Atwood Cafe

Incredible service and very good food.  Was expecting a little bit better food for the price, as it is pretty expensive.  For example, I got a cheese plate for $17 and it was pretty good, but I was expecting a little more cheese and garnishes along with it.

We had a mixed experience.

For ambiance, I give the restaurant an A+. It's a cozy, beautiful spot right in the heart of the loop. Its art deco interior is tastefully decorated and we were seated at a table with couches instead of chairs. I was immediately impressed and excited.

The service and food were spotty though. Our starters (lamb carpaccio and frito misto) were delicious. Our server was warm and pleasant when we arrived and during the first part of our meal. But once our starter plates were cleared things began to head down hill. We waited a very long time for our main course. Our server kept checking on us, but it was clear she was embarrassed. When it finally arrived, my rabbit was bland and uninteresting with the hericot verts easily outshining everything else on the plate. The hubby's mackerel was warm but not hot although the flavors were fantastic. But then our server disappeared for quite a few minutes. It was disappointing.

Thankfully we were in celebration mode, so we didn't let it get us down. We were in good company, comfortable at our swanky table and in no rush to be anywhere but where we were. But I'm not sure we'll be rushing back for another meal at the pricey Atwood Cafe.

I almost don't want to tell you about this place....because it's my secret "get-away-from-all-the-chaos" spot in what is a very touristy area....but the truth is, it's Chicago's best kept secret!!  The name implies that it's rather typical....which is the beauty of it!!  If you want a restaurant with a cutesy trendy name, so somewhere else.  If you want to focus on service, food (great menu options, AMAZING creations, high quality), drinks, atmosphere, and yes, tremendous people-watching, then come here!!  I'm positive you won't be able to come to this place just once!  (oh, they have some special for theater-goers, so if it's a night that would coincide with that, be warned - might be more tourists that night....or if you ARE a theater-goer, maybe you should ask them about this!)  ; )