Review Chez Simo Bistro - Chicago

Vive la différence! A French bistro in the middle of Ravenswood that has the feel of those I remember fondly eating at in Paris and it is BYOB? Sign me up. So glad I got to experience this place. Very cute place that has that old European feel. Throw in the fact that the folks working there speak French and voilà, I am sold. Space itself is not that large, so I can see how having a reservation would make total sense if you are coming later in the evening. Let me preface this review by saying that the service was very European. So mes amies, if you are in a hurry, this might not be the place for you. We sat down at 5:05 pm. Glasses for the bubbles came about five minutes later. The waiter chatted with us for another 5 min while pouring, remembered Dr M and his party and chatted another 5 min. He came back with this great bread and a cold butter/black olive spread that was very good. Dr M and I nosed and chatted and had bubbles until about 6:05 pm. We were the only ones in the restaurant still, but what I liked was the fact that I could see him out of the corner of my eye, but he did not intrude on our conversation. We were not in a hurry and were fine with the bread and butter. It was nice not to have a server repeatedly asking if we were ready to order. Once we were ready to order, I caught the server's eye and he came over and took our order. I was going for broke, so I got the Escargot, the Terrine of Foie Gras, and the braised short ribs with a side of cabbage. Dr M got the Coq au Vin. What was nice about ordering was although we told him everything that we wanted, each dish came out at a respectable time after the one that was finished. And we were not rushed. I am bias when it comes to snails and fois gras, so you really have to screw it up for me not to like it. I will say that some folks may balk at the size of the fois gras based on the price, but it was worth it for me. Very delicate flavor and it was paired with what I believed to be either a fig or plum sauce. Very nice on the bread. The Escargot were super tender and the garlic was not overwhelming...just a hint in the pernod butter. The Braised Short Rib fell off the bone, I mean it just slipped out. If had one complaint about this dish, it would be that it needed more mash potatoes, but I am a potato lover and there can never be enough on my plate. Next time I will order a side with whatever I get. The cabbage was good, but too sweet for me. Dr M enjoyed it. Not sure why I was thinking it would taste like the red cabbage that I get at German restaurants. It was darker in color and tasted as if it had been cooked with raisins and brown sugar. Dr M's Coq au Vin was amazing. No idea how they cooked that chicken, but man it just slid off those bones like nothing. I would have love some rice to throw into that broth just to suck it up and eat it.

Went here with a group of friends on New Year's Eve and had a great time. The food was excellent and the service was spot on. I had the French onion soup, escargot, and beef bourgognone. I would highly recommend going there for dinner.

Excellent food and service. Great prices and a wonderful place for a night out with friends. Not the type of place where you run in and run out. But that's okay with me!

Hands down best French food I've ever had. Authentic delicious food with a great vibe and beautifully decorated. Can't commend this place enough. BYOB really tops this place off. Will recommend this to anyone in the Chicago area I know. Worth the trip out here.

Awesome staff and service!! The Escargot was delicious. The lamb shank was extremely tender and flavorful. The dessert which was this open face pastry stuffed with ice-cream and topped with chocolate fudge was absolutely satisfying. I recommend this place to anyone who loves flavorful French cuisine and it's a family welcoming environment for children as well. Thank you Chez Sino Bistro; see you next time!!

We dropped in on a Tuesday evening and the place was busier than expected. BYOB. We each had the Prix Fixe dinner (available 5pm to 6:30pm on weekdays) which consists of a soup/salad, an entree and dessert. Everything was delicious. I especially liked the desserts. Staff was efficient and friendly. Decor was eclectic and homey. Looking forward to coming back.

The steak auto poivre was phenomenal. Best ever that my wife and I experienced. Very quiet and intimate. Great bistro music playing. BYOB so super affordable for classic French cuisine. Highly recomended.

Cozy, warm, unpretentious and delicious French bistro. The owner/chef Simo is very friendly.

Really fine French Cuisine Fun, quirky little place that DESERVES your ATTENTION! The food is excellent and reasonably priced. Added bonus is; it is BYOB and there is a very well stocked liquor store RIGHT ACROSS the street from this gem on the North Side.

Pretty casual French food. Really tasty. Hadn't had French onion soup in a long time. Steak frites for the picky eaters. We over-ordered for our first time there, and glad we did.

Best French onion soup I've had in Chicago! Amazing steak au poivre with deliciously thin and crispy fries. The mussels were amazing too with a fantastic cream sauce. My wife had a delicious lamb shank too, and then we split a creme Brule at the end, which was delicious! Yes its not cheap, but it was delicious. We loved the atmosphere and the service. We will be returning for special occasions!

Arguably the best restaurant in Chicago. Good times, great French food, cozy, community atmosphere, excellent service. No way that you would be disappointed coming here. I would recommend the escargot, French onion soup, and any entree really. Delicious.

Wonderful warm atmosphere. Nice concise menu with specials every nite. Hard to chose between the trout, duck, beef bourginon, Coq a Vin and more. We ordered the steak poivre..steak in peppercorn sauce...out of this world! Tender juice steak and the best peppercorn sauce I ever had! Highly recommend! Best part ... They are BYOB! Support this great restaurant!

The BEST French restaurant in Chicago and it happens to be in my neighborhood! The owners are very friendly and it's BYOB. It's also BYOFM (Bring your own French Music) and the owner will play your French CD. Come early during the week between 5 to 6:30pm for the discounted pre-fix menu. Off the regular menu absolutely try the duck (canard) , the steak poivre, roasted pork, or the fish. Finish it off with Creme Brule, chocolate mousse, etc. Modest prices and high quality food. Bon Appetit!

By far the best soupe à l'oignon that I've had in a very long time! This is a great BYOB family owned and run restaurant, with great service and ambiance! When you can speak french to the staff, you know you are at the right place to eat french food! I'll be back soon for more soup.

We love this place. Sio and family are wonderful. We always have escargot and pate which are superb. Love their steak frites but the steak was a little chewy this visit. Duck is terrific as are lamb shanks..both chicken dishes are tasty. Dessert is a must