Crofton on Wells

Claim
marker

535 N Wells St (at Between Grand Ave. and Ohio St, River North)
Chicago, IL 60610

marker
(312) 755-1790
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
Crofton on Wells - Chicago, IL
Crofton on Wells - Chicago, IL
Reviews
( 7 )
( 11 )
( 3 )
( 1 )
( 0 )

Best

Crofton on Wells has not fallen into the ""trendy"" trap that so many other River North restaurants have. From the smaller intimate space to the focus on amazing food this place ...

Worst

While the atmosphere and service and fine....don't swim with the whitefish! It was distinctly fishy and when I commented on this after one bite, I was not offered an alternate an...

Neighboorhood feel in the big city 3/21/2008

Crofton on Wells has not fallen into the ""trendy"" trap that so many other River North restaurants have. From the smaller intimate space to the focus on amazing food this place is now one of my favorites in Chicago. When we entered the hostess warned us that they had been cooking all day in the kitchen so be prepared to eat. She did not lie and we did not disappoint. Each course - johnnycakes, short ribs; texas ""snapper"", venison; provided great flavors that were not overly done for the sake of style and what is currently hot and trendy. Overall, amazing food in a simple neighboorhood type setting with very friendly service. Pros: Service, Food, Low Key feel more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Crabcake in the WORLD! 11/9/2006

For every bad review there is always a good one. Crofton on Wells was by far one of the best dining experiences I have had in Chicago in a long time. It was very intimate, the service was great and they even called us by name when we got there. I highly recommend the crab cakes and the Chicken. Pros: Service, location, intimate dining atmosphere more
Reply | Report abuse |

They serve appetizers for the main course 8/7/2006

What is the point of serving good food if your customers are still hungry when they are done?\r \r Seriously, I had an appetizer, 2 main courses (salmon and steak), dessert and a bottle of wine. I was still hungry.\r \r I like how one reviewer suggesting eating a snack before going to Crofton's more
Reply | Report abuse |

Not Worth the Money 3/24/2006

This was our 2nd time dining at Crofton's & unfortunately it will most likely be our last. Food is good, however the whole dining experience is underwhelming & pretty pricey for what you get. This is not a place to go if you have a large appetite as the portions are very small. When you pay $200 for dinner for two you'd expect a more memorable dining experience. The ambiance leaves a little to be desired and the food while good is quite forgetable. There was not one stand out thing that we had during our meal that would make it worth $200 to go back again. Dessert for $11?? It was so small we could barely share. Mixed green salad for $9.75? Barely a handful of lettuce... could you spare it Suzy? Fish with beans for $30.00??? Barely the size of a Perch, beans weren't cooked entirely and $30.00!!! Pros: Vegetarian Options, Good for Dieters Cons: Expensive, Small Portions, Lack of "Life" more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great experience 2/12/2006

Top notch dining experience. Excellent service, great wine list at all price ranges, heavy on domestics but a very impressive Pinot Noir list. The food was extremely well prepared and included some very unique updates on more traditional preparation of many dishes. The prices are probably 10-20% higher than I would expect for similar dishes elsewhere but you also won't get this attention to detail at many places so it is worth it overall. Be prepared for a very impressive meal but don't expect to be wowed by anything too experimental. Pros: Excellent preparation, Top wine list, Attention to detail Cons: A bit pricey, Small menu more
Reply | Report abuse |

Romantic but pricey 10/14/2004

Visited the first week of October and had no problem getting a table. Excellent service all around. The ambience is wonderful and quite romantic. The fact that we were seated at a corner table helped as well. A little on the noisy side but this is a small restaurant so that can't be avoided. The food was good but portions are small so eat a snack before heading out. Not impressed with the quail we had even though the pork and veal entrees were sumptuous. Generally, the food is somewhat overrated in reviews. The wine recommendation was spot on and enhanced the meal. As for the bill - plan on spending a bit more than average $$$ but the benefits far outweigh the cost. Pros: Ambience, Service Cons: , Portion size more
Reply | Report abuse |

Excellence! 1/18/2004

We went to Crofton's for dinner before the theater and we couldn't have been more pleased. When making reservations I asked for a private, secluded table for two and we got exactly what we asked for. It was very romantic and quiet. The food was really a treat. I had the buttersquash soup (the best I've EVER had) and my partner had the mixed greens (very yummy!) I wasn't too fond of the pear-greens salad (but only because I don't like blu cheese) I ordered the Guinie Hen which melted in my mouth. My parter had the venision (which was cooked very rare) only complaint. SAVE ROOM FOR DESSEST! The apple tart is to die for, just mouth watering. Overall it was just a great experience for us. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Well worth it. 11/3/2003

I have had crab cakes all over the world and Suzy's remain the best. I even think they have gotten better over the years. I was the host of a recent weekday business dinner for some well traveled associates and I couldn't have chosen a more appropriate spot. The food was excellent. I had the guinea fowl (hen I think). The wait staff was helpful and well informed. I suggest diners pay attention to the specials and venture beyond the signature BBQ pork tenderloin. My associates appreciated the wide selection of wines by the glass, many of which you will not normally find. Overall the quality remains high and well worth a visit. Pros: sesonal specials , vegan menu choices, crabcakes!!! Cons: prompt valet parking more
Reply | Report abuse |

Dissapointed is an understatment ! 8/15/2003

This place was one of the worst dining expereinces that I have had in Chicago. My mother was in town for the weekend and I wanted to take her to a special place. I do not have one good thing to say about this place. The food was awful, overpriced, and the service was nothing to speak of. I had the scallops and my mother had the pork tenderloin. THe scallops were $25 for 4 scallops and nothing else to the plate and the pork tenderloin my mother could not even eat because it was so tough and not at all what the server had explained to her. This evening was horrible for me. I really wanted to show my mother to a nice, delicious, special meal and it was was far from that. I was really unhappy and the check could not come fast enough. Cons: Bad Food, Expensive for nothing, Bad Service more
Reply | Report abuse |

Lest we forget ... 8/8/2003

I respectfully disagree with contempler's review; in my experience, Suzy Crofton just keeps doing it right at Crofton on Wells. I've loved every meal I've had here over the (many) years, and though I waited too long to come back since my last visit, I hope to always have the option. Simply put, Crofton on Wells is one of this city's greatest restaurants and deserves your attention, right now. Bring your Baltimore relatives to try what a crabcake ought to taste like! Pros: Service, Elegant presentation, Thoughtful winelist more
Reply | Report abuse |

Changing Times 8/1/2003

There is a sign in the window alerting the public that the restaurant is no longer open for lunch because of the on going constuction in the immediate area (too much dust and noise during the day). There is a forlorn look about the place, as if to say that they are losing a battle against time. The signature appetizer, crabcake with creole mustard sauce was good but not spectacular. The grilled baby octopus was tasteless. The signature Bbq Pork Tenderloin with smoked apple chutney was delicious, but the other entrees were below expectations. This restaurant is past it's prime. more
Reply | Report abuse |

How Special! 6/17/2003

What a wonderful little place! We had the pleasure of walking about 1/2 mile from the theater, which was just perfect in terms of location! The food was FABULOUS - definitely for the gourmet taste buds. (Don't expect any burgers, here!) Nice variety of entrees, including vegetarian, poultry, fish, and red meats. The special of the day (Ginny Hen) was AMAZING! Only recommendation: if you're not wanting to feel conspicuous, dont go until later. We were the only ones in the restaurant on a Saturday night from about 5:30 until past 6:00pm. Pros: Good Service, Amazing Foods, Close to theater Cons: Empty until 6:30/7:00 more
Reply | Report abuse |

Wonderful experience 6/12/2003

My husband and I scoured the internet to find a nice downtown restaurant to go to on our second anniversary. We found a great one! Service was excellent, the food was some of the best we've ever had. The only bad thing was that there was a large group seated next to us, which took away some of the romatic-ness of the evening. But the server assured us that is a rarity. Also, the restaurant is very small but open so it was hard to have a conversation. Overall it was terrific. Pros: Great food, Great Service, Very clean Cons: Hard to hear more
Reply | Report abuse |

Relax and enjoy! 5/26/2003

Even though I was expecting great food... it exceeded my expectations. Wonderful combination of flavors and impecable service Pros: Excellent food more
Reply | Report abuse |

disappointing 4/12/2003

this place was extremely disappointing. there are far better places to eat than here. food was just bad. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great service on packed Saturday night! 2/2/2003

We dined here on a completely crowded Saturday evening. Even so, the service was friendly, obliging and had no hipster attitude. Try the entrees with the gnocchi; it's out of this world. So is the risotto appetizer. Pros: good value, friendly service more
Reply | Report abuse |

great food 12/9/2002

Went to restaurant with another couple. Appetizers were very good, the crab cake is superb and the salmon is excellent (I missed the crackers, sauce and capers). The BBQ was the best we've ever eaten. I had the fillet and it was pretty tasty too. My gilrfriend had the seabass, only complaint was that it was a very small serving. She weighs 120lb and it was not enough to fill her up. Service was excellent, they brought hot rolls to our table several times. Would definitely eat there again. Pros: service, appetizers, BBQ more
Reply | Report abuse |

Consistenty Good 11/22/2002

Crofton on Wells has well-priced, well-prepared food. I have had consistently great food that fills me up without feeling like I'm on overload. Comfortable, friendly atmosphere. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Pros: Friendly, Great Food, Comfortable more
Reply | Report abuse |

Romantic 11/14/2002

Was in town for a meeting, took my girlfriend there. On short notice they were able to get me a table without any hassel...great staff, great food, just a great place. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Am I alone? 11/8/2002

While the atmosphere and service and fine....don't swim with the whitefish! It was distinctly fishy and when I commented on this after one bite, I was not offered an alternate and it was in fact on the bill! This was with a large group and another person had ordered it with no complaint, so one might say that attention to detail and personal service was fishy! Cons: Overrated, Uncaring, Oblivious more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 Next >
Menu for Crofton on Wells


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Editorial

  • The Scene
    Decorated with stylish restraint by Crofton herself, the space is simple and modern. The candlelit room's walls are bare, save for a wavy symmetrical mirror. There's no excess,...

  • 4/5/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 5-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Master Card, Discover, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
badge