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BackStage Bistro
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Education Specialty Schools Cooking Schools American (New), Cooking Schools [Edit]
180 N Wabash AveChicago, IL 60601
Neighborhood: The Loop
(312) 777-7800
- Nearest Transit:
-
State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Lake (Red Line)
Randolph/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 11:30 am - 1 pm
Wed-Fri 5:30 pm - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for BackStage Bistro
15 reviews in English
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Review from M C.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2009
LOVE this place. It is a student run resturant for the Illinois Institute of Art-Culinary Program. It gives students the chance to learn both the back and front of the house prior to graduating.
The food is delicious and the menu varies every 12 weeks. Also, they do have daily specials and everything is homemade.
Like a previous reviewer stated, hard to get in and out in under an hour but if you can wait an extra 15 minutes-it will be well worth it, I promise.
Also, they sometimes offer dinner times. (Like this quarter-Jan 2009-April 2009) -
Review from Jacob K.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2011
I had been meaning to go to Backstage Bistro for years, but for whatever reason I never made it there even though I literally worked a block away from there years ago. This place is entirely run by cooking school students trying to get their recipes right as well as hospitality training- hosting and waiter service. The waiters were a little awkward at times but it was actually refreshing; they were trying their best to make a good impression.
I had what I think was gumbo to start which was good and artfully displayed although a little on the salty said. The fish tacos were fantastic and very filling. I went for lunch and had initially declined dessert, until the waiter said dessert would be FREE! really? I have only gotten that on my birthday at a few restaurants, but both of us got free and very good chocolate mouse cake with a crunch. The ambiance was very nice and the price was exceeding reasonable for the quality of the food and the surroundings.
One last nice quality- we got evaluation cards with ratings (5 good, 3 so-so, 1- not so good). I probably gave all 5s or maybe one 4. If only other restaurants had something like this with the check. I will be coming back when I get a chance as the hours for lunch and dinner are limited and this place is only open during school semesters. -
Review from Eric H.
Barrington, IL
2/9/2012
I've wanted to try Backstage Bistro for a couple of years, but its inconsistent schedule made it difficult. But, knowing that I had tickets for The Goodman theater, just two blocks away, I called for reservations and was able to go last night.
This is a great place for good food in an "almost 5 star, white table cloth" environment. Almost because the staff is all students and they are still learning. But they seem to be trying harder than most to provide an exceptional dining experience, and their enthusiasm makes it a unique experience.
We were thrilled with the wide variety of choices on the prix fixe menu. In fact, there were two complete different prix fixe menus this week. One was a Latin/Caribbean style set of choices, and the other was Middle Eastern. My wife tried the Latin side while I went with the Middle Eastern. We were both pleased. For a very reasonable price, we could choose either an appetizer, entree and dessert, or 2 appetizers and an entree. And both menus offered a wide variety of choices for all three courses.
I couldn't make up my mind about the appetizers, so I went with the sampler of the 6 appetizer choices. It was a very generous plate of delicious dishes. The "falafel flapjacks" were most memorable - reminiscent of potato pancakes, served over tahini and very tasty. There was also hummus and pita (I'd say the hummus lacked a bit of energy and more garlic would have helped), a bean salad, and eggplant salad, and a roasted pepper dip that was excellent.. The six tastings were each almost enough for a single appetizer at some restaurants. This was a very generous appetizer offering, offering a good view into the kitchen's capabilities. There were some ups and downs. The eggplant salad was wonderful. The bean salad a bit bland.
My main course included 2 grilled lamb chops, and a lamb shank, served with a Mediterannean sauce, and served over couscous with almonds. The chops were done just like I had ordered - medium rare - so they were juicy, tasty, and full of flavor. The meat almost fell off the shank - as it should - but there might have been a bit more fat than there should have been. The braised shank was perfectly done, and tasted great.
My dessert, a Mango rice pudding, was a bit disappointing - lacking the flavor of a good Greek rice pudding, and not quite incorporating the great flavor of the mango. Other choices on the menu, including a torte, and a cake, probably were better choices.
My wife enjoyed her Latin choices - and the shrimp stuffed red snapper looked really good. Her plantain/shrimp appetizer again looked good - but I didn't get a taste.
Our waitress was energetic and caring - great combination. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and more than willing to explain the items - and sharing her recommendations. She was also the creator of the evening's special drink - an orange juice and brandy delight which my wife enjoyed.
I chose a flight of 3 2.5oz glasses of wines - a riesling, a sauvignon blanc, and a Malbec, that went very well with my dinner. I only wish that the menu said more about the wines than just their variety - I don't know the vineyards and can't go buy the Malbec, which was very good.
Overall, for the price, Backstage Bistro is a very good value in the valley of high priced, sometimes very stuffy food palaces in the loop. The atmosphere is pleasant and could probably be warmed up a bit with some art, but the open views of the working kitchen and classroom kitchen makes it unique. We did find it a bit awkward that a lot of the "staff/students" were standing around talking in
the dining room - not something one would find at true first class restaurants.
Overall, we were fully satisfied by the dinner and walked over to the Goodman very happy and planning a return visit. If you go, don't expect the same service or consistency that you would at Everest or Tru or Charlie Trotter's, and allow a little slack. You won't pay the same extreme prices, but you'll know where some of the people working on those first class dining establishments started. -
Review from Amy H.
5/30/2006 ROTD 7/3/2006
5 star food at 3 star prices. Backstage Bistro is the restaurant that the students of the Chicago Culinary Institute practice everything that they learn. It's school for them, but it's good eats for us!
The students are all very nice, although some are a little awkward and shy still but I thought that was pretty cute. This is a very good place to go for a long lunch (our service was a little slow.) It does get a little noisy inside. Make sure you have reservations...they have a very limited space.Listed in: The Day I Won the Internets
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Review from Kristin C.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2009
I went here on V-day eve before my V-day surprise - tickets to Jersey Boys. It is a good pre-theater Loop dinner spot for sure - good food and simplicity without the BS and high prices.
To start, my Valentine and I both had a chicken corn soup that was OK - not my favorite, a little bland. I had the pork tenderloin medallions next (though they were not round. . .hmmmm) and found it to be a solid dish but slightly overcooked. The best part? Complimentary molten lava cake - it was absolutely divine. Our waitress was a little off her game but these are culinary students, not professionals (yet).
I wasn't looking for perfection - just an enjoyable, no frills meal (with a few glasses of wine of course). This (along with a couple next to me who toasted "Happy Hallmark Card Holiday'") is exactly what I received. -
Review from Jay J.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/2/2011
Went there on last thursday during lunch hours, the service sucked completely. I had the Grilled Salmon which tasted just like a microwave cooked salmon with corns and gravies. I had to ask for salt and pepper. Our appetizer took 40 minutes and it was not what we ordered. We ordered the veggie pizza, NOT the one with chicken and pineapple.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/4/2010
It was absolutely good. Great service and tasteful food. Get the BBQ baby back ribs. You will leave… Read more »
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Review from Anne S.
Chicago, IL
11/10/2008
Although I agree with the other reviews, I can't give this restaurant a 5 star rating because the front line service is slow and really awkward and the prices were still high considering the small portions. The food was good but all of us commented that it was mildly warm, at best. Some of my food was cooked perfectly and other parts were not...so they still have a lot to learn about coordination and synchronization behind the scenes. Chef Ramsey would have scolded them for not tasting the food before it left the kitchen!
A unique experience but I would not choose to go back. I also do not feel obliged to give them high marks, compensating for their training status. We were informed that they were finishing a semester so they should have been more consistent, in my opinion. -
Review from Lisa X.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2010
A really good option if you're in the neighborhood for work or entertainment (close to Siskel, Chicago Theater, Goodman, etc).
Menu somewhat limited, but food very fresh and well-prepared. And the price is right -- very good value for the $.
Service was a little slow, so let them know upfront if you have tix to an event. You don't want to miss the desserts -- my chocolate lava cake was just the right size and hit the spot! -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2010
Ok I have to give props to the students and school. They did a great job in presenting a professional restaurant with well presented food. We thought the service was good but slightly under paced, and the food was mediocre. Still, good job students! This restaurant provides them with real life experience of running a restaurant, and it is a lot of hard work.
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Review from Joe T.
Seattle, WA
8/19/2006
This is a great place for lunch if you work in the Loop. The food is tasty, well-presented, and moderately priced. I had some great halibut tacos, and my coworker had an excellent burger. Combined with a soft drink or bottled water, we paid about $16 each including tip.
This is a student-run restaurant, which means that they are trying hard to impress you (you get little survey cards to fill out after the meal). It also means the pacing might be a little slow if you are looking to get in and out in under an hour. Though the students might seem nervous and inexperienced at times, their politeness more than makes up for it. A little pricey to eat there on a daily basis, but a great option if you are looking to avoid yet another trip to Subway, Panera, BK, etc. -
Review from Mary W.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2006
Two thumbs up for the best bistro downtown Chicago - the prices are great and so is the food.
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Review from Linda E.
Chicago, IL
2/10/2009
My friend goes to school at AI and invited me to come out and try out their student run restaurant. I went without any expectations really and was pleasantly surprised. I know that my friend can cook quite well but did not know what to expect from other students (she was working up front as a server). Anyways, I ordered the appetizer shrimp pizza on flat bread and the corn chowder soup. the pizza was awesome! My only complaint was that the bread was a little limp. The soup was tasty but I was expecting a cream base. As an entree I had the Salmon that was seasoned with a balsamic vinegarette, cherry tomatoes and arugala. The salmon was delicious also. I only wished that it came on a bed of mashed pesto potatoes or sautee'd spinach. My overall experience was quite good and I would recommend the Backstage Bistro for affordable and delicious food prepared by the chef's of tomorrow.
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Review from Elizabeth V.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2009
Took my fussy brother here for his birthday & he loved it! I
food was excellent. I couldnt believe how affordable it was. It wasnt on the menu but my niece really wanted to try all of the dessert. They made a sampler tray for us to try them all. While it was good, the ice cream was
AMAZING. I wlll definitely go back again. -
Review from Brett K.
6/20/2010
4 or 5 star food and wine for 3 star prices or below. Once in a while a little oopsie from one of the staff in training but overall they do a great job! Sorry to those laying hints around in reviews but I'll say it, there is free dessert. It was amazing, the food was very good.
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Review from Tim S.
Holland, MI
2/19/2011
Great surprise. My wife says "one of the best meals I've had in my life" Her chicken with lemon sauce was fresh and zesty, my steak was perfectly medium rare and very tender, veggies were done just right, not over or under cooked. Service was prompt: students were very eager to please and sincere even if not polished. Chef in charge was obviously very talented and a good teacher. Price for a gourmet three course dinner with a bottle of wine was by far the best deal in town. We'll definitely return!
