BrowntroutBrowntrout overall great experienceFirst time here, four of us went for someone's birthday. First I love the fact they use all sustainably raised meats and veggies. We started out with the mussel app, pomme frites and a cheese plate. The mussels were PEI and of very good quality. The broth was tasty but thicker than I'm used to and not my favorite ever. Cheese plate had 3 aged cheeses of your choice and tasty breads and sauces. For entrees 3 of us ordered the trout with lentils and grilled asparagus, which was spectacular. My wife ordered the burger which I have to say was the only food item that was sub-par being kind of dry. Our waiter was fantastic, giving my wife a sample of wine, joking with us and at the end of the night giving us a free round of port. Loved it.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBrowntrout SundayWe had a completely delightful Sunday evening at Browntrout. It was our first time there, and service and friendliness greeted us at the door, and set a good tone for the meal. Although we came for the Sunday Chicken special, the fish menu captured us. We loved the mussels starter, trout and walleye entrees were creatively prepared and presented. For special approval, we cite that when friends of ours were seeking a table, when there were none available, our hostess accomodated all of us by letting us share the table
with us at dessert and them at drinks! Worked out well for all.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMNeighborlyI've had the chance to dine at Browntrout twice in the last month. Both times, the service and food were good (table service was a little slow, but we were not in a rush, so that was fine). Rather surprisingly, they only offer two or three fish entrees, but what they do have is very good indeed. The emphasis is on local or Midwest ingredients, even in the drink menu! It is definitely a spot that reflects the neighborhood (there were at least two or three families with children there when we went on a Saturday night), but it was not too loud or rambunctious, and the staff was truly helpful and genuine.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMCouldn't ask for anything moreEating at Brown Trout is as close to perfect a dining experience as I can think of. The locally sourced food is tasty and imaginative without being overly 'precious', the service is attentive but not obsequious, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly and congenial - the kind of place where folks from the 'hood would come for a good evening out. We'll definitely be back!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique and Fresh!My husband and I enjoyed the unique flavors in the dishes at Browntrout. From the rhubarb martini, to the bread service, the fish, the wine, the pasta, vegetables - everything was delicious, flavorful and very,very fresh! Subtle blending of textures and flavors were well executed. Perfect serving sizes didn't overwhelm. The desert was light but flavorful and the coffee didn't disappoint. The ginger beer (non-alcoholic) was a revelation. Comfortable atmosphere and nicely appointed tables. Knowledgable, attentive, and friendly staff. A great balance. We were not disappointed. Final tab was very, very reasonable for the quality and variety of food. We will go back - soon!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMA Delight!!We were celebrating my friend's birthday and found the atmosphere and menu most amazing! We shared several plates and were delighted with each. The staff accommodated our need to be out by a specific time and we were able to enjoy our time together. Everything was perfect!! My fourth time to Brown Trout and I cannot wait to go back!! Don't miss the shrimp cocktail and the risotto.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Dining ExperienceWe were repeat diners at Browntrout and brought some friends there for dinner on Sat. 05/18/13. Dinner was excellent. The mussels appetizer was terrific as usual. Very fresh and hearty portion. The entrees are delicious. The trout is superb. Burger is great. The GM was our server and was friendly, engaging and service was excellent. We ended up closing the restaurant that evening, and never felt rushed. Our friends will definitely be repeat diners as well.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSerious Food in the NeighborhoodSerious and inventive food at a friendly, casual neighborhood place. They favor local growers and producers. The quality is very high and the taste sublime. Four of us went for the first time. We were extremely pleased with all of the food we had. The menu is small and changes. The signature trout dish was excellent. Our server was knowledgeable, fun and very accommodating.
Highly recommended for foodies.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMYumMy third time at Browntrout-- all the staff remembered me and said hi :) Food consistently amazing, had the steak this time and it was cooked to perfection. The mac and cheese is incredible and even my friend who 'hates comfort food' loved my dish. We shared the smoked trout appetizer and both of us could have ate that all night long. She had fish with the most incredible lentils. The flavors pop and we both left with a food(ie) glow. So YUM.
Still telling everyone to GO THERE5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were celebrating our anniversaryWe were celebrating our anniversary & chose Browntrout because Chicago Magazine recommended it. It was delightful & we will surely return. Our waitperson was charming and very knowledgeable. I'm thinking going back for 1/2 price wine dinners is our next visit.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMMorels!We started off with an order of the morels fried in lard. One of the best things in my entire life. I'm now willing to go to the country to search for them. Or just go back to Browntrout . Delicious meal, perfect, knowledgeable service. Great evening.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBrowntrout was amazing!My wife and I went here for our anniversary, and it was a perfect night. Great local food and drinks. It was comfortable and delicious. Even the coffee was wonderful. I had the walleye in a Boston Clam Chowder sauce that was wonderful. Appetizers were fun and very tasty, fried pork skins and white fish fritters were a nice start. Great local cheeses were a great starter, smoked cheddar from Wisconsin was my favorite. The service was very attentive, fun, and very helpful. We are already planning on returning soon.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMamazing restaurantwell presented restaurant, warm and welcoming host, our server was outstanding, hospitable. he knew every dish on the menu, how it was prepared, how it tasted,
he did a great job the entire evening, engaging us in conversations and even sold us on returning this sunday for brunch as he could describe the food in such great detail and with such passion!
this place is definatley a neighborhood gem.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMThere were four of us andThere were four of us and we had a wonderful time. We all had the 3 course prix-fixe dinner. The food was delicious. The variety of flavors were outstanding. I loved the pate compagne and the brandade fritters. The walleye was cooked to perfection. The chocolate souffle was the best I've ever had. . Our waiter was terrific. He advised us and answered all our questions about items on the menu. He was very attentive and helpful. The staff was very accommodating. This is one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. We will highly recommend this restaurant to our friends and look forward to returning.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a gemWonderful spot. The food was amazing in taste and presentation. So much pride in their product and very welcoming. I can not wait to be back. The staff/service was top notch. Amazing how a first visit makes you feel like you'd had been going there for years.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMTruly a neighborhood gemGot there 2 hour early but they accommodated us at the bar and we were able to eat. Friendly bartender had us taste few drinks we had asked us about and were very attentive while dining. Great ginger carrot soup, baby octopus, even seemingly mundane chop salad was unique in flavor. We found a great place to sit and drink slowly for hours.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went on their ThursdayWe went on their Thursday night BYOB night which turned out to be an outstanding bargain.
The wait staff was terrific as was the food and general ambience.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBrowntrout- Yumwonderful ingredients, without overly elaborate presentation. flavors all in harmony. warm and cheerful servers and great vibe in this small neighborhood restaurant. lots of price points for those on a budget. loved the whitefish fritters to start. beet and chopped salads were excellent. terrific veal saltimbocca. apple pie very nice but not as harmonious as other dishes, I found it had too many disparate flavors including otherwise excellent bourbon ice cream. Sunday evenings there is live bluegrass trio, excellent music! Sunday brunch menu noted but not tried yet. there is a backstory to the strange name of this restaurant printed on the menu.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent well executed foodExcellent well executed food for a very reasonable price.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGo, go soon, go oftenGo to this restaurant. I was there for Restaurant Week and became happier and happier as our meal progressed. What struck me most was how each flavor was so fresh and individual but when you ate everything together the flavors exploded in a new and intense way. I was trying to think of a word for it as I drove home and it seems strange, but I would say it was mindful eating: each piece mattered as did how they paired together. The staff was also awesome, attentive, helpful and non-intrusive. If I weren't so full I'd go back now.
Really worth going here for an amazing meal.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBeen there before, and stillBeen there before, and still very good. Octopus appetizer with crispy cannalleni beans was unusual and very good. Thursday special on oysters at $ 1 apiece was also a good deal.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great meal at Browntrout.We had a great meal at Browntrout. Convivial atmosphere, good service and nice house band always makes my experience at Browntrout a great one.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBrowntrout delectable,knowledgeableWe started with a dozen oysters and 2 glasses of champagne. Fire River oysters were briny and delicious. Inexplicably, champagne came in two tall, glorified shot glasses. Real champagne deserves genuine flutes! ;-)
Our charcuterie plate: smoked cheddar and Driftless sheep's milk were standouts of cheeses. My husband got the hanger steak, a personal favorite of his, and I got the porcini risotto. Both lived up to our expectations and then some. Still reliving that risotto. Chef really knows his flavors.
For gluten intolerant, Browntrout worked with us to assure GF adjustments. Decent wine list, some excellent course pairings.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AM