's! Pros: Authentic French Cuisine more
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not the old Jacky's 10/31/2009

As evanston residents, jacky's bistro was one of our favorite places to spend a long, wonderful dinner with friends. Unfortunately, it has been taken over by the owner of Blind Faith ( a vegetarian restaurant). The menue was linited and the descriptions did not match the food. I ordered a lobster appetizer - came as a ""corn cake"" (probably frozen corn - definitely not fresh) with 2 small pieces of lobster, and no taste. My friend ordered a salad that could have come out of a bag from the grocery store. As an entree, i ordered the steak and frites - a standby at the old Jacky's - it was inedible - grizzle and fat throughout. When we got the attention of the 20 something blonde hostess, she said that that was the way it was served and that it was not the ""old Jacky's"". i asked that it be replaced and she replied that she couldn't promise that it would be any better - but offered to serve me the NY cut - at a much higher price, of course. Pros: can't think of any Cons: rude hostess, bad food, limited menue more
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Best Southern France Taste 8/30/2008

The environment, the service, and the food (can only critique the dessert) are all definitely great reasons to come back for more at Jacky?s Bistro restaurant. more
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Disappointing brunch 8/28/2008

We had two birthdays in a busy, extended family and decided to celebrate at a brunch. We picked Jacky's based upon good reviews. Reserved several weeks in advance but all the good spots went to others. more
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A good time at Jacky's Bistro 8/4/2008

We had dinner with two other couples at Jacky's the other night and had a great experience. We sat outside and started with a bottle of well-priced French white wine and a server who was willing to have some fun with us - so far so good! I think everyone had a different first course with positive comments from all (my Endive salad was great.) The entrees were teriffic as well. One couple shared a Dover sole and the rest of us were jelious! First rate scallops for my wife and I had heavenly veal medallions. Everyone was very pleased. Deserts were good too - we shared several including a to-die-for chocolate mousse type dish that was especially good. Service was attentive and a very nice manager stopped by to check on us, so thumbs up from our group. We'll all be back! Pros: Service, food. and ambience all thumbs up. Cons: Wasn't looking for any - didn't notice any. more
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average and noisy 3/24/2008

As people who frequently dine out, we like to try lots of different restaurants. We had heard mixed reviews from friends about Jacky's and decided to try it out for ourselves. It was...well, average. The tables were too close together, the room very noisy and the food average. the service was good, but couldn't make up for the average tasting food or the noisy room. This is one place that we won't be going back to...it's just not worth the price or the time. Pros: the service Cons: average food and noisy room more
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Our Favorite Restaurant 3/7/2008

This is the first time I've bothered to review a restaurant on Citysearch, because as a frequent customer at Jacky's I felt compelled to write in and set the record straight on the experience there. First, the food. Someone mentioned before that it was bland, which is something I simply cannot get my head around. There are no salt and pepper shakers on the table for a reason; everything is perfectly seasoned and exqusitely complimented. The tastes at Jacky's are second to none, I've never had a disappointing dish. (Both my wife and I feel that the best steak we've ever had has been Jacky's steak frites). Pros: Food, attentive service, great ambience for couples and families. A great experience all-around. more
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Extensive Wine List, Great Food and Amazing service 2/20/2008

My partner and I went to Jacky's on Friday Evening, I have to say we had an oustanding time. The Food was oustanding, the service very knowledgable, and most of all an REALLY extensive Wine list! I give Jacky's 2 thumbs up for being an great place for Family's nights out and a really romantic place for dates.We can't wait to go back again Pros: Wine list, Quality of the food, Atmosphere more
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User review by itsadogeatdogworld 5/11/2006

we wnet there for dinner last night, the ambience is nice. The quality of the ingredients is good, the appearance of the food is done well. But the preparation is average, pretty tasteless. Make sure you ask your server for the price of the specials, we were not told. Our server recommended 1/2 bottle of red wine for our dinner, we made the mistake of not asking the price she did not tell us, it was $50.00 Well anyway live and learn. We had wanted to try Jacky's, we did and will not go back. It is over rated. Pros: ambience, plating of the food Cons: overpriced, bland food more
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No Raving Fans Here 8/1/2005

At $70+ per person, we expect better than tablecloths covered with butcher paper, stainless steel utensils, and tepid coffee. Even on an uncrowded Monday evening, the place was noisy and tables close together. The extensive menu offered creative combinations of foods that arrived looking like works of art. Unfortunately, nothing tasted half as good as it looked, even the scallops that the waitress volunteered were one of the best dishes of the house. The foods as combined did nothing for one another. Our dinners weren't bad, but they weren't anything to rave about either. Service was adequate but unremarkable for fine dining. Our experience can be summed up as average food and modest ambiance at special-occasion prices. We found nothing here that would make us want to return. Pros: Extensive menu, Creative combinations, Picture-perfect food Cons: Noisy dining room, Paper-covered tables, Expensive more
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not the top, but not bad 9/3/2003

Ate here for Valentine's Day one year and it was ridculously crowded - I don't know how they managed to fit in so many tables, and they clearly overbooked. However, the waitstaff was quite attentive, the bartender was helpful and pleasant despite being harried and overworked, and the food was excellent. Chef Jacky obviously takes great pride in his establishment - he took time out to walk around and greet customers. Out of the way location but inexpensive valet parking. Pros: good food, convenient parking, attentive staff Cons: expensive, crowded, atmosphere more
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Real Bistro Food 3/10/2003

The taste and atmosphere of having a wonderful French Bistro meal without leaving the USA. Jackie and the staff make your dining experience a pleasure while the food is the best you can get. The wine list allows you to find a great wine at any range. I love this place......you have to try it! Pros: Great food, Great Service, Lovely Place more
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Menu for Jacky's On Prairie


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Editorial

  • A sophisticated crowd wines and dines on globally inspired cuisine rooted in French tradition at this warm, romantic bistro. Classic French advertising posters line the walls and flickering candles...

  • 12/30/2009 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Lunch hours: Tue - Sun, 11am - 2:30pm; Mon, closed. Dinner hours: Tue - Thu, 5pm - 9pm; Fri, Sat, 5pm - 10pm; Sun, 5pm - 9pm; Mon, closed
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Master Card, Discover, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Evanston
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