Matisse

This place is definitely surprising. I've lived across the street for 2 years now, and finally stopped in. It has a nice, dark atmosphere, and the food is delightful - not at all what I expected. I had the Cuban Wontons to start - and they were awesome, I can see why they were on Chicagos Best. For my main entree I had the Sweet Pear and Chicken Panini - also fantastic. Everything was very well balanced. I didn't give 5 stars only because I came back a few days later, and the service was quite slow - took about 10 minutes to get a glass of sangria - boo.

I dont know what happened to this place. Food quality has disappeared from most of the menu.
Wine selection is so misappropriated and never the right temperature.
DONT SERVE WINE IF YOU CANT KEEP IT AT ROOM TEMP OR NOT CHILLED PROPERLY. NOT HARD !!!

I heard a waitress talking about how the manager banged her, the day before and he snores....

Not a good look, just bring me my sangria please.

The male staff here look like creeps... & will stare down your girl... and it takes for ever to get drinks or your check.  Owners a sloppy mess too....
This place shouldve been SHUT down years ago - they got lucky with Trader Joe's being built etc. to keep foot traffic over there.

the fireplace....gross bathrooms and the shitty decor = Not Impressed by a lack of renewal after all the years its been there.  ---- patio next door is where I'll go.

Stay away from the basement covered in Herpes.

I was surprised by this place. Never wanted to stop in because it seems sort of sketchy from the outside and not like a place you would go if you weren't planning to drink. So I have walked by maybe a hundred times. A friend and I decided to check it out.

We were pleasantly surprised by the food. Traditional bar food elevated with some interesting twists. The best turkey burger I have had in a long time and the sweet potato fries were crispy and well seasoned. My friends chicken/brie/apple sandwich was also delightful.

Don't let the outside fool you, the inside is not dive-y, it is actually a nice little place with good food and a good atmosphere at dinner time. I am glad I stopped in, probably won't be the only time I eat here. Service was also great, he didn't mind that he had to refill my water like every two minutes (I had just gone for a run and was like a camel who hadn't seen water in days).

Couldn't make any comment on their alcohol selection, I am pretty much only a wine drinker, and not a drinker at all right now since I am pregnant :)