G.E.B. Graham Elliot Bistro

Walked in with no reservation and was seated rather quick.  Good environment and lots of action.  Ordered 5 items from the menu, which all came at the same time.  Of the 5 items, all were good except the risotto.  Not that the risotto was bad, it was just not what we were expected (as described on the menu)--very bitter.  At this point we were somewhat questionable on returning again, but then the Host randomly stopped by.  We told him our honest opinion and he was super helpful in explaining why it tasted the way it did.  But further, he took it off our bill, apologized and even brought us fresh cookies.  In other words, he was a fantastic host and we will be back because of his service alone to give it another shot.

I wish there was a 3.5 rating available for this place.  I did like it.  I really wanted to like it.  It was hip and fun and different, but I also like to eat good food.  I  went with a coworker to catch up and grab some drinks.  I felt like there was nothing that really stood out as being unique except the hot chocolate chip cookies in milk for desert.  This is Graham Elliot's place!  We've dine at his other 2 places in Chicago and we just felt he has a better market in the high high end or the simple sandwich shop.  The middle of the road "works" but I expected more of a wow of what would come out of the kitchen.  The fun records for menus and can beer is great.  So I love the theme, but it left a lot to be desired for.  You should go and experience it for the experience, but not really somewhere I have on my list to go back to unless it is just to grab a beer or 2 at the 5 person bar.

Had a dinner date there tonight.  Started out with a drink at the bar.  Only 4 seats, but enough for such a small restaurant.  Very friendly bartender.  I had their version of a Moscow Mule.  I think it was called GE Mule or something close to that.  Great as expected.  For dinner, ordered the pakora.  I was expecting more a fritter, but it was mostly just breaded cauliflower.  Nothing wrong with the taste, just different version than I have had before.  The German in me forced me to order the schnitzel and spaetzle.  Great dish.  I loved the dill sauce with it.  Very classic.  We shared the cookies with milk for dessert.  I am not a huge cookie or sweets person, but very playful for a date situation.  

I liked the decor.  The mexican style candles were great.  Next to our table we had Pat Benetar, Wiley Defrane, Gordon Ramsay.  The host stand was stacked amps.  

All in all, the service was great from hostesses, bartender, waitress, and bussers.

The only knock for me was the noise.  I know I am in the minority in Chicago, but the music was loud for my taste.  

Keep in mind that a lot of the reviews over the past weeks have been from Restaurant Week.  This deserves higher than 3.5 stars.  I would give it 4.4ish if it were an option.