Deleece
3747 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
Deleece Menu
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Menu not available
Diabetics at Jason's Deli
Diabetics must not get carried away at Jason's Deli as there are several tempting items on their menu to easily spike your blood sugar. You can try the salads at Jason Deli's or start your meal with hot soup to ensure that you don't stuff too much while at Jason's Deli. You can also pick the right kind of sandwiches to complete your meal.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for Diabetics:
You must skip all kinds of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis at Jason's Deli for their high sodium content. Even among the salads, avoid the regular ones such as Chicken Club Salad, The Big Chef, Mesa Chicken Salad and go for the lighter versions. In addition, it is also recommended to avoid desserts totally while dining at Jason's Deli.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Jason's Deli:
Breakfast Sammy
Nutritional Facts: 250 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 370mg sodium, 23g carbs, 3g sugar, 0g fiber, 12g Protein
Chicken Club Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 540 calories, 44g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 8g), 900mg sodium, 11g carbs, 3g sugar, 3g fiber, 24g Protein
Mesa Chicken Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 460 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 850mg sodium, 26g carbs, 4g sugar, 7g fiber, 22g Protein
Spinach Veggie Wrap
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 830mg sodium, 51g carbs, 5g sugar, 12g fiber, 16g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Healthy Meal suggestions for Deleece
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Menu not available
High Blood Pressure at Jason's Deli
Blood pressure patients mustn't indulge in sandwiches offered on Jason Deli's menu. Most sandwiches, whether Muffalettas or Po'boys, are high in sodium and could easily spike your blood pressure. Be careful while you order at Jason's Deli and opt for healthy food options such as salads, soups, or soups to ease your cravings.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for High Blood Pressure
Sandwiches must be avoided at all costs at Jason's Deli as they are loaded with sodium. You must also skip the paninis and wraps if possible and stick to healthy salads and soups while dining at Jason's Deli. Skip adding any kinds of salad dressing, extra cheese, croutons, etc. in your order to limit your sodium intake for the day.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Jason's Deli
Banana Nut Muffin
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 170mg sodium, 25g carbs, 14g sugar, 1g fiber, 5g Protein
A bowl of Fresh Fruits
Nutritional Facts: 390 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 45mg sodium, 23g carbs, 62g sugar, 9g fiber, 6g Protein
Pollo Mexicano (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 800 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 12g), 550mg sodium, 121g carbs, 14g sugar, 11g fiber, 30g Protein
Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Cookie
Nutritional Facts: 210 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 150mg sodium, 34g carbs, 17g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g Protein
Wild Berry Hibiscus Tea with Pure Cane Sugar
Nutritional Facts: 100 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 26g carbs, 26g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
High Cholesterol at Jason's Deli
If you are concerned about your cholesterol, then you got to be very cautious at Jason's Deli. Most sandwiches available on Jason's Deli's menu are high in cholesterol and sodium content. You must choose wisely and opt for salads or soups to please your appetite.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for High Cholesterol
Avoiding foods at Jason's Deli can be trickier if you are a foodie. It is recommended to skip the heavy sandwiches which are both high in cholesterol and sodium at Jason's Deli. You must also avoid paninis and wraps at Jason Deli's or order the lighter version to reduce your calorie intake.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Jason's Deli
Blueberry Muffin
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 180mg sodium, 34g carbs, 19g sugar, 1g fiber, 3g Protein
Nutty Mixed Up Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 430 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 810mg sodium, 41g carbs, 33g sugar, 3g fiber, 21g Protein
Texas Style Spud (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 830 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 11g), 740mg sodium, 139g carbs, 27g sugar, 14g fiber, 29g Protein
Jason's Deli Bottled Ginger Ale
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 36g carbs, 36g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Q & A on Jason's Deli
When did Jason's Deli open?
First Jason's Deli was started on 30th November 1976 at Beaumont, Texas, United States.
Where's the nearby Jason's Deli?
There are around 275 delis in 28 states of the United States. You can locate a nearby Jason's Deli by using our Restaurant Listings Directory.
When does Jason's Deli open and close?
Jason's Deli opens early in the morning daily at 6 AM and closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 3 PM on weekends.
Does Jason's Deli have a drive through?
Yes, Jason's Deli has a drive-through. Besides the drive-thru, Jason's Deli also set up Jason's Express especially for on-the-go families to make things faster. Drive-thru and take-out options help individuals and families to order and pick their meal quickly while on a busy schedule.
Does Jason's Deli serve gluten-free items on the menu?
Jason's Deli isn't entirely a gluten-free environment, but it does offer a gluten-sensitive menu. You can order food from the gluten-sensitive menu to ensure your food is gluten-free.
Does Jason's Deli serve vegan items on the menu?
Yes, they do. The vegan options are limited at Jason's Deli. You can try the organic vegetable soup, spinach veggie wraps w/o cheese, hummus, salsa, guacamole, and many other options from the salad menu.
Does Jason's Deli Cater?
Yes, it does. You can use Jason's Deli's catering service to serve hot and fresh foods to your guests. Whether you want to feed 5 or 5000, Jason's Deli's experienced team can handle your catering order and ensure timely delivery.
What's on Jason's Deli breakfast menu?
Jason's Deli serves a variety of different items on their breakfast menu. You can try the breakfast sandwiches or wraps prepared with fresh-cracked eggs. You can pick up breakfast as early as 6 AM at any Jason's Deli nearby.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli is a popular bakery restaurant in the United States. Jason's Deli started its operation in Beaumont, Texas on 30th November 1976. The bakery restaurant was started by four partners: Joe Tortorice Jr., Rusty Coco, Pete Verde, and Pat Broussard. Currently, the delicatessen restaurant chain operates in more than 268 locations across 26 states in the United States. Jason's Deli is one of the most successful restaurant chains with under 300 locations.
Deli Management Inc. owns Jason's Deli along with several other deli restaurants in the United States. Jason's Deli is famous for its standard deli style menu where the customers can order from traditional sandwiches to salads, baked potatoes, and pasta. After initiating a health drive in 2000, Jason's Deli successfully eliminated added trans-fat from its food in 2005, later got rid of high fructose syrup in 2008, and finally removed MSG from its food. Today, Jason's Deli offers a wide range of food items including vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Healthy Food Options at Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli offers a standard deli style menu which consists of traditional sandwiches, soups, pasta, baked potatoes, wraps, and salads. If you choose wisely and skip the extra sides or dressings as you order at Jason's Deli, you can find a good variety of healthy food options at Jason's Deli.
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Address :
3747 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613 - Phone (773) 325-1710
- Website https://deleece.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Thomas D.
Great service. Just needs a broader menu please.
(3)Jessica W.
I don't generally take the time to write a bad review... But my experience with Deleece was quite disappointing. We've been wanting to try Deleece since we moved to the area but it was always a bit more expensive than we were willing to spend. So when I saw the groupon for $25 for $50, I jumped on it. We went to Deleece the same night. I made a reservation on open table and noted that there were 2 of us and a young baby. The hostess was ready for us and very accommodating. It started off well. Our server came and saw us immediately. And then every 2 minutes after that, asking for a drink order. He was a bit overbearing. Everything came out very fast... I mean, very fast. We ordered two martinis, both of which came out with big chunks of ice in them. Any bartender knows that martinis should be well strained. We ordered the calamari and the WARM onion tart to start. The calamari was great... I'd recommend it. But the warm onion tart came out cold. Not just room temp, but actually cold. Our server was yet again on top of us to order once our apps came out, so we put in our dinner order when he asked us, assuming that he would course it. That's also something pretty fundamental about restaurant service. But they came out less than 10 minutes after he took our order. We were only half way done our appetizers. We ordered the Tuna and the Lamb Special. I had always wanted to try a tuna steak and I love, love lamb. Should have been good. But it wasn't. The tuna looked as if it had been boiled. There was absolutely no sear on the outside. It was on top of couscous, which I also love. Usually. But this stuff was mushy and bland. The lamb was tough, as if it was cooked too quickly. It was supposedly a 18 hour (or something similar) braised lamb shank. There's no way. If it was, it was a sheep, not a lamb. The horseradish mash was amazing... gave us inspiration for christmas dinner. The busser was great at keeping our waters topped up, but he was also too eager to take away plates that we weren't finished with yet. We looked at the dessert menu, but were too wary to try anything else. Both my partner and I worked most of our lives in the restaurant industry. From busser to hostess to server to manager... and now we're opening our own. We get it, sometimes there are bad nights. We didn't complain because understand that it happens. The menu concept is great, but execution wasn't great. The service is too pushy about turning tables quickly. When we left, I was looking for some sort of "goodbye/ have a good night/ come again" from the hostess, or our server, or the woman at the front who seemed to be the manager, if not the Owner. But nothing from anyone. They looked at us, but said nothing. It shows me that they just don't care. That's perhaps the root of the problems. The worst part was, I was extremely nauseous by the time we got home and it lasted through the night. That's really what pushed me to write this review. I'd normally let it slide, but I shouldn't be paying $50 per person to go home and get sick. Needless to say, we won't be back. It's a bit sad, cause it's a beautiful restaurant with a good concept. It's just the staff and management that lost it for me.
(1)Mary S.
I went to Deleece for my birthday dinner on a Friday night. The service was TERRIBLE. We waited 15 mins just to order drinks. Then when we got our food we had to wait 20 mins between the time we order our second round of drinks to when we actually receive them. The food was ok but the we steak ordered should of been medium and it came out as rare. When we complained to the manager , the manager was not forgiving blamed it on "all new staff". She was very rude about the whole thing .
(1)Chelsea N.
This past visit to Deleece will be my last. I have been three times now and in a city of great brunch places there is no need to suffer through lack-luster service and mediocre food. Onto my visit... While waiting to be greeted (15 minutes) after being seated, someone from my group had to go get menus as no one had acknowledged us. There was only one waitress on the patio on a Sunday afternoon. Not her fault but but a rookie mistake by management. She got our drink order wrong, having all worked in the food industry at some point we didn't make her fix it as she was "in the weeds" and we had been waiting for 30 minutes already. Our food took an hour and thirty minutes to come out, one person in our group even had to leave as we had been there over two hours already. To add insult to injury, the bread on my sandwich was sooooo soggy it actually broke when I picked it up. Oh and my fruit side was three pieces. I really, really tried to give Deleece a chance but enough is enough.
(1)Lydia N.
I would recommend Deleece to anyone. I have gone several times and every person in my group has gotten a different meal and each thought their food was excellent. From eggs benedict or shrimp and grits to a duck club, Deleece has a wide menu of unique as well as classic entrees. Occasionally it gets extremely busy, but I believe they do an excellent job with keeping things moving and making it an enjoyable experience (bottomless mimosas for brunch helps too :).
(4)Jennifer R.
I tried to grab a drink with some friends over at Blue Bayou. After some non-existent service and abysmal atmosphere we left and came to Deleece. No wait, fabulous drinks, wonderful atmosphere, no ridiculously loud (bad) music, great service. Next time I will just go straight to Deleece.
(5)Stephanie G.
Went here fore New Years Eve last night. Such a great place!! The food was delicious! I had linguini (with shrimp, pancetta, pea's, in a white sauce). I also had a a scallop from a friend, and it was to die for! We had lots of wine, and there was a ton of food. Perfect place to ring in the new year! Great service too.
(5)Erika G.
While I'm stung on the food here, after a terrible experience (in hindsight, in every possible way) at the Clark St. location a year or so ago, I popped in here last night for just a cocktail before I took in a movie at the Music Box. Cute, CUTE, flirty and attentive bartender mixed me a lemon and basil Manhattan that actually . . . dare I say it . . . could rival the Manhattans at L&E (don't slap me, I still love you L&E!). Aromatic, refreshing and . . . just really tasty. The bartender let me try a sip of his basil infused lemon juice. Ohhh, very fresh, darling! YUM! The movie I was seeing was about a louche man, Serge Gainsbourg, decadent and sexy, so I had two Manhattans, expertly mixed by aforementioned Cute Bartender. I'll come back here just for that. The interior is casual and chic, a neighborhood bistro. If a bit LOUD, but it was very crowded on this night. Can't fault a bunch of people out laughing and enjoying themselves. This review is for the BAR only, as I'm still gunshy on the food. But the bar is worth a visit, definitely. Very nice drink list, looks like it was carefully created. And the Manhattans do not disappoint.
(4)Gina F.
We had a great dinner here! It's been a few years since we were last in, and we thought it was about time. The place is nice and has a good ambiance. Our server, Cindy, was super nice, too. We started with the gnocchi, and they were very good. They are very savory, though. The balsamic syrup would have brightened it a little, but you couldn't really taste it. The only improvement would be to add something bright & fresh, whether via less brown butter sauce & more balsamic syrup, or adding something like fresh tomato. I had the stuffed poblano (which is HUGE) and it was great. It was split & stuffed with seasoned rice, then topped with cheese & sour cream, and served over black beans. It was absolutely delicious and I ate every bite! Husband had the NY strip, which he really enjoyed. He said it was excellent & perfectly cooked to medium rare. He also really enjoyed the spinach as well as the cauliflower and apples (which they allowed us to sub since he can't have dairy). I tasted the cauliflower & apples, and they were really good. I'll probably order them as a side next time. I don't know why there are so many negative reviews. I'd definitely go again.
(5)Sunny B.
I went to Deleece for the first time on Saturday night. I didn't realize that was not the day to go there because it was "busy". My friend and I were sat outside and it took 20 minutes for the waitress to arrive to us. No big deal, we had bread, right? Our waitress didn't know if Pinot Grigio was drier than Chardonnay... but while waiting for this confirmation, it took another 20 minutes to get a glass of wine. Are you tracking with me? 40 minutes so far. We ended up ordering two SIDE salads. Stupid, but we weren't really hungry anymore after all that time but we felt we should order something. ONE HOUR goes by. No fricking SIDE SALAD. Are you serious? We watched as families of four got their oysters... but side salad? No way, we don't get our plate of lettuce. We flag down our waitress twice as she flies past us (we thought avoiding us at first), she's antsy and keeps insisting its busy and something happened in the kitchen. But why couldn't she tell us that in the first place?? She's embarrassed and apologetic and says she'll 'take care of us' and alludes that something will be taken off the bill. Which, by the way - That did not happen. Finally, our salads came out and we ate them in 5 minutes. I could have gotten that at McDonald's, seriously. No change to the bill (not that we were expecting that, but don't say you will when you won't). They wrapped up our bill as the quickest thing in the night. Literally in one minute. It was weird. I'm never going there again. Good luck to you if you do. Shoot for a Tuesday.
(1)Carri A.
Haiku: I like you Deleece Veg Frittata with Goat Cheese I'll return to you. Well, that was lame. Whatever, I was hungover on Saturday and a couple of friends wanted to grab some brunch. Soooo good. We sat outside and I got the vegetable frittata with goat cheese and looooved it. Came served on top of delicious potatoes with two little toasts. The rest of the menu looked so creative and wonderful. I hope to go back soon and try it out. Oh bonus, saw a couple of attractive men working there. Heyyyy.
(4)Melanie S.
I met a friend here for brunch on Sunday morning and I was excited to finally try it. Thankfully she arrived early and got our name on the wait list because this place is popular with a capital 'P.' The hostess seemed pretty miserable when my friend went to check on the status of our table, but I'd probably be grumpy too if I had to be asked constantly about updates on getting a table. The area in which to wait is a little cramped, particularly when there are strollers the size of Range Rovers hogging the space. We finally got seated and ordered our food. I had my eye on the breakfast pasta that I saw on their online menu so I knew I'd be having that, but they changed it up a bit from the one I'd seen. The current one they were featuring sounded a bit heavier than the one I'd been coveting, but I still decided to go with it. My vegetarian dining companion went with the vegetable tostada salad which sounded unique and delicious and would have been my second choice if I didn't have my heart set on the breakfast pasta. She also ordered a mimosa to go with it. Strangely, I didn't see the "bottomless mimosa" option on the menu. Do they still offer it? Our food came out pretty quickly, which is always a plus when it's your first meal of the day and you're starving, as we were. My breakfast pasta was interesting. As I expected, it was a little heavy and rich, but I still enjoyed it. It was farfalle (bow tie) pasta with mushrooms, ham, spinach, pecorino, and topped with two over easy eggs. The eggs were a little overcooked (certainly not over easy) and the sauce was a little bland, so I asked for some more cheese to liven it up. I would have enjoyed this dish more if the eggs were less cooked. The original version of the breakfast pasta was spaghetti, roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, garlic, and scrambled eggs. That version appeals to me much more than the one I was served, so boo on them for not updating their online menu. My friend absolutely loved her veggie tostada salad, which looked fresh and hearty; I'm definitely considering that on a subsequent visit. They also have some other unique takes on brunch items like benedicts, as well as a smoked salmon scramble and a polenta dish with eggs, rosemary, pesto, and spinach. Their menu reminds me a bit of m henry, but m henry blows this place out of the water. Service was pleasant, if a little chaotic. Our server even failed to charge us for a couple of things which brought out total below the minimum amount needed in order to use our A La Card, so I actually had to ask him to charge us for them so we could still use it. It seemed a little backwards, but we still came out ahead. I liked Deleece and will be back at some point, although if I'm waiting upwards of an hour to be seated, I think I prefer m henry.
(3)Venu V.
My first time to Deleece, had heard good things about the chef from his days at mk. their 'signature' Amish Chicken didn't disappoint, the molasses carmelized pork chop was excellent in texture and taste. The $10 corkage fee is entirely reasonable. Not much to say about dessert as we were stuffed by then, but c'est la vie.
(4)Charlotte F.
I had been wanting to try Deleece for a while after brunching at Deleece Grill Pub, and the $50 Groupon pushed me over the fence. We arrived for our reservation at 7:30 on a Friday and did not have to wait at all- in fact it looked a little empty, but a line appeared about 15 minutes later. Someone put bread in front of us right away, but it took our server a moment to greet us. When she did, she just asked if we wanted anything and walked away as soon as we said we weren't sure what drinks we wanted, without mentioning any specials. When she did return, I asked for the "lemonade cocktail". She said "what?", so I started to point to it on the menu, and she said "just say the name". The name was "Deleece lemonade cocktail", so if you didn't know what I was talking about when I left out only the name of your restaurant, sorry for trying to be thorough. Her unhelpful attitude continued through the evening, and that first encounter was disappointing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the busser was a little too eager. He asked to remove the rest of the plates on the table while I was holding a french fry. I said yes, and he cleared all the plates before I had even taken a bite. I feel gauche when I'm holding a piece of food over a cleared table (so obviously I should have just said no, but why are you asking when people have food in their hand?). The food, on the other hand, was a great value for the quality. I ordered the salmon and my friend had the scallops, and we enjoyed them both. The salmon was a pretty generous portion- maybe 6 ounces- and was nicely glazed. My friend wished her scallops hadn't been served on a bed of butter, but the accompanying sauce was really nice. We shared the truffle fries and crab cakes as a starter, and those were also well-prepared, but nothing unexpected. I give the food 4 stars and the service 1 star. If I go back, it will be for a drink and an appetizer if I happen to be in the neighborhood.
(3)Carly O.
First the good: nice space, surprisingly easy getting a table for brunch at 11:30 on a Saturday (but maybe the weather kept some people away?), good strong coffee, attentive service and creative, tasty choices of food. My friend had the chilaquiles which looked plentiful and delicious. I enjoyed the rosemary polenta (crispy, though I wasn't tasting the rosemary as much as I thought I might. I can't decide if that's good or not...), served with spinach (blanched, not too bitter, still vibrantly green, under two over easy eggs cooked perfectly. The roasted pepper cream really brought it all together and I wish there had been a little more. On top of this, the manager (?) asked if we'd move down a couple of tables to accommodate a party of 14 and said he'd pay for our brunch. The inconvenience was super minor and I thought that gesture was above and beyond. We hadn't even ordered yet! My only complaint is that the acoustics in there are horrible. I spent the entire time barely able to hear my friend and then having to shout so she could hear me. I'd love to suggest this place to a friend who organizes a brunch group (especially for the bottomless mimosas), but the loudness alone gives me pause. All in all, I had a pleasant experience minus what seems to be an uncontrollable issue.
(4)Stephanie F.
Used to love Deleece at it's old location...great atmosphere and great food! That's all that I ask for. Since they moved, something has changed and not for the better. My husband and I visited probably a month after they moved and there was a bizarre smell in the place which everyone commented on. We decided it must just be due to the recent move and opted to look past it since we loved them so much, although it made for a somewhat unpleasant dining experience. I recall the food being fine, but not what we expected, and again chalked it up to growing pains from the move. We recently went back and sat outside on the patio, which I preferred to sitting inside because the ambience is not as nice as it was in the last location. We ordered cocktails, and the key lime pie martini was A-MAZING, but it was all downhill from there. The crab cakes were flavorless and needed something citrusy or bright to break up the denseness and fishy flavor. I got a fish special, which was described as "garlicky" but was bland and boring. My husband got a filet and asked for it medium, but when it came out it was beyond well done. He sent it back and the server acknowledged it was not prepared as he had ordered it. He did get another steak cooked medium and it was decent but not great, though I had eaten my bland fish by the time he got his meal. There was no further acknowledgement of the over cooked steak, no free drink or dessert, no discount or attempt from management to smooth things over. It was pretty disappointing, especially since we went there to have dinner together and we ended up taking turns watching each other eat due to the timing of the food. I think I'm done going here for dinner...but I might stop by for a martini now and again.
(2)Addison E.
I enjoyed Deleece and thought it was adequate. I went with a few of my buddies and 4/5 of us really loved our food. One of my friends DID have a pretty terrible looking steak (which was strange because our other friend's steak looked incredible, maybe because it was on special). The Calamari and cheese plate were both extremely good and we ate every single thing on our plates. I thought the beef lettuce wraps were sub-par however. I also wasn't a huge fan of my mixed drink (Gin 30), which didn't have a ton of flavor other than straight gin. My main course was really good. I got the shrimp and truffle pasta. I absolutely loved the whole thing. It had the perfect amount of spiciness and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. I'd have given this 4 stars but our waiter was kind of rude. He was really assertive the whole time he spoke to us and didn't really care about making our experience enjoyable. He basically told us he couldn't wait to get off work so he could start drinking. We're all dudes in our mid-20s and not pretentious at all, but we all thought that was a pretty poor way to start things off. It wasn't a big deal and it didn't ruin our time at all, but it could have been easily avoided. I'd probably go back but I'd prefer to try another restaurant rather than go here again.
(3)Kate H.
We dined here on a Friday night with a reservation, and we loved the ambiance. Deleece certainly works as a romantic pick, although it took me a few minutes to adjust to how close our table of two was to our neighbors. I was literally sitting closer to strangers than to my own date. The waitress couldn't even stand beside our table to take our orders so she was kind of awkwardly standing behind me, and I had to keep straining my neck to see her. Overall, I can see how this could be a little off=putting to some people, who would see the space as too crowded. With the high ceilings, though, it still felt very open. We ordered the calamari and the warm onion tart for our starters. I preferred both of these dishes to our entrees--we both thought the calamari was possibly the best we've ever had (just a little bit soft and not too crunchy, and the jalapeno lime aoli was a nice touch). Meanwhile, the onion tart was a great blend of dates, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. The crust was flaky and buttery, and very tasty. For our entrees, my date had the $27 New Year strip steak, cooked medium rare. He thought it was excellent, but the bleu cheese flavor was too intense for me. This was definitely a matter of personal preference. I had difficulty picking an entree, because half come with mushrooms, which is something I tend to avoid. I ended up with the boneless Amish half chicken for $17. It was huge, and very tender. Our server was pleasant, and we certainly didn't feel rushed, although there were clearly people waiting for our table as it was a very busy night. For two appetizers, two entrees, two glasses of wine, and a cocktail, we paid a little more than $100. I'd recommend this as a great place to try if you're heading to the Mercury of Music Box Theatre, although it's a little pricey to head to regularly, which is a shame, because I'd love to have that calamari again soon.
(4)Kenny H.
Two of us dined last week and it was a packed house. Good. I love seeing a restaurant flourish, but when I experience horrible service and lackluster food, I quickly turn my head. The restaurant was freezing. Several guests were complaining to their servers and managers about the temperature. Unfortunately, the manager, who was wearing camo cargo shorts and an Under Armour polo, wouldn't turn the air down. Fast forward to one hour and 14 minutes later, we finally get our entrees. This is after our appetizer was lukewarm and the salads were wrong. So, an hour after the salads arrived the main dishes were only batted one for two. Mine was the steak, highly under seasoned and over cooked. The other dish, Berkshire Pork Chop, was awesome. No complaints. After I voiced my concerns to the waitress, she acted like I was wrong, and had no clue what I was talking about. I don't have time for restaurants acting like they don't make mistakes, and since I never was able to talk to a manager, Yelp gets to hear about it. Overpriced, rude, and cheap ingredients.
(1)Ryan P.
Deleece is the go-to date night location when I want to take my lady out for amazing food at an amazing price. The dining room isn't the most spacious, but I've never felt that I was ever uncomfortably close to another couple. The service is wonderful, and the menu selection (both food and drink) is great for the scale of the place. I had the salmon (absolutely phenomenal if you enjoy fish) and my girlfriend had a chicken dish that was equally delicious. That paired with an appetizer and a glass of wine each was only 60 dollars! Incredibly difficult to beat that price with how good the food was. I've only been there for dinner, but based on our three visits I definitely recommend Deleece to anyone looking for a reasonably priced dinner date!
(5)Nina S.
Went for brunch without a reservation with a large party and were seated promptly. We settled in, ordered our food and enjoyed the interesting restaurant space. After about 30 minutes of waiting, it was apparent that the kitchen was producing the food very slowly. Other tables around us were inquiring about their food. Our waitress did not check in with us once through out the entire hour we waited for our food. Finally, I asked a random server to speak to a manager. No one came and in about ten minutes, our food came out. After we finished the meal, I asked our server to speak to the manager. This is a small place and we could tell that the manager knew we wanted to speak to her. She avoided it and finally came over with small, complimentary desserts. She informed us that they were down one person in the kitchen. As someone who works in the restaurant business, I understand that these things happen. However, she said that our bad experience was "not her fault," and that there was nothing she could do about it to help. I understand what she was trying to say, but updates would have been appreciated and she surely could have come talk to us sooner. She could have done many things to make our experience and wait for our food better, and did nothing. The waitress also did not give enough attention to our table and gave the minimum effort. The food was okay, but not worth the price. Overall, I will not dine here again, not because of the long wait, but because of the service we received and how the situation was handled.
(2)Kira S.
I wen to Deleece with a friend before a show at the Mercury Theater last weekend and had a great experience! We shared a very reasonably priced bottle of Pinot to start and split the Lobster Bisque which was tasty. I absolutely loved the Deleece Signature Salmon, which was perfectly carmelized and served with black rice and spinach with a fantastic leek & pear-ginger sauce. The apple crisp we shared afterwards was to die for. Service was quick and efficient and got us to the show in time.
(4)Robyn L.
Headed over for Sunday brunch. The menu is creative and has options for any palette. The bloody mary's are tasty! We started with beignets. They were slightly denser than I would have hoped but light and slightly sweet, A nice way to start the meal. I was so intrigued by the notion of breakfast pasta, that I had to try it. Bowtie pasta with ham, spinach, and sunny side eggs on top. Well, I was dissapointed. The idea was good; like a creamy dreamy carbonara. Instead I got an underseasoned dish with well done eggs. How can sunny side up eggs even come out hard?? I wasn't alone. The poached eggs on the two benedicts ordered at the table with hard too. Boo!! Where are our runny egg yolks? In other news, the chilaquiles were flavorful and zesty, The service was friendly but flaky. We had to wave people down a few times. Overall, a nice brunch spot, but you might want to profess your egg wishes right fromt he get-go to avoid dissapointment.
(3)Tyler C.
We had a fantastic meal. The server seemed like the owner, and he may have been, with his infectious enthusiasm that made us want to order everything on the menu. The appetizers were great, even to have as entrees. There is a relaxed atmosphere and we were not pushed out the door, as often is the case at some other restaurants. They let us take our time with the food, enjoy the atmosphere, eclectic music and were more than accommodating to our "special requests". The chef took us on a wonderful adventure of flavor. On the menu for the evening , we had the soup of the day which was a Lobster Bisque (with butternut squash -- great combo), also had the crab cakes which were full of delicious crab which melted in the mouth. Then there is the Venison special, which was cooked to perfection. (rare -- for a cut so lean) We will be back. The prices were a little bit high for the appetizers, but the entrees were just about right on for the portions.
(4)Carla B.
I thought it was ok - nothing that impressed me here. The food was ok. I really enjoyed the beet and fennel salad. The dinner was somewhat slow for two people eating and our server didn't really seem to have much to say about the wines offered. After hearing how great it was, I was disappointed.
(2)Brian C.
We came here for dinner with a group of 3. Something went wrong with the order and our food took forever to come out to the table. The waiter was apologetic but didn't seem extremely concerned with the delay. Our group had the filet special, salmon, and pork chop. None of the entrees were amazing, and the filet and pork chop had an unappealing char/burnt taste on the outside, although seemed cooked to correct temperature. Nice outdoor patio, but we will not be back.
(1)Kate M.
The food was really good, the menu was kinda small, and the service was good. I had the salmon with spinach and a soy glaze. It was very good. There weren't that many options on the menu. Made it very easy to pick something, but a few more options would've been nice. The server was very good, but fidgety. He was nice and knowledgeable, but couldn't stand still. It was distracting that he was moving around so much. I'd definitely go back. I'm still thinking about that salmon...
(4)Kevin M.
Just got back from brunch at this place and it was awesome! It's got a wide variety of choices on the menu all reasonably priced. Our waitress was very nice and helpful. She helped us pick a meal because we couldn't decide what to get... it all sounded so good. Another win for the Southport Corridor.
(4)Amy B.
Great food and great wine! Amazing crab cakes, delicious Linguine with shrimp and truffle sauce. Our server was so knowledgeable of both the food and wine. Loved the cozy, intimate atmosphere. Everything is made fresh to order, so there were no problems modifying for special requests. Would definitely return!
(4)Michael G.
There's a reoccurring nightmare that I have where I go "after hours" to a place that I consider friendly and fun. Usually it's something like a circus or a bar. But, regardless of what the setting is, things are horribly different late at night and, frankly, a bit scary. The clowns are laughing at me instead of entertaining me or the bartender who is so friendly to me during "working hours" pulls a gun on me and tells me to leave. That sort of thing. These are close to my feelings about Deleece for dinner. Not that the service was bad. Quite the opposite. Despite using the Groupon (read by many employees as being a cheap ass bastard in a nice restaurant), the servers, the hostess, and everyone else was really friendly (and there was zero gun-play). And the surroundings were inviting. The patio was just shady enough to enjoy a late July day (although the setup was a bit crowded). But the food, well that was a different story. Something was unaccommodating about it. Something was "just ain't right." One of the great things about brunch at Deleece (at least at the Clark one) is that, even in a slightly upscale setting, I could actually read the menu - the words and the items on it were pedestrian and friendly. At dinner, this veneer was gone and it was like the menu was written in Fancypants. Now I've taken a few lessons in this so I was able to order a rice-stuffed chili relleno. Sorry, a "Poblano pepper, char grilled and stuffed with Spanish rice on a bed of black beans and black salsa topped with poblano sour cream and crispy pimenton tortilla strips." For $15.00 (about a dollar per ingredient or adjective it seemed), I expected magic. I got all of the spicy but not of the savory that normally accompanies this dish. And the rice was sort of dry and burnt. The off-putting surprises were not over, however, as my polenta came in pancake form. It was easier to share that way with my two dining companions (who were smart and ordered the Amish chicken so there were no shocks) that way and it tasted alright. It was by no means scary but also, by no means, the best that I've had. A wiser (and fancier) diner than I let me know that Deleece actually started serving brunch only a few years ago so that, technically, brunch is off-hours. Still, I think that might be their breadbasket. Or, maybe, eggbasket as it were. Regardless of what kind of basket it is, that's when I'll return. That's when Deleece's a dream and not a nightmare.
(3)Stephanie L.
This place was GOOD! I went here with my boyfriend at like 915. There was not a big crowd, the service was good and the food was great. I would highly recommend checking it out. Its upscale food but not upscale prices
(4)Allie B.
Went for brunch and it was wonderful! I had the frittata of the day, a very inventive combination of spinach, goat cheese and andouille sausage. Justin had one of the regular frittatas, packed with cheddar, red onion (which they very kindly sauteed on his request) and bacon. We also shared the seasonal fruit plate. A generous collection of papaya, strawberries, orange segments and pineappe. My only complaint was that service was slow (eggs don't take 30 minutes to cook) and the coffee tasted slightly burnt, but all in all, it was a great experience and I anticipate going back to check out their regular menu ... or maybe brunch again. :)
(4)bridget l.
Seriously the best brunch I have had in Chicago in a very long time. I got the filet MR and the bottomless mimosas. jack.pot. great atmosphere, awesome staff, no skimpy mimosas and amazing food. did not disappoint!
(5)Rachael R.
We were completely disappointed in Deleece after eating there last night on New Year's Eve. We had an 8pm reservation for 12 people. We were seated promptly however after we were seated it was about 20 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After we ordered our entrees (after 9pm) the power went out. It was out in total about 40 minutes. Right after it went out the waitress asked if we wanted more drinks (with more of an upsell tone to it then showing any real concern). We declined at that time. The waitress did not come back at all for another 30 minutes to let us know what was going on, give us an update, take a drink order or even refill our water glasses!! It's a small restaurant and an announcement could have easily been made. When the power went on we still go no update of when to expect our food. The food was inconsistently cooked. A salmon dish came out undercooked, 2 steaks overcooked, and 2 prime ribs cold. The waitress showed no care or concern over the food. We received no offer for any discount on the bill for the inconvenience, glass of wine or any real apology. And what should have been the easiest - good service, was not offered. This was the deal breaker for us. We understand a power outage is beyond their control, and food doesn't always come out perfectly, but the service was horrible. I would think the staff would be extra attentive to tables during this time period when there's no food to run, instead of avoiding their tables for 30 minutes. The service was slow before the power outage and worse after. We understand it's New Year's Eve and the staff probably didn't want to be there, but it's your job!
(1)Ashley B.
Went for dinner (with a little help from the $50 Groupon), and was pleasantly surprised--what a perfect neighborhood restaurant! Based on the reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect, but our meal, drinks, and service were all excellent. I ordered the warm onion tart (caramelized onions on a flaky crust, oozing with melty blue cheese, with crunchy pistachios and a nice bit of acidity from the balsamic glaze), an Asian-spiced duck breast (on a medallion of crispy sauteed mushroom risotto), and the Pearish the Thought cocktail (with fresh muddled raspberries and lavender). While the portions weren't "Chicago sized" (i.e. gargantuan), I left feeling sufficiently full, even after sharing a large bit of my order with my boyfriend. Besides the delicious food, our server (a lovely redhead whose name escapes me) gave us helpful/honest recommendations, was attentive without being overbearing, and let us relax and take our time with the second round of drinks we ordered in lieu of dessert, despite it being a busy Saturday night.
(5)Shruti M.
I came here on a Saturday to get a good brunch. Was seated immediately at the bar (+1). Ordered lobster Benedict and a Bloody Mary. Both were delicious and service was great. Only thing is that the pieces of lobster could have been larger!
(4)Angie M.
I prefer to drink my calories at brunch. Order light. Drink heavy. Admittedly not the most adventurous brunch (hey, I'm on a weight loss plan), I went with scrambled egg whites, wheat toast and tomato slices instead of breakfast potatoes. Total snoozer, I know, but it IS low-calorie and tasty to boot. Who needs high-fat brunch anyway? Perhaps the best part of my light meal was there was plenty of room left in my belly to imbibe in the $15 bottomless mimosa special. The bottomless mimosa brunch is tricky. Sometimes they're too heavy on the OJ. Sometimes the restaurant kicks you out after your meal is consumed. Sometimes the location is so packed you wait for an hour to even be seated and in that hour you totally lose your will to brunch. It's a brunch battlefield out there. The fact that none of these landmines happen at Deleece bodes very well in its favor. I like knowing that I can generally get a table right away and no one cares if I camp out for awhile to enjoy my morning booze. I also like that the mimosas are absolutely top notch, low OJ, high champagne drinks. Hip hip hooray for no OJ heartburn! I also like that the service is super laid back and friendly. Deleece should be one of your brunchin' standbys. It's one of mine for sure!
(4)Dhruv P.
Solid 4. Went on a Friday night and the atmosphere was nice. The place wasn't a scene or a zoo. While its nice inside, it retains a "neighborhood restaurant" feeling. Our waitress was nice, but she was missing at times we would have liked her to drop in. The food was delish. Surprisingly, there are quite a few options for vegetarians. Both the yokon gold potato gnocchi and the rosemary scented polenta apps were the perfect size and flavor. Both are on opposite spectrum of taste, but the gnocchi managed a light springy flavor and the polenta had a delicate texture. The Poblano pepper entree (with spanish rice and black beans) worked well. It had a good mid-range taste and wasn't too muddled or unbalanced. I forgot, their butter was something else (comes with bread). We had to request more.... yes, more butter! It was dijon and honey flavored. The Dijon wasn't overpowering and the honey was a great compliment. I would come here again and especially for their brunch as it looks good. (they have a half order option for french toast... as I usually find that most places give too much food, this is perfect)
(4)josie w.
Great place for brunch! The breakfast sand which is huge & they stack the fries!
(5)Vivian Y.
I have been to Deleece twice in the last two years and both experiences were very good. I came with my other food whore, Michelle E. and took advantage of their $19.99 dinner special (3 course meal) both times. We were pleasantly surprised with how much food you get and the quality of the food for $19.99. Their salads were fresh and delicious and their braised short ribs were OUT OF THIS WORLD. I believe the dinner special occurs on Monday and Tuesday nights. Definitely recommend it and will come back again when I am in the neighborhood!
(4)Ed A.
I went here on a Tuesday night to meet a few people. The restaurant had gotten some good reviews and even had a $20 three course special that night. It seemed the stars were aligning in my favor. I anticipated a night of good food and conversation. Well, as it turned out, one out of two wasn't bad. My dinner companions were terrific and all very friendly. The food, on the other hand, was average fare. I had Pot stickers for my appetizer, which were good but nothing too special. My entrée, a steak salad, looked pretty good, but man oh man. The first two pieces of meat was nothing but grizzle and connective tissue. WTF!? I tried to chew my way through "like a good soldier but no go. But seriously, chef? Bad cuts of meat, slow kitchen service, ...you have been chopped! Moving forward, I chose chocolate pudding for dessert. I have a sweet tooth and was hoping this would be the highlight of my meal. It was and it wasn't. The dessert was good but there just wasn't enough. I must say that I did like the aesthetics of the restaurant and the waitstaff were pretty good. The open look of the restaurant was great. Restaurants with tables on top of each other are not my favorite. Anyway, my evening went pretty well. The food wasn't what I expected. But, I met some great people, which more than outweighed my disappointment with the meal.
(2)Adam P.
My girlfriend moved to Southport last Fall and for the past few months we've been meaning to give Deleece a try. Yesterday we finally made it for brunch, and our experience was definitely both good and bad. The Good: The food, when it finally arrived, was fantastic. I ordered the regular french toast and my girlfriend ordered a breakfast frittata. My french toast was great, although a little crunchier than I usually like it. Her frittata was awesome and she reported that it was even better today when she had her leftovers for breakfast. We also had a pomegranate spritzer that was very tasty. Our waitress was also very friendly and attentive. She gave us good recommendations and did a great job. The Bad: On the negative side of things, it took way too long for the kitchen to make our food. It took about 45 minutes to receive our breakfast, which is about 25 minutes longer than it should've taken. It would be more forgivable if the restaurant was packed and on a wait, but we walked right in and were sat immediately. Based on other yelp reviews we read (while waiting for our food), it would appear that this isn't a new issue. The Verdict: Although the food was really good, I doubt we'll go back to Deleece until we know that their kitchen service issues have been fixed. I don't know whether it's a matter of just removing some tables, hiring more chefs, or expanding the kitchen, but I sincerely hope that Deleece takes steps to improve their food service.
(2)Mike S.
We had dinner at Deleece-- my wife's mussels didn't taste very fresh and she got sick afterwards. My chicken was just... fine. Straightforward, cooked okay, no surprises, nothing special. Service was pretty spotty, our server disappeared for a long time after we placed our drink orders, and the entrees also took a very long time to come out. Super loud in the restaurant despite only being half-full. Really surprisingly loud. If the place was full we would have been screaming to have conversation at the table. Seems like this place is probably a better bet for brunch.We might be back to try some breakfast dishes, but we won't ever return for dinner.
(1)Amanda S.
So, we went here around noon on a Saturday. We started out with a group of 9, and over time added another 4 people (slow to get going on a Saturday...) They welcomed our additional group members. We all got unlimited mimosas, which the waitress brought out very consistently. The service here was seriously amazing. We stayed for almost 3 hours, and were treated so well the entire time! Every single person enjoyed their meal, a hard feat when we were a group of friends from 10 different states. I had the breakfast pasta...and it was incredible. Others had the burrito and french toast. Everyone loved their meals. The price was right, and their ability to accommodate our growing group was simply lovely. If I lived in Chicago full-time, I'd be there (Or the other Deleece) every weekend!
(4)Melissa D.
Love it.....for dinner or brunch! Great menu , great food! I think this place is under rated.
(4)Nichole F.
Finally checked out the new Deleece on Southport. We sat outdoor because it was a gorgeous night and who doesn't want to people watch! Our waitress was very friendly and attentively. The bread and butter were so delicious. I had the pork chop with veggies and grits. The pork chop was so good and tender. They added the right little amount of bbq sauce and I ate every last bite. The carrots and green beans were good but average. The grits were okay. I didn't love them. I didn't really get to check out the inside of Deleece but I will definitely be back!
(4)Caroline T.
Went for the first and thought it was great! Originally went for lunch with a Groupon for $50 (which ended up only being valid for dinner - it would have been nice if they would have specified this....). Ordered the duck club and thought it was delicious! Also, had a bite of the tuna sandwich and immediately wanted another. The only downside of Deleece is the fact that they weren't specific with their Groupon
(4)Bethami M.
This review is for our brunch this morning. I desperately wanted to give this place 5 stars, because $15 bottomless mimosas make me swoon! To be fair, all three of us got biscuits and gravy, and bottomless mimosas, and loved every bit of the meal. I'd probably throw a little more salt on the duck fat potatoes that came with the biscuits and gravy, but that's just my personal opinion. We really liked the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant as well, definitely fitting with the neighborhood. Anyway, our problem started here: I arrived a little late, because my friends thought I meant this location over the location on clark street, so they ordered our three champagne glasses without me. Apparently, they thought we'd each pay $5 a person instead of $15. No big deal except this wasn't very well communicated with us. The bigger problem was when we got our bill, and we asked to split it three ways evenly, and then to keep whatever change that was in the cash order that was over the one-third. I guess maybe we didn't communicate this well, because instead the order was split two ways, and we basically gave our server a $30 tip. Now, we're very friendly tippers, but $30 on a $72 order... is a little much. We tried to flag him down to correct this mistake for about ten minutes, but couldn't find our server. I think maybe this was a communication error, because we honestly had a really cool server, but we weren't pleased with our over-tip that wasn't corrected. Overall, it was a good experience, and I'm sure I'd be back sometime.
(3)Leigh K.
Wow. If the last couple reviews had been up when I booked Zachary and my 6 month anniversary dinner here, I might not have done so. I rely heavily on Yelp, but I'm glad I didn't let a couple mediocre reviews of Deeleece stop us from going here. The main draw for us was that it was somewhere we hadn't been, the menu online looked great, and they have a $20 three course prixe fixe on Monday and Tuesdays. Deeleece blew us away. I ordered the chicken and vegetable potstickers since the description sounded exotic. They ended up being fairly normal, but nevertheless, tasty. Zachary ordered the butter lettuce salad in addition to the prixe fixe (squash soup, strip steak, pumpkin cheesecake). I strayed from the prixe fixe because my heart was set on the duck breast, especially after I asked the server what I should choose between the duck and the chicken. She said, "Between anything and the duck, always order the duck. It's my favorite." Look at this description off their menu: Crispy Skin Duck Breast, roasted plum, herbed polenta, frisee and confit salad $22.00. How could I have even thought to order anything else? Unbelievable. Stabbing bits of everything onto each forkful, I ate this like it were my last meal on earth. Honestly, it would have been okay if we had died in that crazy rainstorm that attacked us on the way back home because it would have been worth it. Six amazing months of love, so many great meals, but ending with an exquisite one...yeah, it would have been okay, we would have been a Smiths song, but I'm really glad we're still alive to savor future meals here. UPDATE: We went back here with Z's parents and they took my duck dish away. I wrote a comment card begging them to bring it back. If you've had this dish and feel the same way, WRITE THEM! 4/3/07 UPDATE: We went back here for our one year anniversary and again, a near perfect meal. The only complaint I had was that the duck, arugula, and asparagus salad was a bit plain. Though I liked everything in the salad, it just didn't come together the way that the rest of their pair ups do. Last night I tried the Orecchiette with an added duck breast. This dish is mouthwatering. They haven't updated their website with the newest menu yet, but man, this entree is super savory. Itty bitty ear-shaped pasta in a creamy garlic sauce with artichokes, duck, and peas. It was only $5 extra to add a tender bursting with flavor duck breast, so of course I did that. New fave here, but I still pine for that more than perfect duck entree I had 6 months ago. 40/20/ UPDATE: Bourbon & ginger ale may be my favorite drink ever. They make their own ginger ale here with real ginger and it is top notch, really.
(5)Katie M.
We actually did not have that great of an experience here. We went for brunch and it was really crowded but we were seated right away -yay! After that, things went downhill. It took at least 15 minutes for our waitress to finally come to our table and one our orders were placed, at least 35 more minutes for our food, which was wrong for both of us. I just ate mine as it was because I didn't want to wait, and my boyfriend sent his back. His correct dish came out very quickly. The food was pretty good, not great. I might give this place a second chance if it is not crowded, but will definitely not go at a crowded time.
(2)Jacob J.
Heading out for brunch with the family took us out towards Sweets and Savories, but due to their last reservations at 1p, we switched to Violet. Now after reading reviews about Violet, our attentions were drawn to Deleece. And it just happened that we found curbside parking just a few feet from Deleece. FYI, parking is a beeotch during Cubs games. Much of the neighborhood parking is zoned, so you're limited to street parking. Brunching it up after 1pm, getting a table was easy. They offer outside seating, but, it was full. Nice place, lots of exposed brick, tiled ceiling, their look maintained. Walls are decorated with local artists work, I'm guessing. Its apparent they clean the ducts often, it's neat and "well"; maintained. It wasn't very busy inside since most on this warm sunny Sunday afternoon sat outside, service was available and convenient. The coffee was just right that morning, light, though typically I won't go for weak coffee. Brunch was ready by the time I was ready for a second cup. Everything looked and tasted excellent. Their portions are smaller than most extravagant restaurants, just enough to make you feel full and tasty enough that you finish your meal. Every one in our party finished their meal, every last bit. The potatoes that accompanied were fried and crispy, good alone & in a light bath of Cholula and ketchup. Around the table: traditional eggs Benedict w/ Nueske's Canadian bacon, petite filet with eggs and truffle hollandaise, the other three were specials of the day: a skillet with a lamb medley, something like eggs Benedict but with a fried egg and guacamole and a short stack of baked pancakes with a homemade fruity topping. I had photos to share, but, the software update for Apple killed my phone! AArrghh. What a waste of good photos. brunch for five was around $68 with tax. Not bad. Food was so good I'm thinking I'll go back again. They've got a prix fix (3 courses) Mondays and Tuesdays for $20; check the website for their nightly specials. If you're on a budget try Deleece for brunch or go for the prix fix. They also offer a full bar. Or if you go, let me know, maybe I'll join, we can see if it's good every time. Good company and good food equals good times.
(4)Allison A.
Nice place, good atmosphere. Half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Solid appetizers, good entries (with sizable portions) and great desserts. Best Chevre cheesecake I've had. If you live in the neighborhood, it's a solid, comfortable place for an easy night out. The mustard butter was very strange, I have to say.
(4)Rodger P.
I really want to like Deleece, but we've been twice now and it's not really working for me. The good: fun room, great art, including some photos that I absolutely love. Wait staff is charming. Food: it should be better than this. I had a chopped salad, thinking over to the unbelievably good version of this at the nearby Uncommon Ground. It was a pale imitation, lacking much in the way of texture or noticeably fresh ingredients. Other stuff was more or less forgettable. I was going to give two stars but wife insists that their breakfast sandwich was high quality. I remain skeptical.
(3)The C.
One day after intending to head in the opposite direction on Southport, I made a U-turn near this restaurant. The multi-course special caught my attention, and upon going back home, I ventured onto the website and made note on my list of "places I'd like to eat at" for future reference. Luckily for us, 2 months later this restaurant showed up as a "Groupon" (a service along with Yelp that we adore) and I made the purchase. We finally had the opportunity to venture out last night and decided to go to Deleece and it was definetly all we expected and more! For starters I'll comment of the food - My husband and I enjoyed sharing 2 of the starter appetizers (the Crab risotto cakes with truffle aioli and the Chicken and vegetable potstickers with ginger, coriander, mustard seeds, honey) and they were absolutely delicious! I personally enjoyed the crab cakes but only tried the sauce for the potsickers (as I do not eat meat, only fish/vegetables) but my husband really loved the potstickers, which he says were crisp and seasoned to perfection! After such a delightful opener of delectable appetizers, we were completely looking forward to our main entrees which were (Me): the Caramelized salmon (cooked to your preference), pan roasted served with Chinese sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce along with a side of sauteed Brussel Srpouts and pearl Onions, (Husband): the Roasted/Broiled Lamb Shank Chops (cooked to your preference) with Steak Seasoned Potatoes and Sauteed Rapini - and we each fell in love with each of our respective dishes. Of course there was no arguing the necessity of a dessert menu offering after the other dishes were so well prepared and beyond our expectations, and hilariously enough we both opted for the Vanilla Hazelnut Creme Brule which was heavenly. The service was excellent, there was never a moment when a glass remained empty or an empty plate remained in the way, and our female server that evening was new and still provided exceptional service, more than earning her tip. The whole staff seems to work very well together with a harmonized dinner service and prompt, attentive service. The atmosphere and ambiance is somewhat romantic and trendy, yet still warm and inviting, and I particularly liked the brick and morar design. As for dress, it is certainly appropriate for the decent casual to business casual dress. The only area of Deleece that I find a bit negative commentary to add (and why it loses a potential 5 star rating) was how the 2-tops were arranged alongside the wall, they were are too close in proximity (which makes it awkward to be seated without potentially disrupting other patrons) and as they were all full and we were also seated there, it was a bit difficult to chat as the din of the other tables conversations were clearly audible between each other and sometimes made it difficult to hear each other. So if you are seated in this "zone" your conversations will not be wistful and romantic, or private by any means, so much so that you may become friends with your neighbors. This is the solitary exception i've found dissapointing from this experience. Other than the aforementioned, it truly was superb! In closing, we are both more than pleased with this experience, and will most definetly will return again to sample the rest of the menu and culinary specials/events as we hear of them via the website.
(4)Carol L.
Went there for a sunday brunch with the hubby. Service was friendly and as expected, a little slow to order and slow to get the check. Ordered: 1. Lobster benedict with arugula and truffle hollandaise - $14 - Lobster was decently portioned, a little dryer than I was expecting so not as fresh. Generous helping of arugula and the poached eggs are perfectly cooked. The side red potatoes were a little on the harder dried side, but it was the perfect side to mop up the egg yolks and hollandaise. I could taste the generous truffle flavor that really worked well with the eggs and lobster, so kudos. 2. Mexicali Hash - $11 - the hash was tiny cubed potatoes, peppers, and some very tastefully seasoned meat chunks. The meat was a little on the stingy side, could have given a little more for the price. It was also served with two eggs sunny side up, cooked very well. The food was decent and good, but nothing too mind blowing. The price was on the medium side, not a good cheap eat but does not break the bank. The service was friendly but a ltitle aloof. Therefore, it was an "a-ok" meal. We might go back to try dinner next time but so far, the brunch was o.k.
(3)Alison M.
I debated between giving Deleece three or four stars. I've been here several times, and the food is good. I'm always satisfied, but I'm rarely wowed. However, I settled on four stars for three reasons: 1) No wait for weekend brunch. (And it's a good brunch! I had some homemade blueberry jam last time I was there that was fantastic!) 2) Pre fixe Tuesday dinners. Yes, it is a special limited menu, but there was plenty (at least five entrees) to choose from. And at $20 for three courses, how can you really argue? 3) They have, what may be, the least healthy, most tasty BLT sandwich I've ever had. They use nice tomatoes and lettuce, the thickest bacon ever and then for a little something extra add maytag blue cheese and avocados. Fantastic.
(4)Brian R.
A friend and I always wanted to try Deleece so when we saw a Groupon (could have been a Living Social) for dinner we jumped on it. We made reservations for a Saturday night which was good because the place was packed and we over heard the hostess telling a walk-in couple that they most likely would not be able to get a table at all tonight. It was only 715 and they were full up for the night. We thought that this was a good sign. We sat down and promptly served. Our server was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and even brought my friend some ice cream on the house for his birthday. The food on the other hand is another story. I got the Chicken Roulade (spelling?) at the recommendation of the server. I think if it was made properly it would have been very good. At first I noticed the chicken was a bit pink inside and was assured by the server that the chicken is first poached and then baked ensuring that the chicken was fully cooked. She must get that question quite often as she had the answer very quickly. As I was eating I noticed the goat cheese was missing. The goat cheese was one of the biggest reasons I ordered the dish. Other than that it was pretty okay, but for 19 or so dollars I do not think it was worth it. My friend ordered one of the specials, grouper, and it was so tough he needed to use a knife. From my understanding fish should not require a knife. To sum it all up we probably will not be going again and we are thankful we had the GroupOn/Living Social because the food was over priced for the quality.
(2)Scott N.
Amazing hidden gem!
(5)Mary S.
Having been appointed "the Knowing One" long ago by my family, my brother and mom asked me to find a place in the city where I could take their out-of-town and suburban selves for Mother's Day Brunch. This is where a combination of Google searches for "Mother's Day Brunch reservations" and Yelp reviews came in handy. We decided not to eat anywhere that wouldn't take reservations (which I made online at opentable.com ) and we wanted a place on the north side so that my brother could get to O'Hare somewhat quickly (at least, more quickly than being in the south suburbs). Enter Deelece. When I arrived, I noticed they were busy, but only JUST busy, meaning that tables were filled, but also reservations were being kept on time. Great! We were seated as soon as my entire party arrived and served drinks almost immediately. Having looked online at the menu beforehand I had an idea of what I was going to order, but then I noticed a Mother's Day Menu! Beignets? Berry and Ricotta filled Crepes? Homemade Quiche? Asparagus Fritatta? Every plate we had was delicious. While I had a great brunch with my mom and family, there were a couple things which were a little disappointing. First, I waited a while upon my arrival before any server or hostess was in sight or acknowledged me. Second, we had to ask for a drink three times before my brother's girlfriend actually got her mimosa (while my mom's and mine had arrived some 5 minutes earlier). Lastly, our server wasn't as personable as I would have thought in a place whose atmosphere was so welcoming. However, it being a busy day for brunches, I am able to caste those experiences aside, since the lunch and dinner menus both look outstanding and I would really like to come back to try it out.
(4)Carla F.
I've heard plenty about Deleece and made last minute dinner plans with a friend and I was not at all disappointed. I didn't do much research about the place but was happy to find out that on Mondays and Tuesdays they have a prix-fixe menu for $20. For the appetizer my dining companion and I both chose the pot stickers and neither of us had any complaints. They were crispy where they should be and were nothing short of tasty. For my main course I chose the meatballs that were served in curry sauce with rice. The serving size was large enough for me to be satisfied and have enough to bring home to take for lunch the next day. For dessert we both chose the chocolate pudding and had my friend not said "you are a classy fucking bitch if I ever saw one" I would have licked the bowl. However, I didn't want to sway that fine opinion he has of me. I have nothing bad to say of the service. While our waitress wasn't overly chatty and didn't have much to say other than the norm of asking us what we want to drink/eat, she got the job done and was there when we needed or wanted her to be. There's no doubt that I shall return. I'm making a point to drink less on Fridays and brunch more on Saturdays and Deleece is definitely one of the next places on my list.
(4)Melissa M.
We had a restaurant.com coupon to use, so we were excited to go to Deleece for the first time. The patio was lovely and our server was excellent, but the food wasn't anything to write home about. Crab cakes were okay as an app. I had the boneless Amish chicken for my meal, which would have been okay, but it was served on a bed of "fig mostarda sauce." It was more like a bath there was so much. Husband had the veal which he said was good. Restaurant.com made it worthwhile, but I don't know that we will be going back without another coupon. I'd like to try their brunch, and the cafe, though.
(3)Sara C.
I'd give this restaurant a solid 4.5 stars. We came here for a co-worker's birthday brunch on a Saturday afternoon. Both the food and the service were great. The birthday girl of honor was late in arriving, but the staff didn't seemed to mind, granted the place wasn't by any means packed or anything. I ordered the breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, avocado, and black beans. It was delicious and very filling as I was only able to finish half. Some ordered the bottomless mimosas and they were very attentive in making sure the glasses were never empty. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service. It's good for small or large groups. There are menu items that I'd want to check out so I'd definitely come here again. There's an outdoor patio and ample parking around the area which is an added bonus.
(5)Cara L.
Is a decent brunch too much to ask for my birthday?!?! I went to Deleece for brunch this morning to celebrate the big 2-6 with some girlfriends. Ummm, being that it was completely DEAD and we were one of the few groups there, I figured we would have great service. WRONG. And decent portions. WRONG. And hot food. WRONG AGAIN. Things started out innocently enough, the awkward-on-the-phone-host took my reservation for ten, albeit begrudgingly, the day before. We arrived and were seated on the patio, which was cozy. However, apparently the management feels that it is totally acceptable to allow animals "in" their restaurant as there were two HUGE chocolate labs just lounging on the patio. SICK. Sorry, I don't think that's right. We ordered... mostly benedicts and breakfast sandwiches. Forty-five minutes later, the first three dishes came out. Then eight minutes later, the next four, and finally five minutes after that, the last three dishes. While we had finished our food at one end of the table, the other end was just getting their food. With so few people at Deleece, the service/kitchen should have been speedy. My spinach and artichoke benedict was luke-warm, the eggs were over-poached, the muffin was soggy, and the artichoke was this garlicky, mushy spread, not at all what I was expecting, or wanting. The portions were small, everyone left hungry, and we are not huge eaters. We had to order beignets at the end of the meal to supplement, but those did not help. After we finished, my friend went to speak to the manager about our bad experience, and he knocked off the two puny orders of beignets. Wow, thanks! Never going back. There are far finer brunch places in this city. If you want good brunch, try Toast, Bongo Room, Nookies, Orange, or Meli Cafe. They know what they are doing and you won't need to go home and have lunch immediately after.
(2)Justin M.
We ventured out here for dinner, having been here a couple of times for lunch intermittently. We chose the polenta, which had bacon and was very savory yet creamy at the same time. Very nice. For entrees, lamb chop stuffed with blue cheese; and pork tenderloin stuffed with bacon and spinach, in a tasty reduced sauce. The pork was very tasty - being smoked and then by looks seared. Incredibly savory, and basically bacon two ways. Pretty good. When offered dessert how could one resist the chocolate combo. Overall a fairly decadent dinner - with two forms of pork and three of chocolate. Hmm, well be back to sample something else soon.
(4)Mike D.
I was really impressed by this place. Even my girlfriend, who is a notoriously picky eater, was asking to go back almost the moment we left. I had veal skirt steak which was flavorful and tender. I started with a red pepper soup which, honestly, I disliked quite a lot. It was just 1 flavor, red pepper, which by itself, is pretty rough. My dinner however was quite delicious. My girlfriend had the stuffed poblano pepper, which was the highlight of the meal. It was by far the best thing we had eaten that evening. The flavors were not overpowering and mixed well together. The portions were pretty healthily sized (especially after soup/salad). I am curious about brunch, because it seems to be the majority of the bad reviews on Yelp.
(5)Onur U.
We were drawn in by the menu that features interesting ingredients and gourmet sounding preparations for a reasonable price. Sadly it seems their best days are behind them as evidenced by all the positive press they received a decade ago, but nothing in the last five years. When I first sat down to write this review I had a little trouble remembering what we ordered which is never a good sign. The salad we ordered was fresh but overdressed and really pretty small for 7 dollars. The crab risotto cakes were crumbly and really didn't taste a lot like crab or truffle oil (come to think of it, they didn't taste like much of anything). The tuna steak we ordered was cooked medium rare, but the seared outer portion was rubbery and flavorless. In all fairness it seems they are more famous for their brunch than their dinner and the service was pretty good. Nothing we had was terrible and the prices are good considering they use fancy ingredients (crab, truffle oil, butter lettuce, etc). But with so many mid-tier restaurants serving up great "american" fare, I don't think we'll be back. Maybe for brunch, but probably not.
(3)Mike N.
Used to order pizza from here a few years ago when I was fat. Now I'm fit, and after the Soldier Field 10 miler, my mother-in-law and I went out for brunch. She had an awesome benedict and I had a lamb omelet and a single pancake on the side plain. Delicious, fresh, and great service. Great coffee too! Nice if you want a quaint setting and a deleecious meal!!
(5)Mike G.
I live around the corner and eat here every few months. The food is consistently good, the only dishes that have ever disappointed are some of the desserts. The service always slow, even when it's not busy. The servers are helpful/competent/nice, there just aren't enough of them to take care of the entire room. For me, the good food, reasonable prices and convenience trump the slow service. We just don't go here when we're in a rush.
(4)Catrina T.
Went here for brunch. The items used for the dishes were higher quality than a typical breakfast place would use. Everything tasted really good and the server was attentive.
(4)Kristina B.
This review is based on my Tuesday night prix fixe dinner. My real rating is probably about 2 and a 1/2 stars, but as we all know (and constantly feel the need to express in our yelp reviews), half stars are not an option. First off, the good news re: service -- the atmosphere was nice, the waiter was courteous and attentive. I have nothing negative to say about the service, actually. Onto the mediocre news, and then the bad news re: the food -- Ahem... The ham crepe appetizer was pretty decent (I wouldn't say mind-blowing, though). My friend had the salad. A salad's a salad, so no need to get into that. The entrees were hit or miss -- mine hit, his missed. The apricot-glazed pork chop was very tasty, and the mashed sweet potatoes were very interesting (with the addition of pineapple and red onion) yet still very yummy. My friend's tilapia...well... Let's put it this way. I never eat fish and even I could tell that it was severely bland and had a fishy aftertaste.. Yuck. And now...onto the shining star of the meal (and by shining star, I mean the WORST PART) -- dessert. The profiteroles tasted STALE! They weren't light and fluffy and fresh-tasting like classic profiteroles should be. Please, please, PLEASE -- do not order these when you come here. They're NOT worth the digestion. I probably wouldn't come back here willingly. If someone was paying for me, maybe. I'd have that pork chop again and just skip the dessert. I wish I had something witty to conclude with but the memory of the profiteroles just makes me sad.
(2)Sarah K.
I went to Deleece years ago for dinner and enjoyed it very much. A group of six of us decided to try it for brunch. It was nice that they take reservations, but we did not need them as it was not busy at all. I basically wanted to write a review because there are so many great brunch places in Chicago and this was just okay at best. None of the six of us were impressed with the food. It was bad, but it wasn't that good either. I wouldn't go back for brunch.
(2)Mallory G.
Came in here for brunch on Saturday just after 10 a.m. and nearly had the place to ourselves. After a lengthy judging process the night before, we chose Deleece based on the fact that it is a 5 minute walk from the boyf's apartment... and that we had an A la Card good for $10 off. Though the space felt a little cold and empty, it was a nice break from the hectic brunches Chicago has gotten us accustomed to. He had the lamb fritatta and I had the bowl of baked eggs swimming in bubbling brie, sun dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. I got a generous bite of deliciously spiced lamb and the lightly-dressed arugula on top of the fritatta was a nice touch. My baked eggs were the epitome of comfort food and was unlike anything I'd ever had for breakfast before - though I'm no stranger to baked brie. We also noted the patio allows dogs in the summertime, so next time we'll be a party of three!
(4)Cece C.
We just had brunch there and it was great. The menu has such interesting selections that I have to go back again. The bloody mary's were a little sub par but still got the job done. I think they were made with Clamato... My brother had the filet and eggs. Don't get it. The filet was overcooked and tasted like carbon. You can tell that the grill hasn't been cleaned in a while. I had the breakfast pasta. Wonderful! Maybe too much goat cheese and I should have had the eggs over easy but it was great. The beignets were awesome! And the wait staff was very nice. I can't wait to try something new next weekend!
(4)Elizabeth C.
I have been to Deleece several times, with mixed results. In my opinion, brunch is the real standout. Their Bloody Marys are amazing. Their brunch selections are unusual but always delicious - a nice break from your ordinary omelette. I've had poached eggs on a roasted acorn squash with sage cream sauce (a flavorful delight), and the Chilaquiles, something I didn't know existed until I moved to Chicago, but highly recommend if you enjoy a Latin flair in the morning. The one dinner I had there wasn't very memorable, apparently - but that could've been thanks to the 2-3 glasses of wine I had (I seem to remember the bartender being really friendly and guiding me in the right direction, wine-wise). For "dessert" I had an espresso martini, which to this day is the only martini I've ever enjoyed. That alone is worth a trip. Always great service and a lovely ambience, and shockingly affordable for brunch. I dig it.
(4)Naum N.
Came here on a Tuesday evening. Place was fairly quiet. The service was attentive though the kitchen must have been having an off night. Bread at the table was a bit stale - probably could have used to bang on the table to request another loaf. Alas was more polite than that. Ordered the mac & cheese with a twist on chicken. Decent portion though had to play waldo a bit to find the chicken. Overall - it was okay, and nothing special - as someone else mentioned, the hard interior makes it sound louder than one would expect. As entertaining it was to listen others' conversations, was happy that it was a slow night. Would not go out of my way to come here again, though if in the vicinity, may be worthwhile to make another visit.
(3)Christy Q.
I have been to Deleece three times. Twice for dinner and once for brunch. I have always had a great experience. The decor and ambiance are cozy and warm and classy. It's a nice elegant neighborhood restaurant for a date. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable. I am one of those irritating people with questions about menu items and they always give me an honest opinion. Even if it's to say, eh, don't order that, order this... it's better. I can't remember what I had for brunch, though I did sit outside as it was a beautiful summer day... I love any restaurant with outdoor seating in the summer! As for dinner I have had the amazing caramelized chilean salmon (pan roasted with chinese sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce). A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I could have devoured 10 of these things. The best salmon I've had in a looong time. The waitress assured me I'd love it and it's a menu favorite and I believe her. The other dinner entre I had was a special I believe- lamb chops. Also delicious!! Dessert we shared an apple crisp- SOOO good. My friends and I were fighting for the last bite! And I'm really not a dessert person. My only complaint is the wine prices. A bottle I've often bought at Binny's for $15 is $34 here which seems like a bit of a markup. I know wine is ALWAYS over priced at restaurants but knowing the typical price of that bottle really shocked me. I love Deleece. It's one of my neighborhood favories and prices (aside from wine) are totally fair.
(4)Alison E.
Deleece is flippin' sweet. We've only been there for brunch, but brunch is all we need. The french toast with raspberry sauce is exactly what I want from my breakfast, and the potatoes are fantastic.
(4)Caroline M.
I really really wanted to like Deleece since I loved Sola. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love...I went on the night of 1/2 price wine bottles, which is what usually gets me into the door of any restaurant. I love that deal. Anyway, I got empanadas and pork, while my friend opted for bread salad and fish. She loved her courses. I didn't. The server told me the empanadas were filled with apples and had a colorful beet sauce drizzled on the plate. When I cut into the empanada it wasn't apple inside, it was BEET. Helloooo?!? Yeah, I was sad because I hate beets. I wanted apples like he said there was going to be inside. My pork wasn't great, it was a special too. Overall, a disappointing experience and I don't know if I would return.
(3)Channyn W.
Is this a review or a checklist of things that make me happy? * No children in sight! * No waiting on a Saturday morning! * Great service all around from busboy to the sweetheart of a waitress! * Easy parking! And the food, oh the food. My fritatta was incredibly good, especially considering I am not a huge fan of eggs. Oh, and Bens Yays were so so yummy with the perfect amount of sweetness and the hollandaise on the eggs benedict was just about perfect. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Jennifer W.
Brunch is wonderful here and deserves 5 stars.The small menu packs a punch and is great for indecisive people like me. The food is extremely fresh and delicious, excellent value. Oh, and there's usually no wait, not even for the patio in the summer. A very welcome relief from the overcrowding and 45 minute waits that happens at other brunch spots in the area. Dinner gets 3 stars, though I've only been once with some out-of-town guests. Half of our entrees were quite small (enough to make me full but paltry for, say, a larger man), and there could be more variety with the menu. When we visited this past Feb, most of the dishes were some combination of savory main ingredient with a subtlely sweet sauce or side. Don't get me wrong, I personally love that combo, but not everyone does.
(4)Jen J.
Deleece is a staple restaurant for me, but for a very specific type of night. I reserve Deleece for nights when I need to entertain out of town guests who are not so in to experimenting with food (i.e. a small group with different kinds of eaters, parents or in-laws, etc). Deleece has well done American fare with a twist in a cozy atmosphere. The service and food are consistent, but I cannot say widely imaginative or impressive. For a good meal I think Deleece is a good option.
(3)Amanda W.
I really enjoyed the food at the restaurant and even wanted to take my family here to celebrate my graduation. However well I called to see if I could move my reservation up an hour (that same day) I was told that I did not have any reservation. Turns out the hostess didn't bother to confirm what day my reservation was on and didn't figure it out until I had already scrambled to find a different restaurant that could fit my party of 8 within a half hour. Now, I'm too disgusted to go back.
(2)Jeni W.
I can't count how many times I've been to Deleece. Dozens and dozens. The food there is outstanding. Anytime I have anyone come in town I always bring them there and they are always impressed. The service there is great and friendly, and everyone knows what they are talking about. You absolutely can't beat the pre-fix dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays for $20. Some of the items to choose from are current menu items, others are items they're trying out for future menus. It's always delicious! The last time I was there for dinner they had a fish special for the night which was so incredible I want to protest that it shows up on an upcoming menu. It was Opa served rear with a pineapple/coconut chutney. It was served over sticky rice and was surrounded by green curry sauce. Possibly one of the best entrees I've ever had. You can never go wrong with their stuffed lamb chops which are always available as a special. Their brunch is just as good with a great selection of items as well as different specials every weekend. It just never gets old. Plus, they make a mean bloody mary. Can't complain about that. If you've been to Deleece before... definitely go back... if you've never been, make it a priority.
(5)Jim S.
Deleece continues to be one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the city. They serve up a nice array of distinctively eclectic dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Their fare is geared at a more sophisticated palate, so don't expect the usual meat and potatoes or mac and cheese. I especially like their fish dishes, with salmon over black rice in a Thai curry sauce being my favorite. However, their meat entrees are also flavorful and unique in their preparation. Their butter lettuce salad with candied pecans and sherry vinaigrette also stands out. Prices are very reasonable. They have a small full bar and a well-selected wine list. Drawbacks: Deleece is a small restaurant with exposed brick walls and tin ceiling , so it can get a little noisy. Parking can sometimes be a little bit of a challenge (you're best to park on Irving Park Road, a few doors west of Deleece). Service, while not bad, can occasionally slip into the nonchalant category. This is definitely up there among my most recommended restaurants in Chicago.
(4)Carol S.
Had lunch today. Service good, cheeseburger over cooked, roll stale, fries too salty. I won't be going back.
(2)Leelah P.
Becaue I have only ever been to Deleece for brunch or lunch, and I've been coming here for years, I don't feel right giving it 5 stars. If I could review just on brunch alone, I'd give it 5. Everything on the brunch menu is extraordinary. Yesterday, I had 2 poached eggs over wild mushrooms and spinach in an acorn squash with sage cream sauce. It was INSANE. There is no other word to describe how fantastic this food was... just completely outside reality. The french toast is delicious, the oatmeal is out of this world, the side potatoes are scrumptious (and not tainted by peppers and onions), the veggie and cheese sandwiches are lovely. People I know rave about the chilaquiles, and I've had a delightful pomegranate mimosa in the sumer.
(4)Samantha T.
We walked in during dinnertime on a Sunday and were seated right away. We started with the crab risotto cakes as an appetizer - I thought they were just okay, but the boyfriend loved them and happily finished my portion as well as his. Lots of fresh-tasting chunks of crab. For entrees we had the pork tenderloin with sour cherry glaze and the balsamic pear salmon with black sticky rice. Both were excellent. I would suggest going with the chef's cooking instructions (medium-rare for both), even if that's not how you would normally order the dish. I always eat pork well done, but I took the chef's advice on this dish and was not disappointed! We opted to skip dessert because our dinners were so satisfying, but the dessert menu looked amazing. This is good, unpretentious, reasonably priced food in a great date atmosphere - highly recommended for couples or small groups of friends - leave the kids at home.
(4)Dan K.
If any of the reviews you've seen or read were not at LEAST a 4 than they haven't had the experiences we've had both times. So far once for dinner and yesterday for brunch. We had, I think, 10 or 12 people in our group for dinner and everyone either really liked or loved it. The service was really good and the food, even better. Then on the recommendation of friends who had been for brunch and loved it, we decided to give that a try. Once again a home run in my book. The $15 bottomless mimosas were no where near short on spirits and they were not shy with making sure your glass was always full. Again, the service was great and so was the food. So, again I'm really surprised to see anything below a 4 here. I don't usually take the time to do this, I guess I'm kinda critical usually. I even selfishly had 2nd thoughts about submitting this review for fear getting in would be impossible in the future. But they are moving up the street so hopefully the new place will be even more spacious. I highly recommend Deleece!
(5)Christine M.
I love Deleece. Just love it. Don't come to Deleece if you want a speedy dinner, or have places to go. This is the place to come with friends to enjoy a nice, leisurely dinner. We usually make sure to head in on a Monday or Tuesday when they are having the prix fix dinner - appetizer, dinner, and dessert for $20. When we happen to go on another night of dinner, we're sure to bring our restaurant.com certificate. I am the biggest fan of the salmon on their menu - it comes with black rice and spinach. It's just so good.
(5)Chris J.
The carmelized salmon is awesome!
(4)Moe f.
Strolled in for Sunday brunch and didn't have to wait. We started with the beignet's which were a tad heavy. The wife had some special fritatta that she loved. I had the ingenious breakfast pasta. What's not to love about eggs, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, garlic over pasta? Kid friendly a plus.
(4)Megan K.
We were underwhelmed by our brunch here. While we were excited to see that there was no wait on a Saturday morning, the interiors felt dark and dreary, and our spirits were dampened by a poorly made yet much-craved Bloody Mary. Between us we had a frittata and an egg sandwich, which we agreed were decent enough, but not worth coming back for.
(2)Becca S.
Four words: Lobster Benedict, Bottomless Mimosa. If you need me to elaborate, you just don't understand brunch. I've been a few times. Before I went I heard tales of the Lobster Benedict, but I'm a big girl, I'll choose my own meal thankyouverymuch. Each time I regretted it. Everything I got was delicious, but nothing was as succulent and decadent as the Lobster Benedict. Luckily I was fortunate enough to be able to drown my sorrows in bottomless mimosas or I'm not sure I would have pulled through.
(4)Vanessa P.
I came here on a Saturday night with a friend. We came around 9:00pm and the place was pretty empty, with only a scant few tables taken. I had the roasted skatewing and my friend had the Amish chicken. Both were well prepared, but while she was happy with hers, I was a bit underwhelmed. There was a lack of flavor that I couldn't help with pepper. The service was good and the food just ok.
(3)Jarod S.
I've passed this place countless times and am always telling people we need to try it out. And then ask if anyone knows how to properly pronounce the name of the place. Finally checked it out for Brunch on a Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Sat outside with no wait at the peak of brunch. The brunch menu is fantastic and not all the same old crap. Eggs Benedict with artichokes, spinach and Sun Dried Tomato hollandaise? yes please. Vegetable Fritatta with goat cheese? mmmmm For sure! I couldn't decide what to get so I considered getting two plates! I'll have to come back to try all the other options! oh and.. "it's Americanized so it sounds like a de lease." - Waitress
(4)Kristin C.
This past weekend was full of brunchin' and I was so excited to try Deleece since I have been wanting to check it out for um, years. Mike and I went here for brunch on Sunday (this goes until 2:30). We had just gone on a run on one of the hottest mornings of the year (um, smart) so I was starving. First thing to catch my eye? $15 bottomless mimosa. Yes sir, sign me up. The brunch menu is really broad and I give them props for the non-egg-traditional-brunch options because I tend to go sandwich, salad etc., especially after 11 a.m. Mike ordered the chicken, pesto and mozzarella sammy with fruit and I could not resist the BLT (with guacamole). That BLT was VERY good. The guac added extra moisture the sandwich needed and the bread was SO FANTASTIC. I am not sure what kind it was but the sandwich was smoky, delicious. Mike really liked his too. The atmosphere is very cute (and of course could be improved sans screaming baby). I want to come back for dinner and definitely will be back for brunch (Hey, I have to beat my bottomless mimosa personal best!)
(4)Anne P.
Even with my WBEZ 2 for 1 card this was still only 2 stars. Nothing exciting on menu, settled on shrimp pesto pasta for me, salmon for boyfriend. Pasta was nothing special, shrimp a bit salty, pesto a bit bland. Salmon itself was prepared nicely but the sticky black rice it was served with was just odd. Bread was ok, odd honey mustard butter (?) nothing to get excited over. Will not be back.
(2)Nick M.
Oh glorious food!! Deleece turned me into a child, fed me into sleep, gave me my bottle (rum & coke), and almost burped me afterwards. How sad are some of these reviews :( My first experience was nothing short of pure joy, a kind of peace or calmness came over me. It was probably the closet I've ever gotten to a food orgasm, I'm serious!! The veggie spring rolls (in butter lettuce with salsa verde and nuoc cham) were refreshing and the perfect start to one of the best entrees I've experienced in a long time. Cooked perfectly to the point that each bite was heaven, my only regret was that I couldn't finish it (I tried and tried) but I think most people couldn't, it's very rich. I would have taken it home but this is not a dish to reheat. My dinner was the marvelous Poblano pepper, char grilled and stuffed with Spanish rice on a bed of black beans and black salsa topped with poblano sour cream, plus some crispy pimentone tortilla strips sprinkled on top. I know sounds so simple but it is packed full of powerful flavors that if you let them can overwhelm you. I never in my life would have expected this dish to wow me. I will remember it always, I'm sorry here I go again getting all emotional about it. I just need a minute... I did break away from my dish to try the special of the day scallops which were very fresh and cooked very well. The service was excellent, great recommendations on the specials and the wine. The patio outside was perfect for a cool sunny day. For the 3 star reviews I recommend giving it another go. Not that I mind, since the food enthralled me and the service was attentive but the bill for two people was up there. I would check out restaurant.com for coupons.
(5)Kristin G.
Went to Deleece on a Tuesday night to try our their prix fixe menu. What a great surprise! I had the cheese with chirizo for the appetizer (can't remember the exact name right now), the trout with carmelized peaches for the entree and the strawberry cake-like dessert. Every course was delicious and such a value for $20! I will say their drinks left something to be desired - $8 for a watermelon martini that was so strong you could taste nothing but vodka and then I tried the cucumber mojito which wsa too minty and not sweet enough. With a better bar staff this restaurant would be a five star!
(4)Chris D.
The food was delicious and service was friendly. We didn't wait to long at all for or dinner and it was perfectly cooked.
(4)Michelle M.
I have to say I was very disappointed. We were looking forward to their move to the heart of Southport, however now think they should have stayed put. The decor, which as I suspected to be cheap looking in through the window, was worse than I thought from the inside. Black t-mold laminate tables, really? The plywood ramp to the restrooms was really a nice touch. Ok now the menu -- 7 entrees and about the same starters. Average food at best. And the price? I'm willing to pay for a good meal and experience, but not $60/person! I support the neighborhood vendors, but will steer clear of Deleece.
(1)Jacqueline S.
We decided to try Deleece based on the fact that the chef uses fresh seasonal ingredients and a Groupon was offered. We went on a Saturday a little after 9pm and it wasn't too crowded or too empty. We started with the special margarita of the night which was very good. We had the potstickers for appetizer which I enjoyed very much, not too greasy and they had a different nontraditional flavor that was really great. I got the Amish chicken which was a little on the salty side for me. I got to try the pork tenderloin which was really great. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was great too. I love that they are open late! The other entrees sounded delicious and I would love to try them.
(4)Kim B.
Ellie B. already beat me to this review, but I figured I would give my two cents as well! We decided to check out Deleece after hearing about the prix fixe menu on Monday/Tuesday nights. We grabbed a table outside because the weather was still warm - I have to say I was surprised how empty the place was for prime dinner time (7pm). You really cannot beat the prix fixe deal. You select your choice of an appetizer, large-portioned entree, and desert. I went with the bacon-wrapped dates, which did not disappoint. However, I did go with a pork dish for my main course and it was not nearly as good as Ellie B.'s chicken. I finished my meal off with a chocolate hazelnut torte which was OK - but not as good as my roomie's strawberry treat. I certainly will go back because the service was good, the food was flavorful, and you really cannot beat the prix fixe deal. UPDATE (3/23): I went to Deleece for Easter Sunday brunch and I have nothing but great things to say about brunch. Not only did they take a reservation for our group of 4 (which is somewhat rare at these smaller brunch spots), but the food was excellent. Definitely 5 stars for Brunch and 4 stars for Dinner.
(4)Chatzy F.
Very disappointed. I usually have the NY Steak with mash potatoes, and and amazing wine sauce. Today I don't know what happend but I feel like I wasted my money. The steak was over seasoned with to much Salt and the potatoes were also very salty. I have never experience this before at Deleece.
(2)Allison B.
I am incredible disappointed with the service at Deleece. I was there with a party of ten women for a birthday. I asked our waitress if she does anything special for birthdays and she said not really. They will usually put a candle in a beignet, but because we had already gotten them and were done with our meal she wouldn't do that. I asked again and she again told me no. Not a good idea to piss off a large group of women with a lot of connections! We didn't care about getting free food, but it would have been nice if something was done. It could have been a plate with happy birthday written in chocolate syrup, who cares, just something nice. We went in for brunch, spent quite a bit of money, and will never be going back.
(2)Nikki R.
The hubs and i went here for brunch on our anniversary, and it was perfect! The anny is in march so the outside seating wasn't open yet(or it was just too cold to sit out there, I can't remember), but the inside is totally cool and laid back. we were there being all mushy gushy, but we also saw a group of people drinking there brunch, and a couple families with Small kids. And everyone was comfortable and looked like they were having a good time. I got the "not your average BLT" and OMG it was so good! I'm drooling thinking about it. it could very well be named "Nikki, you want to eat me" because it has 3 of my favorite things...bacon, guac, and blue cheese..jigga what?!? my head exploded when i saw that. it came with a sweet potato salad...POW! more head explosions. The hubs got the lobster benedict...with truffle hollandaise...BAM! more head explosions! I'm never wanted to lick a plate more when i saw there was left over yolk and hollandaise still on it. So, yummy and not too bad price wise... i will go back for sure!
(5)Eric P.
I have been at Deleece (which, to this day, I still do not know how to properly pronounce) three or four times after living just around the corner for roughly two and a half years. Every time I have visited for dinner, it has been very good. I have also been over for brunch, and while I was not as impressed as I was with the dinner menu, I still thought the food was very good. The servers seem particularly trendy, very similar to Uncommon Ground. Actually, I think servers probably start at Deleece, and after they achieve a certain level of trendiness, they graduate and move on to a high level at Uncommon Ground. Anyway, I had the salmon when I was at Deleece last. It was very good. There was a sweet (I think maple) sauce that went very well with the salmon, and a black rice that was good. Kinda weird, but good. What can I say, I'm don't like to stray too far out of the box when it comes it my rice. It's just a thing.
(4)Mitchell P.
We just recently came here for a double date. The food was phoenominal! i had the beef tenderloin special. They cooked it just how i like it. We had drinks to go with the meal, and got in and out for under a hundred bucks a couple, so that made for a OK dinner. This place works good if you are heading to the new comedy club thats around the corner on Irving Park.
(4)steve c.
Came here for Sunday breakfast and was surprised. It wasn't crowded and was able to sit outdoors right away. Had lobster benedict with arugula and truffle hollandaise which was outstanding. One of my top breakfasts. The pomegranate mimosa and the coffee was nothing special unfortunately. I will be back.
(5)Justin R.
I did like the food here, but there was not a large selection at all. not sure if there's much else I'd order on the menu. So I doubt I'll go back. I really didn't like the goat cheese and chocolate dessert.
(3)A W.
This place was fairly promising. I liked the decor as well as the outdoor seating. And, while their apps were good, I wouldn't recommend it for a very good tasting dinner.
(2)Jennifer K.
Deleece was a pleasant surprise on a Tuesday evening. Their prix-fixe menu valued at $20 was a definite plus. And parking was really easy to find since there was no baseball game going on. My friend and I were seated right away and we rifled through the menu. We both had glasses of riesling to go with the meal. She ordered: salad, chicken with blueberry glaze, and parsnip cake (!). I had: corn guajillo soup, pork tenderloin with pineapple glaze, and double fudge pudding with pistachios. The meal set us back about $35 (including, tax, tip, and wine). The service was great and the dinner was really delicious.
(4)Kelly K.
Overall, much effort was put into the food which was very good, the portions were good sized, it was a little pricey, and the service was excellent. The tables were packed in a little too close, and I had to yell to talk to my tablemate, which made the person at the next table over have to yell too. The whole night was very loud. I went here for dinner looking for some nice, heavy, flavorful fall food. And that's what I got. I ordered the stuffed acorn squash. I had never had acorn squash with onions and cheese, etc. in it so it's not fair for me to review it. But it had allot of flavor and I could tell they put allot of effort into it. My tablemate had the grilled pork chop, and she really liked it also.
(4)Matej M.
We went for our anniversary dinner here last Saturday night. It was a lovely time and the food was surprisingly good. It was not a large restaurant, the staff was responsive and the atmosphere wasn't too loud. I really liked the tables for two, which were as wide as those tables usually are, but longer, which makes for more room on the table, even if it distances your dining partner slowly. We arrrived at opening, around 5.40pm, and the restaurant was empty. By 6.30pm it was mostly full, so you might want to make reservations if you plan on arriving later on Saturday. We started off with the gnocchi in a balsamic reduction with truffles, pistachios and Parmesan cheese, and they were delicious in so many ways. The gnocchi were fluffy, and warm and just a little crispy, and paired wonderfully with the reduction. My girlfriend had a Deleece Manhattan, which had some great port and whiskey flavors in it. For our main course, she had the veal with shiitake mushrooms, which I thought was a fantastic combination, and the veal was perfectly done, complimented well with some bitter greens. I had the New York strip, which was an extremely subtle dish that accented the meat very well with some truffle mashed potatoes and spinach, in a sweet demi-glace reduction. The desert was really the cherry on top, the decadent chocolate with a deliciously mouse-like chocolate pudding, two beautiful truffles with just the hint of orange and an almost overpoweringly chocolate cake, most reminiscent of the Sacher Torte so popular in Vienna. The entire experience was accented by a perfectly executed raspberry reduction that must have taken great patience on the part of the chef. Our waitress and the staff were very attentive and pleasant, as well as helpful. Overall, the experience was original and delightful, and made the dining very enjoyable. It is a little pricey for a graduate student such as myself, but it was an exceptional dinner.
(5)Margaret C.
My original review is below, but let me first say that I contacted the manager about my experience and she was super apologetic and sent a $40 gift certificate, which I think is a pretty stand up thing to do. I'll go back - for lunch - and give Deleece another try, but it would be disingenouous to take the review down altogether, so here's what happened... I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The first indicator was two truly awful cocktails: a French 75 (on the menu) and an Old Fashioned. These are our respective favorites, so it wasn't like we didn't know how they should taste. Before we could even attempt to finish the cocktails (it was hard), the waitress brought the two appetizers we ordered: salmon poke and crab cakes. Both bland at best. During our first course, we were informed that they would be turning the lights off in honor of Earth Hour. Ok, fine, but give us some candles or something because the $29 rack of lamb I ordered was so fatty I could hardly eat it. Unable to see to cut the fat, and unable to taste anything but the blanket of spices atop the meat, I gave up. My boyfriend ordered the short ribs - same problem. I guess we were still hungry because we ordered dessert despite everything thus-far being disappointing. The "Chocolate Trio" was edible - as long as you stuck to the Chocolate Duo --- the flourless chocolate cake was so cold - icy in fact - that you had to cut it with a knife. Terrible experience. Oh, and terrible service. She was apathetic at her best. Our appetizer and bread plates were still on the table when the backwaiter brought our entrees. Poor guy tried to get our waitress' attention to get some help, but she ignored him. Maybe it was those two tables of 6 that they sat on either side of us who spent the evening trying to out-shout and out-shriek one another.
(1)Nicole C.
Blah. Yuck. I was here years ago and had a pretty good experience. I went back last week with a friend for the $20 three-course fixed menu and felt like I wasted $20. :( The seafood "chowder" had the consistency of water, not chowder. I had the sage chicken entree, which was just blah. The bacon stuffing that came along with it was like cardboard and the rapini was tough. They wouldn't allow me to substitute spinach for rapini. I wouldn't be surprised if the plates are pre-made and nuked. My friend had the pork tenderloin, which came smothered in a cream sauce and was pink and undercooked. Looking around the restaurant, we weren't the only ones unhappy with the quality of the food. This place is definitely on its way out.
(1)Ellie B.
Kim B., her roommate and I ventured to Deleece to sample their prix fixe menu. We'd all heard good things, and speaking for myself, I wasn't disappointed. We took seats outside in an attempt to savor the last few days of weather conducive to dining al fresco. Our server, I believe her name was Michi, was very pleasant and prompt. My water was constantly filled, and really, I wanted for nothing. The tomato salad was to die for! To be honest, I could have had a plate of just the tomatoes, sans greens, and been happy. The chicken was cooked to perfection - it virtually melted in my mouth. My one gripe was the fact that I only got one piece of white meat. I really don't enjoy the dark meat, and I won't touch the leg, but I guess I should have specified that, huh? My cheese and chocolate dessert was overwhelming! I personally didn't care for the candied dates, but all told, it was a good dining experience and I intend to return!
(4)Rachel Y.
I FINALLY made it here for dinner and just had to continue and raving about this place. My friend and I went on Wednesday, which is 1/2 off bottles of wine night, and we shared a wonderful Cab Franc for a wonderfully low price. My friend had a skate wing dish and I had the salmon--both were totally out of this world. We started with the risotto crab cake appetizer, had our entrees and then ended the meal with sharing the peach cobbler--I was drooling all the way home it was so good! I'm so glad I finally made it here for dinner!
(5)Thomas A.
We live fairly close to Deleece, but we prefer Uncommon Ground. We skipped the long line today at Uncommon Ground and went to Deleece. Our preference for Uncommon Ground hasn't changed, but as a back up, Deleece is a great choice. We got seated right away at 11am on Sunday and service was quick and attentive. I had the huevos rancheros - a special - and I loved the flavors, especially the chorizo. The portion wasn't large, but I got toast on the side. One pet peeve is that the toast was buttered - I usually eat it dry with my eggs. My spouse had the breakfast pasta - excellent.
(4)Lindsay D.
I was going to give this place 2 stars, but our waiter made right, everything that was wrong and for that kind of customer service, Deleece gets an extra star from me. Once we ordered, the wait was a good 25 minutes or so for our food to arrive and it wasnt even that busy. When it finally arrived, my friend and I's fruit side was completely different from each other (I totally got stuck with the melon combo while her plate was berries a-plentiful). Thank you, waiter! He gave me the fruit plate appetizer for free because of their error. My food was ok, nothing special. I live in LP, so I wouldnt go out of my way to eat there again.
(3)E G.
I heard good things about this place so I gave it a try. First of all, it was clear that there were problems in the kitchen that night, so I can't entirely blame the servers. But...it was atrocious! I watched after several tables were served the wrong meals on multiple occasions. We waited over an hour for 3 entrees (no appetizers). When my meal finally came, I wish it hadn't. I ordered the chicken and got two pieces of the fattiest poultry I've even seen. It was beyond revolting. Of the other meals at the table, the only one that was edible was the salmon. I know people who have gone and had great meals, I just can't understand how it happened!
(1)Jean R.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time for his birthday and we both agree that this is one of the BEST dinners we've ever had!! Our steaks were delightfully seasoned and cooked to perfection. Their asiago Mac n cheese is to die for! It's absolutely amazing. The ambiance is cozy and it is reasonably priced for how good their food is! Deleece will definitely be having us as returning customers!
(5)Luther Z.
From beginning to end Deleece was okay... just okay. I called and made a reservation for later in the evening, and the reservationist made it seem that it would be quite easy to seat us at our requested time. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were told that we would have to wait ten minutes, which isn't a big deal typically, but no one else was waiting, and we had made reservations, but whatever. We decided to sit at the bar. The drinks were poured well and seemed reasonably priced, so we were happy about that. We ordered the spring roll appetizer, but I have seriously had better at the most basic of Thai restaurants. The dipping sauce (not quite sure what it was) was so salty that you could not taste the spring roll. I warned my wife to go easy on dipping, but even with just a tiny bit, the sauce proved too powerful. Without the sauce, the spring rolls were actually pretty bland and flavorless. For our entrees, I had the braised short rib which was extremely fatty. The chipotle bbq sauce was too spicy. I should make it clear that I love spicy food, but with a place like this, I expect subtlety with flavors, but the heat from the bbq sauce was tongue numbing. The entree wasn't terrible, but I don't think I'd order it again. Now my wife had the sea diver scallop special... 3 average sized scallop with some garnish and colorful sauce, but I'm sorry, that was hardly worth $26. The creme brulee dessert was good, and on par with others I've had. Our service was excellent, very attentive. Our waters were refilled, as was our bread. Overall though, I don't think we'll be going back. For that tab, we could have had leftovers from Cafe 28, or two dinners at Laschet's. As a side, I just don't get the idea of getting an eye dropper's amount of food on your plate and justify selling it for as much as some places do. When I go out, I want to leave a restaurant full. Rather I came home and ate a bowl of pasta salad that I had made earlier in the day. That's never a good commentary on a restaurant, especially when you over $100 If prices were more in line with quality and portion, I'd probably give 3 or 4 stars. If I have one observation to make about this place, it's that subtlety with flavors is not their specialty.
(2)Edward L.
What a great little neighborhood spot. Away from the madness that is the main strip of Southport, Deleece is an oasis of calm. The food is pretty fab as well. The best roast chicken I've had in a while. Well seasoned and tender all over. The potatoes were tasty and the greens cooked perfectly. The steak was also amazingly tasty. Well cooked and tender to the bite. All in all a great little place to eat at.
(4)Mila G.
Had an absolutely lovely birthday brunch here yesterday...everyone enjoyed their orders - the breakfast pasta was absolutely beyond delicious. Got seated quickly here, was able to get a seat outside, no problem, for six people on an absolutely perfect Sunday morning at noon. Still good as leftovers too!
(5)Kristine B.
Brunch. OMG. I had a fritatta (one of the daily specials) and it was perfect. The potatos were great. I ate at the bar with a friend, but it seemed that everybody inside was pleased with their meal. There was a large group outside taking most of the patio, but they stayed for quite some time - must have been pleased. The staff is extremely nice, the bartended willing to provide recommendations or mix you new drinks. The staff was even very kind to a couple who came in moments before the closing time. When we walked by after about an hour, the couple was STILL there (rude on their behalf, but polite for Deleece folks).
(5)Annabelle S.
I ate here with my family last night and was pleasantly surprised. We went because of a Restaurant.com coupon that I had purchased knowing that it was a restaurant in our area. We went on a Friday night and were seated immediately with no waiting. The server was very polite and prompt and accommodating. They make their own special butter to go with their bread. Let me just say that I actually had to ask what was in it because it was the best butter ever. It was a great start to a great meal. I had the honey date salad to start. It was excellent: Stilton cheese, pistachios, greens, and lightly dressed along with the delicious honey dates. Then we all got our entrées. I got the cavatappi pasta with caramelized onions, grape tomatoes, and porcini mushrooms. Delicious. The other two entrées were the Amish Chicken, which had an amazing fig and caramelized onion relish and fingerling potatoes and the other was the skirt steak with mashed potatoes. The steak was cooked to perfection and seriously the mashed potatoes were the best I've ever had with truffle butter and honey mingled throughout. I could have eaten the potatoes all day. Thank god I came with my family so I could try a little of everyone's dishes! Then we shared a piece of the Chevre Cheesecake which had a sweet pear glace. All in all, I say this restaurant is simply 'deleece-ious'. We will definitely be back!
(5)Liz Q.
I learned something about my friends after going to Deleece. That some of them have no taste. I was not at ALL impressed by this place. One look at the menu and it's pretty obvious that they try way too hard, infusing way too many flavors into each dish. The end result is a jumble of blahness, with nothing standing out. I had the simplest thing on the menu - the NY Strip. It was extremely fatty and the low light of the restaurant made trimming the steak hard. The mashed potatoes had a bad texture and flavor. The asparagus was well cooked and good, I will give them that. For dessert, my table shared the chocolate pudding, the cheesecake and the bread pudding. The bread pudding was very nice, good texture and flavor. Now pudding is one of my favorite food groups and I have to say that this was the worst pudding ever. I prefer Jell-o from a box to what they served us. The staff was nice enough, the restaurant a little loud and lighting a bit too low. 2 stars for you Deleece. And -2 for my friends that recommended such a place to me.
(2)Amy W.
We celebrated my friends birthday here and were pretty disappointed. The wait staff was really helpful and the restaurant was nice but the food was mediocre. Nothing seemed to taste that good and we had all ordered different dishes. The crab risotto cakes lacked taste. The butter lettuce salad was not bad, but nothing spectacular. Overall none of the dishes stood out, I would not go back here.
(2)Brianna M.
Awesome brunch! We started with the beignets which were to die for. I had the eggs benedict and my husband had the polenta with eggs. The hollendaise was superb- light and lemony! Perfectly poached eggs and awesome canadian bacon. The polenta was the best I've ever had. What I liked most, though, is that they allow dogs on their patio-- really nice for us since we live a block away and like to take our dog with us. Yay Deleece!
(4)Ryan C.
Good things: 1. Short, creative menu (I typically don't like restaurants that have 70 things on the menu...i think the place should be able to tell me what's good, not keep me guessing with a 50 page menu with 30 different salads....anyway, back to Deleece.)...very unique modern American options. I had the orecchiette pasta special with Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella (very good). I'm told the salmon and rainbow trout dishes are equally as awesome. Had some teezers as well, but those were just ok. 2. Great service (which is hard to find lately after a recent trip to Mystic Celt....see review below). Very friendly and speedy, and let us hang for awhile outside after we were finished. Potentially annoying things: 1. We had a great seat outside without waiting at all (then again this was at 5:30pm on a Sunday). Next time would maybe sit inside since the restaurant is right on the corner of Southport and Irving (right on two bus lines, and apparently where hard core motorcycle dudes and 17 year olds in Camaros like to "open it up") Just a little loud, that's all. But not that bad at all. Overall, a great experience and definitely above average food. Something for everyone. I also hear the brunch is unbelievable.
(3)Heather C.
I bought a Groupon (yay Groupon!) for Deleece and since I am a procrastinator, I finally went yesterday because it was expiring this week. :) Went for brunch, arrived around 1, no issues with seating. They have a $15 bottomless mimosa, which was very tasty! My boyfriend had a bloody mary and it wasn't so great, really strong cocktail sauce flavor. We both had frittattas, and we had been waiting a little too long for the amount of people in the restaurant. Before it got to the point of being concerned or needing to grab our server, he came by with free drinks and apologized, saying they put our frittattas in the oven and forget them, then came right back with a free fruit plate and beignets. I was very appreciative that they were so thoughful and generous without us even saying anything or complaining. The food was great,and the customer service was great. Saw a few other things on the menu that I want to try, so I will be back for sure!!!
(4)Heather H.
A group of us ate at Deleece twice within the last 2 months and I have been disappointed both times. The first time I had the beef tenderloin special and it was overcooked and overly spiced. We decided to give it another try this past Saturday since it was the only place on Southport not overwhelmed with St. Patty's day revelers. My sister and I both had the pork chop and it was so tough and dry I almost couldn't cut it with a steak knife. Maybe other choices would have been better but none of my dining companions were impressed. However, the waitress was nice enough to let us re-cork our wine to bring home. The service was good - food not so much.
(2)Kino A.
Went there for the 3 item prefix menu on Tuesdays. Did not enjoy any of the items.
(1)Edward H.
I tried out Deleece's prix fixe menu recently and was pleasantly surprised at the tremendous value - $20 three-course meal. The restaurant itself was very comfortable and the decor seemed contemporary cool. Noise levels were just fine and you can easily carry on a conversation without having to strain your voice or hearing. The staff was friendly and extremely attentive. My dinner started with some nice breads served with what seemed to be a honey mustard butter spread. My appetizer was a very refreshing beet salad that was perfect for the coming main course - a blackened redfish. The redfish was cooked to perfection (moist and tender) served over a bed of fluffy seasoned rice, haricot, and a spicy sauce with andouille sausage. The dinner was capped off with a sweet potato pudding that turned out to be more like a mousse cake - absolutely delicious. All in all, this place is great, the portions were generous, and I really enjoyed it. It's definitely a date-worthy establishment. I can't wait to go back.
(4)John O.
Went for their prixe fixe menu last night with the wife and was very impressed. We sat at a patio table and it was a lovely evening to be outside. At one point, we saw none other than Governor Rod jog by! Wy wife had stuffed peppers on top of black beans with a sort of red pepper aioli while I opted for the tilapia. Both were up to par with the level we have come to expect from Delecce. The one miss of the evening was a smoked red pepper stuffed with blue cheese, chevre, and sour cream...just tooo much rich filling for the pepper to compete with! Dessert made up for it though: The parsnip cake was excellent...sort of a carrot cake with a twist while my wife opted for the chocolate pudding. All in all this is a great place to go, especially on the prix fixe night.
(3)Shawne H.
Deleece is such a wonderful Brunch spot. The waitstaff is ridiculously friendly and will do anything to make your visit worth every penny. The atmosphere was slightly dressy but varied tremendously. You could walk in with sweatpants and a tank top and be comfortable. Also, It was truly pleasing to see couples on dates and families with little babies all being able to coexist in the same atmosphere. It is kind of cramped but the food is so wonderful that you hardly even notice. Vegetarian options also available. A ++ !!!
(5)Lesley G.
I went to this place for brunch because everyone kept telling us it was SO great. Even though there were only like two other tables in there, the service was not very good and the coffee wasn't refilled nearly as much as I'd like. The real horror was the food. I ordered a smoked salmon, egg thing. The salmon was not smoked, it was cooked. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to eat cooked salmon on a Sunday morning. It really grossed me out.
(2)Lucy G.
I like Deleece, good food if you want something "complicated". They lost stars cause I left my favorite pashmina on the back of my chair and when I called the next morning they said it wasn't there. It was totally dead in there, so I know it didn't get lost in the shuffle. But the food.. good I probably would only go on their Prefix menu nights (Mon, Tues)
(3)Sarah C.
For the record, they did earn the extra half star, making it 2.5 stars. But I digress. We did Deleece Friday night. It was sort of late-- 10:15ish-- when we walked in, so I immediately set the bar low. Deleece made sure they hit it, but certainly didn't clear it. The service was prompt and courteous, but that's easy when there's only 3 tables still filled and there's one waitperson. The appetizers were just alright (they're so unremarkable that I couldn't tell you what they were..), the caesar salad's only saving grace was the polenta 'croutons'-- the dressing itself was foul and it was "California" iceberg lettuce. I don't care where it came from, it's still not great lettuce, organic or not. We shared the duck as an entree...SMOKY. Like sticking your face in a campfire. The turnips tasted charred, the greens tasted like liquid smoke had been poured over them. I really only ate the duck, which was fine, but hardly amazing. When my half-serving was cleared, really only the meat had been touched. We also did the chocolate flight dessert. The flourless cake was AMAZING, the truffle was decent, but the mousse? Awful. Gritty and heavy, it was damn near unpalatable. I make mousse from time to time so maybe I'm particularly fussy, but honestly, it had the consistency of frosting. It's an obvious issue when the chocolate flight isn't licked clean. I would like to try their prix fixe-- maybe the lowered expectations of $20/person will assist me in giving Deleece more love. They're close to the boyfriend's and would definitely be convenient to have around. :)
(2)David W.
A COMPLETE RIP OFF. we went for a nice little lunch incorporating a range of mimosa's, magaritas, and bloody mary's. Upon ordering our first margarita, which came in a very short glass, with too much ice, we requested "Doubles". Upon getting the bill, those "doubles" were $15.00. Your first question may be "Were you requesting patron, or another top shelf tequila"? NO. NO.NO. We had 4 "double" margarita's and the bartender decided to bill us double. We tested the glasses (because the waitress had yet to clear our 1st round) and were not able to even pour two small version's into the big. The waitress was a space cadett, and made no efforts to help us.
(1)Minh T.
I visited Deleece with a friend, and it was a great place to have a good conversation. The food was inventive and really comforting. I had the pork tenderloin with savory apple cobbler, which I enjoyed. To be honest, at first I thought the portions were a bit small, but after I finished my meal, I felt very satisfied. I'll definitely be back, especially since it's only 4 blocks from my apartment!
(4)Jill W.
This is the go-to date spot for my husband and me. The food is consistently good (sometimes really great). A really nice reliable neighborhood place that works for both romantic or family dinners. Its Sunday brunch is what most ppl rave about, but I enjoy the prix fixe dinners on certain weekdays. My husband is a meat-lover and I'm a vegetarian...this is the rare place that prepares salads, vegetarian soups, and meat-based entrees all very well.
(4)Janis W.
Some where mid-meal the service ceased to exist. I don't know what happened. Then when service resumed, albeit spotty, it became somewhat strained. I hate walking out of a restaurant and having to wonder what just happened.
(3)Crystal M.
I wanted to like this place. A good friend took me there, and he was just raving about it...so much so that I'm hesitant to write this review (well an honest one at least)! The physical restaurant is cute. The service is very friendly but VERY slow; inexplicably slow on a pretty dead Sunday night. It was definitely out of whack with the pricing and not thought out. Not only were there LONG stretches of time between her visits to our table, but there were other small annoyances like coffee (ordered at the same time as desert) being brought to the table 1/2 way through desert, etc. Now the food: I did like my wine and was generally pleased with the selection. The Cesar salad was DRENCHED in dressing and the lettuce was a little bit Denny's (too much ice burg in the mix). It was a real shame because the dressing tasted good and they did have these intriguing fried cheese/grits cubes as substitutes for croutons which were very tasty. For an entree, I had the scallops. The presentation was very sub-par. It was a small little bowl with 4 medium sized to small scallops, some tasteless greens and, I kid you not...potato chips. Well, they are "fried yukon potatoes", but in the interest of transparency, we will classify them as glorified potato chips. The scallops themselves were good, but the overall plate was a disappointment. Now for a few high points: My friend had the truffled mashed potatoes and, my god they were delicious!! I almost wanted to order a side of them to replace my glorified potato chips and I kept eating them off of his plate. So if you do find yourself at Deleece, YOU MUST ORDER THESE. PERIOD. For desert I had the chocolate chip and banana bread pudding. It was also quite delicious, and was one of the highlights of the dinner. Overall, food and service here leave you confused, especially when you're staring down that hefty bill at the end. I did have a good time here, but that was likely because of the company of my lovely friend.
(3)Cathy M.
We had a delicious brunch at Deleece last Sunday for our sons birthday. We got there around 12:30 and the place was full but they seated us after a short wait. Our son had the lobster benedict and the lobster was very generous, really great. I had the spinach and artichoke benedict and loved it. My husband had the steak and eggs and it was excellent. Overall a great experience, we don't live nearby but will definitely go back again.
(4)Bill S.
I've lived within a couple blocks of Deleece for almost two years and had yet to try it out (I think the sign off of IP might have been keeping me away). I finally stopped in a couple weeks ago for brunch and was greeted with a typical 30-minute wait. The food was good, not the best brunch I've had, but worth the short walk on a nice day. I had the smoked bacon fritatas and would order it again. ***I had to deduct a star because someone from our group received chipped water glass and cut her lip on it while drinking.***
(3)Lindsey K.
I passed this restaurant about 100 times driving west on Irving Park, but never stepped inside for dinner. The restaurant looks very sleek and has a downtempo feel from the outside. This feel also carries over into the restaurant. It is tastefully classy, but conveys a more relaxed vibe versus stuffy - "Do you have change for a $100 bill?" For an appetizer I tried the Polenta. This dish was delicious! It is a fine example how creative one can be with polenta - polenta squares layered with sun-dried tomatoes, cooked spinach, pesto sauce, modestly saturated with olive oil. For an entree I had the arugula salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing. The dressing was light, tasteful, yet not over done. I would love to go back and try a fish or pasta entree, perhaps maybe a dessert as well.
(3)John B.
Deleece has been going through a lot of changes recently. Gone is the old sign and the old mural, to be replaced by some new, more contemporary artwork. Most important, they've hired a new chef, who has made a series of changes to the menu. It like the place went through the Food Network's "Restaurant Makeover." I think the changes are for the better. The old menu had gotten stale, and the new chef is bringing in new dishes all the time. Unfortunately, the place is still going through growing pains, and the staff aren't all as knowledgeable as you could wish. Also, when the chef is not on duty, the back of the house staff aren't always on their A game. I expect this will all even out in time. On a positive note, the food is terrific. I was there recently with a friend after the theater. We sat at the bar and had a few drinks and some appetizers (chicken potstickers and polenta with wild mushrooms, yum), which was plenty for both of us.
(4)Gunner F.
I live in the neighborhood but never stopped in until recently. I'm glad we did because we loved the brunch. To be fair, we only had one menu item as both of us ordered the breakfast pasta on a friend's recommendation. We got it with shredded chicken and it was probably the tastiest brunch I've had in a long time. Forget the bacon and eggs routine, this is da BOMB!!!! Oh, and the service was just fine...these people complaining have no idea what bad service really is.
(4)Piotr S.
The food would have been OK, just OK though, if it wasn't for the overpriced special (rack of lamb for $29!) which arrived bloody RAW. When we showed it to the waitress she was not surprised at all, did not apologize and nonchalantly said she could throw it back on a grill for a little longer. I had lost my appetite by then and said I wasn't hungry any more (we did have 2 appetizers to start: salmon and polenta which were also only ok). To top this off she charged us for the lamb!!! When I pointed it out to her she said she had to talk to the manager! It took her almost 15 minutes to get back to us, she was clearly avoiding our table even though we had been nice all evening, all I did was NICELY tell her that the meat was raw. After a long while she eventually got back to us with the lamb taken off the check. Overall, it was a bad experience, I'm not sure if that's the waitress' fault or the restaurant's policy not to apologize when the food is done wrong and then charge for it! I have not experienced it before even at way cheaper places that always tried to make up for their mistakes and make sure we left satisfied whenever something went wrong. AND WE ALWAYS COME BACK TO THOSE PLACES. We will NEVER come back to Deelece again.
(2)Sarah S.
I was not impressed with this place. I have been wanting to go for a long time and when I finally went...bleah. Food was just ok, I wasn't impressed with anything I had and I definitely won't go back
(2)LB B.
Delicious!!! Loved it!! Great service, great food!!! I had the Carmelized Salmon and it was probably the best fish that I have tasted in a LONG time, and I used to live in Hawaii. So I think that says something. My friend also had the shrimp pasta and I had some of that, that was goooooood too!! The prices are kind of high, but well worth it because the food was awesome. I will go back again! O and we had the house Pinot Noir and it was delicious! Overall 5 stars......Ps...can you tell that I like it! LOL!!
(5)Megan O.
I would recommend that Deleece spend some money on updating their menu. I could not believe that when I tried their new location with trendy decor. They used the same exact menu as their last restaurant. Does not make sense! They only have a few brunch breakfast options that are the same exact ones they have had for 8 hrs At the old location. Service was very average. They desperately need to higher a restaurant consultant.
(2)Rachel W.
I have been here several times and have always enjoyed it. It's a great neighborhood place. The food is simple and yummy...in Top Chef terms it is a Carla, not a Jeff. We went last night at 5:00 (trying to squeeze in a Friday night dinner before having to put the kiddo down for bed) and realized that the restaurant didn't open until 5:30. We were about to head back to the car to figure out what to do when the manager opened the door for us and let us sit half-an-hour early. Even though they weren't officially open, they brought us water and menus and made us 100% comfortable. It didn't hurt that they oohed and ahhed over my son.
(5)Jason G.
Took my mom here for brunch on a saturday around 11:30 and had a great experience. She had the chilaquiles and claimed it was one of the best breakfasts she has ever eaten. The pico de gallo was fresh and fantastic. I had the breakfast burrito which was also outstanding. the portions were huge and we could have gotten by with splitting one. We also shared the cinnamon orange french toast. The first serving was cold so we sent it back, expecting it to be heated up, but they brought us a fresh portion and it was amazing. Not too sweet, but a great balance of flavor. My mom even said the coffee was great. I would recommend it to anyone for brunch on Saturday, it was not busy and there were no urbanites with strollers or kids milling about so it was peaceful and relaxing,
(4)Jeremy T.
Ate there with my GF and her parents this weekend and we were all very pleased. I particularly recommend the petite filet and eggs (with hollondais sauce). I wasn't as big a fan of the french toast though. It was well made, but the orange "tang" was a bit overpowering for my taste. Overall though, I recommend checking it out!
(4)Rita W.
I was a little wary of Deleece since my friend's friend had gone there for brunch and dinner once and she had not had a good dinner experience. However, I figured that if they had a three course menu for only $20, I would hopefully at least find a course in there that I liked. Besides, considering that most entrees at restaurants are at least $20, this sounded like a great deal! And I was not dissapointed! Everything on the menu looked delicious and I finally settled on the sweet potato soup to start, chicken for my entree, and the parsnip cake with sweet cream cheese frosting to finish out my meal. My friend also started with the sweet potato soup, and chose the porkchops and double chocolate pudding. I expected the portions to be fairly small since it was a pre-fix menu but Deleece does not skimp on the portions at all! I was shocked when my entree came out, I was expecting a small chicken breast with a smattering of goat cheese on top but instead I got half a rostiserri roasted chicken atop a bed of goat cheese and fresh blueberry salad. The chicken was tender and delicious! My friend's porkchop was grilled to perfection! Cooked medium rare, it was juicy and flavorful. The parsnip cake, which resembled a drier version of the carrot cake was a bit bland for me but I fell in love with my friend's double chocolate pudding! It was definitely nothing like the old school pudding cups. Topped with fresh whipped cream and furnished with a long shortbread cookie. The pudding is very thick and almost has the consistency of fudge, it was rich and decadent and even though I was super full, I almost licked the parfait cup clean! My friend and I left Deleece very full and satisfied. I am excited to go back to Deleece for my next dining experience!
(4)Jillian R.
It's rare to find a great brunch-time destination without a crazy wait! I've been here twice and both times my party was seated in less than 10 minutes. Also, randomly both times, we were seated at the same table in the corner. Though the area's a bit dark, it's seclusion makes up for it. The items on the brunch menu are all unique. I absolutely loved my Chilaquiles, a Mexican-style egg dish. And my friends were more than pleased with the Smoked Salmon Scramble. When I went wiht my mom she tried some sort of breakfast pasta--which sounded a bit odd--but tasted great. I can't speak for the place's dinner menu, but you won't be disappointed if you make the trek for brunch.
(4)Amber N.
Best place for brunch in the city! The breakfast pasta and breakfast sandwhich are both amazing. Well worth the trip.
(4)Mateo S.
I've been consistently delighted by this place for about ten or fifteen years now, however long they have been open. It feels like home but the menu and the decor stay fresh. The other night I awkwardly enough ended up there with my parents on Valentine's Day (hold your tongues... it was an accident, we honestly forgot what night it was)... of course they were fully booked but managed to find us a three-top in about 20 minutes (no small feat). Service was hectic because of the night but as friendly and helpful as always. The food confirmed why this place has been such a standby in my life. Everything was amazing... a little posh-ified for the "big night" but tasty nonetheless. Extra credit for not clogging the place with Mylar heart shaped balloons and red votives!
(4)Lethe X.
Had dinner here with a friend before seeing a play at the Mercury. We gave ourselves two hours and were seated upon arrival, so that should have been more than enough time. Was it? Well, you be the judge...we had to ask for the dessert menu as soon as our entrees (finally) arrived, just to be sure we'd have time to eat our dessert when it arrived. And did we? Well, we managed to get it down (not exactly how you want to enjoy your dessert), but had to leave a pricey cup of coffee undrunk as we dashed for the theater. To sum it up - for the high prices at this new iteration of Deleece, they should be able to serve a salad, an entree, and a dessert in two hours, especially when put on notice at the get-go about theater plans. Although we were seated with no wait when we arrived and ordered with no delay, we waited for almost 40 minutes for our first course (two very simple salads), and only got those when we asked where they were. After the salads, we had to ask again for the entrees, as they too remained no-shows. What we thought would have been a leisurely pre-theater dinner turned into a rush to finish in time. While the server did apologize for the lengthy delay in service (after we remarked on it), no explanation was given and no compensation was offered (comping the dessert would have been nice, especially since we split one between us and had to rush with it). Okay, enough grousing. On to the food. It was good. The arugula salad with figs and goat cheese was a nice small starter, and was seasoned just right. (Can't imagine why it took 40 minutes to get it, though...it was just arugula, figs, cheese, and a pistachio or two tossed in). My friend found the house salad 'all right' - just greens with a few carrot and red bell pepper slices. The mussels (my entree) were small guys, but fresh-tasting, no hint of fishiness. The broth could have used a little something-something, it was unexceptional and didn't make me want to soak it up with the accompanying toast points. Very little seasoning, and although the menu says tomato, I didn't see or taste any, and I'd have to say the same for the garlic. My friend had the signature salmon, and it was better than good. It had a delicious caramelized crust (no breading, just the caramelization) and the sauce was mildly flavoured with ginger...even if you're not a ginger fan, you will still appreciate this sauce, where ginger has been used to enhance the overall flavour of the food, rather than dominate it. IF I were to come back, I'd order that. We split the apple crisp for dessert; it was too sweet for my taste, but if you like sugary crisps, you'll probably like this. The winning touch was the Black Dog gelato on top, yay Black Dog! All in all, my friend felt that while the food was good, the prices and the problems with service would not justify a return visit. Me, I think I'll give them another shot, just for the signature salmon. But I'll probably be skipping the salad and the dessert - $8 for a small handful of greens and a fig or two just doesn't cut it. Oh, and you should know that the menu specifies that there is a $2 charge for splitting any item. Any ITEM, not just entrees. Just so you know.
(3)Adam R.
Everything at dinner was great. Very kid friendly.
(5)Jonathan S.
This is probably one of our top-5 favorite restaurants in Chicago. First, they have an incredible prix fixe option on Mondays and Tuesdays for dinner (any appetizer-entree-dessert combo for $25). Second, their brunch is really tasty. We had the breakfast burrito, the breakfast sandwich, and the banana vanilla pancakes. Third, every single item we've ever had at the restaurant (chicken, fish, steak, etc.) has been somewhere between good and fantastic. We're actually heading back on Friday (after having brunch there on Sunday) to celebrate our anniversary. Despite that we moved away from the area, Deleece will keep drawing us back.
(5)Adam S.
I am shocked by some of the reviews. I have never had bad food here. Though the restaurant is way too cramped and parking is awful, I like coming here with friends and usually have a good time.
(4)Lawrence Y.
I like this place. I get lunch here from time to time, being that I work nearby. I like their grilled chicken sandwich the most. Not a big fan of the chicken salad sandwich though. Their special buttermilk sauce is good, too! I've never really had a problem with their service. So I would recommend!
(4)Flo C.
The loft-like ambiance and well stocked wine cellar started the night off well. Now, I have to admit, I had low expectations. Living in Chicago, I am somewhat used to great food. My rating reflects the overall value, including cost. If I had ordered from the regular menu, the value would be questionable. That said, the shrimp etouffee was amazing as it was complimented with a chipotle-like sauce. The prix-fixe value was tough to beat, so I am pretty positive about this place.
(4)Natalie D.
I went here the other night with a couple girlfriends and definitely enjoyed it. I got there early and has a glass of the house sauvignon blanc at the bar. For a house wine, it was surprisingly good. I sat and talked to the bartender for awhile and she was very friendly though not overbearing at all. When my friends got there, we split 3 entrees and a couple of appetizers and experimented with the specialty drinks on the list. We liked everything we had. Nothing stands out as one of the most amazing things I've ever had, but it was all enjoyable and the service was fast and friendly.
(3)Purnima M.
We had brunch here this weekend, and I wasn't wowed. I mean, don't get me wrong, everything was tasty, but nothing that blew us away. We got a table immediately, and our server was bordering on nonchalant, but the smells wafting through the restauarant got me enthusiastic. My breakfast pasta was a bit of a letdown, maybe I just imagined it coming together differently? Or it may have been that they went just a wee bit overboard on the sundried tomato love. Either way, it was a bit eh. My husband's chilaquiles were really tasty though, and our friend's frittata was pretty good too. I think I just might have expected more from this classic brunch spot.
(3)Cassie B.
I had been meaning to try this place for forever but when i did, it didn't live up. You could tell this place is upscale, the decor was quite nice and the entrees were creative and unique. However, my dish was so overseasoned i could barely eat it. this is coming from someone who uses salt, mustard, salsa like it's going out of style - i LIKE seasoning - but this was ridiculous. i felt like i needed to put it on some wonder bread to cut the taste. my dad's and fiance's dishes, as i understood them, were OK. the prices were pretty expensive. I would go back to try the Pris-fix (sp?) dinner during the week, but probably not for anything else.
(3)Keith C.
We have been going here for dinner for years. Deleece is my favorite neighborhood place for great food along with a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. My wife and I spend anniversaries, birthdays and even bring our 1 & 3 year old kids for early dinners. Their strength I think is combining traditional fare with nontraditional flavors & textures. Also try their fixed price menu on Mondays & Tuesdays, a great value.
(5)Nathan J.
I went there with the in-laws and it was a great time. The lamb was amazing (which was a special, I think). The rest of my group loved it as well. The wine list was only ok...which is a big part of this type of meal.
(3)Erin T.
I agree with previous posters that Deleece is really hit or miss. I had a really fantastic squash tortilla soup...and then risotto that was worse (gummy, not flavorful) than the kind I make from a box. I'm not saying risotto is easy to make; that's why I make it from a box. But when I order it in a restaurant I want it to be really good. My SO had a mediocre tuna appetizer, but the most delicious shortribs ever for his entree. I don't eat beef but I kept soaking his potatoes in the ranch sauce drizzled all over the plate and devouring them, because that sauce was divine. DIVINE. Dessert was also very meh. I ordered the chocolate and cheese because I adore both. It literally looked like they took a hammer to a big block of semi-sweet baking chocolate and put a peice of that on the plate next to a small slice of brie. In fact I'm almost positive that's what they did. That's cool and all, and technically they did not over-advertise, but I expected a little something more. I don't even remember what the SO had. So some of the food here is fantastic, and some is really not good. I love the prix fixe concept. I would come back, but not anytime soon.
(3)Cynthia B.
Food was amazing - terrific. Service was perfect, friendly, personable. Too noisy for my preference but that happens. Outstanding place, we will certainly be back.
(5)Jennifer B.
Normally I love Deleece, but this time the service was terribly slow. I will still attend this great place, but will not make time sensitive plans afterwards again.
(3)mike l.
Wow, talk about major disappointment. I don't get it. I just don't get it. Cassandra B. pretty much wrote my review for me. We went in with high expectations. Everything was just OK. I mean, it was better than OK, but didn't live up to the hype or the price. It certainly wasn't an $80 dinner. I'd go back for the prix fixe menu, but nothing else. We started with the crab cakes & the butter lettuce salad. Eh. Nothing special. The salad was a major dissapointment because it SOUNDED so good on paper. overall it was a lot of wannabe iceberg lettuce with a teeny scoop of goat cheese. main entrees were definitely better. I had the rack of lamb, which was perfect. the yukon gold potatos were pretty ambivalent and the asparagus just felt neglected. The Wife had the seared salmon which she liked quite a bunch. the black rice was a great side along with the greens. Overall, it felt like it was trying to freaking hard to be a neighborhood jewel. And the staff, just plain creepy! I got stared at by the weird host & our waitress was downright annoying. You'd think in a place that serves $30 entrees they'd know not to bother the diners while they're eating. plus, she only spoke to me, refused to acknowlege The Wife. no thanks. I'd rather have two meals at Blue Line than another one here.
(3)Amy R.
I used to live right around the corner from Deleece, so whenever I felt like treating myself, I'd go here. It's an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The outdoor seating area is great for people watching, and the inside is nice as well: simplistic and open. The menu is creative and unique, and I've loved everything I've tried. Unfortunately for me, I think more and more people have fallen in love with this place, because I stopped by my old hood a couple weeks ago to grab a bite for lunch, and a line was out the door. Too bad I was too hungry to wait. 2/12/07 Update: Made a reservation this time around to sidestep the wait issue. Our hostess wasn't particularly pleasant, but our waitress made up for it. I tasted all three meals ordered by my party, and all were AMAZING. The foods were wonderfully paired together - it felt like a gourmet party on my taste buds. It's not cheap: most entrees fall between $16-20, with $25-30 for the top of the line meals. Must go - just make a reservation first!
(4)Norma C.
Updated 7/17/09 Some time has passed since the "Check Please" appearance and people have stopped rushing to Deleece. It's back to being one of my favorite brunch places in the city. Older review: Check Please RUINED Deleece! My friends and I frequented Deleece for the phenomenal Chilaquiles brunch. We never had a problem finding seating and always got great service. Recently featured on Check Please, Deleece is now overrun with yuppy drones and the service has suffered. Sunday around noon, there was a line out the door, which never happened pre-Check Please. Our waiter was fine at first, but I suppose the excessive gabbing of my friends and I went on too long for his liking and he stopped filling water and coffee cups. Not to mention the worst part of all this is they ran out of the Chilaquiles. Our waiter became less enthusiastic of our presence and finally stopped coming to our table entirely. As a bartender, I know how hard it is to serve people after a busy day, but it does affect tips, believe me. I'm really disappointed. Time to find a new brunch hangout until Check Please ruins that as well.
(4)anne h.
the first time i had breakfast pasta w/ tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese, it blew my mind. it's so yum. i mean, i thought it was weird, but it smelled so good that i had to try it. i've tried to make it at home, but it's just not as good. deleece broke my heart when they changed the recipe a few months ago. anyway, i went last week and IT WAS BACK. awe-some!! they don't have a huge menu for brunch, but it's one of my favorite meals to eat so i've tried most of their offerings. their benedicts and frittatas are. (i'm excited that they're moving down the street, too, because then i'll remember to eat there more often!) their breakfast potatoes are so good - way better than other brunch places i've been - & their coffee is good & strong, too. (i appreciate simple things done really well.) they have a shady patio, a full bar, & the staff has always been really friendly/
(5)brad p.
The egg sandwich I had for brunch this morning made me wish I was hungover so its awesomeness could cure me. The sandwich was a perfect blend of grilled sourdough, over-medium eggs, applewood smoked bacon, spinach and white cheddar cheese. That and two cups of coffee did me right on a rainy morning. Service was great and the place was nearly empty. It's not the first time I've been here, but the first time in a while. In my experience, it's much better for brunch than dinner. Go for brunch. It's crazy good.
(4)Sandra J.
I wasn't as impressed with brunch at Deleece as I was with their dinner. My girlfriends and I have a Bitch club (Brunch in the Chi) and our first place to dine was Deleece. I was bummed that they didn't have any soy for coffee, so I just ordered water. They have a mimosa special but I wasn't feeling it at the moment. I was really hoping to find something healthy on the menu, but the closest I got to healthy was a egg white frittia with artichokes and goat cheese. I am not one to turn down bread but when it is covered with butter without my asking.. I get turned off. The Frittia was a bit oily for my taste but the potatoes were nice a brown. I know my fellow diners were disappointed in their meals.. The lobster Benedict didn't have the taste of truffle. I was hoping for amazing at Deleece and got OK. I don't think I will be back here for brunch. Parking is street and the closest public transportation is the Irving Bus.
(2)b b.
We made a reservation for 5:45 pm, to celebrate two family events. When we arrived we were informed that we could only have the table for a little more than an hour. We were rushed through dinner, and our check was presented before we had ordered dessert or coffee. While the food was very good, the waiter was gruff.
(2)Nathan K.
Had lunch here on a friday. Very easy to get in there at this time. Not bad. Had a fancy BLT with avocado and blue cheese. Kind of creative, and tasty. Nothing I'd go out of the way probably to return to, but pretty good to return too if I'm close by.
(4)Darla B.
I gave this place about 5 chances to get it right and now I'm done. They must pay the waitstaff a great salary so that they don't have to work for tips. They're grumpy, slow and inattentive. And the owner needs to take a class on how to be friendly as well.
(1)chelsey g.
i like brunch. it is good for people, such as myself, who sleep in past breakfast hours. it adds a little spice in the ol' routine soup and sandwich lunch i am accustomed to. but i LOVE the brunch at deleece. i ordered the filet in a hollandaise truffle sauce with eggs. the filet was cooked perfect, the eggs were so tasty, and that sauce. oh, that sauce. i am still having dreams about how amazing that sauce was. seriously, wow. my boyfriend got the frittata of the day, which also had steak in it. both of our portions were great. our waiter was super nice and friendly. the best part of it, deleece is a part of the member card for chicago public radio and so we both ate delicious steak and eggs for under twenty dollars. though the NPR card is good for only one use there, i will definitely be going back to deleece. probably on their twenty dollars, three course meal night.
(5)Bee B.
Deleece is a great choice for a "nice" dinner. The mojitos are amazing and they have an extensive list of wines by the glass, including one of my faves - Rosenbloom Zinfindel. I am in loves with the salmon and black rice. Even though (and this may ruin your mental image of black rice) my husband claims it looks like mouse poop. I don't care, though, since it is certianly the best mouse poop I have ever had! I have had some other great fish dishes at deleece, and my huband always loves their beef selections. The base menu has at least one dish of fish, beef, veg, chicken, pasta, etc, and there are always interesting specials to be had. From my experience, they have been pretty good about substitutions as well. I have had some great desserts there, but i thought my bananna bread pudding last nite was a bit, well, bready. Yeah, whatever, I take my bread PUDDING seriously. So, minus one star for that and the frusteration of parking, but deleece is still my go to when I want to dress up a bit for dinner, but i don't want to go international with sushi, spanish or smediteranian.
(4)Classically Trained L.
i had heard some mixed reviews about this place in the past, but when a friend of mine (also in the industry) told me that their exec chef had changed and the menu was also undergoing changes, i was excited to check it out. since then, i have eaten at deleece numerous times and have always left impressed. the new chef has really nailed down a PERFECT spring menu, and i love the weekly variety with the fixe prix menu on monday and tuesday nights. they even have vegetarian dishes, and although i am NOT a vegetarian, i would go back every day for their stuffed poblano. they're pretty famous for the salmon dish which is to die for, and came highly recommend even from friends who were less than impressed with the old chef/menu. the desserts are hit or miss but i would recommend the ever popular trio, which consists of a piece of flour-less chocolate cake (gluten allergy friendly!), chocolate mousse served in an edible tuile cookie cup, and 2 delightful handmade truffles. they also decorate the plate with a delicious fruit (raspberry, perhaps?) coulis (read: puree) that i was soaking up with the rich cake. the goat cheese cheesecake was also delicious, and i could've eaten 10 gallons of the white chocolate mousse. i sadly have never been there for brunch but i hear great things. definitely worth checking out, overall.
(5)Mychael G.
Went here with a few friends this weekend and the food is great, had a hard time deciding what we wanted but I was pleased with my stuffed acorn squash choice. Mimosas rocked too, just a bit expensive and we waited bit.
(4)Jeri L.
Really disappointing! I choose Deleece to host a NYE dinner with my friends based off several recommendations. Everyone had great things to say about the restaurant so I thought this would be a suitable place for my friends and I to enjoy a nice dinner and drinks. We had a 8pm reservation for 12 people. We were seated quickly, but then waited for 20 minutes for waitress to come by and take our drink orders. After she came back with our drinks our waitress never came back till after 9pm to take our dinner order. Shortly after placing our dinner order the power went out. Our group had to hail down the waitress (that was avoiding our table) to get any ETA of what was going on. In total our waitress came by once during the black out which we had to ask for more drinks and bread to eat (because we have had no food for 2 hours). This should have been an indication for us to leave. You think a server or manager would be more attentive to their customers during a black out? I wish now we all just walked out then. After the power came back on the food came out, but it was inconsistent. Two steaks at table were over cooked, the prime rib was cold to the touch, one salmon dish was raw, and my salad was missing half the ingredients. The waitress grudgingly took our food back into the kitchen. When we finally left out of their taking our dessert to go we had been there for 3 hours and their were no accommodations done to the bill for our poor service, bad food, or our time. It was extremely disappointing and I regret more than ever having my friends spend their money on a disorganized restaurant. I suggest if you want a nice dinner and good service go to Tango Sur next door, but if you want poor service and pay too much for food then go to Deleece- they will deliver on that expectation.
(1)Morris D.
Hi fellas, Morris checking in. How's it going out there? I just got back from a jump-roping seminar in LA and the first place I went to when I landed back here was Deelece. Nice little spot here folks. Maybe the best garlic mashed potatoes I've ever had. Skirt steak was a good production. Kudos to the producer of that product. Was a hot night, but cool inside which was nice. Our waitress also made sure our orders of Grey Goose/Baby Formula kept coming! Never had a dry glass. Try it out folks!!
(4)Andy L.
Amazing food & great service! I had the Salmon with black rice, which tasted phenomenal and my GF had the amish chicken... might be the best chicken on the Northside. Deleece is a hidden gem on Southport and apparently recently moved. It's now conveniently located right by the Music Box. We had drinks, an app & entrees (which was more than enough food) and it was $68, so very reasonable (even more so w/ a $50 Groupon)...
(5)Linda P.
The food is always decent and our waiter was terriffic, very attentive but not overly so. Why or why do they hire such bitchy hostesses, this one had such a bad attitude we almost left but needed to use up our Groupon so we stayed. I'm glad we did but they really need to do a better job hiring hostesses who don't act like they are doing you a favor by actually seating you at a table. This is not the first time this has happened to us there, don't think we'll be back soon.
(3)David R.
We came on a Tuesday night for the prix fixe menu for $20. It was a great value, and the food was good, but not outstanding. It was a couple months ago and I don't even remember what I ate. I hear their brunch is good so maybe I will come back one weekend morning.
(3)Nate L.
3 stars So we meet up here for a New to Yelp dinner and had a great time (big thanks to the awesome company). However, waiting for our main course for probably 40+ minutes and few other things annoyed me in which I will explain below. App = It was sweet potato with chipotle.. Not bad, tasted little too bland for me but Yukari did like it, so it might just be me. And it came out pretty fast which is always plus in my book. Main course = seared tuna with bok choy and mushrooms.... Pretty good. bok choy and mushrooms weren't over cooked and the sauce complimented the tuna beautifully. I prefer crusted sear tuna but nontheless, it was a good dish. Things I didn't like about this place included naked girl painting on the walls, call me a pervert for NOTICING it first but I don't think having a naked girl painting on the wall of a restaurant is very professional in my opinion. Service..... Who wants to wait 40+ minutes for their meal???? not this fat ass. Come on Deleece! (maybe because we had a big group? It was party of 6) And giving you the main course over somebody's shoulder across the table? come on now, that's not very polite. especially after you made us wait for 40+ mins. You could've walked 10 ft around and served us properly. But I will try this place again. Just in case they had an off-night in the kitchen. Probably ain't a good place for a first date, naked paintings on the walls and it gets little loud in there. I think it's probably the design of that place, it wasn't even crowded and I had hard time hearing people talk at times.
(3)Daniel H.
Pleasant ambiance- great presentation- and tasty food....We say yum
(4)Brian M.
Deleece is a very special spot to me, the place i proposed to my fiance, our first date was here, and have been a handful of other times. I was a little disappointed that they were going to move, but I understand business is business. Went here for Mother's day recently and had a wonderful lobster benedict with truffle hollandaise. Also had some delicious beignets, they were so soft and delicate. Also went here for again for dinner recently and had the Amish Chicken with Truffle mashed potatoes, both were cooked and seasoned to perfection. The only thing I would recommend when here is to skip the apps and get a couple of salads. The salads are decently sized and really well made, freshly dressed and prepared. The apps, while really tasty are very small and only made for one person.
(5)Minh D.
I always get excellent food from this restaurant. They changed chefs a few times over the years, but food quality has always been great and consistent. Their chef always has their special of the the day items. I usually get those. The dishes are very well prepared and very tasty. They used to have berkshire pork chops all the time, but now they only have it occasionally. If you see them selling it, you should get it - worth every penny. They really does this dish well here, the meat comes out tender, flavorful and tasty (medium rare for me please). Their prix fixe menu is another great bonus. Desserts are always great. Don't forget to try their flourless cholocate cake or chocolate mouse.
(5)Alyssa H.
I loved everything about this place, and after reading some of the other reviews I'm wondering if we just went on an "on" night... so first recommendation? Go on a Tuesday. It was nice and quiet, maybe 15 people in the place at 8pm. My immediate reaction on walking in the door is that I was thrilled to be able to see into the kitchen. I'm a pastry cook, so I'm always happy for an opportunity to size up the back of the house. It was insanely clean, and the chef noticed me looking and flashed me a big ol' smile. Our service was stellar - we didn't wait for anything, and when we were looking at wines our server had some excellent suggestions. She obviously knew what she was talking about, and even brought out a taste of one of the wines we didn't order (and for what it's worth, it was a nice big taste - not some piddly sip). My knowledge of wines is usually limited to "Sure, I can taste cherries in there," so I appreciated the input. A tip: Monday and Tuesday nights they offer a $20 prix fixe menu which is well worth it considering the prices on the full menu are around $15 per entree. We decided to go with the regular menu, and I've gotta say it was one of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time. We started with the gnocchi appetizer - fabulous. Apples and gnocchi and pecans... really, really good. I ordered the pork tenderloin which was smothered in a sauce that I mopped up with my bread (and would have licked from the plate had I been in private) and came with a "savory apple cobbler" that I'll remember for a long time. It was like a little bite of Thanksgiving. Delicious. My husband ordered the rack of lamb special which was coated in blue cheese and horseradish - incredible. Cooked perfectly. There wasn't a morsel of food left on either plate. For dessert I ordered the apple cobbler and it was wonderful - a la mode, warm and crispy. The check came immediately, and the whole thing (2 glasses of wine, an appetizer, two entrees and dessert) came to just under 100 bucks. A bit more than what we'd usually spend on a Tuesday night, but well worth every penny. When we come back we'll probably stick to the prix fixe menu (because despite popular opinion, being a first-year pastry cook doesn't pay as much as a first-year lawyer... who makes these decisions?).
(5)Michael K.
While the decor, ambience and staff at Deleece was good, the food was pretty mediocre. The watermelon caprese salad is very good, but the entrees don't have much taste. They look great, but there just isn't any flavor. I had the duck, cooked medium, and was really looking forward to it, but it simply didn't have any flavor. I made sure I dipped the duck in the sauce....which also had no flavor. I then put on the salt, which helped a little, but still lacked a lot. My date have the shrimp and truffle pasta. It too was bland. Typically, anything made with truffle or truffle oil has that very unique taste. This did not. The waiter raved about the dessert special of the night, which was a pumpkin spice parfait. It looked delicious. It tasted like pumpkin pie filling straight from a can with some whipped cream on top (which didn't have much flavor either). I was surprisingly disappointed, as the location is great, the atmosphere is really inviting and clean, and the service was attentive. The food was just bland.
(2)Jo W.
There is one thing I hate more than anything in life - standing in line. Thus, I refuse to stand in line at some of the city's more popular brunch spots. And why would I, when there are plenty of great places that let you make a reservation or don't even have a wait. Example: Deleece. I'd been to the other location for brunch before and enjoyed it, so when a friend and I decided to do brunch a couple weekends ago, I suggested it. She preferred this location thinking there would be more street parking available, and she was correct. We ended up being a few minutes late for our reservation, but there was no need to worry - there were only 2 other tables taken. I was really surprised at how NOT busy it was. We were seated in the front window, and my chair ended up being against a door. It was a little drafty on that cold morning, but I figured a mimosa or two would warm me right up and I was correct. We opted not to get the bottomless mimosas, but just know they're there for $15 if you want them. I ordered a half order of the cinnamon orange french toast and a side of bacon, and both were very delicious. As I "mmm-ed" my way through the meal, I told my friend that I'd offer her a bite, but I didn't want to share. I'm mean like that. My friend had ordered pancakes, and after we placed our order our server came back and informed her the chef had come extra blueberries and asked if she wanted them on her pancakes. She said sure. Well, when they came out they were actually cooked IN the pancakes. I don't think my friend was too jazzed about that (the server had made it sound like they would be on top), and honestly they didn't look that great. But she ate them, so I guess they weren't too bad. Our server was kind of odd. She did the thing where you'd tell her something, and then she'd just give you a vacant stare for a few seconds too long. It was weird. When we were done eating, there still only a few tables so we didn't feel rushed to leave and were deep in conversation. Our server kept stopping by, dropping the check, asking about the check, asking about change... it became annoying. At first I thought she was trying to cash us out so she could leave (which we would have understood), but she was still taking new tables so it didn't make sense to me at all. At any rate, we decided to leave to get away from her awkwardness. Overall, Deleece is a great brunch spot and I don't understand why it's not busier. If you're like me and want to avoid long waits and long lines, know that you'll get a tasty meal and a nice mimosa buzz to start your day.
(4)Ashley K.
I've been meaning to go there for a while, and when I finally did, I was thrilled with my evening. I had Amish Chicken, which I was expecting just some bland chicken and it ended up being so flavorful! My husband got the Mahi Mahi special which had this awesome mango chutney. But the thing that I crave the most is their crabcakes appetizer! Holy crap... yum. They had this leafy thing in a dressing on the side that I couldn't get enough of. Arugala perhaps? I had that blueberry cake thing too, and liked it. I don't know what everyone else is complaining about. I will definitely be returning... and I may just get five orders of crabcakes... cause my mouth is watering as I think about it!
(5)Elizabeth K.
Fantastic meals each time I go to Deleece! I love the prix fixe on Monday & Tuesday nights, 1/2 off wine on Wednesdays is lovely, plus their weekend brunches are just amazing. I get the Egg DeMuffin every time it is on the specials menu. Small-ish/reasonable portion sizes leave me satisfied but not disgustingly overstuffed, which I appreciate! I would highly recommend Deleece to anyone who likes fresh, interesting food!
(5)David R.
This is a great example of a restaurant that never would have hit my radar if it weren't for the Chicago A La Card. So, in effect, they owe my patronage to their participation in the ALC program. But they didn't seem to appreciate that, as we will see in a moment. First off, the food was mostly enjoyable but the menu doesn't seem particularly inspired. I ended up with the szechwan steak salad, which was quite good, although there were far fewer greens than I expected and far more rice noodles. But, I liked the unexpected twist. The basil/cilantro/mint dressing was the highlight. I ordered also the soup of the day--potato leek with bacon. The soup was a tad too salty but generally quite good, and I appreciated that the bacon topping was hot and crisp, obviously crumbled into the bowl right out of the pan. I tried a bite of my friend's poblano pepper entree and give that a thumbs-up as well. I finished off with the bread pudding, which was decent on its own. However, the bacon sauce was a fatal misstep. I am generally not a fan of the "bacon + sugar" phenomeon--Vosges and a certain Avondale kitchen being the exceptions--but this one was terrible. It took an average bread pudding into "yuck, I want to spit this out" territory. It left a really bizarre and unpleasant aftertaste, which is the opposite of what you want from a dessert. Sad face. My main complaint regards the service. First off, our server had a severe head cold which caused him to snort and sniffle every two seconds as he stood over our table reading the specials, taking our orders, delivering dishes, etc. NOT appealing. The second snag was with my A La Card: since we had taken advantage of the half-price wine special, they claimed that we could not use two promotions in the same meal. I argued that the wine special was on the drink side, while the A La Card was on the food side; I also argued that the A La Card had brought us in to begin with. But that didn't get me anywhere. Regardless of their "rule" I would think that after a two-minute discussion, they would realize that pleasing the customer is in their best interest, and give me the discount. There were five tables occupied on a Wednesday night--a Wednesday night with a half-price wine special, no less. They need to look at the big picture. I'm pretty sure that the $10 isn't going to bankrupt the restaurant, and that giving good customer service is a much better investment. So between the boring menu and the sour taste left from the A La Card debacle, I don't believe that I'll be returning to Deleece.
(2)George O.
Great food! The best of the Southport corridor restaurants for dinner. I have been to this restaurant a number of times both at their old location and their new one. The service was always prompt and cordial and the food was always very tasty. And if you are seeing a show at the Music Box or Mercury Theater then this is the place to go.
(5)Kate B.
This place is 100% hit, or 80% miss. And unfortunately I haven't been able to figure out the pattern enough to try risking another visit. It's too expensive to not be delicious every time. I live really close, so it would be convenient for this place to be amazing. And sometimes it is. ONCE I ordered their brunch special and it was so melt in my mouth good, I thought I'm coming back here every day. But it appears it was a one time menu item. Otherwise, try their sweet potato salad. It's the only other thing that's consistently delicious. Also, the pomegranite mimosas are good- but not worth the price.
(3)Katie C.
I can't tell you how many times I've walked or driven by Deleece and considered dining there. Several. Dozens, even. After deliberating for so long for no reason, we finally made it in for a late dinner on a Tuesday night. And the experience at Deleece was quite nice. Lovely, even! Having been to their other restaurant, Deleece Grill Pub, I was happy to find Deleece is similar in design and ambiance. Love the exposed brick walls decked with modern art, and the velvety maroon drapes to soften the room. Only negative to the atmosphere? The blowing heaters! Oy...my upper lip was drawing sweat beats from sitting there for 5 minutes! Our waitress was chatty and willing to help us make our dinner decisions. And we needed her, because so many things on the menu sounded good! The lamb, rolled with bleu cheese and breadcrumbs, sounded amazing. I was contemplating the New York strip with truffle mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach, but the server recommended the boneless half Amish chicken with fingerling potatoes, bacon and celery salad, and fig Mostarda, and that sealed the deal. My friend's fiance started with the house salad--lettuce, braised cherry tomatoes, peppercorn dressing--and those tomatoes were goooood. The dressing had a little spice to it, too. The bread was nice--a soft sourdough served with a honey-mustard butter. Little slice of heaven that was! Finally our meals came, and the chicken was verrrrrry tender, mmm. I did enjoy the fig sauce, which had the essence of a bbq sauce. Sadly, I didn't really enjoy the smokiness of the bacon and celery salad, but it was okay, because I ordered a side of the garlic green beans. Mmm, perfection! Garlicky, buttery beans with a crispiness to them. My friend's fiance had the chicken too, and he loved it, and my friend had the Szechwan steak salad, and steak was tender, the napa cabbage fresh, and the dressing super spicy! She liked it a lot, and I'll admit I did too. Using my Membercard, our bill (which included a $28 bottle of wine) came to about $76...all things considered, the damage was minimal. I would absolutely come back for dinner again, and I'm excited to try their brunch. Just turn down the heat, Deleece, and I won't overlook you again!
(4)Adam E.
Went to deleece for brunch several months ago, and had been meaning to write this review ever since. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it felt really conducive to our small group. The waitress kept the endless mimosas coming, and we kept drinking them. The food was pretty good but not outright thrilling. Maybe it was because I was adventurous and tried one of the interesting eggs benedict variations. It was good, and I'd certainly go back, but being one of my few brunch places i've been to, i didn't feel strongly either way yet.
(3)Jane K.
Went after a show at the Music Box. Service was bleh! The decor is ok but not very cozy nor is the temperature warm. A bit pretentious menu unsupported by actual taste. I had half a chicken something and it was good but completely overseasoned. The skin was very crispy and delicious though. Friends had some pasta and the pasta was not cooked al dente nor were they quality durum semolina to preserve some life in it. Sauce was decent but nothing special. Side Note: The selection of photographs in the restaurant were somewhat offensive to me. As a woman, as an Asian, I am unsure which if either but I did not find it to be tasteful at all and it rather annoyed me greatly.
(2)Brook E.
After seeing Book of Liz at The Chemically Unbalanced Theatre, we weren't quite ready to go home yet, so when we walked by Deleece, we thought, let's get a small bite! Just deciding on drinks, appetizer and dessert was difficult after looking through the menu--however, we'd already eaten dinner, and this was 4th meal. Focus! Veggie spring rolls in lettuce were small but filling. The crispy lettuce was a great contrast against the warm fried goodness of those little wraps. Dessert was excellent as well. Service was prompt without being intrusive. I like places that don't give you a second look if you're coming in for a more upscale snack instead of a full on meal. We were in and out in about an hour, so that felt nicely paced given what we had ordered. Now that I've had 4th meal here, I'd be up for trying brunch or dinner.
(4)Jeff N.
A very good experience here. Actual rating would be higher than a 4, but not quite a 5. Caesar salad one of the best I've had. Anchovies (although extra $) very good. I had the Poblano Pepper dish. Definitely 5 star dish. Wife had the Tuna entree. Hers was more 4 stars. The sides and appetizers were both very good. The waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. I would definitely go back again when I am in that area.
(4)Natasha O.
I went here yesterday to celebrate my friend's birthday. We were a large party - 10 people - and had reservations. The place wasn't crowded regardless so I think it wouldn't have mattered too much, but it's nice to know you have that option. This place is getting 1 star not because of the food, but because of the service. The food was pretty decent, if not blow your socks off kind of fare, so if I were to rate it on that alone I'd probably give it about 3 stars. However, there is absolutely nothing that excuses the server we had. I get that gratuity is included because our party was so large.. but does that mean she is entitled to be a sourpuss the entire time? I don't think any of us got even one smile. Really, the kicker is that we asked her not once, but TWICE even, to bring something out for our birthday girl to celebrate. She actually said "no." "NO." And not "No, sorry, we just don't have any birthday candles and/or aren't prepared to handle something like that." It was "No, we usually stick a candle in a beignet, but you already ordered those before." Excuse me, but we weren't even trying to get something for free; we were willing to pay for another order of beignet.. or for a dessert since those were *also* available. It just smacked of utter laziness and disrespect for us. We informed her how rude she had been and how she would not have repeat business from us.. I also asked to see the manager but was informed the manager wasn't around to speak to me. I informed that server what had happened and all he said was, "ok." Clearly, this staff just does not care. In this economy especially, I am shocked that they would have such a blase attitude.
(1)John G.
The next time I feel like waiting 90 minutes at a table for sub standard food, I'll be right back!
(1)John B.
Had a frittata. It did not blow me away. I wish they had a larger menu with more options.
(3)Matt M.
A restaurant.com gift card and A La Card (they're back in 2011) pointed me in the direction of Deleece for a dinner with family in 2010. Deleece is tightly packed with tables, and those tables are tightly packed with people. I went with one of their few pasta dishes, shrimp with penne pasta in a pesto cream sauce. The pesto cream sauce had great flavor, and went well with the shrimp, which tasted wood-grilled. The dish that dominated the rest of the table, however, was a lamb special: chops accompanied with cheese and spinach. I immediately regretted my shrimp pasta that I had been quite content with up until that point. Their arugula, pistachios and vinaigrette salad was also good with chicken. We ended up quite happy that we'd chosen Deleece as our gathering point, as the meal ended up being excellent. Overall it was a great atmosphere for having a great conversation over a few bottles of wine.
(4)Petras D.
I've been to Deleece on 4 or 5 occasions and have not once been dissatisfied. The service is prompt & friendly, the drinks are good and the food is excellent. I have had a different item from the menu on each visit and enjoyed each thoroughly. Even now as a vegan this place has things to offer in that realm which satisfy and satiate your hunger. The spicy balsamic vinaigrette dressing was so good I want to go back again today! Kirsten, our waitress, was very sweet and professional...nice combo for a waitress huh. You don't know me but I'd definitely recommend dining here.
(5)Mike R.
I'll start by saying that the food is usually pretty good, but this is more for the service than anything else. My wife and I came in on a week night, it was busy, but still plenty of tables open. Took our drink orders, we ordered our food, and then waited. And waited...tables began being filled next to us, and we watched them receive and finish their orders while we waited. Waitress walks by our table about a half dozen times, but won't even make eye contact with us, let alone tell us the order will be up in a few minutes (which would have been fine) or stop to see if we needed anything. I flag her down to order another drink, and then ten minutes later flag her down again to ask where our food is. Her response "its in the kitchen" and she laughs and starts to walk away. WTF!?!?? Food finally came and was good, but for what is supposed to be an upscale neighborhood restaurant with upscale neighborhood prices, I think a refresher course on customer service might be in order for the wait staff, because this is pretty unacceptable. We have been here a bunch of times since they moved to the new location and the service is always kind of spotty, but this was the worst experience yet. Busboys were great though, and the food at brunch is good too, if you can suffer through a fairly uncomfortable service experience.
(2)Chris C.
Checked the place out because we had a $10 coupon. I really can't think of anything particularly bad to say.... or anything particularly good. I just remember leaving feeling like I'd had the most perfectly average experience in a while. I wasn't particularly excited by any of the choices of apps or entrees. To be honest, it hasn't even been that long since we went and I can't even recall what I ordered. Not a good sign! Anyway there isn't anything particularly wrong with the place, it just left no impression on me whatsoever.
(3)Marissa G.
I had brunch here with friends last Sunday. For how good it was, I am surprised it wasn't completely packed! I had the crab cake Benedict. I love eggs Benedict and it was very good, potatoes very tasty as well. I also had a bite of my friend's egg sandwich with spinach and family farmed bacon, which was delicious. Our table ordered the beignets to share, I thought they were great, crispy and chewy at the same time. Others around the table thought they were good but not anything to write home about. I also had the bloody mary, and made a special request to make it extra spicy with Sriracha sauce, and the bartender looked in the kitchen and found it for me! He even brought our table extra hot sauce, what a sweetie! Only thing was that it was a small glass, and it was a $6.50 drink... Portions are healthy but not ridiculous. Waiters were knowledgeable and friendly. At one point, it seemed that the birthday girl's order was mixed up, and the waitress brought the other dish she thought she ordered within 10 minutes and wrapped up the other dish for her to take home saying, "I just want you to be happy!" Good move. Overall, I would go back again. The other drink specials looked great and I would love to try them. Great place for a casual brunch without a long long wait like some other places in the city.
(4)Nick B.
Got a call from the mother on Saturday morning proclaiming she wanted to go out for brunch. Going to brunch usually beats going out with friends, so I thought what the heck! It was a spooky, rainy Saturday morning and my only request was to find a cozy restaurant with a nice view of a residential street. Cool? As a true Scorpio who loves this time of year, it wasn't a problem at all! I've been going by Deleece for a long time. I meant to go over the summer to sit on the patio but that never worked out. With that said, I came in around 12PM for brunch and it was comfortably crowded. Exposed brick, light lounge music, low lighting, I was in heaven. We were seated promptly by the window. I started with a coffee, cool. I was starving and wanted to try something outside of the usual so I went with their breakfast burrito. Hold the chorizo and sour cream. Pardon my Polish, but HOLY SHIT. I was literally knocked out of my chair after trying this. The tortilla was filled with scrambled eggs, extra black beans as I requested guacamole, and pico de gallo. Flavorful. Spicy. Filling. EVERYTHING. I was so excited eating the burrito that I never wanted it to end. It was a protein packed monster and I loved every second of it. The roasted potatoes on the side were also very welcomed. Loved, loved, LOVED Deleece. I have to say it was one of the best brunch outings I've had since LOKal, which was a few weeks ago but whatever. Check. This. OUT.
(5)lash girl B.
Best chicken I ever had .. I lived in New Orleans for 12 Years and finding great food like this and not expensive is a real treat. I will be back Deleece. Great wine list as well. ;P
(5)Laura V.
I love this restaurant. I go at least a few times a month now. Before they moved locations, I'd only been twice. Both times, the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived (due to work schedules we usually get to restaurants around 8:30pm) and we were the last ones there by the time we were eating. I'm sure some people like that type of ambience, as it were, but I don't like a library atmosphere and the employees clearly waiting for me to finish so they can go home. The food was very good, though, so as soon as they moved I stopped in to check it out. Wow! Very busy, but usually not too noisy. I always sit at the bar to eat, and the bartender is friendly but not overly chatty. It also seems like I get my food faster than those seated at tables, but that could also be because people at tables are usually in groups and it takes longer to get orders out for 4 diners than just one or two. For appetizers, I always order/recommend the same thing: crab cakes and the gnocchi. Both are outstanding. The crab cakes are large, fresh, and taste like you pulled the crab right out of the crab legs yourself. Another reviewer felt they were underseasoned, but I don't want a bunch of extra flavors & herbs in something that tastes great by itself. It's really all personal preference. They are very fresh so there's no "fishy" taste or smell at all, unless you just feel crab has a fish taste. The gnocchi is amazing, and you just have to try it as my description wouldn't do it justice. Every entree I've tried has been wonderful, but I will say that if you don't like your tuna or salmon rare then that needs to be mentioned when ordering. The salmon is wonderful and beautifully prepared, and my favorite here. They do specials which are not on the menu but it's often the same thing. A filet is one of them and it's every bit as good as most premier steakhouses in the city. The NY Strip is also very good and I love the garlic mashed potatoes served with it. They are much busier earlier in the evening, so if you prefer it less crowded then definitely come in after 8pm. I read some of the negative reviews and since I love this place I have to defend it: I've never smelled anything strange so it must have been just that one night. Yes, the A/C has been cranked up a couple of times, but in the summertime restaurant kitchens can get VERY hot so even if it's freezing in the dining area, the kitchen might be just bearable. I know that restaurants, theaters, shops, etc are often too cold for me in the summer so I always bring a cardigan. I can't respond to complaints about the waitstaff since I always sit at the bar but I've met and talked with the owner and he does seem very concerned about making things right for the customers. No, the food doesn't come out as fast as at some larger restaurants and they don't have entrees pre-prepared to just heat up and send out to the tables either. So yes, when they're busy it will take some time to get your meal to you. Have a glass of wine, some appetizers, and linger over them while you await your entree. To me, taking your time to enjoy dining out is not a bad thing. If you're in a hurry, or you have small children with you, then maybe consider a faster chain-type establishment instead. I have teens and I wouldn't bring them here as they just won't appreciate it. The owner and bartender always greet me and have expressed an appreciation for my repeat business, which is very nice. I'm not the only "regular" either, so they must be doing something right.
(5)Andrea C.
i have a feeling business at deleece is up due to the groupon :) but hey, no shame in that game! like many, i bought one and treated the bf to a 'nice' dinner out one wednesday night. he had: pork tenderloin stuffed w/bacon (!) yummmm which came with a savory apple cobbler (which...wasnt exactly what we expected, but still good nonetheless) i had: braised beef short ribs- delicious...but the horseradish mashed potatoes were AMAZING. since we had the groupon, we also got some of the truffle mashed potatoes...very tasty. atmosphere was nice...and i guess they have a price fixed menu on mondays and tuesdays ($20 for 3 courses) and on wednesdays all bottles of wine are half off! *but note you cant take advantage of any of these offers when using another promotion (ie: groupon). deleece is a solid choice if you're up north in the southport corridor. nuff said.
(4)Christina T.
The salmon dish is amazing! Medium rare is made perfectly with a crispy exterior that gives it a great combination of textures and flavors. The black rice is heavenly and purrfectly paired with the salmon. I've never experienced rice like this before Deleece. It's pure ambrosia! It has a nutty, sweet taste with a hint of chocolate and its made al dente. Then there is the spinach cooked with leeks that perfectly tied the dish together. I tried my best to eat this meal as slow as possible to savor each bite because i didn't want it to end! Service was great and the restaurant has a great ambiance.
(4)Nana H.
I'm trying to use my member card as much as possible, and it's taking me places I would normally never go. This is one of those restaurants, I would probably not come back if I weren't getting some sort of deal, or just happen to be in the neighborhood and starving. We were here for dinner and we had their "signature" lamp chops with blue cheese and fingerling potatoes and asparagus, also the new york steak strip and truffle potatoes, and spinach. Everything was all good and on point so there aren't any real complaints, it's just that I can't brag about this meal that much either.
(3)Vanessa D.
Had a nice dinner here with my parents last night. The food is described as California wine-country fare. The menu is pretty small, with about 7 or 8 items in each category: appetizers, salads, main courses, sides. They had a good wine list and I was surprised to also see craft beer selections. We all ordered beer to go with our meal. The only issue I had was that they served them in frosted pint glasses, which really takes away from the aroma and flavor when the beer is served so cold! Other than that, the meal was wonderful. My parents enjoyed their orders: risotto crabcakes, pollenta (best ever, according to my parents), and sze chuan salad w/ New York Strip. I ordered the arugula salad (delicious!) and a side of truffle mashed potatoes (pretty good, but nothing spectacular). The acoustics in the place were a little weird -- even before the restaurant filled up it was QUITE loud. While a bit of noise is to be expected on a Friday night, this was unusually loud. Overall, it was a good experience, but I wasn't completely blown away or anything. However, I will come back if I'm ever in the area again.
(3)rebecca g.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I've had one of the best dishes of my LIFE here. Everything I read about the Salmon in Pear-Ginger Sauce was true, and then some...from the fish's perfect level of done-ness (cooked, but still juicy and yielding) to the sweet-tangy sauce that was liquid candy (without being cloying)...to the creamy yet crunchy black rice, to the garlicky and spicy chard...I'm honestly at a loss as to how this dish could ever be improved. Pricy, sure, but a really substantial portion...and the side of truffle mashed potatoes was fabulous. I was even more thrilled when I ordered a ginger ale and it came with house-made ginger syrup! My waitress (actually the hostess) was so down-to-earth and attentive...the complimentary bread with mustard-butter was a nice touch...and I'm still dreaming about that Pear-Ginger Salmon!
(5)Url R.
Decent spot for dining with a toddler for early dinner. We made an early reservation, 5:30, and the place was empty inside and only a table or two was taken outside. Crab Risotto cakes were a good starter, but could use more of the sauce considering the size of the cakes. Caramelized Salmon was very very good, especially the black Chinese rice which can be difficult to cook well. The spinach was perfectly seasoned with a pear ginger sauce. Halibut was so-so, and needed more seasoning. Vegetables were slightly greasy. Glad the kids meals come with fruit and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
(4)Jessica M.
My boyfriend and I had been wanting to try this place for awhile, so when they had a groupon deal, we finally went in for dinner. The food was not bad... I had a steak with mashed potatoes and spinach and I really liked it. However, it was pretty pricey and I probably wouldn't have ordered it if we didn't have the groupon deal. My boyfriend got a lobster/fish special because he couldn't eat meat that Friday (lent) and the entire thing was wait to fishy. I love fish, but even I was a little overwhelmed by it. The main thing that turned me off from this place was the service. Every time the food runner brought something out, he put it in front of the wrong person without asking, so we had to rearrange our dishes each time he left. Once I was done with my dinner, my dirty plate must have sat in front of me for at least 20 minutes before anyone bothered to bus it. I saw a busser walk around every few minutes and look right at our table, but he never came to take my dish away. That is REALLY annoying. It took awhile to pay too... even with a $40 groupon, we still ended up paying an extra $27 on top of that for two dinners and a soup. There's too many other good places in Chicago to waste my time with bad service and overpriced food.
(3)Tracy K.
Being in the neighborhood, hungry, and armed with a WBEZ Member Card, my husband and I decided to stop in here for dinner. The place was empty, unless you count a few folks at the bar and a two top on the patio. Our waiter was friendly, but gave us our space. Drinks were good, but did not pack as much of a punch as desired when you are shelling out $12 for a cocktail. Our gnocchi appetizer was nothing short of awesome, and for entrees, we both ordered the only vegetarian option, the stuffed pepper. We both enjoyed it, and had enough leftover for lunch the next day, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I chosen to order it, rather than having it be my only option. I would be back to try brunch, but not likely for another dinner. Too many places in the city offer vegetarians a number of options, so I'll keep going with those.
(3)Lauren B.
We stumbled upon Deelece randomly after giving up on some other brunch places in the area due to long waits. It turned out to be for the best as this was the best brunch I've had in Chicago to date. Most of the brunch options are egg related, so this isn't the place to go if you're craving pancakes the fritattas were delicious! It was one of those meals you keep eating even though you're full because its that good. My boyfriend commented that you can judge a good brunch by the potatoes- most places just serve them as an afterthought and they aren't anything special, but these were actually very good- crisp and well seasoned. All of the dishes were reasonably priced ($8-$12) and there was no wait. I will definitely go back here for brunch.
(5)David M.
This is our place for a fancy brunch after church at nearby Crossroads Christian Church. My favorite is the grilled salmon ceasar salad. The salmon is fresh, covered with a honey glaze, and grilled. It is a generous portion of fish. Don't expect anything "ordinary." Every dish seemed to be special in some way. The service is good. The service was familiar with all of the dishes, including the specials.
(4)Sarah B.
I have only actually eaten here once, but I live across the street so I have had take-out from here more times than I can count for brunch and lunch. Their eggs benedict is delicious - and holds up well enough on the trip across the street that it is still really enjoyable and the yolks are gooey. Lunch-wise, they have a short rib sandwich that is out. of. this. world. I cannot say enough good things about this sandwich. You are transported out of yuppie-ville into a Texas BBQ joint with this sandwich. BBQ lovers, you really should try this. I still haven't been able to bring myself to try their dinner - just a little too expensive for me, even given the across-the-street convenience. Oh, everyone here is really nice too - they let me use their in-house phone when I left mine in a taxi.
(4)Chele B.
Wow. As a patron of both the Irving and Clark locations we regret to say we were HIGHLY disappointed visiting the 'new' restaurant next to Mercury Theater. Specials were not highlighted, tables were left vacant as multiple parties waited, tables by the door were subject to wind gusts, at least two parties left due to waiting over an hour for their food, and the hostess was Less than pleasant -- does not make for a return trip. Sorry. This was a one and done trip. Disappointing. We will return to Deleece, just not on Southport.
(1)Patrick K.
This was a horrible experience. We went there and ordered, we were the only table there. We waited 20 minutes, then asked the waitress where our food was, she disappeared for another few minutes came back and said that she lost out order! She said oh, I can put it in now... 2 other tables came and were served since. I can't believe the bad service, didn't even offer a discount or an apology.
(1)Risa P.
Well yum!! I was here for a surprise birthday dinner (well...my surprise birthday dinner...hahaha) and it was a great place for a group of 7. I got the fixed menu ($20) of heirloom tomatoes with goat cheese, a risotto and a lemon sponge cake. The salad was good, yet simple. It was not the most exciting of salads though the tomatoes were really good. Sometimes tomatoes can be dicey. These were not. The risotto was creamy with roasted corn, tomatoes and cauliflower. It was delicious and really filling. I could not finish my portion but that means yummy left overs!! I really like the cauliflower and corn in the dish. I also tried the mac and cheese. I wouldnt describe it as mac and cheese, but rather like a pasta in a cheese sauce. It was yummy as well. It was ordered without bacon and was quite tasty. They used big corkscrew pasta noodles which was a great and easy way to spear the pasta. Since it was my birthday, they presented me with a dessert tray. Oh holey moley. The sponge cake that I had ordered was light and lemony. The berry crepes were so good--the cream inside of the creme complemented the tart /sweet aspect of the berries. The chocolate cake was rich, decadent and so so good (it may have been flourless) and the chocolate mousse was really yummy too! The chocolate candies with orange zest were good as well. Basically the desserts were amazing and everything was dark chocolate which I love! A really fun yummy dinner. The service was pretty quick (though a little slow on refills on bread and the awesome honey butter) but our waiter was really nice and helpful. Water refills were quick too. I want to go back and try other dishes here! They have outside seating as well. Really easy to get to via the Irving Park and Ashland bus. YUM
(4)Abhay S.
Went to Deleece last night with my wife for the first time. We will be returning soon. We ordered the pot stickers as an appetizer and absolutely loved them. That being said, I wish restaurants would give an even number of appetizers -- I hate that awkward moment of splitting an appetizer. Anyway, I ordered the beef tenderloin and my wife ordered the penne pasta with grilled shrimp. My dinner came with a helping of spinach and potatoes which were awesome. For dessert we shared a cinnamon apple bread pudding. Dessert was good, but next time we'll be skipping it because the meal is huge. We will be returning soon.
(4)Steve H.
Wow, not very good. My wife and I had high hopes for this place, however they were quickly squandered. We came here for dinner last night. All tables were filled and the restaurant was buzzing. The decor is nice and hostess quickly greeted us. Service was decent, about what you would expect. Now on to the food. We elected to each order a salad to start and an entree. I had the arugula salad, wife had the caesar. Salads were decent, probably the best thing about the meal. For entrees she ordered the farfalle and I ordered the pork chop. Food took awhile to come out, unfortunately it must have been sitting for a bit, because it was not all that hot. The pork chop was disgusting. I think maybe 20% of it was edible, the rest being fat. It had little flavor and the "cranberry sauce" was nothing more than canned cranberries mixed with BBQ sauce. The yam puree was decent however. My wifes pasta had was incredibly bland. She makes better pasta at home. For $120, we expected much much more. This place may be packed now, however if they continue to serve this quality of food it will quickly fizzle. I really would like to see this place succeed, Southport needs a upscale dining option. Hopefully they change the menu and or cook.
(2)Thomas T.
I just came from dinner here with my wife and 6 yr old daughter, and had a great time. Our server was enthusiastic and very friendly, obviously well trained. Our food was TERRIFIC. My wife and I split the potstickers and risotto crab cakes, both of which were very good. But the highlight was the absolutely delicious pork chop entree that we also split. The pork was a Berkshire breed from a local farmer, and it was THE best pork I have ever had in my life. Very tender, and with a deep flavor that you won't get from a supermarket pork chop. It came with a yummy sauce that I can't quite recall all the ingredients of (but molasses was part of it), and also curried apple slices, roasted pearl onions, browned roasted cauliflower, and farro (sort of like Italian buckwheat) with golden raisins. Just spectacular. I also want to praise Deleece for the excellent kids' menu. For a mere $4.50, my daughter got a grilled cheese sandwich with very good bread and quality cheeses, plus a big load of fresh fruit - and ice cream for dessert was included. We've been going to Deleece for brunch for over a decade (we live right around the corner), and have always loved it. But I often forget just how good a place this is for a great dinner and really, a good value too.
(5)Melissa H.
Happy Birthday, Dad!!! We're going to take you someplace you've never been before on a Friday night because you have horrible children and we all forgot to make reservations in advance...Ooops. Yelp says it's good though, and we can get a reservation with OpenTable at 7pm - I know how you like to eat early and all! Sure, it's not super fancy on the inside...The tables are laid out a little weird, and the chairs are super heavy; but other than that service is good and this cream soda cocktail is delicious! Is there anything you want off the appetizer menu? I know you love shrimp cocktail, but they don't have that. We're just going to order a bunch of things and we can all try them...I'm sure you'll like the crab risotto cakes - they sound good. Okay? Wow, so much stuff on this menu! I've been dreaming of short ribs lately, I'm totally gonna order that....You're getting what? Oh, the pesto penne pasta with shrimp? Hey! You're getting your shrimp! Happy Birthday!!!! Man - those crab cake things were so good! Like lick the plate good! Can I get another cream soda cocktail please? Mmmkthx. Whoa, do you guys see the size of this short rib? No, bro - you cannot taste the celery root puree. If you wanted it, you shoulda ordered it yourself! Ha! Just kidding....of course you can try it! Is anyone else going to order another drink? No? Uh, I guess I'll stop ordering cocktails then...
(4)Fleming B.
To channel the comic book guy, WORST. SERVICE. EVER. We live a hop, skip, and a jump away from Deleece and had heard great things about it. When Groupon offered a deal, I jumped on it. We arrived at 7:15, sat down, and our server was initially attentive. We got the appetizers, he took our main course order, and THEN.... FORTY MINUTES WENT BY. FORTY. MINUTES. For some chicken. After we were done eating, it took another TWENTY MINUTES for them to bring the check. The food was okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Everything had too much vinegar - the salad, the sauce with our appetizer. The Amish chicken was cooked perfectly, but the sides were difficult to eat. Every second we sat at the table (remember: this is an HOUR of time wasted) just made the experience more and more mediocre until I couldn't stand it any more. It was unacceptable. I will NEVER be back I enjoy lingering over dinner, but on my terms - not at the whim of a slacker server,
(1)Katie H.
I've eaten Sunday brunch at Deleece a few times over the past couple years (each time hoping that it will have improved upon itself since my previous visit), and I think I've given it its last chance. In a city that prides itself increasingly more on its quality and variety of brunch options, Deleece just doesn't have what it takes to compete. First off, the cleanliness of the entryway and bathroom area leaves a lot to be desired. I was more excited about the brunch menu options, but the eggs benedict was only lukewarm atop a soggy English muffin, and the blue cheese BLT sported limp bacon and a spray-buttered, hard-as-nails brioche. Even the mojito, while refreshing, was too sugary for my taste. I hate to give a bad review, but I really think fellow diners should spend the extra waiting time and a few extra blocks of walking to another of the great brunch locations Lakeview has to offer.
(2)Gabe L.
Fairly deleecious. I came in here today before listening to some bands I never heard of at the Metro, and ordered dumplings (good), veal (ok), and bittersweet chocolate pudding (don't know why they took so long to bring out pudding) off of the $20 prix fixe menu. The food was pretty good, and the service eh. Refills people refills! As I was leaving, there were 2 girls sitting by the window. I passed by one of them and all I heard was "... so I was blacked out ...". Is it wrong that the first thing that came to my head was to stop, take out my wallet, put my business card on the table, and say "call me", then leave? It probably is. I shouldn't have typed that. Can't take it back now ... On the way back from the concert, 2 hours later, they were still there. Maybe the food was better than I thought ... or the alcohol?
(3)Jason E.
I have to second third and fourth the praise of brunch at Deleece. It's every bit as good as Orange, without the line around the corner. I've been with my wife and two kids for Brunch and for Dinner, and head great food and great service each time. I love this place because the menu and preparation are that of a very fine restaurant, but the atmosphere is casual. I went to Deleece for a weekday business lunch, and it was very quiet with the same quality service and food. The lunch and brunch menus have a much larger selection than the dinner menu. The egg sandwich is extremely good. The kids menu is $5, a good deal for the type of restaurant.
(5)Kim V.
Food has the potential to be great, but it is kind of bland. This is a restaurant that shouldn't have salt on the table, but it does. The staff was not very knowledgeable. We asked if any of the meat was free range or from local farms to which the server replied "No, sorry." Then we saw "Amish Chicken" on the menu, knowing that the Amish are always humane with their preparation we pointed that out. Then she said, "yeah, that one is." So she went from no to yes that one in 5 seconds. The better answer to our original question would have been "Only our Amish chicken." However, our water glasses were constantly filled. The chef/preparer brought our food to the table, great artwork, beautiful exposed brick interior. Maybe their brunch is better.
(2)Kristin S.
If you've got a craving for those fluffy, piping hot, homemade french doughnuts known as beignets, head over to Deleece for brunch! The space is a bit smaller than I expected, but we were there pretty early, so it wasn't too crowded. Service was fantastic with our server, Tanika, Taneeka?, taking great care of us from the second we sat down. I don't think our coffee or water ever reached half-full levels. Outside of the beignets, though, nothing on the menu seemed to blow me away. We went with two recommended dishes, the eggs benedict and the breakfast sandwich. Both were good, but nothing outstanding. The sandwich was just two eggs with cheddar cheese and spinach on toast. Good, but I could and have made better sandwiches at home. The prices were in the upper range of breakfast foods, but not out of the ordinary with most items in the $8-$10 range. I'd think about heading back next time I'm craving fried dough, but I'm not sure there's much more I'd like. Our awesome server did recommend the breakfast pasta as her favorite dish, so maybe I'll try that next time and change my tune. Until then, while Deleece has many of the makings of a great brunch spot, the food lacks any real stand out appeal.
(3)Ryan W.
Great casual dining. I've probably eaten at Deleece 20 times in the last couple years I've been in the area. My favorites are the Buffalo Chicken sandwich or the Beef Brisket sandwich for lunch. The sweet potato salad on the side is great too! The dinner menu changes a bit, but it's always creative with several great options to choose from. It hasn't been crowded when I've been there, which is fine with me! It's a go to when friends or family are visiting and we want a good meal in a setting where we can talk and not feel rushed.
(4)Dana G.
Go here!!! I came here for brunch w/ some girls from our flag football team and the mimosa pitchers were great after a long game! The girls all loved their meals...steak and eggs, crabcakes, breakfast burrito (which was HUGE) and I got some sort of friend dough deliciousness. I suggested this place to my boyfriend to take his parents when they visited from out of town and I think they loved it more than I did
(5)Sarah I.
Wanted to try a new brunch spot so I found Deleece on yelp and decided to try it with three girl friends. Loved the decor and that they had bottomless mimosas (definitely took advantage of that). I also loved my Frittata...mushrooms, leeks, spinach and Swiss cheese...yum!! It was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I also loved the toast it was served with. I would have liked a few more red potatoes...there was literally only like 5 of 6 pieces (they were cut in half or quartered to begin with!). One of my friends got a Caesar salad and she said it was just ok. It is a little out of the way for me, but I will definitely be back!
(4)Vince M.
UPDATE: I originally gave this place 3 stars, but soon after my review, the owner emailed me apologizing for the bad parts of our experience at this place and offered me an incentive to come back. I worked in restaurants and small businesses my entire life, and it means the world to me when owners seem to genuinely care about your experience. I will most likely give this place another shot; but even if I don't come back, they left me with a great experience after all.
(4)Jelly C.
I don't remember how long Deleece has been in my Yelp bookmarks but I am so happy to finally take a restaurant off my never-ending places to try! We finally got to the restaurant after a minor misunderstanding. We went to the Clark St. location and after a few minutes of them not finding our reservation, they let us know that we may arrived at the wrong Deleece. The hostess was nice enough to call them for us and we were on our way! It ended up working out for us since only the Southport location excepts Groupons! We ordered a good amount of food for 3 people. Everything sounded delicious. We had the gnocchi, shrimp bisque, fig salad, and crab cakes for appetizers. The gnocchi was yummy and not too heavy and the fig salad had a nice creamy, tangy, sweet dressing. I really liked the crab cakes because it had a crispy outside and a yummy sauce. The shrimp bisque was a little weird and not too flavorful but I still almost finished the whole thing. I was hungry! For entrees, Donna had some kind of penne pasta, the boyfriend had braised beef ribs (I think.. don't quite remember) and I had to chicken. I didn't care too much for the other entrees but my dish was soo good. I can go as far as saying one of the best rotisserie (I think that's what it was...) chicken ever! It was nicely seasoned and the meat was soo juicy. I was quite full at that point so I couldn't finish it all but I saved from for dessert. My boyfriend and I shared the Chocolate trio thing. It came with a chocolate mousse, cake, and truffle. You have to get this... the mousse was so delicious. I came close to licking the plate! ha! Anyways, my boyfriend also pointed out that there were numerous naked lady paintings on the wall. Of course he was the first to notice! ha! The child in me wanted to giggle at the exposed private parts but I didn't... I held it in. =) Will be back for the chicken!
(4)Lex E.
Mmm! I came here for dinner with a good recommendation from my boss. I have a couple food allergies which can make it hard (& frustrating) to eat out, so I'm always a little wary of eating out. The waitress was very understanding of my food allergies and was knowledgeable enough about the menu that she was able to tell me which meals I could eat (and checked with the chef when she was unsure). I ended up getting the caramelized salmon entree and it was delicious! My eating companions got the half Amish chicken and the stuffed rainbow trout entree. The chicken got a thumbs up, but the rainbow trout got a "it could have been a better tasting fish". Other than that it was great. We didn't try any drinks or desserts. Entrees are a little pricey and the atmosphere is a little loud and not the most aesthetically pleasing - but nothing bad enough to rule out eating there. Overall, for a nice dinner out - I'd recommend trying it because the food is worth it.
(4)Dora V.
Our server was so kind when I spilled my customary glass of wine all over the table, I promised a good review, so let's consider this a good review. The food was excellent, but the portions were tiny (especially the appetizer portions) and the prices were high. Too high. We were accepted as a party of 5 for dinner at 8:45 pm, and despite going soup to nuts, we were given "looks" that told us it was time for us to leave. We were working on dessert and paying the check: a little more patience would have been nice. It's a nice atmosphere and the food really is delicious, but if your pocketbook is less than plentiful, you can definitely get a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere. Or do the Monday/Tuesday 3 course price fixe for $20.
(3)Allochka G.
Summary: A fairly quiet, relaxed, decent restaurant. An unremarkable experience, but no great disappointment. Starting out with their Monday/Tuesday $20 prixe fixe menu is probably the best bet. Full review: Deleece has your standard brick walls, black tables, sparse decoration, candles on tables (that kind of thing). Our primary waiter was very slow and aloof, but the extra service staff was very friendly and efficient. The waiter recommended the wines and said that the main menu is built around "California Wines". Keeping that in mind, I got a glass of Riesling, generously poured but very unremarkable. What can I say, California isn't exactly known for good Rieslings, so what did I expect? But I wanted a white to pair with my salmon entree, and this was the best affordable white I saw on the menu, save for one Chardonnay which I just personally don't like. Oh well. My salad appetizer was so-so at best. A tiny plate of greens with chunks of goat cheese and some nuts sprinkled here and there. It was supposed to have a buttermilk dressing or something of that sort, but that added nothing to the flavor. I felt sorry I didn't go for the gnocchi, which sounded good. Our main courses, however, were excellent, especially my grilled salmon with spinach, which was the best I've had in a looong time. Fresh, flavorful. I also appreciate the server checking with me about how I like my salmon prepared, too many places don't ask. This was prepared just right, well seasoned, yum. My boyfriend had the steak with mashed potatoes and reported that it was well prepared as well. One critical note is that the food was bathing in butter. The salmon was sitting in a pool of sauce that was ALL butter. Yes, butter makes things taste better, but this was overkill and I would have appreciated something more inventive. I loved my salmon despite the butter pool, most of which I scraped and left to the side.What's the point of billing yourself as a "fresh, local, seasonal" place and then going so wild on butter that the freshness melts away underneath? But overall the entrees were great. I share previous reviewers' warning about slow service! If you have another engagement planned for after dinner (as we did), budget extra-extra time. Even though we were there on a Tuesday (early evening) and the restaurant was nearly empty, we waited about 40 minutes for our food to arrive, and received no apology for the very long wait (unlike some of the other reviewers here). Overall, I would come back here for their Monday/Tuesday $20 prix fixe dinners. The dishes on that menu don't seem as good as the main menu items we had, but the prices are more reasonable for what you're getting.
(3)Misse D.
Denton and I met his sister for brunch on a Sunday, my brunch day of choice. My first impression was that it was a little suburban. There were babies and families EVERYWHERE. An hour into our meal, we saw a group of girls setting up for a baby shower. Although it wasn't my favorite meal ever, I have to give major props for the service we received. I made three special requests (I know, so high maintenance) and Briana J. made one herself. The meal was good but nothing stood out that makes me want to head back asap. However, there is no wait which is a rare thing when going out to brunch in Chicago!
(4)Remy O.
Though the chicken dish was exceptional, two of us had the stuffed butternut squash with kale/Gruyère/onion dish and it was truly awful. We also had the blueberry custard cake dessert which was not edible. The squash was cooked correctly, but the stuffing was disgusting. The kale was undercooked and drenched in olive oil -- there was a large pool of olive oil at the bottom of the squash. There was no detectable Gruyère or onion. The blueberry cake was disgusting - completely stale and virtually tasteless. The custard at the base had clearly been sitting out for a long time and had become a thick, stiff (probably health hazard), block at the base of the slice. I ordered coffee with it which arrived promptly, but barely passed for even warmed. Gross. Our waitress was very awkward. Each time she'd visit our table, she didn't ask whether we needed anything or how the food was even. She also didn't ask why two of us barely touched our dishes, and left the entire piece of cake save for one small bite. This restaurant is part of the A La Card program and it shouldn't be -- the other restaurants, some of which are phenomenal, shouldn't be associated with such poor quality of food and service. This place is a waste of money and gives deserving restaurants in its class a bad rap. Clean up your act, Deleece.
(1)Kristin S.
We decided to try Deleece from Groupon. It was great! First, our server was excellent. She was friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. We started with the chicken and veggie wontons. Yummy. They were pan fried on top of a green sauce with mustard seeds, I think and they were perfect! I had the Amish boneless chicken on top of a spinach, celery and apple salad with a fig sauce. WOW. The chicken was cooked absolutely perfect! Pan seared at high temp then baked. The fig sauce worked in harmony with the spinach salad to give an nice assortment of flavorings at once. The portion was huge, I took one piece of chicken home. My husband had a special, the beef tenderloin with a clove-infused red wine syrup. It came with a sweet potato gratin, which he loved. They definitely have it going on here! Great flavor combos without being too bizarro yet original. But the best part of all was the dessert. Me being the chocoholic , I had to try the chocolate trio. Their home-made chocolate pudding is the best I have ever had!!! Such honest, smooth, chocolate taste, not overly sweet! Nice whipped dense consistancy! Homemade truffle and chocolate flourless cake completed the trio but the clear winner was the pudding. I would go back just to have the pudding for dinner : ) Try this place! I would definitely go again!
(4)Christina S.
I ordered from Deleece through Grubhub for dinner last night. Delivery took exactly one hour (which is what was promised). The food was lukewarm but still good. I ordered: Fried chicken - a little greasy but good flavor and not dry - with 2 sides: mashed potatoes (excellent and they give you enough for 3 meals) and mac & chz (very good, a little greasy - not typical mac/chx, spiral noodles in alfredo sauce). Also ordered an appetizer - fried chz curds which were okay (a little greasy) but came with cocktail sauce (not tomato sauce like I expected). Overall food was okay. I probably won't order delivery from here again - the food wasn't good enough for the price (total ran almost $40). I may check out the brunch based on other reviews.
(2)Jacques M.
Sorry, but the twelve year old in me can't get over the fact that there's a picture of a naked lady on the wall. It's tasteful and out of the way so don't worry parents there still kid friendly. Seriously thought this is fast becoming one of my favorite brunch spots. Their Chiliqulis ( I know I murdered the spelling) are excellent and even a bit spicy and eggs are prepared just right. Moreover, be sure and save room for the baguette (donut like dessert) they are excellent. Atmosphere, is fairly modern with a few interesting art pieces, be warned there can be a few babies here on the weekend, but the seats are fairly spread out and it didn't distract me the last time I went. Service has been good both times and prices are on par with the rest of the area (most of the dishes in the $10 range). Overall, I recommend Deleece for Brunch and will revisit my review once I go for dinner.
(4)Emily D.
Met a new girlfriend here. She was super, Deleece was not. But it was still tasty and fine. I mean, it's brunch. You're yammering on with a chicky about boys and school and work and life. Anything tastes pretty great at that point. The beignets were a'ight. I could eat a dozen of any kind of donut, so I don't think my palette is necessarily discriminating. We both ordered specials, mine being the Huevos Rancheros. The potatoes were too greasy and needed S&P. Like a lot. And my heaven is not having to season anything. Everything was greasy actually. Obviously my plate was clean without regret, but there are too many good brunch places to try for me to go back here.
(3)Clare K.
I had brunch here on Saturday and LOVED it. Seriously--I am still thinking about the polenta + egg dish. It would be 5 stars, but the latte I tacked on at the end of the meal tasted like paper cup. :-/ granted--it was in a paper cup, but still... Also--they take brunch reservations thru opentable.com which is nice...however, they were not crowded on Saturday at 10am and that was even nicer.
(4)Natalie F.
Its good. Just go there.........dont ask questions........you wont take any risks, its pretty darn tasty every single time......... I like you can see in the kitchen and as a foodie, I want to see the kitchen.
(4)Sarah K.
We were planning on going to Sweets and Savories this evening for their half-off the entire menu amazingness on Tuesdays, but alas they are booked up three weeks in advance....so we decided to head over to Deleece for the second week in a row and boy were we happy we did!!! This time we had an even better experience than before (not to say that last time was not great) and I have now changed this restaurant from four to five stars. Woohoo indead! Our service was again friendly and helpful and this time we were presented with two generous and interesting bread plates. The menu also featured more selection this time around and had a more seasonal twist. We both started with the pumpkin gnocchi and for entrees we had the thai fish soup and the pork chop. For dessert I had the chocolate cake again and my boyfriend had scrumptious oatmeal cookies with vanilla ice cream. Everything was great! I still find it hard to believe that a three course meal here for two people comes to $52 with tax and a 20% tip...incredible!
(5)Kelly G.
Went here thanks to Groupon, and had a pretty great experience. The service was prompt and helpful, no problems there. The layout of the place does feel a little awkward/cramped, but it isn't overly problematic. The bread was soft and tasty and served with a sweet honey butter . We ordered the rack of lamb and the Amish chicken. The chicken was good - somewhat fatty (my date compared it to Cornish game hen with more fat) but still had nice flavor, and was VERY moist. It was served with perfectly cooked (although only 3 of them) fingerling potatoes and some greens. While the chicken was good, the lamb was amazing. Perfectly cooked, stuffed with blue cheese and served with aujou. The greens served with it were uneventful, and the potatoes were good, but the lamb was just excellent. So. Freaking. Tasty. The prices are a little on the high side, but I think it would definitely be worth it for a date or for the fix prix menu. And if you like lamb and they have it that night - get it.
(4)Tara P.
Huh. This place could be so much better. We arrived very excited about taking advantage of the outdoor seating on one of the first warmish days of the year. We left puzzled about the service, and the stupid possibility that a mimosa machine might exist. The food quality was good enough - I had a delicious pesto-y grilled chicken sandwich - but every. little. thing we asked for took 15 minutes to be delivered unto us. We got all excited about the bottomless mimosas, only to lose our buzz between each as we awaited the requested refills. At one point the server revealed that the mimosas were taking a while because the "mimosa machine" was broken. Whaaa?? That bit o' nonsense aside, it also doesn't make sense to drink 4 mimosas each and leave without at least a mild buzz. We want our buzz, dagnabbit! I think I'll go home and fire up the ol' wine-pouring machine.
(3)Karen A.
Meh. Been here many times over the years and for some reason I don't want to go back for a while, like for a few years. Then I go, thinking I have a new attitude and maybe things have gotten better, but no, its still MEH. The bar was fine. The company kept my mind off of the mediocre meal and I probably will give it another try in a couple of years, if it lasts through the current economic downward spiral. Have a nice day! :)
(3)Rahshonda K.
Wow I'm so shocked by the reviews because I had such a wonderful experience at Deleece. We were not sure if we were going to even go here but since we left Mercury Theater and we paid 12.00 to valet we figure we would get our money's worth and it was my BFF's birthday. We sat outside and the weather was perfect. We started with the Lobster Bisque and the Arugula Salad. Salad was AMAZING!!!! Lobster Bisque had a very earthy taste to it I was not impressed but it was not bad where it could not be enjoyed. We then ordered Organic Riesling which was so smooth and enjoyable. Staff was friendly and HOT I might add!!! It's always nice to be served by cute guys that are easy on the eyes. I digress!!! We ordered the Linguine and it was so tasty. Had a nice bite to it with the red peppers. Since it was my BFF's birthday we ordered the mango sorbet and it was ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!!! I definitely want to go back again. Deleece...uh I think I Delove U!!
(5)Sarah B.
I recently went back to Deleece for dinner and was disappointed by a lot of little things. For the price and locale, I expected a lot more. For a Saturday night, it wasn't too busy, but a steady stream of people came through. It took about 10 minutes for the bartender to take my drink order. There were 4 people at the bar, one who already had a drink. At the table, our orders were taken in a timely manner and the waitress was decent, but not outstanding. The busboy left a lot to be desired, especially with infrequent water fill-ups and several mix-ups with the entree delivery. We were a larger group (8) but there were several large groups. We tried the pot stickers, which were ok, but not great; steak special: ok, not great; lamb: ok, not great. We were especially disappointed by the truffle mashed potatoes: dry, lumpy and bit cold. It was so disappointing, I didn't even have dessert. And I always order dessert. Wine and coffee were good, but nothing above expectations. Bathroom gets a star --clean and well-stocked. Average prices were $15-25, with the specials running between $25 and $30, and sides around $5. Wine is about $7-12, with a lot of variety. I had a good time with the friends I was with, but for the price and quality, Unless it's for a casual brunch, I won't be going back any time soon. There are too many exceptional restaurants that deserve my attention more.
(2)Stacey P.
this review is based on desserts only. I got green tea cheesecake. It was pretty good, but very little green tea taste. The cake was more creamy than dense, which is what I like. My friend got the blueberry cream cake (I can't remember the exact name)... HORRIBLE!!!! I am still astounded at how bad this pastry was. It was hard, tasted stale, like something you'd pick up in a box from dominicks, open the box, open the wrapper, leave it for 2 months, and THEN eat it. That's what it tasted like. Also our waitress seemed disapointed in us or something. Every time we asked for something it was like she was thinking "ugh, i guess, fine, GOSH!!! (like napoleon dynamite)" I really wanted to try this place for dinner as well, but not anymore. SEE YA deleece, wouldn't wanna be ya.
(2)Happiness L.
Great food, friendly service, nice ambiance. Bring a blanket as it gets cold in here. I especially enjoyed the duck club sandwich and arugula salad. Looking forward to a return visit.
(4)naureen a.
Delicious food, great service, laid back romantic atmosphere. When I made reservation I told them it was our 1st time there & hubby's bday, they asked if I'd like a slice of cake w/ candle brought out. I said yes & they remebered to do it w/o my prompting. Our server was terrific totally added to great dining experience. Crab cake app was great. I had super yum chicken entree (probably best chicken i've ever eaten NO JOKE), hubs had pork tenderloin. out of control belgian chocolate mousse for desert. We can't wait to return. Great for a nice dinner out any occasion. after dinner, go catch a movie up the street at Music Box, can't go wrong :))
(4)John L.
Great Valentine's Day dinner!
(4)Michael A.
I think this spot used to be just north of Irving Park on Southport, seems like they've moved just 3 blocks south. Went here for dinner with 2 friends, prices were fair and nothing was all that bad. But there wasn't really any "Wow" factor here. I'd be interested to come here again for brunch since a lot of people seem to rate that pretty well.
(3)erin k.
I think there's more wind on the corner of Southport and Irving than any other point in the city. Could someone look that up for me? How is it possible that every time I eat on Deleece's patio I have to chase my menu? The Monday and Tuesday $20 three course special is a great deal, but this time I was charmed by the homemade mushroom-filled ravioli appetizer and chose that as my entree. We shared the salad with crumbled blue cheese and pommes frites, so really an appetizer for dinner after that was perfect...and I saved room for dessert too! The server told us about a raspberry cheesecake fried in wonton, and while that sounded great we opted for the goat cheese cheesecake. Well, she decide to bring us the wontons anyway and my boyfriend and I broke up so that we could date our desserts. (who reads this far into a review anyway?)
(4)Doug B.
As usual, DeLeece was excellent. Went there on a date tonight. The service was attentive without being intrusive. I had the potato-leek soup and the salmon. Both were excellent. My date chose a great bottle of wine which...is 50% off on Wednesdays. Hooray! DeLeece has never failed me over all these years of dining there. I DO wish they would make the cream of mushroom soup with the truffle oil swirled through it again someday. Are you reading this DeLeece?
(5)Kevin B.
Had the Great Lakes Whitefish, warm shrimp 'panzanella' of fennel, red Fresno peppers and sourdough croutons with Pimenton- almond romesco. Best fish I've had because it was hot and spicy... finally hot and spicy fish :) (I never eat fish) Will return, but Groupon definitely helped.
(4)Rudy S.
I'll be the first to admit it, I've overlooked this place over the years. While, yes I have my favorite brunch spots, and would try new places, I had never been to Deleece until now. I went here last Sunday around noon and was able to get a table on the patio without a wait. Everyone from the server to the hostess to the people working inside were so friendly. The service was really quick. There were families, people on a brunch date, and groups of friends here. It was a relaxing enviornment. But let's get to the good stuff..the food was great. I had the chilaquilles, my friend had the breakfast burrito, and we split the cinnamon orange french toast. With their prices being moderate, $7-$8, I figured they'd be small portions. Boy was I wrong, I could barely finish my food and had to take the French Toast home (which was still delicious 5 hours later) The chilaquiles were a good spicy. I loved them. I took a bite of my friend's burrito and that was amazing as well..almost giving Bongo Room a run for it's money. It was a great experience, with spaces both inside and out and friendly staff. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Jessica C.
Deleece is Deeelicious! I used to live practically kiddy-corner from the place, but never ventured inside. Recently, I discovered resturants.com and scrolled through the list of participating establishments and came across Deleece. So the decision was made and my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. Super cute and warm in there. It's not too large, probably about 15-20 small tables and a bar. We opted for the little table for two against the window so that we could get our people watching on. The server asked us if we wanted some drinks and left us with some freshly baked bread and butter while we thumbed the menu and made our decisions. Oh...about the butter: it had these little brownish chunks in it which resembled bacon or apples. The BF doesn't eat bacon and I'm allergic to dairy, so we had a delema. Realizing that I wouldn't go into antifilactic shock from a tiny tiny taste, I daringly stuck my finger in the butter dish and sampled it. FYI: it was cinnimon apple and I didn't die. It was pretty tastey, but I couldn't go back in for more, unfortunately. The menu looked great and offered some pretty articulate flavor combinations. I ordered the Salmon with black sticky rice and spinach. The dish was asian-inspired with sweet sesame glaze. The salmon was a perfect portion, as was the entire dish, and was done to perfection...not to dry and flakey. The spinach was sauteed with onions and yummy. The black rice was sticky, indeed, and was fabulous when sopping up the glaze from the salmon. The BF had the lamb rack chops off the special and was very pleased. I tasted one of them and they were nice and rare with a crisp mustard crust on the outside. Probably one of the best lamb rack chops that I've had and I eat quite a bit of lamb. Overall, the food was great and Deleece gets a five for that. Unfortunately, the server was a bit stuffy and unjustifiably so. If there is one thing that I cannot stand in a restaurant, its snooty service. I don't care if you're in a fancy schmancy 5 star restaurant or at the Bob's Burger down the street, I feel that there is no place for such behavior. I fault the snooty server alone for the theft of one of Deleece's stars.
(4)Monica G.
Went for brunch - small but cute place. We sat down right away, the menu looked great, a different spin on brunch. Considering it was an empty afternoon, we got very little service. Our server was very nice, just unattentive. Our food took too long to come out, and our side dishes were cold. We ordered orange cinnamon french toast, which was flavorful but a bit dry, and steak and eggs. In addition - the portions were surprisingly small. A brunch without leftovers - basically unheard of. The drinks were tasty but weak. I would be willingly to come back for dinner to see if the experience is improved. However, most likely will not be returning for brunch.
(2)Kristen H.
The breakfast pasta is amazing!! The ham & spinach with the mushroom sauce is just delightful. I can say I was disappointed with the bloody Mary. The mix was horrible & overall just poor. We got there a half hour before they stopped brunch but they were nice enough to serve us. Ill give it another shot if the time comes.
(3)Philip K.
Went to Deleece with my wife and another couple tonight. I wanted to try someplace new, have a little adventure. This was absolutely the perfect choice tonight. The menu is focused on comfort food and that shines through so completely. Sadly, the one downside was a poorly made cocktail. Their specialty is mac 'n cheese. We got the mac 'n cheese trio appetizer for the table: plain cheddar, asiago & bacon, and a mushroom gouda. All three had firm noodles and a creamy, rich sauce. They were all very, very different. The cheddar was very classic. A straight-forward creamy mac 'n cheese. The asiago & bacon had a great bacon flavor that complimented the gentle creaminess of the cheese perfectly. The mushroom gouda was umami and earthy and oh, so delicious! The bar has a wide selection of American whiskies available. There are some common distilleries represented and a few others I'd not heard of before. While it was good to see a decent selection with clear tasting notes, it's a bit puzzling that no Irish whiskey or Scotch is on the menu. They offer foreign wine and beer, why not foreign whiskey? The beer selection is also nice; I only spotted two IPAs on the list so that was good. I ordered the Mudpuppy Porter (I'm a Wisconsin native and it's a beer from my home state I'd not had; felt obligated) and was very happy with it. Nice and chocolatey with a hint of burnt bitterness. My dinner was the Cuban sandwich. Easily the best I've had. For starters it doesn't have mayo (always a plus in my book). Then the three meats were all very distinct. The gruyere was melted and gooey and the mustard was just slightly sharp with a really delightful tang. It looks like it was pressed under a brick or a heavy pot. No panini grill marks were on it, just a golden brown crust all over. Delightful. The salad was a mix of greens, thinly sliced onions, and cherry tomatoes lightly seasoned with a vinaigrette. The bitter greens contrasted nicely with the hint of sweetness from the vinaigrette. My wife ordered the salmon and said it was really good. Our friends ordered the grilled chicken with risotto cakes and the brisket sandwich. I stole a bite of the chicken and the risotto. Both were very flavorful. The chicken had a great herb flavor, though my bite was a bit greasy, and the risotto reminded me of arancini. Everyone cleaned their plates so I guess dinner was a hit! As I was finishing my dinner, I decided to order a cocktail. An Old Forester Manhattan, served up. Here's the thing... I'm a bit of a drink snob. When I order a transparent cocktail (martini, Manhattan, negroni, old fashioned), it shouldn't be shaken. It should be stirred so it keeps its beautiful, transparent appearance. More to the point, a cocktail shouldn't be mixed for more than a few seconds. Shaking a drink for half a minute just waters it down and kills any subtlety in the drink. Lastly, a cocktail served straight up shouldn't have chips of ice floating on top. Deleece isn't the only bar committing these cocktail sins but it was the most surprising. All in all I had a great time. The food is superb, the beer and whiskey selections are well labeled and explained, and the decor is simple. (Though they really could just get rid of the one TV in the back; it's just a nuisance.) I highly recommend it but stick with the beer and wine.
(4)Greg G.
Traveling to Chicago for the Christmas holiday, we had limited choices for a freshly cooked Christmas dinner. We chose Deleece over a number of hotel restaurant offerings and found the food to be delicious and the wait staff professional and courteous, especially considering that it was Christmas Day.
(5)Kevin A.
I'M GOING TO SETTLE THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL Upon checking with a server, the correct way to pronounce the name of this place is dee-lees. Not dee-lee-see. Hopefully this will usher in a new era in peace between the stroller-pushing brunch attending factions on Southport. On to the restaurant though. Deleece is a good brunch place, but not a great one. It's not a bad place to go if Southport Grocery is packed (which it always is) or if you don't feel like going to Sola. The menu is hit or miss with a few noticeable hits like the breakfast sandwich, and some unforgivable misses like the watery smoked salmon scramble. In theory I'm willing to give this place another shot, but with so many other great brunch places in the neighborhood my first visit to Deleece may also have been my last.
(3)Erika O.
Uau! I had such a great experience! The food was awesome, the owner was super cute and the atmosphe was great! I wanted to change the sauce of miy food and the owner took the chef to my table to ask me what kind of sauce i wanted... The price is very fair!!
(5)Leah C.
one usually remembers a dining experience because it was either amazing or just horrific. this was neither. our dinner was nothing memorable... i had the acorn squash stuffed with kale and gruyere cheese. the squash itself was flavorful but the kale was very bland. my husband had the blue marlin served churrasco style - an interesting spin on the usual steak dish. the fish itself was cooked well but could've used more flavor overall. the standout was the dessert - their apple cobbler is amazing. perhaps this is a sampling of the sweet treats served at brunch? i've heard far more raves about their brunch, so perhaps this is deleece's forte?
(3)Shelley A. D.
Still love this place. Ask for the red-head Bridgette she is a great server and has a knack for connecting with the customers.
(4)Megan G.
Breaking News! DO NOT drink the water at Deleece. You will become pregnant or impregnate someone almost immediately upon arrival. Seriously, there has to be something in the water because this place looked like a stork landing pad. The people working there, the people eating there and the people strolling down Southport reminded me of a Huggie's commercial. Service was a little slow on their outdoor patio but I think it's probably because all of the wait staff was fornicating in order to produce mass amounts of fetuses. No, really, it wasn't fast but it was tolerable on their nice sidewalk cafe. Coffee and water were filled at a reasonable pace. The bloody mary was decent but not great. Big hits at the table were the specials that included vegetable frittata and lamb hash. The homemade blueberry jam for $1 was outstanding. Misses were the plain eggs benedict which lacked any flavor or creativity at all and the cold potatoes that were probably good about an hour before they were served to us. I will definitely give this place another shot, although I will partake in at least 4 forms of birth control before entering the vicinity.
(3)Sarah M.
It's been like, 8 months since I went there and just remember to yelp about one of the best meals I have ever had. It was grilled pork tenderloin with potatoes and some sort of micro green salad. It was so delicious. We were seated fast and the place is really aesthetically pleasant. Small but the way they have it done up makes it look really spacious. Anyway, go there.
(4)Sharon N.
We arrived a full half hour before our dinner companions, who had taken a wrong turn, and stayed probably a half hour too long talking. Plus that we weren't drinking and had a Groupon coupon. In spite of thus being less profitable guests, our service was top-notch. The restaurant was almost full, but our waiter was Johnny-on-the spot with anything we needed. So I certainly appreciated the good service. We were there for dinner, and two of us ordered the beef shortribs. They were very lean and very tender. Lean and tender for shortribs can mean less flavor, but the accompanying horseradish sauce saved them from blandness. It was a perfect winter dinner. The others in our party had two of the fish dishes (salmon & whitefish) which were also excellent. The only problem I had was with the noise, but then that's the trend in today's restaurants, especially those that appeal more to the younger crowd (I'm not young.) No tablecloths, no rugs, no wall hangings=noise. Oh well.
(4)Jack B.
We came here on a Friday night with no reservation and right after the half-price Groupon came out, so I was pleasantly surprised when we didn't have to wait more than five or ten minutes for a table. The restaurant is very cute and cozy with soft lighting and an intimate feel to it...probably aided by the fact that you might call it "cramped" if you weren't feeling generous. I was, so I'll stick with "cozy." But, given the fact that this was right after the Groupon came out, I won't complain too much about slight cramping and the slightly slow service. Beyond that, everything was absolutely excellent. I got a rioja that was really nice and my friend tried a specialty cocktail. We ordered butternut squash gnocchi for an appetizer and it was amaaaaaaazing. Like I wish I were eating it right now. Oh man. For entrees, I had the whitefish (also excellent) and he had the lambchops (they were on special, I think -- also excellent). I thought the whitefish had a lot of interesting flavors...it was just spicy enough to be interesting but not so spicy it overpowered the flavors. We got cheesecake for dessert that did not disappoint (it was the more savory, less sweet kind of cheesecake). Basically, Deleece was outstanding. The only negatives were the slightly slow service and the slightly cramped accomodations. As far as prices go, it was a little weird -- I thought the prices were competitive for a fine dining establishment, which matched the food...but they seemed a little high for the atmosphere and accomodations of the restaurant. Basically, the price matched the food well but was a little high for the ambiance, if that makes sense. Didn't bother me, I'm in it for the food.
(4)Queen K.
Overall impression: It was ok-which isn't a ringing endorsement. My husband and I went on a Friday night and if it wasn't for the fact that we had a Groupon, I would have left. The service was extremely slow and it wasn't exceptionally crowded. After reading the other Yelp reviews, slow service seems to be the norm. The server did acknowledge the long wait and promised our food would be out shortly. Our food arrived and the vegetables were fresh, the meat was tender (although I did have to discretely spit out a huge piece of fatty veal). The decor was standard, exposed brick, candles, nice artwork. Bottom line: Experienced foodies will expect more for the price. The Groupon offer might have gotten several people through the door, but I doubt many will return.
(2)Nancy H.
The atmosphere - with exposed brick walls, large artwork, and great service - speaks more for Deleece than its food. Though the presentation of the food is definitely enjoyable, and they make an above average attempt at American contemporary food, the taste just didn't click with my palette. The ever-so-popular braised short ribs were 1/3 FAT, literally a palm-sized piece of fat. We were almost tempted to send it back since we felt robbed of our $21 entree. The scallops and shrimps had just enough flavor but could have had more personality for $25 by experimenting with more unique spices. The polenta appetizer had the consistency and taste of grits, but the chipotle oil really gave it some spice. Overall, a very healthy tasting meal (and by that, I mean, minimal fried foods, heavy sauces, and carbs) at Deleece but not fulfilling enough to feel like we even ate dinner. Portions were just right for someone trying not to overeat.
(3)A.S. V.
I'd forgotten how much I like this place, since it's been a few years. There was no wait and the service was excellent and friendly, which is so refreshing after getting used to being herded like cattle at all the overcrowded spots. Even parking was easy! The menu is fairly simple, but not too small -- everyone in our five person party found something they liked.
(4)Nate B.
I have always loved Deleece since I moved here. The staff is incredibly friendly, the food is goooooood, its a great date spot. I took my gf here on valentines day and they had a great menu to choose from. They also do a great pre-fixe on Mon-Tues as someone said, I try to make it here at least once a month.
(5)Scott C.
We'd rate this as 3.5 stars. We were seated right away on a Sunday morning on the patio. Artichoke fritatta was great. Orange cinnamon french toast w/raspberry puree was fantastic. The cinnamon was like a cinnamon crunch crust on the outside. Wonderful. Breakfast burrito was a bit salty - a bit too much chorizo filling and not enough extras (ie avacado, etc...) They brought out a foil bowl of water for our dog. The prices were very reasonable. $25 for two (two breakfast entrees, 1 half order of french toast, and two drinks) Will definitely go back.
(3)Louay B.
I have to begin by saying, excellent food. Wonderful specials and unique combinations of french bistro and Asian cuisine. Service was average and the menu was a little pricey. I haven't tried the brunch, but I highly recommend having dinner here.
(3)Jennifer H.
Went last night with a few friends. We ordered 4 different appetizers (the spring rolls, the polenta, crab cakes, and potstickers) and I have to say, I think the food was tasty enough, but not a big deal. I'd come back maybe for the prix fixe, but there are so many better restaurants in this city to spend money on.
(3)Leang E.
My friend and I hadn't met up in a while so we decided to come here for the Monday and Tuesday night pre-fixe. We walked in to see people sitting out in the patio, but chose to sit inside anyways. They have interesting artwork up, and our waitress was much too serious for her job. She didn't seem smily or happy and I think it would have made the experience there more pleasant. My friend had the broccoli soup and I had the Asian salad as an appetizer, both were very flavorful. My friend had the porkchop and I had the tilapia. I really liked my dish and finished it all. My friend thought that his dish was good, but that all the sides didn't seem right together. I had the chocolate mousse and strawberries and it was very rich and yummy. My friend had the Morrocan cake, and it tasted very similar to zuccini bread. It was a great experience with a great price tag. I'd definitely come back and take advantage of this deal!
(4)Dave D.
I had first heard of this place because it was on the long list of NPR membership rewards restaurants, though the first time here didn't sell me. On my initial visit the food was OK, the service was good, but it was really loud and crowded. The second time I went to Deleece I was sold. It wasn't the most ideal situation but worked out quite well. I took an old friend of mine there for dinner. When we got there the place was really busy. The owner was hostessing and she informed us that there would be a wait and asked if we wanted to have an appetizer at the bar. So, we sat at the bar and had a few drinks and a few appetizers. After about a half an hour she came up to us and said our table was ready. We told her that we would rather eat at the bar because we were having so much fun there. After conversing amongst ourselves for a little while we made friends with a couple that was sitting next to us. We had our entrees at the bar and drank a ridiculous amount of wine. The bartender was super nice and very knowledgeable about the wines and we tried many. The food was much better than the first time I had been there. The owner had told us they made some changes in the kitchen as well as doing a bit of remodeling. I don't know what exactly they did but everything was excellent. After our dinners we joined our neighbors for some desert and headed out to another venue for some more drink with our new friends.
(4)Sy S.
This is an amazing little gem on the northern tip of Lakeview. Make sure to go on Monday or Tuesday...$20 for a three course meal that will leave you feeling full! Everything I have eaten here (7+ times) has been amazing. I also love the outdoor patio with the dog in the summer. You will not be disapointed. Also, the service is A+.
(5)Margaret B.
Great food, great service, great urban feel to the casual decor/ambiance. It jsut doesn't have that "wow" factor-the 5 star, "I must go back" feeling. I went for lunch. My lunch date and I both loved everything. I had an asian style salad with shrimp which was totally fresh and tasty. If I still lived in that area I think I'd drop in more often. But I'd be happy to return anytime.
(4)Steve R.
A nice little place for brunch. The prices are reasonable and the food is quite good. The dining room is bright and sunny which is great for brunch, and they have a great patio. I;ve never had an outrageous wait here either. Clientele is a little more upscale-y, but that's how it goes in this hood.
(4)Dina R.
****MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT STATEMENTS AFTER EATING HERE!!!!! **** So as many others on yelp have said, my friends highly recommended this place. I was very excited because my friends always have great restaurant picks. To say the least and make this short and sweet, the food was great and somewhat reasonably priced, but the service was awful. We went on 2/6/10 a nice chilly day in Chicago. They had three ceiling fans on full blast. My friend had to ask the server three times until they finally turned it down. The server seemed to be on cloud nine and was more busy socializing then doing her job. She never came back after our meal was served to refill our drinks. When the check finally came, my friends and I (party of four) split the check two ways. Our total split in half was $24.00 and we left her tip in cash. Once the billing statement came in, there was an additional $10 added onto the original amount that was not signed for and unauthorized. We tried contacting Deleece several times to speak with a manager and was told one would call back, two weeks later no call. Called again, was told manager is only in before 11am. We decided to go a different route and write the manager a letter explaining what happened so they can make it right, two and a half weeks have went by and still no word from Deleece. Very, very disappointed that businesses like this still survive. Diners beware!!!
(1)Dennis H.
I lived a few blocks from Deleece back in the late 1990s and was a frequent customer, mainly for brunch. I was nearly addicted to the breakfast pasta and now that I'm more confident in the kitchen, I make it occasionally at home (it's pretty simple). I've not been back since the arrival of a new chef with some changes to the menu, but always found Deleece to be a very good value. I really liked the wait staff, too, and spent many summer evenings dining outside on the sidewalk after an afternoon Cubs game. Ah, Chicago in the summer! Just can't take it in the winter . . .
(4)Kate G.
I would like to start by saying I have only been here once for lunch and I will certainly go back. The food was so good, and the menu just made you want one of everything. They had original dishes, with many unique ingredients. The Cobb salad, Spring Rolls and Vegetable Tostada were all good. However, we had really mediocre service. It was an hour and a half lunch with only about four other tables (granted, we did order an appetizer which stacks on some time). After a problem with the bill, the waitress could barely smile or apologize. They seemed pretty green around the edges with the whole "service" aspect of a restaurant. I would be concerned coming here if I was in a hurry or if it was crowded. But like I said, Deleece=Delicious so we will be back when we don't care about wasting an afternoon. UPDATE: Went here last night for my boyfriend and my sixth month anniversary. The prix fixe meal was such a good deal: we had caesar salad, tilapia, sausage and pasta, chocolate mousse, and the cheese/chocolate plate. The main dishes were delicious and presented beautifully. The salad was so coated in dressing, I really could not enjoy it. Dessert was good but nothing wonderful. We also had cucumber mojitos--- very fresh tasting. Food overall would get 4 stars. Unfortunately, the service was really poor. There were only two waitresses, a hostess and several busboys. We sat for ten minutes without menus or seeing a waitress and then spent the majority of the meal without water refills. The bussers were so efficient that I almost felt nervous with the ultra-fast presentation of the dishes and the darting away from the table. It kind of took away from the romantic mood of the meal.
(3)Jenna B.
I was pleasantly surprised when my boyfriend picked Deleece to go on a double date with some friends. I didn't expect him to pick such a "fancy" place. When we got there I was happy to see the casual, yet classy atmosphere. It made for a great night that felt "special", maybe due to the dim lights and candles. I swear that a couple in the corner was about to get engaged. Most of the dishes were under $20--so not too bad for young people on a budget. It was a nice change from the usual spots or bar food that I tend to always be eating. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for something nice, where you can get a little dressed up, but still be casual and comfortable. The food was really good to, I will be eating my leftover pasta for lunch today!
(4)AJ R.
Went here for dinner last night on a last minute whim and it was excellent!!! The only reason I didn't give 5 starts was because it was particularly loud and our waitress was just so-so...that being said I would definitely go back. Our food was amazing! We started w/ 2 salads--the ceaser, and the arugula/goat cheese/pistachio/fig salad--excellent!!! The bread and butter were particularly yummy as well. For our main entrees, 2 of us had the salmon--the black rice was interesting, but the salmon, spinach, and sweet sauce were SO GOOD!!! Best salmon I've had, probably ever. The other meals at the table were the pork roast and the new york strip steak--both diners cleaned their plates. The prices overall were very reasonable--our meal for 4 people, including a few drinks was ~$110 before tip. After reading the other reviews will have to try this place for brunch as we are always looking for new brunch places!!!
(4)Theresa K.
Wonderful! The atmosphere is beautiful, roomy, and charming. The food was exquisite! Wonderful ingredients, less cooking oil added than normal restaurants ( I had brunch), and delicious! Reasonably priced for such a fine selection!
(4)ben w.
i thoroughly enjoy getting brunch here on weekends, if you are here by 10 am there is virtually no one here, great service and great food. the latest breakfast special is a corned beef and hash, not your usual corned beef and hash though. super fucking good. great coffee too
(5)Katy L.
I travel to Chicago about 5 times a year, I live in NYC. I always make it a point to stop at Deleece and have never been disappointed. Solid yet innovative cuisine. I always leave happy!
(5)Audrey H.
Went for a birthday brunch for 16 yesterday and had a very nice experience over all. The drinks and food were very good, particularly notable were the polenta and eggs, the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast pasta and as a drink the pomegranate and pineapple mimosa. The service was hot and cold. It was good in the fact that they were able to get 16 main courses on the table pretty quickly so that those who waited for all to be served didn't eat cold food. They did not do such a great job of getting and filling drink orders, which frankly hurts them in that it keeps the tab down. Overall I would definitely go back, but if I am with a large party I would make sure that I am not in any rush,
(4)Kevin W.
Deliver/take-out leaves a little to be desired but this is an inventive restaurant to dine in. Great diverse beer and wine list and out of the ordinary menu. I recently went for brunch (read: hang-over breakfast) and had the special lamb hash and eggs. I highly recommend it if you happen to visit when they make it again, but some of the entrees and sides can be a little too overzealous. The sidewalk tables are nice as long as you don't mind eating against someone's SUV parked in front and the sound and smell of the Ashland bus waiting to turn right on Irving Park is unobjectionable. This place is worth a short trip to visit, but don't spend the kid's inheritance on gas to drive there from afar. One nice thing I still have not tried however is the $20 three-course meal on some weeknights which could be a great deal. I also had a blood mary which I can only describe as tasting like tomato socks, whatever that means.
(3)Mark P.
Had high hopes for this place since I enjoyed its sister restaurant, Sola. But left extremely disappointed. $20 3-course prix fixe on Mondays and Tuesdays would be a good deal if the food was palatable. Short rib dish was largerly flavorless. Trout with risotto was salty and sour. Chocolate pudding dessert had weak flavor. Highlight was plum crisp cookies with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Perhaps it was an off night. Perhaps their main menu entrees are better. Either way, don't see myself making a return visit to find out.
(2)Mark K.
i ate while facing the naked girl poster. i chewed my food but could only see boobs. when i finally looked away, i noticed the food was very good. the green sauce of my pasta had a fantastic texture. i also enjoyed the brick wall and the guy using his phone to spout out NCAA scores.
(3)D D.
ONe of my favorite restaurants! Great atmosphere, good service. The menu is limited but everything they offer is delicious!! Best nights to go are when they have specials during the week, well worth every penny!
(4)Jack H.
Very excited as I walked into the restaurant on a Friday night at around 7pm because the decor was very trendy and the atmosphere was upbeat. However, my mood was slightly hindered after waiting for ten minutes for a server to finally come to our table. She was very friendly though so it was no big deal, however, i told her that we were short on time because we had to be to a concert by 815. She said no problem and took our appetizer and entree orders together right away. About twenty minutes later and our appetizer, the gnocci with apple chunks, came out. This dish was absolutely delicious, the only problem being that there were about 8 gnocchis on our plate, not nearly as much as I expected for the price. The entrees came out about twenty minutes later. We had the specials: I had the grilled tenderloin with a fennel and sweet potato lasagna (out of this world) and my girlfriend had the panko crusted sea bass (just okay). For two, with out alcohol, the check came out to 80 dollars including tax and tip. A little pricey but the food was very impressive so i can understand. Definitely will be back again.
(4)Georgio M.
Southport has been one of my favorite haunts for years, probably because two of my favorite spots: Toons Bar and Music Box Theater. I had noticed Deleece many times, but never eaten there until this past Valentines. Our reservations were at 8pm, and we were seated promptly. The restaurant is reminds me more of a small, intimate cafe, as the main dining room and adjacent bar are situated in one area. I'm usually not a fan of small restaurants, but somehow Deleece makes this work well. As others have mentioned, the room is full of interesting, provacative art works, sprinkled with some nudity. I kind of think it's a nice touch as the peices spark up interesting conversation. The restaurant is purposely dimly lit, which makes the dining experience a bit more cozy. Food I would have to say that the food is very good here. I ordered the Amish half chicken, and my date had the pork chops. Both entrees were large in portion, as well as freshly cooked. Somehow the cooks prepare the dishes with just the right amount of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish. I was reminded of some of the dishes at the old Fiddle Head on Lincoln Ave., while eating We all had enough food left over to bring home a nice sized doggy bag. I thought some of the drinks were a bit prices featured on the menu were a bit pricey, but those were for more exotic beverages such as the Side Car and specialized Martinis. I would like to eat at Deleece during summer, as the restaurant does have a cute outdoor eating area with tables along the sidewalk. If you are going on a date, this is the perfect restaurant, simply because of its location. You can have dinner or lunch, then walk down the street to one of the many theaters or bars for more entertainment.
(4)Erica H.
Not good. Staff was lazy and as annoying as the patrons.
(1)Helena B.
Tuna. The poor fish gets a bad rap sometimes (it's not just for cats!), but the tuna at Deleece will set you straight. ...but first! To start, we split the crabcake appetizer. The cakes themselves were quite tasty (lots of crab, very little filler) but the sauce was the star. We scraped forks across the plate shamelessly to get every bit. My entree, the tuna, was unbelievable; tender, flaky perfection. I die. I was in my own little world, eyes closed, savoring every bite. The dish had a mild Asian flare - it came with bok choy and a sauce that made me think of Japan. Alone, the tuna was divine. As a whole, this dish was all I could think (or talk) about for the rest of the evening. Were I a tuna fish, I'd swim as quickly as my little tail could take me into a net for the honor of being celebrated so gloriously upon my self-sacrifice. Boyfriend and I split dessert - a parfait with brownie, marshmallow fluff, and salty peanut gelato - sounds amazing, tastes even better. We were both rather full (they don't skimp on portion size here) but nothing went to waste. On our way to the door, I spotted the chef. He'd stepped out of the kitchen for a minute - just long enough for me to rush up and gush like a tween meeting Justin Bieber. OMG.
(4)Jojo L.
Overprice and Sevice not good . I try to get then a other change after they move . But Sevice got worst . Food is all sauce ! I work in a restuarant too. I alway tip 30 % . But today I only can make myself tip 15% . Wow !! I know ! That's how bad everything is . Only the bottle of wine that make me happy .
(1)Natalie R.
Prior to arriving at Deleece, we called to see if the outdoor patio had a long wait. It was early (6pm) and the woman who answered said we could be seated relatively quickly. We arrived and were seated quickly. There were 4 of us. We ordered drinks, appetizers and a kids meal for our son with the server and waited. They finally arrived but the server walked away without taking our order. We waited...and waited and finally had to flag her down to order. At this point the restaurant was busy but there were still open tables. After ordering dinner, the server didn't come back once to check if we needed more drinks, etc. We waited and waited for our meals to arrive. 45 minutes passed and then almost an hour from the time we ordered. We finally tracked down our server and she told us to "expect an hour to get your food from the time your order is placed". She also said this was the "typical expectation at this restaurant on the weekend" and next time we would need to "account for this hour". Really? In my experience, waiting an hour to recieve your food after you've placed your order/had appetizers is unacceptable. We eventually spoke to the manager who reiterated the hour wait but did end up taking a percentage off of the meal (thus the 2 stars). Even after that happened, the waitress came back and ONCE AGAIN told us our expectations for receiving our food were out of line. She was the one out of line and beyond rude. The food here is decent but due to our experience we won't be back. Regrettable since we live in the neighborhood.
(2)Lydia B.
Omg this place is so good. We will definitely be back. We shared the calamari which was delicious. I had whitefish and a cocktail both which were delicious. The service was also spot on!
(5)Marie R.
Came here for Sunday brunch, mainly the bottomless mimosas. It was a beautiful day, so we sat out on the sidewalk patio (limited seating). It wasn't that busy, but definitely a mixed crowd. I'm not used to strollers and dogs crowding a limited patio space. The brunch menu was average. I had the baked egg dish, which sounded great. However, what I got was not what I expected. It actually looked and tasted more like soup or fondue with over-medium eggs floating in it. Some guy sitting next to me even asked if I was having the soup of the day. My friends had the crab benedict and BLT ...which both looked really good. Service was pleasant, but in my opinion not very knowledgeable nor helpful. I didn't have a negative experience, but I probably won't be back.
(3)Gayatri D.
Everything at Deleece is DELICIOUS!!! We went there for brunch recently. We ordered the breakfast pasta, two different sandwiches, some sausage dish and some chilaquiles.Everything was incredibly flavorsome and served in large portions. Service was great as well. Not too slow, not too rushed. I didn't like the mimosas though. They were watered down and just didn't match up to the quality of the food.
(4)Jennifer J.
Eh, nothing spectacular. Sorry Deleece. I tried you but didn't really like you. Went here on a quiet Wednesday night. It's winter, so I know it's cold, but the tables by the windows were freezing. The waitress initially came over to our table, asked us if we wanted wine right as we sat down and then proceeded to not come back for another 15 minutes. It didn't matter that much to my group of friends and I, but we were definitely aware of it. I perused the menu before I got there and still couldn't find something that really jumped out at me. Got the gnocchi and crab cakes. The gnocchi were not very enjoyable. I guess I was expecting something more like the traditional gnocchi, but what i got was gnocchi balls with whole pistachios mixed in and drizzled with balsamic. Seriously, that's it?? Yeah, disappointment sums that up. Crab cakes were WAY TOO fried to be counted as crab cakes. I was expecting some flavor to them, but it was too hard to get through their fried outer shell. No where in the description did it mention that they were fried. The aoili sauce for the crab cakes was bland and almost non-existent. My main dish was the cavatappi pasta, which was pretty good...but not good enough to lure me back for a second visit. All in all, it's too overpriced for the kind of food it is. I've had better and healthier dinners that I would choose over Deleece. Do get the restaurant.com coupon if you go since that might make your wallet a little happier.
(2)Joseph F.
I can't remember the last time I ate a sandwich as good as that Duck Club. Marble rye, dijon-aioli, applewood smoked bacon, avocado and...pepper-pear jam!! Just thinking about it makes me drool. Go and try it!
(5)Simon C.
We went to Deleece on the Groupon Deal ($20 for $40) so hopefully some of you Groupon followers will read this for a bit of advice. 1. This location is a short walk from the Music Box Theatre so it's a good combo for the evening. 2. You can't use the Groupon towards the Monday/Tuesday special ($20 for 3 course dinner). We decided to order from the main menu. 3. I don't know what the dress code is. It's kind of nice, but there were kids and sweatshirts as well. It felt like it might be nice later, but the waiter wore jeans and sneakers. They don't seem to have a constant image. If you like standard fare, this is a decent place for you. By that I mean that the food was not particularly adventurous. It was fine. I have no issue with it, but honestly, I can't see myself going back. I ordered the New York Strip. Not bad. Not good. Really Mediocre. At $21, it tasted more like a $16 steak (you know what I mean, the kind that is on the menu at a $9 burger place). Which is fine, but I was hoping for a bit more. Girlfriend ordered the pasta. Tasted fine. No issue. It was $17. That's OK. Pasta was not fresh (you know, the kind you make at home). Again, that's OK. Wow, I have no emotional response to Deleece at all. I felt we got a pretty good spread of the menu and it just didn't deliver. Really, this is a 2.5 star review.
(3)Patrick L.
Welcoming space and great food.
(4)Bella V.
This is my very very favorite brunch spot in the city. Lobster Benedict is AMAZING. Lobster is plentiful and the truffle hollandaise is the perfect touch. The petite filet is super tender and juicy, also with truffle hollandaise, potatoes, and toast. The prices are pretty fair, and the food is phenomenal. - 1* for having snarky servers. We have yet to get a server that didn't seem to think that they're in some way superior to their situation. We don't usually have this problem at other (nicer) places, so I'm not sure what's wrong with the staff here, but the food is so good, I really don't care. It also tends to get super loud in the dining room as well, and it's "child friendly" so it isn't the most relaxing place to eat, but again. YUMMY food= I don't care!
(4)Colleen Anne F.
Friendly staff and tasty kitchen, limited seating on weekends so best to get there early. Lots of foot traffic so grab a seat outside--weather permitting.
(4)Derek B.
We made a meal of the appetizers! This was such a great experience. We were here for our anniversary dinner. It wasn't very busy (weeknight) and the server devoted a lot of attention to us. Lots of questions, he helped us select the perfect cocktails and meal. It was very inviting and very personal. I can't wait to return!
(5)Jules H.
Deleece is VERY good. I have been here for brunch, lunch, dinner, and ordered take out. The decor is chic and simple, but warm. The menu changes and my most recent meal of salmon with a carmelized sauce, spinach, and black rice has driven me to yelp about it. With the aformentioned dinner I also shared a 50% off bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that our server described perfectly. What they serve is fresh, orginal, and well priced for the area. Brunch can be crowded on Sunday morning, but lunch and dinner beckon one to linger...and on Wednesday nights that lingering can happen over 50% off bottles of wine. Our server last night steered us to fabulous wine. The dinner service here is exceptional. The lunch service is spotty, the brunch service hectic. So, in all, I totally say dinner here is money well spent.
(4)Brian G.
I've been there several times. I have had the same waitress everytime. Overall myself and company are happy when we go there. The food is definitely good. Not as many choices as other places, but still good. My only issue I guess would be the waitress - I mean she was OVERALL very good, but she had this tendency to never smile. I am not sure why. I know that sounds stupid, but I almost felt like she is pained to serve s - even though we tip her over 20% everytime. I guess I wish there was Service WITH A Smile. Highly recommended though! :-D
(4)Brandon H.
Wow, these people are not messing around! From the meals to the service and ambiance, everything was just right. We tried the pot stickers for an appetizer and they were fantastic. They were crispy, and we like ours a bit more doughy but the flavor and sauce were more than enough to make up for it. My fiancee had the scallops and shrimp with the guiness cream sauce and it was delightful. The tenderloin I had was a special that evening and it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was great with just a hint of blue-cheese. The bread pudding for desert was out of this world and a perfect end to this great dining experience.
(5)Christine F.
My husband and I went to Deleece again, and once again had a great experience. The food and service were great, and I love the space. We are moving to a different neighborhood a few miles away, but we'll definitely head back over here for dinner from time to time.
(4)Elizabeth N.
I had been to their old location on southport and irving, but the new location is even better. One thing was odd - we called for a reservation, and they said nothing was available until 9:30 but we could sit at the bar. We arrive at 7:00 and the couple before us is asking about a table and they say the next available table is 8:00 (big difference from the 9:30). We sat at the bar and throughout the meal - we noticed there was never less than 9 tables available! The bread and butter was absolutely fantastic. The butter was sweet and delicious! Sangratini was a great cocktail - although it felt a little low on alcohol. Started with the onion tart (for $7.50) and it was an awesome starter at a great price. Got the evening special of a 8 oz fillet - I am not a big steak person but for some reason it sounded great. There was a large serving of asparagus and roasted potatoes too. The steak was one of the best I have ever had - perfectly cooked (medium rare) with an amazing sauce. Will definitely be back again.
(4)Amy C.
Went here for dinner for the first time (have been here for brunch in the past), and I was very disappointed. Me and two of my girlfriends decided to share some small plates, so we started with some soup and the roasted pear and gouda tart. The soup special (Moroccan lentil) was by far the stand out of the night, the tart, not so much. Between the 3 of us, we couldn't stomach to finish the one little tart... The tart is described with spaghetti squash, gouda cheese, caramelized onion, walnuts & balsamic syrup. No gouda cheese or caramelized onions were to be found, and the balsamic syrup was literally glued/melted onto the plate. It was basically a pear tart with some dried spaghetti squash in the middle. We then each decided to get our own salad (beet, cous cous and arugula) and split an order of the vegetable risotto. I absolutely LOVE beets and fennel and could not eat more than two bites of the beet salad, one of my friends spit out her one bite, and my other friend refused to even try it. It was completely flavorless; the fennel was cooked to the point where you couldn't even tell what it was anymore and there was absolutely NO seasoning. That was not roasted fennel; more like boiled to point of oblivion. The "watercress" was 2 little leaves, and the lime-agave nectar yogurt was flavorless as well. My friends each thought their respective salads were decent, but again, wished that there was a little more on the plate, especially for $8. The vegetable risotto was okay, but again, wasn't exactly as described. It seems that they put whatever vegetables they have on hand into it. Our service was also lacking a lot. It took about 15 minutes for us to get our server's attention to order our soup, and trust me, the place was not crowded at all. He also never checked on us once to see how we liked anything. All in all, way too expensive for what we got (our bill was just over $90 with one glass of wine and one cocktail). I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)Bryan O.
This is a review from December 25th, 2013. Deleece is reliable good food. I've come here off and on since they were at Irving Park. While the food is nothing spectacular it is above average in taste and quality. Nonetheless its common. But when we needed an unexpected Christmas dinner they made a great meal for us to pickup. I will always pay Deleece a visit when I can. The customers service is good.
(4)Bri A.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day since it was pretty empty and we didn't want to wait 40 minutes for a table. The brunch menu looked great and we started off with a round of Bloody Marys. They were a little different than that I'm used to but tasty. I think they had horseradish. I ordered the chilaquiles and he had the steak & eggs. I liked my meal but felt it was mostly chips. My boyfriend liked his food but the portions were pretty small. He had about 2 oz of steak! I wish I had a pic of that. There could have been a little more than four dinky pieces. I would like to come back and try more brunch items or dinner, although I don't think this would be a top brunch choice.
(3)Jacob P.
Mediocre if Best We have eaten at Deleece three time's, two dinners and a Sunday brunch. The first dinner we thought that they were just having an off night. I ordered the Boneless Amish Chicken with a warm salad of Fingerling Potatoes, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Celery Leaves and Fig Mostarda Sauce. My partner ordered the Sesame Ahi Tuna with Lobster Couscous, Asparagus, Garlic Chili Glaze & Sweet Soy. The chicken when it came out looked ok but you could really tell that it was not an Amish chicken, there was really not a lot of meat on the breast or thigh. It looked like the Frozen airline chicken breast that you see at restaurant depot from Tyson. The base of the chicken was nothing but dried figs and maybe one or two fingerling potatoes. If you are going to showcase a dish with figs then you should use fresh figs when they are in season. Dried figs are not a good choice to use if they are going to be sautéed with other components. The tuna was over cooked (we ordered it Med Rare) then the rest of the dish was not anything to write home about. Why would you be selling Asparagus when it is almost winter and it is a summer vegetable? The Second dinner that we had there was just as bad as the first one. The bar drink menu is not the best. I ordered an Old Fashion and they used a maraschino cherry and a wedge of an orange. For a place that is suppose to be hip and sophisticated they are falling behind in the new trends for specialty hand crafted drinks. Lets get onto talking about dinner. This time I ordered the New York strip with Mashed potatoes, thick onion rings and a red wine syrup. My partner once again went back to the tuna. The stack that was served to me I would not even feed my dog. It looked like something that you would order from Omaha Steak Company, it had to be 8 or 9 oz for the 27 dollar price tag. It looked like they cooked it on a George Forman Grill. The onion rings were not even good; it was like they soaked them in a liquid then placed them in over used flour then over cooked in the deep fryer. The only good thing on this plate was the garlic-mashed potato. My partner's tuna again came out over cooked and lacked flavor. When I reviewed Deleeces website they have this statement on it " One of the first sophisticated, yet casual neighborhood haunts, Deleece is still considered one the the best. With it's innovative, seasonably inspired menus, affordable prices, and warm welcome services, Deleece is the neighborhood restaurant you wish was in your neighborhood." I find this statement very hard to believe, they need to fire the chef and hire some one that is young and innovative in the food industry to make them the next best place in the southport area. Nothing about deleece is innovative the menu offerings that they have are over complicated and just cover up the fact that the chef doesn't really know how to make good simple food.
(1)Michael C.
Good environment, delicious truffle pasta and a mountain of fries. Considering we ran in here just to get out of the rain, I'd say it was a good find! Drinks were delicious and the bartender was super nice
(4)Claudia D.
We celebrated our younger daughter's birthday here for Saturday brunch. Joe gives wonderful service, but he usually works dinner service only. The food and drinks for Saturday brunch are great. We had 6 people in our party and every single person loved their food and beverages! I love the decor as well and the bathrooms are pristine! I highly recommend DeLeece.
(5)Lauren F.
Deleece has a very special place in my heart. My fiancee and I went on our first date at the original Deleece north of Irving Park and he proposed 3 1/2 years later at this location. Their new location is gorgeous-a large, open room with a beautiful bar-the tables are a bit crowded but other than that it is a really great space. I'll be honest, since both of my visits here have been nights of high emotions I haven't been able to focus very much on the food-but I do remember that it was always good! I highly recommend starting off with a key lime martini-they are delicious and go down very, very easily. At our most recent visit I ordered the soup of the day which was a rich, parsnip soup with winter spices and it was so good that I was tempted to lick the bowl. For my main course I tried the farfalle with shrimp, pancetta, butternut squash, mustard greens, and roasted garlic sage butter. I wasn't terribly impressed with my dish but my fiancee's 12 oz. New York Strip Steak with bleu cheese butter, garlic mashed potatoes, thick onion rings, and mushroom ketchip was fantastic. They treated us to a dessert assortment of all things chocolate to celebrate-so bad but sooo good. I love Deleece and I'm sure we will back to celebrate more special occasions to come!
(4)Christina G.
I finally got around to trying this place, and I was glad I did. My friend had recommended Deleece to me for dinner a while ago, but I never found myself on Southport around dinner time. Today, I decided to give the place a try for brunch. One word. Delicious. I started out with a hot chocolate and it was really good. My husband said the coffee was pretty strong, which is the way he likes it. We started with the beignets. Warm, cinnamon and sugar topped fried dough. How could it have been bad? For my main breakfast, I went with the steak and eggs. So much steak! The moment the dish was placed in front of me, I knew there was no way I'd finish it all myself. Two large eggs, two pieces of toast, potatoes, and again, I say, so much steak! All was cooked perfectly. My husband had the short rib hash. It was very flavorful and savory. I'm not sure I could have eaten the whole plate because the dish was so heavy, but he managed. He said he was very happy with his choice. We didn't take part in the $15 bottomless mimosas, but if I ever return with my girlfriends on a leisurely weekend morning, I'll be all about it. We used a groupon and had no problems using it. They asked us if we had been to the restaurant before, probably to see if the groupon was bringing people in, and we said that it was our first time there. I will definitely be back. I snuck a peak at their dinner menu, and I can't wait to try the ahi tuna steak and the scallops.
(4)Tyler B.
Paul is quite the asset to Deleece's server staff. We have eaten here several times and he constantly provides top notch service which will keep us coming back (as well as amazing food). We always start with a bottle of Foxglove Chardonnay and the calamari, the aioli they drizzle on top is just fantastic. Paul recommended the grouper that night since it was just arriving fresh just hours before and he was right, easily the best fish I've ever had in my life, the blend of flavors were excellent. Finished our Saturday night with the apple crisp and bottle of Nivole which are always a must for a solid fall evening. Can't wait to return!
(5)Carlos S.
The flavors here linger in my memory after every visit. And when I struggle to remember the exact combination of savory, sweet, tantalizing tastes that make me love this place so much, I have to go back. I get the toasted onion tart every time. Delicious and perfectly prepared every time. I've had the ahi tuna and the duck breast dishes here before, and every time, the flavor combinations take my taste buds to new places. They don't use extravagant ingredients, just good quality combinations that really highlight the flavors of each item while blending together for wonderful plate experience. The place is pretty without being too fancy. It has stone walls with big photos of Chicago, so it definitely feels like a neighborhood place. Unpretentious, yet sophisticated in an approachable way. This is my favorite place to go with my girlfriend, and would recommend to anyone looking to have a great dinner with a date or group of friends. It can be kind of loud, and sometimes it's hard to tell who is actually your server, but if you crave exciting flavor combinations of familiar things (like caramelized onions, pistachios, and arugula in a pie crust), Deleece will delight and impress you, without making you feel like you had to pay to just walk into the place.
(5)Jen D.
This is a 2.5, I rounded up because I think the potential is there... From the deepest part of my heart, I want to love Deleece. But what I've realized is that I rarely leave thinking "Wow - that was a great meal". It is always "that was fine" and I'm often wanting more. Several of my friends have brunch here pretty regularly and we all generally feel the same way. I like the atmosphere and more often than not I've had good or great service - I just wish for more from the food. I really like the menu itself - everything always sounds amazing, but execution is usually "meh". During my most recent meal (brunch) - everything was warm, not hot - soups, hot chocolate and entrees. The flavors weren't bad, but were generally lacking - especially the biscuits and gravy. The soups were good (lobster bisque and butternut squash) - but the entrees were average. The potential is here - I just yearn for better execution. Hot food and deeper, richer flavors. It's one of the few nicer restaurants in the 'hood, so I'll be back and keep giving Deleece a chance - but if there were many better options I'd possibly move on.
(3)Mon P.
I really like the food here and the service. I've been here a few times and ordered the grill salmon and black rice. The fish is fresh, perfect, and tasty. The sauce is amazing too. I only gave it 4 stars because I haven't tried anything else but I will soon. So stay tuned!
(4)Jason H.
Great place good service. I hadn't been in years (before they moved) and popped in for a quick dinner a couple of weeks ago. I ended up ordering three appetizers instead of an entree and all were spot on. Yesterday I found myself in the neighborhood again and decided to have some lunch. I went for the ahi tuna tacos and side salad and they are probably some of the best tuna tacos I've ever had (save for some place in San Diego I can't remember from years past)... Anyway salad was great too. Might seem like a basic review but the last thing I'll say is the thing that impressed me most was everything tasted so fresh. You can tell they don't use old or cheap ingredients when preparing your meal.
(4)Juhi W.
Easily my worst dining experience in the past 2 years that I have been living in the city! Walked in today with a friend at 6:45 pm for a quick bite before heading over for a show at Mercury theater next door. The person who seated us (didn't catch his name, bearded guy) and took our order behaved in extremely rude and disrespectful manner. His attitude was disgusting! While taking our order itself, he was looking so annoyed for no reason! As soon as we got our food(served by some other gentleman), within seconds the bearded guy just stomps onto our table and dumps the check without any one of us asking for it. We were literally being told to just pay up and get out of the restaurant!! There were other guests sitting in around and we never saw any one of them being treated this way. His behavior was nothing short of pure discrimination! I so wanted to confront him about it then and there but unlike him, I have been taught to respect every human being and I didn't want to spoil my mood before going in for the show. This place is a big NO for me and I will make sure I spread the word to as many people as I can. I sincerely hope, the management takes notice of my ordeal so that no other patron goes through the ordeal we had to go through today!
(1)A M.
This place is so good! I got the lobster egg benny. It was phenom. The only weird thing is it is attached to a theater- so it is a little confusing when you walk in. Now that I know where to go, I will be back! I am looking forward to trying the dinner menu. Service was great.
(4)Samantha G.
I went here for brunch and was very disappointed. First, the layout is awful - cramped, congested by the hostess stand, small tables that are too close to one another - just not an enjoyable setting in the least. After being seated (uncomforably), I ordered the ham and eggs. The eggs were extremely cold and inedible and the ham was slimy. I love a good brunch, but this place completely misses the mark. DELEET this place from Southport.
(1)Jeremy G.
I was really unimpressed with brunch at Deleece. To start with, the coffee tasted like diner coffee - burnt, and definitely not worth the price or the location. I ordered the breakfast burrito, which was composed of good ingredients but just awful proportions. It had scrambled egg, chorizo, sour cream, beans, and some sort of salsa, I believe. However, easily 80% of the weight of the burrito was just one large mass of plain scrambled egg. It was really unpleasant; there was so much of it that it overwhelmed the other ingredients. I was with two people who ordered it as well; we all ended up taking out some of the egg and leaving it on the plate. It seemed like my friends had better luck with the Black & Blue french toast and the crispy polenta. However, I also tried a bite of the biscuits and gravy, and it was really mediocre (I love biscuits and gravy - I would have been disappointed if I had ordered them). All of this wouldn't have been so bad, but service was agonizingly slow. I have absolutely no interest in returning.
(2)Tom S.
This place was great. Limited but expertly crafted dishes. Had an interesting appetizer ; breaded and deep fried olives. Very unique and filling with a dipping sauce. Also had calamari cooked perfectly. Tender with crunchy coating. The Berkshire pork chop with reduction sauce was cooked as requested. (Well done even though this usually bugs chefs) other family members had salmon which I tasted and was cooked perfectly on a bed of spinach with black rice. Seasoned well. Also ordered the lobster roll and wagu burger. Had small taste and also very good. Some nice specialty cocktails ( a bit small for price ) but good. Will go back in spite of bad parking in the area. Didn't really like paying $12 plus tip for valet for 1 hour 15 min stay !
(4)Bert C.
Deleece is so convenient to the Mercury Theater. Great valet parking allows me to drive up and enjoy a GREAT meal, then go to the show and back to Deleece for an after show dessert! The food and service are exceptional. Give this place a try. This past weekend I had the Mai Mai special. TASTY!
(5)Carol K.
Well since my last visit, Deleece has changed location which I loved! The outside seating area was packed on the night I was there as was the cute interior. The food was great on this visit . . .but the service still needs alot of work. I overheard our server tell the next table (with two small children) that they should expect to wait an hour for their food on a weekend night! An hour? What the heck? We were on our own "leisurely dining experience". We started to order our drinks immediately after the new one was put down as it was taking that long to get them replenished. And our food? It also took forever. In fact, the owner brought out our "appetizer" of crab cakes when we were already eating our entrees. Something is wrong here. But if you have the patience of a saint- the food is worth it. We had the half chicken and the NY strip steak. Both were delicious. As was that crab cake that finally came up. And my friend's gnocchi and Caesar salad were also quite good. But that may have been because we were starving given how long it took to get dinner. My advice- stay away on the weekends. I'm going to give it another go on a weeknight and see if some of the misses are rectified.
(3)Saba A.
COME HERE for BRUNCH! Don't be scared- it seems like this place is a hidden gem in Southport location. deleece.com/pdf/brunch.p… - Brunch Menu Not as crowded as the other brunch places in the area, but a table was available for us right away! Great coffee served right away and we all got different things. My fiance- A small size french toast with fruit. For about 5 bucks. This was perfect for him as he's not a big eater (embarrassing for me, I do eat more than him!) I'm a huge breakfast freak, he's not. My fiance's sister: She said the Breakfast Pasta for 9 bucks was a popular item her friend's all raved about, and so did she after eating it! She's great about trying new things, so if you are- get it! She enjoyed it immensely. Me: I love meat, and I love steak, even in the AM so i got the Steak and Eggs for 13 bucks. Steak plus Hollandaise sauce= party in the mouth! I loved it. Huge portion, didn't want to take it home, but definitively could have. We all started with Beignets on the table. There were 3 for 5 bucks and perfect. Sweet, hot and fresh, just a great way to start off brunch. So happy we did that. Service was a little slow, but only as people started coming in more, however, they were really friendly and nice, smiling the whole time.
(4)Scott P.
So freaking gross!! I came here last night for a NYE celebration dinner with 5 friends. We're waiting on their power to come back on after going out for 90 minutes. Really thought they'd offer us at least one drink for waiting around and being highly inconvenienced on New Years Eve, but I was wrong. That should have been a real indication of how the rest of the night at Deleece would go... We were finally seated about 10 minutes after regaining power. We then sat for another 25 minutes until someone finally came up to us and asked if we would like to order a drink or food. Keep in mind we'd been sitting around now for over 2 hours after having a 9pm reservation, and it's NYE! We're gonna miss the countdown at a proper party!! We finally order, and one of us ordered the prix fix menu, the rest off of the regular menu. My fiance asked for steamed mussels to come out with salads and apps. They came out with everyone's main course. I tried one and the only description I can give you is it tasted like how the monkey house at the zoo smells. The table next to us leans over and says, "yeah, our mussels are bad too". We call the server over and she couldn't have cared less. I expressed to her how disappointed I am that they're serving bad food to people who've waited 2 hours to eat there and that this bad food is likely going to cause me to be in the bathroom all day New Years Day. She stopped me and told me that "no one had ever talked to her like that in her life" and that she'd have to "go get the Chef to deal with" me. Unreal. The owner comes over and says to me, "I understand you had a reaction to one of our dishes?" I said yes, you're serving spoiled food, there's more than this dish that is just simply not good on the table, you haven't asked or cared about those, I'm really disappointed. Her reaction was basically, well then get up and leave. No apology, not a care in the world that two tables next to each other were really dissatisfied with their meal. Not one of us in our party will ever be back to this disgusting restaurant, and neither should you. It was terrible service on top of spoiled food. Again- SO FREAKING GROSS!!!!
(1)Scott H.
The service in this place had gone downhill. We normally go for breakfast soon after it opens and the last two times with nobody in the place the service takes forever. We wanted this place to still be good but after a couple last tries we won't be back. I think they could use some more traditional breakfast options as well. The breakfast pasta is so so.
(2)Dee M.
Terrible, terrible, terrible. Group of friends and I ( about 11 people total) went here for brunch for my birthday and it was absolutely terrible. Got seated right away and everyone seem polite until it took over an hour for eggs and potatoes. Finally we asked for the manager as she told us that a kitchen staff member didn't show up today for work. We understood as that is not her fault but we would have appreciated an update. As before then i asked our terrible waitress how much longer and like a ditz just responds "oh just a few more minutes". When we finally got our food, the portions were so small that I was still hungry after, and we never saw the waitress again until it was time to pay. Well hope she enjoyed her zero dollar tip. Worst experience ever.
(1)Bradley S.
I so wish I could give this four stars... The space is very nice. The servers were friendly and competent. The food was excellent and the wine list was complementary. I really enjoyed the sweet onion tart with a glass of Napa Sauvignon Blanc and the lamb shank special with a full flavored zinfadel. Partner really liked his fish of the day, a barundi done Oscar style. And now, for why I will probably never return... the owner/manager/host. While the rest of his staff evidently had to abide a dress code, he was dressed for a gym workout (except for cheap flip flops instead of gym shoes.) I wouldn't leave my house dressed as he was much less be the front of the house where diners were shelling out $50+ per person for dinner. It wasn't just distracting it was offensive. If I wasn't truly impressed with the food and our server, this would have been a one star experience.
(2)Liz K.
Two recent meals at Deleece have catapulted it to my top spot in my area. Both times boasted friendly service (especially front-of-house service during dinner!), quick but not rushed meals, delicious food, and full bellies. The first meal was dinner with my parents, during which we enjoyed a wide variety of menu items, including the bruschetta and crab cakes for appetizers, steaks, salmon, and duck for entrees, and ice cream trios, apple crisp, and chocolate trios for dessert. I really enjoyed my beautifully-cooked filet and the tender crab cakes. The general consensus at the table was that we were guided well by our waitress, Bridget (thanks!) and that the meal delivered great quality without being over-the-top expensive. The second meal was brunch with a girlfriend on a beautiful morning in their outdoor seating area. So many items looked good that I had a hard time deciding - how do you turn down lobster eggs benedict?! somehow I did - but I was ultimately pleased with my chilaquiles. My friend got the vegetable frittata, which was just a HUGE portion, but also looked yummy. The prices were very reasonable for quite filling meals. I would be more inclined to try Deleece again for brunch simply because the price was on point and I didn't see a single option that didn't look appetizing. However, in my experience, it is easy to get a table, so try it whenever for whatever meal works best for you!
(5)E S.
I recently went to Deleece with some friends for dinner. It had been awhile since I ate there last and was reminded how nice it is to have this little place in the neighborhood. So many things sounded great on the menu, we decided to share several things between the four of us. The mussels were great and I really enjoyed the beet and fennel salad. Also, the wine list is great and our server was a great guy (but I can't, for the life of me, remember his name). Thanks again for being in the neighborhood Deleece!
(5)David L.
A decent place. We came here because of an a la card promotion to get $10 off. We came away satisfied, but not blown away. I had the halibut (special) , and my wife had the lamb shank (also a special). I thought the halibut was cooked well and flavorful. The lamb was great when you firat bit into it, but then it became a chore to eat just that one flavor. Overall good, but I just thought that the overall price was a bit high.
(3)Natalia K.
I've been here twice, both for brunch, and for dinner, on two different groupons. Brunch: I came alone and sat at the bar- the bartender/waitress was super nice and attentive and treated me to a non-awkward dining alone experience. I started with the beignets, which were heavenly. Three little fried puffs of dough that were crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and melted in my mouth. Serious yum. Is this only for brunch or can I order them whenever? Then I had the lemon-ricotta pancakes with a side of sausage. The pancakes were not as lemony as I expected and I couldn't tell that they were ricotta as opposed to a regular pancake. Maybe my tastebuds were spoiled from the beignets and decided to take a nap for the rest of the meal? The sausage came in a huge patty shape, that was rather intimidating- is it weird to call a sausage intimidating? It was nice and spicy though and I enjoyed dipping it in syrup. I'd definitely come back here for brunch again. Definitely. Dinner: Came with two gal pals and we first shared the calamari. Wow. The batter was perfect- light and golden and crisp. Much nicer than the usual fried calamari with the batter falling off in a heavy skin. The dipping sauce was excellent as well. Not as spicy as I was hoping, but delicious. We could have used more of it for the quantity of the calamari served. Then I had the steak, which was covered in blue cheese. As can be standard for blue cheese, it overpowered the entire meal. I like blue cheese, but I wanted it to complement the meat, and not be the only thing I tasted. I would like to come back and try a different entree. My friends liked theirs. And I kind of wanted to ask if they would serve the beignets as a dessert.
(4)Ben B.
My inaugural trip to Deleece will be my last. I was meeting a date there and as I walked in, I didn't particularly care for the layout. Just a big room with tables. Like if you took a garage and dumped some tables around. I like to feel relaxed at a restaurant, and this felt more like a cafeteria. I ordered the Boneless Amish Half Chicken. It was fine. The potatoes were a foul mess, though. It's hard to ruin a potato, but Deleece managed. The service is ridiculously poor. Multiple times, we had to flag down waiters. Sometimes, we found ourselves making eye contact and waving to the visible kitchen staff, only to have them ignore us. I sat at a 90-degree angle to my date. When I pointed out that one of the pictures on the wall was her workplace, she switched seats to face me. The server gestured to me and says, "He doesn't smell *that* bad." Hilarious. Call me when you're opening for Gallagher II at the Chuckle Hut in Schaumburg. There's no reason for me to go back to this masquerade of a restaurant.
(2)Oksana D.
Had a groupon for this place and decided to buy another right after dinner. Wonderful ambiance, delicious tuna tartar and possibly the best salmon I've ever eaten. Can't wait to come back again and try more!
(5)Jeff L.
Love this place and so does my family ..... so consistent!
(5)Ever A.
Was there for the prefix- on a Tuesday nite-- my review ** is on the server -P.G-biggest diva ever -- nasty attitude !!
(2)Alexis S.
Firstly, the service was excellent. Our server, who was very busy, was very attentive even though she had way too many tables (perhaps hire another server)... the food was just ok, and for the high prices, I was expecting better. We got fried olives to start, which were just alright, not sure how much more flavor you get by frying an olive? And then I ordered the red snapper special which said it would be served with a "tomato cream sauce" which I never tasted. The fish was about 4 inches thick, and look like it was smothered with a twice baked potato, so that threw me off. Red snapper is my favorite fish and I have never seen it served this thick, kind of grossed me out. My husband got a lobster roll which shockingly didn't have that much flavor and looked unappealing. The fries were average and not crispy at all. My white wine I ordered (a sauvignon blanc from Chile) was way too acidic to pair with food. I think overall there needs to be more refinement with this food, for this high price I would not return. I would recommend Tango Sur down the street... they know how to filet (and butcher) meat and fish properly. Sorry wanted to like it.
(2)Barry m.
I had not been back to Deleece in a number of years, but we chose it as a place for a family birthday. It has always been good but this time the food was amazing! We had a nice big table and the room was not too loud so we could all talk. Our waiter, Mark was knowledgeable and helpful. The food was outstanding: The beet salad + cous-cous were great appetizersThe Amish Chicken was delicious along with my favorite brussel sprouts. Thanks to Deleece, it was a amazing place to celebrate a significant birthday! Can't wait to come back!
(5)Stefanie D.
Deleece didn't have a wait at 8pm on a Saturday night so my husband and I took a seat on the patio for dinner. We started with an appetizer (tart) and waited...and waited..and waited for our dinner. About 45 minutes went by and it started to get cold out so we asked to be seated inside, which our waiter arranged. Our food took another 15+ minutes to get to us, so we waited over an hour for our entree. A woman came by and told us some cooks hadn't showed up which was accounting for the wait, which happens. However, while we waited, we didn't receive anything - no appetizer, no drinks, not even extra bread. We just sat and waited. Then when our bill came, we revived no comps, and only once we paid did they offer to throw in dessert (I was just eager to get home at that point). My lobster roll was good but truffle fries were soggy, and my husband's pork chop was average. Overall, disappointed and not worth the price.
(2)Pooja K.
I celebrated my birthday here and was too impressed! They were very accommodating. We were seated outside and they moved us inside when it started drizzling. The duck was incredible. Also enjoyed the beet salad and all of the vegetarian offerings. Service 5 stars. Food 5 stars. Prices: Reasonable !
(5)Mike J.
The food is amazing, service is great and decor is pretty enjoyable. This is a great spot. I had the sausage and eggs, very simple, might have been the best sausage I have had.
(5)Evan S.
There's a lot to like about Deleece: the food is good, it's a fun atmosphere, reasonably priced, and nice/attentive wait staff. I had the Chilaquiles w/ chorizo. No complaints here... nice size portion, eggs cooked just right, good taste w/ delicious guacamole. My wife on the other hand had the Fish Torta sandwich which was a complete disaster. It was basically a heap of mayo, lettuce, and guacamole mushed together on bread that was too soft to handle the load. No comments on the actually fish because there wasn't enough to really rate. Oh... and the combined sandwich had no taste. Deleece has some work to do on this sandwich. The fries that came with it were cool though :) I'm just going to give Deleece the benefit of doubt and just assume that the Fish Torta is one of their worst items. They still get 4 stars in my book and I will definitely go back for brunch/lunch.
(4)Ben W.
Could be the worst restaurant my wife and I have been to in Chicago. For the prices and beautiful space, we expected so much more. Started off asking for the beer menu, and being rudely told they had nothing on draught. Ok, we'll order a cocktail and some crispy calamari. Cocktail was nice, as was the calamari - except it was DROWNING in sauce. Had to scrape a ton off. Ready to order a beer and our food, our waiter was nowhere to be found. I guess sitting on the patio was no mans land, as we only ever saw the busboy bringing us water and bread over and over. Finally, after having to ask the busboy to send over the waiter, did we order. We finally received our meal, again after a long wait, and I didn't have a fork. So, another lengthy wait. But now time to dig into my seared Ahi tuna with lobster risotto, and my wife's duck breast. Sounds epic, right? That's exactly what the entrees were - epic SOUNDING. My Ahi tuna was obviously frozen and then poorly defrosted, as it was flavorless, swimming in sesame sauce, and very stringy - a very poor quality tuna filet. On top of that, my risotto was disgusting and salty, without a piece of lobster to be found. My wife's duck breast was just as bad - inedible really - and sided with some bland asparagus. We both only finished 1/4 our meal due to it being so nasty. We decided to cut our losses and skip dessert, and after again unsuccessfully tracking down our waiter, we finally had to cash out at the bar. The only positive was the attentive and friendly busboy. For what we paid, and the poor quality food, I will never be back. Too bad!!
(1)Kevin A.
Absolute terrible experience. Had 8pm reservations and sat down on a timely basis. Put our food order in by 8:10pm. Our food did not arrive until 9:30pm and only after we had complained to the manager (whom, at the time we raised our concerns, acknowledged that our order had been placed long ago but could not tell how much longer we would have to wait). Even worse, when the food did come, it was average to below average. I had the Ahi Tuna and my wife had the risotto and we both agreed that we would never return to Deleece again.
(1)Virginia L.
What can I say? IM A BREAKFAST, BRUNCH FOODIE! I literally died in heaven trying their STUFFED FRENCHTOAST (with mascarpone, three-berry compote, cinnamon whipped cream and pure grade A maple syrup) DOESN'T THAT SOUND SO AMAZING :) I will surely be back if I'm in town
(4)Jeff D.
Deleece for brunch, had the Chilequiles and the Steak Benedict. Both were really delicious.
(4)Meredith K.
I haven't been since they moved. This new location (well they've been here over a year now) is great! If i were seeing a show at the Music Box or Mercury I would def get a rezzie here. This is a good place to catch up w/ friends, girls night, date night etc. Its cozy and friendly. The staff was friendly. More on that later. We started w/ a glass of wine and their winter cocktail which was really good. Almost too good. I could drink that fast! The bread and butter is ok. You get some hearty bread and the butter has mustard seeds in it. My boyfriend got the pork chop and I watched him try and get every molecule of meat off of that bone. A win! He also loved the simple potatoes that came with it. I had the scallops. I'm still mourning the loss of the scallops that she used to make at the old location with that mustard sauce. So sad they don't do that anymore! But this is nice and creamy, well cooked with some nice greens and mushrooms for an earthy flavor. For dessert I tried the brownies with bananas and homemade marshmallow. It was a slight let down. Had I just had a scoop of the salted peanut ice cream I would have been happy. The brownies are a little on the tough side. Not rich and chocolatey but almost like the store bought kind. The marshmallow was a drizzle and the glue that kept the brownies down. I wanted a nice fluffy homemade marshmallow. And the bananas had a weird, almost bitter flavor. I could have done w/o them as they were distracting. My boyfriend needed to try 3 scoops of Carol's homemade ice cream. The five spice salted caramel was all spice and little caramel. If you like pumpkin pie spices its great! Also the eggnog which was burned. We let the server know and he kindly offered him another flavor. But then we saw an up charge on our bill. Weird! I was leaving cash so I didn't say anything but I probably should have. The other flavor was the bourbon pecan which was the best one of the original order. Our replacement was the mint chip and it was fantastic! Its a natural green color so you know she's using real mint. Very yummy.
(4)J H.
Stopped in here for a quick bite one evening with my husband and friend. The wine was alright, but the food was just so-so. The crab bisque still had chunks of not dissolved flour floating around in it and the calamari was so salty that it had to be sent back. The salad was good enough to eat, thankfully. I was disappointed as I am always looking for a decent dining option on Southport. Not sure I would come back here unless I really ran out of options.
(2)Pack C.
We went there with a big group: 8 people. I love the experience. The host was great and so attentive! We tried multiple dishes: crab salad, lamb shank, duck, steak frites, salmon, risotto. My favorite is crab salad. It's all good! The price is reasonable too. It's not over the top but a solid neighborhood restaurant. I would love to go back there again
(4)Rachel L.
You know what strikes me about the new location? IT'S REALLY LOUD IN THERE. No really. IF A LOCAL SOUND ENGINEER WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER HIS OR HER SERVICES TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT THAT WOULD BE DULY APPRECIATED. Seriously. My Mom and I had to raise our voices to be heard while eating brunch. If I wanted to take my Mom somewhere with the noise level of a bar, I would have gone to a bar instead. But the food was still good.
(4)Nicole P.
Went here the other night before a show at the mercury theater on a Thursday. Right off the bat the waitress's didn't make us feel welcome. It felt insanely stuffy with two old couples a half of a foot on either side of me and my boyfriend. The food was taking a while to come out so I asked where it was as it was only 15 minutes till show time, to which I received and extremely snooty response. I then heard the waitress telling the table next to us what their specials were and explaining the menu in depth, what....what specials? She never told us. We got the chicken dish(only one on there) and it was good but the salad was drenched in dressing. Small dinner menu. I won't be going back here. They are lucky they moved next to the theater as otherwise who knows if they'd survive. I used to Kirk the old location.
(2)Aminda S.
Deleece, you saved the evening! You didn't even know it, but you did. After a terrible experience at Tango Sur, my party of six decided to forego our FINALLY available table, and head to Deleece for dinner instead and I am certainly glad we did. They were happy to seat us, and our server was energetic and delighted to serve us, which isn't the case with Tango Sur even on a good night most of the time. Everything we had was executed to perfection - My friend was chewing his lamb shank at the bone for every last ounce of meat. My mom's filet was a little more rare than she preferred, but she still gobbled it up. I had a wonderful salmon served over black rice. Some other notable dishes were the cauliflower and apple appetizer (could have been a larger portion - but so unique and delicious) and the fried calamari. I know what you're thinking...fried calamari? Yes, typically it's pretty standard but they soak theirs in buttermilk overnight to soften and it and it truly did make the difference. Not a rubbery piece to be found in the bunch! But Deleece, can I offer you a piece of advice while I'm here giving you a shining review? About a year ago, we had an hour wait at Tango Sur - it was about 6:00PM and your establishment was nearly empty. We saw your bar and figured we'd go in and split a bottle of wine between the three of us while we waited. When we came in you told us that we had to eat there to drink at the bar. I understand you probably get a lot of run off from the one Tango Sur, but you shouldn't be so quick to turn away what could become a valuable customer. I brushed your negligence off my shoulder at the time but had you allowed us to enjoy some cocktails then, you would have landed a loyal customer in me much sooner. I hate to think you're turning down those same opportunities today. Just something to think about... Timing is everything I guess...and this time things turned out in your favor! Thanks for improving a night that had earlier almost ended in tears. Myself, and my guests certainly did enjoy our experience.
(4)Amy H.
You just got downgraded, Deleece. It's been well over four years since my last visit and I was incredibly disappointed with my brunch. I ordered a ham and swiss frittata, which came out with goat cheese on it instead of swiss. I didn't ask for goat cheese. In fact, I hate goat cheese. So while my friends were eating their dishes I had to wait another 15 minutes for a new frittata to be made. When it arrived, our waiter just shrugged and said "the chef messed up." What kind of chef doesn't know the difference between goat cheese and swiss? We also ordered a pitcher of white sangria that was horrible. Absolutely terrible. It had peach nectar in it, I think. It was gross and overly sweet. And $20 for a small pitcher? Highway robbery! My friend's chilaquiles were good, but I won't be going back to try them again any time soon.
(2)Stephen M.
Deleece is next to the Music Box. We decided to explore the neighborhood after a movie, walked around and settled finally at the next door Deleece. It turned out to be a good place to enjoy an evening meal, post-show. Steak frites--very good! Prepared just as requested (medium rare) and duck, also just as requested. The duck breast seemed a smallish entrée, but tasty and well prepared. Had a latte and, although not 'pretty' with stiff foam, it was smooth and rich. The bread and butter placed at the table to start was not to my liking--dry, nothing of interest. Changing it would be an easy tweak that would fit well with all that is very good at this restaurant.
(4)Alex A.
Right next to the Music Box Theater, Deleece delights with a warm and inviting open atmosphere with warm lighting, exposed brick walls, tasteful art and friendly service. I'd recommend a rez (OpenTable) because it sure fills up quickly if there's a show playing next door. It was cacophonous once full! Had an essentially vegan meal here of small plates including: Beet Salad ($7.5), a subtle but tasty dish of roasted fennel, sliced radishes, watercress & lime-agave nectar yogurt Crispy Rosemary Polenta Cakes ($8), the star dish of the night: crispy and chewy, slightly oily polenta cakes with a rich romesco (red pepper) sauce as well as sundried tomato-walnut tapenade, roasted mushroom ragout and arugula Broccoli with Almonds ($6.5) Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($8): (minus Nueske's bacon) crimini mushrooms, red bell peppers, garlic & yuzu-nampla vinaigrette --------------- Now all that didn't add up to too much dough but enter drinks. I had a Tarragon Royale ($10) served in a champagne flute. It's vodka, tarragon syrup, bubbly and lime I believe. Very tasty but served not too cold. I very nicely mentioned something about drink temps (guest's 3 glasses of Hall sauvignon blanc, $11, was also not too chilled) to our very nice server Anna...I really wasn't fishing for freebies, maybe just some ice cubes...but Anna brought me another. Funny thing is second one was about same temp. Oh well, free drink. I finished din-din with a $7 Domaine DuPage. So Deleece was a pleasant experience overall. Tables flanking us had seafood/pasta dishes and meat/burger dishes. All looked good. I'd come back to try those entrees, which are in the $15-$25 range.
(4)Jim S.
I think this is one of the more overrated places in the area. I live right around the corner from Deleece, so I've given it a few opportunities. The ONLY thing that's saving this place is their patio. They have a rather large patio right on the eastern side of Southport which offers fantastic people watching. For the prices at Deleece I'd expect far better quality of food and service than what I've experienced. The food is generally bland and unimpressive, while the staff seems uninterested and annoyed. Each time I've been there they've also struggled to get my order correct, which becomes annoying when it it's the norm. If you're considering this for a full fledged meal, I'd skip it. If you don't mind lackluster service and you're looking to sit on a patio for some quality people watching while having a few over priced drinks, then I'd say stop in.
(2)Tony D.
No Hash! What? So this place is uber cute. Great soundtrack with my meal. The food was pretty good too. Lots of light. Great patio area. Service with not such a smile. The guy serving us or the owner?? Yeah not sure. Not very friendly. BTW....you just opened, how the hell do you not have HASH? It's Saturday? You have a super long weekend ahead of you. Don't think I will be going back. Too many other places to visit. Also....your wicked white....not sure you would know what a good plate of Chilaquiles was even if it wiggled on your face.
(2)Hil P.
I love this place! They had innovative food and cocktails! We really loved the calamari and the olives. For a main I tried the duck which was prepared perfectly and in a delicious reduction sauce. The service was above and beyond, we closed the place down and they didn't seem to mind!
(5)Dianne S.
My husband and I braved the weather and the cheesy prix fixe menus to have Valentine's Day dinner out this year. We were going to watch the Princess Bride at the Music Box Theater so Deleece seemed to be the perfect choice for dinner since it was about a minute walk away. I made reservations through Opentable...score +100 points! Seating was a bit tight. I guess they would call it intimate. It was busy, as I expected, but so busy that we only had 15 minutes to eat before our show! The food was so good that we scarfed it down in no time. No doggie bags needed. I had the pork and beef pappardelle with its amazing red sauce. My husband had the steak frites...steak was a perfect medium rare as he ordered and the fries were addicting! Also, always always order the mussels! Ask for extra bread to soak up that delicious butter/wine/clammy sauce!
(5)Kyle P.
Been a few times a year over the past few years. It just always comes out to be the same outcome..... Great menu and ideas, great patio......decent to good service.....actually really good wine list.....food is not executed correctly for the price. Across all courses. Sucks it is around the corner and so nice looking.
(3)Luke S.
This was a very disappointing meal. My wife and I have been excited to try this place for quite a while, as the menu looks great. I know they're always busy, but had never been inside. The decor is nice and it gives off a great vibe. The main problem is the service. There was one server taking care of all the tables. He was running around a bit frantic, but on top of him taking care of too many tables he literally put in zero effort. He talked then walked away multiple times without letting myself or my wife ask questions. He did this to other tables too. Many of the tables were frustrated. He would literally be walking away when talking about the specials. That's very annoying when we have very few nights to get out and have to pay for a babysitter. The food itself was OK, but really could have been much better. My lobster roll had good flavor, but was a little light on the meat. My wife's ahi tuna tacos had literally one small slice of tuna on each of the three tacos. They also neglected to drain the water from the slaw, so it was very runny with the taco. The best part of the meal was the truffle fries, but would have been much better if served with an aioli. On top of everything my wife's glass of wine had a very light poor. If you read my reviews I rarely complain about portions, but for an upsold $11 glass to be so small it was bad. Naturally when I asked the server started walking away we were told it was a standard 5oz pour. Needless to say we will not be coming back. I don't think they need the business, but it's a shame as this place has a lot of potential.
(2)Deanna S.
I love Deleece for brunch. Where else can you be offered calamari, steak tacos & fish and chips along with pancakes and delicious frittata's? The service is always great. They have a nice kids menu for brunch/lunch but not so much for dinner.
(5)Erin R.
The saving grace of this place is the patio. I love places with a patio in the summertime. Other than that, the restaurant left a lot to be desired. A friend and I visited because she lives in the area. We started with the pitcher of mimosas and the glasses we got were dirty; we had to send them back to get clean ones! And the waiter didn't even pour our first glasses... He just set the pitcher on the table and left. Our meals were average... Until my friend found chicken bones in her frittata... What?!? Gross!!! The service was blah; our server barely checked in and didn't even try to provide excellent service. There are enough great brunch places in Chicago that I won't be coming back here. Not worth the money.
(2)Christopher A.
Deleece is truly a phenomenal restaurant in the Southport Corridor in the Lakeview neighborhood. It's been a long-standing restaurant well-known on the north side of the city for many, many years and their newer location adjacent to the Mercury Theater (currently showing Avenue Q!) is outstanding--light and modern with a beautiful bar and exposed brick walls. Over the years I've tried everything from the signature salmon with black rice (yum!) to the mussels, calamari, and crab cakes--and all are excellent and with creative presentations. I'm from Maryland and VERY, VERY picky about my crab cakes. Deleece's are authentic and made with actual LUMP crab...the best I've had outside of my home city of Baltimore (and I've had some lousy crab cakes in the Midwest!)! I have never been disappointed with anything on the menu at Deleece. Perhaps an unexpectedly EXCELLENT aspect of Deleece is the bar area, and their wonderful, gregarious bartender Anthony has created a cocktail menu completely in line with the increasingly popular craft cocktail/martini trends today. All of Anthony's mixes and elixirs are house-made and incredibly creative--not to mention delicious! My favorite martini at Deleece is the Understudy. You must try it (I posted a photo)! The bar area alone is a great place to stop before or after a show at the adjacent Mercury Theater, and they'll even make to-go cocktails to bring right into the theater. It's perfect! I'm even more of a fan of Deleece now than I was years ago, and this is one of my go-to spots in the city for always excellent food and drinks. Great job, Deleece!
(5)Dawj S.
I went to this place for brunch. I love the feel of the restaurant. It has a really nice ambiance with partial exposed brick walls and glass doors that open in the summer for the patio and fresh air. The wait time can be a bit long depending on when you go. I think it is because it is right next to the theater and people attend either before or after the shows. The wait staff is really nice, welcoming and always serve with a smile. I had the Ahi Tuna tacos that were recommended by the staff, and they were absolutely delicious. The chairs are not super comfortable but seem to be the right design for the decor of the place. While paid street parking is available, it may be tough to find a spot so you may have a tad bit of a walk, which is OK for a really nice day. Overall, I really liked the food and the staff!
(4)Joseph D.
I am torn about this place. The food was very good, bordering on excellent. But the decor and the prices kinda don't do it for me... Went on a Wednesday night around 7pm and the place was packed with people going to the show at the Mercury Theater. My bad - didn't think to make a reservation on a Wednesday but we were seated so off to a good start. Had a whiskey old fashioned and a glass of red for the wife. The cocktail did not mess around with bacon infused vodka and maple simple syrup. Nice. Started with the Brussels sprout salad with had roasted pepper strips and what appeared to be back bacon. Excellent. For dinner the wife had the burger (very good) and I had the Halibut fish special. it was good. Here's where I think things got a bit off for me. First the place seems to be a theater crowd kinda place. At 7:30, the place emptied out. It was so weird. At 7 not a table to be had. At 7:30, poof. You are alone. Second is the location of the front door goes right out into the theater lobby. Not too attractive seeing floor mats and crowd of people milling around. Finally the prices are a bit much for Southport. My fish was $33. Holy heck! The burger was $16. Cocktails were more reasonable at $10 - $11 so OK there. But for those prices, I'm wanting a bit more ambiance. Overall, a nice place. Food and service are 4 stars but I just can't get past the value / decor issue which I give 2 stars, hence my average of 3 stars for this place.
(3)Charlene S.
Had gone here for brunch. 2 of 4 dishes were GREAT! Got the polenta with eggs, spinach and a red pepper sauce and it was phenomenal. Surpassed my expectations. The polenta cubes were still crispy on the outside despite sitting below eggs and in a red pepper sauce. So hearty and fabulous. Definitely a five star dish. The hubs had the monte cristo. Says it was served e a berry compote. But was just a few fresh berries on it. It was a ham sandwich w bechamel inside french toast; an almost sweet and savory dish. He also expected some home fries on the side. He was underwhelmed. The kids split the pancakes. My 3 yo is a pancake connoisseur. And after Agee bites refused it. It tasted fine to me so I kept insisting she eat more. And she continues to chew then spit it out. I tried more and it then tasted bitter to me. Almost as an afternote. The bitterness came through on the edges of the back of my tongue. And I'd try diff parts of it but still bitter. The husband didn't notice. Maybe I scorched my tongue from eating my delicious food too fast but as he kept eating finally did notice it. It tasted like the bitterness of an aspirin that dissolved a little on your tongue before swallowing. Boo. The lobster mac and cheese was also amazing. Lobster cooked well. Delicate and rich. The creamy cheese and just the perfect crisp in the vege. Oh so good. For breaking our normally paleo lifestyle, this was worth it! Service was so-so.
(3)Jessica N.
Came back here to try dinner and it did not disappoint. The duck was perfectly cooked. Loved the accoutrements. Can't go wrong with the location either Hubbie got the pork chop - very well cooked as well. Great place for your go-tos.
(4)Julie B.
Deleece was the spot of my first outdoor brunch of the season, which for the activity alone warrants a 5 star review all day erry day... But then when I factor in the horrible, god awful service, it just goes downhill fast. First the goods -- the patio is big and not overcrowded (brunch convos with my group of friends are not meant for tiny ears!) and the food was a good mix of the usuals (pancakes, eggs Benedict) and more unique brunch creations and, seeing one of the cons as a positive since I believe in the silver lining after all, they don't make you feel rushed to leave! But the bads...umm, we Wanted to leave and couldn't because our server never brought the check, then when she did she didn't come back for it foreeeever. And then she did what smart servers would never do -- gave a $10 bill and a $5 bill as the change.. No singles. Well, you aren't getting 10 for crappy service, so I guess 5 it is! There were also coffee grounds in the coffee and the mimosas didn't seem to have much bubble to them. Good coffee and heavy champagne pours = return customers and good tips! One more positive -- they have certificates on restaurants.com so we got $25 off as long as we purchased at least like $38 or so. And the server seemed to know the drill so that was a plus! There's just so many other patios with brunch, ya know?!
(3)Meghana P.
A solid brunch option that isn't often too crowded. You enter through the Mercury Theater, which can be a little confusing. I love the variety of options on the menu, and the chilaquiles have generally been solid. The service is generally attentive and helpful. I wish the prices were a little cheaper, but this place is pretty good.
(4)PJ C.
Hamburger itself was fine, but the bacon relish was salty overkill and the bun was somewhat stale. Beet salad was fair, a bit overcooked. It provides quickish food if you are heading to the Music Box. Convenience made the food acceptable. I won't bother coming back here.
(2)Tijuanna D.
The service, ambiance and food was excellent. A friend and I went on a Sunday evening before attending the Mercury theatre for a show. First time at this restaurant and I'd definitely attend without having a event to attend. This place is adjacent to the theatre which was very convenient. Try the steak tacos..... Delicious
(5)Asenath N.
The service was not the best. waiter never came and asked us if we needed things unless we asked.
(2)Rita M.
Came here for lunch w the hubby today. I ordered the lobster roll sandwich. Could have used a little more mayo, but yum! Just a half a star deducted. I got the house salad as a side, way too tangy. Another half star deducted. Hubby got the steakhouse burger w optional addition of a fried egg with side of sweet potato salad. He loved it. Nice clean ambiance. Server was super nice. Will be back :) I will just simply ask for extra mayo and get the fries as a side.
(4)Little D.
Went to this place for the first time last Friday before The Adams Family musical. Initially, the service was fantastic. The cheese plate was nice as well as my duck breast. My date enjoyed the fish off of the special menu though I found it a little bland. Nice presentation on both entrees. The only major issue we had was that my date made it a point to let our server know that we had tickets for the 8:00p show and the server said she understood. Unfortunately, as they got busier, we were forgotten about and my date had to actually get up to pay for the check because we had been waiting for about 15 minutes for someone to come back around. That said, I do plan to go back and give these guys another try since the food was tasty. I look forward to changing my 3 stars to 5 when I do!
(3)Jennifer P.
My +1 suggested it because he had fond memories of Deleece's old location and hadn't eaten there in over 10 years. We had a reservation for 6, but had to call because we were running late, and they nicely pushed it back for us. We were immediately seated. Our server was very thorough in her description of the specials. The restaurant is in a former storefront. It's a cute atmosphere, but poorly executed. We were seated against the wall (booth + little table and a chair). He had the heater blowing straight on him (no wonder our candle couldn't stay lit). We asked if we could move, but apparently they couldn't seat us elsewhere, so our server said she'd turn off the blowers. (About 20 minutes later, though, they were back on and blowing full heat onto us, making us both sweaty!). I had a light shining right on me in my booth seat, as did other patrons seated in the booths. Felt like the spotlight was on me - literally. Awkwarrrrdddd! We ordered the Vegetable Risotto to share as a starter. To me, it was lacking in flavor - needed salt! It was pretty good (albeit on the gummy side) but not outstanding. He ordered the Amish Half Chicken ($17) and I had the Shrimp + Truffle Linguine (19). He really enjoyed his chicken, but it was mostly just that, with a few little vegetables underneath. If he were to order it again, I'd think he'd want a vegetable side to go along with it. My Linguine was just OK - nothing fantastic. I felt like it's something I could easily replicate at home. I didn't taste any truffle or chili to tell you the truth. Meh. My date did enjoy the crushed tomatoes in my dish. I had a few glasses of wine and my +1 first ordered a Deleece Sour (Maker's Mark + red wine) which was pretty good. For his second drink our server recommended the Smoky Old Fashioned with bacon-infused bourbon. We were both disgusted by the flavor - it tasted like bacon grease and was extremely thick and overpowering. He was at first going to sip it and deal with it, but then thought about asking the server if he could swap it out for something less disgusting. She nicely obliged, telling us that "people either love it or hate it" (?!) which made me wonder why she suggested it in the first place.. He got a Lemon Basil Manhattan instead, which was much better. Our total bill - 2 glasses of wine, 2 drinks, the risotto, and our entrees, was $88 before tax + tip. In all it was "just OK" - IMO overpriced for what it was. I wouldn't go running back.
(3)Tammy M.
We live in the neighborhood and this is one of our go-to spots for brunch and dinner. The menu is creative, food quality and prep is consistently outstanding and portions are generous. And we love that it changes frequently to keep it fresh. We recently tried some of the outstanding cocktails Anthony whips up--amazing. The bourbon based drinks are my favorite. Want to call out to Deleece management what a gem you have in Anthony. He is fun, friendly and makes every visit we make to the restaurant memorable. A real asset who keeps us coming back when there are a lot of choices in the neighborhood. He's a keeper!
(5)Annie M.
Deleece is awesome! The prices are pretty high, but when it comes to fine dining in the Lakeview area, Deleece is as good as it gets! The restaurant has a nice interior, with cool canvas prints of the city on the walls. The patio is pretty large, although I've never lucked out with warm enough weather to enjoy it myself. It gets pretty crowded, so I definitely recommend calling ahead for reservations. They definitely try to maximize capacity, so it lacks intimacy or a romantic feel...that being said, Deleece is still totally worthy of 5 stars because of its amazing food and service. As for the food: My boyfriend has ordered the steak every time we've been, and while I'm not going to pretend to know anything about steak, he raves about it. I stick to the seafood...the diver scallops are out of this world! They could make a scallop fan out of anyone...butttt if you're hungry definitely get an appetizer because its a fairly small entree, despite being the most expensive item on the regular menu. Most recently I ordered the sea bass daily special, served on a bed of julienne veggies and polenta. Everything about it was absolutely perfect! I've also tried the salmon, which is cooked with this amazing glaze that almost makes it a little crispy. And as good as the food is, the service is still very friendly and down to earth. From the hostess to waiters to busers, I have nothing but great things to say about the staff. If you're looking for a neighborhood spot of celebrate something special, definitely consider Deleece!
(5)Jeff K.
I live very near and have been twice. Both times I have ordered a dish that sounded delicious and was recommended by our server, however, they strayed me in the wrong direction. Chiliquelas is a breakfast dish served with tortilla chips (menu did not disclose this) and 'breakfast pasta' was the other interesting that disappointed. Breakfast pasta and eggs with chips is quite a stretch, I advise sticking to the fundamentals of breakfast with your own delightful twist. Their basics could be tasty, but they need to stick to more of the bread and butter dishes.
(2)Ro L.
Very good food but pretty pricey. would say the food was on the level of "Francesca's on Bryn Mawr" but with Southport prices.
(3)Billy C.
Deleece is nicely situated next to the Mercury Theater. They often ask if you're also here for the show--probably to ensure you get your food on time and not miss the opening. Atmosphere Open and modern spacing. The bar is quite comfy. The staff from bartenders, servers, etc are friendly. Good pours from bartenders. Food Excellent, from the steak that is perfectly seared and cooked to order, duck that is crispy and savory. Service Even when it was busy, the servers were attentive. Food came out with good orchestration.
(4)Josh G.
Service 411- The bartender got us seated, and was courteous and ready to assist. Valerie was our server. She was super laid back, funny, and knew food and wine menu well. She made recommendations and took her time with us. That was appreciated. No pretentiousness here. Food 411- We ordered the Beet Salad, Tuna, and Duck. The Tuna and Duck entrees were recommended by our server. We enjoyed it all. I was leaning toward the salmon or New York strip steak, but went with the recommendation of the server. I will try them next time. I popped my duck virginity. (Don't judge...I do get out.) I was fearful it would taste gamey, but thankfully it didn't. I have no frame of reference for comparison, but my good looking date confirmed it was tasty. It came with kale and potatoes. The potatoes didn't rock my world; they weren't bad, but they didn't burst with flavor. They were topped with the kale and moistened by the juices of the duck. Not the best mixture of flavors for what could have potentially been good potatoes. The beet salad was also nice; it led to tongue arousal. It was light in flavor, but moist and refreshing. It consisted of a good mix of textures. I did prefer the tuna over the duck. I felt it offered a little more flavor fusion in the mouth. Drink 411- We had the Beckmen Vinyards 2011 Cuvee Le Bec Syrah, grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise blend. (Santa Ynez Valley) It was a great mix and blend of grapes for a taste that wasn't too sweet and wasn't too dry. It seemed pricey at $48/bottle, but I'm no wine connoisseur, and I enjoyed it. I'm good with a bottle of Layer Cake Malbec for $17, which is not featured here. Location 411- There were several imposter "entrances", but the actual entrance was findable (is that a word?!). It was interestingly set up, and they have an odd door/entrance. There was no host/hostess, so you just kind of walk in and stand around waiting, or if you are like me, just walk to the bar (bottoms up), and tell the bartender you have a reservation. He will then seat you. *Tip- Groupon currently has a deal here again. Check it out.
(4)Brent R.
Its a nice place on the inside and the people have always been really nice but I just think its over priced for what you get. I only go here if we are seeing a play at the Mercury Theater next door. This amounts to about once or twice a year and its all the place is worth. I tried their casual burger place that is now closed and had a similar experience.
(3)Mindy B.
I have not been to delecee since before they moved. The new setting is nice but the tables are very close together. The waiter was knowledgable and friendly. I liked the options on the menu, a lot of variety. I went with the fish special. It was bland and for the first time in my life add salt. My husband had the steak which he enjoyed. Over all good but not great.
(3)Amelia Z.
Great brunch spot. Ok for dinner. Lobster Mac and cheese was weak and soupy with too much pepper--- not worth the extra dollars. Brunch is good for mimosas. Breakfast Mac and cheese and beignets.
(3)Jorge M.
Such a cozy place really nice and great staff.
(4)Jessica B.
Incredibly underwhelming. My tuna steak/bok choy/potato mash were luke-warm when served to me, and when I asked them to heat it up, the tuna came back over cooked and the potato mash & bok choy hadn't changed temperatures at all. For an expensive restaurant, this place did not at all make it worth it, and I will not be coming back.
(1)Evan M.
Been here a good handful of times. Food comes in between solid and excellent depending on the night and item, and at a great value. Generally excellent servers. I would recommend the salmon!
(4)Brett E.
To get out of the rain my boyfriend and I ran into this spot and took a seat at the bar. We ended up ordering some drinks and entrees and everything was great. The bartender was very friendly and attentive and our food came out piping hot. I had the lobster roll which was delicious, but should warn you that it comes with a biblical portion of fries! Their prices are a bit steep but otherwise a good meal.
(4)Jamar T.
I came here for brunch as a last resort after my friends and I did not want to wait an hour for a table at southport grocery and cafe. We should have just waited it out because the service here was impeccably awful. It took 45 minutes for our food to arrive which it magically came out seconds after inquiring on the hold up as the place was half full at best. During that 45 minute waiting period not once did our server stop by our table. I was a server in college and I was extremely disappointed in his lack of effort. Unfortunately I don't see Deleece being around too much longer as the majority of its reviews reflect my experience and are not recommended. Oh and the food...bland and forgettable
(1)Caitlin A.
Not crazy on a Sunday for brunch and our food was amazing!!! Will definitely go back!
(4)Andrey R.
Definitely a great elegant spot. I've tried lobster rolls and duck, both were delicious! It can get a bit expensive, especially when you drink and dine. They opened a patio for the summer season and it is amazing! Strongly recommend it.
(4)Henry L.
Food was delicious. Would give 5 stars for food and service. Hand cut fries and their signature burger are delicious. Waitress was friendly and the place has a cool vibe to it. Would for sure go back. Drink I ordered really didn't have enough alcohol in it though and was pretty small could hardly taste the tequila otherwise would of given perfect 5 stars all around.
(4)Daniel N.
My g/f and I walked in just before 2:30pm on Saturday. After waiting several minutes from not being acknowledged, I had to ask the bartender if we seat ourselves. His response was "Sorry, you just missed us. We closed at 2:30." I see what you did there; not acknowledge us so you could turn us away after the minute hand passed 2:30. Not only did we waste our time, this is an establishment where the staff will ignore you until you have to ask to be seated. This is not the kind of treatment that builds successful restaurants or repeat customers.
(1)Blaine K.
I have never had someone treat me so poorly when walking into a restaurant. I went in to have a glass of wine at the bar and was told I was not welcome because I was not eating dinner. The man at the front was extremely rude. Don't stop here if you want a drink, apparently service is only available for customers staying for dinner. Safe to say I will never be staying for dinner after this experience.
(1)Karen C.
My group of girls went to Deleece on Saturday morning for brunch, celebrating Betsy P.'s new little lady's first brunch outing. We of course started with the mimosa's (no worries, there was a designated babysitter) and they were really good. I like that they leave a pitcher on the table so you can refill at your own accord, instead of waiting for the waiter to come by. For my entree, I had the shrimp & grits. It was pretty tasty, but the grits were a little waterier than I like them to be. However, a decent amount of shrimp, grits & a few pieces of bacon makes for a happy Karen C. Others at the table had the breakfast pizza & the lobster benedict. All seemed really happy with their choices. Overall I think this is a good neighborhood spot to hit up on the regular, I'd like to come back for dinner. Waiter was friendly, the decor is cute, and there was lots of Michael Jackson on the radio, which is always a win in my book.
(4)Peter O.
4.5! 6.01.2014 Sunday afternoon under an umbrella in the hot sunshine with rare and lovely S. and my new favourite medium rare bruncheon companion: Deleece Steakhouse Burger $13. half pound freshly ground beef, caramelized onion, bacon jam, avocado, Wisconsin aged white cheddar, baby lettuce & vine ripened tomato on brioche Add fried hen's egg: 1.5 (including creamy fries extra crispy as requested) S.'s chosen Vouvray was chilled in an ice bucket at the table, a luscious and crisp accompaniment to her tasty eggs and bacon breakfast and my burger, too. Coffee is always fresh and superb. They were out of Jameson!? so when asked our server Tineka recommended Bulleit as her favourite bourbon. So long Maker's, hello smooth, dry, vanilla spice Bulleit neat. Two wonderful firsts in one day at one restaurant and my life is ineradicably changed for the better. Oh, by the way if you are wondering, "Tineka" means cleverly charming, very gracious and knowledgeable server and advisor in Oliverese. We once again were cordially allowed to overstay our welcome on the patio. Why completely close to prepare for dinner service? At least keep the bar open, folks. Honestly, how often does a restaurant get better with each return visit? You're right! So 4.5 stars plus gives Deleece a five. Though barring events unforeseen they undoubtedly will continue on their upward trajectory, this is the best rating they can receive and my last word on Deleece. We hope to see you there.
(5)LaSalle W.
Are you hungry? Are you craving good food? Come to deleece, the best restaurant I know. Deleece is a small restaurant with great food. Just thinking about the delicious tastes of Deleece makes me hungry. The sauce is so good with the steak. Yum! Their service is quick and friendly. My family is known by many Deleece employes because I go there every month. I can't stay away!
(4)Orlando P.
What a disappointment. We had been looking forward to come check this place out and I almost regret it. I'm giving this place a 1 star only because of the great service and the beautiful interior design. We ordered two entrées, one was pork one was shrimp linguini. The pork plate literally tastes like dirt. I'm not sure of this was supposed to taste like this but it was bad. Really bad. The shrimp linguini was so bland and tasteless. The shrimp were a little rubbery and really had no flavor. The linguini was a little undercooked. The prices are high. Very high. There are way better places around like Angelina's on Broadway. Overall, I don't think I'll ever come in here. I get the concept very pretentious but the food was so terrible.
(1)Heather D.
I stopped by before a movie at the Musicbox with my husband and children. We were greeted, to use the term loosely, by a pretty obviously irritated host who later turned out to be a server. He wordlessly dropped our menus on the table and walked away and we had to hang out and wait until we could flag another person and ask for a highchair. I mean, we had 3 kids with us, one of whom is an infant. Ok.. whatever.. Then after a good long wait, our totally bored seeming and VERY slow moving waiter ambles over to say hello. We order drinks... wait 5 minutes...get 3 of the four drinks and he wanders off.... wait 10 minutes.. We flag him over he is leaning on bar chatting with a waitress) to order our food and I request missing drinks. The food arrived in a timely fashion, but still no missing drinks and I order them for the fourth time. We get them, but no cream for the coffee, another five minutes until I can flag him to ask for crew. He forgets it.. I ask again... It was not even busy in there. He never checked on us, never refilled our drinks, never checked to see if we were ok. Meanwhile, the host has been talking on the phone on a bar stool in the corner behind the host desk, the entire time we were there and at one piont talking on her cell in the lobby near the theatre entrance, twice making guests who came in wait for her to seat them. At one point we dropped something on the floor, she was walking by and looked at it, hesitated as if she was about to pick it up, but then just left it there as I was beginning to rise to get it. Ugh.. We then waited 15 minutes for the check after or food was cleared and already had the kids wrapped up in their coats. Not one person said goodbye or thank you to us as we left. There are too many restaurants in Lakeview for me to ever feel the need to return to Deleece. It's a shame, I have heard the owner is a lovely woman, I wonder if she knows what goes on when she is not around.
(2)Kristin M.
Alright yelpers...chill out with your hatorade. Our friends made a reservation here and after reading the reviews I was preparing for the worst. Not at all the case! In fact, I really liked it and if I lived in the neighborhood, dare I say I'd actually return! Here's the skinny on food. Despite seeing multiple complaints on the filet I went out on a limb and ordered it anyways. The verdict? Delish! It had a nice char, was cooked to perfection, had the yummiest sauce, and tastiest vegetables on the side. It was the perfect portion. I don't usually order filet but I certainly did not regret. My husband ordered cous cous salad and raw hamachi which he said was very good. He also ordered the baked Alaska for a dessert which tasted like it was made with fresh mint. A modern twist on a classic. As for drinks, they were quite good though I had to admit I laughed when I saw ice in my martini as several others have noted. Our server was a bit on the touchy side but other than that everything was great. Overall good food, nice ambiance, and it was refreshing to go to a restaurant that isn't trying too hard to be trendy. I'd recommend!
(4)Thomas L.
On the whole the food was good. Used to be a regular at this place when it was located further north near Irving Park Road. This location is even noisier if that is possible. Service was not especially attentive. Ordered Manhattans straight up but they arrived on the rocks. Drinkable though. Overall, I cannot help but feel a bit ripped off. The markup on the wine list was more like four times retail instead of the usual three. Cheapest glass of wine was $14. The scallop special was egregious in this respect. $34 for three scallops that were over-salted. I usually do not give a poor review to a place where I had a reasonably good meal, but this place has started to take itself a little too seriously for my taste.
(3)Comensal A.
I was put off by Deleece's former location, but a Groupon lured me to its new space adjacent to the Mercury Theatre. Much better! The food was terrific, the service friendly & helpful, and the space is great -- comfortable, alive, and adequately lit for me. On a recent Friday night, it was noisy, but we hollered our way through dinner in spite of that. We enjoyed lamb specials this visit: my lamb shank was delicious and appropriately falling-off-the-bone tender, and my companion's lamb chops were delicious. A beet salad graced with braised fennel was lovely and scrumptious. We were too full for dessert, but the menu was very appealing -- we'll be back. I like the new space and am happy that the food is still very good. I certainly won't wait another 3 years to return!
(4)Tracy M.
Food always tastes great! The other stuff not so great. First, on their website it said we have a prix fix menu for 20 for our 20th anniversary until the 12th of Feb. Went in on the 11th and inquired about that and the waitress said " No we don't have that anymore." Ok, false advertising, especially during restaurant week. Then I ordered the special Brazino with a lobster claw. Ok, I expect the special to be a little more expensive but $33.00 for a piece of fish? Especially when most entrees are 20. At least the waitress should have mentioned the price. It was good but not $33 worth. I won't go back. It's a pity because the food is amazing but everything else, not so good.
(2)Carole G.
Don't bother calling the restuarant for a Saturday reservation.. They will tell you they are full or give you an option to dine very late. Got tired of calling and not getting a resercation so I tried Open Table and victory, I got a resevation for the time and date I I wanted after being told they were totally booked. . Arrived at restaurant and they were half full and by time I left there were still 4 emply tables. Food was very good and I highly recommend the salmonl but don't get the beet salad, it is very small..
(3)Jensine F.
My friend and I went to brunch here at Deleece today. I had the carrot soup and my friend had the french toast. Everything was great! The waitress and other staff were very friendly. They were accommodating for my gluten free diet. I also had the pomegranate mimosa. Overall, it was a nice start to a Saturday!
(5)B J.
This place is just awesome. We have literally bought 6 groupons after the first outing. Manager is a great guy. Great food and great service at a moderate price point. Would recommend this to anyone.
(5)Andrea P.
It has been a while since I wrote a review only hours after finishing a meal... bravo Deleece! First, I'd like to begin by addressing the service provided by Alex. He was such a wonderful host, full of life and an obvious passion for food. He not only treated our table like royalty, but also everyone around us. Regardless of what was going on around him or how busy he was, he made sure to focus solely on the table he was tending to. To start with the ambiance- my friend and I came on a beautiful summer evening, most guests were outside on the patio but we decided to sit inside to enjoy the trendy atmosphere. The decor is clean and chic, with a long bar against one wall and tables not too crowded on the other. We began with the mussels and fried calamari..Before I get into the details of the food, I want to preface this by saying that my friend will NOT under any circumstance eat fried anything. This of course has created a very serious rift in our relationship as I am a fried food junkie. Well Deleece, tonight you have brought us closer than we have ever been before, I saw a side to my man that has changed the way I see him. I was drooling over the calamari as my boyfriend quickly reached his fork into my crispy circles of heaven. As his fork reached his mouth I looked deep into his eyes as he said, "Wow, this is really good. You know I hate fried food but this is seriously good." He proceeded to have half of my dish and right then and there I just knew, this is the man I want to spend my life with. The mussels, Oh the mussels! I'm really picky about eating anything that comes out of a shell, and if mussels aren't straight out of the ocean they develop a bitter mixed with bad sea water taste to them. As my curiosity overcame my fear, I am delighted to say that the mussels and the sauce they came in were out of this world! For our grand finale we had the scallops and the duck. OH MY GOSH...pardon our manners but we practically licked our plates clean. Now pardon my french but DAMN that was good! The martinis were fantastic, the wine list is excellent and the service was beyond five stars. We will definitely be returning and I highly-highly recommend Deleece!
(4)Courtney G.
Total experience was "BLAH." The food wasn't very good. I had their linguine and it was so coated in garlic I literally could not taste anything BUT garlic. Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of garlic, but this was just bad and not done well. My boyfriend had the Strip Steak and the cut was fatty and tasted too charred from the grill. He ordered it Rare and it came out Medium Well. The service was good though and the atmosphere is OK. I will not be returning.
(2)Blake H.
i really cant wait to go back. if their bottomless mimosa thing is true this place will definitely get a fourth star. a group of four of us went for late brunch. we got there at two even though they close at 2:30- HOWEVER they still served us and didn't make us feel rushed. i can't wait to go back for the bottomless mimosas (which is why we were there in the first place) between the four of us i believe we had two or three drinks each and they were all delicious. the food was also really good. i had asian steak lettuce wraps. someone else had the oatmeal which they wouldn't stop raving about and someone else ordered a fish torta which was giant. we will definitely be back
(3)Erick N.
After having not returned to Deleece for over a year following my first meal, I have now dined there twice this month (both excellent experiences); it is definitely time for an updated review. Last week my wife and I dined at Deleece for a special six course wine pairing dinner showcasing the talents of the new executive chef (Ernesto). We were immediately impressed when some of the staff recognized from our prior visit last year as we entered. The entire evening was so much fun; the new chef is outstanding and all six courses were great, especially the scallop course and the duck breast. Ernesto presented each course to the dining room, a wine distributor selected and presented some excellent wines to pair and the owners were in house and were extremely friendly, mingling with all the guests. During our first visit to Deleece we enjoyed the food, but just did not find the ambiance all that warm or inviting (for us service is as important as the cuisine); on this visit we were even more impressed by the food and noticed marked improvement in the service and ambiance. After such a positive second visit to Deleece we wanted to come back on a normal evening to see if we would be as enthralled with the experience as the wine dinner. With relatives in town from Boston we figured Deleece would be a great venue for a family dinner. All six of us (with vastly differing tastes) loved our meal tonight and once again were impressed by the quality of the food as well as the warmth from the front of the house staff. Even though we are still fairly new at Deleece we were made to feel like long time regulars. Everything from the cocktails through all three courses was spot on; Deleece truly has a wonderful menu with something for everybody (in fact so many dishes seemed appealing to me I really struggled to narrow down my selections). Since our favorite walking distance restaurant lost some key personnel a few months ago (including the executive chef) my wife and I have been searching for a new neighborhood restaurant to become regulars and we now feel as though we have found a home in Deleece.
(5)Andy M.
Biscuits and Gravy and bottomless Mimosa's! Now that's what I call the breakfast of champions. The day started out promising enough, but ended on a sour note as I ended up drunk enough to make Hunter S. Thompson proud. I think it all started with the gallon of mimosa's I drank at Deleece. Deleece is a cute little eatery located on the Southport corridor. The brunch menu is quite extensive, but I've never met a plate of biscuits and gravy I didn't like, so that's what I opted for. Deleece's version of this Southern staple didn't let me down. It was delicious. I should have just had coffee, but the idea of bottomless Mimosa's were too tempting to turn down. As it turns out , my visit to Deleece is about the last thing I remember about my Sunday of self destruction. I've been told I had a good time. Here's the bottom line. If you're looking for a new take on brunch, give Deleece a try. The food, service and all around vibe are top notch.
(5)Genie B.
Came here for an early brunch on Sunday and I absolutely adored the place. My group arrived just before the crazy brunch madness, so we were seated right away. The menu had lots of variety and they had specials menu as well. I ordered the chilaquiles which were amazing. Loved the sauce on them! My friend ordered the polenta with the spinach which was delicious! All around a great experience! Also, our waitress was amazing! Insanely sweet!
(4)Bryan M.
Went here for our nye dinner and I'm not sure if it was an off night or what but my wife and I were very disappointed. We had the tuna tartare and the calamari to start, the tuna was decent but pretty bland the calamari was super basic and was drizzled with some boring white sauce. I had the duck and she had the salmon.. The waiter asked how i wanted the duck cooked and I said I differ to the chef (which was a mistake because it came out raw), I would've sent it back but the waiter never came back to ask me about it. The skin wasn't crispy and only about half was edible. My wife's salmon was ok (extremely mediocre) but again very boring and plain. We ordered a side of brussel sprouts which came with very little seasoning and tossed with some red and yellow peppers. BOOOORRRRING! Again I would've asked for some salt and pepper if our waiter was around. I know it's New Year's Eve but the restaurant was only about half full and not very crazy. Too bad because we only live a couple blocks away but I honestly would've rather ate at one of the neighboring bars and spent my $200 on something else. So bland so boring will not be returning to deleece anytime soon. Definitely needs some creativity and some seasoning on the food!
(1)Cristi T.
Really wanted to go here for brunch, but a rude and ignorant staff ruined my plans. First I called to make reservations and they said they don't take any but they shouldn't be busy. When we got there, she asked if I had a reservation and then told it would be a long wait because we need a lot of space for the baby. I said I could put the baby's infant seat under the table, and she said I wasn't allowed to. I have 3 kids and I know that placing a sleeping baby in her infant seat under the table is perfectly safe!
(1)Allie C.
So disappointing. I came here on a Sunday night to celebrate and was expecting a place that had gotten promising reviews to deliver. It did not. Both of us ordered filet mignon (one of the specials for the evening) and split one bottle of wine. The filets were tiny, I mean hockey puck tiny, and just as thin. I had ordered mine medium rare and it came out closer to medium well. My date had ordered his medium and he offered to switch plates with me since his was more pink than mine. The top was severely burnt and the entire thing was difficult to cut. The only thing that came close to being satisfying were the vegetables, and those appeared to be soaked in butter. Our bill ended up coming to about $100, which in itself seemed extremely unfair given how small our plates were and the degree to which our steaks they were cooked (no pun intended). We decided to do dessert at the Dairy Queen down the street rather than risk getting another dish that would disappoint.
(1)Dane M.
Bloody mary was watered down, food was bland, potatoes were hard and undercooked, and it took us over an hour to get our food. Staff was unapologetic for the delay to boot. FAIL.
(1)Jeff S.
Blah. We came here with a groupon and the food was just OK. Good: Server was great. Probably one of the best servers I've had. Nice place and atmosphere. The presentation of the food was great, and it looked amazing. Bad: The food sucked. (Sorry) I think the owner was the hostess, and she didn't seem all that bright and friendly. They would be better off hiring a young ditsy blond like most restaurants.
(2)Kat M.
So we got the Groupon and came here for a date night dinner on a Wednesday. Very happy we did. Groupon restaurants can be hit or miss, but this one is definitely a keeper. Really nice place. Good food. Attractive décor. The server was knowledgeable and friendly. We started with the Rosemary Polenta Squares, which were quite good. The polenta was not as creamy as I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. It is served in a light tomato sauce, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, which added a nice bit of saltiness to the dish. It is hard for me to resist a vegetarian Soup of the Day, and they had one: A corn and potato chowder, pretty good, but very rich. While I ate that, spouse enjoyed the lobster bisque. So, on to the entrees. Spouse was extremely happy with the Indiana duck breast, which was served with Swiss chard and a buckwheat spätzle. Portion size was pretty generous. There is only one vegetarian entrée on the menu. That's okay. I can deal with that. It's a butternut squash and mushroom risotto, made interesting by the addition of cranberries and blue cheese. A little heavy, but not bad. I had leftovers. I'm thinking this selection changes seasonally. It's not on the menu on the website. (I had been looking forward to the stuffed poblano that is listed there. Ah well, maybe next time.) Actually, next time I will likely skip the entrée section entirely and build my meal out of salads and appetizers. There were several veggie choices there, and all of them looked good. Made me wish I had a bigger appetite, so I could try more! We had the trio of chocolate for dessert: A flourless chocolate cake, a pot du crème, and a cupcake topped with milk stout ganache. The flourless chocolate cake was amazing. I did not need the other two items. I was a little disappointed that I could not detect much stout flavor in the ganache. However, the spouse liked them and we had no trouble clearing our plate. The location is nice: Right next to the Mercury Theater and a few doors north of the Music Box, making this a really good option for dinner if you're attending shows at either of those establishments. And they have brunch, too?! Can't wait to check that out. Yup, we will be back.
(4)Matt B.
Went in on a Sunday evening with wife and kid. We had the mussels as an appetizer. These were the biggest mussels ever that were melt in your mouth good. Also had the lobster roll which was great that came with enough fries for two people. My wife had the Pork & Beef Papardelle which was good and good portion size. Good service, nice atmosphere, worth the visit.
(5)Manny T.
Really fine brunch. Started with kale and potato soup, delicious. Followed by a perfectly dressed house salad of mixed greens. I asked for grilled salmon to be cooked medium and it was, perfectly seasoned and tasty. For dessert there were freshly made beignets in caramel sauce--not New Orleans, but pretty good for Chicago in mid-winter. Plus the service was friendly and the room was relaxed. So I say, stop in here before your next weekend matinee at the Music Box Theater.
(4)Colleen O.
I'm always happy when I leave Deleece after brunch or dinner. The entrance for Deleece is tucked away in the lobby of the music box theater on Southport, so keep your eyes peeled. First of all, let me vent. Whats with all the small brunch spots in Chicago? I mean, we are a city that LOVES to brunch and I personally hate waiting an hour for breakfast staring impatiently at the brunchers who had the foresight to make a reservation. (yeah that's me....enviously staring) Deleece solves my quagmire! This much room in the city? HOLLA! I have never had to wait for a table for brunch. The bloody mary's are great and the dining room in full of light with a beautiful tin ceiling. I am never disappointed with the Benedicts and their iced americanos are like delicious rocket fuel. They also have a great patio during the warm months here in Chicago.
(4)Olivia G.
Just called to ask if they had any reservations available for a large party for Sunday brunch. Yes, I know it's Easter, and yes, I know 12 is a lot of people, and yes, I know it's only two days in advance. Should that warrant being laughed at by the woman on the phone? Not so much.
(1)Robin M.
The food is wonderful. The bartender excellent. Always a great experience! The steak frites are excellent as well as the apple crisp. Also love the calamari appetizer.
(5)Leslie D.
Came here for brunch, ordered a Bloody Mary that was fabulous. Had the biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage that looked undercooked. The food wasn't good. I didn't eat any. And, my waitress didn't notice and brought the $30 check. Not pleased at all. Much better food, much better service anywhere else.
(1)Elizabeth S.
Our table of 10 enjoyed most of their orders. I loved the butternut squash risotto appetizer + arugula salad, which was plenty- a complete meal (even left w/ a doggy bag with some risotto). The salmon was very tasty and scallops were rich and buttery, both were delish! Don't bother with the polenta appetizer, it was bland, but the sauce helped to flavor it somewhat. Although they liked the taste, the pork was a bit tough, as was the duck...per those who ordered it. Overall, we had pretty good meals and great service. The space is nicely designed, was a bit loud, but thankfully we were off to the side, so weren't too disturbed by the noise level. It was 7:30 on a busy Friday night, so not too surprised.
(3)Mas I.
Honey mustard butter served with the bread upon sitting. Yellow and red beet salad was good. The farfalle was not great but the duck breast was good. Carrot soup was ok. I was surprised because my many experiences of their Sunday brunches at their old Southport and Irving Park location were all excellent (though that was a number of years ago). The pomegranate mimosas and steak and eggs (served with filet mignon instead of the more common New York strip or skirt steak). Perhaps they were just having an off night when I went.
(2)Lin H.
The service was a bit slow due to a busy Friday night, but the manager did notice that we've waited for a long time, he apologized for the slow services and comp us two desserts. Overall it was a good experience at deleece, and will def go back again buttermilk soaked calamari was really good deferentially recmd to others.
(4)Jerry W.
My wife and I are heading north to take our oldest daughter back home from our wonderful Christmas family weekend. It's late and we are hungry. My little girl, who she will always be known as, suggests we stop at Deleece Restaurant for our dinner meal. My wife and I both agree. This place is beautiful inside. It's a strange entrance, through the movie theater next door. But the service is very welcoming and friendly. We start by ordering a bowl of soup for my wife. She had a taste for a hot bowl of soup as she is feeling a bit under the weather. Maria is allergic to beans so no Minestrone for her, instead she orders the bowl of Lobster Bisque soup for $8 dollars. Now I thought it was okay but both my wife and daughter loved it. Maria actually thought it was some of the best she has ever had. It was strong on the fish flavor and low on the tomato flavor. For our main course items my daughter ordered the Shrimp Linguine for $19 dollars. This had very thin noodles, with loads of big shrimps, peas and sauce. This tasted very good. The shrimps were huge and quite fresh tasting. Both my wife and I ordered the Steak Frits, both medium well. The steaks were outstanding, tender and well seasoned and the truffle fries were very delicious. Each of our orders were $22 dollars a piece. We also has drinks with our meals. Our total bill came to roughly $80 dollars. The place is clean and beautiful. The service is very friendly and quite speedy. It's not too noisy and we would all highly recommend you take a visit to Deleece for a fine, pricey, but fine dining experience.
(4)Michelle A.
Made a quick stop in with my in-laws the other day for brunch/lunch. Service was great and fast. Can't beat that. And the duck fries were amazing. Just nothing to write home about.
(3)Kelly J.
After walking past the restaurant a few times and peaking in, we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we did! We were blown away by the food, and the customer service was seriously some of the best that we've experienced in Chicago. We were entertaining my parents and in-laws and had our kiddos in tow. They also had a great kids menu (huge bonus.) My husband and I are always drawn to filet mignon. We both ordered it and it was cooked to perfection...so flavorful. We are steak snobs, so for this to meet our filet standards honestly surprised us both! The potatoes and asparagus on the side were great too. My parents got the crab cakes to start and raved about them. They both ordered some type of fish and loved it. My in-laws both got the salmon and said it was fantastic. This is a great spot for dinner. It is rare that you can get that type of food and service and have both of your kids dine with you too. The atmosphere is very cool and I'd recommend it for a date night too. Can't wait to go back and try their brunch!!
(5)Ali H.
I wanted to update my review after a recent experience at Deleece. We came here with a coupon of some sort (I can't remember which kind, it was some little card that came in a deck of card coupons) on New Years Eve. The coupon had no restrictions and was just like 10 dollars off if you spend 25 or something. Anyway, we sat at the bar and got a couple drinks and some food. It was really early when we got there, and didn't have reservations. It wasn't packed and we got seated right away. The first thing that put a bad taste in my mouth was that when we ordered a salad and an entree, the bartender asked us something about if we were going to share both and if they should come out together or in courses. We said yes, and it was ok to course it. When the pasta came, it was on two separate plates. For this, we paid a "sharing" fee of several dollars when the bill came. This really annoyed me. I never asked for the plates to be split, and would have been perfectly happy to eat off one plate. It's presumptuous to assume this, and then charge for it. Also, the bartender seemed to hate everything in life, especially us. He wasn't nice, and it was EXTREMELY hard to get his attention for anything. It wasn't even that busy yet, as it was so early, and he spent a lot of time chatting with the other bartender. Major put-off. At the end, when we were finally able to get the check after a prolonged period of "excuse me" and doing anything to get his attention (dancing, singing, tap-dancing, etc), he was like "oh, it's a holiday, we don't take coupons on holidays." I pointed out that it had no restrictions on it, and he begrudgingly agreed to take it to his manager and ask. He came back and informed us that they don't usually do this, but, fine, for us, today, they'll accept it (groan). He seemed totally put out by the entire thing, and acted like they were doing us some monumental favor. Left with a really bad taste in my mouth. The food was fine, but not good enough to compensate for all the other unpleasantries. I'm in no hurry to come back.
(2)Ross A.
Very interesting meals for brunch. I don't think I've ever heard of "Shrimp and Grits", but I must say that I'm impressed by the innovation of a dish Ike that. Personally, I had a bacon and red onion frittata that was very good (not amazing, but was very tasty). I think what stood out to me most was the good service and the quality of the ingredients. I'm pretty sure that the orange juice was fresh squeezed and the fruits and toasts that were included in our plates were all perfectly fresh and ripe. I definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice, quiet brunch on the weekend.
(4)Alyssa C.
Great environment and a perfect little place to enjoy a nice meal before heading over to the theatre. My friend and I enjoyed a bottle of reasonably priced wine, some lobster bisque soup (good but not amazing). I enjoyed the shrimp linguine, delish. The dessert was my fav. It was a take on apple crisp, but it was scrumptious. I highly reccomend ordering that!
(4)Coleman B.
Came here with a couple of friends for some late cocktails and food. The atmosphere is nice, service is good, but there was not one thing I can mention that we ordered that was enjoyable. We ordered drinks from the cocktail menu and all of them were either too sweet or watered down. For $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be classy and strong. They were neither, served up and weak. The food was also a disappointment. The most notable was the lobster bisque. I've had lobster bisque from chain restaurants taste better for less, and that's the real kicker. It had very little flavor and I actually had to add salt to it (which I honestly never do at a restaurant). Normally I wouldn't mind as much, but for the price of the food (12 drinks, 10 appetizers, 25-30 entrees) I think you can find much better quality for your money elsewhere. I will say it looks great on the inside and everyone was very friendly too us, so it wasn't a total bust. The bread and butter was also great ;)
(3)Alicia D.
My husband and I have brought our of town family here for brunch a couple of times since they moved to the new location. We love the outdoor area. Both times were nice, with good service and food. However last Saturday, after eating at another establishment, we decided that we should go to Deleece for dessert and an after dinner drink with our family in from out of town. We were floored when we were told that we could not have dessert outside until after 9:30 p.m. since it is the "revenue generator." There was one empty table outside! I guess the $50 we would have spent on dessert and drinks/coffee were not good enough for Deleece. We will not be back.
(1)Audrey L.
A really lovely neighborhood restaurant. We sampled the entire prix fixe menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays only. First courses: goat cheese and beet salad, lobster risotto, and chilled cucumber avocado soup. Entrees: eggplant roulade, Amish chicken with papardelle, teres major steak. Desserts: pot de creme, crepes with mixed berries, chocolate almond bread pudding. We thought the apps and entrees were really well done - good portions, well seasoned, and the chicken was some of the most tender and tasty bits we've had in our culinary adventures. The desserts were slightly disappointing in comparison; the bread pudding seemed like an afterthought, and the pot de creme was forgettable. Can't comment on the crepes, because my mother in law demolished the plate before offering anyone else a taste - guess that's comment enough. It was a really slow night at the restaurant - we were one of two tables seated inside, although the patio was full - which is too bad, because Deleece is doing some good stuff.
(4)Rick F.
Forgettable! Is the one word that comes to mind when thinking of Deleece! Everyone in the restaurant is genuine and works hard to make it happen, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. The server was nice but had this annoying habit of coming to the table every time we were in a deep conversation, seems the timing was just a little off the entire evening. Love the decor, the location and the people! Crab Cake Appetizer was excellent. Potato and Leek Soup was bland. Salad with Walnuts was a major disappointment, lacks presentation, flavor and should of had a variety of greens not just iceberg. Salmon was Average, the rice did not seem like a good fit for the dish, the greens were overcooked and not enough.Pork was good but forgettable. The scallops dish was cold on the inside, this only happens when your using frozen scallops, not a good sign that things are going good in the kitchen. Server took it back and brought a warmer version of the Scallops and they were excellent. She offered a free desert. We picked the Apple Cobbler with Ice Cream, again good not great! Here is another place that has the bones and talent to pull it off and has chosen for whatever reason to be middle of the road!
(2)Ahmed R.
We picked this place because it had decent reviews and we had a $10 off a la card to use. We got here on Friday night at 8:30 and got a table immediately. The first thing I noticed was how close we were to people on both sides of us. I like having space between the next table when we eat, but it was too crowded together. Second thing I noticed when I opened the menu, everything was $3 more than the menu they have online. Seriously? If you can't take the time to update the menu online, it shows laziness and it's not a good unwelcome surprise for the customer. Deleece Mgmt -- FIX THIS. I also don't like the "splitting" charge if you want to split a plate with someone, that shows me this place is sheisty. I ordered the New York strip steak and had it medium rare. When it came, it was a little too rare, but I didn't complain b/c I was starving. The steak was actually really good. I didn't expect it to be that good and was nicely surprised. While their steak sauce is okay, they should offer more sauces. The mashed potatoes were delicious and I felt full after my meal. Our service was decent, no complaints but nothing special either. I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)Emily S.
New, beautiful location, same aloof service. The menu is largely the same as the old spot, with a few new items. We were in for lunch, and I went with my old standby - the grilled veggie tostada salad, which was delicious. My husband tried a new item, the breakfast sandwich, which was also quite tasty. The move closer to the theater was probably great for business, and the space is really, really nice. However, those two factors probably provide zero incentive for Deleece to step up its service game - and that showed. I've never had a server at Deleece that I would classify as "friendly" or "helpful." Not snotty, just...uninterested.
(3)Colleen C.
Cost of free wi-fi: $0 Ability to use wi-fi: 0 Number of Diet Cokes: 2 Chicken Chop Salad: $9.50 Amount left on plate: 0 Number of aloof servers: 1 Stars: 3 Yep, that about sums it up. :)
(3)Eric M.
The wife and I had been to Deleece a long time ago. We were looking for a place to go out and this popped up on Yelp. I'm pretty happy that we came. The menu is quite small. Which can be a good thing b/c there's a chance these select few dishes are prepared perfectly. I started with the Arugala Salad which comes with blue cheese and figs and I thought it was very good but perhaps on the small side. For my mine dish I went with the Filet which was cooked perfectly and the red wine/mushroom sauce was divine. We ended the night with the Nutty Monkey, a dessert of brownie pieces, marshmallow fluff, caramelized bananas & salted peanut ice cream. It was a big hit although the brownie pieces may have been a tad hard. The two areas I could seem improving on where their reservation process. It seemed quite chaotic which may be due to the fact that we came the night of a show at the Mercury Theater next door. It definitely died down after about an hour. I would also say the prices are just a tad high. I had two drinks, a salad, and an entree with a shared dessert at the end and this was more than many restaurants in the same caliber. I wouldn't go out of my way to come back to Deleece, but if I'm in the area I'd be happy to stop by.
(4)Moni K.
This Sunday was my first time at Deleece and I believe this is hands down one of the best restuarants I have visisted in a while. I came here for a Sunday Brunch and tried the smoked salmon scramble with red onions, cream cheese and chives with potatoes and toast AND I also tried polenta scented with rosemary, layered with sun-dried tomato, garlic pesto and wilted spinach, topped with two over easy eggs. Food is trully delicious.....The polenta is to die for. Service is top notch and the ambiance is very cozy and inviting. They are kids firendly and have highchairs for babies and toddlers. I will recommend Deleece to my family and friends for our next outing because I truly enjoyed their food!!! Yum. yum
(5)Katie B.
This review is based on brunch only... The beignets (chewy doughnuts with carmel sauce) were the perfect starter to share, and the lobster benedict with truffle holendaise was mind-blowing! The coffee wasn't amazing, but we will def be back for brunch. It wasn't crowded, so no wait, even on a holiday weekend.
(4)Melissa R.
Is Deleece delish? I think so. This is a great place to go with a group of friends or a date for dinner, their brunch ain't half bad either. I've been here a few times over the years and I've never been disappointed, their dinner menu always has at least a few options I really want and finally need to do inny meeny moe to pick a winner. Their brunch menu has a lot of the basics that anyone would enjoy with a few thrown in there to get all crazy. A few of my favorite things about this place: * Location: It's not in the heart of anything, so you will be surrounded by people who actually sought it out. * Art: I'm not sure who created the art that hangs on the walls, but it's really beautiful and slightly trippy. It's almost like black and white photographs of naked women over purple/blue images. *Service: The waiters are always really laid back and know what's going on. I feel like when I ask them about menu items or they talk about the specials they actually know what they're talking about * Outdoor seating: their patio is cute and is underneath a big tree with hanging lights. It gives it a very charming ambiance. * Food: it's always yummy and never boring. Even classics taste somehow new and everything has a ton of flavor.
(4)Neil G.
Food: 5 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 4 Value: 3 So I've decided (like most people these days) to slow my groupon-hoarding, and possibly cease buying altogether. As the expiration date looms, I hate feeling like I "have to" go out to dinner. It's been harder with my wife's new schedule but we managed to sneak into Deleece the day before Rosh Hashannah and beat the Groupon-expiration rush. The restaurant was buzzing on a Tuesday night at 7:30, and after a brief survey of the menu, we ordered the Caramelized Salmon (pan roasted Chinese black rice, spinach leeks and pear-ginger sauce), Albacore Tuna (baby bok choy, shiitake, roasted garlic, cashews, sweet potato fritters, lemongrass-chili aioli), Garlic Green Beans, and Fried Cauliflower with Curried Apples. After waiting over an hour to receive our food (the reason for the "2" on service), my frustration quickly turned to elation. I'm not usually big on presentation-I don't care how something looks as long as it tastes great-but every single dish looked absolutely pristine. The attention that every component of every dish received was as rare as the delicious tuna that adorned my plate. The salmon's Asian preparation included both sharp flavors and delicate textures. The skin was crispy, the sauce flavorful, and the black rice was a unique twist I had not encountered before. The portion size was also quite generous, as opposed to the salmon at Chilam Balam (see my review). The quantity matched the quality, and for $18 I might dare say it was a "steal." It sure beats three 5-dollar footlongs. The tuna was cooked to a nice rare and had a generous crust on it, and the acidic aioli spread across the plate perfectly accented the hearty-tasting tuna. The shitakes were a tad salty, but the real star accompaniment were the sweet potato fritters. Tiny medallions of deep fried, slightly sweet, awesomeness. They could easily serve these as a side or an appetizer just by themselves. The garlic green beans were probably the least impressive, but no less flawlessly executed than the rest of the meal. It was actually nice to have something more "plain" next to the intricate, flavor-packed dishes on our table. The fried cauliflower was every bit as delicious as I had hoped. It was crispy but not too oily, and the curried apples added just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The pearl onions that came with the dish were so sweet and juicy that I honestly mistook them for grapes. Overall, I would recommend this place to everyone but vegans. There are plenty of options for everyone and every dish is well thought-out and executed. There's nothing obligatory about making a trek to this gem of a restaurant. It may be a little far away, and it may take forever to get your food, but trust me, once it comes, the food will be "de-leece" of your problems (I'm sorry, I couldn't get through an entire review without a horrific pun). [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(4)Helen C.
Just an update: breakfast mac n cheese. Fed me for a full day! My arteries might be made of macaroni, but it was goooooood. Like the richest carbonara ever, because the egg yolks ooze into the sauce. Slightly strange thing to eat for breakfast; may have cured me of mac n cheese addiction for the near future.
(4)Jeff K.
OK, well, we were supposed to meet friends here for dinner, but they thought the place had closed. Had only moved, but that happens. Miscommunication. Had the Polenta Squares appetizer. Delicious. The duck breast was also good. Prices range from $16-24 for entrees, very reasonable. Finally, we also had the off-the-menu Fish Stew. It was just ok, and not really a stew. More like fish in a broth. The reason it was off the menu - it was $34. Unbelievable. Service was slow, the food coming out of the kitchen was slow, and it just wasn't very memorable. One more thing...we ordered cocktails, a Manhattan and a Brandy Cherry Bourbon. Can I please get a Manhattan in a rocks glass with ice, and not in a martini glass. Really? Don't be that bartender. To top off the evening, we detected a slight odor of sewage in the restaurant. i don't know if they were having a bad night, but we won''t be going back.
(2)Patricia W.
We just got back from a most delicious dinner at Deleeses. We have seen mixed reviews on Yelp & do not understand.it is a busy location & it isn't overly fast however, you are coming to a place thar serves very fresh food. It is all made from scratch & the prices are both here on Yelp plus on the menu. Order what you can afford. My son got the house Signature dish, salmon & loved it. His starter was the Calamari which he declared was some of the best he had Ever eaten. Lightly battered & crispy. I decided since the menu was not run of the mill I would choose two starters, the Cheese Plate which had a delightful assortment of three cheeses with an assortment of dried fruit & nuts, honey & fig preserves. I loved it, one of the cheeses was Maytag Bleu cheese so good. Second, he Crab Cakes! Simply, prefect. Enough filler to hold them together but mostly, Lots of crab. Two & pretty big size. They were fall apart tender. And last I had to try the Arugula salad. At $8, this is indeed a bargain. There was a white Balsamic dressing that had honey marinated figs, more of the Maytag Bleu cheese & pistachios! It was one of the best either have had, unusual & very distinctive. I will be thinking of this meal for a while. We were too full for dessert. We also used a Groupon & we had no problems. Our service was quick & very friendly. We will Deffinetly go back. I do not understand why people feel the need to get so nasty in their reviews. Our experience was lovely, the place was packed. I believe that says much. We did not buy drinks, the bill was around, $60 plus a good tip for the helpful service. Go & enjoy a fresh meal at an unique resturaunt.
(5)Angel S.
Did someone say bottomless mimosas? My friends and I always like to have New Years Day brunch and we decided upon Deleece because we've all walked past it 1,000 times, but never actually ate there. We were seated relatively promptly in a corner table, away from all kids, which helped prolong the hangover from the night before. The menu was clearly built by someone who loves a variety of ingredients and isn't afraid to prepare something non-traditional. Their brunch menu doesn't include anything that you'd see at the Golden Nugget, but has a lot of savory options that makes you want to order one of everything. I settled on the breakfast burrito and enjoyed every bite of it, eating as slow as possible, to get the most of my bottomless drinks! Go there, it's good.
(4)Rebecca J.
Where to start...for starters, we decided to dine out for Thanksgiving. The decor and ambiance seemed hopeful and so it began... (1) The $50 wine we ordered was warm. Reason? They store their wine in a room that heats up their bottles. When confronted, the response we received was "To be honest, you're not the first customers to complain about this". Wine fridges for ~16 bottles are around $70. You do the math. $35 dollar profit on $50 wine....or $70 wine fridge. (2) Food was just ok. Sirloin was fatty, turkey was dry and dishes tried so hard to be hip. Ease off the fancy dishes and get the basics right first. (3) Table set-up was appalling. Chairs, elbows and butts from neighbouring tables kept knocking into us. We really wanted to like this place, but to be honest I'd prefer to have Take Five back for drinks than this place.
(2)Dain H.
This place gets four stars in my book because of excellent service, Chicago ambiance and trendy interior. The food gets two stars. Thus a three star review. I went into this place while on a date and was planning on going to a movie at the Musicbox. Tango Sur was my first choice but an hour wait on a Tuesday was a no go to make the movie. The place had appeal from the exterior and the menu looked promising. I never noticed this place before and my date and I said what the hell, why not? I ordered the filet mignon, which was good. Sides of potatoes and veggies were okay. Fried Calamari as an appetizer was simply too heavy (ie cheap) and greasy. Ol' girl ordered the scallops. Again, too heavy. I liked the monkey something banana brownie dessert mess but it was a bit convoluted although I respect the creativity. I truly wanted to love this place because upon walking in I told the host about the movie we were going to see in 45 minutes and he bent over backwards to accommodate us the entire meal. I get the bill and was further disappointed. The service was outstanding as previously stated but the food simply wasn't worth the price. I'm not a guy who minds shelling out for really good eats but the price range and the food quality simply don't synch up. It wasn't outlandishly expensive by any means but it was twice what I would've paid for dinner at Tango Sur and the food was half as good. The ambiance is indicative of a trendy place that knows what they're doing but the food sadly doesn't correlate.
(3)Kathy V.
Excellent food! Amish chicken is our favorite, but everything is yummy! Alex and the staff are Absolutely THE best! Always welcoming, great service, they go the extra mile!
(5)Laura E.
This is my new favorite restaurant! I love the decor inside - it's bright & open, loft-like. They also have great outdoor seating. It was easy to make a reservation on a Friday night last minute. The food & service was excellent. My husband & I shared the calamari appetizer...it was light & fluffy & fresh. I had the crab salad - the portion was rather small but I didn't mind because the crab pieces were huge & delicious! Perfect size for me. My husband ordered the sea bass (it was a special) & it was also fresh, light & the perfect portion size. It's the perfect place for a date night or a group dinner. I can't wait to go back & try more of the menu.
(5)julia c.
I have been going to Deleece for the last few years but todays visit will be my last. We went for brunch a group of three of us. It took 45 minutes to get our meals which were not complicated orders (lox, french toast and hash). The "special" lox plate was 2 small pieces of lox, a stale untoasted bagel and a few vegetables for $14 dollars, in my opinion this is way too much for the quantity of food I received. The person who ordered hash had ordered her eggs over easy, one was over hard and the other was over medium and neither were cooked to her liking. The potatoes in the hash were not cooked so she had to pick around them and pick out the short rib portion (which did taste great). The third person ordered french toast which was decent but the blueberries were not ripe and were far too sour to eat and as such were left behind. Overall, we left dissatisfied and still hungry. There are plenty of great brunch places in lakeview, skip this one until they've improved the quality of their food and service.
(2)Zarine A.
This place was pretty good - I went with a couple of people and we all got various versions of the mac & cheese. I didn't think it was AMAZING m&c, though, which was surprising considering that it's like their big thing. A little less creamy than i would've liked. Also, my friend found a toy spatula in his napkin (weird) and some of our plates were not clean.
(3)Marni P.
I'm thinking the location move was a bad idea. Seems they planted themselves right on top of some kind of septic waste pit. I don't remember the old location (which I loved) smelling like this. It hits you in the face as you walk in... and then you look around at all the people eating and wonder if they don't notice it. I was hoping it was just a bad night, but now I see people mentioned it in reviews from months ago! Anyways, I was starving, and it was Valentines day so I tried to keep a positive front. Besides, it was a packed restaurant and people did seem to be enjoying their meals. Beet Salad... it was good. Crab Cakes... Nice flavor, very litte filler, nice and light... BUT we each had shell in our pieces. Kinda ruins the eating fun. Salmon... definitely the best part of the meal. This was very very good. Luckily, we did not experience the bad service others are mentioning. I don't remember our server's name, but she was blonde. Very friendly, informative, and prompt. I never did get used to the smell. Just tried to drink enough not to be bothered by it.
(3)Megan G.
I've now been to this Deleece location once for brunch and twice for dinner. Warning up front: don't be disappointed like my friend was, if you're looking for Deleece's mac and cheese, this location doesn't have it. Mac and Cheese can only be found at Deleece's Grill Pub on Clark. Okay, I can't comment specifically on brunch since my bookclub had a meeting there more than a year ago. I can remember we all liked it and vowed to return to Deleece. Which we did, recently. I returned to Deleece sans bookclub in December for dinner before the White Christmas sing along at Music Box. A friend and I met up, me with restaurant.com gift certificate in tow. As it happened, it was a Wednesday, and Wednesdays are half price bottle of wine night's at Deleece. Note that none of Deleece's deals (Monday and Tuesday prix fixe or Wednesday wine discounts) can be combined with other offers - so if you have a Groupon or restaurant.com coupon, you're out of luck: it's one or the other. We, of course, went with a bottle of wine and Amish chicken for me, pork chop for him. My chicken, far from being the boring bland bird one might have expected, was delicious. My friend reported the pork chop as very good, as well. My next visit was indeed the triumphant return of bookclub to Deleece. On this evening, a Saturday, Deleece was pretty crowded. The hostess took the name of the party I was with, said we had a reservation, then turned away from me and left. I was confused - was I supposed to wait? Was I being seated? The rest of my party trickled in and we continued to be ignored by the hostess. Finally she seated us and the evening improved considerably from this rocky start. I made it a point to take note of the oft-mentioned naked lady pictures on this visit. They really aren't that graphic at all. If I hadn't been looking specifically for them, I'd never have paid them any mind (and didn't on my two previous visits). I wound up ordering only a soup and salad - both of which were fine, but were a little overpriced at $5 for the soup and $8 for the tiny salad. My friends that ordered entrees all really, really liked their food. Mental note: skip apps at Deleece in the future and go for entrees. Although...my mini dinner allowed me to save room for dessert. And the desserts were amazing. We ordered two of the chocolate trios and one of the parfaits to share. Everything was good, but the parfait (chocolate, ice cream and caramel - no fruit here) was out of this world. Overall, Deleece is a solid bet. It's definitely a little on the spendy side, but the wide availability of discounts makes it a great option. Hopefully I won't forget that this time.
(4)Shari G.
I think the space is beautiful. Bright and spacious. However, the tables are soooo close together and the acoustics are horrible. Even when the crowd thinned out, it was hard to hear my friend. The food took forever. Everyone around us was getting their food. Our server told us twice that she was checking on our order. The manager ended up serving us and apologized - said it was a bad day to train new people. I did notice that some tables also had to flag down servers for checks. The food was good. Chilaquilas (though chorizo is $2 extra) were delicious. Stuffed french toast was good too. I had a hard time deciding what to order; so many things sounded great. I would try it again, but make sure that I had extra time in case our food was slow again. My water glass was always full......nice service there!
(3)Will L.
Deleece was great. Me and my date went there for dinner because she had a $25 off coupon. Was not sure what to expect here but was very impressed when I left. I had the sage chicken which was unbelievable. The wine was very good also. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend for dinner.
(4)Laura S.
I grew up around the corner from this place, so I have been eating there since it opened... what?... ten years ago? when it stopped being a bodega. Even as a picky teen I loved this place, I have always had a fabulous experience. I have been there through many changes (chef, owner, sign, menu, etc) and have always enjoyed what I ate and drank. The waitstaff is helpful when choosing a bottle of wine, the polenta appetizer is great, the black sticky rice is delicious. Dinner is a little pricy for my budget but brunch can be under $10 a person and really very tasty. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)Rian K.
This place is really close to my apartment--I pass the big sign almost every day. So when a friend from out out of town came to visit, I thought I should finally try it out, since I'd been to every other brunch spot in a five mile radius. The interior is dark--brick with very little light streaming in. They got my friend's order wrong, bringing her a grilled cheese instead of a chicken sandwich. When she pointed out the error, our server argued with us, insisting that my friend asked for grilled cheese, when I clearly heard her ask for chicken. They did make her another sandwich, and let us keep the grilled cheese as well, which was nice. I ordered the specialty french toast--I think that it had raspberry sauce. Unfortunately, it was dry and sort of flavorless. The one big highlight of the meal was the sweet potato salad that came with my friend's sandwich. Delicious! I still dream about it sometimes--it was that good. All in all, sort of questionable, but may be worth a second trip, if just for the potato salad.
(3)G G.
I enjoyed dinner here on a week night so I avoided the crowds and got to enjoy a quiet, romantic meal. The decor is subtle and classy and the menu is persuasive.
(4)Amber N.
Best place for brunch in the city! The breakfast pasta and breakfast sandwhich are both amazing. Well worth the trip.
(4)Mateo S.
I've been consistently delighted by this place for about ten or fifteen years now, however long they have been open. It feels like home but the menu and the decor stay fresh. The other night I awkwardly enough ended up there with my parents on Valentine's Day (hold your tongues... it was an accident, we honestly forgot what night it was)... of course they were fully booked but managed to find us a three-top in about 20 minutes (no small feat). Service was hectic because of the night but as friendly and helpful as always. The food confirmed why this place has been such a standby in my life. Everything was amazing... a little posh-ified for the "big night" but tasty nonetheless. Extra credit for not clogging the place with Mylar heart shaped balloons and red votives!
(4)Jonathan S.
This is probably one of our top-5 favorite restaurants in Chicago. First, they have an incredible prix fixe option on Mondays and Tuesdays for dinner (any appetizer-entree-dessert combo for $25). Second, their brunch is really tasty. We had the breakfast burrito, the breakfast sandwich, and the banana vanilla pancakes. Third, every single item we've ever had at the restaurant (chicken, fish, steak, etc.) has been somewhere between good and fantastic. We're actually heading back on Friday (after having brunch there on Sunday) to celebrate our anniversary. Despite that we moved away from the area, Deleece will keep drawing us back.
(5)Elizabeth K.
Fantastic meals each time I go to Deleece! I love the prix fixe on Monday & Tuesday nights, 1/2 off wine on Wednesdays is lovely, plus their weekend brunches are just amazing. I get the Egg DeMuffin every time it is on the specials menu. Small-ish/reasonable portion sizes leave me satisfied but not disgustingly overstuffed, which I appreciate! I would highly recommend Deleece to anyone who likes fresh, interesting food!
(5)Tammy M.
We live in the neighborhood and this is one of our go-to spots for brunch and dinner. The menu is creative, food quality and prep is consistently outstanding and portions are generous. And we love that it changes frequently to keep it fresh. We recently tried some of the outstanding cocktails Anthony whips up--amazing. The bourbon based drinks are my favorite. Want to call out to Deleece management what a gem you have in Anthony. He is fun, friendly and makes every visit we make to the restaurant memorable. A real asset who keeps us coming back when there are a lot of choices in the neighborhood. He's a keeper!
(5)Alex A.
Right next to the Music Box Theater, Deleece delights with a warm and inviting open atmosphere with warm lighting, exposed brick walls, tasteful art and friendly service. I'd recommend a rez (OpenTable) because it sure fills up quickly if there's a show playing next door. It was cacophonous once full! Had an essentially vegan meal here of small plates including: Beet Salad ($7.5), a subtle but tasty dish of roasted fennel, sliced radishes, watercress & lime-agave nectar yogurt Crispy Rosemary Polenta Cakes ($8), the star dish of the night: crispy and chewy, slightly oily polenta cakes with a rich romesco (red pepper) sauce as well as sundried tomato-walnut tapenade, roasted mushroom ragout and arugula Broccoli with Almonds ($6.5) Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($8): (minus Nueske's bacon) crimini mushrooms, red bell peppers, garlic & yuzu-nampla vinaigrette --------------- Now all that didn't add up to too much dough but enter drinks. I had a Tarragon Royale ($10) served in a champagne flute. It's vodka, tarragon syrup, bubbly and lime I believe. Very tasty but served not too cold. I very nicely mentioned something about drink temps (guest's 3 glasses of Hall sauvignon blanc, $11, was also not too chilled) to our very nice server Anna...I really wasn't fishing for freebies, maybe just some ice cubes...but Anna brought me another. Funny thing is second one was about same temp. Oh well, free drink. I finished din-din with a $7 Domaine DuPage. So Deleece was a pleasant experience overall. Tables flanking us had seafood/pasta dishes and meat/burger dishes. All looked good. I'd come back to try those entrees, which are in the $15-$25 range.
(4)Jim S.
I think this is one of the more overrated places in the area. I live right around the corner from Deleece, so I've given it a few opportunities. The ONLY thing that's saving this place is their patio. They have a rather large patio right on the eastern side of Southport which offers fantastic people watching. For the prices at Deleece I'd expect far better quality of food and service than what I've experienced. The food is generally bland and unimpressive, while the staff seems uninterested and annoyed. Each time I've been there they've also struggled to get my order correct, which becomes annoying when it it's the norm. If you're considering this for a full fledged meal, I'd skip it. If you don't mind lackluster service and you're looking to sit on a patio for some quality people watching while having a few over priced drinks, then I'd say stop in.
(2)Tony D.
No Hash! What? So this place is uber cute. Great soundtrack with my meal. The food was pretty good too. Lots of light. Great patio area. Service with not such a smile. The guy serving us or the owner?? Yeah not sure. Not very friendly. BTW....you just opened, how the hell do you not have HASH? It's Saturday? You have a super long weekend ahead of you. Don't think I will be going back. Too many other places to visit. Also....your wicked white....not sure you would know what a good plate of Chilaquiles was even if it wiggled on your face.
(2)Hil P.
I love this place! They had innovative food and cocktails! We really loved the calamari and the olives. For a main I tried the duck which was prepared perfectly and in a delicious reduction sauce. The service was above and beyond, we closed the place down and they didn't seem to mind!
(5)Dianne S.
My husband and I braved the weather and the cheesy prix fixe menus to have Valentine's Day dinner out this year. We were going to watch the Princess Bride at the Music Box Theater so Deleece seemed to be the perfect choice for dinner since it was about a minute walk away. I made reservations through Opentable...score +100 points! Seating was a bit tight. I guess they would call it intimate. It was busy, as I expected, but so busy that we only had 15 minutes to eat before our show! The food was so good that we scarfed it down in no time. No doggie bags needed. I had the pork and beef pappardelle with its amazing red sauce. My husband had the steak frites...steak was a perfect medium rare as he ordered and the fries were addicting! Also, always always order the mussels! Ask for extra bread to soak up that delicious butter/wine/clammy sauce!
(5)Kyle P.
Been a few times a year over the past few years. It just always comes out to be the same outcome..... Great menu and ideas, great patio......decent to good service.....actually really good wine list.....food is not executed correctly for the price. Across all courses. Sucks it is around the corner and so nice looking.
(3)Luke S.
This was a very disappointing meal. My wife and I have been excited to try this place for quite a while, as the menu looks great. I know they're always busy, but had never been inside. The decor is nice and it gives off a great vibe. The main problem is the service. There was one server taking care of all the tables. He was running around a bit frantic, but on top of him taking care of too many tables he literally put in zero effort. He talked then walked away multiple times without letting myself or my wife ask questions. He did this to other tables too. Many of the tables were frustrated. He would literally be walking away when talking about the specials. That's very annoying when we have very few nights to get out and have to pay for a babysitter. The food itself was OK, but really could have been much better. My lobster roll had good flavor, but was a little light on the meat. My wife's ahi tuna tacos had literally one small slice of tuna on each of the three tacos. They also neglected to drain the water from the slaw, so it was very runny with the taco. The best part of the meal was the truffle fries, but would have been much better if served with an aioli. On top of everything my wife's glass of wine had a very light poor. If you read my reviews I rarely complain about portions, but for an upsold $11 glass to be so small it was bad. Naturally when I asked the server started walking away we were told it was a standard 5oz pour. Needless to say we will not be coming back. I don't think they need the business, but it's a shame as this place has a lot of potential.
(2)Deanna S.
I love Deleece for brunch. Where else can you be offered calamari, steak tacos & fish and chips along with pancakes and delicious frittata's? The service is always great. They have a nice kids menu for brunch/lunch but not so much for dinner.
(5)Stephen M.
Deleece is next to the Music Box. We decided to explore the neighborhood after a movie, walked around and settled finally at the next door Deleece. It turned out to be a good place to enjoy an evening meal, post-show. Steak frites--very good! Prepared just as requested (medium rare) and duck, also just as requested. The duck breast seemed a smallish entrée, but tasty and well prepared. Had a latte and, although not 'pretty' with stiff foam, it was smooth and rich. The bread and butter placed at the table to start was not to my liking--dry, nothing of interest. Changing it would be an easy tweak that would fit well with all that is very good at this restaurant.
(4)Erin R.
The saving grace of this place is the patio. I love places with a patio in the summertime. Other than that, the restaurant left a lot to be desired. A friend and I visited because she lives in the area. We started with the pitcher of mimosas and the glasses we got were dirty; we had to send them back to get clean ones! And the waiter didn't even pour our first glasses... He just set the pitcher on the table and left. Our meals were average... Until my friend found chicken bones in her frittata... What?!? Gross!!! The service was blah; our server barely checked in and didn't even try to provide excellent service. There are enough great brunch places in Chicago that I won't be coming back here. Not worth the money.
(2)Christopher A.
Deleece is truly a phenomenal restaurant in the Southport Corridor in the Lakeview neighborhood. It's been a long-standing restaurant well-known on the north side of the city for many, many years and their newer location adjacent to the Mercury Theater (currently showing Avenue Q!) is outstanding--light and modern with a beautiful bar and exposed brick walls. Over the years I've tried everything from the signature salmon with black rice (yum!) to the mussels, calamari, and crab cakes--and all are excellent and with creative presentations. I'm from Maryland and VERY, VERY picky about my crab cakes. Deleece's are authentic and made with actual LUMP crab...the best I've had outside of my home city of Baltimore (and I've had some lousy crab cakes in the Midwest!)! I have never been disappointed with anything on the menu at Deleece. Perhaps an unexpectedly EXCELLENT aspect of Deleece is the bar area, and their wonderful, gregarious bartender Anthony has created a cocktail menu completely in line with the increasingly popular craft cocktail/martini trends today. All of Anthony's mixes and elixirs are house-made and incredibly creative--not to mention delicious! My favorite martini at Deleece is the Understudy. You must try it (I posted a photo)! The bar area alone is a great place to stop before or after a show at the adjacent Mercury Theater, and they'll even make to-go cocktails to bring right into the theater. It's perfect! I'm even more of a fan of Deleece now than I was years ago, and this is one of my go-to spots in the city for always excellent food and drinks. Great job, Deleece!
(5)Dawj S.
I went to this place for brunch. I love the feel of the restaurant. It has a really nice ambiance with partial exposed brick walls and glass doors that open in the summer for the patio and fresh air. The wait time can be a bit long depending on when you go. I think it is because it is right next to the theater and people attend either before or after the shows. The wait staff is really nice, welcoming and always serve with a smile. I had the Ahi Tuna tacos that were recommended by the staff, and they were absolutely delicious. The chairs are not super comfortable but seem to be the right design for the decor of the place. While paid street parking is available, it may be tough to find a spot so you may have a tad bit of a walk, which is OK for a really nice day. Overall, I really liked the food and the staff!
(4)Rachel Y.
I FINALLY made it here for dinner and just had to continue and raving about this place. My friend and I went on Wednesday, which is 1/2 off bottles of wine night, and we shared a wonderful Cab Franc for a wonderfully low price. My friend had a skate wing dish and I had the salmon--both were totally out of this world. We started with the risotto crab cake appetizer, had our entrees and then ended the meal with sharing the peach cobbler--I was drooling all the way home it was so good! I'm so glad I finally made it here for dinner!
(5)Thomas A.
We live fairly close to Deleece, but we prefer Uncommon Ground. We skipped the long line today at Uncommon Ground and went to Deleece. Our preference for Uncommon Ground hasn't changed, but as a back up, Deleece is a great choice. We got seated right away at 11am on Sunday and service was quick and attentive. I had the huevos rancheros - a special - and I loved the flavors, especially the chorizo. The portion wasn't large, but I got toast on the side. One pet peeve is that the toast was buttered - I usually eat it dry with my eggs. My spouse had the breakfast pasta - excellent.
(4)Joseph D.
I am torn about this place. The food was very good, bordering on excellent. But the decor and the prices kinda don't do it for me... Went on a Wednesday night around 7pm and the place was packed with people going to the show at the Mercury Theater. My bad - didn't think to make a reservation on a Wednesday but we were seated so off to a good start. Had a whiskey old fashioned and a glass of red for the wife. The cocktail did not mess around with bacon infused vodka and maple simple syrup. Nice. Started with the Brussels sprout salad with had roasted pepper strips and what appeared to be back bacon. Excellent. For dinner the wife had the burger (very good) and I had the Halibut fish special. it was good. Here's where I think things got a bit off for me. First the place seems to be a theater crowd kinda place. At 7:30, the place emptied out. It was so weird. At 7 not a table to be had. At 7:30, poof. You are alone. Second is the location of the front door goes right out into the theater lobby. Not too attractive seeing floor mats and crowd of people milling around. Finally the prices are a bit much for Southport. My fish was $33. Holy heck! The burger was $16. Cocktails were more reasonable at $10 - $11 so OK there. But for those prices, I'm wanting a bit more ambiance. Overall, a nice place. Food and service are 4 stars but I just can't get past the value / decor issue which I give 2 stars, hence my average of 3 stars for this place.
(3)Charlene S.
Had gone here for brunch. 2 of 4 dishes were GREAT! Got the polenta with eggs, spinach and a red pepper sauce and it was phenomenal. Surpassed my expectations. The polenta cubes were still crispy on the outside despite sitting below eggs and in a red pepper sauce. So hearty and fabulous. Definitely a five star dish. The hubs had the monte cristo. Says it was served e a berry compote. But was just a few fresh berries on it. It was a ham sandwich w bechamel inside french toast; an almost sweet and savory dish. He also expected some home fries on the side. He was underwhelmed. The kids split the pancakes. My 3 yo is a pancake connoisseur. And after Agee bites refused it. It tasted fine to me so I kept insisting she eat more. And she continues to chew then spit it out. I tried more and it then tasted bitter to me. Almost as an afternote. The bitterness came through on the edges of the back of my tongue. And I'd try diff parts of it but still bitter. The husband didn't notice. Maybe I scorched my tongue from eating my delicious food too fast but as he kept eating finally did notice it. It tasted like the bitterness of an aspirin that dissolved a little on your tongue before swallowing. Boo. The lobster mac and cheese was also amazing. Lobster cooked well. Delicate and rich. The creamy cheese and just the perfect crisp in the vege. Oh so good. For breaking our normally paleo lifestyle, this was worth it! Service was so-so.
(3)Jessica N.
Came back here to try dinner and it did not disappoint. The duck was perfectly cooked. Loved the accoutrements. Can't go wrong with the location either Hubbie got the pork chop - very well cooked as well. Great place for your go-tos.
(4)Julie B.
Deleece was the spot of my first outdoor brunch of the season, which for the activity alone warrants a 5 star review all day erry day... But then when I factor in the horrible, god awful service, it just goes downhill fast. First the goods -- the patio is big and not overcrowded (brunch convos with my group of friends are not meant for tiny ears!) and the food was a good mix of the usuals (pancakes, eggs Benedict) and more unique brunch creations and, seeing one of the cons as a positive since I believe in the silver lining after all, they don't make you feel rushed to leave! But the bads...umm, we Wanted to leave and couldn't because our server never brought the check, then when she did she didn't come back for it foreeeever. And then she did what smart servers would never do -- gave a $10 bill and a $5 bill as the change.. No singles. Well, you aren't getting 10 for crappy service, so I guess 5 it is! There were also coffee grounds in the coffee and the mimosas didn't seem to have much bubble to them. Good coffee and heavy champagne pours = return customers and good tips! One more positive -- they have certificates on restaurants.com so we got $25 off as long as we purchased at least like $38 or so. And the server seemed to know the drill so that was a plus! There's just so many other patios with brunch, ya know?!
(3)Meghana P.
A solid brunch option that isn't often too crowded. You enter through the Mercury Theater, which can be a little confusing. I love the variety of options on the menu, and the chilaquiles have generally been solid. The service is generally attentive and helpful. I wish the prices were a little cheaper, but this place is pretty good.
(4)PJ C.
Hamburger itself was fine, but the bacon relish was salty overkill and the bun was somewhat stale. Beet salad was fair, a bit overcooked. It provides quickish food if you are heading to the Music Box. Convenience made the food acceptable. I won't bother coming back here.
(2)Tijuanna D.
The service, ambiance and food was excellent. A friend and I went on a Sunday evening before attending the Mercury theatre for a show. First time at this restaurant and I'd definitely attend without having a event to attend. This place is adjacent to the theatre which was very convenient. Try the steak tacos..... Delicious
(5)Asenath N.
The service was not the best. waiter never came and asked us if we needed things unless we asked.
(2)Rita M.
Came here for lunch w the hubby today. I ordered the lobster roll sandwich. Could have used a little more mayo, but yum! Just a half a star deducted. I got the house salad as a side, way too tangy. Another half star deducted. Hubby got the steakhouse burger w optional addition of a fried egg with side of sweet potato salad. He loved it. Nice clean ambiance. Server was super nice. Will be back :) I will just simply ask for extra mayo and get the fries as a side.
(4)Little D.
Went to this place for the first time last Friday before The Adams Family musical. Initially, the service was fantastic. The cheese plate was nice as well as my duck breast. My date enjoyed the fish off of the special menu though I found it a little bland. Nice presentation on both entrees. The only major issue we had was that my date made it a point to let our server know that we had tickets for the 8:00p show and the server said she understood. Unfortunately, as they got busier, we were forgotten about and my date had to actually get up to pay for the check because we had been waiting for about 15 minutes for someone to come back around. That said, I do plan to go back and give these guys another try since the food was tasty. I look forward to changing my 3 stars to 5 when I do!
(3)Jennifer P.
My +1 suggested it because he had fond memories of Deleece's old location and hadn't eaten there in over 10 years. We had a reservation for 6, but had to call because we were running late, and they nicely pushed it back for us. We were immediately seated. Our server was very thorough in her description of the specials. The restaurant is in a former storefront. It's a cute atmosphere, but poorly executed. We were seated against the wall (booth + little table and a chair). He had the heater blowing straight on him (no wonder our candle couldn't stay lit). We asked if we could move, but apparently they couldn't seat us elsewhere, so our server said she'd turn off the blowers. (About 20 minutes later, though, they were back on and blowing full heat onto us, making us both sweaty!). I had a light shining right on me in my booth seat, as did other patrons seated in the booths. Felt like the spotlight was on me - literally. Awkwarrrrdddd! We ordered the Vegetable Risotto to share as a starter. To me, it was lacking in flavor - needed salt! It was pretty good (albeit on the gummy side) but not outstanding. He ordered the Amish Half Chicken ($17) and I had the Shrimp + Truffle Linguine (19). He really enjoyed his chicken, but it was mostly just that, with a few little vegetables underneath. If he were to order it again, I'd think he'd want a vegetable side to go along with it. My Linguine was just OK - nothing fantastic. I felt like it's something I could easily replicate at home. I didn't taste any truffle or chili to tell you the truth. Meh. My date did enjoy the crushed tomatoes in my dish. I had a few glasses of wine and my +1 first ordered a Deleece Sour (Maker's Mark + red wine) which was pretty good. For his second drink our server recommended the Smoky Old Fashioned with bacon-infused bourbon. We were both disgusted by the flavor - it tasted like bacon grease and was extremely thick and overpowering. He was at first going to sip it and deal with it, but then thought about asking the server if he could swap it out for something less disgusting. She nicely obliged, telling us that "people either love it or hate it" (?!) which made me wonder why she suggested it in the first place.. He got a Lemon Basil Manhattan instead, which was much better. Our total bill - 2 glasses of wine, 2 drinks, the risotto, and our entrees, was $88 before tax + tip. In all it was "just OK" - IMO overpriced for what it was. I wouldn't go running back.
(3)Annie M.
Deleece is awesome! The prices are pretty high, but when it comes to fine dining in the Lakeview area, Deleece is as good as it gets! The restaurant has a nice interior, with cool canvas prints of the city on the walls. The patio is pretty large, although I've never lucked out with warm enough weather to enjoy it myself. It gets pretty crowded, so I definitely recommend calling ahead for reservations. They definitely try to maximize capacity, so it lacks intimacy or a romantic feel...that being said, Deleece is still totally worthy of 5 stars because of its amazing food and service. As for the food: My boyfriend has ordered the steak every time we've been, and while I'm not going to pretend to know anything about steak, he raves about it. I stick to the seafood...the diver scallops are out of this world! They could make a scallop fan out of anyone...butttt if you're hungry definitely get an appetizer because its a fairly small entree, despite being the most expensive item on the regular menu. Most recently I ordered the sea bass daily special, served on a bed of julienne veggies and polenta. Everything about it was absolutely perfect! I've also tried the salmon, which is cooked with this amazing glaze that almost makes it a little crispy. And as good as the food is, the service is still very friendly and down to earth. From the hostess to waiters to busers, I have nothing but great things to say about the staff. If you're looking for a neighborhood spot of celebrate something special, definitely consider Deleece!
(5)Jeff K.
I live very near and have been twice. Both times I have ordered a dish that sounded delicious and was recommended by our server, however, they strayed me in the wrong direction. Chiliquelas is a breakfast dish served with tortilla chips (menu did not disclose this) and 'breakfast pasta' was the other interesting that disappointed. Breakfast pasta and eggs with chips is quite a stretch, I advise sticking to the fundamentals of breakfast with your own delightful twist. Their basics could be tasty, but they need to stick to more of the bread and butter dishes.
(2)Ro L.
Very good food but pretty pricey. would say the food was on the level of "Francesca's on Bryn Mawr" but with Southport prices.
(3)Billy C.
Deleece is nicely situated next to the Mercury Theater. They often ask if you're also here for the show--probably to ensure you get your food on time and not miss the opening. Atmosphere Open and modern spacing. The bar is quite comfy. The staff from bartenders, servers, etc are friendly. Good pours from bartenders. Food Excellent, from the steak that is perfectly seared and cooked to order, duck that is crispy and savory. Service Even when it was busy, the servers were attentive. Food came out with good orchestration.
(4)Evan M.
Been here a good handful of times. Food comes in between solid and excellent depending on the night and item, and at a great value. Generally excellent servers. I would recommend the salmon!
(4)Brett E.
To get out of the rain my boyfriend and I ran into this spot and took a seat at the bar. We ended up ordering some drinks and entrees and everything was great. The bartender was very friendly and attentive and our food came out piping hot. I had the lobster roll which was delicious, but should warn you that it comes with a biblical portion of fries! Their prices are a bit steep but otherwise a good meal.
(4)Josh G.
Service 411- The bartender got us seated, and was courteous and ready to assist. Valerie was our server. She was super laid back, funny, and knew food and wine menu well. She made recommendations and took her time with us. That was appreciated. No pretentiousness here. Food 411- We ordered the Beet Salad, Tuna, and Duck. The Tuna and Duck entrees were recommended by our server. We enjoyed it all. I was leaning toward the salmon or New York strip steak, but went with the recommendation of the server. I will try them next time. I popped my duck virginity. (Don't judge...I do get out.) I was fearful it would taste gamey, but thankfully it didn't. I have no frame of reference for comparison, but my good looking date confirmed it was tasty. It came with kale and potatoes. The potatoes didn't rock my world; they weren't bad, but they didn't burst with flavor. They were topped with the kale and moistened by the juices of the duck. Not the best mixture of flavors for what could have potentially been good potatoes. The beet salad was also nice; it led to tongue arousal. It was light in flavor, but moist and refreshing. It consisted of a good mix of textures. I did prefer the tuna over the duck. I felt it offered a little more flavor fusion in the mouth. Drink 411- We had the Beckmen Vinyards 2011 Cuvee Le Bec Syrah, grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise blend. (Santa Ynez Valley) It was a great mix and blend of grapes for a taste that wasn't too sweet and wasn't too dry. It seemed pricey at $48/bottle, but I'm no wine connoisseur, and I enjoyed it. I'm good with a bottle of Layer Cake Malbec for $17, which is not featured here. Location 411- There were several imposter "entrances", but the actual entrance was findable (is that a word?!). It was interestingly set up, and they have an odd door/entrance. There was no host/hostess, so you just kind of walk in and stand around waiting, or if you are like me, just walk to the bar (bottoms up), and tell the bartender you have a reservation. He will then seat you. *Tip- Groupon currently has a deal here again. Check it out.
(4)Brent R.
Its a nice place on the inside and the people have always been really nice but I just think its over priced for what you get. I only go here if we are seeing a play at the Mercury Theater next door. This amounts to about once or twice a year and its all the place is worth. I tried their casual burger place that is now closed and had a similar experience.
(3)Mindy B.
I have not been to delecee since before they moved. The new setting is nice but the tables are very close together. The waiter was knowledgable and friendly. I liked the options on the menu, a lot of variety. I went with the fish special. It was bland and for the first time in my life add salt. My husband had the steak which he enjoyed. Over all good but not great.
(3)Amelia Z.
Great brunch spot. Ok for dinner. Lobster Mac and cheese was weak and soupy with too much pepper--- not worth the extra dollars. Brunch is good for mimosas. Breakfast Mac and cheese and beignets.
(3)Jorge M.
Such a cozy place really nice and great staff.
(4)Jessica B.
Incredibly underwhelming. My tuna steak/bok choy/potato mash were luke-warm when served to me, and when I asked them to heat it up, the tuna came back over cooked and the potato mash & bok choy hadn't changed temperatures at all. For an expensive restaurant, this place did not at all make it worth it, and I will not be coming back.
(1)Jamar T.
I came here for brunch as a last resort after my friends and I did not want to wait an hour for a table at southport grocery and cafe. We should have just waited it out because the service here was impeccably awful. It took 45 minutes for our food to arrive which it magically came out seconds after inquiring on the hold up as the place was half full at best. During that 45 minute waiting period not once did our server stop by our table. I was a server in college and I was extremely disappointed in his lack of effort. Unfortunately I don't see Deleece being around too much longer as the majority of its reviews reflect my experience and are not recommended. Oh and the food...bland and forgettable
(1)Caitlin A.
Not crazy on a Sunday for brunch and our food was amazing!!! Will definitely go back!
(4)Andrey R.
Definitely a great elegant spot. I've tried lobster rolls and duck, both were delicious! It can get a bit expensive, especially when you drink and dine. They opened a patio for the summer season and it is amazing! Strongly recommend it.
(4)Henry L.
Food was delicious. Would give 5 stars for food and service. Hand cut fries and their signature burger are delicious. Waitress was friendly and the place has a cool vibe to it. Would for sure go back. Drink I ordered really didn't have enough alcohol in it though and was pretty small could hardly taste the tequila otherwise would of given perfect 5 stars all around.
(4)Daniel N.
My g/f and I walked in just before 2:30pm on Saturday. After waiting several minutes from not being acknowledged, I had to ask the bartender if we seat ourselves. His response was "Sorry, you just missed us. We closed at 2:30." I see what you did there; not acknowledge us so you could turn us away after the minute hand passed 2:30. Not only did we waste our time, this is an establishment where the staff will ignore you until you have to ask to be seated. This is not the kind of treatment that builds successful restaurants or repeat customers.
(1)Blaine K.
I have never had someone treat me so poorly when walking into a restaurant. I went in to have a glass of wine at the bar and was told I was not welcome because I was not eating dinner. The man at the front was extremely rude. Don't stop here if you want a drink, apparently service is only available for customers staying for dinner. Safe to say I will never be staying for dinner after this experience.
(1)LaSalle W.
Are you hungry? Are you craving good food? Come to deleece, the best restaurant I know. Deleece is a small restaurant with great food. Just thinking about the delicious tastes of Deleece makes me hungry. The sauce is so good with the steak. Yum! Their service is quick and friendly. My family is known by many Deleece employes because I go there every month. I can't stay away!
(4)Karen C.
My group of girls went to Deleece on Saturday morning for brunch, celebrating Betsy P.'s new little lady's first brunch outing. We of course started with the mimosa's (no worries, there was a designated babysitter) and they were really good. I like that they leave a pitcher on the table so you can refill at your own accord, instead of waiting for the waiter to come by. For my entree, I had the shrimp & grits. It was pretty tasty, but the grits were a little waterier than I like them to be. However, a decent amount of shrimp, grits & a few pieces of bacon makes for a happy Karen C. Others at the table had the breakfast pizza & the lobster benedict. All seemed really happy with their choices. Overall I think this is a good neighborhood spot to hit up on the regular, I'd like to come back for dinner. Waiter was friendly, the decor is cute, and there was lots of Michael Jackson on the radio, which is always a win in my book.
(4)Peter O.
4.5! 6.01.2014 Sunday afternoon under an umbrella in the hot sunshine with rare and lovely S. and my new favourite medium rare bruncheon companion: Deleece Steakhouse Burger $13. half pound freshly ground beef, caramelized onion, bacon jam, avocado, Wisconsin aged white cheddar, baby lettuce & vine ripened tomato on brioche Add fried hen's egg: 1.5 (including creamy fries extra crispy as requested) S.'s chosen Vouvray was chilled in an ice bucket at the table, a luscious and crisp accompaniment to her tasty eggs and bacon breakfast and my burger, too. Coffee is always fresh and superb. They were out of Jameson!? so when asked our server Tineka recommended Bulleit as her favourite bourbon. So long Maker's, hello smooth, dry, vanilla spice Bulleit neat. Two wonderful firsts in one day at one restaurant and my life is ineradicably changed for the better. Oh, by the way if you are wondering, "Tineka" means cleverly charming, very gracious and knowledgeable server and advisor in Oliverese. We once again were cordially allowed to overstay our welcome on the patio. Why completely close to prepare for dinner service? At least keep the bar open, folks. Honestly, how often does a restaurant get better with each return visit? You're right! So 4.5 stars plus gives Deleece a five. Though barring events unforeseen they undoubtedly will continue on their upward trajectory, this is the best rating they can receive and my last word on Deleece. We hope to see you there.
(5)Matt B.
Went in on a Sunday evening with wife and kid. We had the mussels as an appetizer. These were the biggest mussels ever that were melt in your mouth good. Also had the lobster roll which was great that came with enough fries for two people. My wife had the Pork & Beef Papardelle which was good and good portion size. Good service, nice atmosphere, worth the visit.
(5)Manny T.
Really fine brunch. Started with kale and potato soup, delicious. Followed by a perfectly dressed house salad of mixed greens. I asked for grilled salmon to be cooked medium and it was, perfectly seasoned and tasty. For dessert there were freshly made beignets in caramel sauce--not New Orleans, but pretty good for Chicago in mid-winter. Plus the service was friendly and the room was relaxed. So I say, stop in here before your next weekend matinee at the Music Box Theater.
(4)Heather D.
I stopped by before a movie at the Musicbox with my husband and children. We were greeted, to use the term loosely, by a pretty obviously irritated host who later turned out to be a server. He wordlessly dropped our menus on the table and walked away and we had to hang out and wait until we could flag another person and ask for a highchair. I mean, we had 3 kids with us, one of whom is an infant. Ok.. whatever.. Then after a good long wait, our totally bored seeming and VERY slow moving waiter ambles over to say hello. We order drinks... wait 5 minutes...get 3 of the four drinks and he wanders off.... wait 10 minutes.. We flag him over he is leaning on bar chatting with a waitress) to order our food and I request missing drinks. The food arrived in a timely fashion, but still no missing drinks and I order them for the fourth time. We get them, but no cream for the coffee, another five minutes until I can flag him to ask for crew. He forgets it.. I ask again... It was not even busy in there. He never checked on us, never refilled our drinks, never checked to see if we were ok. Meanwhile, the host has been talking on the phone on a bar stool in the corner behind the host desk, the entire time we were there and at one piont talking on her cell in the lobby near the theatre entrance, twice making guests who came in wait for her to seat them. At one point we dropped something on the floor, she was walking by and looked at it, hesitated as if she was about to pick it up, but then just left it there as I was beginning to rise to get it. Ugh.. We then waited 15 minutes for the check after or food was cleared and already had the kids wrapped up in their coats. Not one person said goodbye or thank you to us as we left. There are too many restaurants in Lakeview for me to ever feel the need to return to Deleece. It's a shame, I have heard the owner is a lovely woman, I wonder if she knows what goes on when she is not around.
(2)Kristin M.
Alright yelpers...chill out with your hatorade. Our friends made a reservation here and after reading the reviews I was preparing for the worst. Not at all the case! In fact, I really liked it and if I lived in the neighborhood, dare I say I'd actually return! Here's the skinny on food. Despite seeing multiple complaints on the filet I went out on a limb and ordered it anyways. The verdict? Delish! It had a nice char, was cooked to perfection, had the yummiest sauce, and tastiest vegetables on the side. It was the perfect portion. I don't usually order filet but I certainly did not regret. My husband ordered cous cous salad and raw hamachi which he said was very good. He also ordered the baked Alaska for a dessert which tasted like it was made with fresh mint. A modern twist on a classic. As for drinks, they were quite good though I had to admit I laughed when I saw ice in my martini as several others have noted. Our server was a bit on the touchy side but other than that everything was great. Overall good food, nice ambiance, and it was refreshing to go to a restaurant that isn't trying too hard to be trendy. I'd recommend!
(4)Thomas L.
On the whole the food was good. Used to be a regular at this place when it was located further north near Irving Park Road. This location is even noisier if that is possible. Service was not especially attentive. Ordered Manhattans straight up but they arrived on the rocks. Drinkable though. Overall, I cannot help but feel a bit ripped off. The markup on the wine list was more like four times retail instead of the usual three. Cheapest glass of wine was $14. The scallop special was egregious in this respect. $34 for three scallops that were over-salted. I usually do not give a poor review to a place where I had a reasonably good meal, but this place has started to take itself a little too seriously for my taste.
(3)Comensal A.
I was put off by Deleece's former location, but a Groupon lured me to its new space adjacent to the Mercury Theatre. Much better! The food was terrific, the service friendly & helpful, and the space is great -- comfortable, alive, and adequately lit for me. On a recent Friday night, it was noisy, but we hollered our way through dinner in spite of that. We enjoyed lamb specials this visit: my lamb shank was delicious and appropriately falling-off-the-bone tender, and my companion's lamb chops were delicious. A beet salad graced with braised fennel was lovely and scrumptious. We were too full for dessert, but the menu was very appealing -- we'll be back. I like the new space and am happy that the food is still very good. I certainly won't wait another 3 years to return!
(4)Tracy M.
Food always tastes great! The other stuff not so great. First, on their website it said we have a prix fix menu for 20 for our 20th anniversary until the 12th of Feb. Went in on the 11th and inquired about that and the waitress said " No we don't have that anymore." Ok, false advertising, especially during restaurant week. Then I ordered the special Brazino with a lobster claw. Ok, I expect the special to be a little more expensive but $33.00 for a piece of fish? Especially when most entrees are 20. At least the waitress should have mentioned the price. It was good but not $33 worth. I won't go back. It's a pity because the food is amazing but everything else, not so good.
(2)Michelle M.
I have to say I was very disappointed. We were looking forward to their move to the heart of Southport, however now think they should have stayed put. The decor, which as I suspected to be cheap looking in through the window, was worse than I thought from the inside. Black t-mold laminate tables, really? The plywood ramp to the restrooms was really a nice touch. Ok now the menu -- 7 entrees and about the same starters. Average food at best. And the price? I'm willing to pay for a good meal and experience, but not $60/person! I support the neighborhood vendors, but will steer clear of Deleece.
(1)Jacqueline S.
We decided to try Deleece based on the fact that the chef uses fresh seasonal ingredients and a Groupon was offered. We went on a Saturday a little after 9pm and it wasn't too crowded or too empty. We started with the special margarita of the night which was very good. We had the potstickers for appetizer which I enjoyed very much, not too greasy and they had a different nontraditional flavor that was really great. I got the Amish chicken which was a little on the salty side for me. I got to try the pork tenderloin which was really great. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was great too. I love that they are open late! The other entrees sounded delicious and I would love to try them.
(4)Andrea P.
It has been a while since I wrote a review only hours after finishing a meal... bravo Deleece! First, I'd like to begin by addressing the service provided by Alex. He was such a wonderful host, full of life and an obvious passion for food. He not only treated our table like royalty, but also everyone around us. Regardless of what was going on around him or how busy he was, he made sure to focus solely on the table he was tending to. To start with the ambiance- my friend and I came on a beautiful summer evening, most guests were outside on the patio but we decided to sit inside to enjoy the trendy atmosphere. The decor is clean and chic, with a long bar against one wall and tables not too crowded on the other. We began with the mussels and fried calamari..Before I get into the details of the food, I want to preface this by saying that my friend will NOT under any circumstance eat fried anything. This of course has created a very serious rift in our relationship as I am a fried food junkie. Well Deleece, tonight you have brought us closer than we have ever been before, I saw a side to my man that has changed the way I see him. I was drooling over the calamari as my boyfriend quickly reached his fork into my crispy circles of heaven. As his fork reached his mouth I looked deep into his eyes as he said, "Wow, this is really good. You know I hate fried food but this is seriously good." He proceeded to have half of my dish and right then and there I just knew, this is the man I want to spend my life with. The mussels, Oh the mussels! I'm really picky about eating anything that comes out of a shell, and if mussels aren't straight out of the ocean they develop a bitter mixed with bad sea water taste to them. As my curiosity overcame my fear, I am delighted to say that the mussels and the sauce they came in were out of this world! For our grand finale we had the scallops and the duck. OH MY GOSH...pardon our manners but we practically licked our plates clean. Now pardon my french but DAMN that was good! The martinis were fantastic, the wine list is excellent and the service was beyond five stars. We will definitely be returning and I highly-highly recommend Deleece!
(4)Monica G.
Went for brunch - small but cute place. We sat down right away, the menu looked great, a different spin on brunch. Considering it was an empty afternoon, we got very little service. Our server was very nice, just unattentive. Our food took too long to come out, and our side dishes were cold. We ordered orange cinnamon french toast, which was flavorful but a bit dry, and steak and eggs. In addition - the portions were surprisingly small. A brunch without leftovers - basically unheard of. The drinks were tasty but weak. I would be willingly to come back for dinner to see if the experience is improved. However, most likely will not be returning for brunch.
(2)Kristen H.
The breakfast pasta is amazing!! The ham & spinach with the mushroom sauce is just delightful. I can say I was disappointed with the bloody Mary. The mix was horrible & overall just poor. We got there a half hour before they stopped brunch but they were nice enough to serve us. Ill give it another shot if the time comes.
(3)Erick N.
After having not returned to Deleece for over a year following my first meal, I have now dined there twice this month (both excellent experiences); it is definitely time for an updated review. Last week my wife and I dined at Deleece for a special six course wine pairing dinner showcasing the talents of the new executive chef (Ernesto). We were immediately impressed when some of the staff recognized from our prior visit last year as we entered. The entire evening was so much fun; the new chef is outstanding and all six courses were great, especially the scallop course and the duck breast. Ernesto presented each course to the dining room, a wine distributor selected and presented some excellent wines to pair and the owners were in house and were extremely friendly, mingling with all the guests. During our first visit to Deleece we enjoyed the food, but just did not find the ambiance all that warm or inviting (for us service is as important as the cuisine); on this visit we were even more impressed by the food and noticed marked improvement in the service and ambiance. After such a positive second visit to Deleece we wanted to come back on a normal evening to see if we would be as enthralled with the experience as the wine dinner. With relatives in town from Boston we figured Deleece would be a great venue for a family dinner. All six of us (with vastly differing tastes) loved our meal tonight and once again were impressed by the quality of the food as well as the warmth from the front of the house staff. Even though we are still fairly new at Deleece we were made to feel like long time regulars. Everything from the cocktails through all three courses was spot on; Deleece truly has a wonderful menu with something for everybody (in fact so many dishes seemed appealing to me I really struggled to narrow down my selections). Since our favorite walking distance restaurant lost some key personnel a few months ago (including the executive chef) my wife and I have been searching for a new neighborhood restaurant to become regulars and we now feel as though we have found a home in Deleece.
(5)Andy M.
Biscuits and Gravy and bottomless Mimosa's! Now that's what I call the breakfast of champions. The day started out promising enough, but ended on a sour note as I ended up drunk enough to make Hunter S. Thompson proud. I think it all started with the gallon of mimosa's I drank at Deleece. Deleece is a cute little eatery located on the Southport corridor. The brunch menu is quite extensive, but I've never met a plate of biscuits and gravy I didn't like, so that's what I opted for. Deleece's version of this Southern staple didn't let me down. It was delicious. I should have just had coffee, but the idea of bottomless Mimosa's were too tempting to turn down. As it turns out , my visit to Deleece is about the last thing I remember about my Sunday of self destruction. I've been told I had a good time. Here's the bottom line. If you're looking for a new take on brunch, give Deleece a try. The food, service and all around vibe are top notch.
(5)Genie B.
Came here for an early brunch on Sunday and I absolutely adored the place. My group arrived just before the crazy brunch madness, so we were seated right away. The menu had lots of variety and they had specials menu as well. I ordered the chilaquiles which were amazing. Loved the sauce on them! My friend ordered the polenta with the spinach which was delicious! All around a great experience! Also, our waitress was amazing! Insanely sweet!
(4)Bryan M.
Went here for our nye dinner and I'm not sure if it was an off night or what but my wife and I were very disappointed. We had the tuna tartare and the calamari to start, the tuna was decent but pretty bland the calamari was super basic and was drizzled with some boring white sauce. I had the duck and she had the salmon.. The waiter asked how i wanted the duck cooked and I said I differ to the chef (which was a mistake because it came out raw), I would've sent it back but the waiter never came back to ask me about it. The skin wasn't crispy and only about half was edible. My wife's salmon was ok (extremely mediocre) but again very boring and plain. We ordered a side of brussel sprouts which came with very little seasoning and tossed with some red and yellow peppers. BOOOORRRRING! Again I would've asked for some salt and pepper if our waiter was around. I know it's New Year's Eve but the restaurant was only about half full and not very crazy. Too bad because we only live a couple blocks away but I honestly would've rather ate at one of the neighboring bars and spent my $200 on something else. So bland so boring will not be returning to deleece anytime soon. Definitely needs some creativity and some seasoning on the food!
(1)Cristi T.
Really wanted to go here for brunch, but a rude and ignorant staff ruined my plans. First I called to make reservations and they said they don't take any but they shouldn't be busy. When we got there, she asked if I had a reservation and then told it would be a long wait because we need a lot of space for the baby. I said I could put the baby's infant seat under the table, and she said I wasn't allowed to. I have 3 kids and I know that placing a sleeping baby in her infant seat under the table is perfectly safe!
(1)Allie C.
So disappointing. I came here on a Sunday night to celebrate and was expecting a place that had gotten promising reviews to deliver. It did not. Both of us ordered filet mignon (one of the specials for the evening) and split one bottle of wine. The filets were tiny, I mean hockey puck tiny, and just as thin. I had ordered mine medium rare and it came out closer to medium well. My date had ordered his medium and he offered to switch plates with me since his was more pink than mine. The top was severely burnt and the entire thing was difficult to cut. The only thing that came close to being satisfying were the vegetables, and those appeared to be soaked in butter. Our bill ended up coming to about $100, which in itself seemed extremely unfair given how small our plates were and the degree to which our steaks they were cooked (no pun intended). We decided to do dessert at the Dairy Queen down the street rather than risk getting another dish that would disappoint.
(1)Dane M.
Bloody mary was watered down, food was bland, potatoes were hard and undercooked, and it took us over an hour to get our food. Staff was unapologetic for the delay to boot. FAIL.
(1)Jeff S.
Blah. We came here with a groupon and the food was just OK. Good: Server was great. Probably one of the best servers I've had. Nice place and atmosphere. The presentation of the food was great, and it looked amazing. Bad: The food sucked. (Sorry) I think the owner was the hostess, and she didn't seem all that bright and friendly. They would be better off hiring a young ditsy blond like most restaurants.
(2)Orlando P.
What a disappointment. We had been looking forward to come check this place out and I almost regret it. I'm giving this place a 1 star only because of the great service and the beautiful interior design. We ordered two entrées, one was pork one was shrimp linguini. The pork plate literally tastes like dirt. I'm not sure of this was supposed to taste like this but it was bad. Really bad. The shrimp linguini was so bland and tasteless. The shrimp were a little rubbery and really had no flavor. The linguini was a little undercooked. The prices are high. Very high. There are way better places around like Angelina's on Broadway. Overall, I don't think I'll ever come in here. I get the concept very pretentious but the food was so terrible.
(1)Courtney G.
Total experience was "BLAH." The food wasn't very good. I had their linguine and it was so coated in garlic I literally could not taste anything BUT garlic. Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of garlic, but this was just bad and not done well. My boyfriend had the Strip Steak and the cut was fatty and tasted too charred from the grill. He ordered it Rare and it came out Medium Well. The service was good though and the atmosphere is OK. I will not be returning.
(2)Kat M.
So we got the Groupon and came here for a date night dinner on a Wednesday. Very happy we did. Groupon restaurants can be hit or miss, but this one is definitely a keeper. Really nice place. Good food. Attractive décor. The server was knowledgeable and friendly. We started with the Rosemary Polenta Squares, which were quite good. The polenta was not as creamy as I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. It is served in a light tomato sauce, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, which added a nice bit of saltiness to the dish. It is hard for me to resist a vegetarian Soup of the Day, and they had one: A corn and potato chowder, pretty good, but very rich. While I ate that, spouse enjoyed the lobster bisque. So, on to the entrees. Spouse was extremely happy with the Indiana duck breast, which was served with Swiss chard and a buckwheat spätzle. Portion size was pretty generous. There is only one vegetarian entrée on the menu. That's okay. I can deal with that. It's a butternut squash and mushroom risotto, made interesting by the addition of cranberries and blue cheese. A little heavy, but not bad. I had leftovers. I'm thinking this selection changes seasonally. It's not on the menu on the website. (I had been looking forward to the stuffed poblano that is listed there. Ah well, maybe next time.) Actually, next time I will likely skip the entrée section entirely and build my meal out of salads and appetizers. There were several veggie choices there, and all of them looked good. Made me wish I had a bigger appetite, so I could try more! We had the trio of chocolate for dessert: A flourless chocolate cake, a pot du crème, and a cupcake topped with milk stout ganache. The flourless chocolate cake was amazing. I did not need the other two items. I was a little disappointed that I could not detect much stout flavor in the ganache. However, the spouse liked them and we had no trouble clearing our plate. The location is nice: Right next to the Mercury Theater and a few doors north of the Music Box, making this a really good option for dinner if you're attending shows at either of those establishments. And they have brunch, too?! Can't wait to check that out. Yup, we will be back.
(4)Colleen O.
I'm always happy when I leave Deleece after brunch or dinner. The entrance for Deleece is tucked away in the lobby of the music box theater on Southport, so keep your eyes peeled. First of all, let me vent. Whats with all the small brunch spots in Chicago? I mean, we are a city that LOVES to brunch and I personally hate waiting an hour for breakfast staring impatiently at the brunchers who had the foresight to make a reservation. (yeah that's me....enviously staring) Deleece solves my quagmire! This much room in the city? HOLLA! I have never had to wait for a table for brunch. The bloody mary's are great and the dining room in full of light with a beautiful tin ceiling. I am never disappointed with the Benedicts and their iced americanos are like delicious rocket fuel. They also have a great patio during the warm months here in Chicago.
(4)Olivia G.
Just called to ask if they had any reservations available for a large party for Sunday brunch. Yes, I know it's Easter, and yes, I know 12 is a lot of people, and yes, I know it's only two days in advance. Should that warrant being laughed at by the woman on the phone? Not so much.
(1)Robin M.
The food is wonderful. The bartender excellent. Always a great experience! The steak frites are excellent as well as the apple crisp. Also love the calamari appetizer.
(5)Leslie D.
Came here for brunch, ordered a Bloody Mary that was fabulous. Had the biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage that looked undercooked. The food wasn't good. I didn't eat any. And, my waitress didn't notice and brought the $30 check. Not pleased at all. Much better food, much better service anywhere else.
(1)E S.
I recently went to Deleece with some friends for dinner. It had been awhile since I ate there last and was reminded how nice it is to have this little place in the neighborhood. So many things sounded great on the menu, we decided to share several things between the four of us. The mussels were great and I really enjoyed the beet and fennel salad. Also, the wine list is great and our server was a great guy (but I can't, for the life of me, remember his name). Thanks again for being in the neighborhood Deleece!
(5)Alyssa C.
Great environment and a perfect little place to enjoy a nice meal before heading over to the theatre. My friend and I enjoyed a bottle of reasonably priced wine, some lobster bisque soup (good but not amazing). I enjoyed the shrimp linguine, delish. The dessert was my fav. It was a take on apple crisp, but it was scrumptious. I highly reccomend ordering that!
(4)Katie B.
This review is based on brunch only... The beignets (chewy doughnuts with carmel sauce) were the perfect starter to share, and the lobster benedict with truffle holendaise was mind-blowing! The coffee wasn't amazing, but we will def be back for brunch. It wasn't crowded, so no wait, even on a holiday weekend.
(4)Amy C.
Went here for dinner for the first time (have been here for brunch in the past), and I was very disappointed. Me and two of my girlfriends decided to share some small plates, so we started with some soup and the roasted pear and gouda tart. The soup special (Moroccan lentil) was by far the stand out of the night, the tart, not so much. Between the 3 of us, we couldn't stomach to finish the one little tart... The tart is described with spaghetti squash, gouda cheese, caramelized onion, walnuts & balsamic syrup. No gouda cheese or caramelized onions were to be found, and the balsamic syrup was literally glued/melted onto the plate. It was basically a pear tart with some dried spaghetti squash in the middle. We then each decided to get our own salad (beet, cous cous and arugula) and split an order of the vegetable risotto. I absolutely LOVE beets and fennel and could not eat more than two bites of the beet salad, one of my friends spit out her one bite, and my other friend refused to even try it. It was completely flavorless; the fennel was cooked to the point where you couldn't even tell what it was anymore and there was absolutely NO seasoning. That was not roasted fennel; more like boiled to point of oblivion. The "watercress" was 2 little leaves, and the lime-agave nectar yogurt was flavorless as well. My friends each thought their respective salads were decent, but again, wished that there was a little more on the plate, especially for $8. The vegetable risotto was okay, but again, wasn't exactly as described. It seems that they put whatever vegetables they have on hand into it. Our service was also lacking a lot. It took about 15 minutes for us to get our server's attention to order our soup, and trust me, the place was not crowded at all. He also never checked on us once to see how we liked anything. All in all, way too expensive for what we got (our bill was just over $90 with one glass of wine and one cocktail). I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)Bryan O.
This is a review from December 25th, 2013. Deleece is reliable good food. I've come here off and on since they were at Irving Park. While the food is nothing spectacular it is above average in taste and quality. Nonetheless its common. But when we needed an unexpected Christmas dinner they made a great meal for us to pickup. I will always pay Deleece a visit when I can. The customers service is good.
(4)Bri A.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day since it was pretty empty and we didn't want to wait 40 minutes for a table. The brunch menu looked great and we started off with a round of Bloody Marys. They were a little different than that I'm used to but tasty. I think they had horseradish. I ordered the chilaquiles and he had the steak & eggs. I liked my meal but felt it was mostly chips. My boyfriend liked his food but the portions were pretty small. He had about 2 oz of steak! I wish I had a pic of that. There could have been a little more than four dinky pieces. I would like to come back and try more brunch items or dinner, although I don't think this would be a top brunch choice.
(3)Jacob P.
Mediocre if Best We have eaten at Deleece three time's, two dinners and a Sunday brunch. The first dinner we thought that they were just having an off night. I ordered the Boneless Amish Chicken with a warm salad of Fingerling Potatoes, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Celery Leaves and Fig Mostarda Sauce. My partner ordered the Sesame Ahi Tuna with Lobster Couscous, Asparagus, Garlic Chili Glaze & Sweet Soy. The chicken when it came out looked ok but you could really tell that it was not an Amish chicken, there was really not a lot of meat on the breast or thigh. It looked like the Frozen airline chicken breast that you see at restaurant depot from Tyson. The base of the chicken was nothing but dried figs and maybe one or two fingerling potatoes. If you are going to showcase a dish with figs then you should use fresh figs when they are in season. Dried figs are not a good choice to use if they are going to be sautéed with other components. The tuna was over cooked (we ordered it Med Rare) then the rest of the dish was not anything to write home about. Why would you be selling Asparagus when it is almost winter and it is a summer vegetable? The Second dinner that we had there was just as bad as the first one. The bar drink menu is not the best. I ordered an Old Fashion and they used a maraschino cherry and a wedge of an orange. For a place that is suppose to be hip and sophisticated they are falling behind in the new trends for specialty hand crafted drinks. Lets get onto talking about dinner. This time I ordered the New York strip with Mashed potatoes, thick onion rings and a red wine syrup. My partner once again went back to the tuna. The stack that was served to me I would not even feed my dog. It looked like something that you would order from Omaha Steak Company, it had to be 8 or 9 oz for the 27 dollar price tag. It looked like they cooked it on a George Forman Grill. The onion rings were not even good; it was like they soaked them in a liquid then placed them in over used flour then over cooked in the deep fryer. The only good thing on this plate was the garlic-mashed potato. My partner's tuna again came out over cooked and lacked flavor. When I reviewed Deleeces website they have this statement on it " One of the first sophisticated, yet casual neighborhood haunts, Deleece is still considered one the the best. With it's innovative, seasonably inspired menus, affordable prices, and warm welcome services, Deleece is the neighborhood restaurant you wish was in your neighborhood." I find this statement very hard to believe, they need to fire the chef and hire some one that is young and innovative in the food industry to make them the next best place in the southport area. Nothing about deleece is innovative the menu offerings that they have are over complicated and just cover up the fact that the chef doesn't really know how to make good simple food.
(1)Michael C.
Good environment, delicious truffle pasta and a mountain of fries. Considering we ran in here just to get out of the rain, I'd say it was a good find! Drinks were delicious and the bartender was super nice
(4)Claudia D.
We celebrated our younger daughter's birthday here for Saturday brunch. Joe gives wonderful service, but he usually works dinner service only. The food and drinks for Saturday brunch are great. We had 6 people in our party and every single person loved their food and beverages! I love the decor as well and the bathrooms are pristine! I highly recommend DeLeece.
(5)Lauren F.
Deleece has a very special place in my heart. My fiancee and I went on our first date at the original Deleece north of Irving Park and he proposed 3 1/2 years later at this location. Their new location is gorgeous-a large, open room with a beautiful bar-the tables are a bit crowded but other than that it is a really great space. I'll be honest, since both of my visits here have been nights of high emotions I haven't been able to focus very much on the food-but I do remember that it was always good! I highly recommend starting off with a key lime martini-they are delicious and go down very, very easily. At our most recent visit I ordered the soup of the day which was a rich, parsnip soup with winter spices and it was so good that I was tempted to lick the bowl. For my main course I tried the farfalle with shrimp, pancetta, butternut squash, mustard greens, and roasted garlic sage butter. I wasn't terribly impressed with my dish but my fiancee's 12 oz. New York Strip Steak with bleu cheese butter, garlic mashed potatoes, thick onion rings, and mushroom ketchip was fantastic. They treated us to a dessert assortment of all things chocolate to celebrate-so bad but sooo good. I love Deleece and I'm sure we will back to celebrate more special occasions to come!
(4)Christina G.
I finally got around to trying this place, and I was glad I did. My friend had recommended Deleece to me for dinner a while ago, but I never found myself on Southport around dinner time. Today, I decided to give the place a try for brunch. One word. Delicious. I started out with a hot chocolate and it was really good. My husband said the coffee was pretty strong, which is the way he likes it. We started with the beignets. Warm, cinnamon and sugar topped fried dough. How could it have been bad? For my main breakfast, I went with the steak and eggs. So much steak! The moment the dish was placed in front of me, I knew there was no way I'd finish it all myself. Two large eggs, two pieces of toast, potatoes, and again, I say, so much steak! All was cooked perfectly. My husband had the short rib hash. It was very flavorful and savory. I'm not sure I could have eaten the whole plate because the dish was so heavy, but he managed. He said he was very happy with his choice. We didn't take part in the $15 bottomless mimosas, but if I ever return with my girlfriends on a leisurely weekend morning, I'll be all about it. We used a groupon and had no problems using it. They asked us if we had been to the restaurant before, probably to see if the groupon was bringing people in, and we said that it was our first time there. I will definitely be back. I snuck a peak at their dinner menu, and I can't wait to try the ahi tuna steak and the scallops.
(4)Tyler B.
Paul is quite the asset to Deleece's server staff. We have eaten here several times and he constantly provides top notch service which will keep us coming back (as well as amazing food). We always start with a bottle of Foxglove Chardonnay and the calamari, the aioli they drizzle on top is just fantastic. Paul recommended the grouper that night since it was just arriving fresh just hours before and he was right, easily the best fish I've ever had in my life, the blend of flavors were excellent. Finished our Saturday night with the apple crisp and bottle of Nivole which are always a must for a solid fall evening. Can't wait to return!
(5)Carlos S.
The flavors here linger in my memory after every visit. And when I struggle to remember the exact combination of savory, sweet, tantalizing tastes that make me love this place so much, I have to go back. I get the toasted onion tart every time. Delicious and perfectly prepared every time. I've had the ahi tuna and the duck breast dishes here before, and every time, the flavor combinations take my taste buds to new places. They don't use extravagant ingredients, just good quality combinations that really highlight the flavors of each item while blending together for wonderful plate experience. The place is pretty without being too fancy. It has stone walls with big photos of Chicago, so it definitely feels like a neighborhood place. Unpretentious, yet sophisticated in an approachable way. This is my favorite place to go with my girlfriend, and would recommend to anyone looking to have a great dinner with a date or group of friends. It can be kind of loud, and sometimes it's hard to tell who is actually your server, but if you crave exciting flavor combinations of familiar things (like caramelized onions, pistachios, and arugula in a pie crust), Deleece will delight and impress you, without making you feel like you had to pay to just walk into the place.
(5)Jen D.
This is a 2.5, I rounded up because I think the potential is there... From the deepest part of my heart, I want to love Deleece. But what I've realized is that I rarely leave thinking "Wow - that was a great meal". It is always "that was fine" and I'm often wanting more. Several of my friends have brunch here pretty regularly and we all generally feel the same way. I like the atmosphere and more often than not I've had good or great service - I just wish for more from the food. I really like the menu itself - everything always sounds amazing, but execution is usually "meh". During my most recent meal (brunch) - everything was warm, not hot - soups, hot chocolate and entrees. The flavors weren't bad, but were generally lacking - especially the biscuits and gravy. The soups were good (lobster bisque and butternut squash) - but the entrees were average. The potential is here - I just yearn for better execution. Hot food and deeper, richer flavors. It's one of the few nicer restaurants in the 'hood, so I'll be back and keep giving Deleece a chance - but if there were many better options I'd possibly move on.
(3)Mon P.
I really like the food here and the service. I've been here a few times and ordered the grill salmon and black rice. The fish is fresh, perfect, and tasty. The sauce is amazing too. I only gave it 4 stars because I haven't tried anything else but I will soon. So stay tuned!
(4)Jason H.
Great place good service. I hadn't been in years (before they moved) and popped in for a quick dinner a couple of weeks ago. I ended up ordering three appetizers instead of an entree and all were spot on. Yesterday I found myself in the neighborhood again and decided to have some lunch. I went for the ahi tuna tacos and side salad and they are probably some of the best tuna tacos I've ever had (save for some place in San Diego I can't remember from years past)... Anyway salad was great too. Might seem like a basic review but the last thing I'll say is the thing that impressed me most was everything tasted so fresh. You can tell they don't use old or cheap ingredients when preparing your meal.
(4)Juhi W.
Easily my worst dining experience in the past 2 years that I have been living in the city! Walked in today with a friend at 6:45 pm for a quick bite before heading over for a show at Mercury theater next door. The person who seated us (didn't catch his name, bearded guy) and took our order behaved in extremely rude and disrespectful manner. His attitude was disgusting! While taking our order itself, he was looking so annoyed for no reason! As soon as we got our food(served by some other gentleman), within seconds the bearded guy just stomps onto our table and dumps the check without any one of us asking for it. We were literally being told to just pay up and get out of the restaurant!! There were other guests sitting in around and we never saw any one of them being treated this way. His behavior was nothing short of pure discrimination! I so wanted to confront him about it then and there but unlike him, I have been taught to respect every human being and I didn't want to spoil my mood before going in for the show. This place is a big NO for me and I will make sure I spread the word to as many people as I can. I sincerely hope, the management takes notice of my ordeal so that no other patron goes through the ordeal we had to go through today!
(1)A M.
This place is so good! I got the lobster egg benny. It was phenom. The only weird thing is it is attached to a theater- so it is a little confusing when you walk in. Now that I know where to go, I will be back! I am looking forward to trying the dinner menu. Service was great.
(4)Samantha G.
I went here for brunch and was very disappointed. First, the layout is awful - cramped, congested by the hostess stand, small tables that are too close to one another - just not an enjoyable setting in the least. After being seated (uncomforably), I ordered the ham and eggs. The eggs were extremely cold and inedible and the ham was slimy. I love a good brunch, but this place completely misses the mark. DELEET this place from Southport.
(1)Jeremy G.
I was really unimpressed with brunch at Deleece. To start with, the coffee tasted like diner coffee - burnt, and definitely not worth the price or the location. I ordered the breakfast burrito, which was composed of good ingredients but just awful proportions. It had scrambled egg, chorizo, sour cream, beans, and some sort of salsa, I believe. However, easily 80% of the weight of the burrito was just one large mass of plain scrambled egg. It was really unpleasant; there was so much of it that it overwhelmed the other ingredients. I was with two people who ordered it as well; we all ended up taking out some of the egg and leaving it on the plate. It seemed like my friends had better luck with the Black & Blue french toast and the crispy polenta. However, I also tried a bite of the biscuits and gravy, and it was really mediocre (I love biscuits and gravy - I would have been disappointed if I had ordered them). All of this wouldn't have been so bad, but service was agonizingly slow. I have absolutely no interest in returning.
(2)Tom S.
This place was great. Limited but expertly crafted dishes. Had an interesting appetizer ; breaded and deep fried olives. Very unique and filling with a dipping sauce. Also had calamari cooked perfectly. Tender with crunchy coating. The Berkshire pork chop with reduction sauce was cooked as requested. (Well done even though this usually bugs chefs) other family members had salmon which I tasted and was cooked perfectly on a bed of spinach with black rice. Seasoned well. Also ordered the lobster roll and wagu burger. Had small taste and also very good. Some nice specialty cocktails ( a bit small for price ) but good. Will go back in spite of bad parking in the area. Didn't really like paying $12 plus tip for valet for 1 hour 15 min stay !
(4)Bert C.
Deleece is so convenient to the Mercury Theater. Great valet parking allows me to drive up and enjoy a GREAT meal, then go to the show and back to Deleece for an after show dessert! The food and service are exceptional. Give this place a try. This past weekend I had the Mai Mai special. TASTY!
(5)Carol K.
Well since my last visit, Deleece has changed location which I loved! The outside seating area was packed on the night I was there as was the cute interior. The food was great on this visit . . .but the service still needs alot of work. I overheard our server tell the next table (with two small children) that they should expect to wait an hour for their food on a weekend night! An hour? What the heck? We were on our own "leisurely dining experience". We started to order our drinks immediately after the new one was put down as it was taking that long to get them replenished. And our food? It also took forever. In fact, the owner brought out our "appetizer" of crab cakes when we were already eating our entrees. Something is wrong here. But if you have the patience of a saint- the food is worth it. We had the half chicken and the NY strip steak. Both were delicious. As was that crab cake that finally came up. And my friend's gnocchi and Caesar salad were also quite good. But that may have been because we were starving given how long it took to get dinner. My advice- stay away on the weekends. I'm going to give it another go on a weeknight and see if some of the misses are rectified.
(3)Saba A.
COME HERE for BRUNCH! Don't be scared- it seems like this place is a hidden gem in Southport location. deleece.com/pdf/brunch.p… - Brunch Menu Not as crowded as the other brunch places in the area, but a table was available for us right away! Great coffee served right away and we all got different things. My fiance- A small size french toast with fruit. For about 5 bucks. This was perfect for him as he's not a big eater (embarrassing for me, I do eat more than him!) I'm a huge breakfast freak, he's not. My fiance's sister: She said the Breakfast Pasta for 9 bucks was a popular item her friend's all raved about, and so did she after eating it! She's great about trying new things, so if you are- get it! She enjoyed it immensely. Me: I love meat, and I love steak, even in the AM so i got the Steak and Eggs for 13 bucks. Steak plus Hollandaise sauce= party in the mouth! I loved it. Huge portion, didn't want to take it home, but definitively could have. We all started with Beignets on the table. There were 3 for 5 bucks and perfect. Sweet, hot and fresh, just a great way to start off brunch. So happy we did that. Service was a little slow, but only as people started coming in more, however, they were really friendly and nice, smiling the whole time.
(4)Scott P.
So freaking gross!! I came here last night for a NYE celebration dinner with 5 friends. We're waiting on their power to come back on after going out for 90 minutes. Really thought they'd offer us at least one drink for waiting around and being highly inconvenienced on New Years Eve, but I was wrong. That should have been a real indication of how the rest of the night at Deleece would go... We were finally seated about 10 minutes after regaining power. We then sat for another 25 minutes until someone finally came up to us and asked if we would like to order a drink or food. Keep in mind we'd been sitting around now for over 2 hours after having a 9pm reservation, and it's NYE! We're gonna miss the countdown at a proper party!! We finally order, and one of us ordered the prix fix menu, the rest off of the regular menu. My fiance asked for steamed mussels to come out with salads and apps. They came out with everyone's main course. I tried one and the only description I can give you is it tasted like how the monkey house at the zoo smells. The table next to us leans over and says, "yeah, our mussels are bad too". We call the server over and she couldn't have cared less. I expressed to her how disappointed I am that they're serving bad food to people who've waited 2 hours to eat there and that this bad food is likely going to cause me to be in the bathroom all day New Years Day. She stopped me and told me that "no one had ever talked to her like that in her life" and that she'd have to "go get the Chef to deal with" me. Unreal. The owner comes over and says to me, "I understand you had a reaction to one of our dishes?" I said yes, you're serving spoiled food, there's more than this dish that is just simply not good on the table, you haven't asked or cared about those, I'm really disappointed. Her reaction was basically, well then get up and leave. No apology, not a care in the world that two tables next to each other were really dissatisfied with their meal. Not one of us in our party will ever be back to this disgusting restaurant, and neither should you. It was terrible service on top of spoiled food. Again- SO FREAKING GROSS!!!!
(1)Scott H.
The service in this place had gone downhill. We normally go for breakfast soon after it opens and the last two times with nobody in the place the service takes forever. We wanted this place to still be good but after a couple last tries we won't be back. I think they could use some more traditional breakfast options as well. The breakfast pasta is so so.
(2)Dee M.
Terrible, terrible, terrible. Group of friends and I ( about 11 people total) went here for brunch for my birthday and it was absolutely terrible. Got seated right away and everyone seem polite until it took over an hour for eggs and potatoes. Finally we asked for the manager as she told us that a kitchen staff member didn't show up today for work. We understood as that is not her fault but we would have appreciated an update. As before then i asked our terrible waitress how much longer and like a ditz just responds "oh just a few more minutes". When we finally got our food, the portions were so small that I was still hungry after, and we never saw the waitress again until it was time to pay. Well hope she enjoyed her zero dollar tip. Worst experience ever.
(1)Bradley S.
I so wish I could give this four stars... The space is very nice. The servers were friendly and competent. The food was excellent and the wine list was complementary. I really enjoyed the sweet onion tart with a glass of Napa Sauvignon Blanc and the lamb shank special with a full flavored zinfadel. Partner really liked his fish of the day, a barundi done Oscar style. And now, for why I will probably never return... the owner/manager/host. While the rest of his staff evidently had to abide a dress code, he was dressed for a gym workout (except for cheap flip flops instead of gym shoes.) I wouldn't leave my house dressed as he was much less be the front of the house where diners were shelling out $50+ per person for dinner. It wasn't just distracting it was offensive. If I wasn't truly impressed with the food and our server, this would have been a one star experience.
(2)Liz K.
Two recent meals at Deleece have catapulted it to my top spot in my area. Both times boasted friendly service (especially front-of-house service during dinner!), quick but not rushed meals, delicious food, and full bellies. The first meal was dinner with my parents, during which we enjoyed a wide variety of menu items, including the bruschetta and crab cakes for appetizers, steaks, salmon, and duck for entrees, and ice cream trios, apple crisp, and chocolate trios for dessert. I really enjoyed my beautifully-cooked filet and the tender crab cakes. The general consensus at the table was that we were guided well by our waitress, Bridget (thanks!) and that the meal delivered great quality without being over-the-top expensive. The second meal was brunch with a girlfriend on a beautiful morning in their outdoor seating area. So many items looked good that I had a hard time deciding - how do you turn down lobster eggs benedict?! somehow I did - but I was ultimately pleased with my chilaquiles. My friend got the vegetable frittata, which was just a HUGE portion, but also looked yummy. The prices were very reasonable for quite filling meals. I would be more inclined to try Deleece again for brunch simply because the price was on point and I didn't see a single option that didn't look appetizing. However, in my experience, it is easy to get a table, so try it whenever for whatever meal works best for you!
(5)Christine F.
My husband and I went to Deleece again, and once again had a great experience. The food and service were great, and I love the space. We are moving to a different neighborhood a few miles away, but we'll definitely head back over here for dinner from time to time.
(4)Elizabeth N.
I had been to their old location on southport and irving, but the new location is even better. One thing was odd - we called for a reservation, and they said nothing was available until 9:30 but we could sit at the bar. We arrive at 7:00 and the couple before us is asking about a table and they say the next available table is 8:00 (big difference from the 9:30). We sat at the bar and throughout the meal - we noticed there was never less than 9 tables available! The bread and butter was absolutely fantastic. The butter was sweet and delicious! Sangratini was a great cocktail - although it felt a little low on alcohol. Started with the onion tart (for $7.50) and it was an awesome starter at a great price. Got the evening special of a 8 oz fillet - I am not a big steak person but for some reason it sounded great. There was a large serving of asparagus and roasted potatoes too. The steak was one of the best I have ever had - perfectly cooked (medium rare) with an amazing sauce. Will definitely be back again.
(4)Natalia K.
I've been here twice, both for brunch, and for dinner, on two different groupons. Brunch: I came alone and sat at the bar- the bartender/waitress was super nice and attentive and treated me to a non-awkward dining alone experience. I started with the beignets, which were heavenly. Three little fried puffs of dough that were crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and melted in my mouth. Serious yum. Is this only for brunch or can I order them whenever? Then I had the lemon-ricotta pancakes with a side of sausage. The pancakes were not as lemony as I expected and I couldn't tell that they were ricotta as opposed to a regular pancake. Maybe my tastebuds were spoiled from the beignets and decided to take a nap for the rest of the meal? The sausage came in a huge patty shape, that was rather intimidating- is it weird to call a sausage intimidating? It was nice and spicy though and I enjoyed dipping it in syrup. I'd definitely come back here for brunch again. Definitely. Dinner: Came with two gal pals and we first shared the calamari. Wow. The batter was perfect- light and golden and crisp. Much nicer than the usual fried calamari with the batter falling off in a heavy skin. The dipping sauce was excellent as well. Not as spicy as I was hoping, but delicious. We could have used more of it for the quantity of the calamari served. Then I had the steak, which was covered in blue cheese. As can be standard for blue cheese, it overpowered the entire meal. I like blue cheese, but I wanted it to complement the meat, and not be the only thing I tasted. I would like to come back and try a different entree. My friends liked theirs. And I kind of wanted to ask if they would serve the beignets as a dessert.
(4)Ben B.
My inaugural trip to Deleece will be my last. I was meeting a date there and as I walked in, I didn't particularly care for the layout. Just a big room with tables. Like if you took a garage and dumped some tables around. I like to feel relaxed at a restaurant, and this felt more like a cafeteria. I ordered the Boneless Amish Half Chicken. It was fine. The potatoes were a foul mess, though. It's hard to ruin a potato, but Deleece managed. The service is ridiculously poor. Multiple times, we had to flag down waiters. Sometimes, we found ourselves making eye contact and waving to the visible kitchen staff, only to have them ignore us. I sat at a 90-degree angle to my date. When I pointed out that one of the pictures on the wall was her workplace, she switched seats to face me. The server gestured to me and says, "He doesn't smell *that* bad." Hilarious. Call me when you're opening for Gallagher II at the Chuckle Hut in Schaumburg. There's no reason for me to go back to this masquerade of a restaurant.
(2)Oksana D.
Had a groupon for this place and decided to buy another right after dinner. Wonderful ambiance, delicious tuna tartar and possibly the best salmon I've ever eaten. Can't wait to come back again and try more!
(5)Jeff L.
Love this place and so does my family ..... so consistent!
(5)Ever A.
Was there for the prefix- on a Tuesday nite-- my review ** is on the server -P.G-biggest diva ever -- nasty attitude !!
(2)Alexis S.
Firstly, the service was excellent. Our server, who was very busy, was very attentive even though she had way too many tables (perhaps hire another server)... the food was just ok, and for the high prices, I was expecting better. We got fried olives to start, which were just alright, not sure how much more flavor you get by frying an olive? And then I ordered the red snapper special which said it would be served with a "tomato cream sauce" which I never tasted. The fish was about 4 inches thick, and look like it was smothered with a twice baked potato, so that threw me off. Red snapper is my favorite fish and I have never seen it served this thick, kind of grossed me out. My husband got a lobster roll which shockingly didn't have that much flavor and looked unappealing. The fries were average and not crispy at all. My white wine I ordered (a sauvignon blanc from Chile) was way too acidic to pair with food. I think overall there needs to be more refinement with this food, for this high price I would not return. I would recommend Tango Sur down the street... they know how to filet (and butcher) meat and fish properly. Sorry wanted to like it.
(2)Barry m.
I had not been back to Deleece in a number of years, but we chose it as a place for a family birthday. It has always been good but this time the food was amazing! We had a nice big table and the room was not too loud so we could all talk. Our waiter, Mark was knowledgeable and helpful. The food was outstanding: The beet salad + cous-cous were great appetizersThe Amish Chicken was delicious along with my favorite brussel sprouts. Thanks to Deleece, it was a amazing place to celebrate a significant birthday! Can't wait to come back!
(5)Stefanie D.
Deleece didn't have a wait at 8pm on a Saturday night so my husband and I took a seat on the patio for dinner. We started with an appetizer (tart) and waited...and waited..and waited for our dinner. About 45 minutes went by and it started to get cold out so we asked to be seated inside, which our waiter arranged. Our food took another 15+ minutes to get to us, so we waited over an hour for our entree. A woman came by and told us some cooks hadn't showed up which was accounting for the wait, which happens. However, while we waited, we didn't receive anything - no appetizer, no drinks, not even extra bread. We just sat and waited. Then when our bill came, we revived no comps, and only once we paid did they offer to throw in dessert (I was just eager to get home at that point). My lobster roll was good but truffle fries were soggy, and my husband's pork chop was average. Overall, disappointed and not worth the price.
(2)Pooja K.
I celebrated my birthday here and was too impressed! They were very accommodating. We were seated outside and they moved us inside when it started drizzling. The duck was incredible. Also enjoyed the beet salad and all of the vegetarian offerings. Service 5 stars. Food 5 stars. Prices: Reasonable !
(5)Mike J.
The food is amazing, service is great and decor is pretty enjoyable. This is a great spot. I had the sausage and eggs, very simple, might have been the best sausage I have had.
(5)Evan S.
There's a lot to like about Deleece: the food is good, it's a fun atmosphere, reasonably priced, and nice/attentive wait staff. I had the Chilaquiles w/ chorizo. No complaints here... nice size portion, eggs cooked just right, good taste w/ delicious guacamole. My wife on the other hand had the Fish Torta sandwich which was a complete disaster. It was basically a heap of mayo, lettuce, and guacamole mushed together on bread that was too soft to handle the load. No comments on the actually fish because there wasn't enough to really rate. Oh... and the combined sandwich had no taste. Deleece has some work to do on this sandwich. The fries that came with it were cool though :) I'm just going to give Deleece the benefit of doubt and just assume that the Fish Torta is one of their worst items. They still get 4 stars in my book and I will definitely go back for brunch/lunch.
(4)Ben W.
Could be the worst restaurant my wife and I have been to in Chicago. For the prices and beautiful space, we expected so much more. Started off asking for the beer menu, and being rudely told they had nothing on draught. Ok, we'll order a cocktail and some crispy calamari. Cocktail was nice, as was the calamari - except it was DROWNING in sauce. Had to scrape a ton off. Ready to order a beer and our food, our waiter was nowhere to be found. I guess sitting on the patio was no mans land, as we only ever saw the busboy bringing us water and bread over and over. Finally, after having to ask the busboy to send over the waiter, did we order. We finally received our meal, again after a long wait, and I didn't have a fork. So, another lengthy wait. But now time to dig into my seared Ahi tuna with lobster risotto, and my wife's duck breast. Sounds epic, right? That's exactly what the entrees were - epic SOUNDING. My Ahi tuna was obviously frozen and then poorly defrosted, as it was flavorless, swimming in sesame sauce, and very stringy - a very poor quality tuna filet. On top of that, my risotto was disgusting and salty, without a piece of lobster to be found. My wife's duck breast was just as bad - inedible really - and sided with some bland asparagus. We both only finished 1/4 our meal due to it being so nasty. We decided to cut our losses and skip dessert, and after again unsuccessfully tracking down our waiter, we finally had to cash out at the bar. The only positive was the attentive and friendly busboy. For what we paid, and the poor quality food, I will never be back. Too bad!!
(1)Kevin A.
Absolute terrible experience. Had 8pm reservations and sat down on a timely basis. Put our food order in by 8:10pm. Our food did not arrive until 9:30pm and only after we had complained to the manager (whom, at the time we raised our concerns, acknowledged that our order had been placed long ago but could not tell how much longer we would have to wait). Even worse, when the food did come, it was average to below average. I had the Ahi Tuna and my wife had the risotto and we both agreed that we would never return to Deleece again.
(1)Virginia L.
What can I say? IM A BREAKFAST, BRUNCH FOODIE! I literally died in heaven trying their STUFFED FRENCHTOAST (with mascarpone, three-berry compote, cinnamon whipped cream and pure grade A maple syrup) DOESN'T THAT SOUND SO AMAZING :) I will surely be back if I'm in town
(4)Jeff D.
Deleece for brunch, had the Chilequiles and the Steak Benedict. Both were really delicious.
(4)Meredith K.
I haven't been since they moved. This new location (well they've been here over a year now) is great! If i were seeing a show at the Music Box or Mercury I would def get a rezzie here. This is a good place to catch up w/ friends, girls night, date night etc. Its cozy and friendly. The staff was friendly. More on that later. We started w/ a glass of wine and their winter cocktail which was really good. Almost too good. I could drink that fast! The bread and butter is ok. You get some hearty bread and the butter has mustard seeds in it. My boyfriend got the pork chop and I watched him try and get every molecule of meat off of that bone. A win! He also loved the simple potatoes that came with it. I had the scallops. I'm still mourning the loss of the scallops that she used to make at the old location with that mustard sauce. So sad they don't do that anymore! But this is nice and creamy, well cooked with some nice greens and mushrooms for an earthy flavor. For dessert I tried the brownies with bananas and homemade marshmallow. It was a slight let down. Had I just had a scoop of the salted peanut ice cream I would have been happy. The brownies are a little on the tough side. Not rich and chocolatey but almost like the store bought kind. The marshmallow was a drizzle and the glue that kept the brownies down. I wanted a nice fluffy homemade marshmallow. And the bananas had a weird, almost bitter flavor. I could have done w/o them as they were distracting. My boyfriend needed to try 3 scoops of Carol's homemade ice cream. The five spice salted caramel was all spice and little caramel. If you like pumpkin pie spices its great! Also the eggnog which was burned. We let the server know and he kindly offered him another flavor. But then we saw an up charge on our bill. Weird! I was leaving cash so I didn't say anything but I probably should have. The other flavor was the bourbon pecan which was the best one of the original order. Our replacement was the mint chip and it was fantastic! Its a natural green color so you know she's using real mint. Very yummy.
(4)J H.
Stopped in here for a quick bite one evening with my husband and friend. The wine was alright, but the food was just so-so. The crab bisque still had chunks of not dissolved flour floating around in it and the calamari was so salty that it had to be sent back. The salad was good enough to eat, thankfully. I was disappointed as I am always looking for a decent dining option on Southport. Not sure I would come back here unless I really ran out of options.
(2)Pack C.
We went there with a big group: 8 people. I love the experience. The host was great and so attentive! We tried multiple dishes: crab salad, lamb shank, duck, steak frites, salmon, risotto. My favorite is crab salad. It's all good! The price is reasonable too. It's not over the top but a solid neighborhood restaurant. I would love to go back there again
(4)Rachel L.
You know what strikes me about the new location? IT'S REALLY LOUD IN THERE. No really. IF A LOCAL SOUND ENGINEER WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER HIS OR HER SERVICES TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT THAT WOULD BE DULY APPRECIATED. Seriously. My Mom and I had to raise our voices to be heard while eating brunch. If I wanted to take my Mom somewhere with the noise level of a bar, I would have gone to a bar instead. But the food was still good.
(4)Nicole P.
Went here the other night before a show at the mercury theater on a Thursday. Right off the bat the waitress's didn't make us feel welcome. It felt insanely stuffy with two old couples a half of a foot on either side of me and my boyfriend. The food was taking a while to come out so I asked where it was as it was only 15 minutes till show time, to which I received and extremely snooty response. I then heard the waitress telling the table next to us what their specials were and explaining the menu in depth, what....what specials? She never told us. We got the chicken dish(only one on there) and it was good but the salad was drenched in dressing. Small dinner menu. I won't be going back here. They are lucky they moved next to the theater as otherwise who knows if they'd survive. I used to Kirk the old location.
(2)Aminda S.
Deleece, you saved the evening! You didn't even know it, but you did. After a terrible experience at Tango Sur, my party of six decided to forego our FINALLY available table, and head to Deleece for dinner instead and I am certainly glad we did. They were happy to seat us, and our server was energetic and delighted to serve us, which isn't the case with Tango Sur even on a good night most of the time. Everything we had was executed to perfection - My friend was chewing his lamb shank at the bone for every last ounce of meat. My mom's filet was a little more rare than she preferred, but she still gobbled it up. I had a wonderful salmon served over black rice. Some other notable dishes were the cauliflower and apple appetizer (could have been a larger portion - but so unique and delicious) and the fried calamari. I know what you're thinking...fried calamari? Yes, typically it's pretty standard but they soak theirs in buttermilk overnight to soften and it and it truly did make the difference. Not a rubbery piece to be found in the bunch! But Deleece, can I offer you a piece of advice while I'm here giving you a shining review? About a year ago, we had an hour wait at Tango Sur - it was about 6:00PM and your establishment was nearly empty. We saw your bar and figured we'd go in and split a bottle of wine between the three of us while we waited. When we came in you told us that we had to eat there to drink at the bar. I understand you probably get a lot of run off from the one Tango Sur, but you shouldn't be so quick to turn away what could become a valuable customer. I brushed your negligence off my shoulder at the time but had you allowed us to enjoy some cocktails then, you would have landed a loyal customer in me much sooner. I hate to think you're turning down those same opportunities today. Just something to think about... Timing is everything I guess...and this time things turned out in your favor! Thanks for improving a night that had earlier almost ended in tears. Myself, and my guests certainly did enjoy our experience.
(4)Amy H.
You just got downgraded, Deleece. It's been well over four years since my last visit and I was incredibly disappointed with my brunch. I ordered a ham and swiss frittata, which came out with goat cheese on it instead of swiss. I didn't ask for goat cheese. In fact, I hate goat cheese. So while my friends were eating their dishes I had to wait another 15 minutes for a new frittata to be made. When it arrived, our waiter just shrugged and said "the chef messed up." What kind of chef doesn't know the difference between goat cheese and swiss? We also ordered a pitcher of white sangria that was horrible. Absolutely terrible. It had peach nectar in it, I think. It was gross and overly sweet. And $20 for a small pitcher? Highway robbery! My friend's chilaquiles were good, but I won't be going back to try them again any time soon.
(2)Jessica W.
I don't generally take the time to write a bad review... But my experience with Deleece was quite disappointing. We've been wanting to try Deleece since we moved to the area but it was always a bit more expensive than we were willing to spend. So when I saw the groupon for $25 for $50, I jumped on it. We went to Deleece the same night. I made a reservation on open table and noted that there were 2 of us and a young baby. The hostess was ready for us and very accommodating. It started off well. Our server came and saw us immediately. And then every 2 minutes after that, asking for a drink order. He was a bit overbearing. Everything came out very fast... I mean, very fast. We ordered two martinis, both of which came out with big chunks of ice in them. Any bartender knows that martinis should be well strained. We ordered the calamari and the WARM onion tart to start. The calamari was great... I'd recommend it. But the warm onion tart came out cold. Not just room temp, but actually cold. Our server was yet again on top of us to order once our apps came out, so we put in our dinner order when he asked us, assuming that he would course it. That's also something pretty fundamental about restaurant service. But they came out less than 10 minutes after he took our order. We were only half way done our appetizers. We ordered the Tuna and the Lamb Special. I had always wanted to try a tuna steak and I love, love lamb. Should have been good. But it wasn't. The tuna looked as if it had been boiled. There was absolutely no sear on the outside. It was on top of couscous, which I also love. Usually. But this stuff was mushy and bland. The lamb was tough, as if it was cooked too quickly. It was supposedly a 18 hour (or something similar) braised lamb shank. There's no way. If it was, it was a sheep, not a lamb. The horseradish mash was amazing... gave us inspiration for christmas dinner. The busser was great at keeping our waters topped up, but he was also too eager to take away plates that we weren't finished with yet. We looked at the dessert menu, but were too wary to try anything else. Both my partner and I worked most of our lives in the restaurant industry. From busser to hostess to server to manager... and now we're opening our own. We get it, sometimes there are bad nights. We didn't complain because understand that it happens. The menu concept is great, but execution wasn't great. The service is too pushy about turning tables quickly. When we left, I was looking for some sort of "goodbye/ have a good night/ come again" from the hostess, or our server, or the woman at the front who seemed to be the manager, if not the Owner. But nothing from anyone. They looked at us, but said nothing. It shows me that they just don't care. That's perhaps the root of the problems. The worst part was, I was extremely nauseous by the time we got home and it lasted through the night. That's really what pushed me to write this review. I'd normally let it slide, but I shouldn't be paying $50 per person to go home and get sick. Needless to say, we won't be back. It's a bit sad, cause it's a beautiful restaurant with a good concept. It's just the staff and management that lost it for me.
(1)Mary S.
I went to Deleece for my birthday dinner on a Friday night. The service was TERRIBLE. We waited 15 mins just to order drinks. Then when we got our food we had to wait 20 mins between the time we order our second round of drinks to when we actually receive them. The food was ok but the we steak ordered should of been medium and it came out as rare. When we complained to the manager , the manager was not forgiving blamed it on "all new staff". She was very rude about the whole thing .
(1)Chelsea N.
This past visit to Deleece will be my last. I have been three times now and in a city of great brunch places there is no need to suffer through lack-luster service and mediocre food. Onto my visit... While waiting to be greeted (15 minutes) after being seated, someone from my group had to go get menus as no one had acknowledged us. There was only one waitress on the patio on a Sunday afternoon. Not her fault but but a rookie mistake by management. She got our drink order wrong, having all worked in the food industry at some point we didn't make her fix it as she was "in the weeds" and we had been waiting for 30 minutes already. Our food took an hour and thirty minutes to come out, one person in our group even had to leave as we had been there over two hours already. To add insult to injury, the bread on my sandwich was sooooo soggy it actually broke when I picked it up. Oh and my fruit side was three pieces. I really, really tried to give Deleece a chance but enough is enough.
(1)Lydia N.
I would recommend Deleece to anyone. I have gone several times and every person in my group has gotten a different meal and each thought their food was excellent. From eggs benedict or shrimp and grits to a duck club, Deleece has a wide menu of unique as well as classic entrees. Occasionally it gets extremely busy, but I believe they do an excellent job with keeping things moving and making it an enjoyable experience (bottomless mimosas for brunch helps too :).
(4)Jennifer R.
I tried to grab a drink with some friends over at Blue Bayou. After some non-existent service and abysmal atmosphere we left and came to Deleece. No wait, fabulous drinks, wonderful atmosphere, no ridiculously loud (bad) music, great service. Next time I will just go straight to Deleece.
(5)Stephanie G.
Went here fore New Years Eve last night. Such a great place!! The food was delicious! I had linguini (with shrimp, pancetta, pea's, in a white sauce). I also had a a scallop from a friend, and it was to die for! We had lots of wine, and there was a ton of food. Perfect place to ring in the new year! Great service too.
(5)Erika G.
While I'm stung on the food here, after a terrible experience (in hindsight, in every possible way) at the Clark St. location a year or so ago, I popped in here last night for just a cocktail before I took in a movie at the Music Box. Cute, CUTE, flirty and attentive bartender mixed me a lemon and basil Manhattan that actually . . . dare I say it . . . could rival the Manhattans at L&E (don't slap me, I still love you L&E!). Aromatic, refreshing and . . . just really tasty. The bartender let me try a sip of his basil infused lemon juice. Ohhh, very fresh, darling! YUM! The movie I was seeing was about a louche man, Serge Gainsbourg, decadent and sexy, so I had two Manhattans, expertly mixed by aforementioned Cute Bartender. I'll come back here just for that. The interior is casual and chic, a neighborhood bistro. If a bit LOUD, but it was very crowded on this night. Can't fault a bunch of people out laughing and enjoying themselves. This review is for the BAR only, as I'm still gunshy on the food. But the bar is worth a visit, definitely. Very nice drink list, looks like it was carefully created. And the Manhattans do not disappoint.
(4)Natalie R.
Prior to arriving at Deleece, we called to see if the outdoor patio had a long wait. It was early (6pm) and the woman who answered said we could be seated relatively quickly. We arrived and were seated quickly. There were 4 of us. We ordered drinks, appetizers and a kids meal for our son with the server and waited. They finally arrived but the server walked away without taking our order. We waited...and waited and finally had to flag her down to order. At this point the restaurant was busy but there were still open tables. After ordering dinner, the server didn't come back once to check if we needed more drinks, etc. We waited and waited for our meals to arrive. 45 minutes passed and then almost an hour from the time we ordered. We finally tracked down our server and she told us to "expect an hour to get your food from the time your order is placed". She also said this was the "typical expectation at this restaurant on the weekend" and next time we would need to "account for this hour". Really? In my experience, waiting an hour to recieve your food after you've placed your order/had appetizers is unacceptable. We eventually spoke to the manager who reiterated the hour wait but did end up taking a percentage off of the meal (thus the 2 stars). Even after that happened, the waitress came back and ONCE AGAIN told us our expectations for receiving our food were out of line. She was the one out of line and beyond rude. The food here is decent but due to our experience we won't be back. Regrettable since we live in the neighborhood.
(2)Lydia B.
Omg this place is so good. We will definitely be back. We shared the calamari which was delicious. I had whitefish and a cocktail both which were delicious. The service was also spot on!
(5)Marie R.
Came here for Sunday brunch, mainly the bottomless mimosas. It was a beautiful day, so we sat out on the sidewalk patio (limited seating). It wasn't that busy, but definitely a mixed crowd. I'm not used to strollers and dogs crowding a limited patio space. The brunch menu was average. I had the baked egg dish, which sounded great. However, what I got was not what I expected. It actually looked and tasted more like soup or fondue with over-medium eggs floating in it. Some guy sitting next to me even asked if I was having the soup of the day. My friends had the crab benedict and BLT ...which both looked really good. Service was pleasant, but in my opinion not very knowledgeable nor helpful. I didn't have a negative experience, but I probably won't be back.
(3)Gayatri D.
Everything at Deleece is DELICIOUS!!! We went there for brunch recently. We ordered the breakfast pasta, two different sandwiches, some sausage dish and some chilaquiles.Everything was incredibly flavorsome and served in large portions. Service was great as well. Not too slow, not too rushed. I didn't like the mimosas though. They were watered down and just didn't match up to the quality of the food.
(4)Jennifer J.
Eh, nothing spectacular. Sorry Deleece. I tried you but didn't really like you. Went here on a quiet Wednesday night. It's winter, so I know it's cold, but the tables by the windows were freezing. The waitress initially came over to our table, asked us if we wanted wine right as we sat down and then proceeded to not come back for another 15 minutes. It didn't matter that much to my group of friends and I, but we were definitely aware of it. I perused the menu before I got there and still couldn't find something that really jumped out at me. Got the gnocchi and crab cakes. The gnocchi were not very enjoyable. I guess I was expecting something more like the traditional gnocchi, but what i got was gnocchi balls with whole pistachios mixed in and drizzled with balsamic. Seriously, that's it?? Yeah, disappointment sums that up. Crab cakes were WAY TOO fried to be counted as crab cakes. I was expecting some flavor to them, but it was too hard to get through their fried outer shell. No where in the description did it mention that they were fried. The aoili sauce for the crab cakes was bland and almost non-existent. My main dish was the cavatappi pasta, which was pretty good...but not good enough to lure me back for a second visit. All in all, it's too overpriced for the kind of food it is. I've had better and healthier dinners that I would choose over Deleece. Do get the restaurant.com coupon if you go since that might make your wallet a little happier.
(2)Joseph F.
I can't remember the last time I ate a sandwich as good as that Duck Club. Marble rye, dijon-aioli, applewood smoked bacon, avocado and...pepper-pear jam!! Just thinking about it makes me drool. Go and try it!
(5)Simon C.
We went to Deleece on the Groupon Deal ($20 for $40) so hopefully some of you Groupon followers will read this for a bit of advice. 1. This location is a short walk from the Music Box Theatre so it's a good combo for the evening. 2. You can't use the Groupon towards the Monday/Tuesday special ($20 for 3 course dinner). We decided to order from the main menu. 3. I don't know what the dress code is. It's kind of nice, but there were kids and sweatshirts as well. It felt like it might be nice later, but the waiter wore jeans and sneakers. They don't seem to have a constant image. If you like standard fare, this is a decent place for you. By that I mean that the food was not particularly adventurous. It was fine. I have no issue with it, but honestly, I can't see myself going back. I ordered the New York Strip. Not bad. Not good. Really Mediocre. At $21, it tasted more like a $16 steak (you know what I mean, the kind that is on the menu at a $9 burger place). Which is fine, but I was hoping for a bit more. Girlfriend ordered the pasta. Tasted fine. No issue. It was $17. That's OK. Pasta was not fresh (you know, the kind you make at home). Again, that's OK. Wow, I have no emotional response to Deleece at all. I felt we got a pretty good spread of the menu and it just didn't deliver. Really, this is a 2.5 star review.
(3)Patrick L.
Welcoming space and great food.
(4)Bella V.
This is my very very favorite brunch spot in the city. Lobster Benedict is AMAZING. Lobster is plentiful and the truffle hollandaise is the perfect touch. The petite filet is super tender and juicy, also with truffle hollandaise, potatoes, and toast. The prices are pretty fair, and the food is phenomenal. - 1* for having snarky servers. We have yet to get a server that didn't seem to think that they're in some way superior to their situation. We don't usually have this problem at other (nicer) places, so I'm not sure what's wrong with the staff here, but the food is so good, I really don't care. It also tends to get super loud in the dining room as well, and it's "child friendly" so it isn't the most relaxing place to eat, but again. YUMMY food= I don't care!
(4)Colleen Anne F.
Friendly staff and tasty kitchen, limited seating on weekends so best to get there early. Lots of foot traffic so grab a seat outside--weather permitting.
(4)Derek B.
We made a meal of the appetizers! This was such a great experience. We were here for our anniversary dinner. It wasn't very busy (weeknight) and the server devoted a lot of attention to us. Lots of questions, he helped us select the perfect cocktails and meal. It was very inviting and very personal. I can't wait to return!
(5)Jules H.
Deleece is VERY good. I have been here for brunch, lunch, dinner, and ordered take out. The decor is chic and simple, but warm. The menu changes and my most recent meal of salmon with a carmelized sauce, spinach, and black rice has driven me to yelp about it. With the aformentioned dinner I also shared a 50% off bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that our server described perfectly. What they serve is fresh, orginal, and well priced for the area. Brunch can be crowded on Sunday morning, but lunch and dinner beckon one to linger...and on Wednesday nights that lingering can happen over 50% off bottles of wine. Our server last night steered us to fabulous wine. The dinner service here is exceptional. The lunch service is spotty, the brunch service hectic. So, in all, I totally say dinner here is money well spent.
(4)Natalie F.
Its good. Just go there.........dont ask questions........you wont take any risks, its pretty darn tasty every single time......... I like you can see in the kitchen and as a foodie, I want to see the kitchen.
(4)Sarah K.
We were planning on going to Sweets and Savories this evening for their half-off the entire menu amazingness on Tuesdays, but alas they are booked up three weeks in advance....so we decided to head over to Deleece for the second week in a row and boy were we happy we did!!! This time we had an even better experience than before (not to say that last time was not great) and I have now changed this restaurant from four to five stars. Woohoo indead! Our service was again friendly and helpful and this time we were presented with two generous and interesting bread plates. The menu also featured more selection this time around and had a more seasonal twist. We both started with the pumpkin gnocchi and for entrees we had the thai fish soup and the pork chop. For dessert I had the chocolate cake again and my boyfriend had scrumptious oatmeal cookies with vanilla ice cream. Everything was great! I still find it hard to believe that a three course meal here for two people comes to $52 with tax and a 20% tip...incredible!
(5)Jeri L.
Really disappointing! I choose Deleece to host a NYE dinner with my friends based off several recommendations. Everyone had great things to say about the restaurant so I thought this would be a suitable place for my friends and I to enjoy a nice dinner and drinks. We had a 8pm reservation for 12 people. We were seated quickly, but then waited for 20 minutes for waitress to come by and take our drink orders. After she came back with our drinks our waitress never came back till after 9pm to take our dinner order. Shortly after placing our dinner order the power went out. Our group had to hail down the waitress (that was avoiding our table) to get any ETA of what was going on. In total our waitress came by once during the black out which we had to ask for more drinks and bread to eat (because we have had no food for 2 hours). This should have been an indication for us to leave. You think a server or manager would be more attentive to their customers during a black out? I wish now we all just walked out then. After the power came back on the food came out, but it was inconsistent. Two steaks at table were over cooked, the prime rib was cold to the touch, one salmon dish was raw, and my salad was missing half the ingredients. The waitress grudgingly took our food back into the kitchen. When we finally left out of their taking our dessert to go we had been there for 3 hours and their were no accommodations done to the bill for our poor service, bad food, or our time. It was extremely disappointing and I regret more than ever having my friends spend their money on a disorganized restaurant. I suggest if you want a nice dinner and good service go to Tango Sur next door, but if you want poor service and pay too much for food then go to Deleece- they will deliver on that expectation.
(1)Morris D.
Hi fellas, Morris checking in. How's it going out there? I just got back from a jump-roping seminar in LA and the first place I went to when I landed back here was Deelece. Nice little spot here folks. Maybe the best garlic mashed potatoes I've ever had. Skirt steak was a good production. Kudos to the producer of that product. Was a hot night, but cool inside which was nice. Our waitress also made sure our orders of Grey Goose/Baby Formula kept coming! Never had a dry glass. Try it out folks!!
(4)Andy L.
Amazing food & great service! I had the Salmon with black rice, which tasted phenomenal and my GF had the amish chicken... might be the best chicken on the Northside. Deleece is a hidden gem on Southport and apparently recently moved. It's now conveniently located right by the Music Box. We had drinks, an app & entrees (which was more than enough food) and it was $68, so very reasonable (even more so w/ a $50 Groupon)...
(5)Sarah I.
Wanted to try a new brunch spot so I found Deleece on yelp and decided to try it with three girl friends. Loved the decor and that they had bottomless mimosas (definitely took advantage of that). I also loved my Frittata...mushrooms, leeks, spinach and Swiss cheese...yum!! It was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I also loved the toast it was served with. I would have liked a few more red potatoes...there was literally only like 5 of 6 pieces (they were cut in half or quartered to begin with!). One of my friends got a Caesar salad and she said it was just ok. It is a little out of the way for me, but I will definitely be back!
(4)Nate L.
3 stars So we meet up here for a New to Yelp dinner and had a great time (big thanks to the awesome company). However, waiting for our main course for probably 40+ minutes and few other things annoyed me in which I will explain below. App = It was sweet potato with chipotle.. Not bad, tasted little too bland for me but Yukari did like it, so it might just be me. And it came out pretty fast which is always plus in my book. Main course = seared tuna with bok choy and mushrooms.... Pretty good. bok choy and mushrooms weren't over cooked and the sauce complimented the tuna beautifully. I prefer crusted sear tuna but nontheless, it was a good dish. Things I didn't like about this place included naked girl painting on the walls, call me a pervert for NOTICING it first but I don't think having a naked girl painting on the wall of a restaurant is very professional in my opinion. Service..... Who wants to wait 40+ minutes for their meal???? not this fat ass. Come on Deleece! (maybe because we had a big group? It was party of 6) And giving you the main course over somebody's shoulder across the table? come on now, that's not very polite. especially after you made us wait for 40+ mins. You could've walked 10 ft around and served us properly. But I will try this place again. Just in case they had an off-night in the kitchen. Probably ain't a good place for a first date, naked paintings on the walls and it gets little loud in there. I think it's probably the design of that place, it wasn't even crowded and I had hard time hearing people talk at times.
(3)Daniel H.
Pleasant ambiance- great presentation- and tasty food....We say yum
(4)Brian M.
Deleece is a very special spot to me, the place i proposed to my fiance, our first date was here, and have been a handful of other times. I was a little disappointed that they were going to move, but I understand business is business. Went here for Mother's day recently and had a wonderful lobster benedict with truffle hollandaise. Also had some delicious beignets, they were so soft and delicate. Also went here for again for dinner recently and had the Amish Chicken with Truffle mashed potatoes, both were cooked and seasoned to perfection. The only thing I would recommend when here is to skip the apps and get a couple of salads. The salads are decently sized and really well made, freshly dressed and prepared. The apps, while really tasty are very small and only made for one person.
(5)Minh D.
I always get excellent food from this restaurant. They changed chefs a few times over the years, but food quality has always been great and consistent. Their chef always has their special of the the day items. I usually get those. The dishes are very well prepared and very tasty. They used to have berkshire pork chops all the time, but now they only have it occasionally. If you see them selling it, you should get it - worth every penny. They really does this dish well here, the meat comes out tender, flavorful and tasty (medium rare for me please). Their prix fixe menu is another great bonus. Desserts are always great. Don't forget to try their flourless cholocate cake or chocolate mouse.
(5)Alyssa H.
I loved everything about this place, and after reading some of the other reviews I'm wondering if we just went on an "on" night... so first recommendation? Go on a Tuesday. It was nice and quiet, maybe 15 people in the place at 8pm. My immediate reaction on walking in the door is that I was thrilled to be able to see into the kitchen. I'm a pastry cook, so I'm always happy for an opportunity to size up the back of the house. It was insanely clean, and the chef noticed me looking and flashed me a big ol' smile. Our service was stellar - we didn't wait for anything, and when we were looking at wines our server had some excellent suggestions. She obviously knew what she was talking about, and even brought out a taste of one of the wines we didn't order (and for what it's worth, it was a nice big taste - not some piddly sip). My knowledge of wines is usually limited to "Sure, I can taste cherries in there," so I appreciated the input. A tip: Monday and Tuesday nights they offer a $20 prix fixe menu which is well worth it considering the prices on the full menu are around $15 per entree. We decided to go with the regular menu, and I've gotta say it was one of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time. We started with the gnocchi appetizer - fabulous. Apples and gnocchi and pecans... really, really good. I ordered the pork tenderloin which was smothered in a sauce that I mopped up with my bread (and would have licked from the plate had I been in private) and came with a "savory apple cobbler" that I'll remember for a long time. It was like a little bite of Thanksgiving. Delicious. My husband ordered the rack of lamb special which was coated in blue cheese and horseradish - incredible. Cooked perfectly. There wasn't a morsel of food left on either plate. For dessert I ordered the apple cobbler and it was wonderful - a la mode, warm and crispy. The check came immediately, and the whole thing (2 glasses of wine, an appetizer, two entrees and dessert) came to just under 100 bucks. A bit more than what we'd usually spend on a Tuesday night, but well worth every penny. When we come back we'll probably stick to the prix fixe menu (because despite popular opinion, being a first-year pastry cook doesn't pay as much as a first-year lawyer... who makes these decisions?).
(5)Michael K.
While the decor, ambience and staff at Deleece was good, the food was pretty mediocre. The watermelon caprese salad is very good, but the entrees don't have much taste. They look great, but there just isn't any flavor. I had the duck, cooked medium, and was really looking forward to it, but it simply didn't have any flavor. I made sure I dipped the duck in the sauce....which also had no flavor. I then put on the salt, which helped a little, but still lacked a lot. My date have the shrimp and truffle pasta. It too was bland. Typically, anything made with truffle or truffle oil has that very unique taste. This did not. The waiter raved about the dessert special of the night, which was a pumpkin spice parfait. It looked delicious. It tasted like pumpkin pie filling straight from a can with some whipped cream on top (which didn't have much flavor either). I was surprisingly disappointed, as the location is great, the atmosphere is really inviting and clean, and the service was attentive. The food was just bland.
(2)Jo W.
There is one thing I hate more than anything in life - standing in line. Thus, I refuse to stand in line at some of the city's more popular brunch spots. And why would I, when there are plenty of great places that let you make a reservation or don't even have a wait. Example: Deleece. I'd been to the other location for brunch before and enjoyed it, so when a friend and I decided to do brunch a couple weekends ago, I suggested it. She preferred this location thinking there would be more street parking available, and she was correct. We ended up being a few minutes late for our reservation, but there was no need to worry - there were only 2 other tables taken. I was really surprised at how NOT busy it was. We were seated in the front window, and my chair ended up being against a door. It was a little drafty on that cold morning, but I figured a mimosa or two would warm me right up and I was correct. We opted not to get the bottomless mimosas, but just know they're there for $15 if you want them. I ordered a half order of the cinnamon orange french toast and a side of bacon, and both were very delicious. As I "mmm-ed" my way through the meal, I told my friend that I'd offer her a bite, but I didn't want to share. I'm mean like that. My friend had ordered pancakes, and after we placed our order our server came back and informed her the chef had come extra blueberries and asked if she wanted them on her pancakes. She said sure. Well, when they came out they were actually cooked IN the pancakes. I don't think my friend was too jazzed about that (the server had made it sound like they would be on top), and honestly they didn't look that great. But she ate them, so I guess they weren't too bad. Our server was kind of odd. She did the thing where you'd tell her something, and then she'd just give you a vacant stare for a few seconds too long. It was weird. When we were done eating, there still only a few tables so we didn't feel rushed to leave and were deep in conversation. Our server kept stopping by, dropping the check, asking about the check, asking about change... it became annoying. At first I thought she was trying to cash us out so she could leave (which we would have understood), but she was still taking new tables so it didn't make sense to me at all. At any rate, we decided to leave to get away from her awkwardness. Overall, Deleece is a great brunch spot and I don't understand why it's not busier. If you're like me and want to avoid long waits and long lines, know that you'll get a tasty meal and a nice mimosa buzz to start your day.
(4)David R.
This is a great example of a restaurant that never would have hit my radar if it weren't for the Chicago A La Card. So, in effect, they owe my patronage to their participation in the ALC program. But they didn't seem to appreciate that, as we will see in a moment. First off, the food was mostly enjoyable but the menu doesn't seem particularly inspired. I ended up with the szechwan steak salad, which was quite good, although there were far fewer greens than I expected and far more rice noodles. But, I liked the unexpected twist. The basil/cilantro/mint dressing was the highlight. I ordered also the soup of the day--potato leek with bacon. The soup was a tad too salty but generally quite good, and I appreciated that the bacon topping was hot and crisp, obviously crumbled into the bowl right out of the pan. I tried a bite of my friend's poblano pepper entree and give that a thumbs-up as well. I finished off with the bread pudding, which was decent on its own. However, the bacon sauce was a fatal misstep. I am generally not a fan of the "bacon + sugar" phenomeon--Vosges and a certain Avondale kitchen being the exceptions--but this one was terrible. It took an average bread pudding into "yuck, I want to spit this out" territory. It left a really bizarre and unpleasant aftertaste, which is the opposite of what you want from a dessert. Sad face. My main complaint regards the service. First off, our server had a severe head cold which caused him to snort and sniffle every two seconds as he stood over our table reading the specials, taking our orders, delivering dishes, etc. NOT appealing. The second snag was with my A La Card: since we had taken advantage of the half-price wine special, they claimed that we could not use two promotions in the same meal. I argued that the wine special was on the drink side, while the A La Card was on the food side; I also argued that the A La Card had brought us in to begin with. But that didn't get me anywhere. Regardless of their "rule" I would think that after a two-minute discussion, they would realize that pleasing the customer is in their best interest, and give me the discount. There were five tables occupied on a Wednesday night--a Wednesday night with a half-price wine special, no less. They need to look at the big picture. I'm pretty sure that the $10 isn't going to bankrupt the restaurant, and that giving good customer service is a much better investment. So between the boring menu and the sour taste left from the A La Card debacle, I don't believe that I'll be returning to Deleece.
(2)George O.
Great food! The best of the Southport corridor restaurants for dinner. I have been to this restaurant a number of times both at their old location and their new one. The service was always prompt and cordial and the food was always very tasty. And if you are seeing a show at the Music Box or Mercury Theater then this is the place to go.
(5)Laura E.
This is my new favorite restaurant! I love the decor inside - it's bright & open, loft-like. They also have great outdoor seating. It was easy to make a reservation on a Friday night last minute. The food & service was excellent. My husband & I shared the calamari appetizer...it was light & fluffy & fresh. I had the crab salad - the portion was rather small but I didn't mind because the crab pieces were huge & delicious! Perfect size for me. My husband ordered the sea bass (it was a special) & it was also fresh, light & the perfect portion size. It's the perfect place for a date night or a group dinner. I can't wait to go back & try more of the menu.
(5)Katie C.
I can't tell you how many times I've walked or driven by Deleece and considered dining there. Several. Dozens, even. After deliberating for so long for no reason, we finally made it in for a late dinner on a Tuesday night. And the experience at Deleece was quite nice. Lovely, even! Having been to their other restaurant, Deleece Grill Pub, I was happy to find Deleece is similar in design and ambiance. Love the exposed brick walls decked with modern art, and the velvety maroon drapes to soften the room. Only negative to the atmosphere? The blowing heaters! Oy...my upper lip was drawing sweat beats from sitting there for 5 minutes! Our waitress was chatty and willing to help us make our dinner decisions. And we needed her, because so many things on the menu sounded good! The lamb, rolled with bleu cheese and breadcrumbs, sounded amazing. I was contemplating the New York strip with truffle mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach, but the server recommended the boneless half Amish chicken with fingerling potatoes, bacon and celery salad, and fig Mostarda, and that sealed the deal. My friend's fiance started with the house salad--lettuce, braised cherry tomatoes, peppercorn dressing--and those tomatoes were goooood. The dressing had a little spice to it, too. The bread was nice--a soft sourdough served with a honey-mustard butter. Little slice of heaven that was! Finally our meals came, and the chicken was verrrrrry tender, mmm. I did enjoy the fig sauce, which had the essence of a bbq sauce. Sadly, I didn't really enjoy the smokiness of the bacon and celery salad, but it was okay, because I ordered a side of the garlic green beans. Mmm, perfection! Garlicky, buttery beans with a crispiness to them. My friend's fiance had the chicken too, and he loved it, and my friend had the Szechwan steak salad, and steak was tender, the napa cabbage fresh, and the dressing super spicy! She liked it a lot, and I'll admit I did too. Using my Membercard, our bill (which included a $28 bottle of wine) came to about $76...all things considered, the damage was minimal. I would absolutely come back for dinner again, and I'm excited to try their brunch. Just turn down the heat, Deleece, and I won't overlook you again!
(4)Adam E.
Went to deleece for brunch several months ago, and had been meaning to write this review ever since. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it felt really conducive to our small group. The waitress kept the endless mimosas coming, and we kept drinking them. The food was pretty good but not outright thrilling. Maybe it was because I was adventurous and tried one of the interesting eggs benedict variations. It was good, and I'd certainly go back, but being one of my few brunch places i've been to, i didn't feel strongly either way yet.
(3)Jane K.
Went after a show at the Music Box. Service was bleh! The decor is ok but not very cozy nor is the temperature warm. A bit pretentious menu unsupported by actual taste. I had half a chicken something and it was good but completely overseasoned. The skin was very crispy and delicious though. Friends had some pasta and the pasta was not cooked al dente nor were they quality durum semolina to preserve some life in it. Sauce was decent but nothing special. Side Note: The selection of photographs in the restaurant were somewhat offensive to me. As a woman, as an Asian, I am unsure which if either but I did not find it to be tasteful at all and it rather annoyed me greatly.
(2)Brook E.
After seeing Book of Liz at The Chemically Unbalanced Theatre, we weren't quite ready to go home yet, so when we walked by Deleece, we thought, let's get a small bite! Just deciding on drinks, appetizer and dessert was difficult after looking through the menu--however, we'd already eaten dinner, and this was 4th meal. Focus! Veggie spring rolls in lettuce were small but filling. The crispy lettuce was a great contrast against the warm fried goodness of those little wraps. Dessert was excellent as well. Service was prompt without being intrusive. I like places that don't give you a second look if you're coming in for a more upscale snack instead of a full on meal. We were in and out in about an hour, so that felt nicely paced given what we had ordered. Now that I've had 4th meal here, I'd be up for trying brunch or dinner.
(4)Jeff N.
A very good experience here. Actual rating would be higher than a 4, but not quite a 5. Caesar salad one of the best I've had. Anchovies (although extra $) very good. I had the Poblano Pepper dish. Definitely 5 star dish. Wife had the Tuna entree. Hers was more 4 stars. The sides and appetizers were both very good. The waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. I would definitely go back again when I am in that area.
(4)Natasha O.
I went here yesterday to celebrate my friend's birthday. We were a large party - 10 people - and had reservations. The place wasn't crowded regardless so I think it wouldn't have mattered too much, but it's nice to know you have that option. This place is getting 1 star not because of the food, but because of the service. The food was pretty decent, if not blow your socks off kind of fare, so if I were to rate it on that alone I'd probably give it about 3 stars. However, there is absolutely nothing that excuses the server we had. I get that gratuity is included because our party was so large.. but does that mean she is entitled to be a sourpuss the entire time? I don't think any of us got even one smile. Really, the kicker is that we asked her not once, but TWICE even, to bring something out for our birthday girl to celebrate. She actually said "no." "NO." And not "No, sorry, we just don't have any birthday candles and/or aren't prepared to handle something like that." It was "No, we usually stick a candle in a beignet, but you already ordered those before." Excuse me, but we weren't even trying to get something for free; we were willing to pay for another order of beignet.. or for a dessert since those were *also* available. It just smacked of utter laziness and disrespect for us. We informed her how rude she had been and how she would not have repeat business from us.. I also asked to see the manager but was informed the manager wasn't around to speak to me. I informed that server what had happened and all he said was, "ok." Clearly, this staff just does not care. In this economy especially, I am shocked that they would have such a blase attitude.
(1)John G.
The next time I feel like waiting 90 minutes at a table for sub standard food, I'll be right back!
(1)John B.
Had a frittata. It did not blow me away. I wish they had a larger menu with more options.
(3)Matt M.
A restaurant.com gift card and A La Card (they're back in 2011) pointed me in the direction of Deleece for a dinner with family in 2010. Deleece is tightly packed with tables, and those tables are tightly packed with people. I went with one of their few pasta dishes, shrimp with penne pasta in a pesto cream sauce. The pesto cream sauce had great flavor, and went well with the shrimp, which tasted wood-grilled. The dish that dominated the rest of the table, however, was a lamb special: chops accompanied with cheese and spinach. I immediately regretted my shrimp pasta that I had been quite content with up until that point. Their arugula, pistachios and vinaigrette salad was also good with chicken. We ended up quite happy that we'd chosen Deleece as our gathering point, as the meal ended up being excellent. Overall it was a great atmosphere for having a great conversation over a few bottles of wine.
(4)Petras D.
I've been to Deleece on 4 or 5 occasions and have not once been dissatisfied. The service is prompt & friendly, the drinks are good and the food is excellent. I have had a different item from the menu on each visit and enjoyed each thoroughly. Even now as a vegan this place has things to offer in that realm which satisfy and satiate your hunger. The spicy balsamic vinaigrette dressing was so good I want to go back again today! Kirsten, our waitress, was very sweet and professional...nice combo for a waitress huh. You don't know me but I'd definitely recommend dining here.
(5)Mike R.
I'll start by saying that the food is usually pretty good, but this is more for the service than anything else. My wife and I came in on a week night, it was busy, but still plenty of tables open. Took our drink orders, we ordered our food, and then waited. And waited...tables began being filled next to us, and we watched them receive and finish their orders while we waited. Waitress walks by our table about a half dozen times, but won't even make eye contact with us, let alone tell us the order will be up in a few minutes (which would have been fine) or stop to see if we needed anything. I flag her down to order another drink, and then ten minutes later flag her down again to ask where our food is. Her response "its in the kitchen" and she laughs and starts to walk away. WTF!?!?? Food finally came and was good, but for what is supposed to be an upscale neighborhood restaurant with upscale neighborhood prices, I think a refresher course on customer service might be in order for the wait staff, because this is pretty unacceptable. We have been here a bunch of times since they moved to the new location and the service is always kind of spotty, but this was the worst experience yet. Busboys were great though, and the food at brunch is good too, if you can suffer through a fairly uncomfortable service experience.
(2)Chris C.
Checked the place out because we had a $10 coupon. I really can't think of anything particularly bad to say.... or anything particularly good. I just remember leaving feeling like I'd had the most perfectly average experience in a while. I wasn't particularly excited by any of the choices of apps or entrees. To be honest, it hasn't even been that long since we went and I can't even recall what I ordered. Not a good sign! Anyway there isn't anything particularly wrong with the place, it just left no impression on me whatsoever.
(3)Marissa G.
I had brunch here with friends last Sunday. For how good it was, I am surprised it wasn't completely packed! I had the crab cake Benedict. I love eggs Benedict and it was very good, potatoes very tasty as well. I also had a bite of my friend's egg sandwich with spinach and family farmed bacon, which was delicious. Our table ordered the beignets to share, I thought they were great, crispy and chewy at the same time. Others around the table thought they were good but not anything to write home about. I also had the bloody mary, and made a special request to make it extra spicy with Sriracha sauce, and the bartender looked in the kitchen and found it for me! He even brought our table extra hot sauce, what a sweetie! Only thing was that it was a small glass, and it was a $6.50 drink... Portions are healthy but not ridiculous. Waiters were knowledgeable and friendly. At one point, it seemed that the birthday girl's order was mixed up, and the waitress brought the other dish she thought she ordered within 10 minutes and wrapped up the other dish for her to take home saying, "I just want you to be happy!" Good move. Overall, I would go back again. The other drink specials looked great and I would love to try them. Great place for a casual brunch without a long long wait like some other places in the city.
(4)Dain H.
This place gets four stars in my book because of excellent service, Chicago ambiance and trendy interior. The food gets two stars. Thus a three star review. I went into this place while on a date and was planning on going to a movie at the Musicbox. Tango Sur was my first choice but an hour wait on a Tuesday was a no go to make the movie. The place had appeal from the exterior and the menu looked promising. I never noticed this place before and my date and I said what the hell, why not? I ordered the filet mignon, which was good. Sides of potatoes and veggies were okay. Fried Calamari as an appetizer was simply too heavy (ie cheap) and greasy. Ol' girl ordered the scallops. Again, too heavy. I liked the monkey something banana brownie dessert mess but it was a bit convoluted although I respect the creativity. I truly wanted to love this place because upon walking in I told the host about the movie we were going to see in 45 minutes and he bent over backwards to accommodate us the entire meal. I get the bill and was further disappointed. The service was outstanding as previously stated but the food simply wasn't worth the price. I'm not a guy who minds shelling out for really good eats but the price range and the food quality simply don't synch up. It wasn't outlandishly expensive by any means but it was twice what I would've paid for dinner at Tango Sur and the food was half as good. The ambiance is indicative of a trendy place that knows what they're doing but the food sadly doesn't correlate.
(3)Kathy V.
Excellent food! Amish chicken is our favorite, but everything is yummy! Alex and the staff are Absolutely THE best! Always welcoming, great service, they go the extra mile!
(5)julia c.
I have been going to Deleece for the last few years but todays visit will be my last. We went for brunch a group of three of us. It took 45 minutes to get our meals which were not complicated orders (lox, french toast and hash). The "special" lox plate was 2 small pieces of lox, a stale untoasted bagel and a few vegetables for $14 dollars, in my opinion this is way too much for the quantity of food I received. The person who ordered hash had ordered her eggs over easy, one was over hard and the other was over medium and neither were cooked to her liking. The potatoes in the hash were not cooked so she had to pick around them and pick out the short rib portion (which did taste great). The third person ordered french toast which was decent but the blueberries were not ripe and were far too sour to eat and as such were left behind. Overall, we left dissatisfied and still hungry. There are plenty of great brunch places in lakeview, skip this one until they've improved the quality of their food and service.
(2)Zarine A.
This place was pretty good - I went with a couple of people and we all got various versions of the mac & cheese. I didn't think it was AMAZING m&c, though, which was surprising considering that it's like their big thing. A little less creamy than i would've liked. Also, my friend found a toy spatula in his napkin (weird) and some of our plates were not clean.
(3)Marni P.
I'm thinking the location move was a bad idea. Seems they planted themselves right on top of some kind of septic waste pit. I don't remember the old location (which I loved) smelling like this. It hits you in the face as you walk in... and then you look around at all the people eating and wonder if they don't notice it. I was hoping it was just a bad night, but now I see people mentioned it in reviews from months ago! Anyways, I was starving, and it was Valentines day so I tried to keep a positive front. Besides, it was a packed restaurant and people did seem to be enjoying their meals. Beet Salad... it was good. Crab Cakes... Nice flavor, very litte filler, nice and light... BUT we each had shell in our pieces. Kinda ruins the eating fun. Salmon... definitely the best part of the meal. This was very very good. Luckily, we did not experience the bad service others are mentioning. I don't remember our server's name, but she was blonde. Very friendly, informative, and prompt. I never did get used to the smell. Just tried to drink enough not to be bothered by it.
(3)Kate B.
This place is 100% hit, or 80% miss. And unfortunately I haven't been able to figure out the pattern enough to try risking another visit. It's too expensive to not be delicious every time. I live really close, so it would be convenient for this place to be amazing. And sometimes it is. ONCE I ordered their brunch special and it was so melt in my mouth good, I thought I'm coming back here every day. But it appears it was a one time menu item. Otherwise, try their sweet potato salad. It's the only other thing that's consistently delicious. Also, the pomegranite mimosas are good- but not worth the price.
(3)Megan G.
I've now been to this Deleece location once for brunch and twice for dinner. Warning up front: don't be disappointed like my friend was, if you're looking for Deleece's mac and cheese, this location doesn't have it. Mac and Cheese can only be found at Deleece's Grill Pub on Clark. Okay, I can't comment specifically on brunch since my bookclub had a meeting there more than a year ago. I can remember we all liked it and vowed to return to Deleece. Which we did, recently. I returned to Deleece sans bookclub in December for dinner before the White Christmas sing along at Music Box. A friend and I met up, me with restaurant.com gift certificate in tow. As it happened, it was a Wednesday, and Wednesdays are half price bottle of wine night's at Deleece. Note that none of Deleece's deals (Monday and Tuesday prix fixe or Wednesday wine discounts) can be combined with other offers - so if you have a Groupon or restaurant.com coupon, you're out of luck: it's one or the other. We, of course, went with a bottle of wine and Amish chicken for me, pork chop for him. My chicken, far from being the boring bland bird one might have expected, was delicious. My friend reported the pork chop as very good, as well. My next visit was indeed the triumphant return of bookclub to Deleece. On this evening, a Saturday, Deleece was pretty crowded. The hostess took the name of the party I was with, said we had a reservation, then turned away from me and left. I was confused - was I supposed to wait? Was I being seated? The rest of my party trickled in and we continued to be ignored by the hostess. Finally she seated us and the evening improved considerably from this rocky start. I made it a point to take note of the oft-mentioned naked lady pictures on this visit. They really aren't that graphic at all. If I hadn't been looking specifically for them, I'd never have paid them any mind (and didn't on my two previous visits). I wound up ordering only a soup and salad - both of which were fine, but were a little overpriced at $5 for the soup and $8 for the tiny salad. My friends that ordered entrees all really, really liked their food. Mental note: skip apps at Deleece in the future and go for entrees. Although...my mini dinner allowed me to save room for dessert. And the desserts were amazing. We ordered two of the chocolate trios and one of the parfaits to share. Everything was good, but the parfait (chocolate, ice cream and caramel - no fruit here) was out of this world. Overall, Deleece is a solid bet. It's definitely a little on the spendy side, but the wide availability of discounts makes it a great option. Hopefully I won't forget that this time.
(4)Katie H.
I've eaten Sunday brunch at Deleece a few times over the past couple years (each time hoping that it will have improved upon itself since my previous visit), and I think I've given it its last chance. In a city that prides itself increasingly more on its quality and variety of brunch options, Deleece just doesn't have what it takes to compete. First off, the cleanliness of the entryway and bathroom area leaves a lot to be desired. I was more excited about the brunch menu options, but the eggs benedict was only lukewarm atop a soggy English muffin, and the blue cheese BLT sported limp bacon and a spray-buttered, hard-as-nails brioche. Even the mojito, while refreshing, was too sugary for my taste. I hate to give a bad review, but I really think fellow diners should spend the extra waiting time and a few extra blocks of walking to another of the great brunch locations Lakeview has to offer.
(2)Gabe L.
Fairly deleecious. I came in here today before listening to some bands I never heard of at the Metro, and ordered dumplings (good), veal (ok), and bittersweet chocolate pudding (don't know why they took so long to bring out pudding) off of the $20 prix fixe menu. The food was pretty good, and the service eh. Refills people refills! As I was leaving, there were 2 girls sitting by the window. I passed by one of them and all I heard was "... so I was blacked out ...". Is it wrong that the first thing that came to my head was to stop, take out my wallet, put my business card on the table, and say "call me", then leave? It probably is. I shouldn't have typed that. Can't take it back now ... On the way back from the concert, 2 hours later, they were still there. Maybe the food was better than I thought ... or the alcohol?
(3)Jason E.
I have to second third and fourth the praise of brunch at Deleece. It's every bit as good as Orange, without the line around the corner. I've been with my wife and two kids for Brunch and for Dinner, and head great food and great service each time. I love this place because the menu and preparation are that of a very fine restaurant, but the atmosphere is casual. I went to Deleece for a weekday business lunch, and it was very quiet with the same quality service and food. The lunch and brunch menus have a much larger selection than the dinner menu. The egg sandwich is extremely good. The kids menu is $5, a good deal for the type of restaurant.
(5)Kim V.
Food has the potential to be great, but it is kind of bland. This is a restaurant that shouldn't have salt on the table, but it does. The staff was not very knowledgeable. We asked if any of the meat was free range or from local farms to which the server replied "No, sorry." Then we saw "Amish Chicken" on the menu, knowing that the Amish are always humane with their preparation we pointed that out. Then she said, "yeah, that one is." So she went from no to yes that one in 5 seconds. The better answer to our original question would have been "Only our Amish chicken." However, our water glasses were constantly filled. The chef/preparer brought our food to the table, great artwork, beautiful exposed brick interior. Maybe their brunch is better.
(2)Kristin S.
If you've got a craving for those fluffy, piping hot, homemade french doughnuts known as beignets, head over to Deleece for brunch! The space is a bit smaller than I expected, but we were there pretty early, so it wasn't too crowded. Service was fantastic with our server, Tanika, Taneeka?, taking great care of us from the second we sat down. I don't think our coffee or water ever reached half-full levels. Outside of the beignets, though, nothing on the menu seemed to blow me away. We went with two recommended dishes, the eggs benedict and the breakfast sandwich. Both were good, but nothing outstanding. The sandwich was just two eggs with cheddar cheese and spinach on toast. Good, but I could and have made better sandwiches at home. The prices were in the upper range of breakfast foods, but not out of the ordinary with most items in the $8-$10 range. I'd think about heading back next time I'm craving fried dough, but I'm not sure there's much more I'd like. Our awesome server did recommend the breakfast pasta as her favorite dish, so maybe I'll try that next time and change my tune. Until then, while Deleece has many of the makings of a great brunch spot, the food lacks any real stand out appeal.
(3)Ryan W.
Great casual dining. I've probably eaten at Deleece 20 times in the last couple years I've been in the area. My favorites are the Buffalo Chicken sandwich or the Beef Brisket sandwich for lunch. The sweet potato salad on the side is great too! The dinner menu changes a bit, but it's always creative with several great options to choose from. It hasn't been crowded when I've been there, which is fine with me! It's a go to when friends or family are visiting and we want a good meal in a setting where we can talk and not feel rushed.
(4)Dana G.
Go here!!! I came here for brunch w/ some girls from our flag football team and the mimosa pitchers were great after a long game! The girls all loved their meals...steak and eggs, crabcakes, breakfast burrito (which was HUGE) and I got some sort of friend dough deliciousness. I suggested this place to my boyfriend to take his parents when they visited from out of town and I think they loved it more than I did
(5)Emily D.
Met a new girlfriend here. She was super, Deleece was not. But it was still tasty and fine. I mean, it's brunch. You're yammering on with a chicky about boys and school and work and life. Anything tastes pretty great at that point. The beignets were a'ight. I could eat a dozen of any kind of donut, so I don't think my palette is necessarily discriminating. We both ordered specials, mine being the Huevos Rancheros. The potatoes were too greasy and needed S&P. Like a lot. And my heaven is not having to season anything. Everything was greasy actually. Obviously my plate was clean without regret, but there are too many good brunch places to try for me to go back here.
(3)Clare K.
I had brunch here on Saturday and LOVED it. Seriously--I am still thinking about the polenta + egg dish. It would be 5 stars, but the latte I tacked on at the end of the meal tasted like paper cup. :-/ granted--it was in a paper cup, but still... Also--they take brunch reservations thru opentable.com which is nice...however, they were not crowded on Saturday at 10am and that was even nicer.
(4)Jelly C.
I don't remember how long Deleece has been in my Yelp bookmarks but I am so happy to finally take a restaurant off my never-ending places to try! We finally got to the restaurant after a minor misunderstanding. We went to the Clark St. location and after a few minutes of them not finding our reservation, they let us know that we may arrived at the wrong Deleece. The hostess was nice enough to call them for us and we were on our way! It ended up working out for us since only the Southport location excepts Groupons! We ordered a good amount of food for 3 people. Everything sounded delicious. We had the gnocchi, shrimp bisque, fig salad, and crab cakes for appetizers. The gnocchi was yummy and not too heavy and the fig salad had a nice creamy, tangy, sweet dressing. I really liked the crab cakes because it had a crispy outside and a yummy sauce. The shrimp bisque was a little weird and not too flavorful but I still almost finished the whole thing. I was hungry! For entrees, Donna had some kind of penne pasta, the boyfriend had braised beef ribs (I think.. don't quite remember) and I had to chicken. I didn't care too much for the other entrees but my dish was soo good. I can go as far as saying one of the best rotisserie (I think that's what it was...) chicken ever! It was nicely seasoned and the meat was soo juicy. I was quite full at that point so I couldn't finish it all but I saved from for dessert. My boyfriend and I shared the Chocolate trio thing. It came with a chocolate mousse, cake, and truffle. You have to get this... the mousse was so delicious. I came close to licking the plate! ha! Anyways, my boyfriend also pointed out that there were numerous naked lady paintings on the wall. Of course he was the first to notice! ha! The child in me wanted to giggle at the exposed private parts but I didn't... I held it in. =) Will be back for the chicken!
(4)Allochka G.
Summary: A fairly quiet, relaxed, decent restaurant. An unremarkable experience, but no great disappointment. Starting out with their Monday/Tuesday $20 prixe fixe menu is probably the best bet. Full review: Deleece has your standard brick walls, black tables, sparse decoration, candles on tables (that kind of thing). Our primary waiter was very slow and aloof, but the extra service staff was very friendly and efficient. The waiter recommended the wines and said that the main menu is built around "California Wines". Keeping that in mind, I got a glass of Riesling, generously poured but very unremarkable. What can I say, California isn't exactly known for good Rieslings, so what did I expect? But I wanted a white to pair with my salmon entree, and this was the best affordable white I saw on the menu, save for one Chardonnay which I just personally don't like. Oh well. My salad appetizer was so-so at best. A tiny plate of greens with chunks of goat cheese and some nuts sprinkled here and there. It was supposed to have a buttermilk dressing or something of that sort, but that added nothing to the flavor. I felt sorry I didn't go for the gnocchi, which sounded good. Our main courses, however, were excellent, especially my grilled salmon with spinach, which was the best I've had in a looong time. Fresh, flavorful. I also appreciate the server checking with me about how I like my salmon prepared, too many places don't ask. This was prepared just right, well seasoned, yum. My boyfriend had the steak with mashed potatoes and reported that it was well prepared as well. One critical note is that the food was bathing in butter. The salmon was sitting in a pool of sauce that was ALL butter. Yes, butter makes things taste better, but this was overkill and I would have appreciated something more inventive. I loved my salmon despite the butter pool, most of which I scraped and left to the side.What's the point of billing yourself as a "fresh, local, seasonal" place and then going so wild on butter that the freshness melts away underneath? But overall the entrees were great. I share previous reviewers' warning about slow service! If you have another engagement planned for after dinner (as we did), budget extra-extra time. Even though we were there on a Tuesday (early evening) and the restaurant was nearly empty, we waited about 40 minutes for our food to arrive, and received no apology for the very long wait (unlike some of the other reviewers here). Overall, I would come back here for their Monday/Tuesday $20 prix fixe dinners. The dishes on that menu don't seem as good as the main menu items we had, but the prices are more reasonable for what you're getting.
(3)Misse D.
Denton and I met his sister for brunch on a Sunday, my brunch day of choice. My first impression was that it was a little suburban. There were babies and families EVERYWHERE. An hour into our meal, we saw a group of girls setting up for a baby shower. Although it wasn't my favorite meal ever, I have to give major props for the service we received. I made three special requests (I know, so high maintenance) and Briana J. made one herself. The meal was good but nothing stood out that makes me want to head back asap. However, there is no wait which is a rare thing when going out to brunch in Chicago!
(4)Lex E.
Mmm! I came here for dinner with a good recommendation from my boss. I have a couple food allergies which can make it hard (& frustrating) to eat out, so I'm always a little wary of eating out. The waitress was very understanding of my food allergies and was knowledgeable enough about the menu that she was able to tell me which meals I could eat (and checked with the chef when she was unsure). I ended up getting the caramelized salmon entree and it was delicious! My eating companions got the half Amish chicken and the stuffed rainbow trout entree. The chicken got a thumbs up, but the rainbow trout got a "it could have been a better tasting fish". Other than that it was great. We didn't try any drinks or desserts. Entrees are a little pricey and the atmosphere is a little loud and not the most aesthetically pleasing - but nothing bad enough to rule out eating there. Overall, for a nice dinner out - I'd recommend trying it because the food is worth it.
(4)Dora V.
Our server was so kind when I spilled my customary glass of wine all over the table, I promised a good review, so let's consider this a good review. The food was excellent, but the portions were tiny (especially the appetizer portions) and the prices were high. Too high. We were accepted as a party of 5 for dinner at 8:45 pm, and despite going soup to nuts, we were given "looks" that told us it was time for us to leave. We were working on dessert and paying the check: a little more patience would have been nice. It's a nice atmosphere and the food really is delicious, but if your pocketbook is less than plentiful, you can definitely get a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere. Or do the Monday/Tuesday 3 course price fixe for $20.
(3)Remy O.
Though the chicken dish was exceptional, two of us had the stuffed butternut squash with kale/Gruyère/onion dish and it was truly awful. We also had the blueberry custard cake dessert which was not edible. The squash was cooked correctly, but the stuffing was disgusting. The kale was undercooked and drenched in olive oil -- there was a large pool of olive oil at the bottom of the squash. There was no detectable Gruyère or onion. The blueberry cake was disgusting - completely stale and virtually tasteless. The custard at the base had clearly been sitting out for a long time and had become a thick, stiff (probably health hazard), block at the base of the slice. I ordered coffee with it which arrived promptly, but barely passed for even warmed. Gross. Our waitress was very awkward. Each time she'd visit our table, she didn't ask whether we needed anything or how the food was even. She also didn't ask why two of us barely touched our dishes, and left the entire piece of cake save for one small bite. This restaurant is part of the A La Card program and it shouldn't be -- the other restaurants, some of which are phenomenal, shouldn't be associated with such poor quality of food and service. This place is a waste of money and gives deserving restaurants in its class a bad rap. Clean up your act, Deleece.
(1)Kristin S.
We decided to try Deleece from Groupon. It was great! First, our server was excellent. She was friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. We started with the chicken and veggie wontons. Yummy. They were pan fried on top of a green sauce with mustard seeds, I think and they were perfect! I had the Amish boneless chicken on top of a spinach, celery and apple salad with a fig sauce. WOW. The chicken was cooked absolutely perfect! Pan seared at high temp then baked. The fig sauce worked in harmony with the spinach salad to give an nice assortment of flavorings at once. The portion was huge, I took one piece of chicken home. My husband had a special, the beef tenderloin with a clove-infused red wine syrup. It came with a sweet potato gratin, which he loved. They definitely have it going on here! Great flavor combos without being too bizarro yet original. But the best part of all was the dessert. Me being the chocoholic , I had to try the chocolate trio. Their home-made chocolate pudding is the best I have ever had!!! Such honest, smooth, chocolate taste, not overly sweet! Nice whipped dense consistancy! Homemade truffle and chocolate flourless cake completed the trio but the clear winner was the pudding. I would go back just to have the pudding for dinner : ) Try this place! I would definitely go again!
(4)Christina S.
I ordered from Deleece through Grubhub for dinner last night. Delivery took exactly one hour (which is what was promised). The food was lukewarm but still good. I ordered: Fried chicken - a little greasy but good flavor and not dry - with 2 sides: mashed potatoes (excellent and they give you enough for 3 meals) and mac & chz (very good, a little greasy - not typical mac/chx, spiral noodles in alfredo sauce). Also ordered an appetizer - fried chz curds which were okay (a little greasy) but came with cocktail sauce (not tomato sauce like I expected). Overall food was okay. I probably won't order delivery from here again - the food wasn't good enough for the price (total ran almost $40). I may check out the brunch based on other reviews.
(2)Jacques M.
Sorry, but the twelve year old in me can't get over the fact that there's a picture of a naked lady on the wall. It's tasteful and out of the way so don't worry parents there still kid friendly. Seriously thought this is fast becoming one of my favorite brunch spots. Their Chiliqulis ( I know I murdered the spelling) are excellent and even a bit spicy and eggs are prepared just right. Moreover, be sure and save room for the baguette (donut like dessert) they are excellent. Atmosphere, is fairly modern with a few interesting art pieces, be warned there can be a few babies here on the weekend, but the seats are fairly spread out and it didn't distract me the last time I went. Service has been good both times and prices are on par with the rest of the area (most of the dishes in the $10 range). Overall, I recommend Deleece for Brunch and will revisit my review once I go for dinner.
(4)Kelly G.
Went here thanks to Groupon, and had a pretty great experience. The service was prompt and helpful, no problems there. The layout of the place does feel a little awkward/cramped, but it isn't overly problematic. The bread was soft and tasty and served with a sweet honey butter . We ordered the rack of lamb and the Amish chicken. The chicken was good - somewhat fatty (my date compared it to Cornish game hen with more fat) but still had nice flavor, and was VERY moist. It was served with perfectly cooked (although only 3 of them) fingerling potatoes and some greens. While the chicken was good, the lamb was amazing. Perfectly cooked, stuffed with blue cheese and served with aujou. The greens served with it were uneventful, and the potatoes were good, but the lamb was just excellent. So. Freaking. Tasty. The prices are a little on the high side, but I think it would definitely be worth it for a date or for the fix prix menu. And if you like lamb and they have it that night - get it.
(4)Tara P.
Huh. This place could be so much better. We arrived very excited about taking advantage of the outdoor seating on one of the first warmish days of the year. We left puzzled about the service, and the stupid possibility that a mimosa machine might exist. The food quality was good enough - I had a delicious pesto-y grilled chicken sandwich - but every. little. thing we asked for took 15 minutes to be delivered unto us. We got all excited about the bottomless mimosas, only to lose our buzz between each as we awaited the requested refills. At one point the server revealed that the mimosas were taking a while because the "mimosa machine" was broken. Whaaa?? That bit o' nonsense aside, it also doesn't make sense to drink 4 mimosas each and leave without at least a mild buzz. We want our buzz, dagnabbit! I think I'll go home and fire up the ol' wine-pouring machine.
(3)Karen A.
Meh. Been here many times over the years and for some reason I don't want to go back for a while, like for a few years. Then I go, thinking I have a new attitude and maybe things have gotten better, but no, its still MEH. The bar was fine. The company kept my mind off of the mediocre meal and I probably will give it another try in a couple of years, if it lasts through the current economic downward spiral. Have a nice day! :)
(3)Eric M.
The wife and I had been to Deleece a long time ago. We were looking for a place to go out and this popped up on Yelp. I'm pretty happy that we came. The menu is quite small. Which can be a good thing b/c there's a chance these select few dishes are prepared perfectly. I started with the Arugala Salad which comes with blue cheese and figs and I thought it was very good but perhaps on the small side. For my mine dish I went with the Filet which was cooked perfectly and the red wine/mushroom sauce was divine. We ended the night with the Nutty Monkey, a dessert of brownie pieces, marshmallow fluff, caramelized bananas & salted peanut ice cream. It was a big hit although the brownie pieces may have been a tad hard. The two areas I could seem improving on where their reservation process. It seemed quite chaotic which may be due to the fact that we came the night of a show at the Mercury Theater next door. It definitely died down after about an hour. I would also say the prices are just a tad high. I had two drinks, a salad, and an entree with a shared dessert at the end and this was more than many restaurants in the same caliber. I wouldn't go out of my way to come back to Deleece, but if I'm in the area I'd be happy to stop by.
(4)Moni K.
This Sunday was my first time at Deleece and I believe this is hands down one of the best restuarants I have visisted in a while. I came here for a Sunday Brunch and tried the smoked salmon scramble with red onions, cream cheese and chives with potatoes and toast AND I also tried polenta scented with rosemary, layered with sun-dried tomato, garlic pesto and wilted spinach, topped with two over easy eggs. Food is trully delicious.....The polenta is to die for. Service is top notch and the ambiance is very cozy and inviting. They are kids firendly and have highchairs for babies and toddlers. I will recommend Deleece to my family and friends for our next outing because I truly enjoyed their food!!! Yum. yum
(5)Blake H.
i really cant wait to go back. if their bottomless mimosa thing is true this place will definitely get a fourth star. a group of four of us went for late brunch. we got there at two even though they close at 2:30- HOWEVER they still served us and didn't make us feel rushed. i can't wait to go back for the bottomless mimosas (which is why we were there in the first place) between the four of us i believe we had two or three drinks each and they were all delicious. the food was also really good. i had asian steak lettuce wraps. someone else had the oatmeal which they wouldn't stop raving about and someone else ordered a fish torta which was giant. we will definitely be back
(3)Jeff K.
OK, well, we were supposed to meet friends here for dinner, but they thought the place had closed. Had only moved, but that happens. Miscommunication. Had the Polenta Squares appetizer. Delicious. The duck breast was also good. Prices range from $16-24 for entrees, very reasonable. Finally, we also had the off-the-menu Fish Stew. It was just ok, and not really a stew. More like fish in a broth. The reason it was off the menu - it was $34. Unbelievable. Service was slow, the food coming out of the kitchen was slow, and it just wasn't very memorable. One more thing...we ordered cocktails, a Manhattan and a Brandy Cherry Bourbon. Can I please get a Manhattan in a rocks glass with ice, and not in a martini glass. Really? Don't be that bartender. To top off the evening, we detected a slight odor of sewage in the restaurant. i don't know if they were having a bad night, but we won''t be going back.
(2)Neil G.
Food: 5 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 4 Value: 3 So I've decided (like most people these days) to slow my groupon-hoarding, and possibly cease buying altogether. As the expiration date looms, I hate feeling like I "have to" go out to dinner. It's been harder with my wife's new schedule but we managed to sneak into Deleece the day before Rosh Hashannah and beat the Groupon-expiration rush. The restaurant was buzzing on a Tuesday night at 7:30, and after a brief survey of the menu, we ordered the Caramelized Salmon (pan roasted Chinese black rice, spinach leeks and pear-ginger sauce), Albacore Tuna (baby bok choy, shiitake, roasted garlic, cashews, sweet potato fritters, lemongrass-chili aioli), Garlic Green Beans, and Fried Cauliflower with Curried Apples. After waiting over an hour to receive our food (the reason for the "2" on service), my frustration quickly turned to elation. I'm not usually big on presentation-I don't care how something looks as long as it tastes great-but every single dish looked absolutely pristine. The attention that every component of every dish received was as rare as the delicious tuna that adorned my plate. The salmon's Asian preparation included both sharp flavors and delicate textures. The skin was crispy, the sauce flavorful, and the black rice was a unique twist I had not encountered before. The portion size was also quite generous, as opposed to the salmon at Chilam Balam (see my review). The quantity matched the quality, and for $18 I might dare say it was a "steal." It sure beats three 5-dollar footlongs. The tuna was cooked to a nice rare and had a generous crust on it, and the acidic aioli spread across the plate perfectly accented the hearty-tasting tuna. The shitakes were a tad salty, but the real star accompaniment were the sweet potato fritters. Tiny medallions of deep fried, slightly sweet, awesomeness. They could easily serve these as a side or an appetizer just by themselves. The garlic green beans were probably the least impressive, but no less flawlessly executed than the rest of the meal. It was actually nice to have something more "plain" next to the intricate, flavor-packed dishes on our table. The fried cauliflower was every bit as delicious as I had hoped. It was crispy but not too oily, and the curried apples added just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The pearl onions that came with the dish were so sweet and juicy that I honestly mistook them for grapes. Overall, I would recommend this place to everyone but vegans. There are plenty of options for everyone and every dish is well thought-out and executed. There's nothing obligatory about making a trek to this gem of a restaurant. It may be a little far away, and it may take forever to get your food, but trust me, once it comes, the food will be "de-leece" of your problems (I'm sorry, I couldn't get through an entire review without a horrific pun). [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(4)Helen C.
Just an update: breakfast mac n cheese. Fed me for a full day! My arteries might be made of macaroni, but it was goooooood. Like the richest carbonara ever, because the egg yolks ooze into the sauce. Slightly strange thing to eat for breakfast; may have cured me of mac n cheese addiction for the near future.
(4)Patricia W.
We just got back from a most delicious dinner at Deleeses. We have seen mixed reviews on Yelp & do not understand.it is a busy location & it isn't overly fast however, you are coming to a place thar serves very fresh food. It is all made from scratch & the prices are both here on Yelp plus on the menu. Order what you can afford. My son got the house Signature dish, salmon & loved it. His starter was the Calamari which he declared was some of the best he had Ever eaten. Lightly battered & crispy. I decided since the menu was not run of the mill I would choose two starters, the Cheese Plate which had a delightful assortment of three cheeses with an assortment of dried fruit & nuts, honey & fig preserves. I loved it, one of the cheeses was Maytag Bleu cheese so good. Second, he Crab Cakes! Simply, prefect. Enough filler to hold them together but mostly, Lots of crab. Two & pretty big size. They were fall apart tender. And last I had to try the Arugula salad. At $8, this is indeed a bargain. There was a white Balsamic dressing that had honey marinated figs, more of the Maytag Bleu cheese & pistachios! It was one of the best either have had, unusual & very distinctive. I will be thinking of this meal for a while. We were too full for dessert. We also used a Groupon & we had no problems. Our service was quick & very friendly. We will Deffinetly go back. I do not understand why people feel the need to get so nasty in their reviews. Our experience was lovely, the place was packed. I believe that says much. We did not buy drinks, the bill was around, $60 plus a good tip for the helpful service. Go & enjoy a fresh meal at an unique resturaunt.
(5)Angel S.
Did someone say bottomless mimosas? My friends and I always like to have New Years Day brunch and we decided upon Deleece because we've all walked past it 1,000 times, but never actually ate there. We were seated relatively promptly in a corner table, away from all kids, which helped prolong the hangover from the night before. The menu was clearly built by someone who loves a variety of ingredients and isn't afraid to prepare something non-traditional. Their brunch menu doesn't include anything that you'd see at the Golden Nugget, but has a lot of savory options that makes you want to order one of everything. I settled on the breakfast burrito and enjoyed every bite of it, eating as slow as possible, to get the most of my bottomless drinks! Go there, it's good.
(4)Carole G.
Don't bother calling the restuarant for a Saturday reservation.. They will tell you they are full or give you an option to dine very late. Got tired of calling and not getting a resercation so I tried Open Table and victory, I got a resevation for the time and date I I wanted after being told they were totally booked. . Arrived at restaurant and they were half full and by time I left there were still 4 emply tables. Food was very good and I highly recommend the salmonl but don't get the beet salad, it is very small..
(3)Jensine F.
My friend and I went to brunch here at Deleece today. I had the carrot soup and my friend had the french toast. Everything was great! The waitress and other staff were very friendly. They were accommodating for my gluten free diet. I also had the pomegranate mimosa. Overall, it was a nice start to a Saturday!
(5)B J.
This place is just awesome. We have literally bought 6 groupons after the first outing. Manager is a great guy. Great food and great service at a moderate price point. Would recommend this to anyone.
(5)Melissa R.
Is Deleece delish? I think so. This is a great place to go with a group of friends or a date for dinner, their brunch ain't half bad either. I've been here a few times over the years and I've never been disappointed, their dinner menu always has at least a few options I really want and finally need to do inny meeny moe to pick a winner. Their brunch menu has a lot of the basics that anyone would enjoy with a few thrown in there to get all crazy. A few of my favorite things about this place: * Location: It's not in the heart of anything, so you will be surrounded by people who actually sought it out. * Art: I'm not sure who created the art that hangs on the walls, but it's really beautiful and slightly trippy. It's almost like black and white photographs of naked women over purple/blue images. *Service: The waiters are always really laid back and know what's going on. I feel like when I ask them about menu items or they talk about the specials they actually know what they're talking about * Outdoor seating: their patio is cute and is underneath a big tree with hanging lights. It gives it a very charming ambiance. * Food: it's always yummy and never boring. Even classics taste somehow new and everything has a ton of flavor.
(4)Rebecca J.
Where to start...for starters, we decided to dine out for Thanksgiving. The decor and ambiance seemed hopeful and so it began... (1) The $50 wine we ordered was warm. Reason? They store their wine in a room that heats up their bottles. When confronted, the response we received was "To be honest, you're not the first customers to complain about this". Wine fridges for ~16 bottles are around $70. You do the math. $35 dollar profit on $50 wine....or $70 wine fridge. (2) Food was just ok. Sirloin was fatty, turkey was dry and dishes tried so hard to be hip. Ease off the fancy dishes and get the basics right first. (3) Table set-up was appalling. Chairs, elbows and butts from neighbouring tables kept knocking into us. We really wanted to like this place, but to be honest I'd prefer to have Take Five back for drinks than this place.
(2)Carly O.
First the good: nice space, surprisingly easy getting a table for brunch at 11:30 on a Saturday (but maybe the weather kept some people away?), good strong coffee, attentive service and creative, tasty choices of food. My friend had the chilaquiles which looked plentiful and delicious. I enjoyed the rosemary polenta (crispy, though I wasn't tasting the rosemary as much as I thought I might. I can't decide if that's good or not...), served with spinach (blanched, not too bitter, still vibrantly green, under two over easy eggs cooked perfectly. The roasted pepper cream really brought it all together and I wish there had been a little more. On top of this, the manager (?) asked if we'd move down a couple of tables to accommodate a party of 14 and said he'd pay for our brunch. The inconvenience was super minor and I thought that gesture was above and beyond. We hadn't even ordered yet! My only complaint is that the acoustics in there are horrible. I spent the entire time barely able to hear my friend and then having to shout so she could hear me. I'd love to suggest this place to a friend who organizes a brunch group (especially for the bottomless mimosas), but the loudness alone gives me pause. All in all, I had a pleasant experience minus what seems to be an uncontrollable issue.
(4)Stephanie F.
Used to love Deleece at it's old location...great atmosphere and great food! That's all that I ask for. Since they moved, something has changed and not for the better. My husband and I visited probably a month after they moved and there was a bizarre smell in the place which everyone commented on. We decided it must just be due to the recent move and opted to look past it since we loved them so much, although it made for a somewhat unpleasant dining experience. I recall the food being fine, but not what we expected, and again chalked it up to growing pains from the move. We recently went back and sat outside on the patio, which I preferred to sitting inside because the ambience is not as nice as it was in the last location. We ordered cocktails, and the key lime pie martini was A-MAZING, but it was all downhill from there. The crab cakes were flavorless and needed something citrusy or bright to break up the denseness and fishy flavor. I got a fish special, which was described as "garlicky" but was bland and boring. My husband got a filet and asked for it medium, but when it came out it was beyond well done. He sent it back and the server acknowledged it was not prepared as he had ordered it. He did get another steak cooked medium and it was decent but not great, though I had eaten my bland fish by the time he got his meal. There was no further acknowledgement of the over cooked steak, no free drink or dessert, no discount or attempt from management to smooth things over. It was pretty disappointing, especially since we went there to have dinner together and we ended up taking turns watching each other eat due to the timing of the food. I think I'm done going here for dinner...but I might stop by for a martini now and again.
(2)Addison E.
I enjoyed Deleece and thought it was adequate. I went with a few of my buddies and 4/5 of us really loved our food. One of my friends DID have a pretty terrible looking steak (which was strange because our other friend's steak looked incredible, maybe because it was on special). The Calamari and cheese plate were both extremely good and we ate every single thing on our plates. I thought the beef lettuce wraps were sub-par however. I also wasn't a huge fan of my mixed drink (Gin 30), which didn't have a ton of flavor other than straight gin. My main course was really good. I got the shrimp and truffle pasta. I absolutely loved the whole thing. It had the perfect amount of spiciness and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. I'd have given this 4 stars but our waiter was kind of rude. He was really assertive the whole time he spoke to us and didn't really care about making our experience enjoyable. He basically told us he couldn't wait to get off work so he could start drinking. We're all dudes in our mid-20s and not pretentious at all, but we all thought that was a pretty poor way to start things off. It wasn't a big deal and it didn't ruin our time at all, but it could have been easily avoided. I'd probably go back but I'd prefer to try another restaurant rather than go here again.
(3)Kate H.
We dined here on a Friday night with a reservation, and we loved the ambiance. Deleece certainly works as a romantic pick, although it took me a few minutes to adjust to how close our table of two was to our neighbors. I was literally sitting closer to strangers than to my own date. The waitress couldn't even stand beside our table to take our orders so she was kind of awkwardly standing behind me, and I had to keep straining my neck to see her. Overall, I can see how this could be a little off=putting to some people, who would see the space as too crowded. With the high ceilings, though, it still felt very open. We ordered the calamari and the warm onion tart for our starters. I preferred both of these dishes to our entrees--we both thought the calamari was possibly the best we've ever had (just a little bit soft and not too crunchy, and the jalapeno lime aoli was a nice touch). Meanwhile, the onion tart was a great blend of dates, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. The crust was flaky and buttery, and very tasty. For our entrees, my date had the $27 New Year strip steak, cooked medium rare. He thought it was excellent, but the bleu cheese flavor was too intense for me. This was definitely a matter of personal preference. I had difficulty picking an entree, because half come with mushrooms, which is something I tend to avoid. I ended up with the boneless Amish half chicken for $17. It was huge, and very tender. Our server was pleasant, and we certainly didn't feel rushed, although there were clearly people waiting for our table as it was a very busy night. For two appetizers, two entrees, two glasses of wine, and a cocktail, we paid a little more than $100. I'd recommend this as a great place to try if you're heading to the Mercury of Music Box Theatre, although it's a little pricey to head to regularly, which is a shame, because I'd love to have that calamari again soon.
(4)Kenny H.
Two of us dined last week and it was a packed house. Good. I love seeing a restaurant flourish, but when I experience horrible service and lackluster food, I quickly turn my head. The restaurant was freezing. Several guests were complaining to their servers and managers about the temperature. Unfortunately, the manager, who was wearing camo cargo shorts and an Under Armour polo, wouldn't turn the air down. Fast forward to one hour and 14 minutes later, we finally get our entrees. This is after our appetizer was lukewarm and the salads were wrong. So, an hour after the salads arrived the main dishes were only batted one for two. Mine was the steak, highly under seasoned and over cooked. The other dish, Berkshire Pork Chop, was awesome. No complaints. After I voiced my concerns to the waitress, she acted like I was wrong, and had no clue what I was talking about. I don't have time for restaurants acting like they don't make mistakes, and since I never was able to talk to a manager, Yelp gets to hear about it. Overpriced, rude, and cheap ingredients.
(1)Ryan P.
Deleece is the go-to date night location when I want to take my lady out for amazing food at an amazing price. The dining room isn't the most spacious, but I've never felt that I was ever uncomfortably close to another couple. The service is wonderful, and the menu selection (both food and drink) is great for the scale of the place. I had the salmon (absolutely phenomenal if you enjoy fish) and my girlfriend had a chicken dish that was equally delicious. That paired with an appetizer and a glass of wine each was only 60 dollars! Incredibly difficult to beat that price with how good the food was. I've only been there for dinner, but based on our three visits I definitely recommend Deleece to anyone looking for a reasonably priced dinner date!
(5)Nina S.
Went for brunch without a reservation with a large party and were seated promptly. We settled in, ordered our food and enjoyed the interesting restaurant space. After about 30 minutes of waiting, it was apparent that the kitchen was producing the food very slowly. Other tables around us were inquiring about their food. Our waitress did not check in with us once through out the entire hour we waited for our food. Finally, I asked a random server to speak to a manager. No one came and in about ten minutes, our food came out. After we finished the meal, I asked our server to speak to the manager. This is a small place and we could tell that the manager knew we wanted to speak to her. She avoided it and finally came over with small, complimentary desserts. She informed us that they were down one person in the kitchen. As someone who works in the restaurant business, I understand that these things happen. However, she said that our bad experience was "not her fault," and that there was nothing she could do about it to help. I understand what she was trying to say, but updates would have been appreciated and she surely could have come talk to us sooner. She could have done many things to make our experience and wait for our food better, and did nothing. The waitress also did not give enough attention to our table and gave the minimum effort. The food was okay, but not worth the price. Overall, I will not dine here again, not because of the long wait, but because of the service we received and how the situation was handled.
(2)Kira S.
I wen to Deleece with a friend before a show at the Mercury Theater last weekend and had a great experience! We shared a very reasonably priced bottle of Pinot to start and split the Lobster Bisque which was tasty. I absolutely loved the Deleece Signature Salmon, which was perfectly carmelized and served with black rice and spinach with a fantastic leek & pear-ginger sauce. The apple crisp we shared afterwards was to die for. Service was quick and efficient and got us to the show in time.
(4)Robyn L.
Headed over for Sunday brunch. The menu is creative and has options for any palette. The bloody mary's are tasty! We started with beignets. They were slightly denser than I would have hoped but light and slightly sweet, A nice way to start the meal. I was so intrigued by the notion of breakfast pasta, that I had to try it. Bowtie pasta with ham, spinach, and sunny side eggs on top. Well, I was dissapointed. The idea was good; like a creamy dreamy carbonara. Instead I got an underseasoned dish with well done eggs. How can sunny side up eggs even come out hard?? I wasn't alone. The poached eggs on the two benedicts ordered at the table with hard too. Boo!! Where are our runny egg yolks? In other news, the chilaquiles were flavorful and zesty, The service was friendly but flaky. We had to wave people down a few times. Overall, a nice brunch spot, but you might want to profess your egg wishes right fromt he get-go to avoid dissapointment.
(3)Tyler C.
We had a fantastic meal. The server seemed like the owner, and he may have been, with his infectious enthusiasm that made us want to order everything on the menu. The appetizers were great, even to have as entrees. There is a relaxed atmosphere and we were not pushed out the door, as often is the case at some other restaurants. They let us take our time with the food, enjoy the atmosphere, eclectic music and were more than accommodating to our "special requests". The chef took us on a wonderful adventure of flavor. On the menu for the evening , we had the soup of the day which was a Lobster Bisque (with butternut squash -- great combo), also had the crab cakes which were full of delicious crab which melted in the mouth. Then there is the Venison special, which was cooked to perfection. (rare -- for a cut so lean) We will be back. The prices were a little bit high for the appetizers, but the entrees were just about right on for the portions.
(4)Helena B.
Tuna. The poor fish gets a bad rap sometimes (it's not just for cats!), but the tuna at Deleece will set you straight. ...but first! To start, we split the crabcake appetizer. The cakes themselves were quite tasty (lots of crab, very little filler) but the sauce was the star. We scraped forks across the plate shamelessly to get every bit. My entree, the tuna, was unbelievable; tender, flaky perfection. I die. I was in my own little world, eyes closed, savoring every bite. The dish had a mild Asian flare - it came with bok choy and a sauce that made me think of Japan. Alone, the tuna was divine. As a whole, this dish was all I could think (or talk) about for the rest of the evening. Were I a tuna fish, I'd swim as quickly as my little tail could take me into a net for the honor of being celebrated so gloriously upon my self-sacrifice. Boyfriend and I split dessert - a parfait with brownie, marshmallow fluff, and salty peanut gelato - sounds amazing, tastes even better. We were both rather full (they don't skimp on portion size here) but nothing went to waste. On our way to the door, I spotted the chef. He'd stepped out of the kitchen for a minute - just long enough for me to rush up and gush like a tween meeting Justin Bieber. OMG.
(4)Jojo L.
Overprice and Sevice not good . I try to get then a other change after they move . But Sevice got worst . Food is all sauce ! I work in a restuarant too. I alway tip 30 % . But today I only can make myself tip 15% . Wow !! I know ! That's how bad everything is . Only the bottle of wine that make me happy .
(1)Brian G.
I've been there several times. I have had the same waitress everytime. Overall myself and company are happy when we go there. The food is definitely good. Not as many choices as other places, but still good. My only issue I guess would be the waitress - I mean she was OVERALL very good, but she had this tendency to never smile. I am not sure why. I know that sounds stupid, but I almost felt like she is pained to serve s - even though we tip her over 20% everytime. I guess I wish there was Service WITH A Smile. Highly recommended though! :-D
(4)Gina F.
We had a great dinner here! It's been a few years since we were last in, and we thought it was about time. The place is nice and has a good ambiance. Our server, Cindy, was super nice, too. We started with the gnocchi, and they were very good. They are very savory, though. The balsamic syrup would have brightened it a little, but you couldn't really taste it. The only improvement would be to add something bright & fresh, whether via less brown butter sauce & more balsamic syrup, or adding something like fresh tomato. I had the stuffed poblano (which is HUGE) and it was great. It was split & stuffed with seasoned rice, then topped with cheese & sour cream, and served over black beans. It was absolutely delicious and I ate every bite! Husband had the NY strip, which he really enjoyed. He said it was excellent & perfectly cooked to medium rare. He also really enjoyed the spinach as well as the cauliflower and apples (which they allowed us to sub since he can't have dairy). I tasted the cauliflower & apples, and they were really good. I'll probably order them as a side next time. I don't know why there are so many negative reviews. I'd definitely go again.
(5)Sunny B.
I went to Deleece for the first time on Saturday night. I didn't realize that was not the day to go there because it was "busy". My friend and I were sat outside and it took 20 minutes for the waitress to arrive to us. No big deal, we had bread, right? Our waitress didn't know if Pinot Grigio was drier than Chardonnay... but while waiting for this confirmation, it took another 20 minutes to get a glass of wine. Are you tracking with me? 40 minutes so far. We ended up ordering two SIDE salads. Stupid, but we weren't really hungry anymore after all that time but we felt we should order something. ONE HOUR goes by. No fricking SIDE SALAD. Are you serious? We watched as families of four got their oysters... but side salad? No way, we don't get our plate of lettuce. We flag down our waitress twice as she flies past us (we thought avoiding us at first), she's antsy and keeps insisting its busy and something happened in the kitchen. But why couldn't she tell us that in the first place?? She's embarrassed and apologetic and says she'll 'take care of us' and alludes that something will be taken off the bill. Which, by the way - That did not happen. Finally, our salads came out and we ate them in 5 minutes. I could have gotten that at McDonald's, seriously. No change to the bill (not that we were expecting that, but don't say you will when you won't). They wrapped up our bill as the quickest thing in the night. Literally in one minute. It was weird. I'm never going there again. Good luck to you if you do. Shoot for a Tuesday.
(1)Shruti M.
I came here on a Saturday to get a good brunch. Was seated immediately at the bar (+1). Ordered lobster Benedict and a Bloody Mary. Both were delicious and service was great. Only thing is that the pieces of lobster could have been larger!
(4)Melanie S.
I met a friend here for brunch on Sunday morning and I was excited to finally try it. Thankfully she arrived early and got our name on the wait list because this place is popular with a capital 'P.' The hostess seemed pretty miserable when my friend went to check on the status of our table, but I'd probably be grumpy too if I had to be asked constantly about updates on getting a table. The area in which to wait is a little cramped, particularly when there are strollers the size of Range Rovers hogging the space. We finally got seated and ordered our food. I had my eye on the breakfast pasta that I saw on their online menu so I knew I'd be having that, but they changed it up a bit from the one I'd seen. The current one they were featuring sounded a bit heavier than the one I'd been coveting, but I still decided to go with it. My vegetarian dining companion went with the vegetable tostada salad which sounded unique and delicious and would have been my second choice if I didn't have my heart set on the breakfast pasta. She also ordered a mimosa to go with it. Strangely, I didn't see the "bottomless mimosa" option on the menu. Do they still offer it? Our food came out pretty quickly, which is always a plus when it's your first meal of the day and you're starving, as we were. My breakfast pasta was interesting. As I expected, it was a little heavy and rich, but I still enjoyed it. It was farfalle (bow tie) pasta with mushrooms, ham, spinach, pecorino, and topped with two over easy eggs. The eggs were a little overcooked (certainly not over easy) and the sauce was a little bland, so I asked for some more cheese to liven it up. I would have enjoyed this dish more if the eggs were less cooked. The original version of the breakfast pasta was spaghetti, roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, garlic, and scrambled eggs. That version appeals to me much more than the one I was served, so boo on them for not updating their online menu. My friend absolutely loved her veggie tostada salad, which looked fresh and hearty; I'm definitely considering that on a subsequent visit. They also have some other unique takes on brunch items like benedicts, as well as a smoked salmon scramble and a polenta dish with eggs, rosemary, pesto, and spinach. Their menu reminds me a bit of m henry, but m henry blows this place out of the water. Service was pleasant, if a little chaotic. Our server even failed to charge us for a couple of things which brought out total below the minimum amount needed in order to use our A La Card, so I actually had to ask him to charge us for them so we could still use it. It seemed a little backwards, but we still came out ahead. I liked Deleece and will be back at some point, although if I'm waiting upwards of an hour to be seated, I think I prefer m henry.
(3)Kevin M.
Just got back from brunch at this place and it was awesome! It's got a wide variety of choices on the menu all reasonably priced. Our waitress was very nice and helpful. She helped us pick a meal because we couldn't decide what to get... it all sounded so good. Another win for the Southport Corridor.
(4)Amy B.
Great food and great wine! Amazing crab cakes, delicious Linguine with shrimp and truffle sauce. Our server was so knowledgeable of both the food and wine. Loved the cozy, intimate atmosphere. Everything is made fresh to order, so there were no problems modifying for special requests. Would definitely return!
(4)Charlotte F.
I had been wanting to try Deleece for a while after brunching at Deleece Grill Pub, and the $50 Groupon pushed me over the fence. We arrived for our reservation at 7:30 on a Friday and did not have to wait at all- in fact it looked a little empty, but a line appeared about 15 minutes later. Someone put bread in front of us right away, but it took our server a moment to greet us. When she did, she just asked if we wanted anything and walked away as soon as we said we weren't sure what drinks we wanted, without mentioning any specials. When she did return, I asked for the "lemonade cocktail". She said "what?", so I started to point to it on the menu, and she said "just say the name". The name was "Deleece lemonade cocktail", so if you didn't know what I was talking about when I left out only the name of your restaurant, sorry for trying to be thorough. Her unhelpful attitude continued through the evening, and that first encounter was disappointing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the busser was a little too eager. He asked to remove the rest of the plates on the table while I was holding a french fry. I said yes, and he cleared all the plates before I had even taken a bite. I feel gauche when I'm holding a piece of food over a cleared table (so obviously I should have just said no, but why are you asking when people have food in their hand?). The food, on the other hand, was a great value for the quality. I ordered the salmon and my friend had the scallops, and we enjoyed them both. The salmon was a pretty generous portion- maybe 6 ounces- and was nicely glazed. My friend wished her scallops hadn't been served on a bed of butter, but the accompanying sauce was really nice. We shared the truffle fries and crab cakes as a starter, and those were also well-prepared, but nothing unexpected. I give the food 4 stars and the service 1 star. If I go back, it will be for a drink and an appetizer if I happen to be in the neighborhood.
(3)Carla B.
I thought it was ok - nothing that impressed me here. The food was ok. I really enjoyed the beet and fennel salad. The dinner was somewhat slow for two people eating and our server didn't really seem to have much to say about the wines offered. After hearing how great it was, I was disappointed.
(2)Brian C.
We came here for dinner with a group of 3. Something went wrong with the order and our food took forever to come out to the table. The waiter was apologetic but didn't seem extremely concerned with the delay. Our group had the filet special, salmon, and pork chop. None of the entrees were amazing, and the filet and pork chop had an unappealing char/burnt taste on the outside, although seemed cooked to correct temperature. Nice outdoor patio, but we will not be back.
(1)Kate M.
The food was really good, the menu was kinda small, and the service was good. I had the salmon with spinach and a soy glaze. It was very good. There weren't that many options on the menu. Made it very easy to pick something, but a few more options would've been nice. The server was very good, but fidgety. He was nice and knowledgeable, but couldn't stand still. It was distracting that he was moving around so much. I'd definitely go back. I'm still thinking about that salmon...
(4)Michael G.
There's a reoccurring nightmare that I have where I go "after hours" to a place that I consider friendly and fun. Usually it's something like a circus or a bar. But, regardless of what the setting is, things are horribly different late at night and, frankly, a bit scary. The clowns are laughing at me instead of entertaining me or the bartender who is so friendly to me during "working hours" pulls a gun on me and tells me to leave. That sort of thing. These are close to my feelings about Deleece for dinner. Not that the service was bad. Quite the opposite. Despite using the Groupon (read by many employees as being a cheap ass bastard in a nice restaurant), the servers, the hostess, and everyone else was really friendly (and there was zero gun-play). And the surroundings were inviting. The patio was just shady enough to enjoy a late July day (although the setup was a bit crowded). But the food, well that was a different story. Something was unaccommodating about it. Something was "just ain't right." One of the great things about brunch at Deleece (at least at the Clark one) is that, even in a slightly upscale setting, I could actually read the menu - the words and the items on it were pedestrian and friendly. At dinner, this veneer was gone and it was like the menu was written in Fancypants. Now I've taken a few lessons in this so I was able to order a rice-stuffed chili relleno. Sorry, a "Poblano pepper, char grilled and stuffed with Spanish rice on a bed of black beans and black salsa topped with poblano sour cream and crispy pimenton tortilla strips." For $15.00 (about a dollar per ingredient or adjective it seemed), I expected magic. I got all of the spicy but not of the savory that normally accompanies this dish. And the rice was sort of dry and burnt. The off-putting surprises were not over, however, as my polenta came in pancake form. It was easier to share that way with my two dining companions (who were smart and ordered the Amish chicken so there were no shocks) that way and it tasted alright. It was by no means scary but also, by no means, the best that I've had. A wiser (and fancier) diner than I let me know that Deleece actually started serving brunch only a few years ago so that, technically, brunch is off-hours. Still, I think that might be their breadbasket. Or, maybe, eggbasket as it were. Regardless of what kind of basket it is, that's when I'll return. That's when Deleece's a dream and not a nightmare.
(3)Lindsay D.
I was going to give this place 2 stars, but our waiter made right, everything that was wrong and for that kind of customer service, Deleece gets an extra star from me. Once we ordered, the wait was a good 25 minutes or so for our food to arrive and it wasnt even that busy. When it finally arrived, my friend and I's fruit side was completely different from each other (I totally got stuck with the melon combo while her plate was berries a-plentiful). Thank you, waiter! He gave me the fruit plate appetizer for free because of their error. My food was ok, nothing special. I live in LP, so I wouldnt go out of my way to eat there again.
(3)Rachael R.
We were completely disappointed in Deleece after eating there last night on New Year's Eve. We had an 8pm reservation for 12 people. We were seated promptly however after we were seated it was about 20 minutes before someone came to take our drink order. After we ordered our entrees (after 9pm) the power went out. It was out in total about 40 minutes. Right after it went out the waitress asked if we wanted more drinks (with more of an upsell tone to it then showing any real concern). We declined at that time. The waitress did not come back at all for another 30 minutes to let us know what was going on, give us an update, take a drink order or even refill our water glasses!! It's a small restaurant and an announcement could have easily been made. When the power went on we still go no update of when to expect our food. The food was inconsistently cooked. A salmon dish came out undercooked, 2 steaks overcooked, and 2 prime ribs cold. The waitress showed no care or concern over the food. We received no offer for any discount on the bill for the inconvenience, glass of wine or any real apology. And what should have been the easiest - good service, was not offered. This was the deal breaker for us. We understand a power outage is beyond their control, and food doesn't always come out perfectly, but the service was horrible. I would think the staff would be extra attentive to tables during this time period when there's no food to run, instead of avoiding their tables for 30 minutes. The service was slow before the power outage and worse after. We understand it's New Year's Eve and the staff probably didn't want to be there, but it's your job!
(1)Ashley B.
Went for dinner (with a little help from the $50 Groupon), and was pleasantly surprised--what a perfect neighborhood restaurant! Based on the reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect, but our meal, drinks, and service were all excellent. I ordered the warm onion tart (caramelized onions on a flaky crust, oozing with melty blue cheese, with crunchy pistachios and a nice bit of acidity from the balsamic glaze), an Asian-spiced duck breast (on a medallion of crispy sauteed mushroom risotto), and the Pearish the Thought cocktail (with fresh muddled raspberries and lavender). While the portions weren't "Chicago sized" (i.e. gargantuan), I left feeling sufficiently full, even after sharing a large bit of my order with my boyfriend. Besides the delicious food, our server (a lovely redhead whose name escapes me) gave us helpful/honest recommendations, was attentive without being overbearing, and let us relax and take our time with the second round of drinks we ordered in lieu of dessert, despite it being a busy Saturday night.
(5)Angie M.
I prefer to drink my calories at brunch. Order light. Drink heavy. Admittedly not the most adventurous brunch (hey, I'm on a weight loss plan), I went with scrambled egg whites, wheat toast and tomato slices instead of breakfast potatoes. Total snoozer, I know, but it IS low-calorie and tasty to boot. Who needs high-fat brunch anyway? Perhaps the best part of my light meal was there was plenty of room left in my belly to imbibe in the $15 bottomless mimosa special. The bottomless mimosa brunch is tricky. Sometimes they're too heavy on the OJ. Sometimes the restaurant kicks you out after your meal is consumed. Sometimes the location is so packed you wait for an hour to even be seated and in that hour you totally lose your will to brunch. It's a brunch battlefield out there. The fact that none of these landmines happen at Deleece bodes very well in its favor. I like knowing that I can generally get a table right away and no one cares if I camp out for awhile to enjoy my morning booze. I also like that the mimosas are absolutely top notch, low OJ, high champagne drinks. Hip hip hooray for no OJ heartburn! I also like that the service is super laid back and friendly. Deleece should be one of your brunchin' standbys. It's one of mine for sure!
(4)Dhruv P.
Solid 4. Went on a Friday night and the atmosphere was nice. The place wasn't a scene or a zoo. While its nice inside, it retains a "neighborhood restaurant" feeling. Our waitress was nice, but she was missing at times we would have liked her to drop in. The food was delish. Surprisingly, there are quite a few options for vegetarians. Both the yokon gold potato gnocchi and the rosemary scented polenta apps were the perfect size and flavor. Both are on opposite spectrum of taste, but the gnocchi managed a light springy flavor and the polenta had a delicate texture. The Poblano pepper entree (with spanish rice and black beans) worked well. It had a good mid-range taste and wasn't too muddled or unbalanced. I forgot, their butter was something else (comes with bread). We had to request more.... yes, more butter! It was dijon and honey flavored. The Dijon wasn't overpowering and the honey was a great compliment. I would come here again and especially for their brunch as it looks good. (they have a half order option for french toast... as I usually find that most places give too much food, this is perfect)
(4)josie w.
Great place for brunch! The breakfast sand which is huge & they stack the fries!
(5)Ed A.
I went here on a Tuesday night to meet a few people. The restaurant had gotten some good reviews and even had a $20 three course special that night. It seemed the stars were aligning in my favor. I anticipated a night of good food and conversation. Well, as it turned out, one out of two wasn't bad. My dinner companions were terrific and all very friendly. The food, on the other hand, was average fare. I had Pot stickers for my appetizer, which were good but nothing too special. My entrée, a steak salad, looked pretty good, but man oh man. The first two pieces of meat was nothing but grizzle and connective tissue. WTF!? I tried to chew my way through "like a good soldier but no go. But seriously, chef? Bad cuts of meat, slow kitchen service, ...you have been chopped! Moving forward, I chose chocolate pudding for dessert. I have a sweet tooth and was hoping this would be the highlight of my meal. It was and it wasn't. The dessert was good but there just wasn't enough. I must say that I did like the aesthetics of the restaurant and the waitstaff were pretty good. The open look of the restaurant was great. Restaurants with tables on top of each other are not my favorite. Anyway, my evening went pretty well. The food wasn't what I expected. But, I met some great people, which more than outweighed my disappointment with the meal.
(2)Adam P.
My girlfriend moved to Southport last Fall and for the past few months we've been meaning to give Deleece a try. Yesterday we finally made it for brunch, and our experience was definitely both good and bad. The Good: The food, when it finally arrived, was fantastic. I ordered the regular french toast and my girlfriend ordered a breakfast frittata. My french toast was great, although a little crunchier than I usually like it. Her frittata was awesome and she reported that it was even better today when she had her leftovers for breakfast. We also had a pomegranate spritzer that was very tasty. Our waitress was also very friendly and attentive. She gave us good recommendations and did a great job. The Bad: On the negative side of things, it took way too long for the kitchen to make our food. It took about 45 minutes to receive our breakfast, which is about 25 minutes longer than it should've taken. It would be more forgivable if the restaurant was packed and on a wait, but we walked right in and were sat immediately. Based on other yelp reviews we read (while waiting for our food), it would appear that this isn't a new issue. The Verdict: Although the food was really good, I doubt we'll go back to Deleece until we know that their kitchen service issues have been fixed. I don't know whether it's a matter of just removing some tables, hiring more chefs, or expanding the kitchen, but I sincerely hope that Deleece takes steps to improve their food service.
(2)Mike S.
We had dinner at Deleece-- my wife's mussels didn't taste very fresh and she got sick afterwards. My chicken was just... fine. Straightforward, cooked okay, no surprises, nothing special. Service was pretty spotty, our server disappeared for a long time after we placed our drink orders, and the entrees also took a very long time to come out. Super loud in the restaurant despite only being half-full. Really surprisingly loud. If the place was full we would have been screaming to have conversation at the table. Seems like this place is probably a better bet for brunch.We might be back to try some breakfast dishes, but we won't ever return for dinner.
(1)Amanda S.
So, we went here around noon on a Saturday. We started out with a group of 9, and over time added another 4 people (slow to get going on a Saturday...) They welcomed our additional group members. We all got unlimited mimosas, which the waitress brought out very consistently. The service here was seriously amazing. We stayed for almost 3 hours, and were treated so well the entire time! Every single person enjoyed their meal, a hard feat when we were a group of friends from 10 different states. I had the breakfast pasta...and it was incredible. Others had the burrito and french toast. Everyone loved their meals. The price was right, and their ability to accommodate our growing group was simply lovely. If I lived in Chicago full-time, I'd be there (Or the other Deleece) every weekend!
(4)Melissa D.
Love it.....for dinner or brunch! Great menu , great food! I think this place is under rated.
(4)Nichole F.
Finally checked out the new Deleece on Southport. We sat outdoor because it was a gorgeous night and who doesn't want to people watch! Our waitress was very friendly and attentively. The bread and butter were so delicious. I had the pork chop with veggies and grits. The pork chop was so good and tender. They added the right little amount of bbq sauce and I ate every last bite. The carrots and green beans were good but average. The grits were okay. I didn't love them. I didn't really get to check out the inside of Deleece but I will definitely be back!
(4)Caroline T.
Went for the first and thought it was great! Originally went for lunch with a Groupon for $50 (which ended up only being valid for dinner - it would have been nice if they would have specified this....). Ordered the duck club and thought it was delicious! Also, had a bite of the tuna sandwich and immediately wanted another. The only downside of Deleece is the fact that they weren't specific with their Groupon
(4)Bethami M.
This review is for our brunch this morning. I desperately wanted to give this place 5 stars, because $15 bottomless mimosas make me swoon! To be fair, all three of us got biscuits and gravy, and bottomless mimosas, and loved every bit of the meal. I'd probably throw a little more salt on the duck fat potatoes that came with the biscuits and gravy, but that's just my personal opinion. We really liked the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant as well, definitely fitting with the neighborhood. Anyway, our problem started here: I arrived a little late, because my friends thought I meant this location over the location on clark street, so they ordered our three champagne glasses without me. Apparently, they thought we'd each pay $5 a person instead of $15. No big deal except this wasn't very well communicated with us. The bigger problem was when we got our bill, and we asked to split it three ways evenly, and then to keep whatever change that was in the cash order that was over the one-third. I guess maybe we didn't communicate this well, because instead the order was split two ways, and we basically gave our server a $30 tip. Now, we're very friendly tippers, but $30 on a $72 order... is a little much. We tried to flag him down to correct this mistake for about ten minutes, but couldn't find our server. I think maybe this was a communication error, because we honestly had a really cool server, but we weren't pleased with our over-tip that wasn't corrected. Overall, it was a good experience, and I'm sure I'd be back sometime.
(3)Elizabeth S.
Our table of 10 enjoyed most of their orders. I loved the butternut squash risotto appetizer + arugula salad, which was plenty- a complete meal (even left w/ a doggy bag with some risotto). The salmon was very tasty and scallops were rich and buttery, both were delish! Don't bother with the polenta appetizer, it was bland, but the sauce helped to flavor it somewhat. Although they liked the taste, the pork was a bit tough, as was the duck...per those who ordered it. Overall, we had pretty good meals and great service. The space is nicely designed, was a bit loud, but thankfully we were off to the side, so weren't too disturbed by the noise level. It was 7:30 on a busy Friday night, so not too surprised.
(3)Mas I.
Honey mustard butter served with the bread upon sitting. Yellow and red beet salad was good. The farfalle was not great but the duck breast was good. Carrot soup was ok. I was surprised because my many experiences of their Sunday brunches at their old Southport and Irving Park location were all excellent (though that was a number of years ago). The pomegranate mimosas and steak and eggs (served with filet mignon instead of the more common New York strip or skirt steak). Perhaps they were just having an off night when I went.
(2)Lin H.
The service was a bit slow due to a busy Friday night, but the manager did notice that we've waited for a long time, he apologized for the slow services and comp us two desserts. Overall it was a good experience at deleece, and will def go back again buttermilk soaked calamari was really good deferentially recmd to others.
(4)Jerry W.
My wife and I are heading north to take our oldest daughter back home from our wonderful Christmas family weekend. It's late and we are hungry. My little girl, who she will always be known as, suggests we stop at Deleece Restaurant for our dinner meal. My wife and I both agree. This place is beautiful inside. It's a strange entrance, through the movie theater next door. But the service is very welcoming and friendly. We start by ordering a bowl of soup for my wife. She had a taste for a hot bowl of soup as she is feeling a bit under the weather. Maria is allergic to beans so no Minestrone for her, instead she orders the bowl of Lobster Bisque soup for $8 dollars. Now I thought it was okay but both my wife and daughter loved it. Maria actually thought it was some of the best she has ever had. It was strong on the fish flavor and low on the tomato flavor. For our main course items my daughter ordered the Shrimp Linguine for $19 dollars. This had very thin noodles, with loads of big shrimps, peas and sauce. This tasted very good. The shrimps were huge and quite fresh tasting. Both my wife and I ordered the Steak Frits, both medium well. The steaks were outstanding, tender and well seasoned and the truffle fries were very delicious. Each of our orders were $22 dollars a piece. We also has drinks with our meals. Our total bill came to roughly $80 dollars. The place is clean and beautiful. The service is very friendly and quite speedy. It's not too noisy and we would all highly recommend you take a visit to Deleece for a fine, pricey, but fine dining experience.
(4)Michelle A.
Made a quick stop in with my in-laws the other day for brunch/lunch. Service was great and fast. Can't beat that. And the duck fries were amazing. Just nothing to write home about.
(3)Kelly J.
After walking past the restaurant a few times and peaking in, we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we did! We were blown away by the food, and the customer service was seriously some of the best that we've experienced in Chicago. We were entertaining my parents and in-laws and had our kiddos in tow. They also had a great kids menu (huge bonus.) My husband and I are always drawn to filet mignon. We both ordered it and it was cooked to perfection...so flavorful. We are steak snobs, so for this to meet our filet standards honestly surprised us both! The potatoes and asparagus on the side were great too. My parents got the crab cakes to start and raved about them. They both ordered some type of fish and loved it. My in-laws both got the salmon and said it was fantastic. This is a great spot for dinner. It is rare that you can get that type of food and service and have both of your kids dine with you too. The atmosphere is very cool and I'd recommend it for a date night too. Can't wait to go back and try their brunch!!
(5)Ali H.
I wanted to update my review after a recent experience at Deleece. We came here with a coupon of some sort (I can't remember which kind, it was some little card that came in a deck of card coupons) on New Years Eve. The coupon had no restrictions and was just like 10 dollars off if you spend 25 or something. Anyway, we sat at the bar and got a couple drinks and some food. It was really early when we got there, and didn't have reservations. It wasn't packed and we got seated right away. The first thing that put a bad taste in my mouth was that when we ordered a salad and an entree, the bartender asked us something about if we were going to share both and if they should come out together or in courses. We said yes, and it was ok to course it. When the pasta came, it was on two separate plates. For this, we paid a "sharing" fee of several dollars when the bill came. This really annoyed me. I never asked for the plates to be split, and would have been perfectly happy to eat off one plate. It's presumptuous to assume this, and then charge for it. Also, the bartender seemed to hate everything in life, especially us. He wasn't nice, and it was EXTREMELY hard to get his attention for anything. It wasn't even that busy yet, as it was so early, and he spent a lot of time chatting with the other bartender. Major put-off. At the end, when we were finally able to get the check after a prolonged period of "excuse me" and doing anything to get his attention (dancing, singing, tap-dancing, etc), he was like "oh, it's a holiday, we don't take coupons on holidays." I pointed out that it had no restrictions on it, and he begrudgingly agreed to take it to his manager and ask. He came back and informed us that they don't usually do this, but, fine, for us, today, they'll accept it (groan). He seemed totally put out by the entire thing, and acted like they were doing us some monumental favor. Left with a really bad taste in my mouth. The food was fine, but not good enough to compensate for all the other unpleasantries. I'm in no hurry to come back.
(2)Ross A.
Very interesting meals for brunch. I don't think I've ever heard of "Shrimp and Grits", but I must say that I'm impressed by the innovation of a dish Ike that. Personally, I had a bacon and red onion frittata that was very good (not amazing, but was very tasty). I think what stood out to me most was the good service and the quality of the ingredients. I'm pretty sure that the orange juice was fresh squeezed and the fruits and toasts that were included in our plates were all perfectly fresh and ripe. I definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice, quiet brunch on the weekend.
(4)Coleman B.
Came here with a couple of friends for some late cocktails and food. The atmosphere is nice, service is good, but there was not one thing I can mention that we ordered that was enjoyable. We ordered drinks from the cocktail menu and all of them were either too sweet or watered down. For $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be classy and strong. They were neither, served up and weak. The food was also a disappointment. The most notable was the lobster bisque. I've had lobster bisque from chain restaurants taste better for less, and that's the real kicker. It had very little flavor and I actually had to add salt to it (which I honestly never do at a restaurant). Normally I wouldn't mind as much, but for the price of the food (12 drinks, 10 appetizers, 25-30 entrees) I think you can find much better quality for your money elsewhere. I will say it looks great on the inside and everyone was very friendly too us, so it wasn't a total bust. The bread and butter was also great ;)
(3)Alicia D.
My husband and I have brought our of town family here for brunch a couple of times since they moved to the new location. We love the outdoor area. Both times were nice, with good service and food. However last Saturday, after eating at another establishment, we decided that we should go to Deleece for dessert and an after dinner drink with our family in from out of town. We were floored when we were told that we could not have dessert outside until after 9:30 p.m. since it is the "revenue generator." There was one empty table outside! I guess the $50 we would have spent on dessert and drinks/coffee were not good enough for Deleece. We will not be back.
(1)Audrey L.
A really lovely neighborhood restaurant. We sampled the entire prix fixe menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays only. First courses: goat cheese and beet salad, lobster risotto, and chilled cucumber avocado soup. Entrees: eggplant roulade, Amish chicken with papardelle, teres major steak. Desserts: pot de creme, crepes with mixed berries, chocolate almond bread pudding. We thought the apps and entrees were really well done - good portions, well seasoned, and the chicken was some of the most tender and tasty bits we've had in our culinary adventures. The desserts were slightly disappointing in comparison; the bread pudding seemed like an afterthought, and the pot de creme was forgettable. Can't comment on the crepes, because my mother in law demolished the plate before offering anyone else a taste - guess that's comment enough. It was a really slow night at the restaurant - we were one of two tables seated inside, although the patio was full - which is too bad, because Deleece is doing some good stuff.
(4)Rick F.
Forgettable! Is the one word that comes to mind when thinking of Deleece! Everyone in the restaurant is genuine and works hard to make it happen, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. The server was nice but had this annoying habit of coming to the table every time we were in a deep conversation, seems the timing was just a little off the entire evening. Love the decor, the location and the people! Crab Cake Appetizer was excellent. Potato and Leek Soup was bland. Salad with Walnuts was a major disappointment, lacks presentation, flavor and should of had a variety of greens not just iceberg. Salmon was Average, the rice did not seem like a good fit for the dish, the greens were overcooked and not enough.Pork was good but forgettable. The scallops dish was cold on the inside, this only happens when your using frozen scallops, not a good sign that things are going good in the kitchen. Server took it back and brought a warmer version of the Scallops and they were excellent. She offered a free desert. We picked the Apple Cobbler with Ice Cream, again good not great! Here is another place that has the bones and talent to pull it off and has chosen for whatever reason to be middle of the road!
(2)Ahmed R.
We picked this place because it had decent reviews and we had a $10 off a la card to use. We got here on Friday night at 8:30 and got a table immediately. The first thing I noticed was how close we were to people on both sides of us. I like having space between the next table when we eat, but it was too crowded together. Second thing I noticed when I opened the menu, everything was $3 more than the menu they have online. Seriously? If you can't take the time to update the menu online, it shows laziness and it's not a good unwelcome surprise for the customer. Deleece Mgmt -- FIX THIS. I also don't like the "splitting" charge if you want to split a plate with someone, that shows me this place is sheisty. I ordered the New York strip steak and had it medium rare. When it came, it was a little too rare, but I didn't complain b/c I was starving. The steak was actually really good. I didn't expect it to be that good and was nicely surprised. While their steak sauce is okay, they should offer more sauces. The mashed potatoes were delicious and I felt full after my meal. Our service was decent, no complaints but nothing special either. I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)Emily S.
New, beautiful location, same aloof service. The menu is largely the same as the old spot, with a few new items. We were in for lunch, and I went with my old standby - the grilled veggie tostada salad, which was delicious. My husband tried a new item, the breakfast sandwich, which was also quite tasty. The move closer to the theater was probably great for business, and the space is really, really nice. However, those two factors probably provide zero incentive for Deleece to step up its service game - and that showed. I've never had a server at Deleece that I would classify as "friendly" or "helpful." Not snotty, just...uninterested.
(3)Colleen C.
Cost of free wi-fi: $0 Ability to use wi-fi: 0 Number of Diet Cokes: 2 Chicken Chop Salad: $9.50 Amount left on plate: 0 Number of aloof servers: 1 Stars: 3 Yep, that about sums it up. :)
(3)Purnima M.
We had brunch here this weekend, and I wasn't wowed. I mean, don't get me wrong, everything was tasty, but nothing that blew us away. We got a table immediately, and our server was bordering on nonchalant, but the smells wafting through the restauarant got me enthusiastic. My breakfast pasta was a bit of a letdown, maybe I just imagined it coming together differently? Or it may have been that they went just a wee bit overboard on the sundried tomato love. Either way, it was a bit eh. My husband's chilaquiles were really tasty though, and our friend's frittata was pretty good too. I think I just might have expected more from this classic brunch spot.
(3)Shari G.
I think the space is beautiful. Bright and spacious. However, the tables are soooo close together and the acoustics are horrible. Even when the crowd thinned out, it was hard to hear my friend. The food took forever. Everyone around us was getting their food. Our server told us twice that she was checking on our order. The manager ended up serving us and apologized - said it was a bad day to train new people. I did notice that some tables also had to flag down servers for checks. The food was good. Chilaquilas (though chorizo is $2 extra) were delicious. Stuffed french toast was good too. I had a hard time deciding what to order; so many things sounded great. I would try it again, but make sure that I had extra time in case our food was slow again. My water glass was always full......nice service there!
(3)Georgio M.
Southport has been one of my favorite haunts for years, probably because two of my favorite spots: Toons Bar and Music Box Theater. I had noticed Deleece many times, but never eaten there until this past Valentines. Our reservations were at 8pm, and we were seated promptly. The restaurant is reminds me more of a small, intimate cafe, as the main dining room and adjacent bar are situated in one area. I'm usually not a fan of small restaurants, but somehow Deleece makes this work well. As others have mentioned, the room is full of interesting, provacative art works, sprinkled with some nudity. I kind of think it's a nice touch as the peices spark up interesting conversation. The restaurant is purposely dimly lit, which makes the dining experience a bit more cozy. Food I would have to say that the food is very good here. I ordered the Amish half chicken, and my date had the pork chops. Both entrees were large in portion, as well as freshly cooked. Somehow the cooks prepare the dishes with just the right amount of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish. I was reminded of some of the dishes at the old Fiddle Head on Lincoln Ave., while eating We all had enough food left over to bring home a nice sized doggy bag. I thought some of the drinks were a bit prices featured on the menu were a bit pricey, but those were for more exotic beverages such as the Side Car and specialized Martinis. I would like to eat at Deleece during summer, as the restaurant does have a cute outdoor eating area with tables along the sidewalk. If you are going on a date, this is the perfect restaurant, simply because of its location. You can have dinner or lunch, then walk down the street to one of the many theaters or bars for more entertainment.
(4)Erica H.
Not good. Staff was lazy and as annoying as the patrons.
(1)Nick B.
Got a call from the mother on Saturday morning proclaiming she wanted to go out for brunch. Going to brunch usually beats going out with friends, so I thought what the heck! It was a spooky, rainy Saturday morning and my only request was to find a cozy restaurant with a nice view of a residential street. Cool? As a true Scorpio who loves this time of year, it wasn't a problem at all! I've been going by Deleece for a long time. I meant to go over the summer to sit on the patio but that never worked out. With that said, I came in around 12PM for brunch and it was comfortably crowded. Exposed brick, light lounge music, low lighting, I was in heaven. We were seated promptly by the window. I started with a coffee, cool. I was starving and wanted to try something outside of the usual so I went with their breakfast burrito. Hold the chorizo and sour cream. Pardon my Polish, but HOLY SHIT. I was literally knocked out of my chair after trying this. The tortilla was filled with scrambled eggs, extra black beans as I requested guacamole, and pico de gallo. Flavorful. Spicy. Filling. EVERYTHING. I was so excited eating the burrito that I never wanted it to end. It was a protein packed monster and I loved every second of it. The roasted potatoes on the side were also very welcomed. Loved, loved, LOVED Deleece. I have to say it was one of the best brunch outings I've had since LOKal, which was a few weeks ago but whatever. Check. This. OUT.
(5)lash girl B.
Best chicken I ever had .. I lived in New Orleans for 12 Years and finding great food like this and not expensive is a real treat. I will be back Deleece. Great wine list as well. ;P
(5)Laura V.
I love this restaurant. I go at least a few times a month now. Before they moved locations, I'd only been twice. Both times, the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived (due to work schedules we usually get to restaurants around 8:30pm) and we were the last ones there by the time we were eating. I'm sure some people like that type of ambience, as it were, but I don't like a library atmosphere and the employees clearly waiting for me to finish so they can go home. The food was very good, though, so as soon as they moved I stopped in to check it out. Wow! Very busy, but usually not too noisy. I always sit at the bar to eat, and the bartender is friendly but not overly chatty. It also seems like I get my food faster than those seated at tables, but that could also be because people at tables are usually in groups and it takes longer to get orders out for 4 diners than just one or two. For appetizers, I always order/recommend the same thing: crab cakes and the gnocchi. Both are outstanding. The crab cakes are large, fresh, and taste like you pulled the crab right out of the crab legs yourself. Another reviewer felt they were underseasoned, but I don't want a bunch of extra flavors & herbs in something that tastes great by itself. It's really all personal preference. They are very fresh so there's no "fishy" taste or smell at all, unless you just feel crab has a fish taste. The gnocchi is amazing, and you just have to try it as my description wouldn't do it justice. Every entree I've tried has been wonderful, but I will say that if you don't like your tuna or salmon rare then that needs to be mentioned when ordering. The salmon is wonderful and beautifully prepared, and my favorite here. They do specials which are not on the menu but it's often the same thing. A filet is one of them and it's every bit as good as most premier steakhouses in the city. The NY Strip is also very good and I love the garlic mashed potatoes served with it. They are much busier earlier in the evening, so if you prefer it less crowded then definitely come in after 8pm. I read some of the negative reviews and since I love this place I have to defend it: I've never smelled anything strange so it must have been just that one night. Yes, the A/C has been cranked up a couple of times, but in the summertime restaurant kitchens can get VERY hot so even if it's freezing in the dining area, the kitchen might be just bearable. I know that restaurants, theaters, shops, etc are often too cold for me in the summer so I always bring a cardigan. I can't respond to complaints about the waitstaff since I always sit at the bar but I've met and talked with the owner and he does seem very concerned about making things right for the customers. No, the food doesn't come out as fast as at some larger restaurants and they don't have entrees pre-prepared to just heat up and send out to the tables either. So yes, when they're busy it will take some time to get your meal to you. Have a glass of wine, some appetizers, and linger over them while you await your entree. To me, taking your time to enjoy dining out is not a bad thing. If you're in a hurry, or you have small children with you, then maybe consider a faster chain-type establishment instead. I have teens and I wouldn't bring them here as they just won't appreciate it. The owner and bartender always greet me and have expressed an appreciation for my repeat business, which is very nice. I'm not the only "regular" either, so they must be doing something right.
(5)Andrea C.
i have a feeling business at deleece is up due to the groupon :) but hey, no shame in that game! like many, i bought one and treated the bf to a 'nice' dinner out one wednesday night. he had: pork tenderloin stuffed w/bacon (!) yummmm which came with a savory apple cobbler (which...wasnt exactly what we expected, but still good nonetheless) i had: braised beef short ribs- delicious...but the horseradish mashed potatoes were AMAZING. since we had the groupon, we also got some of the truffle mashed potatoes...very tasty. atmosphere was nice...and i guess they have a price fixed menu on mondays and tuesdays ($20 for 3 courses) and on wednesdays all bottles of wine are half off! *but note you cant take advantage of any of these offers when using another promotion (ie: groupon). deleece is a solid choice if you're up north in the southport corridor. nuff said.
(4)Christina T.
The salmon dish is amazing! Medium rare is made perfectly with a crispy exterior that gives it a great combination of textures and flavors. The black rice is heavenly and purrfectly paired with the salmon. I've never experienced rice like this before Deleece. It's pure ambrosia! It has a nutty, sweet taste with a hint of chocolate and its made al dente. Then there is the spinach cooked with leeks that perfectly tied the dish together. I tried my best to eat this meal as slow as possible to savor each bite because i didn't want it to end! Service was great and the restaurant has a great ambiance.
(4)Nana H.
I'm trying to use my member card as much as possible, and it's taking me places I would normally never go. This is one of those restaurants, I would probably not come back if I weren't getting some sort of deal, or just happen to be in the neighborhood and starving. We were here for dinner and we had their "signature" lamp chops with blue cheese and fingerling potatoes and asparagus, also the new york steak strip and truffle potatoes, and spinach. Everything was all good and on point so there aren't any real complaints, it's just that I can't brag about this meal that much either.
(3)Vanessa D.
Had a nice dinner here with my parents last night. The food is described as California wine-country fare. The menu is pretty small, with about 7 or 8 items in each category: appetizers, salads, main courses, sides. They had a good wine list and I was surprised to also see craft beer selections. We all ordered beer to go with our meal. The only issue I had was that they served them in frosted pint glasses, which really takes away from the aroma and flavor when the beer is served so cold! Other than that, the meal was wonderful. My parents enjoyed their orders: risotto crabcakes, pollenta (best ever, according to my parents), and sze chuan salad w/ New York Strip. I ordered the arugula salad (delicious!) and a side of truffle mashed potatoes (pretty good, but nothing spectacular). The acoustics in the place were a little weird -- even before the restaurant filled up it was QUITE loud. While a bit of noise is to be expected on a Friday night, this was unusually loud. Overall, it was a good experience, but I wasn't completely blown away or anything. However, I will come back if I'm ever in the area again.
(3)rebecca g.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I've had one of the best dishes of my LIFE here. Everything I read about the Salmon in Pear-Ginger Sauce was true, and then some...from the fish's perfect level of done-ness (cooked, but still juicy and yielding) to the sweet-tangy sauce that was liquid candy (without being cloying)...to the creamy yet crunchy black rice, to the garlicky and spicy chard...I'm honestly at a loss as to how this dish could ever be improved. Pricy, sure, but a really substantial portion...and the side of truffle mashed potatoes was fabulous. I was even more thrilled when I ordered a ginger ale and it came with house-made ginger syrup! My waitress (actually the hostess) was so down-to-earth and attentive...the complimentary bread with mustard-butter was a nice touch...and I'm still dreaming about that Pear-Ginger Salmon!
(5)Url R.
Decent spot for dining with a toddler for early dinner. We made an early reservation, 5:30, and the place was empty inside and only a table or two was taken outside. Crab Risotto cakes were a good starter, but could use more of the sauce considering the size of the cakes. Caramelized Salmon was very very good, especially the black Chinese rice which can be difficult to cook well. The spinach was perfectly seasoned with a pear ginger sauce. Halibut was so-so, and needed more seasoning. Vegetables were slightly greasy. Glad the kids meals come with fruit and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
(4)Jessica M.
My boyfriend and I had been wanting to try this place for awhile, so when they had a groupon deal, we finally went in for dinner. The food was not bad... I had a steak with mashed potatoes and spinach and I really liked it. However, it was pretty pricey and I probably wouldn't have ordered it if we didn't have the groupon deal. My boyfriend got a lobster/fish special because he couldn't eat meat that Friday (lent) and the entire thing was wait to fishy. I love fish, but even I was a little overwhelmed by it. The main thing that turned me off from this place was the service. Every time the food runner brought something out, he put it in front of the wrong person without asking, so we had to rearrange our dishes each time he left. Once I was done with my dinner, my dirty plate must have sat in front of me for at least 20 minutes before anyone bothered to bus it. I saw a busser walk around every few minutes and look right at our table, but he never came to take my dish away. That is REALLY annoying. It took awhile to pay too... even with a $40 groupon, we still ended up paying an extra $27 on top of that for two dinners and a soup. There's too many other good places in Chicago to waste my time with bad service and overpriced food.
(3)Tracy K.
Being in the neighborhood, hungry, and armed with a WBEZ Member Card, my husband and I decided to stop in here for dinner. The place was empty, unless you count a few folks at the bar and a two top on the patio. Our waiter was friendly, but gave us our space. Drinks were good, but did not pack as much of a punch as desired when you are shelling out $12 for a cocktail. Our gnocchi appetizer was nothing short of awesome, and for entrees, we both ordered the only vegetarian option, the stuffed pepper. We both enjoyed it, and had enough leftover for lunch the next day, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I chosen to order it, rather than having it be my only option. I would be back to try brunch, but not likely for another dinner. Too many places in the city offer vegetarians a number of options, so I'll keep going with those.
(3)Lauren B.
We stumbled upon Deelece randomly after giving up on some other brunch places in the area due to long waits. It turned out to be for the best as this was the best brunch I've had in Chicago to date. Most of the brunch options are egg related, so this isn't the place to go if you're craving pancakes the fritattas were delicious! It was one of those meals you keep eating even though you're full because its that good. My boyfriend commented that you can judge a good brunch by the potatoes- most places just serve them as an afterthought and they aren't anything special, but these were actually very good- crisp and well seasoned. All of the dishes were reasonably priced ($8-$12) and there was no wait. I will definitely go back here for brunch.
(5)David M.
This is our place for a fancy brunch after church at nearby Crossroads Christian Church. My favorite is the grilled salmon ceasar salad. The salmon is fresh, covered with a honey glaze, and grilled. It is a generous portion of fish. Don't expect anything "ordinary." Every dish seemed to be special in some way. The service is good. The service was familiar with all of the dishes, including the specials.
(4)Sarah B.
I have only actually eaten here once, but I live across the street so I have had take-out from here more times than I can count for brunch and lunch. Their eggs benedict is delicious - and holds up well enough on the trip across the street that it is still really enjoyable and the yolks are gooey. Lunch-wise, they have a short rib sandwich that is out. of. this. world. I cannot say enough good things about this sandwich. You are transported out of yuppie-ville into a Texas BBQ joint with this sandwich. BBQ lovers, you really should try this. I still haven't been able to bring myself to try their dinner - just a little too expensive for me, even given the across-the-street convenience. Oh, everyone here is really nice too - they let me use their in-house phone when I left mine in a taxi.
(4)Chele B.
Wow. As a patron of both the Irving and Clark locations we regret to say we were HIGHLY disappointed visiting the 'new' restaurant next to Mercury Theater. Specials were not highlighted, tables were left vacant as multiple parties waited, tables by the door were subject to wind gusts, at least two parties left due to waiting over an hour for their food, and the hostess was Less than pleasant -- does not make for a return trip. Sorry. This was a one and done trip. Disappointing. We will return to Deleece, just not on Southport.
(1)Patrick K.
This was a horrible experience. We went there and ordered, we were the only table there. We waited 20 minutes, then asked the waitress where our food was, she disappeared for another few minutes came back and said that she lost out order! She said oh, I can put it in now... 2 other tables came and were served since. I can't believe the bad service, didn't even offer a discount or an apology.
(1)Risa P.
Well yum!! I was here for a surprise birthday dinner (well...my surprise birthday dinner...hahaha) and it was a great place for a group of 7. I got the fixed menu ($20) of heirloom tomatoes with goat cheese, a risotto and a lemon sponge cake. The salad was good, yet simple. It was not the most exciting of salads though the tomatoes were really good. Sometimes tomatoes can be dicey. These were not. The risotto was creamy with roasted corn, tomatoes and cauliflower. It was delicious and really filling. I could not finish my portion but that means yummy left overs!! I really like the cauliflower and corn in the dish. I also tried the mac and cheese. I wouldnt describe it as mac and cheese, but rather like a pasta in a cheese sauce. It was yummy as well. It was ordered without bacon and was quite tasty. They used big corkscrew pasta noodles which was a great and easy way to spear the pasta. Since it was my birthday, they presented me with a dessert tray. Oh holey moley. The sponge cake that I had ordered was light and lemony. The berry crepes were so good--the cream inside of the creme complemented the tart /sweet aspect of the berries. The chocolate cake was rich, decadent and so so good (it may have been flourless) and the chocolate mousse was really yummy too! The chocolate candies with orange zest were good as well. Basically the desserts were amazing and everything was dark chocolate which I love! A really fun yummy dinner. The service was pretty quick (though a little slow on refills on bread and the awesome honey butter) but our waiter was really nice and helpful. Water refills were quick too. I want to go back and try other dishes here! They have outside seating as well. Really easy to get to via the Irving Park and Ashland bus. YUM
(4)Abhay S.
Went to Deleece last night with my wife for the first time. We will be returning soon. We ordered the pot stickers as an appetizer and absolutely loved them. That being said, I wish restaurants would give an even number of appetizers -- I hate that awkward moment of splitting an appetizer. Anyway, I ordered the beef tenderloin and my wife ordered the penne pasta with grilled shrimp. My dinner came with a helping of spinach and potatoes which were awesome. For dessert we shared a cinnamon apple bread pudding. Dessert was good, but next time we'll be skipping it because the meal is huge. We will be returning soon.
(4)Steve H.
Wow, not very good. My wife and I had high hopes for this place, however they were quickly squandered. We came here for dinner last night. All tables were filled and the restaurant was buzzing. The decor is nice and hostess quickly greeted us. Service was decent, about what you would expect. Now on to the food. We elected to each order a salad to start and an entree. I had the arugula salad, wife had the caesar. Salads were decent, probably the best thing about the meal. For entrees she ordered the farfalle and I ordered the pork chop. Food took awhile to come out, unfortunately it must have been sitting for a bit, because it was not all that hot. The pork chop was disgusting. I think maybe 20% of it was edible, the rest being fat. It had little flavor and the "cranberry sauce" was nothing more than canned cranberries mixed with BBQ sauce. The yam puree was decent however. My wifes pasta had was incredibly bland. She makes better pasta at home. For $120, we expected much much more. This place may be packed now, however if they continue to serve this quality of food it will quickly fizzle. I really would like to see this place succeed, Southport needs a upscale dining option. Hopefully they change the menu and or cook.
(2)Thomas T.
I just came from dinner here with my wife and 6 yr old daughter, and had a great time. Our server was enthusiastic and very friendly, obviously well trained. Our food was TERRIFIC. My wife and I split the potstickers and risotto crab cakes, both of which were very good. But the highlight was the absolutely delicious pork chop entree that we also split. The pork was a Berkshire breed from a local farmer, and it was THE best pork I have ever had in my life. Very tender, and with a deep flavor that you won't get from a supermarket pork chop. It came with a yummy sauce that I can't quite recall all the ingredients of (but molasses was part of it), and also curried apple slices, roasted pearl onions, browned roasted cauliflower, and farro (sort of like Italian buckwheat) with golden raisins. Just spectacular. I also want to praise Deleece for the excellent kids' menu. For a mere $4.50, my daughter got a grilled cheese sandwich with very good bread and quality cheeses, plus a big load of fresh fruit - and ice cream for dessert was included. We've been going to Deleece for brunch for over a decade (we live right around the corner), and have always loved it. But I often forget just how good a place this is for a great dinner and really, a good value too.
(5)Melissa H.
Happy Birthday, Dad!!! We're going to take you someplace you've never been before on a Friday night because you have horrible children and we all forgot to make reservations in advance...Ooops. Yelp says it's good though, and we can get a reservation with OpenTable at 7pm - I know how you like to eat early and all! Sure, it's not super fancy on the inside...The tables are laid out a little weird, and the chairs are super heavy; but other than that service is good and this cream soda cocktail is delicious! Is there anything you want off the appetizer menu? I know you love shrimp cocktail, but they don't have that. We're just going to order a bunch of things and we can all try them...I'm sure you'll like the crab risotto cakes - they sound good. Okay? Wow, so much stuff on this menu! I've been dreaming of short ribs lately, I'm totally gonna order that....You're getting what? Oh, the pesto penne pasta with shrimp? Hey! You're getting your shrimp! Happy Birthday!!!! Man - those crab cake things were so good! Like lick the plate good! Can I get another cream soda cocktail please? Mmmkthx. Whoa, do you guys see the size of this short rib? No, bro - you cannot taste the celery root puree. If you wanted it, you shoulda ordered it yourself! Ha! Just kidding....of course you can try it! Is anyone else going to order another drink? No? Uh, I guess I'll stop ordering cocktails then...
(4)Fleming B.
To channel the comic book guy, WORST. SERVICE. EVER. We live a hop, skip, and a jump away from Deleece and had heard great things about it. When Groupon offered a deal, I jumped on it. We arrived at 7:15, sat down, and our server was initially attentive. We got the appetizers, he took our main course order, and THEN.... FORTY MINUTES WENT BY. FORTY. MINUTES. For some chicken. After we were done eating, it took another TWENTY MINUTES for them to bring the check. The food was okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Everything had too much vinegar - the salad, the sauce with our appetizer. The Amish chicken was cooked perfectly, but the sides were difficult to eat. Every second we sat at the table (remember: this is an HOUR of time wasted) just made the experience more and more mediocre until I couldn't stand it any more. It was unacceptable. I will NEVER be back I enjoy lingering over dinner, but on my terms - not at the whim of a slacker server,
(1)Catrina T.
Went here for brunch. The items used for the dishes were higher quality than a typical breakfast place would use. Everything tasted really good and the server was attentive.
(4)Melissa M.
We had a restaurant.com coupon to use, so we were excited to go to Deleece for the first time. The patio was lovely and our server was excellent, but the food wasn't anything to write home about. Crab cakes were okay as an app. I had the boneless Amish chicken for my meal, which would have been okay, but it was served on a bed of "fig mostarda sauce." It was more like a bath there was so much. Husband had the veal which he said was good. Restaurant.com made it worthwhile, but I don't know that we will be going back without another coupon. I'd like to try their brunch, and the cafe, though.
(3)Adam S.
I am shocked by some of the reviews. I have never had bad food here. Though the restaurant is way too cramped and parking is awful, I like coming here with friends and usually have a good time.
(4)Lawrence Y.
I like this place. I get lunch here from time to time, being that I work nearby. I like their grilled chicken sandwich the most. Not a big fan of the chicken salad sandwich though. Their special buttermilk sauce is good, too! I've never really had a problem with their service. So I would recommend!
(4)Rodger P.
I really want to like Deleece, but we've been twice now and it's not really working for me. The good: fun room, great art, including some photos that I absolutely love. Wait staff is charming. Food: it should be better than this. I had a chopped salad, thinking over to the unbelievably good version of this at the nearby Uncommon Ground. It was a pale imitation, lacking much in the way of texture or noticeably fresh ingredients. Other stuff was more or less forgettable. I was going to give two stars but wife insists that their breakfast sandwich was high quality. I remain skeptical.
(3)Jacob J.
Heading out for brunch with the family took us out towards Sweets and Savories, but due to their last reservations at 1p, we switched to Violet. Now after reading reviews about Violet, our attentions were drawn to Deleece. And it just happened that we found curbside parking just a few feet from Deleece. FYI, parking is a beeotch during Cubs games. Much of the neighborhood parking is zoned, so you're limited to street parking. Brunching it up after 1pm, getting a table was easy. They offer outside seating, but, it was full. Nice place, lots of exposed brick, tiled ceiling, their look maintained. Walls are decorated with local artists work, I'm guessing. Its apparent they clean the ducts often, it's neat and "well"; maintained. It wasn't very busy inside since most on this warm sunny Sunday afternoon sat outside, service was available and convenient. The coffee was just right that morning, light, though typically I won't go for weak coffee. Brunch was ready by the time I was ready for a second cup. Everything looked and tasted excellent. Their portions are smaller than most extravagant restaurants, just enough to make you feel full and tasty enough that you finish your meal. Every one in our party finished their meal, every last bit. The potatoes that accompanied were fried and crispy, good alone & in a light bath of Cholula and ketchup. Around the table: traditional eggs Benedict w/ Nueske's Canadian bacon, petite filet with eggs and truffle hollandaise, the other three were specials of the day: a skillet with a lamb medley, something like eggs Benedict but with a fried egg and guacamole and a short stack of baked pancakes with a homemade fruity topping. I had photos to share, but, the software update for Apple killed my phone! AArrghh. What a waste of good photos. brunch for five was around $68 with tax. Not bad. Food was so good I'm thinking I'll go back again. They've got a prix fix (3 courses) Mondays and Tuesdays for $20; check the website for their nightly specials. If you're on a budget try Deleece for brunch or go for the prix fix. They also offer a full bar. Or if you go, let me know, maybe I'll join, we can see if it's good every time. Good company and good food equals good times.
(4)Allison A.
Nice place, good atmosphere. Half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Solid appetizers, good entries (with sizable portions) and great desserts. Best Chevre cheesecake I've had. If you live in the neighborhood, it's a solid, comfortable place for an easy night out. The mustard butter was very strange, I have to say.
(4)Channyn W.
Is this a review or a checklist of things that make me happy? * No children in sight! * No waiting on a Saturday morning! * Great service all around from busboy to the sweetheart of a waitress! * Easy parking! And the food, oh the food. My fritatta was incredibly good, especially considering I am not a huge fan of eggs. Oh, and Bens Yays were so so yummy with the perfect amount of sweetness and the hollandaise on the eggs benedict was just about perfect. I can't wait to go back!
(4)The C.
One day after intending to head in the opposite direction on Southport, I made a U-turn near this restaurant. The multi-course special caught my attention, and upon going back home, I ventured onto the website and made note on my list of "places I'd like to eat at" for future reference. Luckily for us, 2 months later this restaurant showed up as a "Groupon" (a service along with Yelp that we adore) and I made the purchase. We finally had the opportunity to venture out last night and decided to go to Deleece and it was definetly all we expected and more! For starters I'll comment of the food - My husband and I enjoyed sharing 2 of the starter appetizers (the Crab risotto cakes with truffle aioli and the Chicken and vegetable potstickers with ginger, coriander, mustard seeds, honey) and they were absolutely delicious! I personally enjoyed the crab cakes but only tried the sauce for the potsickers (as I do not eat meat, only fish/vegetables) but my husband really loved the potstickers, which he says were crisp and seasoned to perfection! After such a delightful opener of delectable appetizers, we were completely looking forward to our main entrees which were (Me): the Caramelized salmon (cooked to your preference), pan roasted served with Chinese sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce along with a side of sauteed Brussel Srpouts and pearl Onions, (Husband): the Roasted/Broiled Lamb Shank Chops (cooked to your preference) with Steak Seasoned Potatoes and Sauteed Rapini - and we each fell in love with each of our respective dishes. Of course there was no arguing the necessity of a dessert menu offering after the other dishes were so well prepared and beyond our expectations, and hilariously enough we both opted for the Vanilla Hazelnut Creme Brule which was heavenly. The service was excellent, there was never a moment when a glass remained empty or an empty plate remained in the way, and our female server that evening was new and still provided exceptional service, more than earning her tip. The whole staff seems to work very well together with a harmonized dinner service and prompt, attentive service. The atmosphere and ambiance is somewhat romantic and trendy, yet still warm and inviting, and I particularly liked the brick and morar design. As for dress, it is certainly appropriate for the decent casual to business casual dress. The only area of Deleece that I find a bit negative commentary to add (and why it loses a potential 5 star rating) was how the 2-tops were arranged alongside the wall, they were are too close in proximity (which makes it awkward to be seated without potentially disrupting other patrons) and as they were all full and we were also seated there, it was a bit difficult to chat as the din of the other tables conversations were clearly audible between each other and sometimes made it difficult to hear each other. So if you are seated in this "zone" your conversations will not be wistful and romantic, or private by any means, so much so that you may become friends with your neighbors. This is the solitary exception i've found dissapointing from this experience. Other than the aforementioned, it truly was superb! In closing, we are both more than pleased with this experience, and will most definetly will return again to sample the rest of the menu and culinary specials/events as we hear of them via the website.
(4)Carol L.
Went there for a sunday brunch with the hubby. Service was friendly and as expected, a little slow to order and slow to get the check. Ordered: 1. Lobster benedict with arugula and truffle hollandaise - $14 - Lobster was decently portioned, a little dryer than I was expecting so not as fresh. Generous helping of arugula and the poached eggs are perfectly cooked. The side red potatoes were a little on the harder dried side, but it was the perfect side to mop up the egg yolks and hollandaise. I could taste the generous truffle flavor that really worked well with the eggs and lobster, so kudos. 2. Mexicali Hash - $11 - the hash was tiny cubed potatoes, peppers, and some very tastefully seasoned meat chunks. The meat was a little on the stingy side, could have given a little more for the price. It was also served with two eggs sunny side up, cooked very well. The food was decent and good, but nothing too mind blowing. The price was on the medium side, not a good cheap eat but does not break the bank. The service was friendly but a ltitle aloof. Therefore, it was an "a-ok" meal. We might go back to try dinner next time but so far, the brunch was o.k.
(3)Alison M.
I debated between giving Deleece three or four stars. I've been here several times, and the food is good. I'm always satisfied, but I'm rarely wowed. However, I settled on four stars for three reasons: 1) No wait for weekend brunch. (And it's a good brunch! I had some homemade blueberry jam last time I was there that was fantastic!) 2) Pre fixe Tuesday dinners. Yes, it is a special limited menu, but there was plenty (at least five entrees) to choose from. And at $20 for three courses, how can you really argue? 3) They have, what may be, the least healthy, most tasty BLT sandwich I've ever had. They use nice tomatoes and lettuce, the thickest bacon ever and then for a little something extra add maytag blue cheese and avocados. Fantastic.
(4)Brian R.
A friend and I always wanted to try Deleece so when we saw a Groupon (could have been a Living Social) for dinner we jumped on it. We made reservations for a Saturday night which was good because the place was packed and we over heard the hostess telling a walk-in couple that they most likely would not be able to get a table at all tonight. It was only 715 and they were full up for the night. We thought that this was a good sign. We sat down and promptly served. Our server was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and even brought my friend some ice cream on the house for his birthday. The food on the other hand is another story. I got the Chicken Roulade (spelling?) at the recommendation of the server. I think if it was made properly it would have been very good. At first I noticed the chicken was a bit pink inside and was assured by the server that the chicken is first poached and then baked ensuring that the chicken was fully cooked. She must get that question quite often as she had the answer very quickly. As I was eating I noticed the goat cheese was missing. The goat cheese was one of the biggest reasons I ordered the dish. Other than that it was pretty okay, but for 19 or so dollars I do not think it was worth it. My friend ordered one of the specials, grouper, and it was so tough he needed to use a knife. From my understanding fish should not require a knife. To sum it all up we probably will not be going again and we are thankful we had the GroupOn/Living Social because the food was over priced for the quality.
(2)Scott N.
Amazing hidden gem!
(5)Mary S.
Having been appointed "the Knowing One" long ago by my family, my brother and mom asked me to find a place in the city where I could take their out-of-town and suburban selves for Mother's Day Brunch. This is where a combination of Google searches for "Mother's Day Brunch reservations" and Yelp reviews came in handy. We decided not to eat anywhere that wouldn't take reservations (which I made online at opentable.com ) and we wanted a place on the north side so that my brother could get to O'Hare somewhat quickly (at least, more quickly than being in the south suburbs). Enter Deelece. When I arrived, I noticed they were busy, but only JUST busy, meaning that tables were filled, but also reservations were being kept on time. Great! We were seated as soon as my entire party arrived and served drinks almost immediately. Having looked online at the menu beforehand I had an idea of what I was going to order, but then I noticed a Mother's Day Menu! Beignets? Berry and Ricotta filled Crepes? Homemade Quiche? Asparagus Fritatta? Every plate we had was delicious. While I had a great brunch with my mom and family, there were a couple things which were a little disappointing. First, I waited a while upon my arrival before any server or hostess was in sight or acknowledged me. Second, we had to ask for a drink three times before my brother's girlfriend actually got her mimosa (while my mom's and mine had arrived some 5 minutes earlier). Lastly, our server wasn't as personable as I would have thought in a place whose atmosphere was so welcoming. However, it being a busy day for brunches, I am able to caste those experiences aside, since the lunch and dinner menus both look outstanding and I would really like to come back to try it out.
(4)Carla F.
I've heard plenty about Deleece and made last minute dinner plans with a friend and I was not at all disappointed. I didn't do much research about the place but was happy to find out that on Mondays and Tuesdays they have a prix-fixe menu for $20. For the appetizer my dining companion and I both chose the pot stickers and neither of us had any complaints. They were crispy where they should be and were nothing short of tasty. For my main course I chose the meatballs that were served in curry sauce with rice. The serving size was large enough for me to be satisfied and have enough to bring home to take for lunch the next day. For dessert we both chose the chocolate pudding and had my friend not said "you are a classy fucking bitch if I ever saw one" I would have licked the bowl. However, I didn't want to sway that fine opinion he has of me. I have nothing bad to say of the service. While our waitress wasn't overly chatty and didn't have much to say other than the norm of asking us what we want to drink/eat, she got the job done and was there when we needed or wanted her to be. There's no doubt that I shall return. I'm making a point to drink less on Fridays and brunch more on Saturdays and Deleece is definitely one of the next places on my list.
(4)Jarod S.
I've passed this place countless times and am always telling people we need to try it out. And then ask if anyone knows how to properly pronounce the name of the place. Finally checked it out for Brunch on a Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Sat outside with no wait at the peak of brunch. The brunch menu is fantastic and not all the same old crap. Eggs Benedict with artichokes, spinach and Sun Dried Tomato hollandaise? yes please. Vegetable Fritatta with goat cheese? mmmmm For sure! I couldn't decide what to get so I considered getting two plates! I'll have to come back to try all the other options! oh and.. "it's Americanized so it sounds like a de lease." - Waitress
(4)Sara C.
I'd give this restaurant a solid 4.5 stars. We came here for a co-worker's birthday brunch on a Saturday afternoon. Both the food and the service were great. The birthday girl of honor was late in arriving, but the staff didn't seemed to mind, granted the place wasn't by any means packed or anything. I ordered the breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, avocado, and black beans. It was delicious and very filling as I was only able to finish half. Some ordered the bottomless mimosas and they were very attentive in making sure the glasses were never empty. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service. It's good for small or large groups. There are menu items that I'd want to check out so I'd definitely come here again. There's an outdoor patio and ample parking around the area which is an added bonus.
(5)Cara L.
Is a decent brunch too much to ask for my birthday?!?! I went to Deleece for brunch this morning to celebrate the big 2-6 with some girlfriends. Ummm, being that it was completely DEAD and we were one of the few groups there, I figured we would have great service. WRONG. And decent portions. WRONG. And hot food. WRONG AGAIN. Things started out innocently enough, the awkward-on-the-phone-host took my reservation for ten, albeit begrudgingly, the day before. We arrived and were seated on the patio, which was cozy. However, apparently the management feels that it is totally acceptable to allow animals "in" their restaurant as there were two HUGE chocolate labs just lounging on the patio. SICK. Sorry, I don't think that's right. We ordered... mostly benedicts and breakfast sandwiches. Forty-five minutes later, the first three dishes came out. Then eight minutes later, the next four, and finally five minutes after that, the last three dishes. While we had finished our food at one end of the table, the other end was just getting their food. With so few people at Deleece, the service/kitchen should have been speedy. My spinach and artichoke benedict was luke-warm, the eggs were over-poached, the muffin was soggy, and the artichoke was this garlicky, mushy spread, not at all what I was expecting, or wanting. The portions were small, everyone left hungry, and we are not huge eaters. We had to order beignets at the end of the meal to supplement, but those did not help. After we finished, my friend went to speak to the manager about our bad experience, and he knocked off the two puny orders of beignets. Wow, thanks! Never going back. There are far finer brunch places in this city. If you want good brunch, try Toast, Bongo Room, Nookies, Orange, or Meli Cafe. They know what they are doing and you won't need to go home and have lunch immediately after.
(2)Justin M.
We ventured out here for dinner, having been here a couple of times for lunch intermittently. We chose the polenta, which had bacon and was very savory yet creamy at the same time. Very nice. For entrees, lamb chop stuffed with blue cheese; and pork tenderloin stuffed with bacon and spinach, in a tasty reduced sauce. The pork was very tasty - being smoked and then by looks seared. Incredibly savory, and basically bacon two ways. Pretty good. When offered dessert how could one resist the chocolate combo. Overall a fairly decadent dinner - with two forms of pork and three of chocolate. Hmm, well be back to sample something else soon.
(4)Mike D.
I was really impressed by this place. Even my girlfriend, who is a notoriously picky eater, was asking to go back almost the moment we left. I had veal skirt steak which was flavorful and tender. I started with a red pepper soup which, honestly, I disliked quite a lot. It was just 1 flavor, red pepper, which by itself, is pretty rough. My dinner however was quite delicious. My girlfriend had the stuffed poblano pepper, which was the highlight of the meal. It was by far the best thing we had eaten that evening. The flavors were not overpowering and mixed well together. The portions were pretty healthily sized (especially after soup/salad). I am curious about brunch, because it seems to be the majority of the bad reviews on Yelp.
(5)Onur U.
We were drawn in by the menu that features interesting ingredients and gourmet sounding preparations for a reasonable price. Sadly it seems their best days are behind them as evidenced by all the positive press they received a decade ago, but nothing in the last five years. When I first sat down to write this review I had a little trouble remembering what we ordered which is never a good sign. The salad we ordered was fresh but overdressed and really pretty small for 7 dollars. The crab risotto cakes were crumbly and really didn't taste a lot like crab or truffle oil (come to think of it, they didn't taste like much of anything). The tuna steak we ordered was cooked medium rare, but the seared outer portion was rubbery and flavorless. In all fairness it seems they are more famous for their brunch than their dinner and the service was pretty good. Nothing we had was terrible and the prices are good considering they use fancy ingredients (crab, truffle oil, butter lettuce, etc). But with so many mid-tier restaurants serving up great "american" fare, I don't think we'll be back. Maybe for brunch, but probably not.
(3)Naum N.
Came here on a Tuesday evening. Place was fairly quiet. The service was attentive though the kitchen must have been having an off night. Bread at the table was a bit stale - probably could have used to bang on the table to request another loaf. Alas was more polite than that. Ordered the mac & cheese with a twist on chicken. Decent portion though had to play waldo a bit to find the chicken. Overall - it was okay, and nothing special - as someone else mentioned, the hard interior makes it sound louder than one would expect. As entertaining it was to listen others' conversations, was happy that it was a slow night. Would not go out of my way to come here again, though if in the vicinity, may be worthwhile to make another visit.
(3)Vanessa P.
I came here on a Saturday night with a friend. We came around 9:00pm and the place was pretty empty, with only a scant few tables taken. I had the roasted skatewing and my friend had the Amish chicken. Both were well prepared, but while she was happy with hers, I was a bit underwhelmed. There was a lack of flavor that I couldn't help with pepper. The service was good and the food just ok.
(3)Christy Q.
I have been to Deleece three times. Twice for dinner and once for brunch. I have always had a great experience. The decor and ambiance are cozy and warm and classy. It's a nice elegant neighborhood restaurant for a date. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable. I am one of those irritating people with questions about menu items and they always give me an honest opinion. Even if it's to say, eh, don't order that, order this... it's better. I can't remember what I had for brunch, though I did sit outside as it was a beautiful summer day... I love any restaurant with outdoor seating in the summer! As for dinner I have had the amazing caramelized chilean salmon (pan roasted with chinese sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce). A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I could have devoured 10 of these things. The best salmon I've had in a looong time. The waitress assured me I'd love it and it's a menu favorite and I believe her. The other dinner entre I had was a special I believe- lamb chops. Also delicious!! Dessert we shared an apple crisp- SOOO good. My friends and I were fighting for the last bite! And I'm really not a dessert person. My only complaint is the wine prices. A bottle I've often bought at Binny's for $15 is $34 here which seems like a bit of a markup. I know wine is ALWAYS over priced at restaurants but knowing the typical price of that bottle really shocked me. I love Deleece. It's one of my neighborhood favories and prices (aside from wine) are totally fair.
(4)Alison E.
Deleece is flippin' sweet. We've only been there for brunch, but brunch is all we need. The french toast with raspberry sauce is exactly what I want from my breakfast, and the potatoes are fantastic.
(4)David L.
A decent place. We came here because of an a la card promotion to get $10 off. We came away satisfied, but not blown away. I had the halibut (special) , and my wife had the lamb shank (also a special). I thought the halibut was cooked well and flavorful. The lamb was great when you firat bit into it, but then it became a chore to eat just that one flavor. Overall good, but I just thought that the overall price was a bit high.
(3)Venu V.
My first time to Deleece, had heard good things about the chef from his days at mk. their 'signature' Amish Chicken didn't disappoint, the molasses carmelized pork chop was excellent in texture and taste. The $10 corkage fee is entirely reasonable. Not much to say about dessert as we were stuffed by then, but c'est la vie.
(4)Caroline M.
I really really wanted to like Deleece since I loved Sola. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love...I went on the night of 1/2 price wine bottles, which is what usually gets me into the door of any restaurant. I love that deal. Anyway, I got empanadas and pork, while my friend opted for bread salad and fish. She loved her courses. I didn't. The server told me the empanadas were filled with apples and had a colorful beet sauce drizzled on the plate. When I cut into the empanada it wasn't apple inside, it was BEET. Helloooo?!? Yeah, I was sad because I hate beets. I wanted apples like he said there was going to be inside. My pork wasn't great, it was a special too. Overall, a disappointing experience and I don't know if I would return.
(3)Jennifer W.
Brunch is wonderful here and deserves 5 stars.The small menu packs a punch and is great for indecisive people like me. The food is extremely fresh and delicious, excellent value. Oh, and there's usually no wait, not even for the patio in the summer. A very welcome relief from the overcrowding and 45 minute waits that happens at other brunch spots in the area. Dinner gets 3 stars, though I've only been once with some out-of-town guests. Half of our entrees were quite small (enough to make me full but paltry for, say, a larger man), and there could be more variety with the menu. When we visited this past Feb, most of the dishes were some combination of savory main ingredient with a subtlely sweet sauce or side. Don't get me wrong, I personally love that combo, but not everyone does.
(4)Jen J.
Deleece is a staple restaurant for me, but for a very specific type of night. I reserve Deleece for nights when I need to entertain out of town guests who are not so in to experimenting with food (i.e. a small group with different kinds of eaters, parents or in-laws, etc). Deleece has well done American fare with a twist in a cozy atmosphere. The service and food are consistent, but I cannot say widely imaginative or impressive. For a good meal I think Deleece is a good option.
(3)Amanda W.
I really enjoyed the food at the restaurant and even wanted to take my family here to celebrate my graduation. However well I called to see if I could move my reservation up an hour (that same day) I was told that I did not have any reservation. Turns out the hostess didn't bother to confirm what day my reservation was on and didn't figure it out until I had already scrambled to find a different restaurant that could fit my party of 8 within a half hour. Now, I'm too disgusted to go back.
(2)Carri A.
Haiku: I like you Deleece Veg Frittata with Goat Cheese I'll return to you. Well, that was lame. Whatever, I was hungover on Saturday and a couple of friends wanted to grab some brunch. Soooo good. We sat outside and I got the vegetable frittata with goat cheese and looooved it. Came served on top of delicious potatoes with two little toasts. The rest of the menu looked so creative and wonderful. I hope to go back soon and try it out. Oh bonus, saw a couple of attractive men working there. Heyyyy.
(4)AJ R.
Went here for dinner last night on a last minute whim and it was excellent!!! The only reason I didn't give 5 starts was because it was particularly loud and our waitress was just so-so...that being said I would definitely go back. Our food was amazing! We started w/ 2 salads--the ceaser, and the arugula/goat cheese/pistachio/fig salad--excellent!!! The bread and butter were particularly yummy as well. For our main entrees, 2 of us had the salmon--the black rice was interesting, but the salmon, spinach, and sweet sauce were SO GOOD!!! Best salmon I've had, probably ever. The other meals at the table were the pork roast and the new york strip steak--both diners cleaned their plates. The prices overall were very reasonable--our meal for 4 people, including a few drinks was ~$110 before tip. After reading the other reviews will have to try this place for brunch as we are always looking for new brunch places!!!
(4)Theresa K.
Wonderful! The atmosphere is beautiful, roomy, and charming. The food was exquisite! Wonderful ingredients, less cooking oil added than normal restaurants ( I had brunch), and delicious! Reasonably priced for such a fine selection!
(4)ben w.
i thoroughly enjoy getting brunch here on weekends, if you are here by 10 am there is virtually no one here, great service and great food. the latest breakfast special is a corned beef and hash, not your usual corned beef and hash though. super fucking good. great coffee too
(5)Katy L.
I travel to Chicago about 5 times a year, I live in NYC. I always make it a point to stop at Deleece and have never been disappointed. Solid yet innovative cuisine. I always leave happy!
(5)Audrey H.
Went for a birthday brunch for 16 yesterday and had a very nice experience over all. The drinks and food were very good, particularly notable were the polenta and eggs, the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast pasta and as a drink the pomegranate and pineapple mimosa. The service was hot and cold. It was good in the fact that they were able to get 16 main courses on the table pretty quickly so that those who waited for all to be served didn't eat cold food. They did not do such a great job of getting and filling drink orders, which frankly hurts them in that it keeps the tab down. Overall I would definitely go back, but if I am with a large party I would make sure that I am not in any rush,
(4)Will L.
Deleece was great. Me and my date went there for dinner because she had a $25 off coupon. Was not sure what to expect here but was very impressed when I left. I had the sage chicken which was unbelievable. The wine was very good also. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend for dinner.
(4)Laura S.
I grew up around the corner from this place, so I have been eating there since it opened... what?... ten years ago? when it stopped being a bodega. Even as a picky teen I loved this place, I have always had a fabulous experience. I have been there through many changes (chef, owner, sign, menu, etc) and have always enjoyed what I ate and drank. The waitstaff is helpful when choosing a bottle of wine, the polenta appetizer is great, the black sticky rice is delicious. Dinner is a little pricy for my budget but brunch can be under $10 a person and really very tasty. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)Kevin W.
Deliver/take-out leaves a little to be desired but this is an inventive restaurant to dine in. Great diverse beer and wine list and out of the ordinary menu. I recently went for brunch (read: hang-over breakfast) and had the special lamb hash and eggs. I highly recommend it if you happen to visit when they make it again, but some of the entrees and sides can be a little too overzealous. The sidewalk tables are nice as long as you don't mind eating against someone's SUV parked in front and the sound and smell of the Ashland bus waiting to turn right on Irving Park is unobjectionable. This place is worth a short trip to visit, but don't spend the kid's inheritance on gas to drive there from afar. One nice thing I still have not tried however is the $20 three-course meal on some weeknights which could be a great deal. I also had a blood mary which I can only describe as tasting like tomato socks, whatever that means.
(3)Mark P.
Had high hopes for this place since I enjoyed its sister restaurant, Sola. But left extremely disappointed. $20 3-course prix fixe on Mondays and Tuesdays would be a good deal if the food was palatable. Short rib dish was largerly flavorless. Trout with risotto was salty and sour. Chocolate pudding dessert had weak flavor. Highlight was plum crisp cookies with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Perhaps it was an off night. Perhaps their main menu entrees are better. Either way, don't see myself making a return visit to find out.
(2)Mark K.
i ate while facing the naked girl poster. i chewed my food but could only see boobs. when i finally looked away, i noticed the food was very good. the green sauce of my pasta had a fantastic texture. i also enjoyed the brick wall and the guy using his phone to spout out NCAA scores.
(3)Rahshonda K.
Wow I'm so shocked by the reviews because I had such a wonderful experience at Deleece. We were not sure if we were going to even go here but since we left Mercury Theater and we paid 12.00 to valet we figure we would get our money's worth and it was my BFF's birthday. We sat outside and the weather was perfect. We started with the Lobster Bisque and the Arugula Salad. Salad was AMAZING!!!! Lobster Bisque had a very earthy taste to it I was not impressed but it was not bad where it could not be enjoyed. We then ordered Organic Riesling which was so smooth and enjoyable. Staff was friendly and HOT I might add!!! It's always nice to be served by cute guys that are easy on the eyes. I digress!!! We ordered the Linguine and it was so tasty. Had a nice bite to it with the red peppers. Since it was my BFF's birthday we ordered the mango sorbet and it was ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!!! I definitely want to go back again. Deleece...uh I think I Delove U!!
(5)Sarah B.
I recently went back to Deleece for dinner and was disappointed by a lot of little things. For the price and locale, I expected a lot more. For a Saturday night, it wasn't too busy, but a steady stream of people came through. It took about 10 minutes for the bartender to take my drink order. There were 4 people at the bar, one who already had a drink. At the table, our orders were taken in a timely manner and the waitress was decent, but not outstanding. The busboy left a lot to be desired, especially with infrequent water fill-ups and several mix-ups with the entree delivery. We were a larger group (8) but there were several large groups. We tried the pot stickers, which were ok, but not great; steak special: ok, not great; lamb: ok, not great. We were especially disappointed by the truffle mashed potatoes: dry, lumpy and bit cold. It was so disappointing, I didn't even have dessert. And I always order dessert. Wine and coffee were good, but nothing above expectations. Bathroom gets a star --clean and well-stocked. Average prices were $15-25, with the specials running between $25 and $30, and sides around $5. Wine is about $7-12, with a lot of variety. I had a good time with the friends I was with, but for the price and quality, Unless it's for a casual brunch, I won't be going back any time soon. There are too many exceptional restaurants that deserve my attention more.
(2)Stacey P.
this review is based on desserts only. I got green tea cheesecake. It was pretty good, but very little green tea taste. The cake was more creamy than dense, which is what I like. My friend got the blueberry cream cake (I can't remember the exact name)... HORRIBLE!!!! I am still astounded at how bad this pastry was. It was hard, tasted stale, like something you'd pick up in a box from dominicks, open the box, open the wrapper, leave it for 2 months, and THEN eat it. That's what it tasted like. Also our waitress seemed disapointed in us or something. Every time we asked for something it was like she was thinking "ugh, i guess, fine, GOSH!!! (like napoleon dynamite)" I really wanted to try this place for dinner as well, but not anymore. SEE YA deleece, wouldn't wanna be ya.
(2)Happiness L.
Great food, friendly service, nice ambiance. Bring a blanket as it gets cold in here. I especially enjoyed the duck club sandwich and arugula salad. Looking forward to a return visit.
(4)naureen a.
Delicious food, great service, laid back romantic atmosphere. When I made reservation I told them it was our 1st time there & hubby's bday, they asked if I'd like a slice of cake w/ candle brought out. I said yes & they remebered to do it w/o my prompting. Our server was terrific totally added to great dining experience. Crab cake app was great. I had super yum chicken entree (probably best chicken i've ever eaten NO JOKE), hubs had pork tenderloin. out of control belgian chocolate mousse for desert. We can't wait to return. Great for a nice dinner out any occasion. after dinner, go catch a movie up the street at Music Box, can't go wrong :))
(4)John L.
Great Valentine's Day dinner!
(4)Michael A.
I think this spot used to be just north of Irving Park on Southport, seems like they've moved just 3 blocks south. Went here for dinner with 2 friends, prices were fair and nothing was all that bad. But there wasn't really any "Wow" factor here. I'd be interested to come here again for brunch since a lot of people seem to rate that pretty well.
(3)erin k.
I think there's more wind on the corner of Southport and Irving than any other point in the city. Could someone look that up for me? How is it possible that every time I eat on Deleece's patio I have to chase my menu? The Monday and Tuesday $20 three course special is a great deal, but this time I was charmed by the homemade mushroom-filled ravioli appetizer and chose that as my entree. We shared the salad with crumbled blue cheese and pommes frites, so really an appetizer for dinner after that was perfect...and I saved room for dessert too! The server told us about a raspberry cheesecake fried in wonton, and while that sounded great we opted for the goat cheese cheesecake. Well, she decide to bring us the wontons anyway and my boyfriend and I broke up so that we could date our desserts. (who reads this far into a review anyway?)
(4)Doug B.
As usual, DeLeece was excellent. Went there on a date tonight. The service was attentive without being intrusive. I had the potato-leek soup and the salmon. Both were excellent. My date chose a great bottle of wine which...is 50% off on Wednesdays. Hooray! DeLeece has never failed me over all these years of dining there. I DO wish they would make the cream of mushroom soup with the truffle oil swirled through it again someday. Are you reading this DeLeece?
(5)Kevin B.
Had the Great Lakes Whitefish, warm shrimp 'panzanella' of fennel, red Fresno peppers and sourdough croutons with Pimenton- almond romesco. Best fish I've had because it was hot and spicy... finally hot and spicy fish :) (I never eat fish) Will return, but Groupon definitely helped.
(4)Rudy S.
I'll be the first to admit it, I've overlooked this place over the years. While, yes I have my favorite brunch spots, and would try new places, I had never been to Deleece until now. I went here last Sunday around noon and was able to get a table on the patio without a wait. Everyone from the server to the hostess to the people working inside were so friendly. The service was really quick. There were families, people on a brunch date, and groups of friends here. It was a relaxing enviornment. But let's get to the good stuff..the food was great. I had the chilaquilles, my friend had the breakfast burrito, and we split the cinnamon orange french toast. With their prices being moderate, $7-$8, I figured they'd be small portions. Boy was I wrong, I could barely finish my food and had to take the French Toast home (which was still delicious 5 hours later) The chilaquiles were a good spicy. I loved them. I took a bite of my friend's burrito and that was amazing as well..almost giving Bongo Room a run for it's money. It was a great experience, with spaces both inside and out and friendly staff. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Jessica C.
Deleece is Deeelicious! I used to live practically kiddy-corner from the place, but never ventured inside. Recently, I discovered resturants.com and scrolled through the list of participating establishments and came across Deleece. So the decision was made and my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. Super cute and warm in there. It's not too large, probably about 15-20 small tables and a bar. We opted for the little table for two against the window so that we could get our people watching on. The server asked us if we wanted some drinks and left us with some freshly baked bread and butter while we thumbed the menu and made our decisions. Oh...about the butter: it had these little brownish chunks in it which resembled bacon or apples. The BF doesn't eat bacon and I'm allergic to dairy, so we had a delema. Realizing that I wouldn't go into antifilactic shock from a tiny tiny taste, I daringly stuck my finger in the butter dish and sampled it. FYI: it was cinnimon apple and I didn't die. It was pretty tastey, but I couldn't go back in for more, unfortunately. The menu looked great and offered some pretty articulate flavor combinations. I ordered the Salmon with black sticky rice and spinach. The dish was asian-inspired with sweet sesame glaze. The salmon was a perfect portion, as was the entire dish, and was done to perfection...not to dry and flakey. The spinach was sauteed with onions and yummy. The black rice was sticky, indeed, and was fabulous when sopping up the glaze from the salmon. The BF had the lamb rack chops off the special and was very pleased. I tasted one of them and they were nice and rare with a crisp mustard crust on the outside. Probably one of the best lamb rack chops that I've had and I eat quite a bit of lamb. Overall, the food was great and Deleece gets a five for that. Unfortunately, the server was a bit stuffy and unjustifiably so. If there is one thing that I cannot stand in a restaurant, its snooty service. I don't care if you're in a fancy schmancy 5 star restaurant or at the Bob's Burger down the street, I feel that there is no place for such behavior. I fault the snooty server alone for the theft of one of Deleece's stars.
(4)Vince M.
UPDATE: I originally gave this place 3 stars, but soon after my review, the owner emailed me apologizing for the bad parts of our experience at this place and offered me an incentive to come back. I worked in restaurants and small businesses my entire life, and it means the world to me when owners seem to genuinely care about your experience. I will most likely give this place another shot; but even if I don't come back, they left me with a great experience after all.
(4)Ashley K.
I've been meaning to go there for a while, and when I finally did, I was thrilled with my evening. I had Amish Chicken, which I was expecting just some bland chicken and it ended up being so flavorful! My husband got the Mahi Mahi special which had this awesome mango chutney. But the thing that I crave the most is their crabcakes appetizer! Holy crap... yum. They had this leafy thing in a dressing on the side that I couldn't get enough of. Arugala perhaps? I had that blueberry cake thing too, and liked it. I don't know what everyone else is complaining about. I will definitely be returning... and I may just get five orders of crabcakes... cause my mouth is watering as I think about it!
(5)Philip K.
Went to Deleece with my wife and another couple tonight. I wanted to try someplace new, have a little adventure. This was absolutely the perfect choice tonight. The menu is focused on comfort food and that shines through so completely. Sadly, the one downside was a poorly made cocktail. Their specialty is mac 'n cheese. We got the mac 'n cheese trio appetizer for the table: plain cheddar, asiago & bacon, and a mushroom gouda. All three had firm noodles and a creamy, rich sauce. They were all very, very different. The cheddar was very classic. A straight-forward creamy mac 'n cheese. The asiago & bacon had a great bacon flavor that complimented the gentle creaminess of the cheese perfectly. The mushroom gouda was umami and earthy and oh, so delicious! The bar has a wide selection of American whiskies available. There are some common distilleries represented and a few others I'd not heard of before. While it was good to see a decent selection with clear tasting notes, it's a bit puzzling that no Irish whiskey or Scotch is on the menu. They offer foreign wine and beer, why not foreign whiskey? The beer selection is also nice; I only spotted two IPAs on the list so that was good. I ordered the Mudpuppy Porter (I'm a Wisconsin native and it's a beer from my home state I'd not had; felt obligated) and was very happy with it. Nice and chocolatey with a hint of burnt bitterness. My dinner was the Cuban sandwich. Easily the best I've had. For starters it doesn't have mayo (always a plus in my book). Then the three meats were all very distinct. The gruyere was melted and gooey and the mustard was just slightly sharp with a really delightful tang. It looks like it was pressed under a brick or a heavy pot. No panini grill marks were on it, just a golden brown crust all over. Delightful. The salad was a mix of greens, thinly sliced onions, and cherry tomatoes lightly seasoned with a vinaigrette. The bitter greens contrasted nicely with the hint of sweetness from the vinaigrette. My wife ordered the salmon and said it was really good. Our friends ordered the grilled chicken with risotto cakes and the brisket sandwich. I stole a bite of the chicken and the risotto. Both were very flavorful. The chicken had a great herb flavor, though my bite was a bit greasy, and the risotto reminded me of arancini. Everyone cleaned their plates so I guess dinner was a hit! As I was finishing my dinner, I decided to order a cocktail. An Old Forester Manhattan, served up. Here's the thing... I'm a bit of a drink snob. When I order a transparent cocktail (martini, Manhattan, negroni, old fashioned), it shouldn't be shaken. It should be stirred so it keeps its beautiful, transparent appearance. More to the point, a cocktail shouldn't be mixed for more than a few seconds. Shaking a drink for half a minute just waters it down and kills any subtlety in the drink. Lastly, a cocktail served straight up shouldn't have chips of ice floating on top. Deleece isn't the only bar committing these cocktail sins but it was the most surprising. All in all I had a great time. The food is superb, the beer and whiskey selections are well labeled and explained, and the decor is simple. (Though they really could just get rid of the one TV in the back; it's just a nuisance.) I highly recommend it but stick with the beer and wine.
(4)Greg G.
Traveling to Chicago for the Christmas holiday, we had limited choices for a freshly cooked Christmas dinner. We chose Deleece over a number of hotel restaurant offerings and found the food to be delicious and the wait staff professional and courteous, especially considering that it was Christmas Day.
(5)Kevin A.
I'M GOING TO SETTLE THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL Upon checking with a server, the correct way to pronounce the name of this place is dee-lees. Not dee-lee-see. Hopefully this will usher in a new era in peace between the stroller-pushing brunch attending factions on Southport. On to the restaurant though. Deleece is a good brunch place, but not a great one. It's not a bad place to go if Southport Grocery is packed (which it always is) or if you don't feel like going to Sola. The menu is hit or miss with a few noticeable hits like the breakfast sandwich, and some unforgivable misses like the watery smoked salmon scramble. In theory I'm willing to give this place another shot, but with so many other great brunch places in the neighborhood my first visit to Deleece may also have been my last.
(3)Erika O.
Uau! I had such a great experience! The food was awesome, the owner was super cute and the atmosphe was great! I wanted to change the sauce of miy food and the owner took the chef to my table to ask me what kind of sauce i wanted... The price is very fair!!
(5)Leah C.
one usually remembers a dining experience because it was either amazing or just horrific. this was neither. our dinner was nothing memorable... i had the acorn squash stuffed with kale and gruyere cheese. the squash itself was flavorful but the kale was very bland. my husband had the blue marlin served churrasco style - an interesting spin on the usual steak dish. the fish itself was cooked well but could've used more flavor overall. the standout was the dessert - their apple cobbler is amazing. perhaps this is a sampling of the sweet treats served at brunch? i've heard far more raves about their brunch, so perhaps this is deleece's forte?
(3)Shelley A. D.
Still love this place. Ask for the red-head Bridgette she is a great server and has a knack for connecting with the customers.
(4)Megan G.
Breaking News! DO NOT drink the water at Deleece. You will become pregnant or impregnate someone almost immediately upon arrival. Seriously, there has to be something in the water because this place looked like a stork landing pad. The people working there, the people eating there and the people strolling down Southport reminded me of a Huggie's commercial. Service was a little slow on their outdoor patio but I think it's probably because all of the wait staff was fornicating in order to produce mass amounts of fetuses. No, really, it wasn't fast but it was tolerable on their nice sidewalk cafe. Coffee and water were filled at a reasonable pace. The bloody mary was decent but not great. Big hits at the table were the specials that included vegetable frittata and lamb hash. The homemade blueberry jam for $1 was outstanding. Misses were the plain eggs benedict which lacked any flavor or creativity at all and the cold potatoes that were probably good about an hour before they were served to us. I will definitely give this place another shot, although I will partake in at least 4 forms of birth control before entering the vicinity.
(3)Sarah M.
It's been like, 8 months since I went there and just remember to yelp about one of the best meals I have ever had. It was grilled pork tenderloin with potatoes and some sort of micro green salad. It was so delicious. We were seated fast and the place is really aesthetically pleasant. Small but the way they have it done up makes it look really spacious. Anyway, go there.
(4)Sharon N.
We arrived a full half hour before our dinner companions, who had taken a wrong turn, and stayed probably a half hour too long talking. Plus that we weren't drinking and had a Groupon coupon. In spite of thus being less profitable guests, our service was top-notch. The restaurant was almost full, but our waiter was Johnny-on-the spot with anything we needed. So I certainly appreciated the good service. We were there for dinner, and two of us ordered the beef shortribs. They were very lean and very tender. Lean and tender for shortribs can mean less flavor, but the accompanying horseradish sauce saved them from blandness. It was a perfect winter dinner. The others in our party had two of the fish dishes (salmon & whitefish) which were also excellent. The only problem I had was with the noise, but then that's the trend in today's restaurants, especially those that appeal more to the younger crowd (I'm not young.) No tablecloths, no rugs, no wall hangings=noise. Oh well.
(4)Jack B.
We came here on a Friday night with no reservation and right after the half-price Groupon came out, so I was pleasantly surprised when we didn't have to wait more than five or ten minutes for a table. The restaurant is very cute and cozy with soft lighting and an intimate feel to it...probably aided by the fact that you might call it "cramped" if you weren't feeling generous. I was, so I'll stick with "cozy." But, given the fact that this was right after the Groupon came out, I won't complain too much about slight cramping and the slightly slow service. Beyond that, everything was absolutely excellent. I got a rioja that was really nice and my friend tried a specialty cocktail. We ordered butternut squash gnocchi for an appetizer and it was amaaaaaaazing. Like I wish I were eating it right now. Oh man. For entrees, I had the whitefish (also excellent) and he had the lambchops (they were on special, I think -- also excellent). I thought the whitefish had a lot of interesting flavors...it was just spicy enough to be interesting but not so spicy it overpowered the flavors. We got cheesecake for dessert that did not disappoint (it was the more savory, less sweet kind of cheesecake). Basically, Deleece was outstanding. The only negatives were the slightly slow service and the slightly cramped accomodations. As far as prices go, it was a little weird -- I thought the prices were competitive for a fine dining establishment, which matched the food...but they seemed a little high for the atmosphere and accomodations of the restaurant. Basically, the price matched the food well but was a little high for the ambiance, if that makes sense. Didn't bother me, I'm in it for the food.
(4)bridget l.
Seriously the best brunch I have had in Chicago in a very long time. I got the filet MR and the bottomless mimosas. jack.pot. great atmosphere, awesome staff, no skimpy mimosas and amazing food. did not disappoint!
(5)Becca S.
Four words: Lobster Benedict, Bottomless Mimosa. If you need me to elaborate, you just don't understand brunch. I've been a few times. Before I went I heard tales of the Lobster Benedict, but I'm a big girl, I'll choose my own meal thankyouverymuch. Each time I regretted it. Everything I got was delicious, but nothing was as succulent and decadent as the Lobster Benedict. Luckily I was fortunate enough to be able to drown my sorrows in bottomless mimosas or I'm not sure I would have pulled through.
(4)Leigh K.
Wow. If the last couple reviews had been up when I booked Zachary and my 6 month anniversary dinner here, I might not have done so. I rely heavily on Yelp, but I'm glad I didn't let a couple mediocre reviews of Deeleece stop us from going here. The main draw for us was that it was somewhere we hadn't been, the menu online looked great, and they have a $20 three course prixe fixe on Monday and Tuesdays. Deeleece blew us away. I ordered the chicken and vegetable potstickers since the description sounded exotic. They ended up being fairly normal, but nevertheless, tasty. Zachary ordered the butter lettuce salad in addition to the prixe fixe (squash soup, strip steak, pumpkin cheesecake). I strayed from the prixe fixe because my heart was set on the duck breast, especially after I asked the server what I should choose between the duck and the chicken. She said, "Between anything and the duck, always order the duck. It's my favorite." Look at this description off their menu: Crispy Skin Duck Breast, roasted plum, herbed polenta, frisee and confit salad $22.00. How could I have even thought to order anything else? Unbelievable. Stabbing bits of everything onto each forkful, I ate this like it were my last meal on earth. Honestly, it would have been okay if we had died in that crazy rainstorm that attacked us on the way back home because it would have been worth it. Six amazing months of love, so many great meals, but ending with an exquisite one...yeah, it would have been okay, we would have been a Smiths song, but I'm really glad we're still alive to savor future meals here. UPDATE: We went back here with Z's parents and they took my duck dish away. I wrote a comment card begging them to bring it back. If you've had this dish and feel the same way, WRITE THEM! 4/3/07 UPDATE: We went back here for our one year anniversary and again, a near perfect meal. The only complaint I had was that the duck, arugula, and asparagus salad was a bit plain. Though I liked everything in the salad, it just didn't come together the way that the rest of their pair ups do. Last night I tried the Orecchiette with an added duck breast. This dish is mouthwatering. They haven't updated their website with the newest menu yet, but man, this entree is super savory. Itty bitty ear-shaped pasta in a creamy garlic sauce with artichokes, duck, and peas. It was only $5 extra to add a tender bursting with flavor duck breast, so of course I did that. New fave here, but I still pine for that more than perfect duck entree I had 6 months ago. 40/20/ UPDATE: Bourbon & ginger ale may be my favorite drink ever. They make their own ginger ale here with real ginger and it is top notch, really.
(5)Katie M.
We actually did not have that great of an experience here. We went for brunch and it was really crowded but we were seated right away -yay! After that, things went downhill. It took at least 15 minutes for our waitress to finally come to our table and one our orders were placed, at least 35 more minutes for our food, which was wrong for both of us. I just ate mine as it was because I didn't want to wait, and my boyfriend sent his back. His correct dish came out very quickly. The food was pretty good, not great. I might give this place a second chance if it is not crowded, but will definitely not go at a crowded time.
(2)Jeni W.
I can't count how many times I've been to Deleece. Dozens and dozens. The food there is outstanding. Anytime I have anyone come in town I always bring them there and they are always impressed. The service there is great and friendly, and everyone knows what they are talking about. You absolutely can't beat the pre-fix dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays for $20. Some of the items to choose from are current menu items, others are items they're trying out for future menus. It's always delicious! The last time I was there for dinner they had a fish special for the night which was so incredible I want to protest that it shows up on an upcoming menu. It was Opa served rear with a pineapple/coconut chutney. It was served over sticky rice and was surrounded by green curry sauce. Possibly one of the best entrees I've ever had. You can never go wrong with their stuffed lamb chops which are always available as a special. Their brunch is just as good with a great selection of items as well as different specials every weekend. It just never gets old. Plus, they make a mean bloody mary. Can't complain about that. If you've been to Deleece before... definitely go back... if you've never been, make it a priority.
(5)Jim S.
Deleece continues to be one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the city. They serve up a nice array of distinctively eclectic dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Their fare is geared at a more sophisticated palate, so don't expect the usual meat and potatoes or mac and cheese. I especially like their fish dishes, with salmon over black rice in a Thai curry sauce being my favorite. However, their meat entrees are also flavorful and unique in their preparation. Their butter lettuce salad with candied pecans and sherry vinaigrette also stands out. Prices are very reasonable. They have a small full bar and a well-selected wine list. Drawbacks: Deleece is a small restaurant with exposed brick walls and tin ceiling , so it can get a little noisy. Parking can sometimes be a little bit of a challenge (you're best to park on Irving Park Road, a few doors west of Deleece). Service, while not bad, can occasionally slip into the nonchalant category. This is definitely up there among my most recommended restaurants in Chicago.
(4)Carol S.
Had lunch today. Service good, cheeseburger over cooked, roll stale, fries too salty. I won't be going back.
(2)Leelah P.
Becaue I have only ever been to Deleece for brunch or lunch, and I've been coming here for years, I don't feel right giving it 5 stars. If I could review just on brunch alone, I'd give it 5. Everything on the brunch menu is extraordinary. Yesterday, I had 2 poached eggs over wild mushrooms and spinach in an acorn squash with sage cream sauce. It was INSANE. There is no other word to describe how fantastic this food was... just completely outside reality. The french toast is delicious, the oatmeal is out of this world, the side potatoes are scrumptious (and not tainted by peppers and onions), the veggie and cheese sandwiches are lovely. People I know rave about the chilaquiles, and I've had a delightful pomegranate mimosa in the sumer.
(4)Vivian Y.
I have been to Deleece twice in the last two years and both experiences were very good. I came with my other food whore, Michelle E. and took advantage of their $19.99 dinner special (3 course meal) both times. We were pleasantly surprised with how much food you get and the quality of the food for $19.99. Their salads were fresh and delicious and their braised short ribs were OUT OF THIS WORLD. I believe the dinner special occurs on Monday and Tuesday nights. Definitely recommend it and will come back again when I am in the neighborhood!
(4)Samantha T.
We walked in during dinnertime on a Sunday and were seated right away. We started with the crab risotto cakes as an appetizer - I thought they were just okay, but the boyfriend loved them and happily finished my portion as well as his. Lots of fresh-tasting chunks of crab. For entrees we had the pork tenderloin with sour cherry glaze and the balsamic pear salmon with black sticky rice. Both were excellent. I would suggest going with the chef's cooking instructions (medium-rare for both), even if that's not how you would normally order the dish. I always eat pork well done, but I took the chef's advice on this dish and was not disappointed! We opted to skip dessert because our dinners were so satisfying, but the dessert menu looked amazing. This is good, unpretentious, reasonably priced food in a great date atmosphere - highly recommended for couples or small groups of friends - leave the kids at home.
(4)Dan K.
If any of the reviews you've seen or read were not at LEAST a 4 than they haven't had the experiences we've had both times. So far once for dinner and yesterday for brunch. We had, I think, 10 or 12 people in our group for dinner and everyone either really liked or loved it. The service was really good and the food, even better. Then on the recommendation of friends who had been for brunch and loved it, we decided to give that a try. Once again a home run in my book. The $15 bottomless mimosas were no where near short on spirits and they were not shy with making sure your glass was always full. Again, the service was great and so was the food. So, again I'm really surprised to see anything below a 4 here. I don't usually take the time to do this, I guess I'm kinda critical usually. I even selfishly had 2nd thoughts about submitting this review for fear getting in would be impossible in the future. But they are moving up the street so hopefully the new place will be even more spacious. I highly recommend Deleece!
(5)Christine M.
I love Deleece. Just love it. Don't come to Deleece if you want a speedy dinner, or have places to go. This is the place to come with friends to enjoy a nice, leisurely dinner. We usually make sure to head in on a Monday or Tuesday when they are having the prix fix dinner - appetizer, dinner, and dessert for $20. When we happen to go on another night of dinner, we're sure to bring our restaurant.com certificate. I am the biggest fan of the salmon on their menu - it comes with black rice and spinach. It's just so good.
(5)Chris J.
The carmelized salmon is awesome!
(4)Moe f.
Strolled in for Sunday brunch and didn't have to wait. We started with the beignet's which were a tad heavy. The wife had some special fritatta that she loved. I had the ingenious breakfast pasta. What's not to love about eggs, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, garlic over pasta? Kid friendly a plus.
(4)Megan K.
We were underwhelmed by our brunch here. While we were excited to see that there was no wait on a Saturday morning, the interiors felt dark and dreary, and our spirits were dampened by a poorly made yet much-craved Bloody Mary. Between us we had a frittata and an egg sandwich, which we agreed were decent enough, but not worth coming back for.
(2)Stephanie L.
This place was GOOD! I went here with my boyfriend at like 915. There was not a big crowd, the service was good and the food was great. I would highly recommend checking it out. Its upscale food but not upscale prices
(4)Allie B.
Went for brunch and it was wonderful! I had the frittata of the day, a very inventive combination of spinach, goat cheese and andouille sausage. Justin had one of the regular frittatas, packed with cheddar, red onion (which they very kindly sauteed on his request) and bacon. We also shared the seasonal fruit plate. A generous collection of papaya, strawberries, orange segments and pineappe. My only complaint was that service was slow (eggs don't take 30 minutes to cook) and the coffee tasted slightly burnt, but all in all, it was a great experience and I anticipate going back to check out their regular menu ... or maybe brunch again. :)
(4)Kristin C.
This past weekend was full of brunchin' and I was so excited to try Deleece since I have been wanting to check it out for um, years. Mike and I went here for brunch on Sunday (this goes until 2:30). We had just gone on a run on one of the hottest mornings of the year (um, smart) so I was starving. First thing to catch my eye? $15 bottomless mimosa. Yes sir, sign me up. The brunch menu is really broad and I give them props for the non-egg-traditional-brunch options because I tend to go sandwich, salad etc., especially after 11 a.m. Mike ordered the chicken, pesto and mozzarella sammy with fruit and I could not resist the BLT (with guacamole). That BLT was VERY good. The guac added extra moisture the sandwich needed and the bread was SO FANTASTIC. I am not sure what kind it was but the sandwich was smoky, delicious. Mike really liked his too. The atmosphere is very cute (and of course could be improved sans screaming baby). I want to come back for dinner and definitely will be back for brunch (Hey, I have to beat my bottomless mimosa personal best!)
(4)Nick M.
Oh glorious food!! Deleece turned me into a child, fed me into sleep, gave me my bottle (rum & coke), and almost burped me afterwards. How sad are some of these reviews :( My first experience was nothing short of pure joy, a kind of peace or calmness came over me. It was probably the closet I've ever gotten to a food orgasm, I'm serious!! The veggie spring rolls (in butter lettuce with salsa verde and nuoc cham) were refreshing and the perfect start to one of the best entrees I've experienced in a long time. Cooked perfectly to the point that each bite was heaven, my only regret was that I couldn't finish it (I tried and tried) but I think most people couldn't, it's very rich. I would have taken it home but this is not a dish to reheat. My dinner was the marvelous Poblano pepper, char grilled and stuffed with Spanish rice on a bed of black beans and black salsa topped with poblano sour cream, plus some crispy pimentone tortilla strips sprinkled on top. I know sounds so simple but it is packed full of powerful flavors that if you let them can overwhelm you. I never in my life would have expected this dish to wow me. I will remember it always, I'm sorry here I go again getting all emotional about it. I just need a minute... I did break away from my dish to try the special of the day scallops which were very fresh and cooked very well. The service was excellent, great recommendations on the specials and the wine. The patio outside was perfect for a cool sunny day. For the 3 star reviews I recommend giving it another go. Not that I mind, since the food enthralled me and the service was attentive but the bill for two people was up there. I would check out restaurant.com for coupons.
(5)Kristin G.
Went to Deleece on a Tuesday night to try our their prix fixe menu. What a great surprise! I had the cheese with chirizo for the appetizer (can't remember the exact name right now), the trout with carmelized peaches for the entree and the strawberry cake-like dessert. Every course was delicious and such a value for $20! I will say their drinks left something to be desired - $8 for a watermelon martini that was so strong you could taste nothing but vodka and then I tried the cucumber mojito which wsa too minty and not sweet enough. With a better bar staff this restaurant would be a five star!
(4)Chris D.
The food was delicious and service was friendly. We didn't wait to long at all for or dinner and it was perfectly cooked.
(4)Kim B.
Ellie B. already beat me to this review, but I figured I would give my two cents as well! We decided to check out Deleece after hearing about the prix fixe menu on Monday/Tuesday nights. We grabbed a table outside because the weather was still warm - I have to say I was surprised how empty the place was for prime dinner time (7pm). You really cannot beat the prix fixe deal. You select your choice of an appetizer, large-portioned entree, and desert. I went with the bacon-wrapped dates, which did not disappoint. However, I did go with a pork dish for my main course and it was not nearly as good as Ellie B.'s chicken. I finished my meal off with a chocolate hazelnut torte which was OK - but not as good as my roomie's strawberry treat. I certainly will go back because the service was good, the food was flavorful, and you really cannot beat the prix fixe deal. UPDATE (3/23): I went to Deleece for Easter Sunday brunch and I have nothing but great things to say about brunch. Not only did they take a reservation for our group of 4 (which is somewhat rare at these smaller brunch spots), but the food was excellent. Definitely 5 stars for Brunch and 4 stars for Dinner.
(4)Chatzy F.
Very disappointed. I usually have the NY Steak with mash potatoes, and and amazing wine sauce. Today I don't know what happend but I feel like I wasted my money. The steak was over seasoned with to much Salt and the potatoes were also very salty. I have never experience this before at Deleece.
(2)Allison B.
I am incredible disappointed with the service at Deleece. I was there with a party of ten women for a birthday. I asked our waitress if she does anything special for birthdays and she said not really. They will usually put a candle in a beignet, but because we had already gotten them and were done with our meal she wouldn't do that. I asked again and she again told me no. Not a good idea to piss off a large group of women with a lot of connections! We didn't care about getting free food, but it would have been nice if something was done. It could have been a plate with happy birthday written in chocolate syrup, who cares, just something nice. We went in for brunch, spent quite a bit of money, and will never be going back.
(2)Nikki R.
The hubs and i went here for brunch on our anniversary, and it was perfect! The anny is in march so the outside seating wasn't open yet(or it was just too cold to sit out there, I can't remember), but the inside is totally cool and laid back. we were there being all mushy gushy, but we also saw a group of people drinking there brunch, and a couple families with Small kids. And everyone was comfortable and looked like they were having a good time. I got the "not your average BLT" and OMG it was so good! I'm drooling thinking about it. it could very well be named "Nikki, you want to eat me" because it has 3 of my favorite things...bacon, guac, and blue cheese..jigga what?!? my head exploded when i saw that. it came with a sweet potato salad...POW! more head explosions. The hubs got the lobster benedict...with truffle hollandaise...BAM! more head explosions! I'm never wanted to lick a plate more when i saw there was left over yolk and hollandaise still on it. So, yummy and not too bad price wise... i will go back for sure!
(5)Eric P.
I have been at Deleece (which, to this day, I still do not know how to properly pronounce) three or four times after living just around the corner for roughly two and a half years. Every time I have visited for dinner, it has been very good. I have also been over for brunch, and while I was not as impressed as I was with the dinner menu, I still thought the food was very good. The servers seem particularly trendy, very similar to Uncommon Ground. Actually, I think servers probably start at Deleece, and after they achieve a certain level of trendiness, they graduate and move on to a high level at Uncommon Ground. Anyway, I had the salmon when I was at Deleece last. It was very good. There was a sweet (I think maple) sauce that went very well with the salmon, and a black rice that was good. Kinda weird, but good. What can I say, I'm don't like to stray too far out of the box when it comes it my rice. It's just a thing.
(4)Mitchell P.
We just recently came here for a double date. The food was phoenominal! i had the beef tenderloin special. They cooked it just how i like it. We had drinks to go with the meal, and got in and out for under a hundred bucks a couple, so that made for a OK dinner. This place works good if you are heading to the new comedy club thats around the corner on Irving Park.
(4)steve c.
Came here for Sunday breakfast and was surprised. It wasn't crowded and was able to sit outdoors right away. Had lobster benedict with arugula and truffle hollandaise which was outstanding. One of my top breakfasts. The pomegranate mimosa and the coffee was nothing special unfortunately. I will be back.
(5)Justin R.
I did like the food here, but there was not a large selection at all. not sure if there's much else I'd order on the menu. So I doubt I'll go back. I really didn't like the goat cheese and chocolate dessert.
(3)A W.
This place was fairly promising. I liked the decor as well as the outdoor seating. And, while their apps were good, I wouldn't recommend it for a very good tasting dinner.
(2)Anne P.
Even with my WBEZ 2 for 1 card this was still only 2 stars. Nothing exciting on menu, settled on shrimp pesto pasta for me, salmon for boyfriend. Pasta was nothing special, shrimp a bit salty, pesto a bit bland. Salmon itself was prepared nicely but the sticky black rice it was served with was just odd. Bread was ok, odd honey mustard butter (?) nothing to get excited over. Will not be back.
(2)Jennifer K.
Deleece was a pleasant surprise on a Tuesday evening. Their prix-fixe menu valued at $20 was a definite plus. And parking was really easy to find since there was no baseball game going on. My friend and I were seated right away and we rifled through the menu. We both had glasses of riesling to go with the meal. She ordered: salad, chicken with blueberry glaze, and parsnip cake (!). I had: corn guajillo soup, pork tenderloin with pineapple glaze, and double fudge pudding with pistachios. The meal set us back about $35 (including, tax, tip, and wine). The service was great and the dinner was really delicious.
(4)Kelly K.
Overall, much effort was put into the food which was very good, the portions were good sized, it was a little pricey, and the service was excellent. The tables were packed in a little too close, and I had to yell to talk to my tablemate, which made the person at the next table over have to yell too. The whole night was very loud. I went here for dinner looking for some nice, heavy, flavorful fall food. And that's what I got. I ordered the stuffed acorn squash. I had never had acorn squash with onions and cheese, etc. in it so it's not fair for me to review it. But it had allot of flavor and I could tell they put allot of effort into it. My tablemate had the grilled pork chop, and she really liked it also.
(4)Matej M.
We went for our anniversary dinner here last Saturday night. It was a lovely time and the food was surprisingly good. It was not a large restaurant, the staff was responsive and the atmosphere wasn't too loud. I really liked the tables for two, which were as wide as those tables usually are, but longer, which makes for more room on the table, even if it distances your dining partner slowly. We arrrived at opening, around 5.40pm, and the restaurant was empty. By 6.30pm it was mostly full, so you might want to make reservations if you plan on arriving later on Saturday. We started off with the gnocchi in a balsamic reduction with truffles, pistachios and Parmesan cheese, and they were delicious in so many ways. The gnocchi were fluffy, and warm and just a little crispy, and paired wonderfully with the reduction. My girlfriend had a Deleece Manhattan, which had some great port and whiskey flavors in it. For our main course, she had the veal with shiitake mushrooms, which I thought was a fantastic combination, and the veal was perfectly done, complimented well with some bitter greens. I had the New York strip, which was an extremely subtle dish that accented the meat very well with some truffle mashed potatoes and spinach, in a sweet demi-glace reduction. The desert was really the cherry on top, the decadent chocolate with a deliciously mouse-like chocolate pudding, two beautiful truffles with just the hint of orange and an almost overpoweringly chocolate cake, most reminiscent of the Sacher Torte so popular in Vienna. The entire experience was accented by a perfectly executed raspberry reduction that must have taken great patience on the part of the chef. Our waitress and the staff were very attentive and pleasant, as well as helpful. Overall, the experience was original and delightful, and made the dining very enjoyable. It is a little pricey for a graduate student such as myself, but it was an exceptional dinner.
(5)Mike N.
Used to order pizza from here a few years ago when I was fat. Now I'm fit, and after the Soldier Field 10 miler, my mother-in-law and I went out for brunch. She had an awesome benedict and I had a lamb omelet and a single pancake on the side plain. Delicious, fresh, and great service. Great coffee too! Nice if you want a quaint setting and a deleecious meal!!
(5)Mike G.
I live around the corner and eat here every few months. The food is consistently good, the only dishes that have ever disappointed are some of the desserts. The service always slow, even when it's not busy. The servers are helpful/competent/nice, there just aren't enough of them to take care of the entire room. For me, the good food, reasonable prices and convenience trump the slow service. We just don't go here when we're in a rush.
(4)Margaret C.
My original review is below, but let me first say that I contacted the manager about my experience and she was super apologetic and sent a $40 gift certificate, which I think is a pretty stand up thing to do. I'll go back - for lunch - and give Deleece another try, but it would be disingenouous to take the review down altogether, so here's what happened... I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The first indicator was two truly awful cocktails: a French 75 (on the menu) and an Old Fashioned. These are our respective favorites, so it wasn't like we didn't know how they should taste. Before we could even attempt to finish the cocktails (it was hard), the waitress brought the two appetizers we ordered: salmon poke and crab cakes. Both bland at best. During our first course, we were informed that they would be turning the lights off in honor of Earth Hour. Ok, fine, but give us some candles or something because the $29 rack of lamb I ordered was so fatty I could hardly eat it. Unable to see to cut the fat, and unable to taste anything but the blanket of spices atop the meat, I gave up. My boyfriend ordered the short ribs - same problem. I guess we were still hungry because we ordered dessert despite everything thus-far being disappointing. The "Chocolate Trio" was edible - as long as you stuck to the Chocolate Duo --- the flourless chocolate cake was so cold - icy in fact - that you had to cut it with a knife. Terrible experience. Oh, and terrible service. She was apathetic at her best. Our appetizer and bread plates were still on the table when the backwaiter brought our entrees. Poor guy tried to get our waitress' attention to get some help, but she ignored him. Maybe it was those two tables of 6 that they sat on either side of us who spent the evening trying to out-shout and out-shriek one another.
(1)Nicole C.
Blah. Yuck. I was here years ago and had a pretty good experience. I went back last week with a friend for the $20 three-course fixed menu and felt like I wasted $20. :( The seafood "chowder" had the consistency of water, not chowder. I had the sage chicken entree, which was just blah. The bacon stuffing that came along with it was like cardboard and the rapini was tough. They wouldn't allow me to substitute spinach for rapini. I wouldn't be surprised if the plates are pre-made and nuked. My friend had the pork tenderloin, which came smothered in a cream sauce and was pink and undercooked. Looking around the restaurant, we weren't the only ones unhappy with the quality of the food. This place is definitely on its way out.
(1)Ellie B.
Kim B., her roommate and I ventured to Deleece to sample their prix fixe menu. We'd all heard good things, and speaking for myself, I wasn't disappointed. We took seats outside in an attempt to savor the last few days of weather conducive to dining al fresco. Our server, I believe her name was Michi, was very pleasant and prompt. My water was constantly filled, and really, I wanted for nothing. The tomato salad was to die for! To be honest, I could have had a plate of just the tomatoes, sans greens, and been happy. The chicken was cooked to perfection - it virtually melted in my mouth. My one gripe was the fact that I only got one piece of white meat. I really don't enjoy the dark meat, and I won't touch the leg, but I guess I should have specified that, huh? My cheese and chocolate dessert was overwhelming! I personally didn't care for the candied dates, but all told, it was a good dining experience and I intend to return!
(4)Kristina B.
This review is based on my Tuesday night prix fixe dinner. My real rating is probably about 2 and a 1/2 stars, but as we all know (and constantly feel the need to express in our yelp reviews), half stars are not an option. First off, the good news re: service -- the atmosphere was nice, the waiter was courteous and attentive. I have nothing negative to say about the service, actually. Onto the mediocre news, and then the bad news re: the food -- Ahem... The ham crepe appetizer was pretty decent (I wouldn't say mind-blowing, though). My friend had the salad. A salad's a salad, so no need to get into that. The entrees were hit or miss -- mine hit, his missed. The apricot-glazed pork chop was very tasty, and the mashed sweet potatoes were very interesting (with the addition of pineapple and red onion) yet still very yummy. My friend's tilapia...well... Let's put it this way. I never eat fish and even I could tell that it was severely bland and had a fishy aftertaste.. Yuck. And now...onto the shining star of the meal (and by shining star, I mean the WORST PART) -- dessert. The profiteroles tasted STALE! They weren't light and fluffy and fresh-tasting like classic profiteroles should be. Please, please, PLEASE -- do not order these when you come here. They're NOT worth the digestion. I probably wouldn't come back here willingly. If someone was paying for me, maybe. I'd have that pork chop again and just skip the dessert. I wish I had something witty to conclude with but the memory of the profiteroles just makes me sad.
(2)Sarah K.
I went to Deleece years ago for dinner and enjoyed it very much. A group of six of us decided to try it for brunch. It was nice that they take reservations, but we did not need them as it was not busy at all. I basically wanted to write a review because there are so many great brunch places in Chicago and this was just okay at best. None of the six of us were impressed with the food. It was bad, but it wasn't that good either. I wouldn't go back for brunch.
(2)Mallory G.
Came in here for brunch on Saturday just after 10 a.m. and nearly had the place to ourselves. After a lengthy judging process the night before, we chose Deleece based on the fact that it is a 5 minute walk from the boyf's apartment... and that we had an A la Card good for $10 off. Though the space felt a little cold and empty, it was a nice break from the hectic brunches Chicago has gotten us accustomed to. He had the lamb fritatta and I had the bowl of baked eggs swimming in bubbling brie, sun dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. I got a generous bite of deliciously spiced lamb and the lightly-dressed arugula on top of the fritatta was a nice touch. My baked eggs were the epitome of comfort food and was unlike anything I'd ever had for breakfast before - though I'm no stranger to baked brie. We also noted the patio allows dogs in the summertime, so next time we'll be a party of three!
(4)Cece C.
We just had brunch there and it was great. The menu has such interesting selections that I have to go back again. The bloody mary's were a little sub par but still got the job done. I think they were made with Clamato... My brother had the filet and eggs. Don't get it. The filet was overcooked and tasted like carbon. You can tell that the grill hasn't been cleaned in a while. I had the breakfast pasta. Wonderful! Maybe too much goat cheese and I should have had the eggs over easy but it was great. The beignets were awesome! And the wait staff was very nice. I can't wait to try something new next weekend!
(4)Elizabeth C.
I have been to Deleece several times, with mixed results. In my opinion, brunch is the real standout. Their Bloody Marys are amazing. Their brunch selections are unusual but always delicious - a nice break from your ordinary omelette. I've had poached eggs on a roasted acorn squash with sage cream sauce (a flavorful delight), and the Chilaquiles, something I didn't know existed until I moved to Chicago, but highly recommend if you enjoy a Latin flair in the morning. The one dinner I had there wasn't very memorable, apparently - but that could've been thanks to the 2-3 glasses of wine I had (I seem to remember the bartender being really friendly and guiding me in the right direction, wine-wise). For "dessert" I had an espresso martini, which to this day is the only martini I've ever enjoyed. That alone is worth a trip. Always great service and a lovely ambience, and shockingly affordable for brunch. I dig it.
(4)Amy W.
We celebrated my friends birthday here and were pretty disappointed. The wait staff was really helpful and the restaurant was nice but the food was mediocre. Nothing seemed to taste that good and we had all ordered different dishes. The crab risotto cakes lacked taste. The butter lettuce salad was not bad, but nothing spectacular. Overall none of the dishes stood out, I would not go back here.
(2)Brianna M.
Awesome brunch! We started with the beignets which were to die for. I had the eggs benedict and my husband had the polenta with eggs. The hollendaise was superb- light and lemony! Perfectly poached eggs and awesome canadian bacon. The polenta was the best I've ever had. What I liked most, though, is that they allow dogs on their patio-- really nice for us since we live a block away and like to take our dog with us. Yay Deleece!
(4)E G.
I heard good things about this place so I gave it a try. First of all, it was clear that there were problems in the kitchen that night, so I can't entirely blame the servers. But...it was atrocious! I watched after several tables were served the wrong meals on multiple occasions. We waited over an hour for 3 entrees (no appetizers). When my meal finally came, I wish it hadn't. I ordered the chicken and got two pieces of the fattiest poultry I've even seen. It was beyond revolting. Of the other meals at the table, the only one that was edible was the salmon. I know people who have gone and had great meals, I just can't understand how it happened!
(1)Jean R.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time for his birthday and we both agree that this is one of the BEST dinners we've ever had!! Our steaks were delightfully seasoned and cooked to perfection. Their asiago Mac n cheese is to die for! It's absolutely amazing. The ambiance is cozy and it is reasonably priced for how good their food is! Deleece will definitely be having us as returning customers!
(5)Ryan C.
Good things: 1. Short, creative menu (I typically don't like restaurants that have 70 things on the menu...i think the place should be able to tell me what's good, not keep me guessing with a 50 page menu with 30 different salads....anyway, back to Deleece.)...very unique modern American options. I had the orecchiette pasta special with Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella (very good). I'm told the salmon and rainbow trout dishes are equally as awesome. Had some teezers as well, but those were just ok. 2. Great service (which is hard to find lately after a recent trip to Mystic Celt....see review below). Very friendly and speedy, and let us hang for awhile outside after we were finished. Potentially annoying things: 1. We had a great seat outside without waiting at all (then again this was at 5:30pm on a Sunday). Next time would maybe sit inside since the restaurant is right on the corner of Southport and Irving (right on two bus lines, and apparently where hard core motorcycle dudes and 17 year olds in Camaros like to "open it up") Just a little loud, that's all. But not that bad at all. Overall, a great experience and definitely above average food. Something for everyone. I also hear the brunch is unbelievable.
(3)Heather C.
I bought a Groupon (yay Groupon!) for Deleece and since I am a procrastinator, I finally went yesterday because it was expiring this week. :) Went for brunch, arrived around 1, no issues with seating. They have a $15 bottomless mimosa, which was very tasty! My boyfriend had a bloody mary and it wasn't so great, really strong cocktail sauce flavor. We both had frittattas, and we had been waiting a little too long for the amount of people in the restaurant. Before it got to the point of being concerned or needing to grab our server, he came by with free drinks and apologized, saying they put our frittattas in the oven and forget them, then came right back with a free fruit plate and beignets. I was very appreciative that they were so thoughful and generous without us even saying anything or complaining. The food was great,and the customer service was great. Saw a few other things on the menu that I want to try, so I will be back for sure!!!
(4)Heather H.
A group of us ate at Deleece twice within the last 2 months and I have been disappointed both times. The first time I had the beef tenderloin special and it was overcooked and overly spiced. We decided to give it another try this past Saturday since it was the only place on Southport not overwhelmed with St. Patty's day revelers. My sister and I both had the pork chop and it was so tough and dry I almost couldn't cut it with a steak knife. Maybe other choices would have been better but none of my dining companions were impressed. However, the waitress was nice enough to let us re-cork our wine to bring home. The service was good - food not so much.
(2)Kino A.
Went there for the 3 item prefix menu on Tuesdays. Did not enjoy any of the items.
(1)Edward H.
I tried out Deleece's prix fixe menu recently and was pleasantly surprised at the tremendous value - $20 three-course meal. The restaurant itself was very comfortable and the decor seemed contemporary cool. Noise levels were just fine and you can easily carry on a conversation without having to strain your voice or hearing. The staff was friendly and extremely attentive. My dinner started with some nice breads served with what seemed to be a honey mustard butter spread. My appetizer was a very refreshing beet salad that was perfect for the coming main course - a blackened redfish. The redfish was cooked to perfection (moist and tender) served over a bed of fluffy seasoned rice, haricot, and a spicy sauce with andouille sausage. The dinner was capped off with a sweet potato pudding that turned out to be more like a mousse cake - absolutely delicious. All in all, this place is great, the portions were generous, and I really enjoyed it. It's definitely a date-worthy establishment. I can't wait to go back.
(4)John O.
Went for their prixe fixe menu last night with the wife and was very impressed. We sat at a patio table and it was a lovely evening to be outside. At one point, we saw none other than Governor Rod jog by! Wy wife had stuffed peppers on top of black beans with a sort of red pepper aioli while I opted for the tilapia. Both were up to par with the level we have come to expect from Delecce. The one miss of the evening was a smoked red pepper stuffed with blue cheese, chevre, and sour cream...just tooo much rich filling for the pepper to compete with! Dessert made up for it though: The parsnip cake was excellent...sort of a carrot cake with a twist while my wife opted for the chocolate pudding. All in all this is a great place to go, especially on the prix fixe night.
(3)Shawne H.
Deleece is such a wonderful Brunch spot. The waitstaff is ridiculously friendly and will do anything to make your visit worth every penny. The atmosphere was slightly dressy but varied tremendously. You could walk in with sweatpants and a tank top and be comfortable. Also, It was truly pleasing to see couples on dates and families with little babies all being able to coexist in the same atmosphere. It is kind of cramped but the food is so wonderful that you hardly even notice. Vegetarian options also available. A ++ !!!
(5)Lesley G.
I went to this place for brunch because everyone kept telling us it was SO great. Even though there were only like two other tables in there, the service was not very good and the coffee wasn't refilled nearly as much as I'd like. The real horror was the food. I ordered a smoked salmon, egg thing. The salmon was not smoked, it was cooked. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to eat cooked salmon on a Sunday morning. It really grossed me out.
(2)Lucy G.
I like Deleece, good food if you want something "complicated". They lost stars cause I left my favorite pashmina on the back of my chair and when I called the next morning they said it wasn't there. It was totally dead in there, so I know it didn't get lost in the shuffle. But the food.. good I probably would only go on their Prefix menu nights (Mon, Tues)
(3)Sarah C.
For the record, they did earn the extra half star, making it 2.5 stars. But I digress. We did Deleece Friday night. It was sort of late-- 10:15ish-- when we walked in, so I immediately set the bar low. Deleece made sure they hit it, but certainly didn't clear it. The service was prompt and courteous, but that's easy when there's only 3 tables still filled and there's one waitperson. The appetizers were just alright (they're so unremarkable that I couldn't tell you what they were..), the caesar salad's only saving grace was the polenta 'croutons'-- the dressing itself was foul and it was "California" iceberg lettuce. I don't care where it came from, it's still not great lettuce, organic or not. We shared the duck as an entree...SMOKY. Like sticking your face in a campfire. The turnips tasted charred, the greens tasted like liquid smoke had been poured over them. I really only ate the duck, which was fine, but hardly amazing. When my half-serving was cleared, really only the meat had been touched. We also did the chocolate flight dessert. The flourless cake was AMAZING, the truffle was decent, but the mousse? Awful. Gritty and heavy, it was damn near unpalatable. I make mousse from time to time so maybe I'm particularly fussy, but honestly, it had the consistency of frosting. It's an obvious issue when the chocolate flight isn't licked clean. I would like to try their prix fixe-- maybe the lowered expectations of $20/person will assist me in giving Deleece more love. They're close to the boyfriend's and would definitely be convenient to have around. :)
(2)David W.
A COMPLETE RIP OFF. we went for a nice little lunch incorporating a range of mimosa's, magaritas, and bloody mary's. Upon ordering our first margarita, which came in a very short glass, with too much ice, we requested "Doubles". Upon getting the bill, those "doubles" were $15.00. Your first question may be "Were you requesting patron, or another top shelf tequila"? NO. NO.NO. We had 4 "double" margarita's and the bartender decided to bill us double. We tested the glasses (because the waitress had yet to clear our 1st round) and were not able to even pour two small version's into the big. The waitress was a space cadett, and made no efforts to help us.
(1)Minh T.
I visited Deleece with a friend, and it was a great place to have a good conversation. The food was inventive and really comforting. I had the pork tenderloin with savory apple cobbler, which I enjoyed. To be honest, at first I thought the portions were a bit small, but after I finished my meal, I felt very satisfied. I'll definitely be back, especially since it's only 4 blocks from my apartment!
(4)Jill W.
This is the go-to date spot for my husband and me. The food is consistently good (sometimes really great). A really nice reliable neighborhood place that works for both romantic or family dinners. Its Sunday brunch is what most ppl rave about, but I enjoy the prix fixe dinners on certain weekdays. My husband is a meat-lover and I'm a vegetarian...this is the rare place that prepares salads, vegetarian soups, and meat-based entrees all very well.
(4)Janis W.
Some where mid-meal the service ceased to exist. I don't know what happened. Then when service resumed, albeit spotty, it became somewhat strained. I hate walking out of a restaurant and having to wonder what just happened.
(3)Crystal M.
I wanted to like this place. A good friend took me there, and he was just raving about it...so much so that I'm hesitant to write this review (well an honest one at least)! The physical restaurant is cute. The service is very friendly but VERY slow; inexplicably slow on a pretty dead Sunday night. It was definitely out of whack with the pricing and not thought out. Not only were there LONG stretches of time between her visits to our table, but there were other small annoyances like coffee (ordered at the same time as desert) being brought to the table 1/2 way through desert, etc. Now the food: I did like my wine and was generally pleased with the selection. The Cesar salad was DRENCHED in dressing and the lettuce was a little bit Denny's (too much ice burg in the mix). It was a real shame because the dressing tasted good and they did have these intriguing fried cheese/grits cubes as substitutes for croutons which were very tasty. For an entree, I had the scallops. The presentation was very sub-par. It was a small little bowl with 4 medium sized to small scallops, some tasteless greens and, I kid you not...potato chips. Well, they are "fried yukon potatoes", but in the interest of transparency, we will classify them as glorified potato chips. The scallops themselves were good, but the overall plate was a disappointment. Now for a few high points: My friend had the truffled mashed potatoes and, my god they were delicious!! I almost wanted to order a side of them to replace my glorified potato chips and I kept eating them off of his plate. So if you do find yourself at Deleece, YOU MUST ORDER THESE. PERIOD. For desert I had the chocolate chip and banana bread pudding. It was also quite delicious, and was one of the highlights of the dinner. Overall, food and service here leave you confused, especially when you're staring down that hefty bill at the end. I did have a good time here, but that was likely because of the company of my lovely friend.
(3)Cathy M.
We had a delicious brunch at Deleece last Sunday for our sons birthday. We got there around 12:30 and the place was full but they seated us after a short wait. Our son had the lobster benedict and the lobster was very generous, really great. I had the spinach and artichoke benedict and loved it. My husband had the steak and eggs and it was excellent. Overall a great experience, we don't live nearby but will definitely go back again.
(4)Bill S.
I've lived within a couple blocks of Deleece for almost two years and had yet to try it out (I think the sign off of IP might have been keeping me away). I finally stopped in a couple weeks ago for brunch and was greeted with a typical 30-minute wait. The food was good, not the best brunch I've had, but worth the short walk on a nice day. I had the smoked bacon fritatas and would order it again. ***I had to deduct a star because someone from our group received chipped water glass and cut her lip on it while drinking.***
(3)Thomas D.
Great service. Just needs a broader menu please.
(3)Lindsey K.
I passed this restaurant about 100 times driving west on Irving Park, but never stepped inside for dinner. The restaurant looks very sleek and has a downtempo feel from the outside. This feel also carries over into the restaurant. It is tastefully classy, but conveys a more relaxed vibe versus stuffy - "Do you have change for a $100 bill?" For an appetizer I tried the Polenta. This dish was delicious! It is a fine example how creative one can be with polenta - polenta squares layered with sun-dried tomatoes, cooked spinach, pesto sauce, modestly saturated with olive oil. For an entree I had the arugula salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing. The dressing was light, tasteful, yet not over done. I would love to go back and try a fish or pasta entree, perhaps maybe a dessert as well.
(3)John B.
Deleece has been going through a lot of changes recently. Gone is the old sign and the old mural, to be replaced by some new, more contemporary artwork. Most important, they've hired a new chef, who has made a series of changes to the menu. It like the place went through the Food Network's "Restaurant Makeover." I think the changes are for the better. The old menu had gotten stale, and the new chef is bringing in new dishes all the time. Unfortunately, the place is still going through growing pains, and the staff aren't all as knowledgeable as you could wish. Also, when the chef is not on duty, the back of the house staff aren't always on their A game. I expect this will all even out in time. On a positive note, the food is terrific. I was there recently with a friend after the theater. We sat at the bar and had a few drinks and some appetizers (chicken potstickers and polenta with wild mushrooms, yum), which was plenty for both of us.
(4)Gunner F.
I live in the neighborhood but never stopped in until recently. I'm glad we did because we loved the brunch. To be fair, we only had one menu item as both of us ordered the breakfast pasta on a friend's recommendation. We got it with shredded chicken and it was probably the tastiest brunch I've had in a long time. Forget the bacon and eggs routine, this is da BOMB!!!! Oh, and the service was just fine...these people complaining have no idea what bad service really is.
(4)Piotr S.
The food would have been OK, just OK though, if it wasn't for the overpriced special (rack of lamb for $29!) which arrived bloody RAW. When we showed it to the waitress she was not surprised at all, did not apologize and nonchalantly said she could throw it back on a grill for a little longer. I had lost my appetite by then and said I wasn't hungry any more (we did have 2 appetizers to start: salmon and polenta which were also only ok). To top this off she charged us for the lamb!!! When I pointed it out to her she said she had to talk to the manager! It took her almost 15 minutes to get back to us, she was clearly avoiding our table even though we had been nice all evening, all I did was NICELY tell her that the meat was raw. After a long while she eventually got back to us with the lamb taken off the check. Overall, it was a bad experience, I'm not sure if that's the waitress' fault or the restaurant's policy not to apologize when the food is done wrong and then charge for it! I have not experienced it before even at way cheaper places that always tried to make up for their mistakes and make sure we left satisfied whenever something went wrong. AND WE ALWAYS COME BACK TO THOSE PLACES. We will NEVER come back to Deelece again.
(2)Jason G.
Took my mom here for brunch on a saturday around 11:30 and had a great experience. She had the chilaquiles and claimed it was one of the best breakfasts she has ever eaten. The pico de gallo was fresh and fantastic. I had the breakfast burrito which was also outstanding. the portions were huge and we could have gotten by with splitting one. We also shared the cinnamon orange french toast. The first serving was cold so we sent it back, expecting it to be heated up, but they brought us a fresh portion and it was amazing. Not too sweet, but a great balance of flavor. My mom even said the coffee was great. I would recommend it to anyone for brunch on Saturday, it was not busy and there were no urbanites with strollers or kids milling about so it was peaceful and relaxing,
(4)Jeremy T.
Ate there with my GF and her parents this weekend and we were all very pleased. I particularly recommend the petite filet and eggs (with hollondais sauce). I wasn't as big a fan of the french toast though. It was well made, but the orange "tang" was a bit overpowering for my taste. Overall though, I recommend checking it out!
(4)Rita W.
I was a little wary of Deleece since my friend's friend had gone there for brunch and dinner once and she had not had a good dinner experience. However, I figured that if they had a three course menu for only $20, I would hopefully at least find a course in there that I liked. Besides, considering that most entrees at restaurants are at least $20, this sounded like a great deal! And I was not dissapointed! Everything on the menu looked delicious and I finally settled on the sweet potato soup to start, chicken for my entree, and the parsnip cake with sweet cream cheese frosting to finish out my meal. My friend also started with the sweet potato soup, and chose the porkchops and double chocolate pudding. I expected the portions to be fairly small since it was a pre-fix menu but Deleece does not skimp on the portions at all! I was shocked when my entree came out, I was expecting a small chicken breast with a smattering of goat cheese on top but instead I got half a rostiserri roasted chicken atop a bed of goat cheese and fresh blueberry salad. The chicken was tender and delicious! My friend's porkchop was grilled to perfection! Cooked medium rare, it was juicy and flavorful. The parsnip cake, which resembled a drier version of the carrot cake was a bit bland for me but I fell in love with my friend's double chocolate pudding! It was definitely nothing like the old school pudding cups. Topped with fresh whipped cream and furnished with a long shortbread cookie. The pudding is very thick and almost has the consistency of fudge, it was rich and decadent and even though I was super full, I almost licked the parfait cup clean! My friend and I left Deleece very full and satisfied. I am excited to go back to Deleece for my next dining experience!
(4)Jillian R.
It's rare to find a great brunch-time destination without a crazy wait! I've been here twice and both times my party was seated in less than 10 minutes. Also, randomly both times, we were seated at the same table in the corner. Though the area's a bit dark, it's seclusion makes up for it. The items on the brunch menu are all unique. I absolutely loved my Chilaquiles, a Mexican-style egg dish. And my friends were more than pleased with the Smoked Salmon Scramble. When I went wiht my mom she tried some sort of breakfast pasta--which sounded a bit odd--but tasted great. I can't speak for the place's dinner menu, but you won't be disappointed if you make the trek for brunch.
(4)Lethe X.
Had dinner here with a friend before seeing a play at the Mercury. We gave ourselves two hours and were seated upon arrival, so that should have been more than enough time. Was it? Well, you be the judge...we had to ask for the dessert menu as soon as our entrees (finally) arrived, just to be sure we'd have time to eat our dessert when it arrived. And did we? Well, we managed to get it down (not exactly how you want to enjoy your dessert), but had to leave a pricey cup of coffee undrunk as we dashed for the theater. To sum it up - for the high prices at this new iteration of Deleece, they should be able to serve a salad, an entree, and a dessert in two hours, especially when put on notice at the get-go about theater plans. Although we were seated with no wait when we arrived and ordered with no delay, we waited for almost 40 minutes for our first course (two very simple salads), and only got those when we asked where they were. After the salads, we had to ask again for the entrees, as they too remained no-shows. What we thought would have been a leisurely pre-theater dinner turned into a rush to finish in time. While the server did apologize for the lengthy delay in service (after we remarked on it), no explanation was given and no compensation was offered (comping the dessert would have been nice, especially since we split one between us and had to rush with it). Okay, enough grousing. On to the food. It was good. The arugula salad with figs and goat cheese was a nice small starter, and was seasoned just right. (Can't imagine why it took 40 minutes to get it, though...it was just arugula, figs, cheese, and a pistachio or two tossed in). My friend found the house salad 'all right' - just greens with a few carrot and red bell pepper slices. The mussels (my entree) were small guys, but fresh-tasting, no hint of fishiness. The broth could have used a little something-something, it was unexceptional and didn't make me want to soak it up with the accompanying toast points. Very little seasoning, and although the menu says tomato, I didn't see or taste any, and I'd have to say the same for the garlic. My friend had the signature salmon, and it was better than good. It had a delicious caramelized crust (no breading, just the caramelization) and the sauce was mildly flavoured with ginger...even if you're not a ginger fan, you will still appreciate this sauce, where ginger has been used to enhance the overall flavour of the food, rather than dominate it. IF I were to come back, I'd order that. We split the apple crisp for dessert; it was too sweet for my taste, but if you like sugary crisps, you'll probably like this. The winning touch was the Black Dog gelato on top, yay Black Dog! All in all, my friend felt that while the food was good, the prices and the problems with service would not justify a return visit. Me, I think I'll give them another shot, just for the signature salmon. But I'll probably be skipping the salad and the dessert - $8 for a small handful of greens and a fig or two just doesn't cut it. Oh, and you should know that the menu specifies that there is a $2 charge for splitting any item. Any ITEM, not just entrees. Just so you know.
(3)Adam R.
Everything at dinner was great. Very kid friendly.
(5)Luther Z.
From beginning to end Deleece was okay... just okay. I called and made a reservation for later in the evening, and the reservationist made it seem that it would be quite easy to seat us at our requested time. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were told that we would have to wait ten minutes, which isn't a big deal typically, but no one else was waiting, and we had made reservations, but whatever. We decided to sit at the bar. The drinks were poured well and seemed reasonably priced, so we were happy about that. We ordered the spring roll appetizer, but I have seriously had better at the most basic of Thai restaurants. The dipping sauce (not quite sure what it was) was so salty that you could not taste the spring roll. I warned my wife to go easy on dipping, but even with just a tiny bit, the sauce proved too powerful. Without the sauce, the spring rolls were actually pretty bland and flavorless. For our entrees, I had the braised short rib which was extremely fatty. The chipotle bbq sauce was too spicy. I should make it clear that I love spicy food, but with a place like this, I expect subtlety with flavors, but the heat from the bbq sauce was tongue numbing. The entree wasn't terrible, but I don't think I'd order it again. Now my wife had the sea diver scallop special... 3 average sized scallop with some garnish and colorful sauce, but I'm sorry, that was hardly worth $26. The creme brulee dessert was good, and on par with others I've had. Our service was excellent, very attentive. Our waters were refilled, as was our bread. Overall though, I don't think we'll be going back. For that tab, we could have had leftovers from Cafe 28, or two dinners at Laschet's. As a side, I just don't get the idea of getting an eye dropper's amount of food on your plate and justify selling it for as much as some places do. When I go out, I want to leave a restaurant full. Rather I came home and ate a bowl of pasta salad that I had made earlier in the day. That's never a good commentary on a restaurant, especially when you over $100 If prices were more in line with quality and portion, I'd probably give 3 or 4 stars. If I have one observation to make about this place, it's that subtlety with flavors is not their specialty.
(2)Edward L.
What a great little neighborhood spot. Away from the madness that is the main strip of Southport, Deleece is an oasis of calm. The food is pretty fab as well. The best roast chicken I've had in a while. Well seasoned and tender all over. The potatoes were tasty and the greens cooked perfectly. The steak was also amazingly tasty. Well cooked and tender to the bite. All in all a great little place to eat at.
(4)Mila G.
Had an absolutely lovely birthday brunch here yesterday...everyone enjoyed their orders - the breakfast pasta was absolutely beyond delicious. Got seated quickly here, was able to get a seat outside, no problem, for six people on an absolutely perfect Sunday morning at noon. Still good as leftovers too!
(5)Kristine B.
Brunch. OMG. I had a fritatta (one of the daily specials) and it was perfect. The potatos were great. I ate at the bar with a friend, but it seemed that everybody inside was pleased with their meal. There was a large group outside taking most of the patio, but they stayed for quite some time - must have been pleased. The staff is extremely nice, the bartended willing to provide recommendations or mix you new drinks. The staff was even very kind to a couple who came in moments before the closing time. When we walked by after about an hour, the couple was STILL there (rude on their behalf, but polite for Deleece folks).
(5)Annabelle S.
I ate here with my family last night and was pleasantly surprised. We went because of a Restaurant.com coupon that I had purchased knowing that it was a restaurant in our area. We went on a Friday night and were seated immediately with no waiting. The server was very polite and prompt and accommodating. They make their own special butter to go with their bread. Let me just say that I actually had to ask what was in it because it was the best butter ever. It was a great start to a great meal. I had the honey date salad to start. It was excellent: Stilton cheese, pistachios, greens, and lightly dressed along with the delicious honey dates. Then we all got our entrées. I got the cavatappi pasta with caramelized onions, grape tomatoes, and porcini mushrooms. Delicious. The other two entrées were the Amish Chicken, which had an amazing fig and caramelized onion relish and fingerling potatoes and the other was the skirt steak with mashed potatoes. The steak was cooked to perfection and seriously the mashed potatoes were the best I've ever had with truffle butter and honey mingled throughout. I could have eaten the potatoes all day. Thank god I came with my family so I could try a little of everyone's dishes! Then we shared a piece of the Chevre Cheesecake which had a sweet pear glace. All in all, I say this restaurant is simply 'deleece-ious'. We will definitely be back!
(5)Liz Q.
I learned something about my friends after going to Deleece. That some of them have no taste. I was not at ALL impressed by this place. One look at the menu and it's pretty obvious that they try way too hard, infusing way too many flavors into each dish. The end result is a jumble of blahness, with nothing standing out. I had the simplest thing on the menu - the NY Strip. It was extremely fatty and the low light of the restaurant made trimming the steak hard. The mashed potatoes had a bad texture and flavor. The asparagus was well cooked and good, I will give them that. For dessert, my table shared the chocolate pudding, the cheesecake and the bread pudding. The bread pudding was very nice, good texture and flavor. Now pudding is one of my favorite food groups and I have to say that this was the worst pudding ever. I prefer Jell-o from a box to what they served us. The staff was nice enough, the restaurant a little loud and lighting a bit too low. 2 stars for you Deleece. And -2 for my friends that recommended such a place to me.
(2)Flo C.
The loft-like ambiance and well stocked wine cellar started the night off well. Now, I have to admit, I had low expectations. Living in Chicago, I am somewhat used to great food. My rating reflects the overall value, including cost. If I had ordered from the regular menu, the value would be questionable. That said, the shrimp etouffee was amazing as it was complimented with a chipotle-like sauce. The prix-fixe value was tough to beat, so I am pretty positive about this place.
(4)Natalie D.
I went here the other night with a couple girlfriends and definitely enjoyed it. I got there early and has a glass of the house sauvignon blanc at the bar. For a house wine, it was surprisingly good. I sat and talked to the bartender for awhile and she was very friendly though not overbearing at all. When my friends got there, we split 3 entrees and a couple of appetizers and experimented with the specialty drinks on the list. We liked everything we had. Nothing stands out as one of the most amazing things I've ever had, but it was all enjoyable and the service was fast and friendly.
(3)Cassie B.
I had been meaning to try this place for forever but when i did, it didn't live up. You could tell this place is upscale, the decor was quite nice and the entrees were creative and unique. However, my dish was so overseasoned i could barely eat it. this is coming from someone who uses salt, mustard, salsa like it's going out of style - i LIKE seasoning - but this was ridiculous. i felt like i needed to put it on some wonder bread to cut the taste. my dad's and fiance's dishes, as i understood them, were OK. the prices were pretty expensive. I would go back to try the Pris-fix (sp?) dinner during the week, but probably not for anything else.
(3)Keith C.
We have been going here for dinner for years. Deleece is my favorite neighborhood place for great food along with a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. My wife and I spend anniversaries, birthdays and even bring our 1 & 3 year old kids for early dinners. Their strength I think is combining traditional fare with nontraditional flavors & textures. Also try their fixed price menu on Mondays & Tuesdays, a great value.
(5)Nathan J.
I went there with the in-laws and it was a great time. The lamb was amazing (which was a special, I think). The rest of my group loved it as well. The wine list was only ok...which is a big part of this type of meal.
(3)Erin T.
I agree with previous posters that Deleece is really hit or miss. I had a really fantastic squash tortilla soup...and then risotto that was worse (gummy, not flavorful) than the kind I make from a box. I'm not saying risotto is easy to make; that's why I make it from a box. But when I order it in a restaurant I want it to be really good. My SO had a mediocre tuna appetizer, but the most delicious shortribs ever for his entree. I don't eat beef but I kept soaking his potatoes in the ranch sauce drizzled all over the plate and devouring them, because that sauce was divine. DIVINE. Dessert was also very meh. I ordered the chocolate and cheese because I adore both. It literally looked like they took a hammer to a big block of semi-sweet baking chocolate and put a peice of that on the plate next to a small slice of brie. In fact I'm almost positive that's what they did. That's cool and all, and technically they did not over-advertise, but I expected a little something more. I don't even remember what the SO had. So some of the food here is fantastic, and some is really not good. I love the prix fixe concept. I would come back, but not anytime soon.
(3)Cynthia B.
Food was amazing - terrific. Service was perfect, friendly, personable. Too noisy for my preference but that happens. Outstanding place, we will certainly be back.
(5)Jennifer B.
Normally I love Deleece, but this time the service was terribly slow. I will still attend this great place, but will not make time sensitive plans afterwards again.
(3)mike l.
Wow, talk about major disappointment. I don't get it. I just don't get it. Cassandra B. pretty much wrote my review for me. We went in with high expectations. Everything was just OK. I mean, it was better than OK, but didn't live up to the hype or the price. It certainly wasn't an $80 dinner. I'd go back for the prix fixe menu, but nothing else. We started with the crab cakes & the butter lettuce salad. Eh. Nothing special. The salad was a major dissapointment because it SOUNDED so good on paper. overall it was a lot of wannabe iceberg lettuce with a teeny scoop of goat cheese. main entrees were definitely better. I had the rack of lamb, which was perfect. the yukon gold potatos were pretty ambivalent and the asparagus just felt neglected. The Wife had the seared salmon which she liked quite a bunch. the black rice was a great side along with the greens. Overall, it felt like it was trying to freaking hard to be a neighborhood jewel. And the staff, just plain creepy! I got stared at by the weird host & our waitress was downright annoying. You'd think in a place that serves $30 entrees they'd know not to bother the diners while they're eating. plus, she only spoke to me, refused to acknowlege The Wife. no thanks. I'd rather have two meals at Blue Line than another one here.
(3)Amy R.
I used to live right around the corner from Deleece, so whenever I felt like treating myself, I'd go here. It's an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The outdoor seating area is great for people watching, and the inside is nice as well: simplistic and open. The menu is creative and unique, and I've loved everything I've tried. Unfortunately for me, I think more and more people have fallen in love with this place, because I stopped by my old hood a couple weeks ago to grab a bite for lunch, and a line was out the door. Too bad I was too hungry to wait. 2/12/07 Update: Made a reservation this time around to sidestep the wait issue. Our hostess wasn't particularly pleasant, but our waitress made up for it. I tasted all three meals ordered by my party, and all were AMAZING. The foods were wonderfully paired together - it felt like a gourmet party on my taste buds. It's not cheap: most entrees fall between $16-20, with $25-30 for the top of the line meals. Must go - just make a reservation first!
(4)Norma C.
Updated 7/17/09 Some time has passed since the "Check Please" appearance and people have stopped rushing to Deleece. It's back to being one of my favorite brunch places in the city. Older review: Check Please RUINED Deleece! My friends and I frequented Deleece for the phenomenal Chilaquiles brunch. We never had a problem finding seating and always got great service. Recently featured on Check Please, Deleece is now overrun with yuppy drones and the service has suffered. Sunday around noon, there was a line out the door, which never happened pre-Check Please. Our waiter was fine at first, but I suppose the excessive gabbing of my friends and I went on too long for his liking and he stopped filling water and coffee cups. Not to mention the worst part of all this is they ran out of the Chilaquiles. Our waiter became less enthusiastic of our presence and finally stopped coming to our table entirely. As a bartender, I know how hard it is to serve people after a busy day, but it does affect tips, believe me. I'm really disappointed. Time to find a new brunch hangout until Check Please ruins that as well.
(4)anne h.
the first time i had breakfast pasta w/ tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese, it blew my mind. it's so yum. i mean, i thought it was weird, but it smelled so good that i had to try it. i've tried to make it at home, but it's just not as good. deleece broke my heart when they changed the recipe a few months ago. anyway, i went last week and IT WAS BACK. awe-some!! they don't have a huge menu for brunch, but it's one of my favorite meals to eat so i've tried most of their offerings. their benedicts and frittatas are. (i'm excited that they're moving down the street, too, because then i'll remember to eat there more often!) their breakfast potatoes are so good - way better than other brunch places i've been - & their coffee is good & strong, too. (i appreciate simple things done really well.) they have a shady patio, a full bar, & the staff has always been really friendly/
(5)brad p.
The egg sandwich I had for brunch this morning made me wish I was hungover so its awesomeness could cure me. The sandwich was a perfect blend of grilled sourdough, over-medium eggs, applewood smoked bacon, spinach and white cheddar cheese. That and two cups of coffee did me right on a rainy morning. Service was great and the place was nearly empty. It's not the first time I've been here, but the first time in a while. In my experience, it's much better for brunch than dinner. Go for brunch. It's crazy good.
(4)Sandra J.
I wasn't as impressed with brunch at Deleece as I was with their dinner. My girlfriends and I have a Bitch club (Brunch in the Chi) and our first place to dine was Deleece. I was bummed that they didn't have any soy for coffee, so I just ordered water. They have a mimosa special but I wasn't feeling it at the moment. I was really hoping to find something healthy on the menu, but the closest I got to healthy was a egg white frittia with artichokes and goat cheese. I am not one to turn down bread but when it is covered with butter without my asking.. I get turned off. The Frittia was a bit oily for my taste but the potatoes were nice a brown. I know my fellow diners were disappointed in their meals.. The lobster Benedict didn't have the taste of truffle. I was hoping for amazing at Deleece and got OK. I don't think I will be back here for brunch. Parking is street and the closest public transportation is the Irving Bus.
(2)b b.
We made a reservation for 5:45 pm, to celebrate two family events. When we arrived we were informed that we could only have the table for a little more than an hour. We were rushed through dinner, and our check was presented before we had ordered dessert or coffee. While the food was very good, the waiter was gruff.
(2)Nathan K.
Had lunch here on a friday. Very easy to get in there at this time. Not bad. Had a fancy BLT with avocado and blue cheese. Kind of creative, and tasty. Nothing I'd go out of the way probably to return to, but pretty good to return too if I'm close by.
(4)Darla B.
I gave this place about 5 chances to get it right and now I'm done. They must pay the waitstaff a great salary so that they don't have to work for tips. They're grumpy, slow and inattentive. And the owner needs to take a class on how to be friendly as well.
(1)chelsey g.
i like brunch. it is good for people, such as myself, who sleep in past breakfast hours. it adds a little spice in the ol' routine soup and sandwich lunch i am accustomed to. but i LOVE the brunch at deleece. i ordered the filet in a hollandaise truffle sauce with eggs. the filet was cooked perfect, the eggs were so tasty, and that sauce. oh, that sauce. i am still having dreams about how amazing that sauce was. seriously, wow. my boyfriend got the frittata of the day, which also had steak in it. both of our portions were great. our waiter was super nice and friendly. the best part of it, deleece is a part of the member card for chicago public radio and so we both ate delicious steak and eggs for under twenty dollars. though the NPR card is good for only one use there, i will definitely be going back to deleece. probably on their twenty dollars, three course meal night.
(5)Bee B.
Deleece is a great choice for a "nice" dinner. The mojitos are amazing and they have an extensive list of wines by the glass, including one of my faves - Rosenbloom Zinfindel. I am in loves with the salmon and black rice. Even though (and this may ruin your mental image of black rice) my husband claims it looks like mouse poop. I don't care, though, since it is certianly the best mouse poop I have ever had! I have had some other great fish dishes at deleece, and my huband always loves their beef selections. The base menu has at least one dish of fish, beef, veg, chicken, pasta, etc, and there are always interesting specials to be had. From my experience, they have been pretty good about substitutions as well. I have had some great desserts there, but i thought my bananna bread pudding last nite was a bit, well, bready. Yeah, whatever, I take my bread PUDDING seriously. So, minus one star for that and the frusteration of parking, but deleece is still my go to when I want to dress up a bit for dinner, but i don't want to go international with sushi, spanish or smediteranian.
(4)Classically Trained L.
i had heard some mixed reviews about this place in the past, but when a friend of mine (also in the industry) told me that their exec chef had changed and the menu was also undergoing changes, i was excited to check it out. since then, i have eaten at deleece numerous times and have always left impressed. the new chef has really nailed down a PERFECT spring menu, and i love the weekly variety with the fixe prix menu on monday and tuesday nights. they even have vegetarian dishes, and although i am NOT a vegetarian, i would go back every day for their stuffed poblano. they're pretty famous for the salmon dish which is to die for, and came highly recommend even from friends who were less than impressed with the old chef/menu. the desserts are hit or miss but i would recommend the ever popular trio, which consists of a piece of flour-less chocolate cake (gluten allergy friendly!), chocolate mousse served in an edible tuile cookie cup, and 2 delightful handmade truffles. they also decorate the plate with a delicious fruit (raspberry, perhaps?) coulis (read: puree) that i was soaking up with the rich cake. the goat cheese cheesecake was also delicious, and i could've eaten 10 gallons of the white chocolate mousse. i sadly have never been there for brunch but i hear great things. definitely worth checking out, overall.
(5)Mychael G.
Went here with a few friends this weekend and the food is great, had a hard time deciding what we wanted but I was pleased with my stuffed acorn squash choice. Mimosas rocked too, just a bit expensive and we waited bit.
(4)Queen K.
Overall impression: It was ok-which isn't a ringing endorsement. My husband and I went on a Friday night and if it wasn't for the fact that we had a Groupon, I would have left. The service was extremely slow and it wasn't exceptionally crowded. After reading the other Yelp reviews, slow service seems to be the norm. The server did acknowledge the long wait and promised our food would be out shortly. Our food arrived and the vegetables were fresh, the meat was tender (although I did have to discretely spit out a huge piece of fatty veal). The decor was standard, exposed brick, candles, nice artwork. Bottom line: Experienced foodies will expect more for the price. The Groupon offer might have gotten several people through the door, but I doubt many will return.
(2)Nancy H.
The atmosphere - with exposed brick walls, large artwork, and great service - speaks more for Deleece than its food. Though the presentation of the food is definitely enjoyable, and they make an above average attempt at American contemporary food, the taste just didn't click with my palette. The ever-so-popular braised short ribs were 1/3 FAT, literally a palm-sized piece of fat. We were almost tempted to send it back since we felt robbed of our $21 entree. The scallops and shrimps had just enough flavor but could have had more personality for $25 by experimenting with more unique spices. The polenta appetizer had the consistency and taste of grits, but the chipotle oil really gave it some spice. Overall, a very healthy tasting meal (and by that, I mean, minimal fried foods, heavy sauces, and carbs) at Deleece but not fulfilling enough to feel like we even ate dinner. Portions were just right for someone trying not to overeat.
(3)A.S. V.
I'd forgotten how much I like this place, since it's been a few years. There was no wait and the service was excellent and friendly, which is so refreshing after getting used to being herded like cattle at all the overcrowded spots. Even parking was easy! The menu is fairly simple, but not too small -- everyone in our five person party found something they liked.
(4)Nate B.
I have always loved Deleece since I moved here. The staff is incredibly friendly, the food is goooooood, its a great date spot. I took my gf here on valentines day and they had a great menu to choose from. They also do a great pre-fixe on Mon-Tues as someone said, I try to make it here at least once a month.
(5)Scott C.
We'd rate this as 3.5 stars. We were seated right away on a Sunday morning on the patio. Artichoke fritatta was great. Orange cinnamon french toast w/raspberry puree was fantastic. The cinnamon was like a cinnamon crunch crust on the outside. Wonderful. Breakfast burrito was a bit salty - a bit too much chorizo filling and not enough extras (ie avacado, etc...) They brought out a foil bowl of water for our dog. The prices were very reasonable. $25 for two (two breakfast entrees, 1 half order of french toast, and two drinks) Will definitely go back.
(3)Louay B.
I have to begin by saying, excellent food. Wonderful specials and unique combinations of french bistro and Asian cuisine. Service was average and the menu was a little pricey. I haven't tried the brunch, but I highly recommend having dinner here.
(3)Jennifer H.
Went last night with a few friends. We ordered 4 different appetizers (the spring rolls, the polenta, crab cakes, and potstickers) and I have to say, I think the food was tasty enough, but not a big deal. I'd come back maybe for the prix fixe, but there are so many better restaurants in this city to spend money on.
(3)Brandon H.
Wow, these people are not messing around! From the meals to the service and ambiance, everything was just right. We tried the pot stickers for an appetizer and they were fantastic. They were crispy, and we like ours a bit more doughy but the flavor and sauce were more than enough to make up for it. My fiancee had the scallops and shrimp with the guiness cream sauce and it was delightful. The tenderloin I had was a special that evening and it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was great with just a hint of blue-cheese. The bread pudding for desert was out of this world and a perfect end to this great dining experience.
(5)Leang E.
My friend and I hadn't met up in a while so we decided to come here for the Monday and Tuesday night pre-fixe. We walked in to see people sitting out in the patio, but chose to sit inside anyways. They have interesting artwork up, and our waitress was much too serious for her job. She didn't seem smily or happy and I think it would have made the experience there more pleasant. My friend had the broccoli soup and I had the Asian salad as an appetizer, both were very flavorful. My friend had the porkchop and I had the tilapia. I really liked my dish and finished it all. My friend thought that his dish was good, but that all the sides didn't seem right together. I had the chocolate mousse and strawberries and it was very rich and yummy. My friend had the Morrocan cake, and it tasted very similar to zuccini bread. It was a great experience with a great price tag. I'd definitely come back and take advantage of this deal!
(4)Dave D.
I had first heard of this place because it was on the long list of NPR membership rewards restaurants, though the first time here didn't sell me. On my initial visit the food was OK, the service was good, but it was really loud and crowded. The second time I went to Deleece I was sold. It wasn't the most ideal situation but worked out quite well. I took an old friend of mine there for dinner. When we got there the place was really busy. The owner was hostessing and she informed us that there would be a wait and asked if we wanted to have an appetizer at the bar. So, we sat at the bar and had a few drinks and a few appetizers. After about a half an hour she came up to us and said our table was ready. We told her that we would rather eat at the bar because we were having so much fun there. After conversing amongst ourselves for a little while we made friends with a couple that was sitting next to us. We had our entrees at the bar and drank a ridiculous amount of wine. The bartender was super nice and very knowledgeable about the wines and we tried many. The food was much better than the first time I had been there. The owner had told us they made some changes in the kitchen as well as doing a bit of remodeling. I don't know what exactly they did but everything was excellent. After our dinners we joined our neighbors for some desert and headed out to another venue for some more drink with our new friends.
(4)Sy S.
This is an amazing little gem on the northern tip of Lakeview. Make sure to go on Monday or Tuesday...$20 for a three course meal that will leave you feeling full! Everything I have eaten here (7+ times) has been amazing. I also love the outdoor patio with the dog in the summer. You will not be disapointed. Also, the service is A+.
(5)Margaret B.
Great food, great service, great urban feel to the casual decor/ambiance. It jsut doesn't have that "wow" factor-the 5 star, "I must go back" feeling. I went for lunch. My lunch date and I both loved everything. I had an asian style salad with shrimp which was totally fresh and tasty. If I still lived in that area I think I'd drop in more often. But I'd be happy to return anytime.
(4)Steve R.
A nice little place for brunch. The prices are reasonable and the food is quite good. The dining room is bright and sunny which is great for brunch, and they have a great patio. I;ve never had an outrageous wait here either. Clientele is a little more upscale-y, but that's how it goes in this hood.
(4)Linda P.
The food is always decent and our waiter was terriffic, very attentive but not overly so. Why or why do they hire such bitchy hostesses, this one had such a bad attitude we almost left but needed to use up our Groupon so we stayed. I'm glad we did but they really need to do a better job hiring hostesses who don't act like they are doing you a favor by actually seating you at a table. This is not the first time this has happened to us there, don't think we'll be back soon.
(3)David R.
We came on a Tuesday night for the prix fixe menu for $20. It was a great value, and the food was good, but not outstanding. It was a couple months ago and I don't even remember what I ate. I hear their brunch is good so maybe I will come back one weekend morning.
(3)Dina R.
****MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT STATEMENTS AFTER EATING HERE!!!!! **** So as many others on yelp have said, my friends highly recommended this place. I was very excited because my friends always have great restaurant picks. To say the least and make this short and sweet, the food was great and somewhat reasonably priced, but the service was awful. We went on 2/6/10 a nice chilly day in Chicago. They had three ceiling fans on full blast. My friend had to ask the server three times until they finally turned it down. The server seemed to be on cloud nine and was more busy socializing then doing her job. She never came back after our meal was served to refill our drinks. When the check finally came, my friends and I (party of four) split the check two ways. Our total split in half was $24.00 and we left her tip in cash. Once the billing statement came in, there was an additional $10 added onto the original amount that was not signed for and unauthorized. We tried contacting Deleece several times to speak with a manager and was told one would call back, two weeks later no call. Called again, was told manager is only in before 11am. We decided to go a different route and write the manager a letter explaining what happened so they can make it right, two and a half weeks have went by and still no word from Deleece. Very, very disappointed that businesses like this still survive. Diners beware!!!
(1)Dennis H.
I lived a few blocks from Deleece back in the late 1990s and was a frequent customer, mainly for brunch. I was nearly addicted to the breakfast pasta and now that I'm more confident in the kitchen, I make it occasionally at home (it's pretty simple). I've not been back since the arrival of a new chef with some changes to the menu, but always found Deleece to be a very good value. I really liked the wait staff, too, and spent many summer evenings dining outside on the sidewalk after an afternoon Cubs game. Ah, Chicago in the summer! Just can't take it in the winter . . .
(4)Kate G.
I would like to start by saying I have only been here once for lunch and I will certainly go back. The food was so good, and the menu just made you want one of everything. They had original dishes, with many unique ingredients. The Cobb salad, Spring Rolls and Vegetable Tostada were all good. However, we had really mediocre service. It was an hour and a half lunch with only about four other tables (granted, we did order an appetizer which stacks on some time). After a problem with the bill, the waitress could barely smile or apologize. They seemed pretty green around the edges with the whole "service" aspect of a restaurant. I would be concerned coming here if I was in a hurry or if it was crowded. But like I said, Deleece=Delicious so we will be back when we don't care about wasting an afternoon. UPDATE: Went here last night for my boyfriend and my sixth month anniversary. The prix fixe meal was such a good deal: we had caesar salad, tilapia, sausage and pasta, chocolate mousse, and the cheese/chocolate plate. The main dishes were delicious and presented beautifully. The salad was so coated in dressing, I really could not enjoy it. Dessert was good but nothing wonderful. We also had cucumber mojitos--- very fresh tasting. Food overall would get 4 stars. Unfortunately, the service was really poor. There were only two waitresses, a hostess and several busboys. We sat for ten minutes without menus or seeing a waitress and then spent the majority of the meal without water refills. The bussers were so efficient that I almost felt nervous with the ultra-fast presentation of the dishes and the darting away from the table. It kind of took away from the romantic mood of the meal.
(3)Jenna B.
I was pleasantly surprised when my boyfriend picked Deleece to go on a double date with some friends. I didn't expect him to pick such a "fancy" place. When we got there I was happy to see the casual, yet classy atmosphere. It made for a great night that felt "special", maybe due to the dim lights and candles. I swear that a couple in the corner was about to get engaged. Most of the dishes were under $20--so not too bad for young people on a budget. It was a nice change from the usual spots or bar food that I tend to always be eating. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for something nice, where you can get a little dressed up, but still be casual and comfortable. The food was really good to, I will be eating my leftover pasta for lunch today!
(4)D D.
ONe of my favorite restaurants! Great atmosphere, good service. The menu is limited but everything they offer is delicious!! Best nights to go are when they have specials during the week, well worth every penny!
(4)Jack H.
Very excited as I walked into the restaurant on a Friday night at around 7pm because the decor was very trendy and the atmosphere was upbeat. However, my mood was slightly hindered after waiting for ten minutes for a server to finally come to our table. She was very friendly though so it was no big deal, however, i told her that we were short on time because we had to be to a concert by 815. She said no problem and took our appetizer and entree orders together right away. About twenty minutes later and our appetizer, the gnocci with apple chunks, came out. This dish was absolutely delicious, the only problem being that there were about 8 gnocchis on our plate, not nearly as much as I expected for the price. The entrees came out about twenty minutes later. We had the specials: I had the grilled tenderloin with a fennel and sweet potato lasagna (out of this world) and my girlfriend had the panko crusted sea bass (just okay). For two, with out alcohol, the check came out to 80 dollars including tax and tip. A little pricey but the food was very impressive so i can understand. Definitely will be back again.
(4)Rian K.
This place is really close to my apartment--I pass the big sign almost every day. So when a friend from out out of town came to visit, I thought I should finally try it out, since I'd been to every other brunch spot in a five mile radius. The interior is dark--brick with very little light streaming in. They got my friend's order wrong, bringing her a grilled cheese instead of a chicken sandwich. When she pointed out the error, our server argued with us, insisting that my friend asked for grilled cheese, when I clearly heard her ask for chicken. They did make her another sandwich, and let us keep the grilled cheese as well, which was nice. I ordered the specialty french toast--I think that it had raspberry sauce. Unfortunately, it was dry and sort of flavorless. The one big highlight of the meal was the sweet potato salad that came with my friend's sandwich. Delicious! I still dream about it sometimes--it was that good. All in all, sort of questionable, but may be worth a second trip, if just for the potato salad.
(3)G G.
I enjoyed dinner here on a week night so I avoided the crowds and got to enjoy a quiet, romantic meal. The decor is subtle and classy and the menu is persuasive.
(4)Megan O.
I would recommend that Deleece spend some money on updating their menu. I could not believe that when I tried their new location with trendy decor. They used the same exact menu as their last restaurant. Does not make sense! They only have a few brunch breakfast options that are the same exact ones they have had for 8 hrs At the old location. Service was very average. They desperately need to higher a restaurant consultant.
(2)Rachel W.
I have been here several times and have always enjoyed it. It's a great neighborhood place. The food is simple and yummy...in Top Chef terms it is a Carla, not a Jeff. We went last night at 5:00 (trying to squeeze in a Friday night dinner before having to put the kiddo down for bed) and realized that the restaurant didn't open until 5:30. We were about to head back to the car to figure out what to do when the manager opened the door for us and let us sit half-an-hour early. Even though they weren't officially open, they brought us water and menus and made us 100% comfortable. It didn't hurt that they oohed and ahhed over my son.
(5)Sarah S.
I was not impressed with this place. I have been wanting to go for a long time and when I finally went...bleah. Food was just ok, I wasn't impressed with anything I had and I definitely won't go back
(2)LB B.
Delicious!!! Loved it!! Great service, great food!!! I had the Carmelized Salmon and it was probably the best fish that I have tasted in a LONG time, and I used to live in Hawaii. So I think that says something. My friend also had the shrimp pasta and I had some of that, that was goooooood too!! The prices are kind of high, but well worth it because the food was awesome. I will go back again! O and we had the house Pinot Noir and it was delicious! Overall 5 stars......Ps...can you tell that I like it! LOL!!
(5)