Cinnamon roll. Get the cinnamon roll. You can also get it Togo, the donuts too but it's always better hot! We went for Mother's Day-made a reservation so we didn't have to wait or anything. the restaurant is very cool, much like summerhouse Santa Monica in Chicago but more quaint with an antique yet modern feel... Does that even make sense? The bar is very cool-look retro but has top of the line cocktails. I got a ginger margarita which was pretty tasty! The chorizo hash was good but a little Lukewarm like it was sitting there waiting to be order but the flavor was great-wish the eggs weren't over hard and were over easy and there was a lack of salsa verde sauce. My mom loved her lobster eggs Benedict though-ate it all and she never eats everything on the plate! Oh and our service was excellent -greeted and chatted with as well as our server was very attentive but not annoying or pressuring. I'll be sure to recommend this place
(4)
Sarah Beth B.
I hate bringing up that old joke, but... The food here just wasn't that good, and the portions were so small! Seriously, though, the food here tastes pretty good, but the portions really were teeny, and every dish felt like it was missing something (usually a starch). We met another couple here for dinner, and were all just pretty underwhelmed with our experience. First, it's VERY loud, and dark, but also full of kids, which is a weird combination. Second, we wanted to share an app, which the waitress assured us would be fine, but then when it arrived, it was teeny. Teeny! one bite per person. I'm fine with not-sharing apps, but the waitstaff should be clear that they are single portions. Third, the whole meal just FLEW. everything was TEENY, and we wanted to sit around and hang out, but literally ordering to clearing our (4 bite) dessert took under an hour. I think many people were drinking a lot more than us, and better able to linger, but being with child, that wasn't in the cards for us. The food-- what there is of it-- does taste good! but I think for what we spent, I could taste much better food at plenty of other places. Sorry, Guildhall, I don't think I'll be coming back.
(2)
Pam P.
Prepare yourself that it will be very loud and you'll be sitting very close to other parties. Not really a place to sit back and relax. The army of staff are over attentive - refilling water constantly, hovering while you look at the menu, walking around in constant droves. Too much of a good thing! I had the carrot fennel soup which was really good. Cashew milk gave it a yummy nutty taste. Drinks are pricey. $14 for a tiny "carafe" of wine that was about 1 glass. Also had the Farm to Bowl Salad. Good combo of green beans, chick peas and a tasty Parmesan cheese. Needed a little more zip to the dressing though. Very busy place so must be popular.
(3)
Tanya V.
Can't say I'm a big fan of pretentious people and suburbs that make you feel odd to not pull up in a Range Rover, but unfortunately, I do greatly appreciate the restaurants and retail that they attract. Enter Guildhall, a French-themed bistro type of restaurant in the cozy and upscale (I guess) Glencoe neighborhood. The reason for my visit was a Sunday brunch with a large group of friends. I loved the design, I loved the seating, I loved the old waiters who enthusiastically said the words "Madame", "Merci" and Magnifique" more times than I could count. I also loved the white tea, cherry soda and Croque Monsieur that I ordered. Loved it all! Others at the table ordered the homemade cinnamon roll, hotcakes, and omelets - and the waiter brought us a small selection of homemade donuts as well that I had one delicious bite of. All of it was truly beautiful and tasty. Oh, and the side salad was also really, really lovely. I would definitely go back to Guildhall for dinner, and can imagine that it would be romantic and fun. I'll just have to put my blinders on to all the stuffies when that happens.
(5)
Tony F.
Dinner for 8 please! Why not try a place called, "Guildhall" up on the Northshore?!? I made reservations for New Years Eve and for a party of 8. Upon arrival we were greeted and seated promptly. The atmosphere of this place had an updated Old Chicago feel with a hint of colonial styling. I loved the tin ceiling. It reminded me of a lot of the bars I use to frequent in the city. Needless to say the decor was awesome. We really liked the atmosphere, and it was loud (in a good way). Being New Years Eve patrons were lively. There was also a live Jazz band. What a bonus. To say the least the food we tried was awesome as well. I had the SLOW ROASTED SUCKLING PIG. This melted in my mouth. It was tender and cooked to perfection. This alone earned 5 stars for me. On to the drinks. The cocktails were what I would expect from any fine establishment. There were made just right. The wine selection was OK. We were happy customers. We'll be back again. Next time we'll try Brunch.
(5)
Matthew M.
Good menu and more like a restaurant in Chicago's River North or Gold Coast. We just moved from River North to the North Shore and felt right at home at Guild Hall.
(4)
Will S.
I've eaten here before, the food is ok given it is an extremely expensive menu. Went in at 9:01 p.m Sunday 8/9. And was rudely refused a drink at the bar when my date and I had walked across town for a quick night cap. He had just taken an order for a 6 top table, there is no way we would have been there longer than them. :( the tall European server clearly doesn't have a passion for hospitality. It's always nice having a neighborhood restaurant that cares so little about its locals. I do like the bartender though, nice guy.
(1)
Natalie B.
It is very northshore, but hey, it's on the northsore so it's fitting. We dined at 8:15 on a Saturday night and the place was lively and packed. Loved the vibe though I didn't love being squeezed by the bar as we waited for our table since there was no where else to wait. My extremely pregnant sister hardly fit, but fortunately our wait wasn't too long. We had an 8pm reservation for 6, which they screwed up ( they had 9pm down) but guidhall fixed it immediately and found us a table within 10 minutes. Our waiter was attentive and directed us to two great bottles of wine. Lately I've found waitstaff completely ignorant about wine so this was welcomed. On to the food. I loved the roasted carrot salad snd the crudo was amazing. I wasn't terribly hungry so I didn't order an entree but sampled the ones my family ordered. I was underwhelmed by the whitefish but the asparagus and broccolii sides were delicious. It's a great option on the Northshore and I do hope it is here to stay. (Given the crowds i think others feel the same)
This is such an appreciated addition to Glencoe. The atmosphere is great. The wines by the glass list and cocktails are top notch. Please consider mixing up the menu once in a while. Maybe do a seasonal rotating menu?
(4)
Paul P.
We were in town visiting friends for the weekend, so we hired a babysitter for Sat evening to go out to an adult only dinner. Our friends had been wanting to try this place out. We started with Frito Misto, and the Lyonaisse Salad. The Misto was so crisp, and lightly battered...it was great. And the salad was wonderful too. It's hard to go wrong with a sunny side up egg on a salad. For dinner, we all had a different entree, so we got to try all of them. We had the Striped Sea Bass, the Short Ribs, the Pork Chop, and the pasta entree. The pasta was a little bland for my taste, but the other three were all very good. I would have ordered any of those three again on a future visit. We wrapped up with a cappuccino, a coffee with Bailey's, and the off menu dessert for the night, and they were all excellent. Especially the dessert...if you're a chocolate lover. Would certainly come back again when in town.
(5)
Elina S.
Okay so I was super excited to try Guildhall since a few of my friends who live in Glencoe go here all the time so I figured why not. I heard Abigails being thrown around a lot in comparison to this place so I figured I would love it since Abigails is like my favorite northshore restaurant. Well, this wasn't exactly like Abigails. I made a reservation for a party of four like a month in advance to get that perfect 7pm Saturday slot and they were nice enough to call and confirm that for me. Upon arrival, I was in love, I absolutely love the decor here, it's classy yet trendy and very city like for being in the suburbs. I especially loved the large chandelier in the back room, it's definitely an eye candy kind of restaurant as I just sat and enjoyed myself there. Now onto the important stuff. First of all they brought out fresh bread but it was cold. Big mistake in my opinion as bread needs to be warm and toasty with chilled butter. Oh well, no biggie. The drinks were fabulous, from the cucumber martini to the mademoiselle which is what I got, those were probably the highlights of the evening. Everything else was pretty much eh. The one appetizer we did get and really did enjoy was the frito mixto which had fried calamari, shrimp and veggies, but I felt like the portion could have been a tad bigger. Also, no biggie. My friend got her crab bisque soup and it was served on the cold side so she had to ask for them to warm it up forh er. Kind of annoying in my opinion. The caesar salad she ordered looked a little messy and nothing special so maybe go with the apple endive salad next time. My husband got their steak with fingerling potatoes and he didn't really enjoy it. He felt like it was super chewy and I tried a piece and would have to agree. I was really craving a burger and since Abigails has my favorite burger of all time I figured this place might as well. Well, it was very average, it so needed some kind of aoli sauce or something since ketchup just wasn't doing it justice. Plus, it was extremely salty and I woke up many times needing some major hydration. We were stuffed for dessert by that point and nothing really stood out to me that I wanted to spend the extra money on. So overall, the place has awesome decor, pretty good service, yummy drinks but the food needs some lift me up. I wouldn't be dying to go back here anytime soon but I'm glad that I tried it out as we had a nice time.
(3)
Marie D.
I would like to like Guildhall more than I do. I've been there twice now, under two very different sets of circumstances. The first time I went I was part of a group of eight women, and we were celebrating someone's birthday. The second time I went I was part of a group of four, and we had made a reservation to coincide with the attendance of an art gallery show. My thoughts are applicable to each evening: 1. This place is unbearably loud. It's a big space, and when it's at capacity, it is deafening. 2. The prices are at the upper end. 3. The portions are the smallest end. 4. The food is good, but at no time did anyone I was with rave over their food. 5. The service was off both times. The first time it was hard to get service, and the second time I wanted to slap our server upside the head because he simply could not be near our table without trying to up-sell us. He visibly frowned and shook his head when I said, for the second time, that NO, I did not want to start with a salad. 6. We had to wait longer than usual for our reserved table. The first time we waited for about 20 minutes. The second time we waited for a half an hour. In summary, Guildhall could be FABULOUS. But it's not.
(2)
MTML D.
The first thing that I will say is that my wife and I would probably have not come here had we not received a gift card to have dinner here. We are not cheap, we just have pre-teenagers at home that need constant nourishment and the price of our dinner here could provide a few meals at home. With that being said, we will dine here again and I would not think twice about the price because the food was phenomenal. For starters we had the Frito Misso (Calamari). Best I have ever had. Light, crispy and flavor-able with what I believe was a lemon aioli as a dipping sauce. My wife had the homemade spaghetti as her entree and when you have fresh made pasta you always wonder why you can't make it at home. We all know why, because it easier to buy it in a box. I had the short-rib entree which was so tender that it fell apart with the fork. Nice roasted potato's and leeks that were excellent. Wish I could tell you what we had for dessert (not on the regular menu) but my wife had a beautiful chocolate dessert and I had Polenta pound cake with frozen greek yogurt. Not as sweet as my wife but nice. Other reviewers stated that the place is loud and people are stuffy and typical North Shore. Didn't see that. People were really nice and seemed to be involved in their own conversations and not to worried about being SEEN. Staff was very welcoming and our server Pepe was the best. I think that this is a great restaurant (beautiful inside) in a nice little Northern suburb. I think people come here with the notion that because it is Glencoe and people have a little bit more coin than others that it means that the area is snobbish. Not so. Will you see cars that are $90,000-yes, million dollar homes-yes but there are nice people here. This is coming from a guy who was born and raised Chicago Southside. I felt very comfortable. Might be surprised if you come here.
(5)
Omar D.
Great food, service and setting. Wines are well curated and affordable. Fun cocktails and frat menu that is both accessible, well done and unique. Make sure to sit with Pepe if you can. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Rob R.
This place is really loud during dinner time. Bring a megaphone. I had to yell to be heard across the table. Terrible acoustics. Food is fine, not fantastic, but on par with the other north shore alternatives. Bar is a good place to hang out, and you can eat at the bar. Also, watch your credit card balance. I was charged 4 times for the same meal, every Thursday for 4 weeks after I visited. It was a hassle to get this reversed. Something wrong with their system, or a rouge employee was scamming me. Overall, I won't rush back, but glad to have a place in Glencoe pre-theater.
(3)
Hendrix B.
It has been a while since I dined at Guildhall but if memory serves the food and service were excellent. I like the space and bar, reminds me a bit of new York. Definitely recommended.
(4)
Aimee K.
We loved it! The drinks were great, the service was great. it was loud but not over the top and i could easily talk to my dinner companion. Food was great. we loved the crab app, the fritto misto was good as well. We split the caeser and the portion was huge. i had the steak frites which was great and my husband thought the pork chop was the best he ever had. The atmosphere was lively and fun, we can't wait to return!
(5)
Hannah R.
Delish food. Burger is outstanding. Decor and ambiance is very cool. City dining in the burbs
(5)
Josh P.
I was excited to try out this new hip joint on the North Shore with a friend and colleague. We decided to grab a drink before a quick evening work shift down the road. I thought it would be busy on a Saturday night, so decided to make a reservation on OpenTable. In the reservation notes, I made clear that we were looking to grab a couple of seats at the bar to enjoy a quick drink. My friend arrived shortly before me and informed the host that we had a reservation for two at the bar, to which she was invited to "enjoy herself." I arrived a few minutes later and was dismayed to find that there was no space for us to sit at the bar. Upon consulting with the host stand, we were gruffly informed that the dining room was at capacity. I then inquired as to the purpose of our reservation, if we could apparently not be accommodated whatsoever. After this rather unpleasant encounter, we were at last seated at a small table for two. The waiter was very friendly, the drinks were superb, and the ambiance was equivalent to that of Chicago's finest modern eateries. We did not have time to enjoy any food, but I would be eager to sample the menu. It is truly a shame that an otherwise outstanding culinary gem of Glencoe is hampered by a rude and presumptuous host staff. Also, I wouldn't recommend Guildhall for anyone who might consider themself a millennial. Surely, it's no surprise that a restaurant in Glencoe would be frequented by successful, middle-age couples, but as a pair of 20-something friends who grew up on the North Shore, we received countless unfriendly stares that further negatively impacted our dining experience. I hope that the management of Guildhall will address these concerns relating to the host staff and reach out to me for a resolution to this unpleasant experience.
(2)
Taylor M.
The restaurant was nearly empty when I arrived at 6.30p - the hostess (dressed quite unprofessionally) escorted us to one of two tables next to the entry way and windows. Being -3 degrees outside - I wasn't enthused about sitting next to the freezing cold. Our waiter was very friendly and somewhat over attentive in constantly checking. Then when we asked for the check - it took much longer.... I ordered the Brussels sprouts and chicken, my friend the guildhall burger - they were scrumptious (to say the least). The food made up for a rocky start!
(4)
Richard B.
Glencoe is a charming little town and right at its center is the Guildhall Restaurant - and what a lovely find it is! Friday night, 8pm, and it was hopping! Loud, most definitely, but happy loud; vibrant, brash, ... raucous even! Folks knew folks, tables cross-chatted with other tables of 'near strangers' - some flirty, some cheeky, some serious but all charming and relaxed. Everyone seemed to soak up the atmosphere and leverage its benign but wholly-addictive energy for good conversation amongst wonderfully flavorsome food. The large windows threw out to some half-dozen sidewalk tables which were equally busy ... and the sound of the joint traveled up and down the heart of Glencoe and seemed to invite even more spontaneously traffic. Terrific service. Fascinating menu that included fun lamb dishes, plenty of seafood concoctions and unpredictable combinations of pastas, shellfish and sexy sauces ;-) I liked it. A lot.
(4)
Michael N.
Oh the joys of the holidays! I received a wonderful Christmas gift from a coworker, a gift card to Guildhall in Glencoe. I had never heard of this restaurant before, but I am VERY happy I received this gift...for a handful reasons: 1. I love free food. For some reason, food just tastes better when you don't have to open your wallet. 2. The LOCATION. Guildhall is in downtown Glencoe, smack dab in the heart of the North Shore. Since Ashley and I live right off 41 in Lake Bluff, it was a quick ride to start our evening. 3. The SCENE. It's very tough to imitate the buzz of a city restaurant in the suburbs, but Guildhall does just that. The energy in the building was electric. Everyone was in a good mood. It was kind of weird walking in quiet little downtown Glencoe and then opening the door to a rush of warmth and energy, but it made us that much more excited for our dinner. 4. The FOOD! Now, here is the warning. We're talking about downtown Glencoe...North Shore...new/newer restaurant...GLENCOE (did I mention that?). So the prices are a little AHHH!!!! However, the food we did order (two Guildhall burgers, a beer, a glass of wine, and the Farmers Market Crisp) was so F*ing delicious. This is no joke. While eating my burger, I thought to myself, "I don't want this to end." Not even a minute later, Ashley said "I'll be said when this burger is gone." It is cooked perfectly, with the freshest ingredients I think I've ever had, and plated like a gourmet restaurant. The hand-cut fries were delicious and they are served in a cast-iron "skillet?" kind of thing. It was awesome. So worth the money. 5. The SERVICE. Numerous times we had other servers approach our table asking if we needed anything. Some might see that as incompetence from our actual server, but I saw it as a team of servers working together to make sure the customers were taken care of. All in all, this restaurant was a breath of fresh air. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Ashley S.
So my husband's super nice co-worker got us a gift certificate here for Christmas. I probably never would've even known this place existed, but I definitely know now! Mike and I both had the burger here, and at the exact same time we said "I don't want this burger to end." It was delicious, from the cheese, to the bacon, to the amazing sauce...and the pretzel bun was a nice touch :) The atmosphere in this place was different, especially for the burbs. It was busy, noisy and very cramped, but we had a nice little table, got our food, had great service and got out. Now that I'm pregnant, these are the things that make my visit worth 5 stars :)
(5)
Joe R.
I never write a review until I've tried a place a couple time. Guild Hall has a very friendly staff. I've had various entrees (over 3 visits) and they have all been very good. If you've never sat at a bar to have dinner - try it at GH. They make wonderful cocktails. The bartenders as well as the fellow patrons have proven fun to talk with. So in summary - I'd say that a perfect evening would be dinner at GH, followed by a show at Glencoe's Writer's Theater - then back to GH for cocktails!
(5)
Jody B.
Ok... maybe I'm giving it 5 stars (instead of 4) because there hasn't been a place this good to go for dinner in Glencoe in the past 20 years! or, ok, maybe NEVER! I got an alert that this place open from "Eater". I scoped out the fact that it is on Opentable and made a res. Thank goodness, because the place was packed, even though it was spring break around here and everything else was EMPTY! The said we could sit at the bar for dinner... so true to form, Hubby and I grabbed a couple of bar stools and settled in. They have an amazing selection of alcohol. I liked my Americano Americano. Hubby thought his Manhattan was ok. I think they need a better selection of drinks to take advantage of their stock. Their mixologist should take a trip to Ward Eight to see how it's done! But alas, I'm looking for perfection in Glencoe?!?!? A girl can dream, can't she? We shared the burrata app. It was yummy. Smooth and creamy. Hubby told the bartender they needed to add a couple more toasts to it. But they give you an amazing loaf of bread with spicy buttery stuff. So we "made do". My entree was a half chicken. It was recommended by the bartenders. They were right.... so-oooo juicy (see my picture). And the artichoke and mushrooms under it were buttery and delish. Hubby had cavatelli. It was good, but he would get something different next time. We had the cheese plate for dessert (see my picture). The bartender comped us a glass of Americano (sweet wine) each.It was perfect with the cheese. The service was great, the crowd was buzzing, the drinks were very good, the food delish, and it felt like we were downtown... but only had a short drive home... .... now can you see why I gave it 5 stars? ;-)
(5)
Krunal P.
My wife and I went here for our Valentines date. Its a really nice place with excellent service. We made a reservation and table was ready on time and food came on time as well. Food was good I would eat here again specially the desert was awesome. (warm carrot cake) Great environment, awesome service and good food what more can you ask for.
(4)
Stephen R.
menu-excellent variety kids menu- even better...great selection and value service- was good overall, went there for Mother's day so it was a tad busy. So, it was probably a little slower than normal but overall very attentive. Menu had good variety of choices, and not overwhelming. Decor is very nice, and has alot of charm. great place for friends, family or date night.
(4)
Food M.
Over crowded. Small portions and extremely loud. If they try and seat you near the bar, ask for another table. So close to the bar that I was constantly bumped into.
(3)
Dan H.
I've been going here since it opened, and they continue to improve their menu and service, it's one of the few places in the suburbs that would be worth a trip from the city. It's clear that they are paying attention to every detail at this place, from the decor to the drinks to the food. They serve a barrel aged Manhattan that's the best I've ever had. The reason it's so good is that they have a whiskey barrel and age the rye themselves. It's this kind of attention to detail that makes this place stand out.
(5)
Judd H.
Went here again recently and think that a lot of the service issues have been worked out. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Elizabeth E.
I really wanted it to be great, but it just didn't exceed my expectations. We found this place on a whim, and walked in and got seated outside quickly. We asked both our hostess AND the waiter if they could serve us in time for a 7:30pm show (it was 6:35pm) and they both assured us that we had plenty of time, and that they could serve us quickly before the show. Great wine for me and a martini for my boyfriend, we ordered the caesar salad, burrata and spaghetti altogether right when the drinks arrived. The salad and burrata came out quickly and both were DELICIOUS. We asked for our check to be delivered with the pasta so we could get things wrapped up quickly. At 7:20, the pasta and the check still weren't there, so we had to cancel the pasta and I had to run over to the theatre to grab our seats. It was disappointing to spend so much on apps and two drinks, and not have the entree after we had asked two separate people if we had enough time. Just managing our expectations would be fine--plus, they weren't very apologetic.
(2)
Nelly S.
cucumber martini, fritto misto, Caesar salad & braised short rib. Our dinner was outstanding!!! Not to mention the decor & coziness of the place is phenomenal. Love this restaurant.
(4)
Jean M.
A great place for dinner for any occasion-special celebrations or just catching up with friends. I've been there many times and the best server there is Pepe! He makes it a warm and inviting dining experience!
(5)
Effie N.
Love the decor and people watching! Nice variety on the menu and service was good! Main attraction was carrot salad and flat iron steak for me! Have gone back three times already! I recommend but loud!
(4)
Elina K.
First of all: holy geez it's gorgeous in here. I wanted to move in. I think comparing to a city restaurant's decor wouldn't even do justice to how pretty it is. I would go as far as to say downright regal. Service was friendly and efficient and spot on. Food. Oh My Goodness it was fantastic. Really (not exaggerating) one of the best overall meals I have had in a long, long time. We were a large group of girls and shared a lot of plates. Here is what I remember trying: - Burrata - Salmon tartare - Smoked trout lyonaisse salad - Braised short rib Two different desserts (cheesecake and something chocolatey) All was really amazing. Highly recommend and really want to go back!
(5)
Chris K.
Great place! Food was terrific, try the short ribs! The cocktails are to die for. Ask Aaron or Miguel for their suggestions. A "table for one review".
(5)
Jared B.
Something has to be extraordinary for 5 stars. Guildhall is a solid 4. Very good, consistent and a beautiful place. I eat here 5-6 times a month and I'm never disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Mark F.
Great service. Nice wine list. Food was less than mediocre
(2)
Kim G.
This place is alright. I had the SMOKED TROUT LYONNAISE SALAD which was good. One of my friends had the bone in pork chop and said it was too dry for his taste. The drinks were pretty good and I liked the atmosphere. Overall nothing bad, but nothing real great either.
(3)
Sonny C.
On this Saturday night Guildhall was jammed in large part with theater goers attending the sold-out and extended Hedda Gabler production. We bumped our 6PM reservation to 6:15 - our first accommodation for this service-savvy business. Seated immediately but sitting for maybe 1-beat too long before being attended, our server was on us and brightly apologized if we'd been sitting too long and immediately took drink orders which were promptly served. We shared the Trout Lyonnaise salad to start. The smoked and entirely boneless trout together with a light dressing and spring greens was delightful and absolutely large enough to be shared between 2 with plenty of trout slices to go around. We followed this sharing the Ricotta Cavatelli and Great Lakes Whitefish. I thought the Cavatelli disappeared in the oversize pasta bowl but it was plentiful and it was plenty rich. My wife thought it had bacon but turned out to be chopped nuts. I thought a good touch. The whitefish was brought to life with a modest topping of eggplant puree and served with more of those spring vegetables. When asked how things were, I indicated, without complaint, that the accompanying greens on the fish plate were way too salty. The response was that the kitchen would be told immediately. A replacement side of greens appeared immediately and without request. Thank you. The only downside - and loss of one "star"- was the intense volume. With hardwood floors, plaster walls and hard ceiling, this re-purposed hardware store environment absorbs nothing. In this full house, conversation across the table was all but shouted and each of us had to lean in to hear. I'm glad it was only two of us as I wouldn't have been able to follow the conversation of a 4-top. Overall the meal was excellent and the service and accommodations were a strong complement to the food.
(4)
Michelle C.
The food was delicious! The service was lacking. We had a party of ten and made it aware when we waked in that we would need our tickets separated since we were there on business. Our waiter assured us that it would be no problem, but at the end of the meal, they were quite messed up. The manager was very rude when we tried to get the issue resolved, and did not want to provide us with itemized receipts which we absolutely needed! Very frustrating that a great meal was ruined by poor customer service.
(2)
Tony F.
The food was terrific and the atmosphere is great for the burbs of Chicago. It's the feel of Chicago but much closer to home. Liz our server was very sweet and made the experience very pleasurable. Try the short ribs - they actually melt in your mouth. Not really sure why I didn't give it a five star review but something wouldn't let me. Very good experience. Give it a try if you haven't already.
(4)
Laura L.
I'm glad you're here, Guildhall. Good drinks, good service. Average food. But good enough! I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Andrea R.
I really want Guildhall to make it, especially since it's the only restaurant within walking distance of my house that's appropriate to dine without your children. Imagine that. Based on the crowd there last Sat night I"m not the only person in the North Shore excited about this new restaurant. For a few minutes there I almost thought I was dining in the city just looking at the trendy crowds filling this restaurant. The french inspired decor of this restaurant is beautiful. I"ll admit I found myself checking out every little detail from the ceilings to the walls...and wondering what decorating ideas I could borrow for my new home. The cocktails and food that we actually received (more to come about that later) was delish. I liked my pisco sour so much that I ordered another. The tuna app was scrumptious and my salmon special should be added to the main menu...and should probably replace the mediocre trout my husband ordered. I'm being gracious with my 4 star review and giving them a little slack since they are new because the service deserved no more than 2 stars. Our drinks took at least 20-30 minutes. They forgot to bring out 2 of our appetizers, which they made up for with a dessert on the house (you can skip dessert here by the way) ...but a few members of my party mentioned they left the restaurant hungry. Our waitress wasn't cut out for fine dining and would be better fit for the casual kid friendly Vernon's down the street. We'll be back out of convenience and as I mentioned above they've got something good going on with the food and ambiance. However, if their service remains the same I think we're likely to lose our first fine dining restaurant in the hood.
(4)
mat s.
Went here kind of on a whim. Kept meaning to go here but can never get out of the house till 9pm and they close rather early. We had the sashimi and salad. They both were really good but small. My wife had a martini which she thought was a 10. I tasted it and thought it was about 8. Anyway, we will be back as the norhbrook-Glencoe corridor is lacking finer places to eat which is hard to believe with the higher household income levels.
(4)
Rowena M.
I don't get it. I would be the first to admit if it's the service, the food, or the ambience of a place that didn't reach my satisfaction but in the case of Guildhall, it's all of the above. We came for a late dinner last night at 9:30 p.m. and you would think it was the 7:30 rush time - well, that's a good sign; the place is vibrant. But the noise level would make you think you were in a public market and any conversation, especially intimate ones, would be impossible. We checked in and the hostess was unapologetic about stating that our table wouldn't be ready for another 15-20 minutes. So we sat at the bar, ordered a drink and as soon as the drinks were ready, she came to tell us that our table was ready...hmmm.... Our waitress came, said "I don't know how long you've been waiting but do you want to order your starters now?" Huh? That was the strangest of all greetings. Then she disappeared and we constantly had to either look for her or rely on the busboys to get us what we needed. That was pretty much her pattern the whole evening. I am somewhat gifted with the inability to hide my feelings so sensing that I was really annoyed by her ineptness, she was more than glad to get rid of us and was almost surprised that we wanted to look at the dessert menu. I must be really frustrated to avoid my favorite dessert which appeared on their menu - panna cotta, but I didn't want to stay there a moment longer. When our conversation during date night, which is sacred in my opinion, had to include constant comments about how we hated this place, I knew that it was time to go. Oh and as for food. We started with the crudo with slices of thick fish (that could've been fresher), it should have been called sashimi. It sat on the middle of the table as we waited for our waitress who never brought us plates to use. We finally started eating when a busboy nearly whisked it all away thinking we were already done! Umm...put the plate down, buddy; I understand how confusing it must be for us not to touch our food but since we were raised with manners, we thought we'd wait for plates instead of simply poking the fish with our forks. We had to resort to the latter. Entrees came and the hubby's lamb was bland - it's just basic seasoning, folks - salt and pepper. Steak frites had an inferior cut of meat that made me wish I just ordered pasta. When our waitress finally checked in on us halfway through the meal, I reminded her that the side dish of creamed spinach had yet to arrive. She clearly did not place the order because it didn't come until 15 minutes later; I was already done with my meal and do you think she mentioned why it was late? Nah...admit her faults? That's crazy thinking! I understand the excitement of having a restaurant that many described as a city-worthy venue, but first impressions are everything and frankly, another 20-30 minutes drive and I would be in the city- with many establishments that have great food and better service.
(2)
K W.
Very nice. The Guildhall burger is the reason we keep going back. The pork chop I would not recommend, hard and flavorless. The appetizers we have tried have all been winners, especially the flatbread-like one.
(4)
Susan P.
Just returned from dinner at Guildhall. I'm going to make this simple . LOUD, pricey, spotty service , small portions .. Although what we did eat was tasty ...I will not be returning in the near future ......
(3)
L. F.
This restaurant is beautiful. I love the open window concept for warm, summer nights. The menu is small, not too many options but food was tasty. Highly recommend checking out this Glencoe gem!
(4)
Jay B.
Let's just say that they have some food "policies" that are absurd. After ordering the swordfish a little on the "light" side of cooked, they served it to me well done and dry. I told the waiter that it was simply unacceptable only to have some guy return and tell me that their "policy" is that they cook fish med-well. I never heard such an inane "policy". They stood their ground, refused to prepare it as I wanted and then the maître D came over to reiterate that it was their way, too bad and as far as I was concerned was rude and I will never return. I've been there before with decent food. One thing...it's the loudest place I've ever been to.
(1)
A Y.
You don't except American Express or MasterCard? That's crazy the food was okay though thanks
(2)
Alex B.
Can I tell you how happy I am that Guildhall has opened in Glencoe. Finally a city-worthy dining destination here in my backyard. I'm liable to award 5 stars just for the novelty of having a good restaurant that I want to go to, rather than just tolerate, on the Northshore. But wait....there's more. The bar is absolutely fantastic, with a limited but excellent selection of house cocktails curated by a veteran of The Violet Hour, so you already know I'm a happy guy. I can already hear you asking, "so, how was the Manhattan?" It was terrific - barrel aged and made with Rye - smooth, flavorful and just perfect. Plus, they have a generous pour philosophy, so that's a bonus. The bar itself is lovely and, dare I say it, rather sophisticated. I'll be stopping in often. They've also got an americano on the menu (a take on a negroni) so I'll be trying that once the weather is warm enough to incorporate non-brown liquors into my diet. We had a couple of delicious bites while drinking contentedly at the bar. The Frito was outstanding - a small delicious basket of quick fried shrimp and calamari with a terrific aioli. Also delicious was the burrata with an interesting housemade giardinere. Service at the bar was attentive and quick even though the place was packed to the gills. Very happy Guildhall has landed here so my dining experience no longer has to suffer if i don't feel like travelling into the city.
(5)
Scott R.
We discovered this restaurant yesterday - it seems to have been doing fine without us. It is well situated from several of our favorites: Abigails and Prarie Grass, and from Evanston alternatives. It is a large, deep room; noisy? Not to a fault. The menu includes an interesting variety of well thought out variations on basic American cooking; we ordered the artichoke soup and salmon tartare as starters and switched plates; I thought the salmon had good flavor and my wife thought the soup was nicely artichokey. The appetizers were sizeable. We shared and both enjoyed the smoked trout Lyonaise salad which had lots of nice trout chunks; one salad was more than sufficient for two. The entrees were NOT petite: my whitefish (with an interesting side of a snail dish) included two large filets; Mary's Harrison chicken was similar in size to the one at Prarie Grass, and included interesting middle eastern flavors; juicy too. The meal starts with good European type Rye, similar to the kind you used to get at Bergoff's. The dessert menu includes a Chocolate Cremeaux (like a chocolate log) with an interesting side of a multispiced ice milk - they worked well together. Water Service was good and table service was also good; they picked up dishes quickly but not too quickly. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine but can't speak to cocktails. The Manager/part owner that night,Miguel, was an old friend from past days at Froggy's and Bistro Kirkou/Bistro 22; his warmth and charm are another asset. We called for a reservation and at 6:30 on a Wednesday a few tables were available; if you are planning ahead I would make one. The price for the dishes did not seem out of line given the quality of the preparations and ingredients. My 4 star review unfortunately lowers the rating for this restaurant; we however will be back to try some new things EXCEPT the seemingly requisite short ribs - I hate 5 spice!
(4)
Mike P.
First time here. Bartender very helpful in wine suggestion. Best waiter, Pepe, ever, Salmon so delicious. Skate wing was the special & prepared perfectly. Will definitely return. Very attentive service.
(4)
Yvonne Y.
Came here for dinner and 5 stars for the food, service and decor/atmosphere. Foodwise: really enjoyed the wood oven roasted 1/2 chicken which was extremely moist and served with mushrooms and artichokes. My parents liked the trout which wasn't fishy at all as trout can be sometimes. The tuna nicoise appetizer was delicious. They have "gourmet" food in the kids menu so if your kid isn't adventurous, stick to the mac n cheese option. The "chips" in the fish n chips choice was kale chips. As for side dish, the creamy spinach was delicious (lots of spinach); I personally found the asparagus a bit on the crunchy and cold side. Service: Pepe was extremely helpful in providing recommendations on appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Every member of the staff is friendly and you feel relaxed. Decor: love the openness of the interior and the light color decor. Very airy with lots of sunlight. Beautiful farmhouse tables. Overall, I'm very grateful to have a restaurant with Chicago city quality in Glencoe.
(5)
Andrea B.
We had a fantastic meal with excellent recommendations on the wine list! We loved the vibrant atmosphere and highly recommend this as your next restaurant to visit!
(5)
Betty C.
We will probably return but can't agree with all of the 4 and 5 star reviews. The space is open and bright - a bit too loud and the white couches by the windows are not very comfortable. Our server was too soft spoken to hear well although the actual total service was good for us - they cleared plates from the adjoining table way too soon several times and really aggravated those folks. Bread looks homemade or from a local bakery, served with sweetened truffle butter. Salads are pretty pricey for their size ($9) but were fresh and inventive - chicory, arugula, pomegranate seeds and avocado had a nice peppery flavor. The steak frites had excellent fries and a nice little steak, cooked perfectly. Tuna Nicoise = rectangle of tartare, no green beans as described, more arugula instead and the garlic chips were actually an almost puffed potato chi[p with a hint of salt and I could not taste any garlic on them. Cavatelli is bright green with pesto and loaded with nuts on top. Half a roast chicken did not appear to be fall off the bone tender but was juicy. Mashed potatoes were way too thin - you could pour them and the thin light brown gravy did not add any value whatsoever. Chocolate cremeaux for dessert was fantastic - creamy and rich and the ice creams were obviously hand crafted and very tasty - the chocolate one almost a bit too bitter, we preferred the French vanilla. Drinks are on the expensive side - no wine by the glass under $11. Beers are better at $5 each.
(3)
Colleen M.
I love that we have this option in Glencoe now! It is walking distance to my house, and that is always a bonus, especially with their amazing and delicious cocktail menu. The ambiance and service are good, however I have found their food to be a bit disappointing. The only thing I really enjoy is the burger. However, it is a great place to meet for a few drinks!
(3)
Laurence K.
Well just opened and hopefully they will work out the kinks. Sat at bar had cocktails they were good but nothing special. Started with hamachi with jalapeno citrus, Fish was a bit tough and dressing was a little timid. Next had the shaved veg salad with green goddess dressing and smoked trout salad The salad was watery which meant the lettuce wasn't drained properly so the salad had no flavor. same thing with the trout there was a puddle of water in the bottom of the bowl. this can be easy fixed. lastly we had the burger the reg one as I'm not into pretzel rolls. it was very good i must say and the fries were exceptional. all n all with a few minor adjustments this place should do well in the neighborhood.
(3)
Hamman L.
I love the decor and ambiance of Guildhall. It has been a nice addition to our town. After having eaten there three times now, I am not impressed with the food. The only thing I have eaten there that I really enjoy is the burger. They do know how to make good cocktails! My husband and I will stop there for a nite cap and sit at the bar. Overall, it is a nice local option, but not on the top of my list for places to go.
(3)
Cindy B.
We went here during a lull between Christmas and New Year's and were excited to try it because there was quite a buzz about it. It's a lovely looking place; it was nearly full when we were there and not too noisy. I had one of the strange and interesting cocktails at the bar while we waited for our party; I recommend the cucumber thing. And when I asked about one of the ingredients, the bartender poured me a small sample so I could taste it. A nice touch. Another nice touch -- a really nice touch -- came when we were seated. One of us ordered the torta app, which was good but oddly huge, and she picked off the onions while she ate it. When our salads were served, our waiter told her that he had noticed and had gone ahead on his own and asked that her salad be made with no onions. I think I've never experienced such good service! Thank you. Apps were great, oysters Rock and celery soup stood out. Salads were nice. Each of us maybe mis-ordered entrees because they were all good but not great somehow. But it was such a weird week of eating that I can't fault the restaurant. Desserts were fantastic: the key lime pie in a jar was very good and the ice cream with the smoked salt demonstrated that that's the only correct way to eat ice cream. Guildhall has really interesting food, flavors that make you think, top-drawer service from friendly, cheerful staff. Thank you Guildhall! We'll be back.
(5)
Harley F.
This restaurant was a little shaky at the start with noise and organization. After visiting it again, it was obvious that they tweaked the few things that needed to be fixed. The place is amazing, service is out of this world fabulous, and food is beyond delicious. I highly suggest taking anyone there no matter what the occasion. It is a bit fancier but perfect for a nice time.
(5)
Diana P.
One of the better restaurants in the north shore area and reminded us a bit of places we used to dine in when living in the city. Food was good, however, many of these restaurants that try to be "different" with their small plates and unique combinations of flavors add way too much SALT to their dishes. I'd like to actually taste the quality of product used, the freshness, rather than masking it with strong salty flavors. Over all, I'd come back, just would ask for "easy sauce" and "less salt" next time.
(3)
Diane P.
4.5 stars, to be exact. I came here for a 5pm dinner on a Saturday. The moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by its absolute fab decor. We were one of the firsts to arrive (they open at 5pm) but the dining hall filled up immediately with fairly older groups mostly in their 40s and 50s. If you are in your 20s and enjoy hot city spots with younger people, Guildhall is definitely not the place to go. The food was very fresh, delivered in a beautiful and appetizing presentation, and remarkably delectable. My friend, a fellow food junkie visiting from Hong Kong, also loved this place and enjoyed all dishes as well as our bottle of bubblies. As for service, I can't complain-- every staff member was kind, friendly, and accommodating-- yet I kept getting the feeling that these people didn't feel very comfortable with what they were doing. Hence the -0.5 stars. I'm guessing it is because Guildhall hasn't been open for very long?? Loved the place nonetheless. Definitely coming back.
(4)
Diane C.
We went here for dinner before a show last Friday. The atmosphere is charming, but with no fabrics the noise level was way too loud. The service was great as was the food. I had the short ribs and my husband had pasta. He did complain that the portion size was too small. The drinks are pricy, as if we were downtown. Not sure if we will return mostly because it's a bit upscale in their prices and small portion sizes, yet too noisy to have nice dinner conversation. When I go to a nice restaurant I expect to be able to talk without straining my voice and ears.
(3)
Rick R.
I really don't know what all the fuss is all about, I guess because the "Nowoth Showa" needed something above average which this place definitely delivers. But that's just it, its above average nothing more, nothing less. I had a burger and fries but done a bit fancier, big whoop. The place is so jam packed it's annoying. We had reservations for 7:30, waited 15 minutes and the hostess sat us directly at the entrance door. What a stupid place to put a table...so people can rub their tukas on my cosmo and spill it? I think not! When asked to be moved we had to wait another 20 minutes. not good. Oh did I mention the food was "meh"?
(3)
Mitch E.
I have gone here twice and I cannot figure out why they cannot make a proper eggs Benedict. They over cook the eggs and to top it off they cannot get the order right either. I am not impressed at all with this place. I would not recommend this place for brunch.
(1)
Neil D.
Mothers day at the Guildhall in Glencoe. First of all the Service was Excellent..our waitress was exceptional and the Manager was one of the best I have seen recently. Food,Drinks and Desserts were very good in a Elegant setting. Best of all the Restuarant is located in Downtown Glencoe the prettiest suburb in Chicago...cannot get any better.
(5)
Meg W.
This is a very fun place for cocktails. The bartenders are very nice and know a lot about their alcohol. It was great for me because i worked at the starbucks across the street. We exchanged coffee for cocktails. If you dont have that hookup, this place can get very pricey very quickly.
(4)
Amanda T.
Guildhall is a nice addition to downtown Glencoe. The architecture and design of the restaurant is beautiful. Antique charm with modern elegance. You'll have a stunning view of the place no matter where you sit. The hosts were kind, friendly, and talkative. The minute you walk in the door, they are there to greet you with happy smiles and pleasant conversations. The two times that we have gone we did not have to wait, our reserved table was ready to go. The restaurant is extremely loud! Even sitting at a tiny round table (which felt tight for a party of 8) we could not hear each other across the table. That was a huge bummer. The food is pricy. You will finish everything on your plate because the portions are just enough. My biggest complaint is with the waitstaff. The waitress was hard to flag down when you needed something, maybe she had too many tables. In stark contrast, the busboys were constantly refilling water glasses, which made it feel like they were hovering over us the entire meal. They also clear plates WAY too quickly. 4 out of 8 people had to stop them from removing the plates from the table before we were finished. It felt like we were being hurried and rushed into wrapping up. There was this aggressive and pushed quality to the serving that made everyone at the table extremely uncomfortable. When we first sat down, we asked the waitress if she could split the bill. We were splitting by sides of the table, and she said it wasn't a problem. When we asked for the check, she was reminded of this split and said she would do it. When we got the two checks, they were incorrect. Rather than bugging her to redo it, we settled it amongst the two families. She did not charge us for one glass of wine (we had ordered several alcoholic beverages and this was the only one not on the check.) When an honest dad pointed out her mistake, she didn't apologize, she didn't even thank him for being honest, she just said she would fix it. And fix it she did, she redid his bill an added the drink to the final tab. We left the table feeling chased out by the restaurant wanting to make a quick turnover. Our bill was around $200, and not everyone had full meals, so I can imagine they like to turnover tables as quickly as possible if that's what they end up getting! But as we walked out the door, the hosts were there to wish us well. The total Oreo effect, good service-bad service-good service. I am the first one to compliment great customer service, and I feel like Guildhall has a ways to go.
(2)
Holly W.
Finally. As much as I love Apple a Day, I'm REALLY happy to see that Glencoe finally is welcoming in an upscale restaurant. Overall, I felt that Guidhall is a great addition to Glencoe, although the city-esque prices were a bit steep. The service was very good and the ambiance of the place is very beautiful and unusual, given its location in the old hardware store. However, it can be a bit loud when there are a lot of dining patrons - so try to sit in the back (noise level is much better). For starters, I had the Caesar Salad which was VERY good. The chicken was also moist and very good, although the "sides" it says it comes with are lame (it seems like a mainly a la carte kind of place). The dessert selection was very odd.... After glancing over the dessert menu, several of us said that we didn't want dessert. Strangely enough, since it was my mother's birthday they brought out a brownie with vanilla ice cream on top (the ice cream was heavenly). I'm not sure why this was not on the menu - I would have certainly ordered it myself. (Side note: Those who ordered dessert that were with us really enjoyed it). While I really enjoyed my experience at Guildhall, some of the other patrons I was dining with did not think the food lived up to the price of the establishment. But I would go and see for yourself as I certainly enjoyed myself.
(4)
pablo e.
Thank you Guildhall. After being fortunate enough to eat my way through the SF bay area for eight years, I was very apprehensive about the restaurants options on the north shore of Chicago. Guildhall may be the only restaurant I have been to in the 'burbs that would fit it nicely or even excel in downtown Chicago or other foodie cities. It looks like I may be a regular.
(5)
Steven S.
Finally, Glencoe has a great Restaurant. Decor is wonderful. Don and Arron are a pleasure behind the bar. The staff is always accommodating and friendly. Menu has nice variety but not overwhelming and it changes periodically to keep it fresh. Food is always a wonderful combination of flavors which pleasure the taste buds. I have been there more than a handful of times and will continue to enjoy this great addition to a great town. I wish they would start serving brunch.
(5)
Susie S.
It was amazing. The decor was lovely. Our family really like the cesar salad with large ribs of romaine and great dressing. We also like the home made pasta and the fish and chips. The roasted chicken was good and the french fries were some of the best we've had. Can't wait to go again :)
(5)
Jennifer A.
I loved, loved, loved Guildhall! We are so lucky to finally have a restaurant/bar in Glencoe as perfect as this. I loved all the food (too many ordered to list, but you MUST have the Chicken and the oysters are as fresh as fresh gets) and the atmosphere and drinks were superb! Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Kevin L.
Went here to celebrate a birthday with friends. The restaurant was lively and loud. We were a little early for our 8pm reservation so we had time to enjoy one of their signature cocktails at the bar. Excellent selection of craft beer, wine and booze - prices were fair. They were able to seat us right at the time of our reservation, which was both refreshing and amazing, considering the crowd. Within the party of six, we ordered three hangar steaks, two signature burgers (my choice - fantastic) and one butternut squash pasta dish - apps included calamari and flatbread. Cornucopia of desserts provided complimentary by staff in celebration of birthday (an awfully nice and unexpected gesture). Pommes frites were outstanding. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food and would recommend Guildhall without hesitation. Thank you for providing the area with another solid offering.
(4)
J. C.
The chicken is great. I was a little disappointed in the carrot salad (which is why the rating is 4, not 5). The place has a great vibe, which is generally hard to find on the North Shore. The wine list is good and fairly priced. It is also open a little later than some local places, so its nice be able to go for dinner at 9pm and not be the last people in the place.
(4)
Andy F.
This restaurant is a perfect match for the North Shore. Food was very good, atmosphere was best in class for the Suburbs. Somehow the designer found a way to open up the ceiling with hard floors and keep the sound level down (major plus). We went to Guildhall on its first friday night and they handled the crowd pretty well. I had the rack of lamb (finger licking good). My boy had the 47.00 steak (well worth the price) and the girls ate the striped bass (also tasty although, as we know, I'm a red meat eater). Drinks were flowing: Beer selection was fun and sophisticated. Definitely add this to the suburban approved list! Big Plus (real bar) which will be frequented as last business meeting of the day spot (much better than coffee options in Glencoe).
(5)
Jenny S.
Got pushed around from minute we came in the door. Crowded is good but people were not considerate of others. VERY loud could not hear waitress. Specials were already sold out at 7:00. Most likely due to the limited menu. Not great choices and relatively tasteless. My husband got pasta with wild boar ragu not flavorful. Burger was nothing special. Saw a $17 glass of wine on the menu. Nothing great to eat to accompany those prices. Not rushing back.
(2)
Carrie R.
This is my second review of guildhall and is much better than the first. Really came into its own in past year. Good food service and great atmosphere. Bar is fantastic. Really appreciate that something this nice is established in Glencoe.
(4)
M Y.
can i tell you how happy i am that guildhall is here? first of all, probably one of the best old-fashioned i have ever had and truth be told, i had many. (having one now...) the entire menu is mouth-watering, but i have a hard time straying away from what i love. been here twice and here are my favorites: (sorry forgot the actual fancy names) -the calamari/shrimp appetizer - that dipping sauce!! you may be asking for more! -make sure you get the bread and red pepper dip (on the house - last time i was here, the waiter never brought it out until i asked) -trout salad - delicious! -crudo - perfection! -half chicken - tender, moist and yummy! -chocolate dessert - i tried not to eat it all, but i would of if no one was looking. i am sure the list will grow as i continue to visit. there is still so much i want to try, especially their burger. i'll be back for that! bottom line -BEAUTIFUL space - not only do you feel remove from the suburbs, you feel removed from the midwest, maybe even the states. -BAR and variety of liquor. Yes, this matters and feel free to go drink and not eat - the bar is light/chilled and you'll taste liquor you only dreamt of. -FOOD - where can you get food this good these days? The best way to describe it, is the food taste expensive. -STAFF - i know they are working out the kinks, but they are all eager to please. don't be surprise if you get a hello from the owners. they are always there and upfront to make sure you have everything you need. they love the feedback and you can tell you being there means a lot to them. go support GUILDHALL - don't be one of those suburbanites who complain there's no good places to eat. it's finally here! it's right in the neighborhood and you'll be happy you're home in 10 minutes. p.s. KID-FRIENDLY! may not look like it is, but it definitely is. the staff has the kid menus in their pockets.
(5)
Richard G.
Huge disappointment. Have now visited twice. Pros: (1) lovely restaurant; (2) friendly host staff; (3) wonderful bar area, with quality staff. Cons: (1) servers are either inexperienced or downright obnoxious (the last one kept referring to my daughter as "doll," over-promised on food (the "food's next up," then we waited 15 more minutes), and twice returned to tell us that food we ordered was no longer available...never apologized, never offered to cover any item etc.; and (3) food selections are VERY limited for vegetarians or those who keep Kosher (lots and lots of pork products as ingredients in many dishes). We'll give it one more shot but we're ready to give up.
(2)
Lynne H.
Guildhall is not perfect, but it's a great addition to the local (non) dining scene. When we arrived for our reservation, we were greeted warmly and immediately shown to a table, despite the fact that the place was packed on a Friday night. The decor is charming, and makes the best use of the relatively large and awkward space. We were presented with a very modern menu and bar list, with many appetizing choices. We enjoyed 2 cocktails, 2 pea soups, stripped bass and trout. Very nice..... So, why not 5 stars. A couple of things.....service was uneven. We waited 15 minutes for our drinks, but our main courses arrived while we were still working on our appetizers. Also, seasoning was uneven. The pea soup was bland, but the trout was oversalted and a bit overcooked. The room is almost too noisy to have a conversation, but there were several large (10 or more) tables. Overall, I'm glad it's open, and I will return.
(4)
Clarke D.
Hour wait to order, awful food & deafeningly loud.
(1)
Linda S.
The bartenders are mixologists. We ask them to create their own concoction and are thrilled each time. Don is an amazing creator! The food is also fabulous. I feel like I'm downtown at this super trendy place.
(5)
Elizabeth D.
We had dinner here before going to a performance at the Writers' Theatre. We had dinner at the bar since I had neglected to make a reservation well enough in advance to get a table that worked with the play. The food was great and the drinks were terrific. We started with the tarte flambee forestiere which perfectly prepared. I had the steak frites and my husband had the grilled lamb chops. Both were excellent. Next time, we will make a reservation and enjoy the dining room. The restaurant had a marvelous vibe. Happy diners and the warm buzz of conversation, good wine and wonderful food.
(4)
Martina M.
I had such high expectations for this place! I made reservations on Open Table, a few days before. We arrived on time. The hostess wasn't too friendly, but semi-polite! We got seated in the first room, towards the end, a very busy area, I found out. Our server didn't introduce herself, & service was very, very, slow. I ordered a Margarita which wasn't worth the $11.00 bucks! The rest of the food was good, especially the Corn Soup! The bread was warm & fresh, but we had to ask for it, because it was never brought to our table, (as was to every other table)!!!! Once the place started to get crowded it was even harder to get our server to come to our table. We had to rely on other servers/& waitstaff for service. We thought of ordering dessert, but we'd probably still be waiting there...I don't think I'll be returning to this place any time soon?!
(3)
Lytle W.
Beautiful decor, friendly staff, great food. Enjoyed the salmon (not on the official menu) with black beans. Great for dinner with girlfriends or on a date night. Go try it out! The bartender was particularly friendly and knowledgable.
(4)
Colin E.
The decor is elegant and casual and the energy is bustling and warm. Service was very good. My date and I started with the crab salad on toast--very good. Next we both had the warm carrot salad--the best salad either of us has had in a long time. We both had the Guildhall burger and finished with the spumoni sundae. I'd recommend it all. We both left pleased, well fed, impressed, and in good spirits.
(5)
Tom R.
Thought this place was just OK. Waiter had a hard time with drink orders. I asked for Tanqueray Gin and was told they didn't have it. I chose another's brand and asked for a martini on the rocks. It came straight up. When the bill arrived I noticed they charge $2 to shake the martini. I asked that for the charge to be removed and it was promptly. Entrees were unevenly sized. One person had fish and it was very small. Others ordered meat and it was a more standard portion. The place can get very loud. Staff is trying to please and maybe they will get it together. Great location.
(3)
Mary T.
I visited Guildhall with a friend last Friday evening. The food was unbelievably good, the service was excellent and the ambiance inviting. Pepe, our waiter, was outstanding. Our only complaint? The place is SO noisy I had to shout to my dinner companion during our conversation. If you're looking for a good, but expensive meal Guildhall is the place for you. Bring a megaphone on weekend nights. You'll need it.
(5)
Julie R.
Guildhall is what Glencoe has needed for as long as I've lived here (13 years)! The warm decor and amazing menu make for a "city vibe dining experience" in a small town. The food is wonderful! Appetizer menu is one of the best I've seen...fritto misto is light and fresh, and the oysters are as good as anywhere in Chicago. As with any new Restaurant, they still need to work through a few kinks. Timing of the dinner could be a little better and if you plan to order a bottle of wine with dinner, do so right away so it's there when your food comes. Overall, guildhall is a must try, and try again and again as we've been 2 times a week since they opened!
(4)
Ronald S.
Two of us went early [5:30] to minimize noise--but weren't successful. Food/service were OK, but --considering prices--not enough to created a positive experience. Noise level aggravated by close table spacing. won't be going back. [another minor failure: one entree served w/o starch or hot vegetable--just a little mound of undressed arugula.]
(2)
Eric G.
Food was great, very reasonable and Christian was extremely accommodating. Try the Crudo...it was my favorite dish. The beer and wine list was excellent. This feels like a hip downtown spot in the North Shore.
(4)
Kit B.
So desperately needed in sleepy Glencoe, this place wins with its pretty decor, zinc bar and professional service, but alas, falls short on its food. Anyone who thinks creamy Italian Burrata drizzled with aged balsamic belongs on a bed of astringent pseudo-kimchi (ugh) should take a good hard look at their menu, and maybe seek some professional culinary advice. We ate here twice - fish was thin and dry, steak frites and roasted chicken were meh. Bar is fun, wine pours generous. Please bring in some food pros to tweak the menu. We need this place to succeed!
(4)
David H.
We've been watching the construction and reading the media teasers on the owners and executive chef for months. We're rating Guildhall 4+ stars - a combination of 5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the service, and 4 stars for the ambiance - and can't wait to go back. Let me explain... First of all, from a design point of view the place is an exquisite marriage of old-world charm with a modern, hip vibe. Two downsides: apart from the seating surfaces, there is nothing else to absorb sound so it's quite loud inside, even when only half-full. I had to strain to hear my server. Also, there's really only ambient lighting supplemented by a small table candle - no ceiling spots aimed on the tables - so it's really difficult to read the menu. I saw several tables (with older patrons) breaking out flashlights, even though the overall lighting level in the restaurant isn't particularly dark. (Our server even offered us a flashlight!) They have an tantalizing selection of hand-crafted cocktails and a wide variety of draft/bottled beer and wine by the glass/bottles from atypical regions/producers, all at a decent value. But our very pleasant (yet professional) waitress had some difficulty describing/remembering the differences between choices, saying that she had tried so many different items during the extensive pre-opening training. My white wine was not only wonderful, but the pour was unusually generous - a nice touch. After sampling the deliciously warm and crusty bread (for which they offered refills), we ordered the Yellowtail Crudo, the mushroom and onion flatbread, and the Cavatelli with Ricotta Cheese and some kind of parsley pesto. We mentioned a few dietary restrictions, and the waitress either had to check with the kitchen to see if the existing preparations were a problem, or happily offered suggestions of her own on how the kitchen would alter the recipes to meet our needs. All our selections were absolutely spectacular in their own way, and the portions were larger than we expected for a "fine dining" establishment. There was not a morsel of food left on our plates when they came to collect them. We found it odd that the waitress didn't check back with us after a few minutes - either after the appetizers were delivered nor after the entrees came - to see if we were happy with our choices or needed anything else. Maybe she observed us devouring our food from a distance and didn't bother. We couldn't stay for dessert but are anxious to check out the somewhat limited selection on a future visit. A few more positive items to note: we got a warm greeting when we entered the restaurant, and a warm "we hope to see you again soon" goodbye when we left - a rarity these days. The hostess was quite amenable to switching our table from a louder part of the restaurant to a more quieter section. We noticed several owner/manager types throughout the evening checking on things, conversing with patrons, even assisting the waitstaff, all of which bode well for quality control and improvement. The prices, while not inexpensive, were in keeping with the vibe, extremely high food quality and attention to detail, and there are lower priced items on the menu, like the burger. And we learned that they'll be opening for Sunday brunch, filling a huge void in Glencoe. Let's hope it's not too overpriced to bring the entire family! To summarize, Guildhall is amazing, especially for a place that's only been open 10 days or so. Who could have predicted that it would be so good, so soon?
(4)
Tina D.
The food taste great. The staffs are very friendly. The best part is the decoration.
(4)
Chicago 1.
Really would love to give this place more stars. Food was delicious (we had the mushroom and Gruyere flatbread, yum, the strawberry salad special - the best I have ever had, and 3 of our party of 4 ordered the pork chops, phenomenal), space is gorgeous - love the lighting and the white on white without being pretentious. Loved the antiqued mirrors and mix of white/shabby chic. Just beautiful. But... yes, the noise level is at times ridiculous. We walked in and had I not already read the reviews that mentioned this we might have walked out. People at the table to the left of the hostess stand were literally screaming at each other. You might have had to do that to be heard among all the other noise. Just, a LOT for 9pm. They screwed up our reservation, had us close out our tab with the bar where we were pleasantly waiting for our table and scramble to pay up and get over to the hostess area only to be made to wait another 5 minutes then told to wait again. Of course the seats/space we had waited for so long at the bar were long gone. Then the service. Wow, this was such an amazing mix of friendly/bad that I feel bad saying how terrible it was. This guy was so funny and nice, but ~ I have worked in food service all through college and know the % the restaurant makes on the bar is a reason it should be pushed, and hard, but this guy avoided our drinks like he thought we were an AA meeting. We were never offered another drink after the ones we brought from the bar. I finally begged for a wine list and 1/2 our table did get a glass of wine with dinner, but the all of the following drink orders were completely ignored. We were served dessert and 1/2 of us got the coffee we ordered, the rest ignored, as well as all the after dinner drinks. Based on tip % alone this guy cost himself $10+ just for the drinks he ignored that would have been added to the bill. Why!~?!? I am reading a ton of issues on service. Sounds like a retraining session is due. I know service is really based on the person so would go back, just hoping for someone else to serve us.
(3)
Janet W.
What a breath of fresh air! A hip new restaurant with excellent food, great service, and classy decor in downtown Glencoe! Surely a few creative adjustments could make it more conversation friendly even when it's packed on the weekends. My boyfriend and I love to dine out and are always looking for something new close to home on the North Shore, which is hard to find these days. Amazing service began with a phone call to reserve a table. The hostess stated that she would take our name ahead for one of the tables for two opening up soon and that we should ask for her by name. She honored that promise and sat us promptly right away on a busy Saturday night. I am somewhat of a restaurant snob, being a foodie, personal chef (trained at Kendall), and having had the fortune of dining in restaurants all over the map. Though I love to indulge once in awhile, I am always seeking nutritious heart healthy options on every menu. That can be a challenge in a place like Guildhall where the chef has a love of "red meat and bold flavors" (according to the waiter). No challenge there. The chef turned out a series of beautiful dishes starting with the Crudo (sashimi appetizer) which flavorful but light, Oysters Rockefeller, delicious with just the right amount of richness and salt, followed by the baby kale and chicory salad with lots of nutrition packed goodies like avocado and pomegranate, and the main entree of Striped Bass, expertly prepared and recommended by our waiter. The outstanding meal was finished with a most unusual dessert: a Mixed fruit consomme prepared with Sauvignon Blanc. Now I know your thinking, consomme? Really? Sounds like a weak finish? On the contrary, it was so divine, we savored every drop. Service was professional and prompt, despite the packed dining room and much to the pleasure of our waiter who had alluded to an occasional delay from the kitchen within the first 3 weeks of opening. He was very passionate about food and excited about being part of this great new restaurant. Overall, kudos to Guildhall in its first few weeks. We'll be back again soon!
(5)
Nancy M.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our first visit to this very new restaurant in the northern suburb of Glencoe. The menu is not huge - but it does offer options that should please everyone, with two fish dishes (plus a salmon special), two pastas, a hamburger, steak frites and a couple of others. I highly recommend the "wishing for spring" specialty cocktail (it seemed perfectly appropriate right now in Chicago) and the kale salad, which was quite large and delicious; the spring pea soup, the salmon special and the chocolate Crema dessert (as our server told us, "that's what they eat in heaven"). If the other menu items are as good as these, then you will be very pleased. Our server was perfectly attentive, knowledgeable and friendly; and the ambience of the restaurant was lovely. It is so nice to have another good restaurant serving excellent food in the burbs; I'm sure we will bring friends and patronize Guildhall frequently.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Very Loud Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lexie G.
Cinnamon roll. Get the cinnamon roll. You can also get it Togo, the donuts too but it's always better hot! We went for Mother's Day-made a reservation so we didn't have to wait or anything. the restaurant is very cool, much like summerhouse Santa Monica in Chicago but more quaint with an antique yet modern feel... Does that even make sense? The bar is very cool-look retro but has top of the line cocktails. I got a ginger margarita which was pretty tasty! The chorizo hash was good but a little Lukewarm like it was sitting there waiting to be order but the flavor was great-wish the eggs weren't over hard and were over easy and there was a lack of salsa verde sauce. My mom loved her lobster eggs Benedict though-ate it all and she never eats everything on the plate! Oh and our service was excellent -greeted and chatted with as well as our server was very attentive but not annoying or pressuring. I'll be sure to recommend this place
(4)Sarah Beth B.
I hate bringing up that old joke, but... The food here just wasn't that good, and the portions were so small! Seriously, though, the food here tastes pretty good, but the portions really were teeny, and every dish felt like it was missing something (usually a starch). We met another couple here for dinner, and were all just pretty underwhelmed with our experience. First, it's VERY loud, and dark, but also full of kids, which is a weird combination. Second, we wanted to share an app, which the waitress assured us would be fine, but then when it arrived, it was teeny. Teeny! one bite per person. I'm fine with not-sharing apps, but the waitstaff should be clear that they are single portions. Third, the whole meal just FLEW. everything was TEENY, and we wanted to sit around and hang out, but literally ordering to clearing our (4 bite) dessert took under an hour. I think many people were drinking a lot more than us, and better able to linger, but being with child, that wasn't in the cards for us. The food-- what there is of it-- does taste good! but I think for what we spent, I could taste much better food at plenty of other places. Sorry, Guildhall, I don't think I'll be coming back.
(2)Pam P.
Prepare yourself that it will be very loud and you'll be sitting very close to other parties. Not really a place to sit back and relax. The army of staff are over attentive - refilling water constantly, hovering while you look at the menu, walking around in constant droves. Too much of a good thing! I had the carrot fennel soup which was really good. Cashew milk gave it a yummy nutty taste. Drinks are pricey. $14 for a tiny "carafe" of wine that was about 1 glass. Also had the Farm to Bowl Salad. Good combo of green beans, chick peas and a tasty Parmesan cheese. Needed a little more zip to the dressing though. Very busy place so must be popular.
(3)Tanya V.
Can't say I'm a big fan of pretentious people and suburbs that make you feel odd to not pull up in a Range Rover, but unfortunately, I do greatly appreciate the restaurants and retail that they attract. Enter Guildhall, a French-themed bistro type of restaurant in the cozy and upscale (I guess) Glencoe neighborhood. The reason for my visit was a Sunday brunch with a large group of friends. I loved the design, I loved the seating, I loved the old waiters who enthusiastically said the words "Madame", "Merci" and Magnifique" more times than I could count. I also loved the white tea, cherry soda and Croque Monsieur that I ordered. Loved it all! Others at the table ordered the homemade cinnamon roll, hotcakes, and omelets - and the waiter brought us a small selection of homemade donuts as well that I had one delicious bite of. All of it was truly beautiful and tasty. Oh, and the side salad was also really, really lovely. I would definitely go back to Guildhall for dinner, and can imagine that it would be romantic and fun. I'll just have to put my blinders on to all the stuffies when that happens.
(5)Tony F.
Dinner for 8 please! Why not try a place called, "Guildhall" up on the Northshore?!? I made reservations for New Years Eve and for a party of 8. Upon arrival we were greeted and seated promptly. The atmosphere of this place had an updated Old Chicago feel with a hint of colonial styling. I loved the tin ceiling. It reminded me of a lot of the bars I use to frequent in the city. Needless to say the decor was awesome. We really liked the atmosphere, and it was loud (in a good way). Being New Years Eve patrons were lively. There was also a live Jazz band. What a bonus. To say the least the food we tried was awesome as well. I had the SLOW ROASTED SUCKLING PIG. This melted in my mouth. It was tender and cooked to perfection. This alone earned 5 stars for me. On to the drinks. The cocktails were what I would expect from any fine establishment. There were made just right. The wine selection was OK. We were happy customers. We'll be back again. Next time we'll try Brunch.
(5)Matthew M.
Good menu and more like a restaurant in Chicago's River North or Gold Coast. We just moved from River North to the North Shore and felt right at home at Guild Hall.
(4)Will S.
I've eaten here before, the food is ok given it is an extremely expensive menu. Went in at 9:01 p.m Sunday 8/9. And was rudely refused a drink at the bar when my date and I had walked across town for a quick night cap. He had just taken an order for a 6 top table, there is no way we would have been there longer than them. :( the tall European server clearly doesn't have a passion for hospitality. It's always nice having a neighborhood restaurant that cares so little about its locals. I do like the bartender though, nice guy.
(1)Natalie B.
It is very northshore, but hey, it's on the northsore so it's fitting. We dined at 8:15 on a Saturday night and the place was lively and packed. Loved the vibe though I didn't love being squeezed by the bar as we waited for our table since there was no where else to wait. My extremely pregnant sister hardly fit, but fortunately our wait wasn't too long. We had an 8pm reservation for 6, which they screwed up ( they had 9pm down) but guidhall fixed it immediately and found us a table within 10 minutes. Our waiter was attentive and directed us to two great bottles of wine. Lately I've found waitstaff completely ignorant about wine so this was welcomed. On to the food. I loved the roasted carrot salad snd the crudo was amazing. I wasn't terribly hungry so I didn't order an entree but sampled the ones my family ordered. I was underwhelmed by the whitefish but the asparagus and broccolii sides were delicious. It's a great option on the Northshore and I do hope it is here to stay. (Given the crowds i think others feel the same)
(4)Michele R.
The cocktail menu is phenomenal! And the drinks are delicious! Sadly, that is where it ends for me. They crammed as many seats in as possible, making it very tight and loud (and in my case extremely uncomfortable as I sat on the "seam" between two couches). The food is mediocre and overpriced. For example....ordered the carpaccio....I would be shocked if there was more than 1/2 oz of beef on the plate covered in frisée. Also had the rabbit sausage which was very good, but was literally 1/4 of a sausage with some salad. For entrees I had the fish special, which was gray in color and extremely boring. We were there at 6:45 on a Saturday and they were already out of the vegetable side leaving us with the option of potatoes or potatoes. Go for the bar, not the food.
(2)Amy O.
This is such an appreciated addition to Glencoe. The atmosphere is great. The wines by the glass list and cocktails are top notch. Please consider mixing up the menu once in a while. Maybe do a seasonal rotating menu?
(4)Paul P.
We were in town visiting friends for the weekend, so we hired a babysitter for Sat evening to go out to an adult only dinner. Our friends had been wanting to try this place out. We started with Frito Misto, and the Lyonaisse Salad. The Misto was so crisp, and lightly battered...it was great. And the salad was wonderful too. It's hard to go wrong with a sunny side up egg on a salad. For dinner, we all had a different entree, so we got to try all of them. We had the Striped Sea Bass, the Short Ribs, the Pork Chop, and the pasta entree. The pasta was a little bland for my taste, but the other three were all very good. I would have ordered any of those three again on a future visit. We wrapped up with a cappuccino, a coffee with Bailey's, and the off menu dessert for the night, and they were all excellent. Especially the dessert...if you're a chocolate lover. Would certainly come back again when in town.
(5)Elina S.
Okay so I was super excited to try Guildhall since a few of my friends who live in Glencoe go here all the time so I figured why not. I heard Abigails being thrown around a lot in comparison to this place so I figured I would love it since Abigails is like my favorite northshore restaurant. Well, this wasn't exactly like Abigails. I made a reservation for a party of four like a month in advance to get that perfect 7pm Saturday slot and they were nice enough to call and confirm that for me. Upon arrival, I was in love, I absolutely love the decor here, it's classy yet trendy and very city like for being in the suburbs. I especially loved the large chandelier in the back room, it's definitely an eye candy kind of restaurant as I just sat and enjoyed myself there. Now onto the important stuff. First of all they brought out fresh bread but it was cold. Big mistake in my opinion as bread needs to be warm and toasty with chilled butter. Oh well, no biggie. The drinks were fabulous, from the cucumber martini to the mademoiselle which is what I got, those were probably the highlights of the evening. Everything else was pretty much eh. The one appetizer we did get and really did enjoy was the frito mixto which had fried calamari, shrimp and veggies, but I felt like the portion could have been a tad bigger. Also, no biggie. My friend got her crab bisque soup and it was served on the cold side so she had to ask for them to warm it up forh er. Kind of annoying in my opinion. The caesar salad she ordered looked a little messy and nothing special so maybe go with the apple endive salad next time. My husband got their steak with fingerling potatoes and he didn't really enjoy it. He felt like it was super chewy and I tried a piece and would have to agree. I was really craving a burger and since Abigails has my favorite burger of all time I figured this place might as well. Well, it was very average, it so needed some kind of aoli sauce or something since ketchup just wasn't doing it justice. Plus, it was extremely salty and I woke up many times needing some major hydration. We were stuffed for dessert by that point and nothing really stood out to me that I wanted to spend the extra money on. So overall, the place has awesome decor, pretty good service, yummy drinks but the food needs some lift me up. I wouldn't be dying to go back here anytime soon but I'm glad that I tried it out as we had a nice time.
(3)Marie D.
I would like to like Guildhall more than I do. I've been there twice now, under two very different sets of circumstances. The first time I went I was part of a group of eight women, and we were celebrating someone's birthday. The second time I went I was part of a group of four, and we had made a reservation to coincide with the attendance of an art gallery show. My thoughts are applicable to each evening: 1. This place is unbearably loud. It's a big space, and when it's at capacity, it is deafening. 2. The prices are at the upper end. 3. The portions are the smallest end. 4. The food is good, but at no time did anyone I was with rave over their food. 5. The service was off both times. The first time it was hard to get service, and the second time I wanted to slap our server upside the head because he simply could not be near our table without trying to up-sell us. He visibly frowned and shook his head when I said, for the second time, that NO, I did not want to start with a salad. 6. We had to wait longer than usual for our reserved table. The first time we waited for about 20 minutes. The second time we waited for a half an hour. In summary, Guildhall could be FABULOUS. But it's not.
(2)MTML D.
The first thing that I will say is that my wife and I would probably have not come here had we not received a gift card to have dinner here. We are not cheap, we just have pre-teenagers at home that need constant nourishment and the price of our dinner here could provide a few meals at home. With that being said, we will dine here again and I would not think twice about the price because the food was phenomenal. For starters we had the Frito Misso (Calamari). Best I have ever had. Light, crispy and flavor-able with what I believe was a lemon aioli as a dipping sauce. My wife had the homemade spaghetti as her entree and when you have fresh made pasta you always wonder why you can't make it at home. We all know why, because it easier to buy it in a box. I had the short-rib entree which was so tender that it fell apart with the fork. Nice roasted potato's and leeks that were excellent. Wish I could tell you what we had for dessert (not on the regular menu) but my wife had a beautiful chocolate dessert and I had Polenta pound cake with frozen greek yogurt. Not as sweet as my wife but nice. Other reviewers stated that the place is loud and people are stuffy and typical North Shore. Didn't see that. People were really nice and seemed to be involved in their own conversations and not to worried about being SEEN. Staff was very welcoming and our server Pepe was the best. I think that this is a great restaurant (beautiful inside) in a nice little Northern suburb. I think people come here with the notion that because it is Glencoe and people have a little bit more coin than others that it means that the area is snobbish. Not so. Will you see cars that are $90,000-yes, million dollar homes-yes but there are nice people here. This is coming from a guy who was born and raised Chicago Southside. I felt very comfortable. Might be surprised if you come here.
(5)Omar D.
Great food, service and setting. Wines are well curated and affordable. Fun cocktails and frat menu that is both accessible, well done and unique. Make sure to sit with Pepe if you can. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Rob R.
This place is really loud during dinner time. Bring a megaphone. I had to yell to be heard across the table. Terrible acoustics. Food is fine, not fantastic, but on par with the other north shore alternatives. Bar is a good place to hang out, and you can eat at the bar. Also, watch your credit card balance. I was charged 4 times for the same meal, every Thursday for 4 weeks after I visited. It was a hassle to get this reversed. Something wrong with their system, or a rouge employee was scamming me. Overall, I won't rush back, but glad to have a place in Glencoe pre-theater.
(3)Hendrix B.
It has been a while since I dined at Guildhall but if memory serves the food and service were excellent. I like the space and bar, reminds me a bit of new York. Definitely recommended.
(4)Aimee K.
We loved it! The drinks were great, the service was great. it was loud but not over the top and i could easily talk to my dinner companion. Food was great. we loved the crab app, the fritto misto was good as well. We split the caeser and the portion was huge. i had the steak frites which was great and my husband thought the pork chop was the best he ever had. The atmosphere was lively and fun, we can't wait to return!
(5)Hannah R.
Delish food. Burger is outstanding. Decor and ambiance is very cool. City dining in the burbs
(5)Josh P.
I was excited to try out this new hip joint on the North Shore with a friend and colleague. We decided to grab a drink before a quick evening work shift down the road. I thought it would be busy on a Saturday night, so decided to make a reservation on OpenTable. In the reservation notes, I made clear that we were looking to grab a couple of seats at the bar to enjoy a quick drink. My friend arrived shortly before me and informed the host that we had a reservation for two at the bar, to which she was invited to "enjoy herself." I arrived a few minutes later and was dismayed to find that there was no space for us to sit at the bar. Upon consulting with the host stand, we were gruffly informed that the dining room was at capacity. I then inquired as to the purpose of our reservation, if we could apparently not be accommodated whatsoever. After this rather unpleasant encounter, we were at last seated at a small table for two. The waiter was very friendly, the drinks were superb, and the ambiance was equivalent to that of Chicago's finest modern eateries. We did not have time to enjoy any food, but I would be eager to sample the menu. It is truly a shame that an otherwise outstanding culinary gem of Glencoe is hampered by a rude and presumptuous host staff. Also, I wouldn't recommend Guildhall for anyone who might consider themself a millennial. Surely, it's no surprise that a restaurant in Glencoe would be frequented by successful, middle-age couples, but as a pair of 20-something friends who grew up on the North Shore, we received countless unfriendly stares that further negatively impacted our dining experience. I hope that the management of Guildhall will address these concerns relating to the host staff and reach out to me for a resolution to this unpleasant experience.
(2)Taylor M.
The restaurant was nearly empty when I arrived at 6.30p - the hostess (dressed quite unprofessionally) escorted us to one of two tables next to the entry way and windows. Being -3 degrees outside - I wasn't enthused about sitting next to the freezing cold. Our waiter was very friendly and somewhat over attentive in constantly checking. Then when we asked for the check - it took much longer.... I ordered the Brussels sprouts and chicken, my friend the guildhall burger - they were scrumptious (to say the least). The food made up for a rocky start!
(4)Richard B.
Glencoe is a charming little town and right at its center is the Guildhall Restaurant - and what a lovely find it is! Friday night, 8pm, and it was hopping! Loud, most definitely, but happy loud; vibrant, brash, ... raucous even! Folks knew folks, tables cross-chatted with other tables of 'near strangers' - some flirty, some cheeky, some serious but all charming and relaxed. Everyone seemed to soak up the atmosphere and leverage its benign but wholly-addictive energy for good conversation amongst wonderfully flavorsome food. The large windows threw out to some half-dozen sidewalk tables which were equally busy ... and the sound of the joint traveled up and down the heart of Glencoe and seemed to invite even more spontaneously traffic. Terrific service. Fascinating menu that included fun lamb dishes, plenty of seafood concoctions and unpredictable combinations of pastas, shellfish and sexy sauces ;-) I liked it. A lot.
(4)Michael N.
Oh the joys of the holidays! I received a wonderful Christmas gift from a coworker, a gift card to Guildhall in Glencoe. I had never heard of this restaurant before, but I am VERY happy I received this gift...for a handful reasons: 1. I love free food. For some reason, food just tastes better when you don't have to open your wallet. 2. The LOCATION. Guildhall is in downtown Glencoe, smack dab in the heart of the North Shore. Since Ashley and I live right off 41 in Lake Bluff, it was a quick ride to start our evening. 3. The SCENE. It's very tough to imitate the buzz of a city restaurant in the suburbs, but Guildhall does just that. The energy in the building was electric. Everyone was in a good mood. It was kind of weird walking in quiet little downtown Glencoe and then opening the door to a rush of warmth and energy, but it made us that much more excited for our dinner. 4. The FOOD! Now, here is the warning. We're talking about downtown Glencoe...North Shore...new/newer restaurant...GLENCOE (did I mention that?). So the prices are a little AHHH!!!! However, the food we did order (two Guildhall burgers, a beer, a glass of wine, and the Farmers Market Crisp) was so F*ing delicious. This is no joke. While eating my burger, I thought to myself, "I don't want this to end." Not even a minute later, Ashley said "I'll be said when this burger is gone." It is cooked perfectly, with the freshest ingredients I think I've ever had, and plated like a gourmet restaurant. The hand-cut fries were delicious and they are served in a cast-iron "skillet?" kind of thing. It was awesome. So worth the money. 5. The SERVICE. Numerous times we had other servers approach our table asking if we needed anything. Some might see that as incompetence from our actual server, but I saw it as a team of servers working together to make sure the customers were taken care of. All in all, this restaurant was a breath of fresh air. We will definitely be back!
(5)Ashley S.
So my husband's super nice co-worker got us a gift certificate here for Christmas. I probably never would've even known this place existed, but I definitely know now! Mike and I both had the burger here, and at the exact same time we said "I don't want this burger to end." It was delicious, from the cheese, to the bacon, to the amazing sauce...and the pretzel bun was a nice touch :) The atmosphere in this place was different, especially for the burbs. It was busy, noisy and very cramped, but we had a nice little table, got our food, had great service and got out. Now that I'm pregnant, these are the things that make my visit worth 5 stars :)
(5)Joe R.
I never write a review until I've tried a place a couple time. Guild Hall has a very friendly staff. I've had various entrees (over 3 visits) and they have all been very good. If you've never sat at a bar to have dinner - try it at GH. They make wonderful cocktails. The bartenders as well as the fellow patrons have proven fun to talk with. So in summary - I'd say that a perfect evening would be dinner at GH, followed by a show at Glencoe's Writer's Theater - then back to GH for cocktails!
(5)Jody B.
Ok... maybe I'm giving it 5 stars (instead of 4) because there hasn't been a place this good to go for dinner in Glencoe in the past 20 years! or, ok, maybe NEVER! I got an alert that this place open from "Eater". I scoped out the fact that it is on Opentable and made a res. Thank goodness, because the place was packed, even though it was spring break around here and everything else was EMPTY! The said we could sit at the bar for dinner... so true to form, Hubby and I grabbed a couple of bar stools and settled in. They have an amazing selection of alcohol. I liked my Americano Americano. Hubby thought his Manhattan was ok. I think they need a better selection of drinks to take advantage of their stock. Their mixologist should take a trip to Ward Eight to see how it's done! But alas, I'm looking for perfection in Glencoe?!?!? A girl can dream, can't she? We shared the burrata app. It was yummy. Smooth and creamy. Hubby told the bartender they needed to add a couple more toasts to it. But they give you an amazing loaf of bread with spicy buttery stuff. So we "made do". My entree was a half chicken. It was recommended by the bartenders. They were right.... so-oooo juicy (see my picture). And the artichoke and mushrooms under it were buttery and delish. Hubby had cavatelli. It was good, but he would get something different next time. We had the cheese plate for dessert (see my picture). The bartender comped us a glass of Americano (sweet wine) each.It was perfect with the cheese. The service was great, the crowd was buzzing, the drinks were very good, the food delish, and it felt like we were downtown... but only had a short drive home... .... now can you see why I gave it 5 stars? ;-)
(5)Krunal P.
My wife and I went here for our Valentines date. Its a really nice place with excellent service. We made a reservation and table was ready on time and food came on time as well. Food was good I would eat here again specially the desert was awesome. (warm carrot cake) Great environment, awesome service and good food what more can you ask for.
(4)Stephen R.
menu-excellent variety kids menu- even better...great selection and value service- was good overall, went there for Mother's day so it was a tad busy. So, it was probably a little slower than normal but overall very attentive. Menu had good variety of choices, and not overwhelming. Decor is very nice, and has alot of charm. great place for friends, family or date night.
(4)Food M.
Over crowded. Small portions and extremely loud. If they try and seat you near the bar, ask for another table. So close to the bar that I was constantly bumped into.
(3)Dan H.
I've been going here since it opened, and they continue to improve their menu and service, it's one of the few places in the suburbs that would be worth a trip from the city. It's clear that they are paying attention to every detail at this place, from the decor to the drinks to the food. They serve a barrel aged Manhattan that's the best I've ever had. The reason it's so good is that they have a whiskey barrel and age the rye themselves. It's this kind of attention to detail that makes this place stand out.
(5)Judd H.
Went here again recently and think that a lot of the service issues have been worked out. Would definitely come back.
(4)Elizabeth E.
I really wanted it to be great, but it just didn't exceed my expectations. We found this place on a whim, and walked in and got seated outside quickly. We asked both our hostess AND the waiter if they could serve us in time for a 7:30pm show (it was 6:35pm) and they both assured us that we had plenty of time, and that they could serve us quickly before the show. Great wine for me and a martini for my boyfriend, we ordered the caesar salad, burrata and spaghetti altogether right when the drinks arrived. The salad and burrata came out quickly and both were DELICIOUS. We asked for our check to be delivered with the pasta so we could get things wrapped up quickly. At 7:20, the pasta and the check still weren't there, so we had to cancel the pasta and I had to run over to the theatre to grab our seats. It was disappointing to spend so much on apps and two drinks, and not have the entree after we had asked two separate people if we had enough time. Just managing our expectations would be fine--plus, they weren't very apologetic.
(2)Nelly S.
cucumber martini, fritto misto, Caesar salad & braised short rib. Our dinner was outstanding!!! Not to mention the decor & coziness of the place is phenomenal. Love this restaurant.
(4)Jean M.
A great place for dinner for any occasion-special celebrations or just catching up with friends. I've been there many times and the best server there is Pepe! He makes it a warm and inviting dining experience!
(5)Effie N.
Love the decor and people watching! Nice variety on the menu and service was good! Main attraction was carrot salad and flat iron steak for me! Have gone back three times already! I recommend but loud!
(4)Elina K.
First of all: holy geez it's gorgeous in here. I wanted to move in. I think comparing to a city restaurant's decor wouldn't even do justice to how pretty it is. I would go as far as to say downright regal. Service was friendly and efficient and spot on. Food. Oh My Goodness it was fantastic. Really (not exaggerating) one of the best overall meals I have had in a long, long time. We were a large group of girls and shared a lot of plates. Here is what I remember trying: - Burrata - Salmon tartare - Smoked trout lyonaisse salad - Braised short rib Two different desserts (cheesecake and something chocolatey) All was really amazing. Highly recommend and really want to go back!
(5)Chris K.
Great place! Food was terrific, try the short ribs! The cocktails are to die for. Ask Aaron or Miguel for their suggestions. A "table for one review".
(5)Jared B.
Something has to be extraordinary for 5 stars. Guildhall is a solid 4. Very good, consistent and a beautiful place. I eat here 5-6 times a month and I'm never disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(4)Mark F.
Great service. Nice wine list. Food was less than mediocre
(2)Kim G.
This place is alright. I had the SMOKED TROUT LYONNAISE SALAD which was good. One of my friends had the bone in pork chop and said it was too dry for his taste. The drinks were pretty good and I liked the atmosphere. Overall nothing bad, but nothing real great either.
(3)Sonny C.
On this Saturday night Guildhall was jammed in large part with theater goers attending the sold-out and extended Hedda Gabler production. We bumped our 6PM reservation to 6:15 - our first accommodation for this service-savvy business. Seated immediately but sitting for maybe 1-beat too long before being attended, our server was on us and brightly apologized if we'd been sitting too long and immediately took drink orders which were promptly served. We shared the Trout Lyonnaise salad to start. The smoked and entirely boneless trout together with a light dressing and spring greens was delightful and absolutely large enough to be shared between 2 with plenty of trout slices to go around. We followed this sharing the Ricotta Cavatelli and Great Lakes Whitefish. I thought the Cavatelli disappeared in the oversize pasta bowl but it was plentiful and it was plenty rich. My wife thought it had bacon but turned out to be chopped nuts. I thought a good touch. The whitefish was brought to life with a modest topping of eggplant puree and served with more of those spring vegetables. When asked how things were, I indicated, without complaint, that the accompanying greens on the fish plate were way too salty. The response was that the kitchen would be told immediately. A replacement side of greens appeared immediately and without request. Thank you. The only downside - and loss of one "star"- was the intense volume. With hardwood floors, plaster walls and hard ceiling, this re-purposed hardware store environment absorbs nothing. In this full house, conversation across the table was all but shouted and each of us had to lean in to hear. I'm glad it was only two of us as I wouldn't have been able to follow the conversation of a 4-top. Overall the meal was excellent and the service and accommodations were a strong complement to the food.
(4)Michelle C.
The food was delicious! The service was lacking. We had a party of ten and made it aware when we waked in that we would need our tickets separated since we were there on business. Our waiter assured us that it would be no problem, but at the end of the meal, they were quite messed up. The manager was very rude when we tried to get the issue resolved, and did not want to provide us with itemized receipts which we absolutely needed! Very frustrating that a great meal was ruined by poor customer service.
(2)Tony F.
The food was terrific and the atmosphere is great for the burbs of Chicago. It's the feel of Chicago but much closer to home. Liz our server was very sweet and made the experience very pleasurable. Try the short ribs - they actually melt in your mouth. Not really sure why I didn't give it a five star review but something wouldn't let me. Very good experience. Give it a try if you haven't already.
(4)Laura L.
I'm glad you're here, Guildhall. Good drinks, good service. Average food. But good enough! I'll keep coming back.
(4)Andrea R.
I really want Guildhall to make it, especially since it's the only restaurant within walking distance of my house that's appropriate to dine without your children. Imagine that. Based on the crowd there last Sat night I"m not the only person in the North Shore excited about this new restaurant. For a few minutes there I almost thought I was dining in the city just looking at the trendy crowds filling this restaurant. The french inspired decor of this restaurant is beautiful. I"ll admit I found myself checking out every little detail from the ceilings to the walls...and wondering what decorating ideas I could borrow for my new home. The cocktails and food that we actually received (more to come about that later) was delish. I liked my pisco sour so much that I ordered another. The tuna app was scrumptious and my salmon special should be added to the main menu...and should probably replace the mediocre trout my husband ordered. I'm being gracious with my 4 star review and giving them a little slack since they are new because the service deserved no more than 2 stars. Our drinks took at least 20-30 minutes. They forgot to bring out 2 of our appetizers, which they made up for with a dessert on the house (you can skip dessert here by the way) ...but a few members of my party mentioned they left the restaurant hungry. Our waitress wasn't cut out for fine dining and would be better fit for the casual kid friendly Vernon's down the street. We'll be back out of convenience and as I mentioned above they've got something good going on with the food and ambiance. However, if their service remains the same I think we're likely to lose our first fine dining restaurant in the hood.
(4)mat s.
Went here kind of on a whim. Kept meaning to go here but can never get out of the house till 9pm and they close rather early. We had the sashimi and salad. They both were really good but small. My wife had a martini which she thought was a 10. I tasted it and thought it was about 8. Anyway, we will be back as the norhbrook-Glencoe corridor is lacking finer places to eat which is hard to believe with the higher household income levels.
(4)Rowena M.
I don't get it. I would be the first to admit if it's the service, the food, or the ambience of a place that didn't reach my satisfaction but in the case of Guildhall, it's all of the above. We came for a late dinner last night at 9:30 p.m. and you would think it was the 7:30 rush time - well, that's a good sign; the place is vibrant. But the noise level would make you think you were in a public market and any conversation, especially intimate ones, would be impossible. We checked in and the hostess was unapologetic about stating that our table wouldn't be ready for another 15-20 minutes. So we sat at the bar, ordered a drink and as soon as the drinks were ready, she came to tell us that our table was ready...hmmm.... Our waitress came, said "I don't know how long you've been waiting but do you want to order your starters now?" Huh? That was the strangest of all greetings. Then she disappeared and we constantly had to either look for her or rely on the busboys to get us what we needed. That was pretty much her pattern the whole evening. I am somewhat gifted with the inability to hide my feelings so sensing that I was really annoyed by her ineptness, she was more than glad to get rid of us and was almost surprised that we wanted to look at the dessert menu. I must be really frustrated to avoid my favorite dessert which appeared on their menu - panna cotta, but I didn't want to stay there a moment longer. When our conversation during date night, which is sacred in my opinion, had to include constant comments about how we hated this place, I knew that it was time to go. Oh and as for food. We started with the crudo with slices of thick fish (that could've been fresher), it should have been called sashimi. It sat on the middle of the table as we waited for our waitress who never brought us plates to use. We finally started eating when a busboy nearly whisked it all away thinking we were already done! Umm...put the plate down, buddy; I understand how confusing it must be for us not to touch our food but since we were raised with manners, we thought we'd wait for plates instead of simply poking the fish with our forks. We had to resort to the latter. Entrees came and the hubby's lamb was bland - it's just basic seasoning, folks - salt and pepper. Steak frites had an inferior cut of meat that made me wish I just ordered pasta. When our waitress finally checked in on us halfway through the meal, I reminded her that the side dish of creamed spinach had yet to arrive. She clearly did not place the order because it didn't come until 15 minutes later; I was already done with my meal and do you think she mentioned why it was late? Nah...admit her faults? That's crazy thinking! I understand the excitement of having a restaurant that many described as a city-worthy venue, but first impressions are everything and frankly, another 20-30 minutes drive and I would be in the city- with many establishments that have great food and better service.
(2)K W.
Very nice. The Guildhall burger is the reason we keep going back. The pork chop I would not recommend, hard and flavorless. The appetizers we have tried have all been winners, especially the flatbread-like one.
(4)Susan P.
Just returned from dinner at Guildhall. I'm going to make this simple . LOUD, pricey, spotty service , small portions .. Although what we did eat was tasty ...I will not be returning in the near future ......
(3)L. F.
This restaurant is beautiful. I love the open window concept for warm, summer nights. The menu is small, not too many options but food was tasty. Highly recommend checking out this Glencoe gem!
(4)Jay B.
Let's just say that they have some food "policies" that are absurd. After ordering the swordfish a little on the "light" side of cooked, they served it to me well done and dry. I told the waiter that it was simply unacceptable only to have some guy return and tell me that their "policy" is that they cook fish med-well. I never heard such an inane "policy". They stood their ground, refused to prepare it as I wanted and then the maître D came over to reiterate that it was their way, too bad and as far as I was concerned was rude and I will never return. I've been there before with decent food. One thing...it's the loudest place I've ever been to.
(1)A Y.
You don't except American Express or MasterCard? That's crazy the food was okay though thanks
(2)Alex B.
Can I tell you how happy I am that Guildhall has opened in Glencoe. Finally a city-worthy dining destination here in my backyard. I'm liable to award 5 stars just for the novelty of having a good restaurant that I want to go to, rather than just tolerate, on the Northshore. But wait....there's more. The bar is absolutely fantastic, with a limited but excellent selection of house cocktails curated by a veteran of The Violet Hour, so you already know I'm a happy guy. I can already hear you asking, "so, how was the Manhattan?" It was terrific - barrel aged and made with Rye - smooth, flavorful and just perfect. Plus, they have a generous pour philosophy, so that's a bonus. The bar itself is lovely and, dare I say it, rather sophisticated. I'll be stopping in often. They've also got an americano on the menu (a take on a negroni) so I'll be trying that once the weather is warm enough to incorporate non-brown liquors into my diet. We had a couple of delicious bites while drinking contentedly at the bar. The Frito was outstanding - a small delicious basket of quick fried shrimp and calamari with a terrific aioli. Also delicious was the burrata with an interesting housemade giardinere. Service at the bar was attentive and quick even though the place was packed to the gills. Very happy Guildhall has landed here so my dining experience no longer has to suffer if i don't feel like travelling into the city.
(5)Scott R.
We discovered this restaurant yesterday - it seems to have been doing fine without us. It is well situated from several of our favorites: Abigails and Prarie Grass, and from Evanston alternatives. It is a large, deep room; noisy? Not to a fault. The menu includes an interesting variety of well thought out variations on basic American cooking; we ordered the artichoke soup and salmon tartare as starters and switched plates; I thought the salmon had good flavor and my wife thought the soup was nicely artichokey. The appetizers were sizeable. We shared and both enjoyed the smoked trout Lyonaise salad which had lots of nice trout chunks; one salad was more than sufficient for two. The entrees were NOT petite: my whitefish (with an interesting side of a snail dish) included two large filets; Mary's Harrison chicken was similar in size to the one at Prarie Grass, and included interesting middle eastern flavors; juicy too. The meal starts with good European type Rye, similar to the kind you used to get at Bergoff's. The dessert menu includes a Chocolate Cremeaux (like a chocolate log) with an interesting side of a multispiced ice milk - they worked well together. Water Service was good and table service was also good; they picked up dishes quickly but not too quickly. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine but can't speak to cocktails. The Manager/part owner that night,Miguel, was an old friend from past days at Froggy's and Bistro Kirkou/Bistro 22; his warmth and charm are another asset. We called for a reservation and at 6:30 on a Wednesday a few tables were available; if you are planning ahead I would make one. The price for the dishes did not seem out of line given the quality of the preparations and ingredients. My 4 star review unfortunately lowers the rating for this restaurant; we however will be back to try some new things EXCEPT the seemingly requisite short ribs - I hate 5 spice!
(4)Mike P.
First time here. Bartender very helpful in wine suggestion. Best waiter, Pepe, ever, Salmon so delicious. Skate wing was the special & prepared perfectly. Will definitely return. Very attentive service.
(4)Yvonne Y.
Came here for dinner and 5 stars for the food, service and decor/atmosphere. Foodwise: really enjoyed the wood oven roasted 1/2 chicken which was extremely moist and served with mushrooms and artichokes. My parents liked the trout which wasn't fishy at all as trout can be sometimes. The tuna nicoise appetizer was delicious. They have "gourmet" food in the kids menu so if your kid isn't adventurous, stick to the mac n cheese option. The "chips" in the fish n chips choice was kale chips. As for side dish, the creamy spinach was delicious (lots of spinach); I personally found the asparagus a bit on the crunchy and cold side. Service: Pepe was extremely helpful in providing recommendations on appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Every member of the staff is friendly and you feel relaxed. Decor: love the openness of the interior and the light color decor. Very airy with lots of sunlight. Beautiful farmhouse tables. Overall, I'm very grateful to have a restaurant with Chicago city quality in Glencoe.
(5)Andrea B.
We had a fantastic meal with excellent recommendations on the wine list! We loved the vibrant atmosphere and highly recommend this as your next restaurant to visit!
(5)Betty C.
We will probably return but can't agree with all of the 4 and 5 star reviews. The space is open and bright - a bit too loud and the white couches by the windows are not very comfortable. Our server was too soft spoken to hear well although the actual total service was good for us - they cleared plates from the adjoining table way too soon several times and really aggravated those folks. Bread looks homemade or from a local bakery, served with sweetened truffle butter. Salads are pretty pricey for their size ($9) but were fresh and inventive - chicory, arugula, pomegranate seeds and avocado had a nice peppery flavor. The steak frites had excellent fries and a nice little steak, cooked perfectly. Tuna Nicoise = rectangle of tartare, no green beans as described, more arugula instead and the garlic chips were actually an almost puffed potato chi[p with a hint of salt and I could not taste any garlic on them. Cavatelli is bright green with pesto and loaded with nuts on top. Half a roast chicken did not appear to be fall off the bone tender but was juicy. Mashed potatoes were way too thin - you could pour them and the thin light brown gravy did not add any value whatsoever. Chocolate cremeaux for dessert was fantastic - creamy and rich and the ice creams were obviously hand crafted and very tasty - the chocolate one almost a bit too bitter, we preferred the French vanilla. Drinks are on the expensive side - no wine by the glass under $11. Beers are better at $5 each.
(3)Colleen M.
I love that we have this option in Glencoe now! It is walking distance to my house, and that is always a bonus, especially with their amazing and delicious cocktail menu. The ambiance and service are good, however I have found their food to be a bit disappointing. The only thing I really enjoy is the burger. However, it is a great place to meet for a few drinks!
(3)Laurence K.
Well just opened and hopefully they will work out the kinks. Sat at bar had cocktails they were good but nothing special. Started with hamachi with jalapeno citrus, Fish was a bit tough and dressing was a little timid. Next had the shaved veg salad with green goddess dressing and smoked trout salad The salad was watery which meant the lettuce wasn't drained properly so the salad had no flavor. same thing with the trout there was a puddle of water in the bottom of the bowl. this can be easy fixed. lastly we had the burger the reg one as I'm not into pretzel rolls. it was very good i must say and the fries were exceptional. all n all with a few minor adjustments this place should do well in the neighborhood.
(3)Hamman L.
I love the decor and ambiance of Guildhall. It has been a nice addition to our town. After having eaten there three times now, I am not impressed with the food. The only thing I have eaten there that I really enjoy is the burger. They do know how to make good cocktails! My husband and I will stop there for a nite cap and sit at the bar. Overall, it is a nice local option, but not on the top of my list for places to go.
(3)Cindy B.
We went here during a lull between Christmas and New Year's and were excited to try it because there was quite a buzz about it. It's a lovely looking place; it was nearly full when we were there and not too noisy. I had one of the strange and interesting cocktails at the bar while we waited for our party; I recommend the cucumber thing. And when I asked about one of the ingredients, the bartender poured me a small sample so I could taste it. A nice touch. Another nice touch -- a really nice touch -- came when we were seated. One of us ordered the torta app, which was good but oddly huge, and she picked off the onions while she ate it. When our salads were served, our waiter told her that he had noticed and had gone ahead on his own and asked that her salad be made with no onions. I think I've never experienced such good service! Thank you. Apps were great, oysters Rock and celery soup stood out. Salads were nice. Each of us maybe mis-ordered entrees because they were all good but not great somehow. But it was such a weird week of eating that I can't fault the restaurant. Desserts were fantastic: the key lime pie in a jar was very good and the ice cream with the smoked salt demonstrated that that's the only correct way to eat ice cream. Guildhall has really interesting food, flavors that make you think, top-drawer service from friendly, cheerful staff. Thank you Guildhall! We'll be back.
(5)Harley F.
This restaurant was a little shaky at the start with noise and organization. After visiting it again, it was obvious that they tweaked the few things that needed to be fixed. The place is amazing, service is out of this world fabulous, and food is beyond delicious. I highly suggest taking anyone there no matter what the occasion. It is a bit fancier but perfect for a nice time.
(5)Diana P.
One of the better restaurants in the north shore area and reminded us a bit of places we used to dine in when living in the city. Food was good, however, many of these restaurants that try to be "different" with their small plates and unique combinations of flavors add way too much SALT to their dishes. I'd like to actually taste the quality of product used, the freshness, rather than masking it with strong salty flavors. Over all, I'd come back, just would ask for "easy sauce" and "less salt" next time.
(3)Diane P.
4.5 stars, to be exact. I came here for a 5pm dinner on a Saturday. The moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by its absolute fab decor. We were one of the firsts to arrive (they open at 5pm) but the dining hall filled up immediately with fairly older groups mostly in their 40s and 50s. If you are in your 20s and enjoy hot city spots with younger people, Guildhall is definitely not the place to go. The food was very fresh, delivered in a beautiful and appetizing presentation, and remarkably delectable. My friend, a fellow food junkie visiting from Hong Kong, also loved this place and enjoyed all dishes as well as our bottle of bubblies. As for service, I can't complain-- every staff member was kind, friendly, and accommodating-- yet I kept getting the feeling that these people didn't feel very comfortable with what they were doing. Hence the -0.5 stars. I'm guessing it is because Guildhall hasn't been open for very long?? Loved the place nonetheless. Definitely coming back.
(4)Diane C.
We went here for dinner before a show last Friday. The atmosphere is charming, but with no fabrics the noise level was way too loud. The service was great as was the food. I had the short ribs and my husband had pasta. He did complain that the portion size was too small. The drinks are pricy, as if we were downtown. Not sure if we will return mostly because it's a bit upscale in their prices and small portion sizes, yet too noisy to have nice dinner conversation. When I go to a nice restaurant I expect to be able to talk without straining my voice and ears.
(3)Rick R.
I really don't know what all the fuss is all about, I guess because the "Nowoth Showa" needed something above average which this place definitely delivers. But that's just it, its above average nothing more, nothing less. I had a burger and fries but done a bit fancier, big whoop. The place is so jam packed it's annoying. We had reservations for 7:30, waited 15 minutes and the hostess sat us directly at the entrance door. What a stupid place to put a table...so people can rub their tukas on my cosmo and spill it? I think not! When asked to be moved we had to wait another 20 minutes. not good. Oh did I mention the food was "meh"?
(3)Mitch E.
I have gone here twice and I cannot figure out why they cannot make a proper eggs Benedict. They over cook the eggs and to top it off they cannot get the order right either. I am not impressed at all with this place. I would not recommend this place for brunch.
(1)Neil D.
Mothers day at the Guildhall in Glencoe. First of all the Service was Excellent..our waitress was exceptional and the Manager was one of the best I have seen recently. Food,Drinks and Desserts were very good in a Elegant setting. Best of all the Restuarant is located in Downtown Glencoe the prettiest suburb in Chicago...cannot get any better.
(5)Meg W.
This is a very fun place for cocktails. The bartenders are very nice and know a lot about their alcohol. It was great for me because i worked at the starbucks across the street. We exchanged coffee for cocktails. If you dont have that hookup, this place can get very pricey very quickly.
(4)Amanda T.
Guildhall is a nice addition to downtown Glencoe. The architecture and design of the restaurant is beautiful. Antique charm with modern elegance. You'll have a stunning view of the place no matter where you sit. The hosts were kind, friendly, and talkative. The minute you walk in the door, they are there to greet you with happy smiles and pleasant conversations. The two times that we have gone we did not have to wait, our reserved table was ready to go. The restaurant is extremely loud! Even sitting at a tiny round table (which felt tight for a party of 8) we could not hear each other across the table. That was a huge bummer. The food is pricy. You will finish everything on your plate because the portions are just enough. My biggest complaint is with the waitstaff. The waitress was hard to flag down when you needed something, maybe she had too many tables. In stark contrast, the busboys were constantly refilling water glasses, which made it feel like they were hovering over us the entire meal. They also clear plates WAY too quickly. 4 out of 8 people had to stop them from removing the plates from the table before we were finished. It felt like we were being hurried and rushed into wrapping up. There was this aggressive and pushed quality to the serving that made everyone at the table extremely uncomfortable. When we first sat down, we asked the waitress if she could split the bill. We were splitting by sides of the table, and she said it wasn't a problem. When we asked for the check, she was reminded of this split and said she would do it. When we got the two checks, they were incorrect. Rather than bugging her to redo it, we settled it amongst the two families. She did not charge us for one glass of wine (we had ordered several alcoholic beverages and this was the only one not on the check.) When an honest dad pointed out her mistake, she didn't apologize, she didn't even thank him for being honest, she just said she would fix it. And fix it she did, she redid his bill an added the drink to the final tab. We left the table feeling chased out by the restaurant wanting to make a quick turnover. Our bill was around $200, and not everyone had full meals, so I can imagine they like to turnover tables as quickly as possible if that's what they end up getting! But as we walked out the door, the hosts were there to wish us well. The total Oreo effect, good service-bad service-good service. I am the first one to compliment great customer service, and I feel like Guildhall has a ways to go.
(2)Holly W.
Finally. As much as I love Apple a Day, I'm REALLY happy to see that Glencoe finally is welcoming in an upscale restaurant. Overall, I felt that Guidhall is a great addition to Glencoe, although the city-esque prices were a bit steep. The service was very good and the ambiance of the place is very beautiful and unusual, given its location in the old hardware store. However, it can be a bit loud when there are a lot of dining patrons - so try to sit in the back (noise level is much better). For starters, I had the Caesar Salad which was VERY good. The chicken was also moist and very good, although the "sides" it says it comes with are lame (it seems like a mainly a la carte kind of place). The dessert selection was very odd.... After glancing over the dessert menu, several of us said that we didn't want dessert. Strangely enough, since it was my mother's birthday they brought out a brownie with vanilla ice cream on top (the ice cream was heavenly). I'm not sure why this was not on the menu - I would have certainly ordered it myself. (Side note: Those who ordered dessert that were with us really enjoyed it). While I really enjoyed my experience at Guildhall, some of the other patrons I was dining with did not think the food lived up to the price of the establishment. But I would go and see for yourself as I certainly enjoyed myself.
(4)pablo e.
Thank you Guildhall. After being fortunate enough to eat my way through the SF bay area for eight years, I was very apprehensive about the restaurants options on the north shore of Chicago. Guildhall may be the only restaurant I have been to in the 'burbs that would fit it nicely or even excel in downtown Chicago or other foodie cities. It looks like I may be a regular.
(5)Steven S.
Finally, Glencoe has a great Restaurant. Decor is wonderful. Don and Arron are a pleasure behind the bar. The staff is always accommodating and friendly. Menu has nice variety but not overwhelming and it changes periodically to keep it fresh. Food is always a wonderful combination of flavors which pleasure the taste buds. I have been there more than a handful of times and will continue to enjoy this great addition to a great town. I wish they would start serving brunch.
(5)Susie S.
It was amazing. The decor was lovely. Our family really like the cesar salad with large ribs of romaine and great dressing. We also like the home made pasta and the fish and chips. The roasted chicken was good and the french fries were some of the best we've had. Can't wait to go again :)
(5)Jennifer A.
I loved, loved, loved Guildhall! We are so lucky to finally have a restaurant/bar in Glencoe as perfect as this. I loved all the food (too many ordered to list, but you MUST have the Chicken and the oysters are as fresh as fresh gets) and the atmosphere and drinks were superb! Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Kevin L.
Went here to celebrate a birthday with friends. The restaurant was lively and loud. We were a little early for our 8pm reservation so we had time to enjoy one of their signature cocktails at the bar. Excellent selection of craft beer, wine and booze - prices were fair. They were able to seat us right at the time of our reservation, which was both refreshing and amazing, considering the crowd. Within the party of six, we ordered three hangar steaks, two signature burgers (my choice - fantastic) and one butternut squash pasta dish - apps included calamari and flatbread. Cornucopia of desserts provided complimentary by staff in celebration of birthday (an awfully nice and unexpected gesture). Pommes frites were outstanding. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food and would recommend Guildhall without hesitation. Thank you for providing the area with another solid offering.
(4)J. C.
The chicken is great. I was a little disappointed in the carrot salad (which is why the rating is 4, not 5). The place has a great vibe, which is generally hard to find on the North Shore. The wine list is good and fairly priced. It is also open a little later than some local places, so its nice be able to go for dinner at 9pm and not be the last people in the place.
(4)Andy F.
This restaurant is a perfect match for the North Shore. Food was very good, atmosphere was best in class for the Suburbs. Somehow the designer found a way to open up the ceiling with hard floors and keep the sound level down (major plus). We went to Guildhall on its first friday night and they handled the crowd pretty well. I had the rack of lamb (finger licking good). My boy had the 47.00 steak (well worth the price) and the girls ate the striped bass (also tasty although, as we know, I'm a red meat eater). Drinks were flowing: Beer selection was fun and sophisticated. Definitely add this to the suburban approved list! Big Plus (real bar) which will be frequented as last business meeting of the day spot (much better than coffee options in Glencoe).
(5)Jenny S.
Got pushed around from minute we came in the door. Crowded is good but people were not considerate of others. VERY loud could not hear waitress. Specials were already sold out at 7:00. Most likely due to the limited menu. Not great choices and relatively tasteless. My husband got pasta with wild boar ragu not flavorful. Burger was nothing special. Saw a $17 glass of wine on the menu. Nothing great to eat to accompany those prices. Not rushing back.
(2)Carrie R.
This is my second review of guildhall and is much better than the first. Really came into its own in past year. Good food service and great atmosphere. Bar is fantastic. Really appreciate that something this nice is established in Glencoe.
(4)M Y.
can i tell you how happy i am that guildhall is here? first of all, probably one of the best old-fashioned i have ever had and truth be told, i had many. (having one now...) the entire menu is mouth-watering, but i have a hard time straying away from what i love. been here twice and here are my favorites: (sorry forgot the actual fancy names) -the calamari/shrimp appetizer - that dipping sauce!! you may be asking for more! -make sure you get the bread and red pepper dip (on the house - last time i was here, the waiter never brought it out until i asked) -trout salad - delicious! -crudo - perfection! -half chicken - tender, moist and yummy! -chocolate dessert - i tried not to eat it all, but i would of if no one was looking. i am sure the list will grow as i continue to visit. there is still so much i want to try, especially their burger. i'll be back for that! bottom line -BEAUTIFUL space - not only do you feel remove from the suburbs, you feel removed from the midwest, maybe even the states. -BAR and variety of liquor. Yes, this matters and feel free to go drink and not eat - the bar is light/chilled and you'll taste liquor you only dreamt of. -FOOD - where can you get food this good these days? The best way to describe it, is the food taste expensive. -STAFF - i know they are working out the kinks, but they are all eager to please. don't be surprise if you get a hello from the owners. they are always there and upfront to make sure you have everything you need. they love the feedback and you can tell you being there means a lot to them. go support GUILDHALL - don't be one of those suburbanites who complain there's no good places to eat. it's finally here! it's right in the neighborhood and you'll be happy you're home in 10 minutes. p.s. KID-FRIENDLY! may not look like it is, but it definitely is. the staff has the kid menus in their pockets.
(5)Richard G.
Huge disappointment. Have now visited twice. Pros: (1) lovely restaurant; (2) friendly host staff; (3) wonderful bar area, with quality staff. Cons: (1) servers are either inexperienced or downright obnoxious (the last one kept referring to my daughter as "doll," over-promised on food (the "food's next up," then we waited 15 more minutes), and twice returned to tell us that food we ordered was no longer available...never apologized, never offered to cover any item etc.; and (3) food selections are VERY limited for vegetarians or those who keep Kosher (lots and lots of pork products as ingredients in many dishes). We'll give it one more shot but we're ready to give up.
(2)Lynne H.
Guildhall is not perfect, but it's a great addition to the local (non) dining scene. When we arrived for our reservation, we were greeted warmly and immediately shown to a table, despite the fact that the place was packed on a Friday night. The decor is charming, and makes the best use of the relatively large and awkward space. We were presented with a very modern menu and bar list, with many appetizing choices. We enjoyed 2 cocktails, 2 pea soups, stripped bass and trout. Very nice..... So, why not 5 stars. A couple of things.....service was uneven. We waited 15 minutes for our drinks, but our main courses arrived while we were still working on our appetizers. Also, seasoning was uneven. The pea soup was bland, but the trout was oversalted and a bit overcooked. The room is almost too noisy to have a conversation, but there were several large (10 or more) tables. Overall, I'm glad it's open, and I will return.
(4)Clarke D.
Hour wait to order, awful food & deafeningly loud.
(1)Linda S.
The bartenders are mixologists. We ask them to create their own concoction and are thrilled each time. Don is an amazing creator! The food is also fabulous. I feel like I'm downtown at this super trendy place.
(5)Elizabeth D.
We had dinner here before going to a performance at the Writers' Theatre. We had dinner at the bar since I had neglected to make a reservation well enough in advance to get a table that worked with the play. The food was great and the drinks were terrific. We started with the tarte flambee forestiere which perfectly prepared. I had the steak frites and my husband had the grilled lamb chops. Both were excellent. Next time, we will make a reservation and enjoy the dining room. The restaurant had a marvelous vibe. Happy diners and the warm buzz of conversation, good wine and wonderful food.
(4)Martina M.
I had such high expectations for this place! I made reservations on Open Table, a few days before. We arrived on time. The hostess wasn't too friendly, but semi-polite! We got seated in the first room, towards the end, a very busy area, I found out. Our server didn't introduce herself, & service was very, very, slow. I ordered a Margarita which wasn't worth the $11.00 bucks! The rest of the food was good, especially the Corn Soup! The bread was warm & fresh, but we had to ask for it, because it was never brought to our table, (as was to every other table)!!!! Once the place started to get crowded it was even harder to get our server to come to our table. We had to rely on other servers/& waitstaff for service. We thought of ordering dessert, but we'd probably still be waiting there...I don't think I'll be returning to this place any time soon?!
(3)Lytle W.
Beautiful decor, friendly staff, great food. Enjoyed the salmon (not on the official menu) with black beans. Great for dinner with girlfriends or on a date night. Go try it out! The bartender was particularly friendly and knowledgable.
(4)Colin E.
The decor is elegant and casual and the energy is bustling and warm. Service was very good. My date and I started with the crab salad on toast--very good. Next we both had the warm carrot salad--the best salad either of us has had in a long time. We both had the Guildhall burger and finished with the spumoni sundae. I'd recommend it all. We both left pleased, well fed, impressed, and in good spirits.
(5)Tom R.
Thought this place was just OK. Waiter had a hard time with drink orders. I asked for Tanqueray Gin and was told they didn't have it. I chose another's brand and asked for a martini on the rocks. It came straight up. When the bill arrived I noticed they charge $2 to shake the martini. I asked that for the charge to be removed and it was promptly. Entrees were unevenly sized. One person had fish and it was very small. Others ordered meat and it was a more standard portion. The place can get very loud. Staff is trying to please and maybe they will get it together. Great location.
(3)Mary T.
I visited Guildhall with a friend last Friday evening. The food was unbelievably good, the service was excellent and the ambiance inviting. Pepe, our waiter, was outstanding. Our only complaint? The place is SO noisy I had to shout to my dinner companion during our conversation. If you're looking for a good, but expensive meal Guildhall is the place for you. Bring a megaphone on weekend nights. You'll need it.
(5)Julie R.
Guildhall is what Glencoe has needed for as long as I've lived here (13 years)! The warm decor and amazing menu make for a "city vibe dining experience" in a small town. The food is wonderful! Appetizer menu is one of the best I've seen...fritto misto is light and fresh, and the oysters are as good as anywhere in Chicago. As with any new Restaurant, they still need to work through a few kinks. Timing of the dinner could be a little better and if you plan to order a bottle of wine with dinner, do so right away so it's there when your food comes. Overall, guildhall is a must try, and try again and again as we've been 2 times a week since they opened!
(4)Ronald S.
Two of us went early [5:30] to minimize noise--but weren't successful. Food/service were OK, but --considering prices--not enough to created a positive experience. Noise level aggravated by close table spacing. won't be going back. [another minor failure: one entree served w/o starch or hot vegetable--just a little mound of undressed arugula.]
(2)Eric G.
Food was great, very reasonable and Christian was extremely accommodating. Try the Crudo...it was my favorite dish. The beer and wine list was excellent. This feels like a hip downtown spot in the North Shore.
(4)Kit B.
So desperately needed in sleepy Glencoe, this place wins with its pretty decor, zinc bar and professional service, but alas, falls short on its food. Anyone who thinks creamy Italian Burrata drizzled with aged balsamic belongs on a bed of astringent pseudo-kimchi (ugh) should take a good hard look at their menu, and maybe seek some professional culinary advice. We ate here twice - fish was thin and dry, steak frites and roasted chicken were meh. Bar is fun, wine pours generous. Please bring in some food pros to tweak the menu. We need this place to succeed!
(4)David H.
We've been watching the construction and reading the media teasers on the owners and executive chef for months. We're rating Guildhall 4+ stars - a combination of 5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the service, and 4 stars for the ambiance - and can't wait to go back. Let me explain... First of all, from a design point of view the place is an exquisite marriage of old-world charm with a modern, hip vibe. Two downsides: apart from the seating surfaces, there is nothing else to absorb sound so it's quite loud inside, even when only half-full. I had to strain to hear my server. Also, there's really only ambient lighting supplemented by a small table candle - no ceiling spots aimed on the tables - so it's really difficult to read the menu. I saw several tables (with older patrons) breaking out flashlights, even though the overall lighting level in the restaurant isn't particularly dark. (Our server even offered us a flashlight!) They have an tantalizing selection of hand-crafted cocktails and a wide variety of draft/bottled beer and wine by the glass/bottles from atypical regions/producers, all at a decent value. But our very pleasant (yet professional) waitress had some difficulty describing/remembering the differences between choices, saying that she had tried so many different items during the extensive pre-opening training. My white wine was not only wonderful, but the pour was unusually generous - a nice touch. After sampling the deliciously warm and crusty bread (for which they offered refills), we ordered the Yellowtail Crudo, the mushroom and onion flatbread, and the Cavatelli with Ricotta Cheese and some kind of parsley pesto. We mentioned a few dietary restrictions, and the waitress either had to check with the kitchen to see if the existing preparations were a problem, or happily offered suggestions of her own on how the kitchen would alter the recipes to meet our needs. All our selections were absolutely spectacular in their own way, and the portions were larger than we expected for a "fine dining" establishment. There was not a morsel of food left on our plates when they came to collect them. We found it odd that the waitress didn't check back with us after a few minutes - either after the appetizers were delivered nor after the entrees came - to see if we were happy with our choices or needed anything else. Maybe she observed us devouring our food from a distance and didn't bother. We couldn't stay for dessert but are anxious to check out the somewhat limited selection on a future visit. A few more positive items to note: we got a warm greeting when we entered the restaurant, and a warm "we hope to see you again soon" goodbye when we left - a rarity these days. The hostess was quite amenable to switching our table from a louder part of the restaurant to a more quieter section. We noticed several owner/manager types throughout the evening checking on things, conversing with patrons, even assisting the waitstaff, all of which bode well for quality control and improvement. The prices, while not inexpensive, were in keeping with the vibe, extremely high food quality and attention to detail, and there are lower priced items on the menu, like the burger. And we learned that they'll be opening for Sunday brunch, filling a huge void in Glencoe. Let's hope it's not too overpriced to bring the entire family! To summarize, Guildhall is amazing, especially for a place that's only been open 10 days or so. Who could have predicted that it would be so good, so soon?
(4)Tina D.
The food taste great. The staffs are very friendly. The best part is the decoration.
(4)Chicago 1.
Really would love to give this place more stars. Food was delicious (we had the mushroom and Gruyere flatbread, yum, the strawberry salad special - the best I have ever had, and 3 of our party of 4 ordered the pork chops, phenomenal), space is gorgeous - love the lighting and the white on white without being pretentious. Loved the antiqued mirrors and mix of white/shabby chic. Just beautiful. But... yes, the noise level is at times ridiculous. We walked in and had I not already read the reviews that mentioned this we might have walked out. People at the table to the left of the hostess stand were literally screaming at each other. You might have had to do that to be heard among all the other noise. Just, a LOT for 9pm. They screwed up our reservation, had us close out our tab with the bar where we were pleasantly waiting for our table and scramble to pay up and get over to the hostess area only to be made to wait another 5 minutes then told to wait again. Of course the seats/space we had waited for so long at the bar were long gone. Then the service. Wow, this was such an amazing mix of friendly/bad that I feel bad saying how terrible it was. This guy was so funny and nice, but ~ I have worked in food service all through college and know the % the restaurant makes on the bar is a reason it should be pushed, and hard, but this guy avoided our drinks like he thought we were an AA meeting. We were never offered another drink after the ones we brought from the bar. I finally begged for a wine list and 1/2 our table did get a glass of wine with dinner, but the all of the following drink orders were completely ignored. We were served dessert and 1/2 of us got the coffee we ordered, the rest ignored, as well as all the after dinner drinks. Based on tip % alone this guy cost himself $10+ just for the drinks he ignored that would have been added to the bill. Why!~?!? I am reading a ton of issues on service. Sounds like a retraining session is due. I know service is really based on the person so would go back, just hoping for someone else to serve us.
(3)Janet W.
What a breath of fresh air! A hip new restaurant with excellent food, great service, and classy decor in downtown Glencoe! Surely a few creative adjustments could make it more conversation friendly even when it's packed on the weekends. My boyfriend and I love to dine out and are always looking for something new close to home on the North Shore, which is hard to find these days. Amazing service began with a phone call to reserve a table. The hostess stated that she would take our name ahead for one of the tables for two opening up soon and that we should ask for her by name. She honored that promise and sat us promptly right away on a busy Saturday night. I am somewhat of a restaurant snob, being a foodie, personal chef (trained at Kendall), and having had the fortune of dining in restaurants all over the map. Though I love to indulge once in awhile, I am always seeking nutritious heart healthy options on every menu. That can be a challenge in a place like Guildhall where the chef has a love of "red meat and bold flavors" (according to the waiter). No challenge there. The chef turned out a series of beautiful dishes starting with the Crudo (sashimi appetizer) which flavorful but light, Oysters Rockefeller, delicious with just the right amount of richness and salt, followed by the baby kale and chicory salad with lots of nutrition packed goodies like avocado and pomegranate, and the main entree of Striped Bass, expertly prepared and recommended by our waiter. The outstanding meal was finished with a most unusual dessert: a Mixed fruit consomme prepared with Sauvignon Blanc. Now I know your thinking, consomme? Really? Sounds like a weak finish? On the contrary, it was so divine, we savored every drop. Service was professional and prompt, despite the packed dining room and much to the pleasure of our waiter who had alluded to an occasional delay from the kitchen within the first 3 weeks of opening. He was very passionate about food and excited about being part of this great new restaurant. Overall, kudos to Guildhall in its first few weeks. We'll be back again soon!
(5)Nancy M.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our first visit to this very new restaurant in the northern suburb of Glencoe. The menu is not huge - but it does offer options that should please everyone, with two fish dishes (plus a salmon special), two pastas, a hamburger, steak frites and a couple of others. I highly recommend the "wishing for spring" specialty cocktail (it seemed perfectly appropriate right now in Chicago) and the kale salad, which was quite large and delicious; the spring pea soup, the salmon special and the chocolate Crema dessert (as our server told us, "that's what they eat in heaven"). If the other menu items are as good as these, then you will be very pleased. Our server was perfectly attentive, knowledgeable and friendly; and the ambience of the restaurant was lovely. It is so nice to have another good restaurant serving excellent food in the burbs; I'm sure we will bring friends and patronize Guildhall frequently.
(5)