Le Bouchon

Hidden Gem!  Get a reservation and take your first date.  He or she will never forget it.  Great food!  Great Vibe!  Take the train or valet...Not so good parking.

Food:
The appetizers that we ordered were classic French bistro fare, moules marinieres (mussels in white wine with herbs) and escargots. For someone who had been craving simple French food, it was heaven. Plenty of fresh bread came alongside to sop up all the delicious sauces. The main courses that we had, though tasty, paled in comparison to the simple dishes that preceded them. I had a braised duck leg that was good, but it was served with too much sauce,
and I thought that the presentation could have been better. My companion had rabbit, and pretty much had the same reaction. Over all, the main courses were well prepared, as well as a pleasant diversion from the ordinary (when was the last time you had rabbit?). The appetizers were spot on, we could have been in Paris.

Drink:
An ample wine list for a small neighborhood restaurant. The focus was most definitely French, as it should be, and both the glasses of white and red were great. You paid the premium for the French imports, but it definitely enhanced the overall experience.

Service:
There were only 2 waiters, and at least 15 tables, maybe more. That being said, they did a great job making sure we were taken care of. We had a reservation for 7:30, and were really hungry, so we showed up at 7 and were
seated immediately. As the night went on though, the place was definitely packed. It wasn't the sort place that you'd expected to be waited on hand and foot, and in turn, it wasn't. The tables are packed in pretty close together in a
small space, and you have to embrace the bistro atmosphere.

Scene- If you want to be whisked away to a small bistro in (almost) Paris, than this is the place for you. The food is good, the service is ok, and the scene is cozy. Probably a great place for a third date where you want talk, drink and get to know one another. This is the sort of place, just outside of the hubbub of Wicker Park, to start the evening, but it won't be enough to make an entire evening.

Dress:
Casual, jeans with a nice shirt, a jacket would be fine.

Occasion:
Craving French bistro food and atmosphere?  This is the place for you. Start the evening here, and move on to more engaging venue south in Wicker Park.

Cost:
Appetizers $10, Entrees under $20. Reasonably priced wine list.

I love the ambiance in this restaurant, but make sure you understand what a French bistro is like before you make a reservation.  Much as you see in Paris, the tables are very close in proximity, which can be uncomfortable for some.

The menu is pretty simple and classic French, but everything on it is delicious.  I particularly recommend the Bouillabaisse, but you can never go wrong with steak frites!