Cafe des Architectes
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 324-4063
- Price:
- $$$
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Chicago; bus: 22, 36 to Chestnut
- Hours:
- Daily 6am-11pm
Editorial Review for Cafe des Architectes – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Just off the gleaming lobby of the Sofitel Water Tower hotel, this sophisticated space is contemporary and sleek, with burgundy walls, bone-leather chairs and stunning 20-foot-high windows that lean out toward the street. The crowd is cosmopolitan and international; you're just as likely to hear French or German at the next table as English. Waiting for a table? Pose at the cool front bar, which glows and changes color.
The Food
Creamy foie gras terrine with sweet-wine jam, warm goat cheese tart with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini, and Mediterranean black mussels in chardonnay broth kick-start the fine French menu. Recurring popular entrees on the changing menu include Muscovy duck, pan-seared walleyed pike and cowboy steak--a 16-ounce, prime, bone-in cut. Brunch teems with tourists and local families and features traditional breakfast items like waffles, pancakes and eggs Benedict.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasEvery day until 5pm, sample gourmet one-bite desserts like vanilla creme brulee topped with passion-fruit coulis, raspberry ganache, miniature cheesecake and more for $1 each.
Save MoneyThough upscale, the restaurant still offers a kids' menu, with staples like hot dogs and fish sticks, as well as the French grilled ham-and-cheese classic, croque monsieur.
User Reviews for Cafe des Architectes
07/05/2008 Posted by genafm
Though a little snooty, this place was great. My group of 4 was seated right away and they were pretty prompt with our drinks. Thankfully the place was open and serving brunch at noon on the fourth of July. We didn't get our bread basket until our food arrived, but our food was on the table in no time flat and it was DELICIOUS! All of us were satisfied with our meals. I was a little irked by how long it took our waiter to return so I could ask for a refil, and it still took him over 5 minutes to get it to me, but over all it was a good dining experience. Very nice place, pretty setting, fantastic food. Now if only they could find someone other than the man with the heavy French accent to answer the phone...
Pros: GREAT and quick food, awesome look
Cons: Snooty French man on phone, slow on refills
01/22/2008 Posted by abigael
I had lunch at the Cafe des Architectes while on business in Chicago. I am from Montreal and often travel to France on business. I did not except the place to be so 'French', considering it's in North America. It was therefore a good surprise. The food was delightful, I loved their selection of little desserts, and the wine was soooo good. Excellent experience!
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