Parlor

Whomever gave this place a four star rating must be used to eathing at Burger King, because this restaurant was a total disappointment. After reading so many favorable reviews, my wife and I decided to eat there last Saturday--bad decision. We couldn't have been more disappointed. From the decor to the service to the food, there is not a good thing I can say about the place. We each ordered steak thinking that was a safe bet, but it was not prepared properly, served luke warm, and was tasteless. The poor service added to our disappointment. The waiter, who spent a lot of time downstair doing "whatever," couldn't concentrate on service. When in the actual restaurant, he was more interested in the female bartender than the customers. We won't go back. If you haven't been there, do yourself a favor, don't waste your time!!! Pros: None Cons: Rude service more

I went to this restaurant for the first time last Sunday evening, with my family who were visiting from out of town. What a disaster! I had a hopeful outlook, based upon the cool decor and some good reviews. There were 5 of us, we had a reservation, and yet they seated us on top of the table next to us, instead of the back of the restaurant where it was totally empty. We were the only table ordering food when we sat down (one other table was paying the check and another was only ordering drinks). The waitress was knowledgeable, although minimally enthusiastic about waiting on us. We ordered appetizers, which came out in a reasonable amount of time. Then we waited.... over 45 minutes passed before our food came. They have an open kitchen, so I could see that the 2 chefs were busy, but I have NO IDEA what they were doing! Does it really take that long to make 2 salads, a burger, steak, and chicken?! Three of the plates came up and sat on the counter for at least 5 minutes, then they took them back and set them under the warmer. The waitress finally just served what was ready after another 5 minutes. The meals that weren't done were salads! They are pre-made, just add the meat... what was the hold-up?! My meal had the wrong side dish, and all the meals were marginally warm. The bartender apologized and took $5 off three of the orders. I felt this was hardly compensatory, but by that time we just wanted to go home (after 2 hours). I can't imagine what the service would be like if the place was actually busy. Never again. Pros: Decor Cons: Slow service more

I've been there several times for the weekend brunch. The food is always great, the waitstaff very friendly. Stopped in this week for dinner and it was a really good experience. I ordered the steak, she ordered the chicken breast with blueberries and pecans on spinach leaves. We both like the music and atmosphere. Definitely one of our favorite places. Pros: Great atmosphere. Excellent food. Cons: Small place - on occasion, have had to wait a long time for a table. more

I went to Parlor the first time last Friday with a couple friends and had an amazing time. We were sat right away and had Ryan as a server. He was extremely knowledgeable about both the food and wine. He suggested the Jewel Collection Viognier (white wine) and the Bradford Mountain Zinfindel (red wine) and they both paired perfectly with our food. We had the scallops, grilled cheese with bacon and egg (YUM!!!), meatloaf, chicken and waffles, and lobster mac & cheese. Then we had an apple crisp for dessert. Seriously...EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I loved the fact that the kitchen is open and you can see the chef's cooking. I give Parlor 2 thumbs up! Pros: Service, food, wine more

I heard great things about this place, too. But my experience was anything but exceptional. My boyfriend and I went last Saturday - made reservations beforehand, but when we got there, we waited 20 minutes to be seated - AND THE PLACE WAS EMPTY. Then, we got seated 6 inches away from another couple, very awkward. Our waiter forgot about our drink order and the food was just so-so (a fatty NY Strip steak and ho-hum piece of salmon). Probably won't be back with all the other great Chicago restaurants out there. Pros: Great ambience, nice wine list, complete menu Cons: Bad service, seemingly disorganized staff, just so-so food more

I had not been to Parlor in a while so I thought I would go and relieve my craving for the GREATEST CHICKEN and WAFFLE in town. I was not dissapointed! Even with a new chef and cooks that I did not recognize,or remember, this place continues to create great tasting food. The atmosphere was lively & now they even have a nice looking outdoor garden. The Manager suggested that we try the fish cooked in a paper bag. It sounded strange, but when the whirl wind of forks & dust settled back on to the table I wished that I had ordered an extra one for myself, but next time I will. What a wonderful wednesday night. Pros: Great music, food and a super nice service staff Cons: New slower cooks in the kitchen more

I've been to Parlor dozens of times and the food has always been great, but the last few times I have been very disappointied, noting that they changed chefs. Obviously, the quality of the product left with the chef. The place has a different feel to it--as if it might be on its last legs. My advice: there are too many great restaurants in Chicago to waste your time on Parlor. Cons: Poor quality and service more

Great American gourmet food, friendly folks. Can be the kind of place where everybody knows your name. Small, comfortable atmosphere. Creative dishes with a comfort food flair. Well-stocked, intimate bar where you can always find good conversation. Perfect for when you want a good meal with just a dash of upscale. We like to plop on in and eat at the bar. The food is superb and we always make new friends... Don't bring your yappy kids here. It's a grown up place. Pros: Nice people. Great food and atmosphere. Cons: Can't have the windows open near the bar in the winter. more

Had dinner there not that long ago - the food was cold and flavorless. Heard a lot of good things about this place and was very disappointed of it. Cons: small portions more

Excellent, feel-good food, excellent service and a great, affordable wine list. A real treat in the neighborhood... can't wait to go back. Pros: Mouthwatering good, Good price, Comfy Cons: A tad loud more

We've been now three times and it keeps getting better. Food is outstanding, incredible attention to detail, e.g., they smoke their own meats, etc. Try the fried chicken and waffles---chicken is flavorful with out being greasy and comes on top of first-rate waffles with a side of creamed spinach--delicious. Everything we've tried (salmon, chicken, steak, whitefish, even grilled cheese) has been wonderful. Only con: broiled tomatoes need a bit of work. A bit off the beaten path, but it's absolutely worth the trip. Pros: Great food, SUPERfriendly service more

My girlfriend and I recently walked over to Parlor for dinner. We had seen an article about it in a magazine. I must say I was very impressed. The food was "blow you away" good. I had the meatloaf. She had the Chicken with the bluberry sauce. We split a "Krispy Kreme" bread pudding. Do yourselves the favor... get over there. We finished off the evening with a couple glasses of wine at the ultra-cool bar. I enjoyed the experience so much, we just made plans to go back tonight for appetizers and drinks at the bar. Pros: The scene, The food, The staff Cons: none more

As with many new restaurants, some kinks will need to be worked out. For the most part, the private opening was a great success. I was impressed with the food, ambiance and the waitstaff; all of whom were courteous and friendly. The food, american with a twist was delicious. Corn chowder and salmon were great... fried oysters to die for. The prices are reasonable... especially for wine & champagne. I plan on going back.... often. Pros: Delicious Food, Moderate Prices, Nice Ambiance Cons: New with a few kinks, Interior not finished more