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Froggy's French Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Froggy's French Cafe
Review Highlights
"The prix fixe menu is an amazing deal."
(in 3 reviews)
"...one option from the cold appetizer selection that I always..."
(in 4 reviews)
"I highly recommend the pork tenderloin with pineapple glaze."
(in 4 reviews)
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Christine V.
McHenry, IL
11/29/2011
My mom treated me to lunch at Froggy's and it was one of the few times I have had French food. It was awesome! Delicious dressing on the fresh salad greens. I also had the Fisherman stew which was a tomato based fish stew, that was wonderful as well. I had the Chicken Nicose and my mom had the seafood crepe which was unbelievable!! It had scallops, white fish, lobster, mussels all wrapped up in a crepe with a lobster cream sauce over the top... outstanding!!
Everything was great, charming plates and saucers.. we want to go back during the Holidays for dinner. -
Review from David P.
Antioch, IL
12/1/2011
I'm a fan, but there is room for improvement. I've been here six times in the last two years, including a small group for my son's graduation. I always can count on a good experience, but also feel as if they always come up just a little short. Maybe if it were priced a little less, or if the quality was a little better, or the service was a bit more professional, or the specials were a little more original... I think you can get what I mean.
I like the pate' assortments, escargot, the goat cheese salad, the wellington special; I've had many good meals. I feel they just need to be careful not to price themselves out of the market. They are good casual french restaurant; that's it, they aren't a five star white table cloth experience. -
Review from Elizabeth H.
Palatine, IL
11/19/2011
I have been coming to Froggy's for years, thanks to my parents introducing me to this Highwood institution when I was a kid. I adore French food, and this is probably one of the best deals in the Chicago area, as far as French-inspired fine dining goes. Every time I enjoy a meal at Froggy's, I feel like I'm back in some intimate, delicious bistro in France. Their prix-fixe four course menu is an AMAZING value - one hot appetizer, once cold appetizer, a palate cleanser, one main course item, and one dessert item - for around $40. This is high end, fresh, classic French food prepared wonderfully. In the city, the exact same menu would cost three times as much, if not more. The best part is that you can select the dishes from the regular menu offerings and daily specials - unlike many other restaurants that only give you a couple of course selections for the prix-fixe menu. I can't tell you how many times I've gone elsewhere and went for a prix-fixe meal, and scolded myself at the end of the night for not going to Froggy's.
There is one option from the cold appetizer selection that I always order, and that is the selection of pates and terrines. This dish alone is large enough to fill me up, and so delicious. All the selections are home made, and amazing. I always make sure that my stomach is empty when I'm planning to come to Froggy's for a special night and the prix-fixe menu. Unlike other fine dining spots, the dishes here are substantial. You are not going to be getting one teaspoon full of soup, one ravioli, or a shrimp appetizer that has only two little shrimp. In other words, you won't have to go eat pizza after dinner in order to feel full!
I also love Froggy's because it's fine dining in a more casual, old-fashioned, romantic atmosphere with more of a bistro feel. The restaurant is decorated with beautiful paintings of France done by the chef's wife. They are lovely and colorful and give the restaurant a warm feeling. Some might call the decoration "dated," but I think this is part of what gives Froggy's its character and charm. It's not trying to be hip, which is why I love it. Also, the service at Froggy's is always flawless, and some of the waiters have been working at the restaurant since I was a kid. It seems rare to find such amazing service elsewhere. I also love the sommelier! Unfortunately I can't remember his name, but every time I go to Froggy's he recommends a wonderful wine pairing, and he's also quite a character. During the weeknights, dinner can bring an older crowd...think cane and walker. On the weekends though, there tends to be more variety age-wise and the place is packed. This is a lovely spot to bring someone for dinner for a special occasion, a date, or even a nice lunch. During the summer there is outdoor seating, which is very nice. I really can't recommend Froggy's enough. Venture out of the city and try something new. Skip the hip, crowded, overpriced fine dining spots in the city that are more focused on mod decorations and cool place settings than timeless food, and make your way out to Highwood to sample classic French fare at a spot that has been open for three decades (three decades...they must be doing something right). You won't be disappointed. I plan to visit Froggy's for fine meals for years to come. -
Review from Kris L.
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
My mom told me about this place twenty years ago and it has now been around for thirty so they have sucessfully stood the test of time.
The formula shouldn't be that complicated just offer dishes of fresh produce and meats that are in season at their peak right now, cook them to-order and use creativity to make them stand out. Easy right.
Not so easy most places don't do any of the three well but all were present at Froggy's.
You can poke fun at them for having ceiling tiles in the bar so old they sag in the middle and for the general old-folks-home look of the dining room with the exception of the artists paintings which are for sale.
But the place was packed on Saturday night. So much so the stuck up old north shore ladies were scratching at each others mink stoles to get a table. Big fun there.
In any case the foie gras with blackcurrent and cassis was fantastic, the rabbit casserole was rich and decadent and the special of wild boar and rabbit wellingtons was unusual (boar a touch dry).
The bottom line is that if you want to try a French spot that is going to treat you well and serve you well try Froggys and if you get to see pretentous old ladies hack at each others pearls just sit back and enjoy. -
Review from Alicia A.
Highwood, IL
9/4/2011
Service: 4 stars
Ambiance: 1 star
Food: 2 stars
Value: 1 star
Overall: I cannot give this place more than 2 stars, despite the great service. Reality and value compared with reputation and expectations simply does not measure up.
Onto the more detailed review:
Since we moved here in June Froggy's has been at the top of my list of restaurants to try. It took us this long to get there not because of lack of wanting to go, but because it's pricey enough to put it in the category of "special occasion" dinner. We waited until friends of ours who also recently moved here could go with us as one of said friends loves french food, lived in Paris and has been away teaching art in Italy. She returned earlier in the week and we immediately made reservations at Froggy's for Friday night.
Let's start with the ambiance. Each time I've walked past Froggy's I was enchanted by the lovely outdoor seating area and made the mistake of assuming that inside would be equally enchanting. Wrong.
The dining room is one big room with the tables packed too closely together. It feels like a cafeteria. The walls are the color of generic ibuprofen tablets, punctuated with art so bright it assaulted my eyes. I do not know if it would be considered good art or not, I'm only speaking of the colors here. All this color attack is directly at war with the sad, cement-colored suspended ceiling which would be more appropriate in an office building. Direct lighting turned up to a level apparently attempting to emulate the brightness of the sun at noon did nothing to enhance the overall effect, and in fact allowed me to more closely examine the kitschy decorations and tableware.
In a word: dated.
Moving on to the food. Another reviewer mentioned that the rolls were something like the consistency of pillsbury rolls and I would have to agree. Took one bite, left the rest. Not worth the carbs.
The escargot were tender and the flavor was good, but the cream sauce had broken. The escargot were accompanied by some sad, overcooked snow peas which I assume were meant to be a garnish but being so wilted and off-color they never should have left the kitchen.
The salad was forgettable and over-dressed.
I don't eat duck every day but I do love it, and when I go to a restaurant with a good reputation and they have duck on the menu I will generally go for it. When the server didn't ask for a temperature on the duck I assumed it was because the chef knows what he's doing and doesn't want to hear any of this "well done" nonsense. Any chef I have ever worked with in a dozen or so years in fine dining would cringe to hear a server come into the kitchen with "well done" on their lips.
My duck was well done. It took me a while to realize this was the case, since it was drowning in salt and a cloyingly sweet sauce. The rubbery texture and tan meat (after scraping off the sauce) tells no lies, however. The dish had more sad snow peas garnishing it and a scoop of boring mashed potatoes, which incidentally were the same mashed potatoes that came with everyone else's dish and strangely were mixed up with the (overcooked) vegetables.
My husband and one of my friends got the rabbit. I tried the rabbit, it was fine if a little dry, but having only ever had rabbit one other time in my life I am no judge. My husband says the sauce was so thick and rich he really couldn't taste the rabbit at all. My friend only ate half his rabbit and my other friend (the one who has lived in Paris) was mostly silent regarding the food and left half her chicken on the plate.
Onto dessert! The verdict all around was "nothing special, we've had better". We got the lemon creme brulee, chocolate hazelnut mousse cake, and the fresh fruit with almond cookies and passion fruit mousse. The passion fruit mousse tasted more like heavy whipped cream drowning in sugary orange juice flavor, and the almond cookies were the consistency of cardboard. I left most of it on the plate. Very depressing considering the only time I order dessert at a restaurant is when I know they have their own pastry chef or attached bakery, so I was really looking forward to this.
Service: Excellent service on par with exactly what I would expect in a fine dining establishment. Froggy's, a word of advice: take care of your servers because right now they're the best thing you have going for you.
Dinner total bill came out to around $250 before tip, that's with no bottle of wine and one person who does not drink alcohol at all. The check was not broken down, as in, all our drinks were in one lump sum so we had no way to easily split the check or verify that what we were being charged was accurate. Annoying, but we weren't about to make a scene and we were all just ready to leave by then.
This restaurant is dated, overrated and overpriced for what it is. We will not be back.
Lastly I just want to reiterate that the service was excellent and the manager was very sweet and funny. -
Review from Adriane P.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
It's not easy being green. -Kermit the Muppet
Well, it's not easy being me. -Adriane the Moppet
So naturally I'd want to get away from it all with some yummy French food. Can you keep a secret? I hope you help me keep it. Although Chicago has some wonderful, amazing dining...the North Shore and Burbs have so many great restaurant gems scattered out there. I feel a lot of people overlook them, or to be candid, don't take the time to look and unfortunately for them their tummies are missing out. I'm good at finding these treasures, just call me Adriana Jones.
The atmosphere is great: comfortable, classy, pretty, and lacked pretense.
We ordered:
Escargot Casserole
Broiled snails braised in creamy, garlic sauce.
My companion loved it. I only tried a bite. Let's put it this way, if you're an escargot fan you'll be happy. If you're a mollusk rights activist or picky/unadventerous eater try the suggestions below.
Chapeau of Lobster
Lobster over salted spinach with Newburg sauce.
Wonderful. The sauce seemed similar to Lobster bisque in that they both have roux and sherry, but it's distinctly less heavy and the richness is cut by the spinach.
Broiled Salmon with red, sweet pepper sauce.
Good. The pepper sauce livened the entree up and it tasted fresh.
Grilled breast of Duck in black current sauce
Terrific. The tangy, sweet sauce was a perfect compliment to ultra-tender, succulent duck breast.
The service is aces. The chef comes out and checks on tables, asking how everything is. So nice. Our server was very friendly and knowledgable.
Like the fairy tale of kissing a frog and it becomes a prince with a happy ending. I ate at a Froggys and felt like a princess and it was a happy ending.Listed in: Date Places
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Review from Maram K.
7/19/2011
This pains me to no other to write this review. Why? Because the service at this place was phenomenal. Very attentive and helpful waiter, to an on-the-spot bus boy.
I met a friend who was staying in Waukegan and this was a semi-midpoint. She loves french food and I do as well so it seemed like a no-brianer considering it had fantastic reviews. Now I'm the jack@$$ that has to look foolish for questioning the taste palettes of 20+ other people. But I assure you, I did give this place a fair chance.
We were served rolls, that I swear on Prada were Pillsbury can-biscuits. They were a bit rubbery.
I went with the prix-fixe chef's selection menu. 2 cold appetizers, 2 warm appetizers, palette-cleansing sorbet, entree, dessert. Fantastic deal, for just under $50. Or so I thought. I was given the marinated shrimp, the ratatouille and crab and beet terrine. The ratatouille was very fresh and tasty. Very well seasoned. The shrimp was slimey and out of place. It had orange juice, yes juice, poured over it that washed away any seasoning the chef MIGHT have put on it. The terrine filling was okay, but the heavy beet (bright-ass pink) sauce they poured over it was the look, feel and taste of medicine and it completely over powered the dishes.
The warm appetizers were......odd. There was a ravioli. It was "okay". Tasted like frozen ravioli to me. And last time I checked, that wasn't french. But I digress. This was also the first time I had escargot so I don't know how they're supposed to taste. They had a nice garlic seasoning to them and had a delicate cream sauce. So they were good. Texture was that of liver. Is that how it's supposed to be? I don't know. They didn't come in the shell and my friend who's lived in France said she's never had them that way there.
Main entree, I'm going to burn for this, but it was terrible. The sea scallops weren't seared and weren't seasoned. The orange juice made a reappearance at this point as well. The white fish was also flavorless. Cooked well, flaky, which made it a shame. The salmon was horrendous. I had the suspicion it wasn't fresh as it had that pseudo-slime texture and extremely-fishy after taste.
Desserts, the only reason I left full and not royally pissed. The chocolate assortment was fantastic and my fiance had a chocolate mousse meringue that was by far the best thing at this place.
Overall, glad I experienced it since it removed all curiosity but I will definitely NOT be back or recommend it to anyone. -
Review from Andrea G.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011
What a hidden gem! I highly recommend the pork tenderloin with pineapple glaze. Normally on weeknights they have fabulous reasonably priced specials but you have to ask about them.
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Review from Jack P.
Updated - 12/29/2010 2 photos
I've made several return visits to Froggy's and felt it was only fair to add a star. The service here is consistently dependable and classy, and with staff who remembers you from one visit to another, there is the added air of familiarity to the overall experience. The chef also makes a few passes through the dining room to check on things, too. That's a caring chef.
On my last visit, I had a chicken-broth based, pureed butternut squash soup, which was unexciting in appearance, but harboring an explosion of flavors. Soup can be such a great blank canvas for the right chef, and this one was was Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh combined.
The salmon was nicely prepared. They do a nice job with fish, in general, and accompanying sauces are subtle and quantities are very meat/sauce proportionate. There is always a scattered medley of vegetables around the plate. I only wish they would not do this "zapping" under heat, which renders the plate untouchable hot and turns fresh pea pods into hot limp ribbons. I prefer a little crunch with my veggies. That said, the flavor and seasoning on the limp vegetables is still remarkable and pleasing.
And finally, a big shout out to dessert. Specifically, the poached pear. A cold pear poached in red wine, sitting on a small bed of pear mousse, and a pool of rich chocolate sauce and creme anglaise. Just an incredible melding of texture, sweetness, chocolate and creaminess. This is a dish which could pull this occasional dessert eater into the ranks of America's Biggest Losers, given time, the means, and the ability to eat here everyday. I have also sampled the other desserts, all which would make Napoleon or any other French monarch very proud. Froggy's really is a good value for traditional French dining.Listed in: Suburban Jaunts, Dining in the Sunshine, Old Lady Places, My Rich Uncle's in Town, French
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2010
Client lunch at a place I cannot believe it took so long to get to. Not because of the drive, but… Read more »
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Review from Steve H.
Lake Zurich, IL
7/15/2011
I've driven by this place many times, and had dinner in the area more than I can remember. After reading a few reviews I finally decided to stop in. The owner, a charming Frenchman, was very helpful deciphering the extensive wine list. The service was fast, and there wasn't a seat left in the house. And the food, sacrebleu, was phenomenal!
Small bites of goat cheese with sun dried tomatoes and seafood paté arrived first, and they were delicious. We had soups, goulash and French onion, and they were equally delicious. I ordered the pork tenderloin in pineapple glaze - the glaze was absolutely amazing! My girlfriend ordered barramundi in a white wine and cream sauce. Now, understand this, I hate fish in all of its cooked forms. Her dinner was the best fish I'd ever had the pleasure of tasting in my life.
The owner/manager stayed to chat with us after dinner and he was an absolute pleasure. This place is an keeper, viva la France! -
Review from S A.
Highland Park, IL
8/9/2011
We were bit saddened when we arrived that there wasn't more seating at the window -where there is a nice Ivy-laden pagoda overlooking the Highwood 'restaurant row'.
However, we were pleased when we sat down and were greeted with a bright, friendly, outgoing server. He was very educated about the food, wine, beer, etc. I LOVE great service!!!
Brian had the game plate - Venison, Wild Boar, and Pheasant on a plate with potatoes (which he hates) and veggies. He LICKED the plate - even the potatoes!
I had eaten lunch only 3 hours earlier so ordered an appetizer of shrimp in an orange cayenne sauce with frizzy lettuce. It was just zesty enough to be exquisite and just understated enough to be creamy. Yum.
My brother-in-law had two medallions with blue cheese. He seemed very pleased and the filet mignon looked amazing. I wish I would have tasted but he also licked his plate!!!
Three beers, Two meals, Two glasses of wine, One app and one soup -plus we were all three given delicious salads... approx 113.00 bill. Not too bad for such exquisite food!
I do wish that the plates weren't so antiquated - which is a weird preference of mine. It cheapened the restaurant a bit to have such 1980's plates.
The paintings on the wall were probably all the same artist - very gorgeous.
Cozy - small and romantic in the dining room. Because of the open layout the lighting could have been more romantic - it felt a bit too bright.
Our table was a bit awkward - so short and close to the bench that my tiny 105 pound frame felt weird squeezing into the booth.
All in all it kinda stinks that we couldn't have the front room but we did come during a dinner 'rush' time - even though it was already past 7 p.m. - because the two restaurants next door are closed Mondays.
If you go to Froggy's you should know that Monday is a quite busy time for them, by the way!!
Nevertheless - amazing finger-licking foods flavored with delicate balance between bold flavors and creamy comfort.
We'll likely be back. -
Review from stephanie k.
Highland Park, IL
8/9/2011
We were bit saddened when we arrived that there wasn't more seating at the window -where there is a nice Ivy-laden pagoda overlooking the Highwood 'restaurant row'.
However, we were pleased when we sat down and were greeted with an intelligent, friendly, outgoing server. Although he was clearly a non-native English Speaker (Latino descent), he was incredibly witty, bright, and VERY WELL-Educated about the food, wine, beer, etc. He was so super sweet and he made recommendations for everybody's meal that were perfect. I LOVE great service!!!
Brian had the game plate - Venison, Wild Boar, and Pheasant on a plate with potatoes (which he hates) and veggies. He LICKED the plate.
I had eaten lunch only 3 hours earlier so ordered an appetizer of shrimp in an orange cayenne sauce with frizzy lettuce. It was just zesty enough to be exquisite and just understated enough to be creamy. Yum.
My brother in law had two madallions with blue cheese. He seemed very pleased and the filet mignon looked amazing. I wish I would have tasted but he also LICKED his Plate!!!
Three beers, Two meals, Two glasses of wine, One app and one soup - we were all three given delicious salads... approx 113.00 bill. Not too bad for such exquisite food!
I do wish that the plates weren't so antiquated - which is a weird preference of mine. It cheapened the restaurant a bit to have such 1980's plates.
The paintings on the wall were probably all the same artist - very gorgeous.
Cozy - small and romantic in the dining room. Becauase of the open layout the lighting could have been more romantic.
Our table was a bit awkward - so short and close to the bench that my tiny 115 pound frame felt weird squeezing into the booth.
All in all it kinda stinks that we couldn't have the front room but we did come during a dinner 'rush' time - even though it was already past 7 p.m. - because the two restaurants next door are closed Mondays.
If you go to Froggy's you should know that Monday is a quite busy time for them, by the way!!
Nevertheless - amazing finger-licking foods flavored with delicate balance between bold flavors and creamy comfort.
We'll likely be back. -
Review from Rosemary T.
Lake Forest, IL
4/23/2011
My first trip to Froggy's was almost 20 years ago when a friend took me there to celebrate an event in my life. I was hooked! I love the food, wine selection, service, and most of all, the incredible chef, Thierry who prepares the dishes from fresh ingredients. He comes out to the tables when it's not too busy to see how you enjoyed the food.
I absolutely love sitting in the room with the French windows off the bar. In summer, the doors can be open. My water glass is filled almost the second I set it down, the food presentation is so impressive. Monthly specials for both lunch and dinner make inexpensive but elegant dining a reality. -
Review from Tani S.
5/1/2010
We had a wonderful dinner here for our five year wedding anniversary. I grew up in the area and remember my parent's bringing me here when I was younger for my first experience with French food. I've sinced moved away but my husband and I happened to be in town for our special occassion and I couldn't think of a better spot to celebrate it.
It truly was the perfect night. The dining room was cozy and intimate with beautiful paintings (that we later understood the chef's wife had done). It was an unpretentious atmosphere so felt quite comfortable. Our waiter (an older gentleman who actually had lived back East) was very friendly and made the dinner all the more special (especially since he guessed we were celebrating a special occasion and when we admitted after he asked, he brought out champagne compliments of the chef).
My husband and I chose one of the prix fixe menus, where the chef chooses. One starts with three cold appetizers, then three warm appetizers, followed by either three smaller entrees of meat or seafood, and a dessert platter with five minature pieces of their dessert. The food was delicious (succulent escargots, delectable turrines, scrumptious oysters, sweet scallops, and decadent chocolate desserts) and I was honestly quite stuffed by the end :). We were so surprised that the prix fixe option we had chosen was only $44 per person given that this is one of the best meals we've had recently and most restaurants where one would choose to celebrate a similar occassion have prix fixe menus starting at $100 per person.
We'll look forward to hopefully celebrating more important celebrations here and eventually taking our toddler daughter to experience French food at its best. If only we lived closer! -
Review from Beryl C.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2007
This place is a gem. I am surprised I didn't see more reviews.
We went there on this past Saturday nite to celebrate my b-day. There were 10 of us and both the food and the service were excellent. The servers were great and very attentive.
Our reservation was at 6 pm and I was shocked to see how pack the place was -- every single table was being taken in the main dining room. There was maybe 2 tables (small table) left in the front room (the cafe area).
9 of us ordered the Chef Creation Menu -- for $41 you can taste 15 different things -- definitely a great deal. If you are not adventurous, then you can go for the $39 prix fixe menu that you get to pick your own cold appetizer, hot appetizer, entree and dessert.
The highlight of the evening was we were sitting right next to WGN's morning news anchor, Larry Potash -- he was with a few of his friends sitting at the booth behind us and then Jerry Krause, former Chicago Bulls GM, came in later and sat at the booth right next to Larry's.
We all had a wonderful evening!!!
I will definitely go back in the near future. -
Review from Jeremy O.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2008
Wow....why aren't there 6 stars available? Because I'd use them for a place like Froggy's....
My wife and I love french food and cozy bistros and Froggy's is all that and so much more. The Maitre d' was funny and personable and the service was simply impeccable. We can honestly say the service here was in our top 10 - friendly without being pretentious, attentive without being smothering. Unlike so many other bistros, we never felt rushed and honestly felt like if we just wanted to sit and chat and drink espressos after dinner all night, they would have let us.
And the food is quite simply awesome. It sounds crazy but I liked the fact that they offered two different brioches before the meal. The appetizers were great, the entrees were even better.
We will definitely be returning! -
Review from gnat c.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2006
The food is delicious here...however not a great place for vegetarians. Everytime I've been here, I've requested a special meal, however they always do so without any questions and it's always tasty.
They have a pretty nice wine selection and they make good cocktails.
Best for meat eaters and such. -
Review from Drew M.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2010
Last night, with some family and friends we had the most delicious meal in a beautiful setting. The floor the ceiling window in the front of the restaurant were wide open. combined with the translucent ceiling, it felt like we were dining outdoors.
All of the food was outstanding! I had the Pork tenderloin in a pineapple veal reduction - outstanding! -
Review from Gene F.
Chicago, IL
10/14/2009
THE GOOD Service, food, food, love in the food, the food, artistry, flavor, food.
THE BAD can be loud during holidays (Valentines Day), if you're not experienced with good places, you won't know what you're getting (and if you don't like it, what you're missing).
THE UGLY this is a crappy review layout, because there's nothing that actually goes in this section... this place is wonderful.
PARENTS: don't take your rug(b)rats here unless they appreciate culinary arts, have traveled, cook, know how to chew, have a developed palate, and preferably all the above. You'll feel like an idiot if you fail to heed this warning. The looks you'll get will serve as reminders.
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS: definitely take advantage of the Valentines Day (or whatever) specials they do here. Multi-course meals, and still enough left in your pocket to take him/her to that cheesy action/romantic comedy movie, or share a bottle of campaign on ice back home.
TRY the veal, the lamb chops with raspberry reduction, the dessert menu, get a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated, enjoy each bite slowly -
Review from Jessica O.
Glenview, IL
12/24/2007
Froggy's is one of those places that really stresses food. This might seem like it's a redundant comment, but really... there are few restaurants out there that really focus on developing the flavor of food that don't charge an arm and a leg.
As far as French food is concerned, this place is highly under-priced. You only spend a few dollars more than you would at a TGI Friday's, and get a WHOLE lot more. I suggest going withe chef's menu. You get to choose one item from each course selection.
During Valentine's Day, other holidays or slow seasons (such as the fall) Froggy's offers special prices which can't be beaten.
This place isn't fully out frou-frou. The dining room is very full, this isn't the type of place to go for a quiet romantic meal, but it is very cozy. If you want a good meal with some great service, I recommend this place! -
Review from Eman S.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2009
We used Froggy's to cater our wedding a year ago today and they were amazing. Thierry is so helpful and they did an incredible job. I cannot tell you enough good things about their catering and how many compliments we got for the food and how smooth it all went.
So for our one-year anniversary, we went back to Froggy's for dinner and that too was so good. We each got the gourmet combo which comes with a cold appetizer, warm appetizer, main course and dessert for $44. It was all so good! Their wine list is very long and the sommelier was really helpful.
I really cannot say enough good things about Froggy's. The food is amazing and the service is also top-notch. If there was anything negative for me to say, it would be that a couple in their late twenties will feel VERY young at this restaurant, but you are treated just like everyone else! -
Review from Eric L.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2009
1. The service here is excellent: friendly and attentive but unpretentious.
2. I've never sat in the actual dining room but the sunroom at the front of the restaurant is great for nice relaxing lunches.
3. The food here is great. Delicious selection of entrees, even better appetizers and desserts.
4. What a deal! The price is right especially for lunch and especially for the fixed price deal (pick any app, entree, and dessert (with sorbet in between app and entree) for a fixed price (i forget how much).
5. It's in the suburbs! -
Review from Jennifer O.
Chicago, IL
12/15/2010
I've been coming here since the 90's and the food is still ridiculously good. Great French Food , Great Atmosphere, and Great Prices! I always take french food newbies here instead of downtown Chicago. No one leaves unimpressed. Great job guys.
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Review from Meinhard G.
Grayslake, IL
4/4/2010
Yes I am a fan but with a few reservations or comments. Food is very good, service is extremely friendly and the prices are fair specially when ordering the Chefs menu which gives you two appetizers, main dish, desert for $44 (in 2010). Food was plenty and tasty, wine reasonable or cheap at $7 by the glass and nice wines. This is not a fancy / stuffy French Restaurant this is a easy going place, like it! We went Saturday before Easter and it was not busy, what is happening? Should we have gone here 10 years ago?
The decorations / paintings on the walls are OK for a place like this but please get rid of all the plastic flowers on the walls! -
Review from Steve F.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2011
Wow, this place was a disappointment considering all of the high reviews. We came here on a weekday afternoon, so it wasn't crowded. Our server was AMAZING. He was all over the place! Always making sure we were taken care of, and with plenty of suggestions. Very accommodating too, as my wife chose the chef's creation thing but we wanted to make sure that they didn't use a few ingredients due to dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, the food was terrible. I had the veal blanquette casserole. It was......odd. Salt was the seasoning of choice, and the chef didn't hold back. The veal was decent, though the texture was that of pot roast. But it came with this flaky crust thing baked to the rim of the bowl. Is it supposed to be like a pot pie? I guess it was supposed to be scraped off into the casserole, but it was stuck on so hard that I was left awkwardly hacking at the thing and getting crumbs everywhere. On to my wife's chef's creation. The chef has an affinity for orange juice. One of the cold appetizers turned out to be their Marinated Gulf Shrimp. It claims that it is seasoned with orange, coconut, and cayenne pepper vinaigrette, but all we could taste was shrimp in orange juice. The same thing happened with the scallops in the main course: they were barely seared scallops sitting in a bath of orange juice. The flavor(s?) just didn't work. Dessert was a saving grace. I had the chocolate coffee mousse cake, which was amazing. Very rich, tasty, and actually unexpected next to the rest of the meal. We really wanted to like it, but this place needs work.
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Review from Rachel H.
2/28/2007
I used to come here a lot in high school when I wanted to feel "fancy" (read: snobby/bratty etc.). Truly, in retrospect, Froggy's is not at all snobby. It's a classy place with great French food and very friendly service. I usually go for the beef medallions, but now that I've re-realized that the whole Maine lobster is only 22.95, I plan to get serious next time and dive into that lobster. I wonder if they'll shun me for wearing a Red Lobster plastic bib? They're so nice, they probably wouldn't.
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Review from Laila L.
Washington, DC
9/3/2008
Uhhhhh.....how are there only 7 reviews of Froggy's?! The food here is so good it's silly -- I recommend the lamb chops or the veal for your main course. My mom, wild woman that she is, got the chef's creation which gives you a little bit of a few different entrees and she was a happy girl. Our server was exactly what you'd expect in a place like Froggy's -- older, a lifer, full of funny stories, who treats service like it's own form of dance. But the place, emphasized by the fact that there ARE little sculptures of frogs sitting around, is comfortable and doesn't take itself too seriously.
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Review from D T.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2009
This place is AWESOME. After a regular stop at E Street, we decided to stop at Froggy's. They had semi-outdoor seating, where we choose to eat. An ADORABLE little room.
The food is amazing. I had scallop carpaccio/ smoked salmon appetizer, which was phenomenal. Very unique. I also got mussels, which I NEVER order, but I was at a French restaurant, and figure it was a must try. I could drink the broth everyday. For dinner my husband loved his lamb chops and I loved my salmon a la Provence style. It didn't have the slightest hint of fishiness that most all salmon you order has. Probably the best salmon I have ever had.
The reasons I couldn't give it 5 stars? 1.) The Caesar salad was $13.00. That's just weird to me, especially considering everything is reasonably priced. 2. ) The wine by the glass was very so-so. Next time I will order a bottle bc I can drink one anyway. :-) 3.) We were ATTACKED by fruit flies the whole time. Not flies, fruit flies....not coming from outside so it kind of grossed me out. I will sit in the dining room next time. -
Review from Dee W.
11/27/2005 1 photo
A delicious French cusine restaurant - just a word to the wise - they are closed on Sundays but the food is great - you can also do wine tastings by reservation, as well. Smoking is not allowed in the eating area but if you really crave one - go to the bar. A you-select menu and a chef-selected menu of hot and cold appetizers, sorbet, entree and dessert are available for a fixed price at lunch and dinner ($28.95 and $35, respectively, at dinner, less at lunch). I totally recommend their Lobster in vanilla sauce. Service is great and you pay for the quality of the food!
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Review from Ann Y.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2008
Wow! I haven't been here in years but my memories of this place are amazing. This is the restaraunt that gave me a new perspective on French food and the prices are right. The deserts are amazing and I really love their chicken dishes. Also, I find it very romantic and inviting. If you want a gormet meal for a non gormet price go here. You will NOT be dissapointed.
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Review from Sean Y.
Lake Forest, IL
3/29/2011
This place is overrated. Service is pretty good, food okay. We were the youngest ones there. The tables are all too close together and hard to move without bumping into someone and you can hear all the conversations around you too well.
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Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
6/3/2009
Froggy's:
This is a French restaurant. There have been a few small banquets for family friends that have been held in the basement of this place. I do not remember much about the food here...but a quick story nonetheless. There is a small bar area to the left when you walk in the door. About six years ago, my friend and I saw about four, 30 year old ladies, dressed to the nines, having a drink as we walked by. My buddy and I went in wearing jeans and asked if they wanted to go across the tracks (both literally and figuratively) to Teddy O's and forget their fancy dinner that they were waiting for. They left with us and we all got bombed at Teddy's. These ladies actually drove us back to my buddy's house and they said it was the most fun they had ever had. I guarantee that they remember, to this day, that night. -
Review from Russ M.
Lake Forest, IL
3/11/2011
Just had our 5th meal at Froggies, and can say, YUM! It never dissapoints, the service is perfect, the food is awesome. We went tonight, a Friday, and had the 'before 6pm March specials.' I don't know another place we can eat so well, (maybe DeerPath Inn English Room), but for $55.55 dinner for two all in which included a generous tip, all I can say is Froggies, thank you! That was a drink each, appetizer, salad or soup, entree, rolls. I had a cocktail, escargot, gazpacho and duck a' l'orange, with perfect veggies and mashies.
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Review from K B.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2009
Froggy's is THE place to go if you want amazing, authentic French cuisine. The staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and accommodating. The mushroom soup is a must!
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Review from J H.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2009
I have been enjoying great French dinners at Froggy's for 20 years. No other place been as consistently impressive and satisfying. i could extol the usual restaurant virtues, but instead, I will tell a story.
We had a group of out-of-towners to entertain. About a dozen folks in all, mostly Taiwanese executives and professionals, plus a couple college age kids. Where to go? And how best to combine high quality with good value? We decided it had to be Froggy's. Sure to be a great meal, and quite exotic for Chinese people (who are quite justifiably proud of their culture's culinary achievements, and don't go out of their way to try other folks'.).
Well, one of the women, a semi-pro Chinese cook, was just stunned by the sauce on the vegetarian appetizer she ordered. It was like a beet puree, deep reddish-blue, sweet but tangy. She had never had anything like it. "Standard Froggy's stuff", we told her. "Just wait for the next course ...". Needless to say, the meal was a complete success.
Postscript. The next time we saw the woman, she told us she had been so impressed by the meal that she and her husband tried French again at a fancy place in Las Vegas. $300 dinner for two. Verdict: OK. But not as good as Froggy's.
Froggy's is a gem. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Chicago, IL
12/24/2005
This is the best restaurant I have been to in a while and I've been to quite a few places recently. The prix fixe menu is an amazing deal. There are 3 options...I went with the gourmet which includes one cold appetizer, one hot app., one entree, and one dessert and you can choose from anything on the menu, even daily specials! The seattle oysters on the half-shell were fresh and totally delicious. The service is superb. The servers talk to you like they've known you even if you just met them. The chef selection set is the chef's choice, but every course is a trio of tastes so you can try a little of everything.
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Review from Marina P.
Buffalo Grove, IL
3/8/2010
Always loved this place! Really, really good food! I have never been disappointed everytime I come. The escargo there is amazing!!! best I ever had! The only down-side is the main dining room. I don't care for the bright room and noisiness. Infact, I enjoy the ambiance much more in their bar area. If possible, I try to get a table there instead...much nicer.
