The Alcove- Evanston

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fantastic food! Excellent service and outstanding wine! It was a great night

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2. M

   Mantona

   Chicago

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 9, 2023

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Food excellent but somewhat overpriced. Service very good with only a couple of glitches.

   Report
3. RF

   RFCityDweller

   Chicago

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   The food was excellent: creative, fresh, good-sized portions. The drinks were VERY overpriced and the prices were not shown on the menu. Be sure to ask for the prices if you’re ordering liquor from the bar.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 7, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Delicious food with an amazing service. Alcove never disappoints

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 31, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   One of the best meals I've had in a long time. For NYE, the staff was on point. Biggest thing is that weren't rushed

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6. LJ

   LenJ

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 30, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   For the second year in a row we have gone to the Alcove with our daughters for our anniversary dinner. We should go more often. Excellent on all counts. Warm setting, excellent service and all of our meals were delicious. Fresh, warm bread, artistic tasty appetizers (we had foie gras, pan-seared quail, and goat cheese tart) and everyone loved their entrees (braised short ribs, duck, and lamb chops). We shared turle sundae and bread pudding. Five stars.

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7. JH

   JanetH

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 30, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Creative use of ingredients, beautifully presented dishes. Lovely atmosphere

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Seattle

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 24, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Really everything was great. We had tuna tartare, rack of lamb and the seared bass, and in every bite we could tell that Alcove really takes the quality of all their ingredients seriously. Closing the meal with creme brulee and flourless chocolate cake was a phenomenal end to a phenomenal evening.

   Report
9. W

   Wendi

   Chicago

   16 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on December 21, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food and service were great. We've eaten at Alcove a number of times, always consistent and great.

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10. KM

    KayM

    Dallas

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Excellent food and very attentive service staff. The seared Foie Gras is just wonderful. The rack of lamb was done to perfection and it is the only restaurant left that still serves Grand Marnier soufflé.

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11. JK

    JillK

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great ambience, charming space and hospitable staff!

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12. L

    Lvfoodie

    Louisville

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The location and the ambiance alone make me want to frequent this restaurant. Add to that the excellent service and outstanding food, and I have even more reasons to visit Evanston. My entre, the scallop special, was terrific (5/5). The lobster bisque, also a special of the evening, was pretty good (3.5/5). The flavor was good but it was missing that thicker creaminess that I was expecting in a bisque. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. We'll dine at The Alcove again.

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13. MM

    MMSR

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    Disastrous evening. Something must have been wrong in the kitchen. Over an hour to get the food out. Minor apology no compensation. Food came with some of it on very hot plates.... ;-) Previous visits were very nice.

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14. SV

    SVEN

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Very cute, delicious “quality restaurant” in Evanston‘s downtown. Lovely intimate setting with polished tablescape sets lovely mood. The music volume needs to be raised though. Not interested in hearing others conversations. The food presentation and man you are always consistent and original. Hostess/social media representative was engaging and set the tone for a memorable dining experience.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on December 12, 2022Hi Sven, Thank you so much for the kind review! We will report your feedback on the music to the front-of-house staff to remedy the volume issue. Thanks for coming in, and hope to see you soon! Best wishes

    Report
15. CF

    ChicagoFramer

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My wife and I remembered eating there decades ago when it was under a different name and owner, but we had heard good things about The Alcove, so we went out for dinner there on my birthday. The food was beautifully prepared and really excellent. We had the special of the day: Pork Shank. The meat was very tasty and fell right off the bone. I had the pomegranate salad and, for desert, the goat cheese cake. All of it was very yummy! We had an excellent French red wine that our waiter recommended. He really knew his stuff. I would, definitely, go there again.

    Report
16. SR

    SusanR

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Lovely place. Great food but rich…..wine not cold but easily remedied

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17. C

    Chicagofoodie

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Alcove is in a beautiful room, and features delicious food and excellent service.

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18. JK

    JudyK

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food; great service; conversation friendly!!

    Report
19. N

    mitchN

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent!!!

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 29, 2022Mitch, so glad you enjoyed your visit! Thanks for leaving a review!

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20. FC

    FrederickC

    Naples

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The food was delicious. The service was adequate. I understand the waiters can only deliver what the kitchen produces, particularly if the the waiters are short staffed.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 29, 2022Hi Frederick, thanks for taking the time to leave a review—and for your empathy. We're delighted to hear that your meal hit the mark!

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21. e

    eliotjp72

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Alcove is always fabulous. A tad pricey but the food is excellent. We always have the octopus appetizer which is great. For entrées we had the lamb and the risotto. For dessert we had the caramel apple bread pudding. Highly recommend all of the above.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 20, 2022Hi Eliot, Thanks so much for visiting us and for taking the time to leave a review. We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your food—hope to see you again soon!

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22. k

    karenf

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    The food was very good but came out a little cold. They were understaffed for sure. Also, the prices are higher than expected…. But again.. good quality. Everything was delicious, especially the bread pudding!!

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 20, 2022Hi Karen, Thanks for visiting us last Wednesday—we're sorry to hear your food came out a bit cold, and will pass that info on to our wait staff. Very happy to read that you enjoyed the meal overall! Best wishes!

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23. o

    opentablediner354

    Chicago

    71 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Our first time here, and we were blown away by the food. Really high quality execution and ingredients. Service was top notch. We would definitely make a point to return to The Alcove the next time we are in Evanston.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 14, 2022Hi there, thank you so much for the kind review! We love hearing that you enjoyed your experience—looking forward to seeing you next time!

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24. Z

    Zully

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I made this reservation to celebrate my mother's 85th birthday and I could not have chosen a better place the food was outstanding the ambience was quiet and elegant we were extremely happy with our server Mike who I felt treated us like family a wonderful restaurant and enjoyable and not forgettable experience I look forward to our next dining

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 14, 2022Hi Zully, happy belated birthday to your mother! We are so thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with Mike! Best wishes

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25. m

    marym

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful experience. Food is excellent, as is the service. We were with another couple and we all agreed. A gem.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 3, 2022Hi there, thank you so much for visiting the Alcove—and for this kind review! We're delighted to hear that your party enjoyed the evening.

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We got really great service. Our server was happy to answer questions about the menu with detail and personality! The menu is somewhat limited but curated, definitely no "duds" or filler items.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 3, 2022Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're so happy to hear that your experience with your server was positive & that you appreciated our small menu. We hope to see you back soon!

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27. K

    Kathy

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This restaurant never disappoints ! If you try this restaurant, I think it will become a favorite for you ! Menu items are out of the ordinary and always wonderful.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 3, 2022Hi Kathy, thank you for this lovely review! We're happy to hear you enjoyed your experience and hope to see you back soon!

    Report
28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Good place for dinner. the entrance to the restaurant is not very good, right next to the subway.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2022Hi there, we are so glad you enjoyed your dinner! So sorry you disliked the entrance—we think it's part of what makes us special (we are the Alcove, after all!). Best wishes!

    Report
29. AJ

    AntonioJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Excellent choice for parents visiting NU students or or for northshore residents or worth the trip from Chicago. Best restaurant in the north suburbs.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 3, 2022Hi Antonio, thank you for this kind review! We're so glad you enjoyed your evening.

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30. EG

    EllenG

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    It was quiet and tables were spaced nicely. They were out of the whitefish but had salmon. Unfortunately it was seared and when I asked it to be cooked more, they put it in a different dish and seems the same very pink inside. Desserts were wonderful.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2022Hi Ellen, Really happy to hear you liked our desserts! So sorry we were out of whitefish—since our ingredients are so fresh, it's often difficult to maintain much stock. Hope to see you again soon!

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31. S

    Sophia

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Exceptional meal! Wonderful, gracious, friendly service and ambience. The food is outstanding. This lovely restaurant is tucked away in a charming unassuming location and is elegant, comfortable, and inviting all at once. The menu is creative and offers a diverse range of options without being overwhelming. They brought a homemade green apple sorbet refresher that was delicious. Everything was delicious and looked beautiful. This is clearly a restaurant with a talented chef at the helm. One could have a nice comfortable meal or make it a special occasion. What a gem this place is!

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2022Hi Sophia, Thank you so much for your detailed and kind review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Alcove's atmosphere and meal offerings. We have passed on your compliments to the chef, and hope to see you again soon!

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32. e

    ellen

    Chicago

    49 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    What a lovely surprise1 No idea this existed -- it's so hidden. Quite a little gem. Sat at a great table truly in "the alcove" which was charming and proved good for talking with our group of 5. Presentations were all nice and food was good, though the "warm flourless chocolate cake" should be called a lava cake (though ours was more lava then cake, it was tasty). Service was a little slow but we didn't mind much since we wanted to talk and enjoy a leisurely meal.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2022Hi Ellen, Thank you for visiting us! We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your table and the meal as a whole. Hope to see you back soon!

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33. M

    Marcello

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Appetizer: Quail. Entres: Swordfish and duck. Food and service were excellent. Wine list very good. Sat outside. Will return.

    Report
34. R

    Rick628

    Chicago

    78 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Great menu. Good service. Kinda pricey.

    Report
35. DK

    DanielK

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Food not bad but a little disappointing, especially given the prices. Outdoor-table ambience nice but a bit noisy when trains came through (since it was a Sunday evening, this only happened twice during our long dinner).

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on September 8, 2022Hi Daniel, we're sorry to hear you found your meal disappointing--like most other restaurants, we are dealing with growing supply/ingredient prices, and have had to raise our menu prices accordingly to stay afloat. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!

    Report
36. PS

    PhilipS

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    This is the second time in the last three months we dined at Alcove. The first time was fantastic. This time I wasn’t very impressed. Three of us had fish(halibut and whitefish). The fish was boring in flavor, presentation was pretty. Lamb chops were good and fillet was good. For appetizers we tried the Goat cheese tart, which was average and fois gras was good but the portion was really small. Dessert was okay, tried butterscotch and peach bread pudding which was fair and chocolate flourless cake was okay, but again the portion was so small it was insulting. Wine by the glass extremely expensive ($22) and the pour was very skimpy.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on September 8, 2022Hi Philip, thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! We are sorry to hear that your second visit didn't live up to your expectations. Our portions have remained the same throughout this inflationary period (the last six months), and many guests find that the size of the chocolate cake is more than enough to satisfy them due to how rich it is. Further, all of our wine pours are measured to be a standard at the bar pour prior to serving. We will pass on your feedback to the chef. Thank you!

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37. TK

    TinaK

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an outstanding meal with a cozy atmosphere at Alcove. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. It's a great place for a special occasion!

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38. J

    Januaryj

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Alcove is an outstanding restaurant, especially for those who enjoy gourmet dining. We were a party of four and ordered the salmon, lamb chops (2) and pork chop. Everyone was more than pleased with their dinner. Dining at Alcove is always remarkable and service is great as well. We are looking forward to enjoying more "Al Fresco" dining there before the weather changes.

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39. s

    steve

    Chicago

    72 reviews

    5.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is really a hidden gem in Evanston. Tucked away as it is it seems like it's not very widely known. And that's too bad. The food is excellent. It's one of the few fine dining options left in town and it does a fine job in that realm. The bar produces some great cocktails, too. Maybe when the movie theater up the road opens back up more people will learn about it. I highly recommend it.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on September 8, 2022Hi Steve, thanks so much for taking time to leave us a review! We're so delighted to hear you enjoyed your meal and hope to see you back soon!

    Report
40. w

    wrom

    New York Area

    61 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Cocktails disappointing since it appears waitstaff makes the cocktails and didn’t know some classics when nothing on the featured drinks menu appealed. >>>Most food courses near perfect, well presented and very tasty. Waitstaff tried valiantly but one was there only 3 months and another was new, so under preformed at times, but diligent tho possibly short staffed contributed to some minor lapse’s. Decor seemed a bit dated and could use a refresh. Bottom line, would go back since the food was nearly a “five “

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on September 8, 2022Hi there, we're sorry to hear that there was a problem with cocktail knowledge and will pass that info along to our staff. Like you mentioned, we have new servers and are still short-staffed due to the national labor shortage. Glad to hear you enjoyed your food, though! Thanks for giving us a try, and we hope you'll give us another chance soon.

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